Quote:
Originally Posted by bluesfan
It's difficult to tell from your posting over what time frame the symptoms, treatment and remission took place because no dates were included. Also did you have any blood tests prior to starting supplements to establish if there was B12 deficiency? If B12 deficiency was causing the symptoms it would take some time to restore adequate levels. The gabapentin could mask the recovery and cause additional symptoms.
The original symptoms you describe sound like they may have been caused by a nerve compression or some other musculoskeletal issue. The physical therapy may have resolved this but again the gabapentin could distract from the real problem.
Managing to wean yourself successfully off the gabapentin without additional side effects was a good outcome. Too often patients are put on gabapentin (and other strong medications) without a definitive diagnosis being ascertained. The problem is neatly resolved (ie: "covered up") from the doctor's point of view but the patient still has the condition.
Acydgod - I'm pleased that you're cured and hope you don't have any further unpleasant symptoms. This experience will help you next time to question and research before undertaking any new medication or treatment.
All the best.
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Thanks for your response bluesfan,
In terms of dates, the whole ordeal took about 2 months start to finish. From first symptom of right hand tingling/numb to feeling out of it was about a week. Then symptoms would change daily (often hourly) the week after that with no real improvement. I started taking 100mg gaba about after the first week and was on it for probably 3 weeks before increasing to 300mg (another 2 weeks) then to 2x/day at the end.
I failed to mention all my blood tests came back fine from the first week (had them done 2 times) including my B-12. I took it since I wasn't seeing anything else help and figured it couldn't hurt (same my Dr said).
I do believe the original symptom was caused by the compression of C5 yes and also the gaba created new symptoms that, after my neuro couldn't explain, suggested taking more gaba to help with.
"Too often patients are put on gabapentin (and other strong medications) without a definitive diagnosis being ascertained." This was exactly my conclusion and I told my neuro the same. Why complicate the treatment when you don't have a complete diagnosis? His point was C5 explained my right hand but not the rest but I don't see how he could go with that line of thinking. To think a totally different condition was effecting my other areas but not the right hand seemed ludicrous and seemed much more prudent to hold off doing anything until that was determined.
BTW, I found the PT pretty useless myself but I did find the neck/posture exercises I found on youtube good. My posture was never poor but I do work on a computer all the time. I worked to strengthen my neck and keep ear/shoulder alignment to relieve the pressure. Whether or not it worked, it's surely better long term to take tension off my neck.
Thanks!