Catwoman73: New Here! My story…

[Ariel]

Get well soon @Catwoman73 

Sorry you're sick, wishing you a swift recovery!

Go gently <3

[PearlsMom1979]

@Catwoman73

I am so sorry you are going through all this

 

Ginger Ale really helped last time Pearl was going through this type of nausea and stomach bug

Get well soon

[Warpman]

How are you, my friend, @Catwoman73?

Send news.

I bet the symptoms of this damn virus don't even compare to those of SSRIs.

 

[Believer]

On 5/14/2024 at 10:11 AM, Catwoman73 said:

Thanks @Believer!  Yes, I was having flashbacks of my retainer in high school lol.  I think I tried to wear that thing for one night and pitched it in the garbage.  But if my insurance is going to cover it, I might just give it a shot.  It's better than needing a crown or a root canal.

Or new teeth at some point down the line. Lol! I encourage you to give it a good try.

[Catwoman73]

Hi all!

 

Thanks for the words of encouragement.  GI bugs are no joke lol- worst weight loss plan ever!  I'm down 5lbs in two days.  I just ate for the first time since Thursday at lunch (Just toast and a banana for now), and so far, so good.  I'm still super weak and dizzy, but definitely on the mend.  I still have my headache too, but that's not abnormal for me- I've been living with a non-stop headache for two years.  I have to take my daughter to a show today- we booked tickets for it MONTHS ago.  I think that will be it for me.  Back to bed when we get home.  It's a long weekend here, so I have lots of time to recover and get back to baseline. It's supposed to be nice weather all weekend, so I'll be able to park myself outside with a book.  

 

I feel sorry for my poor husband- he's painting our rental unit this weekend.  I was supposed to help, but I'm in no shape for any sort of physical activity.  I'm very lucky- he's such a good man.  He just wants me to rest and get well.  ❤️

[Ariel]

@Catwoman73

Glad to hear you're feeling a bit better. 

May you continue to improve <3

Enjoy the long weekend, go gently 

[Catwoman73]

I'm baaaaack!  YAY!  I was finally able to eat a meal last night.  Then I slept better than I have in weeks.  So I'm feeling pretty great this morning.  At least as great as I ever do lol.  I always have a lot I would like to accomplish on days like this- I just need to be mindful today about pacing myself, and not overdoing it.   I'm prioritizing laundry, and a bit of shopping.  It's a beautiful day, so I am promising myself here, for accountability, that I will relax in the sunshine, too, and not just push through and keep accomplishing more tasks.  I do struggle with pacing myself, which is the hallmark of long covid care.  And I think that comes from the fact that much of the time, I still can't believe this has happened to me.  Acceptance is a journey, not a destination lol. 

[Ariel]

@Catwoman73

So good to read your update!

Thank you for being so generous with your shares. 

Boosts my mood to hear you're enjoying some relief! 

 

[Catwoman73]

Daily update- I'm doing ok today.  Not the best sleep, but not the worst, either.  I'm just tired today- my headache haas given me a bit of a reprieve.  I'm going to do my best to rest and enjoy today, but...

 

I'm not so worried about me today- my dog was diagnosed with breast cancer about a year ago.  She has done really well until now.  Today something seems off.  She won't stop panting, and the area around her tumours (she has quite a few) has gotten super itchy- she has scratched herself raw.  She also feels warm and is super restless.  Of course it's a holiday here, so the vet's office isn't open.  It's breaking my heart.  

 

We're going to give her a bath and put some hydrocortisone on the itchy spots to try to get her some relief.  I hope it helps.  She has an appointment booked for one week from today anyway- if it's just the itching causing her all this distress, I should be able to get her by until then.  But if the bath and hydrocortisone don't help, I'll be getting her in ASAP.  It might be time to start some steroids for her comfort.  But if we go that route, I know the end is close.  I'm really not looking forward to that day. 

[LostInCanada]

2 minutes ago, Catwoman73 said:

itching causing her all this distress

Sorry to hear. Can you put an undershirt on her to protect the skin? This is the hard part of having pets. They bring us so much joy and love. 

 

4 minutes ago, Catwoman73 said:

But if the bath and hydrocortisone don't help, I'll be getting her in ASAP

Good. Sending love and hugs 

[Catwoman73]

1 hour ago, LostInCanada said:

Sorry to hear. Can you put an undershirt on her to protect the skin? This is the hard part of having pets. They bring us so much joy and love. 

 

Good. Sending love and hugs 

Update- the bath and hydrocortisone helped!  She looks soooo much less distressed now.  Such a relief.  I'll talk to the vet next week about starting steroids to keep her more comfortable.  Poor pup.  

@LostInCanada-We will put a shirt on her overnight for sure.  With another application of the hydrocortisone.  

[Catwoman73]

I had a terrible sleep last night!!!  We were fighting the idea of turning on the central air this early in the season, but it was 28C here yesterday, and it was crazy hot in the bedrooms last night.  So none of us slept much.  Lesson learned, the A/C went on this morning.

 

I already had a nap this morning, so I'm feeling ok.  My headache came roaring back last night, but it seems to have eased quite a bit overnight, thankfully.  I've had some mild pre-syncope today too.  I think I need to tread lightly today- I feel like I could be on the edge of a nasty crash.  I know that the heat is affecting me- it feels like mid-July here.  Our pool is being opened tomorrow- I would have booked the opening sooner if I had any idea how hot it would get this early in the season!  This is our first year having a pool- I'm hoping the ability to cool off quickly and easily will help me get through the summer relatively unscathed. 

 

I do have ballet tonight... yikes.  In this heat, it won't be pleasant.  I'm going to take it super easy, because dress rehearsal is tomorrow night, and I want to be at my best for that.  As nervous as I am about the fast pace of dress rehearsal (yes, I am going to take it very easy tomorrow night too, I promise!), I'm also a bit excited!  I got my costumes all out and ready to go last night, and they're all so pretty!  It's so much fun.  I'm trying to focus on enjoying this show, and not think too much about the fact that, unless I improve MASSIVELY over the next few months, there will be no shows or competitions for me next year.  Just trying to stay in the moment.

 

Not much else to report today.  My next dose change won't be until June 10th, when I have my formal intake appointment with the NP from outro.  So I'm in a holding pattern for now.  I don't feel like my last 10% drop had any massive effect on me, which is awesome.  There's a devil on my shoulder, saying that I'm doing fine- I should just make another drop!  But of course I won't do that- I've been down that road before, and no good came of it.  Keeping the pace nice and slow!

[Alfred1977]

Hey @Catwoman73,

I wanted also to drop by in your thread to say hello.

 

3 hours ago, Catwoman73 said:

I do have ballet tonight

 This sounds impressive...now your name is beginning to make sense to me... 😉

 

All the best

[Carmie]

Hi @Catwoman73,

 

Lovely to hear that you do ballet. Have fun tonight💛

[Catwoman73]

9 hours ago, Carmie said:

Hi @Catwoman73,

 

Lovely to hear that you do ballet. Have fun tonight💛

Thanks @Carmie!  I love dance, and I take ballet, pointe, hip hop and lyrical jazz.  Unfortunately, it was become such a stressor on my body, I'm going to have to give up doing competitions and shows for a while (after my next show in two weeks).  I'm kinda devastated, but I have to do what's right for my health.  🥲

[Catwoman73]

Good morning all!  I had a crappy sleep because I had severe body aches all night.  And this after taking it pretty easy at ballet (though even when taking it easy, two back to back one hour classes is never EASY).  And this morning, my headache is quite severe, my body is still aching, and I keep alternating between chills and sweats.  I will be attending dress rehearsal tonight, but I may just be observing.  I'm a giant mess today.  Feeling pretty frustrated. 🥲  I'll be very glad when the show is over- this push-crash cycle is not doing me any favours.  I plan to have a very restful summer.  I do have classes, but summer is more about testing out some new skills, stretching, working on flexibility.  So classes are much easier, and less stress on my body/brain. 

 

Our pool is being opened today, so I have that to be excited about!  I can't wait to be able to come home from class and just float in the cool water.  I just know it will help with the muscle and joint aches that seem to be troubling me an awful lot lately.  

 

My daughter is also in rehearsal for a musical theatre review show at the moment, so between her and I, our schedules are a bit nuts.  I just have to get through the next couple of weeks, then things will slow down, and I can focus exclusively on caring for myself for a while. 

[Catwoman73]

Daily update- I survived dress rehearsal.  Just survived, really.  The adrenaline kept me going, but I was shaking violently the whole time- not an emotional/nerves kind of thing, but my whole body was just completely dysregulated.  I do love performing though, and even though I felt pretty grim the whole time, I loved being back on the stage!  When I got home, the full body aching started, and went alllll night long.  Couldn't really sleep- I just thrashed around in bed all night, trying to get comfortable.  My poor husband lol. 

 

Today, I'm still aching quite badly, and I'm very all over the place emotionally.  Crying a lot.  So this is a day to relax, do meditative stuff, and not worry about cooking dinner, cleaning the bathroom, etc.  I will vacuum the pool, however- I'm dying to get in, and there's a lot of nasty crap sitting at the bottom right now.  It's a beautiful day here- the humidity finally broke, so other than the vacuuming, it's going to be me and my deck with a good book.

[LostInCanada]

1 minute ago, Catwoman73 said:

it's going to be me and my deck with a good book.

Glad to hear. Our bodies are so wonderful so be kind. 

I am so happy you have a pool to get into. It is so relaxing. No proper outdoor pools to speak of around here- not warm enough except at a $$$$ hotel for 2 hours on off hours for $50 a person ugh. 

Glad the humidity broke- I sure don't miss that. 

Enjoy your day. ♥️

[Catwoman73]

4 hours ago, LostInCanada said:

Glad to hear. Our bodies are so wonderful so be kind. 

I am so happy you have a pool to get into. It is so relaxing. No proper outdoor pools to speak of around here- not warm enough except at a $$$$ hotel for 2 hours on off hours for $50 a person ugh. 

Glad the humidity broke- I sure don't miss that. 

Enjoy your day. ♥️

Thanks @LostInCanada!  That's an insane cost for a couple of hours in a pool!  Do you swim in the ocean at all?  I find the weightlessness of being in water to be hugely therapeutic!

 

I have to say, there is no medicine like a quiet day poolside, in the sunshine, listening to the wind in the trees and ornamental grasses.  I'm probably going to have a wicked sunburn, but I feel 100X better than I did this morning! 

[LostInCanada]

19 minutes ago, Catwoman73 said:

I feel 100X better than I did this morning! 

So happy.💯😎

 

20 minutes ago, Catwoman73 said:

That's an insane cost for a couple of hours in a pool!

The prices here for everything are insane.

 

21 minutes ago, Catwoman73 said:

Do you swim in the ocean at all?  

It is so cold but on a super hot day it is bearable for a very quick dip. Unfortunately the last couple years the bacteria levels have been so high that it is unsafe. Apparently we haven't been putting raw sewage in the ocean since 2021 but I still have to question that with the bacteria readings. 

Just walking the beach is so therapeutic for me. Yesterday we had bald eagles and oyster catchers. 🌊🦅

 

[Catwoman73]

1 minute ago, LostInCanada said:

So happy.💯😎

 

The prices here for everything are insane.

 

It is so cold but on a super hot day it is bearable for a very quick dip. Unfortunately the last couple years the bacteria levels have been so high that it is unsafe. Apparently we haven't been putting raw sewage in the ocean since 2021 but I still have to question that with the bacteria readings. 

Just walking the beach is so therapeutic for me. Yesterday we had bald eagles and oyster catchers. 🌊🦅

 

That's amazing.  I grew up on the shores of Lake Huron- the beach really is the best place in the world.   I sometimes wish I lived in a warmer climate, so I could just be outdoors all the time.  I just don't feel like me in the winter- and you know what Ontario winters are like!  I did take up skiing to get me out more in the winter, but I haven't been able to ski since I got long covid.  If I never fully recover (which I do need to acknowledge is a possibility), we will likely retire eventually, and split our time between a beach town here, and somewhere south.  That way I can at least get the benefits of the sunshine all year long.  

[LostInCanada]

Just now, Catwoman73 said:

grew up on the shores of Lake Huron

Sauble beach is my fav. Always loved Goderich as well.

3 minutes ago, Catwoman73 said:

 I did take up skiing

When we moved to Calgary we got sled dog and did sledding for a few years to make -40C endurable. Still looking for that perfect climate lol.

[Catwoman73]

10 minutes ago, LostInCanada said:

Sauble beach is my fav. Always loved Goderich as well.

When we moved to Calgary we got sled dog and did sledding for a few years to make -40C endurable. Still looking for that perfect climate lol.

Believe it or not, we ADORE Crystal Beach!  Property isn't terribly expensive there (yet), and it has become quite a nice little town with great restaurants after it went downhill for so many years.  It's the nicest beach in the province in my opinion- beautiful white sand, warm water.  We typically rent a cottage there every summer, but we're skipping this year and spending that $ on heating our pool instead lol.  But Crystal Beach is a strong retirement contender for us.  It also helps that you can get to the US for skiing quickly and easily from there, and it's way cheaper to ski across the border.  So if we are here in the winters at all, we'll be able to enjoy the slopes.  If I'm well enough...

[Catwoman73]

Morning update!  I went to hip hop class last night, and actually felt pretty good!  Which is shocking, given how crazy this week has been.  I slept relatively well, and have almost no long covid symptoms this morning.  I almost feel normal.  I love days like this!

 

It's a glorious day here- sunny, no humidity... I got a nice sunburn yesterday, so I'll be spending a bit more time in the shade today lol, but I will be outside all day.  Once the neighbour is done with the lawn mowing... can't handle all that noise.  

 

Sadly, my daughter is home from school today.  She developed a sore throat last night, and as of this morning, she has no voice at all.  AND... she had an audition booked for tomorrow.  Poor kid was devastated... I reached out to the theatre company to see if she could submit a video instead once her voice returns and they have agreed, so that's a huge relief.  Now we just have to hope that her voice comes back quickly.  She also has a show this week where she is a soloist.  Yikes.  

[Catwoman73]

Hi everybody!

 

Rough 24 hours around here.  My daughter's sore throat turned into a high fever, severe headache, muscle weakness and nasty productive cough.  The poor kid has been feeling just awful.  She slept in my bed with me last night, and my husband took her bed.  She was restless all night, and of course, as a mom, I was worried all night lol.  We did finally get her fever to come down enough that she feels a bit like eating today, and had about half a cup of chicken noodle soup.  Her temp will likely jump again when the Advil wears off, but it's nice to see her behaving a bit more like herself for now.  She's giving me lots of sass, so I know she's feeling a bit better! 

 

As for me, well, worry and  lack of sleep is never a good thing lol.  So after my daughter woke up at 7:30, I went back to sleep- I ended up sleeping til 11:00.  I'm really doing ok right now!  I'm pleasantly surprised that I got through this crazy week as well as I did.  I've had some minor nerve pain through my head and jaw, but nothing like I've had in the past.  And other symptoms seem to be under reasonable control too.  I'm trying to just enjoy the window, and not worry too much about how long it may or may not last!

[Catwoman73]

Feeling like total garbage this today.  Headache, severe body aches.  Generally, I feel like I'm getting the flu.  I'm hoping it's just long covid or withdrawal, and I'm not picking up whatever my daughter has.  We cranked up the temperature on the pool, so I can just get in and float.  That's when I feel my best- that weightless feeling is a dream.

 

My daughter continues to spike very high fevers.  The cough and headache is absolutely vicious too.  I'm worried she will miss out on her audition, and will not be able to perform in her show this week.  I don't know what they're going to do- she is the featured performer in their finale.  Argh.  Not much I can do about it- her health comes first.  I just feel bad.  She's worked so hard.  

[Carmie]

Dear @Catwoman73, I’m sorry to hear that you’re feeling so awful. Sorry to hear that ballet took its toll too. Yes, our nervous system is definitely not pleased with us when we over exert ourselves. I hope you feel better soon, and that your daughter does as well. That must be disappointing that she might be missing out on her audition and performance. 
 

I hope floating in the pool gives you a little comfort💛

[Catwoman73]

12 hours ago, Carmie said:

Dear @Catwoman73, I’m sorry to hear that you’re feeling so awful. Sorry to hear that ballet took its toll too. Yes, our nervous system is definitely not pleased with us when we over exert ourselves. I hope you feel better soon, and that your daughter does as well. That must be disappointing that she might be missing out on her audition and performance. 
 

I hope floating in the pool gives you a little comfort💛

Thanks @Carmie- we're both feeling much better this morning. 

 

My daughter is a champ.  She's disappointed, but she just said that there will be other opportunities.  She has so much more resilience than I had at her age.  Maybe I'm doing an OK job as a mom lol... I think as parents, we always question that.  But the proof is in what we see every day!

 

My update today- Feeling better, though I am still in bed lol.  Feeling lazy today.  I'm severely sunburned (again)- I really need to not fall asleep on my pool floatie.  It's so tough to stay awake though- my body just feels so much better in the water, so I can fully relax!  I will set a timer next time lol.  It's a rainy day here, and I'm not planning to do very much.  We have a busy week ahead, and I don't want to start it out in a bad state.  So rest is in order!

 

I literally have nothing else to report- I feel relatively stable all around, which bodes very well for my next drop.  I have my intake with the nurse practitioner on June 10th, and will likely drop to 8.1mg that day.  Excited and nervous!

[Catwoman73]

After a decent start to the day, things randomly went downhill this afternoon.  I was obsessing over a phone call I had to make to book an appointment... making that call just seemed like an insurmountable task.  It made me feel frustrated, and I spiralled a little bit.  I forced myself to go for a walk, which did help, and afterwards, I got the appointment booked, and then got a bunch of other stuff done too.  Of course, I'm paying the price for doing TOO much now- feeling nauseated, gagging, chest pressure, whole body is aching.  I so wish I could get this pacing stuff right.  

 

I know exactly why I struggle with pacing myself- it's because I'm having trouble admitting just how little I can actually do without feeling terrible.  I'm in a state of disbelief that I used to work a highly stressful full time job, run my daughter and myself all over the place for other activities, cook, clean, take care of bills, appointments, work out, etc.  Now, I go for a walk and make a phone call, and I'm done for the day.  Most days, I just roll with the punches, but today, I'm struggling with the reality of what my life has become.  I used to be so fit and energetic.. now I have to choose between going for a short walk and making dinner.  It's all so very surreal sometimes. 

 

Anyway, tomorrow is a new day, and hopefully a better one.  I'll be just fine... just needed to rant a bit. 

[Emonda]

6 hours ago, Catwoman73 said:

I forced myself to go for a walk, which did help

 

I, too, find it does wonders for your mental health.

 

6 hours ago, Catwoman73 said:

Of course, I'm paying the price for doing TOO much now

 

Be kind to yourself as you recover.

 

6 hours ago, Catwoman73 said:

I'm in a state of disbelief that I used to work a highly stressful full time job, run my daughter and myself all over the place for other activities, cook, clean, take care of bills, appointments, work out, etc.  Now, I go for a walk and make a phone call, and I'm done for the day.

 

It's temporary; you'll bounce back. Better days are definitely ahead.

 

6 hours ago, Catwoman73 said:

I'll be just fine... just needed to rant a bit.

 

It's good to get it off your chest sometimes. I rant to my wife all the time!

[Catwoman73]

Thanks @Emonda!  I appreciate the supportive message. 

 

Actually, I have a question, for you or for any other mod who can help @FireflyFyte @LotusRising @Carmie - I had a terrible night last night because my seasonal allergies have decided to start causing problems.  The itching is driving me mad- my eyes, my throat, my palate... argh.  I'm not sure what to do about it- I would typically take Claritin.  Is Claritin safe to take while tapering?  I'm so reluctant to do much of anything, because of how sensitive I've been to meds and supplements, but I can't live like this.  I'll go insane by the time the first frost rolls around (I am allergic to tree, grass and ragweed pollen, so that takes me through spring, summer and fall. Lucky me lol). This morning I did take two sprays of mometasone nasal spray that I had left over from a sinus infection I had back in February because I couldn't take it anymore- it did ease the suffering enough to get some sleep, but certainly didn't give me the relief that Claritin does.   Any thoughts on how to manage this would be very helpful..  thank you!

[LostInCanada]

@Catwoman73because mometasone is a steroid it affects the CNS. Steroids should be avoided if possible. 

Some have used antihistamines without issue. You could test the waters.

My husband's allergies have been really bad this year and he has had some success with vitamin C and quercetin. He had shots about 15 years ago for a couple years that worked really well. He has an appointment to go that route again. Taking antihistamines for him just isn't a great option with the side effects and how it affects his fibromyalgia. 

We also use an air purifier in the house. I know you are running a/c. Can you also put in a better filter in the unit? 

Hope you get some relief. It is downright miserable.

[FireflyFyte]

51 minutes ago, Catwoman73 said:

I would typically take Claritin.  Is Claritin safe to take while tapering?

 

Given that Claritin is an antihistamine, it may be safe to take while tapering but still has the potential to be disruptive. Given the extent of your allergies, I would try taking Claritin for a few days and monitoring your symptoms to see if you get an uptick in withdrawal symptoms within several hours of taking the dose.

[manymoretodays]

Just know you may not need to take the full dose as packaged either.  I'm now 7+ years out from my last prescription psychoactive drug, and seem to have developed allergies......previously never experienced.  And that happens.  LOL, likely to the dust mites as my general housekeeping had gone by the wayside.....add in the shedding cat(dander) and now the outside changes- with all the blooming, etc.

 

Anyway, I did use some claritin,  1/2 of a reditab( so 5 mg, of a 10 mg tab,the dissolving type).  And then went back to Cetirizine(brand name Zyrtec) at a 1/4 tab(also a whole tab is 10 mg and this one is not  quick dissolving), which believe it or not.....does the trick for me.   Main uncomfortable allergy symptoms for me has been clear drainage, and then deep sneezes, and also a patch of eczema behind one of my ears(and it has almost cleared now, yay).  I've used the 1/4 tab of generic Zyrtec intermittently and sparingly without any new onset symptoms that remind me of my tapering time, and WD.

 

Just illustrating, it is possible to start low, and test the waters.......even with OTC meds.  Which might be the best approach, if and when you begin. 

 

Who knows if they set the doses too high and then call them "therapeutic" with antihistamines......like they do with AD's and other prescription psychoactives?  I think it's likely.

 

Do the "start low, and go slow" would be my best advice, just like what you might do with any psychoactive drug reinstatement or restart.

 

Are you feeling like the LDN at low dose is of any benefit with your long covid or WD symptoms?  I do see that being used for a lot at this time in medicine, so just interested.

[Tweed9674]

Hey! I'm in allergy gang too! This year has been absolutely crazy. Costco have been making a fortune out of me in tissues in the past two months. Fearing a reaction, I did not want to take any antihistamine.

 

I know Reactine (Cetirizine) is available in liquid form for kids in Canada. The concentration is the same for kids and for adults. It could be worth a try as an easy way to test the waters at a low dose.

[ShantyO7]

On 5/24/2024 at 9:46 AM, Catwoman73 said:

Once the neighbour is done with the lawn mowing... can't handle all that noise.  

IKR... I used to actually not mind the sounds of lawn mowing because it meant it was nice out but I just can't handle it right now... Still love the smell of freshly cut grass though!