headaches, no appetite & depression

[CathyE]

I decided to post this here as I would think it might be a common problem for people with chronic pain. Yes, it’s a bit of a vent and a request for food suggestions for the “no appetite crowd”.

I need help. My nerves have gotten the best of me, I am waiting to see my Psychiatrist on Aug.16th.
I lost my appetite about 4 months ago and have lost a little more than 10 pounds so I am now down to 95 pounds. Mind you I am only 5 foot 1 inch tall, but my ideal weight is probably 105-108 pounds, as that’s when I feel my best.

I have Hydrocephalus and I am positive I am having symptoms from over draining (daytime only) & under draining at night making the benefit of my shunt negligible. So it’s headaches every day and a few lie downs (which I hate!) for relief, along with Tramacet. And the straw that broke … is that a few weeks ago I tried very hard to cook a casserole (as that’s the kind of food that appeals to me) and I got too flared half way thru and had to give up. (I reached the point I literally couldn’t think/function).
Now I’m afraid to try again (plus I have very little energy from my poor eating and nerves).

So, I’m asking for emotional support AND does anyone know if there is a good thread on food to eat when you’ve lost your appetite or to cook when it’s hard to be up long enough for most cooking?
Because I am on pain meds, I am having constipation problems (I am making progress there), but still afraid to eat bananas, rice, apples and cheese, 4 of the foods I would eat at a time like this.
I am very sensitive to salt and additives, and even peppers (red,green,etc.). I hate anything spicy or with herbs. Also that artificial gravy taste in a lot of prepared foods. So I can’t even seem to find healthy frozen foods I like!

Well that’s my vent for now.
Thanks in advance,
Cathy

[kman78]

Hi Cathy,
Have you talked to your doctor about you ha and stomach problems to make sure your shunt is working properly? If not, I would strongly suggest that you do. Otherwise, I really do hope that you feel better.

best wishes,
kurt

[Tbackpain1]

So, the headaches are definitely from the shunt...the appetite issues could be a combination of things, but there are options. I went below the 100lb mark and my docs about freaked. I'm 5'7", so I was a walking skeleton. My meds totally tanked my appetite, in combination with feeling like crud and having no motivation to cook really took its toll on me putting weight back on.

First, about the cooking. Have you checked into crock pot recipes? I use my crock pot probably 4 days a week, so that there's a hot meal ready for when hubs comes home and so I'm not standing in the kitchen, preparing, cooking and cleaning, as kitchen work really makes my back pain go through the roof. I toss everything in the crock pot and set it on low and Voila! 6-8 hrs later there is dinner, just waiting to be served. I've modified recipes that have ingredients that I don't like, so don't worry about it...lots of times things like peppers are listed as optional anyway.

Now, the tramacet? I'm going to take a wild guess and say that there's tylenol in this medication. Tylenol can irritate your stomach, so don't blame it all on the shunt. If it were me, I'd hit up a GI specialist and see what their take is on your overall situation and they can make recommendations about what's best for your situation. I was referred to a nutritionist (registered dietician) for consultations, because I found it so hard to tolerate solids...I would eat solids and after a few bites be ready to puke my guts out. And I was NOT absorbing critical nutrients in my GI tract as a result, which was making other health issues worse. I was put on a prescription appetite stimulant for a couple of months until I got back over the 105lb mark, and it was definitely very helpful for me, but before we did anything, I had the entire GI inspected, from top to bottom to make sure there was no evidence of any new health issues.

Unexplained weight loss

If you find you're losing excessive weight without intending to do so, see your doctor. Unintentional excessive weight loss is considered to be a loss of more than:


5 percent of your weight within one month
10 percent of your weight within six to 12 months

An unexplained drop in weight could be caused by a number of conditions, such as an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism), depression, liver disease, cancer or other noncancerous disorders, or disorders that interfere with how well your body absorbs nutrients (malabsorption disorders).

Feeling full after eating very little

Feeling full sooner than normal after eating and having persistent nausea and vomiting that last more than a week are warning signs that should be checked by your doctor. There are many possible causes, including pancreatic cancer, stomach cancer and ovarian cancer.

From MSN health pages




Its often a cascade effect..one health issue sparks a host of others, and its anyone's guess as to which came first, the chicken or the egg. Best of luck to you.

Theresa

[CathyE]

Hi Cathy,
Have you talked to your doctor about you ha and stomach problems to make sure your shunt is working properly?

Yes, my Neurosurgeon thinks everything is just fine :confused:
I am trying to get him to order another Catscan for a look see!
Altho, it could just be HA's a lot of shunted people get.

Yes, I've talked with my GP/PCP but he said he doesn't know a dietician :confused: BUT I paid a dietician I found $400 for very little help. I was SO disappointed with her.

Thanks,
Cathy

[CathyE]

Theresa,
I do use my crockpot sometimes, but just the cutting food & mixing I often find too much because I have to be totally upright and that triggers worse HA's like what happened when I tried to cook a casserole last time.

I think I am too scared of getting that flared again, it's sort of paralyzing!

Cathy
PS I forgot about the appetite stimulant you mentioned! I will be asking about that for sure! Thanks

[GardeniaGirl]

I wanted to say that I totally understand your frustration.

I battle low appetite as well.

Mine is from drug-induced depression and nausea from migraines.

Plus, when i feel stressed, I don't eat.

Then the less I eat, the less I feel like eating.

its a vicious cycle.

I have dropped a few pounds in the past few months, but I am holding steady at about the lowest weight I prefer being at (115lbs 5'4")....

I have been as low as 100lbs and it is not pretty!!!

I have tried drinking ScandiShakes on occasion- you can order them over the net- you mix it with yogurt, milk, etc to make a milkshake. It has 600 calories (plus any from the other ingredients you use) per serving and comes in 3 flavors.

that is an easy way to get 700 or more calories in one serving. and they taste pretty good.

I try my hardest to eat high calorie, high protein, high fat foods when I am able to eat.

One thing that usually tastes good to me is avocadoes - and thosee are very high fat but healthy.

I go through the problem of nothing really tasting good - so it becomes a chore just to get the calories in.

maybe others will have more ideas.

This is an area I have struggled with off and on for years- I wish there were easy solutions- for me, its a battle at times.

[Tbackpain1]

I hear both of you GG and Cathy. Its a viscious cycle.

About the preparation for cooking...is there anywhere you can sit down? I have an island in my kitchen and I sit on a stool to do my prep work, and I take it in bits and pieces. For certain additions, like the veggies, I try to buy precut veg, like broccoli flowerets, rather than spears, or chopped spinach rather than leaf, and the like. You can even buy presliced or diced potato in the canned goods section. These little shortcuts make a huge difference in prep time for me and allow me to cook those comfort food meals. Using the condensed soups for the gravy portion is another cheat, rather than making a gravy from broth and roux. It does take some time, but I break it down into manageable periods for me, usually 10 mins standing then a stretch out. Its frustrating to say the least, when I used to be able to whip up gourmet dinners for us, but hubs seems to be adjusted ok, and food for me is just something to nourish right now, rather than be about the way flavors mix and the presentation. For the mixing part, I just dump everything into my Kitchen Aid mixer with the beater on and then pour it off into the crock pot. It does make an extra dish, but hubs takes care of loading the dishwasher and washing pots and stuff, since I can't bend too well to load/unload and I can't stand long enough to do the pots. I just put some water in it to soak till he gets in from work.

The shakes...I mix mine from a protein shake base you can get at GNC and other nutrition retailers (not the body builder kind, just concentrated protein). To that, I add fresh fruit (strawberries, banana, blueberries, etc.), yogurt or ice cream, milk and a vitamin powder, and then a bit of ice. Whip it up and presto, instant meal. When its finished, there's anywhere from 600-800 calories, depending on the additions I put in. I base that on what I've already eaten in a single day and try to make up the difference, since tolerating solids has been my biggest fight. Casserole, soup, mushy stuff is fine, but the sight of a grilled filet mignon just makes me gag!

I know we used to have a crock pot recipe thread around here somewhere, but I don't know if it was lost in the crash. If you'd like, I'd be happy to share the recipes I have...allrecipes.com is a great place to start if you're interested.

Theresa

[Mark N]

Sorry you are having such a difficult time right now. It does overwhelm us at times and it can be a vicious cycle where you feel bad don't eat and it makes you weaker causing you to feel worse. For those days I drink products designed to maintain your weight and replace a meal. I also use the microwave single meals for days I can't get going. There are meals that are already prepped for the crock pot and you just dump it in and turn it on.

For constipation I use glycolax [nothing worked for me and I mean nothing] and it helps quite a bit so I don't have to be so concerned about foods that will keep me constipated. I understand being overwhelmed and I hope some of the ideas posted here help you get through this.

[CathyE]

Thanks everyone. At least I know I'm not alone with this problem! (misery loves company, now that's not nice, is it!)

I'd love simple crock pot recipes. You could post them over at "Food Court" somewhere! But as I already said, even sitting at the table "prepping" food can flare me pretty fast. I have to admit our weather has been a huge HA trigger for quite awhile now-hot and humid for a long time!

And I do use website recipe sites, but can't use the laptop very long lately to have a good look-also triggers my HA's (or increases them dramatically).

Theresa:
Now about the protein shake powder. I can't find any that is not soy based. (and any I've tried that are soy baste I can't stand!). Is the one you use made from soy? If not, how do I describe it or what's it made from?

Luckily I found some soy puddings that are the only soy product I have found OK and I eat a high fibre cookie with it, so there's one healthy snack a day!

Well, I've come away with several ideas! So thanks.
I certainly chose the right forum for this!
Cathy

[CathyE]

Mark,
I was typing my reply when you posted, so I missed yours.
Thanks. It's good to talk to people who understand. I will have to look into the glycolax.
Then maybe I can eat cheese, rice, apples and bananas again!
Do you think it might be OK, starting one at a time? Of course I'll have to see how I react to the glycolax, if we have it in Canada. I'm assuming it is not a stimulant - am I right?

Now I've never seen meals ready for the crockpot. Maybe they haven't made it to Canada yet! BUT they might have that pretend gravy I so detest!
It doesn't help that I always preferred cooked from scratch meals, well except for using canned soups & beans!
I actually used to find cooking relaxing after a day at work!

Thanks to everyone again,
Cathy

[Peter B]

Cathy,
I just wanted to chime in to let you know that no, you certainly are not alone in the appetite department. Sometimes when I can't eat I'll reach the point where I know if I don't eat, I'll start to feel sick. So I forced something down. I find that a tomato sandwhich or PB&J slide down pretty well if I drink something with it.
If I mention my lack of appetite and weight loss I will inevitably get a comment from family about how they wish that THEY had that problem. (ignorance is rampant in my family).

Pain free days,
Pete

[CathyE]

If I mention my lack of appetite and weight loss I will inevitably get a comment from family about how they wish that THEY had that problem. (ignorance is rampant in my family).

Pain free days,
Pete

Yes, "healthy people" just don't get it!
Just eat something! as if it were that simple!
Thanks for speaking up & joining "our group" !
Not that anyone wants to belong to it!
Cathy
PS one of my "heaalthy snacks" is toast with organic peanut butter and a glass of milk. Basically I'm living on healthy snacks and Boost with extra protein.

I'm going to look into those protein shake powders that were mentioned - just hope there's one that's not soy based and tastes OK!

[Mark N]

Pete, sorry to hear your family is so unaware and show it with that comment. Our lives would be so much easier if the people around us understood our situation better, unfortunately not many of them can understand.

[shotspine]

I am in this same boat and it is really horrible. I'm too tired to write now but wanted to stop in and tell Cathy about Whey Protein Powder. I buy the NOW brand and I like it alot. Also look for Whole Foods Powder and/or Liquid. These are very good for you and can be made into smoothies or just add juice or even water.......or add whatever you want. You can buy bags of frozen fruit and berries, mixed or not. Makes great frozen shakes or smoothies. I buy flats of raspberries and blueberries and freeze them for eating all winter. Then supplement with frozen bags of mixed fruits. My freezer is so full of berries right now, I can't get to anything else. I live right by raspberry/blueberry/corn farms....all organic and very yummy......and much less expensive than store bought.

I'll come back when I can think of other things I try to make. Like you, I can't stand frozen meals and I've tried them all, some several times. They always go to my dog after about 3 bites. Yogurt, cottage cheese, jello....add fruit or tomatoes and/or avocados. Store bought yogurt smoothies are good too and much more nutritious than Boost.

Hope everyone is sleeping comfortably as I'm the only one here. I've been in bed but needed to get up for awhile and about ready to go back for another couple hours of sleep. Oh, my diet today was popcorn and a small piece of chicken. When NOTHING sounds good....popcorn usually works.

Sweet Dreams to all!!

[CathyE]

Shotspine,
Thanks so much for telling me about Whey protein powder!
I actually have a car today so I'll go try to find some!

As for popcorn, I don't eat it anymore. Maybe my teeth are getting dull :eek:
But I hate ending up with a mouthfull of corn fibre!
Cathy

[shotspine]

Just a quick note.....
I asked my chiropractor what would she suggest I use to keep my liver as happy as possible. She gave me a fairly long list which I couldn't afford so asked her for top 3. They are Milk Thistle, Whole Foods, and Whey protein. Nice added benefit if using the above anyway. All of these are readily available in any natural foods store or grocery/drug store with natural foods section.

[Violet]

I started a thread called Quick and Easy Crockpot recipes in the Food Court if you want to take a look at it. There are links to a couple of recipes that I have tried that have minimal prep time.

And Tbackpain1, you're absolutely right, allrecipes.com is great.

[CathyE]

Thanks Violet! I've already printed them! Sure look easy !

Believe it or not when I cook a beef roast I add low salt/fat chicken stock!
I've even seen & heard chef's on TV do the same thing !

So your hubby has Hydro & has had unnecessary surgeries. That's bad :( How's he doing now? They are finding lots of surgeries can cause more problems later, unfortunately. But if you need it (when the NS is right) you need it, what can you do!?
I hope he's doing well, you too, since I don't know about you!
Cathy

[GardeniaGirl]

One thing that I encounter a lot is people commenting on my weight, my figure, how slim I am, etc....and they think it is perfectly OK to do this! They say things about how do I stay so slim, how can I eat cheesecake and still be thin, etc.

(I do tend to eat very large, high-calorie meals when I am out at restaurants and things - and also I am Italian and love food and eating and always have).

These are people who have no idea about my health problems.

I realize they are either jealous or trying to compliment me in some weird way, but it really does get annoying.

I was also thin before I had health problems - so its more like genetics too.

I hate it because I have to say something - and I just feel someone else's weight and body type is no one else's business. I would never in a million years dream of making a comment like that to someone who was overweight, and yet, since I am thin, it seems like its fair game.

[Mark N]

GG, you are right about not commenting on a person's body shape. I have found out and decided it is better all around to have a pat answer to use in those situations. I get those comments about my spinal issue ie "you are really moving very good today" when I am in great pain. I used to think I am misleading them and not telling them about how much pain I was in but realized they wouldn't ever understand. Now I just say I am hanging in there when asked how I am doing.

Is there a noncommittal response you can use about your weight. Just a thought about how to deal with these comments.

[GardeniaGirl]

Mark, I believe that my personal health problems are not everyone's business, so I don't feel obligated to inform every acquaintance and co-worker about them. Some may consider this lying or covering up- but for me, it spares me from a lot of intrusive and annoying comments.

If someone comments on my figure, my weight, or what type of food I am eating, I usually just smile or something. Sometimes I mention that my mom is 5'3" and weighs around 110 and that my brother is 6' 145lbs - so skinny genes run in the family.

I use this with people who are not close friends- acquaintances, casual friends, most of my co-workers.

People I trust, who I consider a close friend, don't make comments about my weight because they understand what I have gone through the past 10 years with my health. They have seen me when I weighed 20 lbs less than I do now, so they probably actually are happy to see me eating a large meal.

What bothers me is that it is considered socially appropriate to comment on someone's weight if they are thin, but its considered rude if the person is overweight.

Can you imagine someone commenting to an overweight person, "are you sure you should be eating that cheesecake?" -- and yet, I get comments all the time when I eat candy or desserts in front of people.

I know in the big picture of life its really no big deal, but for some reason, it just really bugs me.

And it feels good to complain about it on here!!!!

lol

[Lea]

When I was on Tramadol my appetite dropped like a stone. Appetite loss is one of the side effects of the Tramadol. You are taking the one with the added Tylenol.

Something to consider

[Mark N]

GG, I agree that my health isn't anyone else's business but I also know that many of my friends do care so the answer about hanging in there because they really don't want the details.

I understand what you mean about the disconnect between what is said to the thin but is considered rude to the obese. I try to ignore the comments that bother me because life is to short to worry about who is insulting me, if they only knew all the things they could insult me about lol.

[CathyE]

When I was on Tramadol my appetite dropped like a stone. Appetite loss is one of the side effects of the Tramadol. You are taking the one with the added Tylenol.

Gee, I missed that on the info sheet!
Now THAT is very useful info! Maybe time to try something else.

My problem is that I need something like Tylenol with codeine, But codeine gives me rebound HAs, and Tramacet fit the need. I will ask if there is another med to help with my HA's. Problem is I am sensitive to drugs (usually need low doses, but not really for the Tramacet,it doesn't feel strong).
I tried a mild Percocet type and it gave me halucinations. Guess I don't like "street drugs affects" :rolleyes:
My head's messed up enough without help :D When I get really flared I literally can't think or take in what people are saying :(
Then I'm OK after a rest.

Thanks for the info!
Cathy
PS I didn't miss the the loss of appetite ont eh info sheet, it isn't there. Maybe it's because it only contains 37.5mg Tramadol with 325 mg. "Tylenol". (finally a reply about being asked it if had Tylenol in it!)

[Tbackpain1]

Tramadol here in the states comes in 50 mg (IR), 100mg and 200mg (SR) doses. Tramadol does have common and more rare drug effects of causing a variety of GI upsets. They are the same active drug, just at different doses and yours contains APAP (acetaminophen).

Here's the full listing of tramadol side effects: Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Get emergency help immediately if any of the following symptoms of overdose occur :

Change in consciousness; chest pain or discomfort; convulsions (seizures); decreased awareness or responsiveness; difficulty in breathing; dizziness or fainting; lack of muscle tone; lightheadedness; loss of consciousness; pinpointed pupils of the eyes; severe sleepiness; shortness of breath; slow or irregular heartbeat; unusual tiredness

Also, check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:

Less common or rare

Abdominal fullness; abnormal or decreased touch sensation; blisters under the skin; bloating; blood in urine; blood pressure increased; blurred vision; chest pain or discomfort; change in walking and balance; chills; convulsions (seizures); darkened urine; difficult urination; dizziness or lightheadedness when getting up from a lying or sitting position; fainting; fast heartbeat; frequent urge to urinate; gaseous abdominal pain; heart rate increased; indigestion; irregular heartbeat; loss of memory; numbness and tingling of face, fingers, or toes; numbness, tingling, pain, or weakness in hands or feet; pain in arms, legs, or lower back, especially pain in calves and/or heels upon exertion; pain or discomfort in arms, jaw, back or neck; pains in stomach, side, or abdomen, possibly radiating to the back; pale bluish-colored or cold hands or feet; recurrent fever; seeing, hearing, or feeling things that are not there; severe cramping; severe nausea; severe redness, swelling, and itching of the skin; shortness of breath; sweats; trembling and shaking of hands or feet; trouble performing routine tasks; weak or absent pulses in legs; yellow eyes or skin

Other side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. However, check with your doctor if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome:

More common

Abdominal or stomach pain; agitation; anxiety; constipation; cough; diarrhea; discouragement; dizziness; drowsiness; dry mouth; feeling of warmth; feeling sad or empty; feeling unusually cold; fever; general feeling of discomfort or illness; headache; heartburn; itching of the skin; irritability; joint pain; loss of appetite; loss of interest or pleasure; loss of strength or weakness; muscle aches and pains; nausea; nervousness; redness of the face, neck, arms and occasionally, upper chest; restlessness; runny nose; shivering; skin rash; sleepiness or unusual drowsiness; sore throat; stuffy nose; sweating; tiredness; trouble concentrating; unusual feeling of excitement; unusual tiredness or weakness; vomiting; weakness

Less common or rare

Abnormal dreams; appetite decreased; back pain; bladder pain; blistering, crusting, irritation, itching, or reddening of skin; bloody or cloudy urine; body aches or pain; change in hearing; clamminess; cold flu-like symptoms; confusion; cough producing mucus; cracked, dry, scaly skin; decreased interest in sexual intercourse; difficult, burning, or painful urination; difficulty breathing; difficulty in moving; disturbance in attention; ear congestion; ear drainage; earache or pain in ear; excessive gas; fall; false or unusual sense of well-being; feeling hot; feeling jittery; flushing or redness of the skin; general feeling of bodily discomfort; goosebumps; headache, severe and throbbing; hoarseness; hot flashes; inability to have or keep an erection; itching, pain, redness, swelling, tenderness, warmth on skin; joint sprain; joint stiffness; joint swelling; loss in sexual ability, desire, drive, or performance; loss of voice; lower back or side pain; muscle aching or cramping; muscle injury; muscle pain or stiffness; muscle spasms or twitching; nasal congestion; neck pain; night sweats; pain; pain in limb; pain or tenderness around eyes and cheekbones; pain, swelling, or redness in joints; skin discoloration; swelling; swelling of hands, ankles, feet, or lower legs; tightness of chest; trouble in holding or releasing urine; troubled breathing; trouble in sleeping; weight increased or decreased
After you stop using this medicine, your body may need time to adjust. The length of time this takes depends on the amount of medicine you were using and how long you used it. During this period of time check with your doctor if you notice any of the following side effects:

Anxiety; body aches; diarrhea; fast heartbeat; fever, runny nose, or sneezing; gooseflesh; high blood pressure; increased sweating; increased yawning; loss of appetite; nausea or vomiting; nervousness, restlessness or irritability; shivering or trembling; stomach cramps; trouble in sleeping; unusually large pupils; weakness



Also, some of the CNS side effects may be effecting the hydrocephalus symptoms (headache, etc.).

[CathyE]

Thanks TBackpain1! Perhaps that is why my appetite is so poor!

I guess compared to all the other potential side affects, I'm doing rather well on it :)

To be honest I have been a rather poor eater most of my adult life, not intentionally though. Having such a preference for home cooked foods combined with low energy (have been anemic many times), I've never eaten properly since leaving home at age 19. OOps, except my 1st year of university. My roommates were very well organized and we had regular good meals together most days! They were 3 friends looking for a 4th roommate and luckily we really hit it off right from the start! Too bad I didn't learn their organization skills!
Cathy

[Tbackpain1]

No problem Cathy. I always have to stop a sec when I see different med names from what I'm used to here in the States, since we have different meds and med names sometimes from Canada and Europe. The version you're getting is a "fixed combination drug", but its still the same stuff, just a different formulation.

I hear you about being a picky eater. My parents used to complain I ate like a bird, but if I did, I'd be eating a heck of alot more than I really do. I don't care for alot of take-out, and being so tired, cooking really does get to be a chore. If you didn't find a nutritionist helpful, maybe you could go to your local library and check out their reference section for books on nutrition and diet. I have checked out lots of books over the years for my health issues just to have a better handle on what's going on with me physically and to be a better advocate for myself with my doctors. Nutrition books are chock-full of recipes and food suggestions, along with lists of good source foods for various nutrients that you may be deficent in because of the appetite changes.

Alot of my nerve pain issues that I have were relieved by taking daily B-12, but I never would have known about B-12 absorption issues with the GI changes I've had if I hadn't seen posts here about malabsorption and pain meds. Thank goodness for the different posters here. If you're interested in stuff about nutrition and vitamin deficencies, check out posts by Mrs.D.

Enjoy your Sunday.

Theresa

[CathyE]

Tbackpain, I have read lots or the info on B12 so am aware of it. But I don't think it will do much for shunt over draining symptoms.

And wouldn't you know it, I got a real chatty saleslady at the health store and instead of just buying Isolate Protein, I bought a Shake as she said if I was looking for a meal replacement I should get a shake.
By then I wasn't really taking in her words too well (too much info too fast for me & my Hydro!). So I bought a shake and #1 it tastes almost like algae or seaweed (but they're not in it) and #2 it only has 100 calories.
So I'll be using it up slowly and with plenty of orange juice to offset the strong greens flavour.

I have a book on the 40-30-30 diet and it has recipes you add Is. Protein to. So I'd better get reading!

I am thinking I might have a bit of a swallowing problem going on. I seem to have to chew my food forever before I can swallow! Probably I have increased pressure at the base of my head again.
Too bad my NS doesn't go on symptoms. A test has to prove something or I'm stuck. And 2 years ago he did one of the "best tests" but I wasn't able to get flared due to the hospital environment restricting my activities too much.
Boy did he get angry when I explained my theory to him. But apart from his temper, he is very good at communicating with us (me & my husband).
Oh well, enough about me. Just wanted to share the overwhelming clerk story with you,:D and then I rambled on... :D

Cathy

[spoiledbeth]

I used to love to cook, but I have trigeminal neuralgia and it makes it a little hard to find foods I can actually eat most days. I've started making my own burritos with fat-free refried beans on carb solutions tortillas, but I'm trying to lose the weight my meds have put on me. I just heat them up in the microwave for a minute or two and then I'm ready to eat. I also buy the pre-made mashed potatoes, because I have to eat a diet of predominately soft foods. There are a lot of times I will heat up the mashed potatoes, some green beans, and corn, and squish the green beans up and mix them together and that's my meal. I also eat a lot of spaghettios and ramen noodle soup, since they are also fast, easy, and soft. Of course, some days when my stomach is really revolting against me I will just eat a couple of slices of plain wheat bread, to help soak up stomach acids and calm it down.

Just some thoughts on what I do!

Beth in MO *butterfly2

[curiousforever]

Tramadol here in the states comes in 50 mg (IR), 100mg and 200mg (SR) doses. Tramadol does have common and more rare drug effects of causing a variety of GI upsets. They are the same active drug, just at different doses and yours contains APAP (acetaminophen).

Here's the full listing of tramadol side effects:

Also, some of the CNS side effects may be effecting the hydrocephalus symptoms (headache, etc.).

Are you kidding about the ultram side effects? Holy cow. No wonder I've felt like crap. Duh.

[Tbackpain1]

Curious,

The list of the side effects is from the manufacturer's website, so I'm not kidding about the potential side effects.

Tramadol can cause headaches...at one point I had to stop taking it because my neurologist thought it might be making my headaches worse. Thankfully, we've ruled out Tramadol, so I'm back taking it again, as it works very well for me as an adjunct to my base pain medication.

Theresa

[CathyE]

at one point I had to stop taking it because my neurologist thought it might be making my headaches worse. Thankfully, we've ruled out Tramadol, so I'm back taking it again, as it works very well for me as an adjunct to my base pain medication.
Theresa

When your Neurologist had you stop taking it, how did he taper you off of it, or did you just stop?
My headaches have lessened a lot so I don't need much now at all. But I was having strong exhaustion and when I lie down I get forced deep breathing. I've had it before, but can't recognize a pattern.
I wonder if it was from decreasing my Tramacet too fast? anyway yesterday I took an extra half later & a quarter later as in a tapering off method. Otherwise I really only needed one half all day!

It could just be a weather "break" that reduced my headaches. Severe changes in weather really affect me, as does a lot of humidity for a long period of time.

Anyone else know how to taper off of it, if it is necessary?
Thanks,
Cathy