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Seek Advice - Post Treatment Neurologic Side Effects
Two weeks ago I completed 36 weeks of treatment (Peg + Copeg) for Genotype 1. The virus was undetectable at 12, 24, and 36 weeks. I am hopeful for svr at 6 months post treatment.
I am seeking advice from anyone who has experienced the post treatment side effects I currently am experiencing.
Throughout treatment I had many of the side effects discussed on the forum; brain fog, bursts of anger, headaches, eye strain, cough, etc. In the two weeks since the end of treatment, I have not seen any improvement in these side effects and there is one new side effect that I am experiencing that has me worried. A week ago while driving, my right foot went to sleep and I had difficulty getting it awake and since then I have had tingling in my feet and shakiness in my hands. I also began to feel unsteady on my feet every once in a while. I saw my doctor and he says it is a neurological problem cause by treatment and has prescribed Neurobion (a vitamin). The doctor is monitoring me and mentioned a brain scan if these symptoms persist.
I would be interested in hearing if anyone has experienced this neurological problem post treatment and how things turned out. I am interested in learning of ways I might help myself through diet or exercise. And of course, I am interested in seeing a light at the end of the tunnel.
Once again, thanks to all on the forum. You have been a life-saver all throughout treatment. I agree with what many on the forum have said, "This has been the challenge of my lifetime."
Best wishes...
I am seeking advice from anyone who has experienced the post treatment side effects I currently am experiencing.
Throughout treatment I had many of the side effects discussed on the forum; brain fog, bursts of anger, headaches, eye strain, cough, etc. In the two weeks since the end of treatment, I have not seen any improvement in these side effects and there is one new side effect that I am experiencing that has me worried. A week ago while driving, my right foot went to sleep and I had difficulty getting it awake and since then I have had tingling in my feet and shakiness in my hands. I also began to feel unsteady on my feet every once in a while. I saw my doctor and he says it is a neurological problem cause by treatment and has prescribed Neurobion (a vitamin). The doctor is monitoring me and mentioned a brain scan if these symptoms persist.
I would be interested in hearing if anyone has experienced this neurological problem post treatment and how things turned out. I am interested in learning of ways I might help myself through diet or exercise. And of course, I am interested in seeing a light at the end of the tunnel.
Once again, thanks to all on the forum. You have been a life-saver all throughout treatment. I agree with what many on the forum have said, "This has been the challenge of my lifetime."
Best wishes...
I can't say that I have had problems with legs or other parts of body since 17 mo SVR. However, it took a good 3-4 months for me to start feeling somewhat alive again & start to look not sick. I do still suffer from some of the brain fog though in all honesty. My concentration is just not what it once was, I guess because all those chemicals leave by way of brain. As far as excercising, yes I do excercise 3x's a wk. Have to because all I did during treatment was lay around, too sick to move much, there were many days when all I could get down would be like a piece of wheat bread & that I had to force because the sickness was so bad. But to get rid of that disease I have to say it was worth it, whatever the cost, of course none of us know what that might be down the line. Best of luck to you!
Sorry to hear about post tx sides. I think a little is common, but I too felt good for a while and then bang. Pain and more pain. I was dx'ed with Fibromyalgia and am on Lyrica, pain meds don't work. Your leg symptoms do sound like it, so does the sleeping issues. Perhaps check it out with your Dr.
Glad to see you post. It made perfect sence. Sometimes my brain is so fried I am not sure what I posted, or if it makes sense. Don't care and I am sure most here don't either. Good Luck!!
Glad to see you post. It made perfect sence. Sometimes my brain is so fried I am not sure what I posted, or if it makes sense. Don't care and I am sure most here don't either. Good Luck!!
I'm glad you spoke up. I am at +20 something weeks after EOT. I am coming up on the SVR test. Aftert EOT, I had about 3-4 weeks where I felt really good, back to my old self. Then all these strange symptoms started to appear:
general 'brain fog' extreme difficulty in concentration and focus
Short term memory or lack of it
Joint and muscle aches that really are not affected by NSAID's
Periodic coordination problems
Headaches, sharp pains, limbs going to sleep, tremors and a bunch of other stuff that doesn't really make sense
I chose to end treatment early (2wks) be cause of my inability to sleep. I went from January to June getting about 2 hours of sleep a night. The doctors tried every sleep med available an nothing worked. I was really alterered, hallucinating and my wife was ready to take me to a hospital I knew if I didn't get off the anti-virals (Peg-Intron 180ug/wk and Ribavirin 1600mg a day) they were going to kill me. So I ended treatment and I traded one set of problems for a new set.
I have been seeing my family GP for after care and he is trying to deal with all these symptoms with the right antidepressant combination. Last week decided to make an appointment with a neurologist to find out what is going on. It's so damn frustrating when you keep saying “SOMETHING IS WRONG” and it seems like no one listens, or placates you with “Give yourself time to heal” uh huh
I don't post here often because it's so damn hard to compose post that at least makes sense. I do read a lot though. If memory serves, I was told that I would experience “mild, flu-like symptoms” :-/
general 'brain fog' extreme difficulty in concentration and focus
Short term memory or lack of it
Joint and muscle aches that really are not affected by NSAID's
Periodic coordination problems
Headaches, sharp pains, limbs going to sleep, tremors and a bunch of other stuff that doesn't really make sense
I chose to end treatment early (2wks) be cause of my inability to sleep. I went from January to June getting about 2 hours of sleep a night. The doctors tried every sleep med available an nothing worked. I was really alterered, hallucinating and my wife was ready to take me to a hospital I knew if I didn't get off the anti-virals (Peg-Intron 180ug/wk and Ribavirin 1600mg a day) they were going to kill me. So I ended treatment and I traded one set of problems for a new set.
I have been seeing my family GP for after care and he is trying to deal with all these symptoms with the right antidepressant combination. Last week decided to make an appointment with a neurologist to find out what is going on. It's so damn frustrating when you keep saying “SOMETHING IS WRONG” and it seems like no one listens, or placates you with “Give yourself time to heal” uh huh
I don't post here often because it's so damn hard to compose post that at least makes sense. I do read a lot though. If memory serves, I was told that I would experience “mild, flu-like symptoms” :-/
Thanks for the tips on saving my cigars...I will take your advice. You won't believe this, but John brought up a Monty #3 or 2 after many months of not smoking one. Pretty amazing that he did this after our talking about cigars tonight. Even though it is pretty dry, it tastes damn good. I will check out that humidor you suggest and the saving of my cigars. John must be psychic bringing up the cigar! I will think of you as we smoke it.
Yes, you can save them. Probably the best way would be to place them in a plastic tub with a good seal. Use something to partition it into halves. In one side, put all of your cigars on a piece of folded up paper towels. On the other side, take a washcloth or similar and and spray it with distilled water.
Don't soak it but get it pretty moist. Seal it back up. Let it sit for three or four days, then respray the washclothe and leave it for 3 days. Druing this time, soak your humidifier in distilled water and put back in the humidor. Take another washcloth and wipe down your humidor, leave the cloth inside, close it, and leave it. After 7 days, take the cigars from the plastic tub and put them back in the humidor. THEN pay attention to the humidity. Get a good humidifier from a local cigar shop or online. You should be fine. Note, use *distilled* water. You can get it at any drugstore.
Here is what you need. Get a few of those tube humidifiers and some bottles of glycol/water solution and a good digital hygrometer/thermometer.
http://www.jrcigars.com/index.cfm?page=accessories_menu&type=HMF
Don't soak it but get it pretty moist. Seal it back up. Let it sit for three or four days, then respray the washclothe and leave it for 3 days. Druing this time, soak your humidifier in distilled water and put back in the humidor. Take another washcloth and wipe down your humidor, leave the cloth inside, close it, and leave it. After 7 days, take the cigars from the plastic tub and put them back in the humidor. THEN pay attention to the humidity. Get a good humidifier from a local cigar shop or online. You should be fine. Note, use *distilled* water. You can get it at any drugstore.
Here is what you need. Get a few of those tube humidifiers and some bottles of glycol/water solution and a good digital hygrometer/thermometer.
http://www.jrcigars.com/index.cfm?page=accessories_menu&type=HMF
Hmmmm. No bugs or mold, just dried them out. So I can save them after a year of no care? I have several small humadors that I neglected during tx and beyond. Think I can still save my expensive cigars?
Knifes....great analogy about knifes. Perhaps I will have to sent my present back and get the Laquiole. We go to France every year and I bet I can get them there much cheaper than here. I will check out that sharpener. I got an electric one, but don't know it it is a good one. Thanks
Now as for Golf, I have never played and given my arm pain, I wouldn't mind borrowing one of those swords you have. I was always a pitcher and captain of my softball team. Can't throw for s**t . I doubt I would be good at it. What else do you have? I have lots ot tix for baseball, football and basketball I can trade? Also we have cows eating the grass in the summer....
Knifes....great analogy about knifes. Perhaps I will have to sent my present back and get the Laquiole. We go to France every year and I bet I can get them there much cheaper than here. I will check out that sharpener. I got an electric one, but don't know it it is a good one. Thanks
Now as for Golf, I have never played and given my arm pain, I wouldn't mind borrowing one of those swords you have. I was always a pitcher and captain of my softball team. Can't throw for s**t . I doubt I would be good at it. What else do you have? I have lots ot tix for baseball, football and basketball I can trade? Also we have cows eating the grass in the summer....
Defined 'ruined'. If they dried out, you can bring 'em back. About the only thing that will 'ruin' a cigar is mold or cigar bugs.
Now about knives....one word: Laguiole
http://www.laguiole.com
No one knows knives better, imho, than the French and the Japanese. Henkels, german...good knives but remember...the guillotine and hari kari. You gotta have a sharp knife for those two activities. For Japanese knives....Fusionwood.
Just so happens I bought this cool knife sharpener...Chefs Choice Diamond Hone but I'm sure there are better.
Now about knives....one word: Laguiole
http://www.laguiole.com
No one knows knives better, imho, than the French and the Japanese. Henkels, german...good knives but remember...the guillotine and hari kari. You gotta have a sharp knife for those two activities. For Japanese knives....Fusionwood.
Just so happens I bought this cool knife sharpener...Chefs Choice Diamond Hone but I'm sure there are better.
Yeah, what do you think of Henykals (sp). I like them if they are sharp, but worry about sharping them, without ruining the blades. How do you do it?
I am going to print out your cigar post. Since tx, I am lucky to put water on those foam things in the humador and ruined a lot of cigars. Que lastima'! We had quite a collection.
Now swords could be dangerous in my state. Given the pain in my legs I may think about chopping one or two limbs off.....so I think I will skip the swords! LOL
I am going to print out your cigar post. Since tx, I am lucky to put water on those foam things in the humador and ruined a lot of cigars. Que lastima'! We had quite a collection.
Now swords could be dangerous in my state. Given the pain in my legs I may think about chopping one or two limbs off.....so I think I will skip the swords! LOL
" We get them in Jamaica legal when we go and DO not pack them in dirty laundry. "
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No matter where you buy them, it's still illegal to bring them into the U.S. In fact I don't think you can bring tobacco products from anywhere into the U.S. I'm not sure though. I think they do allow two cartons for cigarettes or something like that. Can't recall. I used to get Davidoffs online from the Ukraine CHEAP but customs confiscated one shipment and that was that, they were on to me. I've been afraid to order online out of country since then. I have ordered Cubans online from Cigar One out of Switzerland on occasion and they've always made it through but this is just a few times and no more than 10 cigars at a time. You have to be really careful because there are soooo many forgeries out there. Like I say, for the price, I don't see the value added and I like a little bit stronger smoke.
Just as a matter of course, my daily cigar is an Upmann Petit Corona ( JFK's cigar ) because it doesn't take too long to smoke, and they aren't too expensive. $60 for a box of 20. But, I'm hooked on the Partagas Cifuentes and La Flor Dominicana Double Ligeros. On occasion I'll smoke a Partaga 160 or a Padron 1964 Anniversery Series, but at $20 a pop, not too often. There is a new, to the US, cigar out of Brazil by Dona Flor called the Selecao that has recieved high ratings. It hasn't hit the US market yet and the only place I've been able to find them at all is at a shop in New York.I notice they have ads looking for U.S. sales reps so I'm sure they'll be more widely available soon. But, I have a wide assortment. Cohibas, RYJ, Bolivars, La Gloria Cubanas, Rocky Patels, you name it. Some of the designer/botique cigars like Acid right down to bundles. Some I've had for nearly 20 years. Some of my best smokes are these Dominican Maduro bundles that were something like $35 for 20. Dirt cheap. Basically, a cigar has to be pretty nasty for me not to smoke it. Can't smoke flavored cigars other than the acid. Just too much for me.
" I am not good at keeping them moist in my cigar humidor."
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That can be a pain. Art more than science. I have two big humidors that I swear, you open 'em up and they are 70/70 on the mark 90% of the time. A couple of smaller ones that are a pain to keep humidfied. In the summer, down here, heat becomes a problem and I move them into a room in front of a window AC, but then humidifying becomes a problem. Sometimes I put them in a big trunk with an Oasis electronic humidifier. In the winter, the opposite is true. I would think the bay area would be an easy place to keep a humidor stable. Fairly temperate consistant weather year around. You just have to experiment with different methods and change it to the conditions. I use several small humidifiers in my boxes, rather than one big one, and add and subtract them by need and condition. The La Madelaine tubed crystal humidifiers are perfect for this. Basically I don't sweat the humidity unless it falls below 60 or rises above 77 for extended periods. Temp I don't much care about the low end, but don't like to see 'em get above 77. The thing is, during the course of a day, it's going to rise and fall. I think people get too uptight about it all. Its just that if you get too much swing over and over for long periods, it tends to crack the wrappers, especially in the lighter shades. The maduros tend to be a bit more rugged which works for me since I like them better anyway.
So, yadda yadda...care to get into the critique of knives and swords ? I have some opinions...lol !!
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No matter where you buy them, it's still illegal to bring them into the U.S. In fact I don't think you can bring tobacco products from anywhere into the U.S. I'm not sure though. I think they do allow two cartons for cigarettes or something like that. Can't recall. I used to get Davidoffs online from the Ukraine CHEAP but customs confiscated one shipment and that was that, they were on to me. I've been afraid to order online out of country since then. I have ordered Cubans online from Cigar One out of Switzerland on occasion and they've always made it through but this is just a few times and no more than 10 cigars at a time. You have to be really careful because there are soooo many forgeries out there. Like I say, for the price, I don't see the value added and I like a little bit stronger smoke.
Just as a matter of course, my daily cigar is an Upmann Petit Corona ( JFK's cigar ) because it doesn't take too long to smoke, and they aren't too expensive. $60 for a box of 20. But, I'm hooked on the Partagas Cifuentes and La Flor Dominicana Double Ligeros. On occasion I'll smoke a Partaga 160 or a Padron 1964 Anniversery Series, but at $20 a pop, not too often. There is a new, to the US, cigar out of Brazil by Dona Flor called the Selecao that has recieved high ratings. It hasn't hit the US market yet and the only place I've been able to find them at all is at a shop in New York.I notice they have ads looking for U.S. sales reps so I'm sure they'll be more widely available soon. But, I have a wide assortment. Cohibas, RYJ, Bolivars, La Gloria Cubanas, Rocky Patels, you name it. Some of the designer/botique cigars like Acid right down to bundles. Some I've had for nearly 20 years. Some of my best smokes are these Dominican Maduro bundles that were something like $35 for 20. Dirt cheap. Basically, a cigar has to be pretty nasty for me not to smoke it. Can't smoke flavored cigars other than the acid. Just too much for me.
" I am not good at keeping them moist in my cigar humidor."
------
That can be a pain. Art more than science. I have two big humidors that I swear, you open 'em up and they are 70/70 on the mark 90% of the time. A couple of smaller ones that are a pain to keep humidfied. In the summer, down here, heat becomes a problem and I move them into a room in front of a window AC, but then humidifying becomes a problem. Sometimes I put them in a big trunk with an Oasis electronic humidifier. In the winter, the opposite is true. I would think the bay area would be an easy place to keep a humidor stable. Fairly temperate consistant weather year around. You just have to experiment with different methods and change it to the conditions. I use several small humidifiers in my boxes, rather than one big one, and add and subtract them by need and condition. The La Madelaine tubed crystal humidifiers are perfect for this. Basically I don't sweat the humidity unless it falls below 60 or rises above 77 for extended periods. Temp I don't much care about the low end, but don't like to see 'em get above 77. The thing is, during the course of a day, it's going to rise and fall. I think people get too uptight about it all. Its just that if you get too much swing over and over for long periods, it tends to crack the wrappers, especially in the lighter shades. The maduros tend to be a bit more rugged which works for me since I like them better anyway.
So, yadda yadda...care to get into the critique of knives and swords ? I have some opinions...lol !!
You sound like an energizer bunny running around in malls with a broken leg, shopping till' you drop, tearing out carpets....geez, I wish I had that energy!
I think I would tell your friend to pack them in the "clean clothes" next time. LOL Yuck, dirty laundry from a military guy...ewwwwh! We get them in Jamacia legal when we go and DO not pack them in dirty laundry. So what's your favorite cigar? Yes, I love the #3's, but I am not good at keeping them moist in my cigar humador.
" I love cigars, but like those Monticristos Cubanos. Did you order any of those? "
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Hey that's illegal but the answer is ....maybe. Actually I don't have to buy Cubans, I get them for free. I have a buddy in Special Forces and whenever he comes back from a tour, he packs his dufflebag with cubans and then just piles stuff on top of it, like dirty laundry. to deter the customs people. So far, so good. So, yeah, I have a few Monty #3's and variouos R&J cubans. To be honest with ya', not my favorite cigars. From what I'm told, Cubans today are nothing like the pre-embargo. MInd you, I don't hate 'em, but it wouldn't be my first choice. They smell like dirty laundry...weird.
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Hey that's illegal but the answer is ....maybe. Actually I don't have to buy Cubans, I get them for free. I have a buddy in Special Forces and whenever he comes back from a tour, he packs his dufflebag with cubans and then just piles stuff on top of it, like dirty laundry. to deter the customs people. So far, so good. So, yeah, I have a few Monty #3's and variouos R&J cubans. To be honest with ya', not my favorite cigars. From what I'm told, Cubans today are nothing like the pre-embargo. MInd you, I don't hate 'em, but it wouldn't be my first choice. They smell like dirty laundry...weird.
Actually there is no test for FM. They do test for 18 tender spots, but not sure if thats all so important. It sure sounds like it to me though. I sleep off and on day and night, sometimes waking with my muscles so tight and my hands clenched in pain. I sure hope this new drug works. I have been on in for 4 days now. I was on another one that worked, but I had to stop it as I think I took too many. I can't stand going to more dr's either, but go to the Rhemy and see if you can get some Neuronton or Lyrica. They may help. Usually the dr. observes you for 3-6 months before the dx, as there is no real test for it. I think mine started during tx, not before. It sounds like it would be well worth it to check it out as the pain is too much to endure with nothing to help. Let me know!
HAHAHAHAHaaa... you are too funny! I always love your humor. Gawd, 20K? When I shop online I do go through my shopping cart and rid myself of several items. I would take some of those knifes off your hands, except John bought me some knives for Christmas...his asst. told me by mistake. I love cigars, but like those Monticristos Cubanos. Did you order any of those? I had a hard time ordering the grandkids stuff and am glad I am still too ill to make it to the mall. It sure has saved us money. You have to be the first I've heard of to go on shopping binges during tx. I would claim insanity, really. LOL Perhaps you can claim the stuff as gifts for clients to the IRS. That may work......Glad to hear you are well except for your leg...geez! I can't stop laughing. Thanks for the big smiles, although at your expence.
" I am doing all my shopping online again this year for the holidays. "
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The last few weaks of tx and about a month post I was in some wierd OCD thing and I bought so much crapp online it's a joke so I don't have to buy much for Christmas. At least, not for the guys. Unless the women folk take up smoking cigars or shaving between now and Christmas, I'm gonna have to hit the mall. You would NOT BELIEVE the cigar collection I ran up while on tx. I still don't believe it myself. Thousands of dollars. Thousands. That, and for some bizarre reason....the cutlery shopping channel. I attribute that to 'shiney object syndrome'. And I have absolutely nooo need for all these knives...lol.
Oh, and I bought some watches too. And some really nice designer suits and blazers. I dont even WEAR suits, man. I haven't been out of a pair of shorts and tennis shoes in years. Aaaand I bought a new set of Nike golf clubs AND even joined a club, you know, in case I decide to take up golf. One can never be too prepared. I have about 30 BOXES of golf balls.That's 12 to a box. Ripped out all the carpet in the house, kitchen cabinets...THREW OUT most of my 'old' kitchen stuff. Plates, glassware..flatware. I tossed out FURNITURE for crying out loud. Sinks...You name it. My house is basically gutted except for two rooms that I have managed to get redone in the last month or so.
Bought a new laptop...the list goes on. A TREO smart phone...etc...etc...etc. Tools..air compressors, you name it. I could build the space shuttle in my garage. Spurs season tickets...and not just one seat...I bought two so I could take friends with. And of course, the cheap seats just would not do. I'm in the 5th row. Joined a coffee club...get several boxes each month. Coffee grinder. Not a $10 grinder you can get at Target...nooooo...I double burr grinder for $300US. Oh and I started a wine collection too. And if you ever want to play some poker...I have all the stuff...Flashlights, binoculars, a Bose sound system and a pretty good cologne collection. Some nice pens, configured wireless in the house...about 10 pair of tennis shoes, only two of which I've worn, several of the same style. An air purifier..some really nice lighters...a couple of pipes ( in case I take up smoking a pipe...). Magazine subscriptions, a really nice Trek bicycle....
Ran up aboot $20,000 on my VISA card in a little over 4 months and thought nothing of it and I NEVER did that type of thing before. Never. The balance on that card was steadily $500-$1000 for YEARS.
Other than that, I had no side effects from the drugs. Bwhaaaaa !!!
Nooooobody NO BODY can tell me those drugs don't make you nuttier than shiit. Funny thing is, well not really, is NOW, I am going through an IRS audit and I have to explain this somehow.
IRS Agent: " Soooo...you can't pay the IRS, but you have approximately $4000 dollars worth of cigars you/ve purchased in the past 12 months ?"
Me: "Uhhhhh....yup. Would you like one, they're really good."
IRS Agent: " I see here that you also like knives."
Me: " Well, not really."
Most people, would be depressed over this. Not me. I know I was crazy but what's done is done. 20 thousand is 20 thousand but it's not the end of the world. Yeah, it's gonna take some time to pay off but honestly, it was out of character for me and by the time I *snapped* out of it, I WAS depressed for a bit but then just decided...hey man, you went crazy but at least you have these really cool SUNGLASSES and this wicked sword..zzzz. lol And most of all, more than likely, I'm gonna be SVR. So what's to sweat.
Somehow, I have to negotiate some sort of 'insanity' defense. I told the CPA doing my audit I was sick and on treatment and taking some really powerful drugs and it didn't really seem to have an impact on him. He was like, ho-hum, like the IRS gives a shiit about your petty problems.
Now of course, I have yet ANOTHER hospital bill from tripping over all the SHIIT I've ripped out of my house that's in the backyard and busting my ankle. Good lord...
I suppose I could sell it all on Ebay for 50 cents on the dollar, or less if push came to shove. That or have the most awesome garage sale ever. If any of you are cigar smokers or like KNIVES...look no further. I'm your guy.
Merry Christmas All
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The last few weaks of tx and about a month post I was in some wierd OCD thing and I bought so much crapp online it's a joke so I don't have to buy much for Christmas. At least, not for the guys. Unless the women folk take up smoking cigars or shaving between now and Christmas, I'm gonna have to hit the mall. You would NOT BELIEVE the cigar collection I ran up while on tx. I still don't believe it myself. Thousands of dollars. Thousands. That, and for some bizarre reason....the cutlery shopping channel. I attribute that to 'shiney object syndrome'. And I have absolutely nooo need for all these knives...lol.
Oh, and I bought some watches too. And some really nice designer suits and blazers. I dont even WEAR suits, man. I haven't been out of a pair of shorts and tennis shoes in years. Aaaand I bought a new set of Nike golf clubs AND even joined a club, you know, in case I decide to take up golf. One can never be too prepared. I have about 30 BOXES of golf balls.That's 12 to a box. Ripped out all the carpet in the house, kitchen cabinets...THREW OUT most of my 'old' kitchen stuff. Plates, glassware..flatware. I tossed out FURNITURE for crying out loud. Sinks...You name it. My house is basically gutted except for two rooms that I have managed to get redone in the last month or so.
Bought a new laptop...the list goes on. A TREO smart phone...etc...etc...etc. Tools..air compressors, you name it. I could build the space shuttle in my garage. Spurs season tickets...and not just one seat...I bought two so I could take friends with. And of course, the cheap seats just would not do. I'm in the 5th row. Joined a coffee club...get several boxes each month. Coffee grinder. Not a $10 grinder you can get at Target...nooooo...I double burr grinder for $300US. Oh and I started a wine collection too. And if you ever want to play some poker...I have all the stuff...Flashlights, binoculars, a Bose sound system and a pretty good cologne collection. Some nice pens, configured wireless in the house...about 10 pair of tennis shoes, only two of which I've worn, several of the same style. An air purifier..some really nice lighters...a couple of pipes ( in case I take up smoking a pipe...). Magazine subscriptions, a really nice Trek bicycle....
Ran up aboot $20,000 on my VISA card in a little over 4 months and thought nothing of it and I NEVER did that type of thing before. Never. The balance on that card was steadily $500-$1000 for YEARS.
Other than that, I had no side effects from the drugs. Bwhaaaaa !!!
Nooooobody NO BODY can tell me those drugs don't make you nuttier than shiit. Funny thing is, well not really, is NOW, I am going through an IRS audit and I have to explain this somehow.
IRS Agent: " Soooo...you can't pay the IRS, but you have approximately $4000 dollars worth of cigars you/ve purchased in the past 12 months ?"
Me: "Uhhhhh....yup. Would you like one, they're really good."
IRS Agent: " I see here that you also like knives."
Me: " Well, not really."
Most people, would be depressed over this. Not me. I know I was crazy but what's done is done. 20 thousand is 20 thousand but it's not the end of the world. Yeah, it's gonna take some time to pay off but honestly, it was out of character for me and by the time I *snapped* out of it, I WAS depressed for a bit but then just decided...hey man, you went crazy but at least you have these really cool SUNGLASSES and this wicked sword..zzzz. lol And most of all, more than likely, I'm gonna be SVR. So what's to sweat.
Somehow, I have to negotiate some sort of 'insanity' defense. I told the CPA doing my audit I was sick and on treatment and taking some really powerful drugs and it didn't really seem to have an impact on him. He was like, ho-hum, like the IRS gives a shiit about your petty problems.
Now of course, I have yet ANOTHER hospital bill from tripping over all the SHIIT I've ripped out of my house that's in the backyard and busting my ankle. Good lord...
I suppose I could sell it all on Ebay for 50 cents on the dollar, or less if push came to shove. That or have the most awesome garage sale ever. If any of you are cigar smokers or like KNIVES...look no further. I'm your guy.
Merry Christmas All
You know when I had the spots I was feeling like some one was branding me, I posted the website, but got no real known responses as to what it could be. plus some of the issues I have been having, before starting treatment and since. Kinda makes sense now. maybe I have had this all along as well since doing tx 15 years ago now. The neck shoulder and mid back pain, I have had for a long time but figured I slept wrong. But I have had this for years too, so... maybe it is all connected. Of course I had all that fat on top of my muscles and they did not feel hard and brittle like they do now. Now that I lost all the weight. I keep waking up with cramps in legs and feet. Toss and turn, working in my sleep.. after your post I did some reading last night, before going to bed, and you are right , it does sound like alot of those symptoms could be FM. My joints and bones ache at night while not moving in bed. I feel the tingling in my foot, and it stays that way.. so I guess I am in for abit of more testing to go to determine it. I am so done with going to drs though.. but I guess I will need to find out what this is. Its 4 15 am, and I am up already.. But I do not think I am staying up.. LOL still yawning so maybe can go back to sleep. I sure hope you feel better, and things are going much better for you now. I am sure glad you made it thru all that you have had to endure over the past year. I know you are glad to be back in your house, and things are back to normal ? I have started doing a bit around the house each weekend, but can still only do a little at a time. Besides all the sx from treatment I deal with AADD, and lately it seems really bad. I do not take any meds for it.. I have just delt with it. But can hardly get anything done.. At work I have to put sticky notes on things to I remember to go back and finish them. My house has been a wreck all year.. But xmas coming.. I got to get it in order pretty quick.. Oh well going to try to sleep a bit more.. have a Great weekend and hope you feel better.
Gosh, I sure hope not too! It is the worst pain ever. The night pain seems to be something people talk about as well as the burning. Usually it takes the rhemy about six months of seeing you before deciding if you have Fibro or CFS. I had symptoms during tx, but at times they came and went...never thought of it as anything but sx. Now that I am eight months post, this is NOT good. Went to the store for 15 minutes today feeling not much pain. By the time I returned I was in agony. It iseems to go this way for me the past several weeks. I sure hope this new drug helps the pain. It is Lyrica and I tried Neuronton before this one. I am doing all my shopping online again this year for the holidays. Boy, is it great. I don't have to move!
Good luck with your shopping tomorrow!
Good luck with your shopping tomorrow!
Yah I hope not too.. I heard it can be very painful. I had my reflex test today, and I was twitching in both feet and all toes , but doc will read on monday and get back to me. My xrays of my feet show bone spurs on both feet. so I guess they will get back to on both of those. .. Then monday I go for the ultrasound, to make sure getting proper circulation. Then I guess if nothing found.. I will go see a Rhemetologist. But something is definately going on.. I do have more energy though. Tomorrow we go for our monthing trip to the commissary for food. I am even going to try walking this time instead of using the electric buggy.. We will see how that goes.. LOL But havent been getting dizzy at all this week, so I am going to try anyway.. Will let you know what I find out.. Hope you feel better.
Wow! Your symptoms sound similar to those of fibromyalgia. See if the Dr. can test you for this. Actually there is no test, but there are tender spots that they can check. Hope it isn't! I am on the fibromyalgia board as of yesterday and have read lots of symptoms like yours. Some I have, some not. Sure hope it isn't that. You too Imagine!! But check out some of the posts and symptoms the people post and ask your Dr. to check you for this. I went to a rhematologist.
Thanks to sfbaygirl, dperry, and golden rule,
Your names got cut off in the box above. As I mentioned above, your experiences have given me hope. I will continue one day at a time.
Onward and Upward!
Your names got cut off in the box above. As I mentioned above, your experiences have given me hope. I will continue one day at a time.
Onward and Upward!
Thanks to you all. It always helps to share experiences in overcoming a difficult stage of tx or post-tx. My worry now is that my neurologic system has been damaged and that my pre-tx abilities will not return. It appears from your comments that with patience they will (at leat most abilities will) return.
As I mentioned my tx ended 2 weeks ago andI have been struggling with tingling in my feet and shakiness in my hands and my nervous system seems shot. My big worry is that I could get to a stage where I can't walk although at this point I am just a little wobbiy at times.
Does anyone have any suggestions for diet, exercise, or vitamins that might help alleviate this neurologic problem? My doctor has me taking Neurobian which contains vitamins B1, B6, and B12.
Thanks again to all on the discussion board.
As I mentioned my tx ended 2 weeks ago andI have been struggling with tingling in my feet and shakiness in my hands and my nervous system seems shot. My big worry is that I could get to a stage where I can't walk although at this point I am just a little wobbiy at times.
Does anyone have any suggestions for diet, exercise, or vitamins that might help alleviate this neurologic problem? My doctor has me taking Neurobian which contains vitamins B1, B6, and B12.
Thanks again to all on the discussion board.
I too did 36 weeks of tx. May 4th I took my last shot and it has taken at least 6 months for me to get how I was pre-treatment. I am very lucky that I have, for the most part returned to the place I was pre-tx; with the exception of my vision. I know I had 20/20 before txing, not sure what it is now but I do notice how I have to put my head really close to the computer monitor in order to read. As far as the night sweats it took about 4-5 months before I was able to sleep throughout night with out waking up, changing my sheets, tossing and turnng, and then finally returning to sleep. The bone pain subsided within 6 months. Every once in awhile I feel my hips aching briefly..(dont last long).
My hair is SLOWLY growing back... I was very emotional about 1-2 weeks after stopping tx and though I did not do AD's during tx had to get on Zoloft to help take the edge off. I have recently been able to come off those and have been doing great..
My hair is SLOWLY growing back... I was very emotional about 1-2 weeks after stopping tx and though I did not do AD's during tx had to get on Zoloft to help take the edge off. I have recently been able to come off those and have been doing great..
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