OT October Chit Chat

[stillstANNding]

Ann’s scaredy-cats take it to go to the vet.

[Cherie]

I read an article a few days ago on MedPageToday which said that Neurontin (gabapentin) and Lyrica were also found to be as over prescribed and addictive as opioids. We are people with a chronic and progressive illness who suffer from nerve pain and we are being singled out along with the irreputable users of opioid pain medication. Do not take this seriously or personally. Stand your ground if these medications are helping you to manage your symptoms.

[Virginia]

Cherie, with the shingles I don't know what choice I have. I need for the nerves to heal. Maybe they can wean me off this small dose if I am able to stay on it. However, they do intend that I remain on it for several months.

Howie, it is not Tuesday, I know for sure it is Monday afternoon at almost 12:45. So there!

I feel sorry for Ann's cats - Ann have you considered that maybe they are mean because you give them controlled substance drugs? Makes me mad too!

[stillstANNding]

Hi, Virginia. I know you jest. The cats, especially Jack, are scared, more than usual. I think it’s a kindness to medicate them a few hours before the visit. The vets have thanked me, too.

There is progress with Jack. I am now able to pick him up and hold him. He tenses some and then relaxes. It doesn’t work every time but we are working it out. He loves to have his head rubbed.

ANN

[Sunshine]

Oh man Virginia. If you think the Neurontin is important for healing, I guess just plan for the side effects to minimize a secondary side effect from the impact of the first side effect. You don’t want to become dizzy or disoriented and then fall or hit a tree with car. I think MMJ is legal in N.C. I wonder if shingles pain is a qualifying disgnosis for it.

Cherie, amyloid plaques. That’s pretty sobering to see it in black and white. You both have been hit hard. We are here for you.

Ann, so glad to hear about the news. And the relief in your voice.

[Virginia]

Ann, yes of course I am kidding about the cats. I know you are a great cat Mommy! However, if I am hungover from what I am taking, I do wonder what they feel like. Do they sleep a lot after they have had the drug?

Last night I went to bed thinking that I would not sleep because of yesterday's nap, but I slept until 8:20 this morning. One other problem so far with this drug is that I am lazy. I don't really care if I do anything or not. I hate that feeling. While I was sleeping yesterday I was in a chair in my living room and I had a mobile phone on a table beside me. I saw way late last night as I was going to bed that I had a message. It was my next door neighbor and she was concerned about something she had seen around my house. I am normally a light sleeper and no way could a phone ring next to me or even in the room with me without me waking. Well, I slept right through it. When I saw that message had come through about 5:10P.M. I was shocked. I feel sure my body will adjust, but I hope it is soon. Pain is still present from singles on my face, so I guess it will get better when I have had more of the medicine.

Edited to add: Sunshine MMJ is not legal in NC. With our legislature it probably never will be. Need to get rid of them.

[stillstANNding]

Virginia, they do not go to sleep. Jack is 8.5 pounds and gets 100mg in a tasty pill pocket. Lily get’s 50 mg in butter.

ANN

[Sunshine]

That’s concerning Virginia. Can you call neuro and ask if you can cut back dose and tell him what happened. It could be dangerous.

[Virginia]

Sunshine, I want to give it another day or two and see if things get a little better.

Ann has really tough cats!!!!

Howie, Sam sent me some cooler weather today. Give her an extra hug!

[Howie]

I will Virginia. I've been asking her for days, but she always said she was too busy.

[SuzE-Q]

Virginia, I'm a little worried about your side effects too.

I've had that kind of side effect from other meds, and it was definitely not normal. That stumbling dopeyness can be dangerous, especially if you're so drugged you don't hear the phone right next to you. I've fallen into large pieces of furniture because I was so drugged and unsteady. I never took the med again.

I've taken up to 1,600 mg of gabapentin, then weaned back off after about a month or two and within a couple weeks because it wasn't helping. It made me slightly sleepy, but nothing like what you're experiencing, even at that high a dose. But still, it was nowhere near the upper limit either. I had zero problems with that med, but it also didn't help.

IMO, I'd ask for a different med. It doesn't work for everyone, and it's only off label use for pain anyway. I was told it was hit or miss. It did nothing for any of my neuro pain. I had no problems whatsoever tapering off it either.

Any follow up to the call about something strange your neighbor thought was going on?

ANN, so very glad nothing showed irregular with your liver. I've had my liver enzymes shoot up once after taking a different antibiotic. No idea why, but I stopped it right away. I also take milk thistle...it really works to help the liver!

Howie, have you been showing off your new tshirts at the grocery store? Any comments from any of the regulars there?

[SuzE-Q]

Cat, hope TC is enjoying his vacation. Hope you feel better soon.

Cherie, you too. I'm so sorry about DH's amyloid plaques, but, I guess it's good that he's officially in the study. I hope the treatment is a success and he's on the real thing. Please take care of yourself too. Could you tell me about your cataract surgery, how easy or difficult it was? Thanks. Was it necessary due to steroid use, do you think? Will they come back? Did surgery correct your vision?

Sunshine, did you have any other symptoms in addition to the high bp? Were you knocked out by the ativan drip?

Howie, was it a bit unnerving buying that insurance, or just good to get it done and over with? Did you add it to your Will so people are aware of the policy?

Hi Jeanie and agate! Hi Linda, nuthatch and everyone else too! I think I've come down with a BK illness as well, it's contagious! Will the doctor increase my benzos for the condition, I wonder?

[Howie]

SuzE-Q, the folks at the grocery store are used to seeing me in a new shirt all the time. I have one ordered right now, and could be in the mailbox now, but I won't check it until Monday.

I have my final expenses policy, and my will in my safe in a large envelope. I'll tell my brother when I talk to him this weekend. I also have gold which will go to him to cover any loose ends. I'll always have Pinky which he can sell. He's covered!

[Virginia]

Suze-Q, I think gabapentin is the med they prefer to use for shingles because they say it heals the nerves. That is why I am trying to stay on it. I have looked everything up and I think the side effects for me are worse because it is interacting with another med that I have been on for years. I can not stop that one. I will try to tough it out and see if the side effects get better with a little time.

Nothing going on in the neighborhood. My neighbor saw two police cars in my parking lot, but she pretty much knew I was alright because there was no ambulance. They just set there for awhile talking to each other and moved on. We seldom see police vehicles in this neighborhood unless they are accompanied by an ambulance so I can understand her concern, and it was appreciated. However, I just slept right through it.

I wonder if TC will be back tomorrow or Monday. Hope he enjoys his last trip of the season. Surprised Cat didn't use this time to throw some things away that he would not miss.

[SuzE-Q]

Glad nothing serious was going on in your neighborhood!

Here's some other possibilities if gabapentin is not working for you, Virginia (interesting that antidepressants are on the list!):

"Shingles can cause severe pain, so your doctor also may prescribe:

Capsaicin topical patch (Qutenza)
Anticonvulsants, such as gabapentin (Neurontin)
Tricyclic antidepressants, such as amitriptyline
Numbing agents, such as lidocaine, delivered via a cream, gel, spray or skin patch
Medications that contain narcotics, such as codeine
An injection including corticosteroids and local anesthetics"


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