[knittenkitten]

This is one of those time that I just don't know what to do. I have had increased episodes of muscle cramping and fatigue over the past 2-3 weeks. It is not so bad that I cannot function but I find it hard to go shopping and do much of anything standing up for longer than about 1/2 hour. I have gone to the neuro before when I felt like this and they do nothing. Unfortunately, my physical exam does not show much. As I tell the doctors all the time, I have the strenght, I don't have the stamina and right now my stamina is poor.

Well, over the last 2 days I have had periods of light headedness. I am not dizzy and my eyes are focused. I just feel like my head is floating away. At first I blamed my blood sugar which is within and acceptable range and my blood pressure which my PCP says is perfect. I have had at least 4 periods of light headedness today.

Do I tough it out, take a few days off and rest or do I go to my PCP and ask for help? I saw her today and told her about the fatigue and that I thought I could wait it out. I did not tell her about my head because it really just became a problem. I feel silly calling her right away after telling her I would be all right. She is a somewhat new MD for me who said she would treat my MS as long as she felt she could. When she thought she was out of her league she would send me to a neuro.

I guess the bottom line is I don't know what to do. Please offer any comments or advice as you see fit.

[braingonebad]

This doc might help you if she knew how... do you have any suggestions on how to handle this?

When you say stamina, do you mean you're having fatigue issues? Have you tried any meds for that?

If not this, maybe b12?


Sorry so many questions, and not for you to answer me, just things for you to think about, so you can help your doctor to help you. Run your thoughts past her and see what else she comes up with too.


Good luck!

[Dejibo]

I found bringing my Vit D and B12 up to snuff made me feels tons more energy. rest helps. Its a matter of making your day into manageable portions. If I am going shopping, I skip my walk. If I am going to be in the heat, i get very cool before hand, and having cooling measures in place for during. I make sure i am IN bed at a reasonable hour, even if not sleeping, at least I am resting.

Be careful about burning up all those sick days. They are valueable, and if you ever need steroids, you are gonna wish for one.

[NurseNancy]

i would suggest you be honest with your pcp.
you might consider keeping a sx (symptom) journal with dates and times and sx's. it might help your dr with your hx (history) and PE (physical exam) when you see her.

i've also had low vit D and b 12 levels at times and felt better with tx (treatment). so, you dr might want to check your labwork for any of those things. it's especially important in MS to have normal vit D levels.

[knittenkitten]

I'm having my vitamin D and B12 levels checked. I have been doing a lot of reading on vitamin D especially and find a deficiency in this area could be causing many of my problems.

I've pretty much decided to let things go for another day or so and see how I feel. If I am no better it is back to my PCP for me. In the least, I think I need some time off work and I need a note to do that. So, I have to see my PCP anyway, I might as well take advantage of the time.

[azoyizes]

I'm glad you're having bloodwork done.

Nurse Nancy is right, a symptom/medical journal can be very helpful. I've kept one for about ten years now, and it has come in handy many times.

Did your doctor check your ears? The dizziness could be from an inner ear problem.

Best of luck that they find out what's wrong.

[knittenkitten]

My PCP referred me to a neuro. I have my appointment on Tuesday. I don't know if I am ready for another "get to know you" situation but I'll give it a try.

One of the reasons I am so shy about going to the MD when I do not feel good is due to my past history. Unbeknownst to me I went to a PCP and Neuro for about 5 years who did not believe I have MS. Every time I went to them with a problem they minimized it so I believed I was over-reacting. I am always afraid to go the the doc because I feel like I am wasting their time. I am not as young as I used to be. It is hard to relearn behaviour once it is well established.

[SallyC]

I hear you, KnitKitt. What a grind..

Good luck with your new Neuro. I hope he believes you and works for you..