INSOMNIACS place to talk in the wee hours
Comments
-
Jwoo you have an ileus. Sending my number. call me before too soon , into the sauce.
0 -
sass the first step is that you have to take care of yourself, you are going through a very rough patch
0 -
Went for bone scan and when I sat down on table, hip dislocated again.
Waiting for surgeon to call me back.
0 -
Loverly, no it was okay talking to myself. I was just trying to teach Gracie how to do it. In the old days when this was truly an insomniacs thread. It was a way to cope. It was a place to go and even if someone wasn't here, eventually someone would be here. That's important.
Mostlymom Chit. YAY on the 5 year anniversary and the new recliner. Of course, the DH is being stupid as a slug. First of all PCP's aren't cardiologist and can't truly read EKG's. See for a couple three decades EKG machines spit out a diagnosis. Doesn't mean it's right. A trained cardiologist knows the difference.
Not sure if I can do what I want too, but going to try. Their are two cardiac conditions that are important to understand Stable agina and unstable angina. going to make a chart/table. Posting this now and going to continue typing. Did something the other day and I hit submit and lost internet at the same time. SO check back
0 -
Use a phrase DIFER to determine the difference between stable angina and unstable angina. Well was going to use google to make it easier and googles definition sucked. Stable angina is generally treated with drugs under the direction of a cardiologist that has determined the best course of treatment. Unstable angina is nothing to be messed with. It means that there has been a change. It can be the precursor signals to a heart attack. Ignoring the changes between stable angina and unstable angina can mean the difference between life and death. If their has been a prolonged period between bouts of angina, don't think that this is the old stable angina.
Chest pain: Stable angina..................................................Unstable angina
Duration .......predictable...................................................... unpredictable
Intensity.......generally the same type and radiation.............unusual
Frequency.....occurs usually with the same activity...............increasing freq. & at unusual times
Exercise.....generally, brought on by the same amount........may occur with exercise, but may
of activity............................................................... ..................come on at rest (not good)
Relief.......relieved by rest or nitro..........................................not a good response to rest or nitro
For those folks with a history of chest pain and on Nitro taken at the prescribed 5 minute intervals without relief after the last nitro plus 5 minutes should activate EMS. Those that have symptoms of NEW onset chest pain should activate EMS.
Chest pain has a predictable radiation pattern. Fairly predictable. Not absolutely predictable. I wrote it that way for a reason. You will see too many web sites that say descriptions. Makes heart problems sound predictable. NOT
Will revise as I will also put this on my Pain and Other things thread. Haven't explained this in years and I did add a couple things to it, but must let the old brain find those strorage cells
0 -
Hey Sassy ~ I have tons of stuff to thank you for..... can't remember the latest? Thank you though! JunieB's bone scan is a 72 hour process? Wonder why? Mine involve getting the "radioactive" shot, waiting 3 hours and the scans take an hour and a half. I get the results in about 30 minutes. Different hospitals, different process?
Advice? My pain spiked Sunday and won't back off. I can only stay upright very briefly.... forget walkig more than a few steps. Pain is L5 and below to mid thighs. Femoral heads are screaming. Hips and low back unrelenting. Keep imagining my hollowed out L5 finally collapsing...... pain is that bad. No releif from 800mg motrin, fiorect, tramadol. gonna hit the vaium next. I see my neuro onc next Friday.....
0 -
JunieB ~ are you home or still at your scan appointment? What the heck? Is the hardware defective? A mucked up hip hurts so bad.... all those dislocations... I can't imagine. In my heart and in my prayers for you to be properly put back together and be free of all that pain 🙏
0 -
Shep it's not that a bone scan is a 72 hour process. But the fx site has "something" maybe breakdown of cells or maybe cell regrowth activity. Dunno. What I know is if a bone scan is done before the "defined time" it can show a negative even when a fx is present. When I talked with Junie, I asked her to ask the technician if it was 48 or 72 hours. Remember I've been out awhile. 8 years. Memories are fading. The key is a bone scan done before the right time is useless. She's in the window of the good time.
Shep have you tried positioning. Lumbar pain can(let's hope it works) be relieved by flat in bed with a either of two positions
1. solid cushions that elevate the legs. It's a trail and error thingy. Type of cushion is the consistency of a couch pillow.. Play with it with under the knees where the lower leg essentially is not supported. OR where the pillow is under the knee with the lower leg supported.. Give each position about 5-10 minutes. What happens with the pain is all the muscles in the area go into a spasms. Sometimes if either position works , you can get an immediate response of reduction in pain. That's beautiful and wonderful. But if that doesn't happen right away it could be that the muscles are in so much spasm that you have to allow time for them to relax.
The spasm is actually the body trying to protect itself, but the translation is pain. They can get so tight, it takes much to get them to relax
Also try a heating pad on the lumbar in this position. Low heat. LOW. You can start out higher, but get it to low fairly quickly b/c if it works and you fall asleep you could get a burn.
2. Don't use a pillow, use a towel neck roll. Roll and test for comfort. Your neck will tell you what's the right twind/roll
The two together cause the spine to straighten i.e. relaxation of the S curve. That causes all the posterior musculature to relax.
0 -
Going to show some pics, but you can use how cushion pillows to accomplish the same thing. The key is the ANGLE
Shep see the difference between the two. . Hopefully you have couch pillows that can work.:0 Commercial pillows , obviously, have found the market. But there's the cost and they may not work. The two different angles can be the key and can be accomplished with standard home couch pillows. Except of course if the couch is a slouch couch.
0 -
Chit a message from Junie. her words.
" Went for bone scan and as I sat on table my hip dislocated again, then popped back in." She was in the waiting room and then taken to the nuclear med area. Most of all of us have had these studies. Getting on and off these tables aren't the easiest.
She's waiting for the doc call.
0 -
Sassy ~
if pillows were currency I'd be a wealthy woman...... I have several areas in the house set up with the pillows that work best in each particular location. Love my knee pilows. I have a wedge that is only comfortable on the futon in my sun/dining room. Very cozy during the day. My bed has a stack of pillows of different special designs that I switch around depending on what feels best at what time.
Just so damned aggravated that I can't do anything other than lie down. I feel betterish, sit up or walk across the room and it starts all over again. I have a very high tolerance of pain.... this just so bad. I call this a "hysterical" amount. I hit the hysteria level and break out the valium to at least loose the anxiety part. Remember I am UM? I can take low doses all day and still be be clear headed. The valium processes so fast.
Here's some irony; Fart Face FINALLY installed a ramp at the front door Sunday. And I can't stay upright to use it 😟
Very interesting about the time for the bone scan being a "window". I am glad you explained! Makes sense for tracking down something that is fresh,. good to know.
JunieB ~ ((hugs))
0 -
Hey Sas, you still here?
Thanks for giving us newbies a rundown of how the topics work and the nick names here. You can definitely get creative with my name..it amuses me.
I have a really great PS who is flexible about my fill time frame and amounts, but I have been a little anxious to grow into my clothes. Now that I have some shape it might be a good idea to slow things down a bit. My next appointment isn't until a week from tomorrow, and I'll get to see the Dr (last 3 were with nurses) .
I'm sorry you are having a hard time...sending you a big hug!!
0 -
I'm just going to follow in Sassy's footsteps and just keep on talking.
Jazzygirl, regarding your BFF and her dog. I sincerely hope I did not offend you, or anyone, with my comment/surprise...I know that for many people their pets are family. It sounds like you two have an amazing friendship! You mentioned meet up groups, and I have thought about them. Right now I feel like I'm so in transition that I'm not ready to put myself out there.
Lover, thanks for the heads up on the other single ladies. You mentioned massage helped you..I love massages! I haven't had one since May, but I just might have to indulge soon.
JunieB and Susan, thinking of you and sending good thoughts for your scan results.
Lookie, Poop happens, if you're lucky. LOL
Shep, I'm sorry for your pain. You mentioned a van full of kitties...Oh how I would love to get in on that, but then I couldn't breath, and I need to breath.
Today I was in a waiting room (for my daughter) and picked up a Minneapolis/St Paul magazine with an article of Minnesota's top doctors. Both my MO and PS were on the list!
0 -
tulip and wenchie. Have you been to TEs for beginners?
https://community.breastcancer.org/forum/44/topics...
Great info and tips.
Hi all, lurking. No new pics of Evie. Need to bug my DD.
0 -
Smaarty, Yes, I have been there and have learned a great deal!
0 -
Sas, you were talking about a tulip garden. Although I love tulips, I know nothing about gardening!
Hey girls, here is a poem I wrote a few years ago. Be kind, I'm not a professional.
Tulip
Tenderly care for me in the fall,
and in the spring,
I will surprise you.
After enduring the winter months,
my core is strong, as I emerge
from the partially frozen ground.
The April showers are cold,
but it helps me to grow.
My leaves surround me,
while at the same time reach out.
My overlapping petals are silky and fragile,
closing, protecting my inner self from the rain.
As the sun appears,
warm and gentle,
I open up to show myself, slowly.
Revealing colors that will awe,
and a subtle scent,
that will bring you back to me.
0 -
Welcome Gracie and Tulip! This is a great group of ladies. I tend to read mostly and pop in every now and then. You would think an introvert in real life could kick up her heels on-line. Oh well. I have learned so much from the ladies on this and other threads. It has been an eye opener. Plus, on this thread there is some good, light-hearted banter. Edited to add: Tulip, love your poem. You posted while I was composing.
Hope scans can give ;you answers JuneBug and Susan. Keeping my fingers crossed for you.
Shep, so sorry to hear about the pain you are in. There is nothing worse than not getting relief from it.
Mostlymom, I thought my husband was stubborn about doctors. Your's wins hands down. Aftr being married 44 years, mine finally confessed that it has to do with his parents constantly running to the doctor for every little thing.
Mags, great picture of you with your niece and friend!
JWoo, hope things get going for you soon and your recovery goes well. Hope dear BF is doing well.
Hey Sas, did I read correctly that your dear friend will be included in attending the wedding? We did the tasting menu on Friday. DD and future SIL picked the items for the tasting. I was very impressed with how it was handled. China, salt and pepper shakers, tea lights and linens (down to color scheme and fold of napkin) were picked. They were placed on a separate table and photo taken for the file. Five/six hor dourves were served and three were picked. Three first course items were served and one was picked. Two main courses were served and one was picked. Two desserts were served and one was picked. Both chefs came out and explained their dishes. Stayed awhile while we ate then asked if we had any questions. There were six of us and we made a lively group. Had such a good time at the tasting, can't wait for the real thing. DD still needs to get on the court calendar, wish she would do it sooner rather than later. Has to order the invites and contact a florist. These are all on her. I've gotten to sit back and enjoy the ride. So glad we went with this venue. The wedding planner will be there that night to make sure everything runs smoothly.
Hey Patty, hootie whoooooooooooo.
Chvey, you behaving yourself? Thoroughly enjoy the links you post.
Ok, I know I have missed some of you, so I'm waving!
Wish me luck. This is the second week hubby has been retired.
0 -
So, Shep, what did you say your pain level was again?
0 -
Mags! I have a copy of that too! My PCP thought it was great and asked to keep it. My MO was confused......he saw "Jesus" and thought I was handing him some sort of religious tract! His nurse and PA were laughing soooo hard they could barely speak to explain it to him, LOL. I am currently holding at just below the bear mauling, which is an improvement from earlier.........
Are we on for the vanload of baby kitties to chase away the pain monsters? If we still feel ucky, maybe Wren will bring us some kittens? Pris Kitty has only been briefly snuggy. I need some backup!
0 -
I'm home from scan.
After I was done I spoke with the resident on call and he didn't seem to know what to do, so had me wait while he called my ortho. Called me back about 20 mins. later to tell me to go home and put leg brace on and come back tomorrow for appt. since my hip was not dislocated at that particular moment. I'm beginning to lose faith in these people.
By the grace of God, my friend who took me today is also going to drive me tomorrow. She has taken 2 days off work for me.
I am packing my suitcase to take with me tomorrow, just in case the ortho actually decides to do something productive for me. UGH! x 22
0 -
Shep
Tulip ThanksMags apparently missed a page.--------;oved the pics.
Loved the meme on pain. I described the neulasta pain as 100 and wolves gnawing at my bones and I was alive. The nurses later told me they thought I was "dramatic, overdoing it, funny" forget the other words. These were my friends. My doc friend hung the wrong IV fluid and put me into renal failure which caused the chemicals to circulate longer. . Reminder for the future avoid friends.
Who knows all the screw ups with that one and only chemo is why I'm here. Chit could be. It was one screw up after another.
Okay one last bitch. Greg had 10 hospital admisssions in 2010. 4 were for chemo-all4 had a screw up. 6were complications of chemo. all were complications of treatment. None were for the typical lab drops
0 -
JunieB, take this to your appointment tomorrow and tell doc you would like a refund:
0 -
Gracie & Tulip ~ Apologies for the meltdown earlier. Darn pain monsters............ Pain and the Fart Face Husband who I usually don't like very much occasionally just wear me down. I shall resume my usual charming demeanour maybe tomorrow.
Sassy ~ Much appreciation for your support
Tulip ~ Nice work! The metre flows so gently while expressing the power within. Do you write often? As for our supply run to procure a multitude of baby kitties to thwart the pain monsters......I could stop and get you one of those charcoal filtered gas masks from the army surplus store if it would help.
Kath ~ I am still so awed by the big fancy wedding! The tasting event sounds like it was divine. And fun! Court calendar - does that mean reserving a JP or getting the marriage license? FFH and I were going to get married on my birthday. We were too stressed out with planning and picking a date. We had made the decision last minute, called a couple friends and our preacher buddy to meet us at a pretty spot on the river. We went to the clerk's office to get the license and then found out there was a 24 hour waiting period! We are bad planners...... Newly retired Hubby? Men are like puppies; very destructive if left unattended for any period of time. Give him lots of busy work and be sure to praise him for every little accomplishment. Good luck!
JunieB ~ Geez, after all you've been through I would've thought they'd have kept you overnight. What a good friend to take time off from work to help you! Hope you can get a good night's rest and that all goes well with the ortho. Did they at least give you a different kind of brace this time? Like maybe one that will actually help? (((hugs))) Awesome that Sas was able to offer advise to you while all was going on! Lookie posted that pic of her lovely garden goodies and it reminded me that I had saved a recipe that looked so yummy for pattypans - it's the one you posted!
Roasted Pattypan Squash with Pancetta
Serves 2 (or more, if you use 6 or 8 smaller pattypan squash)Ingredients
2 large pattypan squash (mine were about 4″ in diameter – or, use 6 or 8 of the little ones; whatever you have)
2 ounces pancetta – chopped (or 4 slices bacon. Or, omit entirely – still rocks w/out the pork)
1/2 cup cherry tomatoes – quartered (or use 1 small tomato, diced)
1 small onion – diced
2 cloves garlic – minced (or chop up a garlic scape or two if you still have some)
sprinkle of good Parmesan cheese
sprinkle of Panko or other breadcrumbs
olive oil
2 tbs fresh basil – sliced or torn
Directions:
Preheat oven to 375 degrees.Slice tops off of widest part of squash (on mine this took about 1/4 of the squash off). Chop the squash tops. With a spoon, scoop out and discard the seedy flesh from the center of the squash bottoms. (With tiny pattypans, there sometimes aren't many seeds – scoop out and dice this flesh if it looks tasty and not too seedy).
Place squash in baking dish, cut side down. Add water to cover the bottom of the dish; cover with plastic and microwave 8 minutes. (You can skip this step; it just shortens the cooking time in the oven later).
In large skillet, add a splash of olive and heat until hot but not smoking. Add pancetta or bacon and cook 5 minutes. Add onion, garlic, diced squash and tomatoes; season with a generous pinch of salt and pepper (a pinch is usually 1/8 of tsp, for the measurers among you. Start with that and taste it at the end; you can always add more but you can't take it away.) Saute the mixture for 7-9 minutes over medium-low heat, until the onions are translucent and squash has softened. Add basil; check seasoning and add salt/pepper as needed.
Place squash bottoms in baking dish; drizzle w/olive oil (get a little on the dish under the squash too). Season squash with salt and pepper. Spoon topping into the squash bottoms. Sprinkle with a little Parmesan, breadcrumbs and a drizzle of olive oil (or a pat of butter).
Roast squash uncovered for 30 minutes. (If you haven't microwaved the squash, increase the baking time to 45-60 minutes. You may need to add a splash of water or broth to the bottom of the pan at around the 30-minute mark to prevent scorching/sticking.)
0 -
Mags, love the pain chart. I nearly peed in my pants with the description of pain level 7. Your niece and nephew sound like a blessing to you and DH and vice versa.
WildT, I like your poem. Need to read it again. The two words that came to my mind were delicate and vulnerable.
Ms. Sas, hugs. Remember our conversation? Joy will follow humility.
Kathi, I am excited for you. DH retired? Hope you have an escape room.
Mostlymom, that was scary with your DH. Nitro worked after all those years? Wow! We were told that they are only good for six months once the vial are opened. Interesting.
Awww ShepK, I can't imagine what you are going through. I tried to imagine the bear mauling post-op MX pain on my hip and my lower back and I am surprised you were able to even type And you are only taking Tramadol and Fioricet for Morphine level pain? Gosh I hope you are wrong about your bones collapsing. Praying for relief. Hugs
0 -
Jwoo, I hope Ms. Sassy is able to help you with the C.
ShepK, please forgive me if this sounds insensitive. When you are not in off-the-chart level pain, how would you describe the daily pain that you live with? Before you were diagnosed, did you have any bonepain? Just trying to understand. Gosh, next Friday seems so far away with the amount of pain you are in. Praying that you get relief soon. Can't tease you without feeling guilty whenyou are out of commission.
0 -
Chevy ~ That video you shared was spectacular! The music and the images went together perfectly. I could watch it over and over
Susan ~ Thank you for the sweet dreams! Looking forward to them tonite. Hoping all went well with your scans. Love your marathon pics. Those tough girl faces! How are the pups doing?
MostlyMom ~ Hoping DH will follow through with the testing, gosh, scary stuff! It's sooo frustrating when our loved ones don't listen to what is best for them. At least you have the new recliner
Jwoo ~ Sending healing thoughts your way
Jazzy ~ Wishing you restful sleep tonight
Loverly ~ Fun pics of your sisters! Is one of them the mother of the adorable baby niece you shared a photo of a while back? Thanks for telling Gracie about Fioricet - it worried me that she was already taking aspirin separately from the Fiorinal. And don't you dare worry about being bossy! Sometimes we need a little nudge to do what we need to do. Especially medical stuff! So many of us worry more about the health of others, we forget to worry about ourselves.
0 -
Finally, sleep fairy has arrived. Took too long of a nap this afternoon. Long day tomorrow at work. So much to do, so little time. Hope your Painsomnia leaves you alone and let you rest. Nite
0 -
Awww, Sheppers! - You're the best. Posting that recipe for me, especially when you're hurting as much as you are. I am so sorry you're suffering so. I wish I could do something to help you. Maybe Mags will bring you a passel of kittens. Do you know that song that Sheldon on "The Big Bang Theory" likes when he's sick? Here it is. Hope it soothes you even a little.
Loverly - I happen to have a copy of that pic saved in my documents file. Gonna make a copy to give to my Ortho. tomorrow. Thanks for the reminder.
Glad to hear that the sleep fairy has visited you. I hope your day goes well tomorrow too.
I know that at least a couple of you are going to tell me I'm crazy, but when I got home this evening, I had to do laundry. Especially since I don't know if they will admit me to the hospital tomorrow or not and I hadn't gotten to the laundry before today. Plus, going commando is not an option for me. I also packed my suitcase, just in case. As I like to say, "Better to have it and not need it, than to need it and not have it." Also, since it is 50 miles each way to the hospital from my place, I wouldn't ask my friend to come all the way back here to pick my stuff up and bring it to me. Besides I know what/where everything is, so it's so much easier.
Man I'll tell you this has been quite the week.
Thanks Sassy so much for talking with me.
JWoo - I hope your tummy is doing better. Any movement?
Susan - How did your scan go today? Once they finished with my "basic" bone scan (their words) I had to use the restroom, and on the way back to the room the radiologist stopped me and said that there was a large new spot showing in my hip area that wasn't there in my last scan. My heart sank, but then they reminded me it could very well be because of the trauma my hip has undergone. So my friend reminded me to stay calm and don't let my mind run away with all the possibilities. Then they did another type of scan that is more in-depth of just my hips & pelvis.
How is little Marley today?
Well I guess I'll call it a night too. So may all of you find peaceful rest tonight.
BBL
0 -
Loverly ~ I was working on my last post off and on for an hour..........just saw your post. You can ask me anything
I've always had some amount of pain my entire life. I had Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis from the age of 5 until I went into remission at around 20. Major car wreck when I was 24. Then I was DX'd with Fibromyalgia when I was 26. When the pain in my back started to increase in 2011, I figured it was just the Fibro. So did my doctors. It wasn't until I was in such pain I couldn't walk that I had an MRI to check for herniated discs. That was the spring of 2013. The MRI showed extensive bone mets.....that's how I found out I had BC.
My pain on a good day probably would be around a 5. Usually I am between a 6 or 8. Since falling last month 8 is the new normal and then spikes from there. I read the reports from my CT scans last week. No new fractures and my lesions are stable. I'll have to wait to see what my team says about the films. I do have "degenerative disc disease, disc bulging and degenerative facet joint arthropathy at multiple levels" along with other spinal damage from the cancer. It is the severe damage at L2 and L5 that are in danger of collapsing. Still waiting for my specialist to be able to get the equipment and team to do surgery.
I try to keep my mind busy to distract myself. My MO gave me a handwritten RX for Ativan that I haven't been able to get out to have filled. If I had the Ativan (for nausea) I would try taking morphine again, although I don't think it will do anything.....just getting a bit worn out and willing to try whatever. Morphine takes a different path than some of the other opiates. Opiates don't do anything at all for me. I was only able to take the morphine one time as it made me vomit horrifically....ewww. I still have a full bottle. With the Ativan maybe I could keep it down and it might help?
We need to be naughty again and have fun. You make me laugh so hard! Best medicine
I forgot all about JunieB and the men's room. And now the bum incident. Bless her! That surgeon needs to fix our Junie up fast or it's going to be so boring around here
Off to bed for realsies.........
((hugs))
0 -
Dang I need to type faster.......
JunieB ~ love the kitty song! Thank you! Totally understand the laundry rush. "Things don't get done by themselves". I always bring a duffle bag to my appointments; I have a long ride too and going back for stuff isn't really an option.
The tracers in the injection for the nuclear bone scan are drawn to damaged areas of the bone. My arthritis always shows. You've had so much trauma....that spot easily could be from that. That's my opinion as a professional patient - so I must be right!
I need baby kitties. You need baby Cairns. Then all will be good
Keeping you close in prayer. Now go to bed!
0
