Medications are making me SO sick
#274332 - 07/17/06 08:54 AM
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michele
Reged: 06/02/03
Posts: 6886
Loc: southeastern michigan
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Ack. I thought I was going to be ok. I've had a terrible headache since last Monday but thought it might be stress or hormones but, its getting worse. I had to close all the curtains in the house yesterday because the light was hurting. I'm SO nauseous, I'm taking Zofran (an anti-nausea medication) every 6 hours but have still thrown up twice. My tummy is in such a tizzy. I'm eating pretty much only bagels and toast right now. Its an awful feeling, I'm SO hungry from the steroids but SO nauseous and sick from the Imuran and high dose Enbrel. I've had the worse tummy cramps and bouts of C and D. I'm so very weak. I'm dizzy and my ears are ringing. I just want to curl up in bed with my "boys" and heating pad. I can't believe I'm at work. I wish I had the option of taking some time off but if I'm not here, I have to close the office.
Oliver is still having potty accidents. I took him out when I arrived at work as he seems to potty outside as opposed to potty on the papers. He didn't go so I waited half an hour and took him out again, nothing. Ok, so I waited 10 minutes and took him to the papers in the back, nothing. Not 2 minutes later, he peed on the carpet at work!  He really is a good puppy, he's just a PUPPY and I got spoiled with Harley. Harley was such a good puppy and didn't have any problems training him. Oliver is in his create napping right now. Harley is curled up under my desk, napping. I would give my eye teeth for a nap right now.....
I've also got a routine dental appt tomorrow. I haven't had my teeth cleaned in about a year, gross, I know. I was so busy with all the fertility stuff last summer, then was pregnant, then the Ra and I just haven't been. I HATE going and its before work so I can't take too many pills because I have to come to work and function afterwards. I was thinking about resheduling but it really needs to be done.
Then, we made plans for this weekend. Actually, we made the plans 3 months ago. My husband LOVES beer! There is the Michigan Brewers Guild coming to a Town about 45 minutes from here next weekend. We went a few years ago and really had a great time, even though I don't like beer. We made plans to go with my friend and her boyfriend. We have a Taxi reserved and a hotel room so we don't have to worry about anything after drinking all day. Its an outdoor festival and they have bands and such. I'm really worried about how I'm going to feel. I don't feel like I can say I'm too sick to go because its the ONLY thing we have planned this summer and WIll has been so looking forward to it. Obviously, if I'm not feeling well, I won't drink but having to be outside all day and walking around and everything. Its just going to be a lot. I'm prepared to pop a few extra pills to get through the day but I guess I'm just angry that I can't even have ONE day of fun. I'm going to smile and put on a happy face for Wills sake. I guess if I'm over in the bushes puking no one will think much of it since it is a beer festival and I'm sure there will be lots of drunk people!  
Just venting I suppose. Could use some love and some hugs if you can spare'm.
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Taking it one day at a time.....
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*hugs*
#274335 - 07/17/06 09:26 AM
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atomic rose
Reged: 06/01/04
Posts: 7013
Loc: Maine (IBS-A stable since July '05!)
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You poor thing! I can't believe you're at work either. You have dedication that I definitely don't have, because I'd have just closed the office and gone home. LOL
It sounds like the medications are giving you a migraine on top of everything else. Did the doctors warn you about all of this? Is this normal, or could it be that you're having reactions to one or the combination of them all?
I don't blame you for being angry about not being able to have even a day of fun - ugh. Just remember to sip water *constantly* when you're out there, so you don't get dehydrated walking around. I'll keep my fingers crossed that you actually DO feel better by then, and it's not the miserable experience that you're afraid it might be.
Poor thing. I wish I really had some words of comfort or advice or something, but all I can really do is give you cheesy virtual hugs. So *HUGS*!
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hi michele...
So sorry you are feeling so terrible. {{{{hugs}}}}} It sucks when we don't feel good and there are things we have to do and places we have to be. Just hang in there. I know it's easier said than done. My acupuncturist taught me a breathing technique the other day that might help you somewhat. If you can lay down do this laying down, if not sit comfortably with good posture. With your palms up, place your thumbs across your palms and close your fingers over your thumbs. He said this closes off your energy. Then close your eyes. Take a deep breath from your diaphram (belly). Imagine you are breathing in beautiful bright white or silver and then exhale through your mouth and imagine it comming out gray. Do this three or four times and it relaxes you.
Hope this helps.
That's great that you get to have your dogs at work. They will provide some comfort, too.
I know how you feel about the dentist. I hate it, too. I'm not as bad as I used to be about it. I've gotten better.
Take care! Breathe, Relax. {{{{hugs}}}}
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Hi Michele,
I'm sorry to hear that the medications are making you sick, that's terrible!
Sending positive thoughts.
Jenn
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Re: *hugs*
#274348 - 07/17/06 11:02 AM
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michele
Reged: 06/02/03
Posts: 6886
Loc: southeastern michigan
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Thanks Casey. Yes, the rheumy warned me the high doses may make me sick. It took a week or two before it happened and I thought I just might get lucky and be spared but...I was wrong! The prednisone (steroids) are making me feel hungry and is probably causing the weakness but the Imuran is making me feel not hungry and nausous. I'm pretty sure its the Enbrel giving me the headaches but I guess I don't know for sure. I see her again next Tuesday and will talk to her about it. It just doesn't seem fair that I either have to be in pain from the RA or sick from the drugs to treat it!
I, too, am hoping to actually feel better for the weekend. I've been sick for so long, I forget what its like to have fun! Thanks for the hugs!
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Taking it one day at a time.....
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Taking it one day at a time.....
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Thanks Nuggs! I will try the breathing technique once the boys go down for there nap again!
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Taking it one day at a time.....
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{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{HUUUUUGS}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}
You don't need no stinkin beer. *commiserate* on the faking it for the hubby. I feel for you!! Grit your teeth and give it the old outward smile thing. We're all there with you!!!
I say call in a bomb threat and close the office. Declare a Doggy Emergency, if need be. Hey, dogs are great for that.
~nelly~ 
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First, you need to stop over-loading your head. You do what you can do. Not sure what type of bowel disorder you have. Can you call/see your GI doc prior to vaca? Good luck!
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poor Michele
#274383 - 07/17/06 02:42 PM
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cailin
Reged: 08/12/04
Posts: 3563
Loc: Dublin, Ireland
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..you poor sweetie. I hope your meds are helping some part of you at least.
Sending you lots of get well wishes before the weekend. You know I find that sometimes if I am ill leading up to a big event (with me that usually means a wedding!) that adrenalin kicks in and gets me through it. My IBS was horrible early last week, by Friday I was eating fast food and Saturday I was able to toast the happy couple with alcoholic drinks. Things just work out like that sometimes. Fingers crossed for you, you deserve some fun!
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S.
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Aww, sweetie. I'm so sorry you're not feeling well. Does ginger work for you? Slice a few pieces and steep in boiling water. Sip slowly. Also, try nibbling on soda crackers constantly throughout the day. I always found that an empty stomach was more nauseous.
As for the beer weekend, give it a try. There's nothing saying that you can't grab your own cab and go back to the hotel early to rest, or to have a rest and come back and meet them later. Do your best, but also, there's nothing wrong knowing when to call it quits.
Hang in there, girl!
Love ya bunches,
A.
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Formerly HanSolo. IBS, OCD, Bipolar, PTSD times 3.
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You poor darlin'. Hang in there. I don't think that most people could put up with as much as you have.
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If you're not dead, you've still got time.
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It's just NOT FAIR!! That's all I can say - you're so fantastic and you so do NOT deserve all these yucky illnesses and drug side effects.  
No advice, as no-one knows better than you what you can/can't/should/shouldn't do, etc, but sending you millions of hugs and all the love I have - 'cause it sounds like you really need it! [[[[BIG HUGS]]]]
Wish I could do something to help darlin!! Can I just ask something? From the way you've started talking the last few weeks I get the impression you're worried about how Will's coping with all this? I know I'm not a long-timer on here, but even since I've been around you seem to have changed how you've talked about him. Hope that makes sense?! And hope I'm wrong anyway!
Keep fighting, things HAVE to get better...
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http://ibsblondie13.blogspot.com/
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*HUG*
#274486 - 07/18/06 06:58 AM
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khyricat
Reged: 08/05/04
Posts: 3612
Loc: Michigan
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Michelle- if its that bad- call the doc, they may be able to adjust things a bit to help... good luck!
and have fun at the festival- that sounds interesting...
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Dietetics Student (anticipating RD exam in Aug 2010)
IBS - A
Dairy Allergic
Fructose and MSG intollerant
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Oh Michele
#274494 - 07/18/06 07:58 AM
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Janey
Reged: 10/25/03
Posts: 1716
Loc: Maryland
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I am so sorry that you are feeling sick from your meds. I was really hoping that you could skip that part and just feel good from them.
I'm sending you lots of love and hugs. I hope that you are feeling better for the weekend. The things we do for our hubbys. At least you still have your sense of humor. Barfing in the bushes won't even be noticed at a beer festival, LOL! I sure hope you don't get to that point though.
Love,
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Janey
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Thanks Blondie. Yes, I am concerned about how WIll is handling all this. His mother died of breast cancer, a slow, painful death, when Will was 12. He never dealt with it, he used to have anger issues but after spending some time in the military, he mellowed a bit.
His way of dealing with illness is by ignoring it and it'll go away. The kind of putting your hands over your ears and going lalalalalala, if you know what I mean. He has thrown himself into his work and has been drinking more than he should. The drinking isn't to the point of needing intervention or anything and he doesn't get mean or anything, in fact, just the opposite! He gets all slobbery, mushy after he has had a few drinks! 
He understands the severity of my illness but does not want to attend any doctors appts-says he doesn't want to take the time off. Ok, I'm a big girl, I can d\go to appts by myself. He is pretty good (for a guy!) at helping out when I'm too sick to cook and stuff. He lets me be when I just want to lay on the couch and asks me if he can get me anything.
I feel guilty for being sick. I know I shouldn't but I do. I feel like I'm holding him back and he should be having fun instead of worrying about me and how sick I am. I feel bad because I never feel well enough to go out or have as many porch parties as we used to in the summer. Thats why, on the rare occasion when we do make some sort of plans, I feel so obligated. I've asked him to go and talk to my shrink about it all and he says he is too busy and its too far (35 minutes) and there is always an excuse. I don't want to pressure him but it has affected our relationship. I feel bad because I'm always to sick to have sex and I don't keep the house as clean as I used to, etc, etc. Its all I can do though to work full time, there's just nothing left. So, yes, I am worried about Will and our relationship. I haven't talked to Will as much as I should about it because, frankly, I don't have the energy and can't hold a thought long enough to have such a meaningful conversation. I know he isn't seeing anyone else and he still says he loves me and I'm pretty sure we will work things out as long as I can get healthy. 
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Taking it one day at a time.....
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Re: Oh Michele
#274501 - 07/18/06 08:23 AM
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michele
Reged: 06/02/03
Posts: 6886
Loc: southeastern michigan
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Thanks Janey! I was also hoping to skip the sick from the medications thing but the rheumy warned me. I obviously need the higher doses because even still, I'm having problems with the Uveitis (swelling and redness in my eyes) I had to use the steroid eye drops this am and the eye specialist said to use them as little as possible because they are damaging my cornea's.
The dentist did say I also had some inflammation in my jaw joint and me grinding my teeth from the pain all the time isn't helping so he is going to make me a bit splint. The dentist said he didn't see any erosion's in my teeth or anything from the barfing, so thats good!
I, too, hope it doesn't come to barfing in the bushes this weekend!!  But, as I said, its a beer fest so no one will probably give it a second thought! I'll be sure to take extra anti-nausea medication and drink lots of fluid. I'll have to find some safe snacks to take as I'm sure all they will have is beer and burgers! That wouldn't settle well on a good day let alone with the way I've been feeling! I figure if I take an extra Vicodin, I'll be a little loopy and will blend right in with all the drunk people! The things we do for love!
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Taking it one day at a time.....
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Re: *HUG*
#274502 - 07/18/06 08:26 AM
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michele
Reged: 06/02/03
Posts: 6886
Loc: southeastern michigan
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I see the rheumy next week but she warned me I would probably get sick. I'm still having issues with my eyes so can't back off the higher doses right now as the only other treatment for my eyes are steroid eye drops and I've been using them for so long that they are damaging my cornea's. The only way to fix the damage is by cornea's transplants so we need to prevent any further damage as I definitely don't want to be faced with that type of surgery!
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Thanks hohoyumyum. Unfortunately, there isn't much choice is dealing with all this . I've considered the alternative and although that would be much easier on me, I don't feel that I could do that to my friends and family. I guess you never know just how much you can take until you are forced into dealing with it.
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Thanks Hansolo! My new best friend is Nilla Crackers! I snack on them when I can't eat and it at least helps keep the acid and stuff down.
I'm going to try my hardest to have fun this weekend, I need it, I really do! I know I'll pay for it for a few days afterwards but sometimes you just gotta do it!
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Taking it one day at a time.....
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Thanks Cailin! I hope your right! I'm sure part of it is just being worried about being sick as we all know how stress effects us! They usually have some big tents up and bands playing so if nothing else, I can be the blanket watcher and hang out under the tent if the sun/crowds/beer/activity/whatever-gets to be too much!
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Taking it one day at a time.....
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Don't try too hard. Just relax and take things as they come. I'm sure you'll find something to eat - or you can pack a fanny pack or your purse with a few safe snackies to tide you over.
Remember the point is to RELAX!!!! Take it as an opportunity to feel BETTER not worse. Have a positive attitude. You may just find that if you relax, you'll do a lot better!
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Formerly HanSolo. IBS, OCD, Bipolar, PTSD times 3.
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Oh Michelle!! Just when we thought the going was good!! I really hope you make it through these side affects!!
((((((((((((((HUGS))))))))))))))))
Cassandra
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Cassandra
Live like there's no tomorrow. Love like you've never loved before.
IBS A 20+ years, Chronic Migraines, Chiari Malformation (decompressed June 22, 2010), Brachial Neuritis, and ??? the list just keeps growing, but I'm still shiny side up!
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Michele
#274700 - 07/19/06 07:11 AM
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BL
Reged: 06/01/03
Posts: 3522
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I'm sorry you're having such a hard time with the medicines. Hopefully, your body will adjust to them soon. I hope you feel better soon! Big hugs ((( )))))
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The dogs have been playing smack down since 4 am!!! After they woke me up, I throw up and had D! I tried to lay back down but the dogs wouldn't let me sleep so I just laid there with the garbage can next to me and the heating pad on. I'm feeling a little better now which is good because I'm at work! I see the rheumy again next Tuesday so we will see what she says! In the meantime, I'm down another pound despite being on the steroids!
I'll try to post some pictures of the puppies later on this afternoon, after my boss leaves!
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Taking it one day at a time.....
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