I'm Wrecked & Bonkers!

[Mary Kay]

Ariel, you are welcome to try to bore us! I do have a question, you said you have chemical sensitivity..how does the P.G. or V.G. affect you?
Welcome BTW!

[Kamanjah]

I switched from PG to VG gradually over the last couple of weeks and now am using almost all VG. It seems to help the fibro some (not quite so achy) and I seem to have more energy. Anyone know of a RY4 like MyVaporStore has that's VG? LiquidXpress has Taboo, which I hear is like the Riskee (never got a chance to try Riskee) and it's pretty close to the RY4 I like, just sweeter. They sell the flavoring and 36mg naked VG, so I can mix that up and be close to my fave vape anyway.

Have MRI of C spine tomorrow - not sure I really want to know how bad it looks these days! My chiro is recommending surgery! Now, that is truly frightening! I just hear of so many people that have surgery and it seems to make things worse. I'm still not sure of all the details, but I think it's supposed to be a simple surgery just to protect the nerves as they exit the damaged discs; no fusion involved. Still don't like the idea!

Antidepressants are supposed to help with chronic pain. I was put on Elavil back in the 80s when I was diagnosed with fibro. I never really got along with it - took it at night and was still sleepy for hours the next day. They switched me to doxepin, and I still had the sleepy problem until I realized it took about 2 hours to get into my system and took it 2 hours before bedtime and was pretty much ok in the mornings after that. Several docs have had me try the newer SSRIs, but they just seemed to make me more depressed, so I'm back on doxepin.

I was lucky enough to be able to go to the University of Calif San Francisco Pain Clinic after my neck/head injury, and they helped me get the pain pretty much under control. Biofeedback helped, as did acupuncture. Can't get acupuncture now though, Medicare doesn't cover it. I did end up on a pretty high dose of oxycontin, but after a cervical epidural, I got that cut back for several years until the nerves got involved again a few months ago. Dose is back up to about 1/2 - 3/4 of what I was taking before I cut back. A quick course of steroids (the 6 day dose pack) cut the nerve pain back about 75%, so I'm happy with that for now. May have to do another epidural, but that's for later....much later...the stenosis has decreased the spinal space so much that it's rather risky sticking needles in there! The guy that did my first one was the same doc who treated Joe Montana and lots of other athletes and really knows his stuff. Hmm, a mini trip to SF again?

I think we all do a great job of functioning at our best level even through all the pain. I was actually able to push through for 11 days straight....of course, I'm totally wiped out today and taking it easy. And my SO is so understanding! Makes it easier to not feel guilty (&/or lazy) when I have to take a down day or 2. I worry that I sap his energy even though he says I don't.

Hang in, everyone!
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[shivadance]

Ariel -

Can I just say that your avatar made me laugh hysterically last night? It was about midnight and my brother had been telling me to GO TO BED for about 20 minutes b/c he knew I would be tired today if I didn't.

Then I click on this thread and see the hideous clown and the words GO TO BED and about fell on the floor!

LOVE IT! Laughter really is the best medicine! (though I'm tired as he!! today)

[Mary Kay]

That avitar scared me! LOL I am sure you are a lovely person..maybe a butterfly..fairy..rainbow
Kamanjah, so how did the MRI go?

[Ariel]

Ariel, you are welcome to try to bore us! I do have a question, you said you have chemical sensitivity..how does the P.G. or V.G. affect you?
Welcome BTW!

Thanks

My chemical sensitivity mostly manifests as a reaction to chemical fragrances. I have no problem at all with the PG or VG.

My sense of smell is coming back. It's definitely a double-edged sword. At least now I can pick up more often on why I might be getting a headache, or chest pains, and do what I can to correct the situation.

[Ariel]

Can I just say that your avatar made me laugh hysterically last night? It was about midnight and my brother had been telling me to GO TO BED for about 20 minutes...

That avitar scared me! LOL I am sure you are a lovely person..maybe a butterfly..fairy..rainbow

I like this avatar because it's memorable (*ahem*) .. and people either seem to love it or hate it.

That, and I like to stay up way too late sometimes.

I'm much nicer in person.

[chad]

Hi all,

From the group title it seems like I belong here. :-)

Wrecked: Charcot Marie Tooth disease (hereditary neuropathy), Barrett's Esophagus, GERD, IBS, food sensitivities, and sleep apnea. (inherited the best from both parents).

Bonkers: Bipolar disorder (depression predominant) in my young adulthood that manifests itself as generalized and social anxiety disorder these days.

I'm on plenty of meds as you might imagine.

Nice to have a place to hang out!

[Mary Kay]

Welcome Chad, nice to see you..or at least see your eye!
Feel free to post in any thread! Start one of your own too.
I never hear of Charcot Marie Tooth disease (hereditary neuropathy), Barrett's Esophagus. But they don't sound nice.

Boy did we ever Hijack Walrus's thread! Sorry big guy!
What forum rule does this violate? Rule 2 or 3?
Doesn't matter (except to Walrus of course) this is a social group..members only..yeah right!

[chad]

Boy did we ever Hijack Walrus's thread! Sorry big guy!
What forum rule does this violate? Rule 2 or 3?
Doesn't matter (except to Walrus of course) this is a social group..members only..yeah right!

Ack! I didn't realize I was a thread-jacker. My humble apologies Walrus. From the title and some of the posts I truly thought this was an Intro thread. Is there an Intro thread?

I'd better go and re-read all the forum rules. No better way to start off on the wrong foot than to make a social error. Sorry about that.

[ladyraj]

Greetings to all, I just feel like venting and sharing a little so I hope no one minds.

Physical pain has become a way of life for me. While in the Air Force I had a large piece of equipment fall from a shelf and knocked my jaw askew. Fortunately the equipment, though heavy, was encased in padding for air dropped protection. I had a wonderful surgeon who repaired the disc in my jaw joint. Unfortunately, a bone spur that had developed over time resulted in the loss of half the disc, required my mandible to be filed down, and resulted in scar tissue. One would never know about this problem by looking at me...the scar is in the fold of the ear and virtually invisible.

Luckily I was given free dental care via the VA because any problems with my teeth would aggravate the jaw. But the workers at the dental clinic, though helpful, are of the opinion that I do not belong there. I've had to file a complaint letter with patient affairs to prevent the inevitable question of authorization. One merely had to look at the computer for benefits listeds under my name. Dental office employees do not decide eligibility, regional offices do. My presence for an appointment would seem to be ample enough evidence that I was an authorized patient, otherwise I would not be scheduled.

On my last visit, while getting my teeth cleaned, the tech proceeded to bash the vets under her care by declaring the the dental clinic did not make any money. She went on and on about beneficiaries that want something for nothing.

The last time I checked...the VA was a non-profit endeavor. The dental clinic could not turn a profit because there are no monetary charges to the Vets. The funding is via taxes which also provides the jobs for these people who are paid to simply do their work via their contract and not judge their patients. Honestly, I think some people simply haven't a clue!!!

I worked with alot of equipment that emitted radiation which upset my endocrine system. Thus my hormone balance was effected and primarily manifested in hypothyroidism. Replacement meds 25 years later paired with a petite frame and genetics has resulted in osteoporosis. So I guess in my old age I'll lose a little height. At 52, I can take meds to delay bone loss and engage in more weight bearing exercise but the intervention has come far too late. I requested the Dexa Scan that normally isn't given until a woman is 65. I recommend that anyone who ever smoked, has thyroid problems, is petite, or has a family member with osteoporosis to request this scan for early intervention. Sometimes the back and leg pains are due to this disorder.

Ok...that was my wrecked. Bonkers is my middle name according to my 3 boys and husband! I once left my car keys in the ignition with my car running for 6 hours while I went to an amusement park with my grandkids. Duh!!! When a nurse asked me what I smoked during an office visit my reply was an e-cig and Dorals....she meant quantity!!! I suspect that I serve as an entertainment source for my family and friends. My quirks make me laugh too!