Internist symptoms and conditions

Well hi all. I see we have some new ladies on here since I was here last. I had my Mirena removed on Feb 14, 2009 after it nearly ruined my life and my marriage over a nearly 3 year period. Feel free to read my old postings. My Mirena symptoms have been gone for months now. My chronic pain has been diagnosed as Enthesopathy. It may or may not be related to the Mirena, but I'm getting treatment from an internist, not a moment too soon! I was at the point where I couldn't go on another day. The interesting thing is, Enthesopathy is a disease of the ligaments and tendons. I couldn't figure out why I had little to no pain whatsoever when I was on my period, and my pain and mood and depression got progressively worse as my period approached. I wouldn't be surprised if the Mirena is involved in this. Anyways, I recently did some research and discovered that during our period, we release a hormone called relaxing, which relaxes our ligaments and tendons (among other things). So it's nice to finally put things together and make some sense of it all.
Since the removal of the Mirena I have energy again, I used to be so sluggish I would cry, sex drive is back, I'm not crying all day and am very happy, not angry at my hubby, no more insomnia, and my hair is still growing back. I didn't realize how much I had lost until it started growing back and see all this 1-6" -long hair.

Started taking Lisinopril approx. 6 years. ago. Shortly afterwards I started a spiral downwards for no apparent reason. Did not connect this med. Shortly after starting it I was put on Synthroid for low thyroid. Started having loss of balance, dizziness, vision problems, muscle and nerve pain. B/P went up instead of going down. Have been to every type of Dr. (Neurologist, Dermatologist, Endocrinologist, Internist) and every nerve & muscle test and blood work came back negative. I have extreme cold in my hands and feet, increased back pain. headaches. This past week I have broken out in a rash on my torso and down both legs. The doctors answers are that I'm suffering from depression. The irony is that when the symptoms first started I questioned if I could be having a reaction to the medication and they flat out said no. After reading some of the comments as of today I am discontinuing the Lisinopril and will searce for something natural. I'm fed up with doctors and really short on cash from all the money spent trying to find an answer.

I'm 47 yrs old now, & have been on Methadone since 92'. My journey with pain started at age 11 yrs, when i had a disease that totally screwed me up. From 11 yrs to 24 yrs, I was prescribed everything from Tyl #3 to Fentanyl patches. I don't know how many of you were around back then, but the 70's & 80's for pain patients wasn't easy. Lots of us put bullets into our brains because the Government made Doctors afraid to treat us "humanely" (so to speak). I was one of the lucky ones because I had outward physical signs of being in pain, so Doctors treated those outward pain symptoms. If i had not had those signs, I know I would wouldn't be here typing this now. I'm relaying this history, before my methadone side effects, because its important pain patients know something.

When I was 21 yrs old, got married & had a child. He didn't live very long, and it was at that point i started using my pills to stifle my feelings. At first I didn't realize what I was doing.. but.. it didn't take to long, and I realized it. Up to that point.. after losing both limbs, skin, and bone grafts, ulcer surgeries up the wazoo, fusions, countless medical procedures, hospitalizations, and operations.. to many to remember.. I had three surgeons, and a internist. All of them knew about one another, but it was up to me to keep each informed as to what they were prescribing.. and I didn't do it. Cut to the chase... About two years after my child dying, my internist retired, so I had to have my records transferred to another Doctor, at another Clinic. Everything with the Dr/ Patient relationship went well, up to about a month. One day.. Something in my head told me I should go to the clinic office, and read my records (i.e. Chart). So.. for the first time in my life, I listened to my head, and went into the clinic, told them what I wanted.. they directed me to medical records.. I told the lady there what I wanted.. she took me to a private room.. handed me a waiver to sign.. kind of stupid waiver, since I was reading my own file.. but.. none the less, signed it.. she handed me my three volume chart. It didn't take long for me to see why, and I'm sure most veteran pain patients will know why too. Right there in Bold Red on the very first piece of paper was "Drug Seeker! Abuses Opiates". Now.. I'm not saying I'm not deserving of that title, but what I am saying is.. "They don't let you know you've been labeled, they let everyone else know, but you." So.. If you are a pain patient.. read your chart once in a while, because once you get that title.. life gets much harder, & you have no idea how judgmental people (even Doctors) are. To most M.D.'s your too big of a liability, & a "criminal" Lastly.. be very careful with these medicines because, it's not that far of a jump from, you controlling them, to them controlling you." Once it happens, its not easy to turn it around again. From age 24 yrs to 27 yrs.. it was hell. I came close many times. Loaded my 30-06 three times, & My 45 twice that I remember. My wife came home early from work on that second time, and found one live round that had fallen on the floor, bent down to pick it up, then found the revolver under the couch.. took me to the hospital.. the E.R. doc admitted me for the pain, and actually treated it with Methadone. With the first dose, I noticed a relief, as I had never felt it before. Not all pain was gone, but after a could days of upping the dose.. it was. When my pain was controlled, it was time for discharge. The doctor that took over my care during admission sent me home with a week supply, & wanted to see me in a week. When I went to his clinic, he had read my previous doctors notes, & now wanted me to come off, & go back to something else. He told me, "that people like me, have to go to Methadone clinics to get methadone." I had been conservative with hiss discharge meds, so I left his office, went home, looked up the nearest methadone clinic, and stayed there for over 7 years (ME BEING STUPID AGAIN!). During those 7 years, I met 4 "pain patients" who were only guilty of being in pain, & having a doctor that didn't want to deal with them, so (like my doc) they mention the only real place, they can get it without bothering them (Methadone clinic). What I didn't realize until the day I walked out, and never went back (and never will), is that Methadone Patients are treated like criminals.. not patients.. AND by being a methadone criminal, you give your state permission to be part of your treatment (And believe me.. you may not see or hear from them,, but they know you by name). I found out after my pain doctor at the time got authorized to prescribe to me, supplemental Methadone at bedtime. After about a month, I get called into my councilors office, & she tells me "the State Methadone Authority says, I have to go back to Phase I because, apparently the pain doctor had been prescribing to other methadone patients without their permission, and that all of us patients had to go back to Phase I". There was no way I was going back to driving 90 miles a day 6 days a week, for something I had nothing to do with. I'm guessing the State was thinking I spread the news about my good fortune with this new pain doctor.. but everyone at the Clinic knew, I came there, sat & waited for my turn, & left. I might say Hi as i passed someone.. AND.. none of the 4 pain patients I mentioned above, were the patients being punished by the State.

The Country says, "its doing better when it comes to treating chronic pain patients." and to a point, I'd say its better.. but there are still miles to go.

METHADONE SIDE EFFECTS:

Someone here mentioned that by taking methadone, he doesn't feel the need for any other opiate. Thats very true. I felt it, & its why they use it for heroin addics. THe first month, I felt really sedated after about 20 minutes of taking it.. But that went away, & now all i get is pain relief.

Constipation-

When I have a operation, I stop taking them about two days before. Three if its possible, because its also true.. after the operation the pain increases, but you get little pain relief from anything.

I can't think of anything else.. except.. soon my only doctor since being on methadone is leaving to another State 3000 miles away, so soon, I'll be back to unthinkable thinking again, I'm sure. Who's going to take a past "drug Seeker-Methadone clinic patient? No Body that doesn't know me.. thats for sure.

I'm sorry this is so long. Good-Luck All

Worst night of my life--woke up feeling filled with anxiety, insomnia, had to get up repeatedly to urinate, felt very agitated, though I felt very peaceful & relaxed at bedtime, feet were swollen so badly I couldn't put on my shoes. I took 10 mg of Benadryl, which did not change how I felt. My internist took me off the Singulair immediately, when I contacted him the next morning.

Despite being on an antidepressant which was recently increased, very recently I felt sad, anxious, and was crying all the time, felt irritable, and was chronically tired. I took 400mg of gabapentin (Neurontin), prescribed for nerve pain, numbness, tingling in both hands & feet at 9 p.m. Just before bedtime at 10:00 I'd take 10 mg Singulair. 1-2 hours later I was wide awake, sometimes not sleeping for hours or at all, even after taking 1-2 Benadryl, without the dyes.

Over the past two years I've had eczema, for which I saw 2 different dermatologists and an infectious disease specialist. Eczema was so bad, I couldn't sleep at night. I consulted with every imaginable doctor, including the allergist who prescribed Singulair & was told it couldn't be the Singulair because Singluair was FOR ALLERGIES. Was diagnosed with fibromyalgia by a neurologist, recently had a repeat of an MRI because I couldn't walk the pain was so bad. My neurologist was unable to find any reason I had pain & difficulty walking, after reviewing the results of the MRI.

I've seen my internist for heart palpitations. When I reported urinary frequency, he had me get a cystocopy (negative) because I had hematuria, blood in my urine, and I had weight loss.

I still have many of the side effects, like the numbness & tingling in my feet and hands, however, I am able to sleep through the night and did so immediately after going off the Singulair. A lot of the fibromyalgia pain I was having has subsided, depression, anxiety has subsided as well.

I just turned 60 and thought all my aches and pains and cramps were due to age, but having read these posts, I believe it is the Januvia that is causing my problems.I am a type II diabetic. After taking Januvia for less than a month, I have been having trouble sleeping more than 4 hours per night. The back of my neck is stiff and hurting. Both my hands and in particular, my fingers are numb and tingling. I'm experiencing cramps in both legs and stiffness all over. I've had to force myself to stand up and walk. I have severe heartburn (something I've never suffered with). I, too, have absolutely no sexual desire.About two weeks ago, a lump about the size of a dime has formed on the cartilage on the front of my neck, just below my chin. My doctor says, "We'll just watch it." I just feel rotten! I am stopping this medicine today. I hope these side effects have not done any permanent damage to me. I'm sick of these doctor's using their patients as test subjects for new drugs! I'm definitely changing my internist because this is one of many instances where the drugs I have been prescribed have caused me extremely miserable side effects. Where in the world is a doctor that believes in improving his patient's health or curing the illness rather than "PRACTICING" Medicine and pushing drugs!

I have been on lisinopril since december 08 for hypertention. My symptoms didn't appear immediatly. But as time went by, I started to notice extreme fatigue and a dry hacking cough. I ignored it at first because I was diagnosed in april of 08 with myastenia gravis. I thought it was just complications with my illness. So I told my internist about my symptoms and of course at first he wanted to blame it on allergies and sinus. I have never been so bothered with allergies in all of my 39 years so I new it had to be the pill. I have recently been to my doctor with continued complaints so he has taken me off of the pill and wants to see me back in 2weeks.

I'm just in shock.
I can't believe that this sort of thing can go on.
My experience is all over this page. And the seven after it.

I graduated high school with a 99 GPA and was at the top of my class.
I was accepted to medical school along with my admission to college.
I started Yasmin at the same time.

All of a sudden I was getting classic migraines multiple times every month.
Soon, Yasmin became Yaz. Okay, fair enough, nurse says to switch, I'll switch. Yaz is said to be safer.

Time goes by... I'm irritable, I've lost my sex drive, I'm dragging myself out of bed in the morning if I get to classes at all, but I miss lots of them.
My GPA falls from a 4.0 to a 3.6.

I had to come home last semester because of how sick I was. Nurse says that the doctor wants me off Yaz because of the risk of classic migraines.

Liver enzymes were screwed up - fatty liver at 20?? - and cholesterol is backwards. My heart races a lot, too.
My anxiety is out of control and I'm depressed for the first time in my life.

I've been off Yaz since November of 2008 and still haven't had a period.
Additionally, I still haven't MET my gynecologist, despite asking repeatedly if I can see her.

Now she's ruled out PCOS and all other causes and wants me to "jump start" my period with more synthetic hormones.
This feels so wrong.

I have IBS, nausea, back pain, and abdomen pain. This is all just too much. I'm disillusioned with the medical field now and am having a hard time accepting that I wanted to put myself in a position in which I'd have to either perpetuate the problem or fight it. It doesn't make sense.

There needs to be a lawsuit, and now.

I was on Januvia for 15 months, along with Metformin and medications for my heart. I have had a skin rash on my face since I started taking Januvia. I did not make the connection between the Januvia and the rash.I stopped taking the Januvia in Feb. 2009 after I was told that the Januvia may have been the cause (or helped to promote) my prostrate cancer. In March 2009 I had my prostrate removed. It has been approx. 2.5 months since I stopped taking the Januvia. My Internist agreed that I needed to stop taking Januvia immediately. I believe that my rash, which I still have, was also because of the Januvia.

I started Lisinopril a 6 weeks ago at the suggestion of my Internist. The blood pressure medicine I was on (for 5 years) was too strong and causing me to have episodes of dizziness and hypotension. Since starting Lisinopril I have suffered with a severe hacking cough that is especially troublesome at night. It wakes me up almost every night and I wind up sleeping in an upright position on my lazy boy and taking strong cough medicine to suppress it. Since I am an RN, I attributed this to climate, my job (with children), and generalized stress of graduate school/work/family. I have a call into my Internist and will stop Lisinopril immediately. Thank you for this blog.

I was prescribed Avelox along with Prednisone by my allergy doctor for pneumonia. Even with a prescription insurance program, the Avelox costs $14 a pill. After 13 days on Avelox, my joints hurt so bad I can barely walk. My muscle tone is almost non-existent, and the muscles ache like I've been in training for a marathon. I daily became more depressed, and really thought I was dying. I went to see my internist this a.m. A chest x-ray revealed I still have a raging case of pneumonia, now in both lobes of my lungs. She wanted to put me in the hospital but agreed to put me on a Augmenting and another round of Prednisone to try at home a couple of days. Avelox should be taken off the market. I can not believe this medication which costs over $240 for one round of treatment was ever approved by the FDA. My doctor could not tell me when the side effects of the Avelox will diminish or disappear. DO NOT TAKE THIS DRUG IF ANOTHER WILL DO THE JOB.

I just received the prescription today- very little information given by the doctor- so I looked up some information and found this site. I am most worried about side effects and many say this makes acne worse for up to a month before it gets better or has no result. I am desperate to get something that works- I am 38 years old with some health challenges but acne is controlling my life- its terrible. I am not on medication now -other than Duac Topical Gel and Retin A Micro for Acne- but I am seeing next month a reheumatalogist next month for RA ( has also gotten very bad in the past two months - Aleve not working anymore - ) also my internist wants to have my thyroid checked again and also an ANA LUPUS test redone- was negative last year but she feels its Lupus.

I am 71 years old, I have been taking 80mg of ZOCOR ( Simvastatin ) for the past 16 years. five months ago I started to hurt in my lower back, hips,Knees,thighs, for two months then it traveled to my shoulders, wrist, hands, fingers. the Dr. gave me a round of prednisone (one shot and 11 pills) the pain stopped and everything was wonderful for two weeks,the Dr. stated that I had avused my body in the years gone by now the pain has started back in my shoulders, wrist, hands the pain is very strong,and my legs are starting to get weak again, I am taking Naproxen 500 mg two times a day and also taking Hydrocodne10mg every four hours also have Oxycodone 10mg to take every four to six hours, I have mentioned the results that I have read about the Statins in this forum but the doctor, does not act like it has any significance. does anyone have any suggestions??? if so please let me know, this pain is killing me, if you have any info. please email me at. ******

Do not take this drug and exercise!! I was given samples of 750mg for 10 days for bronchitis. I was trying to get well for a 20 mile race that was quickly approaching. I have never had any side effects, so I was determined to get my runs in. After I felt a little better, I went on a long training run. My quads were on fire and I had no power in my legs. This does not happen ever during a long run. Needless to say, I did not make it to the race, but I did do a half marathon 6 days after my last dose. I had the same symptoms! Burning of the quads after only 6 miles, and loss of power in the legs. This stuff must stay in your system for a while. Afterwards I had a friend tell me (who works for an internist) that he never prescribes athletes this drug due to tendon damage! Repeat: do not take if you are an avid athlete!!

I have had trouble standing from a sitting position. My internal medicine Dr. ran some blood tests and discovered I have elevated muscle enzymes. My psychiatrist convinced my internist that I needed to have physical therapy instead of coming off the Abilify. If my muscle enzymes are elevated it indicates that I have had muscle trauma due to the Abilify.

I had two Kenalog injections the 5th of Dec. '08, one into my right shoulder joint, the other into a tendon anterior to my right shoulder, - oh, and another one in a trigger point at my right shoulder blade. I have been in agony since 2-3 days after the injections. The night of the injections I had severe tachycardia, my heart rate was around 120-140 for three days. I was also flushed and so hot that several people asked if I was ill. The worst part of these injections started, as I said earlier, 2-3 days later. I have horrible pain in my shoulder blade and throughout my ribcage. I have muscle spasms and such burning that it actual causes me to bend to the right, and I could scream with the pain!! Nothing helps other than to put a hand towel behind my neck and pull each end so hard that it takes the pressure somehow off the muscles. I can hardly hold my head up most of the time due to muscle weakness. The Dr. says nothing other than take Advil. My internist, who did not do the injections, thinks I have what is called RSD from the needle sticks.
I don't see that this is easing at all, and I'm really concerned that I'm going to live like this the rest of my life!

Hi....I am a 48 year old male just starting on Lisinopril 10mg daily. Have taken it for 7 days now. Blood pressure before was 184/120 in the doctors office. Have seen it spike to 200/129 at the dentist plus 220/149 at the Oral surgents office removing a tooth. First day of taking Lisinopril it knocked down my BP too 123/75 thought that was great. Since has mellowed out now at 140/90. Im sure on my second visit the DR. will up my dosage which I will question. So far reactions have been that scratchy throat right of the bat that everyone discribes. Plus my stomach just groals the first hour as it trys to disolve. Takes about 4 hour before I can see it lowers my pressure any. Have been trying different times of the day best I can to find the best time to take it which I now have settled on right after noon lunch about 1 hour works best. I also have had alot of tiredness from it, which is different from the weakness I also get from a condition they say I have called N.A.S.H. (non alcholic steatohepatitis ) which basically is too much fat in your liver that drains me of energy worse each year. But why I bring that up is the feeling is different a tiredness compared to a weakness feeling I dont seem to like. The weakness I can jack away with some caffine but this tiredness nothing seems to help so far. Have had some dizzyness getting up which is something I can live with til it makes me faint or fall at some point then I surly will cry wolf get me off this. Getting blood work done soon to see how it affects my liver counts will update you on that later.

I began having right hip pain a month after the mirena was inserted. I assumed it was from running. All the doctors I have seen for the past year stated I strained a muscle. They ordered MRI's and physical therapy. I have completed all, but still have the same hip pain-over a year now. Has anyone had hip pain due to the mirena? And did your hip pain stop completely after your mirena was removed? I am considering getting it removed. Although the doctors tell me they are not connected, I can't help but think there is a coincidence.

I've been on Lisinopril-HCTZ 10-12.5 for 8 months now. I hate it. So far I've experienced:

- dry cough
- headaches
- chest pains (under my left rib cage area. Its a sudden sharp pain that lasts maybe 2 seconds, then its gone. It'll do that a few times a day)
- stuffy nose (doctor told me it was allergies. Put me on allergy medication, have been on it for 2 months, and it hasn't helped)
- trouble breathing
- rashes
- fatigue (doctor assured me it would go away after a few weeks, but it hasn't)
- dizziness
- no menstrual cycle (this medication has stopped my periods all together)

I've had it with this crap. My primary doctor wasn't the one who put me on it. I haven't been able to see my primary doctor because I don't have insurance and couldn't afford it. I've been going to a community clinic. I'm willing to pay to see my primary doctor than continue going there. At least I'll know I'll be taken seriously.

I have an 8y.o. daughter that has been on Singulair for about 3 years now. Since she started taking singulair she has been absolutely miserable! She cries at everything, is very moody, has leg pains, wont leave my side and is tired ALL the time. She has circle under her eyes, she looks like she hasn't slept a wink in days! She has been off her Singulair for about 5 days now and she is a totally different person. She has been "happy-go-lucky" and full of herself, she has even woke up happy (which hasn't happened in I dont know how long). She was put on Singulair by our Doctor b/c she had Pnemonia two times in a row. She has Allergies and Asthma and for the past 3 years has been on: Singulair (4mg), albuterol, flovent, Zyrtec, and Flonase. That is just too much for a little girl to be on. She hardly eats at all, gets headaches. I just see such a difference when she is not on it but, what will she take in place of this? My husband also takes Singulair (he is miserable all the time), he doesnt sleep at night and is always tired. Anyone have alternative to this drug?

HI MY NAME IS NOEMI IM 27 ,MOTHER OF TWO 1 GIRL 4 YEARS OLD AND 1 BOY 1 YEAR OLD ,I USED THE NUVARING FOR THE TREE WEEKS THEN I TOOK IT OUT,AT THAT TIME I REALIZED I WAS VERY SCARED OF BEING PREGNANT BECAUSE I WAS FEELING VERY WEIRD I HAD THE CRAMPS MY BOOBS WERE BIGGER FEELING LIKE WHEN I WAS PREGNANT I WAS, WET ALL THE TIME SO UNCOMFORTABLE,FEELING SAD TIERED, SLEEPY .THEN I STARTED BLEEDING AND PASSING VERY BIG CLOTS ,THAT REALLY SCARE ME,I THOUGHT I WAS HAVING A MISCARRIAGE,I DID A P TEST IT CAME OUT NEGATIVE,SO I RELAX AND PUT ON THE NEW RING THE BLEEDING STOP ,THEN IT GOT WORSE WHEN MY BOOBS STARTED TO HURT ,I SQUEEZED MY NIPPLES AND NOTICED A WHITE FLUID COMING OUT I GOT SO SCARED I WAS SURE I WAS PREGNANT & DID ANOTHER P TEST ,NEGATIVE RESULT I TRIED TO CALM DOWN BUT AT THAT MOMENT I WAS SO MAD ,DEPRESSED HAVING TERRIBLE MIGRAINES ,TAKING EXCEDRIN 2 TIMES A DAY FEELING EXHAUSTED,SO I STARTED THINKING IT MIGHT BE THE NR I TALKED TO MY HUBBY AN HE AGREED HE SAID HE WAS GOING CRAZY ,NO SEX AN DEALING W A CRAZY BITCH SO I DECIDED TO TOOK IT OFF, AFTER 2 WEEKS ,2 DAYS LATER I HAD MY PERIOD W A DARK BROWN RED COLOR AND VERY BAD SMELL ,CRAMPS AND MORE CLOGS ITS BEEN A WEEK NOW AND I STILL FEEL MY BOOBS ENLARGED STILL FLUID COMING OUT IF I SQUEEZED THEM MY MOOD ITS GETTING BETTER AND I HAVE MORE ENERGY NOW BUT SOME HOW I STILL FEEL LIKE IF IM PREGNANT ,I NEVER ,NEVER GOING BACK ON NR, SO FAR ITS THE WORST EXPERIENCE EVER PLEASE CONTACT ME IF YOU FEEL THE SAME WAY....

my 6 year old has what doctor's have called cough-induced asthma or reactive airway disorder. He doesn't wheeze but gets these severe coughing spells which get worse at night. Usually comes on during the colder months. He is on Flovent, and Singulair to maintain When he gets the coughing spells, he gets the Albuterol inhaler 2 puffs every 4 hours. It makes him NUTS. Literally climbs the walls, Can't sit still. I'd rather have him cough than to see him like this. Now with the most recent coughing episode, I've noticed an extreme personality change. To the point where his 1st grade teacher called me to ask if it could be the medicine. He's normally a shy kid, sweet now all of a sudden he's a social butterfly in school and interrupting the teacher. AT home, he's just not right .Doctor changed him to Xopenex inhaler but he's still not right.

Kenalog needs to be sued! I had the flu back in November of 07' and my internist had her nurse give me a shot of Kenalog. Come to find out through my own research (not anything my doctor warned me about) that kenalog causes all kinds of hormonal irregularities. On top of that horrible feeling, I have a HUGE dent on my left butt cheek. It started out small and is now huge with lighter colored skin tissue deep (1.5 ") in the middle of it. I feel very embarrassed being nude, and very paranoid about clothing. I know it is very visible in a bikini and under A-line fitting clothing. I went to my doctor and asked her about it and she said "it is normal, and that was one of the side effects." BUT the nurse who injected the shot did not say a word about any side effects when she saw the dent nor did she admit to any error of the injection. The Dr. said I will now have this crater/dent for the rest of my life. It all smells fishy to me. My doctor didn't mention one single word about a possible side effect. I would NEVER have had the injection. We trust our doctors to tell us side effects that may cause us emotional stress, and possible disfigurement for the rest of our lives. Has anyone had any luck with getting a lawyer involved. I want compensation. I want to try the saline injections and don't want to pay for the treatment. AND I want to STOP this from happening to other women. This is not a vain issue. It is an outright disfigurement/deformaty.

Three years ago, my Doctor said he wanted my cholesterol lowered. He prescribed Lipitor 10 m every other day.. Last year Cat Scan revealed a clogged minor artery so doctor increased to 20m PER day.. Test results proved Cholesterol down to " perfect" said the doctors BUT the rest of me was falling apart.. Severe muscle cramps in both legs, fatigue, muscles all over had no strength, weakness, nausea, headaches etc.. My cousin who is a doctor had been taking Lipitor herself but stopped because of the above symptoms.. Both my Cardiologist and internist have told me to stop taking Lipitor for a period of time to see if these symptoms dissipate.. After three days I already feel better. I have begun to eat 100% healthy: taking vitamins: vitamin C, Omega 3,6,9. lecithin & exercise, etc. And praying a lot..

This is my second bout with what my doctor thinks is erlickiosis. The first time I was at the point where I could only move like an old man doing "the nursing home shuffle". Everything was swollen. Feet, hands, knees even my jaw was hurting. I couldn't stand on my own even though two weeks prior I was walking 3-5 miles per day on some good size hills. I was hospitalized and given steroid injections. Within 12 hours I was standing on my own. I was given Perdnisone 30 mg X 3 days 20 mg X 3 days 10 mg X 3 days 5 mg X 4 days. Except for some insomnia and peeing 5 times a night there were no other effects. Within 2 days I was crippled again. Now my GP was in Africa and my Internist was leaving for vacation in India. Internist would not put me back on Prednisone because he wanted me to see a Rhumatologist. I made an appointment but it was SIX WEEKS OFF. Two days later i was admitted to a different hospital. This one was where my Rhumatologist had access. Long story short Prednisone 80 mg 7 days 60 mg 7 days 40,20,10mg 7 days each. Had to start taking insulin again. Glucose never went over 200. Avg glucose last 5 weeks is 120. Gained 5 pounds because I work out every day with free weights and lots of cardio. Hopefully, I won't have to many side effects when weaning is accomplished.

I am a 55-year old woman. I was first diagnosed with paroxysmal svt at age 7. It has never been much of a problem, but as I have aged, I have worried enough about it to make sure my doctors are all aware of the condition. I have had many ekgs, echos, worn a holter monitor, had every kind of stress test, but it wasn't until April that the svt was actually seen on an ekg. My internist freaked out, wanted to put me on Toprol immediately, but I resisted, since I knew that my irregular heartbeat could be back to normal by the time I reached the parking lot. I did heed her urging to see a cardiologist (two in fact), which led to an ep study, with the hope of a radio frequency ablation on August 5. I have been taking a full strength aspirin since April to decrease the slight risk of stroke during an svt episode. The ep study showed that the electrical problems in my heart were in places that made an ablation too risky, so nothing was done, but the doctor advised me to try Toprol (25 mg) for a month "and see how I liked it." I had my first dose in the hospital on Tuesday, August 5, and proceeded to take it as prescribed. By Thursday afternoon, I felt oddly on the verge of tears. On Friday, both of my knees were hurting, by Saturday evening, I was in bed feeling like I had the flu. Every joint in my body was aching. Sunday morning, I felt even worse. I found this website and decided to stop taking the medication at that point. Today, Thursday, August 14, is the first time I have felt vaguely like my usual healthy self. After stopping the medication, I had 2 episodes of svt, lasting about 10 hours each. I have had excruciating stomach cramps, headache, inability to sleep, depression. This is after taking it for 5 days!! My heart (no pun) goes out to those of you who suffered for months on the drug and then even more months off of it. I know it helps many people, my mother included, but thank goodness that those of us who have a bad experience have a place to realize that we're not crazy.