November 2012 in review

A round up of my issues and Fibromyalgia related symptoms from November, 2012. What's typical, what's new, and what I'm doing about it. I'll be sharing this with my rheumy. I don't expect her to read my entire blog. lol

Some people collect comic books, some people collect coins, stamps or bottles. I collect symptoms. Sigh.

Nov 17:

From time to time, I have bouts if my cheeks burning, getting so red and hot they actually hurt!

On higher dose of Effexor (75 mg,) In December, I tried 37 mg dose and didn't do well on it either:

I'm writing this at 3 o'clock in the morning, approximately 6 hours after my first dose of Effexor 75 mg
I woke up suddenly, and felt like my eyes couldn't focus well. Then I felt like I had rapid eye movement. Next, I felt very warm and the room seemed suddenly very small...I felt claustrophobic, kind of shaky and panicky. I calmed myself by telling myself it was probably caused by the medication.

Now I feel somewhat strange overall, with slight headache, feel nauseated, and my ears are ringing loudly. My ears ring most of the time anyway.

I'm unhappy that this seems to be another drug I cannot take. I was hoping this one could help, especially with the Trichotillomania.  However, I would rather be a pretty normal person who happens to pull her hair than have panic attack in my own bedroom!

4 am: Headache worse, diarrhea.

7 am: Nausea, headache, watery diarrhea.

9:30 am: Still bad headache at forehead and face. Stomach still hurts but tolerable.

I took my temperature throughout and it has stayed normal.

7:15 pm: Still feel queasy, headache, occasional gas & diarrhea. When will this stuff leave my body?!?

Nov 19:

Pretty good day, not much pain. Went to bed in good spirits and feeling fine.

Nov 20:

Morning: I felt very groggy. First my stomach hurt, then every part of me hurt. I know this, because I actually tried to think of a part of my body that didn't hurt, so I could focus on that.

I hurt all over as if someone had beaten me during the night. I tried to find new positions that wouldn't hurt as badly. Every pressure point and joint was painful. Lying on my side, I couldn't even take the pressure of one knee resting on the other.

My whole body seemed under pressure. I felt myself starting to sob, which simultaneously pissed me off (I hate it when Fibro beats me down mentally) but at the same time, I find that after crying, my muscles will relax and I feel better.

My husband brought me Tramadol. I knew within about 30 minutes I would have some relief. That time is now. I'm not all better, but now I can function.

I brushed my teeth and even they hurt. I combed my hair gently and even that hurt. It's like my pain volume knob is turned to a ridiculously high level.

I did eat a couple things yesterday that my body could be reacting to. A Gwaltney hot dog and 2 Hostess Cupcakes. Yes, I know that was stupid.

Nov 24:

Scalp hurts, hair hurts at the roots when it's moved.