I'm Back - More or Less

Well, today's posting was supposed to be entitled the "Light at the End of the Tunnel" but I had two episodes of vertigo yesterday and some ear ringing so I may not be out of the woods yet.
After several weeks of visits to the Ear, Nose, and Throat doctor, courses of prednisone, a head MRI, and a trip to a neurologist, I got what I always called them, a “muscle-tension sinus headache” that I’ve been getting since High School, that hit on Father’s Day, in addition to the previously feeling crappy. I can usually abate them with a combination of a half of Flexeril (muscle relaxer) and one Excedrin Migraine. I was out of the Excedrin. Well, it took hold and even after I got the EM I wasn’t able to stop it. I had seen the ENT doc again on Monday. He had referred me to a neurologist as there was nothing more from his end to do for me (MRI & hearing test both OK), and gave me a pain killer, which did nothing, and I don’t really like to take them. I had called for the appointment with the neurologist but couldn’t get one until July 20th. When I still had my headache on Wednesday I called back the neurologist and I got in for the next morning at 8:15. Well, as you might guess, my “muscle-tension sinus headaches” are migraines. They run in families and I do have a first cousin with them (Hey Val!).
The doctor gave me another course of prednisone and I’m going to start on a slow build-up of Topamax to help prevent them. My cousin is using this and another person I’ve been in contact with recently with said her daughter is on this for her migraines. One side effects the doc said could be weight loss – SIGN ME UP!!! and there can be some tingling in the fingers and toes at first and thought processes maybe fuzzy – heck they already are half the time anyway hee – hee.
Well, we’ll see how it goes because even when I would take the other stuff for these headaches I’d be down for the count until it clears. I'd like to give this preventative thing a try.

Thanks so much for all your emails, prayers, well wishes, and patience.

Now, big decision here, since starting this in April of 2005 I’ve done a (self-imposed) posting most every weekday. Yikes! I know I spoiled you guys but I’ve got to cut back.

So just think of it as your Hodgepodges will be more "little surprises" in your email box here and there ‘cause you won’t know exactly when you’ll get them!!!! : )

Hugs,

Debbie