Hi,

I went back to sleep in the afternoon and slept until 6:00 p.m. I felt much better mood-wise . . . but disoriented.

It is all very odd to be sleeping in the daytime again when I have worked so hard to sleep with somewhat less strange hours.



Mari

sleep when you are able.
bizi

I agree. Getting sleep is more important than the timing of when it happens.

I am sorry about your efforts to reset your sleep-clock being thwarted. I understand how costly those efforts are. :(

I care about you as you are. I wish the world were easier on you, just as you are.

:hug::hug:

waves

anger
 

Hi,

I am back to the anger and sadness I was enveloped by a few weeks ago.
For some, perhaps anger is useful . . .. I do not know . .. . for me it is dangerous.

I am not well.

Mari

Perhaps you could try journaling about your anger or just type it out in a word document and then print it off and have a burning ceremony. I have done this before, it was cathartic.
((((((HUGS))))))
bizi

Hi, Bizi,

I am glad that journaling and burning worked for you.

I asked Hubby to drive me to run a couple of errands. He is helping even though he complained twice about having to put up with me in the car.


M
(from my phone)

Hi Mari
 

I know you are having some trouble. I am thinking about you. Try to do something to distract yourself, it may just work. I sit in the yard pulling weeds right on my butt, It works for anger for sure! Hope you feel better soon. ginnie

I am glad that hubby agreed to drive you.....
and that it sounds like maybe you got some errands done.
bizi

I cannot remember if I took my "night" meds!
 

Hi,

I do not know if I took my night meds. Normally I take them around 9:30/11:00 pm.
At 11:00 I started to take them and then stopped myself because I felt that i HAD taken them.

Usually by this time (1:30 am) I can FEEL whether or not I have taken them.

I cannot FEEL certain either way but I do feel sleepy so I have no idea.

I am afraid of double dosing so I guess I will wait another hour or two to try figure out how I feel.

M

Pill minder
 

I did take my meds.
Then I filled out my pill minder. :cool: :eek:

I called my little brother before he left for work. We could only talk for 7 or 8 seconds so I said, "I love you." He was happy to hear that and said something like "Thanks."

Mari

Hi
 

Good job figuring out the meds and the pillminder, Mari.

That was a sweet exchange with your little brother. I am glad you called him.

:hug::hug:

waves

Hi Mari
 

Hi, and good morning to you. I have another way of keeping track of meds. I hate those little pill containers, I am always re-filling them. I have a small book case beside my bed. I take the meds. at night. The are on the left of the top of the book case. As I take the pill I move the pill bottle to the right! Do this with each medication, and you won't need to remember if you took them or not. Hope this might work for you. ginnie

Ginnie,

this is an interesting system. May I ask...

When do you move the bottles back to the left - for the next night? Do you do that when you wake up/in the morning or...? (I am guessing you don't do it right away, otherwise, an hour later, you could not tell from the bottle position if you took them.)

How do you remember to move the bottles backto the left?

curious minds want to know... ;)

I hope you are doing well! :hug:

waves

Hi waves
 

Yes, in the morning, before I even get out of bed, I shove the bunch over to the left again. Nor worries for that coming night! It works for me.
If I have a third med. to take during the day, it gets put in the middle after I take it. Same principal. Maybe it would work for others? xxxginnie

redness and bumps -- maybe allergic rash?
 

Hi,

I refilled my pill minder when last week's pills were finished. I figured I might as well go through the motions of being responsible.

I have a rash on the side of my right arm. I also have bumps across my wrist that I noticed yesterday. It dose not itch but I believe it is a symptom of something that is off.

I found some benadryl cream and might take a benedryl pill as well.
The rash's location is similar to the red in the picture only less bright of course and does not include the finders or the area near my elbow.
http://www.drwolgin.com/Pages/CubitalTunnelSyndr.aspx


Mari

you have carpel tunnel, maybe that got aggrivated somehow????
just a thought how are your hands feeling any symptoms of nerve involvement.
bizi

rash
 

Hi Mari,

As I see it, redness alone might be explained by nervous inflammation (eg from carpal tunnel). Bizi asks good questions though. Specifically, weaknes, tingling, or numbness in the hands or any fingers would be relevant here.

The thing is I don't think the presence of bumps can be explained that way (not sure).

Moving on, the absence of an itch would argue against an allergic reaction. Allergic rashes usually do itch. That said, I don't think the Benadryl will hurt, so I don't see any harm in taking it if you want to.

I see a few other possibilities:

• contact dertmatitis: a sensitivity reaction to a chemical. In this case it should go away in a day or two with or without the Benadryl, provided you do not have repeated contact with whatever caused it.
• stress reaction: dermatological manifestations can vary in this case. hives is common (but that would itch).
• med reaction: requires medical dx. you need to watch it for changes, so you can report them if need be.

UPSHOT:

If the rash does not improve within 48 hours, or if it gets ANY worse, please see a doctor right away.


I hope it just goes away! :hug::hug::hug: :heartthrob:
waves

second thoughts about Benadryl
 

Mari,

I was just thinking I'd probably not use Benadryl in any form, given the uncertainty of the cause.

CREAM: I'd avoid using any cream on possible contact dermatitis of unknown origin, without a doctor's guidance.

PILL: With the possibility of a med reaction, I'd not take any systemic meds outside of my usual regime.

It is true Benadryl is likely to be harmless. I just wanted you to know that I personally would err on the side of caution.

waves

this is good news for her and the kid
 

I am sad.

I heard from my work friend's widow. She sold the house and found a good job well suited for her with decent pay and rented a townhouse. They will be near her husband's family.
She wants to see hubby and me before they leave town.
We are meeting them Sunday / 23 at 5:00.

Mari

Waves,

I have to make calls for appts Monday.
Maybe I will call for my once a year dermatologist.

The rash and tiny bumps look the same as yesterday -- no worse and no better. I applied the Benadryl twice with no noticeable improvement so I will not use it again.
Mari

I am sorry Mari.
I can understand feeling sad, even if it is good news for them.
I hope you have a nice time getting together next Sunday.

Do you think you will keep in touch with her?

(((hugs)))

waves

good idea mari, since it is time for your yearly check up...I should go see mine.
weird about your rash.
bizi

seeing doctor for rash
 

Sounds good, Mari.

This further suggests it isn't an allergy. Best to see what the doc thinks.

Hi Bizi
 

Just wanted you to know your baby girl is cute. I am dropper feeding a kitten abandoned at one day old. It is four days old now. It is at the hospital down the block from me. If it makes it, it will have a forever home with me. Gail runs an animal sancutary for all animals. I will be there early in the morning to feed it again. I plan to do this until it is weaned. My scruffy I had 21 years, and I got him at 4 weeks old. This one is so tiny it is scarry. still has the cord attached. Wish me luck with this little one. He can come home with me in a week or two if he or she continues to feed. I am thrilled to be able to try. Cats are awsome, and I so hope this little one can be part of my life. ginnie

Waves,

I do not think so.
She thinks that hubby is good for her son because they share some same quirkiness. She is not the keep-in-touch-sort-of-gal. Her husband was the friendly one of the couple.
Mostly, the two of them will be within 45 mins of family who will be helpful with the quirky kid.

Mari

regarding rash again
 

I just thought it might reassure you that, based on your sx, I think your rash is most likely just contact dermatitis, caused by an irritant rather than an allergen. :hug:

I DO still think it should be seen by a doctor - your derm is perfect.

waves

loss and sadness
 

It does sound good for them, and that you are somewhat happy for her, or want to be.

The situation being such as it is, I hear you losing your last major tie to your work buddy. That is big. I am sorry. :( :hug::hug:

waves

((((((Mari))))))))

http://cdn.mdjunction.com/components...441fd42ead.gif

Thinking of you Mari, you're a good friend for so many.
:grouphug:
Di

http://www.realdose.com/store/omega-3/

I just ordered from them.
They sell omega 3 at the highest dose possible.
a full 2.4 grams of omega 3's in 3 gel caps.

I had been taking 1.23grams in 2 gel caps with the nortic naturals.
the 2.4 grams is supposed to be helpful for brain function and decrease inflamation the cause for some diseases.
I am sold, it is on its way. I ordered the 6 month order to get the discount.
I will be getting more omega 3's for about the same price as I was paying before.
just wanted to share this with you since we have had this discussion before.
bizi

update about the "rash"
 

Hi,

I made what felt like a bunch of dr-type calls Tuesday and have more to do to straighten out my life.
Did I tell you that I am depressed and sad and (oh yeah) anxious?

My regular dermatologist does not "see rashes." Can you believe that!!!!
I am seeing someone else in the practice for the rash and I am finding that very unsettling.
(I get unsettled about nearly everything these days.)

The rash is tiny bumps that have grown in number a little -- total of 25 on the right wrist line and a few on the right arm.
I got concerned when I awoke Tuesday to new bumps (4) on my pinky finger on my left hand.

They itch sometimes.

I feel like I am over reacting. I am fighting the urge to cancel the appointment with this new guy who has never seen my skin before. How does he know what is is looking for? And what if these little bumps are insignificant?

Mari

(((Mari)))

Depression with anxiety is a bad combo for sure ! Wish I had a good remedy for that :hug:

About the rash, give this guy a try... If he doesnt see anything in your skin, but you still feel it itchy, what about buying an oitment like bepanthene ? Do you have that there ? It calms my skin when it is irritated or itching :)

Warm hugs your way.

rash and doctor
 

:hug::hug::hug: You did well. I am sorry you are feeling so bad.

Well that does suck. I would be upset about that too.

The itch makes it sound like an allergy, but it could also be a stress reaction. It is important for you to see the doctor since it is getting worse. The good news is that it seems to be worsening only slowly.

You are entitled to your feelings. I would just caution you not to let them interfere with behavior here. A specialized doc does not need to have seen your skin before to dx a rash or anomaly. I am sure the doc with whom they set you up, who apparently does "see rashes", will be well qualified to help you. Please give him a chance. When is the appointment?

Better safe than sorry. There are too many considerations here to write them off without a doctor's opinion. Even if it is a simple thing, there are "simple" skin conditions can get become very bothersome if left untreated.

Hang in there.

waves

going to cancel new pdoc. maybe find a different one
 

I am so fed up.
It is a full time job to keep track of stuff on the phone. (Many calls today again.)

The first time I called the potential new pdoc, the hold time on the phone was 20 mins.

Today it was five mins-- I need to confirm time and ask about records getting sent to her.

I think I should cancel rash doctor today -- I am crying and overwhelmed.

Mari

doc juggling
 

Mari :hug::hug::hug::Heart:

I don't know what to say about the rash doctor. You don't sound too uncomfortable, skin-wise, and the progression appears slow. You haven't mentioned the rash weeping so presumably it is dry? (Weeping can mean infection -no weeping is a good thing.)

Also do me a favor and check your temp. If you have a temp, please keep the appointment and mention the temp. It would be a good idea to keep the appointment if the rash is weepy also.

If your temp is normal and the rash is dry (only sx being redness, bumps, occasional itch), I think it would be ok to postpone the skin doctor. I'd like to see you get in there this week though. Maybe Friday would be an easier day for you?

----------------------

Yuck about the 20-min hold time with the pdoc's office. :( In a crisis situation that would not be good, to say the least!

Try to hang in there, Mari. Just do what you can for today. If you need to cancel the appointment do so.

waves

Skin guy
 

Waves,

No weeping. Some of the bumps seem to have fluid.

The doc took a scraping to grow it to see if it is a fungus. They will call in two weeks with results.
He asked if I have been near mangos.( I have). I said yes. He is VERY allergic to mangos.

He told me to wash with Cetaphil soap (no -- I am extremy sensitive to scents) and sent a 'script of a steroid cream to the pharmacy that I can pick up in a few hours.

I did not undress for the visit thank goodness. -- don't laugh but I was not up to letting anyone deal with more than my hands.
After four hrs of sleep last night I feel like sleeping for a few days.


I guess i will call to tell hubby he can have the mango he was saving.

M

Mari

Good for keeping the appt. I really think it was needed.

I think you can find another thing to wash the hands with.

Donna:grouphug::hug:

I am glad that you went and am glad he responded to you.....the culture will grow any thing bacteria if it is an infection or fungal. so he did well. sorry that your reg derm doesn't see rashes.
sorry about the wait time 20 minutes is too long they should have taken your number down and called you back.
((((HUGS))))
bizi

((((Mari))))

I hate phone calls, so I can relate :hug:

Maybe yes, take the time off today and regroup and, you can take care of your skin these days and re-program the app :hug:

Warm hugs.

Good job! Get some rest!
 

Mari,

GREAT job on getting to the skin doctor's! He sounded very thorough in running a culture. Now you can relax.

It is a good sign that he felt safe prescribing steroid cream. If there is no infection, you might well be cleared up - or close - by the time the lab results are in.

-------
So... he thought it might be an allergic reaction to mango? You have had mango before, I thought, no? Maybe this was a different variety or there was something on them? Weird.

Then again things we haven't reacted to before can sometimes trigger allergic reactions. Stress level increases susceptibility too.

I hope you get some good rest tonight.

:hug::hug::hug:

waves