I apologize for Not posting in a while....a lot has been going on since I've last posted, and when I DO find the time...I will Post about it.....but for Now, I will just say.....AAAUUUUGGGHHHH!!!
THANKS for stopping by to read My Blog.....
The FOOT PAIN is BACK......sighhh.
It was gone for a while....a few Months to be exact, but since about last week...I've noticed that I had a lot of Pain upon getting out of the bed, and if I've been sitting for a while....oh, and also if I am on them for too long (like while shopping, out to do laundry, Or even just moving around the house a too much).
They feel like they are swelled up also.....but they're Not.
And don't get me started on the sharp pains that "ring through them" every now & again.....OUCHHHH!!!!
THANKS.....
Well I won't be taking any more of the New Med. Sevella....it did my body REAL BAD the other night!!!
And I ONLY took One dose of it.
I honestly thought I was going to die....all things darn Side Effects started Flooding in Me....Or should I say...."Out of Me".
First off, I felt a little....funny, like things just weren't right....ya know.
Then my hands started shaking.....and I was sweating.....also, my thumb on my Left Hand started to Twitch......badly, like I've never seen before.....TALK ABOUT BEING SCARED!!!!
My Heart Rate went up as well....and then came the the Anxiety, but I was able to Control That through Prayer & "self control" techniques.
Well I guess it is safe to say.....I will NOT be using That Med. Again!!!.....I would rather Live with the Pain & Discomfort, than to have to LIVE like That.
THANKS......
Okay....the names of the New Meds. I'm are:
Gabapentin 300 mg. (Neurontin).
Propoxyphen-APAP 100-650 MGTEV (Darvocet)......for Pain (PRN).
Sevella (it hasn't come in as yet....pharmacy is still trying to get a hold of some for me).
Women's Multi Vit.
Calcium with Vit. D.
That's It, for Now.
THANKS.....
So I went to see my Rheumy. today.....I have to confess, I did not even remember that I had an appt., until I checked my ph. messages on Monday....from Sunday, lolol.
Anywho.....I went, and I was comfortably with the Game Plan.....he is going to Increase the Gabapentin that he has me on (it is not working to it's full capacity....still in alot of pain, but not like before).
He also put me on a Pain Med (can't remember the name as yet, the script is still in the drug store....lolol, but I THINK it is Percocet).
And the other Medicine is one of those New Meds. out there for Fibromyalgia....AND, can't remember the name.
I will get ALL the names of the Meds. as soon as my daughter can get her and go pic them up for me...lolol.
I am excited to try this NEW Regime of Meds.....and GOD Willing it will Work THIS TIME.
I will be giving an Update Real Soon with the NAMES of the Meds......AND, how everything is working for Me.
THANKS for checking in.....
For the most part, the day started off good....until I had to WAIT in the waiting room for the longest time ever...buy time I got in to see the First Doctor, I was "SPENT"....meaning, I was in soooooooo much pain that I don't know how I got through it.
THEN.....I had to go back out and wait to see the other Doctor (they allowed me to have both visits today so I wouldn't have to return tomm.)...I could barely sit still....I COULD NOT WAIT TO GET BACK HOME.
My shoulders felt like they were ten times their size.....PAINNNNNNFULLLL.
And my Back & Spine were in High Gear...!!!!...something told me to bring my cane, and I did.
I'm STILL in pain......
Now it is just a WAITING GAME I guess Now.....GOD Willing it will go in My Favor!!!
THANKS......
Monday & Tuesday that is....lolol.
I have my appt.'s on Monday & Tuesday with the Disability Doctors.......I pray that ALL goes Well & in My Favor!!!!
THANKS......
Not sure if the RAIN has anything to do with it.....all I know is, IT IS ON FIRE!!!
It literally feels like someone is putting a hot lighter to them......and I am NOT exaggerating either.
I can't sit for long.....Or lay for long, and when I was waking up this morning (late morning), I could barley lay in the bed right....if I layed on my back, IT HURT LIKE CRAZY.....if I layed on my stomach, IT HURT A LITTLE LESS....and when I layed on either side (left Or right), I was able to lay that way for a longer period of time than the other two ways (back & stomach).
It was horrible....
I think while I'm sleeping, I must be OUT OF IT to realize that the pain is there....but as soon as the morning comes.....OH MY GOSHHHH....it let's me know about it with the quickness!!!!!
I will be starting a NEW Med. soon (Gabapentin 300 mg. capsule GRE)....I will start another Thread about that soon.....I just pray that that will take care of Most of My discomfort.
THANKS.......
They called to let me know when the date & time of the appt. was....it is for the end of this Month, July 27th & 28th...for some reason they do it for two days she said.
I am looking forward to the visits, and I PRAY that all goes well....and they BEILIEVE Me and understand what I am going through.
When I think of ALL those people out there who ARE on Disability.....AND REALLY DON'T NEED IT....it sickens me.....because that is taking away from those like ME who REALLY DO NEED IT.
Anyway....Only GOD knows who will actually get it....and who won't.....I JUST PRAY THAT I AM ONE OF THEM WHO DO.....and I pray for ALL those who really do need it (like me) and are waiting an answer regarding their case...May they get their prayers answered as well.
THANKS......
For the past Two Days, I have been feeling Very Crappy......and yesterday was the first time that I noticed the "knee problems" again.
While I was on the Pred., my knees were not hurting as much as if I WASN'T on the Pred.....and NOW, the Creaks & Pain....and the sound of "leather pants rubbing" IS BACK.
I woke up Stiff.....but not as bad as before, but you can 'bet your bottom dollar' that the Worst of the Stiffness WILL be back....no doubt.
I felt Really Horrible today (NO ENERGY AT ALL, among other things)....but I know the worst is yet to come (because I am not on the Pred. anymore)....I am not looking forward to it to say the least.
Something I am noticing though lately, is the fact that I have been having alot more Indigestion....not sure what THAT is all about, but it was sooo bad last night...I honestly thought I was going into a Heart Attack.
ANYTHING that I eat is causing it.....I will be letting my PCP know about that.
Today's ill health made it Very Difficult to care for my Grands.....but I did it, don't know how....but I did it.
It became much easier when my Granddaughter left....I LOVE HER TO DEATH, but she is Alot More active than my Grandson....she is a Ball of Energy....of which I had NONE of Today.
So when She went home...and it was just my Grandson & I, I wasn't as stressed and could deal with my illness better.....he is soooooooooo layed back and easy-going, I don't have to reprimand him as much as I have to do with my Granddaughter.
She is just sooooo inquisitive....Bless her lil heart, and does not stop inquiring....NOTHING stops her (unless she is ill that is, lol).
Anywho.....I have a long road ahead of me, and I just Pray to GOD that I will be able to Function enough to be an asset to My family & friends when they need me.
Thanks...........
Although HE was a Gem, his suggestions for me I wasn't too pleased with.
He wants me to go back to the Same Doctor that had his back to me the whole visit (the Rheumo.)...but I refused, and said that I will stick with the New Rheumo......until He messing up.
He also said that He doesn't think that it is Sarky that's bothering me......He says it is the Fibromyalgia......sigghhhh, once again...I think a doctor is Wrong.
I have NEVER read Anywhere, where it says that one with Fibromyalgia suffers with what "I" suffer with.....He also said that the symptoms I am describing are NOT of what one experiences with the Flu....(I told him that I have Flu Like Symptoms)....He said that they are in line with the Fibromyalgia.....aauuggghhh.....I am soooooooo frustrated to say the least.
He suggested that I get on some Medicine for the Fibromyalgia and see if that works....and I MAY have to try several of them till I find the one that Works.....and if NONE OF THEM WORK, Then he will try another route.....I tell ya, I am sooooooooooo tired of going to doctors right about now.
Again, I felt REAL comfortable with the visit with him....but I am not convinced that what I am experiencing is from Fibromyalgia......I WILL STAND BY MY THOUGHTS OF IT BEING SARKY!!!
Soooo....the prays will continue.
I am not sure what is going on....and Why, but....for the past couple days, I noticed that my Sarky Symptoms are coming on stronger than normal with the Pred.
This morning I woke up with extreme pain in my Hips, Spine, Up & Down my legs....and few other spots I can't remember, but I know that it was there.....ANDDD, I feel like crap!!!
I am sooo weak, and sore all over...I feel like I did a ton of exercises the day before.....and I hadn't done Anything.
I refrained from taking any Pain Pills.....don't have much left and what I do have, I may need for a more severe case of the Sarky's.
It really seems like the Pred. is wearing off on me...ALL Day Long I was feeling like this, CRAPPY....but I was trying to hold it together because I had to care for the Grands.
I am praying that tomm. proves to be a better day.....I really felt like staying in the bed all day today.
I am starting to get really worried Now.....because if NO ONE can come up with a Plan to rid me of these symptoms so that I can function day-to-day....What will become of Me.
I won't be able to care for the Grands....Or anyone else for that matter, even Myself....I will literally be Bedridden....and I'm not joking.
I called and made an appt. with a Pulmonologist....and that is set for July 6th (GOD Willing), I tried to get it for a sooner date....but wasn't able to get a slot for the early morn.....Oh Well, it is only two weeks away.
I had called my PCP to see if he can take me off the Pred.....just so "I" can see what will happen, but he suggested that I stay on it until I see the Pulmy. doctor.
Ooohhh, I dread to find out how the next few days are going to be like......
I was told that I needed to "update" my Blog with some info....lolol, but to be honest.....I really haven't a thing to say.....which I am not sure if that is Good Or Bad, lolol.
I am still having Hip & Spine Pain....and it is REALLY hurting today, I think it is because of the Rain we are having.
Other than that....nothings changed.
I am still waiting to hear back from SSI/SSDI.....but they did say it would take a few months before I'd hear Anything.
I spoke with a friend of mine yesterday, and she gave me a Name & Number to Her Lawyer....so, I am waiting to hear what they say...and if I AM denied, then I will be giving this guy a call.
I've become a Facebook Junkie...lololol, and loving it up, lolol...I'm able to be in touch with my Family & Friends.....so that nice!!!
Also, waiting for next week to roll around....my youngest Son is about to Graduate from High School (he is the one that is Physically & Mentally Challenged).....it should be Very Exciting!!!
Well....that's it, For Now....Until next time.....!!!
THANKS.....for reading my Blog.
Naimah
I THINK.....since yesterday, I've been having this "twitch" in my Thumb on my Right Hand.
All of a sudden, out of nowhere....it will start twitching, and it even throws me off if I am in the process of doing something with That Hand.
It is a good thing that my New Rheumy. is asking that I see a Neurologist, because if this goes on for too long....I'm gonna need it looked into.
Alittle worried Now.......
Just a few "minor" aches & pains here and there....but overall, it was Good.
The weather was Great, and we had to go out of town to my son's doctors appt.....had packed a Cooler with Sandwiches & stuff.....and one of the Grands, lol.
The doctors visit was longer than I expected it to be....but it was an early appt., and when we got out....the waiting room was Packed, so I am totally grateful that ours was early.
The ride there & back was pleasant also.
Now Today, well that is a different story......oh well, you can't have it all....lolol.
I am feeling alot of aches & pains today.....and I am thinking all the rain we had overnight & this morning may have something to do with it.
My hips & spine are reallyyyy giving me problems today.....but I am dealing with it.....have no other choice But Too.
I need to make some doctors appt.'s soon, but can't do so until I have enough money for co-pays.....Sad isn't it, can't go to the doctors because you can't afford even the Co-Pay....aaauuuggghh!!
I think I will have to set some time aside for next month for all the visits.....maybe even borrow some money from the "kiddos".....I'm sure they won't have a problem helping out for that.
The visit today with my New Doctor didn't turn out the way I'd hoped it would....but he did say he would treat me for the Fibromyalgia.......but not the Sarky.
He is recommending that I see a Lung Specialist for the Sarky.
HE SAID.....that Rheumy's don't treat you for Sarky....Only Pulmonalogists (sp. ck.)......WHATTTTT!!!
Then why the heck was I going to see my Old Doctor for.....he was a Rheumy.....and I was seeing him for my Muscle & Joint Pain that came from.....Sarky.
Anyway, I wasn't "blown over" with him to say the least......but at least he will treat the Fibromyalgia.
I have to call my PCP and see who he wants to send me to next (Pulmonary)....I know one thing, it won't be my Old Pulmo.....he blew that yrs. ago.
I am not overjoyed about the whole day......but at least SOMETHING came out of it.
He also prescribed me some New Meds. to take for the Fibromyalgia Pain.....boy my Spine is still hurting.
I still have to call the Pharmacy to see what Meds. He ordered though.....I'm not paying for something I can't take (that I tried before and didn't work).
I will post later, what he actually called in for.
It had been doing so all along.....but after the weekend, it REALLY went crazy.
My son got Married on Sat....and I was taking Tons of Pics....so all that back & forth did some damage on the ole' Hips, Knees & Spine.
I felt some of it That Night.....but it didn't Really get to me until the next day.
And I mean ALL DAYYYYY.
Sunday night was soooo horribly.....there was NO position that I could be in...Not Sitting, Standing....Or even Laying Down........AWFUL!!!
And today it is Still Hurting......
I tried to bend down......and not with my knees, Cause Ya Know That Ain't Happening.....and I thought my back was going to dislocate itself some how.......I was sooo scared, and I screamed out soo loud that My Mother said....."let me do it".
I pray that I can get some sleep tonight, and that I won't be in That Much Pain.
Man....this is bad!!!!
I guess it went well.....
She asked a few questions about my health....and I told her.....and she asked about my doctors.....and I told her.....then she told me to send out the "Request Form for the Doctors" as soon as possible......and I did, today.
She also mentioned, after I asked her about it....lol, that it would take like 3 months before I would hear Anything from them concerning my case.
And I then proceeded to ask Her if it was true that "one always gets rejected the first time applying".....she laughed and said, "No....there is absolutely No truth to that, but people ALWAYS say it is so"......and I laughed with her.
I pray that she is right......
Anyway.....I guess I just have to wait it out like everyone else does......finger biting & all!!!!
In the meantime, I am looking forward to my First Visit with the New Rheumy next week.....and pray that All Goes Well with that.
Yesterday was pretty good, but today is another story......probably because of the good day yesterday.
It is not like I over-did it.....but hey, maybe I did......I was doing a lot of back-and-forth from the house to outdoors......slowly though.
Well today, my left hip is hurting like nobody's business......!!!!!!!!!!!
Oh and the BURNINGGGGGG.....it feels like it is burning a hole right in my hip.
And it didn't help that my Grands wanted me to keep getting up & down to get them things today.....boy I can't wait till they can do it themselves.
I can't even sit still for too long....I have to keep switching positions.....OUCHHHHHH!!!!!
I am going to lay down now and rest my hip....and pray that THAT helps.
THANKS......
It only takes me being on my feet for just a little while before I need to sit down/lay down and catch my breath.
I am soooooooo weak that after being out for a couple hours yesterday.....when I got into the house, I almost pasted out.
And it wasn't because of the heat.....although, THAT didn't help it any.
My body feels like it is wearing down on me.....right before my eyes.
It brings me back to when I first starting getting signs of Sarky......back in 1991.
I was soo out of it back then, and the same feelings have come back......and all because NO ONE can seem to figure out WHAT MEDS. will "take the sting off" in order for me to FUNCTION on a Daily Basis.
I don't know how much longer I can stand this.....too weak to do a darn thing.....not even wash my behind at times!!!!!!!
sighhhhh.........
Treatment and Practical Solutions (for Osteoarthritis)
To find out the nature and extent of muskuloskeletal (muscle and bone) pain in Malaysia, consultant rheumatologist Dr Kiran Veerapan, along with Richard Wigley and Hans Valkenburg embarked on a COPCORD (Community Oriented Programme for the Control of Rheumatic Diseases) survey in year 1988.
The survey results, published in the Journal of Rheumatology in the year 2007, showed that 58.8% of those who have rheumatic pain in the study self-medicate with over-the-counter analgesics or other medications that they acquired without prescription.
But is self-medication advisable? Although mild analgesics like paracetamol is allowed to relieve pain, if a person has persistent joint pain, especially with signs such as joint swelling, significant morning joint stiffness (more than 30 -60 minutes from awake in morning), loss of joint function (regardless of one or more joints affected), this person must seek medical advice as all those signs and symptoms imply more serious arthritis.
Early treatment of a serious arthritis can prevent structural damage of the affected joint.If you are diagnosed with OA, make sure you are well informed about the natural course of osteoarthritis. You can learn about ways to manage your condition and have realistic expectations of the treatments your doctors can offer.
For mild OA pain that is bothersome, but not enough to affect your daily activities, your doctor may prescribe rest, exercise, losing weight, using heat and cold to manage the pain, physiotherapy, over-the-counter pain creams and braces or shoe inserts.
While applying heat is often the common method used for pain relief in our community, cold packs can also do the trick. However, if you have poor circulation or numbness, do not use cold treatments. Heat treatment should also be warm, not hot.
If the pain persists despite initial treatment, you may require medications for pain-control or to slow down cartilage degradation. Medicines are used to provide a pain-free, more mobile, efficient and effective lifestyle. analgesics (painkillers) and anti-inflammatory agents should be used with caution as they have possible side-effects.
While there are no proven disease modifying agents for OA, glucosamine, chondroitin sulfate, diacerin and esterified fatty acids may ease pain in some individuals and slow down cartilage degradation in some early cases if they combine the use of medication with non-drug measures.
Intra-articular steroid injections (injecting small amounts of steroid to the affected joint) can also be used to treat the inflammatory flare-ups associated with knee OA, but it must be done by a trained doctor in accordance to certain guidelines.
However, studies show that the injections are effective only for the short term.
Early treatment in the form of knee strengthening through exercises is useful. Drug therapy does not halt OA, but since exacerbation prevent people from exercising, pain relief is important.
Surgery may be an option for severe OA that is not relieved by other treatments. Joint replacement and debridement (removing loose pieces of cartilage and bone from around your joint) are among the surgical options available.
Although medical advances have provided physicians means to help you relieve or lessen the pain caused by OA, a major component of OA treatment lies in your attitude towards the condition.
A positive attitude will go a long way to help you cope with OA. More importantly, it determines how much impact OA will have on your everyday life, despite the pain and disability.
Something told me to get some over-the-counter Flu Medicine like "I USED" to use before getting on Any Pain Meds.
So I sent my son to the Drug store for NyQuil Daytime...........Drum Roll Plz.......AND IT WORKED!!!
Well, somewhat anyway.......
I mean.....I am not as "uncomfortable" as I have been these past few days and even though it is only doing the job for a short amount of time....In that time, I am able to get SOME things done.....like cooking real quick, taking a shower.....ahhh yes, A Shower without being all hunch over and feeling faint.......also, I can tend to the Grands like I need to.......AGAIN, only for short periods of time though........BUT IT IS BETTER THAN NOT AT ALL!!!!
The "Pred." is only "capping" it off.....the discomfort......and the NyQuil is doing the rest (for a bit).......but I still have all this stuff going on in the meantime, like the Knee & Hip Pain from the Osteoarthritis......WOW, is that hurting me these days......Yikes.
And nothing seems to take THAT away......
Then I have the Fibromyalgia Pain.......the stiffness is really getting to me.
THOSE THINGS I will have to deal with until I can get to see the new doctor in a couple of weeks.....but the Fever, Aches, Weakness and such......Now THEY, I can't handle.......AT ALL!!!!
I WILL NOT be able to go throughout my daily activities with THOSE symptoms taking place......it is just not possible.
SOMETHING HAS TO GIVE.......Someone HAS to know what will stop these symptoms......besides the Pain Killers I WAS taking.
Because Lord Knows......I DON'T WANT TO BE CALLED AN "ADDICT" AGAIN......!!!!!
THANKS.......
Still no comfort.....but I am being very Patient.
I figure it will take at least a week (Or less I hope), for me to see Any Kind of relief.
I'm trying......I'm trying......Really I am.
I have been REALLY, REALLY DEPRESSED lately....because I was not sure how I was going to go about 'How to maintain my Pain & Discomfort' since my New Pain Med. script was lowered.
So after crying my eyes out one night, it came to me (from GOD) that I should get back on the Pred.
As I stated in one of my last Posts here, I was going to ask my PCP for a Script for Pred.....well, today was my appt. with him....and he gave me the Script!!!!!!!
He has me on 10 mg., twice a day for however long......Fine with Me.....For Now.
I am soooooo Grateful let me tell ya.....because I was at my wits end not knowing what was going to happen in the next few weeks.
I still have the appt. with the New Rheumatologist on the 2nd of June, and I will be bringing up a slew of concerns.....starting out with, the symptoms everyone seems to be avoiding......FEVER, ACHES, WEAKNESS, all around Flu Like symptoms.....etc.
I DO NOT want to focus on Any Pain that I may be having......just the other symptoms, the ones I CALL "Sarky Symptoms".
All the other symptoms of Pain are from either the Fibromyalgia Or the Osteoarthritis....and although my Old Doctor.....Yeah, I can say that Now (thank goodness)......seems to think that the Sarky is "at bay", I KNOW MY BODY BETTER THAN ANYONE....and I SAY, it is Still present.
So let's work on THAT.
Anywho......
All those Prayers I'd made in the Past Week Or so really payed off.....and for THAT, I am Grateful to GOD......for hearing me out!!!!!
So a note to Everyone who is reading This....."do not dispear, just PRAY....and be Patient.....HE Does hear you, and HE Will answer your Prayers".......IN DUE TIME!!!!!
THANKS......
Since my Rheumotoligist is insisting on NOT increasing my Pain Meds....I think I may have to get on The Pred. (Prednisone) after all.
I really, and truly didn't want to go that route....but because I am running out of Pain Meds. quicker Now....it is imperative that I get SOME KIND of relief.....and I think it will have to be through the Pred.
My "Rheum." doctor is on Vac. for two weeks....so I am going to try and get my PCP to write a prescription for it, and I am PRAYING that he Will.
Usually, he will leave things that deal with Sarky....to the Rheum. doctor.....but considering He's on Vac., I pray that he will understand........GOD Willing!!!!
I have a doctor's appt. with my PCP on Monday.......so I guess I will swing back through here THEN.
THANKS.........
Not a Good Day today, At All......
I almost wasn't even going to come on tonight.....after My doctor "lowering" my dosage on the Pain Med., I have had soooo many Bad Days......it even kept me from going up to my nieces house today and "chill" with Family & Friends......(some family members are up from NYC & Florida).
I felt BAD about it.....but I just could NOT get it together enough to even TRY.
My body was riddled with Pain & Discomfort (Fever, Aches, Weakness.....THE NORM).
And of course......I began to have "pitty" on myself.
Boy, when am I gonna learn.....This MAY BE how it is going to be from Now On......"Ain't ya got it Yet".
Oh.....and it doesn't help that I am "going through the CHANGE".......Just Great!!!!!
All that Pain & Discomfort.....and My HORMONES "running a muck" on top of it All.
A lot of focus is on the amount of Pain I have.....but technically, I don't Only have Pain....I have FEVERS, WEAKNESS,TIREDNESS....an All around feeling of ILL HEALTH.
But MY Doctor doesn't hear That Part of Our conversations....even though I let him know each time.
HIS Focus is on my Joint & Muscle Pain, but there is much more going on than That.
This is why I say that Sarky is Alive and Well inside of me...even though My ACE Levels say otherwise....actually, My ACE Levels are at 60 and the Range Starts at 69 I think....so I am ONLY that much away from it SHOWING that I am in Active Sarcoidosis.
Even "I" know that.....
When my symptoms Flare up, it usually starts out with a Fever, then comes the Aches & Pains....and Stiffness, Weakness, Tiredness...."just a want to lay down" feeling.
Like you got the Flu....but every day.
That is why I wanted to know exactly what MY Doctor was treating me for....is it the Joint & Muscle Pain, because THAT is what you Specialize in....Or are you treating the Whole Disease(s)....because there are Multiply symptoms that goes along with Sarky.....some of what I've mentioned above.
And there are Multiply symptoms that go along with Fibromyalgia & Osteoarthritis also.....and All 3 can have Similar Symptoms to eachother.
I just need for People in general, to know that it isn't just the Pain that needs to be focused on.....All of the other symptoms have their share of "making me feel ill" as well.
And sometimes, even more than the Pain.
Last night...it came to me, "I think it is time you started That Chapter in your Life"....so I did.
They say it will take a long time to fill it out online (a few hours Or so)....and it did.
My Goodness....!!!!
I didn't think I'd ever get done....but thankfully I did.
I also called the #800 number to find out some info. I wasn't sure of...and the lady on the ph. told me that "I" would have to fill out for Both SSI....AND SSDI.
She set me up with a ph. conversation with an Agent next Week and we will go from there.
GOD Willing....everything will go smoothly!!!!
Even if I am denied the First Time (like everyone says they do)....at least I got it out of the Way.
Every since I was diagnosed with the Fibromyalgia.....I have noticed that I have a lot of discomfort in my chest & neck area.
The spots where the pain is....well, it's like I have on a hanging necklace, not too long....and not too short....just enough to reach down towards the "girls", Or maybe just before it reaches them.
It hurts to inhale & exhale....and it almost feels like I pulled a muscle there, and I know very well I hadn't.
The pain is in the same area, towards the back also....soooo uncomfortable.
I literally have to hold my chest when I inhale (and exhale).....like I have a really bad chest cold, but the only thing is.....I HAVE NO COLD!!!
This is Fibromyalgia for ya.....
Btw, I called to make an appt. with my friends doctor today.....and he is soooo booked up, that they had to give me one for next Month.....JUNE 3rd.
I am soo desperate that I took it anyway......better at That Time, than No Time.
In the meantime, I WILL go and make that appt. with the Orthopedic Surgeon.....just to see what he has to say.
And if he is talking Surgery as well.....I will postpone it until I speak with the NEW Doctor (GOD Willing).
Yesteday.....because MY DOCTOR decreased my Pain Meds., left me in extreme pain & discomfort.
I guess he THINKS that I will be one of the "FALLEN", and become addicted to the Vicodine.
I....DO NOT, I REPEAT....I DO NOT....become addicted to Meds. Or any other type of Drug.
I have NEVER been the type of person to be drawn to ANY TYPE OF DRUG.....it is NOT MY nature.....and I thank GOD 1000 times over for that.
In a way....I can understand why he would react in that manner....there are sooooo many others out there who ARE, and who CAN be in That Place.....but again, it is not me THANKFULLY!!!
But at the same time.....My Blood Work clearly showed that I was not one to ABUSE My meds.
I am pretty sure, IF I was the type to ABUSE my meds....it would show up Some How in my Blood Work.....RIGHT.
But nothing.....because it is not the case with me.....I am not a druggie, and nor was I ever in my Life.....It is just not my cup of tea.
Anyway, getting back to the Topic at hand.
My hands have really been taking it the past couple of days.....and I truly have not done anything to provoke it.....Nothing.
My chest is really sore today.....that is part of the Fibromyalgia.
And so are My other SORE SPOTS linked to the Fibromyalgia.....the knees, elbows, etc.
My mother seems to think it may be due to the weather.....and I agree with her that it, the weather....has a play in the pain & discomfort I am feeling......the weather is very rainy & cloudy today.....and it plans to be That Way for the coming Week.
Tomm. some time, I plan to call my friends doctor....to see if I can get in to see them soon....in the meantime, I will just try and GET THROUGH IT.
Thanks Again.....AND ALWAYS.....for stopping by and reading My Blog!!!!
Well, since I've been officially diagnosed with Not only Sarcoidosis....but with Fibromyalgia & Osteoarthritis....I think it would be fitting to change my Title of my Blog to possibly......"Living Day to Day with Sarcoidosis....AND Fibromyalgia.....AND Osteoarthritis!!!!
Who in the world would have ever known that as you grow OLDER, you would be Living with Multiple Diseases/Conditions.....I know it never crossed MY MIND.
So, in the next few days....I will be trying to come up with a New Title for my Blog.....Anyone have Any Ideas....I will be glad to hear them, lol.
Talk to ya soon.....(GOD Willing).
For some reason.....part of my Last Post was not showing.
Here is what was missing......
VITAL SIGNS: Blood Pressure of 115/80.
GENERAL APPEARENCE: The patient a well developed, well nourished obese black female in no apparent distress.
I have NO IDEA of WHY this happened....it is kinda Freaky if you ask me!!!
Anway, I hope that it showed up THIS TIME......just fit in the pieces and you should be good to go with the what the Report says.
I asked my doctor for a copy of My Reports and he had a copy made for me (and my PCP).
Under "IMPRESSION", it says this:
1. Undifferentiated Connective Tissue Disease, Rule Out Systemic Lupus Erythematosus That May Be Co-Existing With The Sarcoidosis.
2. Sarcodosis
3. Fibromyalgia Syndrome.
It didn't state the Osteoarthritis....but as I said in the other Post, That was also Confirmed.
It also says, under Physical Examination:
JOINTS: Some crepitus on the knees with stress stenderness. The patient had some classical tender points on current examination.
SKIN: Remarkable for some hyperpigmented lesions on the facial area.......(he told me it was from Sarcoidosis).
VITAL SIGNS: Blood pressure of 115/80......(which is a lie, I saw it when the nurse took it....and the top number was higher than That).
GENERAL APPEARANCE: The patient is a well developed, well nourished obese black female in no apparent distress.......(LIE LIE LIE....that was the day that I came up in there without my Pain Meds.....and I was in extreme amount of Pain.....What, was he blind to that....you got to be kidding me).
I didn't add EVERYTHING that was put under the Physical Examination.....just the parts that had some "significance" to my illness.
****The parts that are in RED is what "I" added to it on Here....it was not in the Report.
The Xrays showed that I have DEGENERATIVE DISEASE OF THE LEFT & RIGHT HIP......also, DEGENERATIVE DISEASE OF THE LEFT & RIGHT KNEE......and neither is from any Fractures Or Dislocations of that area.
THIS, is where he gets the Osteoarthritis diagnoses from.
What concerned me with the Blood Work was this: (but my doctor didn't seem too concerned though).
Under the Rhematoid Arthritis Factor; My Results was a 39.....with the Range being 9-36.....3 points over the Reference Interval.....and it stated that it was HIGH (in BOLD highlights).
Also.....under My Comp. Metabolic Panel (14)....My Creatinine, Serum was HIGH....1.06....and the Range being....0.57-1.00.....6 points OVER the Norm.
My Glom Filt Rate, Est was: 56 LOW....it is Normally 59.
Now, tell me.....wouldn't these Counts concern You.....even if I don't' know what the heck they mean.....just the fact that they are HIGHER & LOWER than the NORMAL Ranges scares Me......!!!!!
Now a Good Doctor....would have sat me down and discussed this with me....Right.....Not MY Doctor.....he didn't say a word other than....."uummm yeah, your counts look real good to me".
Even if it ISN'T anything.....well then TELL ME THAT TOO.....but discuss it with Me and tell Me what the heck it is.....I don't think I am asking for too much.....do You??!!!
I plan on looking Online and seeing what I could come up with to Why these are the way they are.....and what can be done to make them Right.
Everything else was Fine.....and even "I" could see That.
Am I being toooooo paranoid....???
My doctor confirmed the Fibromyalgia & Osteoarthrits.....which it what he said over the ph. last week....so why did I have to come in for you to tell me that All Over Again......what, for my $20. CoPay!!!
Anyway, he said that he is putting me on a couple new meds and if They don't work.....THAN SURGERY IS NEEDED INSTEAD!!!!
I was like....."whaattttt, are you sure".
I have to call and make an Appt. with an Ortho. Surgeon. (I still have to make the call for that).
Not sure what He will decide....but I will weigh my options first.
I can't remember the name of the New Med he put me on for the Osteoarthritis, it is still at the drug store....but as soon as it is filled, I will post the name.
He also Lessened my Vicodine, he is big time afraid that I will get "addicted" to it....honestly, that may happen to Some People....but if it was going to happen to me, I think it would have done so by now....don't ya think.
Anyway, he also prescibed another Pain Med....to take along with Or in place of the Vicodine, so we will see how That Works.....GOD Willing, it will work out just fine, because I don't have ANY problem stopping the Vicodine....because I DON'T feel that I am Addicted to it....AT ALL. (and I am Grateful to GOD for that).
Right about Now, I will do just about anything to take this pain away....It is REALLY limiting my ability to do Anything......even hold my Grandbabies.
In the past week Or so, I have been having a lot of Hand Pain....and noticed that things are Falling right out of my Hands at times.....and That worries me.
THAT, along with my Knees and Feet GIVING WAY on me.....I am soo afraid to do Anything with the Grands for fear I might drop them.
At times they just want to be Held....and what if I am not able to do That anymore......it would be a Very Sad Day if That happens.
Oops, I never got around to telling you the 3 things did I, hhhmmmm.....Or maybe I did....lolol.
Okay, let's see......One of the Things is....(which I've already mentioned)....the Confirmation of the Osteoarthritis & the Fibromyalgia.
The second is the Appt. I need to make with the Ortho. Surgeon (which I've already mentioned as well).
And the Third would be......."I am thinking about switching dortors Soon".
Yup, he's about to get Fired....his bedside manners are starting to deminish......
He seems to not take me serious.....even though the Proof is right before him.
He just hands me the scripts.....and tells me "this should take care of everything" (Or something to that effect).....and I am like..."whatttt, are you serious....aren't you going to tell me WHAT the heck I am taking & WHY".......that's it, I gave you too many times to get it Right......Now, YOUR DONE!!!
He would ask me a question about how & what I am feeling....and at the same time, He is Not Listening to me.....I could have to him that I had a Green Head coming out of the side of my neck....and he probably wouldn't even realise it!!!!!......I wanted to say to him......ARE YOU EVEN LISTENING TO ME DOCTOR!!????
THAT is not the kind of doctor I want caring for me......
I wonder had My Husband gone with me....would he have showned me more attention......hhhmmmm.
My husband decided to stay home with Our Granddaughter instead of dragging her out of the house......so I went it alone.
Today is Worse than yesterday....for some reason.
I am sooo glad that tomm. I will be able to talk to the doctor.....I pray that it is not postponed.
Speaking of "postponements".....My daughters Surgery was postponed today, and it is Now suppose to take place tomm. morn.....GOD Willing.
So NOW I will have to take the baby along with me to the Doctors (her daughter), AND my husband, so he can keep an eye on Her.
I WAS planning on keeping the both of them Home, but since My daughters surgery will be tomm. morn.....I feel it best for them both to be with me, that way my granddaughter won't give my husband a run for his money.
GOD Willing, things will go smoothly for me at the doctors.....and even More Smoothly for my daughter & her Surgery.
Not having too much of a Good Day today.....my legs are pretty painful, and the other symptoms I experience on a daily basis, are swinging through like the wind.
Especially my Left Knee.
For some reason, this knee gives me the Most Problems.....maybe the Osteoarthritis is more in That Knee, than it is in the Right Knee.
My hands are not giving me too much problems today, but yesterday they were....so that's a plus.
Overall.....I am off & on with my feelings today.
GOD Willing, tomm. will prove to be a better day.
I have my "two week" visit to my doctors this Friday.....after the Last Visit, I plan to come up in there with Full Meds. in me, lolol.....I am NOT doing That Again.
He is suppose to discuss with me, the fact that He Thinks I have Fibromyalgia & Osteoarthritis.
Not sure how we plan to go about "bandaiding" the situation.....but I am All Ears.
I also need to discuss with him the fact that the "New Med." he put me on, isn't working.....so what next!!!
I'm not sure if I am going to take the hubby with me this time....My daugther is going to have surgery on Thurs....and I may need him to stay home and take care of the Grandbaby.
Boy.....I've seen more doctors this Year Alone, than the Law Allows....Or should I say......than the Insurance Companies Allow....lololol.
I thought I would do a little "exercising" yesterday.....and after "swinging my hips" about, I realized that that might not be the way to go for me, lololol.
It really isn't funny, because at the end of the Day.....I wasn't able to hold A DARN THING, not even a pen Or pencil to jot something down.....my hands hurt sooooooo bad, I really could not believe it.
They were actually "throbbing"....I could feel the muscles pulsating, and I kid you Not.
They were hurting because, the type of exercising I was doing was......DANCING!!!!
I was having a good ole' time with the Grands....and they were having an even Better Time than I, lolol.....
But when it was All Said And Done.....the ole' hips and fingers (from snapping them) don't work like they used to anymore.....and THAT is something that I just have to accept.
This morning when I got my son up for School, I thought I had had Hip Replacement Surgery....and I was recuperating from that.....Yikeessss!!!!
I could hardly walk.
I promised myself at that moment....that I WOULD NOT do that again, and I won't.....I promise!!!
I couldn't sleep either.....if I got on One Side, it hurt....and then I tried the Other Side.....that hurt too....even laying on my back hurt like the dickens.....I had pillows going in all different kinds of directions & positions.
After my Daughter put the mattress down for the Night (My Granddaughter & I sleep on it when she is over My House)....I tried to help out by putting the Pillows down on the bed....and I could not even pick them up right, I had to use the sides of my hands to even get some kind of grip.....and then to toss them from where I was sitting, ohhhh myyyy goodness....my son was like...."that's the best you could do", and I said "Yeaahhhh......".
I should have LISTENED to the advice the Experts give ya when they say....."NOT to do too much when you think you are having a Good Day"....because it will deff. come back to bite you in the Rear at the end of the Day.....for real!!!!
I'm surprised I didn't wake my Granddaughter up with all the movements I was doing.
Tonight should be better....it is Cooler to start with, and I didn't do Any Dancing Today....lolol.
I pretty much just layed around and watched the Grands do their Thang....lolol.....aside from the little bit of running around Miss Maari (my Granddaughter) had me doing every time she was into something she wasn't suppose to be in, lolol.
Oh Wellllll....here goes nothing!!!
THANKS......
Lately, I have been feeling an extreme amount of Numbing & Tingling in some of my ext remedies....like my Arms, and parts of my Legs.
While watching TV, Or reading something on the computer.....all of a sudden, I will feel some numbness in my Hands, Arms and even my Feet.
With my Arms, I noticed it will happen if I lay on my Left Side while watching TV Or even if I am sitting up watching TV....and then as soon as I move it, I feel numbness and then the Tingling starts.
The other morning after waking up for the Day, it happened again....and usually I could just "shake it out" Or "work it out" by rubbing my hands....but not this time, it stayed like that for quite some time....and I started to get a little worried.
With my Legs, if I lay on the Left Side it almost ALWAYS happens....along with Major Discomfort & Pain....for some reason, THIS LEG (the left)...gives me More problems than the Right One.....but I still have the same problems, just not as much on the Right.
My Feet....Well now that's another story, one that I could write a short story about......sighhhh.
If I SIT TOO LONG....they Hurt...IF I STAND TO LONG....They Hurt....WHEN I GET UP IN THE MORNING....I can't bare weight on them AT ALL!!!!!.....and it continues like that throughout the Day.
The tingling & numbness is really not a NEW THING, but it is becoming more "evident" if you will, in the past few weeks Or so.
So Now What......
When I go back to the doctors on the 1st of May, I have to tell him that the New Medicine he put me on.....the Meloxicam 15mg (anti-inflammatory medicine), DOES NOT WORK!!!
So far it has been 3 weeks since I started on it.....and I KNOW I should have felt some kind of difference by now, but NOPE.....Nothing!!!
I still have the same Pain....If not Worse......and it is really disturbing me to say the least.
How many types of Meds. will I have to TRY.....before I can get the RIGHT One......aaaauuuggghhh.
When I think of it.....My body actually feels like I should be 80-90 yrs. old, not that I know how they feel on a Physical Level, but from back when I used to be a CNA.....I would LISTEN to my residents when they Spoke to me about How They are Feeling.....and let me tell ya, I FEEL LIKE I AM THERE!!!!
Definition
By Mayo Clinic staff
Osteoarthritis, sometimes called degenerative joint disease or osteoarthrosis, is the most common form of arthritis. Osteoarthritis occurs when cartilage in your joints wears down over time.
Osteoarthritis can affect any joint in your body, though it most commonly affects joints in your hands, hips, knees and spine. Osteoarthritis typically affects just one joint, though in some cases, such as with finger arthritis, several joints can be affected.
Osteoarthritis gradually worsens with time, and no cure exists. But osteoarthritis treatments can relieve pain and help you remain active. Taking steps to actively manage your osteoarthritis may help you gain control over your osteoarthritis pain.
Symptoms
By Mayo Clinic staff
Osteoarthritis of the spine
Osteoarthritis of the hip
Osteoarthritis symptoms often develop slowly and worsen over time. Signs and symptoms of osteoarthritis include:
Pain in a joint during or after use, or after a period of inactivity
Tenderness in the joint when you apply light pressure
Stiffness in a joint, that may be most noticeable when you wake up in the morning or after a period of inactivity
Loss of flexibility may make it difficult to use the joint
Grating sensation when you use the joint
Bone spurs, which appear as hard lumps, may form around the affected joint
Swelling in some cases
Osteoarthritis symptoms most commonly affect the hands, hips, knees and spine. Unless you've been injured or placed unusual stress on a joint, it's uncommon for osteoarthritis symptoms to affect your jaw, shoulder, elbows, wrists or ankles.
http://mayoclinic.com/health/osteoarthritis/DS00019
Unfortunetly, I haven't mastered the art of Posting Images on my Blog as yet, lolol....but as soon as I get the help to do so.....I will put up the Chart that shows the Tender Points.
Tender points
The 18 tender points associated with fibromyalgia occur in symmetrical pairs from the back of your head to your inner knees.
I HAVE All of the POINTS they speak of......OoooKayyy!!!
These Articles come from the Mayo Clinic (a very well known Clinic).
Symptoms
By Mayo Clinic staff
Signs and symptoms of fibromyalgia can vary, depending on the weather, stress, physical activity or even the time of day.
Widespread pain and tender points
The pain associated with fibromyalgia is described as a constant dull ache, typically arising from muscles. To be considered widespread, the pain must occur on both sides of your body and above and below your waist.
Fibromyalgia is characterized by additional pain when firm pressure is applied to specific areas of your body, called tender points. Tender point locations include:
Back of the head
Between shoulder blades
Top of shoulders
Front sides of neck
Upper chest
Outer elbows
Upper hips
Sides of hips
Inner knees
Fatigue and sleep disturbances
People with fibromyalgia often awaken tired, even though they seem to get plenty of sleep. Experts believe that these people rarely reach the deep restorative stage of sleep. Sleep disorders that have been linked to fibromyalgia include restless legs syndrome and sleep apnea.
Co-existing conditions
Many people who have fibromyalgia also may have:
Chronic fatigue syndrome
Depression
Endometriosis
Headaches
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
Lupus
Osteoarthritis
Post-traumatic stress disorder
Restless legs syndrome
Rheumatoid arthritis
Causes
By Mayo Clinic staff
Doctors don't know what causes fibromyalgia, but it most likely involves a variety of factors working together. These may include:
Genetics.
Because fibromyalgia tends to run in families, there may be certain genetic mutations that may make you more susceptible to developing the disorder.
Infections.
Some illnesses appear to trigger or aggravate fibromyalgia.
Physical or emotional trauma.
Post-traumatic stress disorder has been linked to fibromyalgia.
Why does it hurt?
Current thinking centers around a theory called central sensitization. This theory states that people with fibromyalgia have a lower threshold for pain because of increased sensitivity in the brain to pain signals.
Researchers believe repeated nerve stimulation causes the brains of people with fibromyalgia to change. This change involves an abnormal increase in levels of certain chemicals in the brain that signal pain (neurotransmitters). In addition, the brain's pain receptors seem to develop a sort of memory of the pain and become more sensitive, meaning they can overreact to pain signals.
Tests and diagnosis
By Mayo Clinic staff
Tender points
The American College of Rheumatology has established two criteria for the diagnosis of fibromyalgia:
Widespread pain lasting at least three months
At least 11 positive tender points — out of a total possible of 18
Tender points
During your physical exam, your doctor may check specific places on your body for tenderness. The amount of pressure used during this exam is usually just enough to whiten the doctor's fingernail bed. These 18 tender points are a hallmark for fibromyalgia.
Blood tests
While there is no lab test to confirm a diagnosis of fibromyalgia, your doctor may want to rule out other conditions that may have similar symptoms. Blood tests may include:
Complete blood count
Erythrocyte sedimentation rate
Thyroid function tests
These were just a Few things posted about FIBROMYALGIA.....if you want to read more about this Condition, click on the link below:
http://mayoclinic.com/health/fibromyalgia/DS00079
Posts
All Comments
