Posted 2/9/2016 5:51 PM (GMT 0)
Well, since my Lupus is mostly in remission, I seldom post about my personal health issues anymore. But today I feel the need to whine a bit -- just skip on over this if you want, I would!
Today I woke up with a horrid sinus/migraine headache. I seem to get these a lot recently, although usually they come about 7:30-8 pm. I don't have a Drs diagnosis for them, but taking 2 Sine Aid, 4 ibuprofen, and an Excedrin Migraine usually gives me some relief. Not so this morning. When this happens, I don't have trouble breathing, my sinus seem clear.... who knows?
I also woke up with a horrid tightness around my neck and shoulders. Maybe they got too cold last night and tensed up in my sleep? Dunno', but quite painful. Long hot shower has provided a modicum of relief. Don't have a muscle relaxer around (some coming from my mail-order pharmacy), so am waiting to see if my pain medication, Norco, helps any.
On Dec 22, I had MOHS surgery to remove a small skin cancer from my face - right at the high point of my cheek bone. Although it looks fairly well healed, it's left a nasty scar. Discolored with a raised lump of shiny scar tissue in the middle. I fear I will have to have some plastic surgery to reconstruct the area. It really looks nasty right now.
I've also been having some lab work that shows higher-than-one-wants blood sugar levels... so I've been trying to lay off the carbs, and pull back on the Dr Pepper addiction. Boy, the sugar/caffeine/carbonation is really hard to kick! And I'm not one who cares much about cooking, so eating better is difficult. Now have a blood sugar meter sitting on my desk. Lovely addition to the family.
Turns out, after some digging, that my somewhat-elevated cholesterol levels are also related to carbs & sugar. And of course, the carbs-n-sugar diet is a direct result of 5-7 years of prednisone, even if it was low dose. I really, really wish they'd hand you some dietary guidelines when they prescribe long-term prednisone.
Before Lupus I was a marathon runner -- so I've been trying to walk more & run a little to help with weight loss. I've had tingling in the bottom of my foot on & off for months, and mentioned it in my every-6-month rheumy appointment yesterday. My mind, of course, had the tingling related to everything from Lupus inflammation, to diabetic neuropathy, to who-knows-what. Rheumy thinks it's Plantar Fasciitis, and referred me along to my Podiatrist. Maybe it is, but I've had Plantar Fasciitis before, and the tingling has never been one of my symptoms.
Also having intermittent Achilles Tendon issues and tight Hip Flexors on the same side as my tingling foot. Sigh. Not looking forward to orthotics, if that's what they want to do. I've always heard that they are hard and uncomfortable... can't see how that would help. All this may also mean my hip bursitis is back.
So that is the list of physical woes for the day. If you're still reading, my mind isn't in the right place, either. I live in the middle of a huge metropolitan area, and would really like to be in a small town - but my "significant other" has no intentions of ever thinking about the possibility of moving.
My car is really low mileage, due to Lupus keeping me from driving for 3-4 years, so financially it's stupid to change cars -- but the darn thing has a leak in the trunk nobody can seem to fix. Seems like every time I check (even when it hasn't been raining!!!) there are two inches of water back there to be bailed out.
So, I think that's it. I suppose if I was still able to work, I wouldn't be focusing on all this stuff (and I usually don't) but am particularly vulnerable right now. A friend entered hospice last week, another is very ill.
Aw, well... This too shall pass, thanks for reading!