Tuesday, January 25, 2011

Whoops. Been meaning to get some postings going, and the next thing we know, time disappears. So, just a quick summation of the past while. First off, I did telephone my primary care doctor about the Candida Immune Complex Assay Blood Test. They checked in to it and called me back with the news that just ordering the test would be $145. They didn't know how much the testing would be or anything. So, guess will wait to meet with the rheumatologist in March and decide from there?

Went to another Spondylitis Support Group on the 15th. Talked about the benefit of humor in dealing with the issues. Every one there has an appointment with the new rheumatologist, my appointment being the last.

Started last week helping backstage at Dakota Stage with "Screwtape". It is a lot of fun and I am really enjoying it, mentally, emotionally and all. But the body has been rather upset. I try my best to keep it well hidden.

The tingles and jolts continue as usual despite the fact that I have not done coffee since the 2nd and have significantly reduced any chocolate. Still trying to stop inputting any sugars. Last week it was the legs going crazy. This week it is the arms going crazy. Maybe it is all a mental thing? Ungh.

I had read a blip about James Dean's bipolar depression issues. OK, bear with me in this following rant.

Since the docs have not been able to give any diagnosis for the why for the neuropathy crap, I'm doing any online research I can find. So, I checked out what this bipolar stuff is. Some things that jumped out: it has also been associated with creativity, goal striving, and positive achievements; shyness or social anxiety; irritability, chronic pain (with or without a known cause; not everyone's symptoms are the same; problems concentrating; loneliness, self-loathing, apathy or indifference; etc.

So, I found a few online self-tests. The results struck me: www.blackdoginstitute.org.au "A score of 22 or more, together with episodes of clinical depression, suggests possible bipolar I or II disorder and would warrant detailed clinical assessment."; www.healthyplace.com "36-53 (Moderate-severe mania)"; www.thehealthcenter.info "Your results show that you are experiencing many of the symptoms associated with bipolar. It is strongly suggested that you seek out a mental health care provider in your area for more information on actual diagnosis and treatment."

Emailed a close friend of mine in the psych profession. He reassured me that he has never seen any symptoms of bipolar with me. But then he concluded with, "Depression symptoms on the other hand can definitely make chronic pain worse, so you should be working with your primary care doctor to make sure those are being addressed."

Cast all your cares upon the Lord. That I do, that I do.

Wednesday, January 05, 2011

At the urging of a concerned sister, maybe stimulants are the cause of the tingles, buzzings and jolts... Now trying to go cold turkey on coffee/caffeine, chocolate, white sugars... Can we say UFF DA!

Made that my status update today on FB. A friend replied with, "Sounds about right...you may want to check out the book, "The Yeast Connection." I think you'll find it very interesting!" which sparked an interesting dialogue and internet searching.

KRT Wait. What? No Yeast? No BREAD?!?

JW LOL! Actually, the book refers to the yeast buildup many of us have in our bodies in excess, or "Candida." And, yeah, our bodies are kinda like a loaf of bread in that excess sugars feed the yeast and cause the Candida to thrive and cause all sorts of lovely problems...such as tingling, electric impulses, etc. It has been known to cause intoxicated-like symptoms and who wants that without even having the joy of drinking?!? :)

PK eeeegads! Good luck Kevin....it's gonna take a lil discipline :)

KRT I think the coffee and chocolate and sugar should be alright. But as far as going yeast/gluten- and/or casein-free, that'll take a bit more work. First have to eventually eat up all the perishables containing such in the apt before attempting such, right?

KRT ‎... AND it's nice to know that docs are mostly concerned with medicines and tests b/c not once in the past couple years has diet or such been ever discussed. Shall the diet be the trick since the meds have not been?

LH J has a point, I actually went on the special diet for candida buildup 3 times and did feel much better. My problem is keeping it up because it is very strict and I love chocolate cake. It takes alot of self control.

KRT http://www.candida-yeast-explained.com/index.html

LH My doctor was the one who actually recommended the diet to me. She is also the one who got me into a physical therapy program. It all depends upon the doctor. My problem is that I slack off with both the physical therapy and diet. I get where I feel so much better that I think I can go back to the old ways that make me sick. One day I will smarten up and keep healthy. LOL

So, tomorrow I plan to call my doc to see if he can do this Candida Immune Complex Assay Blood Test and see if there is a yeast build-up or something?

Monday, January 03, 2011

The pain and tingles slowly dwindled over the weekend. Mostly just a bad cramp in my left foot and ankle and area.

My sister sent an email with her input after reading my blog. She's been living with fibromyalgia, among other many medical issues.

Most of my reply:

Thank you much for your reply. Ungh. That just irks me that all these months, the docs have never said anything about diet or such. Uff da. Wow.

Yeah, I agree with hydration. I drink probably around 64 ounces of water per day. Then all the other liquids as well. So, yeah it would be easy to increase the water intake.

Logging, that should be easy as I do like keeping track of facts.

Giving things up. Yeah, I haven't done pop in over a year, except for a random whiskey-coke. Coffee? Chocolate? Ouch. It's easy enough for me to do mostly chicken or tuna and veggies, especially anything green. All dairy products, including cheese? Milk for me is just on cereal in the morn.

Pray, that's all I can do. God's the really open ear for all my whimpers.

 So, some thoughts to carry forward and decide and commence.

Saturday, January 01, 2011

Well, so here we are in a new year. Will this be the year that the answer is found, or will it be the year of less mobility.

The past two days have been quite active. My left leg from knee to toe is completely numb along with cramps and jolts. My right knee and the bottom of the right foot totally buzzing. Random parts of my left hand. The right wrist is pertenearly completely locked in hurt.

Last night after work and running errands, just laid on the couch in a fetal. Just out of umph and breath. Finally got my buttocks to bed around midnight and was in bed well past 11:30. Sleep? Not much. Totally lazy for the day, just no energy to walk around, let alone stir up the buzzing.

Went out for supper with the Frey family, then later to Mike and Kurt's for New Year's Eve. Uff da. Tried to mask it, but it just didn't work. Tried to be happy as all get out, but not sure if successful on that front. But, overall, I really had a good time hanging with dear, close friends. There are just some people that after hanging with them, you say to yourself, "Those are some good friends."

Hold me Jesus.