12B4J’s Profile

Open GERD & Heartburn

I began having acid reflux in early 2006 while being a caregiver to a disabled friend with breast cancer. I didn't really feel that it was much of a problem being that I was incapacitated already, until I repeatedly developed aspiration pneumonia. I recently had a chest x-ray for an upper respiratory infection at which time I was diagnosed with a hyatal hernia. I can only eat very small portions at a time and it still comes back up.

Treatments

Antacids Somewhat Helpful

Avoid Certain Foods / Chemicals Somewhat Helpful

Carafate Somewhat Helpful

Prevacid Somewhat Helpful

Prilosec Not Working

Caused migranes.

Protonix Not Working

caused migranes

Tagamet Not Working

Open Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

CFS was the beginning of every other health problem that I have had. I was a cashier when I developed mononucleosis and pneumonia. I tried to go back to work part time but I couldn't work set hours. I decided to start my own cleaning business in 1987 and after 6 months I CRASHED!!!! The fatigue, vertigo, pain and infections kept me bedridden and houseridden for the next 4 years. It was too agonizing to go anywhere or do anything. Rejected by family, I dust myself off and limp on!

Treatments

Pain Management Clinic Considering

Current pain specialist attempt was a bad experience

Paxil Not Working

Tried it long ago. In the begining I was depressed, not now.

Open Tinnitus

I have suffered from tinnitus and benign positional vertigo since a auto accident in 1985. It was a foggy day and we were rear-ended, while sitting at a red light. He hit us going 40mph. Thank God for seatbelts, but the force of the impact broke the front seat off the floorboard and we ended up win the back seat with our legs over our head. The incessant high pitched ringing in my ears can drive me buggy, so I have to listen to something even at bedtime. Doctors tell me I have Meneirs disease.

Treatments

Neurontin Considering

Open Chronic Pain

I have suffered from chronic pain since 1986, beginning with CFS and moving to Fibromyalgia, it has been a challenge. At the time I became ill, it was common practice to send patients to the Psychiatrist. Social Security diagnosed me with somatoform disorder (all in my mind). I didn't start taking pain meds until 3 years ago when my blood pressure was too high and the cardiologist said I needed to get my pain under control or have a heart attack. I am in need of a good pain doctor.

Treatments

Acupressure Not Working

Flexeril Somewhat Helpful

Coordination issues

Heat Somewhat Helpful

Lyrica Considering

Neurontin Considering

Oxycodone Somewhat Helpful

Physical Therapy Not Working

Open Caregivers

I am a very ill caregiver to two people in my life. One has bipolar disorder, ADD, sleep apnea, restless leg syndrome, learning disabilities, etc. The other has firomyalgia, breast cancer, diabetes, severe cognitive impairment due to auto accidents (19 as a passenger). I am hurting and exhausted. They don't have anyone else to help them. They have been rejected because of their disabilities even as I have. I must prepare them in case my health deteriorates further and the Lord takes me home.

Open Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)

2003 gallbladder removed. I had 12 I.V. sites. After I went home I developed arm pain which I thought was fibromyalgia. E.R.>D.R.>ultrasound>hospital=I.V.in foot+Lovenox+warfarin+antibiotics because of D.V.T's in both arms. Sent home on meds, once INR 1.8, Lovenox removed. Clots from shoulders to wrists, one in right subclavian,one in foot. Started back on Lovenox=allergic reaction=BP 225/150=Prednisone+benadryl+ stop Lovenox= warfarin and prayer. GOD saved my life! 2006 Hysterectomy + Heparin

Treatments

Coumadin Somewhat Helpful

During severe clots, needs a boost

Heparin Working / Worked

Prevented post surgical clots

Lovenox Working / Worked

Worked, but allergic

Open Dizziness & Vertigo

I developed vertigo after an auto accident(see tinnitus). Three months later I woke up with the room spinning fast! My friends carried me to the car and took me to the E.R. A specialist later ran water in my ear and I fell off the bed I was so dizzy. The next three years I slept in a recliner and could not lay flat.

Treatments

Antivert Working / Worked

I continue to use Meclizine as needed. It is sedating but works longer than others.

Promethazine Working / Worked

Helps the nausea that accompanies vertigo.

Open Hiatal Hernia

I was just diagnosed with a hiatal hernia in October. It was seen on an x-ray for an upper respiratory infection. I spoke to the doctor about it at my follow up appointment but he pretty much ignored me. I have discomfort much of the time, trouble eating, nausea and reflux.

Treatments

Antacids Somewhat Helpful

Prevacid Somewhat Helpful

It helps somewhat, it is better than getting aspiration pneumonia.

Protonix Not Working

caused migranes

Open Hysterectomy

I began having problems when I was 4 years old with upset tummies. By the ripe old age of 5 I was hospitalized and the doctors performed a partial salpingo oopherectoy. My ovaries were the size of baseballs. They said it looked like a bunch of fluid filled sacks (cysts)in a casing with a stem like an apple! They saved one piece of my ovary and by the grace of God I had a son! I had constant cysts and pain,endometriosis etc. Hysterectomy in 2006, adhesions etc.

Treatments

Premarin Working / Worked

Open Medical Mysteries

I had a wonderful doctor who discussed with me the reason for my many malladies. He said that nothing is ever easy for me because in order to get proper medical treatment, I needed to be transported to Area 51 where they study alien life forms. It is now a standing joke on me. My son gave me an alien drivers (flyers) license to top it all off. Doctors aren't God, and sometimes they don't have the answers. I'm trying to get this doctor back (insurance problems). Find a good supportive doctor!!

Open Meniere's Disease

Please read my stories under tinnitus and vertigo.

Treatments

Antivert Working / Worked

Low Salt Diet Working / Worked

Open Sexual Abuse

I was touched, groped and molested by two people in my life who I should have been close to and trusted in. They were 2 of 3 in my life and they were all that I had. My mother had passed away when I was 6 years old. Shortly after that time alcohol and pornography openly came on the scene. To anyone who has ever been through such a devastating and demeaning, downright evil thing such as sexual abuse IT WAS NOT YOUR FAULT!!!!!

Open Bipolar Disorder

I am a caregiver to a loved one who is bipolar.

Treatments

Abilify Working / Worked

CAUSED AGGITATION, AGGRESSION.

Ativan Working / Worked

CLONAZEPAM, CALMS DOWN

Celexa Working / Worked

DID NOT WORK

Depakote Working / Worked

SIDE EFFECTS, NAUSEA, FATIGUE

Geodon Working / Worked

SLEPT ALL THE TIME

Lamictal Working / Worked

RASH, HAD TO STOP

Lithium Working / Worked

TRIED, DEHYDRATES

Tegretol Working / Worked

SEVERE HEADACHES, AGGRESSION

Wellbutrin Working / Worked

WORKS SOMEWHAT

Open Depression Supporters

I have been married to a man who has bipolar,ADD, learning disabled etc. Deteriorating fast. Started with depression 25 years ago.

Open Lyme Disease

Interested in learning about Lymes disease.