Workout

Skipped my workout yesterday and woke up with a stiff back. Guess they are really helping. Motivation for keeping it up.

Swimming

Well, it's been awhile since I last posted. Time flies.

On April 26th, I went to see my primary care physician for a follow up visit with my acid reflux. During that visit I talked to him about my lower back pain for which I was taking Vicodin every 4-6 hours for the pain. Grant it my doctor is very sweet, caring and understanding of the Dystonia told me that I need to get in the pool. I laid out excuses about money, the pool not being heated yet, etc. He said firmly, no excuses ... get in the pool and that if all I did was tread water it was better. He also told me I NEED to lose weight - about 25lbs, but at least 10. I was taken back by his tone. It surprised me. So, I thought about it for a few days and decided he was right. That Sunday I started getting in the pool. It was cold, but free. I had started off by watching YouTube videos on how to work out in the pool. So, I started slow - a few laps, then jumping jacks, squats, running, and finishing with couple laps and stretching. Ok, not bad. Next day, I forced myself back in. Water was a tad warmer and felt a little more comfortable. By the 3rd day the temp was up to 85º. Nice. After a week of getting in everyday at 4pm, I started loving it. I have now been in the pool almost daily for 3 1/2 weeks. I truly look forward to the workout. I have expanded my workout to include abs, pull-ups, etc.

As for my back - it is feeling so much better. I am not on the Vicodin daily now. I have eased off of it and only use it occasionally now. I have lost 4lbs, but gaining muscle weight.

As for the Dystonia- while overall I feel better. I think the Dystonia (especially the left foot) has gotten worse. It has been curling tighter lately. Makes it more difficult to sleep and sit still. But knowing that my back is better makes it tolerable.

Update

I think I might finally be stabilized for now. The Acid Reflux is doing better. After a followup visit with the doctor last week, it seems that I might be taking meds for this for the rest of my life as well. I can't help but wander if all this has been brought on by the different medicines I have been trying for the dystonia. It sure seems like that's about when I started  having problems. The Artane was very hard on my system. I have always had an "iron clad" stomach until now. Maybe as time goes by, it will get better.

For now, I am still on the Prilosex 2 tabs in the morning and Zantac in the afternoon. 

Acid Reflux

On top of everything else now I have Acid Reflux. Eh :( Thursday night after dinner, I suddenly felt like I was in a lot of pain and very weak. I almost passed out. Then within a matter of minutes, I started puking my guts out. Then came the diarrhea and cold sweats and later fever and chills. It was insane. I had the pain from it as a 9 out of 10. Julie was ready to rush me to the ER. I felt like crap and didn't even want to move.  Friday came and we went to the doctor. She said it was Acid Reflux, gave me meds and diet restrictions. Doing better. However, last night after eating a banana, I got really really bad heartburn. Even tonight I have a little. I was suppose to be much better by now. Bummer.

Anyway, can we add anything else to the list. Eh :(

Back to the basics

After trying new meds and going to a Movement Specialist, I am back to the basics. My Movement Specialist is out indefinitely, so I spoke with my Neurologist about where to go from here. He has taken me off the Gabapentin as it wasn't doing anything noticeable. So, now I am back to just the basics - Clonzapam, Vicodin, Zoloft, Ibuprofen and the botox injections. I, actually, am starting to feel a little more clear again. I felt like I was in a fog for several months.

So, we are going to keep this course for awhile and re-evaluate at the end of April.

The Feb 1st plan to exercise lasted for about 3 days. :( I was getting severe cramps in my Alkalies' tendon. It was like having a Charlie horse there. So, I quit and haven't gotten back into it. I tried walking around the neighborhood with similar results. As soon as I get rid of this cold, I'm going to try again with lots of stretching first. 

Meds

Trying to decide if I should reduce my meds.  I have been on Zoloft since I found out about the dystonia as well as dealing with depression from not being able to have kids. That's been almost 2 years ago. I'm considering going off. My doctor and I agreed that it was for situational only. Also trying to decide if the Gabapentin is working or not. My Movement Specialist that prescribed it is out on a medical emergency and might not return. I go for my botox this week with my neurologist, so we'll discuss it then.

I'm just tired of being on so much medicine. Meds are not the end all for this. It comes from a stat of mind too. So, I am going to get in shape a little better and try to drop some weight. I think it will help my lower back too. ;)

Gabapentin (Neurontin) Update

So, I have been on the full prescription of Gabapentin (Neurontin) now for a little over a week. So far, can't say I've noticed anything noticeably different. But, the doctor might need to increase the dose even more. However, I am having a hard time getting the doctor's office to call back. Dang! As soon as we get this situated, I'm not sticking with him other than checkups. Glad I didn't switch to him for the Botox. Eh:(
I have decided that I am going to start my workouts again Feb 1st. I need to strengthen my back. The lower back is causing me so many problems.
More later...