Syringomyelia has not been kind to me. It is an autoimmune disorder (AI), which means, it leaves the door wide open for all other AI disorders. Sigh.
If you have read any of my posts, then you know that I have several diagnoses: Syringomyelia, fibromyalgia, arthritis, asthma, cervical degenerative osteoarthritis, kyphosis, and the latest is a thyroid disorder called hypothyroidism. I honestly had no idea that anything was wrong with my thyroid. But now, looking back, I have had symptoms for awhile and just simply, overlooked the symptoms. As you can imagine, I have new symptoms all of the time and it has become easy to take note of the issue, move on. In this case, I went to the dr. in October with some swelling problems in my feet and ankles, nobody knew why...now we know it has been my thyroid. So, I have worked in another new medication. I pray that my levels are better next month.
Two weeks ago, I went to my neurosurgeon for another MRI and exam because I have had increased pain and pressure in my neck and back of head. Although I have a shunt at C5, there is a new syrinx (fluid filled sack) above the shunt and it is quite large, new since December 2013...I have to have another decompression surgery, laminectomy, shunt.....................the recovery of this surgery is pure hell. I am scared. Nervous. I have not schedule the surgery yet because he says that he wants to do it when I am ready, when the pain is no longer tolerable, or (after my next MRI) the syrinx changes negatively.
Every time I go to the Dr. I am diagnosed with a new illness, new medications, new...new...new...
On a positive note, I am having a wonderful weekend with my husband! I love our alone time <3
He understands that I have to have down time when I wake up because the pain is just incredible first thing in the morning, so our days start a little later than he may like, but I'm thankful for his patience. I have slept until 11am most everyday this week, which is terrible because my day is just getting moving when everyone else is winding down. I certainly don't choose to sleep my life away. Today I was awake at 7am!!!
Thank you for reading, supporting. If you are affected by chronic pain, please know that there is still a way to continue on, even when the pain makes you want to quit.
Take care!
Monica
Showing posts with label SM. Show all posts
Showing posts with label SM. Show all posts
April 27, 2014
April 7, 2014
SM Struggles on Monday
Good morning! I hope that everyone had a great weekend and has been able to start their week off on the right foot. I've had a slow start...this isn't news to me or for anyone who knows me. Typically, I can spend the first 3 to 4 hours of the day just trying to get moving. Being in bed all night leaves me very stiff and in pain when I wake up. It's a yucky way to wake up.
This past Friday night, I was in the kitchen and hit my left hand on the corner of a cabinet, it hurt so bad! I now have a small scrape on the back of my hand just below my pointer finger...no big deal, usually. A nerve must have been hit because I have had terrible pain all of the way up to my shoulder and have had little use of that hand since. It's frustrating. Maddening.
I feel exhausted and this rainy weather we are having isn't helping...this overcast sky and slightly cool temperature is perfect for napping. I absolutely love spring and fall! The temperatures are perfect and the way everything in the environment changes color...it's gorgeous!
I have an appointment on April 18th with my neurosurgeon for an exam and discussion about the increased pain and pressure in the back of my head and neck. It creates so much sensitivity. I have doubts that anything will be done at this appointment...but, I am not even sure what he could do for me.
At my last pain management appointment, we discussed the effects of my medications...specifically my nerve medication, Gralise. She asked if I thought they were still working for me. I have been at the max dose since I began taking them and I really couldn't give a definite answer. Her solution was to discontinue that medication. I have 2 more days before I am fully off of them. It hasn't been too bad but I can tell that I definitely need to replace it with something and we have decided to try Lyrica. I hope it works. Like anything else, it has pros and cons, works better for some than it does for othes...
Take care, stay healthy, and follow your dreams!
~Monica
This past Friday night, I was in the kitchen and hit my left hand on the corner of a cabinet, it hurt so bad! I now have a small scrape on the back of my hand just below my pointer finger...no big deal, usually. A nerve must have been hit because I have had terrible pain all of the way up to my shoulder and have had little use of that hand since. It's frustrating. Maddening.
I feel exhausted and this rainy weather we are having isn't helping...this overcast sky and slightly cool temperature is perfect for napping. I absolutely love spring and fall! The temperatures are perfect and the way everything in the environment changes color...it's gorgeous!
I have an appointment on April 18th with my neurosurgeon for an exam and discussion about the increased pain and pressure in the back of my head and neck. It creates so much sensitivity. I have doubts that anything will be done at this appointment...but, I am not even sure what he could do for me.
At my last pain management appointment, we discussed the effects of my medications...specifically my nerve medication, Gralise. She asked if I thought they were still working for me. I have been at the max dose since I began taking them and I really couldn't give a definite answer. Her solution was to discontinue that medication. I have 2 more days before I am fully off of them. It hasn't been too bad but I can tell that I definitely need to replace it with something and we have decided to try Lyrica. I hope it works. Like anything else, it has pros and cons, works better for some than it does for othes...
Take care, stay healthy, and follow your dreams!
~Monica
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