sstephan

Thank you, everyone, for your relies and support. What is mrcp? If I have had an abdominal MRI, is this it or is there something more? I am surprised that my doctors have not mentioned anything about it.

Hi, I recently posted about sphincter of oddi dysfunction. I went to see a specialist in this field and he says that yes I do have sphincter of oddi dysfunction. He says it was not caused by my gallbladder surgery, however, my severe back/abdominal pain episodes started a week after the surgery. hmm Anyways the treatment is an ERCP which my doctor is one of the only doctors in Illinois who does them due to risk of pancreatitis. He said that one in ten patients gets pancreatitis. They cut the duct during an endoscopy. Then after twelve hours, you either develop pancreatitis or you are fine. The other option is to live with the pain spasms. I don't know what to do! I never know if and when a pain spasm will hit and the pain is just terrible. I am literally on the ground writhing in pain. However, I am scared of developing pancreatitis. I know it can be pretty serious. He said he does a thousand a year and one person every year has a critical case. I know the odds are slim but I do have a daughter to think about. I'm also scared how POTS will affect all of this. How do I make this decision? I am so frustrated right now and scared of medical procedures because I always feel horrible after they are through.

Yes! I have had a few episodes like this but not too much with the breating problems. One time I was at the ER after almost passing out in my car while driving. They had thought I had a stroke because I had trouble speaking and it was so breathy they couldn't understand me.

I know how you feel. I hate it when I can't slow my breathing down. I just try to stay calm and know that this too will pass.

Thinking of you and praying you are home soon, All the best, Susan

I don't know if this is related to POTS or not. A friend of mine has cystitis and I know she has problems with this.

My brain fog is the worst in the middle of the afternoon. I find it almost impossible to carry on a conversation and I just want to be by myself or lie down.

Hi Dayna, I'm sorry to hear that you have Shingles. Always something else huh? My sister in law had shingles and she is very young too. I have read that more and more younger people are developing shingles. I think the pain varies from case to case. My guess is that if you are not in alot of pain already, hopefully it will be a mild case. I'm thinking of you. Susan

I am thinking of you and I hope you are feeling better soon. Susan

Hi all, My doctor is prescribing Clonodine to me "as needed". I am a little confused about this. We were discussing what to do when I have a heart rate episode and don't want to go to the ER. She suggested I take Clonodine when this happens. I am also on a beta blocker currently. Does this sound right to you? Susan

Congratulations!! It is nice to hear some good news around here! Do you have a high risk ob/gyn? I saw a high risk doc when I was pregnant just because of the medications I was on. I think I felt safer knowing that my doc specialized in complicated pregnancies. My best to you for a happy healthy pregnancy! Susan

Just checking to see how you are doing. Please let us know. I HATE it when ER docs discuss the anxiety issue. I had my first gallbladder attack when I was pregnant and had not yet been diagnosed with POTS. I was seen right away and the docs thought I was having an embolism. Needless to say when this test came back negative, their attitude changed and I left with a prescription for Paxil. I feel you!! I LOVE the idea Lauren. I am definately going to keep this one to use. Please post and let us know how you are. Susan

Hello, I am writing a post just to vent a little bit. I am a teacher and I am going back to work in a week. I am feeling down for a few reasons: I have been home with my daughter all summer. She is going back to daycare shortly and I am going to really miss spending the time with her! It has been so great watching her grow and develop this summer. This transition back seems harder than last summer. (she is almost two) Also my POTS flares seem to worsen when I am stressed and trying to manage the balacing act. My principal is pretty understanding, yet I end up missing a fair amount of days between myself and my daughter having to stay home due to fevers, etc. It is also difficult to deal with POTS symptoms in front of my students. I am seeing a specialist this week for the sphincter of oddi spasms, but there is no way I can just continue to teach if I am experiencing one. My principal is used to me coming into his office to lie down and relax while my heart is racing or I am having a pain spasn, yet I am scared that he will ask me to go on disability. This has been going on the past two years and how understanding can he be? I really do love to teach and I love seeing my students everyday. But my symptoms are much worse when I am stressed out. I am really sad about leaving my daughter and not sure if I am up to handling another busy chaotic stressful school year. Just needed to sort out my feelings here. Hope everyone is feeling well, Susan

Hope you are feeling better and that you did not have to go the ER. I had a CT with contrast and shortly after I drank the dye, I felt very nauseated. The whole thing seemed to bring on another flare up and I had stomach issues for days. I hope you are feeling better by now! Take Care Susan

Hi Shannon I too have problems breathing. At times it feels like my exhale is so long that I just can't get a deep breath. The only advice I have to offer is that I just try to stay calm. I get aches in my hands and joints but I have carpal tunnel. Sometimes wearing a brace works and if it gets really bad my neurologist is able to give me a shot that helps a little. At least your summer job is almost over! Take Care Susan