Guest guest Posted September 6, 2004 Report Share Posted September 6, 2004 Hi Kathy My name is Jan I care for my Husband Duane who also is type II diabetic, the last two weeks his blood sugar had been out of control and he is doing much worse in the confusion and balance areas sleeping allot and also very restless. I just try to hold on and go with the flow because I don't have any other choice. This disease has a mind of its own and it doesn't take me into consideration at all. Hugs Jan Re: Don't mean to complain > Thanks all of you. Thank you, thank you. > > Yes, I know my body, and I'm not lazy. Not in the least. > > And I was/am a single mom too, and had to be super woman 24/7. It > was sensory integration training for my autistic son 2x a week, it > was counseling and tutoring for my other 'special ed' son 2x a week, > it was meeting with UCLA's Autism Project, it was this and that and > this and that (which I know many here can relate too). > > So I guess I'm still in 'super mode' and it just ain't workin'!! > > GREAT suggestions on making accomodations!! Wonderfull! Did my > weeks worth of dishes sitting on a chair. Put some music on, tapped > my feet. I vacumed 'part' of the living room, then sat down and > watch some news on the tv (gonna be verrrrry hot here in southern > calif again today). Then went back and did another part. I sat on > the toilet (small bathroom) and cleaned the sink and counter tops. > And so on.... > > I can't tell you how much better I feel!! Whoo hoo, I'm > an " accomodating " super woman!! > > I'm hoping this will pass. It has in the past, but again, it's > never been this bad for this long. > > Called neuro and left message on Friday about the fatigue and about > my 'speech arrest' (probably the newly diagnosed frontal lobe > epilepsy) so I'm hoping she'll call back tomorrow. > > You guys are the best!! > > One quick question: I'm type II diabetic, and I " ve noticed that my > blood sugar gets totally out of control prior to these episodes. I'm > only on Actos in the morning, but there are times I'm in the 300's > without ANY CHANGE in my diet. I get the 'uh oh' feeling when they > go up because I can almost count on my neuro symptoms flaring up > again. > > Does this happen to any of you that are diabetic? > > ~Kathy~ > > > > > > > > > > > > Medical advice, information, opinions, data and statements > contained herein > > > are not necessarily those of the list moderators. The author of > this e mail is > > > entirely responsible for its content. List members are reminded > of their > > > responsibility to evaluate the content of the postings and > consult with their > > > physicians regarding changes in their own treatment. > > > > > > Personal attacks are not permitted on the list and anyone who > sends one is > > > automatically moderated or removed depending on the severity of > the attack. > > > > > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 6, 2004 Report Share Posted September 6, 2004 -Dear kathy, I'm sorry you feel alone in this, but here you have lots of friends who understand and want to be there for you. I have been wondering for 16 years without a diagnosis, lots of docs calling me " functional " , but still i continue to get worse and develop new problems and see other specialists- no one puts it together. This group has been a godsend to me. people that understand and give practical help as well in dealing with my problems. like you, I just get sooo wiped out, and the legs soon feel like jelly when I do much activity on them (actually I have a power chair that i use when i get too wiped, or want to go somewhere- it is a wonderful aid) I do sleep a lot, but during the day I am tired, not sleepy. I still feel somewhat guilty resting so much during the day, I want people to know I'm not being lazy. It sure doesn't make me feel better when docs say they don't " feel " my weakness (Don't they hear me saying, it's endurance that is such a problem??) Anyway, i hear you and I hope we can all offer you some help and support, Celia -- In , " jstkathy52004 " wrote: > > Especially in light of how seriously ill some of you are...but I > just don't know where else to go. > > I haven't been dx yet...still in limbo... > > It's the fatigue...I used to have it on weekends...then after > work...now, I can't get past 1pm without thinking to myself, " I've > got to make it, just a few more hours, just a few more hours " . > > My legs are like jelly. I went to the store, and came back. > Couldn't even do my grocery shopping. > > And it's not like I'm sleepy, I'm not. I just lay around all day > and feel just fine. But as soon as I'm active again (active being > relative, I mean just doing dishes or starting to vacume) I feel > like crap all over again. > > I don't know what to say to people when they ask me what's wrong. I > don't know how to explain to my co-workers while I look like a truck > hit me. I don't have an *answer*, so it looks like I'm being 'lazy' > or 'trying to get attention' or any number of things that go through > peoples heads when someone is 'too tired' to do anything. > > Maybe I don't have Mito. I keep thinking maybe I have cancer or > something...something they haven't found yet...What else would make > me feel like this? The myoclonus is all but gone thanks to the > Lamictal, so that's a relief. But two years ago I was going to the > gym 3x a week, dancing once a week, pottery class once a week, girls- > night every Thursday, you couldn't keep me still! > > Now I'm a shadow. > > And I don't know what to do. I feel alone in this. > > Thank you for letting me vent here. > > ~Kathy~ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 6, 2004 Report Share Posted September 6, 2004 -Kathy, Do you have any problems with GI motility? This can be a cause of blood sugar fluctuations, because the gut is not predictably processing your food, Celia -- In , " jstkathy52004 " wrote: > Thanks all of you. Thank you, thank you. > > Yes, I know my body, and I'm not lazy. Not in the least. > > And I was/am a single mom too, and had to be super woman 24/7. It > was sensory integration training for my autistic son 2x a week, it > was counseling and tutoring for my other 'special ed' son 2x a week, > it was meeting with UCLA's Autism Project, it was this and that and > this and that (which I know many here can relate too). > > So I guess I'm still in 'super mode' and it just ain't workin'!! > > GREAT suggestions on making accomodations!! Wonderfull! Did my > weeks worth of dishes sitting on a chair. Put some music on, tapped > my feet. I vacumed 'part' of the living room, then sat down and > watch some news on the tv (gonna be verrrrry hot here in southern > calif again today). Then went back and did another part. I sat on > the toilet (small bathroom) and cleaned the sink and counter tops. > And so on.... > > I can't tell you how much better I feel!! Whoo hoo, I'm > an " accomodating " super woman!! > > I'm hoping this will pass. It has in the past, but again, it's > never been this bad for this long. > > Called neuro and left message on Friday about the fatigue and about > my 'speech arrest' (probably the newly diagnosed frontal lobe > epilepsy) so I'm hoping she'll call back tomorrow. > > You guys are the best!! > > One quick question: I'm type II diabetic, and I " ve noticed that my > blood sugar gets totally out of control prior to these episodes. I'm > only on Actos in the morning, but there are times I'm in the 300's > without ANY CHANGE in my diet. I get the 'uh oh' feeling when they > go up because I can almost count on my neuro symptoms flaring up > again. > > Does this happen to any of you that are diabetic? > > ~Kathy~ > > > > > > > > > > > > Medical advice, information, opinions, data and statements > contained herein > > > are not necessarily those of the list moderators. The author of > this e mail is > > > entirely responsible for its content. List members are reminded > of their > > > responsibility to evaluate the content of the postings and > consult with their > > > physicians regarding changes in their own treatment. > > > > > > Personal attacks are not permitted on the list and anyone who > sends one is > > > automatically moderated or removed depending on the severity of > the attack. > > > > > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 6, 2004 Report Share Posted September 6, 2004 Celia, I have diverticulitis, other than that I'm fine. The only time I have constipation or diarreah is with certain foods and definately with certain medications. Thanks for your input! ~Kathy~ > > > > > > > > > > Medical advice, information, opinions, data and statements > > contained herein > > > > are not necessarily those of the list moderators. The author of > > this e mail is > > > > entirely responsible for its content. List members are reminded > > of their > > > > responsibility to evaluate the content of the postings and > > consult with their > > > > physicians regarding changes in their own treatment. > > > > > > > > Personal attacks are not permitted on the list and anyone who > > sends one is > > > > automatically moderated or removed depending on the severity of > > the attack. > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 6, 2004 Report Share Posted September 6, 2004 --- Kathy... I can feel your pain. Your words are so very familiar to me.I have felt the same emotions you are feeling. The fatique is so emotional devastating.... I too am waiting for an officail diagnosis. Another energy conservation tip is a handicap parking sticker if you do not already have one. Mine has saved me so much precious energy. I even use it when I am feeling well if I have to park to far. I will do anything to avoid a crash. It is hard to find that balance of activity and rest. I am getting better though. I was never a sit still person before becoming ill. Now I save my energy for things that are really important or things I really want to do. So many things just are no longer worth the energy and I have learned to put the pride away. Don't feel quilty for venting. You are going through a grieving process. This is a very difficult thing. Hang in there we are all in this together. We are here for you. Hugs dawn a In , " jstkathy52004 " wrote: > > Especially in light of how seriously ill some of you are...but I > just don't know where else to go. > > I haven't been dx yet...still in limbo... > > It's the fatigue...I used to have it on weekends...then after > work...now, I can't get past 1pm without thinking to myself, " I've > got to make it, just a few more hours, just a few more hours " . > > My legs are like jelly. I went to the store, and came back. > Couldn't even do my grocery shopping. > > And it's not like I'm sleepy, I'm not. I just lay around all day > and feel just fine. But as soon as I'm active again (active being > relative, I mean just doing dishes or starting to vacume) I feel > like crap all over again. > > I don't know what to say to people when they ask me what's wrong. I > don't know how to explain to my co-workers while I look like a truck > hit me. I don't have an *answer*, so it looks like I'm being 'lazy' > or 'trying to get attention' or any number of things that go through > peoples heads when someone is 'too tired' to do anything. > > Maybe I don't have Mito. I keep thinking maybe I have cancer or > something...something they haven't found yet...What else would make > me feel like this? The myoclonus is all but gone thanks to the > Lamictal, so that's a relief. But two years ago I was going to the > gym 3x a week, dancing once a week, pottery class once a week, girls- > night every Thursday, you couldn't keep me still! > > Now I'm a shadow. > > And I don't know what to do. I feel alone in this. > > Thank you for letting me vent here. > > ~Kathy~ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 6, 2004 Report Share Posted September 6, 2004 Hi Kathy, I hear you loud and clear!!! I am sorry that you are feeling so bad right now. It is hard waiting for a dx, and at times you feel that you will never get a diagnosis. It took me 10 yrs of active fighting to finally get a dx. But I had symptoms long before I started to search for a dx. I, too like you were very active, no one could call me *Lazy*. Of course as time went on I got more and more tired until it went into a full blown fatigue. I won't bore you with all of my past problems and symptoms, but will tell you that in the past year I have been sleeping for 18 to 20 hours a day, and at times I have slept for a straight 48 hours without ever waking up, not event to get a drink or go to the potty. That is how bad it is. And I lost over 20 lbs in the last 7 months(and still losing weight) which I didn't need to do, since I didn't weigh that much to start. The last time I was weighed I weighed in @ a whopping 80lbs. in May 2004. I of course have alot of the same symptoms you have with your legs feeling like jelly. I also have severe hip and leg pain with cramps, spasms, and alot of myoclonus. And I have these horrible myoclonus seizures( that is what the Neuro calls them) that last for up to 10 hours, but most of the time I can get through them in 8 hours. They are so exhausting and painful. I had one the other night, and I just sat in bed rocking and crying and screaming( the screaming I have NO control over, it just happens). It is a very hard disease to live through. Please don't let others tell you that you are lazy, you know in your heart that you aren't, you know that there is something wrong inside and that is why you can't do what you used to do. I noticed you said that at one time you where very active, like most of us, but I am wondering if anything major or traumatic happened in your life to trigger your symptoms of Mito? There are times when people look at me and say " Well, you LOOK alright, what did you say was WRONG with YOU? " I wonder to myself " how can they say that? " How can they look at me and say that I LOOK alright. when I LOOK at myself in the mirror and I see someone who is totally wiped out, bags under eyes, pale colored skin, eyes half shut, a person who is only half of what she used to be...etc...etc... Kathy, you are not alone, we are all here for you. I am glad you vented today. It is better to get it out in the open than to keep it locked up inside where it will eat you away. Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers. Hugs, Ann-Marie Don't mean to complain Especially in light of how seriously ill some of you are...but I just don't know where else to go. I haven't been dx yet...still in limbo... It's the fatigue...I used to have it on weekends...then after work...now, I can't get past 1pm without thinking to myself, " I've got to make it, just a few more hours, just a few more hours " . My legs are like jelly. I went to the store, and came back. Couldn't even do my grocery shopping. And it's not like I'm sleepy, I'm not. I just lay around all day and feel just fine. But as soon as I'm active again (active being relative, I mean just doing dishes or starting to vacume) I feel like crap all over again. I don't know what to say to people when they ask me what's wrong. I don't know how to explain to my co-workers while I look like a truck hit me. I don't have an *answer*, so it looks like I'm being 'lazy' or 'trying to get attention' or any number of things that go through peoples heads when someone is 'too tired' to do anything. Maybe I don't have Mito. I keep thinking maybe I have cancer or something...something they haven't found yet...What else would make me feel like this? The myoclonus is all but gone thanks to the Lamictal, so that's a relief. But two years ago I was going to the gym 3x a week, dancing once a week, pottery class once a week, girls- night every Thursday, you couldn't keep me still! Now I'm a shadow. And I don't know what to do. I feel alone in this. Thank you for letting me vent here. ~Kathy~ Medical advice, information, opinions, data and statements contained herein are not necessarily those of the list moderators. The author of this e mail is entirely responsible for its content. List members are reminded of their responsibility to evaluate the content of the postings and consult with their physicians regarding changes in their own treatment. Personal attacks are not permitted on the list and anyone who sends one is automatically moderated or removed depending on the severity of the attack. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 6, 2004 Report Share Posted September 6, 2004 Laurie and Jan Wow. Interesting. And yes, most of the time when I'm a normal diabetic, excercise/activity does bring it down, but not when these 'flares' occur. Wonder what that's all about? Thanks for the input. I'll mention this to my neuro as well. ~Kathy~ > Hi Kathy > > My name is Jan I care for my Husband Duane who also is type II diabetic, the > last two weeks his blood sugar had been out of control and he is doing much > worse in the confusion and balance areas sleeping allot and also very > restless. > > I just try to hold on and go with the flow because I don't have any other > choice. > > This disease has a mind of its own and it doesn't take me into consideration > at all. > > Hugs Jan > > Re: Don't mean to complain > > > > Thanks all of you. Thank you, thank you. > > > > Yes, I know my body, and I'm not lazy. Not in the least. > > > > And I was/am a single mom too, and had to be super woman 24/7. It > > was sensory integration training for my autistic son 2x a week, it > > was counseling and tutoring for my other 'special ed' son 2x a week, > > it was meeting with UCLA's Autism Project, it was this and that and > > this and that (which I know many here can relate too). > > > > So I guess I'm still in 'super mode' and it just ain't workin'!! > > > > GREAT suggestions on making accomodations!! Wonderfull! Did my > > weeks worth of dishes sitting on a chair. Put some music on, tapped > > my feet. I vacumed 'part' of the living room, then sat down and > > watch some news on the tv (gonna be verrrrry hot here in southern > > calif again today). Then went back and did another part. I sat on > > the toilet (small bathroom) and cleaned the sink and counter tops. > > And so on.... > > > > I can't tell you how much better I feel!! Whoo hoo, I'm > > an " accomodating " super woman!! > > > > I'm hoping this will pass. It has in the past, but again, it's > > never been this bad for this long. > > > > Called neuro and left message on Friday about the fatigue and about > > my 'speech arrest' (probably the newly diagnosed frontal lobe > > epilepsy) so I'm hoping she'll call back tomorrow. > > > > You guys are the best!! > > > > One quick question: I'm type II diabetic, and I " ve noticed that my > > blood sugar gets totally out of control prior to these episodes. I'm > > only on Actos in the morning, but there are times I'm in the 300's > > without ANY CHANGE in my diet. I get the 'uh oh' feeling when they > > go up because I can almost count on my neuro symptoms flaring up > > again. > > > > Does this happen to any of you that are diabetic? > > > > ~Kathy~ > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Medical advice, information, opinions, data and statements > > contained herein > > > > are not necessarily those of the list moderators. The author of > > this e mail is > > > > entirely responsible for its content. List members are reminded > > of their > > > > responsibility to evaluate the content of the postings and > > consult with their > > > > physicians regarding changes in their own treatment. > > > > > > > > Personal attacks are not permitted on the list and anyone who > > sends one is > > > > automatically moderated or removed depending on the severity of > > the attack. > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 6, 2004 Report Share Posted September 6, 2004 Celia, Yes, I know what you mean when the doc's can't see or measure the weakness. Only once was it abundantly clear and that was during a hospitalization. The ER attending had me lay on my back and then asked me to lift up my leg and drag my heel down my shin. Well that was a joke. I held, or tried at least, to hold my leg up to do what she asked and it wobbled all over the place. I could not do it. I didn't know that was 'weakness' believe it or not because I also had stiffness so I could walk some. After my admission, the nurse asked me if I wanted a walker. " " I said, " what for? " " For your weakness " she said. Yea. Then I put it alllllll together. I thought the door at work was not working right, so I asked the maintenance guy to put some DW- 40 on it. I bought new shoes because I kept tripping. I bought a new hair dryer because " they make them too heavy " . I couldn't turn over in bed without grabbing onto the side because " it must be arthritis. " It finally dawned on me that nothing was wrong with the 'things', it was me and WEAKNESS!. But that was the exception and it was exceptional weakness. Now I'm very aware of the 'jelly legs' when walking and of course the doc can't measure it. I think they look for signs like I described above. But you and I and the rest of this group know differently. We KNOW our bodies!!! Thanks for your reply and for all your support. ~Kathy~ Duh. > > > > Especially in light of how seriously ill some of you are...but I > > just don't know where else to go. > > > > I haven't been dx yet...still in limbo... > > > > It's the fatigue...I used to have it on weekends...then after > > work...now, I can't get past 1pm without thinking to myself, " I've > > got to make it, just a few more hours, just a few more hours " . > > > > My legs are like jelly. I went to the store, and came back. > > Couldn't even do my grocery shopping. > > > > And it's not like I'm sleepy, I'm not. I just lay around all day > > and feel just fine. But as soon as I'm active again (active being > > relative, I mean just doing dishes or starting to vacume) I feel > > like crap all over again. > > > > I don't know what to say to people when they ask me what's wrong. I > > don't know how to explain to my co-workers while I look like a truck > > hit me. I don't have an *answer*, so it looks like I'm being 'lazy' > > or 'trying to get attention' or any number of things that go through > > peoples heads when someone is 'too tired' to do anything. > > > > Maybe I don't have Mito. I keep thinking maybe I have cancer or > > something...something they haven't found yet...What else would make > > me feel like this? The myoclonus is all but gone thanks to the > > Lamictal, so that's a relief. But two years ago I was going to the > > gym 3x a week, dancing once a week, pottery class once a week, girls- > > night every Thursday, you couldn't keep me still! > > > > Now I'm a shadow. > > > > And I don't know what to do. I feel alone in this. > > > > Thank you for letting me vent here. > > > > ~Kathy~ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 6, 2004 Report Share Posted September 6, 2004 Dawn, Your a gem. Thank you. Funny, I thought about the handicapped parking sticker today. I used to have one. I also have Interstial Cystitis and had one for a while. But it's expired. Since I don't have a dx yet, I doubt my neuro would sign off on one for me. But thank you for mentioning it. ~Kathy~ > > > > Especially in light of how seriously ill some of you are...but I > > just don't know where else to go. > > > > I haven't been dx yet...still in limbo... > > > > It's the fatigue...I used to have it on weekends...then after > > work...now, I can't get past 1pm without thinking to myself, " I've > > got to make it, just a few more hours, just a few more hours " . > > > > My legs are like jelly. I went to the store, and came back. > > Couldn't even do my grocery shopping. > > > > And it's not like I'm sleepy, I'm not. I just lay around all day > > and feel just fine. But as soon as I'm active again (active being > > relative, I mean just doing dishes or starting to vacume) I feel > > like crap all over again. > > > > I don't know what to say to people when they ask me what's wrong. > I > > don't know how to explain to my co-workers while I look like a > truck > > hit me. I don't have an *answer*, so it looks like I'm > being 'lazy' > > or 'trying to get attention' or any number of things that go > through > > peoples heads when someone is 'too tired' to do anything. > > > > Maybe I don't have Mito. I keep thinking maybe I have cancer or > > something...something they haven't found yet...What else would > make > > me feel like this? The myoclonus is all but gone thanks to the > > Lamictal, so that's a relief. But two years ago I was going to the > > gym 3x a week, dancing once a week, pottery class once a week, > girls- > > night every Thursday, you couldn't keep me still! > > > > Now I'm a shadow. > > > > And I don't know what to do. I feel alone in this. > > > > Thank you for letting me vent here. > > > > ~Kathy~ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 6, 2004 Report Share Posted September 6, 2004 Ann-Marie, Unbelievable how wonderful you all are here. Thank you for your post. I'm so sorry to hear about your seizures. I was just diagnosed with Frontal Lobe Epilepsy, and the Lamictal I take really seems to help. I no longer wake up with the myoclonic jerks. I have small ones, but not like the huge ones I used to have. And the cramps have subsided significantly as well. I'm taking Clonopin for the stiffness/pain that I have in my hips, behind my kness, behind my ankles, and in the pits of my arms. What meds are you taking? I'm so sorry to hear you are suffering so much. Do you have 'speech arrest' too? I do. It's interfering with my job now. I'll be thinking of you tonite Ann-Marie and will send some good stuff out into the universe for you. It'll be soft and tender. It'll be smooth and gentle. Hang in there. ~Kathy~ > Hi Kathy, > > I hear you loud and clear!!! I am sorry that you are feeling so bad right now. It is hard waiting for a dx, and at times you feel that you will never get a diagnosis. It took me 10 yrs of active fighting to finally get a dx. But I had symptoms long before I started to search for a dx. > > I, too like you were very active, no one could call me *Lazy*. Of course as time went on I got more and more tired until it went into a full blown fatigue. I won't bore you with all of my past problems and symptoms, but will tell you that in the past year I have been sleeping for 18 to 20 hours a day, and at times I have slept for a straight 48 hours without ever waking up, not event to get a drink or go to the potty. That is how bad it is. And I lost over 20 lbs in the last 7 months(and still losing weight) which I didn't need to do, since I didn't weigh that much to start. The last time I was weighed I weighed in @ a whopping 80lbs. in May 2004. > > I of course have alot of the same symptoms you have with your legs feeling like jelly. I also have severe hip and leg pain with cramps, spasms, and alot of myoclonus. And I have these horrible myoclonus seizures( that is what the Neuro calls them) that last for up to 10 hours, but most of the time I can get through them in 8 hours. They are so exhausting and painful. I had one the other night, and I just sat in bed rocking and crying and screaming( the screaming I have NO control over, it just happens). It is a very hard disease to live through. > > Please don't let others tell you that you are lazy, you know in your heart that you aren't, you know that there is something wrong inside and that is why you can't do what you used to do. I noticed you said that at one time you where very active, like most of us, but I am wondering if anything major or traumatic happened in your life to trigger your symptoms of Mito? > > There are times when people look at me and say " Well, you LOOK alright, what did you say was WRONG with YOU? " I wonder to myself " how can they say that? " How can they look at me and say that I LOOK alright. when I LOOK at myself in the mirror and I see someone who is totally wiped out, bags under eyes, pale colored skin, eyes half shut, a person who is only half of what she used to be...etc...etc... > > Kathy, you are not alone, we are all here for you. I am glad you vented today. It is better to get it out in the open than to keep it locked up inside where it will eat you away. Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers. > > Hugs, > Ann-Marie > Don't mean to complain > > > > Especially in light of how seriously ill some of you are...but I > just don't know where else to go. > > I haven't been dx yet...still in limbo... > > It's the fatigue...I used to have it on weekends...then after > work...now, I can't get past 1pm without thinking to myself, " I've > got to make it, just a few more hours, just a few more hours " . > > My legs are like jelly. I went to the store, and came back. > Couldn't even do my grocery shopping. > > And it's not like I'm sleepy, I'm not. I just lay around all day > and feel just fine. But as soon as I'm active again (active being > relative, I mean just doing dishes or starting to vacume) I feel > like crap all over again. > > I don't know what to say to people when they ask me what's wrong. I > don't know how to explain to my co-workers while I look like a truck > hit me. I don't have an *answer*, so it looks like I'm being 'lazy' > or 'trying to get attention' or any number of things that go through > peoples heads when someone is 'too tired' to do anything. > > Maybe I don't have Mito. I keep thinking maybe I have cancer or > something...something they haven't found yet...What else would make > me feel like this? The myoclonus is all but gone thanks to the > Lamictal, so that's a relief. But two years ago I was going to the > gym 3x a week, dancing once a week, pottery class once a week, girls- > night every Thursday, you couldn't keep me still! > > Now I'm a shadow. > > And I don't know what to do. I feel alone in this. > > Thank you for letting me vent here. > > ~Kathy~ > > > > Medical advice, information, opinions, data and statements contained herein are not necessarily those of the list moderators. The author of this e mail is entirely responsible for its content. List members are reminded of their responsibility to evaluate the content of the postings and consult with their physicians regarding changes in their own treatment. > > Personal attacks are not permitted on the list and anyone who sends one is automatically moderated or removed depending on the severity of the attack. > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 6, 2004 Report Share Posted September 6, 2004 Kathy, Here I am - I know you probably have wondered about that. I'm really glad you are getting all the support here that I promised but you know.. I knew you would. This is one great group and you are part of the family now. Suggestion - ask that neuro to help you get the handicapped pass. If you have muscle weakness or they even suspect a problem, they normally will do it for you. The worst think he can do is say " no " but I have a feeling that he won't. Another suggestion - if you don't already have a scooter of your own (or a power chair) and you don't feel that your doctor would write a script for one yet - use the ones in the stores that have them and save your energy for better things. Alice Dawn, Your a gem. Thank you. Funny, I thought about the handicapped parking sticker today. I used to have one. I also have Interstial Cystitis and had one for a while. But it's expired. Since I don't have a dx yet, I doubt my neuro would sign off on one for me. But thank you for mentioning it. ~Kathy~ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 7, 2004 Report Share Posted September 7, 2004 --- Wow Kathy, sleeping 48 hrs straight that is a lot. I have heard others on this sight talk about setting an alarm so they get up and eat. I pray to God I never get to that point and if I do it is after my children are full grown. My heart goes out to you. You are very small weighing only eighty pounds. Can I ask how tall you are? Hugs dawn a In , " Ann-Marie " wrote: > Hi Kathy, > > I hear you loud and clear!!! I am sorry that you are feeling so bad right now. It is hard waiting for a dx, and at times you feel that you will never get a diagnosis. It took me 10 yrs of active fighting to finally get a dx. But I had symptoms long before I started to search for a dx. > > I, too like you were very active, no one could call me *Lazy*. Of course as time went on I got more and more tired until it went into a full blown fatigue. I won't bore you with all of my past problems and symptoms, but will tell you that in the past year I have been sleeping for 18 to 20 hours a day, and at times I have slept for a straight 48 hours without ever waking up, not event to get a drink or go to the potty. That is how bad it is. And I lost over 20 lbs in the last 7 months(and still losing weight) which I didn't need to do, since I didn't weigh that much to start. The last time I was weighed I weighed in @ a whopping 80lbs. in May 2004. > > I of course have alot of the same symptoms you have with your legs feeling like jelly. I also have severe hip and leg pain with cramps, spasms, and alot of myoclonus. And I have these horrible myoclonus seizures( that is what the Neuro calls them) that last for up to 10 hours, but most of the time I can get through them in 8 hours. They are so exhausting and painful. I had one the other night, and I just sat in bed rocking and crying and screaming( the screaming I have NO control over, it just happens). It is a very hard disease to live through. > > Please don't let others tell you that you are lazy, you know in your heart that you aren't, you know that there is something wrong inside and that is why you can't do what you used to do. I noticed you said that at one time you where very active, like most of us, but I am wondering if anything major or traumatic happened in your life to trigger your symptoms of Mito? > > There are times when people look at me and say " Well, you LOOK alright, what did you say was WRONG with YOU? " I wonder to myself " how can they say that? " How can they look at me and say that I LOOK alright. when I LOOK at myself in the mirror and I see someone who is totally wiped out, bags under eyes, pale colored skin, eyes half shut, a person who is only half of what she used to be...etc...etc... > > Kathy, you are not alone, we are all here for you. I am glad you vented today. It is better to get it out in the open than to keep it locked up inside where it will eat you away. Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers. > > Hugs, > Ann-Marie > Don't mean to complain > > > > Especially in light of how seriously ill some of you are...but I > just don't know where else to go. > > I haven't been dx yet...still in limbo... > > It's the fatigue...I used to have it on weekends...then after > work...now, I can't get past 1pm without thinking to myself, " I've > got to make it, just a few more hours, just a few more hours " . > > My legs are like jelly. I went to the store, and came back. > Couldn't even do my grocery shopping. > > And it's not like I'm sleepy, I'm not. I just lay around all day > and feel just fine. But as soon as I'm active again (active being > relative, I mean just doing dishes or starting to vacume) I feel > like crap all over again. > > I don't know what to say to people when they ask me what's wrong. I > don't know how to explain to my co-workers while I look like a truck > hit me. I don't have an *answer*, so it looks like I'm being 'lazy' > or 'trying to get attention' or any number of things that go through > peoples heads when someone is 'too tired' to do anything. > > Maybe I don't have Mito. I keep thinking maybe I have cancer or > something...something they haven't found yet...What else would make > me feel like this? The myoclonus is all but gone thanks to the > Lamictal, so that's a relief. But two years ago I was going to the > gym 3x a week, dancing once a week, pottery class once a week, girls- > night every Thursday, you couldn't keep me still! > > Now I'm a shadow. > > And I don't know what to do. I feel alone in this. > > Thank you for letting me vent here. > > ~Kathy~ > > > > Medical advice, information, opinions, data and statements contained herein are not necessarily those of the list moderators. The author of this e mail is entirely responsible for its content. List members are reminded of their responsibility to evaluate the content of the postings and consult with their physicians regarding changes in their own treatment. > > Personal attacks are not permitted on the list and anyone who sends one is automatically moderated or removed depending on the severity of the attack. > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 7, 2004 Report Share Posted September 7, 2004 ---Hi, This is the other Dawn. Just wanted to let you know that I have a parking sticker and I don,t have a diagnosis. Do you get weaker the furthur you walk? Maybe this fact will convince your neuro. I remember being so afraid to ask for a sticker. But I had a neuro who would do whatever she could for me. I was old friends with some of her family members. It would be awesome if she specialized in mito!! I hope your neurologist will listen to you and have a caring heart. It is worth a try. dawn a In , " jstkathy52004 " wrote: > Dawn, > > Your a gem. Thank you. > > Funny, I thought about the handicapped parking sticker today. > > I used to have one. I also have Interstial Cystitis and had one for > a while. But it's expired. > > Since I don't have a dx yet, I doubt my neuro would sign off on one > for me. > > But thank you for mentioning it. > > ~Kathy~ > > > > > > > > > > > > Especially in light of how seriously ill some of you are...but I > > > just don't know where else to go. > > > > > > I haven't been dx yet...still in limbo... > > > > > > It's the fatigue...I used to have it on weekends...then after > > > work...now, I can't get past 1pm without thinking to > myself, " I've > > > got to make it, just a few more hours, just a few more hours " . > > > > > > My legs are like jelly. I went to the store, and came back. > > > Couldn't even do my grocery shopping. > > > > > > And it's not like I'm sleepy, I'm not. I just lay around all > day > > > and feel just fine. But as soon as I'm active again (active > being > > > relative, I mean just doing dishes or starting to vacume) I feel > > > like crap all over again. > > > > > > I don't know what to say to people when they ask me what's > wrong. > > I > > > don't know how to explain to my co-workers while I look like a > > truck > > > hit me. I don't have an *answer*, so it looks like I'm > > being 'lazy' > > > or 'trying to get attention' or any number of things that go > > through > > > peoples heads when someone is 'too tired' to do anything. > > > > > > Maybe I don't have Mito. I keep thinking maybe I have cancer or > > > something...something they haven't found yet...What else would > > make > > > me feel like this? The myoclonus is all but gone thanks to the > > > Lamictal, so that's a relief. But two years ago I was going to > the > > > gym 3x a week, dancing once a week, pottery class once a week, > > girls- > > > night every Thursday, you couldn't keep me still! > > > > > > Now I'm a shadow. > > > > > > And I don't know what to do. I feel alone in this. > > > > > > Thank you for letting me vent here. > > > > > > ~Kathy~ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 7, 2004 Report Share Posted September 7, 2004 -Dear kathy, My physios over the years have send notes to my doctors describing my weakness and endurance problems(I figure they know my body the next best to me) but the docs tend to ignore it and depend on their own '5 minute " exam. I have to admit I am very fed up with these doctors' attitudes right now!!!, My life and body are falling apart and they can't see the woods for the trees! Celia-- In , " jstkathy52004 " wrote: > > Celia, > > Yes, I know what you mean when the doc's can't see or measure the > weakness. Only once was it abundantly clear and that was during a > hospitalization. The ER attending had me lay on my back and then > asked me to lift up my leg and drag my heel down my shin. > > Well that was a joke. I held, or tried at least, to hold my leg up > to do what she asked and it wobbled all over the place. I could not > do it. > > I didn't know that was 'weakness' believe it or not because I also > had stiffness so I could walk some. > > After my admission, the nurse asked me if I wanted a > walker. " " I said, " what for? " > > " For your weakness " she said. > > Yea. Then I put it alllllll together. I thought the door at work > was not working right, so I asked the maintenance guy to put some DW- > 40 on it. I bought new shoes because I kept tripping. I bought a > new hair dryer because " they make them too heavy " . I couldn't turn > over in bed without grabbing onto the side because " it must be > arthritis. " > > It finally dawned on me that nothing was wrong with the 'things', it > was me and WEAKNESS!. > > But that was the exception and it was exceptional weakness. Now I'm > very aware of the 'jelly legs' when walking and of course the doc > can't measure it. I think they look for signs like I described > above. > > But you and I and the rest of this group know differently. We KNOW > our bodies!!! > > Thanks for your reply and for all your support. > > ~Kathy~ > > Duh. > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Especially in light of how seriously ill some of you are...but I > > > just don't know where else to go. > > > > > > I haven't been dx yet...still in limbo... > > > > > > It's the fatigue...I used to have it on weekends...then after > > > work...now, I can't get past 1pm without thinking to > myself, " I've > > > got to make it, just a few more hours, just a few more hours " . > > > > > > My legs are like jelly. I went to the store, and came back. > > > Couldn't even do my grocery shopping. > > > > > > And it's not like I'm sleepy, I'm not. I just lay around all > day > > > and feel just fine. But as soon as I'm active again (active > being > > > relative, I mean just doing dishes or starting to vacume) I feel > > > like crap all over again. > > > > > > I don't know what to say to people when they ask me what's > wrong. I > > > don't know how to explain to my co-workers while I look like a > truck > > > hit me. I don't have an *answer*, so it looks like I'm > being 'lazy' > > > or 'trying to get attention' or any number of things that go > through > > > peoples heads when someone is 'too tired' to do anything. > > > > > > Maybe I don't have Mito. I keep thinking maybe I have cancer or > > > something...something they haven't found yet...What else would > make > > > me feel like this? The myoclonus is all but gone thanks to the > > > Lamictal, so that's a relief. But two years ago I was going to > the > > > gym 3x a week, dancing once a week, pottery class once a week, > girls- > > > night every Thursday, you couldn't keep me still! > > > > > > Now I'm a shadow. > > > > > > And I don't know what to do. I feel alone in this. > > > > > > Thank you for letting me vent here. > > > > > > ~Kathy~ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 7, 2004 Report Share Posted September 7, 2004 -kathy, My physio has signed off on my handicapped sticker for years. not sure if this would work in the US, but if's fine here in Canada. (thank goodness), Celia -- In , " jstkathy52004 " wrote: > Dawn, > > Your a gem. Thank you. > > Funny, I thought about the handicapped parking sticker today. > > I used to have one. I also have Interstial Cystitis and had one for > a while. But it's expired. > > Since I don't have a dx yet, I doubt my neuro would sign off on one > for me. > > But thank you for mentioning it. > > ~Kathy~ > > > > > > > > > > > > Especially in light of how seriously ill some of you are...but I > > > just don't know where else to go. > > > > > > I haven't been dx yet...still in limbo... > > > > > > It's the fatigue...I used to have it on weekends...then after > > > work...now, I can't get past 1pm without thinking to > myself, " I've > > > got to make it, just a few more hours, just a few more hours " . > > > > > > My legs are like jelly. I went to the store, and came back. > > > Couldn't even do my grocery shopping. > > > > > > And it's not like I'm sleepy, I'm not. I just lay around all > day > > > and feel just fine. But as soon as I'm active again (active > being > > > relative, I mean just doing dishes or starting to vacume) I feel > > > like crap all over again. > > > > > > I don't know what to say to people when they ask me what's > wrong. > > I > > > don't know how to explain to my co-workers while I look like a > > truck > > > hit me. I don't have an *answer*, so it looks like I'm > > being 'lazy' > > > or 'trying to get attention' or any number of things that go > > through > > > peoples heads when someone is 'too tired' to do anything. > > > > > > Maybe I don't have Mito. I keep thinking maybe I have cancer or > > > something...something they haven't found yet...What else would > > make > > > me feel like this? The myoclonus is all but gone thanks to the > > > Lamictal, so that's a relief. But two years ago I was going to > the > > > gym 3x a week, dancing once a week, pottery class once a week, > > girls- > > > night every Thursday, you couldn't keep me still! > > > > > > Now I'm a shadow. > > > > > > And I don't know what to do. I feel alone in this. > > > > > > Thank you for letting me vent here. > > > > > > ~Kathy~ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 7, 2004 Report Share Posted September 7, 2004 Celia, I'm wondering if it would be helpful if we made a spread sheet that 'qualifies' our weakness and then either take it to our next appt OR mail it to the doc. I've mailed stuff inbetween apts and I noticed it's in my chart. Once it's documented, I'm wondering if the docs aren't then somehow required to address it. So that's what I'm gonna do. Write it down and give examples of what *I* mean by weakness/fatigue etc. I'll try and do it here, not sure it'll line up right. TASK COMPLETE IND NEED ASSIS UNABLE TO COMPLETE Laundry X Vacuming X Grocery X And so on and so forth. I'm gonna give it a try. How about you?? ~Kathy~ > > > > > > > > Especially in light of how seriously ill some of you are...but I > > > > just don't know where else to go. > > > > > > > > I haven't been dx yet...still in limbo... > > > > > > > > It's the fatigue...I used to have it on weekends...then after > > > > work...now, I can't get past 1pm without thinking to > > myself, " I've > > > > got to make it, just a few more hours, just a few more hours " . > > > > > > > > My legs are like jelly. I went to the store, and came back. > > > > Couldn't even do my grocery shopping. > > > > > > > > And it's not like I'm sleepy, I'm not. I just lay around all > > day > > > > and feel just fine. But as soon as I'm active again (active > > being > > > > relative, I mean just doing dishes or starting to vacume) I feel > > > > like crap all over again. > > > > > > > > I don't know what to say to people when they ask me what's > > wrong. I > > > > don't know how to explain to my co-workers while I look like a > > truck > > > > hit me. I don't have an *answer*, so it looks like I'm > > being 'lazy' > > > > or 'trying to get attention' or any number of things that go > > through > > > > peoples heads when someone is 'too tired' to do anything. > > > > > > > > Maybe I don't have Mito. I keep thinking maybe I have cancer or > > > > something...something they haven't found yet...What else would > > make > > > > me feel like this? The myoclonus is all but gone thanks to the > > > > Lamictal, so that's a relief. But two years ago I was going to > > the > > > > gym 3x a week, dancing once a week, pottery class once a week, > > girls- > > > > night every Thursday, you couldn't keep me still! > > > > > > > > Now I'm a shadow. > > > > > > > > And I don't know what to do. I feel alone in this. > > > > > > > > Thank you for letting me vent here. > > > > > > > > ~Kathy~ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 7, 2004 Report Share Posted September 7, 2004 Ack! It didn't line up. Across the Top were three catagories: Complete Indpendently, Need Assistance, Unable to Complete Independently Then I put an " X " in the column that best described it. In the Need Assistance column I'd write what assistance I need, ie chair to sit, adult to help, scooter, etc. So there you have it. ~Kathy~ > > > > > > > > > > Especially in light of how seriously ill some of you > are...but I > > > > > just don't know where else to go. > > > > > > > > > > I haven't been dx yet...still in limbo... > > > > > > > > > > It's the fatigue...I used to have it on weekends...then > after > > > > > work...now, I can't get past 1pm without thinking to > > > myself, " I've > > > > > got to make it, just a few more hours, just a few more > hours " . > > > > > > > > > > My legs are like jelly. I went to the store, and came > back. > > > > > Couldn't even do my grocery shopping. > > > > > > > > > > And it's not like I'm sleepy, I'm not. I just lay around > all > > > day > > > > > and feel just fine. But as soon as I'm active again (active > > > being > > > > > relative, I mean just doing dishes or starting to vacume) I > feel > > > > > like crap all over again. > > > > > > > > > > I don't know what to say to people when they ask me what's > > > wrong. I > > > > > don't know how to explain to my co-workers while I look like > a > > > truck > > > > > hit me. I don't have an *answer*, so it looks like I'm > > > being 'lazy' > > > > > or 'trying to get attention' or any number of things that go > > > through > > > > > peoples heads when someone is 'too tired' to do anything. > > > > > > > > > > Maybe I don't have Mito. I keep thinking maybe I have > cancer or > > > > > something...something they haven't found yet...What else > would > > > make > > > > > me feel like this? The myoclonus is all but gone thanks to > the > > > > > Lamictal, so that's a relief. But two years ago I was going > to > > > the > > > > > gym 3x a week, dancing once a week, pottery class once a > week, > > > girls- > > > > > night every Thursday, you couldn't keep me still! > > > > > > > > > > Now I'm a shadow. > > > > > > > > > > And I don't know what to do. I feel alone in this. > > > > > > > > > > Thank you for letting me vent here. > > > > > > > > > > ~Kathy~ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 7, 2004 Report Share Posted September 7, 2004 -Kathy, Sounds a good idea. I have been unable/need assistance with many everyday activities for so long I admit I no longer mention them to the docs, I just take it for granted. I suppose though I shouldn't take anything for granted, especially when I'm seeing a new doctor. Sounds like I should up on your advice. Thanks for the tip. Have a good day, Celia (I should note that I do very little in the way of housework- I just get so tired so fast) -- In , " jstkathy52004 " wrote: > Celia, > > I'm wondering if it would be helpful if we made a spread sheet > that 'qualifies' our weakness and then either take it to our next > appt OR mail it to the doc. I've mailed stuff inbetween apts and I > noticed it's in my chart. > > Once it's documented, I'm wondering if the docs aren't then somehow > required to address it. > > So that's what I'm gonna do. Write it down and give examples of > what *I* mean by weakness/fatigue etc. > > I'll try and do it here, not sure it'll line up right. > > TASK COMPLETE IND NEED ASSIS UNABLE TO COMPLETE > Laundry X > Vacuming X > Grocery X > > And so on and so forth. > > I'm gonna give it a try. How about you?? > > ~Kathy~ > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Especially in light of how seriously ill some of you > are...but I > > > > > just don't know where else to go. > > > > > > > > > > I haven't been dx yet...still in limbo... > > > > > > > > > > It's the fatigue...I used to have it on weekends...then > after > > > > > work...now, I can't get past 1pm without thinking to > > > myself, " I've > > > > > got to make it, just a few more hours, just a few more > hours " . > > > > > > > > > > My legs are like jelly. I went to the store, and came > back. > > > > > Couldn't even do my grocery shopping. > > > > > > > > > > And it's not like I'm sleepy, I'm not. I just lay around > all > > > day > > > > > and feel just fine. But as soon as I'm active again (active > > > being > > > > > relative, I mean just doing dishes or starting to vacume) I > feel > > > > > like crap all over again. > > > > > > > > > > I don't know what to say to people when they ask me what's > > > wrong. I > > > > > don't know how to explain to my co-workers while I look like > a > > > truck > > > > > hit me. I don't have an *answer*, so it looks like I'm > > > being 'lazy' > > > > > or 'trying to get attention' or any number of things that go > > > through > > > > > peoples heads when someone is 'too tired' to do anything. > > > > > > > > > > Maybe I don't have Mito. I keep thinking maybe I have > cancer or > > > > > something...something they haven't found yet...What else > would > > > make > > > > > me feel like this? The myoclonus is all but gone thanks to > the > > > > > Lamictal, so that's a relief. But two years ago I was going > to > > > the > > > > > gym 3x a week, dancing once a week, pottery class once a > week, > > > girls- > > > > > night every Thursday, you couldn't keep me still! > > > > > > > > > > Now I'm a shadow. > > > > > > > > > > And I don't know what to do. I feel alone in this. > > > > > > > > > > Thank you for letting me vent here. > > > > > > > > > > ~Kathy~ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 7, 2004 Report Share Posted September 7, 2004 Kathy, Oh, that makes more sense. We should think of other " activities of daily living " . There is a scale that health professionals use to rate muscle weakness. (can't remember the name of it. It is based on doing 5 reps of each action. When my physio tests me, she does this- but the docs just try each action once. Admittedly it takes a long time to do the testing thorougly- and it is very tiring. For these reasons my physio will either take just a few sample muscle groups, or do the muscle testing over a period of several appointments, Celia > > > > > > > > > > > > Especially in light of how seriously ill some of you > > are...but I > > > > > > just don't know where else to go. > > > > > > > > > > > > I haven't been dx yet...still in limbo... > > > > > > > > > > > > It's the fatigue...I used to have it on weekends...then > > after > > > > > > work...now, I can't get past 1pm without thinking to > > > > myself, " I've > > > > > > got to make it, just a few more hours, just a few more > > hours " . > > > > > > > > > > > > My legs are like jelly. I went to the store, and came > > back. > > > > > > Couldn't even do my grocery shopping. > > > > > > > > > > > > And it's not like I'm sleepy, I'm not. I just lay around > > all > > > > day > > > > > > and feel just fine. But as soon as I'm active again > (active > > > > being > > > > > > relative, I mean just doing dishes or starting to vacume) > I > > feel > > > > > > like crap all over again. > > > > > > > > > > > > I don't know what to say to people when they ask me what's > > > > wrong. I > > > > > > don't know how to explain to my co-workers while I look > like > > a > > > > truck > > > > > > hit me. I don't have an *answer*, so it looks like I'm > > > > being 'lazy' > > > > > > or 'trying to get attention' or any number of things that > go > > > > through > > > > > > peoples heads when someone is 'too tired' to do anything. > > > > > > > > > > > > Maybe I don't have Mito. I keep thinking maybe I have > > cancer or > > > > > > something...something they haven't found yet...What else > > would > > > > make > > > > > > me feel like this? The myoclonus is all but gone thanks to > > the > > > > > > Lamictal, so that's a relief. But two years ago I was > going > > to > > > > the > > > > > > gym 3x a week, dancing once a week, pottery class once a > > week, > > > > girls- > > > > > > night every Thursday, you couldn't keep me still! > > > > > > > > > > > > Now I'm a shadow. > > > > > > > > > > > > And I don't know what to do. I feel alone in this. > > > > > > > > > > > > Thank you for letting me vent here. > > > > > > > > > > > > ~Kathy~ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 7, 2004 Report Share Posted September 7, 2004 ---The way the doctors measure weakness in the office is appropriate for persistant weakness. The problem is it does not measure endurance. That is something we all have a problem with. When I was first trying to convince the Drs. that something was wrong with me I would do some exercise right before the appointment. To me Drs appointments can be so difficult. I think a of it as worse than a job interview. dawn a In , " cghng888 " wrote: > Kathy, Oh, that makes more sense. We should think of other " activities > of daily living " . There is a scale that health professionals use to > rate muscle weakness. (can't remember the name of it. It is based on > doing 5 reps of each action. When my physio tests me, she does this- > but the docs just try each action once. Admittedly it takes a long > time to do the testing thorougly- and it is very tiring. For these > reasons my physio will either take just a few sample muscle groups, or > do the muscle testing over a period of several appointments, Celia > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Especially in light of how seriously ill some of you > > > are...but I > > > > > > > just don't know where else to go. > > > > > > > > > > > > > > I haven't been dx yet...still in limbo... > > > > > > > > > > > > > > It's the fatigue...I used to have it on weekends...then > > > after > > > > > > > work...now, I can't get past 1pm without thinking to > > > > > myself, " I've > > > > > > > got to make it, just a few more hours, just a few more > > > hours " . > > > > > > > > > > > > > > My legs are like jelly. I went to the store, and came > > > back. > > > > > > > Couldn't even do my grocery shopping. > > > > > > > > > > > > > > And it's not like I'm sleepy, I'm not. I just lay around > > > all > > > > > day > > > > > > > and feel just fine. But as soon as I'm active again > > (active > > > > > being > > > > > > > relative, I mean just doing dishes or starting to vacume) > > I > > > feel > > > > > > > like crap all over again. > > > > > > > > > > > > > > I don't know what to say to people when they ask me what's > > > > > wrong. I > > > > > > > don't know how to explain to my co-workers while I look > > like > > > a > > > > > truck > > > > > > > hit me. I don't have an *answer*, so it looks like I'm > > > > > being 'lazy' > > > > > > > or 'trying to get attention' or any number of things that > > go > > > > > through > > > > > > > peoples heads when someone is 'too tired' to do anything. > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Maybe I don't have Mito. I keep thinking maybe I have > > > cancer or > > > > > > > something...something they haven't found yet...What else > > > would > > > > > make > > > > > > > me feel like this? The myoclonus is all but gone thanks to > > > the > > > > > > > Lamictal, so that's a relief. But two years ago I was > > going > > > to > > > > > the > > > > > > > gym 3x a week, dancing once a week, pottery class once a > > > week, > > > > > girls- > > > > > > > night every Thursday, you couldn't keep me still! > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Now I'm a shadow. > > > > > > > > > > > > > > And I don't know what to do. I feel alone in this. > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Thank you for letting me vent here. > > > > > > > > > > > > > > ~Kathy~ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 7, 2004 Report Share Posted September 7, 2004 Dawn, It wasn't me that sleeps 48 hrs. Someone else (forgive me I can't remember your name) who posted a reply has this horrible problem. ~Kathy~ > > Hi Kathy, > > > > I hear you loud and clear!!! I am sorry that you are feeling so > bad right now. It is hard waiting for a dx, and at times you feel > that you will never get a diagnosis. It took me 10 yrs of active > fighting to finally get a dx. But I had symptoms long before I > started to search for a dx. > > > > I, too like you were very active, no one could call me *Lazy*. Of > course as time went on I got more and more tired until it went into > a full blown fatigue. I won't bore you with all of my past problems > and symptoms, but will tell you that in the past year I have been > sleeping for 18 to 20 hours a day, and at times I have slept for a > straight 48 hours without ever waking up, not event to get a drink > or go to the potty. That is how bad it is. And I lost over 20 lbs in > the last 7 months(and still losing weight) which I didn't need to > do, since I didn't weigh that much to start. The last time I was > weighed I weighed in @ a whopping 80lbs. in May 2004. > > > > I of course have alot of the same symptoms you have with your legs > feeling like jelly. I also have severe hip and leg pain with cramps, > spasms, and alot of myoclonus. And I have these horrible myoclonus > seizures( that is what the Neuro calls them) that last for up to 10 > hours, but most of the time I can get through them in 8 hours. They > are so exhausting and painful. I had one the other night, and I just > sat in bed rocking and crying and screaming( the screaming I have NO > control over, it just happens). It is a very hard disease to live > through. > > > > Please don't let others tell you that you are lazy, you know in > your heart that you aren't, you know that there is something wrong > inside and that is why you can't do what you used to do. I noticed > you said that at one time you where very active, like most of us, > but I am wondering if anything major or traumatic happened in your > life to trigger your symptoms of Mito? > > > > There are times when people look at me and say " Well, you LOOK > alright, what did you say was WRONG with YOU? " I wonder to myself " > how can they say that? " How can they look at me and say that I LOOK > alright. when I LOOK at myself in the mirror and I see someone who > is totally wiped out, bags under eyes, pale colored skin, eyes half > shut, a person who is only half of what she used to > be...etc...etc... > > > > Kathy, you are not alone, we are all here for you. I am glad you > vented today. It is better to get it out in the open than to keep it > locked up inside where it will eat you away. Keeping you in my > thoughts and prayers. > > > > Hugs, > > Ann-Marie > > Don't mean to complain > > > > > > > > Especially in light of how seriously ill some of you are...but I > > just don't know where else to go. > > > > I haven't been dx yet...still in limbo... > > > > It's the fatigue...I used to have it on weekends...then after > > work...now, I can't get past 1pm without thinking to > myself, " I've > > got to make it, just a few more hours, just a few more hours " . > > > > My legs are like jelly. I went to the store, and came back. > > Couldn't even do my grocery shopping. > > > > And it's not like I'm sleepy, I'm not. I just lay around all > day > > and feel just fine. But as soon as I'm active again (active > being > > relative, I mean just doing dishes or starting to vacume) I feel > > like crap all over again. > > > > I don't know what to say to people when they ask me what's > wrong. I > > don't know how to explain to my co-workers while I look like a > truck > > hit me. I don't have an *answer*, so it looks like I'm > being 'lazy' > > or 'trying to get attention' or any number of things that go > through > > peoples heads when someone is 'too tired' to do anything. > > > > Maybe I don't have Mito. I keep thinking maybe I have cancer or > > something...something they haven't found yet...What else would > make > > me feel like this? The myoclonus is all but gone thanks to the > > Lamictal, so that's a relief. But two years ago I was going to > the > > gym 3x a week, dancing once a week, pottery class once a week, > girls- > > night every Thursday, you couldn't keep me still! > > > > Now I'm a shadow. > > > > And I don't know what to do. I feel alone in this. > > > > Thank you for letting me vent here. > > > > ~Kathy~ > > > > > > > > Medical advice, information, opinions, data and statements > contained herein are not necessarily those of the list moderators. > The author of this e mail is entirely responsible for its content. > List members are reminded of their responsibility to evaluate the > content of the postings and consult with their physicians regarding > changes in their own treatment. > > > > Personal attacks are not permitted on the list and anyone who > sends one is automatically moderated or removed depending on the > severity of the attack. > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 7, 2004 Report Share Posted September 7, 2004 Dawn, Yes, if this continues, I will ask for one. All of you have convinced me to at least ask. And yes, the more I walk, the weaker I get. That's why I couldn't finish my grocery shopping. Now I'm popping into mini-marts for bread, milk, eggs, etc. just so I don't have to face the bigger market. Thanks for your support and your ideas. ~Kathy~ > > > > > > > > Especially in light of how seriously ill some of you are...but > I > > > > just don't know where else to go. > > > > > > > > I haven't been dx yet...still in limbo... > > > > > > > > It's the fatigue...I used to have it on weekends...then after > > > > work...now, I can't get past 1pm without thinking to > > myself, " I've > > > > got to make it, just a few more hours, just a few more hours " . > > > > > > > > My legs are like jelly. I went to the store, and came back. > > > > Couldn't even do my grocery shopping. > > > > > > > > And it's not like I'm sleepy, I'm not. I just lay around all > > day > > > > and feel just fine. But as soon as I'm active again (active > > being > > > > relative, I mean just doing dishes or starting to vacume) I > feel > > > > like crap all over again. > > > > > > > > I don't know what to say to people when they ask me what's > > wrong. > > > I > > > > don't know how to explain to my co-workers while I look like a > > > truck > > > > hit me. I don't have an *answer*, so it looks like I'm > > > being 'lazy' > > > > or 'trying to get attention' or any number of things that go > > > through > > > > peoples heads when someone is 'too tired' to do anything. > > > > > > > > Maybe I don't have Mito. I keep thinking maybe I have cancer > or > > > > something...something they haven't found yet...What else would > > > make > > > > me feel like this? The myoclonus is all but gone thanks to the > > > > Lamictal, so that's a relief. But two years ago I was going to > > the > > > > gym 3x a week, dancing once a week, pottery class once a week, > > > girls- > > > > night every Thursday, you couldn't keep me still! > > > > > > > > Now I'm a shadow. > > > > > > > > And I don't know what to do. I feel alone in this. > > > > > > > > Thank you for letting me vent here. > > > > > > > > ~Kathy~ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 7, 2004 Report Share Posted September 7, 2004 Dawn A, Good Point! Endurance is not tested, you are right on there! That's why I'm hoping my little spread sheet will work. I will revise it somehow to include endurance. Thanks Dawn! ~Kathy~ > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Especially in light of how seriously ill some of you > > > > are...but I > > > > > > > > just don't know where else to go. > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > I haven't been dx yet...still in limbo... > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > It's the fatigue...I used to have it on > weekends...then > > > > after > > > > > > > > work...now, I can't get past 1pm without thinking to > > > > > > myself, " I've > > > > > > > > got to make it, just a few more hours, just a few more > > > > hours " . > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > My legs are like jelly. I went to the store, and came > > > > back. > > > > > > > > Couldn't even do my grocery shopping. > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > And it's not like I'm sleepy, I'm not. I just lay > around > > > > all > > > > > > day > > > > > > > > and feel just fine. But as soon as I'm active again > > > (active > > > > > > being > > > > > > > > relative, I mean just doing dishes or starting to > vacume) > > > I > > > > feel > > > > > > > > like crap all over again. > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > I don't know what to say to people when they ask me > what's > > > > > > wrong. I > > > > > > > > don't know how to explain to my co-workers while I > look > > > like > > > > a > > > > > > truck > > > > > > > > hit me. I don't have an *answer*, so it looks like > I'm > > > > > > being 'lazy' > > > > > > > > or 'trying to get attention' or any number of things > that > > > go > > > > > > through > > > > > > > > peoples heads when someone is 'too tired' to do > anything. > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Maybe I don't have Mito. I keep thinking maybe I have > > > > cancer or > > > > > > > > something...something they haven't found yet...What > else > > > > would > > > > > > make > > > > > > > > me feel like this? The myoclonus is all but gone > thanks to > > > > the > > > > > > > > Lamictal, so that's a relief. But two years ago I was > > > going > > > > to > > > > > > the > > > > > > > > gym 3x a week, dancing once a week, pottery class once > a > > > > week, > > > > > > girls- > > > > > > > > night every Thursday, you couldn't keep me still! > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Now I'm a shadow. > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > And I don't know what to do. I feel alone in this. > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Thank you for letting me vent here. > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > ~Kathy~ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 8, 2004 Report Share Posted September 8, 2004 Right on, Dawn, Your comments about doctors' visits hit home with me. They would just NOT acknowledge what I was trying to say about the weakness. So frustrating, for years and years. Coming here and seeing you all having similar experiences is so helpful to me psychologically. I am strong-minded, but sometimes I did doubt my sanity when no one seemed to understand what I was describing. Again, thanks all for sharing. Sunny > ---The way the doctors measure weakness in the office is appropriate > for persistant weakness. The problem is it does not measure > endurance. That is something we all have a problem with. When I was > first trying to convince the Drs. that something was wrong with me I > would do some exercise right before the appointment. To me Drs > appointments can be so difficult. I think a of it as worse than a > job interview. > > dawn a > > > In , " cghng888 " wrote: > > Kathy, Oh, that makes more sense. We should think of > other " activities > > of daily living " . There is a scale that health professionals use to > > rate muscle weakness. (can't remember the name of it. It is based > on > > doing 5 reps of each action. When my physio tests me, she does > this- > > but the docs just try each action once. Admittedly it takes a long > > time to do the testing thorougly- and it is very tiring. For these > > reasons my physio will either take just a few sample muscle > groups, or > > do the muscle testing over a period of several appointments, Celia > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Especially in light of how seriously ill some of you > > > > are...but I > > > > > > > > just don't know where else to go. > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > I haven't been dx yet...still in limbo... > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > It's the fatigue...I used to have it on > weekends...then > > > > after > > > > > > > > work...now, I can't get past 1pm without thinking to > > > > > > myself, " I've > > > > > > > > got to make it, just a few more hours, just a few more > > > > hours " . > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > My legs are like jelly. I went to the store, and came > > > > back. > > > > > > > > Couldn't even do my grocery shopping. > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > And it's not like I'm sleepy, I'm not. I just lay > around > > > > all > > > > > > day > > > > > > > > and feel just fine. But as soon as I'm active again > > > (active > > > > > > being > > > > > > > > relative, I mean just doing dishes or starting to > vacume) > > > I > > > > feel > > > > > > > > like crap all over again. > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > I don't know what to say to people when they ask me > what's > > > > > > wrong. I > > > > > > > > don't know how to explain to my co-workers while I > look > > > like > > > > a > > > > > > truck > > > > > > > > hit me. I don't have an *answer*, so it looks like > I'm > > > > > > being 'lazy' > > > > > > > > or 'trying to get attention' or any number of things > that > > > go > > > > > > through > > > > > > > > peoples heads when someone is 'too tired' to do > anything. > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Maybe I don't have Mito. I keep thinking maybe I have > > > > cancer or > > > > > > > > something...something they haven't found yet...What > else > > > > would > > > > > > make > > > > > > > > me feel like this? The myoclonus is all but gone > thanks to > > > > the > > > > > > > > Lamictal, so that's a relief. But two years ago I was > > > going > > > > to > > > > > > the > > > > > > > > gym 3x a week, dancing once a week, pottery class once > a > > > > week, > > > > > > girls- > > > > > > > > night every Thursday, you couldn't keep me still! > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Now I'm a shadow. > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > And I don't know what to do. I feel alone in this. > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Thank you for letting me vent here. > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > ~Kathy~ > > > > Medical advice, information, opinions, data and statements contained > herein are not necessarily those of the list moderators. The author of > this e mail is entirely responsible for its content. List members are > reminded of their responsibility to evaluate the content of the > postings and consult with their physicians regarding changes in their > own treatment. > > Personal attacks are not permitted on the list and anyone who sends > one is automatically moderated or removed depending on the severity of > the attack. > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 8, 2004 Report Share Posted September 8, 2004 -Me too. i feel comfortable expressing my frustrations here.it doesn't help the physical probs go away but it helps me feel better Thank you all for the chance to ventilate. Celia -- In , z39z@a... wrote: > Right on, Dawn, > > Your comments about doctors' visits hit home with me. They would just > NOT acknowledge what I was trying to say about the weakness. So > frustrating, for years and years. Coming here and seeing you all > having similar experiences is so helpful to me psychologically. I am > strong-minded, but sometimes I did doubt my sanity when no one seemed > to understand what I was describing. Again, thanks all for sharing. > > Sunny > > > > > ---The way the doctors measure weakness in the office is appropriate > > for persistant weakness. The problem is it does not measure > > endurance. That is something we all have a problem with. When I was > > first trying to convince the Drs. that something was wrong with me I > > would do some exercise right before the appointment. To me Drs > > appointments can be so difficult. I think a of it as worse than a > > job interview. > > > > dawn a > > > > > > In , " cghng888 " wrote: > > > Kathy, Oh, that makes more sense. We should think of > > other " activities > > > of daily living " . There is a scale that health professionals use to > > > rate muscle weakness. (can't remember the name of it. It is based > > on > > > doing 5 reps of each action. When my physio tests me, she does > > this- > > > but the docs just try each action once. Admittedly it takes a long > > > time to do the testing thorougly- and it is very tiring. For these > > > reasons my physio will either take just a few sample muscle > > groups, or > > > do the muscle testing over a period of several appointments, Celia > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Especially in light of how seriously ill some of you > > > > > are...but I > > > > > > > > > just don't know where else to go. > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > I haven't been dx yet...still in limbo... > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > It's the fatigue...I used to have it on > > weekends...then > > > > > after > > > > > > > > > work...now, I can't get past 1pm without thinking to > > > > > > > myself, " I've > > > > > > > > > got to make it, just a few more hours, just a few more > > > > > hours " . > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > My legs are like jelly. I went to the store, and came > > > > > back. > > > > > > > > > Couldn't even do my grocery shopping. > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > And it's not like I'm sleepy, I'm not. I just lay > > around > > > > > all > > > > > > > day > > > > > > > > > and feel just fine. But as soon as I'm active again > > > > (active > > > > > > > being > > > > > > > > > relative, I mean just doing dishes or starting to > > vacume) > > > > I > > > > > feel > > > > > > > > > like crap all over again. > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > I don't know what to say to people when they ask me > > what's > > > > > > > wrong. I > > > > > > > > > don't know how to explain to my co-workers while I > > look > > > > like > > > > > a > > > > > > > truck > > > > > > > > > hit me. I don't have an *answer*, so it looks like > > I'm > > > > > > > being 'lazy' > > > > > > > > > or 'trying to get attention' or any number of things > > that > > > > go > > > > > > > through > > > > > > > > > peoples heads when someone is 'too tired' to do > > anything. > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Maybe I don't have Mito. I keep thinking maybe I have > > > > > cancer or > > > > > > > > > something...something they haven't found yet...What > > else > > > > > would > > > > > > > make > > > > > > > > > me feel like this? The myoclonus is all but gone > > thanks to > > > > > the > > > > > > > > > Lamictal, so that's a relief. But two years ago I was > > > > going > > > > > to > > > > > > > the > > > > > > > > > gym 3x a week, dancing once a week, pottery class once > > a > > > > > week, > > > > > > > girls- > > > > > > > > > night every Thursday, you couldn't keep me still! > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Now I'm a shadow. > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > And I don't know what to do. I feel alone in this. > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Thank you for letting me vent here. > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > ~Kathy~ > > > > > > > > Medical advice, information, opinions, data and statements contained > > herein are not necessarily those of the list moderators. The author of > > this e mail is entirely responsible for its content. List members are > > reminded of their responsibility to evaluate the content of the > > postings and consult with their physicians regarding changes in their > > own treatment. > > > > Personal attacks are not permitted on the list and anyone who sends > > one is automatically moderated or removed depending on the severity of > > the attack. > > > > > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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