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Posted 4/23/2009 4:24 PM (GMT 0)
Hello,

Did you have any gastro symptoms with the Effexor? Something seems to be up with me.

I seem to be having "weird" feelings in the upper gastro area. Don't know whether it is a side effect or a real gastro issue?

Posted 4/24/2009 6:02 AM (GMT 0)
Hi there....I think I might have had a bit.....but I may have been flaring at that time anyway because I was is such a bad emotional state. .

Nausea was the most/obvious feeling...it happened about 2 hours after taking the medication...that's why I switched to evening.

What weird feelings do you mean you're having....like reflux?

Remember, you were having upper gastro issues before the Effexor....that's why I'm asking.

Any other side effects you're experiencing?

q
Posted 4/24/2009 2:29 PM (GMT 0)
I guess that's the issue with starting a new prescription and trying to pinpoint whether it's a side effect of the med or a "real" issue.

Nausea hasn't been a problem...so far.

Had some real strange sensations overall the first day which may have just been in my head. Also had heartburn/headaches the first couple of days which seem to have disappeared.

The weird feelings I speak of were the same twisty, burning type feeling I was experiencing a while back, only far more pronounced. I took a Bentyl when I got home and it seemed to settle things down a bit. The thing that bugs me is that it seems unrelated to BMs. Doesn't seem as bad so far today. I put in a call to AM's office, I'm still thinking something is going on and they keep telling me everything is fine. 

It's tough with the Health Anxiety, because EVERYTHING is SOMETHING. Yeeshh!!

Posted 4/24/2009 6:13 PM (GMT 0)
Sucks for sure.....You could beg for an upper GI scope.

Did you have an upper GI scan?

It's good the other side effects have gone....and Bentylol works well for me too.

Hope the weekend fares better for you.
q
Posted 4/25/2009 10:01 PM (GMT 0)
Spoke with AM's nurse and she said if I'll feel better getting one done, she'll make sure I get in.

I'm off to the back guy on Tuesday and a "new" GP on Wednesday. The nurse figures I should go see what she has to say on my issues before booking anything. She may have some better thoughts then my other useless GP. I must say he was good for referrals but nnot much more.

Oh, and he did give me copies of all my recent bloodwork that I've had done over the last while. Looked at it and just as they say everything for the most part is normal. Obviously some values could be better but nothing that appears to put me in any danger zones.

Must remember that my gastro issues didn't come back to "bite me" until I started taking the effexor. The psych called to let me know that YES, upper gastro issues could be a side effect for me.

Trying to keep busy with some yard work today.

How is your weekend going?

Posted 4/26/2009 8:44 AM (GMT 0)
Hi...looking forward to the update on the new GP. Hope he has your best interests in mind.

Your upper gastro issues were before the Effexor, but it could possibly be a contributing factor at this time. Remember that the digestive system has its ups and downs...no pun intended, but it would be a good one.....if there is something over and above an initial issue.

Today I had an emotional "episode" over an event yesterday which has me in a slightly confused state, but I turned it onto myself and my guts started rolling imediately. No need to go to have a bm....but it was an interesting notice. A few tears had me feeling better...but it's difficult to have the gut and brain separated when trying to figure out some stuff.

My weekend is fairly benign commitment-wise. Hope you felt better after getting out for a while.

quincy
Posted 4/27/2009 4:22 PM (GMT 0)

Hello,

Yes, hope all goes well with new GP. She's supposed to be nice..don't know exactly what that gets me, but it is a fresh start nonetheless. Going to take the bloodwork copies for her to peruse and try and discuss a few that concern me. Apparently she usually orders bloods after an initial appointment so will be "fasting" tomorrow evening.

Upper gastro stuff has backed off from where it was the other day. I did though as per the Psych's original prescrip., up the Effexor to 2 x 37.5, so I guess we'll see where that takes me.

Sorry to hear about your "emotional episode" over the weekend. Hope it all got sorted out for you in a timely fashion. I had one of those days myself yesterday...they're never fun for anybody.

Looking forward to see what the Back Guy has to say about my condition. The neurologist ran me through a couple of basic back tests though I wasn't there about my back. He said it's definitley not a disc problem, so not sure what that tells me.

Posted 4/27/2009 4:51 PM (GMT 0)
Hi....yep, all is resolved in my mind, and talking it out (not with the specific party, however, has helped because some things are what they are. My perception has been turned 180, and I'm getting back to reality. Acceptance is a difficult thing...sigh...but I do have options, and I'm paying a bit of a price since my gut is somewhat tender today.I also hurt my back again yesterday and won't be able to consider to see the chiro until tomorrow or Wed. Robaxin and Robaxacet works pretty good...but again I'm wondering if I'm going to fry my liver from the tylenol....so, it never stops, really....but I see the GI and Rheumi next month and will discuss it with them.

Interesting to see how the 75mg of effexor will work for you....it's been a good dosage for me.
Good to hear the upper gastro problems have eased. I think you should still consider to use the Zantac.....

Yeah, I wonder what the neuro meant regarding your back issues not being disc related....but there is a lot that goes on in the physiology of the body....muscles pressing on nerves being a huge result of stress.
I can relate to that bigtime..I've never known any time without me being in some neck/upper back/shoulder pain.
It's when it changes that causes me more distress, and when it affects my breathing...hurts when I breathe...it's more difficult to function. Still, the chiro helps, but I do need to do more stretching and weights...but it's still progress nonetheless.

When are you seeing the "back guy"?

HOpe your day is a good one...looks wonderful out there.

quincy
Posted 4/27/2009 5:03 PM (GMT 0)

Glad to hear you've got some of the issues resolved. And now your back goes screwy on you! I've been taking a few T3s and even some Advil in the last while...they just seem to dull things for me.

Once again, a bit nervous over the increased dosage of Effexor to see if any new side effects pop up. Need to refill my Zantac, don't think I have any around the house. Heartburn has gone after the 2nd day of taking the Effexor.

He just did the one test where he bent my legs toward me while I layed on my back. I suffered no pain from it and had good range, so he said if it was a disc problem, I would not have been able to move my legs to where he did without howling in pain. At the end of the day I can't really say that the back pain I feel has gotten any worse...it may be there more often but I can't say that it's noticeably more painful.

Back guy is bright and early tomorrow.

Busy with hair today?

Posted 4/28/2009 7:36 PM (GMT 0)
Saw the Back guy this morning. Nothing startling of course. Ran me though a whole bunch of stuff, which I can perform without a problem. He also thinks it's just muscular.

I've been put on an MRI waiting list.

Don't know what I was expecting exactly....just answers I guess.
Posted 4/28/2009 8:01 PM (GMT 0)
or confirmation that it's not something worse.

I guess if your issue were nerve related from pressure of a disc or facet, etc..it would have been obvious with the motion positions. It doesn't necessarily mean you don't have disc degeneration, it would probably mean this problem isn't caused from such and is just muscular. Still painful, however.


Muscular pressure on nerves is what causes most of my pain....even though I do have degenerative disc disease from an early age. Whatever we have, we still have to keep the muscles stronger and as flexible as possible. Remember, muscles have good memory....if we tense up during times of stress or even interest...spasming can occur if we're not aware of what our body is doing.

I pay for sitting with my knees crossed or even my ankles crossed if my legs are stretched out...I know better..but I still do it.

Hope you can get in for the MRI soon....but you might want to ask the GI if while you're at it, he can do an MRI of your abdomen to check out your pancreas, liver..etc. You know....a two for one deal???? Maybe worth the time, but it will be for two separate doctors...so probably not "permissible".

Yes, I was busy with hair and had a supper appointment with my friend. Again, Moxies, but at PP. Good to catch up.

Hope your week fares well and that the appointment for the MRI isn't too long. Helpful since there are more in the city than a few years ago. OH....just FYI...you might be able to get a cd of your MRI...I got one of my MRCP. Cost me $29 I think, but at least I have it. Maybe nice for your "records".

Interested in how you're doing with the increased Effexor. Good that the upper gastro discomfort has abated.

You should, however, completely cut out the Advil. Ibuprophen is one I've promised my GI I'd not take. He's OK with me taking aspirin since I don't seem at all sensitive to it (as of yet...fingers crossed). I cannot take codeine at all.....I'm in severe upper gastro distress, to the point where I'd need another pain killer to help with that pain...it's awful writhing pain...so, I just say I'm allergic to it when I'm asked.

Maybe you can see if there's a correlation between your upper gi discomfort and when you take either of them.

Tylenol...it's in the Robaxicet...and I've been taking a few as well....I worry about how it can affect my liver. So, there's much we risk in the plight to feel well.....or at the very least, to get a bit of a break.

Have a good week....enjoy the glorious weather and hopefully it won't rain!

Oh, just an aside....when my husband was coming home from work the other morning, he witnessed them laying salt on the Moray bridge and Portage.....can you freaking believe that?????

sigh....
quincy
Posted 4/28/2009 8:23 PM (GMT 0)
Yeh..you're likely right there. I just want the one stop; this is what it is; then get on with it... be it good or bad.

Nice that you got out for dinner with a friend, nice to catch up like that one on one. Moxies is usually a pretty safe bet food-wise.

I'm sure the wait list will be months....patience!

See the new doc tomorrow morning. My wife saw her today and said she seems to be really nice and doesn't push you out the door.

She may be doing that with me though! I will be taking my bloodwork with me and will be asking her to get some follow up work done if possible.

Increased dose of Effexor? Well I was hot sleeping last night and am cooking today. Seems like the upper GI stuff is back too. But I must remember that these could all be side effects that will disappear soon. Mood wise I'd say I'm feeling more anxiety, today anyways.

Salt at the end of April....nice.

Today is a beautiful day out there though.

Posted 4/29/2009 6:35 AM (GMT 0)
Happy to hear your wife has the experience with the GP and it's favourable. Hope your experience is the same...maybe she won't push you out till the 10th visit..;-)

Great you found another doc, however...I hear it's difficult in our fair city. Hey, she might have no problems with the complexity of your issues....hope she can answer some of your questions to ease your concerns.You could ask if there's anything that she would consider to check (blood) for rather than follow-up since the GI's doing that particular testing.
Try to make your appointment efficient so that she doesn't believe you need a lot of answers at this time.

I did go to one doctor in the mid '80s..when I was at my worst with sensitivities, etc...she clearly wasn't wanting to take me on with my obvious desperateness to find answers. Some doctors just aren't up for any challenge and want nice and easy patients.


I would suspect that the Effexor can cause you to feel hot...I don't remember if that was an issue with me....but I have felt hot at night while sleeping, usually if I've had something that's caused me gas and then use a Salofalk.... I've been colder as of late...maybe my wacky old hormones..lol!

Post how your appointment goes....is it another 5:00 one?

Have a feeling better day!
quincy
Posted 4/30/2009 2:27 PM (GMT 0)

Hey Quincy,

Had an interesting day yesterday.

New doc seems quite nice, very willing to listen. She looked over all my bloodwork and assured me there is nothing to be concerned about. She is unconcerned about my weight loss. We'll see how that goes. She mentioned gastritis as a possibility for the issues I have with my gut. She mentioned getting checked for H. pylori, and then it got lost in the shuffle.

MacKay referred me to a physio guy that does not work in his facility which I thought was strange, but I was so glad he did. The guy I saw is the first one who put me through some "different" paces and actually had me try to do stuff that I couldn't do. Within minutes he was able to tell what my issue is and it all seems to make sense to me. I have problems in my thoracic spine..thoracic disc disease actually. Here's a blurb that describes my issues...which I believe are the similar issues you're having.

"What is degenerative disc disease? What are the symptoms?

As we age, the water and protein content of the cartilage of the body changes. This change results in weaker, more fragile and thin cartilage. Because both the discs and the joints that stack the vertebrae (facet joints) are partly composed of cartilage, these areas are subject to wear and tear over time (degenerative changes). The gradual deterioration of the disc between the vertebrae is referred to as degenerative disc disease. Wear of the facet cartilage and the bony changes of the adjacent joint is referred to as degenerative facet joint disease or osteoarthritis of the spine. "

Much work ahead for me with regards to stretching/strengthening the area, but I'm very pleased because I think I'm finally on the right track with my back.

Also, don't know what's up with my UP. Seems to have "disappeared" for the most part....still having the looser smelly stools (and rotten gas), but the looser stools seem to be more so since I started the effexor. Coincidence perhaps. I'm pretty sure there is no flaring going on at this time.

I still think I may get some Upper GI work done just to confirm that everything else is clear.

Did the effexor mess up your sleep? I was sleeping very poorly and now it's even worse. I only seem to be getting 2-4 hours of sleep. I either can't get to sleep or wake up later and can't fall back asleep. I've been trying to use Zopiclone only sparingly and on the nights I don't take it, I take forever to fall asleep. I seemed to have a much clearer mind last night after my appointments and thought I may finally get some sleep....WRONG!

Keeping dry? Now if we only get some heat after this. I aerated our lawn the other night so this rain is good.

How are you doing

Posted 5/1/2009 4:57 PM (GMT 0)
Hi...awesome to hear you had a good appointment and that you're comfortable with her. It takes time to get stuff figured out, and it seems she was interested in helping you...which is a good thing especially perception-wise.
Certainly AM can check you out for H.pylori or other issues that might be causing gastritis (as a cause for your upper discomfort).

Degenerative disc disease.....impossible to see without x-ray, but I would agree that it's what's going on. Yes, I was diagnosed with it almost 20 years ago, and have slight scoliosis which doesn't help anything. Regardless...the muscles/nerves and compensation of that issue is usually what creates the lovely scenario of pain....and doing the therapy of strengthening, stretching, etc to find the balance for your body is pretty much all we can do as to not exacerbate symptoms or increase further injury.

I can agree it sucks and can relate to the issue. I'm looking forward to the reports of what you'll be experiencing. Something is better than nothing, and having a support such as you have much impact on how you improve. The only thing with degenerative disc disease, what you do won't improve the discs themselves, but will make your body function better.
I have to convince my husband of that....but his back is pretty much fried, so to say.....much deeper than I can relate to and what I most fear for myself.
So confusing and difficult to find the one thing that can help kick-start the process to feel better......but it's an on-going thing, but gets better as it continues.

Regarding sleep...always an issue with me since I was a kid. My problem is I like to be awake late at night. But, eventually, I have to change that because it's now not working so well on an emotional level...meaning, I have to find the balance where I can still function in a "normal" wake/sleep realm without being stressed when my schedule is forced to change.

I tried zopiclone for a while....didn't work, but you have to be in bed right after you take it. Maybe something like ativan could work...or even just take the bentylol about half an hour before bedtime.

Hope your day goes well...awesome out there and I'll be taking advantage it while out today to catch up on "stuff" after my client.

I'm happy you're feeling optimistic....it's a good feeling.

quincy
Posted 5/3/2009 9:27 PM (GMT 0)

Hey Quincy,

Haven't responded for a few days....things not going great once again.

I haven't been feeling great over the last few days, really lethargic, fatigued. No sleep does that to you I guess.

My concern with my weight loss has now reached epic proportions. I've now lost about 13lbs, everything is looser clothes-wise and I think my dear wife is getting to the point of denial that something is up with me.

Remember my comment awhile back about cachexia...I truly believe it is happening to me...it's not just in my "head" like i hoped. My temporal muscles are wasting away along with my sunken cheeks. Not a pretty sight.

Talked to AM's nurse on Friday and she will talk to him tomorrow and give me a call to see if they can fit me in for an upper GI . For me it feels like a foregone conclusion that something is definitley not good.

Just wanted to touch base with you to let you know that things aren't great for me right now.

Hope all is well with you....sorry for the downer post again.

Posted 5/4/2009 6:46 AM (GMT 0)
Oh wow...doesn't sound good at all. I'm happy to hear, however, that AM's nurse will push for the upper gastro exam.

I'm wondering if you took pics of yourself during this process? That would pretty much be the only way one could prove there are changes.

13 pounds isn't a lot if you're still above your normal weight level...I would think that the body wasting would happen firstly if there is truly something going on?

Let me know what the outcome is of the appointment with AM....

It's not good you're feeling like this.....are you still taking the Effexor 75mg?

I do hope you can get at least some conclusion to your worries....

I'm doing OK...had a good Saturday out and about and Sunday was quiet at home.

Looks like...ugh...rain..

quincy
Posted 5/4/2009 4:44 PM (GMT 0)

Hey there,

This Wednesday morning, bright and early I have a gastroscopy scheduled. I feel very fortunate to have found a wonderful lady who is willing to listen to me and help me out. So this should hopefully provide me with some answers.

Yes, still taking the effexor.

I think the only real side effect that I can easily recognize from it is the excessive sweating...takes very little to make me sweat these days, and I was usually pretty calm that way.

The sleep thing...well it hasn't been great but took some good old Gravol the other day and it worked wonders for a couple of nights so not even so sure that the effexor was making things worse for that. 

The only other question for me is that it may be causing my anxiety to skyrocket...I have seen that as a side effect for others and I can say that mine has probably gone through the roof over the last few days after a week and a bit of the 75mg dose.

Beauty day out there! I'm off today and have to do some running around.

How have you been feeling lately? Still in minor flare mode?

Glad to hear your weekend was good, not too crazy by the sounds of it. Hope you have a good day.


Posted 5/4/2009 8:25 PM (GMT 0)
Hi....awesome to hear that you're finally getting the upper gastroscopy! It's a necessity from my perspective. I hope you get answers.

Yes, the Effexor can definitely increase one's "up" feelings, and that could include anxiety. Maybe something like Celexa would be better for you....please discuss it with the psychiatrist and insist on trying it. Don't wait too long.

Gravol...happy it worked, and it won't hurt. Hence my thoughts on changing to Celexa....

The day is glorious. albeit a tad warm for my slow change of acceptance...lol! Excellent for running around, however.

I've been doing fine, flare-wise...now at every 3 nights of Salofalk. Need to change that in my siggie.

I've increased the Metamucil caps to 3 at breakfast and 3 at supper. Works well so far.

Please let me know how Wednesday goes.

Enjoy the day!
quincy
Posted 5/6/2009 9:48 PM (GMT 0)
Hey Quincy,

Now that was a painful appointment....endoscopy with anesthesia is MUCH better!! I now know why they want your stomach empty. It was an awful feeling. I had the anesthetic last time 8 yrs ago.

Results were fine other than a Hiatal Hernia...funny, I asked him if I could have that months ago, he said no. Funny how getting that done and having good results puts a person in a better frame of mind so quickly. My new GP is getting my bloods done again for peace of mind so that should hopefully put all to rest for a bit.

I realize it is only one day but for some reason I seemed to have changed my focus from having some horrible disease to having some non-life threatening gastro issues that will continue to bug me and I guess at the end of the day...so what. I know I don't suffer have as much as some of the really inflicted IBD people on this board. Like my wife would say..."suck it up". I'll keep monitoring my weight though but perhaps the weight loss is all anxiety related after all. My wife will be gloating if that is the case. She knows me pretty darn well after 19+ years of marriage and says even though I'm a worrier, she says it's been x 10 for the last 4 months.

What do you know about SIBO? I was reading a couple of pieces on that and if I didn't know any different I'd say that I could have that. I think you have to do a breath test for that one.

I really think I'm going to try and get off the Effexor. Only 2 weeks in but I've been doing a lot of reading and am still frightened by what I read. It seems like for every person who has had good results like you, there are another ten who have issues. I'll see how I can handle the brain zaps that seem to be a regular occurence for all who try to wean themselves off. Off to see the psychiatrist tonight so we'll see what his thoughts are.

Sounds like flare-wise you're doing pretty good. Glad to hear. I need to bump up my metamucil a bit more. So you're finding the 6 capsules does the trick? I've been on the smooth but I still am missing doses of it so that may be why the results aren't as great as I hoped.

Hope you had a good day!
Posted 5/7/2009 4:07 AM (GMT 0)
Wow...no meds? not even the numbing kind? At least it was worth the testing to find out you had "something".

I think AM's pulling your hernia about not having it months ago. It's a progressive thing that can take a long period of time to develop....

Coughing can be a symptom as well as chest pain and weight loss....did he at least put you on anything to prevent any problems from the stomach acid or suggest you continue to take the Zantac?


Answers to nagging questions and suspicions can help a lot....as does treating said "answers" in a logical way.

I do suspect I'll need an upper endo some day. Until then...Zantac is my friend..lol!

How do you intend to wean yourself off the Effexor? Do you have a plan?
Definitely let me know what the psychiatrist suggests.
Not all get brain zaps..I never did, but not to say that I wouldn't if I tried to wean at this time. I think it would be worse when focussed on them....do it the smart way and expect it to be a few weeks before you're off. 75mg isn't high and I would think you could even do a 75, 37.5, 75, 37.5..etc for a week or two and then just straight 37.5 and then every few nights take some "pills" out of the capsule, increasingly until you're off....
That's how my friend did it...although from 150mg.

Regarding SIBO...it's possible as with anyone. You should, however, have asked AM about it before your scope....to take some cultures while he was in there...or did he?

There's a thread about it on the forum...have you read it?

Definitely give it a go with AM and see what he says and if he'll give you the tests. I don't know if there's anywhere in our fair city other than a doc who will do it. I don't know if all breath tests are 100%...haven't done research on it.

What exactly is the symptom that's got you believing that's a possibility?

I'm getting a sore throat and suspecting another cold....although fighting it as I do all the others. I see the rheumie tomorrow for results of my gazillion blood tests.

UC-wise....same old.

Well....stay dry!

quincy
Posted 5/12/2009 4:46 AM (GMT 0)

Yes, the spray at the back of the throat and nothing more.I was not fun to put it lightly...I'd take a c-scope any day over that experience!!

I don't know maybe just grasping at straws with the SIBO....Rotten foul selling stools/gas, weight loss, stomach pain/discomfort. All test continue to come back fine but something is not right. So thought this might be the cause of it all.

Effexor withdrawal seems fine. Day 3 without and had an awful headache first day but not much more since.

Have been so busy haven't been able to get on here..not sure if that's good or bad.

Hope all is well with you.

Posted 5/13/2009 1:49 AM (GMT 0)
LOL...Well, it seems you made it through a test I would totally dread. I trust my doctor, but would be very nervous to have it done. Did you watch the monitor? To me, that's all worth the process.

Yeah, I'd rather a c-scope over many other tests...

So, for the hiatal hernia...didn't AM suggest you take any acid reducing meds?


I can relate to the "something's not right" thinking....but if you do think you have SIBO...you should ask the doc to do at least the proper testing....
Again...thinking/obsessing about it isn't something that's going to help your digestion process...just having the anxiety can interfere with digestion.

Are you taking any probiotics?

Have you checked the thread that was active on this forum?


So, cold turkey from the Effexor. I can relate to the headache...but hopefully, it'll be a smooth process for you. Maybe the things you're determined to do don't give you any grief....


Good you're busy with stuff....

I'm getting over another cold....and I'm in a nasty mood because of it.


One positive, I don't have any other autoimmune diseases thrown in as per my blood tests from the rheumie.
It's still undetermined if I have just PSC or PBC or both. Because I have blood testing positive of PBC, visual of PSC ....and a biopsy may determine one or the other, which it's not necessary to know. So, I don't mind not knowing since the med used for both is URSO..which I'm on. It'll maybe be determined out of necessity in the future....far in the future I hope.

A client's friend backed into my parked car (on the street) while she was backing her van out of my client's driveway ...couldn't see my car. Claimed full responsibility, and the inconvenience of having to do autopac and police report and everything else has added to the irritation I'm having. But, now it's a waiting game till parts come in and I have it fixed. Hope it's not too long.

Other than that.....eh!

Have a good week....
quincy
Posted 5/13/2009 5:18 PM (GMT 0)

I was too busy gagging to be able to watch the monitor...lol.

He spoke very little to me other than to tell me I had one. I'll have to poke around again to refresh my memory on what it is doing to me. I can't recall all the issues that come with having a hiatal hernia.

The thread on this forum or on the IBS forum? I'll have to poke around on that.

Probiotics yes...trying to step them up actually.

Effexor withdrawal seems to be fine so far. As I said headache first few days and really nothing that I'm aware of since, touch wood. Hope it continues.

Great news on your bloodwork! But there's always something else sitting there unknown isn't there. Just when you figure you're in the clear...more unknowns.

Autopac dealing....yuck. What an inconvenience that can be. Wish you well on that.

I'm out of town for the next month or so (in the province though) so that will be a drag.

Take care Q

Posted 5/13/2009 8:56 PM (GMT 0)
Will do....hope the weater is good where you're going.

Keep us posted as to how you're doing....pop in if you're internet connected.

q
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