Quote:
Originally Posted by dahlek
How you address the fears is a whole different kettle of fish...so to speak.
I went on and got second and third opinions from regional docs while I could still 'get there'? And also before IT'd done too much damage, as my initial neuro disregarded all my concerns almost from the 'get go'. I've had this all since '2003' and I truly wish it'd go away! {I've CIDP, btw. Tho the neuro writes down new 'takes' on the diagnosis -all requiring the same treatments, but - still keeps me on-guard?}
That 'pop' in the back is truly something that should be COMPLETELY explored? Honestly? It could be one, or the other, or both! Nothing is exclusive with the human body!.... Spinal MRI's w/and w/o contrast should be done, as well as both complete blood panels and metabolic panels. AND BE SURE TO ASK FOR COPIES! I go directly to the lab to get the blood work done and there I ask for copies so's the lab doesn't have to send them to my dozen plus docs...I get and make copies of the test results and pay attention to the '*' asterisks and the near asterisks - the hi's and lows... Beware of Vitamin B-6? Please. That's a supplement that's often tossed into other ones and it can add up...{I'd thot I was supplementing myself well, until I really looked closely at the labels-found I was getting 6 times the normal requirement for B-6 ....which can cause neuropathies itself? Switched to a pre-natal multi-vite which has lots of what I want and need, and added on to that as needed. Mrs D is one special and valuable resource to ask questions of? But remember, that she can't prescribe you any particular course of things to take? She reccommends and with solid back up! The choices of what you take, how and when are yours tho..
I too have 'no thyroid' and it was one mess getting to know about that! Do read CAREFULLY The prescribing directions about taking synthroid and calcium supplements...,it can get complicated? IF you're chugging all your AM pills in the AM? Including the Synthroid and Calcium? You gotta read about this? It's a no-no and makes taking lots of other stuff more complex.
I too have osteo [BIG time] And I've found that even knowledge too late can help? But the knowing SOONER is far far better!  's and hope - j
PS HANG IN THERE! You are NOT the only ONE! Keep faith in yourself and fight for ALL the right diagnoses! I say this as I've gotten more diagnoses than I can spit on since my 'onset'. I truly didn't do anything to 'get' them? Just the luck of the draw and an immune system that went 'TILT' I believe you get my drift... Keep FAITH! Ask questions, no matter how silly, sometimes, those are the key's to it all! |
First, THANK YOU for your support!
I had an MRI w/contrast done back in Sept by the ortho surgeon who sent me to therapy/traction for two months. It really helped and I continued to do my stretches until just recently when we had serious housing issues.
However, I finished my series of stretches an hour ago and my right leg has gone more numb. AND the numbness has moved up into my crotch/bladder area and I am even more scared now. I don't know if I should go to the ER, but the only thing they'd probably do is another MRI with the new problem and tell me to see my neurologist asap. I really can't afford the price of ER.
I haven't gotten another one for the neurologist (I am praying this is all related to my back so I'll get better) but I was able to get through to her assistant's phone tonight and left a message on how it has gotten worse so quickly this weekend. I'll call again tomorrow to follow-up. I know they're tired of hearing from me (I've called them every day), especially since the tests haven't made it back yet but since I'm getting worse so quickly maybe they can find a way to expedite everything and also get me an appointment ASAP instead of waiting two weeks.
I am not really in that much pain, so I am avoiding starting the Cymbalta she prescribed. I took a muscle relaxer and will take a low dose Xanax before bed.
Too much B6 can cause neuropathies? Can't win for losing.
I know I will start the B12 as soon as it arrives.
Looks like I need to check out Vit D and magnesium, too.
Yes, I'll check my D levels with one of my doctors before starting to megadose it. But the little bit of D I'm getting now from my flimsy multivitamin is better than what I was getting before, which was nothing. Remember - I haven't been able to stomach eating. Today was the first day I felt like eating something before 11am and I actually craved and ate something substantial at 3pm and had a snack for dinner. I thought that was a signal I was getting better, especially since I was feeling better, then I pulled myself out with my stretches. Is there a smilie for cursing?
My head is spinning from all this supplement stuff. I keep reading more and more and now I'm overwhelmed as to what to take, amounts and when. I know everyone is different and has different body needs but I need to know if just starting with B12 will be beneficial then add more as I can.
I didn't know about calcium and synthroid until I read something about it here TODAY! Need to wait three hours before or after the synthroid to take calcium, right? I'll just adjust it to switch one to the evening.
I'll start asking for copies of the blood work more often. I do it sometimes.
The spine popping has slowly travelled up my spine as more and more parts become numb. It started in my lower back and each time the bone popping has moved up.
I'd write more but my hands are becoming more and more affected.
THANK YOU so much for your response and info!
I'll try to hold on. I HAVE to - I go to work tomorrow morning and I must continue to work so I can afford all this!