Heat is killing me.

[HVAC]

I went out yesterday to a Doctors appointment and felt terrible when I got home. I wore my ice vest. This morning I woke up with a bad headache and have been throwing up. I am not even opening the door to let the pets in or out today. Besides they should not be out anyway.

I know everyone is suffering and I am no different. I just hope this heat lets up a little.

Alex

[HVAC]

I have talked to a lawyer and my case is a nightmare. Besides I am pretty pessimistic about about SSI and Medicare at this moment.

My Doctor for her short comings gives me a lot of free meds and her new receptionist let it slip she does not bill me as she should. I am supposed to pay 30% of the bill as well as the co pay and I only pay the copay. She is losing money on me. She also gets me into Specialists who forget to bill me as well. Those Specialists are all very good and kind.

What she would love is for my MS Specialist to take on more of the care. That would be better but at over $200 a visit and me not being able to afford tests or treatment that would not work.

I called another Doctor but found I just could not afford the costs. The truth is I can't afford another Doctor.

We have these clinics but they are way more expensive. At least she knows I can't have test, etc. because I can't pay for them. When I am forced into one of these huge Primary Cares on the Kaiser model I will not be able to go to the Doctor with all the extras.

I will keep working towards health reform.

Alex

[essdipity]

Well, I know from reading your posts that you have had a very good relationship with that doctor, but nothing is forever.

Could this be a sign that it's time to move on? She seems to have lost her compassion where you are concerned. Between that and your extreme limitations in prescription coverage, you are left in a bad place indeed.

Have you ever actually tried for SS disability? I'm sure you paid into the system enough, so it's a matter of convincing them you are disabled, which of course ain't easy. But surely your neuro and your psychiatrist could help with this. And it would give you a windfall of money to ease some of your burden, not to mention monthly checks thereafter.

Ultimately it would make you eligible for Medicare, not sure how long. But once on that, and provided you also have supplemental coverage, your medical and prescription options would be much greater.

I'm sure you already know this, but is it time to revisit the idea?

ess

[HVAC]

No I can't get injectable, my Doctors think I make too much of my health issues. I got the lecture last Monday. The Doctor's receptionist told me the Doctor wanted me to make an appointment then the Doctor wanted to know why I had come in.

I have been taking NSAIDs and now my gut problem is back with a vengance. I could not sleep from pain last night. I finally fell asleep for a few hours, woke up thinking it must have been gas until full consciousness told me the pain was still there. So no more NSAIDs either.

If it ain't one thing its another.

I still say I would be better off with my Veterinarian. Vets have a harder time knowing what is wrong with their patients but most have more compassion.

Alex

[essdipity]

Alex, can you get injectable imitrex? Even if you could get only 9 a month (which is deplorable), at least there's no danger of throwing it up.

ess

[cheesymum]

Alex, how are you feeling today?  I hate bloody migraines!  I have them as well but Imitrex does nothing for me.  Might as well drink a glass of water.  UGH.

Hope you are feeling a ton better tonight!

[HVAC]

Ess

I love immitrex however I only get 9 every 31 days. I threw two up the other day.

Alex

[SarahL2491]

was visiting in DC on Wednesday and like idiot that I was (although was being good about hydration) I was crossing the heat (heat index that day was over 100) and right leg just stopped working and down I went, half graceful swan dive..............ER and hours later, doc just shook her head and said you MS people need to stay out of the heat........really?  I knew that, I just wasn't listening to myself!..........

Stay cool everyone!!

[essdipity]

My sister has suffered from debilitating migraines since her 20's, and she's now 57. She's on a beta blocker but I can't see that that's really helped her. Imitrex does. She has the pills for when she feels a migraine coming on, and does the shots when she wakes up with one, which is often. It's miraculous how fast the shots work, maybe 15 or 20 minutes and she's much better. She would have missed a great deal of work and other functions without Imitrex.

Don't mean to sound like a commercial here. It's not for everyone, I know. Sis doesn't have MS, and right now is probably basking herself on the beach, which is near where one of my brothers lives.

For those of you with bad migraines, though, this might be an answer. Dealing with MS is bad enough, but to be down for the count with a headache adds insult to injury.

Alex, a few days ago I had another spasm which I think was in my lower esophagus. Really painful. Haven't had this for a couple of years until now. I know it's muscular. It seems to come on more when my shoulders are rounded somewhat, and relaxes a bit when I straighten out. It felt like I had a gigantic need to burp, though I didn't.

I know this is nowhere near what you go through, and certainly isn't an ER thing for me. At one point I did worry that it could be heart-related, but had that checked out thoroughly and I'm fine.

I do feel for you if your doctor doesn't believe what you experience. So is she just leaving you dangling about this? That's outrageous.

ess

[HVAC]

I hate this for all of us.

I had a diaphragm spasm yesterday. My Doctor told her med student on Monday she did not think I really have diaphragm spasms and did not want to refill my medication for them.

I know the eye thing. I can't in good conscience say this is what others should do because I do not want to make anyone worse. I am trying brain freeze for headaches. The theory is it is a kinda nerve block resetting the brain's signal. I am drinking an ice cold drink out of the freezer fast when my headache reaches that pain. I have run out of options.

[drsdonthelp]

I am so sorry you are having some trouble due to this horrible heat. I live in upstate NY and the heat has been horrible as well. For about a week, I was having pain behind my left eye especially when moving it.  No blurring or change in color, just pain behind the eye and backside of my head on the same side.

Yesterday and today, I have had EXCRUCIATING PAIN behind my right eye all along the side of my cheek to the outer part of my face. Ibuprofin is not touching it. I don't exactly know what to make of this. I did have surgery in Feb of this year on my sinuses along with orbital implants, so maybe... possibly.... this is the cause. Or.... the heat is bringing on this horrific nightmare of pain.

I have been trying to stay cool in my pool, but sometimes even the pool is too warm and does no bit of good.

Please stay safe and cool,
Pam

[HVAC]

Thanks Deb I have all this info but it might help someone who does not. It is a good resource.

Alex

[Deb61]

I feel for you, girl!  This year sounds like an incredibly difficult year for you with the huge life changes, health issues, and pain that you've been dealing with.  However, you've been adjusting with grace, unselfishness, and a good head on your shoulders.  I love how you think of others who are in pain and here about your effort to console them!

I know about the migraine issue.  I used to have one or more migraine attacks a day!  I have also taken Topamax, which didn't work.  I had to switch beta blockers to a less effective one and now just take it to control my blood pressure because of the possibility of a reaction I was having to that medicine.  My migraines started up on a daily basis again.  I did find a combination of vitamins, minerals, supplements that help me.  It doesn't get rid of the migraines, but there's something in the combination of the medicines that they've listed that work that actually help lessen the intensity and frequency of the migraines for me.  I also went on a no caffeine diet--which was h*ll to adjust to because the frequency increased horribly until my brain adjusted.  Caffeine acts like medicine for migraines and the lack of caffeine will cause rebound headaches. Anyway, here's the PDF from the American Headache Society:

http://www.americanheadachesociety.org/assets/AHS_Tepper.pdf

My combination is:  Mgnesium, B2, CoQ10, Patadolex.  

Hugs,
Deb

[HVAC]

I did not have heat stroke. I get migraines from the barometric pressure. I threw up two of my nine migraine pills I get a month. I can't afford the ones that dissolve. Topamax does not work, and I can't take Beta Blockers. I wake up with full blown migraines.  Plus I have silent asthma. My Dr. was alarmed at my peak flow reading on Monday and I did not know it was that bad. She upped my medication. Today I went to the drug store when they opened to get a need script and could not talk because I could not get air.

Heat also brings on the MS diaphragm spasms which are different then Asthma. My brain slows to a near halt. I sometimes lose the use of my hands and legs. My G.I. also shuts down. My husband can actually see my symptoms this year.

I used to work 12 plus hours on roofs in this heat fixing Commercial A/C units. I had to be as strong as a man. I had MS and did not know it. My brain would slow down and I dropped my tools. Up until now I have been able to push through heat.

I guess 46 years of MS has finally caught up to me.  My Doctor told me Monday I need to forget about my health Issues and live my life. Okay Lady how am I supposed to do that?

I am canceling things and telling people "no" all over the place. Which is new for me. Yesterday I did go out. It was at 5PM but it was to sit with some friends' son in the lobby of the Veterinary Clinic while they put their beloved dog to sleep. They did not want him to see it.

It is just a new stage for me. I plan to adjust to it with grace. Concentrate on what I can do, not my limitations.

I am watching the Tour De France which is not a fun sporting event. It has glorious moments when a rider is the first over an Alp, or an unknown rider gets ahead and the cameras are on him. Lots of guys are forced out by crashes and broken bones. Many others crash and get back on the bike, even with broken bones. Two guys this year were hit by a car one went into a barbed wire fence and both got up and kept riding.

Because of all the variables you can never predict who will win. I am looking at my MS like the Tour. It is hard, it is painful, it is unpredictable and I just have to keep pushing on until the end of the race. It is just my time to sit out there will be other races.

From day one my life has been hard, but there are glorious moments everyday. I add up all the Glorious moments. I was with my friend this week, who tells me wonderful stories of times with her husband Billy who died a few years back. I feel joy from those moments she had.

Today I will watch the Tour and read. Forget the painting and house cleaning. Life is hard/Life is good for me.

Alex

[jujuminx]

So sorry Alex. I hope you are feeling better today. Everywhere I go I feel hot, even indoors. It's terrible.

Julie

[Willowwoman777]

It was so hot yesterday, my car sucked up the gas ridiculously cause of the air..Had to go and hour and a half to the neuro, so went. I didn't realize just miserable outside was. I got home and had to go out again and pick up hubby's meds. I was sick when I got home and we had 3 appointments today and rescheduled them..we just stayed home in the air all day and boy am I glad we did.

[Willowwoman777]

My husband's health aide when from a G - yep, I said G down to a C cup. She is soooo much happier and she now jogs, isn't afraid to put on a bathing suit, can dress up, her back and shoulders no longer hurt. She was like a little kid at Christmas when they approved her surgery and for her, it was well worth it. Now, she actually has a figure. She used to have to bind her breasts because they were soo large. Now she smiles all the time and is no longer short of breath. After seeing the difference it made in her life? I say, "Go for it"! :)

[supermum_ms]

Well some people have problems others would gladly have lol i'm sure i'm now in negative A's, so whats that -AAA ROFL really if you can just fedex your left overs my way hmmm recycling is such the rage........

Cheers...........JJ

PS. Sorry Alex its totally off topic

[cheesymum]

Alex, how are you feeling today?  I hope it was simply an overreaction to the heat and you haven't come down with something.

Be well!

[cheesymum]

Thanks, Ojibajo!  I'm a DDD right now and will probably go down to a large C or a "small" D (if there is such a thing!  LOL

[supermum_ms]

I have a confession to make, my math really has gone south for the winter lol when you guys and dolls talk about temps in the 100's it just sounds so so hot to me. I didn't actually think i could relate to temps that high but it seems I already know these temps lol how silly do I feel.

My state is classed as one of the cooler states but temps in the 90-100 range are average summer days over here (Australia), its not unusual to have weeks of temps in the 105-115 range during the day, with temps in the 90's in the shade and over night. So maybe i do have some survival tips I can pass on, a good tip for those with pets is to freeze a block of water with treats inside. the pet (especially dogs) will lick it through out the day to get to the treats.

Dont wait until you feel thirsty, you're already dehydrating by the time you notice, you need to sip cold water all day. Keeping your water bottle cool just takes putting half filled bottles in the freezer and top up with fridge chilled water and your set for a couple of hours. If you have to go out, try to stay off the side walk, its cooler walking on the grass or dirt and dont even think about going out with out a hat or shade umbrella because we hold more heat in by our heads and feet so they need to stay as cool as you can. I've got a tonne more of these little tips if you want them :-)

Alex to me it sounds like you could have heat stroke, this isn't good so please stay inside, fill the bath with cold as you can stand water and soak your core temp down, rehydrate with electorlite filled water if you have it, if not standard water will help a lot. If it doesn't help you cool down or your still throwing up, then please dont muck about and get to the ER!

HUGS.............JJ  

[Ojibajo]

Congratulations.

I was a B cup before my son was born and now I am a DD and have lots of problems with my shoulders because of it. I am also hoping to undergo the same procedure one day, since even weight loss has made no difference.

[Ojibajo]

People with and without MS are miserable. This heat has been brutal. It actually rained and cooled off a little bit today. It was only in the mid 80's (Almost had to put a coat on...ha ha!)

But the heat has been so horrible that I only went outside to drive to work or to drop my son off at his activities. Other than that I have stayed on the couch in the A/C.

I have been letting the dog out to go potty, but I don't let her stay out long which is making her stir crazy, but it is just too hot for her to be out too long.

[cheesymum]

I went to a doc's appointment (not UWS related - a good HAPPY doc's appointment!  :-D) on Wednesday and it was 30 minutes away in 100 degree heat (110 or so with the heat index) in a minivan with a broken AC.  By the time I got to the doc, I could hardly fill out the paperwork.  Everything looked so blurry and I felt so spacey (no comments from the Peanut Gallery!)  Once I cooled way down, it seemed to help a little and I got the paperwork done.  Of course, by that time, it was time to make the trek home but I was on such a happy high, it didn't seem so bad.  :)

If anyone is interested in my happy doc's appointment, I'm finally getting a procedure I have wanted for years and never been able to afford.  I'm getting a breast reduction!!!!  With all my many health problems this year, I have met both my deductible and my OOP so the procedure will basically be "free".  I can afford that!  LOL  When he told me he was CERTAIN he could get me approved with BCBS and that he was going to make me look and feel so much better, I almost cried.  I left with grin that stretched from ear to ear and wrapped around my head twice.  I still can't stop grinnin'....  :-D

[michelleric]

Yep, I am with you on the heat.  I am having a bit of double vision, trouble walking and just feel wiped out.

My hubby is still out of town, and kids wanted to go to the pool yesterday.  I told them it was too hot for the pool, and then thought about what I said, and realized how stupid that sounded.  So we went to the pool. It was like a giant hot tub, and needless to say, my original thought was not so stupid.  

Both my younger kids are with friends today, and I am thrilled to have some peace and quiet, finally.  The couch is calling...stay cool everyone.  

Michelle