I have been in tremendous pain when I wake up in the morning, mostly in my back. I have been complaining to my neurologist of backpain for many months as well as dealing with frozen shoulder. On Tuesday my husband took me my home clinic and I saw a doctor (not my primary doctor). He have me a full exam, checked my reflexes, checked how strong my leg muscles and looked into my eyes with a bright lite. When he pressed on my left hip I felt extreme pain. He then sent me down to X-ray for a picture of my spine. To make a long story short, he diagnosed me with the name of a disease that was so long I could not pronounce it, much less remember it. He told me it could easily be treated by a short triial of prednazone. He also typed out a letter to my Neurologist, whom I had an appointment with next day. He told me two of the meds she had prescribed for me, Valium and Clonazepam should never be prescribed togeather because it could cause the illness. He requested her to call him.

I gave the information as well as the X-rays of my spine to my neurologist's nurse. Up to this point my neurologist had been telling me there was no problem and providing me oxycodone to deal with the pain. I can barely walk in the AM and no longer walk my dog. Also my primary care doctor has prescribed Sertraline for high cholerteral and says I am prediabetic. My pychologist has me on zooloft for depression. My neurologist said she doubted his diagnosis but not averse to allowing me try the prednizone. She promised to call the other doctor first thing in the AM. She also suggested I call my pschologist, however she was the prescribing physician for both the valium and clonazapam. Ny husband also requested the Dr. who diagnosed my unmemorable long word problem that I had been diagnosed with pre-diabetes. He did this because I looked up the name of the illness online, and the symptoms fit me to a tee, however it warned that prednizone should not be given to diabetics. This morning my clinic called and insisted I had to come in immediately for some lab tests and to make an appointment with the diagnosing physician. They won't know the lab results until Monday. Meanwhil I as in the snare that PDtalked about. The diagnosed illness makes all your arteries inflamed.The pain is unbearable. Any ideas, anyone? Anyone?

Vicky

My husband called several times during the day to my clinic and they said that the neurologist never called

you live near the Mayo clinic, correct?? I'd suggest you go there. There the doctors at least talk to each other. I'd go online and check for drug interactions if you have not already done so.

You are in my prayers

Charlie

Was it some sort of vasculitis?

Or if you can get the name of the condition from the Drs office - I'll be happy to look up info for you.


[ Vasculitis

Also called: Angiitis, Arteritis

Vasculitis is an inflammation of the blood vessels. It happens when the body's immune system attacks the blood vessel by mistake. The cause is often unknown. Vasculitis can affect arteries, veins and capillaries. Arteries are vessels that carry blood from the heart to the body's organs. Veins are the vessels that carry blood back to the heart. Capillaries are tiny blood vessels that connect the small arteries and veins.

When a blood vessel becomes inflamed, it can

* Narrow, making it more difficult for blood to get through
* Close off completely so that blood can't get through
* Stretch and weaken so much that it bulges and may burst and cause dangerous bleeding inside the body

Symptoms of vasculitis can vary, but usually include fever, swelling and a general sense of feeling ill. The main goal of treatment is to stop the inflammation. Steroids and other medicines to stop inflammation are often helpful.

National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute]
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/vasculitis.html


http://vasculitis.med.jhu.edu/typesof/typesof.html

Vicky

It sure sounds like your doctors all need to talk. Not knowing what your condition is, I can't help there but have a very bad back and am going to a pain management doctor next week for possible epidural shots.

Yours sounds like something that can be treated tho. Just throwing this in if you end up with something chronic where pain management is necessary.

paula

Dear Vicky,
Is it maybe Polymyalgia Rheumatica??
My husband had it - it is very painful, very debilitating, but fortunately almost 100% temporary. I think it is not 100% curable, since it may recur, but the later bouts are short and mild.

I am so sorry that you are in so much pain - whatever is causing it. PD is bad enough by itself. And we could certainly do without the inattention of doctors to the danger of mixing meds, and without the fragile egos of some doctors.

I agree with Charles: Mayo is the place to get things sorted out.

Good luck and good mending and all the best,

birte

Birte gets an A in diagnosis. That was the name. The problem is it is curable but my prediabetic condition makes the treatment unavailable in my case. Will suffer through week-end and let you know blood test results on Monday.

Thanks,
Vicky

Vicky...I was about to post the name, polymyalgia rheumatica because the description of your symptoms definitely "fit" this condition. I remember so well..my brother telling me that he had polymyalgia rheumatic...how painful it was...but, as birte mentioned. i.e., that it is temporary...it WAS temporary with my brother and it never did recur. I just wanted to pass that information on to you thinking that it could be hopeful/helpful for you...just knowing that the possibility/probablity of its recurring could ease your mind...and not to in any way minimize your post, Vicky...but, have I at least earned an A- for knowing the name of the condition? Hopefully, your doctors will be able to come to some agreement about what can be prescribed for you without any concern for medication contraindication.

Therese

now i know how you been. one suggestion, find an internal specialist. they know the chemistry of all your innards and when meds get outa whack they can fit puzzle pieces together. also, be careful weaning off of clonazapan or any benzo. go slow. withdrawel includes pain. i know, i just went through it. you cant really do much but allow time to heal that one. find also a psychiatrist familiar with pd. they are the ones who perscribe anti depressants, etc. cant remember but have you ever had any brain trauma? this makes the brain more sensitive to meds. my guess is alot of this is med related