A Little Frustrated

Hi guys,

I talked to my rheumatologist today about my blood tests from last week.  They call came back normal.  My next appointment with him is August 3rd.  He didn't prescribe me anything different until I see him again.  He has me on Doxepin right now and told me to increase from one pill to two to see how that does.  He also told me to excercise more and thinks my cervical MRI might be playing a part in my symptoms.  He said I have a slight bulging disc in my neck which could be causing some of the symptoms.

I already knew about the cervical MRI and my chiro explained it to me.  We are working on the bulging disc problem in her office and with stretching excercises at home.  I explained all this to him but he said to increase the stretching and time I excercise to see how that does.  Then he said if that doesn't work, then he'll have me do an EEG.  One thing that surprised me is he stated he is not impressed with Lyrica or neurontin.  I've read mixed reviews on both but it seems Lyrica is one of the top treatments for fibro.  He hasn't ruled out fibro yet and he said this could be do to fibro as well.  I guess he wants to rule out other things first.

I was frustrated and disappointed after our conversation.  I do excercise daily by walking.  My fatigue level is better but it seems like the tingling and electric shock sensations are worse over the last couple of days.  I guess I was just hoping for something better, like an actual dx.  I was happy that the doctor actually spoke with me.  My neurologist is out until Friday and my next appt with him is August 2nd.  This really is a roller coaster ride.  I guess I just needed to vent.

I don't know if I should try to see if I can move my appointment up with the neurologist or not.  UGH!

Lana,

I empathize with you - it's frustrating not to know. But I think it's better to have someone who will examine everything thoroughly and not just jump to the quickest fix. Lyrica worked for me for about 2 weeks, then fizzled out and that was that.

I once had a Primary Care doctor who prescribed antibiotics at the drop of a hat, without really checking to see if we needed them. Now we know how dangerous that can be in the long run. I often feel as if I have Strep throat but the doctor I have now calls an order into the lab for a throat culture - once in a while it is, but usually it isn't.

Hope you get some answers soon.

Achey

Thanks everyone!  Feeling sorry for myself doesn't do any good.  I got out of the house for awhile and had dinner with my niece after a trip to the library.  I did stop and see my mom.  I think I'm going to see if I can move up my appt with my neurologist and just explain my symptoms are getting worse.  I agree that it's good to have a doctor who actually wants to find the real problem.  As far as medication, I don't want to feel doped up all the time either.  I know something will be figured out and I just have to be more patient.  Thanks everyone for your support!

Hey Bridget,

How are you doing? Yes, I had 14 points on the touch test but now he received a copy of my cervical MRI and thinks that might have something to do with it. A friend of mine has a husband with MS and wants me to see a MS specialist. I'm more confused than ever but I was able to move up my neurologist appt to this coming Monday. At least the energy level is pretty decent today. I've managed to get a few things accomplished but now time to relax for a bit. I'm learning to pace myself.