Wellness

[emmysmom]

I want to thank you for all the great info..my client takes the depo medrol because she can't take orals. The steroids caused ulcers in her tummy. She did go to the doctor last week and found she has had one, maybe two heart attacks. She should hear from her doctor about her heart soon, and if its ok for her to have her sinus surgery. She is due for the surgery in July. Its urgent, her doctor is concerned she may have meningitis! It was also found she was low in potassium and taking that has allowed her to feel better. Her mag and sodium levels seemed ok.She also has lupus and has had her thyroid removed. I feel so badly for her, the lupus has also destroyed her knees and she needs knee replacements. I told her I would help her after surgery, it may be done on an outpatient basis. Her doctor has a new GPS machine that will allow him to be guided in this delicate and serious surgery. Its amazing the techniques they have now! She is the most caring, loving person I have ever met. I adore her and want to do all I can to be there for her. Though she has 2 children, she rarely sees them. She's really alone in all this, I can relate. Its awful what happens to us when we get older, scary, really!

[LilacTree]

I totally agree, addiegal, you are the best . . . very knowledgeable and sharing with us.

[emmysmom]

On 6/19/2014 Ford1224 said:

I totally agree, addiegal, you are the best . . . very knowledgeable and sharing with us.

Ford, you are best too! I wanted to add you along with addie, you're both so helpful! Hope you're feeling better today~

[addiegal]

Thank you both, I am happy to help. I would ask why her doctor chooses to use depo medrol when the solu-medrol is more suited for injection. The depo is longer acting so maybe with the lupus he is looking for more lasting control there but that could be why she is seeing more complications. I have known another Addison's patient who needed to inject her steroids and I believe she used solu-cortef (hydrocortisone) but solu-medrol is a longer acting steroid and might feel better than the depo. Does she inject her own steroid? How often? Or is the depo used because it lasts longer and she has to have the injection administered by the doctor/nurse? I take oral generic medrol along with hydrocortisone and I like it. She has so much going on it is hard to manage I am sure. Hope the surgery gives her relief. And all Addison's patients should carry an emergency injection and know how to give it or have someone with them who can...I have yet to master this but my husband has come through the couple of times I've needed my shot. It's a long needle! And I'm a coward, so I understand this is probably a difficult thing for your friend. Wish her well.

[nagrom]

It's good that you are there for her. Not many people show such compassion for people that are disabled. People often do not see disabled people or have an interest in being there for them. I don't know if it's because they are afraid it could happen to them or are too busy in their lives to take the time to support their emotional or physical needs. I believe everything is for a reason that is what brought you to her. We all learn and grow from our lives experiences. Hats off to you for helping this lady and being her advocate. You made my day with your kindness.

[addiegal]

Oh, emmiesmom, your friend will feel better with potassium since hers was low. It can really make her feel terrible. And I , too, want to say how fortunate your friend is to have you...she needs you and thank you for doing this. You are a hero.

[LilacTree]

On 6/19/2014 emmiesmom said:

On 6/19/2014 Ford1224 said:

I totally agree, addiegal, you are the best . . . very knowledgeable and sharing with us.

Ford, you are best too! I wanted to add you along with addie, you're both so helpful! Hope you're feeling better today~

Thank you emmiesmom, and I hope your client does well. Thank God she has you to help her through this . . . she is far sicker than me. I don't know what to say about her children, I don't understand things like that.

The best to both of you.

[Mama Mia]

I cannot believe a doctor ""thinks"" she may have meningitis and is not testing immediately for it.

She certainly is going through a lot though and I wish her the best.

mm

[emmysmom]

On 6/19/2014 Mama Mia said:

I cannot believe a doctor ""thinks"" she may have meningitis and is not testing immediately for it.

She certainly is going through a lot though and I wish her the best.

mm

This was addressed to addiegal~

[emmysmom]

On 6/19/2014 addiegal said: Thank you both, I am happy to help. I would ask why her doctor chooses to use depo medrol when the solu-medrol is more suited for injection. The depo is longer acting so maybe with the lupus he is looking for more lasting control there but that could be why she is seeing more complications. I have known another Addison's patient who needed to inject her steroids and I believe she used solu-cortef (hydrocortisone) but solu-medrol is a longer acting steroid and might feel better than the depo. Does she inject her own steroid? How often? Or is the depo used because it lasts longer and she has to have the injection administered by the doctor/nurse? I take oral generic medrol along with hydrocortisone and I like it. She has so much going on it is hard to manage I am sure. Hope the surgery gives her relief. And all Addison's patients should carry an emergency injection and know how to give it or have someone with them who can...I have yet to master this but my husband has come through the couple of times I've needed my shot. It's a long needle! And I'm a coward, so I understand this is probably a difficult thing for your friend. Wish her well.

addie, thanks so much! She does do injections but she goes to the dr's office for the DM. I will tell her about the solu-medrol. I know she uses the DM because its long lasting.. She's impressed with my knowledge, lol. I told her about you~ I went to nursing school and I have an interest in these things. My mom was an RN so I supposed it rubbed off on me. I'm not a nurse, was unable to finish school. I take a personal interest in my clients..she needs so much help and support. It also makes me feel better if I can make a difference. You have given me so much information, more then I could have hoped for. Thank you for your kind remarks! Its easy to be there for someone that appreciates it. I will tell her about your well wishes also. I will keep in touch with you about her progress!