Appetite: Figured out my problem

[MakinIT]

So...A while back I wrote somewhere that I was having issues with my appetite and that I had lost alot of weight. Finally got my doc to sit and listen to me, especially after my experience with Thanksgiving. He told me that it wasn't uncommon for women to be anorexic right after menopause begins. (by not uncommon, he means a single digit percentage point.) But he said this type isn't by choice, it's like a switch for your appetite just turns off. For me, Everything smells funny, tastes funny...just icky. I've lost 30 pounds, but can lose another 25 before any real concern starts. (Thus, he was sorta lacksadasical about it) But he did run blood tests, my vitimin B complex is down, and I'm very fatigued. I try to eat a little fruit, yogurt but I can't eat much. The doctor said that they can't figure why this happens but I have to make myself eat. I feel like I'm forcing more food down my throat beyond what I can eat. So, I'm not having any fun. My older daughter weighs more than me now and thinks I'm doing it on purpose. "sigh". (she has had a horrible hang up about her weight, but she is a beautiful girl) She wants me to eat, simpley so I weigh more than her.
Doc is going to send me for a 'scope to see if I have a blockage. meanwhile, I am making smoothies with soy protien and pretty much living on that. Fun, eh?

Gotta go...I have jobs to do....Have fun.

[GriffsMommy]

Well I'm glad you finally got your dr to listen to you. Even if you could stand to lose some weight it still can't be healthy for you to not have any appetite. How can your body effectively deal with all of your other health problems if you have no energy from not eating. I know how hard it is to eat when you're not hungrey. I had so much pain this weekend I didn't to eat anything and then started feeling really weak. Let us know how the scope goes. :grouphug:

[MakinIT]

The doc office just called and said they ran some tests...My liver is not operating properly. Neat. so I have to go in tomorrow and have some more tests done. I'm very excited. (not) Prob messed myself up on the narcotics.

My cholesterol is way out of whack (I don't eat...go figure) and its never been a problem before. It's always in the 180's, with the bad stuff under 100. GEEZ. What the hellllk is going on???

[Claredale]

I have found that when I flare I don't want to eat, plus some of my meds cause me to have a lack of appetite, not that I can't do without some food. But my doctor has made it clear that when I am hurting to eat something especially proteins do help with my energy level.

Hope you feel better!

Tracey

[NancyB]

Dear MakinIT -

I want to post some comments that may be helpful to you. Would you mind telling me 1) how old you are and 2) are you feeling jittery? Thanks:)

[MakinIT]

Well...I am 42 (and a half..too much time spent around kids). I don't really feel jittery, more anxious. My eldest would describe me as a "betchnatch..(her and her friends word for *****) but not my face"..(however, as I remind her, she is the one who undergoes periods, not me! I'm just exhausted; drag my sorry ass out of bed in the morning, do my exercises, because that usual gets me moving, and I crawl back into bed for 2 hours. My doctors office called and said my Liver enzymes were out of whack. Prob my pain meds are doing something to my liver so I'll have to make a choice between pain or my liver. I have to go back in and have more tests done. I've been buying one dinner a day because I'm too pooped to do a full trip. Natch...I forget different things like hair conditioner, snacks, etc. the kids need and I remind them to write them down. The youngest is better with my lack of "attention to minor details" but my oldest thinks I do it on purpose. The fact is, I'm too worn out to worry about bobby pins and hair doo dads. Last night, I woke up at midnight, actually hungry..the only people up were my husband and his brother. Or so I thought, I could hear them talking and only one light was one. So, I figured my daughter was asleep, boyfriend gone. NOOO. Daughter was in bathroom, B.F. laying on living room floor, reading a book. I had a blanket wrapped around me, and a tee shirt and undies on. My daughter hates when I don't have sweats on but I looked like an Iriquoi woman, all wrapped up. I grabbed a yogurt and started to chat with my husband and Caitlin came out. (She's 18) She took one look at me, knew I didn't have pants on by the way I was wrapped, and flipped out . Thankfully, my husband told her to go to her room b/c he could see the steam starting to come out of my ears. (prior to that, we were fighting about something really stupid and I went to bed) I just cried and said I was sick of not having any privacy in my own home, even at midnight. I can't even walk around my house in my underwear in the middle of the middle of the night. Anyway, enough complaining about my family. It really is amazing when you feel crappy how much worse you feel. I have no desire to even get up and make dinner or anything. (I have to soon, oldest kid has youth group tonight)

We are putting up Christmas lights tonight...hope to have the Christmas tree by Friday and we will be putting it up.

Do you have any thought rumbling in your head?:smile tee

T

[rjyoon]

I'd strongly recommend trying a nutritional drink, such as Ensure or Boost. I know when I lost my appetite & just ate a little, I got very out-of-whack. Now I make sure to use nutritional drinks & I feel much better & know that I'm taking care of my body until it recovers from whatever is wrong.

[anewday]

Looking at the list of meds you are taking, several of them can have an effecto on appetite. You might want to discuss that with your doctor.

Also, have you had your thyroid checked? An overactive thyroid can cause loss of appetite and weight loss.

It seems odd that he would say "anorexic"- anorexia is a mental disorder in which the person restrics food intake because they believe they are overweight- this does not sound like your situation at all to me.

[ICNDonna]

It could easily be your medications causing your loss of appetite. I suggest you talk to your doctor about that.

Donna

[MakinIT]

My thyroid gets checked about every 6 months...it always comes back on a screen positive for problems but negative upon further testing. And I also thought "wierd" for anorexia but he said it was for lack of a better term. The switch for your appetite gets turned off, then it cascades because it starts a cycle of not eating. But I'm working at it as best I can.

I do drink some of the smoothie mix I make for my non vegatable eating vegatarian daughter (ha, ha) yes...it is true. But it is a very fattening, healthy, balanced mix she loves. I have a ton of choices of fruit and I let her pick. I grind up the ice, add the fruit and real whipping cream. I also put half a container of yogurt in, usually vanilla or whatever fruit goes with her fruit choice. I also wind up putting in milk to thin it. Once the blender is really going and I don't have to stop every 5 seconds and mix it with a spatula, I then add a couple tablespoons of sugar and protein powder. I eat about 8 ounces, Kelsey eats about 16 oz each day. Lots of cals and good stuff.

[mary124]

I too am having that problem but I didn't need to lose any weight. I talked to my family doctor and told him whats going on and all he said was "start counting my calorie intake" he also said if I continue to have this problem that the next time I come in we will look into it. But thankfully, I have a cardio doctor who is really concern and they started doing some lab work. One of my co-workers said that I could be starting menopause with the weight loss plus night sweats (don't have them every night-thankfully). When I go back to the cardio doctor I will ask him about this; (also when I mentioned this to his nurse she said it could be). In the meantime, I am drinking Ensure to help stabilize my weight.

[Vicki]

I would bet everything I own that it is the Topamax causing the weight loss. It is notorious for having that side effect. Honestly, I would get another doctor if he does not know that about Topamax. It causes major weight loss. Lots of celebrities take it for weight loss. So, it is a catch 22 if it helps your ic symptoms. Anyhow, best of luck. -Vicki

[mary124]

I bet that is your problem. You might want to try something else. I was on Topamax last year- but had to switch due to my headaches keep coming back.

[MakinIT]

I've been on Topamax for 5 years. I know about its effect on appetite. it hit me the first day I took it...yikes. But this is different. My liver panels and such were redone yesterday. Apparently, there is a form of autoimmune hepatitis and people with sjoren's are in the higher likely catagory to get it. The test that was done came back positive for the auto immune hepatitis but they are going to do more tests. it can be a false positive, and it seems to happen me. Folks that get this also have thyroid problems, fybromyalagia (which is going nuts on me now...I am so sick and hurt) or rhuemotoid factors (I do but the doc said it was due to Fibro) . The liver area is sore but I just attribute it to my ribs being sore. I don't have dark urine or "clay colored" poop. (yick) Poop is yick anyway but my imagination and all the times I've kneaded clay with kids...My b-12 is off so I'm not absorbing correcly....Hopefully, this will pass. I think the internet has, insome ways, made us all little doctor of ourselves.

keep your fingers crossed that I just feel like ****.

Oh my oldest found out my doctor said I have "illness related anorexia" and she has been huffy about it every since. Like I want to be sick and could give a **** at 42 if I had a model's body . Its because I weight less than her now and it bugs her, and her little sister is a twig...she doesn't gain wieght. Caitlin is built like me, muscular, short, strong...and in order to stay in shape she HAS to excercise. But she doesnt. She eats fairly healthy but too much for her activity level. So She pulls this thing to her boyfriend "my mom said (and she exaggeratted a gleeful smile and I was definately not gleeful, I was sick and not feeling well) the doctor said I had illness related anorexia and isn't great, I'm almost a 10." I told her to not speak to me because she's been incredibly rude to me for the last 2 weeks. And I left the room. (on the one hand, "do everything, on the other....don't bother me"...type of bull ****. Sick of my kids being lazy, sick of their attitudes, sick of being sick. and I'm starting to feel sorry for my self so I have to get off this crazy roller coaster.

I love my children. But I am scared. I'm sure it will work out, but I've been through step two of this screening for hepatitis. I did nothing to deserve it. Guess I'm glad I got a million dollar policy the year before I got sick. (ha, ha) But if I just want to feel good.

Anyway, take care...we are putting up our tree...trying to smile...just took some oxy so I'm starting to feel a little better. I luv ya all.

Tracey

[NancyB]

Dear MakinIT -

There are two things that came to mind when I read your post that might be helpful to you:

1) A couple of months after having my hysterectomy, I was also profoundly fatigued, jittery, unable to eat with weight loss. I saw a psychopharmacologist (a psychiatrist who diagnoses psychiatric conditions and treats them with medication). He diagnosed me with Melancholy Depression. If your doctor(s) don’t find anything wrong with your scans, etc. you might want to see a psychopharmacologist for an evaluation. I noticed from your entry on the message board that you are on Wellbutrin. Melancholy depression is not treated with that and, in fact, can make you feel worse.

2) The dosage of estradiol that you take may be too low for you, and I will tell you why from my story. When I was 47, I was diagnosed with mild IC during perimenopause. I had a lot of the usual symptoms, urgency, some frequency, pain, bladder spasms and felt awful. I did a lot of charting of my symptoms and noticed that I felt the worst AFTER I started each period. My theory was that I got IC because my bladder had too little estrogen. (Estrogen levels start dropping during perimenopause.) So, I went to my gynecologist and asked for some estrogen. A lot of gynecologists seem to feel that .50 mgs. of estradiol is all that every woman needs. I was glad that mine did not feel that way and was willing to work with me. He gave me a 6 week supply of Estrace (estradiol) .50 mgs. per day. From the first pill, I started to feel better. About a week into that medication, I felt like there was something about the pill I wasn’t tolerating, and I asked to be switched to the Climera patch. I liked the patch really well because I could cut and paste what I needed. My gyn gave me a 0.1 mg. patch to work with. Within 3 weeks my bladder had completely cleared up. It took another 3 weeks to clear up the rest of my body (bowels, etc.) and feel normal again. Four years later, I had a hysterectomy (tubes, ovaries, etc.). After the surgery, I had to up my Climera patch to 0.2 mgs. (2 – 0.1 mg. patches) for a time then dropped it to 0.150 mgs. (1 – 0.1 mg. patch and 1 - 0.05 mg. patch) where it has stayed for the last 8 years. I have tried to reduce it a few times, but my bladder has always let me know when the estradiol level was too low. About a year ago, I started having some urgency feelings and had an estrogen level done and found out that I was no longer absorbing the patch. So, I went back to the Estrace pills 1.50 mgs. 2 times per day; however, both the non generic and the generic bothered me a little because they both had blue dye in them to make them purple. Luckily, I found a pharmacy that had estradiol that was colored pink and they have been fine. Clearly, this is not a treatment for every ICer, but it may be for you. I have been IC symptom free for almost all of the 12 years I have had it and am thankful every day that I found something that works.

I hope you find this information helpful. Good luck in your IC journey for getting your bladder cleared up.

[BrittanysDance]

MakinIt,

Your Topomax can definatately be the cause of all of this - regardless that you've been on it for 5 years - it can "wax and wane" in the weight department and trigger at any time. I just saw my neuro this past week for my 3 month check (I've been on Top for 2 years and go every 3-6 months depending on how I feel) and I've recently started to lose again. I was holding steady at 125 and then w/in the past month I started to drop like crazy and got down to 113 and freaked out. So upon my visit with him this past week he told me (I am now up to 117) that if I didnt get back up in weight he'd drop the Topomax from my meds regardless that it helped my migraines. I asked him about the weight loss given I had been on it for almost 2 years now, I thought that was just in the beginning and he stated it could happen at any time - you can hold steady or lose, it just depends. He also then asked about drinking tons of water to ensure no kidney stones...(I am) because again, its the number one side effect of Topomax, with weightloss being the second.

I also have Thyroid issues (graves disease) so I'm on 150mcg of Synthroid and have been for 10 years now and get that checked very 3 months as well. While my levels fluctuate (my TSH is always fluctuating because I am on HRT - it can and does affect the levels), its not so much the TSH they worry about because that can and does fluctuate if you have constant monitoring - its the T3's, T4's and Free T3's and Free T4's you need to make sure are in line. The Free T's are not standard tests unless your doctor specifically orders them and they can be radically off even if your regular T3's and 4's and TSH are normal. Have you also had your pituitary checked specifically? There's another test to check its function that goes along with your thyroid panel, again, not a standard blood draw. If you are cold all the time, thyroid does that as well as that is the "termostat" for your body. I dont understand how you can have a draw that comes back abnormal and your doctor just shoos it under-the-rug so to speak. Is your doc an endo?

The liver function should be done or requested by any patient that is on long term pain control at least every 3-6 months to ensure your liver is not in any danger, as well as the kidneys. Especially those on any type of acetometaphine type narcotic (any of the "cets") as they were never meant to be long-term pain control medications just for this reason.


I hope you feel better soon and get some answers.

Brittany

[MakinIT]

The first night after my hysterectomy I started the ol sweats. I couldn't figure out what was going on (in pain, disoriented, and sweating from every skin pore possible. ) They gave me some estrace that night. I may need more...who knows..I do have my "annual" coming up. I can chat with her (my doc) about it then.

I should know by Monday what they want to do next in terms of my results on the liver. They may need to biopsy. This auto immune crap is for the birds.I really feel lousy today. But my mother in law is here, we put our tree up last night. I got up and took a shower this morning, got dressed for the day. My oldest daughter has a singing recital in 2 hours and needed to get in the shower (we have one bathroom). She called it and ran back to get her clothes (she needed to stand in some steam because she still has a cough and needs to warm her voice up. The 12 year old slipped in and got in the shower, brought her buddy who spent the night into the bathroom with her. Caitlin was MAD. She calmly asked Kelsey if she could hurry, she needed to warm her voice up. Kelsey was a butt head. So Caitlin asked me to intervene. Kelsey had a radio turned up loud...I knocked on the door and just said "hey, your sis needs to sing solo in about an hour, needs to warm up her vocal cords, could you vacate the bathroom?" She was extremely nasty to me....with her grandmother there, my husband there...I walked out to the kitchen and said "was I unreasonable? was I rude? I just asked her to vacate the bathroom so Caitlin could shower and warm up her voice." My husband was a total jerk to me. (by then, Caitlin was in the shower) I stood there with my mouth hanging open...I told him there was absolutlely no circumstance in which it is ok for her to treat me like that and I'm sick of her doing that, him "talking to her" then they go out and she gets some new thing. I came back to my room and Kelsey was taking my laptop out and I told her NO. She said she had to get on my space. I told her I didn't care. It's my computer and I'm tired of her assuming it's just a free for everyone.

Anyway...I don't feel well...everything is bothering me. Caitlin is singing in a bit, then tonight her choir is singing their Christmas concert at the Grotto in NE Portland. (A beautiful Catholic place of reflection, I guess...they build the cathedral right into the side of the butte and it is quite a pretty place.)

Sorry for my complaining. Don't feel well, don't have anyone to talk to. And, again, I'm scared...no one around here recognizes that. Even if this comes back positive they won't really care. It wont mean anything to them.

Don't know why this happens to me.:angel:..and I have a sense of self power, but right now I feel powerless because I can't take care of myself financially. I have been told and have dreamt of dying alone, old and lonely. that scares me worse than anything.. I will just hope it continues to be a dream and this is a bump in the road. Things go well when I feel well. But when I'm sick and need support, my family has a way of making me feel like I'm doing it on purpose.

Take care everyone:rolleyes::smile tee

Tracey

[Moonheart]

Hi Tracey! Missed you! Sorry been gone so long. We ended up losing internet, then water, then our house and being homeless for two months. But I'm back now! ;)

I agree that the Topamax is causing the weightloss, as well as the Wellbutrin. That's another well known weightloss drug with a side effect of "anorexia".

As to anorexia being a psychiatric term...... It's not. At least not exclusively. It is also used to describe the symptom of loss of appetite when discussing side effects. Check any list of side effects and instead of saying a drug makes you feel like not eating, it will say that it causes anorexia.

Also, the liver enzymes being off? Your doctor should know that those are caused by the Top and WB as well since both of those drugs are to be monitored regularly and blood tests done. When the liver shows problems then it should be determined which drug is causing the fluctuation and it should be altered accordingly.

This of course is non-professional information and in no way is meant to supplant the advice of your doctor or health care professional.

Please PM me Tracey or email me and we can talk if you need someone to talk to okay? I need a good friend to talk to as well. :)

Hugs,
Moonheart

[MakinIT]

I read up on the medications re: liver problems. Fortunately, I was smart enough about 6 months into this thing to get my doc to drop any meds with acetominophen in it...my meds are pure morphine. And morphine isn't listed as a "harmful to the liver" although the brain says anything going through the liver could be harmful, as the liver acts as strainer....As for the Topamax...I still don't know...The first negative reaction I had to it involved a metallic taste with pop (so I no longer drink pop, haven't for 5 years...yay!) and yeah, just weight sloughing off. my appetite diminished but my tummy never hurt. It was just like I couldn't eats as much. Now, I hurt.

Moonheart:

OMG I am so sorry about all you have been through. Thank goodness you have a roof over your head, are you alright for the holidays? As for the blood tests on my liver, they've R/O the med stuff. They've completed one blood test that shows elevation in like 3 areas of enzymes...then they did a second test that shows the auto hepatitis...The only other thing the doc wants or recommends is a biopsy. And it is because these symptoms have really just cropped up, the appetite thing has been a while (with heartburn, and he wants an endo for that) But the pain I'm having is on the right side (i didn't realize it until he started poking around...I hate that) But, my eyes are still white, skin still pasty (ha, ha) no yellow yet...so could just be the typical combination of weird stuff for me. One of the things that concerned me was that sjoren's was a predictor...gotta go.

[Moonheart]

I'm ok now hon. Been thru hell and back and just worried about you now. Not much for holidays. Just happy for a house.

Hugs!
Me

[MakinIT]

I'm so sorry for what's happened. Are your kids ok? You can PM me...I've been sleeping this afternoon...I'm irritated because all the shopping, cooking, cleaning up is left to me (I don't mind the shopping and cooking, but I do get b*tchy about the cleaning up...they help)...But my youngest has become vegetarian, but won't eat vegetables (she just doesn't like meat), my oldest has very wierd tastes...anything pork, or with the word "loaf" (unless bread) won't fly, nor will most casseroles. My Father in Law is diabetic, but he eats everything that is his traditional favorite foods (midwest meat and potatoes) but turns his nose up at pasta. I also have diabetes so when he starts trying to tell me potatoes don't have sugar in them but pasta does, I tell him he's full of Sh*t. SO>>> I was going to make hamburgers tomorrow night, was still trying to figure out what to do for Kelsey. Caitlin asked what was for dinner tommorrow. I told her. She just flounced out of the room saying "you always fix the good things when I'm not here" EXCUSE ME? NOW I HAVE TO KEEP TRACK OF CALENDARS TOO? I calmly asked her what in the name of God's green earth I was supposed to do with 5 different culinary tastes and most of the time people are gone? She said I was being unreasonable and mean. So I left a note on the table, with dinner prepared for tonight, the note saying : "I can no longer adjust myself to everyones tastes and schedules. I have left paper with 7 spaces for 7 dinners. please fill in those spaces so I can go shopping for the food tomorrow".....AAAARRGGGG. I DONT EVEN EAT DINNER. does anyone see the irony in that or is it just me?

I guess I am just a whiner. I just find these things to be on the one hand, funny...and on the other irritating as hell. I could write a book in a cynical manner on my family but feelings would be deeply hurt. Even my shrink thinks this stuff is amusing.

I better go or I'll be accused of being reclusive.

Good night. T

[Moonheart]

Hon, I say tell them all to cook for themselves or starve....

although, I still think you should write the book. I think it would be therapeudic. Write it under a pen name and pseudonames for your family and don't tell them about it. ;)

Do you still have my email?

[MakinIT]

Ha, ha.....yeah....Do you realize how much money that would cost? I woke up this morning when the kids were getting ready for school and went in to pee. It takes me forever. During the time I was sitting on the pot, I got a lecture on our dog's limp (he's a Welsh Corgi...short legs, long body, prone to sprains) He's had the limp over 2 weeks now. So my oldest hits me with "you are a terrible owner, he could have cancer, who cares about money, yaddah, yaddah.." Ok...For one thing, I am pretty talented when it comes to muscular and body stuff...Even dogs, cats...sort of an inate thing. you can feel the swelling in his shoulder, and he stops limping after the first part of the morning . She's been on my back for awhile about different things and it doesn't help that I don't feel well. Quote: "my mom's doc thinks she has anorexia, wow, isn't that cool..my own mother is refusing to eat and has a psycho prob." Anyway. Her dad over heard this conversation this morning and got on her, so I got home and Caitlin was there and she went ballistic on me, asking me when she's been rude. (Ummm...take a stab) This was after I had to escort my youngest daughters Guinea Pig from this world to the next. (Poor little thing, she hasn't been feeling well lately...did you know these little things can get I.C? Anyway, I've been treating it for a Bladder infection and she was doing better) But she didn't feel well today so I tried to get her to take some carrot juice and lettuce and she refused. I knew something was up. She had a stroke in my hands and then laid on her side and slowly crawled up to my chin. She breathed funny for a few minutes then died. My 12 year old took it hard.....wanted to go to Petco immediately for a hamster. "sigh". I told my husband NO. She never took care of the Pig, how could she handle a new one. UGH!!! Kids.

Anyway, had PT today, they were working with pain control for fibromyalgia. Strain/Counter Strain is what they call it. She finds tender points on my body then bends me in a rather awkward manner until the pain stops (she has a finger on the pain point) I'm then I feel sorta goofy for a while after.

Well...I'm still waiting on the test resutls. I guess no news is good news...yipppee... Think I'll go crazy with one more thing to worry about. I am still groggy...I keep falling asleep.

by by, and have a good night...My email is

solfish42@gmail.com

[Kara29]

I'm so sorry to hear about your litter critter. It's always so sad........I have a bunny that is 12 years old and I feel like he's my own child. I will be a big mess when it happens. But it sounds like her passing was a rather peaceful one with you holding her under your chin. You sound like such a caring Mom of your Children and your Pets. Sending prayers up to pet Heaven for you and your Daughter.

Glad to see you are going to PT. I hope in time it starts to work for you.

I hope you have a happy Holiday Season and a Good Start to the New Year.

Kara

[MakinIT]

Thanks Kara: Same for you, as far as Christmas. I was going to go see the zoo lights tonight with my family but felt awful right before I left ( I had my makeup on and hair done) but the belly was burning and pelvic floor hurt so bad I was curled on the floor in the bathroom. My husband came back into the bathroom and helped me up, I knew he was looking forward to it being a family event so I said I'd go to the gift shop but not down the hill (the Oregon zoo is very hilly) We had stocking stuffers anyway. He told me to just relax, take pain meds and stay awake to watch Beetljuice with the family. Ha! Nice Christmas tradition. Oh, he also told me not to shake the presents. I'm notorious for that. So, I'm on the couch, nursing my wounded pride. I feel like dog do. But that will pass. I found out the retest on my liver enzymes were ok but still a little off. He wants to recheck in another month.

My youngest daughter joined a local theatre company for 8-18 year olds called CYT (Christian Youth Theatre) Our family was supposed to take the dreaded trip to Canada this break but my Eldest daughter is starting rehearsals for "Lucy" in "You're a Good Man Charlie Brown" during the break. My youngest has her first class for CYT (beginning voice) , then a tryout for HS Musical the next night. Now, singing ain't child #2's strength...She can do everything else and has the confidence but musicals are gonna be tough. Anyway. Dad is torqued and just said, "hell, I'll go by myself to Canada for 3 days "(beats the original plan of 7) Have I mentioned my enjoyment of Canadian trips?

Anyway, Merry Christmas.

[muxerr012]

I've been catching up on all the recent posts on Topamax and the severe decrease in appetite. What is the Topamax being used to treat (IC, migraines, or what)? I ask because I am taking Lyrica which has the opposite side effect. It is a neuropathic pain med that is used for many things (fibro, diabetics, IC, seizures, etc). Lyrica has saved my life. Between the IC and fibro I was in so much pain everyday! Would Lyrica be another option instead of Topamax? Sorry I don't know anything about that med but I thought I would try to help in case taking Lyrica may be an option for any of you.

Also I'm sorry I can't remember the member who has a teenage daughter that thinks her poor Mom is losing weight on purpose. I'm so sorry you're dealing with that too on top of your illness. I can so relate to teenagers and how mean spirited and selfish they can be. BUT they do grow out of it I promise you. My son put me thru hell and back for 6 straight years. I honestly didn't think I could survive it at the time. He's now 23 and we have a great relationship finally! I pray for you to have the strength to stand your ground with your daughter as she is today; with the hope and promise that things will iron themselves out soon. Bless you and stay strong Mom.

[Kara29]

Lyrica and Topomax are both in the anticonvuslant family. They work slightly different from eachother. It's always up to the Doctors as to which drug they would prescribe and for what symptom or disease. Personally, I love the Lyrica becaue it helps a lot of my conditions pain wise. I don't have any side effects from it. But we are all so very different.

Kara

[muxerr012]

Thanks for the info Kara. I'm glad you too are doing well on the Lyrica. You're right though about how all of us are so very different. It makes it that much harder to say exactly how IC should be treated for all of us. I felt so bad when I read the post from MakinIt about her problems with lack of appetite, anoerixia being mentioned to her, and the drama at home with her teenage daughter. I just wanted to comfort MakinIt somehow and to mention a diff med that might help her get her appetite back. Options are good but sadly they are, as you said different for all of us.

I send my prayers and well wishes to MakinIt, and to all IC'ers out there. Merry Christmas to all my IC sisters.

[Kara29]

HAPPY HOLIDAYS TO ALL OF YOU! May you all travel to your destinations safe and healthy.

Your Sister in IC,

Kara

[MakinIT]

Ding a ling a ling ling.....Thanks Kara!!!! I just spent my final day with my husband, shopping. UGH. Wet downtown, traffic, grumpy people. I stood in line at Powell's Bookstore for a half an hour, was nearly up at the front of the line when the sensation to potty was was way too overwhelming. By the time I got home I wanted to sleep. And I did. (I also discovered I couldn't find 50 dollars worth of stuff I picked up at Borders earliers this week. GRRRRRR....) BUT I did discover a marvelous barbeque stand in the middle of North Portland...(mmmm..pouring rain and eating riblets) I also found that Dove chocolate is at least 75% cheaper at Walgreens than at World market.

Yes, it is me with the daughter who thinks I'm intentionally losing weight and oddly enough acts as 'jealous'? of the fact that the doctor has given me a medical condition of Anorexia. He also explained that it is not unheard of in women who are meno pausal to have a physical condition of anaorexia, rather than a mental self flaw problem. I'm holding steady now because of these hi protein smoothies I'm drinking 3 drinks, nibble food, and a yogurt. My daughter's BF got a job selling cutlery. 13 bucks/hour (ha, ha) and are planning how to live with all that mulah. Ah, to be young and stupid again.

egads I'm pooped. Why I'm I so tired? I just want to sleep. Think I'm going to. Love you all. Merrry Christmas....

[MakinIT]

oh and Lyrica didn't agree wth me at all. I was hopiing b/c I have fibro but me pain levels increased as did my weight. Yick..

[MakinIT]

WHOOPS

I kinda sorta lost contol.....And ripped back the edge and ripped the paper of a package. Of course; It was in a SHIPPING BOX of all things. Waste of time. Grr.

Oh well...Santa would be disapoointed if i didn't try.

[BBB]

Great Thread Makinit! Thank you Nancy, Brittni and everyone else. All of the post really spoke to me! After Christmas is over and I (sure all of you too) have more time I would really like to talk about a couple of things.

Like...family wanting dinner and I don't eat!! And, the daughter ****** (can so relate) and most importantly the hormones. I need to get those worked out. I am only 42 but I had a complete hyster 2 years ago and can't tolerate any hormones at any amount.

Thanks again for the good info!

Merry Christmas and God Bless,
Betsy

[MakinIT]

hey BBB you are my age...I like you say only 42. I feel so damn old. My youngest was a monster christmas eve at my parents. I felt terrible about it. I had her call my mom the day after Christmas to thank her for presents (my parents spoil them) But Kelsey knew why. The first thing she said "was Hi Grandma, I'm so sorry I was a brat, I was tired and didn't feel well". My mom gave her a speech that I used to get. I guess my eldest and her BF got there before my husband and youngest and they got to talking about how Kelsey talks to me and I get ****** and Roger just uses excuses to allow the BS. (I am so sick of it.) So my mom said to Kelsey "We all have bad days and don't feel well, and it's ok to excuse yourself and lay down, but you ruined everyone's night and we had my neighbor over. Do you know I lay awake and worry about you?" Kelsey apologized again and changed the subject.But the next day, she was an angel. It wasn't about Christmas, she was a different kid. Weird. Now, she has friends over, an entire gaggle over. I talked to her dad about that. I personally can't do the 8 little girls4 nights in a row. But "she's bored" and we really don't want her at these kids homes (scary) But she needs to learn to balance her time. Ok, one night, read a damn book...

I'm just cranky because I've had really nasty tummy issues since Christmas. I went in to my Uro the day after and had my installation and walked out to my car and thankfully, there was a storm drain b/c I puked in it. There was alot of traffic on the way home so that worked out well too. I threw up twice at home yesterday and twice today...all in all, a total of 8 times in 24 hours. Hard to keep my pain meds down though. I am very sore at the spot where your ribs come together (I have GERD and I know I'm getting reflux, but this is now lower) so I'm thinking maybe a spot lower in my tummy. My doc was planning a scope if this kept up. Fun. I hate them but down the mouth is better than up the wazzu. I noticed in the last week I can't taste anything. It's just a mash of textures. Bleh. So much for the enjoyment of food.

Hope you are having a great week. I have to leave for Cananda on Sunday. yippee. I should be talking to you before then.

Love ya T

[MakinIT]

I'm starting to work on my endurance PT. THAT was fun as my belly was still roiling around today. BUT, I am the proud owner of three different colors of PT stretchy stuff...yellow, red, and green. The nuero PT used the rred and green wilh my legs. They are taunter...The yellow one works mu upper back. I'm getting stronger. Amazing.. You just take your body for granted. Man, I can't keep eyes open. I gotta get off this thing...I'm going to be gone for about a week. I just wanted to wish you all a Happy New Year, and few nightly trips to the cans. Love yall....

T