I had hoped that I would be able to retire the recurring theme of "I'm donating my body to science", but alas, another chapter is now unfolding. I finished the last of my medication one week ago. I am soooo happy to be off of all antivirals, antibiotics and steroids now! I may have mentioned that the cure for my bout with Bell's palsy and shingles has been almost as bad, no, let me re-phrase, much worse than the original symptoms. Even the excruciating pain from my wickedly swollen earlobe pales in comparison to the side effects I've suffered at the hands of prednisone. So I did a little happy dance last Tuesday when I took the last pill.
On Wednesday, I began experiencing some dizziness. I assumed it was from coming off the medication. However, on Thursday it continued to worsen to the point that I felt like a pinball every time I tried to walk, bumping off walls and furniture. You know the old Carole King song, "I feel the earth. move. under my feet. I feel the sky. come. tumbling down. tum-ble-ing down."? Well, that's me.
On Friday, BigJoel had to go to Canada so my precious mother-in-law came and got the girls for school because we knew that if I couldn't even walk a straight line, I shouldn't be driving a motor vehicle. My sweet friend Johanna took me to the doctor. (I felt like a MeMaw having to be driven to my appointments, but at least I don't have silver-blue hair yet. )
I love my family doctor, but at this point, I think I've progressed beyond the realm of her expertise. She referred me to an ear, nose and throat specialist because, and I quote, "the rocks in your ear are out of whack". So I have an appointment later this week to see if I can get the rocks in my head to behave themselves.
It is different from the vertigo I experienced a year ago where sudden movement would bring on a tornadic spinning sensation followed by severe nausea. The spinning is constant. It doesn't seem to be related to my position. And my eyes are not cooperating with each other. They cannot agree about what to focus on. BUT, I am not nauseated...so at least "I've got that going for me." (Reference: Bill Murray, Caddyshack. Its not the Dali Llama, but I'll take what I can get.)
So I'm trying to be patient. But patience does not inspire funny blog posts. I refuse to give in to the darkness and depression that is slowly encroaching. I will continue to do my best to keep my crazy to myself, but I hope you'll forgive an occasional pity party.
Your prayers are appreciated.
12 comments:
Goodness, Denyse! You have had enough trouble, I say!! I hope the rocks will behave soon and find their proper resting places again. I helped you out and kept the nausea for myself. :)
Well, Denyse!! What will be in line next for you to have? I am soooo sorry and wish I could take it away for you. Let me know if there is anything I can do. I can't talk yet but I can run errands or whatever.
I truly hope you are able to get to the bottom of this soon! It stinks to feel bad, especially when you're not sure what's going on. I'm praying for you!!
Sorry to hear you're feeling bad again. Bart twittered that his life lately is lining up with the songs he's written. Maybe you should try writing a happy little feel-good song. Praying for you...
We can always sing a little ditty...Denyse Had Two Rolling Stones...
We are documenting all this for a future episode of Mystery Diagnosis.
All Kidding aside, I truely hate for you to be having to experience all of this and can't wait for the day when we can go runny through fields of daisys.
You always make me laugh when you are going through tough times. Even when you are "having a pity party" you say it with humor. I know it is rough. I have had my head planted on a pillow and refused to move until the spinning stopped. Take care, kris
Have you tried taking Meclazine? It is motion sickness medicine...it is prescribed for this sometimes...you can buy it over the counter...it might get you through until the appt. Praying for you...let me know if I can do anything.
Did they check you for Meniere's Disease? My mom has that and it's pretty miserable--much like you describe. Ask about it if no one has mentioned it. She also had Bell's palsy and shingles-- you two sound much alike--not that that is a good thing when it comes to conditions where you are dizzy or itchy. I know you must be miserable-- take care of yourself!
congrats on being saucy
Oh dear, I hope you are able to get a good diagnosis and some relief from the ENT specialist!
Hugs,
Steph
Girl, you are in my prayers. There are few things worse than a spinning world!!
OMgoodness. They diagnosed me with BPPV. Benign positional something vertigo. They gave me exercises to do and within a few days I was as good as new. But it is terribly frightening when the world is swirling and your rocks in your ears are loose. That's exactly how they described it to me too.
Good luck.
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