We made it to Utah! Jeff did all of the driving on Sunday, so, since I woke up feeling half-way decent, I thought I'd give him a break and do some of the driving myself on Monday. We got off to a late start (11:00) since I wanted to really take it slow and easy, nevertheless, we were encouraged that we'd make it to Utah before days end. But only after about 1/2 hour of driving, I was fatigued and pulled over after about 45 minutes. Jeff drove all the rest of the way. I can't believe it! He's usually in so much pain after just being a passenger for just a few hours. We were really blessed to be able to make it all the way with only one overnight stay!
I definitely seem to feel better if I eat every two hours, but still the fatigue is really apparent at all times. We drove around a little to explore and see what retail stores are around here. They seem to have a lot of the basics, with an overabundance of dental services for some reason! Then I laid down today for several hours and even fell asleep for about 1/2 hour. Obviously, I'm at least feeling up to blogging! Jordan, Becca and the kids are bringing dinner tonight and if I'm up to it, we'll go over to the Hot Springs Pools. Apparently Brookie is addicted to swimming now and would never forgive anyone for not giving her that opportunity while she's out at Oma's house!
Jenelle used to work for a physician, here in Utah, who is an M.D. but also practices Alternative Medicine. Since I'm going to be here for awhile, I called to make an appointment. The soonest I could get in as a new patient was September! That doctor has such a great reputation it's apparently a challenge to get in. I seriously hope my symptoms have gone away by then but I went ahead and scheduled. As soon as I mentioned that I was Jenelle's daughter, they could "squeeze me in" on July 30! OK, I'll take it! I was planning on being in Utah then anyway so that works out great. I also did get on a waiting list in case an appointment comes available while I'm here during this trip.
I've continued to read my book about Adrenal Fatigue. I'm pretty sure I have that to some degree. I'm going to try and implement most of the recommendations, especially the food recommendations. I'm in the process of putting together a grocery list for Jeff. However, I think it might be hard for him to find exactly what I'm going to ask for without going to a health food store, so I'm going to do some research to see what might be available around here.
Additionally, my daughter-in-law's mother, Linda Wilson, has kindly set me up with someone here in Utah who does acupressure in hopes of alleviating some of my symptoms. I want to feel good, but I'm actually a little nervous about feeling a lot better and then overdoing things (I should be so lucky!) - I'll have to find that balance!
I'm even thinking that when I get back to Oregon, I might try seeing another Neurologist outside of the regular medical group that I've been treating with. I would really be interested to see what their opinion is about all of the Tegretol I've been taking for so long. I'm wondering if some of my symptoms that seem completely unrelated, really are. Also, what is the possibility that some of these symptoms might be permanent. Yikes, I hope they're not, but I want to see what I can do to prevent any further damage. So many questions, so little answers.
Although it's strange that I have had such awful symptoms that started so seemingly suddenly in March, I've been feeling some of these things for awhile. And a few weird symptoms that don't seem related but ya never know. Maybe I have something that has been coming on for a long time but just now blew out my health almost completely?
This next section is not anything any of you need to keep reading on for. I'm just making a list of my symptoms, their severity and how long I've had them just for my own documentation. The next time I see a doctor, I'm wanting to have a more complete list so I'll copy and paste into a Word document and take along.
Dizzy, Equilibrium issues (severe symptoms started April 4)
Imbalance, hard to walk straight most of the time (started April 4)
Mild Fatigue - started a couple of years ago
Moderate Fatigue - started about 1 1/2 years ago and got worse especially in February-ish
Severe Fatigue - started week of April 4
Fatigue "attacks" - started week of April 4
Ringing in ears - started about 1 1/2 years ago and progressively getting worse
Pressure in my right ear like being in an airplane - April 5 (still has not gone away)
Hearing problems associated with the pressure
Muscle spasms in lower back and upper back/shoulders (like "micro-shakiness"). Super tight or tense since April 4. Sometimes big jerks especially when trying to relax.
Achy lower back - really prone to injury (years)
Calves ache most of the time (since about February or March)
Muddy thinking, memory issues (gradual for a few years, but really bad over last few months)
Occasional slurred speech since April 4
Infrequent stuttering (since April 4)
Occasional tightness in chest. Irregular heart rhythm.
Mild, occasional headaches
"wrinkley" fingers (like Ive been soaking in the tub for an hour) from time to time over the last several months
Achy pain near kidneys, especially after laying down on back for more than an hour
Double and/or blurry vision since about January. Not as bad over the last month.
Right eye bulge. Started at least 8-10 years ago but getting progressively worse lately. Hard to get right eye closed all the way sometimes when relaxing or trying to fall asleep.
Numerous colds and flu-like respiratory illnesses over last two years. Bad cold in January & March with a really bad flu-like illness in February. Immune system seems really compromised.
Scratches and cuts take weeks even months to heal.
Chronic post-nasal drip (for several years now)
Dizzy when sitting up from laying down, dizzy when standing from sitting, dizzy when sitting after a little while and need to stand up to clear dizziness (like sitting for awhile during hair or doctor's appointments, etc)
(Well, that's all I can think of for now)!
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