[dmplaura]

Went to my neurologist on Monday. Had a great visit with him. Weighed in at 119 pounds (I'm only 5'2) so that was nice to see, he was thrilled about the fact that I had quit smoking as well.

He did his look over on me. I mentioned the burning head pain, and I agree with him. I can't be taking Clonazepam long term for this... or else I'll just need more and more, and it's habit forming/addictive.

He refused Nortriptyline. Flat out. Said if I had trouble with the others, this would not help either.

So then I asked about medical marijuana. Boy, did his eyes light up. Basically he said, only a pain specialist can prescribe it here, and that those who he knows that receive it now, say it's half as effective as the stuff you buy on the street, basically.

So his parting words on the subject were, "If you get caught, tell em your doctor said to use it for your MS symptoms and pain!".

Haha! Yes, I love my neurologist. 6 refills on Copaxone and said, "See you in June!". He doesn't expect he'll see me back in his office before then at my rate of recovery. Whew.

He is also sending me for a slew of blood work I requested he do again, including ANA. He's also retesting some other ones like B12 just to be sure. I laughed when I saw the sheet and asked, "8 vials?". He didn't quite get it at first, and then I said, "That's the number I expect them to pull out of me". So we had a laugh about that, and he said no they won't take that many.

Oh yeah, and getting cholesterol checked too... which means I've been fasting since 7 pm (ugh). But getting it all done at once is important

Then I only go back for my Copaxone blood work he does in 3 months (February). He talked a bit about that, and he said that VERY few neurologists do that requisition, but that he feels it's important to follow your patient's progress beginning any drug like a DMD. He mentioned a neuro in BC he knows that also does monthly C blood work and I thought of Cherie immediately .

So it seems.. back to work Monday! Course, I do have regular doctor's appointment to attend December 5th (should have blood work in by then I hope) and I have to think about rescheduling a cleaning at the dentist that I've now canceled 3 times (they love me there, truly!).

So that's my update! No word on the 29 gauge Copaxone needles either.. and I asked why the Tysabri stuff was removed from his office. I was given a pamphlet to fill out to mail to my local parliament requesting the government absorb the costs of this therapy for patients. Apparently (In NB at least) Tysabri is $35,000 annually, and I don't believe is covered by many insurances (could be wrong here), but enough problems to prompt such action as this cry for help. Apparently Quebec has it free through the government now?