rhulce’s Profile

Open Widows & Widowers

I lost my husband to pulmonary fibrosis which came on and "killed" him in the timespan of one month. His end came quick and as I was realizing it, I cried nonstop. I couldn't stop. But that was the grief in it's early stages.

Open Myasthenia Gravis

For two months I have had blurred and double vision without being able to find a reason why. Now my neurologist is working on a reason - MG. She noticed my drooping eyelids, that I had attributed to the steroids I take for asthma. She informed me that is not the reason for them to droop. She also did her neuro exam and found weakness in the left arm and leg. I had noticed some weakness in my left hand but was clueless about the leg. So far some labs are high. So far no treatments.

Treatments

Mestinon Working / Worked

With the start of this medicine, I noticed that my eyesight is better. Nothing helps with the fatigue, my eyesight is worse when I am tired.

Mestinon Working / Worked

I started taking 60 mg three a day in April and had immediate relief of the double and blurred vision. It doesn't help all day so now I take 60 mg twice a day and 180 inbetween. It seems to be working well. But the stomach problems made me take two new meds. It is going well for now.

Open Arthritis

Have a tumor in my knee that has caused arthritis. I have tried all the arthritis meds and really liked Bextra so was bummed when that was taken off the market. Now, I am having a difficult time finding pain control. Am fighting using the crutches that would be the best pain control. But they make it difficult to do my job at the hospital. So continue to work with the doctors.

Open Trigeminal Neuralgia

I was diagnosed with Trigeminal Neuralgia after a severe ear infection. Now I am on Neurontin to keep it at bay.

Treatments

Neurontin Working / Worked

This is working so far but at a high dose. Any time I lower the dose the pains get worse.

Open COPD & Emphysema

I have had asthma since I was 18 years old. I have had chronic bronchitis for years. My doctor has told me that I have Emphysema/COPD due to all the years of problems.

Treatments

Advair Working / Worked

Duoneb Working / Worked

It worked but caused shakiness.

Xopenex Working / Worked

Working

Open Degenerative Joint Disease

I have a tumor called PVNS in my left knee that has caused me to have osteoarthritis. It is eating away the joint so now I need a knee replacement. The bad thing is that the replacement may not be the end of the PVNS is they don't get every last cell. So I have an interesting time ahead of me. As if 13 years on crutches and another 5+ years of walking in pain hasn't been interesting enough.