Update on my hand:

My doctor recently rx-ed an anti spasticity drug for my hand - Norflex. I actually asked for baclofen, but he said that would be problematic given interactions with other meds I am on, and he thought that I would have better luck with norflex. He suggested that I try half a tablet and see how I responded. He also said I may become too floppy as parts of me have been weakened by my neuropathy.

Well, how I responded was I became silly as a chook, felt totally stoned and lay on the couch laughing. the kids said 'what are you on, and can we have some' hahaha. Hate to think what would have happened with baclofen!

But, what it did for my hand was wonderful. My fingers uncurled, and I could use my hand in a fairly normal way. It was wonderful. The downside also included not only feeling very stoned (which lasted for 24 hours - work was a nightmare) but it also meant that my weakened left leg kept threatening to collapse underneath me.

So, it is not going to be a drug that I can take long term, but the thing that I am excited about is that it seems to me that it confirms that the problems with my hand are caused by spasticity. I will investigate a more localised treatment - botox injections in the spastic muscles - and see if I am able to recieve these. I guess I will have to ask my neuro about this.

cheers

raglet