I've been on the Benicar now for four full days.
The joint pain I experienced with the Diovan is pretty much gone. The extreme dizziness, too.
I am having zero apparent side effects with the Benicar. They may yet show up, but at least I'm far enough into the dosing to know that my chances of having any side effects diminish with every passing day.
Still feeling tired; but this may simply be a S/S of the PCKD. No worries there so long as it doesn't interfere with what I want to do from day to day.
I am still smelling the ammonia, though. Not constantly...but frequently enough to be concerned. I especially notice it immediately after I've burped (on an empty stomach)--then it is pretty strong. I've got some inquiries floating around "out there" that should provide some sort of answer.
I found a site that does a good job explaining the generalities of Chronic Kidney Disease. It is by a physician associated with the University of Rochester Medical Center. It has a PowerPoint presentation on all sorts of facts regarding CKD. It also covers various pharmacology's, their chemical makeups, etc...Technical stuff most of you will have no clue about. But take a look anyway. You might find some info you didn't know. The address is:
http://www.thedrugmonitor.com/RIT2007-SLIDES.pdf
Good Health to All!
ScottW
Friday, October 9, 2009
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
07 Oct. 09
Quickly today...
I found out today just how sleep deprived I was (due to the Diovan). I got 8.5 hours of sleep last night, was up for about two hours, then fell asleep and was out for another seven hours! A bit over tired, eh? (and I'm still yawning tonight!!!)
Still no obvious side effects from the Benicar. Another day or so should indicate if any will show up.
That's all for today. (See? I said this would be quick today...)
Good Health to All!
ScottW
I found out today just how sleep deprived I was (due to the Diovan). I got 8.5 hours of sleep last night, was up for about two hours, then fell asleep and was out for another seven hours! A bit over tired, eh? (and I'm still yawning tonight!!!)
Still no obvious side effects from the Benicar. Another day or so should indicate if any will show up.
That's all for today. (See? I said this would be quick today...)
Good Health to All!
ScottW
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
06 Oct. 09
Well, after one day on the Benicar I can report that I've had few side effects thus far. A little bit of dizziness going on most of the day, but nothing too bad. If I'm going to get any side effects it will probably be a few days before they show up.
Had my weekly physical therapy today (for my back). I see a chiropractor for my PT. In Utah all chiropractors have to be MD's. In addition to all of his medical knowledge, my physical therapist uses alternative healing practices in his treatments. My usual PT routine consists of E-Stim followed by Acupuncture (and micro current), chiropractic adjustment, and occasional Chi balancing.
Last week he was telling me that he has used FSM (Frequency Specific Micro current) to successfully treat ovarian cysts. I thought, 'OK. The worst that will happen is nothing.' So, we started that therapy today with an electrical frequency specific to kidney's and polycystic disease. This is a long-term treatment, so there won't be any miraculous results in a quick fashion. Any improvement of kidney function or lessening of the sheer number of cysts would be a good thing. And if if doesn't work, I haven't wasted anything. It's worth a try!
**If you are thinking of doing any alternative treatments please be sure the doctor treating you is certified and up-to-date on the procedures. My doctor (for PT) is constantly learning new treatments, going to recert courses, and researching the benefits of the treatments he uses. Before you decide to try any alternative treatments you must consult with your primary physician before starting! I did...he (my primary physician) advised against one therapy (which I'm not doing), and left it up to me on this one.**
Still not regular about getting to classes. Side effects have been kicking my butt. Hopefully most of the things I've been experiencing were due to the Diovan; which would mean I could get back to my normal routine; which would be really nice! I'll be sure to let you know.
Good Health to All!
ScottW
Had my weekly physical therapy today (for my back). I see a chiropractor for my PT. In Utah all chiropractors have to be MD's. In addition to all of his medical knowledge, my physical therapist uses alternative healing practices in his treatments. My usual PT routine consists of E-Stim followed by Acupuncture (and micro current), chiropractic adjustment, and occasional Chi balancing.
Last week he was telling me that he has used FSM (Frequency Specific Micro current) to successfully treat ovarian cysts. I thought, 'OK. The worst that will happen is nothing.' So, we started that therapy today with an electrical frequency specific to kidney's and polycystic disease. This is a long-term treatment, so there won't be any miraculous results in a quick fashion. Any improvement of kidney function or lessening of the sheer number of cysts would be a good thing. And if if doesn't work, I haven't wasted anything. It's worth a try!
**If you are thinking of doing any alternative treatments please be sure the doctor treating you is certified and up-to-date on the procedures. My doctor (for PT) is constantly learning new treatments, going to recert courses, and researching the benefits of the treatments he uses. Before you decide to try any alternative treatments you must consult with your primary physician before starting! I did...he (my primary physician) advised against one therapy (which I'm not doing), and left it up to me on this one.**
Still not regular about getting to classes. Side effects have been kicking my butt. Hopefully most of the things I've been experiencing were due to the Diovan; which would mean I could get back to my normal routine; which would be really nice! I'll be sure to let you know.
Good Health to All!
ScottW
Monday, October 5, 2009
05 Oct. 09
Just as I thought my doctor is taking me off the Diovan completely. (Yay!!!!)
I've been given Benicar (olmesartan medoxomil hydrochlorothiazide). It as an Angiotensive II receptor antagonist. The dosage is 52.5 mg's/day.
Side effects from Benicar could include:
-Nausea
-Dizziness
-URTI (upper respiratory tract infection)
-Abdominal pain
-Chest pain
-Back pain
-Vertigo
-Coughing
-and possible Rash
Sounds like fun! :o( We'll see. My history of side effects indicates I could have a few of these unpleasantries show up; but like always, I look to be positive that none will appear.
At least the joint pain that keeps me awake will be gone in a day or two. So on we go...to better things ahead!
I will be sure to keep you updated.
Until then...A most pleasant of days to you! :o)
Good Health to All!
ScottW
I've been given Benicar (olmesartan medoxomil hydrochlorothiazide). It as an Angiotensive II receptor antagonist. The dosage is 52.5 mg's/day.
Side effects from Benicar could include:
-Nausea
-Dizziness
-URTI (upper respiratory tract infection)
-Abdominal pain
-Chest pain
-Back pain
-Vertigo
-Coughing
-and possible Rash
Sounds like fun! :o( We'll see. My history of side effects indicates I could have a few of these unpleasantries show up; but like always, I look to be positive that none will appear.
At least the joint pain that keeps me awake will be gone in a day or two. So on we go...to better things ahead!
I will be sure to keep you updated.
Until then...A most pleasant of days to you! :o)
Good Health to All!
ScottW
04 Oct. 09
(Late Evening)
Today was my third day on the reduced intake of Diovan. I'm happy to report that the joint pain was greatly reduced...until this evening when it flared up anew. I'll be calling my physician tomorrow to discuss our options.
More than likely we'll be switching meds. I'll be sure and let you know.
Also, getting back to the dizziness thing, I've noticed that any time I look around a lot, changing focus a lot that I get dizzy. I've had plenty to eat today, so I know that is not the issue. I'm hopeful that this is just an intensified side effect from the Diovan; and if I go off it, the dizziness should subside.
Still smelling ammonia now and again. Still weird that I can.
Finally, am getting lots of emails full of love, good thoughts, and support. That really helps me move forward knowing that I've got such wonderful people around me. Still lots of symptomology to go through, but at least I've already got a terrific support system in place.
Good Health to All!
ScottW
Today was my third day on the reduced intake of Diovan. I'm happy to report that the joint pain was greatly reduced...until this evening when it flared up anew. I'll be calling my physician tomorrow to discuss our options.
More than likely we'll be switching meds. I'll be sure and let you know.
Also, getting back to the dizziness thing, I've noticed that any time I look around a lot, changing focus a lot that I get dizzy. I've had plenty to eat today, so I know that is not the issue. I'm hopeful that this is just an intensified side effect from the Diovan; and if I go off it, the dizziness should subside.
Still smelling ammonia now and again. Still weird that I can.
Finally, am getting lots of emails full of love, good thoughts, and support. That really helps me move forward knowing that I've got such wonderful people around me. Still lots of symptomology to go through, but at least I've already got a terrific support system in place.
Good Health to All!
ScottW
Saturday, October 3, 2009
03 Oct. 09
[Not that I expected it to be any different but,] After one day on the reduced dosage of Diovan there has been no change. All my joints were in discomfort; and my legs in particular were on the edge between extreme discomfort and painful. It woke me from sleep. Had to take five Tylenol to get it reduced enough to get back to sleep. Hopefully a second day on the reduced dosage will result in less pain.
Am finally sleeping better (overall). My brain just needed to process the news and deal with it at the subconscious level. Thank goodness it's done!
At this point I've pretty much let all my friends and family know what's going on. Nothing but support and comfort from everyone. Have even had four offers of kidney donation from various friends. What wonderful people to have in my life!
Good Health to All!
ScottW
Am finally sleeping better (overall). My brain just needed to process the news and deal with it at the subconscious level. Thank goodness it's done!
At this point I've pretty much let all my friends and family know what's going on. Nothing but support and comfort from everyone. Have even had four offers of kidney donation from various friends. What wonderful people to have in my life!
Good Health to All!
ScottW
Friday, October 2, 2009
02 Oct. 09
Two things this morning:
1) Having enough food in me does affect the level of dizziness. The last two days I've made sure I've had regular meals plus a few snacks, and the symptom has decreased significantly. This has been difficult to accomplish in light of a decreased appetite which I can only attribute to the meds. But, I've found a solution; and I don't really think I'm eating any more that I was prior to going on these meds.
2) The joint pain has gotten so bad that I have not been able to sleep very well, or for very long. I contacted my physician and we are cutting back on the Diovan by 50% dosage. If my joint pain is not better by Monday then we'll likely go with another med.
Also, for about the last week I've had the faintest sense of smelling ammonia. This is entirely new. There isn't any in my house, I'm not around any, and yet I smell it at various times. I'm talking while in my car, at school, in the shower, walking outside, wherever. It's weird...and I'll be the first to say that. I may be simply be imagining it; I just don't know. Like I stated in an earlier post, I want to avoid conjuring up symptoms that don't really exist, so I just don't know what to make of this. If my smelling ammonia continues, I'm sure I'll be chatting with my doc about it.
If I find out more I'll let you know.
Good Health to All!
ScottW
1) Having enough food in me does affect the level of dizziness. The last two days I've made sure I've had regular meals plus a few snacks, and the symptom has decreased significantly. This has been difficult to accomplish in light of a decreased appetite which I can only attribute to the meds. But, I've found a solution; and I don't really think I'm eating any more that I was prior to going on these meds.
2) The joint pain has gotten so bad that I have not been able to sleep very well, or for very long. I contacted my physician and we are cutting back on the Diovan by 50% dosage. If my joint pain is not better by Monday then we'll likely go with another med.
Also, for about the last week I've had the faintest sense of smelling ammonia. This is entirely new. There isn't any in my house, I'm not around any, and yet I smell it at various times. I'm talking while in my car, at school, in the shower, walking outside, wherever. It's weird...and I'll be the first to say that. I may be simply be imagining it; I just don't know. Like I stated in an earlier post, I want to avoid conjuring up symptoms that don't really exist, so I just don't know what to make of this. If my smelling ammonia continues, I'm sure I'll be chatting with my doc about it.
If I find out more I'll let you know.
Good Health to All!
ScottW
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