Odd

I have been getting odd pains in my hips - I had a sleep at the in-laws' this afternoon and when I got up I could barely move my left hip. Very strange.
Had a much better day today, I feel a tad more relaxed even though my daughter is still pretty hyper.

Coping

Thank goodness for Zoloft. I am feeling like the symptoms that saw me put on it originally are coming back. Zoloft is used for depression, mainly, but I find it also helps me with anxiety and to some extent, my anger. But lately I have been having trouble coping with my daughter (who is almost four). She needs constant stimulation and I simply cannot give it to her. What with being pregnant and trying to work from home, it is starting to get on top of me. I want to up my dosage but I am loathe to do it without going to the doctor first. So it looks like an appointment is in order - and perhaps a trip to my counsellor.

Counselling

I had been seeing a counsellor a little while back. I have issues with my anger, depression and severe anxiety. Zoloft helps balance everything out to some extent, but there are times when I feel like it is all getting on top of me and I have trouble coping.
Previously, after my daughter was born (in late 2004), I had a pretty bad time of it, and was diagnosed with post natal depression (although it was determined I had been suffering from depression for many many years). I was paranoid about my daughter - in particular, that she would develop leukaemia or be kidnapped. The thoughts plagued me; although for example, when we were out shopping I didn't look over my shoulder every two seconds, I was scared it would happen - that someone would take her from me.
At odd times thoughts come back - like today, we were at a play centre and she wandered off wearing her sunglasses. I heard a child cry and the image popped into my head of my daughter having been hit in the face wearing her sunnies - and I saw the picture of her eye popped out, hanging down, and her cheek cut open from the plastic lens cutting her. It was as clear as day. But the thoughts are not as persistant as they were after she was first born.
Another thing I had bad trouble with was my anger. My daughter had colic and reflux, and screamed for about 3 or 4 hours every afternoon. I usually ended up in tears next to her, screaming at her to be quiet and go to sleep. I was paranoid about her sleeping. If she didn't get a nap at the right times I was almost beside myself. I am a little like that now, at bed time. Anyway when she was a baby I had a terrible time with anger towards her. It's all wrapped up in being an IVF mum. But they were the three conditions I suffered with - depression, anxiety and anger.
So I had been seeing a counsellor just recently as my doctor (God love him) was worried about me coping with the FMS, the IVF and my daughter being so active. The counsellor was great, gave me some wonderful coping mechanisms that for the life of me I can never remember to do when I am getting stressed or angry. And after four sessions we agreed that we'd see how I went on my own, and if I had trouble to make another appointment And more so after the baby was born, to head off PND again.
And I am wondering if it is a failure on the part of the counselling or myself that I can't remember the techniques when I need them most!

Hip Pain... AGAIN! Ack!

My hips are killing. I think I can safely say that the cortisone injection I had (whenever it was, I think it was before Christmas) has not worked. I have no idea what the next step is, as my doctor and I had thought that the injection would do wonders for me. Perhaps it has something to do with the pregnancy, I don't know. But I am awake on and off during the night in absolute agony, and then of course when I try to roll over I get the round ligament pain. And then I am worried about sleeping on my back (being pregnant, you shouldn't) or on my right side (being pregnant, you shouldn't do that either). So all night I am rolling from side to side every 40 minutes to an hour, worrying about sleeping on my right side or back, and trying to not hurt.

Round Ligament Pain

Round Ligament Pain is one of those annoying (but usually harmless) symptoms in pregnancy that many women suffer. It generally starts in the second trimester, and it can result in sharp pains that can extend beyond the abdomen and hips into the groin.
It usually occurs when the pregnant female rolls over in bed, coughs or sneezes, standing quickly from a seat or moving suddenly.
The round ligament supports the pelvis and uterus, and during pregnancy comes under the effect of the hormones that causes the body to stretch and become more supple. When the female does something to cause the pain, the ligament contracts suddenly and the result is a sharp pulling or stretching pain, usually on both sides of the pelvis/tummy and usually only for a few seconds.
To alleviate the pain, you can lie on the sore side, and rest. If it keeps occuring, see your doctor. To prevent the pain, brace yourself if you are going to cough or sneeze, turn slowly in bed and support yourself, and you always do stretching exercises to keep the ligaments supple.
If the pain lasts longer than a few minutes and/or is accompanied by other symptoms, see your doctor.

Hip Pain Again

I haven't had the pain in my hips for a while now, so it took me by surprise when, on a weekend away, I woke up both mornings in excruciating pain. To the extent I had to get out of bed, and forgo my lie-in.
Bugger!

Dagnabbit

I broke a tooth. Was having breakfast, and crunched on a seed from my toast - ran my tongue over my back teeth and found a huge cracked bit, but no bit of tooth. Made an appointment with a dentist who fixed it asap (another filling in a tooth that has had about four previous fillings). Not happy Jan, but at least I can chew on that side again - it is not as sore as it usually is...

Pelvic Dysfunction (or Separation) in Pregnancy

Generally, in normal cases of pregnancy, hormones make the cartilage soften a bit to make room for the baby and assist everything to open up easily during labor. However, in some women hormones make the cartilage too soft, and as a result the pelvis starts to separate and this can create immense pain and risk of premature delivery. The levels of pregnancy hormone peak in the 12th week of pregnancy - therefore it is common for the symptoms of pelvic dysfunction to occur around then.

From Wikipedia:
Diastasis symphysis pubis
The non-pregnant gap is 4-5mm but in pregnancy there will be an increase of at least 2-3mm due the ligaments which surround and insert into the joint as they remodel under the influence of hormones. Therefore, it is considered that a total width of up to 9mm between the two bones is normal for a pregnant woman. This natural extra gapping decreases within days following the delivery, although the supporting ligaments will take three to five months to fully return to their normal state. An abnormal gap is considered to be 1cm or more, sometimes with the two bones being slightly out of alignment. If there is a complete separation, that is, a traumatic tear, and the joint will be completely unstable. This tear can be felt and sometimes heard by the woman. There will be intensive pain followed by swelling and inflammation. The woman is unable to move her back, trunk, hips and legs without causing severe pain. When lying on her back her legs involuntary move apart and without the ability to close them together. This type of pelvic fracture needs to be treated as such and investigations into possible involvement of the sacroiliac joints should be addressed. It is important to note that the same can happen to the sacroiliac joints, and could lead to laxity and even inflammation. This involvement could involve one or both sacroiliac joint(s). A separation or diastasis can also be the result of traumatic forces from either an incident during the pregnancy or delivery.

Pelvic Pain Begins

I am about 14 weeks, and the pain in my pelvis has begun - earlier than the last pregnancy, so I am worried how bad it will get by the end of this one. If I walk around too much of course it gets worse, but it can flare up when I have been sitting down for a long time then get up, too. My hips have been giving me curry lately, too. And the round ligament pain has also started - when I roll over in bed it's like someone is cutting my insides out. Ahhh... But I wouldn't have it any other way.

Insulin Resistance

Insulin Resistance, or IR, is a condition where there is insufficient amount of insulin to produce insulin response from fat, muscle and liver cells. The cause of Insulin Resistance is still unknown, but it has an inherited component. IR can cause glucose uptake reduction, and reduces the storage of glycogen, making it not available to release into blood. Worse still, it can lead to metabolic syndrome and Type 2 Diabetes.
The common symptoms that indicate Insulin Resistance include fatigue, inability to focus, low blood sugar, bloating, sleepyness, weight gain and obesity, blood triglyceride levels increasing, high blood pressure and depression. There are many treatments available to cure Insulin Resistance. First, exercise and weight loss. Metformin/Diaformin and Diabex, types of medicine, are also commonly prescribed as a medicinal treatment for Insulin Resistance. Apart from this, IR patients can add some cinnamon to their daily diet to help them control the blood sugar. However, there are on going experiments about other possibilities of treatments for Insulin Resistance patients.

PCOS

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, also known as PCOS, is a disorder that affects almost 10% of women around the world. It happens to women regardless or race and nationalities. PCOS is known to be the most common hormonal disorder among women, and can cause infertility to women who are reproductively active. The main symptoms that indicate Polycystic Ovary Syndrome include weight problems, irregular ovulation and menstruation and excessive androgenic hormones. Other than that, there are some minor symptoms include excessive head hair loss (and excessive hair in other places), acne & pimples formation, obesity and depression.

PCOS often goes hand in hand with another condition called Insulin Resistance - but it is not known which comes first, or whether one is a result of the other.

What are the risks after being diagnosed with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome? Women will have a high chance of developing endometrial cancer, higher risk of getting Type II Diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, stroke, miscarriage and high blood pressure. These are quite dangerous, and life threatening. However, there are treatments available to treat PCOS. The treatments are tailored to suit different patient's needs. There are generally four categories: lowering the insulin levels, restoration of fertility, treatment of hirsutism and restoration of normal menstruation. PCOS can happen to any women regardless of age and it is advisable for all women to go for annual check ups with their gynaecologist to ensure early detection and treatment should you get infected with PCOS.

Some Facts About Fibro

Fibromyalgia is a chronic and often debilitating condition that affects the musculoskeletal system of its sufferer. Women between the ages of 20-50 are most often diagnosed with Fibromyalgia, though it can affect anyone at any age. Most people who have this syndrome report pain throughout their entire body but especially in their neck, shoulders, low back, and hips. They can also suffer from fatigue, headaches, numbness, sleep disorders, and irritable bowel problems. Any type of minor exertion can trigger or amplify their pain.
Since the cause of Fibromyalgia is unknown, patients undergo a series of examinations and tests that are more exclusionary than confirming. That is to say, known causes are eliminated as possibilities before the patient is diagnosed with Fibromyalgia. Successful treatments are only partially effective, though there have been good responses to exercise and antidepressants. Education is perhaps the most effective tool sufferers can use when learning to live with Fibromyalgia. Identifying their trigger points and best treatment plan can help them return to a more active state and improve their quality of life.

Phew

It seems that the blood test showing I had low sodium was a result of a mistake at the lab. So I spent all that time thinking I was dying of kidney disease. And I wasn't.
Anyway, the result of all the tests is that I definitely have fibromyalgia. My doctor is a little upset as it is, as he puts it, a 'dead-end diagnosis'. There is nothing that can be done about it, you can't treat it (just the symptoms) and you basically just have to live with it. DH asked the doctor is there is anything you can do to alleviate the symptoms (exercise or physio) and he said no......

Blood Test Confirms It!

It's official - we are most definitely pregnant. The blood test at the clinic confirmed it!

Second Home Pregnancy Test

I did another one, and it was positive too. So we are definitely pregnant. So much for putting aside the entire year to concentrate on one cycle after another - we only needed one this year (plus the failed one last year).

Home Pregnancy Test

I did one this morning, and it was positive. Very slightly, but definitely a second line. We're pregnant, after only two IVF cycles this time! Woot!

IVF - In Vitro Fertilisation

IVF (In vitro fertilization) is an assisted reproductive technique for the treatment of infertility. It also works in cases where other assisted reproductive technologies fail to treat infertility.

IVF involves the removing ova from ovaries and allowing male sperm to fertilize them in a liquid medium. After the fertilization, the fertilized ova (embryos) are transferred to the uterus.

In vitro fertilization is used in all cases of infertility these days; earlier it was used only in those cases in which females had damaged, blocked or absent fallopian tubes. Proper tests are taken before performing IVF treatment, these tests involve:
Sperm survival test to make sure the adequate amount of sperm are present to perform IVF
Blood FSH level is checked to make sure there are no problems with the ovaries and ovarian reserve.
A hysteroscopy is also performed to make sure the uterine cavity and fallopian tubes are completely normal.
Blood tests to make sure you are not suffering from hepatitis B, AIDS, or any other disease that can cause problems in performing IVF.
IVF is a very costly and complex technique used to overcome infertility, therefore it should be considered as the last option for the treatment of infertility.

IVF Procedure

We had our egg collection today - otherwise known as an EPU (or egg pick up). I LOVE pethedeine. I don't care how it's spelt, I love it. I love the feeling of being safely allowed to give up and float away... Until the pain from the procedure brings you back down to reality LOL. I'd love a hit of peth each night so I could float off to sleep.....

Kidney Disease

The kidneys are the most important organs in the human body, that filter out waste from human blood, to form urine. Disease that affects the kidneys is known as kidney disease.

Following are some of the common causes of kidney disease:

1. Diabetes is the most common cause of kidney disease. Always control sugar levels in your body if you’re diabetic; if sugar levels get out of control it may result in kidney problems.
2. Another cause is high blood pressure, which can destroy the tiny blood vessels in kidneys; as a result of damage, blood filtration processes are affected.
3. It can be a genetic problem as well, if anybody in your family have experienced kidney disease, then you may also be at risk of suffering from it.

Sufferers do not experience any sort of sickness in the early stages of kidney disease, but if it becomes severe then sufferer might have to urinate more often than normal, or they might feel tired or irritated, experience swelling in various body parts, poor appetite, vomiting, drowsiness or difficulty in concentration. If you experience any of these signs, do not ignore them - seek medical attention to avoid the adverse affects of this disease.

Well...

I got the results back from the blood tests. My doctor (God love him) is concerned about a very low reading on my sodium, which could indicated kidney disease. Joy. The vitamin D deficiency is not an issue (mainly because my vitamin D is fine) and the investigations into my pain have halted for the time being.
More blood tests, and a wee test.

Bone Scan Results

Well I went to see my doctor with the results. He took some blood, and seemed to be quite interested in the 'low vitamin D' theory. Will have to see...

Vitamin D Deficiency

Vitamin D deficiency can lead to serious problems because vitamin D is important in the absorption of calcium. Calcium is needed for both the body’s structure and function. Calcium is important for healthy bones, nails and hair but many do not know that along with sodium, it helps regulate metabolic mechanisms and neurological responses. Vitamin D deficiency is the most common cause of osteomalacia and other bone and muscle disorders. Although vitamin D deficiency is most often seen in elderly people who have been institutionalized, others are at risk as well. Menopausal women, people who do not get enough sun (yes, the sun can be good for you), the malnourished, or people with absorption problems, or certain kidney/liver problems are also at risk. Treatment depends on the cause and current lifestyle of the individual. Vitamin D supplements along with sun exposure (at least 15 minutes 3 days a week) may help most individuals. Additional medication may be required for other individuals.

Connective Tissue Disease

Connective tissue diseases (aka connective tissue disorders) are a collection of disorders based on what they affect. Tendons, ligaments, cartilage and fascia are all types of connective tissue found in the musculoskeletal system and important for mobility. Most types of connective tissue disease fall into another category, autoimmune disease. The immune system uses antibodies and other types of cells and mechanisms to combat disease. Most connective tissue diseases occur when part of the immune response starts attacking collagen or elastin (major components of connective tissue). Examples of a connective tissue disease include Scleroderma, Sjogren’s syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, some forms of lupus, and polymyositis. Since connective tissue diseases have different causes, treatment varies based on etiology. Some diseases are genetic while others may occur for unknown or unrelated reasons. When breast implants first became popular, many women who had silicone gel leaked into their system experienced health problems including various connective tissue diseases.

Bone Scan

Went to have the bone scan. Got the same specialist who reviewed the one I had all that many years ago. She compared that scan with today's, and noted some differences. She said the pattern of uptake is not that of inflammatory arthritis, and suggested a vitamin D deficiency. Or, some kind of connective tissue disease. She didn't mention fibromyalgia, so I don't know if that's a good thing or a bad thing.

Bone Scan

My doctor wants me to have a bone scan.
Now, I had one when I was seeing a rheumatologist about 11 years ago, and I lit up like a Christmas tree. A bone scan is where they inject you with a radioactive dye and then take x-rays. Areas of quick bone regrowth light up, and they can see where you have any problems. 11 years ago, I had 'hot spots' (as they're known) in: my hands and wrists, my shoulders, my hips and sacroiliac joints, my ankles and feet, and my lower legs (the doctor who reviewed the scans said they indicated previous injury... what the?).
My doctor now suggested that the pain in my hips and sacros might actually be referred from my back, so he wants to check it out. My words were "I don't want anything wrong with my back, let's not investigate any further."
I've maintained for a long time that all my ailments are just one big systemic condition - FMS does not quite cover it, so I'll call it 'The Hurties'.

Blasted Whipper Snipper

I attempted to start the whipper snipper yesterday, with a view to getting the edges done in our back yard. 'Attempted' being the operative word.
Now I can barely type, my right hand is puffy and blue, by arm is sore to my elbow and my shoulder feels like it has been ripped out of its socket. DH did the edges tonight.

Clapping?

We went and saw Bon Jovi on Tuesday night. I screamed so much I thought I would have lost my voice the next day (but didn't), but what did happen was that my hands are sooooo sore from clapping! My wrists especially. And my legs, feet, ankles and hips are sore from where I was 'dancing' in my seat. Plus as we didn't get to bed until after midnight, I am still out of it two days later - very tired and sore. I had always dreamed Jon Bon Jovi would leave me exhausted and aching, but not exactly this way LOL.

Back Again

Woke up this morning in excruciating pain, but it seems to have dissipated a little... Going to see Bon Jovi tonight so I hope I am pain-free by then!

Home Again

Well we made it home okay, and even though our bed is not as comfortable as some of the ones we slept on while we were on holidays, at least I woke up relatively pain free (apart from my heel). My ankle is not puffy (but we have not been walking much over the last few days) and my hips are pretty good at the moment. But I still can't walk on my left foot with the heel pain.
Oh, and with all the walking, the arthritis in my left foot has made my toes numb, particularly the one next to the big toe. And the pain in one little toe! My goodness!

Ankle

I have been waking up every morning with my left ankle the size of a golf ball. I can't put weight on it, and when I shower I have to basically stand on my right foot. X-rays have showed nothing is wrong, but there is something there because it looks like a puffy marshmallow.

Still There

The pain is still there - but now, not only do I have pain in my left side, but my right side also. I will have to make an appointment with the doc when I get home and see what's going on in my hips. It's most likely the bursitis, not the fibromyalgia, that is causing the pain, but if the cortisone injection didn't work, then I don't know what to do.

Not Too Bad

We're on holidays at the moment, and can I just say, my hip is okay! Not great - I have done a bit of driving and I can feel it then - but on the whole, it is pretty good. Having said that, I am not doing a lot of walking (mainly just sitting and eating LOL) so I have yet to try it out again after the post Boxing Day Shop. But at the moment the pain is bearable.

Depression

Depression is an extremely common disorder and affects millions of people everyday. It not only affects the lives of the sufferers but their friends, family, and coworkers as well. Depression presents itself as a lowered state of mood varying from a mild sadness to extreme feelings of guilt, worthlessness, or hopelessness. Individuals may withdraw from normal activities and lose interest in their favorite pastimes. They can also experience headaches, changes in sleep, inability to concentrate or make a decision, changes in eating habits, decreased sexual drive, and anxiety. Everyone has been “depressed” at least one point in his or her lives, however, to be diagnosed with depression, symptoms must be present for a minimum of two weeks.

The cause of depression will determine the treatment. There are three main causes of depression: genetics, developmental problems, and psychosocial stresses. Although antidepressants and other medication can be effectively used to treat most types of depression, those caused by psychosocial stresses (such as divorce, unemployment, death of a loved one) are best treated by therapy and the passage of time.

Post Natal Depression

Post Natal depression is also known as postpartum depression. It is one of the clinical forms of depression that occurs in women after childbirth. Women generally exhibit a period of low mood. This particular type of depression can be severe to mild, the most severe problem that it can cause is post natal psychosis (in rare cases).It is very common type of depression and occurs in one out of 8 to10 women after delivering a child. It generally occurs two or three weeks post delivery, and generally disappears after few months, however in rare cases might persist for longer.Following are the common symptoms of post natal depression exhibited by the sufferer:The most common symptoms are feelings of low, crying without any reason, sadness and mood changes.Sleeping problems such as disruptive sleep, difficulties in getting off to sleep (not because of a child to look after).Loss of energy or fatigue.Diminished interest in daily pleasure activity.AnxietyProblems in concentrating.Sufferer might loose or gain weight due to poor appetite.Suicidal thoughts.Restlessness and tiredness almost whole day.Irregularity in periods.Chest pain, headache and stomach ache.

Severe Anxiety

Everyone has experienced anxiety on some level. It is only when it interferes with your daily life does it become a problem that may need treatment. There are so many forms of anxiety that medical diagnosis is needed in order to identify causal factors. Severe anxiety can be due to trauma, psychosocial stresses (such as divorce or death of a loved one), developmental disorder, or as a symptom of an underlying condition. Anxiety is often a downward spiral because one attack usually leads to a hyperawareness or fear of reoccurring attacks, which in turn increases the risk and severity of future attacks. If not treated it may lead to the development of some phobias.

There are two components to anxiety, psychological (mental) and somatic (physical). Psychological symptoms of anxiety include fear, inability to concentrate, and apprehension. Increased heart rate, increased blood pressure, hyperventilating, tremors, and sweating are examples of the somatic symptoms sufferers may experience. The best treatment for anxiety depends on the causes. Treatment may include one or all of the following, drug therapy, counseling, treating underlying medical condition, and relaxation techniques. Because anxiety is a progressive condition and may be caused by other life threatening medical disorders, it is important to seek treatment as soon as possible.