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Neurology  (Expert Forum)
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aches and pains
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MedHelp Member's Question

aches and pains

by Gary, Nov 30, 1999 12:00AM
For about 6 months now, I have had loss of feeling in left arm, now it is also in right arm. I woke up one morning in severe pain. could not move my neck, without shooting pain in my chest. After first MRI, radiologist said I had a Herniated Disk in C5-C6, First Neurologist said was not sufficiant enough to cause the pain and paralisys. So he performed a Mylogram and a Cat scan. Still not enough evidence on the herniated dist to warrent surgery. He refered me to a second Neurologist.  Second one stated after a EMG that I did have a irritated nerve in my neck, but it was minor. Since I still was complaining about the chest pain, he had a Chest CAT scan done.  News from it was scary. They found some mass on the thymus glad. But was not sure that this was casuing the pain. So they sent me to a Thorasic Surgon.  Surgon stated that this did not look cancerous. but I would have to go back in DEC to get another Cat scan to see if the mass has grown. Then I went back to Nero #2. they sent me to the pain clinic to have a epidural injection. At this time the injection made me worse. Now I am constantly in pain.  It ranges from my Chest, Upper back and neck. both shoulder blades and arms hurt pain>. I have noticed since the Pain Doc has given me Ultram and Neurotin that I have had more Muscle spasims. Now even my hips and legs hurt. I have had PT for now about 2 months total. I have tried almost all anti-inflamitory medicines. still no relief. Any Ideas?

Doctor's Answer

by CCF Neuro[P] MD, RPS, Nov 30, 1999 12:00AM
Dear Gary:



It is difficult to say what the pain is due to, it might be the herniated disc at C5-C6.  I am not sure it the large thymus is related to the pain.  Usually, we see loss of muscle strength with a type of muscle disease that causes an enlarge thymus.  The muscle spasms might also be due to the herniated disc but it might also be due to other things.  Did the neurologist find anything on exam?  Your pain sounds out of proportion to your herniation.  I am also assuming that all your lab work was normal?  



I would be inclined to get a third opinion.  Your symptoms are out of line with your mild herniation and EMG findings.  Since you have pain everywhere, a limited C5-C6 herniation doesn't seem appropriate.  



How much neurontin are you taking?  It may be that you need to increase the amount you are taking.  We have used up to 5 grams aday for pain.  Talk to your physician before you change any medication dose.



Sincerely,



CCF Neuro MD
Member Comments (11)

by Gary, Nov 30, 1999 12:00AM
I am taking 1-300 mg caspule 3 times a day, and 2-50 mg tablets of ultram 4 times a day. Yes all the doctors belive the pain is not from the herniated disk. They all think it is strange. But I dont belive I have had any Lab work done. I do have muscle weekness, but it is a come and go sorta thing. I feel more weeker at night. I am giving the Pain clinic doctor one more try. Then I am going to ask my PCP to send me to a third opinion at UAB in Birmingham. Thanks for your help. This service is well needed for us who feel lost.

by CCF Neuro[P] MD, RPS, Nov 30, 1999 12:00AM
Dear Gary:



UAB is a fine institution.  Your dose of neurontin is very low and you could greatly increase it.  It might be better to see if increasing it and lowering your ultram.  But I would first get the third opinion.



CCF Neuro MD

by Gary, Dec 01, 1999 12:00AM
Well, I called the Pain clinic doctor about the pain stil beeing there with the medcine.  I informed him that I was recieving more muscle spasms and cramps. Instead of changing my dose. He decided to give me soem new medicine. They called it in for me.  When I got to the drug store last night to pick it up. He changed me back to the cloritisteriod. The 6 days dose. So Now I wait to See a 3rd Neruologist at UAB.



One other symptom I forgot to mention is. Really hit home last night.  When I was trying to sleep. I noticed that I get cold/hot/cold/hot.  and feel very restless. When I do fall asleep, I wake up with a feeling of extream nerviousness, sorta liek cant catch breath. Heart beat seems to be beating very rapidly. But is Not. Pluse normal.  I belive it feels like my chest is having a muscle spasm.



Thanks again for the help. I wil keep you informed

by CCF Neuro[P] MD, RPS, Dec 02, 1999 12:00AM
Dear Gary:



Sorry about your problems.  Ultram has been known to cause the sort of symptoms you describe in your last posting.  The burst of steriod will not hurt things, I would doubt that it will be of much benefit though.  Keep us informed.



CCF Neuro MD

by Gary, Dec 10, 1999 12:00AM
Is 600mg of Neurotin 3 times a day to much? I am going to increase my dose, to see i it helps. I went to the Pain clinic yesterday, and he prescribed me musle relaxers, on top of the ultram and neurotin. I just wanted to make sure I am not overdosing on medicine.  I have two months to wait till I get to the Kirkland Clinic in Birmingham. Thanks, gary

by CCF Neuro[P] MD, RPS, Dec 10, 1999 12:00AM
Dear Gary:



I have several patients with doses of 5 grams a day on neurontin.  So, you have a long way to go before you max out ont the dose.



CCF Neuro MD

by Gary, Dec 20, 1999 12:00AM
Well, Went into the hospital last thursday to have my checkup chest CAT scan. The mass on my thynus glad is the same size. no grouth. Still same shade of grey.  Thorasic surgon has seem to give me the green light that the mass is nothing to worry about.  I had to not eat or drink anything before the test, and I decided after, to stop medication to see if there was any change.  I felt that the medicine was not working.  But after 3 days off the medicine, I feel worse.  Now my whole body feels achy. Its like most every muscle hurts.  I mean to the point that If I rub the muscle it even is tender to the touch.  I guess the medicine was working some. Muscle spasm even got worse. But I have noticed that the headaches have subsided, and are less frequent. I have started back on the medication. Now I wait til Feb 4 for the UAB doctor at Kirklin Clinic. My question is, After reading lots of questions on this forum, lots of people here compalin of aches and pains similar to mine. Most of them speak of MS. Its sorta scary thinking about it.  The only thing after reading up on MS I dont have any symptoms with the clumsyness or the vision problems. I do wear contacts with mimimum nearshightednesss. And have cadaracts. But thats it. Is there a chance I mght have MS?  Should I bring this up to the Doctor at the Kirklin Clinic?

by Gary, Dec 29, 1999 12:00AM
aslo, what sort of blood/test should i be expecting since I have not had any blood work done?

by CCF Neuro[P] MD, RPS, Jan 06, 2000 12:00AM
Dear Gary:



Your signs and symptoms do not have the flavor of MS.  Since all the physicians that have seen you say that the herniation could not possibly be causing the