Normal wait is a YEAR for an appointment - are they out of their minds ???????????????????????

Thanks Karen,

I'm going to be calling tomorrow morning.
I'm going to ask and see if I can have an MRI booked while I'm still in this flare.
We'll see.


Cindy

I'm shocked! Very poor care.
Please reread Mrs. D's advice on minerals and D3 which might help you. I would be having really bad spasticity if I were not taking enough magnesium and calcium. I do not know if the D3 is related (must be, for absorption?) but my pcp tested me for D3 deficiency as she did for many patients, since it's almost an epidemic.

I have regulated spasticity without Baclofen for a couple of decades, so long ago I can't even remember the date. My neurologist at Scripps suggested I find a Mag which causes the least diarrhea, since I failed spectacularly on Baclofen and Zanaflex. It worked. I do need an equal amount of calcium, unless I've had a lot of dairy in one day, in which I case I lower the calcium. It works out to about 1000 mg Mag and 1000 mg Calcium. i take them in divided doses, for better absorption, and take the Mag separate from the Calcium, also for better metabolism of the minerals, which are "antagonists" (Have I got that right, Mrs. D?) B1 will potentiate magnesium (100 mg a day, not too much). Vitamin E complex now seems necessary too.
I have progressed to the point where I also must do extensive stretching and self message. I include fervent prayer to my night-time routine. About half the nights I may be kept awake with uncontrollable spasm and jerking of legs and low back, but getting up and drinking ginger tea and taking my mind off the condition helps. I don't know why it is worse at night.
My condition may be caused by MS or by Porphyria. I do not know which, although I suspect that porphyria (especially my type) sometimes results in MS signs and symptoms. Both can cause neuropathy. I am still walking well most of the time. Use a cane if navigating rough terrain or stairs, because feet are numb.