The 'Ole Switcharoo

Today was a follow-up with my neurologist about these new symptoms. For those who aren't aware, I have been having entire body aches and pains, constant vertigo, and annoying nausea. I have a small notebook I keep in my purse that I write down how many hours I leave work, my medications list with prices, symptoms, and notes for what to research or do for the future.

I did an EMG on my right wrist and left leg because of my "pins and needles" problems in all extremities, which resulted in a diagnosis of carpal tunnel in both wrists. So now I have pretty wristbands to wear when I sleep to help reduce those symptoms. Don't worry, I'll keep writing!

Sometimes it takes all your energy not to cry when you explain what's going on with your doctor. I don't know why, but it happens. As I fought back some emotion, I asked to rule out some common auto-immune disorders such as MS, lupus, fibromyalgia, and rheumatoid arthritis. My doctor immediately dismissed MS, which is a HUGE relief. She decided to dismiss lupus as well due to my recent blood work, and I agreed. The two that we are now going to investigate are fibro and RA. I've got some more blood to take and hopefully either an answer or clarification. She did seem like a myalgia would be possible, but since my aunt has RA, she wanted to completely be sure I don't have that.

Since my vertigo has been increasing and constant, she made a referral to a physical therapist in a nearby hospital. They will be working on my ears, which is the powerhouse to your balance. I've had problems with my ears before so it seems like a good idea. Plus, it might help before I go to Mayo in August.

We also discussed disability, and she was very open and honest with me. At this time, she didn't believe my case would be approved and she wants to help me stay that way. One thing I truly love about my doctor is she listens and understands what you are saying. I explained I WANT to keep working and eventually advance in my career. Hopefully all the testing I'll be going through for the next couple months will get a final diagnosis completed with a treatment plan in time for grad classes to resume in the fall.

The ole switcharoo that I'm talking about is my medications. We discontinued one and will be trying another. Luckily the office had several samples and a free trial coupon to use before I have to start paying for it. That's what I love about my doctor's office: they normally give the samples to help take the stress off paying for a fully script that might cause a reaction.

It's now raining, which I used to love. I began writing a poem that I'm working on structuring to share soon. It's amazing what can give you inspiration. After writing, I started to feel better about my pain and outlook for the future. It's going to be a rough summer, but I'm strong enough to handle it. I'll be with my family next week to celebrate my father's retirement so it'll be nice to have that time.

Risky Business

Each time you try a new treatment you take a risk. How do you initiate a discussion with your doctor so you can make an educated decision about trying it as a team?

When my doctor and I first discussed Botox, I thought what most people thought: oh great my face is going to be frozen and crazy looking. Then we did our research. Not only is the toxin completely different than the cosmetic Botox, but they way they administer it is different as well. Botox is injected in the areas that are most affected by migraines: the forehead, temples, back of the head, and side of the neck. Basically, it gives those muscles a breather while your other muscles take over. 

When talking about a new treatment, I am open and honest with my doctor. I express all fears, doubts, and hopes. You don't want to get set up with thinking it's going to be a miracle and you don't want to make doubts without even trying. If the risks sound too harsh, then take some time to think before trying. Sometimes the side effects of the medications/treatments are worse than the symptoms themselves (ex: Topamax). 

Your doctor wants to help you, which is why they suggest different treatments. No migraineur is the same so no treatment is exactly the same. Be open and honest and don't be afraid to ask questions. It's your body.

I'm an Electronic Device

It seems we have many ways to express what's going on with our bodies. A common way is to share The Spoon Theory (such a great reference). For me, I find that I lose spoons and gain one or two when I sleep, or recharge my batteries. Check this out:

In the morning, it takes me several snoozes too finally get up. I'm rebooting for the day as a computer would. When getting out of bed, I need to wait a couple more seconds because I'm not quite fully running yet. My body does a check to get all programs running. After the morning bathroom trip, breakfast, and taking the dog out,  I am mentally and physically booted to put my mask on. Just like a cell phone cover, it fits like a glove (though some days I have to squeeze a little more lol). My face, hair, and attire make me appear normal though my hardware underneath says otherwise.

During the commute, I'm catching up on news and music, which can be looked at as downloading updates to software. I finally reach my cubicle and the real work begins.

Throughout the day, I need small breaks just like your computer freezes up when you're doing too much at one time. Some parts of my system need to stop working to focus on another. Too much work at one time can crash an entire system. So take it easy, spoonie. Your system is more vulnerable than others.

In the afternoon, My battery always seems pretty low. I assume it's blood sugar so I have a snack and take a breather. There are some days when it seems you've contracted a complicated virus and need to go home to repair and reboot. There are days when you know what caused the virus and others that leave you clueless.

Bottom line: you know your own machine better than anyone else. So keep that anti virus up to date (doctor check ups and treatments) and know when to repair and reboot.

An Apple A Day Keeps The Doctor...Happy

We all know the phrase: an apple a day keeps the doctor away, but what does it mean? How can apples be so beneficial that we don't have to see the doctor anymore? Not only are they diverse and delicious, but they have so many vitamins and nutrients.

1. Biting and chewing apples stimulates the production of saliva, which reduces tooth decay. Even though apples are acidic, they offer cleansing and brightening qualities. The fiber rich peel assists the acid for a winning smile. Although apples are great for teeth, don't forget to brush! That acid and sugars need to be cleaned off.

2. A new study shows that drinking apple juice could keep Alzheimer's away and fight the effects of aging on the brain. Apples also protect you from Parkinson's disease and certain cancers.

3. Eating an apple a day as an in between meal snack is also a way to control hunger. The large amount of fiber takes a long time to digest so a person feels fuller longer. So you won't grab that piece of afternoon candy and you're waistline will thank you.

4. Women who war at least one apple a day are 28% less likely to develop type 2 diabetes than those who don't eat apples. Apples have tons of soluble fiber which helps control blood sugar swings. As a hypoglycemic, I enjoy this benefit a lot!

5. Just like the red in a red delicious, your red heart loves apples too. The soluble fiber binds with fats in the intestines to lower cholesterol levels and slow the build up of cholesterol in arteries. 

6. The fiber in apples help your digestion system by reducing diarrhea and constipation. By staying away from dairy (which is part of the headache diet) and fatty foods, you can reduce irritable bowel syndrome and hemorrhoids. 

The list goes on and on and on. The great thing about apples is you can cook them or eat them alone. I enjoy dipping mine in caramel or cooking slices with cinnamon for extra flavor. How do you enjoy apples? 

Water water water

It seems every doctor's appointment I hear the same thing: you need to drink more water. We always feel we drink enough, but our body obviously needs more when we have a migraine attack. The recommended amount is eight glasses per day (and then you go to the restroom fifty times a day).
Here are some benefits of maintaining hydrated:
1. Drinking water helps maintain the balance of body fluids - Your body is 60% water and needs a good flow to take care of digestion, maintaining body temperature, creating saliva to breakdown foods, absorption, circulation, and others. When you feel thirsty, you already don't have enough water in your system. It's your body's way of reminding you to hydrate.

2. Water can help control calories - When you're trying to lose weight, one of the first things you are told is drunk more water. It doesn't have any calories and can be substituted for a high calorie drink. In your mind, you associate water with healthy living so you tend to eat healthier when you drink more water. Drinking a full glass of water before a meal also helps your portion control. You will feel fuller, quicker.

3. Water flushes out the "bad stuff" - When you feel sick, drinking water can help flush out your system. Toxins are transported out of the body quicker through your kidneys. The clearer your pee, the better your kidneys are.

4. Water helps your skin - Dehydration makes skin look dry and crackled. When you are properly hydrated, your skin is softer. By using a moisturizer as well, you can keep your skin looking flawless.

5. Water helps maintain bowel function - With chronic migraine, certain medications can cause constipation. By increasing your water intake, you can keep your digestive system in check. My doctor recommended that I drink 3 liters of fluid a day to help prevent constipation.

Great sources of water include fruit, drinks, and water itself. No matter how to take it in, make sure you're taking in enough!