Voodoo Doll
This week someone who hates me is definitely holding my voodoo doll!
This week someone who hates me is definitely holding my voodoo doll!
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chronic pain
Showing posts with label chronic pain. Show all posts
Showing posts with label chronic pain. Show all posts
Treat Yourself Tuesday
Good evening Readers!
So I received my Amazon Prime package today just in time for #TreatYourselfTuesday! The contents definitely don't look like I used the Amazon gift card from my twenty-eighth [28th] birthday; more like 70th.
I had a very rough morning in regards to pain and fatigue. I didn't leave the bedroom until noon because my hip pain was excruciating if I sat or stood in addition to terrible shooting pain in my wrists. So even though I had a list of tasks I wanted to get done today - in the bed I stayed. The additional laying helped my hip subside and it was time to get up. The fact that I came downstairs to see my Treat Yourself Tuesday package waiting at the front door was refreshing.
What did I get?
Every time that I drive in the car my back and hips scream at me! And as the story goes ususally that will trigger other issues. The slippery slope theory actually does apply to chronic pain, haha! To try and prevent this I wanted to purchase a pillow or cushion for my drivers seat. I click over to Amazon as always. I searched for a bit to see the best rated in combination with the best price; because I beleive there is no reason to spend more money than necessary on a product. [Though you don't want to be left with a P.O.S. either] so always do at least 5 minutes of researching before clicking, 'Add to Cart.'
Any links below are affialiate links and may provide a small commision without effecting your price.
My search for the cushion brought me to the ComfiLife brand options, I decided on the Gel-Enhanced Cushion for Sciata & Back Pain. [Like I said, it seems like it was more like my 70th birthday] There is a memory foam like cushion with a gel topper and it comes with a soft crushed velvet removable cover. It's like a dream to sit on!! It's only been a few hours but with constant pain it doesn't take long to make me uncomfortable. The cushion promotes good posture while providing a soft, contoured, and level seat. After a few hours of not moving out of this chair [which is very uncommon] the cushion rose back to original form immediately. We'll have to give it time to test out the longevity of that feature. Overall I'm very happy with my purchase and I am excited to be releived of pain while traveling! My mom also got me a travel neck pillow as an addition to my birthday gift so I should be much happier in the car.
I didn't just get a seat cushion with my giftcard though! HAHA I also got a sweater that for some crazy reason didn't arrive with everything else? I bought a new pair of leggings that came and could probably fit someone who's legs are the size of my ARMS. So those will be returned!
I got a suction cup handle for our shower to make sure I don't fall. A shower ususally takes a lot of energy out of me so just in case!
And lastly, I bought a bluetooth keyboard to accompany our recently refurbished Verizon Ellipsis 10 Tablet. Yay! I'm using it right now to write up this post. It's just slightly bigger than our 10in. tablet which gives it a perfect fit for me to type quickly. What I liked about this option in particular: NO cords! It's a bluetooth connection and it doesn't need to be charged you simply need 2 AAA batteries. Which was a plus for me; less parts to loose while traveling and you can always find batteries! It is exactly what I wanted; the Amazon page created a perfect decription for me.
Acceptence?
I realize I need to start to accept how my life has changed and will most likely continue to change. I CANNOT be upset about what the 'old me' could do. These are the first steps to moving away from those thoughts. Focus on positive thoughts about what I can do and what I have accomplished.
I cannot wait for my appointment on October 28th with Dr. Jerden! Even though a prescription will not garuntee any releif and never full releif; I'm still very hopeful to get back to a regular schedule.
...the future is bright!
xoxo
D.Hord
Good evening Readers! So I received my Amazon Prime package today just in time for #TreatYourselfTuesday ! The contents definitely don...
Keep Calm: Take a Shower?
I've always hated the pre- and post- processes to taking a shower.
Though the actual shower itself would be amazing!
During my daily Twitter session I saw SELF Magazine tweeted a new quick quiz to see if a shower is necessary. It made me laugh as I read through it!
 |
| Graphic credit to: SELF - by Glamour |
I have long hair so that it always an annoyance to worry about blow drying, especially with the chilly weather on it's way!
Now clearly I'm old enough to know when I need a shower and when I can get by without one BUT I just love this graphic. I've never used dry shampoo but after reading about it a bit I think it's definitely meant for me! As my followers know, I recently have been experiencing pain and fatigue so I'm even less likely to want to get into the shower. Now it can be more exhausting than the relaxation that it would provide. When I don't have to wash my hair it's a smaller and more manageable task.
So I'm going to try dry shampoo!
I chose to buy an inexpensive option for my first test! Now I haven't washed my hair in 4 days. I use a shower cap from the $1 store that lasts for at least two months instead of stealing those hotel ones!
My hair was oily and had been in a ponytail or bun for at least two days! If you have long hair you already know this struggle. It's known as the 'bump'! It's a part of your hair that was in the tie and decides to have a weird kink in it, making it impossible to wear your hair down. Ugh, so irritating. So the other day I was getting ready for a concert and realized I had not left enough time for a full shower with hair blow dry etc. It was the perfect time for my trial.
I chose to use Dove Dry Shampoo. Honestly it was one of the cheapest options when I ran into RiteAid to purchase. I normally buy the cheapest option of a product; it's all the same anyway...
Here is the BEFORE picture:
(ew)
I followed the directions on the can, spray several inches from oily hair, massage, and brush. Pretty simple and definitely a lot quicker than a blow dry.
I was impressed by the results. It was the first time I tried this technique and I was in a rush. I'm definitely going to make this part of my normal regimen! I'm sure as I get more used to the process the results will improve as well.
...the future is bright!
xoxo
D. Hord
I've always hated the pre- and post- processes to taking a shower. Though the actual shower itself would be amazing! During my daily ...
Rhuematologlist Appointment
What do I know Now?
Well I didn't find out much! Though I now feel much more positive going forward. I met with Dr. Jerden after completing all the new patient forms. Everyone in the office felt genuinely kind. Dr. Jerden looked at my file then we had a discussion of all the symptoms I've been having, when it had all started, and how bad it is. He did some physical movement tests proceeded by some pressure point checks. That is when he explained the result of the degeneration in my neck.
The primary care doctor had told me that two areas in my neck x-rays show degeneration. Dr. Jerden explained that this was osteoarthritis. It may have been caused by my accident or by strain and overuse through life. This happens normally but mine is more progressed than normal, though it is not something to be concerned with.
I learned that there is another similar condition Myofascial Pain Dysfunction Syndrome that I hadn't seen in my research. Fibromyalgia and Myofascial Pain Dysfunction Syndrome can co-exist. The doctor suggested that I could have Fibro as a secondary or even third level condition. Seriously?
Clearly I'm hoping there is not more than one thing we have to treat.
After reviewing the labs that had been requested by my primary care doctor, Dr. Jerden explained the the C-reactive protein was taken for cardiac instead of regular. So that is one of the tests that needs to be taken. More blood work yay!
He asked about family histories and places we've gone. Covering everything. I felt he heard me, I was very comfortable at this office and with this doctor. I felt positive and hopeful that I will get some relief from my symptoms.
I'm having blood drawn for 11 different tests. Dr. Jerden listed some of the items that could be diagnosed from these tests: Autoimmune diseases like lupus, inflammatory markers,a more definite rheumatoid marker, and as the doctor said, a bunch of other stuff you don't want to worry about. When he heard we had been in Punta Cana and Jamaica right around the time my symptoms began he ordered some extra tests. He wanted to be sure to cover all bases even though I have had vaccinations. Which I definitely support!
At the end of the appointment he said,
"Don't worry if it was anything too bad I'd be sending you to the hospital"
I'll be getting my blood taken tomorrow, Thursday, October 4th. The office will call me is there is anything else pressing to speak about. So now it is wait until my next appointment, Friday October 28th at 10am. The waiting game for a diagnosis or test results oscillates between positive and negative. There are so many worse diseases or disorders that I could find out I have. Though there is HOPE that it's something even less serious, not chronic, and curable!
I'm going to stay positive through these next three and a half weeks. (I say to myself still only half believing it )
I'm so happy with my decision to see Rheumatology Specialty Center & Dr. Jerden.
I feel positive, comfortable, and trusting.
...the future is bright
xoxo
D. Hord
What do I know Now? Well I didn't find out much! Though I now feel much more positive going forward. I met with Dr. Jerden after complet...
Invisible Illness. What does it feel like?
So I have an invisible illness...
My Invisible Illness is almost definitely Fibromyalgia with the possibility of other disorders. My first appointment to discuss what I had been going through happened in June, see my first post on the possible cause and beginning stages of the illness: I'm not crazy...
As I mentioned in that post, it took me a while once my new insurance was in place to make the correct appointments. I was scared. I was scared it was going to be something worse than Fibro (short for Fibromyalgia).
I track all my symptoms, supplements, & medications in a google drive doc so I can always access it and add anything needed. Since I now forget everything, this is great. I then just print it out and bring it to the doctor. I think I was just scared to find out a definite reason for my symptoms. When you are sick and you don't understand why; you tend to read a lot online. The articles and papers you read normally tend to focus on the negatives. I'm still paranoid that I have cancer or some other more serious disease. I have an appointment on Tuesday with the Rheumatologist so I'm hopeful that will bring some answers. I found that Pinterest is the best place to look for resources and helpful tips about Fibro.
Symptoms: What do I feel?
It started with just being tired all the time. After the wedding in February, it seemed I never felt normal. The first sign that manifested was that I was getting over 8 hours of sleep a night and still was never refreshed. I was working everyday during the summer (even weekends) which was adding to the fatigue. I had never been someone who needed much sleep to be productive. I could get 4 hours and you would never know. That quickly vanished and I needed sleep whenever I could get it in.Then came the exhaustion in my body. At first it wasn't that intense, I thought it had just been due to my lack of exercise and weight gain. As time continued it worsened, at the start of June it reached the point where it is now. I don't know that you can truly understand what this means without feeling it, but I will attempt.
It feels like a Gravitron ride that never stops.
This exhaustion came from deep in my muscles. My limbs would be too tired to use, stairs and quick walking were issues. Sometimes my arms/legs will go numb from a normal sitting position. I am weak when I used to be strong. I have trouble opening jars. I feel like I have aged 50 years. I've always been very independent and sadly I need help often now. It's definitely been a difficult transition but I don't really have a say, my body is going to do what it wants.
Next on the list was the soreness!
This was like I've never felt in my life, in every single part of my body. It felt like I had completed a full body workout the last several days ...which would be impossible in my current state. The soreness is worst when I wake and at the end of the night. It aches from your muscles and joints. Walking down a set of stairs is painful, getting up out of a chair is painful, pretty much living a normal life creates pain, exhaustion, and soreness. The worst part is it never goes away. There are times when I'm feeling better than others but there are also days of worst pain. I have a new normal that I am still adjusting to.
The full blown pain came in June. I mostly feel it in my neck, lower back, knees and ankles (Though is can be felt in all areas.) The different pains are weird, random, and varying in degree. I get these needle like pin pricks with stabbing pain which feels like getting a needle pushed into your skin that makes my body jerk in reaction. It is a jabbing painful sensation that happens random times and places in your body. My pain comes in many ways: stabbing, shooting, throbbing, and aching.
Joints ache, some days I can't even hold up my phone or type because it's more pain than the text is worth. Joints also have these shooting pains sometimes, feels like the inside of your bone in a way. A lot of this is even hard for me, the person experiencing it, to understand.
One of my most hated symptoms is the itching (apparently this is a less common symptom), but unfortunately it's on my list. Scratching does nothing to soothe the itch and sometimes just causes pain. Literally driving me crazy. The itch happens in all different areas but most commonly my feet.
I also experience pelvic pain/pressure similar to a menstrual cramp. Which is annoying but one of the symptoms I often forget about as the severity is way less than everything else.
My feet and hands swell if I've been active over about 15 minutes. After standing for long periods, usually when I'm making dinners, my heels feel like they are being sliced off. It's incredibly painful I immediately have to sit down.
Headaches are more common (I've always gotten more than average). I've had TMJ since I was very little. Wikipedia gives a full explanation here, wikipedia/Temporomandibular Joint. My jaw clicks when I open it, the click is the two bones rubbing together. This pain has worsened with the Fibro as well.
Over the summer I started to notice that I was sweating way more than I was used to. After a little research I realized that it was normal with Fibro. Temperature sensitivity - too cold or too hot. Behind my knees and face would be dripping after only a few minutes being warm or outside. Now that the season is changing I have noticed the sensitivity to the cold. I get shivers and goose bumps so quickly. My body is never a comfortable temperature.
I am barely able to get a good nights sleep. I have trouble falling asleep and staying asleep. All of the symptoms above are what aid in the lack of sleep. We are in the process of replacing our mattress so hopefully that will help in the long run. I get about 3-7 hours of sleep per evening. It is never consecutive because I wake with pain, ache, or having to use the bathroom. After waking during the night, I am often left awake wishing to be back to sleep for 30 minutes up to several hours.
Intestinal issues are an everyday struggle.
Mental fog and forgetfulness: I have moments where in the middle of a conversation I'm blank, all thoughts are cleared and it takes a few secs to mins to regain my thought [or help from Jason as he fills in words in conversation for me <3 ]. I forget everything! I used to remember everything, now I walk out of the house with out something go back in get it then drive down the road and realize I forgot 5 other things. I forget conversations that I've had just a few days ago. It's the opposite of how I used to be and it's so aggravating.
That's most of the stuff that happens on a daily or weekly basis.
The stuff that helps:
(I carry a bag everywhere that has all of these items in it)
The links below are affiliate links, your price will not be effected, though I may make a small commission.
Itching: Capzasin, Fibro Cream
Pains in joints and muscles: Capzasin, Fibro Cream, Icy Hot
Headaches & General Soothing: Eucalyptus Towels
Exercising is difficult and can end up causes more pain than relief so starting very slow with low impact is the best. I've started practicing yoga. So far just about once per week.
Lots and lots of gentle stretching. For me this is the hardest thing to remember to do even though it's so simple. I'm working on it though.
Weight lifting of 5-10lbs and low reps can be beneficial. I just started this last week and I think going to be very beneficial.
Supplements: After researching I have found some supplements that have helped others with fibromyalgia. I think these are helping but I also started them all not long after I quit which took away all of my stress.
- Florastor 250mg
- Citrucel 900mg (a.m.), 900mg (p.m.)
- Fish Oil 300mg (a.m.), 300mg (p.m.)
- Magnesium 500mg
- Melatonin 10mg (p.m.)
- D3 3000IU (was taking 2000IU/day but D was low in blood work so doc increased a 1000IU)
- B12
- Tumeric 538mg
- Folic Acid 400mg
- Ibprofen 400-800mg/day
I also get a massage every other week. I found Cindy at Hand and Stone who is very knowledgeable with Fibro and has been able to really help me. If a masseuse doesn't have experience they can end up leaving you with more pain.
I hope this can help the people who didn't know what Fibro is to understand a little better.
...the future is bright!
xoxo
D.Hord
So I have an invisible illness... For people who do not understand, that means that I have a condition of sorts that does not show on the e...
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