Latest update?

[merril]

Have been feeling too low to post but determined to update tonight. Unable to sleep for a few weeks and had to stop zopiclone because I developed angioedema, swollen ankles and feet, problems with diminished urine and gut problems. Had been slow tapering for four weeks and was immediately advised to return to7.5 mgs pred. Referred to cardiologist, colorectal cons, urologist and pain consultant. Have now had Dexascan (good), spinal xray(no result yet) MRI Thursday15th. betablocker in creased ( BP soared and arrythmia increased) cardiologist rings me each day(bless him), Diazepam to help sleep at night(seems to be working)

I still have brain fog, pain in my temporal artery(rt) and at the base of my skull, and tinnitus when I wake but I am managing without painkillers and hope I can have an epidural after mri scan.

To all my friends here thank you for your help and support and I will post again when all tests are complete.

[HeronNS]

So sorry you've been having such a bad time. Sounds like you are being looked after well by the docs and I hope you get some relief soon. Do you think the insomnia is from your illness, from drug side effects, or something else? Did you try any non-medicine ways to deal with it?

[merril in reply to HeronNS]

Thank you Heron. GP and pharmacist tried a few things , and I tried Nytol. but I am limited because of my underlying problems. Temazepam last resort. I guess my age doesn't help either ie IHD, pacemaker, and recent angina attacks, as well as chest pain and arm pain, and kidney stone. Not withstanding, I am now getting rest at night.

[HeronNS in reply to merril]

Just wondered, because sleep disorders are quite common and resetting the internal clock can help. I know it seems kind of simple-minded given how complex your medical situation is, but thought it worth asking. One way to do this is to try to get some bright daylight early in the day, as well as adhering to all those evening things we already know about but sometimes have trouble following - no screen time, a ritual to relax, that kind of thing. 😴

[merril in reply to HeronNS]

Good advice Heron and i follow it. I have a Morphee which I play each night when going to bed, . Don't watch TV but use jigsaws to distract me from back pain even though I have AMD and my sight is deteriorating lol.

[SheffieldJane]

Wishing you so much good fortune at this challenging time. It sounds like you are blessed with good doctors. Please let us know how you are getting on, when you feel well enough to do so. X 🌹

[merril in reply to SheffieldJane]

SJ thank you for responding. I think you know most of my underlying problems and certainly this lack of sleep was really a problem for me. If my old back problem can now be dealt with that should make a big difference. xx

[powerwalk]

Good luck with your tests, hope you get some answers. Let us know how you go.

[Viv54]

So sorry to hear this, it must be a battle for you , im on the same sleeping tablet. I dont know how i would cope without it. Well done foe writing your post, hope the Valium works ! What a truly nasty illness we have . Best wishes Viv x

[LemonZest11]

All the best merril, it always pours and you seem to be having a torrent at the moment. Thinking of you.

[Pixix]

Sorry to hear your battle is so bad right now, but pleased you are getting a lot of tests & hope they find a solution...at least to some of your problems! Sending a hug, S x

[Uglow]

Oh I’m sorry you having it tough hopefully soon very soon something may change for better. 😘

[Maltesemama]

Praying for you Merrill!