So my PCP prescribed Modafinil (Provigil), for the narcoleptic fatigue/falling asleep thing, and so far so good. I've had no adverse side effects and I am more alert, with no zoning out or falling asleep episodes since Friday when I started taking it.

I am able to think more clearly, my coordination is better and overall, I feel more able to deal with the chronic neuropathic pain and pain from the spasms in my legs.
I am taking Tylenol for the surgical pain every six hours, but I know from past experience, that doesn't do anything for the pain in my nerves or from the spasms. The pain is still there, but because I'm not so dragged out, it is less of a bother.

Yey...I think that we've finally found something that actually works and didn't back fire!
If all goes well with this med. then my PCP said that we might be able to try something else for the pain when I see him this coming Friday for a post surgical check.

Who knows, I might be able to go see my folks for Christmas after all .

With love, Erika

I'm so glad to hear that the Provigil is working for you! That's awesome. It sounds like it has made a difference all around for you and has flowed in to other areas as well. I hope it continues to work well for you.

This is great news - I hope all continues to go really well with this one, and that it allows you some relief and a chance to find something that will help you with your pain.

Finger's crossed that your Christmas wish will come true

I upped the dose of the Modafinil today as per doctor's instruction, but I think that I'll go back to what I started with. Man, if my back wasn't in so much pain, I could wash walls!

They should sell this stuff on the street. It would get some of those lazy people off of their butts and off to work

I'm thinking that I'll wash, bake and freeze some beets. That can be left mid-stream if need be, but I need to do something until this wears off...WOW!
"Buzzed" is an understatement!

With love, Erika

Erika! That's good news! )))

Wow, I'll have what Erika's having!

Seriously though, maybe you should be careful not to do too much, Erika.

My friend recued me from myself and showed up for a visit right as I was getting ready to get it on with the beets. She "ordered" me to sit down and have some tea with her, and while we chatted the drug effect wore down. It must have peaked or something, because I felt fine within an hour and still do.

Even so, I'll check with my PCP about staying on the starter dose. That was a bit nuts there for a while, and I just realized a little while ago that I hadn't had anything to eat since 6:00 AM.
Just what I need, an appetite supressant...NOT.
I'll have to keep an eye on that and make sure that I eat even if I'm not feeling hungry or have no appetite.

With love, Erika

Erika,

I find that after I get past the initial extra energy stage with these meds, they just keep me more alert and it helps me to be a bit more productive. I'm glad it's helping you!

That is what has happened with the Modafinil for me too, Wiz.

Although the initial 'over perky-ness' has worn down, even with the increased dose, it does keep me from dozing off and makes it easier to carry through with doing things. Before I started taking it, the fatigue was so bad sometimes that just the thought of doing something as basic as having a bath, seemed to be more than I could accomplish.

It also helps me to cope with other Sx because I am not so fatigued mentally/emotionally, so I've been doing more stretching and light exercises. That in turn helps me to do more of the little things around the house that I have been just making do with, like properly mopping the floor, dusting and keeping the kitchen clean etc.

I'm also happy that there don't seem to be any negative side effects with this medication.
I see my PCP today for a post surgical check and to see what he has as a suggestion Rx for the pain and inflammation. He'll also check on how the shoulder and finger joints that have been subluxating are doing. The thumb and shoulder are getting progressively better, but the baby finger is still so swollen that the joint doesn't bend at all.

I'm hoping that he can come up with something that might take the inflammation in that joint and the other hand joints down without upsetting my digestive system. Ibuprofen in the daily dose that I can tolerate for short periods of a day or two (600 mg/day), doesn't seem to work on it any more; so I stopped taking it to give the guts a rest.

If I can gt the inflammation & pain under control, with the increased alertness and energy, I'm looking forward to getting back to work more consistently in the new Year. I've only been gong in from time to time for a few hours to do management stuff and light patient care (mostly consulting).

With love, Erika

If you get a new body to go with your new drug, try for a tall, well endowed thin one. I hear they're great.