I've been putting off the decision of whether or not to participate in LetterMo this year. I have a lot going on but the biggest issue is my hands. For some time now I've been in a lot of pain with them, my forearms, and shoulders. In fact, that pain is one of the reasons I bombed last year during LetterMo.
For awhile I thought the pain was caused by Carpal Tunnel Syndrome then I started to think the cause might be something else. Finally, when the pain got to the point of keeping me up crying at night, I went to my physician. She diagnosed me with Diabetic Neuropathy and prescribed Lyrica. She suspects I may also have Fibromyalgia but we'll pursue that theory later.
I absolutely detest prescription drugs but as a Diabetic Type 1 I use insulin and some necessary medications and understand that not all are the devil. I wrestled with the Lyrica idea for awhile, about three minutes, but knew that without intervention I was doomed. Not only was I in agony a good deal of the time, I'd gotten to the point of dropping items and a small amount of muscle wasting had begun. I had to do something. It's been a little more than two weeks since starting Lyrica and the relief I've experienced is nothing short of amazing.
I have mild side effects, mainly Vertigo (something I had before Lyrica but that seems to be a bit aggravated by the new medication) and sleepiness not long after taking it. Those have improved in the last week, though. I still hurt at times, most often when I wake in the mornings and in the late evenings, but the pain is nothing compared to what it was. I actually sleep now, better than I have in years. I'm able to hold a book or my Kindle again, I can prepare a meal without discomfort or dropping a pan and best of all, I can write letters again!
I've only written a couple of short letters so far. My handwriting has suffered and I'm working on improving it but if you want to take a chance on me, send me a note or letter to the address on the right side of your screen.
Zeus willing and the creek don't rise I'll succeed at sending you a reply!
Denise, I can relate to this. I've been on Lyrica before but I stopped taking it a long time ago. I have all the same symptoms you are describing but mine was diagnosed as Rheumatoid Arthritis and Fibromyalgia. I'm taking methotrexate currently and for awhile I was doing really well until right around December. I wake in the mornings and my hands/joints are swollen. I have been having problems with my right arm and shoulder to the point where I cry because I cannot move it or lift it. It hurts to lay down sometimes. I also have been having the same problem with my foot. I've been going through this since 2005. I think I go into remission for several months and then it starts back up again. Last year during LetterMo was really bad for me. It's so frustrating but I try to remain positive and I write in my journal every day that I am in perfect health. It's about all I can do. I hope you continue to do well on the medication.
ReplyDeleteJarieLyn I'm glad you're feeling better. We're members of the same club, just a different diagnosis. Relief comes in unexpected ways. Be well.
DeleteJarieLyn, thanks for the comment! As horrible as this is, it's good to know I'm not alone in it. I hope you improve soon and the improvement hangs around awhile. :)
ReplyDeleteI just found your blog and am very interested in the "month of letters". Is this going on for this year 2014 and if so is it too late to start? I am your newest follower. Hope you feel better soon. Wendy
ReplyDeleteWendy, it's not too late! LetterMo starts on the first of February. Did you check out the link in the post? If not, go there, sign up and look around. :)
DeleteHello Denise! I've found your blog via other snail mail blogs, and I'm participating in LetterMo for the first time. Because of the generosity of LetterMo participants and my friends and family, I'm way over the expectations of a minimum of 23 letters in one month. However, for me, this will be a huge challenge as I only get 1-2 letters out a week usually. I'm adding your info into my postable. Some time this year, I look forward to writing to you! Take care! Melissa www.postable.com/melissahungria
ReplyDeleteMelissa, thanks for stopping by and leaving a comment. :) Good luck with the challenge!
ReplyDeleteDenise, I'm grateful for your relief and ease. Be well.
ReplyDeleteCyber daughter, I just now found your blog, or maybe found it again, I don't know for sure. LOL After all I am old as dirt. Will be reading more of your entries, and learning more about LetterMO. Glad to hear you are experiencing pain relief.
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