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Originally Posted by lined_in_silver
Hi Synnove, I am finally able to respond to this.
So for starters, thanks for your understanding. I can't put into words how frustrating the last 3 years have been. It doesn't help that I am under 30 ,female, and have mental illness as well
Here in Ottawa, it takes roughly 9-10 months to see a specialist. I have only seen one, and she has done every test she can think of. As for blood sugar, I am hypoglycemic. I have low blood pressure too..everything is on the low side.
My thyroid has been tested many times, and is in the normal range, although my symptoms are that of hyperthyroid for sure. She tested for all kinds of auto immune diseases. Plus others, such as vitamin E, and Lyme disease.
My GP only recently referred me to a rhematologist, and I haven't heard anything. The current neurologist was trying to get me in with a different neurologist who specializes in the peripheral nerves, but they won't take me for whatever reason, so now I am waiting until December to see a different woman who interpreted the results of my nerve conduction study. December !! Who knows how much this is progressing in the meantime.
Were having a heat wave right now which has caused things to worsen. The fentanyl 25mcg patch I am on doesn't cut it anymore. Yet my pain "specialist" does not believe in breakthrough medication and keeps saying that opiates are bad, can cause more pain, and of course are addictive. It makes me wonder who the hell is allowed to benefit from these drugs that are made for pain??!!
I know it is because i am mentally unstable (depression, anxiety, and more)..and also my age. It is unfair and I feel under medicated.
They are SO quick to hand you the latest anti depressant though..which has more side effects, risk factors, you need to increase over time, and are dangerous to come off of suddenly. How is this any different than opiates? They are just more expensive. Doctors make more money for prescribing them. It seems that the best interest of the doctor comes first!!
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hi lined-in-silver
What does that mean, that the spesial neurologist that specializes in neuropathy "will not take you"
I guess it has to do with the socialized healthcare system. But, try to INSIST !! Write an article in the local newspaper, say you are being denied proper health care!!
Regarding the referral to the Rheumatologist, and you are still "waiting to hear" ?? I think I know how it works (remember, I said I came from Canada? from Toronto, Ontario) Your GP has to make the referal He has his secretary make appointment, and when they finally get one, they will call you. You see, I know the system. But, try this: CALL, CALL, say on the phone you are getting worse. Write an article in the local paper again, say you are waiting to receive proper healthcare!!!
Why are you on the Fentanyl Patch? For neuropathy? Yes, I know it is very painful, but I did not know this was being used for that.
I know, those antidepressant meds, and anti seizure meds are VERY STRONG. At present time, I have told my rheumatologist I would like to come off Lyrica a bit, and try Amitriptyline which the neurologist suggested. I was on a very high dose of Lyrica, 500 mg daily. And it is affecting me very strongly on the nervous system.
I have a good rheumatologist, she is young in her 30 ties, and tries so many tests and procedures. She is also willing to listen to suggestions. I can E-mail her any time, she answers me, prescribe meds, and calls the pharmacy for me.
She told me to start Amitriptyline, low dose nightly, in addition to Lyrica for 2 weeks. then slowly decrease the Lyrica. The goal is to be on a combination of both. I now have decreased Lyrica by 150 mg, then (I think starting next week) she will increase th Amitriptyline. It is working
I'll tell you. When we are dealing with sickness like you and I have with a lot of pain, and especiall, when we have unsure diagnosis, we need to have frequent contact with our doctors.
The idea of waiting until December to see a specialist!!!! That just does not cut it for good safe health care.
In Canada, one could die, before one get the right medical treatment!
Waiting for 6 months???. Just call them and call them. Then if that does not help, call the ministry of health!! Complain!!
I'll tell you. I am a nurse, ( educated in nursing school in Canada)
And I know that one of the first and foremost things of importance in patient care, is COMFORT and pain control
Down here in the states, comfort and painmanagement is one of the important criterias inspectors look at when they come to our facility to qualify the hospital wwhen they inspect the nursing care.
So, heng in there!! make those calls!! If you are feeling realy sick, and unable, get someone else to write the newspaper article.
Synnove