I am new here
Question:
Harold, Welcome to the group. Please post ! It sounds like your new doc might be doing the right thing for you. At least you are getting a new viewpoint. Sometimes honesty isn’t easy. Perhaps with the new, stronger pain meds your quality of life may actually improve a bit !! There is no reason to put up with more pain than necessary !! Once the pain is under control, you may find that you are less of a ‘burden’ than you might feel you are now. There are many ways to ’support’ your family, although I understand the financial stresses you are going through. It sounds like you new doc may help with getting you disability or other insurance money that you have coming to you.. if you don’t have them yet.
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> My name is Harold. I have posted a few little items before, so I hope > not to bother you with this one I got some bad news yesterday. > I went to another doctor that wasn’t interested in milking the insurance > company dry and she told he after reading my charts that I had moved > beyond the level I was at, class 3. and digressed to class 2 > medications. She has referred me to pain management, which I start > on 8-13-01. a pain doc. she mentioned things like oxycodone, oxycontin, > duragesic patches,MScontin fentonyl and others. > plus she said that II am no longer a good surgical candidate. > I explained how I was going to go to thoracic surgery but the need a > cardiologist to say that I would pose an unreasonably bad risk for the > surgery. She said I could talk to the pain doc about that. She also told > me that my work life was"over". she said you are still a young man so > anything is "possible", but you are DEFINITELY not in any shape for gong > to work soon. she said that that other doc had me on way too much > medications, level 2, and they are not doing the job any more. so I need > the pain management doc to "up the ante". > I also had my driving privileges revoked by the doc and was told that I > an going to have sever problems getting out of bed every morning for > ever. Today I had to turn on my stomach, which for he first time, was > hard in itself, and scoot my legs out of the bed till gravity pulled > them down to the floor then push myself up to my feet. that hurt more > than normal too, besides putting on an already FULL bladder having > pressure put on it. > I thought I was getting better. uh-huh. right. this thing is getting > worse. and I may end up in a chair down the road. > I am not meaning to dump on you all. I just need some support. I did not > know that I was going to be forever disabled. I feel really down. > A real man works and supports his family. I can’t now. I have become a > burden. > Thank you for listening. > harold
Response:
>Harold Heflin" > My name is Harold. I have posted a few little items before, so I hope>> not
to bother you with this one I got some bad news yesterday.>> I went to another doctor that wasn’t interested in milking the insurance>> company dry and she told he after reading my charts that I had moved > beyond the level I was at, class 3. and digressed to class 2>> medications.
She has referred me to pain management, which I start>> on 8-13-01. a pain doc. she mentioned things like oxycodone, oxycontin,>> duragesic patches,MScontin fentonyl and others.>> plus she said that II am no longer a good surgical candidate. > I explained how I was going to go to thoracic surgery but the need a>>
cardiologist to say that I would pose an unreasonably bad risk for the>> surgery. She said I could talk to the pain doc about that. She also told>> me that my work life was"over". she said you are still a young man so>> anything is "possible", but you are DEFINITELY not in any shape for gong > to work soon. she said that that other doc had me on way too much>>
medications, level 2, and they are not doing the job any more. so I need>> the pain management doc to "up the ante". > I also had my driving privileges revoked by the doc and was told that I>> an
going to have sever problems getting out of bed every morning for>> ever. Today I had to turn on my stomach, which for he first time, was> hard in itself, and scoot my legs out of the bed till gravity pulled > them down to the floor then push myself up to my feet. that hurt more > than normal too, besides putting on an already FULL bladder having>>
pressure put on it.>> I thought I was getting better. uh-huh. right. this thing is getting>> worse. and I may end up in a chair down the road. > I am not meaning to dump on you all. I just need some support. I did not>>
know that I was going to be forever disabled. I feel really down.>> A real man workand supports his family. I can’t now. I have become a>> burden. > Thank you for listening. > harold
Hi Harold, I’m really sorry to hear of your problems. Sometimes though, when you go to a pain doctor, they give you that right combination of medicines and you can function better. I was wondering who took your driving priveleages away? Your regular doctor? I don’t understand this. Did they contact motor vehicle? If your regular doctor told you you cannot drive, maybe after they stabilize you at the pain clinic, you will be able to drive again. Kate
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>priveleages
I’m hiding under a rock right now. Can’t believe I spelled privileges like that.
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Harold: Please "dump" whenever you feel the need. That’s what support groups are for. You are not a burden. I know that the news that you got is a difficult "pill" to swallow. There are days that I go thru wondering what my future holds. I used to be very active. I love gardening and fixing up stuff around the house. It’s frustrating for me to not be able to do those things. What I DID do, was to sit down (actually lie down on the floor <g>) and take a long-hard look at my life, my interests, my limitations and my abilities. I was very surprised to find that there were still a lot of things that interested me that I could still do. It really helped me to actually make a list to see in black and white both sides of the coin. As far as being less of a man (paraphrased), I don’t think that anyone’s masculinity can be defined by whether or not he works and supports a family. There are plenty of men out there that are perfectly healthy who make choices to be stay at home dads…. this doesn’t change the essence of who they are. I think that the beauty in being part of a family, marriage or significant other relationship is when one person can take over and help when it’s needed. That’s what we’re here on earth for (IMO); to help each other out. I’m sure that in the past, you have been there for others who have needed you. It’s simply your time to accept from others. After my last surgery, I was so uncomfortable that my neighbor came over and started mowing my lawn without my having to ask. My therapist told me that I need to try to pay attention to the joy that others are taking in helping me and that they value me enough as a friend and human being to be able to do something for me. I know that a lot of what I’m saying is "easier said than done", but I think that you’ve started already by sharing your honest feelings with this newsgroup. That takes a great deal of courage. There is no magic answer to all of this, but I believe that you will be able to tap your inner strength and look at your life differently. I hope that my words were able to help you to start to reshape your life. IMO, we are some of the most courageous people on earth because we have to deal with pain every day of our lives. Jeff
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> My name is Harold. I have posted a few little items before, so I hope > not to bother you with this one I got some bad news yesterday. > I went to another doctor that wasn’t interested in milking the insurance > company dry and she told he after reading my charts that I had moved > beyond the level I was at, class 3. and digressed to class 2 > medications. She has referred me to pain management, which I start > on 8-13-01. a pain doc. she mentioned things like oxycodone, oxycontin, > duragesic patches,MScontin fentonyl and others. > plus she said that II am no longer a good surgical candidate. > I explained how I was going to go to thoracic surgery but the need a > cardiologist to say that I would pose an unreasonably bad risk for the > surgery. She said I could talk to the pain doc about that. She also told > me that my work life was"over". she said you are still a young man so > anything is "possible", but you are DEFINITELY not in any shape for gong > to work soon. she said that that other doc had me on way too much > medications, level 2, and they are not doing the job any more. so I need > the pain management doc to "up the ante". > I also had my driving privileges revoked by the doc and was told that I > an going to have sever problems getting out of bed every morning for > ever. Today I had to turn on my stomach, which for he first time, was > hard in itself, and scoot my legs out of the bed till gravity pulled > them down to the floor then push myself up to my feet. that hurt more > than normal too, besides putting on an already FULL bladder having > pressure put on it. > I thought I was getting better. uh-huh. right. this thing is getting > worse. and I may end up in a chair down the road. > I am not meaning to dump on you all. I just need some support. I did not > know that I was going to be forever disabled. I feel really down. > A real man works and supports his family. I can’t now. I have become a > burden. > Thank you for listening. > harold
Response:
Harold, Sorry to hear that you are hurting so much. If I could I would wish it away. Please don’t feel like you’re a burden. Your family needs you more than you probably realize. I have no magical words I can give you only that I feel for you and pray that you will get better and the pain will lessen. I hope you find the support here that can at least lift your spirits some, especially on those really bad days. Mark W. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > My name is Harold. I have posted a few little items before, so I hope > not to bother you with this one I got some bad news yesterday. > I went to another doctor that wasn’t interested in milking the insurance > company dry and she told he after reading my charts that I had moved > beyond the level I was at, class 3. and digressed to class 2 > medications. She has referred me to pain management, which I start > on 8-13-01. a pain doc. she mentioned things like oxycodone, oxycontin, > duragesic patches,MScontin fentonyl and others. > plus she said that II am no longer a good surgical candidate. > I explained how I was going to go to thoracic surgery but the need a > cardiologist to say that I would pose an unreasonably bad risk for the > surgery. She said I could talk to the pain doc about that. She also told > me that my work life was"over". she said you are still a young man so > anything is "possible", but you are DEFINITELY not in any shape for gong > to work soon. she said that that other doc had me on way too much > medications, level 2, and they are not doing the job any more. so I need > the pain management doc to "up the ante". > I also had my driving privileges revoked by the doc and was told that I > an going to have sever problems getting out of bed every morning for > ever. Today I had to turn on my stomach, which for he first time, was > hard in itself, and scoot my legs out of the bed till gravity pulled > them down to the floor then push myself up to my feet. that hurt more > than normal too, besides putting on an already FULL bladder having > pressure put on it. > I thought I was getting better. uh-huh. right. this thing is getting > worse. and I may end up in a chair down the road. > I am not meaning to dump on you all. I just need some support. I did not > know that I was going to be forever disabled. I feel really down. > A real man works and supports his family. I can’t now. I have become a > burden. > Thank you for listening. > harold
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Welcome Harold: You and so many of us here have and do feel the exact same way you do emotionally and on some days it is even worse. Believe me this newsgroup will help you is so many ways. Once you get around people that understand and in the same boat the feeling of hopelessness starts to lift away. I am only 30 and have been in chronic pain 4 years now and I use to do Carpentry for a living making good money. That has all been takin away from me and now I battle workers comp. and doctors everyday. Everyone tells me that I am too young to be disabled, well the stupidity of putting an age on when you can and cannot be disabled is the stupidest of all. Hang in there and stick with this newsgroup. kjs- we are what we are
~My name is Harold. I have posted a few little items before, so I hope ~not to bother you with this one I got some bad news yesterday. ~I went to another doctor that wasn’t interested in milking the insurance ~company dry and she told he after reading my charts that I had moved ~beyond the level I was at, class 3. and digressed to class 2 ~medications. She has referred me to pain management, which I start ~on 8-13-01. a pain doc. she mentioned things like oxycodone, oxycontin, ~duragesic patches,MScontin fentonyl and others. ~plus she said that II am no longer a good surgical candidate. ~I explained how I was going to go to thoracic surgery but the need a ~cardiologist to say that I would pose an unreasonably bad risk for the ~surgery. She said I could talk to the pain doc about that. She also told ~me that my work life was"over". she said you are still a young man so ~anything is "possible", but you are DEFINITELY not in any shape for gong ~to work soon. she said that that other doc had me on way too much ~medications, level 2, and they are not doing the job any more. so I need ~the pain management doc to "up the ante". ~I also had my driving privileges revoked by the doc and was told that I ~an going to have sever problems getting out of bed every morning for ~ever. Today I had to turn on my stomach, which for he first time, was ~hard in itself, and scoot my legs out of the bed till gravity pulled ~them down to the floor then push myself up to my feet. that hurt more ~than normal too, besides putting on an already FULL bladder having ~pressure put on it. ~I thought I was getting better. uh-huh. right. this thing is getting ~worse. and I may end up in a chair down the road. ~I am not meaning to dump on you all. I just need some support. I did not ~know that I was going to be forever disabled. I feel really down. ~A real man works and supports his family. I can’t now. I have become a ~burden. ~Thank you for listening. ~harold
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Howdy Harold… I know how you feel….but concentrate on your life and how to improve it…your family will be there for you. I went through the same feelings and even left my family out of guilt…thinking they would be better off without me being such a burden. Big mistake…your life is valuable and so are you….keep the faith man…! At least your getting the compassion of an understanding doctor so far…an hopefully a competent pain management specialist…soon, with proper care you will be feeling much better and not surprisingly your outlook improve along with it…my prayers are with you.. Alan
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> My name is Harold. I have posted a few little items before, so I hope > not to bother you with this one I got some bad news yesterday. > I went to another doctor that wasn’t interested in milking the insurance > company dry and she told he after reading my charts that I had moved > beyond the level I was at, class 3. and digressed to class 2 > medications. She has referred me to pain management, which I start > on 8-13-01. a pain doc. she mentioned things like oxycodone, oxycontin, > duragesic patches,MScontin fentonyl and others. > plus she said that II am no longer a good surgical candidate. > I explained how I was going to go to thoracic surgery but the need a > cardiologist to say that I would pose an unreasonably bad risk for the > surgery. She said I could talk to the pain doc about that. She also told > me that my work life was"over". she said you are still a young man so > anything is "possible", but you are DEFINITELY not in any shape for gong > to work soon. she said that that other doc had me on way too much > medications, level 2, and they are not doing the job any more. so I need > the pain management doc to "up the ante". > I also had my driving privileges revoked by the doc and was told that I > an going to have sever problems getting out of bed every morning for > ever. Today I had to turn on my stomach, which for he first time, was > hard in itself, and scoot my legs out of the bed till gravity pulled > them down to the floor then push myself up to my feet. that hurt more > than normal too, besides putting on an already FULL bladder having > pressure put on it. > I thought I was getting better. uh-huh. right. this thing is getting > worse. and I may end up in a chair down the road. > I am not meaning to dump on you all. I just need some support. I did not > know that I was going to be forever disabled. I feel really down. > A real man works and supports his family. I can’t now. I have become a > burden. > Thank you for listening. > harold
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My name is Harold. I have posted a few little items before, so I hope not to bother you with this one I got some bad news yesterday. I went to another doctor that wasn’t interested in milking the insurance company dry and she told he after reading my charts that I had moved beyond the level I was at, class 3. and digressed to class 2 medications. She has referred me to pain management, which I start on 8-13-01. a pain doc. she mentioned things like oxycodone, oxycontin, duragesic patches,MScontin fentonyl and others. plus she said that II am no longer a good surgical candidate. I explained how I was going to go to thoracic surgery but the need a cardiologist to say that I would pose an unreasonably bad risk for the surgery. She said I could talk to the pain doc about that. She also told me that my work life was"over". she said you are still a young man so anything is "possible", but you are DEFINITELY not in any shape for gong to work soon. she said that that other doc had me on way too much medications, level 2, and they are not doing the job any more. so I need the pain management doc to "up the ante". I also had my driving privileges revoked by the doc and was told that I an going to have sever problems getting out of bed every morning for ever. Today I had to turn on my stomach, which for he first time, was hard in itself, and scoot my legs out of the bed till gravity pulled them down to the floor then push myself up to my feet. that hurt more than normal too, besides putting on an already FULL bladder having pressure put on it. I thought I was getting better. uh-huh. right. this thing is getting worse. and I may end up in a chair down the road. I am not meaning to dump on you all. I just need some support. I did not know that I was going to be forever disabled. I feel really down. A real man works and supports his family. I can’t now. I have become a burden. Thank you for listening. harold
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>I thought I was getting better. uh-huh. > right. this thing is getting worse. and I > may end up in a chair down the road. I > am not meaning to dump on you all. I > just need some support. I did not know > that I was going to be forever disabled. I > feel really down. A real man works and > supports his family. I can’t now. I have > become a burden. >Thank you for listening. >harold
Hey man, I bet that none of us thought that we were gonna get worse. I sure didn’t. I was as strong as a bull … once. Now, I just look like I am, which is a curse. Now I get to hear things like, "You look too good to hurt that bad. Are you *sure* you aren’t looking for a buzz from the pain killers?". Some people are insensitive; others are downright stupid. Yes, I’m quite sure it hurts. Take the pills — just be sure to take the pain with them, and I don’t want either back … ever! I’m gonna be in a chair someday ~ I can "feel" it … just don’t know when that day is. Right now, H-D makes my chair. But when (if?) *that* day comes, I know my friends ‘here’ (a.s.c-p) wil make it easier than my so-called friends "here", in RI. Don’t feel bad for ‘dumping’ your problems & fears here. Like us, this ain’t your "average" newsgroup. We have a high tolerance for pain and a low tolerance for fools. You’re in good company. >A real man works and supports his > family. I can’t now. I have become a > burden.
No, that’s not quite correct. A real man does the best he can. Doing your best puts you far above the criticism of anybody. As for being a burden, is that how you feel, or were you *told* that by someone else? Like I said, people who don’t "know" can be really insensitive. If you can’t cut them some slack, then cut ‘em loose! You don’t need it, and your pain’s gonna spike. Take out the trash. That ain’t easy, either. Ask anyone. Ask me! I know a guy who was where you are right now. Scared, uncertain, and sore as hell. He did his best, and the people he trusted the most fscked him. The people who hang out here "know" and care. Don’t *ever* hesitate to post something here. You’re sure to find someone who’s been through the same things. They’ll do whatever can be done to help, or at east ake it easier. Hell, they may even meet up with you for dinner! If I can do anything to help, or to help you explain to others where you’re at, I’m easy to find. Take care , man — Harley <><
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Harold, Just want to welcome you the group everyone wished they didn’t have a need to belong to. I a sorry to hear of your troubles. Feel free to post here anytime. We all need a ear to bend or shoulder to lean on so why not us. We are all in varying amounts of pain. From experience I can honestly say I keep hoping there is light at the end of the tunnel, and if it is it ain’t no train. Even if it is a train I couldn’t leave my honey to deal with the trauma of dealing with me all these years (27) and my calling it quits. Nope, they are gonna have to come get me kicking a screaming if I can. Good luck Harold. John D. K.
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> My name is Harold. I have posted a few little items before, so I hope > not to bother you with this one I got some bad news yesterday. > I went to another doctor that wasn’t interested in milking the insurance > company dry and she told he after reading my charts that I had moved > beyond the level I was at, class 3. and digressed to class 2 > medications. She has referred me to pain management, which I start > on 8-13-01. a pain doc. she mentioned things like oxycodone, oxycontin, > duragesic patches,MScontin fentonyl and others. > plus she said that II am no longer a good surgical candidate. > I explained how I was going to go to thoracic surgery but the need a > cardiologist to say that I would pose an unreasonably bad risk for the > surgery. She said I could talk to the pain doc about that. She also told > me that my work life was"over". she said you are still a young man so > anything is "possible", but you are DEFINITELY not in any shape for gong > to work soon. she said that that other doc had me on way too much > medications, level 2, and they are not doing the job any more. so I need > the pain management doc to "up the ante". > I also had my driving privileges revoked by the doc and was told that I > an going to have sever problems getting out of bed every morning for > ever. Today I had to turn on my stomach, which for he first time, was > hard in itself, and scoot my legs out of the bed till gravity pulled > them down to the floor then push myself up to my feet. that hurt more > than normal too, besides putting on an already FULL bladder having > pressure put on it. > I thought I was getting better. uh-huh. right. this thing is getting > worse. and I may end up in a chair down the road. > I am not meaning to dump on you all. I just need some support. I did not > know that I was going to be forever disabled. I feel really down. > A real man works and supports his family. I can’t now. I have become a > burden. > Thank you for listening. > harold
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after 2 unsuccessful back operations I take 30 mgs. of methadone for pain daily. along with a couple of 350mg carisoprodol ( one at noon and 1 at bed time) plus 1- .25mg xanax at bed time. these things along with 16 wks of self hypnosis and relaxation sessions and MOST days I get though with not a lot problems. but the other days oh well I won’t complain today. mayby tomorrow when its a SCREAMER. L8er mlburns
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> after 2 unsuccessful back operations I take 30 mgs. of methadone for pain > daily. along with a couple of 350mg carisoprodol ( one at noon and 1 at bed > time) plus 1- .25mg xanax at bed time. these things along with 16 wks of > self hypnosis and relaxation sessions and MOST days I get though with not a > lot problems. but the other days > oh well I won’t complain today. mayby tomorrow when its a SCREAMER. > L8er > mlburns
Hello, mlburns. You’ll find kindred spirits here–great people to "talk things over" with. Carolyn
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Hi, I am new to this forum I thought maybe I could give a little background before I ask my question: I have had asthma for 6 years now and the last check by my MD said that I had lost 40% of my lung capacity. I am on Serevent and Pulmocort twice daily, Albeuterol as a rescue. Now, my question: Would it be a bad idea to ask about a Nebulizer for my bedroom/dormroom? I am currently seeing an allergist, but there are still days that it is hard to breath, no matte what I do. -AB- — I took a long look at my life… perhaps you heard the scream that followed? Share what you know. Learn what you don’t.
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> I thought maybe I could give a little background before I ask my > question: > I have had asthma for 6 years now and the last check by my MD said that > I had lost 40% of my lung capacity. I am on Serevent and Pulmocort > twice daily, Albeuterol as a rescue. > Now, my question: Would it be a bad idea to ask about a Nebulizer for > my bedroom/dormroom? I am currently seeing an allergist, but there are > still days that it is hard to breath, no matte what I do. > -AB-
If you lost 40% of lung capacity in 6 years, that’s not asthma; asthma is considered a reversible disease, ie with asthma drugs you can regain almost all your lung capacity. Sounds like you may have COPD (due to smoking?) or inherited emphysema (A1AD). For this problem, a pulmologist should be consulted; to determine the problem and best way to treat. Regarding the need for a nebulizer, a pulmonologist could assess whether you need one; they are used for high-dose albuterol. If you have emphysema, Atrovent is often prescribed. If your symptoms are caused by asthma, the dose of inhaled steroids (Pulmicort) may need to be increased. Ellis
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>Hi, I am new to this forum >I thought maybe I could give a little background before I ask my >question: >I have had asthma for 6 years now and the last check by my MD said that >I had lost 40% of my lung capacity. I am on Serevent and Pulmocort >twice daily, Albeuterol as a rescue. >Now, my question: Would it be a bad idea to ask about a Nebulizer for >my bedroom/dormroom? I am currently seeing an allergist, but there are >still days that it is hard to breath, no matte what I do.
What you have, at a minimum is poorly-controlled asthma. You and your doctor need to work out an action plan that provides better control. This might include a nebulizer; but it might not. BTW, loss of 40% of function in just six years is EXTREME, and may point to another problem, which your doctor should investigate. Chris Owens
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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->Hi, I am new to this forum >I thought maybe I could give a little background before I ask my >question: >I have had asthma for 6 years now and the last check by my MD said that >I had lost 40% of my lung capacity. I am on Serevent and Pulmocort >twice daily, Albeuterol as a rescue. >Now, my question: Would it be a bad idea to ask about a Nebulizer for >my bedroom/dormroom? I am currently seeing an allergist, but there are >still days that it is hard to breath, no matte what I do. > What you have, at a minimum is poorly-controlled asthma. You and your > doctor need to work out an action plan that provides better control. > This might include a nebulizer; but it might not. BTW, loss of 40% of > function in just six years is EXTREME, and may point to another > problem, which your doctor should investigate. > Chris Owens
Hi, thanks to all who have responeded. I am seeing an asthma doc now and the thearpy that we are using, Pulmicort two inhalitations in the morning and one of serevent, then Pulmicort once at night and serevent once then, these are 12 hrs apart. I actually feel better now and the allergist didn’t say anything about lung capacity oss, like my MD did. I did have a treatment once and it felt good. Plus I have had breathing tests done and the last time, my allergist said that the tests were better, but I still wonder if I should ask…. -AB- — I took a long look at my life… perhaps you heard the scream that followed? Share what you know. Learn what you don’t.
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>>…These are >clearly specified as applying to topical steroids and weight gain is >listed as one of the more rare ones… >Interesting to note that weight *loss* is also listed.
Mmmm along with LOTS of other stuff and no real differentiation on how rare is rare. Loss of appetite is also a possible side effect and I wonder how much weight loss correlates with that. Meanwhile, stretch marks and skin thinning are listed as rare, and probably are for general population using them rarely and short term. But not so rare for people with P using them longer term and more continually, at least based upon anecdotal evidence. Still only possible, not definite side effect, but possible and rare are pretty subjective. Anyway, are you trying to start a new thread on P ironies? See anti-itch cream hydrocortisone with itch as possible side effect in another thread. Or the personal but non-P variation where one of my allergies is to calomine lotion, usually used to treat allergic reactions : ) Kim The Psoriasis Newsgroup Resource FAQ can be found at http://pfaq.cjb.net but will also be coming soon (twice a month) to a newsgroup near you…
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>nyway, are you trying to start a new thread on P ironies? See >anti-itch cream hydrocortisone with itch as possible side effect in >another thread. Or the personal but non-P variation where one of my >allergies is to calomine lotion, usually used to treat allergic >reactions : )
My absolute most favorite medication instruction was for a prescription sleeping pill….. Caution: My cause drowsiness Another is the physical impossibility to follow this instruction: Take one pill three times daily. How does a patient take ONE pill THREE times? I tried tying a string on one once, but it just didn’t work! I love this stuff! Ava
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>My absolute most favorite medication instruction was for a prescription >sleeping pill….. >Caution: My cause drowsiness
One of the oldest medical jokes: Nurse (shaking patient): "Wake up, Mr. Smith, it’s time for your sleeping pill!" – Dave W. http://members.aol.com/psorsite/
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>Mmmm along with LOTS of other stuff and no real differentiation on how >rare is rare.
Intellihealth won’t let me back in, for some odd reason, but if I remember correctly, the section with weight gain or loss in it (actually, *rapid* weight gain or loss) was prefaced by a couple of sentences which said, basically, that these were effects that were more likely if the steroids are used for long periods or improperly. >Anyway, are you trying to start a new thread on P ironies? See >anti-itch cream hydrocortisone with itch as possible side effect in >another thread. Or the personal but non-P variation where one of my >allergies is to calomine lotion, usually used to treat allergic >reactions : )
Hehe. No, actually I don’t see anything ironic about weight loss with steroids at all. Weight levels are affected to some extent by the level of steroids (naturally-made or medicinal) in the body, and because of the way that the HPA axis works, I imagine that a weight loss due to sudden termination of steroids could happen (as you said, they don’t really point out under what conditions these things occur). Think of it as another aspect of rebound. Maybe. To get back to James’ questions, though (about his weight gain while using steroids and loss while not): "My question is, is this a normal occurance, and if not, what should I use or take to help treat my affliction?" It’s not "normal" in the sense that everyone experiences this, James, but it’s not unknown, either. None of us here are really qualified to say what you should or shouldn’t do to treat this side effect. You need to speak with the prescribing doctor about it, if possible. A second opinion from another qualified dermatologist wouldn’t hurt. I would also think about speaking to an endocrinologist about it, since they’re the experts in hormonal function. Oh, Kim: cough sryups can cause coughing, Preparation H can cause burning, etc.. The ironies are limitless, and seldom limited to psoriasis. I’ve yet to see a tube of Compound-W say "may cause warts," so there is *some* sanity in the world. :) – Dave W. http://members.aol.com/psorsite/
Response:
Well I heard this from a doctor of mine when I was younger. He said that whatever some people use may not work for others. I know this because my mother used to have a doctor who was unluckily afflicted with Psoriasis and he used to take Niacin Vitamins for it, and his nurse offered advice that maybe I should try it too, because it seemed to work for him. Well my mother went out and bought me a bottle of this stuff, and I had a huge allergic reaction and would have died if I had taken any more. Ok.. That was really OT, but I figured maybe I could illustrate the fact that what one thing does to or for one person maynot do the same to or for the next. All we can do is try new things. I hope my ramblings have helped. ~Valerie
Response:
>…These are >clearly specified as applying to topical steroids and weight gain is >listed as one of the more rare ones…
Interesting to note that weight *loss* is also listed. – Dave W. http://members.aol.com/psorsite/
Response:
I did a little research today for my benifit, I found that topical steroids like Ultravate (halobetasol propionate) does list weight gain as a side effect as well as blurry vision, mood swings, aura’s around lights, fatigue, insomnia. I had printed the piece out on it but I can’t find it, I would have loved to supply it to you all. Especially when I was frustrated and could find nothing about it this morning.
Response:
>I did a little research today for my benifit, I found that topical steroids >like Ultravate (halobetasol propionate) does list weight gain as a side >effect as well as blurry vision, mood swings, aura’s around lights, fatigue, >insomnia. >I had printed the piece out on it but I can’t find it, I would have loved to >supply it to you all. Especially when I was frustrated and could find >nothing about it this morning.
De nada. The following link will take you to side effects from ultravate listed at Johns Hopkins’ Intellihealth site. These are clearly specified as applying to topical steroids and weight gain is listed as one of the more rare ones http://www.intelihealth.com/IH/ihtIH/WSIHW000/19689/20005/222752.html… As Dave pointed out, all of these should be taken as possible side effects not things that will necessarily occur to you. OTOH, neither should they be ignored as possible factors. Especially high potency and/or long term, both of which increase the risks. Kim The Psoriasis Newsgroup Resource FAQ can be found at http://pfaq.cjb.net but will also be coming soon (twice a month) to a newsgroup near you…
Response:
Terry, I may be going out on a limb here, but I think you are wrong when you say it is common to gain weight from TOPICAL steroids.I have been a user of steroids ( topical) for many years and I have read most, if not every piece of literature that the manufacture’s put out , and I have to say that this is the first time that I have heard of such a thing. I wonder if your not getting this confused with ANABOLIC STEROID, which could make you gain weight. I would like to hear other opinions on this matter. Dennis g
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Hi James > It’s pretty common (lots of steroid users suffer the same way). My opinion > is that you should try to get off the steroids altogether, especially after > so long. However *don’t* just stop using them but work down to a weaker > concentration and less frequent application. Your condition will get worse, > but then you can try something else like Exorex, which I am now trying for > the first time, or Dovonex, that I’ve used for ages and has worked for me. > I’ve learned a lot from this ng and hopefully given some sensible advice. > What I would say is that your local doctor is pretty unlikely to be a > dematologist and this is a good place to look for advice. My own doctor now > looks here after I told him about it. > Terry. > Hey everyone, I have psoriasis and have suffered with it since I was in > J.r. > High School. Over 10 years now. I don’t have a severe case of it but I > think > any symptoms are severe. I have been applying a topical steroid that has > made me gain weight with it’s usage and I also have found that I lose > weight > when I don’t use it. > My question is, is this a normal occurance, and if not, what should I use > or > take to help treat my affliction? > Thanks, > James
Response:
> Terry, I may be going out on a limb here, but I think you are wrong when you > say it is common to gain weight from TOPICAL steroids.
I found this link on our newsgroup: http://www.mayohealth.org/mayo/9409/htm/steriods.htm This is just part of what it says: Physicians now recognize that prolonged use of corticosteroids can lead to widespread problems affecting: Metabolism–Your body tends to accumulate fat in your abdomen, around your face ("moon face") and on the back of your neck. Also, levels of blood sugar increase, sometimes leading to or worsening diabetes. Muscular weakness develops. Bones–Formation of new bone is inhibited and calcium is lost in the urine. Osteoporosis and, sometimes, joint damage result. Eyes–Incidence of cataracts increases. Skin–Thinning occurs. Blood vessels near the surface of your skin become more visible. Skin bruises more easily. Wounds heal slowly. Blood pressure–Elevations are common. Immune system–Your body produces fewer disease-fighting antibodies, making you more susceptible to viral, bacterial and fungal infections. Emotions–Some people develop agitation, euphoria, insomnia and, rarely, psychosis. Even though all these side effects are possible with use of corticosteroids, it’s unusual for one person to have them all. These side effects don’t occur with birth control and estrogen medications. Before you buy.
Response:
>I found this link on our newsgroup: >http://www.mayohealth.org/mayo/9409/htm/steriods.htm >This is just part of what it says:
The part you posted is mostly about orally-administered steroids. Pills. The same Web page goes on to say: "Directly applying corticosteroid creams to inflamed skin is virtually risk-free. However, continual use on large areas, such as for psoriasis, can cause problems, including thinning of your skin and reduced production of steroid hormones by your adrenal glands." Even topical doses of steroids can, over long periods of time and/or large areas of skin and/or very high potencies over shorter periods of time (but longer than the usual two-week treatment), induce the same effects as steroids taken by mouth, which is sort of glossed-over by this Mayo page when talking about topical steroids. But, in general, the risks aren’t nearly as large, and as Dennis sort of said, it’s not "common" for such systemic side effects to occur. On the other hand, it’s very important to keep even topical steroids away from the eyes, due to the cataract risk, and thinning skin and stretch marks are probably one of the most common side effects from topical steroids. It’s also important to note that, as the Mayo page says, side effects are only *possibilites*, and not things anyone using any drug will *definitely* have happen to them. I’m sure there are exceptions with some drugs, where every last patient using the drug will experience something odd, but from what I’ve read about the steroids we psoriatics usually use, they’re not in that class. According to the product monographs, some super-potent steroids showed only a 3% incidence of the most-common side effects known to be caused by the drugs themselves. – Dave W. http://members.aol.com/psorsite/
Response:
Hey everyone, I have psoriasis and have suffered with it since I was in J.r. High School. Over 10 years now. I don’t have a severe case of it but I think any symptoms are severe. I have been applying a topical steroid that has made me gain weight with it’s usage and I also have found that I lose weight when I don’t use it. My question is, is this a normal occurance, and if not, what should I use or take to help treat my affliction? Thanks, James
Response:
Hi James It’s pretty common (lots of steroid users suffer the same way). My opinion is that you should try to get off the steroids altogether, especially after so long. However *don’t* just stop using them but work down to a weaker concentration and less frequent application. Your condition will get worse, but then you can try something else like Exorex, which I am now trying for the first time, or Dovonex, that I’ve used for ages and has worked for me. I’ve learned a lot from this ng and hopefully given some sensible advice. What I would say is that your local doctor is pretty unlikely to be a dematologist and this is a good place to look for advice. My own doctor now looks here after I told him about it. Terry. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Hey everyone, I have psoriasis and have suffered with it since I was in J.r. > High School. Over 10 years now. I don’t have a severe case of it but I think > any symptoms are severe. I have been applying a topical steroid that has > made me gain weight with it’s usage and I also have found that I lose weight > when I don’t use it. > My question is, is this a normal occurance, and if not, what should I use or > take to help treat my affliction? > Thanks, > James
Response:
>>…These are >clearly specified as applying to topical steroids and weight gain is >listed as one of the more rare ones… >Interesting to note that weight *loss* is also listed.
Mmmm along with LOTS of other stuff and no real differentiation on how rare is rare. Loss of appetite is also a possible side effect and I wonder how much weight loss correlates with that. Meanwhile, stretch marks and skin thinning are listed as rare, and probably are for general population using them rarely and short term. But not so rare for people with P using them longer term and more continually, at least based upon anecdotal evidence. Still only possible, not definite side effect, but possible and rare are pretty subjective. Anyway, are you trying to start a new thread on P ironies? See anti-itch cream hydrocortisone with itch as possible side effect in another thread. Or the personal but non-P variation where one of my allergies is to calomine lotion, usually used to treat allergic reactions : ) Kim The Psoriasis Newsgroup Resource FAQ can be found at http://pfaq.cjb.net but will also be coming soon (twice a month) to a newsgroup near you…
Response:
>nyway, are you trying to start a new thread on P ironies? See >anti-itch cream hydrocortisone with itch as possible side effect in >another thread. Or the personal but non-P variation where one of my >allergies is to calomine lotion, usually used to treat allergic >reactions : )
My absolute most favorite medication instruction was for a prescription sleeping pill….. Caution: My cause drowsiness Another is the physical impossibility to follow this instruction: Take one pill three times daily. How does a patient take ONE pill THREE times? I tried tying a string on one once, but it just didn’t work! I love this stuff! Ava
Response:
>My absolute most favorite medication instruction was for a prescription >sleeping pill….. >Caution: My cause drowsiness
One of the oldest medical jokes: Nurse (shaking patient): "Wake up, Mr. Smith, it’s time for your sleeping pill!" – Dave W. http://members.aol.com/psorsite/
Response:
>Mmmm along with LOTS of other stuff and no real differentiation on how >rare is rare.
Intellihealth won’t let me back in, for some odd reason, but if I remember correctly, the section with weight gain or loss in it (actually, *rapid* weight gain or loss) was prefaced by a couple of sentences which said, basically, that these were effects that were more likely if the steroids are used for long periods or improperly. >Anyway, are you trying to start a new thread on P ironies? See >anti-itch cream hydrocortisone with itch as possible side effect in >another thread. Or the personal but non-P variation where one of my >allergies is to calomine lotion, usually used to treat allergic >reactions : )
Hehe. No, actually I don’t see anything ironic about weight loss with steroids at all. Weight levels are affected to some extent by the level of steroids (naturally-made or medicinal) in the body, and because of the way that the HPA axis works, I imagine that a weight loss due to sudden termination of steroids could happen (as you said, they don’t really point out under what conditions these things occur). Think of it as another aspect of rebound. Maybe. To get back to James’ questions, though (about his weight gain while using steroids and loss while not): "My question is, is this a normal occurance, and if not, what should I use or take to help treat my affliction?" It’s not "normal" in the sense that everyone experiences this, James, but it’s not unknown, either. None of us here are really qualified to say what you should or shouldn’t do to treat this side effect. You need to speak with the prescribing doctor about it, if possible. A second opinion from another qualified dermatologist wouldn’t hurt. I would also think about speaking to an endocrinologist about it, since they’re the experts in hormonal function. Oh, Kim: cough sryups can cause coughing, Preparation H can cause burning, etc.. The ironies are limitless, and seldom limited to psoriasis. I’ve yet to see a tube of Compound-W say "may cause warts," so there is *some* sanity in the world. :) – Dave W. http://members.aol.com/psorsite/
Response:
Well I heard this from a doctor of mine when I was younger. He said that whatever some people use may not work for others. I know this because my mother used to have a doctor who was unluckily afflicted with Psoriasis and he used to take Niacin Vitamins for it, and his nurse offered advice that maybe I should try it too, because it seemed to work for him. Well my mother went out and bought me a bottle of this stuff, and I had a huge allergic reaction and would have died if I had taken any more. Ok.. That was really OT, but I figured maybe I could illustrate the fact that what one thing does to or for one person maynot do the same to or for the next. All we can do is try new things. I hope my ramblings have helped. ~Valerie
Response:
>…These are >clearly specified as applying to topical steroids and weight gain is >listed as one of the more rare ones…
Interesting to note that weight *loss* is also listed. – Dave W. http://members.aol.com/psorsite/
Response:
I did a little research today for my benifit, I found that topical steroids like Ultravate (halobetasol propionate) does list weight gain as a side effect as well as blurry vision, mood swings, aura’s around lights, fatigue, insomnia. I had printed the piece out on it but I can’t find it, I would have loved to supply it to you all. Especially when I was frustrated and could find nothing about it this morning.
Response:
>I did a little research today for my benifit, I found that topical steroids >like Ultravate (halobetasol propionate) does list weight gain as a side >effect as well as blurry vision, mood swings, aura’s around lights, fatigue, >insomnia. >I had printed the piece out on it but I can’t find it, I would have loved to >supply it to you all. Especially when I was frustrated and could find >nothing about it this morning.
De nada. The following link will take you to side effects from ultravate listed at Johns Hopkins’ Intellihealth site. These are clearly specified as applying to topical steroids and weight gain is listed as one of the more rare ones http://www.intelihealth.com/IH/ihtIH/WSIHW000/19689/20005/222752.html… As Dave pointed out, all of these should be taken as possible side effects not things that will necessarily occur to you. OTOH, neither should they be ignored as possible factors. Especially high potency and/or long term, both of which increase the risks. Kim The Psoriasis Newsgroup Resource FAQ can be found at http://pfaq.cjb.net but will also be coming soon (twice a month) to a newsgroup near you…
Response:
Terry, I may be going out on a limb here, but I think you are wrong when you say it is common to gain weight from TOPICAL steroids.I have been a user of steroids ( topical) for many years and I have read most, if not every piece of literature that the manufacture’s put out , and I have to say that this is the first time that I have heard of such a thing. I wonder if your not getting this confused with ANABOLIC STEROID, which could make you gain weight. I would like to hear other opinions on this matter. Dennis g
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Hi James > It’s pretty common (lots of steroid users suffer the same way). My opinion > is that you should try to get off the steroids altogether, especially after > so long. However *don’t* just stop using them but work down to a weaker > concentration and less frequent application. Your condition will get worse, > but then you can try something else like Exorex, which I am now trying for > the first time, or Dovonex, that I’ve used for ages and has worked for me. > I’ve learned a lot from this ng and hopefully given some sensible advice. > What I would say is that your local doctor is pretty unlikely to be a > dematologist and this is a good place to look for advice. My own doctor now > looks here after I told him about it. > Terry. > Hey everyone, I have psoriasis and have suffered with it since I was in > J.r. > High School. Over 10 years now. I don’t have a severe case of it but I > think > any symptoms are severe. I have been applying a topical steroid that has > made me gain weight with it’s usage and I also have found that I lose > weight > when I don’t use it. > My question is, is this a normal occurance, and if not, what should I use > or > take to help treat my affliction? > Thanks, > James
Response:
> Terry, I may be going out on a limb here, but I think you are wrong when you > say it is common to gain weight from TOPICAL steroids.
I found this link on our newsgroup: http://www.mayohealth.org/mayo/9409/htm/steriods.htm This is just part of what it says: Physicians now recognize that prolonged use of corticosteroids can lead to widespread problems affecting: Metabolism–Your body tends to accumulate fat in your abdomen, around your face ("moon face") and on the back of your neck. Also, levels of blood sugar increase, sometimes leading to or worsening diabetes. Muscular weakness develops. Bones–Formation of new bone is inhibited and calcium is lost in the urine. Osteoporosis and, sometimes, joint damage result. Eyes–Incidence of cataracts increases. Skin–Thinning occurs. Blood vessels near the surface of your skin become more visible. Skin bruises more easily. Wounds heal slowly. Blood pressure–Elevations are common. Immune system–Your body produces fewer disease-fighting antibodies, making you more susceptible to viral, bacterial and fungal infections. Emotions–Some people develop agitation, euphoria, insomnia and, rarely, psychosis. Even though all these side effects are possible with use of corticosteroids, it’s unusual for one person to have them all. These side effects don’t occur with birth control and estrogen medications. Before you buy.
Response:
>I found this link on our newsgroup: >http://www.mayohealth.org/mayo/9409/htm/steriods.htm >This is just part of what it says:
The part you posted is mostly about orally-administered steroids. Pills. The same Web page goes on to say: "Directly applying corticosteroid creams to inflamed skin is virtually risk-free. However, continual use on large areas, such as for psoriasis, can cause problems, including thinning of your skin and reduced production of steroid hormones by your adrenal glands." Even topical doses of steroids can, over long periods of time and/or large areas of skin and/or very high potencies over shorter periods of time (but longer than the usual two-week treatment), induce the same effects as steroids taken by mouth, which is sort of glossed-over by this Mayo page when talking about topical steroids. But, in general, the risks aren’t nearly as large, and as Dennis sort of said, it’s not "common" for such systemic side effects to occur. On the other hand, it’s very important to keep even topical steroids away from the eyes, due to the cataract risk, and thinning skin and stretch marks are probably one of the most common side effects from topical steroids. It’s also important to note that, as the Mayo page says, side effects are only *possibilites*, and not things anyone using any drug will *definitely* have happen to them. I’m sure there are exceptions with some drugs, where every last patient using the drug will experience something odd, but from what I’ve read about the steroids we psoriatics usually use, they’re not in that class. According to the product monographs, some super-potent steroids showed only a 3% incidence of the most-common side effects known to be caused by the drugs themselves. – Dave W. http://members.aol.com/psorsite/
Response:
Hey everyone, I have psoriasis and have suffered with it since I was in J.r. High School. Over 10 years now. I don’t have a severe case of it but I think any symptoms are severe. I have been applying a topical steroid that has made me gain weight with it’s usage and I also have found that I lose weight when I don’t use it. My question is, is this a normal occurance, and if not, what should I use or take to help treat my affliction? Thanks, James
Response:
Hi James It’s pretty common (lots of steroid users suffer the same way). My opinion is that you should try to get off the steroids altogether, especially after so long. However *don’t* just stop using them but work down to a weaker concentration and less frequent application. Your condition will get worse, but then you can try something else like Exorex, which I am now trying for the first time, or Dovonex, that I’ve used for ages and has worked for me. I’ve learned a lot from this ng and hopefully given some sensible advice. What I would say is that your local doctor is pretty unlikely to be a dematologist and this is a good place to look for advice. My own doctor now looks here after I told him about it. Terry. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Hey everyone, I have psoriasis and have suffered with it since I was in J.r. > High School. Over 10 years now. I don’t have a severe case of it but I think > any symptoms are severe. I have been applying a topical steroid that has > made me gain weight with it’s usage and I also have found that I lose weight > when I don’t use it. > My question is, is this a normal occurance, and if not, what should I use or > take to help treat my affliction? > Thanks, > James
Response:
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