A rude awaking!!!!!!! - TMJ Disorder -TemporoMandibular Joint Message Board

Bren30 · 09-26-2002, 08:52 AM

I found out some very sad news yesterday that really opened my eyes wide.
I had a friend pass away this week . It really makes me think twice about medication. She had a cold and was taking over the counter medicine and also her anti- depressants. Something counter acted the other and she laid down for a nap and didnt wake up.The thing that really bothers me is she is a R.N. in her 30's. It just blows my mind to know this can happen.And to someone I know. You know all of us have taken so many different meds in the past and lots of us have been given anti- depressants in some forum to help cope .
I do not know yet what it was she was taking..They are doing a autopsy to find out why this happened.

It just really makes me think harder about the hand ful of medications I take to keep going.From Darvocet for headaches, to Flexirell and Bextra for muscle pain. And the IBS medication for your stomach..I just stop taking Paxil the first of August.. and now have Zanax on occasion....And just got over a cold.

I just wanted to share this with you...I was shocked.
Even worse I had to tell my Best friend (who she lived with in college) last night on the phone, strange how things happen.
So be careful Guys.
I will look at myself differently now.Do I really need all that to get by? I guess I'm gonna have to be tougher.

**********Bren

Marlene · 09-26-2002, 09:29 AM

Bren,

My condolences to you in the passing of your friend. It certainly will make us ALL think about medications and the possiblity of drug interactions.

Marlene

Elaine · 09-26-2002, 01:46 PM

Bren,
Sorry to hear about your friend and "thanks" for the eye opener. I am guilty of the too many meds thing. Last summer when I went home, my primary care insisted I must be depressed and put me on Celexa. I took it long enough to have withdrawls, on my own I decided I wasn't going to take it. It was a hairy few days but I am off. I am not the least bit depressed, irritated is a better word. I never dreamed I would be in this kind of shape after a car wreck that I didn't even think I was "that" seriously hurt.
I have been on strong pain meds since January, along with the epidural injections through my back. I finally came to my senses and decided something is causing this flipping back pain and leg numbness. I saw the ortho yesterday and he figures the disc above the fusion has herniated. So I am going in for another MRI, discogram, and EMG. If the results are what he thinks then I will be having another fusion. I am so discouraged, it seems there is no end to it. I keep asking myself, why do people have to suffer so, but I can't come up with an answer. He also said my cervical MRI shows a herniated disc in the neck which I didn't know before. Doesn't think it has anything to do with the type of headaches I have, says they sound like true migraines, only more severe as migraine aborters don't help. My thoracic is herniated from T10 to L1. He said the bad thing is all three areas of my back are bad and so much muscle spasm involved all through my body. Bren, I am not looking for sympathy, the reason I am telling you all this is I want you to beware of things that can happen and do happen years later, after a car wreck. I am a mess and too late for me but you have a court date. Please watch out for number one, because nobody else will!!! I hope you never have to go through this but I never dreamed I would either.
Good luck and let me know what happens...
Elaine

Bren30 · 09-26-2002, 10:56 PM

Elaine...
Thanks for help...And yes..I think of you everytime they have called with an offer this past year.Thats why we are headed into court...TO see what they think.. not insurance.
I hope you get something really good your way soon ..you deserve the moon..You have been through so much.

Marlene
thanks.. and yep it makes you think twice.Every read the back of a ny-quil bottle?

********Bren

thisstarr · 09-27-2002, 01:35 AM

Bren,

Hi and I just want to give my condolences as well..It is really hard when you lose someone you know, it almost does not feel real..like they are still really here..thanks for sharing your story it really makes me think!

This is a shocker to me, I am one who takes so many med's they would have to dontate my body to science to figure out why I am tolerent to everything, I really take so much medication I should be dead..lol..I have suffer for a really longtime with tmj and my headaches but for at least the last two years ( since I got in a car accident mess me up for good) I have taken so many mixes of pills together, you probably wont believe this but here are a few... sleeping pills,tylenol,tylenolPM, pain pills, Anti-depressents,nasusa pills, Advil, Anti- Inflammorys, muscle relaxers, You name it I have taken it all together..My mom has even told me "If I took that many pills I would be dead" Your story really makes me think how lucky I am.. I should be dead, I take so much crap.. I think my body is so use to it, if I cut back I would probably have withdrawels, It is really scary to think this could happen to me if I am not carfull..

I am going to see my 15 doctor on monday I am hoping he can help me get out of pain and on less medication..I just want to get out of pain... I know you probably didnt want to hear my story but I just wanted to tell you thankyou I am going to try to be more aware on how much stuff I take!

Starr

[This message has been edited by thisstarr (edited 09-27-2002).]