Miss KT said I was a sloth...

[KTMom91]

She told me that over the summer, when all I wanted to do was sleep because I wasn't feeling well. Dr started me on Abilify about three weeks ago, and while I feel somewhat better, I'm still exhausted, hurting, and ready to sloth some more. I have a follow up appointment tomorrow, and I remember that some of you suggested Lamictal rather than Abilify (I think...please correct me if I didn't remember it right) and Heather suggested I have fibro trigger points checked out. All the blood work, with the exception of Vitamin D levels, came back normal, and not even on the low side of normal. Was there anything else I should ask about?

On the sloth thing, she stopped saying it when I made my hands into three fingered claws (three-toes sloth) and started dancing and singing, "Sloth, sloth, baby!" Then she told me I was a honey badger because "Honey badger don't care!" And she's coming home for a visit next week. Time to make up a new song.

 

[tiredmommy]

Aww... I hope the dr gets to the bottom of this.


by the way, we make up songs here too.

 

[HaoZi]

I thought the sloth thing would be because it's the only animal that sleeps more hours a day than a domestic cat, lol. Honey badgers... ohhhhh those things are mean, fearless, tenacious as all get out. A compliment, really!

 

[DammitJanet]

Can you remind me why you are taking the abilify? Depression? Or are you looking for help with the pain? If so, I would be more apt to look at the one that starts with a C...ok, time to play word games with me! See, now Im tired and Im losing my word ability.

There is an anti-depressant out that works for depression and pain that starts with a C. ohhh...I know...just took me about 20 minutes...Cymbalta! See...if given enough time and no stress. Whew. Took a break and came back. LOL

 

[flutterby]

Cymbalta is supposed to help with pain, but there was a reason the doctor wanted to try a route other than the typical antidepressants, I think. I just can't remember what it was.

Low Vit D can make you more tired and cause musculoskeletal (I can't spell that word) pain. Are you on supplements?

I would have the fibro trigger points checked. Let us know what the doctor says.

 

[busywend]

I am curious about the Vit D as well. I suggest you add a B12 daily, too.

 

[KTMom91]

The Abilify was added for depression. I'm already on Effexor. Since the hormones, thyroid, etc. checked out, she offered the possibility I was depressed. I figured I'd give it a try. But am I depressed because I hurt or do I hurt because I'm depressed? I don't know, but working four days a week is getting difficult.

My appointment is at 330. I've written down your suggestions. Thanks, ladies.

 

[DammitJanet]

well I know Im not bipolar because Im in pain...lol. That would be a cute trick. However I did meet a nurse in the local ER who had fibro who took cymbalta who said she had bipolar 2 and that it helped her a lot. Just saying. I know I couldnt take it because I dont trust any anti-depressants. I cant see the point.

I do know Im ready to cut my right leg off at the thigh though.

 

[susiestar]

Def have them check for fibro. Also have them run an autoimmune panel for lupus and consider that it could be some form of arthritis. there are a LOT of kinds of arthritis and some make you exhausted. is your blood pressure good? Too low and it can be a real problem, esp causing exhaustion. Also could be chronic fatigue. What kind of doctor are you seeing?

Cymbalta does help some people. Did squat for me. More power to you if effexor isn't making you sick and miserable. DO NOT GO COLD TURKEY OFF OF IT. It s U.G.L.Y. for most people to come off. It actually is far better to go onto anohter ssri/snri type antidepressant rather than just off of effexor. Sorry to tell you, but I slept 20 out of 24 hrs while on effexor. Those hours I was up were miserable, I hurt more than at any other time, and after I got off of it (with the help of prozac to deal with the nasty ugly awful withdrawal that lasted at least 6 weeks and I have not had with ANY other antidepressant and I have tried at least 10 others over hte years).

Lyrica might be a very helpful option. It helps with nerve pain, prevents migraines, and can be quite amazing when it works.

If your family doctor can't figure it out, get a referral to a rheumatologist or pain mgmt specialist. in my opinion if this is an internist or family care doctor they should send you to a specialist before playing iwth abilify, lamictal, etc..... They have to deal with so many other issues they don't really know what they are doing. they have the info from the drug co, but often that just isn't enough info or the whole truth. So a specialist might be due by now.

As for being a sloth, embrace it! I sing at the kids too. Heck, for about a year Wiz behaved well at school because husband threatened to sing Barney songs over the intercom dedicated to him! The office ladies LOVED it and suggested it to other families too. Given hearing in perfect pitch, my singing was a pretty effective consequence for Wiz - cause I couldn't carry a tune in a bucket with help, lol.