I hurt, big time

rob · Bear Joined: 12 Feb 2008 Posts: 673 Location: Maine

Hi guys,

I'm really having some bad days (and nights) these past few days. I spent most of my day yesterday wandering around the house in a futile attempt to figure out, well, I don't know what I was trying to figure out. My fog has turned into something like a broken record that skips. I get a thought process started, and it suddenly stops and gets kicked back to the beginning. Over, and over again. My TMJ problems have returned with the jaw pain causing a terrible ear ache on the right side. The costochondritis is the worst I've ever had. Crushing pain in my chest. Been taking naproxen for the inflammation, but it's tearing my stomach up. And the burning tingling itch and fire underneath my skin is keeping me from sleeping. I have company from AZ coming in tomorrow, and plans for the 4th. I was hoping yesterday I could still do the things I planned for the 4th, but now I'll just be happy to have my symptoms let up on me so I can sleep, and try to eat something. I'm not too worried about my company, as it's my best friend from AZ, and he knows what's going on with me. I'm just tired, and frustrated. The ear ache is like a ice pick through my eardrum. and the ringing. Somebody tell IT to leave me alone for a couple of days. I just need to try sleeping today, and maybe all this will subside. Thanks for letting my unload a bit. Trying to keep a sense of humor (thank you Oluwa).
_________________
No More Turning Away, From the Weak and the Weary.
No More Turning Away From the Coldness Inside.
Just a World that We All Must Share.
It's Not Enough Just to Stand and Stare.
Is It Only A Dream That There'll be,
No More Turning Away?-D. Gilmour

KathyW1958 · Tiger Joined: 12 Jun 2008 Posts: 810

Hi Rob,
I am sorry that you are having such a terrible time right now. I am wondering if you have called the doctor about the problems with the Naproxin causing you stomach problems. The doctor may need to change that medication. I know when I had the Costalchondritis, I was also on Naproxin and the doctor switched it to Indomethacin. He also put me on low dose Prednisone. I am wondering if you are taking Plaquenil. I hope that you can get to feeling better. God Bless.

Kathy
_________________
Lupus for many years. Like most of my life. Sjogrens that started at 35 and Scoliosis, Spinal Stenosis, Degenerative Disc Disease, Osteo-Arthritis of the spine, Ankylosing Spondilitis, Periferal Neuropathy, mild CP and now just recently diagnosed with PA. I had a disc replaced in December of 2007.

Medications:
Plaquenil, Sulindac, Imuran, Celiac diet, Tramadol and B12 shot once a month.

Oluwa · Posted: Tue Jul 01, 2008 5:46 am Post subject:

Take that...

And that IT, and that...

Rob, can you get into the doctors before he arrives? I stopped the Naproxen and now dose a bit with Darvocet.

Rob, maybe you need treatment for Fibro? I really only know actually, I don't know anything about MS. Skin burning, jaw and ear pain, sounds like Fibro...

The fog is probably getting thick from the lack of sleep...or a side effect from any of your pills? Nap often. I have e thick pea soup head today , insomnia all night...a nap at about 5AM this morning. I feel nauseated. An Enquirer reading material kind of day...all I can handle. Maybe dig a ffew dirt holes for my plants...Maybe we can toss our sibling IT's in..

Gosh, I wish I could make IT and IT's cronies go away for you...I have a prayer...

I can give you home remedies. ideas...Ice packs on the jaw? Clove oil to numb it up inside?

Head hugs, head massage...

Maybe a bit of tiger balm or eucalyptus menthol cream along the jaw and around the base of the ear at the skull...and the back or your neck...?

Hope you are symptom free by night fall..
Love,
Oluwa

laurid8967 · Posted: Tue Jul 01, 2008 7:28 am Post subject:

Hey Rob -
I am so sorry to hear your feeling like "junk". I do not have MS as well as lupus, but suffer from alot of neuro symptoms and they really really stink. I feel really bad you have to battle both diseases at once - the burning sharp pain of MS and the throbbing swelling of lupus....Special prayers for you today...
Its too bad I didnt know in time - Im in Boston, I could have done the 3 hour drive to Maine to give you one of Oluwa's head hugs..lol.
I am a faithful fan of Exedrin...it helps with my neuro symptoms the best (besides any narcotics) - plus it has the caffiene in it to help with fatigue.
But, as Im sure you know, the only real help for the neuro pain is narcotics. Maybe you can take them after a good boost of espresso so you dont get so tired from them....I wish I had more to offer...
I hope your company isnt too demanding on you...that would double stink...Take care of yourself, Rob, and keep us posted...
Lauri
_________________
God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change,
The courage to change the things I can,
And the wisdom to know the difference...

hatlady · Tiger Joined: 16 Oct 2004 Posts: 864 Location: Illinois

Oh Rob, I'm so sorry to hear things are mserable for you right now!

My SO has MS, so we're a real pair.... through her I understand some of the issues you're having right now. The pins and needles, the HEAT - I'll come home to find her with an icepack on her head, or draped around her neck. She tells me that you can buy ice-VESTS that many MS patients wear on warmer days.

For the earache, have you tried gentle warmth? It may relax the TMJ muscle spasm and give you some relief. Another thing that helps when mine flares is swabbing my ear (GENTLY!) with a q-tip that has been dipped in Tea Tree oil. The menthol aspect seems to ease the ache.

Do you wear a bite guard at night? I've used one for at least 20 years now, have chewed through several. THank heaven the acrylic/plastic/whatever it is they're using now is stronger, this one has lasted about 5 years. Used to be 1 a year.... That made a juge difference with my TMJ.

Gentle gentle hugs, friend. May the symptoms ease before your friend arrives!
_________________
~"I find hope in the darkest of days, and focus in the brightest. I do not judge the universe." (Dalai Lama)

Saysusie · Posted: Tue Jul 01, 2008 10:55 am Post subject:

Rob;
I am so very sorry to hear that you are not doing well. I, too, suffer with TMJ Crying or Very sad

The advice that I was going to give you about the TMJ has already been given (Tea Tree Oil). In fact, I warm the tea tree oil before I swab it in my ear. I soothes the pain somewhat. Also, I wear a bite guard at night (in fact, I think that you made that suggestion to me) and it has really been helpful. On days when I am staying at home, I wear the bite guard all day long.
I agree with Oluwa about the brain fog and your inability to sleep. Rob, I do hope that you are able to get some rest, get some relief from pain, and be able to enjoy your visit with your best friend.

#Sniper

DOWN WITH IT!!!!

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

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

Rob,

Count me in on the fight against IT as well. We are here with you to make sure IT doesn't win. Hang in there buddy!

rob · Bear Joined: 12 Feb 2008 Posts: 673 Location: Maine

Hi everyone,

Well, I got ahold of my regular MD Dr. today, and got to go see him on very short notice. Why did I go to the Dr? I went because I stubbed my toe walking in the kitchen, fell, and hit my head on the counter on the way down. My toe looks like, well, I don't know. It looks bad, all purple, swollen. Had an X-ray, it's not broken. I've broken that same toe twice before, so I'm happy its only sprained/bruised. My noggin took half a dozen stiches I think, I haven't attempted to change the dressing or look at it yet. NO concussion, or anything else, so that was a relief. What a day. I'm just sitting here laughing about it now. He gave me darvocet and refill of the diazepam to sleep. I'm going to re-read the comments and tips you guys have given tomorrow, right now everything is kinda floaty fuzzy feeling. Took the darvocet with food, and it's putting me into LA-LA Land. I'll be on in the AM to see what's going on with you guys. Goodnight all.

Rob
_________________
No More Turning Away, From the Weak and the Weary.
No More Turning Away From the Coldness Inside.
Just a World that We All Must Share.
It's Not Enough Just to Stand and Stare.
Is It Only A Dream That There'll be,
No More Turning Away?-D. Gilmour

laurid8967 · Posted: Tue Jul 01, 2008 8:01 pm Post subject:

Oh Rob All thats going through my mind is "when it rains it pours..." You poor SOB!! Is there someone there that can help you with things tomorrow?
You are on the top of my prayer list tonight...Hope when you read this, you will have had a nice nights sleep...
Lauri
_________________
God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change,
The courage to change the things I can,
And the wisdom to know the difference...

KathyW1958 · Tiger Joined: 12 Jun 2008 Posts: 810

Hi Rob
Oh boy I feel bad for you. I am glad that you did not break your toe and that there is no concusssion. It seems like yesterday was a totally bad day for you and I hope that today goes a lot better for you. I hope that you feel better today.

Kathy
_________________
Lupus for many years. Like most of my life. Sjogrens that started at 35 and Scoliosis, Spinal Stenosis, Degenerative Disc Disease, Osteo-Arthritis of the spine, Ankylosing Spondilitis, Periferal Neuropathy, mild CP and now just recently diagnosed with PA. I had a disc replaced in December of 2007.

Medications:
Plaquenil, Sulindac, Imuran, Celiac diet, Tramadol and B12 shot once a month.

Saysusie · Posted: Wed Jul 02, 2008 7:29 am Post subject:

He Rob;
Still floating in that LA-LA

I was glad to hear that you were laughing at the event because (I'm sorry to admit this), I kinda chuckled when I read it Cool

It read like a scene from a comedy movie. We can only laugh at it because you were not seriously hurt (Thank Goodness For That!).
So, purple toes and banged up head.....all in one fell swoop. Poor 'Ting...here's me kissing da boo boos! Please get better and please take care of yourself.

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

Oluwa · Posted: Wed Jul 02, 2008 9:02 am Post subject:

Ouchie...Oh heavens, Rob...lumps, bumps, needles and thread...trying to fight with IT or what...Oliver and Stan...which one is IT? I can imagine the domino play out...

Well, if that didn't put your TMJ on the back burner, fuggetin' about it...how are you feeling otherwise...

I've mentioned how a stubbed toe can turn our world upside down..I do hope you are right side up..hugs...

Chuckle...love,
Oluwa

rob · Bear Joined: 12 Feb 2008 Posts: 673 Location: Maine

Hi everyone,

Well, what can I say, yesterday was just one of those days I guess. Still feeling a little scatter brained today. Toe looks like a purple tootsie roll. They did indeed put 6 stitches in the cut on my forehead. After I had my failed attempt at kitchen acrobatics, the pain in my ear/ribs/skin all got bumped way down the list, and my head took the pole position with Mr. Toe in a very close second place. I'd say I feel like I've been run over by a truck, but I've actually been run over by a truck, and it didn't hurt as much! Anyway, my dad is helping me for the next few days. He's picking up my buddy at the airport this afternoon. Ok, so, some of your questipons. I do have a mouthpiece I have been wearing at night. It helps, but the tjmj pops out while I'm eating, and then it can't get it to go back where it was. Can't chew food when that happens. It's a heck of a way to lose a few pounds, maybe I should patent it, Hmmmm. Where do I find the Tea Tree Oil? I'm not sure where to get oil of cloves either. I know the cloves are really effective when used on sensitive teeth. The dentist put a little thing in one of my molars once and put a temp filling over it, and that tooth felt great almost immediately. Magic stuff. The drugs I'm on for lupus are just naproxen for inflammation, and Plaquenil 200mg one in the morning, one at night. Right now, pain isn't an issue as the darvocet seem to dull everything down to a tolerable level. Don't like the spaced out feeling, but thats minor. I didn't get a chance to thank all of you for your prayers, words of encouragment, and helping to keep my spirits up. Thank you all. I had something happen today that kinda made me get a lump in my throat. Myself, my parents, and sisters families were all going out on our boat so see the fireworks over the marina on the 4th. Well, my mother an oldest sis called me today and asked if I wanted to have everyone come to my house on the 4th instead. That way if I'm not feeling well I can just go lay down for a bit, instead of being on the boat. So, I said yes, and all I have to do is get out a few extra chairs. they are bringing a grill, burgers beer, everything. I think they are understanding that I sometimes have limitations, and they didn't want me to be left out in case I wasn't up for the boat. We'll still see fireworks, just from a distance in my back yard. I hope I can find the words to tell them how much their gesture means to me. It's really something for them to understand. Anyway, gotta go lay down and put the cold pack on my noggin. I hope all is well with you guys. I'll talk to you later.

Rob
PS- My Dad laughed his butt off after I told him what happened yesterday!
_________________
No More Turning Away, From the Weak and the Weary.
No More Turning Away From the Coldness Inside.
Just a World that We All Must Share.
It's Not Enough Just to Stand and Stare.
Is It Only A Dream That There'll be,
No More Turning Away?-D. Gilmour

Oluwa · Posted: Wed Jul 02, 2008 1:02 pm Post subject:

Rob,

I got all choked, tight throat, tight skin and misty eyed too...I am so glad you family is there for you..so glad...

A tight hug will say it all for you...the love will flow between you two like electricity...

Head hug..oops, waist hug...
Love,
Oluwa

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

See Rob a little sunshine does come after the rain, and when it rains in your area it pours (that was some type of fall, glad you are able to laugh about it and you weren't hurt too bad). Then comes the sunshine, a loving and understanding family, that put a lump in my throat as well. Sounds like your holiday is already off to a good start. Enjoy and be safe.