My Chronic Life

I learned that one of the symptoms of hypokalemia is depression. I’m not feeling so bad about feeling so bad now. Seriously this depression is getting to be annoying. I try to get myself out of it, but that’s like me trying to wish myself to become a geek and know things like msql databases, micro sd cards, css and Plurking.

This kind of depression is only going to be cured by me picking up the phone to call my Psychiatrist to make an appointment. He may increase the Cymbalata or add something. But that takes effort that I don’t have, plus it means another doctor visit, which I’m avoiding like the plague.

I know I should do it and I probably will when I get to the point of not being able to get out of bed. Just kidding, really.

I’m still going through the low potassium which is called hypokalemia.  Having multiple chronic illnesses especially Myasthenia Gravis makes this a pretty serious condition for me. Low potassium levels cause fatigue which I already have (from Fibromyalgia and Sjogren’s Syndrome) and muscle weakness which I already have (from Myasthenia Gravis). I’m having some pretty bad depression, sleepiness and now am getting numbness in my legs and toes.

I’m sick of being sick!

I’m in one of those funks where I’m having trouble feeling positive about my health issues which translates into feeling sad, frustrated and angry. I’m also feeling guilty too because I haven’t been doing much of being a parent to my daughter. I spend too much time sleeping and feeling like a zombie than to feel capable of really being there for her.

It’s times like this when I think back to what my life was like before I was sick. I even dream about it. I catch small memories of my life like they’re in picture frames as a wife and mom who worked, took care of my children, my house, cooked homemade meals every day and volunteered for tons of things.

I was the mom who was there at school for all of the special events. I was the mom who could take care of a toddler and a teenager. I know that even if this flare doesn’t get better I’ll find ways to handle my life. But it’s hard to admit that I’m so sick again.

Remember getting those back check ups as a child and teenager, where you bent over and a doctor would feel your spine? He or she was checking for Scoliosis. These types of screenings have helped improve the number of diagnoses of this spinal disorder allowing for treatment at an early age.

According to the National Scoliosis Foundation about 6 million people in the United States have a diagnosis of Scoliosis. Most people have a mild curvature of the spine (under 20 degrees). They do not usually require treatment expect for pain and physical therapy to learn how to strengthen the stomach and back muscles and to improve posture.

Screening should continue on a life long basis for any form of Scoliosis be it mild, moderate or severe. The amount of time between screenings depends on the many factors including the severity of the pain and the involvement of other parts of the body. For example a person who has a curvature that is less than 20 degrees and has no other problems may only require screening every five years. A person with 40% curvature who has had surgery may require yearly screening.

Many people, my daughter included have mild Scoliosis and live normal and healthy lives. They may need pain medications if they use their muscles the wrong way, sit on some hard teak furniture or stop doing their prescribed exercises. But other than that, there is normally no problem.

June is Myasthenia Gravis Awareness month. This is very important month for me as I have had this rare neuromuscular disease for a little over five years now.

Myasthenia Gravis or MG means “grave weakness”. It is an automimmune disease that affects the voluntary muscles of the body. The most common symptom of MG is ptosis which is a drooping eyelid or eyelids. That is how MG started with me. It can also cause double vision and other visual problems. For many people this is the extent of what they will have as MG symptoms. This is occular MG.

For others like me, other parts of the body are affected. This is then called generalized Myasthenia Gravis. Facial, neck, arm, trunk and the muscles that control chewing, swallowing and even breathing can be affected. I have had all of these symptoms but the most problematic only occur rarely. I also have general muscle weakness, fatigue and poor stamina.

I am doing what I can to promote this rare disease because it is believed that there are people that have it but are not properly diagnosed. Because there are treatments that work, it is so important to see your doctor if you have any symptoms listed here.

I’m promoting this on my blogs, website, Squidoo lenses, on Facebook and by writing letters and shipping boxes of information from the Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America. Please help spread the word about MG.