So, how is it that I’m suddenly back on the scene and able to do some good work again? Why, it’s the magic of modern medicine and chemistry, of course!
I’ve been taking a number of medications on a fairly regular basis for the better part of the last few years due to my spinal fusion and worsening joint and muscle pains throughout my body (in addition to several other symptoms, many stemming from the effects of chronic pain, I would think). This, however, is different.
After my physician at AZ Arthritis and Rheumatology Associates gave me my diagnosis last Friday (Hypermobility Syndrome & Central Sensitivity Syndrome), she looked at me and said, “would you rather take all the pills or feel like shit?”
I appreciated that kind of directness from my doc, and promptly chose the former. Since then, I have diligently been taking a daily regimen of 13 pills, including painkillers, anti-inflammatory meds, muscle relaxers, and some mental heath drugs thrown in to help the attitude) over 4 regular intervals. That’s a lot of freakin’ pills — 91 over the course of a week, and 364 in just one month. So I ordered one of these babies from Amazon, downloaded the Pillboxie app for my iPhone and got organized.
This feels really strange to me, because the last time I did this was when I was caring for a hospice patient.
BUT, I will say that it feels good! I’m no longer stressing myself out and worrying that I’m a pill junkie, for one thing. The doc has told me outright to take these meds regularly. Also, the consistent medication has had a positive effect on my symptoms so far.
So, if your doc gives you meds, for heaven’s sake, take them as directed. Consistently. Don’t give into the “pills are bad” stigma. Sure, there are some side effects (hello dry mouth and constipation), but my original complaints were much worse than those are. I’ll live with that. Hopefully, a very long time.
