Understanding My Symptoms a Lil More

I had an interesting read about our weird symptoms, as I learned the names of some of the ones I have been blessed with. One thing you will learn about me is that I have an off beat sense of humor. As I've learned to laugh and let go of those things that I once drank and drugged over. I take Copaxone 40 mg. glatiramer acetate, it's an injection. I'm grateful that I never cared for needles and had not shot myself up a single time. Notice, I hadn't. I did find out in 2017 that I had Hepatitis C and got treatment. It only takes once my friends and I read 1.6% of men my age have it and most don't even know.

Just writing this sends shocks

You will have to excuse me from time to time. I do my best to be structured, however, with my issues it proves quite difficult at times. That is I feel one of the ones I can catch myself going astray sometimes and correct the situation. Like writing this right now I tip my head downward and I get electric tingling and pins and needles and it's sometimes fire. It's mostly prevalent in my right arm and my neck. It varies that much though, depending on a variety of things. They call it Lhermitte's sign. I have been to the extreme as I had described in a previous article a couple of times where it lasted over a couple months. Most of the time it's like a light buzzing numb tingly feeling. I seldom go without suffering from this one here, I've been fortunate to be able to be at ease even with all that's going on with my body, I give the credit to God for that.

The itch that can't be scratched

This next symptom has driven me to the edge of madness at times, and I'm sure if you suffer it in an area that has to be the hardest spot to reach on a human being's body. Pruritis it seems is extreme itching from tingling, burning, pins and needles as well as numbness. I have a spot on my back the size of a softball that does just that, right on my shoulder blade. I can contort and get at it. As well as using the corner of door jambs and windows. My cane or walking stick are handy as well. I have drawn blood and left gouges and there's constantly scabbing and scarring from me attacking it relentlessly. In my sleep or awake it does not matter. That is always there. However, it again is something that over time has eased as I've adapted and learned in my walk through this world.

At a loss for words

This one here blew me away. For some time I have had difficulty with my speech since my late twenties I'd say is when I first recognized being at a loss for words as well as substituting words like confusing green with orange and vice versa. I'm forever saying orange when I mean green and even though I know I cannot stop myself. I also have talked with a nasal-like tone and had thought it was from the 7 or 8 broken noses I'd suffered from everything from car accidents and smashing my face into the steering wheels. The fights that I have lost count of long ago. I even was kicked in the face once whilst passed out on my cousin Moose's floor. Chipping a tooth breaking my nose and blacking my eyes. I have not been easy on myself. And just like right there. I went blank, completely guys. This disease can be discouraging to say the least I know. Sounding like I have a cold was the last thing I thought would be a symptom and I'm making an honest effort to correct it. Stay tuned and I will fill you in, in time.

Experiencing seizures

The next one that jumped out at me was seizures because I've experienced numerous situations that have almost cost not only myself but others their life as well. I've had grande- mal since the very beginning and I will share my first experience with them. I had been married for about 5 years and I started making a god-awful noise and thrashing. At first, she was confused because I suffer from night terrors due to PTSD and my childhood that god-willing I will share bits and pieces of along the way. I awoke to the EMT's standing over me confused and what I would almost call an acid flashback because of the colors and aura that would blow some people's minds. I have had one whilst driving a 94 jeep Grand Cherokee. In 2012 I was on the way back from grocery shopping and I had overdone it. I shouldn't have gotten behind the wheel and wouldn't of if it were to happen today, I wouldn't without question.

My thermostat is broken

Now, this next one is so obvious, as I tell everyone that my thermostat is broken. I sweat profusely whenever I start doing something that takes exertion. Sweat soaks my shirt and hair after 2 minutes as I push through. I can go through 3 even 4 shirts a day. The salt stings my eyes when I do yard work or housework. I get so embarrassed at times when my subconscious gets me thinking people are judging me and thinking I'm on meth or something. Especially when I lost over 40 lbs. over a year's time as my body was slowly dying and I had never even realized it until it was almost too late. Uthoff's phenomenon is the scientific name for this strange symptom and the few that are left are just as serious and for some reason, I have moved on and been put at ease, even with all these challenges and that my friends is a miracle in itself.

Experiencing a myriad of symptoms

I have god-awful tremors at times. I used to suffer from them constantly when I was drinking and using. Of course, my life and I were a wreck. From the spiritual malady that was my life to the exacerbation of my symptoms from the drugs and alcohol. I was a wreck and when I first joined AA I would lay on a pew during the nooner and did what we call shake n bake. The sweats, trembling, bugs crawling under your skin. I've been down in the mud with the sweat and the blood and the puke not being able to get up or even crawl. It's called Nystagmus, It causes me to have difficulty swallowing when I'm laying down at night especially when I'm trying to get to sleep. That wears on me because I have to take a sip or drink to stop it. When I eat I have to drink when I'm swallowing or I choke a lot at times it's worse than others. It's definitely worse when I'm stressed

Remembering my first flare

I remember waking up from that first flare-up. It was exactly as it's been described as a bungee cord right through my belly button. It drove me insane for the longest time. From there down I have had constant numbness and tingling in my legs and nether regions of my body. It has caused me all kinds of troubles and situations. From extreme embarrassment to some that were riotous experiences, some of which I don't think would be appropriate to share with you on here.. It has caused me to have E.D. of course but where there's a will there's a way.

My take on it all

That pretty well describes my weird symptoms except for my heart issue. My Fiance at the time thought I was on drugs or drinking or something. She didn't understand and the resentment started to build with her. I would work in the yard till I couldn't stand and would literally work on my hands and knees. I have never let this disease win. I have had more spiritual growth through the pain and anguish I tell my friends that this disease was a blessing not a curse. I am a much better man in every way I could imagine and am so grateful to God for all he's done for me and those I love. I hope my sharing of my symptoms lets you know you are not alone in this deal. I'm busy but always near my phone. If you ever need to vent feel free to PM me. Have a glorious week everybody and God bless.