Not sure what to do....: I went to ER for strange... - PMRGCAuk

PMRGCAuk

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Not sure what to do....

36 Replies

I went to ER for strange chest pains. Monday it lasted 15 minutes and Thursday it lasted 2 hours. It felt like a tiny stun gun was shooting electricity thru to my back. My heart was fine no heart attack so now looking at panic attacks.

I have been dealing with separation ancestry all my life. In the last few years I have done super fine. Living on my own has been Ok but recently it has surfaced again. My twin just moved to Portland about 3 hours away with yet another big mountain of snow in between. As some of you know I moved here to be close to her. But her son has bought them a home 3 blocks from him so he will be closer to his dad whose cancer is being slowly stopped it will never be cured but looks good on stopping the progress. But with cancer you just don’t know.

Then another issue is my blood sugars keep going up and I am overwhelmed on what to eat or not eat. I will be working on grocery list and meal plans soon. I just want simple two varieties of breakfast and lunch and maybe 4-5 for dinners easy peasy.

Oh n I am down to 14 mgs of prednisone yet my sed rate is higher than normal at 44.

Since I slipped and fell I have knee pain ankle pain and a pain at the top of my femur bone not in the hip.. I fell 2-3 weeks ago. Ibuprofen has been helping with leg pain.I wonder if sed rate is up due to fall.

I have no Pmr or GCA symptoms and have an appt with my Dr on Thursday and my eye doc on Friday.

Yep I feel overwhelmed and have to fight just going back to bed and hiding. It just seems I get one thing resolved n bang I get another like my dislocated shoulder was feeling great and since the fall it is back to hurting.

So today I have decided it is time to pull out my paints and focus on fun things. I bought this large table for my kitchen and will pull my paints out n leave them out. That way I can just sit down n start instead of setting everything out then feel to tired hehehe...

sorry for whining but there is some therapeutic help for me writing it out🤔😜😸

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36 Replies
SheffieldJane profile image
SheffieldJane

It is lovely to see you back again!

It is hard when our loved ones are in a different place to us, mentally and physically. You can’t help feeling abandoned. Snow melts. ❄️

I love that you have your paints out! You will do the best paintings you have ever done! Please post on Sunday 22 December. Hugs and loves. Jane xxxxxxx

in reply toSheffieldJane

Thanks Jane.... right after I posted my sister called in a panic because she knows I am limited in what I can do. They sold the house n new owner wants to rent back n move in right away. Sooooooo I went over and finished packing up the kitchen. 4 small boxes of dishes was all that was left. Did my load of wash while I was there. Now shower n lie down time. It felt good to help out. 😸

SheffieldJane profile image
SheffieldJane in reply to

Star 🌟

Mstiles profile image
Mstiles

It sure does seem overwhelming, new issues keep appearing not to mention the old ones still being there too.

I’m dealing with the blood sugar/eating well issues too. I was doing OK until a move last summer, then the fires and blackouts, and I’ve been struggling ever since to get back on track.

I’m so glad to hear you got your paints out and a place where you can leave them out to pick up easily.

Whenever I draw or paint I can get lost and forget everything else, even PMR/GCA. I’m set up in my bedroom with all my materials. I find that if I just sit down and start I will get involved and time flies.

Hope you are feeling better soon Lin

in reply toMstiles

Best laid plans hehehe. My sister’s home sold fast so will get my paints out hopefully by Thursday as I am meeting people to give some of her furniture away. They took all their main stuff n put it in storage at thanksgiving time as they didn’t want to drive truck in snow. So they have 3 storage lockers and a tiny house. She will be giving away a bunch more on that end.

I have to keep telling myself it is not me moving. I have been having bad dreams etc... I have no intention of leaving this place they will take me out in a body bag. It is peaceful and quiet and no scary neighbors.

Two more weeks of my sister getting settled then I pray to get snowed in and paint to my heart’s content....

Mstiles profile image
Mstiles in reply to

I would love to see some of your paintings. What do you like to do?

I guess it is OK to PM me if this isn’t allowed?

in reply toMstiles

Oh dear just wrote a huge note about my art n then realized it was not ok.... I will however say that our creative side comes out when we are ill. So with PMR n GCA I would say try something new it is truly therapeutic and I sold tons of my art n never had a lesson.

Blearyeyed profile image
Blearyeyed in reply to

Don't worry , discussing how art and other activities helps you cope emotionally and physically with your health condition , showing how it helps , and sharing tips on doing things more easily is encouraged on the Forum .

That can involve discussing what you do .

Linda49 actually put up a post a few days ago asking Forum members what they do in a craft way to help with their illness , perhaps you can share more information on what you are doing there and get more help or tips. Or include it on the post I did for National Jumper Day when many talked about their crafts .

Then you will get the chance to two healthy discussions , but any advice on your current problem being discussed on this post won't get confused with talk about art.

Take care , and don't forget to pace yourself with this new event today , especially as you were already suffering some symptoms and chest pain.

PMRpro profile image
PMRproAmbassador in reply toMstiles

You can see them on Sunday 22nd December - it was announced just over a week ago that you can post xmas greetings to everyone. You can't send images in pms I'm afraid.

HeronNS profile image
HeronNS

Hard to "like" this post but I am glad you shared with us. What a run of bad luck. I hope next time you post, which I hope you will, to let us know how your various injuries and pains are being treated, please post a photo of one of your pictures.

in reply toHeronNS

Thanks I will post a painting hopefully soon.

What happens is when a doc can’t find anything they refer you to another doctor. I am just going to pass it all off as bad luck. I scored a huge walker with large wheels and it is tall enough for me. I now load garbage n laundry and unload groceries with it. I am hoping it will Help to keep me from anymore falls. I have to tell you my last one was also worthy of being videoed. My family thinks I should hire a camera crew my falls are epic but boy do they hurt. Goss I am already feeling more normal thanks to all of you sharing with me. 🤪

HeronNS profile image
HeronNS in reply to

Just make sure you relate your picture to PMR or its companions. Otherwise I think we are being told to keep such postings to Dec 22nd. Btw my avatar is my one and only stained glass project.

scats profile image
scats

I'm glad the forum is helping, you don't believe in living life the easy way do you!.

Painting sounds a lovely way of relaxing and I'm sure we'd all love to see the results, I don't see that it's not related to PMR if you are using it to help you heal so I'm looking forwards to seeing the results. Take care of yourself and try to stay upright!

Galloping profile image
Galloping

Hello Lin, I agree with what others have said but I'd also like to say that you really shouldn't take ibroprofin when you're on Prednisolone. I wonder why one of the more knowledgeable posters hasn't mentioned that.

Good luck with everything you have to do and I look forward to seeing your paintings.

PMRpro profile image
PMRproAmbassador

Hi Lin - what a shame your sister has to move the other side of mountains! Know that feeling just from needing to pick family up from the airport and it is only just over an hour and motorway journey. Three weeks ago we couldn't get to the next village for a few days, snow was bringing trees down and that is too dangerous.

However - it is only a few days now: On Sunday 22nd Dec put your images up as a collage like Nuff1's beard post and you can do it in one and don't even have to write PMR-related posts to get it allowed.

HeronNS profile image
HeronNS in reply toPMRpro

Do you know how to make a collage?

PMRpro profile image
PMRproAmbassador in reply toHeronNS

Me? No, but I imagine the instructions are there somewhere

HeronNS profile image
HeronNS in reply toPMRpro

Instructions where?

Slowdown profile image
Slowdown

No matter how rough you feel you always manage to put a humorous spin on it, Lin, it's very endearing! Winter isn't an easy time, getting back (or never leaving) the bed is tempting, our muscles and joints protest in the cold and there isn't much motivation - but your sister's cry for help gave you just the boost of feel-good and a clean load of washing as well...

I hope your doctor will sort out few things for you, just hang on tight to your trusty walker and then you can get creating. Yes please post on 22 December.

in reply toSlowdown

Geez no one is cooperating on getting stuff out of my sisters home n my stress level is going up. I am the one with the keys. Only two weeks n it will all be done and I will turn over the keys....yah!

I have decided that since my blood sugars keep going up that I have to get serious about doing a keto diet. I have been doing research on it and it sounds doable. I stopped last time due to keto flu which at that time I didn’t know about. I can’t keep blaming prednisone on all these new health issues especially since I am a sugar and carb addict. There I said it.....

I will make a meal plan n go shopping. How hard could it be hey!

I will be the one in tears at the grocery store. I really dislike cooking or anything to do with the kitchen or store... but this time I have to do it as I am getting to many cardiac, anxiety and all the other stuff that goes with insulin and diabetes.

Slowdown profile image
Slowdown in reply to

It sounds as though you're on the way to Making a Plan, with Lists - I'm a bit of a random forward-planner but it sorts out the Definitely To Do To Make Life Easier and clears space for what you really want to do, i.e. get those painting things out, resist the urge to tidy them away each night. You know you want to!

You sound motivated, Lin - if you want some inspiration for your shopping/cooking re. carbs and sugar try this: dietdoctor.com/low-carb lots of pictures and recipes - no more tears in the grocery store.

At least there's an end in sight for sorting out your sister's flat and you'll end up feeling good about helping her - meanwhile, you'll have got to grips with a plan to improve your health. Best of luck, we're with you all the way!

in reply toSlowdown

Thanks for website I will surely look at it. With everything going on with helping my sister long distance it gives me the sensation I am moving. Yikes hate that feeling .... by 27th it should be All over if not sooner as new person wants to move in straight away. Then I can take a deep breath and relax. 🤪

PMRpro profile image
PMRproAmbassador in reply to

If it is any consolation, I actually find cooking low carb easier, no sauces and stuff to mess about with!

linda49 profile image
linda49 in reply to

Hi again Lin

Just wondering if you’d found the forum for Low Carb High Fat on Health Unlocked? It’s called LCHF if you look under communities. I pop in there occasionally and there are some interesting posts and ideas. I too would like to reduce my weight particularly as I’m not very active at present.

Good luck with it all.

Linda

in reply tolinda49

I have not had the time. I figure my time will be my own once my sister has totally moved.

I didn’t even have time for a new painting but am trying to put up a few I did before I moved. It would not let me write my keyboard wouldn’t come up..... I will try again....

linda49 profile image
linda49 in reply to

Do you get the feeling that sometimes life just conspires against us?

Computers seem to have a mind of their own..

You’re right- you will have more time to focus on what you need and what you want to do once your sister’s move is completed.

Just hang in there and you’ll be creating beautiful paintings again

before you know bit!

linda49 profile image
linda49

Hi Lin

So sorry to hear life is throwing some curved balls at you again.

Good that you have scheduled appointments with your doctor this week and I hope they can help you.

I am envious of your big kitchen table and the ability to leave your painting kit out! I often daydream about doing the very same thing. Our retirement house is compact so things have to be put away otherwise it becomes an obstacle course and I risk falling over. It’s the setting up and clearing up that seems to use up my “spoons” and discourages me from doing more , whatever the activity. I have asked Secret Santa for a travel version of a watercolour painting set this year. Surely I can find a bit of drawer or cupboard space for that ?

Looking forward to seeing some of your painting on our Christmas greetings day - 22nd I think.

Meanwhile I’m thinking about you Lin and sending best wishes that life gets a little easier real soon.

Linda x

in reply tolinda49

Yeah I am pretty tidy and keep thing minimal so not putting my paints away will be a challenge but like you by the time I get it set up I am too wore out to do any art. So we will see. My best art so far has been given as presents so will see what I have to share on 22nd. I will try a collage by hanging them on the wall together..

linda49 profile image
linda49 in reply to

I’ve just bought a book called 30 minute watercolour painting. Sounds like my kind of attention span, not to mention managing sitting at a table comfortably for any length of time.

Look forward to seeing your work on 22nd if you’re feeling up to it.

Take care Lin

S4ndy profile image
S4ndy

Lin, so sorry to hear you are feeling down.

I too used to paint and also teach art from time to time. My favorite was water colours but I have dabbled with many media.

I just wanted to say don't get disheartened, if, when you get your paints out and find that it harder to do physically than it was. This was my problem. I tried all different media but found that whatever I did would set my shoulders off :(

I didn't give up on art though and found I liked doing the new sort of mindfulness colouring books. I could do this for short times and found it more rewarding than suffering to pain.

I also found I couldnt dressmake or sew. I explored and found that I could crochet instead. As my dose has come down, (now on 3mg) I have found my osteo arthritis had kicked in and started to play up with anything repetitive. So recently have limited my art to photography :) Art has always helped with my anxiety and depression but I have found I have had to adapt at different stages of my PMR journey. Just wanted to mention my experience as I've had to learn the hard way to accommodate my changing physical state my adapting my activities. At first not being able to do something upset me but now I look on the bright side and try different things.

Currently having a resurgence of baking. Enjoying adapting recipes to accommodate my hubby's diabetes too. Its his birthday tomorrow and instead of usual type of cake I have made him a Dundee Cake using less sugar and more fruit and nuts. So he can nibble on small slices and so can I :)

Hope you find something that you can get absorbed in and feel better soon xxx

HeronNS profile image
HeronNS in reply toS4ndy

I used to make a Dundee cake for my brother-in-law who is allergic to the walnuts usually found in Christmas cake. Almonds only in my recipe. :)

in reply toS4ndy

I have mostly used acrylic paints. The one issue is they dry fast so I paint fast. I have gone to using canvas instead of watercolor paper. I have been lucky as it doesn’t bother my shoulders but does put an ache sometimes in my back.

Instead of landscapes which is my favorite I have tried to do abstract art. It is not as easy as you might think. It does help me keep upbeat.

linda49 profile image
linda49 in reply toS4ndy

Great post S4ndy.

Completely agree about the need to be willing to adapt as physical changes can be very limiting. I like your positive approach and I’m hoping new hobbies and activities in 2020 will help me to rediscover my mojo!!

Take care

Linda

Jackoh profile image
Jackoh

How lovely to hear from you again! Sorry you have been facing new challenges and added to that your twin moving further away although you do seem to be in good contact with her. Would love to see some of your paintings on the 22nd. Hopefully we won’t forget!! Keep in touch x

in reply toJackoh

Thanks looking forward to 22nd.

Going to work on collage for 22nd. Will try to be here more often.

I will see my GP tomorrow and maybe I will let her diagnose me instead of me sharing about what I think it is.....old nurse Here we are a bit ...... oh well doctors as patients are even worse.

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