Fireworks in my body; feeling sorry for myself...

[Fluffysmom]

I had plans to go to a fun 4th of July party up in the Vancouver area, though I've been very fatigued and other issues.  I woke up this morning, determined to have a great day, took my 200 mg. of Provigil (not many left), showered, planned on making a salad to take and having a great day.

Unfortunately, my right forearm pain has gotten MUCH worse; last night electric jolts of pain kept waking me up.  I was determined, but before long, my roommate noticed that I would most likely not be going to the party.  I'm having trouble walking; part fatigue and part my left knee pain has also gotten much worse over the last couple days. I feel weak, too.  I turn kind of pale when I'm not well, and my roomie is starting to recognize the signs.  She's very empathetic.  

I sent a picture of an osprey family that I took in Florida to the hostess; she works at the zoo and loves birds.  My roommate took me to Whole Foods to make sure I'd have something for dinner, and made the salad that I'd planned on making.  I did show her the best way to cut the basil, but my arm keeps stinging me.  I tasted the salad, and it did turn out yummy.  I hope they're enjoying it at the party.

I shouldn't be typing, but I feel lonely and it always makes me feel better to talk to my forum family.  I know that even if you're all busy, someone will hear me eventually.

I'm wondering if it would be OK to take one of the Tegretol that I have for Trigeminal Neuralgia if my arm keeps me from sleeping again tonight?

Speaking of TN, I'm going to see my dentist on Monday, as I'm now having pain on the right side, upper jaw.  My TN is on my  left upper jaw.  I'm so hoping that this is just a cracked filling or something simple!

I also see my rheumatologist on Monday to follow-up on some tests; hope he has some ideas about my various symptoms and issues.

My oto-neurologist cc'd me a letter he wrote to my PCP, and said that he was taking over my neurological issues since I'm no longer seeing Dr. Y. (MS specialist).  Didn't discuss that with me, oh well.  I don't think he's the one to call about my arm pain; will call PCP between appointments on Monday.  I don't think I can see my new MS specialist before my new-patient appt. in Sept, lol!

OK, I'll quit now.  Maybe watch fireworks on TV.  Its only 7 pm here, and sunset isn't until 9, so it will be a while. I'll check back in later and see who's around.

Thanks for listening.

Hugs,

Kathy

[Lulu54]

Hi Kathy,
Be sure to watch the NYC Macy's fireworks ... they were sure spectacular. Since I am in the eastern time zone I already watched them.

I'm sorry you are home alone - please try not to be so blue.  At leasst try to throw in some red and white and make it patriotic.  

We had cra ppy weather here - cold, drizzling rain and we called it a day at the lake and came home early to watch the fireworks on tv.  I guess we're old!

happy 4th!
Lulu

[rendean]

Hi,
I'm sorry you are in such misery on such a celebratory day. As for your Tegretol, that is one of the meds I take for my neuropathic pain. I take it daily for paraesthias and other limb pain. It might be just the thing to help you sleep tonight but I was under the impression you needed to have a steady blood level of it to be effective , although I may be wrong.

Either way, I hope you find some relief soon and get some rest this evening.

Hugs,
Ren

[Sarahsmom46]

What a bummer that this had to happen today of all days.  Don't feel alone though as I had to bow out of my plans as well.  Too much fatigue.  I got to hear the fireworks though.  

I hope your appointments go well on Monday.  Rest well tomorrow and hopefully the pain will be gone by Monday.

Julie

[Lulu54]

Wow Kathy, there sure is enough of us at home tonight.  Julie has the capital fireworks in her backyard and missed those (sorry Julie!).
L

[rendean]

I agree with Laura, you are in good company. I , too, had to bow out of the festivities due to a flare of my bone pain in my legs.

Hang in there! We're with you in spirit.

Ren

[goofysmom1]

I feel for you!  I too am home tonight.  Mostly because we have dogs who don't like fireworks, so we stay home to make sure they aren't too anxious.  

But, even without the "dog excuse" - I don't know that I would have gone anywhere anyway.  I spent 3 hours out in the yard this morning and the heat wore me out.  It was the first time that I have seen a really noticeable correlation to the heat & my symptoms.  I usually experience the "hot prickles" on my face (where I have the numbness) when I am overheated, plus the fatigue and weakness.

But today after being out in the heat for awhile, I went to dump the wheelbarrow and realized that I was walking like a drunk person - at least that is how it seemed to me.  My balance issues are very slight so far, mostly I notice that I take a step back to catch myself - so to feel like I was walking like a drunk person was really odd.

Like LuLu said - stay in where you are comfy and watch the grand fireworks on TV - sounds good to me!!!  No crowds and a perfect view!!  :)

Hope you feel better,
Chrisy

[Fluffysmom]

Wow, I'm surprised at how many of you responded; thank you so much!

Lulu, sorry about the lousy weather.  I think coming in out of the rain is a sign of good sense, not being old!

I had some red watermelon and then white frozen yogurt to go with my blues; very patriotic and therapeutic.

I'd better turn on the TV and see when the fireworks will be shown, and on what channel.

Ren, when my PCP gave me the Tegretol, she gave me a lab slip to get my blood tested after a week, but two days was enough to calm my TN down.  My PCP was glad that the TN had calmed down so quickly, but that it could show up again, last different lengths of time, etc.  My lab slip is good for 6 months.

I take Lyrica for every-day nerve pain and RLS, but needed something more for the TN.
I'm sorry about the bone pain keeping you in, but glad you're taking it easy and could drop me a line.

Julie, fatigue is the pits, isn't it?  I hope yours lifts soon.  Wow, to be so close to the capital fireworks and only get to hear the BOOMS.  

Chrisy, just riding along to the store in that heat, getting in and out of the car was enough to remind me how much less tolerance to heat I have than I did before, and what really decided me against going to the party.  Most of it would be out-of-doors.   Just going out to water a couple plants was more than enough time in the yard for me!  

My dizziness has been improving a lot, but today was a day for dropping things and running into things.  

I'll take it easy, take 100 mg. of Tegretol if my pain is bad tonight, watch some fireworks on TV, then snuggle up with Fluffy.  Luckily, the fireworks don't bother him too much, but he does like to be close to me.

Thanks to all for your kindness and comforting words.

Hugs to all,

Kathy

[Becky559]

Sorry you didnt feel like getting out tonite. I also spent the nite with my dog. I have been having really bad neuro pain in my leg and arm. It is so hard to sleep with all the electrical work going on in your body. Sometimes it feels like a circus crew moved into my body and the rides never stop.
I hope you sleep good tonight,
Becky

[Guitar_grrrl]

Geez, I'm so sorry you feel so yucky!  Sending "feel better" wishes.  Anything with fresh basil grabs my attention - wished I could have tried your salad!

I'll play a tune for you, tonight.
Sleep well,
Guitar_grrrl

[LLWB]

So sorry you are in today, but me too. I did go out to my pool for a few hrs today, sunned in the 99* heat, and swam and floated. Then napped, LOL. BBQ'd a steak, and made potato salad. Guess we're all getting too old to stay up late for things like fireworks and new year's eve. I am anyway. Hope your rheumie can help you Monday. Take care

Maggie

[Charley123]

I too was not able to go out and feel so lousy lately that I've spent too many days on the couch.  So, I feel for all of you who feel stranded and lonely by MS symptoms.  When I think of all that I can't do I think of this group and am reminded that I am truly not alone.  It's been an amazing thing in my life to have found a group of people who understand the frustrations of this disease and who are willing, despite how they are feeling, to be so encouraging to others.  
I know what you mean about basil. I froze it last summer and just ran out.  I love basil pesto especially.

[Fluffysmom]

Well, I would have gotten a better night's sleep without the fireworks; there is a really nice show at a local high school, which I could see some of through the trees of my roommate's bedroom.

The trouble was a bunch of young guys in pickups that parked in a nearby parking lot and set off fireworks for hours.  I put in ear plugs, but Fluffy kept jumping awake from the noise, so that interefered.

I think guitar grrl's tune finally helped me drift off.  :o)  

My arm is giving me fits today, and am still tired, but life goes on.

Maggie, floating in the pool sounds good; you got a good dose of vitamin D.  I should check out the condo community's pool; I haven't been up there yet this year.  Hopefully it's not too full of kids.  It should "only" get to 88* today, and then cool off some the rest of the week.

I love my fresh basil!  I overdid it a few years ago and still have pesto in the freezer from then; actually, I made cilantro pesto, too.  I suppose its not good any more and I should throw it out.

My salad was sliced english cucumbers, vidalia onions, tomatoes, sun-dried tomatoes, olive oil, rice vinegar, salt, and white pepper. Oh, and of course the fresh basil.

I have another recipe that I'll have to try as soon as the sungold cherry tomatoes are ripe; whole wheat pasta salad with chicken, thin sliced zucchini, halved cherry tomatoes, basil, italian dressing, etc.  I'm probably forgetting something, but I love the stuff!

I put basil on sandwiches, pizza, in salads, all sorts of recipes, mmmmm.  I also have lemon thyme, oregano, and pineapple sage.  Now if I just had the energy to cook!

It is so nice to hear from all of you; thanks for helping cheer me up and remind me that there are a lot of us going through this, and finding ways to enjoy life.  

Hugs,

Kathy