questions

[Guest guest]

Hi Debbie! They had me on Cymbalta, but it didn't do a dang thing for me. The Amitryptalin works... I just wish I could remember what the brand name was. I'll have to ask my husband. They have me on that and Toprol XL for high blood pressure. My doctor said he believes my blood pressure was so high due to pain (I can't remember what it was, but my foster daughter Penny had a fit when she heard what it was - she's a nurse's aide at a nursing home.). When I take both, for the most part, I'm good. Just before my "special time" each month, I'm in awful AWFUL "I can't move, don't bug me, I really love you, but please go somewhere else, have some fun and leave me alone for a while" kind of pain, but it goes away after a few days. My headaches are so awful when they come. And it's weird because even though I can't feel the pain of them, I always "feel" them - like

my head seems always on the verge of horrific pain. I can't explain it, but it's there. And my arms are always achey. I actually started getting tingly numbness in my feet last week, which really freaked me out, but it has only come once or twice. I didn't tell anyone because I don't want people to make a big deal of it. They'd make me go back to the neurologist and he'd make me feel like I was crazy, so I'll deal with these little surprises until I can't handle them anymore. I am going to see a new neurologist soon. I'm hoping that she will be more help than the doctor(s) I see now. How are you doing? Hugs, Jeannie Debbie wrote: Hi

Jeanne, I am on Cymbalta. Which is an antidepressant that helps with the pain. It doesn't help all the pain , I am also on a Duragesic patch and have vicodin on hand as well. But I noticed you said your antidpressant helped. DebbieJeanne Betters wrote: Oh Connie - that STINKS!! (But you gave me a giggle with the mental picture... wouldn't you just like to see that happen to your doctors just once? LOL!) How do they find granulomas if they can't do an MRI??? Do they even try? It's always something else, isn't it? Unbelievable. Well, we're stronger than we seem, don't we know it? I hope they will at least try some sort of pain blocker for you. The anti-depressant really works for

me - it's amazing. And, it keeps me annoyingly chipper, too! Hugs, Jeannie Connie Griffis wrote: Jeanne, Thanks so much for the information. I am so thankful that you all are kind enough to answer my questions. As to MRI's, I wish I could have one since they seem better at locating our hateful little friends (granulomas), however I have an InSyncIII Pacemaker so I can not have an MRI. I'd look like that doctor in the old suspense movie, he's chasing the good guys and they run through the MRI room, turn on the machine and the bad guy ends up stuck to the top of the MRI by my pacer, ouch...that hurt. Thanks again///ConnieJeanne Betters wrote: Hi Connie - Sorry this is a little late. I've been offline for a little while. When I "got sick" it all started with the strangest sensation in my head that felt like a little baby's fist twisting around. It made me very lightheaded and dizzy... Like the entire room was going white and I was floating. It was awful. After a few visits to the doctor, he took me seriously. The MRI showed a granuloma (?I think that's what they called it) right where I told them - smack dab in the middle of my head at the top of my spinal chord. They said it's not life threatening, but I have since suffered excruciating headaches that

sound similar to what you are experiencing. I usually say it's like a couple of swords sticking up through the base of my neck up through the top of my head. The pain was unbearable until they got me on the right meds. They tried various anti-depressants (pain blockers) unti we found one I can deal with - I can't remember the brand name, but the generic is Amitryptalin. Anyhow, I think it would be a good idea to ask if they would do an MRI for you. I have them about every six months and so far this is the only one. I hope you feel better. I know it can be miserable. And believe me, when they called with the results I was convinced I was dying! LOL! My family was just really happy that they actually FOUND a brain up there! LOL!!! You'll be in my prayers for certain. Please let me know how you make out, ok?Hugs, JeannieConnie Griffis wrote: Hi Everybody, Hope everything is going ok with you all. I have a question if you don't mind. I have had trouble off and on with an unusual pain mostly in the right side of my head above my ear. 2 of 3 times this pain has felt like someone stuck a 38 to my head and pulled the trigger, the only thing that I imagine would be different was it took a while for the pain to stop, and the very last time this happened it felt like something went up my carotid to my head, dummy here even tried to catch it before it got to the top. I have also had this funny jab in my head off and on for a while, but usually they are spaced out pretty good. All of a sudden this has changed in the last 2 weeks, the

pain has started coming more often. I get a less severe pain almost always in the same spot as the other that feels like someone is trying to push something through my head, it hurts like the dickens but doesn't last as long as the other, the difference is it has started making me dizzy and nauseous, which lasts for 20 or 25 minutes even though the pain has stopped. It's never done that before. What is this? Any ideas? I know you guys are not doctors, but I trust your answers more. You have been there and seem to understand the weird way I ask a question. Sorry about that by the way. As always//Connie How low will we go? Check out Yahoo! Messenger�s low PC-to-Phone call rates. Love cheap thrills? Enjoy PC-to-Phone calls to 30+ countries for just 2�/min with Yahoo! Messenger with Voice. __________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

Hi Debbie! They had me on Cymbalta, but it didn't do a dang thing for me. The Amitryptalin works... I just wish I could remember what the brand name was. I'll have to ask my husband. They have me on that and Toprol XL for high blood pressure. My doctor said he believes my blood pressure was so high due to pain (I can't remember what it was, but my foster daughter Penny had a fit when she heard what it was - she's a nurse's aide at a nursing home.). When I take both, for the most part, I'm good. Just before my "special time" each month, I'm in awful AWFUL "I can't move, don't bug me, I really love you, but please go somewhere else, have some fun and leave me alone for a while" kind of pain, but it goes away after a few days. My headaches are so awful when they come. And it's weird because even though I can't feel the pain of them, I always "feel" them - like

my head seems always on the verge of horrific pain. I can't explain it, but it's there. And my arms are always achey. I actually started getting tingly numbness in my feet last week, which really freaked me out, but it has only come once or twice. I didn't tell anyone because I don't want people to make a big deal of it. They'd make me go back to the neurologist and he'd make me feel like I was crazy, so I'll deal with these little surprises until I can't handle them anymore. I am going to see a new neurologist soon. I'm hoping that she will be more help than the doctor(s) I see now. How are you doing? Hugs, Jeannie Debbie wrote: Hi

Jeanne, I am on Cymbalta. Which is an antidepressant that helps with the pain. It doesn't help all the pain , I am also on a Duragesic patch and have vicodin on hand as well. But I noticed you said your antidpressant helped. DebbieJeanne Betters wrote: Oh Connie - that STINKS!! (But you gave me a giggle with the mental picture... wouldn't you just like to see that happen to your doctors just once? LOL!) How do they find granulomas if they can't do an MRI??? Do they even try? It's always something else, isn't it? Unbelievable. Well, we're stronger than we seem, don't we know it? I hope they will at least try some sort of pain blocker for you. The anti-depressant really works for

me - it's amazing. And, it keeps me annoyingly chipper, too! Hugs, Jeannie Connie Griffis wrote: Jeanne, Thanks so much for the information. I am so thankful that you all are kind enough to answer my questions. As to MRI's, I wish I could have one since they seem better at locating our hateful little friends (granulomas), however I have an InSyncIII Pacemaker so I can not have an MRI. I'd look like that doctor in the old suspense movie, he's chasing the good guys and they run through the MRI room, turn on the machine and the bad guy ends up stuck to the top of the MRI by my pacer, ouch...that hurt. Thanks again///ConnieJeanne Betters wrote: Hi Connie - Sorry this is a little late. I've been offline for a little while. When I "got sick" it all started with the strangest sensation in my head that felt like a little baby's fist twisting around. It made me very lightheaded and dizzy... Like the entire room was going white and I was floating. It was awful. After a few visits to the doctor, he took me seriously. The MRI showed a granuloma (?I think that's what they called it) right where I told them - smack dab in the middle of my head at the top of my spinal chord. They said it's not life threatening, but I have since suffered excruciating headaches that

sound similar to what you are experiencing. I usually say it's like a couple of swords sticking up through the base of my neck up through the top of my head. The pain was unbearable until they got me on the right meds. They tried various anti-depressants (pain blockers) unti we found one I can deal with - I can't remember the brand name, but the generic is Amitryptalin. Anyhow, I think it would be a good idea to ask if they would do an MRI for you. I have them about every six months and so far this is the only one. I hope you feel better. I know it can be miserable. And believe me, when they called with the results I was convinced I was dying! LOL! My family was just really happy that they actually FOUND a brain up there! LOL!!! You'll be in my prayers for certain. Please let me know how you make out, ok?Hugs, JeannieConnie Griffis wrote: Hi Everybody, Hope everything is going ok with you all. I have a question if you don't mind. I have had trouble off and on with an unusual pain mostly in the right side of my head above my ear. 2 of 3 times this pain has felt like someone stuck a 38 to my head and pulled the trigger, the only thing that I imagine would be different was it took a while for the pain to stop, and the very last time this happened it felt like something went up my carotid to my head, dummy here even tried to catch it before it got to the top. I have also had this funny jab in my head off and on for a while, but usually they are spaced out pretty good. All of a sudden this has changed in the last 2 weeks, the

pain has started coming more often. I get a less severe pain almost always in the same spot as the other that feels like someone is trying to push something through my head, it hurts like the dickens but doesn't last as long as the other, the difference is it has started making me dizzy and nauseous, which lasts for 20 or 25 minutes even though the pain has stopped. It's never done that before. What is this? Any ideas? I know you guys are not doctors, but I trust your answers more. You have been there and seem to understand the weird way I ask a question. Sorry about that by the way. As always//Connie How low will we go? Check out Yahoo! Messenger�s low PC-to-Phone call rates. Love cheap thrills? Enjoy PC-to-Phone calls to 30+ countries for just 2�/min with Yahoo! Messenger with Voice. __________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

Jeanne, Tnis is Eileen and I am new to this site. i am replying instead of sending a new mail because I am still trying to figure out who sent which email. I am not as quick as I used to be. If you have a Doctor who is not sympathetic to your needs, you need a new doctor. Don't mess around with that kind of stuff. Do you live in an area that has more than one? Before your visit, as you exhibit symptoms throughout the month, write them down. If you are like me you will forget some of them by the time you get to the office. Take the notepad with you. No one should have such bad pain, and a health care provider is required (not the word I am looking for) to try to relieve your pain. I don't know how old you are but I had a hysterectomy and all my headaches went away. (Now some of you might say in more ways than one) but if you are experiencing some kind of migraine which I was, I never had another one.

It also relieved all the pain in the abdomen and legs from the periods. Then the Doctor needs to do some serious testing regarding your Sarcoid. Perhaps he has already. My Sarcoid has been limited to the peripheral nervous system. I have just recently started to have focal siezures but when they were doing the initial workup they did a spinal tap, an EMG of the nerves, and then they did a biopsy of the nerves in my legs. Now I was sent to several specialists along the way who had different ideas but at least they were all doing something. Anytime a doctor doesn't take you seriously, ask him if he is working for money or not! I found that I could tolerate the pain in my feet and legs better than the pain in my arms and hands once it reached there I had to have releief! I use a Duragesic Patch, Lyrica, Prednisone and Paxil. I use Vicodin for breakthrough pain. I only use the vicodin once

or twice the night before the patch is to be changed. So it works. Now I am on a lot of othe meds but I think those are the ones that control the pain. I was on Neurontin and that worked for a long time, he just wanted to try the Lyrica to see if the Neurontin was contributing to a side effect that I was having. I also take Namenda for the memory loss. It is for Alzheimer's but it works. I feel better. I hope you feel better and I hope the neurologist takes good care of you. Eileen Jeanne Betters wrote: Hi Debbie! They had me on Cymbalta, but it didn't do a dang thing for me. The Amitryptalin works... I just wish I could remember what the brand name was. I'll have to ask my husband. They have me on that and

Toprol XL for high blood pressure. My doctor said he believes my blood pressure was so high due to pain (I can't remember what it was, but my foster daughter Penny had a fit when she heard what it was - she's a nurse's aide at a nursing home.). When I take both, for the most part, I'm good. Just before my "special time" each month, I'm in awful AWFUL "I can't move, don't bug me, I really love you, but please go somewhere else, have some fun and leave me alone for a while" kind of pain, but it goes away after a few days. My headaches are so awful when they come. And it's weird because even though I can't feel the pain of them, I always "feel" them - like my head seems always on the verge of horrific pain. I can't explain it, but it's there. And my arms are always achey. I actually started getting tingly numbness in my feet last week, which really freaked me out, but it has only come once

or twice. I didn't tell anyone because I don't want people to make a big deal of it. They'd make me go back to the neurologist and he'd make me feel like I was crazy, so I'll deal with these little surprises until I can't handle them anymore. I am going to see a new neurologist soon. I'm hoping that she will be more help than the doctor(s) I see now. How are you doing? Hugs, Jeannie Debbie wrote: Hi Jeanne, I am on Cymbalta. Which is an antidepressant that helps with the pain. It doesn't help all the pain , I am also on a Duragesic patch and have vicodin on hand as well. But I noticed you said your antidpressant

helped. DebbieJeanne Betters wrote: Oh Connie - that STINKS!! (But you gave me a giggle with the mental picture... wouldn't you just like to see that happen to your doctors just once? LOL!) How do they find granulomas if they can't do an MRI??? Do they even try? It's always something else, isn't it? Unbelievable. Well, we're stronger than we seem, don't we know it? I hope they will at least try some sort of pain blocker for you. The anti-depressant really works for me - it's amazing. And, it keeps me annoyingly chipper, too! Hugs, Jeannie Connie Griffis wrote: Jeanne, Thanks so much for the information. I am so thankful that you all are kind enough to answer my questions. As to MRI's, I wish I could have one since they seem better at locating our hateful little friends (granulomas), however I have an InSyncIII Pacemaker so I can not have an MRI. I'd look like that doctor in the old suspense movie, he's chasing the good guys and they run through the MRI room, turn on the machine and the bad guy ends up stuck to the top of the MRI by my pacer, ouch...that hurt. Thanks again///ConnieJeanne Betters wrote: Hi Connie - Sorry this is a little late. I've been offline for a little while. When I "got sick" it all started with the strangest sensation in my head that felt like a little baby's fist twisting around. It made me very lightheaded and dizzy... Like the entire room was going white and I was floating. It was awful. After a few visits to the doctor, he took me seriously. The MRI showed a granuloma (?I think that's what they called it) right where I told them - smack dab in the middle of my head at the top of my spinal chord. They said it's not life threatening, but I have since suffered excruciating headaches that sound similar to what you are experiencing. I usually say it's like a couple of swords sticking up through the base of my neck up through the top of my head. The pain was unbearable until they got me on the right meds. They tried various

anti-depressants (pain blockers) unti we found one I can deal with - I can't remember the brand name, but the generic is Amitryptalin. Anyhow, I think it would be a good idea to ask if they would do an MRI for you. I have them about every six months and so far this is the only one. I hope you feel better. I know it can be miserable. And believe me, when they called with the results I was convinced I was dying! LOL! My family was just really happy that they actually FOUND a brain up there! LOL!!! You'll be in my prayers for certain. Please let me know how you make out, ok?Hugs, JeannieConnie Griffis wrote: Hi Everybody, Hope everything is going ok with you

all. I have a question if you don't mind. I have had trouble off and on with an unusual pain mostly in the right side of my head above my ear. 2 of 3 times this pain has felt like someone stuck a 38 to my head and pulled the trigger, the only thing that I imagine would be different was it took a while for the pain to stop, and the very last time this happened it felt like something went up my carotid to my head, dummy here even tried to catch it before it got to the top. I have also had this funny jab in my head off and on for a while, but usually they are spaced out pretty good. All of a sudden this has changed in the last 2 weeks, the pain has started coming more often. I get a less severe pain almost always in the same spot as the other that feels like someone is trying to push something through my head, it hurts like the dickens but doesn't last as long as the other, the

difference is it has started making me dizzy and nauseous, which lasts for 20 or 25 minutes even though the pain has stopped. It's never done that before. What is this? Any ideas? I know you guys are not doctors, but I trust your answers more. You have been there and seem to understand the weird way I ask a question. Sorry about that by the way. As always//Connie How low will we go? Check out Yahoo! Messenger�s low PC-to-Phone call rates. Love cheap thrills? Enjoy PC-to-Phone calls to 30+ countries for just 2�/min with Yahoo! Messenger with Voice. __________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

Jeanne, Tnis is Eileen and I am new to this site. i am replying instead of sending a new mail because I am still trying to figure out who sent which email. I am not as quick as I used to be. If you have a Doctor who is not sympathetic to your needs, you need a new doctor. Don't mess around with that kind of stuff. Do you live in an area that has more than one? Before your visit, as you exhibit symptoms throughout the month, write them down. If you are like me you will forget some of them by the time you get to the office. Take the notepad with you. No one should have such bad pain, and a health care provider is required (not the word I am looking for) to try to relieve your pain. I don't know how old you are but I had a hysterectomy and all my headaches went away. (Now some of you might say in more ways than one) but if you are experiencing some kind of migraine which I was, I never had another one.

It also relieved all the pain in the abdomen and legs from the periods. Then the Doctor needs to do some serious testing regarding your Sarcoid. Perhaps he has already. My Sarcoid has been limited to the peripheral nervous system. I have just recently started to have focal siezures but when they were doing the initial workup they did a spinal tap, an EMG of the nerves, and then they did a biopsy of the nerves in my legs. Now I was sent to several specialists along the way who had different ideas but at least they were all doing something. Anytime a doctor doesn't take you seriously, ask him if he is working for money or not! I found that I could tolerate the pain in my feet and legs better than the pain in my arms and hands once it reached there I had to have releief! I use a Duragesic Patch, Lyrica, Prednisone and Paxil. I use Vicodin for breakthrough pain. I only use the vicodin once

or twice the night before the patch is to be changed. So it works. Now I am on a lot of othe meds but I think those are the ones that control the pain. I was on Neurontin and that worked for a long time, he just wanted to try the Lyrica to see if the Neurontin was contributing to a side effect that I was having. I also take Namenda for the memory loss. It is for Alzheimer's but it works. I feel better. I hope you feel better and I hope the neurologist takes good care of you. Eileen Jeanne Betters wrote: Hi Debbie! They had me on Cymbalta, but it didn't do a dang thing for me. The Amitryptalin works... I just wish I could remember what the brand name was. I'll have to ask my husband. They have me on that and

Toprol XL for high blood pressure. My doctor said he believes my blood pressure was so high due to pain (I can't remember what it was, but my foster daughter Penny had a fit when she heard what it was - she's a nurse's aide at a nursing home.). When I take both, for the most part, I'm good. Just before my "special time" each month, I'm in awful AWFUL "I can't move, don't bug me, I really love you, but please go somewhere else, have some fun and leave me alone for a while" kind of pain, but it goes away after a few days. My headaches are so awful when they come. And it's weird because even though I can't feel the pain of them, I always "feel" them - like my head seems always on the verge of horrific pain. I can't explain it, but it's there. And my arms are always achey. I actually started getting tingly numbness in my feet last week, which really freaked me out, but it has only come once

or twice. I didn't tell anyone because I don't want people to make a big deal of it. They'd make me go back to the neurologist and he'd make me feel like I was crazy, so I'll deal with these little surprises until I can't handle them anymore. I am going to see a new neurologist soon. I'm hoping that she will be more help than the doctor(s) I see now. How are you doing? Hugs, Jeannie Debbie wrote: Hi Jeanne, I am on Cymbalta. Which is an antidepressant that helps with the pain. It doesn't help all the pain , I am also on a Duragesic patch and have vicodin on hand as well. But I noticed you said your antidpressant

helped. DebbieJeanne Betters wrote: Oh Connie - that STINKS!! (But you gave me a giggle with the mental picture... wouldn't you just like to see that happen to your doctors just once? LOL!) How do they find granulomas if they can't do an MRI??? Do they even try? It's always something else, isn't it? Unbelievable. Well, we're stronger than we seem, don't we know it? I hope they will at least try some sort of pain blocker for you. The anti-depressant really works for me - it's amazing. And, it keeps me annoyingly chipper, too! Hugs, Jeannie Connie Griffis wrote: Jeanne, Thanks so much for the information. I am so thankful that you all are kind enough to answer my questions. As to MRI's, I wish I could have one since they seem better at locating our hateful little friends (granulomas), however I have an InSyncIII Pacemaker so I can not have an MRI. I'd look like that doctor in the old suspense movie, he's chasing the good guys and they run through the MRI room, turn on the machine and the bad guy ends up stuck to the top of the MRI by my pacer, ouch...that hurt. Thanks again///ConnieJeanne Betters wrote: Hi Connie - Sorry this is a little late. I've been offline for a little while. When I "got sick" it all started with the strangest sensation in my head that felt like a little baby's fist twisting around. It made me very lightheaded and dizzy... Like the entire room was going white and I was floating. It was awful. After a few visits to the doctor, he took me seriously. The MRI showed a granuloma (?I think that's what they called it) right where I told them - smack dab in the middle of my head at the top of my spinal chord. They said it's not life threatening, but I have since suffered excruciating headaches that sound similar to what you are experiencing. I usually say it's like a couple of swords sticking up through the base of my neck up through the top of my head. The pain was unbearable until they got me on the right meds. They tried various

anti-depressants (pain blockers) unti we found one I can deal with - I can't remember the brand name, but the generic is Amitryptalin. Anyhow, I think it would be a good idea to ask if they would do an MRI for you. I have them about every six months and so far this is the only one. I hope you feel better. I know it can be miserable. And believe me, when they called with the results I was convinced I was dying! LOL! My family was just really happy that they actually FOUND a brain up there! LOL!!! You'll be in my prayers for certain. Please let me know how you make out, ok?Hugs, JeannieConnie Griffis wrote: Hi Everybody, Hope everything is going ok with you

all. I have a question if you don't mind. I have had trouble off and on with an unusual pain mostly in the right side of my head above my ear. 2 of 3 times this pain has felt like someone stuck a 38 to my head and pulled the trigger, the only thing that I imagine would be different was it took a while for the pain to stop, and the very last time this happened it felt like something went up my carotid to my head, dummy here even tried to catch it before it got to the top. I have also had this funny jab in my head off and on for a while, but usually they are spaced out pretty good. All of a sudden this has changed in the last 2 weeks, the pain has started coming more often. I get a less severe pain almost always in the same spot as the other that feels like someone is trying to push something through my head, it hurts like the dickens but doesn't last as long as the other, the

difference is it has started making me dizzy and nauseous, which lasts for 20 or 25 minutes even though the pain has stopped. It's never done that before. What is this? Any ideas? I know you guys are not doctors, but I trust your answers more. You have been there and seem to understand the weird way I ask a question. Sorry about that by the way. As always//Connie How low will we go? Check out Yahoo! Messenger�s low PC-to-Phone call rates. Love cheap thrills? Enjoy PC-to-Phone calls to 30+ countries for just 2�/min with Yahoo! Messenger with Voice. __________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

Jeanne, Tnis is Eileen and I am new to this site. i am replying instead of sending a new mail because I am still trying to figure out who sent which email. I am not as quick as I used to be. If you have a Doctor who is not sympathetic to your needs, you need a new doctor. Don't mess around with that kind of stuff. Do you live in an area that has more than one? Before your visit, as you exhibit symptoms throughout the month, write them down. If you are like me you will forget some of them by the time you get to the office. Take the notepad with you. No one should have such bad pain, and a health care provider is required (not the word I am looking for) to try to relieve your pain. I don't know how old you are but I had a hysterectomy and all my headaches went away. (Now some of you might say in more ways than one) but if you are experiencing some kind of migraine which I was, I never had another one.

It also relieved all the pain in the abdomen and legs from the periods. Then the Doctor needs to do some serious testing regarding your Sarcoid. Perhaps he has already. My Sarcoid has been limited to the peripheral nervous system. I have just recently started to have focal siezures but when they were doing the initial workup they did a spinal tap, an EMG of the nerves, and then they did a biopsy of the nerves in my legs. Now I was sent to several specialists along the way who had different ideas but at least they were all doing something. Anytime a doctor doesn't take you seriously, ask him if he is working for money or not! I found that I could tolerate the pain in my feet and legs better than the pain in my arms and hands once it reached there I had to have releief! I use a Duragesic Patch, Lyrica, Prednisone and Paxil. I use Vicodin for breakthrough pain. I only use the vicodin once

or twice the night before the patch is to be changed. So it works. Now I am on a lot of othe meds but I think those are the ones that control the pain. I was on Neurontin and that worked for a long time, he just wanted to try the Lyrica to see if the Neurontin was contributing to a side effect that I was having. I also take Namenda for the memory loss. It is for Alzheimer's but it works. I feel better. I hope you feel better and I hope the neurologist takes good care of you. Eileen Jeanne Betters wrote: Hi Debbie! They had me on Cymbalta, but it didn't do a dang thing for me. The Amitryptalin works... I just wish I could remember what the brand name was. I'll have to ask my husband. They have me on that and

Toprol XL for high blood pressure. My doctor said he believes my blood pressure was so high due to pain (I can't remember what it was, but my foster daughter Penny had a fit when she heard what it was - she's a nurse's aide at a nursing home.). When I take both, for the most part, I'm good. Just before my "special time" each month, I'm in awful AWFUL "I can't move, don't bug me, I really love you, but please go somewhere else, have some fun and leave me alone for a while" kind of pain, but it goes away after a few days. My headaches are so awful when they come. And it's weird because even though I can't feel the pain of them, I always "feel" them - like my head seems always on the verge of horrific pain. I can't explain it, but it's there. And my arms are always achey. I actually started getting tingly numbness in my feet last week, which really freaked me out, but it has only come once

or twice. I didn't tell anyone because I don't want people to make a big deal of it. They'd make me go back to the neurologist and he'd make me feel like I was crazy, so I'll deal with these little surprises until I can't handle them anymore. I am going to see a new neurologist soon. I'm hoping that she will be more help than the doctor(s) I see now. How are you doing? Hugs, Jeannie Debbie wrote: Hi Jeanne, I am on Cymbalta. Which is an antidepressant that helps with the pain. It doesn't help all the pain , I am also on a Duragesic patch and have vicodin on hand as well. But I noticed you said your antidpressant

helped. DebbieJeanne Betters wrote: Oh Connie - that STINKS!! (But you gave me a giggle with the mental picture... wouldn't you just like to see that happen to your doctors just once? LOL!) How do they find granulomas if they can't do an MRI??? Do they even try? It's always something else, isn't it? Unbelievable. Well, we're stronger than we seem, don't we know it? I hope they will at least try some sort of pain blocker for you. The anti-depressant really works for me - it's amazing. And, it keeps me annoyingly chipper, too! Hugs, Jeannie Connie Griffis wrote: Jeanne, Thanks so much for the information. I am so thankful that you all are kind enough to answer my questions. As to MRI's, I wish I could have one since they seem better at locating our hateful little friends (granulomas), however I have an InSyncIII Pacemaker so I can not have an MRI. I'd look like that doctor in the old suspense movie, he's chasing the good guys and they run through the MRI room, turn on the machine and the bad guy ends up stuck to the top of the MRI by my pacer, ouch...that hurt. Thanks again///ConnieJeanne Betters wrote: Hi Connie - Sorry this is a little late. I've been offline for a little while. When I "got sick" it all started with the strangest sensation in my head that felt like a little baby's fist twisting around. It made me very lightheaded and dizzy... Like the entire room was going white and I was floating. It was awful. After a few visits to the doctor, he took me seriously. The MRI showed a granuloma (?I think that's what they called it) right where I told them - smack dab in the middle of my head at the top of my spinal chord. They said it's not life threatening, but I have since suffered excruciating headaches that sound similar to what you are experiencing. I usually say it's like a couple of swords sticking up through the base of my neck up through the top of my head. The pain was unbearable until they got me on the right meds. They tried various

anti-depressants (pain blockers) unti we found one I can deal with - I can't remember the brand name, but the generic is Amitryptalin. Anyhow, I think it would be a good idea to ask if they would do an MRI for you. I have them about every six months and so far this is the only one. I hope you feel better. I know it can be miserable. And believe me, when they called with the results I was convinced I was dying! LOL! My family was just really happy that they actually FOUND a brain up there! LOL!!! You'll be in my prayers for certain. Please let me know how you make out, ok?Hugs, JeannieConnie Griffis wrote: Hi Everybody, Hope everything is going ok with you

all. I have a question if you don't mind. I have had trouble off and on with an unusual pain mostly in the right side of my head above my ear. 2 of 3 times this pain has felt like someone stuck a 38 to my head and pulled the trigger, the only thing that I imagine would be different was it took a while for the pain to stop, and the very last time this happened it felt like something went up my carotid to my head, dummy here even tried to catch it before it got to the top. I have also had this funny jab in my head off and on for a while, but usually they are spaced out pretty good. All of a sudden this has changed in the last 2 weeks, the pain has started coming more often. I get a less severe pain almost always in the same spot as the other that feels like someone is trying to push something through my head, it hurts like the dickens but doesn't last as long as the other, the

difference is it has started making me dizzy and nauseous, which lasts for 20 or 25 minutes even though the pain has stopped. It's never done that before. What is this? Any ideas? I know you guys are not doctors, but I trust your answers more. You have been there and seem to understand the weird way I ask a question. Sorry about that by the way. As always//Connie How low will we go? Check out Yahoo! Messenger�s low PC-to-Phone call rates. Love cheap thrills? Enjoy PC-to-Phone calls to 30+ countries for just 2�/min with Yahoo! Messenger with Voice. __________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

Hi Jeannie, So sorry to hear the Cymbalta didn't work for you. I take Topomax for the bad headaches myself. Yours sound much worse than mine though. I am glad you have the appointment with the new neurologist . He should be able to help you with all of what you described. Let's hope so anyway. I hope you have found a "good" one! I have been doing pretty good. Thursday wasn't a good day for me, but yesterday I worked parttime at the library and it felt good to be out there in the real world accomplishing something. Its not something I get to do often and make real money for it. I volunteer usually but if someone is out , I actually get to fill in and they pay me for it. I got to fill in yesterday for someone. Extra money in my pocket. Even though I am on SSDI I can make so much and not lose my benefits. SO that's how I am.

I hope you are feeling better. Good luck with the new doctor. Hugs, DebbieJeanne Betters wrote: Hi Debbie! They had me on Cymbalta, but it didn't do a dang thing for me. The Amitryptalin works... I just wish I could remember what the brand name was. I'll have to ask my husband. They have me on that and Toprol XL for high blood pressure. My doctor said he believes my blood pressure was so high due to pain (I can't remember what it was, but my foster daughter Penny had a fit when she heard what it was - she's a nurse's aide at a nursing home.). When I take both, for the most part, I'm good. Just before my "special time" each month, I'm in awful AWFUL "I can't move, don't bug me, I really

love you, but please go somewhere else, have some fun and leave me alone for a while" kind of pain, but it goes away after a few days. My headaches are so awful when they come. And it's weird because even though I can't feel the pain of them, I always "feel" them - like my head seems always on the verge of horrific pain. I can't explain it, but it's there. And my arms are always achey. I actually started getting tingly numbness in my feet last week, which really freaked me out, but it has only come once or twice. I didn't tell anyone because I don't want people to make a big deal of it. They'd make me go back to the neurologist and he'd make me feel like I was crazy, so I'll deal with these little surprises until I can't handle them anymore. I am going to see a new neurologist soon. I'm hoping that she will be more help than the doctor(s) I see now. How are you doing? Hugs, Jeannie Debbie wrote: Hi Jeanne, I am on Cymbalta. Which is an antidepressant that helps with the pain. It doesn't help all the pain , I am also on a Duragesic patch and have vicodin on hand as well. But I noticed you said your antidpressant helped. DebbieJeanne Betters wrote: Oh Connie - that STINKS!! (But you gave me a giggle with the mental picture... wouldn't you just like to see that happen to your doctors just once? LOL!) How

do they find granulomas if they can't do an MRI??? Do they even try? It's always something else, isn't it? Unbelievable. Well, we're stronger than we seem, don't we know it? I hope they will at least try some sort of pain blocker for you. The anti-depressant really works for me - it's amazing. And, it keeps me annoyingly chipper, too! Hugs, Jeannie Connie Griffis wrote: Jeanne, Thanks so much for the information. I am so thankful that you all are kind enough to answer my questions. As to MRI's, I wish I could have one since they seem better at locating our hateful little friends (granulomas),

however I have an InSyncIII Pacemaker so I can not have an MRI. I'd look like that doctor in the old suspense movie, he's chasing the good guys and they run through the MRI room, turn on the machine and the bad guy ends up stuck to the top of the MRI by my pacer, ouch...that hurt. Thanks again///ConnieJeanne Betters wrote: Hi Connie - Sorry this is a little late. I've been offline for a little while. When I "got sick" it all started with the strangest sensation in my head that felt like a little baby's fist twisting around. It made me very lightheaded and dizzy... Like the entire room was going white and I was floating. It was awful. After a

few visits to the doctor, he took me seriously. The MRI showed a granuloma (?I think that's what they called it) right where I told them - smack dab in the middle of my head at the top of my spinal chord. They said it's not life threatening, but I have since suffered excruciating headaches that sound similar to what you are experiencing. I usually say it's like a couple of swords sticking up through the base of my neck up through the top of my head. The pain was unbearable until they got me on the right meds. They tried various anti-depressants (pain blockers) unti we found one I can deal with - I can't remember the brand name, but the generic is Amitryptalin. Anyhow, I think it would be a good idea to ask if they would do an MRI for you. I have them about every six months and so far this is the only one. I hope you feel better. I know it can be miserable. And believe me, when

they called with the results I was convinced I was dying! LOL! My family was just really happy that they actually FOUND a brain up there! LOL!!! You'll be in my prayers for certain. Please let me know how you make out, ok?Hugs, JeannieConnie Griffis wrote: Hi Everybody, Hope everything is going ok with you all. I have a question if you don't mind. I have had trouble off and on with an unusual pain mostly in the right side of my head above my ear. 2 of 3 times this pain has felt like someone stuck a 38 to my head and pulled the trigger, the only thing that I imagine would be different was it took a while for the pain to stop, and the very last time this happened it

felt like something went up my carotid to my head, dummy here even tried to catch it before it got to the top. I have also had this funny jab in my head off and on for a while, but usually they are spaced out pretty good. All of a sudden this has changed in the last 2 weeks, the pain has started coming more often. I get a less severe pain almost always in the same spot as the other that feels like someone is trying to push something through my head, it hurts like the dickens but doesn't last as long as the other, the difference is it has started making me dizzy and nauseous, which lasts for 20 or 25 minutes even though the pain has stopped. It's never done that before. What is this? Any ideas? I know you guys are not doctors, but I trust your answers more. You have been there and seem to understand the weird way I ask a question. Sorry about that by the way. As always//Connie How low will we go? Check out Yahoo! Messenger�s low PC-to-Phone call rates. Love cheap thrills? Enjoy PC-to-Phone calls to 30+ countries for just 2�/min with Yahoo! Messenger with Voice. __________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

Thanks, Rose. I know - you're right. Thank you. I'm just going to wait to see the new neurologist and tell her. My current doc won't listen to me anyway. I just hate this, I really, really hate this. I'll be sure to tell them, don't worry! What is neuropathy, exactly? I thought they had said I had "optic neuropathy" but my husband said it's "optic neuritis." Either way, I'm not relishing the thought of not seeing any more. Thank you both! Jeannie Rose wrote: Eileen, I agree with you and would add one thing. Jeanne, you said that you didn't want to mention the

numbness & tingling in your feet until it got worse. This may be an early sign of neuropathy. It's possible that early recognizition & treatment might prevent or at least delay severe damage & pain. My neuropathy started out with intermittent feelings that pieces of tape were stuck to my feet. Months later, when I had constant numbness & burning, I told my neurologist. I don't know if something could have been done earlier, but these docs need to know our symptoms! In time, more effective treatment will be developed & this all needs to be documented. BTW, I looked up Namenda, and it's also being used for migraine & tension headaches. Only small studies or anecdotal stories, of course it's off-label & not FDA approved for this, but still sounds promising. And remember, there are countless drugs prescribed for non-FDA approved purposes, including several

drugs used routinely for preterm labor. Ramblin' Rose Moderator Reply-To: Neurosarcoidosis To: Neurosarcoidosis Subject: Re: QuestionsDate: Sat, 27 May 2006 05:09:18 -0700 (PDT) Jeanne, Tnis is Eileen and I am new to this site. i am replying instead of sending a new mail because I am still

trying to figure out who sent which email. I am not as quick as I used to be. If you have a Doctor who is not sympathetic to your needs, you need a new doctor. Don't mess around with that kind of stuff. Do you live in an area that has more than one? Before your visit, as you exhibit symptoms throughout the month, write them down. If you are like me you will forget some of them by the time you get to the office. Take the notepad with you. No one should have such bad pain, and a health care provider is required (not the word I am looking for) to try to relieve your pain. I don't know how old you are but I had a hysterectomy and all my headaches went away. (Now some of you might say in more ways than one) but if you are experiencing some kind of migraine which I was, I never had another one. It also relieved all the pain in the abdomen and legs from the periods. Then the Doctor needs to do some serious testing

regarding your Sarcoid. Perhaps he has already. My Sarcoid has been limited to the peripheral nervous system. I have just recently started to have focal siezures but when they were doing the initial workup they did a spinal tap, an EMG of the nerves, and then they did a biopsy of the nerves in my legs. Now I was sent to several specialists along the way who had different ideas but at least they were all doing something. Anytime a doctor doesn't take you seriously, ask him if he is working for money or not! I found that I could tolerate the pain in my feet and legs better than the pain in my arms and hands once it reached there I had to have releief! I use a Duragesic Patch, Lyrica, Prednisone and Paxil. I use Vicodin for breakthrough pain. I only use the vicodin once or twice the night before the patch is to be changed. So it works. Now I am on a lot of othe meds but I think those are the ones that

control the pain. I was on Neurontin and that worked for a long time, he just wanted to try the Lyrica to see if the Neurontin was contributing to a side effect that I was having. I also take Namenda for the memory loss. It is for Alzheimer's but it works. I feel better. I hope you feel better and I hope the neurologist takes good care of you. Eileen Jeanne Betters wrote: Hi Debbie! They had me on Cymbalta, but it didn't do a dang thing for me. The Amitryptalin works... I just wish I could remember what the brand name was. I'll have to ask my husband. They have me on that and Toprol XL for high blood pressure. My doctor said he believes my blood pressure was so high due to pain (I can't remember what it

was, but my foster daughter Penny had a fit when she heard what it was - she's a nurse's aide at a nursing home.). When I take both, for the most part, I'm good. Just before my "special time" each month, I'm in awful AWFUL "I can't move, don't bug me, I really love you, but please go somewhere else, have some fun and leave me alone for a while" kind of pain, but it goes away after a few days. My headaches are so awful when they come. And it's weird because even though I can't feel the pain of them, I always "feel" them - like my head seems always on the verge of horrific pain. I can't explain it, but it's there. And my arms are always achey. I actually started getting tingly numbness in my feet last week, which really freaked me out, but it has only come once or twice. I didn't tell anyone because I don't want people to make a big deal of it. They'd make me go back to the

neurologist and he'd make me feel like I was crazy, so I'll deal with these little surprises until I can't handle them anymore. I am going to see a new neurologist soon. I'm hoping that she will be more help than the doctor(s) I see now. How are you doing? Hugs, Jeannie Debbie wrote: Hi Jeanne, I am on Cymbalta. Which is an antidepressant that helps with the pain. It doesn't help all the pain , I am also on a Duragesic patch and have vicodin on hand as well. But I noticed you said your antidpressant helped. DebbieJeanne Betters wrote: Oh Connie - that STINKS!! (But you gave me a giggle with the mental picture... wouldn't you just like to see that happen to your doctors just once? LOL!) How do they find granulomas if they can't do an MRI??? Do they even try? It's always something else, isn't it? Unbelievable. Well, we're stronger than we seem, don't we know it? I hope they will at least try some sort of pain blocker for you. The anti-depressant really works for me - it's amazing. And, it keeps me annoyingly chipper, too! Hugs, Jeannie Connie Griffis wrote: Jeanne, Thanks so much for the information. I am so thankful that you all are kind enough to answer my questions. As to MRI's, I wish I could have one since they seem better at locating our hateful little friends (granulomas), however I have an InSyncIII Pacemaker so I can not have an MRI. I'd look like that doctor in the old suspense movie, he's chasing the good guys and they run through the MRI room, turn on the machine and the bad guy ends up stuck to the top of the MRI by my pacer, ouch...that hurt. Thanks again///ConnieJeanne Betters wrote: Hi Connie - Sorry this is a little late. I've been offline for a little while. When I

"got sick" it all started with the strangest sensation in my head that felt like a little baby's fist twisting around. It made me very lightheaded and dizzy... Like the entire room was going white and I was floating. It was awful. After a few visits to the doctor, he took me seriously. The MRI showed a granuloma (?I think that's what they called it) right where I told them - smack dab in the middle of my head at the top of my spinal chord. They said it's not life threatening, but I have since suffered excruciating headaches that sound similar to what you are experiencing. I usually say it's like a couple of swords sticking up through the base of my neck up through the top of my head. The pain was unbearable until they got me on the right meds. They tried various anti-depressants (pain blockers) unti we found one I can deal with - I can't remember the brand name, but the generic is Amitryptalin. Anyhow, I

think it would be a good idea to ask if they would do an MRI for you. I have them about every six months and so far this is the only one. I hope you feel better. I know it can be miserable. And believe me, when they called with the results I was convinced I was dying! LOL! My family was just really happy that they actually FOUND a brain up there! LOL!!! You'll be in my prayers for certain. Please let me know how you make out, ok?Hugs, JeannieConnie Griffis wrote: Hi Everybody, Hope everything is going ok with you all. I have a question if you don't mind. I have had trouble off and on with an unusual pain mostly in the right side

of my head above my ear. 2 of 3 times this pain has felt like someone stuck a 38 to my head and pulled the trigger, the only thing that I imagine would be different was it took a while for the pain to stop, and the very last time this happened it felt like something went up my carotid to my head, dummy here even tried to catch it before it got to the top. I have also had this funny jab in my head off and on for a while, but usually they are spaced out pretty good. All of a sudden this has changed in the last 2 weeks, the pain has started coming more often. I get a less severe pain almost always in the same spot as the other that feels like someone is trying to push something through my head, it hurts like the dickens but doesn't last as long as the other, the difference is it has started making me dizzy and nauseous, which lasts for 20 or 25 minutes even though the pain has stopped. It's never done that before.

What is this? Any ideas? I know you guys are not doctors, but I trust your answers more. You have been there and seem to understand the weird way I ask a question. Sorry about that by the way. As always//Connie How low will we go? Check out Yahoo! Messenger�s low PC-to-Phone call rates. Love cheap thrills? Enjoy PC-to-Phone calls to 30+ countries for just 2�/min with Yahoo! Messenger with Voice. __________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

Thanks, Rose. I know - you're right. Thank you. I'm just going to wait to see the new neurologist and tell her. My current doc won't listen to me anyway. I just hate this, I really, really hate this. I'll be sure to tell them, don't worry! What is neuropathy, exactly? I thought they had said I had "optic neuropathy" but my husband said it's "optic neuritis." Either way, I'm not relishing the thought of not seeing any more. Thank you both! Jeannie Rose wrote: Eileen, I agree with you and would add one thing. Jeanne, you said that you didn't want to mention the

numbness & tingling in your feet until it got worse. This may be an early sign of neuropathy. It's possible that early recognizition & treatment might prevent or at least delay severe damage & pain. My neuropathy started out with intermittent feelings that pieces of tape were stuck to my feet. Months later, when I had constant numbness & burning, I told my neurologist. I don't know if something could have been done earlier, but these docs need to know our symptoms! In time, more effective treatment will be developed & this all needs to be documented. BTW, I looked up Namenda, and it's also being used for migraine & tension headaches. Only small studies or anecdotal stories, of course it's off-label & not FDA approved for this, but still sounds promising. And remember, there are countless drugs prescribed for non-FDA approved purposes, including several

drugs used routinely for preterm labor. Ramblin' Rose Moderator Reply-To: Neurosarcoidosis To: Neurosarcoidosis Subject: Re: QuestionsDate: Sat, 27 May 2006 05:09:18 -0700 (PDT) Jeanne, Tnis is Eileen and I am new to this site. i am replying instead of sending a new mail because I am still

trying to figure out who sent which email. I am not as quick as I used to be. If you have a Doctor who is not sympathetic to your needs, you need a new doctor. Don't mess around with that kind of stuff. Do you live in an area that has more than one? Before your visit, as you exhibit symptoms throughout the month, write them down. If you are like me you will forget some of them by the time you get to the office. Take the notepad with you. No one should have such bad pain, and a health care provider is required (not the word I am looking for) to try to relieve your pain. I don't know how old you are but I had a hysterectomy and all my headaches went away. (Now some of you might say in more ways than one) but if you are experiencing some kind of migraine which I was, I never had another one. It also relieved all the pain in the abdomen and legs from the periods. Then the Doctor needs to do some serious testing

regarding your Sarcoid. Perhaps he has already. My Sarcoid has been limited to the peripheral nervous system. I have just recently started to have focal siezures but when they were doing the initial workup they did a spinal tap, an EMG of the nerves, and then they did a biopsy of the nerves in my legs. Now I was sent to several specialists along the way who had different ideas but at least they were all doing something. Anytime a doctor doesn't take you seriously, ask him if he is working for money or not! I found that I could tolerate the pain in my feet and legs better than the pain in my arms and hands once it reached there I had to have releief! I use a Duragesic Patch, Lyrica, Prednisone and Paxil. I use Vicodin for breakthrough pain. I only use the vicodin once or twice the night before the patch is to be changed. So it works. Now I am on a lot of othe meds but I think those are the ones that

control the pain. I was on Neurontin and that worked for a long time, he just wanted to try the Lyrica to see if the Neurontin was contributing to a side effect that I was having. I also take Namenda for the memory loss. It is for Alzheimer's but it works. I feel better. I hope you feel better and I hope the neurologist takes good care of you. Eileen Jeanne Betters wrote: Hi Debbie! They had me on Cymbalta, but it didn't do a dang thing for me. The Amitryptalin works... I just wish I could remember what the brand name was. I'll have to ask my husband. They have me on that and Toprol XL for high blood pressure. My doctor said he believes my blood pressure was so high due to pain (I can't remember what it

was, but my foster daughter Penny had a fit when she heard what it was - she's a nurse's aide at a nursing home.). When I take both, for the most part, I'm good. Just before my "special time" each month, I'm in awful AWFUL "I can't move, don't bug me, I really love you, but please go somewhere else, have some fun and leave me alone for a while" kind of pain, but it goes away after a few days. My headaches are so awful when they come. And it's weird because even though I can't feel the pain of them, I always "feel" them - like my head seems always on the verge of horrific pain. I can't explain it, but it's there. And my arms are always achey. I actually started getting tingly numbness in my feet last week, which really freaked me out, but it has only come once or twice. I didn't tell anyone because I don't want people to make a big deal of it. They'd make me go back to the

neurologist and he'd make me feel like I was crazy, so I'll deal with these little surprises until I can't handle them anymore. I am going to see a new neurologist soon. I'm hoping that she will be more help than the doctor(s) I see now. How are you doing? Hugs, Jeannie Debbie wrote: Hi Jeanne, I am on Cymbalta. Which is an antidepressant that helps with the pain. It doesn't help all the pain , I am also on a Duragesic patch and have vicodin on hand as well. But I noticed you said your antidpressant helped. DebbieJeanne Betters wrote: Oh Connie - that STINKS!! (But you gave me a giggle with the mental picture... wouldn't you just like to see that happen to your doctors just once? LOL!) How do they find granulomas if they can't do an MRI??? Do they even try? It's always something else, isn't it? Unbelievable. Well, we're stronger than we seem, don't we know it? I hope they will at least try some sort of pain blocker for you. The anti-depressant really works for me - it's amazing. And, it keeps me annoyingly chipper, too! Hugs, Jeannie Connie Griffis wrote: Jeanne, Thanks so much for the information. I am so thankful that you all are kind enough to answer my questions. As to MRI's, I wish I could have one since they seem better at locating our hateful little friends (granulomas), however I have an InSyncIII Pacemaker so I can not have an MRI. I'd look like that doctor in the old suspense movie, he's chasing the good guys and they run through the MRI room, turn on the machine and the bad guy ends up stuck to the top of the MRI by my pacer, ouch...that hurt. Thanks again///ConnieJeanne Betters wrote: Hi Connie - Sorry this is a little late. I've been offline for a little while. When I

"got sick" it all started with the strangest sensation in my head that felt like a little baby's fist twisting around. It made me very lightheaded and dizzy... Like the entire room was going white and I was floating. It was awful. After a few visits to the doctor, he took me seriously. The MRI showed a granuloma (?I think that's what they called it) right where I told them - smack dab in the middle of my head at the top of my spinal chord. They said it's not life threatening, but I have since suffered excruciating headaches that sound similar to what you are experiencing. I usually say it's like a couple of swords sticking up through the base of my neck up through the top of my head. The pain was unbearable until they got me on the right meds. They tried various anti-depressants (pain blockers) unti we found one I can deal with - I can't remember the brand name, but the generic is Amitryptalin. Anyhow, I

think it would be a good idea to ask if they would do an MRI for you. I have them about every six months and so far this is the only one. I hope you feel better. I know it can be miserable. And believe me, when they called with the results I was convinced I was dying! LOL! My family was just really happy that they actually FOUND a brain up there! LOL!!! You'll be in my prayers for certain. Please let me know how you make out, ok?Hugs, JeannieConnie Griffis wrote: Hi Everybody, Hope everything is going ok with you all. I have a question if you don't mind. I have had trouble off and on with an unusual pain mostly in the right side

of my head above my ear. 2 of 3 times this pain has felt like someone stuck a 38 to my head and pulled the trigger, the only thing that I imagine would be different was it took a while for the pain to stop, and the very last time this happened it felt like something went up my carotid to my head, dummy here even tried to catch it before it got to the top. I have also had this funny jab in my head off and on for a while, but usually they are spaced out pretty good. All of a sudden this has changed in the last 2 weeks, the pain has started coming more often. I get a less severe pain almost always in the same spot as the other that feels like someone is trying to push something through my head, it hurts like the dickens but doesn't last as long as the other, the difference is it has started making me dizzy and nauseous, which lasts for 20 or 25 minutes even though the pain has stopped. It's never done that before.

What is this? Any ideas? I know you guys are not doctors, but I trust your answers more. You have been there and seem to understand the weird way I ask a question. Sorry about that by the way. As always//Connie How low will we go? Check out Yahoo! Messenger�s low PC-to-Phone call rates. Love cheap thrills? Enjoy PC-to-Phone calls to 30+ countries for just 2�/min with Yahoo! Messenger with Voice. __________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

Thanks, Rose. I know - you're right. Thank you. I'm just going to wait to see the new neurologist and tell her. My current doc won't listen to me anyway. I just hate this, I really, really hate this. I'll be sure to tell them, don't worry! What is neuropathy, exactly? I thought they had said I had "optic neuropathy" but my husband said it's "optic neuritis." Either way, I'm not relishing the thought of not seeing any more. Thank you both! Jeannie Rose wrote: Eileen, I agree with you and would add one thing. Jeanne, you said that you didn't want to mention the

numbness & tingling in your feet until it got worse. This may be an early sign of neuropathy. It's possible that early recognizition & treatment might prevent or at least delay severe damage & pain. My neuropathy started out with intermittent feelings that pieces of tape were stuck to my feet. Months later, when I had constant numbness & burning, I told my neurologist. I don't know if something could have been done earlier, but these docs need to know our symptoms! In time, more effective treatment will be developed & this all needs to be documented. BTW, I looked up Namenda, and it's also being used for migraine & tension headaches. Only small studies or anecdotal stories, of course it's off-label & not FDA approved for this, but still sounds promising. And remember, there are countless drugs prescribed for non-FDA approved purposes, including several

drugs used routinely for preterm labor. Ramblin' Rose Moderator Reply-To: Neurosarcoidosis To: Neurosarcoidosis Subject: Re: QuestionsDate: Sat, 27 May 2006 05:09:18 -0700 (PDT) Jeanne, Tnis is Eileen and I am new to this site. i am replying instead of sending a new mail because I am still

trying to figure out who sent which email. I am not as quick as I used to be. If you have a Doctor who is not sympathetic to your needs, you need a new doctor. Don't mess around with that kind of stuff. Do you live in an area that has more than one? Before your visit, as you exhibit symptoms throughout the month, write them down. If you are like me you will forget some of them by the time you get to the office. Take the notepad with you. No one should have such bad pain, and a health care provider is required (not the word I am looking for) to try to relieve your pain. I don't know how old you are but I had a hysterectomy and all my headaches went away. (Now some of you might say in more ways than one) but if you are experiencing some kind of migraine which I was, I never had another one. It also relieved all the pain in the abdomen and legs from the periods. Then the Doctor needs to do some serious testing

regarding your Sarcoid. Perhaps he has already. My Sarcoid has been limited to the peripheral nervous system. I have just recently started to have focal siezures but when they were doing the initial workup they did a spinal tap, an EMG of the nerves, and then they did a biopsy of the nerves in my legs. Now I was sent to several specialists along the way who had different ideas but at least they were all doing something. Anytime a doctor doesn't take you seriously, ask him if he is working for money or not! I found that I could tolerate the pain in my feet and legs better than the pain in my arms and hands once it reached there I had to have releief! I use a Duragesic Patch, Lyrica, Prednisone and Paxil. I use Vicodin for breakthrough pain. I only use the vicodin once or twice the night before the patch is to be changed. So it works. Now I am on a lot of othe meds but I think those are the ones that

control the pain. I was on Neurontin and that worked for a long time, he just wanted to try the Lyrica to see if the Neurontin was contributing to a side effect that I was having. I also take Namenda for the memory loss. It is for Alzheimer's but it works. I feel better. I hope you feel better and I hope the neurologist takes good care of you. Eileen Jeanne Betters wrote: Hi Debbie! They had me on Cymbalta, but it didn't do a dang thing for me. The Amitryptalin works... I just wish I could remember what the brand name was. I'll have to ask my husband. They have me on that and Toprol XL for high blood pressure. My doctor said he believes my blood pressure was so high due to pain (I can't remember what it

was, but my foster daughter Penny had a fit when she heard what it was - she's a nurse's aide at a nursing home.). When I take both, for the most part, I'm good. Just before my "special time" each month, I'm in awful AWFUL "I can't move, don't bug me, I really love you, but please go somewhere else, have some fun and leave me alone for a while" kind of pain, but it goes away after a few days. My headaches are so awful when they come. And it's weird because even though I can't feel the pain of them, I always "feel" them - like my head seems always on the verge of horrific pain. I can't explain it, but it's there. And my arms are always achey. I actually started getting tingly numbness in my feet last week, which really freaked me out, but it has only come once or twice. I didn't tell anyone because I don't want people to make a big deal of it. They'd make me go back to the

neurologist and he'd make me feel like I was crazy, so I'll deal with these little surprises until I can't handle them anymore. I am going to see a new neurologist soon. I'm hoping that she will be more help than the doctor(s) I see now. How are you doing? Hugs, Jeannie Debbie wrote: Hi Jeanne, I am on Cymbalta. Which is an antidepressant that helps with the pain. It doesn't help all the pain , I am also on a Duragesic patch and have vicodin on hand as well. But I noticed you said your antidpressant helped. DebbieJeanne Betters wrote: Oh Connie - that STINKS!! (But you gave me a giggle with the mental picture... wouldn't you just like to see that happen to your doctors just once? LOL!) How do they find granulomas if they can't do an MRI??? Do they even try? It's always something else, isn't it? Unbelievable. Well, we're stronger than we seem, don't we know it? I hope they will at least try some sort of pain blocker for you. The anti-depressant really works for me - it's amazing. And, it keeps me annoyingly chipper, too! Hugs, Jeannie Connie Griffis wrote: Jeanne, Thanks so much for the information. I am so thankful that you all are kind enough to answer my questions. As to MRI's, I wish I could have one since they seem better at locating our hateful little friends (granulomas), however I have an InSyncIII Pacemaker so I can not have an MRI. I'd look like that doctor in the old suspense movie, he's chasing the good guys and they run through the MRI room, turn on the machine and the bad guy ends up stuck to the top of the MRI by my pacer, ouch...that hurt. Thanks again///ConnieJeanne Betters wrote: Hi Connie - Sorry this is a little late. I've been offline for a little while. When I

"got sick" it all started with the strangest sensation in my head that felt like a little baby's fist twisting around. It made me very lightheaded and dizzy... Like the entire room was going white and I was floating. It was awful. After a few visits to the doctor, he took me seriously. The MRI showed a granuloma (?I think that's what they called it) right where I told them - smack dab in the middle of my head at the top of my spinal chord. They said it's not life threatening, but I have since suffered excruciating headaches that sound similar to what you are experiencing. I usually say it's like a couple of swords sticking up through the base of my neck up through the top of my head. The pain was unbearable until they got me on the right meds. They tried various anti-depressants (pain blockers) unti we found one I can deal with - I can't remember the brand name, but the generic is Amitryptalin. Anyhow, I

think it would be a good idea to ask if they would do an MRI for you. I have them about every six months and so far this is the only one. I hope you feel better. I know it can be miserable. And believe me, when they called with the results I was convinced I was dying! LOL! My family was just really happy that they actually FOUND a brain up there! LOL!!! You'll be in my prayers for certain. Please let me know how you make out, ok?Hugs, JeannieConnie Griffis wrote: Hi Everybody, Hope everything is going ok with you all. I have a question if you don't mind. I have had trouble off and on with an unusual pain mostly in the right side

of my head above my ear. 2 of 3 times this pain has felt like someone stuck a 38 to my head and pulled the trigger, the only thing that I imagine would be different was it took a while for the pain to stop, and the very last time this happened it felt like something went up my carotid to my head, dummy here even tried to catch it before it got to the top. I have also had this funny jab in my head off and on for a while, but usually they are spaced out pretty good. All of a sudden this has changed in the last 2 weeks, the pain has started coming more often. I get a less severe pain almost always in the same spot as the other that feels like someone is trying to push something through my head, it hurts like the dickens but doesn't last as long as the other, the difference is it has started making me dizzy and nauseous, which lasts for 20 or 25 minutes even though the pain has stopped. It's never done that before.

What is this? Any ideas? I know you guys are not doctors, but I trust your answers more. You have been there and seem to understand the weird way I ask a question. Sorry about that by the way. As always//Connie How low will we go? Check out Yahoo! Messenger�s low PC-to-Phone call rates. Love cheap thrills? Enjoy PC-to-Phone calls to 30+ countries for just 2�/min with Yahoo! Messenger with Voice. __________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

Hi Jeanne, Three years ago when I first became sick, I had to give up my full time job as well . I worked as a office mgr/purchasing mgr of a label mfr. for 17 years. It really killed me to leave. I know how hard it is to leave the job and all the people. Yes, it was stressful, but it was my life and everything I worked so hard for. But my body couldn't handle it any more. I know exactly how you feel making this decision. It is the biggest change in our identity. I admire you for being so strong while making this commitment. You realize what is important in life - family and health and saying no and letting others help you. I was never a "say no" person and that was hard for me. I think you are a very wise person. My small library position was a livesaver

for me. It dragged me out of a such a deep depression that I can't even explain. Like you described, yes I get tired and sore, but it is worth it to make an accomplishment once a day. As for your garden, good luck ! I hope everything grows well! Hugs, DebbieJeanne Betters wrote: Hi Debbie! Well, that's great that you got out for a while &

had some work-fun! It feels good to make a little money now and then, huh? I actually have come to a crossroads and am planning to resign from my position with the basket company - I'm a basket lady and branch advisor. Although it's upsetting to think I have to give it up - I've worked so hard to get where I am and establish my customer and contact base - it's kind of a relief knowing that stress won't be on my shoulders. I've been feeling the need to pare down and simplify lately - in every area of my life. I don't think there's anything wrong with that, although I know I'm going to miss it. I'm just one of those people who have to have irons in the fire and keeping busy, you know? But lately, I'm achey, tired, forgetful and overwhelmed. I've got some really great girls in my branch, and I know my customers will be taken care of. I just can't handle all of the responsibility; I can't keep up with everything.

It's tough for me to say something like that, but it's ok. It's really ok. I need to focus on my health, my family and my foundation (my friends and I established a charitable foundation to promote breast cancer awareness and help patients in treatment financially). Everything else can just sit on the back burner. I have to face that I'm not Superwoman, and that it's ok to say, "no," you know? Today I had a burst of energy and planted a garden. I haven't had a garden since I was diagnosed three years ago. But today, I got to play in the rich soil and now there are lovely green plants ready to become flourishing beauties. There is just something so satisfying about being in a garden. During the first three minutes, I felt like Mother Earth incarnate... Then the sweat, the dizziness, the pain kicked in, and I felt like a muddy mess. But it was still fun. At the moment, I'm

physically regretting it, of course. But I can't stand giving up everything anymore. So I'm going to give this a whirl. Wish me luck. My hubby calls me the "Al Capone of green thumbs." LOL!! Maybe I should have chosen a knitting project instead... My husband and son are at the Pirate's game tonight, so I can't wait to see their faces when they come home. They were planning to do this for me tomorrow afternoon! I'm sure I'll be read the riot act, but a girl's gotta do what a girl's gotta do sometimes, right? Well, you have a great weekend! Big hugs to you! Jeannie aylor wrote: Hi

Jeannie, So sorry to hear the Cymbalta didn't work for you. I take Topomax for the bad headaches myself. Yours sound much worse than mine though. I am glad you have the appointment with the new neurologist . He should be able to help you with all of what you described. Let's hope so anyway. I hope you have found a "good" one! I have been doing pretty good. Thursday wasn't a good day for me, but yesterday I worked parttime at the library and it felt good to be out there in the real world accomplishing something. Its not something I get to do often and make real money for it. I volunteer usually but if someone is out , I actually get to fill in and they pay me for it. I got to fill in yesterday for someone. Extra money in my pocket. Even though I am on SSDI I can make so much and not lose my benefits. SO that's how I am.

I hope you are feeling better. Good luck with the new doctor. Hugs, DebbieJeanne Betters wrote: Hi Debbie! They had me on Cymbalta, but it didn't do a dang thing for me. The Amitryptalin works... I just wish I could remember what the brand name was. I'll have to ask my husband. They have me on that and Toprol XL for high blood pressure. My doctor said he believes my blood pressure was so high due to pain (I can't remember what it was, but my foster daughter Penny had a fit when she heard what it was - she's a nurse's aide at a nursing home.). When I take both, for the most part, I'm good. Just before my "special time" each month, I'm in awful AWFUL "I can't move, don't bug me, I really

love you, but please go somewhere else, have some fun and leave me alone for a while" kind of pain, but it goes away after a few days. My headaches are so awful when they come. And it's weird because even though I can't feel the pain of them, I always "feel" them - like my head seems always on the verge of horrific pain. I can't explain it, but it's there. And my arms are always achey. I actually started getting tingly numbness in my feet last week, which really freaked me out, but it has only come once or twice. I didn't tell anyone because I don't want people to make a big deal of it. They'd make me go back to the neurologist and he'd make me feel like I was crazy, so I'll deal with these little surprises until I can't handle them anymore. I am going to see a new neurologist soon. I'm hoping that she will be more help than the doctor(s) I see now. How are you doing? Hugs, Jeannie Debbie wrote: Hi Jeanne, I am on Cymbalta. Which is an antidepressant that helps with the pain. It doesn't help all the pain , I am also on a Duragesic patch and have vicodin on hand as well. But I noticed you said your antidpressant helped. DebbieJeanne Betters wrote: Oh Connie - that STINKS!! (But you gave me a giggle with the mental picture... wouldn't you just like to see that happen to your doctors just once? LOL!) How

do they find granulomas if they can't do an MRI??? Do they even try? It's always something else, isn't it? Unbelievable. Well, we're stronger than we seem, don't we know it? I hope they will at least try some sort of pain blocker for you. The anti-depressant really works for me - it's amazing. And, it keeps me annoyingly chipper, too! Hugs, Jeannie Connie Griffis wrote: Jeanne, Thanks so much for the information. I am so thankful that you all are kind enough to answer my questions. As to MRI's, I wish I could have one since they seem better at locating our hateful little friends (granulomas),

however I have an InSyncIII Pacemaker so I can not have an MRI. I'd look like that doctor in the old suspense movie, he's chasing the good guys and they run through the MRI room, turn on the machine and the bad guy ends up stuck to the top of the MRI by my pacer, ouch...that hurt. Thanks again///ConnieJeanne Betters wrote: Hi Connie - Sorry this is a little late. I've been offline for a little while. When I "got sick" it all started with the strangest sensation in my head that felt like a little baby's fist twisting around. It made me very lightheaded and dizzy... Like the entire room was going white and I was floating. It was awful. After a

few visits to the doctor, he took me seriously. The MRI showed a granuloma (?I think that's what they called it) right where I told them - smack dab in the middle of my head at the top of my spinal chord. They said it's not life threatening, but I have since suffered excruciating headaches that sound similar to what you are experiencing. I usually say it's like a couple of swords sticking up through the base of my neck up through the top of my head. The pain was unbearable until they got me on the right meds. They tried various anti-depressants (pain blockers) unti we found one I can deal with - I can't remember the brand name, but the generic is Amitryptalin. Anyhow, I think it would be a good idea to ask if they would do an MRI for you. I have them about every six months and so far this is the only one. I hope you feel better. I know it can be miserable. And believe me, when

they called with the results I was convinced I was dying! LOL! My family was just really happy that they actually FOUND a brain up there! LOL!!! You'll be in my prayers for certain. Please let me know how you make out, ok?Hugs, JeannieConnie Griffis wrote: Hi Everybody, Hope everything is going ok with you all. I have a question if you don't mind. I have had trouble off and on with an unusual pain mostly in the right side of my head above my ear. 2 of 3 times this pain has felt like someone stuck a 38 to my head and pulled the trigger, the only thing that I imagine would be different was it took a while for the pain to stop, and the very last time this happened it

felt like something went up my carotid to my head, dummy here even tried to catch it before it got to the top. I have also had this funny jab in my head off and on for a while, but usually they are spaced out pretty good. All of a sudden this has changed in the last 2 weeks, the pain has started coming more often. I get a less severe pain almost always in the same spot as the other that feels like someone is trying to push something through my head, it hurts like the dickens but doesn't last as long as the other, the difference is it has started making me dizzy and nauseous, which lasts for 20 or 25 minutes even though the pain has stopped. It's never done that before. What is this? Any ideas? I know you guys are not doctors, but I trust your answers more. You have been there and seem to understand the weird way I ask a question. Sorry about that by the way. As always//Connie How low will we go? Check out Yahoo! Messenger�s low PC-to-Phone call rates. Love cheap thrills? Enjoy PC-to-Phone calls to 30+ countries for just 2�/min with Yahoo! Messenger with Voice. __________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

Hi Jeanne, Three years ago when I first became sick, I had to give up my full time job as well . I worked as a office mgr/purchasing mgr of a label mfr. for 17 years. It really killed me to leave. I know how hard it is to leave the job and all the people. Yes, it was stressful, but it was my life and everything I worked so hard for. But my body couldn't handle it any more. I know exactly how you feel making this decision. It is the biggest change in our identity. I admire you for being so strong while making this commitment. You realize what is important in life - family and health and saying no and letting others help you. I was never a "say no" person and that was hard for me. I think you are a very wise person. My small library position was a livesaver

for me. It dragged me out of a such a deep depression that I can't even explain. Like you described, yes I get tired and sore, but it is worth it to make an accomplishment once a day. As for your garden, good luck ! I hope everything grows well! Hugs, DebbieJeanne Betters wrote: Hi Debbie! Well, that's great that you got out for a while &

had some work-fun! It feels good to make a little money now and then, huh? I actually have come to a crossroads and am planning to resign from my position with the basket company - I'm a basket lady and branch advisor. Although it's upsetting to think I have to give it up - I've worked so hard to get where I am and establish my customer and contact base - it's kind of a relief knowing that stress won't be on my shoulders. I've been feeling the need to pare down and simplify lately - in every area of my life. I don't think there's anything wrong with that, although I know I'm going to miss it. I'm just one of those people who have to have irons in the fire and keeping busy, you know? But lately, I'm achey, tired, forgetful and overwhelmed. I've got some really great girls in my branch, and I know my customers will be taken care of. I just can't handle all of the responsibility; I can't keep up with everything.

It's tough for me to say something like that, but it's ok. It's really ok. I need to focus on my health, my family and my foundation (my friends and I established a charitable foundation to promote breast cancer awareness and help patients in treatment financially). Everything else can just sit on the back burner. I have to face that I'm not Superwoman, and that it's ok to say, "no," you know? Today I had a burst of energy and planted a garden. I haven't had a garden since I was diagnosed three years ago. But today, I got to play in the rich soil and now there are lovely green plants ready to become flourishing beauties. There is just something so satisfying about being in a garden. During the first three minutes, I felt like Mother Earth incarnate... Then the sweat, the dizziness, the pain kicked in, and I felt like a muddy mess. But it was still fun. At the moment, I'm

physically regretting it, of course. But I can't stand giving up everything anymore. So I'm going to give this a whirl. Wish me luck. My hubby calls me the "Al Capone of green thumbs." LOL!! Maybe I should have chosen a knitting project instead... My husband and son are at the Pirate's game tonight, so I can't wait to see their faces when they come home. They were planning to do this for me tomorrow afternoon! I'm sure I'll be read the riot act, but a girl's gotta do what a girl's gotta do sometimes, right? Well, you have a great weekend! Big hugs to you! Jeannie aylor wrote: Hi

Jeannie, So sorry to hear the Cymbalta didn't work for you. I take Topomax for the bad headaches myself. Yours sound much worse than mine though. I am glad you have the appointment with the new neurologist . He should be able to help you with all of what you described. Let's hope so anyway. I hope you have found a "good" one! I have been doing pretty good. Thursday wasn't a good day for me, but yesterday I worked parttime at the library and it felt good to be out there in the real world accomplishing something. Its not something I get to do often and make real money for it. I volunteer usually but if someone is out , I actually get to fill in and they pay me for it. I got to fill in yesterday for someone. Extra money in my pocket. Even though I am on SSDI I can make so much and not lose my benefits. SO that's how I am.

I hope you are feeling better. Good luck with the new doctor. Hugs, DebbieJeanne Betters wrote: Hi Debbie! They had me on Cymbalta, but it didn't do a dang thing for me. The Amitryptalin works... I just wish I could remember what the brand name was. I'll have to ask my husband. They have me on that and Toprol XL for high blood pressure. My doctor said he believes my blood pressure was so high due to pain (I can't remember what it was, but my foster daughter Penny had a fit when she heard what it was - she's a nurse's aide at a nursing home.). When I take both, for the most part, I'm good. Just before my "special time" each month, I'm in awful AWFUL "I can't move, don't bug me, I really

love you, but please go somewhere else, have some fun and leave me alone for a while" kind of pain, but it goes away after a few days. My headaches are so awful when they come. And it's weird because even though I can't feel the pain of them, I always "feel" them - like my head seems always on the verge of horrific pain. I can't explain it, but it's there. And my arms are always achey. I actually started getting tingly numbness in my feet last week, which really freaked me out, but it has only come once or twice. I didn't tell anyone because I don't want people to make a big deal of it. They'd make me go back to the neurologist and he'd make me feel like I was crazy, so I'll deal with these little surprises until I can't handle them anymore. I am going to see a new neurologist soon. I'm hoping that she will be more help than the doctor(s) I see now. How are you doing? Hugs, Jeannie Debbie wrote: Hi Jeanne, I am on Cymbalta. Which is an antidepressant that helps with the pain. It doesn't help all the pain , I am also on a Duragesic patch and have vicodin on hand as well. But I noticed you said your antidpressant helped. DebbieJeanne Betters wrote: Oh Connie - that STINKS!! (But you gave me a giggle with the mental picture... wouldn't you just like to see that happen to your doctors just once? LOL!) How

do they find granulomas if they can't do an MRI??? Do they even try? It's always something else, isn't it? Unbelievable. Well, we're stronger than we seem, don't we know it? I hope they will at least try some sort of pain blocker for you. The anti-depressant really works for me - it's amazing. And, it keeps me annoyingly chipper, too! Hugs, Jeannie Connie Griffis wrote: Jeanne, Thanks so much for the information. I am so thankful that you all are kind enough to answer my questions. As to MRI's, I wish I could have one since they seem better at locating our hateful little friends (granulomas),

however I have an InSyncIII Pacemaker so I can not have an MRI. I'd look like that doctor in the old suspense movie, he's chasing the good guys and they run through the MRI room, turn on the machine and the bad guy ends up stuck to the top of the MRI by my pacer, ouch...that hurt. Thanks again///ConnieJeanne Betters wrote: Hi Connie - Sorry this is a little late. I've been offline for a little while. When I "got sick" it all started with the strangest sensation in my head that felt like a little baby's fist twisting around. It made me very lightheaded and dizzy... Like the entire room was going white and I was floating. It was awful. After a

few visits to the doctor, he took me seriously. The MRI showed a granuloma (?I think that's what they called it) right where I told them - smack dab in the middle of my head at the top of my spinal chord. They said it's not life threatening, but I have since suffered excruciating headaches that sound similar to what you are experiencing. I usually say it's like a couple of swords sticking up through the base of my neck up through the top of my head. The pain was unbearable until they got me on the right meds. They tried various anti-depressants (pain blockers) unti we found one I can deal with - I can't remember the brand name, but the generic is Amitryptalin. Anyhow, I think it would be a good idea to ask if they would do an MRI for you. I have them about every six months and so far this is the only one. I hope you feel better. I know it can be miserable. And believe me, when

they called with the results I was convinced I was dying! LOL! My family was just really happy that they actually FOUND a brain up there! LOL!!! You'll be in my prayers for certain. Please let me know how you make out, ok?Hugs, JeannieConnie Griffis wrote: Hi Everybody, Hope everything is going ok with you all. I have a question if you don't mind. I have had trouble off and on with an unusual pain mostly in the right side of my head above my ear. 2 of 3 times this pain has felt like someone stuck a 38 to my head and pulled the trigger, the only thing that I imagine would be different was it took a while for the pain to stop, and the very last time this happened it

felt like something went up my carotid to my head, dummy here even tried to catch it before it got to the top. I have also had this funny jab in my head off and on for a while, but usually they are spaced out pretty good. All of a sudden this has changed in the last 2 weeks, the pain has started coming more often. I get a less severe pain almost always in the same spot as the other that feels like someone is trying to push something through my head, it hurts like the dickens but doesn't last as long as the other, the difference is it has started making me dizzy and nauseous, which lasts for 20 or 25 minutes even though the pain has stopped. It's never done that before. What is this? Any ideas? I know you guys are not doctors, but I trust your answers more. You have been there and seem to understand the weird way I ask a question. Sorry about that by the way. As always//Connie How low will we go? Check out Yahoo! Messenger�s low PC-to-Phone call rates. Love cheap thrills? Enjoy PC-to-Phone calls to 30+ countries for just 2�/min with Yahoo! Messenger with Voice. __________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

Hi Jeanne, Three years ago when I first became sick, I had to give up my full time job as well . I worked as a office mgr/purchasing mgr of a label mfr. for 17 years. It really killed me to leave. I know how hard it is to leave the job and all the people. Yes, it was stressful, but it was my life and everything I worked so hard for. But my body couldn't handle it any more. I know exactly how you feel making this decision. It is the biggest change in our identity. I admire you for being so strong while making this commitment. You realize what is important in life - family and health and saying no and letting others help you. I was never a "say no" person and that was hard for me. I think you are a very wise person. My small library position was a livesaver

for me. It dragged me out of a such a deep depression that I can't even explain. Like you described, yes I get tired and sore, but it is worth it to make an accomplishment once a day. As for your garden, good luck ! I hope everything grows well! Hugs, DebbieJeanne Betters wrote: Hi Debbie! Well, that's great that you got out for a while &

had some work-fun! It feels good to make a little money now and then, huh? I actually have come to a crossroads and am planning to resign from my position with the basket company - I'm a basket lady and branch advisor. Although it's upsetting to think I have to give it up - I've worked so hard to get where I am and establish my customer and contact base - it's kind of a relief knowing that stress won't be on my shoulders. I've been feeling the need to pare down and simplify lately - in every area of my life. I don't think there's anything wrong with that, although I know I'm going to miss it. I'm just one of those people who have to have irons in the fire and keeping busy, you know? But lately, I'm achey, tired, forgetful and overwhelmed. I've got some really great girls in my branch, and I know my customers will be taken care of. I just can't handle all of the responsibility; I can't keep up with everything.

It's tough for me to say something like that, but it's ok. It's really ok. I need to focus on my health, my family and my foundation (my friends and I established a charitable foundation to promote breast cancer awareness and help patients in treatment financially). Everything else can just sit on the back burner. I have to face that I'm not Superwoman, and that it's ok to say, "no," you know? Today I had a burst of energy and planted a garden. I haven't had a garden since I was diagnosed three years ago. But today, I got to play in the rich soil and now there are lovely green plants ready to become flourishing beauties. There is just something so satisfying about being in a garden. During the first three minutes, I felt like Mother Earth incarnate... Then the sweat, the dizziness, the pain kicked in, and I felt like a muddy mess. But it was still fun. At the moment, I'm

physically regretting it, of course. But I can't stand giving up everything anymore. So I'm going to give this a whirl. Wish me luck. My hubby calls me the "Al Capone of green thumbs." LOL!! Maybe I should have chosen a knitting project instead... My husband and son are at the Pirate's game tonight, so I can't wait to see their faces when they come home. They were planning to do this for me tomorrow afternoon! I'm sure I'll be read the riot act, but a girl's gotta do what a girl's gotta do sometimes, right? Well, you have a great weekend! Big hugs to you! Jeannie aylor wrote: Hi

Jeannie, So sorry to hear the Cymbalta didn't work for you. I take Topomax for the bad headaches myself. Yours sound much worse than mine though. I am glad you have the appointment with the new neurologist . He should be able to help you with all of what you described. Let's hope so anyway. I hope you have found a "good" one! I have been doing pretty good. Thursday wasn't a good day for me, but yesterday I worked parttime at the library and it felt good to be out there in the real world accomplishing something. Its not something I get to do often and make real money for it. I volunteer usually but if someone is out , I actually get to fill in and they pay me for it. I got to fill in yesterday for someone. Extra money in my pocket. Even though I am on SSDI I can make so much and not lose my benefits. SO that's how I am.

I hope you are feeling better. Good luck with the new doctor. Hugs, DebbieJeanne Betters wrote: Hi Debbie! They had me on Cymbalta, but it didn't do a dang thing for me. The Amitryptalin works... I just wish I could remember what the brand name was. I'll have to ask my husband. They have me on that and Toprol XL for high blood pressure. My doctor said he believes my blood pressure was so high due to pain (I can't remember what it was, but my foster daughter Penny had a fit when she heard what it was - she's a nurse's aide at a nursing home.). When I take both, for the most part, I'm good. Just before my "special time" each month, I'm in awful AWFUL "I can't move, don't bug me, I really

love you, but please go somewhere else, have some fun and leave me alone for a while" kind of pain, but it goes away after a few days. My headaches are so awful when they come. And it's weird because even though I can't feel the pain of them, I always "feel" them - like my head seems always on the verge of horrific pain. I can't explain it, but it's there. And my arms are always achey. I actually started getting tingly numbness in my feet last week, which really freaked me out, but it has only come once or twice. I didn't tell anyone because I don't want people to make a big deal of it. They'd make me go back to the neurologist and he'd make me feel like I was crazy, so I'll deal with these little surprises until I can't handle them anymore. I am going to see a new neurologist soon. I'm hoping that she will be more help than the doctor(s) I see now. How are you doing? Hugs, Jeannie Debbie wrote: Hi Jeanne, I am on Cymbalta. Which is an antidepressant that helps with the pain. It doesn't help all the pain , I am also on a Duragesic patch and have vicodin on hand as well. But I noticed you said your antidpressant helped. DebbieJeanne Betters wrote: Oh Connie - that STINKS!! (But you gave me a giggle with the mental picture... wouldn't you just like to see that happen to your doctors just once? LOL!) How

do they find granulomas if they can't do an MRI??? Do they even try? It's always something else, isn't it? Unbelievable. Well, we're stronger than we seem, don't we know it? I hope they will at least try some sort of pain blocker for you. The anti-depressant really works for me - it's amazing. And, it keeps me annoyingly chipper, too! Hugs, Jeannie Connie Griffis wrote: Jeanne, Thanks so much for the information. I am so thankful that you all are kind enough to answer my questions. As to MRI's, I wish I could have one since they seem better at locating our hateful little friends (granulomas),

however I have an InSyncIII Pacemaker so I can not have an MRI. I'd look like that doctor in the old suspense movie, he's chasing the good guys and they run through the MRI room, turn on the machine and the bad guy ends up stuck to the top of the MRI by my pacer, ouch...that hurt. Thanks again///ConnieJeanne Betters wrote: Hi Connie - Sorry this is a little late. I've been offline for a little while. When I "got sick" it all started with the strangest sensation in my head that felt like a little baby's fist twisting around. It made me very lightheaded and dizzy... Like the entire room was going white and I was floating. It was awful. After a

few visits to the doctor, he took me seriously. The MRI showed a granuloma (?I think that's what they called it) right where I told them - smack dab in the middle of my head at the top of my spinal chord. They said it's not life threatening, but I have since suffered excruciating headaches that sound similar to what you are experiencing. I usually say it's like a couple of swords sticking up through the base of my neck up through the top of my head. The pain was unbearable until they got me on the right meds. They tried various anti-depressants (pain blockers) unti we found one I can deal with - I can't remember the brand name, but the generic is Amitryptalin. Anyhow, I think it would be a good idea to ask if they would do an MRI for you. I have them about every six months and so far this is the only one. I hope you feel better. I know it can be miserable. And believe me, when

they called with the results I was convinced I was dying! LOL! My family was just really happy that they actually FOUND a brain up there! LOL!!! You'll be in my prayers for certain. Please let me know how you make out, ok?Hugs, JeannieConnie Griffis wrote: Hi Everybody, Hope everything is going ok with you all. I have a question if you don't mind. I have had trouble off and on with an unusual pain mostly in the right side of my head above my ear. 2 of 3 times this pain has felt like someone stuck a 38 to my head and pulled the trigger, the only thing that I imagine would be different was it took a while for the pain to stop, and the very last time this happened it

felt like something went up my carotid to my head, dummy here even tried to catch it before it got to the top. I have also had this funny jab in my head off and on for a while, but usually they are spaced out pretty good. All of a sudden this has changed in the last 2 weeks, the pain has started coming more often. I get a less severe pain almost always in the same spot as the other that feels like someone is trying to push something through my head, it hurts like the dickens but doesn't last as long as the other, the difference is it has started making me dizzy and nauseous, which lasts for 20 or 25 minutes even though the pain has stopped. It's never done that before. What is this? Any ideas? I know you guys are not doctors, but I trust your answers more. You have been there and seem to understand the weird way I ask a question. Sorry about that by the way. As always//Connie How low will we go? Check out Yahoo! Messenger�s low PC-to-Phone call rates. Love cheap thrills? Enjoy PC-to-Phone calls to 30+ countries for just 2�/min with Yahoo! Messenger with Voice. __________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

Good luck sweet Jeannie, I know how bad it feels when you know something is wrong but the doctor acts like "excuse me"///Hope you feel better soon, ConnieJeanne Betters wrote: Hi Debbie! They had me on Cymbalta, but it didn't do a dang thing for me. The Amitryptalin works... I just wish I could remember what the brand name was. I'll have to ask my husband. They have me on that and Toprol XL for high blood pressure. My doctor said he believes my blood pressure was so high due to pain (I can't remember what it was, but my foster daughter Penny had a fit when she heard what it was - she's a nurse's aide at a nursing home.). When I take both, for the most part, I'm good. Just before my "special time" each month, I'm in awful AWFUL "I can't move,

don't bug me, I really love you, but please go somewhere else, have some fun and leave me alone for a while" kind of pain, but it goes away after a few days. My headaches are so awful when they come. And it's weird because even though I can't feel the pain of them, I always "feel" them - like my head seems always on the verge of horrific pain. I can't explain it, but it's there. And my arms are always achey. I actually started getting tingly numbness in my feet last week, which really freaked me out, but it has only come once or twice. I didn't tell anyone because I don't want people to make a big deal of it. They'd make me go back to the neurologist and he'd make me feel like I was crazy, so I'll deal with these little surprises until I can't handle them anymore. I am going to see a new neurologist soon. I'm hoping that she will be more help than the doctor(s) I see now. How are you doing? Hugs, Jeannie Debbie wrote: Hi Jeanne, I am on Cymbalta. Which is an antidepressant that helps with the pain. It doesn't help all the pain , I am also on a Duragesic patch and have vicodin on hand as well. But I noticed you said your antidpressant helped. DebbieJeanne Betters wrote: Oh Connie - that STINKS!! (But you gave me a giggle with the mental picture... wouldn't you just like to see that happen to your doctors just once? LOL!) How

do they find granulomas if they can't do an MRI??? Do they even try? It's always something else, isn't it? Unbelievable. Well, we're stronger than we seem, don't we know it? I hope they will at least try some sort of pain blocker for you. The anti-depressant really works for me - it's amazing. And, it keeps me annoyingly chipper, too! Hugs, Jeannie Connie Griffis wrote: Jeanne, Thanks so much for the information. I am so thankful that you all are kind enough to answer my questions. As to MRI's, I wish I could have one since they seem better at locating our hateful little friends (granulomas), however I

have an InSyncIII Pacemaker so I can not have an MRI. I'd look like that doctor in the old suspense movie, he's chasing the good guys and they run through the MRI room, turn on the machine and the bad guy ends up stuck to the top of the MRI by my pacer, ouch...that hurt. Thanks again///ConnieJeanne Betters wrote: Hi Connie - Sorry this is a little late. I've been offline for a little while. When I "got sick" it all started with the strangest sensation in my head that felt like a little baby's fist twisting around. It made me very lightheaded and dizzy... Like the entire room was going white and I was floating. It was awful. After a few visits to

the doctor, he took me seriously. The MRI showed a granuloma (?I think that's what they called it) right where I told them - smack dab in the middle of my head at the top of my spinal chord. They said it's not life threatening, but I have since suffered excruciating headaches that sound similar to what you are experiencing. I usually say it's like a couple of swords sticking up through the base of my neck up through the top of my head. The pain was unbearable until they got me on the right meds. They tried various anti-depressants (pain blockers) unti we found one I can deal with - I can't remember the brand name, but the generic is Amitryptalin. Anyhow, I think it would be a good idea to ask if they would do an MRI for you. I have them about every six months and so far this is the only one. I hope you feel better. I know it can be miserable. And believe me, when they called

with the results I was convinced I was dying! LOL! My family was just really happy that they actually FOUND a brain up there! LOL!!! You'll be in my prayers for certain. Please let me know how you make out, ok?Hugs, JeannieConnie Griffis wrote: Hi Everybody, Hope everything is going ok with you all. I have a question if you don't mind. I have had trouble off and on with an unusual pain mostly in the right side of my head above my ear. 2 of 3 times this pain has felt like someone stuck a 38 to my head and pulled the trigger, the only thing that I imagine would be different was it took a while for the pain to stop, and the very last time this happened it felt like

something went up my carotid to my head, dummy here even tried to catch it before it got to the top. I have also had this funny jab in my head off and on for a while, but usually they are spaced out pretty good. All of a sudden this has changed in the last 2 weeks, the pain has started coming more often. I get a less severe pain almost always in the same spot as the other that feels like someone is trying to push something through my head, it hurts like the dickens but doesn't last as long as the other, the difference is it has started making me dizzy and nauseous, which lasts for 20 or 25 minutes even though the pain has stopped. It's never done that before. What is this? Any ideas? I know you guys are not doctors, but I trust your answers more. You have been there and seem to understand the weird way I ask a question. Sorry about that by the way. As always//Connie How low will we go? Check out Yahoo! Messenger�s low PC-to-Phone call rates. Love cheap thrills? Enjoy PC-to-Phone calls to 30+ countries for just 2�/min with Yahoo! Messenger with Voice. __________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

Good luck sweet Jeannie, I know how bad it feels when you know something is wrong but the doctor acts like "excuse me"///Hope you feel better soon, ConnieJeanne Betters wrote: Hi Debbie! They had me on Cymbalta, but it didn't do a dang thing for me. The Amitryptalin works... I just wish I could remember what the brand name was. I'll have to ask my husband. They have me on that and Toprol XL for high blood pressure. My doctor said he believes my blood pressure was so high due to pain (I can't remember what it was, but my foster daughter Penny had a fit when she heard what it was - she's a nurse's aide at a nursing home.). When I take both, for the most part, I'm good. Just before my "special time" each month, I'm in awful AWFUL "I can't move,

don't bug me, I really love you, but please go somewhere else, have some fun and leave me alone for a while" kind of pain, but it goes away after a few days. My headaches are so awful when they come. And it's weird because even though I can't feel the pain of them, I always "feel" them - like my head seems always on the verge of horrific pain. I can't explain it, but it's there. And my arms are always achey. I actually started getting tingly numbness in my feet last week, which really freaked me out, but it has only come once or twice. I didn't tell anyone because I don't want people to make a big deal of it. They'd make me go back to the neurologist and he'd make me feel like I was crazy, so I'll deal with these little surprises until I can't handle them anymore. I am going to see a new neurologist soon. I'm hoping that she will be more help than the doctor(s) I see now. How are you doing? Hugs, Jeannie Debbie wrote: Hi Jeanne, I am on Cymbalta. Which is an antidepressant that helps with the pain. It doesn't help all the pain , I am also on a Duragesic patch and have vicodin on hand as well. But I noticed you said your antidpressant helped. DebbieJeanne Betters wrote: Oh Connie - that STINKS!! (But you gave me a giggle with the mental picture... wouldn't you just like to see that happen to your doctors just once? LOL!) How

do they find granulomas if they can't do an MRI??? Do they even try? It's always something else, isn't it? Unbelievable. Well, we're stronger than we seem, don't we know it? I hope they will at least try some sort of pain blocker for you. The anti-depressant really works for me - it's amazing. And, it keeps me annoyingly chipper, too! Hugs, Jeannie Connie Griffis wrote: Jeanne, Thanks so much for the information. I am so thankful that you all are kind enough to answer my questions. As to MRI's, I wish I could have one since they seem better at locating our hateful little friends (granulomas), however I

have an InSyncIII Pacemaker so I can not have an MRI. I'd look like that doctor in the old suspense movie, he's chasing the good guys and they run through the MRI room, turn on the machine and the bad guy ends up stuck to the top of the MRI by my pacer, ouch...that hurt. Thanks again///ConnieJeanne Betters wrote: Hi Connie - Sorry this is a little late. I've been offline for a little while. When I "got sick" it all started with the strangest sensation in my head that felt like a little baby's fist twisting around. It made me very lightheaded and dizzy... Like the entire room was going white and I was floating. It was awful. After a few visits to

the doctor, he took me seriously. The MRI showed a granuloma (?I think that's what they called it) right where I told them - smack dab in the middle of my head at the top of my spinal chord. They said it's not life threatening, but I have since suffered excruciating headaches that sound similar to what you are experiencing. I usually say it's like a couple of swords sticking up through the base of my neck up through the top of my head. The pain was unbearable until they got me on the right meds. They tried various anti-depressants (pain blockers) unti we found one I can deal with - I can't remember the brand name, but the generic is Amitryptalin. Anyhow, I think it would be a good idea to ask if they would do an MRI for you. I have them about every six months and so far this is the only one. I hope you feel better. I know it can be miserable. And believe me, when they called

with the results I was convinced I was dying! LOL! My family was just really happy that they actually FOUND a brain up there! LOL!!! You'll be in my prayers for certain. Please let me know how you make out, ok?Hugs, JeannieConnie Griffis wrote: Hi Everybody, Hope everything is going ok with you all. I have a question if you don't mind. I have had trouble off and on with an unusual pain mostly in the right side of my head above my ear. 2 of 3 times this pain has felt like someone stuck a 38 to my head and pulled the trigger, the only thing that I imagine would be different was it took a while for the pain to stop, and the very last time this happened it felt like

something went up my carotid to my head, dummy here even tried to catch it before it got to the top. I have also had this funny jab in my head off and on for a while, but usually they are spaced out pretty good. All of a sudden this has changed in the last 2 weeks, the pain has started coming more often. I get a less severe pain almost always in the same spot as the other that feels like someone is trying to push something through my head, it hurts like the dickens but doesn't last as long as the other, the difference is it has started making me dizzy and nauseous, which lasts for 20 or 25 minutes even though the pain has stopped. It's never done that before. What is this? Any ideas? I know you guys are not doctors, but I trust your answers more. You have been there and seem to understand the weird way I ask a question. Sorry about that by the way. As always//Connie How low will we go? Check out Yahoo! Messenger�s low PC-to-Phone call rates. Love cheap thrills? Enjoy PC-to-Phone calls to 30+ countries for just 2�/min with Yahoo! Messenger with Voice. __________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

Good luck sweet Jeannie, I know how bad it feels when you know something is wrong but the doctor acts like "excuse me"///Hope you feel better soon, ConnieJeanne Betters wrote: Hi Debbie! They had me on Cymbalta, but it didn't do a dang thing for me. The Amitryptalin works... I just wish I could remember what the brand name was. I'll have to ask my husband. They have me on that and Toprol XL for high blood pressure. My doctor said he believes my blood pressure was so high due to pain (I can't remember what it was, but my foster daughter Penny had a fit when she heard what it was - she's a nurse's aide at a nursing home.). When I take both, for the most part, I'm good. Just before my "special time" each month, I'm in awful AWFUL "I can't move,

don't bug me, I really love you, but please go somewhere else, have some fun and leave me alone for a while" kind of pain, but it goes away after a few days. My headaches are so awful when they come. And it's weird because even though I can't feel the pain of them, I always "feel" them - like my head seems always on the verge of horrific pain. I can't explain it, but it's there. And my arms are always achey. I actually started getting tingly numbness in my feet last week, which really freaked me out, but it has only come once or twice. I didn't tell anyone because I don't want people to make a big deal of it. They'd make me go back to the neurologist and he'd make me feel like I was crazy, so I'll deal with these little surprises until I can't handle them anymore. I am going to see a new neurologist soon. I'm hoping that she will be more help than the doctor(s) I see now. How are you doing? Hugs, Jeannie Debbie wrote: Hi Jeanne, I am on Cymbalta. Which is an antidepressant that helps with the pain. It doesn't help all the pain , I am also on a Duragesic patch and have vicodin on hand as well. But I noticed you said your antidpressant helped. DebbieJeanne Betters wrote: Oh Connie - that STINKS!! (But you gave me a giggle with the mental picture... wouldn't you just like to see that happen to your doctors just once? LOL!) How

do they find granulomas if they can't do an MRI??? Do they even try? It's always something else, isn't it? Unbelievable. Well, we're stronger than we seem, don't we know it? I hope they will at least try some sort of pain blocker for you. The anti-depressant really works for me - it's amazing. And, it keeps me annoyingly chipper, too! Hugs, Jeannie Connie Griffis wrote: Jeanne, Thanks so much for the information. I am so thankful that you all are kind enough to answer my questions. As to MRI's, I wish I could have one since they seem better at locating our hateful little friends (granulomas), however I

have an InSyncIII Pacemaker so I can not have an MRI. I'd look like that doctor in the old suspense movie, he's chasing the good guys and they run through the MRI room, turn on the machine and the bad guy ends up stuck to the top of the MRI by my pacer, ouch...that hurt. Thanks again///ConnieJeanne Betters wrote: Hi Connie - Sorry this is a little late. I've been offline for a little while. When I "got sick" it all started with the strangest sensation in my head that felt like a little baby's fist twisting around. It made me very lightheaded and dizzy... Like the entire room was going white and I was floating. It was awful. After a few visits to

the doctor, he took me seriously. The MRI showed a granuloma (?I think that's what they called it) right where I told them - smack dab in the middle of my head at the top of my spinal chord. They said it's not life threatening, but I have since suffered excruciating headaches that sound similar to what you are experiencing. I usually say it's like a couple of swords sticking up through the base of my neck up through the top of my head. The pain was unbearable until they got me on the right meds. They tried various anti-depressants (pain blockers) unti we found one I can deal with - I can't remember the brand name, but the generic is Amitryptalin. Anyhow, I think it would be a good idea to ask if they would do an MRI for you. I have them about every six months and so far this is the only one. I hope you feel better. I know it can be miserable. And believe me, when they called

with the results I was convinced I was dying! LOL! My family was just really happy that they actually FOUND a brain up there! LOL!!! You'll be in my prayers for certain. Please let me know how you make out, ok?Hugs, JeannieConnie Griffis wrote: Hi Everybody, Hope everything is going ok with you all. I have a question if you don't mind. I have had trouble off and on with an unusual pain mostly in the right side of my head above my ear. 2 of 3 times this pain has felt like someone stuck a 38 to my head and pulled the trigger, the only thing that I imagine would be different was it took a while for the pain to stop, and the very last time this happened it felt like

something went up my carotid to my head, dummy here even tried to catch it before it got to the top. I have also had this funny jab in my head off and on for a while, but usually they are spaced out pretty good. All of a sudden this has changed in the last 2 weeks, the pain has started coming more often. I get a less severe pain almost always in the same spot as the other that feels like someone is trying to push something through my head, it hurts like the dickens but doesn't last as long as the other, the difference is it has started making me dizzy and nauseous, which lasts for 20 or 25 minutes even though the pain has stopped. It's never done that before. What is this? Any ideas? I know you guys are not doctors, but I trust your answers more. You have been there and seem to understand the weird way I ask a question. Sorry about that by the way. As always//Connie How low will we go? Check out Yahoo! Messenger�s low PC-to-Phone call rates. Love cheap thrills? Enjoy PC-to-Phone calls to 30+ countries for just 2�/min with Yahoo! Messenger with Voice. __________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

Jeanne, try gardening at dusk when the sun is going down, then maybe you won't feel quite as bad. Just a suggestion///ConnieJeanne Betters wrote: Hi Debbie! Well, that's great that you got out for a while & had some work-fun! It feels good to make a little money now and then, huh? I actually have come to a crossroads and am planning to resign from my position with the basket company - I'm a basket lady and branch advisor. Although it's upsetting to think I have to give it up - I've worked so hard to get where I am and establish my customer and contact base - it's kind of a relief knowing that stress won't be on my shoulders. I've been feeling the need to pare down and simplify lately - in every area of my life. I don't think there's anything

wrong with that, although I know I'm going to miss it. I'm just one of those people who have to have irons in the fire and keeping busy, you know? But lately, I'm achey, tired, forgetful and overwhelmed. I've got some really great girls in my branch, and I know my customers will be taken care of. I just can't handle all of the responsibility; I can't keep up with everything. It's tough for me to say something like that, but it's ok. It's really ok. I need to focus on my health, my family and my foundation (my friends and I established a charitable foundation to promote breast cancer awareness and help patients in treatment financially). Everything else can just sit on the back burner. I have to face that I'm not Superwoman, and that it's ok to say, "no," you know? Today I had a burst of energy and planted a garden. I haven't had a garden since I was diagnosed three years

ago. But today, I got to play in the rich soil and now there are lovely green plants ready to become flourishing beauties. There is just something so satisfying about being in a garden. During the first three minutes, I felt like Mother Earth incarnate... Then the sweat, the dizziness, the pain kicked in, and I felt like a muddy mess. But it was still fun. At the moment, I'm physically regretting it, of course. But I can't stand giving up everything anymore. So I'm going to give this a whirl. Wish me luck. My hubby calls me the "Al Capone of green thumbs." LOL!! Maybe I should have chosen a knitting project instead... My husband and son are at the Pirate's game tonight, so I can't wait to see their faces when they come home. They were planning to do this for me tomorrow afternoon! I'm sure I'll be read the riot act, but a girl's gotta do what a girl's gotta do sometimes, right?

Well, you have a great weekend! Big hugs to you! Jeannie aylor wrote: Hi Jeannie, So sorry to hear the Cymbalta didn't work for you. I take Topomax for the bad headaches myself. Yours sound much worse than mine though. I am glad you have the appointment with the new neurologist . He should be able to help you with all of what you described. Let's hope so anyway. I hope you have found a "good" one! I have been doing pretty good. Thursday wasn't a good day for me, but yesterday I worked parttime at the library and it felt good to be out there in the real world

accomplishing something. Its not something I get to do often and make real money for it. I volunteer usually but if someone is out , I actually get to fill in and they pay me for it. I got to fill in yesterday for someone. Extra money in my pocket. Even though I am on SSDI I can make so much and not lose my benefits. SO that's how I am. I hope you are feeling better. Good luck with the new doctor. Hugs, DebbieJeanne Betters wrote: Hi Debbie! They had me on Cymbalta, but it didn't do a dang thing for me. The Amitryptalin works... I just wish I could remember what the brand name was. I'll have to ask my husband. They have me on that and Toprol XL for high blood

pressure. My doctor said he believes my blood pressure was so high due to pain (I can't remember what it was, but my foster daughter Penny had a fit when she heard what it was - she's a nurse's aide at a nursing home.). When I take both, for the most part, I'm good. Just before my "special time" each month, I'm in awful AWFUL "I can't move, don't bug me, I really love you, but please go somewhere else, have some fun and leave me alone for a while" kind of pain, but it goes away after a few days. My headaches are so awful when they come. And it's weird because even though I can't feel the pain of them, I always "feel" them - like my head seems always on the verge of horrific pain. I can't explain it, but it's there. And my arms are always achey. I actually started getting tingly numbness in my feet last week, which really freaked me out, but it has only come once or twice. I didn't

tell anyone because I don't want people to make a big deal of it. They'd make me go back to the neurologist and he'd make me feel like I was crazy, so I'll deal with these little surprises until I can't handle them anymore. I am going to see a new neurologist soon. I'm hoping that she will be more help than the doctor(s) I see now. How are you doing? Hugs, Jeannie Debbie wrote: Hi Jeanne, I am on Cymbalta. Which is an antidepressant that helps with the pain. It doesn't help all the pain , I am also on a Duragesic patch and have vicodin on hand as well. But I noticed you said your antidpressant helped.

DebbieJeanne Betters wrote: Oh Connie - that STINKS!! (But you gave me a giggle with the mental picture... wouldn't you just like to see that happen to your doctors just once? LOL!) How do they find granulomas if they can't do an MRI??? Do they even try? It's always something else, isn't it? Unbelievable. Well, we're stronger than we seem, don't we know it? I hope they will at least try some sort of pain blocker for you. The anti-depressant really works for me - it's amazing. And, it keeps me annoyingly chipper, too! Hugs, Jeannie Connie Griffis wrote: Jeanne, Thanks so much for the information. I am so thankful that you all are kind enough to answer my questions. As to MRI's, I wish I could have one since they seem better at locating our hateful little friends (granulomas), however I have an InSyncIII Pacemaker so I can not have an MRI. I'd look like that doctor in the old suspense movie, he's chasing the good guys and they run through the MRI room, turn on the machine and the bad guy ends up stuck to the top of the MRI by my pacer, ouch...that hurt. Thanks again///ConnieJeanne Betters wrote: Hi Connie - Sorry this is a little late. I've been offline for a little while. When I "got sick" it all started with the strangest sensation in my head that felt like a little baby's fist twisting around. It made me very lightheaded and dizzy... Like the entire room was going white and I was floating. It was awful. After a few visits to the doctor, he took me seriously. The MRI showed a granuloma (?I think that's what they called it) right where I told them - smack dab in the middle of my head at the top of my spinal chord. They said it's not life threatening, but I have since suffered excruciating headaches that sound similar to what you are experiencing. I usually say it's like a couple of swords sticking up through the base of my neck up through the top of my head. The pain was unbearable until they got me on the right meds. They tried various anti-depressants (pain blockers)

unti we found one I can deal with - I can't remember the brand name, but the generic is Amitryptalin. Anyhow, I think it would be a good idea to ask if they would do an MRI for you. I have them about every six months and so far this is the only one. I hope you feel better. I know it can be miserable. And believe me, when they called with the results I was convinced I was dying! LOL! My family was just really happy that they actually FOUND a brain up there! LOL!!! You'll be in my prayers for certain. Please let me know how you make out, ok?Hugs, JeannieConnie Griffis wrote: Hi Everybody, Hope everything is going ok with you all. I have a question if you don't mind. I have had trouble off and on with an unusual pain mostly in the right side of my head above my ear. 2 of 3 times this pain has felt like someone stuck a 38 to my head and pulled the trigger, the only thing that I imagine would be different was it took a while for the pain to stop, and the very last time this happened it felt like something went up my carotid to my head, dummy here even tried to catch it before it got to the top. I have also had this funny jab in my head off and on for a while, but usually they are spaced out pretty good. All of a sudden this has changed in the last 2 weeks, the pain has started coming more often. I get a less severe pain almost always in the same spot as the other that feels like someone is trying to push something through my head, it hurts like the dickens but doesn't last as long as the other, the difference is it has started making me dizzy

and nauseous, which lasts for 20 or 25 minutes even though the pain has stopped. It's never done that before. What is this? Any ideas? I know you guys are not doctors, but I trust your answers more. You have been there and seem to understand the weird way I ask a question. Sorry about that by the way. As always//Connie How low will we go? Check out Yahoo! Messenger�s low PC-to-Phone call rates. Love cheap thrills? Enjoy PC-to-Phone calls to 30+ countries for just 2�/min with Yahoo! Messenger with Voice. __________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

Jeanne, try gardening at dusk when the sun is going down, then maybe you won't feel quite as bad. Just a suggestion///ConnieJeanne Betters wrote: Hi Debbie! Well, that's great that you got out for a while & had some work-fun! It feels good to make a little money now and then, huh? I actually have come to a crossroads and am planning to resign from my position with the basket company - I'm a basket lady and branch advisor. Although it's upsetting to think I have to give it up - I've worked so hard to get where I am and establish my customer and contact base - it's kind of a relief knowing that stress won't be on my shoulders. I've been feeling the need to pare down and simplify lately - in every area of my life. I don't think there's anything

wrong with that, although I know I'm going to miss it. I'm just one of those people who have to have irons in the fire and keeping busy, you know? But lately, I'm achey, tired, forgetful and overwhelmed. I've got some really great girls in my branch, and I know my customers will be taken care of. I just can't handle all of the responsibility; I can't keep up with everything. It's tough for me to say something like that, but it's ok. It's really ok. I need to focus on my health, my family and my foundation (my friends and I established a charitable foundation to promote breast cancer awareness and help patients in treatment financially). Everything else can just sit on the back burner. I have to face that I'm not Superwoman, and that it's ok to say, "no," you know? Today I had a burst of energy and planted a garden. I haven't had a garden since I was diagnosed three years

ago. But today, I got to play in the rich soil and now there are lovely green plants ready to become flourishing beauties. There is just something so satisfying about being in a garden. During the first three minutes, I felt like Mother Earth incarnate... Then the sweat, the dizziness, the pain kicked in, and I felt like a muddy mess. But it was still fun. At the moment, I'm physically regretting it, of course. But I can't stand giving up everything anymore. So I'm going to give this a whirl. Wish me luck. My hubby calls me the "Al Capone of green thumbs." LOL!! Maybe I should have chosen a knitting project instead... My husband and son are at the Pirate's game tonight, so I can't wait to see their faces when they come home. They were planning to do this for me tomorrow afternoon! I'm sure I'll be read the riot act, but a girl's gotta do what a girl's gotta do sometimes, right?

Well, you have a great weekend! Big hugs to you! Jeannie aylor wrote: Hi Jeannie, So sorry to hear the Cymbalta didn't work for you. I take Topomax for the bad headaches myself. Yours sound much worse than mine though. I am glad you have the appointment with the new neurologist . He should be able to help you with all of what you described. Let's hope so anyway. I hope you have found a "good" one! I have been doing pretty good. Thursday wasn't a good day for me, but yesterday I worked parttime at the library and it felt good to be out there in the real world

accomplishing something. Its not something I get to do often and make real money for it. I volunteer usually but if someone is out , I actually get to fill in and they pay me for it. I got to fill in yesterday for someone. Extra money in my pocket. Even though I am on SSDI I can make so much and not lose my benefits. SO that's how I am. I hope you are feeling better. Good luck with the new doctor. Hugs, DebbieJeanne Betters wrote: Hi Debbie! They had me on Cymbalta, but it didn't do a dang thing for me. The Amitryptalin works... I just wish I could remember what the brand name was. I'll have to ask my husband. They have me on that and Toprol XL for high blood

pressure. My doctor said he believes my blood pressure was so high due to pain (I can't remember what it was, but my foster daughter Penny had a fit when she heard what it was - she's a nurse's aide at a nursing home.). When I take both, for the most part, I'm good. Just before my "special time" each month, I'm in awful AWFUL "I can't move, don't bug me, I really love you, but please go somewhere else, have some fun and leave me alone for a while" kind of pain, but it goes away after a few days. My headaches are so awful when they come. And it's weird because even though I can't feel the pain of them, I always "feel" them - like my head seems always on the verge of horrific pain. I can't explain it, but it's there. And my arms are always achey. I actually started getting tingly numbness in my feet last week, which really freaked me out, but it has only come once or twice. I didn't

tell anyone because I don't want people to make a big deal of it. They'd make me go back to the neurologist and he'd make me feel like I was crazy, so I'll deal with these little surprises until I can't handle them anymore. I am going to see a new neurologist soon. I'm hoping that she will be more help than the doctor(s) I see now. How are you doing? Hugs, Jeannie Debbie wrote: Hi Jeanne, I am on Cymbalta. Which is an antidepressant that helps with the pain. It doesn't help all the pain , I am also on a Duragesic patch and have vicodin on hand as well. But I noticed you said your antidpressant helped.

DebbieJeanne Betters wrote: Oh Connie - that STINKS!! (But you gave me a giggle with the mental picture... wouldn't you just like to see that happen to your doctors just once? LOL!) How do they find granulomas if they can't do an MRI??? Do they even try? It's always something else, isn't it? Unbelievable. Well, we're stronger than we seem, don't we know it? I hope they will at least try some sort of pain blocker for you. The anti-depressant really works for me - it's amazing. And, it keeps me annoyingly chipper, too! Hugs, Jeannie Connie Griffis wrote: Jeanne, Thanks so much for the information. I am so thankful that you all are kind enough to answer my questions. As to MRI's, I wish I could have one since they seem better at locating our hateful little friends (granulomas), however I have an InSyncIII Pacemaker so I can not have an MRI. I'd look like that doctor in the old suspense movie, he's chasing the good guys and they run through the MRI room, turn on the machine and the bad guy ends up stuck to the top of the MRI by my pacer, ouch...that hurt. Thanks again///ConnieJeanne Betters wrote: Hi Connie - Sorry this is a little late. I've been offline for a little while. When I "got sick" it all started with the strangest sensation in my head that felt like a little baby's fist twisting around. It made me very lightheaded and dizzy... Like the entire room was going white and I was floating. It was awful. After a few visits to the doctor, he took me seriously. The MRI showed a granuloma (?I think that's what they called it) right where I told them - smack dab in the middle of my head at the top of my spinal chord. They said it's not life threatening, but I have since suffered excruciating headaches that sound similar to what you are experiencing. I usually say it's like a couple of swords sticking up through the base of my neck up through the top of my head. The pain was unbearable until they got me on the right meds. They tried various anti-depressants (pain blockers)

unti we found one I can deal with - I can't remember the brand name, but the generic is Amitryptalin. Anyhow, I think it would be a good idea to ask if they would do an MRI for you. I have them about every six months and so far this is the only one. I hope you feel better. I know it can be miserable. And believe me, when they called with the results I was convinced I was dying! LOL! My family was just really happy that they actually FOUND a brain up there! LOL!!! You'll be in my prayers for certain. Please let me know how you make out, ok?Hugs, JeannieConnie Griffis wrote: Hi Everybody, Hope everything is going ok with you all. I have a question if you don't mind. I have had trouble off and on with an unusual pain mostly in the right side of my head above my ear. 2 of 3 times this pain has felt like someone stuck a 38 to my head and pulled the trigger, the only thing that I imagine would be different was it took a while for the pain to stop, and the very last time this happened it felt like something went up my carotid to my head, dummy here even tried to catch it before it got to the top. I have also had this funny jab in my head off and on for a while, but usually they are spaced out pretty good. All of a sudden this has changed in the last 2 weeks, the pain has started coming more often. I get a less severe pain almost always in the same spot as the other that feels like someone is trying to push something through my head, it hurts like the dickens but doesn't last as long as the other, the difference is it has started making me dizzy

and nauseous, which lasts for 20 or 25 minutes even though the pain has stopped. It's never done that before. What is this? Any ideas? I know you guys are not doctors, but I trust your answers more. You have been there and seem to understand the weird way I ask a question. Sorry about that by the way. As always//Connie How low will we go? Check out Yahoo! Messenger�s low PC-to-Phone call rates. Love cheap thrills? Enjoy PC-to-Phone calls to 30+ countries for just 2�/min with Yahoo! Messenger with Voice. __________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

Jeanne, try gardening at dusk when the sun is going down, then maybe you won't feel quite as bad. Just a suggestion///ConnieJeanne Betters wrote: Hi Debbie! Well, that's great that you got out for a while & had some work-fun! It feels good to make a little money now and then, huh? I actually have come to a crossroads and am planning to resign from my position with the basket company - I'm a basket lady and branch advisor. Although it's upsetting to think I have to give it up - I've worked so hard to get where I am and establish my customer and contact base - it's kind of a relief knowing that stress won't be on my shoulders. I've been feeling the need to pare down and simplify lately - in every area of my life. I don't think there's anything

wrong with that, although I know I'm going to miss it. I'm just one of those people who have to have irons in the fire and keeping busy, you know? But lately, I'm achey, tired, forgetful and overwhelmed. I've got some really great girls in my branch, and I know my customers will be taken care of. I just can't handle all of the responsibility; I can't keep up with everything. It's tough for me to say something like that, but it's ok. It's really ok. I need to focus on my health, my family and my foundation (my friends and I established a charitable foundation to promote breast cancer awareness and help patients in treatment financially). Everything else can just sit on the back burner. I have to face that I'm not Superwoman, and that it's ok to say, "no," you know? Today I had a burst of energy and planted a garden. I haven't had a garden since I was diagnosed three years

ago. But today, I got to play in the rich soil and now there are lovely green plants ready to become flourishing beauties. There is just something so satisfying about being in a garden. During the first three minutes, I felt like Mother Earth incarnate... Then the sweat, the dizziness, the pain kicked in, and I felt like a muddy mess. But it was still fun. At the moment, I'm physically regretting it, of course. But I can't stand giving up everything anymore. So I'm going to give this a whirl. Wish me luck. My hubby calls me the "Al Capone of green thumbs." LOL!! Maybe I should have chosen a knitting project instead... My husband and son are at the Pirate's game tonight, so I can't wait to see their faces when they come home. They were planning to do this for me tomorrow afternoon! I'm sure I'll be read the riot act, but a girl's gotta do what a girl's gotta do sometimes, right?

Well, you have a great weekend! Big hugs to you! Jeannie aylor wrote: Hi Jeannie, So sorry to hear the Cymbalta didn't work for you. I take Topomax for the bad headaches myself. Yours sound much worse than mine though. I am glad you have the appointment with the new neurologist . He should be able to help you with all of what you described. Let's hope so anyway. I hope you have found a "good" one! I have been doing pretty good. Thursday wasn't a good day for me, but yesterday I worked parttime at the library and it felt good to be out there in the real world

accomplishing something. Its not something I get to do often and make real money for it. I volunteer usually but if someone is out , I actually get to fill in and they pay me for it. I got to fill in yesterday for someone. Extra money in my pocket. Even though I am on SSDI I can make so much and not lose my benefits. SO that's how I am. I hope you are feeling better. Good luck with the new doctor. Hugs, DebbieJeanne Betters wrote: Hi Debbie! They had me on Cymbalta, but it didn't do a dang thing for me. The Amitryptalin works... I just wish I could remember what the brand name was. I'll have to ask my husband. They have me on that and Toprol XL for high blood

pressure. My doctor said he believes my blood pressure was so high due to pain (I can't remember what it was, but my foster daughter Penny had a fit when she heard what it was - she's a nurse's aide at a nursing home.). When I take both, for the most part, I'm good. Just before my "special time" each month, I'm in awful AWFUL "I can't move, don't bug me, I really love you, but please go somewhere else, have some fun and leave me alone for a while" kind of pain, but it goes away after a few days. My headaches are so awful when they come. And it's weird because even though I can't feel the pain of them, I always "feel" them - like my head seems always on the verge of horrific pain. I can't explain it, but it's there. And my arms are always achey. I actually started getting tingly numbness in my feet last week, which really freaked me out, but it has only come once or twice. I didn't

tell anyone because I don't want people to make a big deal of it. They'd make me go back to the neurologist and he'd make me feel like I was crazy, so I'll deal with these little surprises until I can't handle them anymore. I am going to see a new neurologist soon. I'm hoping that she will be more help than the doctor(s) I see now. How are you doing? Hugs, Jeannie Debbie wrote: Hi Jeanne, I am on Cymbalta. Which is an antidepressant that helps with the pain. It doesn't help all the pain , I am also on a Duragesic patch and have vicodin on hand as well. But I noticed you said your antidpressant helped.

DebbieJeanne Betters wrote: Oh Connie - that STINKS!! (But you gave me a giggle with the mental picture... wouldn't you just like to see that happen to your doctors just once? LOL!) How do they find granulomas if they can't do an MRI??? Do they even try? It's always something else, isn't it? Unbelievable. Well, we're stronger than we seem, don't we know it? I hope they will at least try some sort of pain blocker for you. The anti-depressant really works for me - it's amazing. And, it keeps me annoyingly chipper, too! Hugs, Jeannie Connie Griffis wrote: Jeanne, Thanks so much for the information. I am so thankful that you all are kind enough to answer my questions. As to MRI's, I wish I could have one since they seem better at locating our hateful little friends (granulomas), however I have an InSyncIII Pacemaker so I can not have an MRI. I'd look like that doctor in the old suspense movie, he's chasing the good guys and they run through the MRI room, turn on the machine and the bad guy ends up stuck to the top of the MRI by my pacer, ouch...that hurt. Thanks again///ConnieJeanne Betters wrote: Hi Connie - Sorry this is a little late. I've been offline for a little while. When I "got sick" it all started with the strangest sensation in my head that felt like a little baby's fist twisting around. It made me very lightheaded and dizzy... Like the entire room was going white and I was floating. It was awful. After a few visits to the doctor, he took me seriously. The MRI showed a granuloma (?I think that's what they called it) right where I told them - smack dab in the middle of my head at the top of my spinal chord. They said it's not life threatening, but I have since suffered excruciating headaches that sound similar to what you are experiencing. I usually say it's like a couple of swords sticking up through the base of my neck up through the top of my head. The pain was unbearable until they got me on the right meds. They tried various anti-depressants (pain blockers)

unti we found one I can deal with - I can't remember the brand name, but the generic is Amitryptalin. Anyhow, I think it would be a good idea to ask if they would do an MRI for you. I have them about every six months and so far this is the only one. I hope you feel better. I know it can be miserable. And believe me, when they called with the results I was convinced I was dying! LOL! My family was just really happy that they actually FOUND a brain up there! LOL!!! You'll be in my prayers for certain. Please let me know how you make out, ok?Hugs, JeannieConnie Griffis wrote: Hi Everybody, Hope everything is going ok with you all. I have a question if you don't mind. I have had trouble off and on with an unusual pain mostly in the right side of my head above my ear. 2 of 3 times this pain has felt like someone stuck a 38 to my head and pulled the trigger, the only thing that I imagine would be different was it took a while for the pain to stop, and the very last time this happened it felt like something went up my carotid to my head, dummy here even tried to catch it before it got to the top. I have also had this funny jab in my head off and on for a while, but usually they are spaced out pretty good. All of a sudden this has changed in the last 2 weeks, the pain has started coming more often. I get a less severe pain almost always in the same spot as the other that feels like someone is trying to push something through my head, it hurts like the dickens but doesn't last as long as the other, the difference is it has started making me dizzy

and nauseous, which lasts for 20 or 25 minutes even though the pain has stopped. It's never done that before. What is this? Any ideas? I know you guys are not doctors, but I trust your answers more. You have been there and seem to understand the weird way I ask a question. Sorry about that by the way. As always//Connie How low will we go? Check out Yahoo! Messenger�s low PC-to-Phone call rates. Love cheap thrills? Enjoy PC-to-Phone calls to 30+ countries for just 2�/min with Yahoo! Messenger with Voice. __________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

Oh! What a GOOD idea, Connie! I never thought of that! Hee hee... the simplest of things always seem to escape me! Duh!! You know, it might really work to my advantage, too... If I'm out there when the sun goes down, I won't have to worry about anybody catching me in shorts OR being blinded by my light! LOL!!! I think I'll try it... I'll let you know how it goes! Thank you!!! While we're on the subject of gardening - does anybody have a good remedy to keep moles away? And does anyone know what possums eat or how to keep them away from my garden? The other night a friend and I had a meeting that ran very late. When she left I was helping her load up her van and my dog went into the front bushes. I told my friend it must be the three-legged rabbit that runs around here all the time. She said, "Uh... I...

don't... think... so.." and bolted for her van. I was standing on the front porch and looked down as a possum scampered across one step down from where I was standing. Surprisingly, I found that even with NS I can move pretty darned fast - I almost took flight through the front doors! LOL!!! Anyhow, I'd hate for the little dude to eat all my efforts in the garden... Oh, and we get skunks, too... It amazes me for living on the outskirts of a small city... Where do these critters come from??? GEEZ!! Thanks again, Connie! Hugs, Jeannie Connie Griffis wrote: Jeanne, try gardening at dusk when the sun is going down, then maybe you won't feel quite as bad. Just a suggestion///ConnieJeanne Betters wrote: Hi Debbie! Well, that's great that you got out for a while & had some work-fun! It feels good to make a little money now and then, huh? I actually have come to a crossroads and am planning to resign from my position with the basket company - I'm a basket lady and branch advisor. Although it's upsetting to think I have to give it up - I've worked so hard to get where I am and establish my customer and contact base - it's kind of a relief knowing that stress won't be on my shoulders. I've been feeling the need to pare down and simplify lately - in every area of my life. I don't think there's

anything wrong with that, although I know I'm going to miss it. I'm just one of those people who have to have irons in the fire and keeping busy, you know? But lately, I'm achey, tired, forgetful and overwhelmed. I've got some really great girls in my branch, and I know my customers will be taken care of. I just can't handle all of the responsibility; I can't keep up with everything. It's tough for me to say something like that, but it's ok. It's really ok. I need to focus on my health, my family and my foundation (my friends and I established a charitable foundation to promote breast cancer awareness and help patients in treatment financially). Everything else can just sit on the back burner. I have to face that I'm not Superwoman, and that it's ok to say, "no," you know? Today I had a burst of energy and planted a garden. I haven't had a garden since I was diagnosed three

years ago. But today, I got to play in the rich soil and now there are lovely green plants ready to become flourishing beauties. There is just something so satisfying about being in a garden. During the first three minutes, I felt like Mother Earth incarnate... Then the sweat, the dizziness, the pain kicked in, and I felt like a muddy mess. But it was still fun. At the moment, I'm physically regretting it, of course. But I can't stand giving up everything anymore. So I'm going to give this a whirl. Wish me luck. My hubby calls me the "Al Capone of green thumbs." LOL!! Maybe I should have chosen a knitting project instead... My husband and son are at the Pirate's game tonight, so I can't wait to see their faces when they come home. They were planning to do this for me tomorrow afternoon! I'm sure I'll be read the riot act, but a girl's gotta do what a girl's gotta do sometimes,

right? Well, you have a great weekend! Big hugs to you! Jeannie aylor wrote: Hi Jeannie, So sorry to hear the Cymbalta didn't work for you. I take Topomax for the bad headaches myself. Yours sound much worse than mine though. I am glad you have the appointment with the new neurologist . He should be able to help you with all of what you described. Let's hope so anyway. I hope you have found a "good" one! I have been doing pretty good. Thursday wasn't a good day for me, but yesterday I worked parttime at the library and it felt good to be out there in the

real world accomplishing something. Its not something I get to do often and make real money for it. I volunteer usually but if someone is out , I actually get to fill in and they pay me for it. I got to fill in yesterday for someone. Extra money in my pocket. Even though I am on SSDI I can make so much and not lose my benefits. SO that's how I am. I hope you are feeling better. Good luck with the new doctor. Hugs, DebbieJeanne Betters wrote: Hi Debbie! They had me on Cymbalta, but it didn't do a dang thing for me. The Amitryptalin works... I just wish I could remember what the brand name was. I'll have to ask my husband. They have me on that and Toprol XL for high blood

pressure. My doctor said he believes my blood pressure was so high due to pain (I can't remember what it was, but my foster daughter Penny had a fit when she heard what it was - she's a nurse's aide at a nursing home.). When I take both, for the most part, I'm good. Just before my "special time" each month, I'm in awful AWFUL "I can't move, don't bug me, I really love you, but please go somewhere else, have some fun and leave me alone for a while" kind of pain, but it goes away after a few days. My headaches are so awful when they come. And it's weird because even though I can't feel the pain of them, I always "feel" them - like my head seems always on the verge of horrific pain. I can't explain it, but it's there. And my arms are always achey. I actually started getting tingly numbness in my feet last week, which really freaked me out, but it has only come once or twice. I didn't

tell anyone because I don't want people to make a big deal of it. They'd make me go back to the neurologist and he'd make me feel like I was crazy, so I'll deal with these little surprises until I can't handle them anymore. I am going to see a new neurologist soon. I'm hoping that she will be more help than the doctor(s) I see now. How are you doing? Hugs, Jeannie Debbie wrote: Hi Jeanne, I am on Cymbalta. Which is an antidepressant that helps with the pain. It doesn't help all the pain , I am also on a Duragesic patch and have vicodin on hand as well. But I noticed you said your antidpressant helped.

DebbieJeanne Betters wrote: Oh Connie - that STINKS!! (But you gave me a giggle with the mental picture... wouldn't you just like to see that happen to your doctors just once? LOL!) How do they find granulomas if they can't do an MRI??? Do they even try? It's always something else, isn't it? Unbelievable. Well, we're stronger than we seem, don't we know it? I hope they will at least try some sort of pain blocker for you. The anti-depressant really works for me - it's amazing. And, it keeps me annoyingly chipper, too! Hugs, Jeannie Connie Griffis wrote: Jeanne, Thanks so much for the information. I am so thankful that you all are kind enough to answer my questions. As to MRI's, I wish I could have one since they seem better at locating our hateful little friends (granulomas), however I have an InSyncIII Pacemaker so I can not have an MRI. I'd look like that doctor in the old suspense movie, he's chasing the good guys and they run through the MRI room, turn on the machine and the bad guy ends up stuck to the top of the MRI by my pacer, ouch...that hurt. Thanks again///ConnieJeanne Betters wrote: Hi Connie - Sorry this is a little late. I've been offline for a little while. When I "got sick" it all started with the strangest sensation in my head that felt like a little baby's fist twisting around. It made me very lightheaded and dizzy... Like the entire room was going white and I was floating. It was awful. After a few visits to the doctor, he took me seriously. The MRI showed a granuloma (?I think that's what they called it) right where I told them - smack dab in the middle of my head at the top of my spinal chord. They said it's not life threatening, but I have since suffered excruciating headaches that sound similar to what you are experiencing. I usually say it's like a couple of swords sticking up through the base of my neck up through the top of my head. The pain was unbearable until they got me on the right meds. They tried various anti-depressants (pain blockers)

unti we found one I can deal with - I can't remember the brand name, but the generic is Amitryptalin. Anyhow, I think it would be a good idea to ask if they would do an MRI for you. I have them about every six months and so far this is the only one. I hope you feel better. I know it can be miserable. And believe me, when they called with the results I was convinced I was dying! LOL! My family was just really happy that they actually FOUND a brain up there! LOL!!! You'll be in my prayers for certain. Please let me know how you make out, ok?Hugs, JeannieConnie Griffis wrote: Hi Everybody, Hope everything is going ok with you all. I have a question if you don't mind. I have had trouble off and on with an unusual pain mostly in the right side of my head above my ear. 2 of 3 times this pain has felt like someone stuck a 38 to my head and pulled the trigger, the only thing that I imagine would be different was it took a while for the pain to stop, and the very last time this happened it felt like something went up my carotid to my head, dummy here even tried to catch it before it got to the top. I have also had this funny jab in my head off and on for a while, but usually they are spaced out pretty good. All of a sudden this has changed in the last 2 weeks, the pain has started coming more often. I get a less severe pain almost always in the same spot as the other that feels like someone is trying to push something through my head, it hurts like the dickens but doesn't last as long as the other, the difference is it has started making me dizzy

and nauseous, which lasts for 20 or 25 minutes even though the pain has stopped. It's never done that before. What is this? Any ideas? I know you guys are not doctors, but I trust your answers more. You have been there and seem to understand the weird way I ask a question. Sorry about that by the way. As always//Connie How low will we go? Check out Yahoo! Messenger�s low PC-to-Phone call rates. Love cheap thrills? Enjoy PC-to-Phone calls to 30+ countries for just 2�/min with Yahoo! Messenger with Voice. __________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

Oh! What a GOOD idea, Connie! I never thought of that! Hee hee... the simplest of things always seem to escape me! Duh!! You know, it might really work to my advantage, too... If I'm out there when the sun goes down, I won't have to worry about anybody catching me in shorts OR being blinded by my light! LOL!!! I think I'll try it... I'll let you know how it goes! Thank you!!! While we're on the subject of gardening - does anybody have a good remedy to keep moles away? And does anyone know what possums eat or how to keep them away from my garden? The other night a friend and I had a meeting that ran very late. When she left I was helping her load up her van and my dog went into the front bushes. I told my friend it must be the three-legged rabbit that runs around here all the time. She said, "Uh... I...

don't... think... so.." and bolted for her van. I was standing on the front porch and looked down as a possum scampered across one step down from where I was standing. Surprisingly, I found that even with NS I can move pretty darned fast - I almost took flight through the front doors! LOL!!! Anyhow, I'd hate for the little dude to eat all my efforts in the garden... Oh, and we get skunks, too... It amazes me for living on the outskirts of a small city... Where do these critters come from??? GEEZ!! Thanks again, Connie! Hugs, Jeannie Connie Griffis wrote: Jeanne, try gardening at dusk when the sun is going down, then maybe you won't feel quite as bad. Just a suggestion///ConnieJeanne Betters wrote: Hi Debbie! Well, that's great that you got out for a while & had some work-fun! It feels good to make a little money now and then, huh? I actually have come to a crossroads and am planning to resign from my position with the basket company - I'm a basket lady and branch advisor. Although it's upsetting to think I have to give it up - I've worked so hard to get where I am and establish my customer and contact base - it's kind of a relief knowing that stress won't be on my shoulders. I've been feeling the need to pare down and simplify lately - in every area of my life. I don't think there's

anything wrong with that, although I know I'm going to miss it. I'm just one of those people who have to have irons in the fire and keeping busy, you know? But lately, I'm achey, tired, forgetful and overwhelmed. I've got some really great girls in my branch, and I know my customers will be taken care of. I just can't handle all of the responsibility; I can't keep up with everything. It's tough for me to say something like that, but it's ok. It's really ok. I need to focus on my health, my family and my foundation (my friends and I established a charitable foundation to promote breast cancer awareness and help patients in treatment financially). Everything else can just sit on the back burner. I have to face that I'm not Superwoman, and that it's ok to say, "no," you know? Today I had a burst of energy and planted a garden. I haven't had a garden since I was diagnosed three

years ago. But today, I got to play in the rich soil and now there are lovely green plants ready to become flourishing beauties. There is just something so satisfying about being in a garden. During the first three minutes, I felt like Mother Earth incarnate... Then the sweat, the dizziness, the pain kicked in, and I felt like a muddy mess. But it was still fun. At the moment, I'm physically regretting it, of course. But I can't stand giving up everything anymore. So I'm going to give this a whirl. Wish me luck. My hubby calls me the "Al Capone of green thumbs." LOL!! Maybe I should have chosen a knitting project instead... My husband and son are at the Pirate's game tonight, so I can't wait to see their faces when they come home. They were planning to do this for me tomorrow afternoon! I'm sure I'll be read the riot act, but a girl's gotta do what a girl's gotta do sometimes,

right? Well, you have a great weekend! Big hugs to you! Jeannie aylor wrote: Hi Jeannie, So sorry to hear the Cymbalta didn't work for you. I take Topomax for the bad headaches myself. Yours sound much worse than mine though. I am glad you have the appointment with the new neurologist . He should be able to help you with all of what you described. Let's hope so anyway. I hope you have found a "good" one! I have been doing pretty good. Thursday wasn't a good day for me, but yesterday I worked parttime at the library and it felt good to be out there in the

real world accomplishing something. Its not something I get to do often and make real money for it. I volunteer usually but if someone is out , I actually get to fill in and they pay me for it. I got to fill in yesterday for someone. Extra money in my pocket. Even though I am on SSDI I can make so much and not lose my benefits. SO that's how I am. I hope you are feeling better. Good luck with the new doctor. Hugs, DebbieJeanne Betters wrote: Hi Debbie! They had me on Cymbalta, but it didn't do a dang thing for me. The Amitryptalin works... I just wish I could remember what the brand name was. I'll have to ask my husband. They have me on that and Toprol XL for high blood

pressure. My doctor said he believes my blood pressure was so high due to pain (I can't remember what it was, but my foster daughter Penny had a fit when she heard what it was - she's a nurse's aide at a nursing home.). When I take both, for the most part, I'm good. Just before my "special time" each month, I'm in awful AWFUL "I can't move, don't bug me, I really love you, but please go somewhere else, have some fun and leave me alone for a while" kind of pain, but it goes away after a few days. My headaches are so awful when they come. And it's weird because even though I can't feel the pain of them, I always "feel" them - like my head seems always on the verge of horrific pain. I can't explain it, but it's there. And my arms are always achey. I actually started getting tingly numbness in my feet last week, which really freaked me out, but it has only come once or twice. I didn't

tell anyone because I don't want people to make a big deal of it. They'd make me go back to the neurologist and he'd make me feel like I was crazy, so I'll deal with these little surprises until I can't handle them anymore. I am going to see a new neurologist soon. I'm hoping that she will be more help than the doctor(s) I see now. How are you doing? Hugs, Jeannie Debbie wrote: Hi Jeanne, I am on Cymbalta. Which is an antidepressant that helps with the pain. It doesn't help all the pain , I am also on a Duragesic patch and have vicodin on hand as well. But I noticed you said your antidpressant helped.

DebbieJeanne Betters wrote: Oh Connie - that STINKS!! (But you gave me a giggle with the mental picture... wouldn't you just like to see that happen to your doctors just once? LOL!) How do they find granulomas if they can't do an MRI??? Do they even try? It's always something else, isn't it? Unbelievable. Well, we're stronger than we seem, don't we know it? I hope they will at least try some sort of pain blocker for you. The anti-depressant really works for me - it's amazing. And, it keeps me annoyingly chipper, too! Hugs, Jeannie Connie Griffis wrote: Jeanne, Thanks so much for the information. I am so thankful that you all are kind enough to answer my questions. As to MRI's, I wish I could have one since they seem better at locating our hateful little friends (granulomas), however I have an InSyncIII Pacemaker so I can not have an MRI. I'd look like that doctor in the old suspense movie, he's chasing the good guys and they run through the MRI room, turn on the machine and the bad guy ends up stuck to the top of the MRI by my pacer, ouch...that hurt. Thanks again///ConnieJeanne Betters wrote: Hi Connie - Sorry this is a little late. I've been offline for a little while. When I "got sick" it all started with the strangest sensation in my head that felt like a little baby's fist twisting around. It made me very lightheaded and dizzy... Like the entire room was going white and I was floating. It was awful. After a few visits to the doctor, he took me seriously. The MRI showed a granuloma (?I think that's what they called it) right where I told them - smack dab in the middle of my head at the top of my spinal chord. They said it's not life threatening, but I have since suffered excruciating headaches that sound similar to what you are experiencing. I usually say it's like a couple of swords sticking up through the base of my neck up through the top of my head. The pain was unbearable until they got me on the right meds. They tried various anti-depressants (pain blockers)

unti we found one I can deal with - I can't remember the brand name, but the generic is Amitryptalin. Anyhow, I think it would be a good idea to ask if they would do an MRI for you. I have them about every six months and so far this is the only one. I hope you feel better. I know it can be miserable. And believe me, when they called with the results I was convinced I was dying! LOL! My family was just really happy that they actually FOUND a brain up there! LOL!!! You'll be in my prayers for certain. Please let me know how you make out, ok?Hugs, JeannieConnie Griffis wrote: Hi Everybody, Hope everything is going ok with you all. I have a question if you don't mind. I have had trouble off and on with an unusual pain mostly in the right side of my head above my ear. 2 of 3 times this pain has felt like someone stuck a 38 to my head and pulled the trigger, the only thing that I imagine would be different was it took a while for the pain to stop, and the very last time this happened it felt like something went up my carotid to my head, dummy here even tried to catch it before it got to the top. I have also had this funny jab in my head off and on for a while, but usually they are spaced out pretty good. All of a sudden this has changed in the last 2 weeks, the pain has started coming more often. I get a less severe pain almost always in the same spot as the other that feels like someone is trying to push something through my head, it hurts like the dickens but doesn't last as long as the other, the difference is it has started making me dizzy

and nauseous, which lasts for 20 or 25 minutes even though the pain has stopped. It's never done that before. What is this? Any ideas? I know you guys are not doctors, but I trust your answers more. You have been there and seem to understand the weird way I ask a question. Sorry about that by the way. As always//Connie How low will we go? Check out Yahoo! Messenger�s low PC-to-Phone call rates. Love cheap thrills? Enjoy PC-to-Phone calls to 30+ countries for just 2�/min with Yahoo! Messenger with Voice. __________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

Oh! What a GOOD idea, Connie! I never thought of that! Hee hee... the simplest of things always seem to escape me! Duh!! You know, it might really work to my advantage, too... If I'm out there when the sun goes down, I won't have to worry about anybody catching me in shorts OR being blinded by my light! LOL!!! I think I'll try it... I'll let you know how it goes! Thank you!!! While we're on the subject of gardening - does anybody have a good remedy to keep moles away? And does anyone know what possums eat or how to keep them away from my garden? The other night a friend and I had a meeting that ran very late. When she left I was helping her load up her van and my dog went into the front bushes. I told my friend it must be the three-legged rabbit that runs around here all the time. She said, "Uh... I...

don't... think... so.." and bolted for her van. I was standing on the front porch and looked down as a possum scampered across one step down from where I was standing. Surprisingly, I found that even with NS I can move pretty darned fast - I almost took flight through the front doors! LOL!!! Anyhow, I'd hate for the little dude to eat all my efforts in the garden... Oh, and we get skunks, too... It amazes me for living on the outskirts of a small city... Where do these critters come from??? GEEZ!! Thanks again, Connie! Hugs, Jeannie Connie Griffis wrote: Jeanne, try gardening at dusk when the sun is going down, then maybe you won't feel quite as bad. Just a suggestion///ConnieJeanne Betters wrote: Hi Debbie! Well, that's great that you got out for a while & had some work-fun! It feels good to make a little money now and then, huh? I actually have come to a crossroads and am planning to resign from my position with the basket company - I'm a basket lady and branch advisor. Although it's upsetting to think I have to give it up - I've worked so hard to get where I am and establish my customer and contact base - it's kind of a relief knowing that stress won't be on my shoulders. I've been feeling the need to pare down and simplify lately - in every area of my life. I don't think there's

anything wrong with that, although I know I'm going to miss it. I'm just one of those people who have to have irons in the fire and keeping busy, you know? But lately, I'm achey, tired, forgetful and overwhelmed. I've got some really great girls in my branch, and I know my customers will be taken care of. I just can't handle all of the responsibility; I can't keep up with everything. It's tough for me to say something like that, but it's ok. It's really ok. I need to focus on my health, my family and my foundation (my friends and I established a charitable foundation to promote breast cancer awareness and help patients in treatment financially). Everything else can just sit on the back burner. I have to face that I'm not Superwoman, and that it's ok to say, "no," you know? Today I had a burst of energy and planted a garden. I haven't had a garden since I was diagnosed three

years ago. But today, I got to play in the rich soil and now there are lovely green plants ready to become flourishing beauties. There is just something so satisfying about being in a garden. During the first three minutes, I felt like Mother Earth incarnate... Then the sweat, the dizziness, the pain kicked in, and I felt like a muddy mess. But it was still fun. At the moment, I'm physically regretting it, of course. But I can't stand giving up everything anymore. So I'm going to give this a whirl. Wish me luck. My hubby calls me the "Al Capone of green thumbs." LOL!! Maybe I should have chosen a knitting project instead... My husband and son are at the Pirate's game tonight, so I can't wait to see their faces when they come home. They were planning to do this for me tomorrow afternoon! I'm sure I'll be read the riot act, but a girl's gotta do what a girl's gotta do sometimes,

right? Well, you have a great weekend! Big hugs to you! Jeannie aylor wrote: Hi Jeannie, So sorry to hear the Cymbalta didn't work for you. I take Topomax for the bad headaches myself. Yours sound much worse than mine though. I am glad you have the appointment with the new neurologist . He should be able to help you with all of what you described. Let's hope so anyway. I hope you have found a "good" one! I have been doing pretty good. Thursday wasn't a good day for me, but yesterday I worked parttime at the library and it felt good to be out there in the

real world accomplishing something. Its not something I get to do often and make real money for it. I volunteer usually but if someone is out , I actually get to fill in and they pay me for it. I got to fill in yesterday for someone. Extra money in my pocket. Even though I am on SSDI I can make so much and not lose my benefits. SO that's how I am. I hope you are feeling better. Good luck with the new doctor. Hugs, DebbieJeanne Betters wrote: Hi Debbie! They had me on Cymbalta, but it didn't do a dang thing for me. The Amitryptalin works... I just wish I could remember what the brand name was. I'll have to ask my husband. They have me on that and Toprol XL for high blood

pressure. My doctor said he believes my blood pressure was so high due to pain (I can't remember what it was, but my foster daughter Penny had a fit when she heard what it was - she's a nurse's aide at a nursing home.). When I take both, for the most part, I'm good. Just before my "special time" each month, I'm in awful AWFUL "I can't move, don't bug me, I really love you, but please go somewhere else, have some fun and leave me alone for a while" kind of pain, but it goes away after a few days. My headaches are so awful when they come. And it's weird because even though I can't feel the pain of them, I always "feel" them - like my head seems always on the verge of horrific pain. I can't explain it, but it's there. And my arms are always achey. I actually started getting tingly numbness in my feet last week, which really freaked me out, but it has only come once or twice. I didn't

tell anyone because I don't want people to make a big deal of it. They'd make me go back to the neurologist and he'd make me feel like I was crazy, so I'll deal with these little surprises until I can't handle them anymore. I am going to see a new neurologist soon. I'm hoping that she will be more help than the doctor(s) I see now. How are you doing? Hugs, Jeannie Debbie wrote: Hi Jeanne, I am on Cymbalta. Which is an antidepressant that helps with the pain. It doesn't help all the pain , I am also on a Duragesic patch and have vicodin on hand as well. But I noticed you said your antidpressant helped.

DebbieJeanne Betters wrote: Oh Connie - that STINKS!! (But you gave me a giggle with the mental picture... wouldn't you just like to see that happen to your doctors just once? LOL!) How do they find granulomas if they can't do an MRI??? Do they even try? It's always something else, isn't it? Unbelievable. Well, we're stronger than we seem, don't we know it? I hope they will at least try some sort of pain blocker for you. The anti-depressant really works for me - it's amazing. And, it keeps me annoyingly chipper, too! Hugs, Jeannie Connie Griffis wrote: Jeanne, Thanks so much for the information. I am so thankful that you all are kind enough to answer my questions. As to MRI's, I wish I could have one since they seem better at locating our hateful little friends (granulomas), however I have an InSyncIII Pacemaker so I can not have an MRI. I'd look like that doctor in the old suspense movie, he's chasing the good guys and they run through the MRI room, turn on the machine and the bad guy ends up stuck to the top of the MRI by my pacer, ouch...that hurt. Thanks again///ConnieJeanne Betters wrote: Hi Connie - Sorry this is a little late. I've been offline for a little while. When I "got sick" it all started with the strangest sensation in my head that felt like a little baby's fist twisting around. It made me very lightheaded and dizzy... Like the entire room was going white and I was floating. It was awful. After a few visits to the doctor, he took me seriously. The MRI showed a granuloma (?I think that's what they called it) right where I told them - smack dab in the middle of my head at the top of my spinal chord. They said it's not life threatening, but I have since suffered excruciating headaches that sound similar to what you are experiencing. I usually say it's like a couple of swords sticking up through the base of my neck up through the top of my head. The pain was unbearable until they got me on the right meds. They tried various anti-depressants (pain blockers)

unti we found one I can deal with - I can't remember the brand name, but the generic is Amitryptalin. Anyhow, I think it would be a good idea to ask if they would do an MRI for you. I have them about every six months and so far this is the only one. I hope you feel better. I know it can be miserable. And believe me, when they called with the results I was convinced I was dying! LOL! My family was just really happy that they actually FOUND a brain up there! LOL!!! You'll be in my prayers for certain. Please let me know how you make out, ok?Hugs, JeannieConnie Griffis wrote: Hi Everybody, Hope everything is going ok with you all. I have a question if you don't mind. I have had trouble off and on with an unusual pain mostly in the right side of my head above my ear. 2 of 3 times this pain has felt like someone stuck a 38 to my head and pulled the trigger, the only thing that I imagine would be different was it took a while for the pain to stop, and the very last time this happened it felt like something went up my carotid to my head, dummy here even tried to catch it before it got to the top. I have also had this funny jab in my head off and on for a while, but usually they are spaced out pretty good. All of a sudden this has changed in the last 2 weeks, the pain has started coming more often. I get a less severe pain almost always in the same spot as the other that feels like someone is trying to push something through my head, it hurts like the dickens but doesn't last as long as the other, the difference is it has started making me dizzy

and nauseous, which lasts for 20 or 25 minutes even though the pain has stopped. It's never done that before. What is this? Any ideas? I know you guys are not doctors, but I trust your answers more. You have been there and seem to understand the weird way I ask a question. Sorry about that by the way. As always//Connie How low will we go? Check out Yahoo! Messenger�s low PC-to-Phone call rates. Love cheap thrills? Enjoy PC-to-Phone calls to 30+ countries for just 2�/min with Yahoo! Messenger with Voice. __________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

Terri,

I am going back on my emails trying to catch up now, I do get pulsating

sensation in my head, in fact last night had a slight feeling of that then

was able to fall asleep, but woke up with a very tender left temple where I

felt it, in fact just to make a facial expression causes soreness, like I

got hit or something. I've had a few where I couldn't move my head, if I

bent over just a slight bit, the pulsating was overwhelming one night I

couldn't decided if I should go to bed or the ER, I thought I was having a

stroke or something, I went to bed, I told my husband I almost wrote him a

letter before taking my vicodin and going to bed just in case I didn't wake

up, he was not happy about that. They are usually not even close to being

that bad. I am still playing catch up from doing to much, and now I have so

much to do , but it can wait! Hope you are doing well and have an easy day.

Smiles,

Marla

Re: Questions

>

>

>

> In a message dated 5/16/06 4:58:50 PM Pacific Daylight Time,

> conaugusta@... writes:

>

>

>

>

>

> I have had trouble off and on with an unusual pain mostly in the right

side

> of my head above my ear. 2 of 3 times this pain has felt like someone

stuck

> a 38 to my head and pulled the trigger, the only thing that I imagine

would

> be different was it took a while for the pain to stop, and the very

last

> time this happened it felt like something went up my carotid to my

head,

>

>

>

> We do have a " temporal artery " that is in the area you're talking

about. If

> you wear glasses, the temporal artery is directly under the temples of

your

> eye glass frame.

> It is possible to get strokes or blood clots in this artery, and if a

clot

> does happen-- vision loss is possible.

> If you have high cholestrol levels, many times this shows up in this

artery

> before it shows anywhere else. (You also get a " ring " around the iris

of

> the eye-- that is cholestrol.)

> For those of us on steroids- or have a history of pred useage, it's

> important to watch for these signals-- as they can be signs of more

serious

> problems. Also the trigeminal nerve runs up that meridian--- so it may

be

> that.

> Get it checked out, a simple doppler test done by the ophthalmologist

or

> neurologist along both the cartoids and the temporal artery can be

helpful.

>

> Blessings,

> Tracie

> NS Co-owner/moderator

>

> ~~~~ *** ~~~ *** ~~~ *** ~~~~

> The Neurosarcoidosis Community

>

> NS CHAT:- Has been cancelled for now.

>

> Message Archives:-

> http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Neurosarcoidosis/messages

>

> Members Database:-

> Listings of locations, phone numbers, and instant messengers.

> http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Neurosarcoidosis/database

>

>

[Guest guest]

Terri,

I am going back on my emails trying to catch up now, I do get pulsating

sensation in my head, in fact last night had a slight feeling of that then

was able to fall asleep, but woke up with a very tender left temple where I

felt it, in fact just to make a facial expression causes soreness, like I

got hit or something. I've had a few where I couldn't move my head, if I

bent over just a slight bit, the pulsating was overwhelming one night I

couldn't decided if I should go to bed or the ER, I thought I was having a

stroke or something, I went to bed, I told my husband I almost wrote him a

letter before taking my vicodin and going to bed just in case I didn't wake

up, he was not happy about that. They are usually not even close to being

that bad. I am still playing catch up from doing to much, and now I have so

much to do , but it can wait! Hope you are doing well and have an easy day.

Smiles,

Marla

Re: Questions

>

>

>

> In a message dated 5/16/06 4:58:50 PM Pacific Daylight Time,

> conaugusta@... writes:

>

>

>

>

>

> I have had trouble off and on with an unusual pain mostly in the right

side

> of my head above my ear. 2 of 3 times this pain has felt like someone

stuck

> a 38 to my head and pulled the trigger, the only thing that I imagine

would

> be different was it took a while for the pain to stop, and the very

last

> time this happened it felt like something went up my carotid to my

head,

>

>

>

> We do have a " temporal artery " that is in the area you're talking

about. If

> you wear glasses, the temporal artery is directly under the temples of

your

> eye glass frame.

> It is possible to get strokes or blood clots in this artery, and if a

clot

> does happen-- vision loss is possible.

> If you have high cholestrol levels, many times this shows up in this

artery

> before it shows anywhere else. (You also get a " ring " around the iris

of

> the eye-- that is cholestrol.)

> For those of us on steroids- or have a history of pred useage, it's

> important to watch for these signals-- as they can be signs of more

serious

> problems. Also the trigeminal nerve runs up that meridian--- so it may

be

> that.

> Get it checked out, a simple doppler test done by the ophthalmologist

or

> neurologist along both the cartoids and the temporal artery can be

helpful.

>

> Blessings,

> Tracie

> NS Co-owner/moderator

>

> ~~~~ *** ~~~ *** ~~~ *** ~~~~

> The Neurosarcoidosis Community

>

> NS CHAT:- Has been cancelled for now.

>

> Message Archives:-

> http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Neurosarcoidosis/messages

>

> Members Database:-

> Listings of locations, phone numbers, and instant messengers.

> http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Neurosarcoidosis/database

>

>

[Guest guest]

Reminds me of a funny story. My boss had someone bring in a baby squirrel and insist that it be tested for rabies as it had bitten a child. The animals we get for testing are usually already dead but this one was not. My boss was trying to figure out a way to humanely kill this squirrel. He came up with the bright idea of putting it in a small box, sealing the lid and putting it in the freezer till it passed away. He forgot that squirrels are part of the rodent family and can chew through things. We had a real nice lady named Eartha that helped in the medical clinics in the back. She went to take something out of the freezer not knowing the squirrel was in there and had chewed his way out. When she opened the door, the squirrel ran up her arm and across her shoulders while she screamed her brains out, before completing his escape attempt. Eartha liked to have had a heart attack, and was so mad at my boss she wouldn't speak to him for days. (In all fairness he didn't mean to scare her to death - but he nearly succeeded). She was still mad and fussing when she saw me later on. I loved her to death, but I really had to control myself and not laugh until later.....LOL

Okay, Connie. So what did your boss tell the guy who brought the baby squirrel in? Can you stand another story? Those with queasy stomachs might want to skip this one.

When I first moved back to Indiana, the prenatal clinic was in with the county health department. We shared a refrigerator with them, in which we put gonorrhea cultures (which the nurse had to read herself, coming in on weekends if necessary; she's was so happy when we moved to the hospital & sent them to the lab!), other specimens that required refrigeration, and our lunches. Now, you might think that was bad enough, but one day the health officer brought in a dog's head, to be tested for rabies, and put it in the fridge, without telling any of us. At lunch time, it wasn't pretty. I think the social worker was the first to see it; I don't think she ate for days after that. The nurse was more nonchalant, but even she was grossed out. I was just very glad that I had brought a peanut butter sandwich!

This story is true, except I don't remember what I brought for lunch. I just know it wasn't in the fridge.

Ramblin' Rose

Moderator Kournikova, Eva Longoria, Brad Paisley and others share their favorite places

[Guest guest]

Reminds me of a funny story. My boss had someone bring in a baby squirrel and insist that it be tested for rabies as it had bitten a child. The animals we get for testing are usually already dead but this one was not. My boss was trying to figure out a way to humanely kill this squirrel. He came up with the bright idea of putting it in a small box, sealing the lid and putting it in the freezer till it passed away. He forgot that squirrels are part of the rodent family and can chew through things. We had a real nice lady named Eartha that helped in the medical clinics in the back. She went to take something out of the freezer not knowing the squirrel was in there and had chewed his way out. When she opened the door, the squirrel ran up her arm and across her shoulders while she screamed her brains out, before completing his escape attempt. Eartha liked to have had a heart attack, and was so mad at my boss she wouldn't speak to him for days. (In all fairness he didn't mean to scare her to death - but he nearly succeeded). She was still mad and fussing when she saw me later on. I loved her to death, but I really had to control myself and not laugh until later.....LOL

Okay, Connie. So what did your boss tell the guy who brought the baby squirrel in? Can you stand another story? Those with queasy stomachs might want to skip this one.

When I first moved back to Indiana, the prenatal clinic was in with the county health department. We shared a refrigerator with them, in which we put gonorrhea cultures (which the nurse had to read herself, coming in on weekends if necessary; she's was so happy when we moved to the hospital & sent them to the lab!), other specimens that required refrigeration, and our lunches. Now, you might think that was bad enough, but one day the health officer brought in a dog's head, to be tested for rabies, and put it in the fridge, without telling any of us. At lunch time, it wasn't pretty. I think the social worker was the first to see it; I don't think she ate for days after that. The nurse was more nonchalant, but even she was grossed out. I was just very glad that I had brought a peanut butter sandwich!

This story is true, except I don't remember what I brought for lunch. I just know it wasn't in the fridge.

Ramblin' Rose

Moderator Kournikova, Eva Longoria, Brad Paisley and others share their favorite places