[SandyC]

Jim's neuro is going to have him try Dantrolene. It is a medication for muscle spasms. He will need routine liver checks as it can damage the liver.

If this medication works, she will begin withdrawing him from Baclofen and Tizanadine at our request. She agreed to this because we voiced our concerns about the amount of medication he is on. If only they would pass the medical cannabis bill he wouldn't even need new medication. However, that is hurdle to be addressed another time.

Anyone here try Dantrolene?

[Kitty]

I've never heard of it, Sandy, but I hope it helps Jim. Baclofen really didn't help me much when I was having spasticity in my legs but I know it has been a lifesaver for many who take it. Let us know how he does on the new med.

[Dejibo]

I havent heard of it either, but if it helps, we are counting on you to tell us all about it.

[kicker]

I always get the freshest scoop at NT. Sometimes I surprise my neuro, knowing stuff he doesn't. One neuro had to Google stuff as I sat there.

[EddieF]

Cant wait to hear outcome. I get them severely with 120mg baclofen/day.

[SandyC]

Still waiting for the script to get here. The VA hospital mails it out. It was ordered on the 11th. I called the pharmacy and they told me it was pending. I of course asked why and was told they have hundreds of scripts going out. They processed it today. Funny how they were able to get to it when I called.

Anyway, I called the neuro and she will call a script in tomorrow to Walgreen's before we go on vacation. I doubt the one from the hospital will get here before then.

Stay tuned!

[SandyC]

Well, it's been three weeks now and Jim has titrated up to three pills, 25mgs each, a day of Dantrolene. His legs no longer cross over each other and have a mind of their own. It's not a cure all, he still has stiffness, but it's working better than Baclofen and Tizanidine. He will see his neuro on Monday and I suspect we'll start weening off the Baclofen and Tizanidine. He's also using medical mj to help with the stiffness and this may be the perfect cocktail for him. If they legalize medical mj in Illinois, he will try to ween off Dantrolene, but until then we stay on it.

He also has a blood test to check his liver enzymes Monday. If all is OK, he gets to stay on Dantrolene. If his liver enzymes are elevated, he can't take it. Fingers crossed the enzymes are not elevated!

[barb02]

Fingers crossed here too!

[SallyC]

And toes!!

[kicker]

Waiting to hear with fingers crossed.