Where is ILoveHistory??

mnjodette · Posted: Sun Feb 17, 2008 2:13 pm Post subject:

We'll all be anxious to hear what you learn. Keep us posted! Our thoughts will be with you, and {{{hugs}}} too!

Jody
_________________
"Always laugh when you can. It is cheap medicine." Lord Byron

IloveHistory · Bear Joined: 17 Dec 2006 Posts: 689

Thanks SO much, Mnjodette! Smile

Will let you all know tomorrow!

IloveHistory · Bear Joined: 17 Dec 2006 Posts: 689

Hi Everyone!

Well, it appears that the problem is not my heart, it's my lungs! Shocked

I currently only have 40% lung function! Shocked

And this 40% lung function is while I am on steroids and other Asthma meds! Shocked

My lungs are scarred quite badly from the enormous amount of lung infections I had last year... Sad

This is why I keep having seizures and fainting and picking up funny heart rhythms; my lungs are unable to pump enough Oxygen to my brain and to the rest of my body and this is also why I struggle so much with climbing stairs and with any form of exercise! So, I have been prescribed a special exercise program with very slow, simple walking and swimming exercises to improve my lung function. The other problem that appeared, which we've always known about, was my low blood pressure and the extremely fast rate at which it drops when I stand up after lying down...

At least it's not my heart! I can thank God for that! I can also thank God for my BRILLIANT Paediatric Cardiologist! Smile

Keep well! Smile

Saysusie · Posted: Tue Feb 19, 2008 11:15 am Post subject:

Such mixed blessings, ILoveHistory. On the one hand, I too am very happy that it is not your heart. I am not happy that it is your lungs either Confused

However, it sounds as if it is a problem that can, eventually, be corrected. I swim for exercise and I absolutely love it. It is one of the best full body exercises that does not overuse your body. And, it does wonders for your lungs. Be advised, your first time in the water, your lungs will ache a bit because they are exerting effort that they are not accustomed to. However, they will quickly adapt and by your 3rd or 4th time in the water, that particular discomfort will go away.
I wish you the very best...let me know how you like the swimming. We can compare notes on our water work outs! Laughing

Peace and Blessings
Saysusie
_________________
Look For The Good and Praise It!

IloveHistory · Bear Joined: 17 Dec 2006 Posts: 689

Hi Saysusie!

Thanks SO very much for your advice, concern and support! Smile

That would be great if we could compare water workouts! Laughing

Keep well! Smile

mnjodette · Posted: Wed Feb 20, 2008 2:28 pm Post subject:

Ilovehistory, I'm very glad your heart is healthy...that IS good news. And, if the lung problems have a solution, then the news is good all around. Thanks for keeping us posted. I hope exercise will increase your lung capacity so you'll feel stronger.

Jody
_________________
"Always laugh when you can. It is cheap medicine." Lord Byron

Pretti in Pink · Cobra Joined: 12 Mar 2007 Posts: 461 Location: Texas

I love history,

Hang in there sweetie, you're a brave warrior and encouraging us along the way. You have a great spirit.

magistramarla · Posted: Wed Feb 20, 2008 6:53 pm Post subject:

Hi IloveHistory,
This quote from your previous e-mail caused me to "twig" on something:

quote="IloveHistory"]Hi Everyone!
The other problem that appeared, which we've always known about, was my low blood pressure and the extremely fast rate at which it drops when I stand up after lying down...

At least it's not my heart! I can thank God for that! I can also thank God for my BRILLIANT Paediatric Cardiologist! Smile

Keep well! Smile

[/quote]

In researching this pesky ataxia that I have, I found this wonderful site:

http://www.bcm.edu/neurology/patient_education/pdcmdc/msa.html

It describes something called Multiple System Atrophy, and it also describes the blood pressure problem that you mentioned. Has your neurologist ever mentioned this as a possibility?
It might be worth it to read the site!
Here's to hoping that things are going better for you!
Bona Fortuna,
MagistraMarla

IloveHistory · Bear Joined: 17 Dec 2006 Posts: 689

Hi Mnjodette, Pretti in Pink and Magistramarla!

Thank you SO very much for all of your concern, advice, support and kind words! Smile

They are all greatly appreciated, as are you all! Smile

Magistramarla: I think I know M.S.A. as Shy-Drager Syndrome, but I'll take a look at your link right now! Thanks very much!

Keep well! Smile

IloveHistory · Bear Joined: 17 Dec 2006 Posts: 689

Hi Everyone!

After still having terrible problems with Tachycardia and excruciating migraines, I was put on the lowest dose of Pur-Bloka (10mg), which is a beta-blocker. We had not wanted to do this because of my chest, but eventually decided to try it because of my migraines... I started it on Monday night and it has definitely helped my migraines tremendously and I haven't had a single episode of Tachycardia since! Smile

However, I have become more short of breath and am coughing a lot more, but I'll just see how it goes because it's helping the migraines so much... Mad

It also seems to have made my Raynaud's a bit worse; I don't know if this is usually happens? Confused

Keep well! Smile

Oluwa · Posted: Wed Feb 27, 2008 4:45 pm Post subject:

Hi I love Hstory,

You are so strong to have been through so much. Always back with a smile.

Always a give and take with Lupus isn't. And IT has been giving and taking alot, eh? Coughing vs Migraines..neither. Maybe one day we can gift wrap IT in a nice neat little package and ship it off into outerspace...

I hope It gives you a break...soon.

How's school? How's your family? Mum?

Thinking of you, I love History...
Head hug,
Oluwa

mnjodette · Posted: Thu Feb 28, 2008 7:11 am Post subject:

Hi, ILoveHistory. So sorry you're struggling to find the balance! I also take a beta-blocker for migraines. Done so for years now. And you're right, it CAN make your Raynaud's worse (my doctor warned me about that.) But the trade off is worth it to me. The migraines just laid me out; I can accommodate the Raynaud's much easier! I worry about your cough, though. Hope there is a middle ground for you somewhere!

Jody
_________________
"Always laugh when you can. It is cheap medicine." Lord Byron

Saysusie · Posted: Thu Feb 28, 2008 10:07 am Post subject:

Hi ILoveHistory;
I, too, am so glad that you are finally getting relief from your migraines. Unfortunately, a chronic cough is a side effect of beta blockers. They can also cause asthma like symptoms.
The cough is something that you should still discuss with your doctor. Other causes of chronic coughing are: congestive heart failure, disorders of the upper airways, disorders of the pericardium, bronchogenic carcinoma, interstitial lung disease, chronic pulmonary infection, cystic fibrosis, interstitial lung disease, and psychogenic disorders.
Since your cough started with the beta blockers, I would tend to believe that it is the side effects of the drugs that is causing your cough.
I, also, hope that you can finally find a balance that allows you to have as few symptoms as possible so that you can enjoy more good days! We are all here for you. You are so brave and so courageous, for someone so young, I truly admire you!!

Peace and Blessings
Saysusie
_________________
Look For The Good and Praise It!

IloveHistory · Bear Joined: 17 Dec 2006 Posts: 689

Hi Oluwa, Mnjodette and Saysusie!

Thanks SO very much for your advice, support and concern! Smile

School is going very well, thanks! Smile

I just have loads of work, including a HUGE Physics Test tomorrow!

Unfortunately, the beta-blockers appear to have given me Pleurisy and yes, I'm being 100% serious! Shocked

So, I took a look at the package insert and what does it say? May cause Pleurisy in Asthmatics and others with lung problems! #Mad

What is the point of this stupid drug if I can't take it?!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! #Mad

Now, I have another problem! Sad

I began menstruating again today and for the first time ever, my blood is coming out PITCH BLACK! Shocked

I am also passing a sticky black discharge and the black blood and discharge smell like seriously 'off' molasses! Shocked

Does anyone know what causes this? It has NEVER happened to me before and my mom is worried and wants to take me to see my Gynae. Any suggestions?

Keep well! Smile

Oluwa · Posted: Thu Feb 28, 2008 11:42 am Post subject:

Hi I love HIstory,

Dark, black menstruation...I was told it is old blood. The longer it stays in your body the darker it gets.

This happened to me when we attempted Invitro, our second round. I was frighten too, it was black for the duration which should have been a cycle. I was assured it was old blood. It never happened again.

I guess many women experience, dark, brown, black spotting but it was frightening when it was about 5 day flow.

The old blood I am assuming came to be from halting my menstruation with the invitro injections.

It is probably a good idea to see you Gynae, with a myriad of symptoms from your illnesses it couldn't hurt...follicle cysts maybe, nothing maybe? It will put your's and your Mum's worries to rest...

Here's to passing your test tomorrow...

Head hug,
Oluwa