Well, for starters, I should warn you, I've never blogged before, so this will be an adventure in itself for me.
My purpose for this blog is mostly so I can keep track of my symptoms and hopefully, my healing, but I'll explain that shortly. I also hope that my journey will help and bring some hope to others. So, here we go.
At 23 years old, I have been previously diagnosed with Running Asthma, Allergies, Mitral Valve Prolapse (Mild), Restless Legs Syndrome, Hypoglycemia, and most recently, Anemia and Lichen Sclerosis. My symptoms and medications for each are as follows: (If you're already familiar with all these, then just skip down to Lichen Sclerosis: diagnosis.)
Running Asthma:
Symptoms:
When I run, I feel like I can't take a full breath in. If I run for more than a few seconds, breathing becomes painful, I'll get that "elephant on my chest", and rarely, I will wheeze. Cold weather makes it worse (even walking causes problems). Swimming and ballroom dancing doesn't produce the same level of symptoms that running does, though I prefer to have my inhaler on hand during those activities as well. I firmly believe this is why I never liked running when I was younger. I still don't.
Meds:
I'm on Xopenex, as needed, but it doesn't abate the symptoms entirely; it just makes it bearable.
Diagnosed:
2009
Allergies:
Symptoms:
Runny nose, itchy eyes, itchy throat
Meds:
After trying OTC, I'm now on Veramist with great success.
Diagnosed:
Pre-high school
Mitral Valve Prolapse:
Symptoms:
Pain in the chest on the left or right side, about 4 inches below my collarbones. It's enough to make me stop in my tracks and just focus on breathing. I do not have palpitations.
Meds:
I'm on 50mg of Metaprolol, which eliminates the pain almost 100% of the time.
Diagnosed:
2012
Restless Legs Syndrome/Anemia:
Symptoms:
A crawling, weird feeling in my legs, which spreads to my arms and hands when it gets especially bad. I feel like moving the limbs will make it better, which it does for a split second, then it feels bad again.
Meds:
I'm on 260mg of iron supplements
Diagnosed:
With RLS in 2010, but my doctor explained that that was a result of my anemia just a few weeks ago.
Hypoglycemia:
Symptoms:
If I neglect to eat often enough or if I eat or drink something sugary, my blood sugar will drop. I will get sleepy, warm, then incredibly nauseous, depending on how bad I let it get. I've only nearly passed out once, so I know its possible, but I haven't hit the floor yet.
Meds:
None. Just trying to eat every few hours and paying extra attention to how I'm feeling.
Diagnosed:
2013
Lichen Sclerosus:
Symptoms:
Tears "down there" primarily between my inner and outer labia. Feels like paper cuts. Was happening every few days, is now about once per week to two weeks.
Diagnosed:
Last week.
Meds:
Before diagnosis, my doctors said to use PH balancing wipes and body wash, and wear cotton underwear.
After diagnosis, my doctor prescribed a steroid cream and a testosterone cream. However, after extensive research, I have decided to forgo these creams. I don't like the potential long-reaching side effects. My doctor said this wasn't curable, but I'm reading that many women have had their symptoms disappear after going gluten free/dairy free/oxalate free/fixing their thyroid issues. This is where this blog begins.
My purpose for this blog is mostly so I can keep track of my symptoms and hopefully, my healing, but I'll explain that shortly. I also hope that my journey will help and bring some hope to others. So, here we go.
At 23 years old, I have been previously diagnosed with Running Asthma, Allergies, Mitral Valve Prolapse (Mild), Restless Legs Syndrome, Hypoglycemia, and most recently, Anemia and Lichen Sclerosis. My symptoms and medications for each are as follows: (If you're already familiar with all these, then just skip down to Lichen Sclerosis: diagnosis.)
Running Asthma:
Symptoms:
When I run, I feel like I can't take a full breath in. If I run for more than a few seconds, breathing becomes painful, I'll get that "elephant on my chest", and rarely, I will wheeze. Cold weather makes it worse (even walking causes problems). Swimming and ballroom dancing doesn't produce the same level of symptoms that running does, though I prefer to have my inhaler on hand during those activities as well. I firmly believe this is why I never liked running when I was younger. I still don't.
Meds:
I'm on Xopenex, as needed, but it doesn't abate the symptoms entirely; it just makes it bearable.
Diagnosed:
2009
Allergies:
Symptoms:
Runny nose, itchy eyes, itchy throat
Meds:
After trying OTC, I'm now on Veramist with great success.
Diagnosed:
Pre-high school
Mitral Valve Prolapse:
Symptoms:
Pain in the chest on the left or right side, about 4 inches below my collarbones. It's enough to make me stop in my tracks and just focus on breathing. I do not have palpitations.
Meds:
I'm on 50mg of Metaprolol, which eliminates the pain almost 100% of the time.
Diagnosed:
2012
Restless Legs Syndrome/Anemia:
Symptoms:
A crawling, weird feeling in my legs, which spreads to my arms and hands when it gets especially bad. I feel like moving the limbs will make it better, which it does for a split second, then it feels bad again.
Meds:
I'm on 260mg of iron supplements
Diagnosed:
With RLS in 2010, but my doctor explained that that was a result of my anemia just a few weeks ago.
Hypoglycemia:
Symptoms:
If I neglect to eat often enough or if I eat or drink something sugary, my blood sugar will drop. I will get sleepy, warm, then incredibly nauseous, depending on how bad I let it get. I've only nearly passed out once, so I know its possible, but I haven't hit the floor yet.
Meds:
None. Just trying to eat every few hours and paying extra attention to how I'm feeling.
Diagnosed:
2013
Lichen Sclerosus:
Symptoms:
Tears "down there" primarily between my inner and outer labia. Feels like paper cuts. Was happening every few days, is now about once per week to two weeks.
Diagnosed:
Last week.
Meds:
Before diagnosis, my doctors said to use PH balancing wipes and body wash, and wear cotton underwear.
After diagnosis, my doctor prescribed a steroid cream and a testosterone cream. However, after extensive research, I have decided to forgo these creams. I don't like the potential long-reaching side effects. My doctor said this wasn't curable, but I'm reading that many women have had their symptoms disappear after going gluten free/dairy free/oxalate free/fixing their thyroid issues. This is where this blog begins.