The Long Awaited Appointment
We’ve waited several months for an appointment to see the Neuromuscular Specialist at UAB, and I finally saw him Friday. We had spent the better part of a week going from doctor to doctor collecting every medical record we could to either FAX to them or bring with us. I had updated all my own medical history information that I keep on my computer and took that with me, too. All the paperwork made a stack over an inch high.
The doctor was very pleasant, but his English was difficult to understand, and at times I think he was having difficulty understanding me. He asked a lot of questions, did a very brief test of muscle strength, walking, and balance abilities. He gave me a prescription for Lyrica, which he said would help with the muscle weakness and fatigue. And he ordered an EMG. That’s the test where they put needles in your legs and measure the electrical signal between the needles to see if the muscles are working properly. I’ve had that test done twice – one was abnormal and one was normal – but that was some years ago. He also mentioned I might need a muscle biopsy.
And that was it.
We left feeling like nothing had been accomplished. I have to wait on them to mail me the appointment time for the EMG, so I don’t know how long it will be before that’s done. And the doctor’s office won’t decide when to see me again until the EMG has been analyzed, so that’s up in the air, too.
And now I’m taking the Lyrica, which is leaving me so looped that you would think I was drunk! I’ll give it a few more days to see if these initial side effects wear off, but there’s no way I can take it if this continues. It’s an anti-seizure medicine, just as my Primidone was, but I’m not having the Myoclonic jerks any more. I told the doctor that several times, but each time he would say that it would help with the weakness and fatigue.
I wish I could say I had confidence in him at this time, but I don’t right now. Very frustrating, as I’m sure he’s a top notch doctor – he wouldn’t be at UAB if he weren’t. It’s the language situation that makes me feel doubtful.
So I continue to walk slowly and awkwardly, and now I’m drunk to boot! LOL!! And disappointed, although I knew they would want to do more tests – they always do. It’s just been a long year of doctor visits and tests and more tests, and we’re no closer to finding out what’s going on with me than we were back in April.
I'm sorry that your appointment wasn't as helpful as you hoped. Where is your Doctor from? I hope that the drunkeness wears off quickly (without hangover too)and that the Lyrica helps.
I guess we just expected too much from a first appointment. He's from China, and his accent is very thick.
I'm still feeling looped 3 days later. It's hard to say if this will wear off or not. I'm calling my pharmacist this morning.
My insurance wouldn't approve the Lyrica, which isn't a big surprise. I kept telling this doctor that I was not in pain, and Lyrica is usually used for neuropathy pain.
I'll PM you with his name. I appreciate your help, Don.
It is my understanding that the side effects of "drunkenness" with Lyrica takes up to 6 days to wear off, and then you should have the "good effects" only from the drug!
I, too, am sorry the appointment didn't go as you hoped! What is your new Doctor's name, I can check with the Docs at the hospital I work out and my other medical connections to see what they all think of him?
Praying for you!!
Don
I'm sorry it took a broken hip to get the proper diagnosis, Damien. If it is a Parkinson's type disorder the Sinemet should make a big difference for your husband.
I wish you both well!
My husband, age 80, has just been diagnosed with Parkinsonism. It took a while and several doctors (2 were neurologists) to make the diagnosis. He has all the symptoms except the tremors. Looking back I can now understand what was happening to him over the last 2 years. He was falling (backwards) developed humped posture, slow movements. The last fall that fractured his hip was what brought out the PD question when he had to go to therapy and they indicated that his body was very rigid. He has been in skilled care facility since February and is now on Sinemet. He has been on it for 2 days and we are hopeful.
Damien Woody
FindRxOnline.com/talk
I have had peripheral neuropathy for over 10 years now. They did the emg tests twice both showing I had it. They have put me on every pill there is like lyrica and they all me you fell stupid. With Lyrica my entire family thought i was going crazy. I started hating life and finally gave up on it. wasn't worth feeling that way and still having the burning awful pain in my feet. I haven't worn shoes now in ten years. only sandles or flip flopes. what do you do for shoes. am always looking for answers to that question.
Belinda I've been fortunate that I've not been in the kind of pain you're describing. I am diabetic, so I wear diabetic shoes and socks. They are very soft on the inside and all the seams are extremely smooth. That might be something worth trying.
I really appreciate your kindness, Brother Frank. We, too, are praying for God's grace in all this.
Sorry your visit was not as productive. My God's grace and favor be with you.