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February 2003
**IMPORTANT**
Beadopotamus will be closed from
December 6th - December 28th for the holidays.
Orders placed during this time will be processed December 29th.
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February 2003 |
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February 2003February 19th, 2003: I've had a relapse. 2 weeks ago (on a Monday) I had an IUD placed by my physician. Unfortunately it was difficult placement. (Just to stem concerns - the procedure itself had no complications.) The uterine cramps were severe and lasted a few days after the placement. By Friday of that week I was having dizzy "flashes" - that light-headed feeling when you stand up too fast, except it was happening any old time. We went on a weekend trip to San Diego to tours the sites and see the zoo. Saturday, we spent the day walking around the wonderful zoo. I was beginning to have the flashes more often, and having double vision. Sunday the double vision was constant with an increased difficulty seeing to my left. Sunday evening I was fatigued and had significant balance problems. I knew I was having an exacerbation after all these years and knew I was getting worse daily. I don't know if it was the physical stress from the procedure or from being "chemically pregnant" (on birth control pills) to suddenly not that was the trigger. I didn't have any idea that this could happen - but then again no one can predict MS' course. I saw my PCP and a neurologist on Monday. We decided that since my impairment was significant this time (I couldn't read, drive or watch TV), that it was worth trying a 3-day course of IV steroids (SoluMedrol). I had my first out-patient infusion at the Mayo hospital on Tuesday. It was no fun at all - at the end of the 1.5 hour infusion I had a headache from the fluids and soon after became hot, broke out in a sweat and was nauseous. The next two days I had home care administer the IV steroids. Now knowing the side effects, I pre-dosed with anti-nausea medications (as well as Zantac) and had the drips administered over 2 hours. I gained water-weight - my neck and arms were sore from the extra water they now held. My stomach became upset from the steroids and I began to take Zantac and other acid reducers to help. By Sunday I felt the worst yet - dizzy, easily motion-sick, had achy muscles and occasional muscle spasms in my back. I felt more broken than before the steroids! The hard part is knowing whether or not I'm overall better for having the steroids, but I saw it as worth the chance this time. Monday February 24, 2003 - I'm feeling better. Double vision is almost gone, can almost look fully to the left with my eyes, balance is improved (still have a dizzy feeling), lost all the water weight, but the fatigue is still there. Have an appointment this week to review the MRI. Wish me luck! :)
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