[ClinicallyClueless]

I am feeling over-whelmed and out of control with my body and circumstances which is really causing distress.

For those of you who do not know what has been going on, I will fill you in At the end of the year, I had a mass removed from my armpit that turned out to be non-cancerous. The holidays triggered my decompensation that ended up in a January/February 3 1/2 week psychiatric hospitalization. Then, I was in the hospital for seven days for pneumonia for which I am still recovering. Finally, the day after my discharge my father-in-law was diagnosed with terminal lung cancer and was told that he has one week to six months.

With all that being said, I am having difficulty with feeling out of control and overwhelmed. Also, one of the medications that I am taking for pneumonia has a lot of side effects which are freaking me out as it makes me feel even more out of control. I had a meltdown yesterday over it. (Adding to that being hospitalized for pneumonia brought on panic attacks, flashbacks and nightmares.)

For about three weeks, I’ve been taking the maximum dosage of my medication. Side effects usually occur at 20 mg and I’ve been taking 60 mg. Basically, I am experiencing most of the side effects which include tremors, insomnia, water retention, bloating, weight gain, and increased appetite. My psychiatrist said that some with increased appetite become a little manic-like when it comes to food.

Now, I am semi-anorexic…well, I am feeling completely out of control. I’ve gained 10-15 pounds in the last week. At least, I’m recovering so I’m wearing loose fitting lounge clothing. I have two pair of pants that I can wear.

I have a rash that may or may not be due to my virus and it is getting worse in areas. I have episodes of unsteadiness including dizziness, light-headedness and feeling faint. I lack stamina, am tired and still have some episode of difficulty breathing.

Unfortunately, I have to take the medication for my pneumonia. The only other choice is to not take it and end up in the hospital again because I won't be able to breathe. I am titrating off it, but I won't be completely off until the middle/end of May. Many people have to go through this.

I AM FEELING FEELING OVER-WHELMED AND TOTALLY OUT OF CONTROL OF MY BODY!!!

[jbug]

I'm sorry you are having such a tough time right now. I know Predisone can knock you for a loop. I can't take it myself. I get psychotic if I take it so I finally have my doctors trained not to give it to me.

Good luck in getting off your med and stay strong.

Jan

[Rhapsody]

I have hallucinations when I'm on a large dose of Prednisone - but a small dose does wonders for my RA with no side effects.

[Capp]

CC,
I'm truly sorry you are going through such a rough time.

Please consider calling your physician. He/she needs to know just how severe these side effects are...what you are describing needs to be addressed and a simple call would be of help.
I understand the need for the drug, however you may need the dose adjusted and still benefit from it.

I wish you well,
Capp

((((CC)))))),
I went through increased paranoia when I had bronchitis and took steroids. I was already stressed because I was so tired from bronchitis that I felt totally out of control of my body. I usually take Seroquel for sleep but ended up taking it during the day and although I had to take 3 25 mg. pills instead of 2, it really helped. Maybe you could ask your Dr. to prescribe you antipsychotic medications until you go off Prednisone (if you're not already taking them)? Just a thought. I wish you well. Take care.

[ClinicallyClueless]

Originally Posted by Capp

CC,
I'm truly sorry you are going through such a rough time.

Please consider calling your physician. He/she needs to know just how severe these side effects are...what you are describing needs to be addressed and a simple call would be of help.
I understand the need for the drug, however you may need the dose adjusted and still benefit from it.

I wish you well,
Capp

Thank you!
Due to the severity of my pneumonia, I have to be on this medication at this dosage and slowly titrated. I will be completely off at the end of May. Without this medication, my pneumonia will not resolve. I have discussed this extensively with the my pulmonologist, my pharmacist, my physician and my psychiatrist. All are in agreement that I just need to deal with the temporary side effects.

CC

[ClinicallyClueless]

Originally Posted by Soliaree

((((CC)))))),
I went through increased paranoia when I had bronchitis and took steroids. I was already stressed because I was so tired from bronchitis that I felt totally out of control of my body. I usually take Seroquel for sleep but ended up taking it during the day and although I had to take 3 25 mg. pills instead of 2, it really helped. Maybe you could ask your Dr. to prescribe you antipsychotic medications until you go off Prednisone (if you're not already taking them)? Just a thought. I wish you well. Take care.

Thanks for the suggestion, but I am already on two or three antipsychotics for anxiety. I have discussed this extensively with the my pulmonologist, my pharmacist, my physician and my psychiatrist. All are in agreement that I just need to deal with the temporary side effects.

[ClinicallyClueless]

Originally Posted by Capp

CC,
I'm truly sorry you are going through such a rough time.

Please consider calling your physician. He/she needs to know just how severe these side effects are...what you are describing needs to be addressed and a simple call would be of help.
I understand the need for the drug, however you may need the dose adjusted and still benefit from it.

I wish you well,
Capp

Thank you!
Due to the severity of my pneumonia, I have to be on this medication at this dosage and slowly titrated. I will be completely off at the end of May. Without this medication, my pneumonia will not resolve. I have discussed this extensively with the my pulmonologist, my pharmacist, my physician and my psychiatrist. All are in agreement that I just need to deal with the temporary side effects.

[Capp]

Originally Posted by ClinicallyClueless

Thank you!
Due to the severity of my pneumonia, I have to be on this medication at this dosage and slowly titrated. I will be completely off at the end of May. Without this medication, my pneumonia will not resolve. I have discussed this extensively with the my pulmonologist, my pharmacist, my physician and my psychiatrist. All are in agreement that I just need to deal with the temporary side effects.

I am doubly sorry ...such a rough thing for you to go through, CC.
This is one drug that I cannot tolerate.

You will remain in my thoughts,
Cap

[ClinicallyClueless]

Originally Posted by Capp

I am doubly sorry ...such a rough thing for you to go through, CC.
This is one drug that I cannot tolerate.

You will remain in my thoughts,
Cap

Capp,

Thank you. I just feel so out of control of my body lately.

CC

[nightbird]

So sorry to hear of what you are going through.

I too, have had to do the same in the past.

I have listened to wonderful tapes - the relaxation type, for 'general wellness' and they have them for specific illnesses as well...

What a help this has been for me, thru my present illness and all of some of the more severe side effects I have ever encountered.

If you would like to know more specifics, you can pm me, and also for the website where I purchase my helpful tapes.

A good thing to recognize is that our bodies are built to repair themselves whenever possible, (and I know this sounds a little corny), but I tell the cells in my body to heal, and I actually say the words so I can hear them. I use many health filled, positive affirmations,
like... 'every cell in my body is illuminated with health' ... and things like this because that is where I want my healing system to get to.

I do enjoy exercise and find any gentle movements, like beginners yoga or qi gong, help us move things along. Ck with Dr. first.

I was in a definite no-control, no-turn back situation last year with a health crisis, and I have been looking forward ever since... to restoring health... that is in progress.

The best thing I learned also, was to 'live in the moment'... this helps the anxiety caused by illness and the medications side effects, as well as helping us to master our thinking a little better... to feel more fulfilled, in spite of medicine or illness, and generally let's us appreciate where we are today.

There are great books out that can help re-inforce these life-affirming concepts.
"Be Here Now" comes to mind, and "Close To The Bone' among so many others.

There is no fault in feeling a loss of control... the good thing is we can gain healing and well-being, no matter what state the body is in... that is the challenge, and a surprise to find out, when one begins to see their healing as a path to total healing (everything) and well-being.

Best to you, and a speedy recovery too
Peace,
Nightbird
xoxo