Good to know I'm on track with my thinking and research regarding possibly including a B1 supplement in my line up.
Endocrinologist just informed me I could go up to 100 mg 2x a day. Here I am, thinking I should have reduced the dose, and I could have remained at the 100 mg without any deleterious effects.
Still no word from the bariatric surgeon's office regarding their thoughts on the matter. I cannot help but think of the surgeon being so quick to write a Rx for phentermine (given my hypertension), yet didn't think to run blood tests to see if there were any other B vitamins I might have a potential deficiency. His NP agreed with my desire not to take the phentermine. I don't want a happy pill, and certainly am agitated enough AS IS without taking something that could potentially stimulate me more and make me more susceptible to rage.
Been on it roughly a week, and I feel different. Almost more rested (if that's even possible) and the "rough edges" seem to be blunted, even if a small amount thus far.
Feels promising.
Monday, September 29, 2014
Friday, September 26, 2014
Pain Chronicles: The Litany (2)
Head: Migraines suffering from them since the early 1990s. Actually been hospitalized thrice for them. Treatment: Frova.
Head: Depression & anxiety with bonus rage & insomnia issues.
Head: Low level TMJ. Treatment: Night time bite guard.
Neck: Right paracentral disc herniation C2-3, Posterocentral disc herniation C4-5, posterocentral disc herniation C5-6, sustained when I was rear-ended by an 18 wheeler in 1999. Treatment: Regular chiropractic adjustments.
Shoulders: "Rib head" pops out of place. REGULARLY. Treatment: Regular chiropractic adjustments.
Shoulders: Disc bulging T1-2 and posterior disc hernations T2-3 and T3-4, sustained when I was rear-ended by an 18 wheeler in 1999. Treatment: Regular chiropractic adjustments.
Left hand: Dominant hand. Carpal tunnel. Mild-to-moderate case. Some days my hand is so spastic I cannot sign my own name without stopping three times because the way I write my name pinches the nerves in the wrist and elbow. Problematic since doing excessive, now-needlessly obsolete stenography drills in secretarial school in the mid-1990s. Treatment: (When having a flare up), Night time use of wrist immobilizer.
Low abdomen: A "mild" case of adenomyosis, which is kind of like garden variety endometriosis... IF IT WERE ON METH, CRACK, AND ACID. Diagnosed officially in February of 2012, and it's getting progressively more painful and uncontainable each successive month. Searing, agonizing pain that is isolated in the region between my navel and my kneecaps, ranging from a dull throb, to a persistent agonizing pulsation of hot lava like HURT deep in my marrow. Treatment: Uterine ablation (which did nothing for the pain and voluminous flow).
Low abdomen: "Impactions." OCCASIONAL. Treatment: Remain compliant with use of fiber and probiotic supplements, magnesium, and Colace, and ensure adequate hydration.
Low spine: Grade 1 Spondylolisthesis L4-5. Treatment: Regular chiropractic adjustments. Rest, heat, TENS/EMS, and ultrasound, maintaining good workplace ergonomics/hygeine, and consistent wearing of customized orthodics.
Right Hip: Trochanteric bursitis. Treatment: Rest, ice.
Right Hip: "Hip Pointer." WTF Been problematic since a forced road march with a 40 lb pack in basic training.
Knees (both): Both knees have been compromised in two falls, one in winter 2009, one in spring 2010. Though to be honest, the pain is deep in there where most anatomical charts would indicate the meniscus. BONUS BAKERS CYST. Treatment: Rest, heat, TENS/EMS, and ultrasound, maintaining good workplace ergonomics/hygeine, and consistent wearing of customized orthodics.
Feet (both): Heel spurs, plantar fasciitis, corns, and the newest addition to the Pain Chronicles Litany: My big toes are not level with the rest of the bones/toes (actually is lower than the rest), thus causing my feet to cantilever like a see-saw in my shoes (thus causing the corns; and is contributing to my overall balance issues).
Treatment: During flare ups, use of plantars fasciitis splint at night. Consistent wearing of customized orthodics.
Head: Depression & anxiety with bonus rage & insomnia issues.
Head: Low level TMJ. Treatment: Night time bite guard.
Neck: Right paracentral disc herniation C2-3, Posterocentral disc herniation C4-5, posterocentral disc herniation C5-6, sustained when I was rear-ended by an 18 wheeler in 1999. Treatment: Regular chiropractic adjustments.
Shoulders: "Rib head" pops out of place. REGULARLY. Treatment: Regular chiropractic adjustments.
Shoulders: Disc bulging T1-2 and posterior disc hernations T2-3 and T3-4, sustained when I was rear-ended by an 18 wheeler in 1999. Treatment: Regular chiropractic adjustments.
Left hand: Dominant hand. Carpal tunnel. Mild-to-moderate case. Some days my hand is so spastic I cannot sign my own name without stopping three times because the way I write my name pinches the nerves in the wrist and elbow. Problematic since doing excessive, now-needlessly obsolete stenography drills in secretarial school in the mid-1990s. Treatment: (When having a flare up), Night time use of wrist immobilizer.
Low abdomen: A "mild" case of adenomyosis, which is kind of like garden variety endometriosis... IF IT WERE ON METH, CRACK, AND ACID. Diagnosed officially in February of 2012, and it's getting progressively more painful and uncontainable each successive month. Searing, agonizing pain that is isolated in the region between my navel and my kneecaps, ranging from a dull throb, to a persistent agonizing pulsation of hot lava like HURT deep in my marrow. Treatment: Uterine ablation (which did nothing for the pain and voluminous flow).
Low abdomen: "Impactions." OCCASIONAL. Treatment: Remain compliant with use of fiber and probiotic supplements, magnesium, and Colace, and ensure adequate hydration.
Low spine: Grade 1 Spondylolisthesis L4-5. Treatment: Regular chiropractic adjustments. Rest, heat, TENS/EMS, and ultrasound, maintaining good workplace ergonomics/hygeine, and consistent wearing of customized orthodics.
Right Hip: Trochanteric bursitis. Treatment: Rest, ice.
Right Hip: "Hip Pointer." WTF Been problematic since a forced road march with a 40 lb pack in basic training.
Knees (both): Both knees have been compromised in two falls, one in winter 2009, one in spring 2010. Though to be honest, the pain is deep in there where most anatomical charts would indicate the meniscus. BONUS BAKERS CYST. Treatment: Rest, heat, TENS/EMS, and ultrasound, maintaining good workplace ergonomics/hygeine, and consistent wearing of customized orthodics.
Feet (both): Heel spurs, plantar fasciitis, corns, and the newest addition to the Pain Chronicles Litany: My big toes are not level with the rest of the bones/toes (actually is lower than the rest), thus causing my feet to cantilever like a see-saw in my shoes (thus causing the corns; and is contributing to my overall balance issues).
Treatment: During flare ups, use of plantars fasciitis splint at night. Consistent wearing of customized orthodics.
Wednesday, September 24, 2014
Tweaking the Supplement List
In order to "wake up" my colon before the rest of my body is out of bed, the husband now brings me a cup of hot coffee, along with the following supplements:
2 Gummy VitaFusion Sugar Free Fiber Chews
Colace 200 mg (1x)
Omega-3
The object here is to start the trigger with my colon before I am out of bed, so once I finally do get out of bed, I can *ahem* "evacuate my fundament" in a more expedient fashion. We have one bathroom, and invariably I need to use the toilet as the husband is mid-way thru his shower. We're trying this change up to the routine, to help get or keep me (or specifically, my "fundament") on a schedule. So, I drink my coffee with those supplements, and languish in bed for another 15 minutes.
Once I'm up, I set about either finishing that cup of coffee and finish what is my first wave of supplements:
2 Gummy VitaFusion Prenatal Multivitamins
2 Gummy VitaFusion Vitamin C
Feosol 325 (1 tablet)
Alpha Lipoic Acid 250 mg
Milk Thistle 300 mg
CoQ10 50 mg
Right before leaving the house, I blast 1-2 KAL Brand B12 spray.
Then during the day I take these, though not necessarily in this order:
1 Cherry Rich brand Cherry Extract, 500 mg
Nature Made VitaMelt Zinc, 15 mg, 1x
Boron, 3 mg, 1x daily
Magnesium 400 mg, 1x daily *I boost to 2x daily during menses, helps w/muscle cramps
2 Gummy VitaFusion Calcium chews (500 mg total) (Or, I might take 600 mg of Citrical Petites, in a 400 mg dose, then a 200 mg dose later)
Vitamin B1 (Thiamine), 100 mg, 1x (which I make sure not to take at same time as coffee) Note: Endocrinologist says that I could go up to 200 mg daily if I wanted to do so.
Then in the evening, I take:
2 Gummy VitaFusion Calcium chews (500 mg total)
2 Gummy VitaFusion Sugar Free Fiber chews
After dinner, I take a Now Brand "Berrydophilis" probiotic chew.
At some point between dinner and bed, I then take:
Alpha Lipoic Acid 250 mg
Milk thistle 300 mg
CoQ10 50 mg
Quinipril, 80 mg
Aldactazide, 25 mg
Items highlighted in red are new additions to my line up.
2 Gummy VitaFusion Sugar Free Fiber Chews
Colace 200 mg (1x)
Omega-3
The object here is to start the trigger with my colon before I am out of bed, so once I finally do get out of bed, I can *ahem* "evacuate my fundament" in a more expedient fashion. We have one bathroom, and invariably I need to use the toilet as the husband is mid-way thru his shower. We're trying this change up to the routine, to help get or keep me (or specifically, my "fundament") on a schedule. So, I drink my coffee with those supplements, and languish in bed for another 15 minutes.
Once I'm up, I set about either finishing that cup of coffee and finish what is my first wave of supplements:
2 Gummy VitaFusion Prenatal Multivitamins
2 Gummy VitaFusion Vitamin C
Feosol 325 (1 tablet)
Alpha Lipoic Acid 250 mg
Milk Thistle 300 mg
CoQ10 50 mg
Right before leaving the house, I blast 1-2 KAL Brand B12 spray.
Then during the day I take these, though not necessarily in this order:
1 Cherry Rich brand Cherry Extract, 500 mg
Nature Made VitaMelt Zinc, 15 mg, 1x
Boron, 3 mg, 1x daily
Magnesium 400 mg, 1x daily *I boost to 2x daily during menses, helps w/muscle cramps
2 Gummy VitaFusion Calcium chews (500 mg total) (Or, I might take 600 mg of Citrical Petites, in a 400 mg dose, then a 200 mg dose later)
Vitamin B1 (Thiamine), 100 mg, 1x (which I make sure not to take at same time as coffee) Note: Endocrinologist says that I could go up to 200 mg daily if I wanted to do so.
Then in the evening, I take:
2 Gummy VitaFusion Calcium chews (500 mg total)
2 Gummy VitaFusion Sugar Free Fiber chews
After dinner, I take a Now Brand "Berrydophilis" probiotic chew.
At some point between dinner and bed, I then take:
Alpha Lipoic Acid 250 mg
Milk thistle 300 mg
CoQ10 50 mg
Quinipril, 80 mg
Aldactazide, 25 mg
Items highlighted in red are new additions to my line up.
Saturday, September 20, 2014
MRI of Cervical Spine
IMPRESSION:
Spondylitic changes. Right paracentral disc herniation C2-3. Postercentral disc herniation C4-5 with right-sided foraminal stenosis. Postercentral disc herniation C5-6, impinging the anterior margin of the cervical spinal cord. Spondylitic change with right paracentral disc herniation C6-7 Spondylitic changes with bulging noted T1-2 and posterior disc herniations T2-3 and T3-4.
Spondylitic changes. Right paracentral disc herniation C2-3. Postercentral disc herniation C4-5 with right-sided foraminal stenosis. Postercentral disc herniation C5-6, impinging the anterior margin of the cervical spinal cord. Spondylitic change with right paracentral disc herniation C6-7 Spondylitic changes with bulging noted T1-2 and posterior disc herniations T2-3 and T3-4.
Saturday, September 13, 2014
MRI of Lumbar Spine
(Verbatim from MRI report of findings.)
IMPRESSION:
Disc dessication and facet joint hypertrophy from L3 through S1, with left posterlateral disc herniation at the L3-4 level. Disc bulging with peripheral annular tearing L4-5. Asymmetric disc bulging with right foraminal stenosis L5-S1. Left renal cyst. Prominence of the junctional zone of the visualized uterus. Magnetic resonance imaging of the pelvis is suggested for further evaluation.
TECHNIQUE:
Sagittal flexion and extension imaging was performed.
INTERPRETATION:
Flexion and extension imaging demonstrates a Grade 1 anterior spondylolisthesis at the L4-5 level. This reduces on extension imaging.
IMPRESSION:
Grade 1 spondylolisthesis L4-5, noted on flexion imaging.
******************************************************
The day after I received this report of findings, which my chiropractor provided me, I then scanned it, and forwarded it onto my endocrinologist, my nephrologist, and my gynecologist.
The nephrologist was the first to respond, as my email inquired about the possibility of an ultrasound prior to my next visit, to which he replied that it was not indicated or necessary at this time.
Uncharacteristically, my endocrinologist replied back that he'd view it the next day, but hasn't gotten back to me, and my gynecologist hasn't acknowledged receiving the email at all. I will provide a hard copy when I see him in December. No doubt, the back pain is referring to the front of my body, adversely impacting the pain from the adenomyosis; and my adenomyosis is referring pain to my low back.
I have a third MRI scheduled for 9/27. I have an appointment scheduled for 9/30 with my chiropractor (who will provide the report of findings on the thoracic spinal MRI), and the following day, 10/1, I have an appointment with my neurologist, who I will provide hard copies of all three MRIs, and hope to discuss a pain management plan between my neuro and chiropractor, and hopefully not add a third doctor (orthopedist, orthopedic surgeon, or neuro surgeon) to the mix. I have a "less is more" and "too many chefs ruin the soup" philosophy of having too many physicians involved in my care. I want things nice and organized. But really, I'm tired of being in pain, and beyond that, I'm tired of it impacting my ability to do the things I love doing.
IMPRESSION:
Disc dessication and facet joint hypertrophy from L3 through S1, with left posterlateral disc herniation at the L3-4 level. Disc bulging with peripheral annular tearing L4-5. Asymmetric disc bulging with right foraminal stenosis L5-S1. Left renal cyst. Prominence of the junctional zone of the visualized uterus. Magnetic resonance imaging of the pelvis is suggested for further evaluation.
TECHNIQUE:
Sagittal flexion and extension imaging was performed.
INTERPRETATION:
Flexion and extension imaging demonstrates a Grade 1 anterior spondylolisthesis at the L4-5 level. This reduces on extension imaging.
IMPRESSION:
Grade 1 spondylolisthesis L4-5, noted on flexion imaging.
******************************************************
The day after I received this report of findings, which my chiropractor provided me, I then scanned it, and forwarded it onto my endocrinologist, my nephrologist, and my gynecologist.
The nephrologist was the first to respond, as my email inquired about the possibility of an ultrasound prior to my next visit, to which he replied that it was not indicated or necessary at this time.
Uncharacteristically, my endocrinologist replied back that he'd view it the next day, but hasn't gotten back to me, and my gynecologist hasn't acknowledged receiving the email at all. I will provide a hard copy when I see him in December. No doubt, the back pain is referring to the front of my body, adversely impacting the pain from the adenomyosis; and my adenomyosis is referring pain to my low back.
I have a third MRI scheduled for 9/27. I have an appointment scheduled for 9/30 with my chiropractor (who will provide the report of findings on the thoracic spinal MRI), and the following day, 10/1, I have an appointment with my neurologist, who I will provide hard copies of all three MRIs, and hope to discuss a pain management plan between my neuro and chiropractor, and hopefully not add a third doctor (orthopedist, orthopedic surgeon, or neuro surgeon) to the mix. I have a "less is more" and "too many chefs ruin the soup" philosophy of having too many physicians involved in my care. I want things nice and organized. But really, I'm tired of being in pain, and beyond that, I'm tired of it impacting my ability to do the things I love doing.
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