Went to new neurologist today, and wow what a difference!

[suziesmomyy08]

I went to my 2nd neurologist today and he seemed so much better than the 1st one I had.  Although the first one I had did order a brain MRI, he didn't do anything to follow up on anything else after the brain MRI came back normal.   He kept talking about deficiencies but never did lab work to confirm it, and never focused on my symptoms.  After my 3rd visit with him, I decided that I better think about switching because this was going nowhere, fast, and all it was doing was driving me crazy, and racking up bills with my insurance.  So my orthopedic surgeon referred me to my new neuro, and he immediatley decided to do a whole lot of blood work, he says he doesn't think I have MS (hes a MS specialist) but that he really thinks I have fibromyalgia because of all of my pain and all of the other symptoms I have and since I had a normal MRI but also a doctor in the past had mentioned fibro, he said it was more of a possibility.  He wrote me a consult for a rhumatologist, and gave me a lab slip for my blood work.  I am so happy.  I mean, not so happy to find out I probably have fibro, but to finally have a doctor who doesn't think it is "all in my head", because the 1st neuro said something that I went back to my therapist with, and he said it was a nice way of saying my pain was "in my head" and thats not fair.  I mean, that doctor isn't in my body, or in my head or anything and doesn't know what I feel.  

Anyway, its great to have a nice neuro, and to have someone finally listen to me.  I am just concerned about treatment now, my fatigue is probably my most bothersome symptom, I have deal with the pain all the time, but the fatigue affects my family, and I have bipolar disorder and am concerned about the drugs they use for the fatigue portion.  The neuro wants to give me samples of Provigil, but I am not sure how that will affect my mood.  Also, I am concerned about Lyrica, which was another drug he mentioned, but said it could make my fatigue worse.  I guess when I get to the rhumatologist, they can help me out better, but I just want to function better with my family, so now I guess we will see where we go from here.  Does anyone know much about the side effects personally of Provigil or Lyrica?  Any info would be helpful, I have looked at the website but was wondering about personal experiences.  

Thanks!
Helen

[Cindee56]

I don't know much about Provigil, but I know that Lyrica cause cause a lot of swelling and weight gain.  I don't take either one because of inter-actions with other medicines, but I know Lyrica is a typical drug for fibro but a lot of people can't take it.

[VaBreeze]

I'm so glad you found someone who was receptive to your health.  It makes all the difference in the world.  Everyone here knows that it's not in our heads...well it is with our CNS, but we aren't feeling the pain due to our mental health.

We do have some information about Lyrica in our Health Pages.  Also, if you use the 'search MedHelp' bar at the top of this page you can find other conversation regarding personal use of Lyrica.  We have had many discussions about this medication.  Some people have had good success, but it does have side-effects.

The only concern I would have about the Provigil is, since it is a stimulant, it may excite the bi-polar.  This is something you will have to try to see how it effects you.  You will have to determine if the benefits outweigh the side-effects.  

I hope you have great success with your treatment.  Take care of you!

[suziesmomyy08]

Thanks for the info, that is my concern about the Provigil, and I don't want to take any chances.  Also, for the Lyrica, weight gain would be a concern because I have had gastric bypass.  Oh well, I finally found a rheumatologist today, I have to travel about an hour and a half but I think it will be worth it in the long run.  I don't understand why the rheumatologists around my area won't take fibromyalgia patients, but they wouldn't.  Weird.  

Anyway, thanks for the help guys!

Helen

[VaBreeze]

You're quite welcome Helen.  Have a nice night.

[Caroline565]

Always nice to hear positive comments about the medical field. There are some very informed and empathetic doctors out there and when we find one, we feel very lucky. I hope the rheumatologist is equally supportive, good luck!

[suziesmomyy08]

Thanks!  I hope so too.  :)

[deedee332]

All I want to say is "GREAT" you found someone to listen and understand your needs.  It's hard finding good docs like that.  Good Luck to you and take care of yourself.