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Need encouragment/another test

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Posted Yesterday 3:04 AM (GMT 0)

Hello all,

I have been reading MS forum for a while but this is my first post.  I was dx with ms this aug and started betaseron mid aug.  My syptoms were multiple and off and on but last dec is when my left leg thigh went numb and then the pain.  I have since gotten worse with numbness and tingling in both hands and feet, severe cramping and leg pain not to mention the exhaustion.  My nuero scheduled me to have a nerve test, is anyone familiar or had this done before?  There is more I would like to get off my chest but I can't think right now.

Thanks

Posted Yesterday 3:44 AM (GMT 0)
Hey Tropical Dreams

Welcome to the board! I'm so sorry to hear about u'r dx, but glad u found us and hope u'll feel comfortable asking anything u'd like.

I've had a nerve conduction test on my right arm and leg and it's not too much to deal with. They connect some little clips to different places of the selected area (arm, leg, etc) and basically shock u a little bit. It doesn't hurt at all, but will make u jump a little just from the surprise. That is done on every part of the test ares(s) and then they'll insert a long, thin needle into the muscle and have u flex that muscle to get a second reading. I'm not sure what that's called, but it makes this loud noise...like when u'r radio isn't tuned at all...and the doc makes notes about the sounds. The whole process for me took about 30-45 mins and when they were done i was on my way. They gave me the results about a week later.

Are u taking anything for u'r symptoms now? U shouldn't suffer in pain if u don't have to. I too have really bad leg pain and my doc dx'd restless leg symdrom and gave me requip. It does help, but still tho u have some pain. I also take ibuprophen or excedrine if needed in addition to that. My legs jerk a lot (as does the rest of my body!) and the requip helps to ease that as well. On the exhaustion/fatigue, many here are on several different meds for that. The one that seems to be most popular is Provigil, but i take cymbalta for my overall symptoms. It helps with the fatigue as well as other things.

Best wishes to u and i truely hope all this calms down for u very soon. Please let us know how things are and keep asking questions. We all understand and are here to help.

rhonda
Posted Yesterday 4:05 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Tropical Dreams,

 

   Welcome to the forum and I'm glad you decided to post :-) Rhonda pretty much described how the test works, and it is for most people a painless procedure although some do have some discomfort. 

 

    I'm sorry things seem to be getting worse.  It is important to keep your doctor informed of any worsening issues or new problems that occur so they can try to treat your symptoms and add or switch meds if necessary.  Some people here find a journal helpful to keep track of those type of things so when you get to those doctors visits nothing is forgotten.

 

   Do you take anything other than the betaseron?  The injection therapies help with progression but not with the symptoms.  If those issues you are having are troublesome and interfering with daily functioning other medication might be necessary.  The cramping and leg pain might be a spasticity issue which is quite common with MS.  Baclophen works quite well for some folks with this problem, especially with the legs. 

 

   Good luck and I hope you find some relief soon.  Let us know how your nerve test goes and feel free to post anytime.

 

Kimber

Posted Yesterday 1:58 PM (GMT 0)

Thanks for the replies. Sometimes it is discouraging when there is no one to talk to.  I have great family support but on those off days when all you want to do is cry it is hard for them to understand how you feel and they all have their own problems to deal with.

My Dr gave me Gabapentin for my pain but they make me very woozy so I can't take them when working.  He also gave me Citalopram for my depression, that works well and even though I am so exhausted at times I can't sleep so I take Ambien for those times.  I am starting to feel like a pharmacy with all the aspirins and meds I have. 

When I started the betaseron I noticed a huge difference in my process thinking for the better.  I was making all kinds of mistakes at work, forgetting simple things etc and I was so worried that I would lose my job, I was so frustrated not understanding why.  The betaseron has helped that and my co-workers have been great since I decided in the beginning that they should know.  I work in a hospital as a Lab Assistant (processor) so I stand for 12 hrs per shift. 

 I guess in my mind I was thinking without realizing it that hey I got this injection and I am going to be all right and nothing will change, ha I was so wrong as other symptoms started to crop up. All in all I am managing ok.  I try to look at each day as a new beginning for me.

Well, now that I have whined to everybody, I just want to say that this is such a great place and everyone is so wonderful and helpful and full of information, thanks again.

Posted Yesterday 2:46 PM (GMT 0)
First of all,love the name.  It makes me think of lazy days on a beach and drinks with little umbrellas.  Oh what joy. scool

 

Now, I was dx'd in Sept and started on Avonex this month.   I had a nerve test done years ago when it still hurt really bad.  I have heard that it has come a long way since then and is now vertually painless.  That's good because I hate pain and prob need to have one done.  When I had it done before it was to determine if I had a pinched or otherwise damaged nerve.

Welcome aboard and know that we are here for u and on those days when u just have to cry come on. We'll cry with u.  Everyone here understands what it's like to hear the ms words either probable, possible or definite.  It's a blow even when u know it's possible.

Hope u feel better!!!

Sheila

 

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