Checking in...not doing so hot

iVillage Member
Registered: 07-18-2006
Checking in...not doing so hot
6
Fri, 11-10-2006 - 12:57pm

Hi Everybody - I am new to your board and need some encouragement and maybe a friend or two. I have shingles right now and yesterday I went to the doctor and I have nerve damage to my right breast and on my back. My doctor said the pain could last for a few months or a few years. This of course is making my anxiety go through the roof. I can't even wear a bra right now which makes it hard to appear in public because I am a BIG Girl! And to top that off the nerve pain medication they prescribed has the side effect of weight gain. I recently lost 85 lbs. with about 135 lbs more to go. I don't want to gain it back. My doctor assured me that if I eat correctly and exercise (when I start to feel better) then I won't gain weight. But, the medication has an appetite stimulant in it...I have a feeling this is going to be very hard. I'm worried about the situation. I'm in so much pain I'm not sure if I can take it for another couple of months or worse a year or two. I increased my Klonopin to 1 mg three times a day. Hopefully, it will help.

Take Care, Jena

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-22-2003
Fri, 11-10-2006 - 2:16pm

(((Jena))) We have another member with shingles, also.

Sheri Ann

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-11-2004
Fri, 11-10-2006 - 2:23pm

(((Jena))) Sorry to hear this. Shingles follow a nerve & damage is always a possibility, but not always permanent. Since

 

 


 



iVillage Member
Registered: 07-28-2004
Fri, 11-10-2006 - 4:24pm

Hi Jena,

I am not so knowledge about shingles...though I have had chicken pox. Sounds like Jan had some good suggestions. Just wanted to say welcome!

(((Hugs)))
Dee

iVillage Member
Registered: 05-27-2003
Fri, 11-10-2006 - 4:32pm

hi jena,


i have no great words of wisdom, but wanted to offer my support.


it sounds like you are going through a really hard time right now:(


i too was put on a med (zyprexa) that has a side effect of weight gain...i've put on 60lbs and am not too happy about this...this just adds to the anxiety and stress that i'm already feeling:(


your not alone.


please keep us posted on how you are doing.


iVillage Member
Registered: 07-18-2006
Fri, 11-10-2006 - 6:46pm
Thanks everybody for the support. The medication they put me on is Neurontin. I am also Bipolar and was on a medication called Depakote ER which made me gain 125 lbs easy, so I guess that's why I'm a little anxious about taking the new one. But, since going off of Depakote ER I have lost 85 lbs. It's been coming off really slow, but I'll take it. Thanks again everyone and I hope to post more often. Take Care, Jena
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-22-2003
Sat, 11-11-2006 - 8:55pm
Heather, was the 60 pound weight increase while you were pregnant??

Sheri Ann