Went to NEURO and "he listened", need feedback....

Question

Hi all,

I went to my neuro today and I took copies of ER reports and also 2 years ago my supposed "right shoulder impingement" with suspect right hand carpal tunnel.

I also took my history of the last 6 weeks:
HISTORY:  (Last 5 weeks)

Buzzing started in right foot; buzzing other separate areas at different times.

“Goosebump” sensations started back up, particularly with flexing head/neck, sometimes right scalp/right scapula/right thigh and other times random areas over body.

Burning sensations; cool spots and bee sting sensations.

Fatigue, stomach problems/abdominal pain and headaches returning.  A couple of auras, but no full blown migraines.

Trouble reading “large blocks of words in paragraphs.”  

Walking for exercise after 15 minutes notice vision becomes blurred, possibly double, start feeling numbness, out of body type unusual feeling.  My vision does seem to return to normal after resting about 30 minutes or so.

Pain (boring) behind eye with pain in face, sinuses, down into neck relieved only with Vicodin and Flexeril.  (Monday left side and Wednesday right side).

Also this week (feeling that neck) being forced to the right with pain.

Paresthesias and pain particularly right worse this week.

Note:  I have noticed when at rest and not using right hand, a clenched fist tightly around my thumb.
Still having hemifacial and lower eyelid spasms.

ALL, I think he might be taking me seriously now.  I told him the Cymbalta is helping at least my crying spells.  I did not cry this time and just put it all out there.

I could see the look on his face was more concerned.  It has been 7 years since my last EMG and nerve conduction test.  He is doing another one himself next Friday.  Even before I told him about my clenched right hand, he wanted to do the EMG due to my orthopaedic reports in 2008.

Could I be getting closer to a diagnosis?

terri

Lulu54 · Accepted Answer

Terri, 

You are making a very good point about controlling the emotions and presenting your case as a logical discussion.  The emotions can be so hard to keep under check, but it  can be a red flag to the doctors that there are other underlying issues (which may not necessarily be true!).  

It is always important to express to the neurologists that it doesn't matter what the diagnosis is and we're not just shopping for a case of multiple sclerosis.  We want the truthful answer of what is going on in our bodies and to know that we are doing everything possible to get better or at least control the progression.

June is not that far away  - your appointment will be here before you know it!

Lu

tjj3761 · Answer

Guitar_grrrl,

Exactly.......  They just do not want to say too much of anything most of the time.....

Thanks.....

Guitar_grrrl · Answer

Thank goodness you have one who listens.  I, too, got lucky, and he told me "what you are describing here is totally real.  You don't see me handing you a referral to a psychiatrist!".

One day at a time...breath...you will get answers.

tjj3761 · Answer

sllowe, Neuro has not ordered any more labs.  My EMG/nerve conduction will be next Friday, the 28th.

Lulu54, I agree totally with you and just going to sit back and relax........

terri

sllowe · Answer

Yay!!!!!  Great appt.!

Did Dr. line up labs? And, when are you going back?

-Shell

tjj3761 · Answer

Hi all, thanks........

I did forget to mention one thing, when I did get his attention with the past shoulder issue and told him that the PA at the orthopaedic's office said I had carpal tunnel on the right, my neuro did "the test where he used the reflex hammer and tapped my wrist."  On the right it was positive and felt a shocking/tingling in my fingers.  On the left was negative.

My EMG and nerve conduction is next Friday, but my follow up visit will not be until June.

THIS WAS THE FIRST TIME with my neuro that I could actually see an expression of concern on his face.  I knew right away, that I was back on track.

When he first walked into the room, I told him "that not to worry, I was not going to cry this time and that the Cymbalta was helping to control the crying."  I also told him that I just had to deal with whatever this is as I have been for 7 years.  I think by my not crying and being emotional, I could be more precise and communicate with him.

Thanks for listening and words of hope!  When I find out anything, will let you all know.  I am just going to keep an open mind and go with the flow!

terri

Lulu54 · Answer

Terri, it sounds like you have his attention.  I sure hope your tests give him some answers so you can get your answers!

Lu

rendean · Answer

Glad he took you seriously and is acting on your symptoms. Let us know how the EMG turns out and any words of wisdom from your neuro.

Ren

HVAC · Answer

Sounds like progress.

Alex

jensequitur · Answer

I think even the worst neuro wants to help - if he can see past his personality enough to listen.  

I'm so glad that he's taking you more seriously - I'll keep my fingers crossed!

tonyad · Answer

Wow!  That does indeed sound like a very positive doctor visit today :)
Isn't it nice when they will "JUST LISTEN"!!   Glad that you had your Journal / Time line with you and he actually sat and listened!  This is good  :)

     When is your EMG scheduled for? Good Luck..things may just be starting to come together....

~Tonya

Went to NEURO and "he listened", need feedback....

burning feet and up into legs

How can you have MS with all normal tests?

Getting Closer to DX

PLEASE ANSWER VERY NERVOUS

burning feet and up into legs

How can you have MS with all normal tests?

Getting Closer to DX

PLEASE ANSWER VERY NERVOUS

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