Friday, March 22, 2024

And so it goes… feeling foggy but hopeful

So a couple days ago (Wednesday) I got fed up with being bedridden for the most part, decided I’d confront this chronic head inflammation head-on (no pun intended) and walk to the store.

I got outside, down the steps in front of my building, about half a block up the street and took a tumble.  The pressure in my head just got too much.  An elderly couple walking their poodles across the street dashed over and helped me up.  Um, I love older people—the older I get the more I notice how they look out for one another.  They insisted on walking me back to my building, on the elevator and back up to my apartment.  I didn’t resist, was just too grateful.

I immediately filled my bathtub with Eucalyptus bubble bath and steaming hot water (it seems to calm things down, I’ve been doing this 2-3 times daily) and called my doctor’s office.

They asked what was going on, I told them about my fall and how I’ve been in a steady decline since my last appointment on February 28.  I’ve pretty much been bedridden this past month.  The attending physician there asked if I’d followed the prescribed treatment (antibiotics, daily Flucosan and neti-pot rinses, sinus sprays) and I said yes, but my sinuses were swollen, ragged and burned constantly, and I never had any congestion in the first place.  Just persistent, crushing pressure in my face.  She said “Stop using those products effective immediately.  I’m having everything sent over to the ER, get yourself admitted as soon as you can.”  

So I went to Mercy Hospital, along with my friend Erin (who stayed with me the entire night).  When it comes to friends, she’s as special as they come.

The doctor who talked to me was pretty special too.  Seriously, I felt like I was in excellent hands.  He said “Douglas, we have you here—let’s find out what’s really going on!  We’ll do bloodwork, CT scans of your brain and sinuses, set you up with an IV and a migraine cocktail.”  

Soon my head was swimming, but in a good way.  They did the bloodwork (to check for infections) and the two CT scans.  While waiting for the results, the doctor said “I see on your file that you think you know what this is.  I  want you to spell it all out.  I got plenty of time, so take your time.”   Jesus I almost busted out crying!

I told him about recovering from covid a week before Christmas, and this all starting a month later.  I spent my nights reading up on “long covid symptoms”, and read multiple accounts of people dealing with chronic inflammation and intense cranial pressure, and how it affected some people’s sinuses.  Many were getting misdiagnosed with sinusitis, and their headaches were ignored.  I thought that’s what happened to me.

He was writing a lot of stuff down (I figured it was something like “this patient is cuckoo”) but returned later with the CT results and said “Ok, your sinuses are in rough shape but only in a superficial way.  You have no sinusitis, probably never did.  Your bloodwork is fine and your brain shows no lesions or tumors.  But there is frontal lobe inflammation.”

He went on to say that he thought my long-covid diagnosis was correct, and that when the body is infected with covid, some areas (like the lungs, heart or brain) can go into ‘chronic overdrive’ and continue fighting the virus even after it’s gone.  He was going to prescribe gabapentin, an anticonvulsant that ‘tamps down’ an overexcited brain.

He asked if I was experiencing any brain fog, I said no.  He said “Well… you will.  You’re going to be taking 8 pills a day for the first 30 days, we’ll reduce the dosage if things improve and stay there.”

And so it’s been a couple days, and I’m sitting here in my living room on a quiet Friday morning.  I haven’t been up this early in over a month.  When I got up today and went into the kitchen to get a cup of coffee, I began to feel the familiar pressure bearing down in the front of my head, like a cinder-block.

But instead of feeling it’s jagged corners in my temples or the roughness of the concrete, it feels like the block has been wrapped in an angora sweater.  My face still feels pulled taut on one side and pretty sore still, but I almost like this drug’s dizziness.  I feel a bit ‘dumbed down’ and I don’t mind.

I’m very sorry I haven’t been keeping up on others blogs and such, but I’m convinced things will be normal again soon.  Thanks very much for letting me share.

60 comments:

  1. I have been taking Gabapentin for over 2 years, but it's for neuropathy in my upper legs. If I don't take it, I'll experience sharp pain like a thousand needles jabbing my thighs. Very effective medication. Hang in there, Doug.

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    1. Wow, thanks for reading and sharing Gigi. 🙂

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  2. I really hope this will turn the corner for you and begin the road to a full recovery. And I hope the support you receive from all of us in the comments section is a reminder that many people are thinking good thoughts for you and even saying a prayer or two.

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    1. This was very nice to read, thanks David. :^)

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  3. Such an ordeal you are going through. Sending positive thoughts to a
    special human being.

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  4. The fall was a blessing in disguise because it was the final straw. Thankfully, the doctor listened, and it does sound like you're improving. That's what I like to hear. I've been concerned about you, Doug! Long Covid, ugh. I'm terrified of it.

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    1. Margaret, omigosh you're exactly right. Thanks very much for your concern, I'm glad we're friends.

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  5. really sorry that you're having these frequent health challenges. I hope this passes soon with the help of the new medication. take care

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    1. Thanks Anon, I'm sure I'm rounding the bend. This was just some rotten luck.

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  6. Oh Dug, so glad you posted. I was really worried when you weren't posting or commenting. But I've been praying and sending good thoughts your way. So glad you actually found a doctor that would "LISTEN". Sounds like you may be on your way to feeling better. I too have read a lot lately about long covid and how in some cases it affects the sinuses. Take care, my friend.

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    1. Rian, your thoughtful comments always mean a lot to me (and I always read them a couple times over). Thanks very much my dear friend.

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  7. I am very glad you saw a doctor who listened to you.

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    1. Thanks Debby I thought of you when I was talking to that doctor. You'd like him.

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  8. Doug, thankfully someone finally listened to you! We all have been worrying about what you have been going through. I hope you continue to improve ,❤️❤️
    Robin

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    1. Robin, thanks so much. I feel bad for posting all these "woe is me" posts, so your thoughtful feedback means a lot. :^)

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  9. Double yikes! It' s a good thing you got to the hospital and had a really good doctor who knew all this. I sure hope you get better and that the medical personnel keep their eyes on you.

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    1. Haha, thanks dkzody--um, I think I'm doing a blog about this. The doctor at the hospital was 10 TIMES BETTER than my pcp. He really took the time to listen and examine me. From now on I want to go straight to the hospital.

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  10. Goodness, it’s lucky you didn’t break your neck. I did, and I wasn’t even walking – just standing still.

    Yes, old folks are the best. I guess it’s because we’ve pretty much experienced (or at least seen) everything that can happen to us.

    I’m glad you have a doctor who seems to know what he’s doing. Cross your fingers (if you can, I can’t because of the arthritis).

    I’m beaming good thoughts from the other side of the world. I don’t know how they’ll travel over the ocean, but here’s hoping.

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    1. Peter, I am receiving those beams and they are good alright. Thank you my friend, much appreciated. And I sure am sorry for the arthritis.

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  11. So sorry you had to go through all that to finally get some productive medical help. But, I'm glad to read that you're now being treated properly AND that you have some confirmation of what you thought all along. Positive thoughts and, yes, prayers, going your way. I'm thinking that you're going to be on the upswing very soon.

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    1. Thanks Don, you're a good guy and this was nice to read. Much appreciated.

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  12. What a terrifying picture of you in the hospital, but it sounds like you had some excellent care. It's so hard to know when to draw the line and say enough, this needs more attention, particularly when one gets worn down with being sick every day. Thank you for letting us know, and please be aware that there is an army out here pulling for you!

    Ceci

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    1. Ceci, I enjoy your comments so much! Thanks very much for your wonderful feedback, I believe in positive energy from good persons like yourself and others on here, it's needed and appreciated. Thanks again.

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  13. This is the best read of the day. You are on the mend now. Note I did not preface that with "I hope..."

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  14. I am glad you saw a doctor that listened to you, confirmed what you suspected (long Covid) and provided treatment for a resolution. Getting you back to good health is underway and that is the best news yet. Take care Doug.

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    1. Thank you Susan, you're very kind , as always.

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  15. Awful to say, but I'm glad you had that fall because it got you to the hospital where I knew you needed to be, getting all those tests. I'm very glad to hear you don't have a brain tumour. And now I'm going back to wearing a mask on public transport and in supermarkets, because it's autumn here and people are getting the flu.

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    1. River i know what you mean. I hate what happened on Wednesday (boy it really scared me) but at the same time... you're right, it got me to the hospital. And I agree 100% with you about wearing a mask again during the colder virus-prone months. Thanks as always.

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  16. Hi Doug. I'm so glad that you were seen by a caring physician and that all of the tests were done. I can't imagine how hard all of this has been for you! I'm sending peaceful, healing thoughts your way, hoping the gabapentin helps you during this awful health struggle.

    Hang in there, we are all rooting for you!
    Carole

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    1. You are very sweet, thank you Carole! The gabapentin is helping, this is normally the worst time of the day for me and it's helping me manage the pressure (when I get out of bed). At least I'm headed in the right direction.

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  17. Gosh Doug, you certainly have had a struggle! Sure hope the Gabapentin works! And hearty applause for those heroes and heroines!!! The couple that walked you back to your apartment and Erin and the good doctor who really listened! Thanks for the updates and better days ahead. ❤️❤️

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    1. Thank you Florence! And yes you're certainly right about all those people who helped me get back on track. I owe Erin big time. ❤️

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  18. What a miserable winter you've had, here's hoping good medical care has helped you turn the corner back to good health. Sending happy, healing thoughts your way!

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    1. Ain't that the truth, thank you Bobi! Much appreciated. 🙂

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  19. I didn’t realize how bad it has been for you. Ditto on everyone’s comments. I hope the gabapentin helps. Long COVID sure is a weird thing. Hang in there! Joyce

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    1. Thanks very much Joyce, and I'm sorry for all these Sad Sack posts I've written! I appreciate your feedback a lot. 🙂

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  20. Hey Doug sorry you are having a rough time but it sounds like you’re about to turn the corner. I hope that corner leads you to the SC. Miss you, you have to make it for the next flat bread, don’t have April’s schedule yet. I will keep you informed. Get you butt back🤣🤣

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    1. Haha thank you Mary, thought you'd given up on me. I still can't believe this all even happened, I'm a young buck! I'm doing my best! 🙂

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    2. Doug hope things are going better you need to come to the SC soon!! Flat bread Tuesday 4/9 with potato salad!!!

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    3. Thank you Mary, I hope I can make it... :^)

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  21. Hope you get back to your normal routine soon. Wonderful that you found a doctor who listened to you.

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    1. Thanks very much Donna, this new doctor really was awesome. I appreciate your kind words.

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  22. So glad you were finally listened too! Maybe the hospital doc can recommend a pcp? Continued healing wishes…Olivia

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    1. Olivia, that's a good idea about a new pcp. I was thinking the same thing. Thank you for your kind 5houghts.

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  23. Dear Doug, So glad to hear you received good care at UPMC and didn't get badly hurt during your fall. Sounds like you encountered a very special doctor, lucky you! Gabapentin - have heard of it and glad it's helping you - beautifully written description BTW. How did I know about it? It was prescribed for a friend's poorly behaved (as in nasty, unpredictable) cat and helped the cat and indirectly benefited the owner. My husband says we should all just make an annual trip to the ER and get all the tests run - kind of like an annual inspection of a car. Lol. Wishing you the best as your brain heals. Kim in PA

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    1. Hi Kim, thanks so much for this thoughtful response. Someone from my senior center messaged me last night about their dog getting this drug, I had no idea. Well, I think your husband is exactly right, that's a great idea! Thanks again for your kind words, good to hear from you.

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  24. Wow, I finally had to skip to the end. All these comments should make you realize how many people care about you and how you're doing. Sending you lots of good vibes, friend.

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    1. Thank you DJan, yes I feel very fortunate getting all these warm and positive responses. I'll just be glad when things are back to normal, this is getting old and I'm ready to move on! Thanks again :^)

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  25. Oh my gosh. I am SO GLAD you went to the hospital and that your doctor took this all so seriously. I will cross my fingers and toes, pray and plead with the higher authorities that this drug is the ONE.
    We had a similar situation with our youngest daughter's fiancé. He had a wisdom tooth pulled in the early days of covid, once his dentist office reopened. Similar symptoms that were originally attributed to the tooth, then sinus, then migranes, etc. When he could not return to work (college level math teacher and coach) and had to spend most days in his dark basement, he was sent to a major hospital where they believe this started with him contracting covid during that dental appointment. Long story short, after many drugs, even ketamine injections, he is doing well. He is very leery of life now - but moving forward. I hope they find your answer quickly and just being taken seriously is the first start! Our guy decided to resign from teaching and has a great job with great health insurance, he is writing and marketing on-line math curriculums for colleges and universities, is trying out assistant coaching this spring as an unpaid volunteer, and, most important, is living each day as normal with the help of the drugs and a long haul covid program.
    We just want our old Doug back and lots of posts about activities at the center!!

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    1. Miss Merry, thanks so much and thank you for sharing your daughter's fiance's story. I'll be honest, I was intrigued as I was frightened a little as I related very much to this. I'm very glad to know he's doing better, but what a tragic Journey he was on. These last couple months I've often wondered what would have happened if I was younger and not yet retired. My gosh I just read this story again, the similarities are unreal. Thanks again for the well wishes, I hope I'm back to my old self real soon!

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  26. Hi Doug
    I only found your blog recently but wanted to add my hopes for a full and swift recovery
    Siobhan

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    1. Thank you Siobhan, your kind words are appreciated.

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  27. Oh my goodness Doug, you've really been through the wringer. I do hope that the meds the ER doc prescribed will continue to help you feel somewhat better. Most of all, I hope the symptoms of long Covid fade away quickly.

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    1. Thank you Maebeme and yes--the wringer, I like that. I've always appreciated what you had to say, especially now. Thanks again.

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  28. I'm glad they have a plan of action. Hope you get better soon.

    It's funny how you talked about seniors helping. Lately people have been going out of there way to assist this white aired old man. Last fall my truck died on me and 2 different people stopped to see if I needed help. A couple weeks ago the belt broke on my car and 3 people checked on me.

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    1. Thanks Ken... as for helping you out, you've always had a friendly face besides the white hair. If I saw you, I'd want to help you too. 🙂

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  29. Doug -- I'm just catching up ... sorry to hear about your Covid trials and tribulations, but it sounds like you're finally on the mend. That's an important head you have there! So I hope things continue to improve. Feel better.

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    1. Ha, thanks Tom you're very kind. I hope you're well and you take up blogging again someday, we miss you sir!

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