One exciting upside to all of this nonsense is that the Topamax I'm on really decreases hunger so you lose weight. Like when Rachel Zoe or celebs says they just get so busy and "forget to eat" maybe they're just on Topamax because I definitely never forgot to eat before. But now I have to make myself eat a bowl of cheerios or something during the day. The pain clinic warned me of this "weight loss" side effect when they put me on it.
However, my Internist is "very, very concerned" that I've lost 2.5 lbs since I saw him 8 days ago - I need to "eat MORE!". I tried to explain to the man that I have never been this heavy, I have a closet filled with clothes that don't fit, I haven't been able to move in months (and I was a lawyer before that which contributed to some weight gain) so we're really heading in the right direction with this weight loss thing. It's the only good thing in months!
If you're going to be in pain and unhealthy, why not be thin and fabulous looking? Come on Doc! I could lounge around in my skinny jeans then. Nothing makes a girl feel better than that. He told me to go eat a high fat meal. Boo!
Tell him you'll take his payment for the day to go buy new clothes too ;) At least he cares, right?
ReplyDeleteHi Luprongirl,
ReplyDeleteI have had pelvic pain for 5 years now and have tried everything under the sun for pain relief. I am now on Darvocet. It seems like it's the only drug that takes away my pain. I read your blog on Topamax and it sounds like a wonderful drug for pain. My question to you is, do you take it for pelvic pain? Please let me know. Thank you, Pamela in pelvic pain.
Hi Pamela,
ReplyDeleteSorry to hear you've been dealing with this for 5 years -- I've never tried Darvocet but that's great that you've found something that helps. I'm on the Topamax for the pelvic pain but it has not helped me yet. BUT, I'm still taking a very low dose (50mg/day). I had problems at 75mg/day (waking up with pins and needles sensations in my feet). I'm about to try the 75mg/day again one last time before they take me off of it for good. Some people have had luck with it - I think it works mainly if your pain is nerve related but I'm not sure. It's definitely worth looking into. It hasn't given me the side effects that Lyrica gave me (bumping into walls, memory loss). I'm also on Tizanidine HCL which initially I thought might have been helping me but definitely isn't. But everyone is different. There's a lot of drugs out there beyond just the narcotics (which never worked for me). Keep trying. I think the key I'm realizing is finding a doctor that is willing to keep at it in terms of helping you find a drug or drugs that will help you get relief. Some people have a lot of luck with the anti-seizure drugs or anti-depressants for chronic pain.
I have had pelvic pain for the last 11 years. It has been a battle to manage pain and have a true quality of life. I have been on so many anti depressants and medications it's mind boggling. I was put on nortriptyline in February. Increasing dose by 10 mg a week. It took 9 weeks to see that it was working. I haven't been at 2-3 on the pain scale in years and for the first time in 11 years I actually have had a consistent month of minimal pain which is amazing.
ReplyDeleteOne side effect though is weight gain. I have put on 20 pounds since starting it. I weigh the options of being skinny and feeling horribly or put a bit on and feel good. My doctors now want to add Topamax to my program because it works on nerves and Promotes weight loss. I will also have Botox injections and nerve blocks to help with faster response to meds. As well a's physical therapy which is a huge component of recovery from this horrible ordeal. I urge woman to ask doctors about these drugs and treatment a's I haven't felt this good in way to long. Good luck to anyone dealing with this. Stay strong and keep faith it will get better.