HealingWell
Search Close Search
☰

Definite increase in pain levels

Support Forums
>
Chronic Pain
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply
❬ ❬ Previous Thread |Next Thread ❭ ❭
Posted 3/27/2013 3:40 PM (GMT 0)
For the last 2 weeks, my back pain has substantially increased. The burning sensation of the right leg has gotten to the outer part of the foot, and the sacroiliac pain has become nearly unbearable. I feel that most going from sitting to standing. And I'm still fighting with the eye thing, with 60mg of prednisone being thrown at it every day, plus drops.

I have an appt today with my "regular doctor" and I'm finally going to do something I've tried to put off as long as I can. Requesting a handicapped parking tag. If I get the tag that goes on the mirror, I can use it only on bad days. If I'm at a lower level, I can walk a bit farther and not use it. But if I need it, it would be there.

And my BP is elevated (148/96 at my last check, it's never been that high), and I've been getting dizzy and stumbling when I stand for more than a couple of minutes. Reported it to the opthamologist last week, and he said it was the prednisone... probably.

The eye is improving, but I still don't trust myself to drive. Focus is OK in normal room light, but I get so much glare from sunlight that it makes it impossible. But considering I needed sunglasses just to use the computer in a dark room a few weeks ago, it is getting better.

Just looking for a good day. I literally slept almost 24 hours yesterday, only broken up by bathroom breaks. Too exhausted to do anything else. And I could go to sleep again, right now, after 4 cups of coffee. Not sure where the fatigue comes from. But I have to stay awake to go to the Dr's appt.
Posted 3/27/2013 3:49 PM (GMT 0)
Sorry to hear you are having increased back pain on top of the eye issue! However, glad the eye is getting better. Those steroids do have some unfortunate side effects...I always bloat up, and one time it even made me seem diabetic...How long have you been feeling the fatigue? I have insomnia, and sometimes my body crashes, sends me into a deep sleep for long periods - could this be what you are experiencing?
Posted 3/27/2013 4:02 PM (GMT 0)
I call that an "insomnia crash", when you've been sleeping badly, or not sleeping for so long, it's like your body hits the reset button. Then you go back to your regular routine. But lately it's been needing naps during the day and stuff like that. I never did that before.

And it's almost like the pain makes me sleepy. Like a new defense mechanism. I start getting above a certain level, and I can't keep my eyes open. Almost like narcolepsy. The complete opposite of what I was dealing with 5-6 weeks ago.

And I've put on about 13 pounds from the prednisone munchies. I'm sure to get an earful about that today too.
Posted 3/27/2013 8:56 PM (GMT 0)
My money is on the steroids causing the BP problems. I am on the evil Pred on a tapered dose since getting out of the hospital. I have gained 11 pounds in less than a week, I eat everything in sight. Since being put on them my BP is off the scale, they just kept adding more & more doses waiting for it to start dropping. It also sent my sugar out wack & they were giving me insulin shots. Thank goodness this is a short term for me with them or I would be 5x5 real quick and rolling instead of walking. Well, on the other hand, I am not walking real good right. I know they they have their place but for short term only.

Here in my state to get a handicap placard or plates you have to get a form from DPS & have the dr fill his portion out. After the dr has filled his part out you take the form back to DPS & they issue the placard/plates. I have plates on my car.

Don't you have an appt coming up with the rheummie soon? I hope it goes well. Take care....Susie
Posted 3/27/2013 9:16 PM (GMT 0)
…Hello Living!

If the laws are the same in your state as here in Kansas, then when you are driving and have the plaque hanging from the mirror will have to be removed each time you are drive. The fine for getting caught with it hanging while driving is hefty. I did this for a while, and decided to get the Tag…and like it so much better. You might want to give it some thought when you go to apply for them.

Also, have you had any injections for the sacroiliac joints? It may help!

SE
Posted 3/28/2013 1:02 AM (GMT 0)
Yeah, I know about the hangtag bit. Had one for dorm parking back in college. Cop gave me a warning because he didn't want to bother filling out the paperwork. I had no other violations, and it was easy enough to just take it off the mirror.

I got the doc to fill out the application I handily brought with me to today's appointment. We had discussed it before, and he said he'd back me up on it. I like the idea of the mirror thing because I don't always drive myself to the Dr, and in Louisiana, as far as I know, the tag can travel with the owner in case I have to hitch a ride somewhere. Besides, I have a center console to put it out of the way, yet easily accessible. And some days I can get around a little better, so I'll park a little farther out and save the space for someone else who needs it. Just because you have a handicapped tag does not mean you will always have to use it. But it's better to have one if you do need it, just in case.

The BP stuff is probably the steroids, but it's not high enough to have to worry about any kind of treatment. Were talking 155/96 today. Short term, at least until this dang eye finishes healing, should not be a problem. My normal walking around BP is classic 120/80, if not a tad lower.

The really curious part about this is that the steroids should be helping the pain, technically. After 6 weeks, it's worse. May be the extra prednisone munchies weight, who knows? I wouldn't think 15 pounds (according to his scale) would make that much of a difference.

And the sacroiliac injections? I've had the lumbar injections done (about 12 - or 4 rounds) and the results were OK at first, then grew less effective until the PM I was seeing and I agreed it wasn't worth the risk or the hassle.
Posted 3/28/2013 1:07 AM (GMT 0)
…yes, they do the injections right into the sacroiliac joints….check it out or at least ask. You can find information on the web about it…or I can post a link here for you if you wish. Point well taken about the hanging plaques…everyone has their own reasons.

SE wink
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply