Starting on Gabapentin / Records sent to Dr. Batzdorf

[laratterman]

Hi all!  My pcp just put me on Gabapentin.  I started it last night and slept like a rock!  Still had pain this morning, but was fairly well rested.  He put me on 300 mg. to start.  We will see how this goes and go from there.  Has anyone experience the dizziness that comes with this?  I won't drive, at least not now, until it balances out and my system gets used to it.  I feel too "impaired".

My records and MRIs were sent of to Dr. B.  He received them on Monday and I explained the need to expedite things due to my COBRA ending in April.  I hope he is compassionate about that.  We'll see.

I have copied my records and gotten copies of the MRI discs to send to other doctors too.  I'm considering Dr. Oro and perhaps Dr. (I think it is) Berjjani (in PA).  And what about another Dr. in Milwaukee besides Dr. H?  Any feedback on them?  I know diff docs have diff opinions.  How do you know which to believe in?  I can't go all over the states, as I am on disability and can't afford it.  I also can't afford to live in this condition though, so it's a tough decision.

I hope you are all feeling good... at least for today!  Right?!

Blessings to you!

Lori

[selmaS]

HI Lori,

I am not familiar with those names, but like u said if they r working with Dr B they must be good.

U r welcome and I hope u have only benfeits from the gabapentin.

Keep us posted
"selma"

[laratterman]

Thank you, Selma!

I don't for sure have an appt with Dr. B yet, but he has my records for review.  Of course, if he decides to see me, he wouldn't be doing the surgery.  Dr. Holly or Dr. Bergsneider would be.  Any word on them?  I feel confident that since Dr. B "brought them up" into our world of  Chairi, that they would be very well trained.  From what I have read so far about Dr. B, he is a remarkable Dr.  I have only read one review that was negative, but that was from someone who's sister had surgery 20+ years ago.  I know things have improved for all of us since then!

I'm not sure about the sleep and the Gabapentin.  I know I first had to make myself turn off the light and try to sleep, but once I went to sleep, it was the first time in longer than I can remember that I didn't wake up a dozen times!  It does say it can make you tired, and most of the time, if it says that, it knocks me out.  Today, though, I am feeling "impaired" by it, but not falling asleep.  I would not drive with it as things are sort of in "slow motion".  No problem so far with my IBS or GERD!   Knock on wood!

Thank you so much for your kindness and support!  It is SO appreciated!

Blessings!

Lori

[selmaS]

HI Lori,

The dr u choose will be one u feel comfortable with after u have researched and know they r a true chiari specialist.
Only u can make that choice...and u will know if u like the dr or not.

I also believe there  i a way to extend the cobra when u have a condition u r being treated for.Plus u must get certification that u were insured when u were dx'd do u can not be denied for a pre existing condition.

I was on gabapentin which is the generic for neurontin...it affected my IBS, but did not help me sleep.

Many with Chiari do not drive bcuz of the balance and dizziness issues.Best to stay safe.

Good luck with ur visit to Dr B!!

"selma"