update

[Needhelp16]

So I went to my neuro this past Monday.  I asked him again about muscle spasms in ms and he changed his tune a little.  He said that usually they occur in ms patients that have severe damage to the spinal cord...which I obviously don't have.  He gave me a script for a few Valiums and told me to take them only if I start having problems with my legs again.

I think I'm going to try and get another appt with a different neuro.  I'm not really happy with his responses to questions that I have so I'm hoping I can find one that seems a bit more knowledgeable.  

Right now I'm not having too many sx.  I'm just really tired and having some back, neck, shoulder problems still.  Wish me luck and I hope ya'll have a good weekend!

Laura

[beachcomber13]

You might need to ask your current neuro for the referral. I was in the same boat with a major MS center near me: they require a referral even though my insurance doesn't. I think they don't want to be your first stop. They are probably going to want your records from your current neuro even if your PCP refers.

Your neuro might give you a hard time about it, depending on the personality. Mine did. But I knew I wanted that referral, and I knew where I wanted to go (not to the center where she has ties--yes I am spoiled to have two of the top centers within 45 minutes). She ended up caving and trying to pretend like it was her idea to refer me.

Three days later I had my medical records, referral paper, and the hope that my world will be a little brighter.

[Needhelp16]

He only gave me 8 Valiums.  Thankfully I haven't needed any of them yet.

I called today to a ms clinic at the university of ky. Even though my insurance doesn't require referrals their office does.  So I placed a call to my pcp and she's out of the office until Tuesday.   I'm really hoping she doesn't give me any grief about it, and the soonest I can get into this new neuro isn't until december so I'm hoping all goes well until then.

Laura

[anon07072023]

thanks for the update. I was wondering how it went.
Good luck on your neuro search.

-Kelly

[beachcomber13]

Valium can relax your muscles, but it is awfully habit-forming. You would not want to use that long-term.

Find someone who makes you feel comfortable and seems interested in helping you feel better. And is interested in getting to the bottom of a problem, not just treating symptoms.

Good luck. I hope the Valium helps until you can find a better option.

[jujuminx]

Valium for muscle spasms?  Is this standard?  I am thinking there are way better drugs than valium for spasms.

I think it's a great idea to check out another neuro.  When you have MS, your neuro is THE MOST IMPORTANT medical professional in your life. They are suppose to guide you through all the questions and challenges you are facing, especially when you are so newly dx.

Good luck and let us know who you find to help you.

Julie