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Neurologist Visit Tomorrow, Any Specific Questions I Should Ask???

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Fibromyalgia
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Posted 1/7/2013 4:41 AM (GMT 0)
Tomorrow will basically be my first appointment dealing directly with Fibromyalgia. My Primary Care Doctor prescribed Cymbalta approx. two years ago and a while back upped the dosage to two 60mg capsules per day. It did help keep down narcotic use significantly but about a month ago I was diagnosed with severe restrictive breathing disease, at least that's how he wrote the diagnosis. I had chest xrays two years ago, heart and lungs were fine, now lungs show damage but they said not cancer. Suddenly I can barely walk 20ft without severe shortness of breath and the gave me a spirometry test which I failed. On the scale I was about 50% which is moderate/severe. I believe most people consider this COPD, and a nurse called a few days later and said that is what I have. I believe I found a connection with COPD and Cymbalta so I am very concerned about continuing that med. What questions would be the best to ask tomorrow? It seems most doctors see you, diagnose you, then say come back in a few months. I appreciate all advise and replies!!!
Posted 1/7/2013 4:51 AM (GMT 0)
Discuss your fears about cymbalta. Are you on a mantainance inhaler?
Posted 1/7/2013 5:07 AM (GMT 0)
They sent me home with Ventolin HFA, 2 Puffs every six hours as needed. Okay, I will talk to him about the Cymbalta fears. I believe I found the information on ehealth.com but been to so many web-sites lately I can't remember for sure! Thank you for reply!
Posted 1/7/2013 5:20 AM (GMT 0)
You need to ask for some spriva or advair. They are usually given to COPD people.
You only need them 2 times a day and keep the rescue inhaler (Ventolin) available for emergencies.
Discuss this too with the doctor who's treating that. Is it a pulmologist who's helping that? That's who you need to see regularly.
Posted 1/7/2013 5:37 AM (GMT 0)
Yes a pulmologist for the COPD. They can't get me in for almost two months! Very disappointed, somewhat panicky! I will ask about the Spriva or Advair tomorrow. Has anyone ever heard of people having breathing issues with Cymbalta? I would have never made the connection if I didn't start checking into how I could have gotten COPD. We live in the country, I don't go out much with my medical issues!
Posted 1/7/2013 5:48 AM (GMT 0)
Tim, I would be asking about treatment options that would work along with your other conditions.

It is also important when you have specialists for a number of conditions that each specialist is aware of each condition and the treatment plan. My specialists all recieve info from the others in regard to my case. Cardiologist, pulmonologist, rheumy and neurologist work as a team. My rheumy was the one who initially set up referrals to my specialists...I really consider him as my health care manager.

Wishing you the best!

Hugs, Robin
Posted 1/7/2013 6:01 AM (GMT 0)
Okay, I will do that. They have me lined up with four Cardiologist appointments in the next few weeks. I guess just in case it isn't COPD? I have a two day Nuclear Heart Test next week as well as a Heart Ultra Sound test and then the follow-up to go over results. At least I'll either learn more or be able to eliminate some things until I get into the Pulmologist. I have to see another specialist, can't remember what they call that one lol, guess I'm getting tired. If anyone thinks of anything else PLEASE do post! I'll check them before I leave tomorrow, my appoint. is at 1:00pm. Good night, appreciate all replies!!!
Posted 1/7/2013 6:33 AM (GMT 0)
When I saw my neurologist for the first time his nurse practitioner asked a lot of questions about my medications, diagnosed health problems and then went through a list of questions asking about numbness, tingling, and other problems.
I signed a pain medication contract with my neurologist so all my drs coordinate my care through his office. He was very knowledgeable about my medications and prescribed medicines that work well together (Cymbalta+elavil). He also did a physical exam because some of my answers to questions concerned him. My right arm falls asleep if I keep it over my head while sleeping. He found a punched nerve around my elbow.
So my advice would be to write down all your symptoms, even some that may not be related. My neurologist sent me to a cardiologist because I get dizzy and my vision blacks out upon standing (which I've been bad about and keep postponing). Then share about how you'd like all your healthcare providers to be on the same page. Most drs are willing to coordinate care in cases like yours. Good luck!
Posted 1/7/2013 9:45 PM (GMT 0)
Okay, ready? Here is the new diagnosis, "Meralgia paresthetica". Fits all symptoms. Doctor wants me to take Gabapentin 300mg and increase dosage as I move along. He is highly regarded in the Medical community with quite an education. He doesn't feel there is any connection with the Cymbalta and COPD. My primary care will handle the Advair of Spiriva. 4 Cardio appointments next, see where we go from there. Replies greatly appreciated! Thank you!!!
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