I suffer with chronic muscle cramps, spasms and stiffness. This morning when I woke up I struggled even to move my facial muscles to open my eyes. Getting dressed for the day is usually a battle but days like today make it harder.
My whole body aches from head to toe. Even writing this post I am getting cramps in my hands. This is all because I take a antipsychotic .
I also take Anti depressants which cause nausea and sickness, this means I struggle to get my morning tablets down in fear of being sick or the inconvenience of feeling more I'll.
My tablets also cause severe constipation therefore I have to take senna, you can imaging what my morning is like!
I also have sever dry mouth due to medication and drink so much water I have been told to slow down by my doctor.
I have now to see a dietician as my tablets have suppressed my appetite leading to a rapid weight loss and often I don't eat without prompting or even encouragement. My body often does not receive enough nutrients and I can become ill with common illness like cold and flu very easily.
I have folliculitis and obviously stress and anxiety increase skin conditions to become worse or fLare up. Due to this I have to wash with cream, apply cream and blather myself in steroid cream as well. It's painful when my hair follicles become inflamed on the back of my thighs , even just sitting down is sore.
I also suffer with migraine and heavy nosebleeds when stress become too much for my body to handle. The nosebleeds have been known to last over an hour.
I know that taking my tablets helps my mental health but they impact greatly on my physical health. It is hard to weigh up the pros and cons on a day like today when certain symptoms are at their worst.
I now know that my lack of periods leading to poor fertility is caused by my anti psychotic. That's is hard to comprehend as a young married woman.
If your loved one is taking mental health medication if they seem mentally stable but still seem to be struggling just remember how much they may be suffering in turn to help their mental health. I sometimes even refuse or put off taking my tablets to avoid such side affects even though I know how dangerous the consequences are. Days like today I would give anything to feel 'well' just for one day either mentally or physically. Recovery is a mental and often physical struggle to reach and maintain a more stable day. Yes all this to just feel well for 24 hours. It is apparent to me why people seek other means to block out side affects.