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Neuro gave me his opinion

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Posted 7/20/2013 1:23 AM (GMT 0)
 Saw the neuro today. He started with the B12 issue. My PCP wrote me for 1 shot a week for 4 weeks ,then one a week for 6 months. The neuro said today that I would likely be on the one shot amonth indefinitly. My body isn't making the adhesion element needed to hold B12. He said that the nerves that carry the message to produce this stuff have died, so I won't start making it again. So, once a month indefinitly. 

He started by describing myMRI as a hot mess! In comparing the one from 2 years ago he noticed a significant amount of new arthritis. Somethig else he noted was that I had developed extensive stinosis. (the area that the nerve goes through is shrinking.) As the hole shrinks it pinches the nerve in it, eventually killing the nerve.

 He started me on Cymbalta today (30mg/per day for a week then 60g/day from then on.)the Cymbalta is supposed to help he nerve pain and support my anti-depressant (Lexapro)

 So now we have diagnosis and a treatment plan. Wish me luck!  :)

Thanks for all of your support!

Lesley

Posted 7/20/2013 3:45 AM (GMT 0)
Lesley did he recommend doing any thing about the spinal stenosis? I had lumbar surgery this past January to open up the foramin (the openings through the vertebra that the nerves pass through ) it is called a framinotomy. It helped me allot. It takes the pressure off the nerve roots, and relieves allot of the pain. I was just wondering if he had mentioned surgical intervention at all? I am glad you got a diagnosis and some kind of treatment plan. Good luck to you.

White Beard
Posted 7/20/2013 6:09 AM (GMT 0)
No surprises there Lesley. The cymbalta is exactly what you would expect to see for a problem you were fairly sure had occurred. In other words,on the right track so maybe you will now see some relief!

I'm curious like Susie why he didn't tell you about the surgery unless they want to try this first. Now your atleast aware there is another option.

Im glad your getting the B12 and your going to be surprised how much difference they will make or should.

Hoping your feeling better real soon.
Posted 7/20/2013 6:20 AM (GMT 0)
Lesley,

Glad you have a diagnosis and a plan -- sometimes that's half the battle.

I think the B12 will help you considerably. I've been on/off the B12 shots for years (since I was 20 - which was 20 years ago - yikes!).... For many years, I gave them to myself at home.

Take care, and hope you feel better --Tina
Posted 7/20/2013 10:23 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Lesley,

Glad the doc was able to get to a dx. How this plan can help you to get some relief.

Keep us updated.

UA
Posted 7/20/2013 2:18 PM (GMT 0)
Glad you got the dx and a new med to try and a plan. Hopefully it will all come together to give you some real relief. Hoping the best for you.

david
Posted 7/20/2013 2:54 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks to all of you who posted support! It means more than you know!

The neuro told me I really don't have any surgical options because there is so much arthritis . He gave the visualization of the lumbar region being covered in peanut butter. It finds its way in to all of the nooks and crannies and covers the whole area. The "Clean up" surery would have even odds (1/3 improvement,1/3 worse,1/3 no change) Those odds didn't seem good enough

Hopefully I'll get into the dermatologist next week and get rid of this itching! That will make everything better!

Lesley
Posted 7/20/2013 3:11 PM (GMT 0)
Lesley, glad that you now have some answers but I am with WhiteBeard on the stenosis thing. I don't know, but maybe if this were me I would seek out another opinion with different neurosurgeon. Arthritis is a common thing and I just feel you may not be getting the best answer in this area. Of course no one wants to even think about surgery, but when you start having pinched nerves because of stenosis surgery can be a good option.

If the Cymbalta does not help after giving it a fair shake keep in mind there are other nerve meds like Gabapentin and Lyrica to name a couple.

I do hope your dermatologist can come up with some answers for you.Keep us posted......Susie
Posted 7/20/2013 9:04 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Lesley I'm glad that you have a plan now to help you feel better. I hope the Cymbalta helps your pain. I'm on it for the antidepressant, but noticed that it helps my back as well. I found that out when I ran out, and my back didn't like that at all.

Good luck.

love and hugs
Loretta
Posted 7/21/2013 9:53 AM (GMT 0)
Hey,

I'm very happy you have found answers and I think you are a very wise person to consider the outcome of surgery before jumping into it. Each of us is different and we heal differently. Some make a great deal of scar tissue and others do not. I am generally a poor surgical candidate because of the way I form scar tissue. I have to consider this when surgery is "on the table" so to speak. It changes my outcome rates...just like your dr explained to you.

Although I am a firm believer in second opinions, you must always consider that it is simply an opinion. If I had listened to the idiot I went to as a second opinion dr for my cp., I would have never even considered the SCS unit. He even wrote that I was not a candidate for SCS ever.....but my board certified NS didn't agree and that is one surgery that scar tissue formation is a good thing for. It helps bind the electrode where they want them and keeps the paddle from moving.

My SCS has been a godsend for me and has given me a much better quality of life!

I wish you well and hope you are able to find the best care for your condition!
Posted 7/21/2013 6:57 PM (GMT 0)
I'm so glad your doctor got you started on some helpful medications...b-12 should be most helpful!
However, I agree with the others in that you might want to get another opinion...not all neurologists are the same, some specialize in different diseases, so I guess that's why it's always good to get a second opinion.
also, is it Rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis? as I was wondering about that...
Many well wishes and hope your doing better soon...
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