I found this site as I was searching for info re: drug pumps (more on that in a minute). I have learned so much from reading through the archives. Out of any forum that I've found on the web, this one seems the most supportive, friendly, etc. So, I am hoping to join in (if you'll have me!)
It would take a year to share my story but I'll try to keep it as brief as possible. I'm 35 years old, married with six children (all boys). At age 20, I received the Hep B Vaccine in nursing school and became very ill. Daily fevers, tachycardia, widespread muscle and joint pain, HORRIBLE fatigue and on the list went. I had to take a leave of absence from work and school. After about six months, I recovered. I went on to get married and have six children. Other than migraines, I was in pretty good health all those years. Well, the "monster" returned in my last pregnancy (I was about 3 months pregnant). I gave birth to my last child in Jan, 2004 and have been very ill ever since.
My official diagnosis is POTS (Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome)/Dysautonomia along with Chronic Pain (widespread muscle/joint pain, severe carpal tunnel syndrome, migraines, severe thoracic back pain and so forth). I've been on every medication known to man, in about every strength possible (at least that's what it feels like!).
My doctor recommended a drug pump about a year ago. It took me a long time to decide, but I finally decided to have the trial. I go in on Tuesday. Right now, I'm on the following oral meds: MS Contin 480mg/day, Dilaudid 8mg tabs for BTP (up to 4 a day), Soma - and then a variety of heart meds, etc. I was on the 1200mcgs of Actiq for breakthrough pain; they worked better than the Dilaudid BUT caused my teeth to start having serious issues, no matter how diligent I was about brushing and such. But that's another story!
Anyway, that's me in a nutshell :) I look forward to learning and sharing more with you all. I'm sorry that we have to be here BUT I'm glad there is such a supportive forum. --Tina