Tuesday, October 6, 2009

Another Itchy Update

I'm happy to report that the itching is loads better than it was when this whole ordeal started. I'm still getting itchy spells, but they are not nearly as intense or long-lasting as before. Amazingly, I haven't used any diphendydramine (generic Benadryl) or any other type of antihistamine since Thursday, October 1.

I am now convinced that my horrible full-body itching spell is a result of my stopping the cetirizine (generic Zyrtec) on Wednesday, September 23.

What's odd about the itching is that there was NO rash that accompanied the itching. I have eczema, so I'm accustomed to having visible evidence of intense itching. I have to say the whole experience has been a little surreal. Anyway, my hope is that itching will be completely gone within another few days.

On the downside, I'm dealing with low-grade fevers again. After a few days of normal temperatures, I had a 99.1 temperature yesterday. Bummer. I haven't taken my temperature today, but I feel like I have a fever.

I'm writing this post at the airport. I have a quick business trip this week. Today is a travel day, tomorrow I work, then I fly back home on Thursday. Luckily, I don't have anything to do other than check into my hotel and eat dinner once I arrive at my destination.

Oh, CFIDS, I'm ready for you to take a hike!

Today's Activities: work & traveling for work. Today's Most Annoying Symptoms: exhaustion, muscle fatigue, sore muscles, nausea, itching, mild headache, probable low-grade fever.

Mood (10 is best): 6
Energy (10 is best): 3
Physical Discomfort (10 is worst): 4

Update at 8:30pm on 10/6/09: One of the symptoms of my CFIDS that I dislike the most is nausea. Flying while nauseated is not my idea of a good time. Fortunately, I did not throw up on the plane, though I might have if the flight had been any longer.

I started feeling better by the time I got to a restaurant for dinner, so I even ended up ordering a dessert -- vanilla bean cheesecake. Bad idea. I started feeling car sick while driving back to the hotel, and once I got to my room, I threw up. Ugh. I hate throwing up. And the worst part is that I am still nauseated.

9 comments:

Lori P said...

I've been keeping up with your blog and I have to say, hat's off to you. Anyone who can deal with CFIDS and work AND fly around from place to place has my deep admiration. Hope your trip is quick, positive and full of feeling better!

alyson said...

Hi Lori - Thanks for the positive thoughts. Sometimes I suspect I'm crazy for having this job because of all the travel. Other times I KNOW I'm crazy for having this job because of all the travel.

I live my life appreciating every day that I am able to get up and go to work because I know my disease could change direction (for the worst) at any point.

Dusty Bogwrangler said...

Poor you! I'm with Lori, you are one determined person.

Maybe the vanilla bean cheesecake wasn't the best idea ;-)

Having this disease does make us live more in the moment doesn't it? Thanks for the reminder to appreciate today.

Joanne said...

What an ordeal you are having and so determined to work.Do pace yourself though as that helps support the immune system which after all is what fights this illness because our doctors are not so good at fighting it for us.

Nina said...

Hi Alyson,

I'm glad to have found your blog. One thing you might want to add to you "day's summary" is "something I did that made my heart sing". I am trying to add these activities in, and it is really making a difference in my energy level

I, too am now rolfing when I overindulge in sugar:-(

Renee said...

I agree with others here ~ you do so much while having to deal with CFIDS! Seems like you handle it well too...although I am sure throwing up was not a fun ordeal! Ugh....hope that resolved quickly.

alyson said...

Jo - Yes, perhaps vanilla bean cheesecake was not the best choice I made that day...

Joanne - Pacing is the only way I'm able to work. I just wish I could do more. I miss exercising!

Nina - Nice idea. It's so important to focus on the good things. By the way, I've added your blog to my list.

Renee - Thanks for checking in. I think the only way I'm able to handle things is to keep looking forward and believing that I will be well one day.

Sue Jackson said...

The itching sounds awful! I also had a low-grade fever this week - too many viral triggers floating around.

I never had nausea until I got Lyme last year. That was one of the new symptoms that told me something had changed, along with knee pain.

Hope you're on your way back home by now and not too wiped out! Enjoy a quiet weekend of recovery.

Sue

alyson said...

Hi Sue - I am certainly going to be resting this weekend. It's been an especially exhausting week! I hope you're feeling better, too.