Originally Posted by Synnove

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