OK Guys! Here's my latest update. I saw my PCP on Thursday afternoon. A very hard appointment for both of us because he is a very caring compassionate doctor who is practicing medicine because he likes helping people. I could feel the compassion and his frustration of not being able to really help me due to my neurological disease. He did Rx Ambien CR and a strong narcotic with acetaminophen (sp) for my chronic and increasing pain. He was very clear, even though there is nothing medical science can do for me, he would continue to do what he can to keep me comfortable and treat me as a whole person. Funny, because we talked about doing labs an blood work. I started to laugh and asked him if he was concerned about premature death and he cracked up and said "yes, not that important any more is it? We'll just do it whenever you'd like to see an update." He walked me out to the car and helped me load my power scooter in the trunk, then gave me a big hug. Oh, BTW, he gave me his home telephone and personal cell numbers and his home email address making it very clear to call him anytime. I am so blessed with this PCP.

Well, the point of all this is I took the meds last night as Rx'd. I got really sleepy within about 45 minutes and went to bed looking forward to a full 7 to 8 hours sleep. "NOT!" I was wide awake and up listening to an audio CD book after only 3 1/2 hours. The sheet says it may take a couple of days use to get passed this point. We'll see. I'm not one who is ever optimistic about meds and never have believed in nor had a placebo effect. At this point I would love to even have a placebo effect.

So here I am, totally exhausted, 3 1/2 hours sleep and my major goal for the day is to shave and take a shower. Shaving with involuntary movements is always a challenge and the energy expended to simply take a shower is devastating. As our new post diagnosis family motto goes, "just go with the flow." So that's what I will continue to do.

OH! Let me warn you, since the stroke, not only do I tend to talk too much with details, I seem to run off at the keys too. So I apologize for the long postings. But, you know what? If you have a problem with this, you have the right to get counseling. LOL!