|
Subject: Re: Fatigue,bladder,speech probs,L'hermittes,etc = Somatization,MS,or?????
Forum: The Neurology and Neurosurgery Forum
Topic Area: Chronic Fatigue
Posted by CCF neuro on November 19, 1998 at 16:01:39:
In Reply to: Fatigue,bladder,speech probs,L'hermittes,etc = Somatization,MS,or????? posted by nikki on November 19, 1998 at 07:39:49:
I have a five year history of neuro symptoms including fatigue, numbness(mainly left sided,facial,across
abdomen,etc),muscle weakness(particularly in legs)slurred speech and urinary problems which I was told by a urologist
was a combined dysfunction(had urodynamics test two years ago),frequency,near retention sometimes.It was suggested
that I learn how to self-catherterize but have not needed to do so yet .Quite severe probs with mobility -I need two sticks
and/or a wheelchair to get around outside.I have had electric shock like sensations that come and go(from head/neck level down through to my hands) for the last 5
months.These vary in severity.Sometimes I get them everytime I move my head ,and some are strong enough to jolt my
body.I had it about 3 yrs ago ( went down to my toes at that time) but it only lasted for approx a month.I also get an
electrical feeling in my tongue which I associate with what my neuro suggested was L'hermittes.May be having an MRI
of my neck soon.I have had three MRIs of head and all normal.EMG,minor abnormalities & Bells Palsy found 4years
ago when being tested for Myasthenia Gravis,EVP normal,CSF normal(3 years ago)Blood screen,thyroid tests ,etc all
normal.I have had other doctors(not neuro) and an osteopath tell me that my knee-jerk reflexes were fast and absent in my
abdomen,but my neuro dismisses these findings because they they were tested bylay people.Although I believe that a
senior general practioner should be quite capable of testing reflexes correctly, as was the case 6 mths ago. My symptoms vary in severity and some are intermittent.I have what the doctor describes as flare-ups/attacks which leave
me polaxed for a few days- a week and take months often to return to the state I was in prior to each attack.I have yet
too experience a full remission.The most debilitating aspect is the fatigue and I have too rest twice a day.I currently attend
physiotherapy 2-3 times a month where the intention is to follow a graded exercise programme.I have B12 injections and
take 6-9mgs of Oxybutinyn daily.I have tried using antidepressents(Prozac) and Amantadine to help combat fatigue but
neither have been very helpful. I have seen two psychiatrists niether of whom have been able too find any significant pyschological cause of my
symptoms( in fact the first one was so concerned about my physical state she rang my neurologist immediately
wondering why I hadnt been diagnosed with MS yet) To date I have no confirmed diagnosis but doctors seem determined to label me with CFS or Somatisation disorder and
my neuro says that MS is highly unlikely.I am too see a reputable(in UK !) psychologist who treats M.E/CFS patients
and who believes that Cognitive behaviorial therapy is the most appropriate treament.I am extremely unhappy about this
as I fear I will be labelled and then every symptom,flare-up/attack ,etc from then on will be put down to
CFS/somatisation. know from the research I have done online that I dont fit the criteria for CFS or Somatization and have
quite simply had enough of the way my case has been handled so mush so that I am considering not seeing any doctors
again, unless,an emergency arises .I dont have medical insurance so I cannot choose who I want too see.I am very
motivated towards improving and hopefully recovering if that is possible and stick to my exercise programme,etc but I
am gradually getting worse. If you have any advice it would be much appreciated,also I would like like too know what the rare causes of Lhermittes
are?? =multiple posts, answer will be attached to first post
|
|
