I'm happy to report that the B-12 deficiency that I talked about in the last post might be the answer to my hand problem. The latest news is a trip to visit a neurologist. I really like him and have had instant relief--though I still have problems. Dr. Mir says it would take up to six months to completely recover.
Bottom-line: Dr. Mir believes the hand problem is related to positioning during the long PMP surgery. He said that open-heart patients have hand problems like this because of rib retraction and the way the retraction puts pressure on collar bones and the nerves that run to the hands. Then, in my case, the additional B-12 deficiency which is probably related to removal of ileum (the part of the small intestine that absorbs B-12--Carrie discovered this!) exacerbates the problem. He also mentioned that stress will make it even worse! (And I haven't been stressed at all!)
After a nerve conductivity test which indicated that my right hand might have a little carpel tunnel, Dr. Mir prescribed B-12 injections and Nerontin or Gabapentin, which is used to treat neuropathic pain. The amazing thing is I had some relief almost instantly. Hands are so much better. Mike said I'm a different person. And I thought I was pretty awesome already!
Only thing that worries me about this treatment is that Gabapentin causes weight gain--just what I don't need!
Monday, May 11, 2009
Saturday, April 25, 2009
Maybe making progress?
I've been so busy I haven't written for quite some time. School/work is keeping me stepping. I'm happy to report that all is going well at work though. I believe there are only 30 (or around that) work days left. Then, unlike last summer, I'm planning on a nice relaxing vacation. (Justin, don't take that personally, we loved our visit to see you last year!)
For the most part things are going well for me. I still have the occasional pain and the old ribs act up once and a while. I was just talking to a co-worker who is five years out from this same surgery and he says the pain doesn't ever go away and that there will always be discomfort. Well, there is less pain for sure, and some days I don't even notice it. Other times, it can be very bothersome. Like this week--the weather was nice and we decided to take a walk, but I got extremely winded and my ribs really hurt. That hasn't happened in quite a while, so I was disappointed, because I thought I was doing better in that department. I also notice that I have to remind myself not to eat too much. My appetite has improved and if I eat restaurant size portions I end up with a tummy ache.
My big reason for writing today is because I wanted to update the hands--my only major problem at this time. I've been to the rheumatologist, I've talked with Dr. Sardi's office, had hand massages... Nothing seems to help. I had found relief, for a bit, from manicures and the massages that accompany them. Then, about three weeks ago I went for a manicure and the next day my hands hurt like crazy. It was different than this numbness that I've been trying to describe to doctors. It hurt! I was almost in tears and was using Icy Hot at night for the pain. Also, my knucles were so swollen I could no longer get my rings on or off (still can't!).
Your first thought when something funky like this happens after an experience like mine, is that the cancer is back and that's what causing the problem. Thankfully, so far no doctors seem to think that that is the case. I made an appointment with my rheumatologist--even though the last time I saw him I said I wasn't going to go back because he just keeps saying it's carpal tunnel and I should have the carpal tunnel release (again!).
I keep saying it doesn't feel like carpal tunnel. I keep trying to explain what it does feel like and I've finally come up with this: It's NOT numbness--it's super sensitivity. For example, a washcloth feels like sandpaper. Touching something cold makes my hands feel wet. Or it sends a streaky sensation down my arm. In addition, now it hurts, my joints are stiff, I can't bend my fingers very easily and I STILL have the droppsies! So, as I explain this to the rheumatologist, he says "that sounds like hyper-knesia." He said hyper-knesia is treated (generally) with a low-dose of anti-depressant. So he prescribes Trozodone and sends me for blood work because sometimes hyper-knesia is related to diabetes and B-12 deficiency.
Trozodone has side-effects like rapid heart beat and dry mouth. Nothing major. But wouldn't you know it, I took it for two days and had heart palpitations. Then yesterday, Doc rheumatology's office calls and says I need to get more blood work. When I called to find out what for, I was told I have a B-12 deficiency. I'll have to wait a few days for the results of the new tests. So far, what I've discovered about B-12 deficiency is that it can be related to depression and neurological problems related to tingling sensations in the hands and feet.
Sources of B-12, according to The Vegetarian Society Website are:
"meat, dairy products and eggs. There has been considerable research into possible plant food sources of B12. Fermented soya products, seaweeds and algae have all been proposed as possible sources of B12. However, analysis of fermented soya products, including tempeh, miso, shoyu and tamari, found no significant B12."
Another problem could be absorption--since my diet is very healthy. That's probably possible. Either a medication, or just the surgery could have changed the way my body absorbs B-12.
At least I finally feel like I'm getting some where. It's been so frustrating. So, I'll post again when I know more.
Enjoy the wonderful spring weather (finally). It was/is so beautiful today.
For the most part things are going well for me. I still have the occasional pain and the old ribs act up once and a while. I was just talking to a co-worker who is five years out from this same surgery and he says the pain doesn't ever go away and that there will always be discomfort. Well, there is less pain for sure, and some days I don't even notice it. Other times, it can be very bothersome. Like this week--the weather was nice and we decided to take a walk, but I got extremely winded and my ribs really hurt. That hasn't happened in quite a while, so I was disappointed, because I thought I was doing better in that department. I also notice that I have to remind myself not to eat too much. My appetite has improved and if I eat restaurant size portions I end up with a tummy ache.
My big reason for writing today is because I wanted to update the hands--my only major problem at this time. I've been to the rheumatologist, I've talked with Dr. Sardi's office, had hand massages... Nothing seems to help. I had found relief, for a bit, from manicures and the massages that accompany them. Then, about three weeks ago I went for a manicure and the next day my hands hurt like crazy. It was different than this numbness that I've been trying to describe to doctors. It hurt! I was almost in tears and was using Icy Hot at night for the pain. Also, my knucles were so swollen I could no longer get my rings on or off (still can't!).
Your first thought when something funky like this happens after an experience like mine, is that the cancer is back and that's what causing the problem. Thankfully, so far no doctors seem to think that that is the case. I made an appointment with my rheumatologist--even though the last time I saw him I said I wasn't going to go back because he just keeps saying it's carpal tunnel and I should have the carpal tunnel release (again!).
I keep saying it doesn't feel like carpal tunnel. I keep trying to explain what it does feel like and I've finally come up with this: It's NOT numbness--it's super sensitivity. For example, a washcloth feels like sandpaper. Touching something cold makes my hands feel wet. Or it sends a streaky sensation down my arm. In addition, now it hurts, my joints are stiff, I can't bend my fingers very easily and I STILL have the droppsies! So, as I explain this to the rheumatologist, he says "that sounds like hyper-knesia." He said hyper-knesia is treated (generally) with a low-dose of anti-depressant. So he prescribes Trozodone and sends me for blood work because sometimes hyper-knesia is related to diabetes and B-12 deficiency.
Trozodone has side-effects like rapid heart beat and dry mouth. Nothing major. But wouldn't you know it, I took it for two days and had heart palpitations. Then yesterday, Doc rheumatology's office calls and says I need to get more blood work. When I called to find out what for, I was told I have a B-12 deficiency. I'll have to wait a few days for the results of the new tests. So far, what I've discovered about B-12 deficiency is that it can be related to depression and neurological problems related to tingling sensations in the hands and feet.
Sources of B-12, according to The Vegetarian Society Website are:
"meat, dairy products and eggs. There has been considerable research into possible plant food sources of B12. Fermented soya products, seaweeds and algae have all been proposed as possible sources of B12. However, analysis of fermented soya products, including tempeh, miso, shoyu and tamari, found no significant B12."
Another problem could be absorption--since my diet is very healthy. That's probably possible. Either a medication, or just the surgery could have changed the way my body absorbs B-12.
At least I finally feel like I'm getting some where. It's been so frustrating. So, I'll post again when I know more.
Enjoy the wonderful spring weather (finally). It was/is so beautiful today.
Sunday, March 15, 2009
Six Month Check-up (Almost)
Well, I just had my six-month check-up on Friday. Dr. Sardi gave me a clean bill of health and said not to worry (unless I want too) for the next six months. So I'm scheduled for the next check-up in September, when I'll have more blood work and another CT scan. Dr. Sardi and his staff say I'm doing well. I complained about my hands and the rib pain. I guess time is going to be the issue here. It will either get better or it won't. But in the big picture, a little hand pain and rib pain isn't a big deal--not when I think back to the early days of recovery... I've certainly come a long way.
On a VERY pleasant note, Mike and I walked down to Lexington Market after my check-up. He promised me we would back in November, and I wasn't disappointed. The Faidley crabcake was awesome. It was a pleasant day and it was nice to be out and about it B-more. I recommend the crabcake it if you've never had one, or haven't had one in a long time.
On a VERY pleasant note, Mike and I walked down to Lexington Market after my check-up. He promised me we would back in November, and I wasn't disappointed. The Faidley crabcake was awesome. It was a pleasant day and it was nice to be out and about it B-more. I recommend the crabcake it if you've never had one, or haven't had one in a long time.
Sunday, March 8, 2009
So It's Been Three Weeks
Wow. Time flies when you are having fun. I can't believe I've been back to work for three weeks already. I'm happy to say that all is going well. The students have been great. My second and fourth mods had a cultural day on Friday and mods 1 and 5 will have culture day tomorrow. I think the experience was great. We learned about other cultures and got to eat some really good food!
As I said, things are going well. I was pretty tired the first week and would go to bed almost as soon as I got home. I've gotten stronger and I am surprised at how energetic I feel at school... almost normal.
I'm still trying to fit in exercise by walking on the treadmill or doing some short yoga sessions. Today we walked about three miles and yesterday we actually did some hills. I was huffing and puffing, but I made it. It is definitely good to push it.
I can't believe I still have rib pain... though it's not as bad and it comes and goes... but its still there. Doctors and other patients told me it would take a long time to clear up. My biggest complaint right now is my hands. They've actually gotten worse since I went back to work. Perhaps because I'm using them more? I sleep with braces on. That helps a bit. The hardest thing is writing and I still drop things. Since I don't have much strength in my hands it's hard to do a manicure/pedicure. So I thought I should treat myself. I stopped by a local nail shop this week and was pleasantly surprised that the hand massage helped my hands (especially the left). For about a day, my left hand felt normal. So this is a good excuse to go back for more! Which I will in a week or so. I'm also thinking of trying acupuncture... but I need to do some more research first.
We go to Baltimore on Friday for a check up, so I'll let you know how it goes.
Enjoy the warm weather. Wasn't today great?
As I said, things are going well. I was pretty tired the first week and would go to bed almost as soon as I got home. I've gotten stronger and I am surprised at how energetic I feel at school... almost normal.
I'm still trying to fit in exercise by walking on the treadmill or doing some short yoga sessions. Today we walked about three miles and yesterday we actually did some hills. I was huffing and puffing, but I made it. It is definitely good to push it.
I can't believe I still have rib pain... though it's not as bad and it comes and goes... but its still there. Doctors and other patients told me it would take a long time to clear up. My biggest complaint right now is my hands. They've actually gotten worse since I went back to work. Perhaps because I'm using them more? I sleep with braces on. That helps a bit. The hardest thing is writing and I still drop things. Since I don't have much strength in my hands it's hard to do a manicure/pedicure. So I thought I should treat myself. I stopped by a local nail shop this week and was pleasantly surprised that the hand massage helped my hands (especially the left). For about a day, my left hand felt normal. So this is a good excuse to go back for more! Which I will in a week or so. I'm also thinking of trying acupuncture... but I need to do some more research first.
We go to Baltimore on Friday for a check up, so I'll let you know how it goes.
Enjoy the warm weather. Wasn't today great?
Sunday, February 22, 2009
First Week Successful
Here's a quick report to let you know that I completed my first week back to work. It was only a four day week and I was/am very tired. But couldn't have asked for better students and everything went well.
More later.
More later.
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Back to Work
On October 24, 2008, I said goodbye to my classes and co-workers and embarked on this journey--cytoreductive surgery with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC),or as it is more fondly known mother-of-all-surgeries. A lot of the past few months is a blur. Fortunately, I have made good progress. On Tuesday, February 17, 2009, I will return to work full time. I think I'm ready, but I'm still nervous about it... will I have the stamina? I guess I won't know that until Tuesday. I am excited about seeing my students and co-workers again and will definitely do a posting to let every one know how it goes.
Also, some good news: I got my first tumor marker report since the surgery and the numbers are well with-in normal range. I'm still waiting to hear about the CT-scan. This is the nerve-racking part, as anyone who has been diagnosed with cancer can attest. I think the important thing is to keep a positive outlook and live every day to the fullest. I certainly am not perfect and find myself slipping sometimes, but when I remind myself that many folks have it a lot worse than I do, it is easy to "pick myself up" and get back on track.
I am certainly going to miss my best-bud when I go back to work next week. Mike and I have been together almost non-stop since surgery and I think we'll both have withdrawal symptoms!
I must go. I have to fix a few more "good" dinners. These will be in short supply when the work schedule kicks in.
Also, some good news: I got my first tumor marker report since the surgery and the numbers are well with-in normal range. I'm still waiting to hear about the CT-scan. This is the nerve-racking part, as anyone who has been diagnosed with cancer can attest. I think the important thing is to keep a positive outlook and live every day to the fullest. I certainly am not perfect and find myself slipping sometimes, but when I remind myself that many folks have it a lot worse than I do, it is easy to "pick myself up" and get back on track.
I am certainly going to miss my best-bud when I go back to work next week. Mike and I have been together almost non-stop since surgery and I think we'll both have withdrawal symptoms!
I must go. I have to fix a few more "good" dinners. These will be in short supply when the work schedule kicks in.
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Missed a Week
I can't believe I missed a week of posting. That puts me at fourteen weeks. While I can't say that I feel normal, I do feel stronger. Good thing, because I'll be going back to work full time on 2/17. Yep, it is fast approaching. I'm happy and scared at the same time. To strengthen myself for the "long" school days which require a lot of time on your feet, I have started exercising and walking on the treadmill. Well, here's how far I've gotten on the treadmill so far: 2 laps, which equals about 1/2 mile. And I was huffing and puffing. Yes, I do have a long way to go. Yoga is better. Except for positions that require you to be flat on your stomach I am doing pretty well. Three months of inactivity have caused a lot of stiffness and soreness, Hopefully, the exercise will serve two purposes: stamina and flexibility.
I had my baseline CT scan and tumor markers taken on 1/22. I haven't heard the report yet, though I have called Dr. Sardi's office several times. No news is good news, but as you can imagine, you can really feel anxious while waiting for these results.
I will continue to update this blog periodically as events unfold, but I think a weekly post isn't necessary at this time. I think going back to work will keep me pretty busy too. If you want to contact me, I have previously posted my e-mail, but I'll put it up again: dilyloprathotmaildotcom
I am disappointed that no one tried my Winter Minestrone! I was hoping to have a future in food blogs! Well, you don't know what you are missing!
One last thing today, Carrie will be participating in a triathlon this summer. She told me that she would like to try to raise funds for PMP. I'll let her give more details, but I thought I would mention it because it is for an important cause. Not a lot of research funds go to PMP because it is so rare.
I had my baseline CT scan and tumor markers taken on 1/22. I haven't heard the report yet, though I have called Dr. Sardi's office several times. No news is good news, but as you can imagine, you can really feel anxious while waiting for these results.
I will continue to update this blog periodically as events unfold, but I think a weekly post isn't necessary at this time. I think going back to work will keep me pretty busy too. If you want to contact me, I have previously posted my e-mail, but I'll put it up again: dilyloprathotmaildotcom
I am disappointed that no one tried my Winter Minestrone! I was hoping to have a future in food blogs! Well, you don't know what you are missing!
One last thing today, Carrie will be participating in a triathlon this summer. She told me that she would like to try to raise funds for PMP. I'll let her give more details, but I thought I would mention it because it is for an important cause. Not a lot of research funds go to PMP because it is so rare.
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