need advice whats wrong with me

Well let me start out by saying this is long.
I am in so much pain I cant handle it. I have a history of migraines since I was 14 and I am 26 now. I had a bad bout of them in 97. I had what seemed to be a severe migraine for a month streight. The neuro tried everything I was on so many different kinds of meds, stadol(nasal spray) amytriptiline(SP), midrin, vicodan, so many I forget all the names. Well it stopped all of a sudden. I also had several tests including a LP(which I got a severe spinal h/a and had to have a bloodpatch).
Well in May of 2000 I had a h/a that didnt seem like my normal ones. it was on the right side of the head. It progressed through out the day to the point I was in tears that evening. Then all of a sudden the right side of my face went numb and I was told it was drooping. I called my pcp and was told to get to ER asap. I went next door to ask my mom to watch my children(I have 3)
the last thing I remember is stepping out on the porch. I am told I collasped on the porch with several seizure like spells.
I was rushed to the hospital with severe more of these spells. I was in the icu for 4 days in regular room for 4 days I only remember the last 3 days of my stay there.
They did soooo many tests on me I have all my records from that. The thing is I had a lupas test come back positive and they never informed my family of that. There was also a change in my catscan from the one I had in 97. The neuro who saw me in the hospital wanted me to transfer to the mental health unit of the hospital. Said I was faking it all and wanted to find out why.
Well I refused to go there. I continued to have seizure like spells and was on dilantin 400mg a day.During all this somehow I lost use of my right leg.I have since gained it back. I switched neuro's in Nov. to a different one. This one dx me with complex partial epilepsy with only reading the hospital stuff.I was started on keppra 1000mg a day. I continued to have spacing out and blacking out spells with that.He increased me to 2000mg a day it knocked me out for 12 hrs at streight. I was taken off that and put on depakote I had an eeg day after x-mas that was abnormal. I was told to continue on the depakote. I started to get pain in my arms legs back chest neck, and the headaches getting worse. still having probs with spacing out and blanking out. I never had a blood draw to check my depakote level. I had another eeg in April which was again abnormal. The dr called to give me the results of this one and told me to wean off the depakote. I stopped taking the depakote at the end of May and saw the neuro.
I was floored at what he had to say. He told me I was cured of my epilepsy and my migraines. Just like that magically cured. I am still in pain I have periods when I cant move I can be sitting there and all of a sudden I cant move. I am able to see and hear whats going on and sometimes able to use my fingers thats it. During all this I have sometimes
Experienced shaking in my arm or leg or something. It lasts about 5 min then goes away.I have had one lupas test come back pos. and one neg. this neuro told me that there is no need for a repeat test.
And that the pain is from a cold coming on.Well if thats the case I have been having a cold coming on for months now. This neuro is closing his office for good. I read that in the newspaper. So I am seeing a new neuro on August 17. But in the mean time I am in so much pain and tired of the spells. I cant handle it any more. I have trouble sleeping at night and am tired all day. I am at my wits end. I have nothing to take for the pain and nothing for the headaches either.
Plz any advice help I am desperate now.
I have nights when I have severe spasms in my legs. days when my arms are weak or my legs are weak. times when my muscles take turns twitching. severe pain when i put my chin to my chest the pain shoots down my back. my chest hurts just to touch it. I have days when my brain seems to not want to work blanks in my memory, repeating myself. I also
Have days when my feet really cold or I am so cold I am shivering (mind you its summer here) I have times when I have chest pain too feels like someone is sitting on my chest.
And there are also times when I feel so weak I don

[CCF-Neuro-M.D.-JT]

I'm sorry to hear that you've had such a rough time.  The events you describe of blacking out, being unable to move, or shaking could represent a number of things including seizures and migraines.  What may help rule out seizures as the cause of these spells would be an EEG that could capture one of these events.  This may require a more prolonged EEG or continuous monitoring either as an inpatient in a special epilepsy monitoring unit or with a portable machine as an outpatient.

As for the headaches, there have been a number of new medications that have come out on the market in the last couple of years that a lot of our patients with migraines are responding to as a rescue med.  You can talk to your physician about your type of headaches and if you are an appropriate candidate for medications in the "triptan" family. Also, if you are having many headaches on a daily basis, you may need to be on a prophylacytic medication such as propanolol (typically used in high blood pressure therapy and may be appropriate depending on your medical history and type of headache) that you take each day that helps control them long term. Hang in there, and I hope your new neurologist can help you feel better.

[MED HELP INTERNATIONAL]

Dear Friends,

We have noticed that some people are posting entire medical histories and requesting a diagnosis.  We need to remind everyone that:

1)  The doctors working in this forum have VERY limited time, so please be BRIEF and to the point!!

2)  This forum is intended to offer general medical information about a diagnosis you have already received from a qualfied physician or medical professional.


3)  WE CANNOT OFFER DIAGNOSES FOR ANY MEDICAL CONDITIONS.  

4)  IF YOUR POSTING IS A REQUEST FOR DIAGNOSIS (i.e. "what could be wrong with me?")  WE WILL HAVE TO DELETE IT.  

5)  ONLY YOUR PHYSICIAN CAN GIVE YOU A DIAGNOSIS, BASED ON HIS OR HER PERSONAL EXAMINATION OF YOU AND/OR APPROPRIATE TESTING.

Thanks to all of you for your help and consideration!

Ned Help International

[bernice]

How Rude !!!!!

[CGTMHI]

I think it is rude of you, Bernice, to expect to have a complete medical examination ONLINE and FOR FREE!!  I've been visiting this wonderful forum for several years and can only marvel at the quality of information the doctors offer.  I have seen people give 15 printed pages of information, including detailed data on every ache and pain or doctor's findings from the time they were 9 years old.  I think it's up to US to make sure that we don't over-abuse this wonderful forum.

I for one would hate to see it disappear!  Again, thank you to all the doctors who take time from their grueling schedules to answer questions from people like me.  You're the greatest!!!

Mike

[Philip1815]

Sorry guys... I just capped the amount of text that can be posted as a <I>QUESTION</I>.

In my humble opinion it's quite <B>unfair</B> to ask lengthy drawn out personal questions to the neuro staff who do have full time positions at the Cleveland Clinic and are actively treating patients.

These last few questions are asking for detailed personal diagnosis based on some symptoms...e.g. "what do you think is wrong with me?". If you step back and think of it, it's pretty unwise to do this.

Cindy and I created this forum and the others as a place to help you guys get an understanding AFTER diagnosis and for a place to share information.

Phil
Med Help

[dee557]

i apologize for the posting i thought this place was like a different forum that i use and i thought it was a place of support from other patients. where other patients can give advice and give you hints on ?? you can ask your doctor. i didnt post it to get a dx from a dr  i know better than that again i apologize and will refrain from any further posting on the site. dee

[Lyn2]

Dee, it really does sound as though you have had a rough time of it.  You must feel desperately frustrated.  I can understand trying to get answers any way you can. I have felt that way too.

I am sure it is very difficult for the doctors and those who run this forum to have to come out and place guidelines.  But it really is necessary.  Just think, on top of seeing their regular patients, on their own time they get on here to help us out.  But often what they get are people that are looking for answers for very complicated problems.  They don't have our files or us sitting in front of them, and we expect them to provide all the answers.  Trust me, I have leaned on the forum as well and it has provided wonderful insight and information.  

I really don't think the med help staff was trying to chastise anyone.  Obviously, this site was started to give people a place to come and share and get some information they may not have known.  In other words, I do believe they care.  We do seem to be coming at them with more challenging problems, that they can't possibly diagnose on line.  I feel for everyone with these frustrating, scary unanswered problems.  I do hope we as patients can provide support to each other, while getting some added information from the doctors.  I would hate to lose this forum.

[Craig]

Just my two cents, but what good is a medical forum that is afraid or unwilling to dispense medical advice? I don't think anyone here is asking the good doctor to diagnose them, only to point them in a general direction so they may intelligently seek treatment from their local professional. I work in the medical field, and unfortunately there is a pervasive attitude among todays' doctors  that the average patient isn't intelligent enough to understand complicated information about their illness. On the other hand, there is also the camp that believes that any free information undermines the lucrative gains achieved by endless non-productive office visits which not only waste the patients time, but can even be detrimental to their health if serious conditions are not caught early. A forewarned patient is forearmed, a concept foreign and distasteful to many healthcare professionals, but in our HMO driven society it has become necessary to be proactive concerning one's own medical well-being. It's sad that this site, which had once been so extremely helpful, has degenerated into the standard "got a problem, go see the doctor" format so common on the internet today. The previous poster laments the possible demise of this forum, I would venture to say that it's already gone.

[Philip1815]

Dee,
I've been where you have and can sypmpatize. My daughter had a malignant brain tumor and that is one of the 2 reasons Med Help was started.

I once asked a pediatric neuro-oncologist at Memorial Sloan for 1/2 hour of their time to talk about her case.....which lasted 5 hours.

Anyway, this all was not prompted by you personnally but a trend in many of our forums where the questions got really really long and I was/am very concerned that the staff answering these questions would start reacting negatively towards suppporting our forums.

Regards,
Phil

[goodgal31]

Dee,

I can only imagine what your going through.  For everyone on here, I think folks are looking for answers... most individuals on here are not emailing the Doctore to follow up after a diagnosis.. when you think of it, the diagnosis is kind of a closure to the unknown... its the majority of folks here who are in the "unknown" stage that truly need help.

I know the Dr is extremely busy and he does this on the side.  I do also understand the long questions are very difficult for the Dr to answer.  Dee is desperate though.. scared, frustrated etc.

Most of the folks who do post are in the same position as dee.. I myself about 2 yrs ago and he took the time to reply to me in depth.  I am eternaly greatfull for his expertise and time.

Dee,  I certainly am NO expert.  A few things that did pop up in my head are PsuedoTumer Cerebri?  Have you ever heard of this?  Basucally its the pressure in your head from your spinal fluid.. it can give you all the symptoms of a brain tumor without the tumor.  Only way to tell if you have this is a spinal tap.  And it will tell you if your pressure is to high.  It causes headaches.. all the symptoms you get with a brain tumor.. may take along time to diagnos as its not the first thing on a Drs list to check for.  Typically affects overweight females.. but not always.

Your Lupus testing that came back positive at one time.. I believe thats called an ANA test.. a blood workup.  Maybe you have some type of Auto-immune entity going on.  If I were you, I would first find a new dr.  Make a list of your symptoms, a log of each day.  Insist on a full Auto-immune workup and go from there.  It sounds as if your old Drs have Burnt out.. they dont know you need a fresh start.  And deffinatly something is happening to your body.  Dont take NO for an answer.  You should nt have to spend your life in pain.  

Goodluck to you and I look forward to seeing what the Dr has to say.

[jan]

I believe the posts have gotten lengthy because the dr's would say in their answers that they didn't have enough info. So, we tried to give them a thorough history and are afraid of missing something. Also, I have seen where things were misinterpreted and I think that lead to lengthier postings in an effort to present things clearer. Just my two cents.
I am thankful for these forums and the dr's and would hate to see them go.

[Lady Jay]

For what it's worth...

Dee was looking for some comparable fellow support as well as knowledgeable advice.  Unfortunately, her intentions were totally misconstrued and now she surely must feel persecuted for, in her words, "letting me vent."

Read her words again..."please, any clues on what could be wrong with me."  Here she is asking for some "knowledgeable leads" from fellow supporters.

For what it's worth...

Dee wasn't seeking a diagnosis.  Listen again... "Please (Plz)... any advice... help... I am desperate now!"  Her dilemna has been ongoing since the age of 14.  Now, at 26, her situation has become urgent and oppressive.  It is taxing, not only for her but for those around her... including the roster of healthcare providers who, over the span of 8 years (excluding the 4 minor years) have chosen to renig on being the detectives that they went to medical school to become in order to solve her case.  

Jan is 100% correct on the issue of "lengthy posts"because of insufficient information.  I know this to be true because I've been cruising these halls for quite some time myself.

CN (post before Jan's) is a classic example of exactly what Dee was looking for.  "CLUES"... "KNOWLEDGEABLE LEADS"... and that all-powerful forum target... "FELLOW SUPPORT".  

I want to thank everyone for taking the time to listen.  Support is and always will be a treasure to be savored with admirable respect. - Lady Jay

[MED HELP INTERNATIONAL]

WE ARE NOT SAYING THAT WE CANNOT OFFER HELP....

We simply cannot offer a diagnosis online.  However, we certainly CAN offer qualified suggestions for "next-steps", based on the information people provide. Med Help has done this for tens of thousands of people, during the past 7 years.

We understand what it's like to be frustrated by a lack of diagnosis and treatment and we sympathize greatly with anyone  trapped in this type of situation. Frustration over a lack of clear diagnosis is one of the main reasons we began Med Help International!

Because the doctors working with us are leaders in their field, they are pulled in many directions every day.  We are very thankful that they still manage to find time to offer their expertise in our forums.

Everything Med Help Int'l. has, is offered free, to all in need. All we ask is that our visitors be as brief and to-the-point as possible, when posting in our forums. This will help insure that our forums are here when you need them.

We are also very grateful to all of our visitors who take the time to help others, by posting suggestions and success stories in our forums. We believe that a combination of medical experts and people who have "been there" is the best support in the world!

Med Help International

[dee557]

I will say this again. I did not come here to get a dx online. I came here for fellow support. From reading one of the posts it plainly states "Cindy and I created this forum and the others as a place to help you guys get an understanding "AFTER" diagnosis and for a place to share information." So from my under standing of that post you have to have a diagnosis before you can post here. All I was doing was looking for some things that I could possibly throw at the drs to check me for. My sons genetics dr thinks i may have MS and so does his ped dr.

I have had a LP to check the pressure and it was said to be normal, this was back in 97. I was just put on amitriptyline 50mg at bed time to help me sleep. it worked for the first 3 days now i am having trouble again sleeping.
thank you again for the listening ears and for the support.
dee

[goodgal31]

Dee,

Ms?  Really?

The facial numbness.. you know what i've been having issues and health related concerns for 2 yrs now.  Right after I had my second child it all began.. numbness.. blurry vision etc.  I went to the Clev clinic and saw the most wonderful Dr.  He said MS very highly unlikely

In the past two years i've invesigated MS and know alot about it.. Again im NO doc not even close but from your posting the only thing that sounds like MS is the numb face, the symptoms you explain about your body feeling frozen.. but the seizure activity, the passing out and Migrain headache pain I dont think are like MS.. now i may be wrong.  But from my understanding MS major symproms are Loss of vision, sudden.  Loss of motor function that wax and wayne.. come and go.  Completely clear up then come back again another time.  Many things to check for MS include a complete neuro exam..  Let me tell you what they checked on me:

1) complete neurological exam consisting of Rhomberg test (standing with arms out eyes closed) to see if you loose balance.  Walking on toes across a room, on heels across the room, touching your nose with both hands extended to side.. looking into the eyes for shakey (shaky) eye movement, hop on one foot, pin ***** test to skin to check for patchy numbness.. stick your tonge out and can you shake it side to side... there are SOOOOOOOOOOOOO many things they are looking for in the neuro exam to help tip them off.

2) Somatosensory evoked potential testing.. stick electrodes all over body and see how your body responds to gentle painless shocks.. is your spinal cord relaying all the impulses.. a visual evoked potential test.. are your eyes working properly have you had optic neuritis?

3) complete and thorough eye exam by a opthomologist looking specifically for MS

4) a complete blook workup checking for auto-immune diseases.

You first need to get in to a specialist.. a neurologist who is an expert in MS.  Your in LIMBO now and seems ilke you've been dealing with some folks who dont know what to do.. first tellyou your crazy .. then you have epilepsy.. then MS... GET INTO someone good and if you can the Clev clinic..

[LorettaB]

I HAVE been diagnosed, so hope I'm safe to post comments here. I'm new here, so if I step on toes I apologize in advance.
I had an MRI to rule out multiple sclerosis because I was having very MS-like symptoms. Nothing MS-related showed up on the MRI; however, a 3-4 mm triglimenal Schwannoma or neuroma on the 5th cranial nerve did show up. My doctors are puzzled because they  say my symptoms have NOTHING to due with triglimenal neuroma. However, I have had headaches, dizziness and extreme fatigue. My question:  Can a neuroma that small call headaches and dizziness or should I continue to pursue the cause of the MS-like symptoms?  Thanks for any help you can provide.

[Lady Jay]

Goodgal?  I must say that you surely do live up to your Forum name.  Dee?  Listen to her.  She knows... she most certainly does!  I don't feel as though Loretta is stepping on any toes.  She's looking for that good stuff called support too!

Loretta,
I have a rare disease known as "Schwannomatosis".  My 5th and 7th cranial nerve networks on the left side of my face have been ruined by schwannoma.  So has my optic nerve.   I still retain sight after a pretty good-sized craniotomy was done to remove what could be removed and get me out of pain.  Enough about me.  Let's talk about you.

A schwannoma (or neuroma) that tiny wouldn't cause those MS-type symptoms.  As for it being located on the 5th CN (trigeminal nerve)?  I would definitely maintain a watch.  Schwannoma are "slow-to-grow" because they are an accumulation of schwann cells and over the years can become very painful.  I don't like where yours is located.  The trigeminal nerve is the sensory nerve for the face and has 3 divisions:  opthalmic, maxillary and the mandibular.  A schwannoma growing on the root would be extremely painful (trigeminal neuralgia).  But, since yours is so small I would keep watch and try to get your doctor to identify it.  Is is a schwannoma or is it a neuroma?  Maybe it's a neurofibroma?  Just get a name.  Then study all about it.  Forewarned is forearmed... that's what I say.  I can't tell you about dizziness and headache because none of your other CN's are involved.  If they were, you better believe I'd be rambling (based on experience)!  I would continue my search for a proper diagnosis.  Don't allow that tiny thing to stop you.  Good luck! - Lady Jay

[LorettaB]

Lady Jay:  Thank you so much for your response. I see a neurologist next month (or sooner, If she has a cancellation) and will try to get a more definite diagnosis then.
I think I may have had a tooth needlessly pulled in January because of shooting pain that I thought indicated an abscess. My dentist pulled the tooth, but said he thought "there must have been a nerve exposed" to cause so much pain because he couldn't see much indication of abscess. Is this the kind of thing I should watch for? I was in extreme pain for days--pain pills don't agree with me, so I ended up in the emergency room to get Phenergran (sp) by IV because of uncontrollable vomiting and IV morphine for the pain. Is that what I have to look forward to?
No fun.

[ellenc]

Has anyone else noticed that he Dr. hasn't weighed in at all on this discussion? Just wondering.

[Lady Jay]

Loretta,
I always make my dentist play "show & tell" with my x-rays.  If there are some lacking clarity, then I make them do another.  If there is no indication that a tooth needs to be removed, then why pull it?

Pain like you have experienced is indicative of Trigeminal Neuralgia... and unfortunately, the condition is forever.  Pain medications are a "must" when dealing with this condition.  What kind of pain meds were you taking for the pain that landed you in the ER?

The more I think about it, the more I think that the schwannoma is the culprit.  (again, I am not a doctor, just one who is opinionated because of personal experience)  The 5th Cranial Nerve is a delicate operation because of what it does.  When I think about the job it pulls off day in and day out I have no choice but to point my finger at the intruder.  Yes, Loretta... you are going to have the problem forever because of where the schwannoma is located.  When you mentioned your tooth being pulled, I formed my opinion.  I want you to maintain a dedicated watch and make doubly and triplely sure that your neurologist knows just how concerned you are about your condition.

Please let me know what meds you have been given and keep in touch.  ( ***@****)  Take care - LJ

[Lady Jay]

Thank you for answering Dee's post.  I truly do appreciate it.

[LorettaB]

Lady Jay:
My dentist pulled the tooth because I was in so much pain I ABSOLUTELY INSISTED. I had no clue that it could be anything but an abscessed tooth. The pain med I took was called Hydrocodone. I have no pain meds whatsoever right now, although I have a tooth on the RIGHT side that's starting to  ache. Can this trigeminal whatever cause pain in a tooth on the right even though the tumor is on the left? And if it does, what can I do about it except ride it out? I sure don't want to get another tooth pulled needlessly but when the pain gets bad, what recourse do I have?
Also, I have been scheduled to see a neurologist even though I was told the tumor is not neurological in nature. So what can a neurologist do? Refer me to someone who specializes in these things? Does anyone know of a specialist in Indiana? I am so confused. I was told this thing was no big deal since it's so tiny and slow-growing but if I thought it was what caused that pain in January and IT COULD HAPPEN AGAIN, I'd be high-tailin' it to someone to do something about it NOW.
Sorry. This is getting too long. Plus, I realized I horned in on someone else's message (I'm new at this.) Should I start a separate message thread or string or whatever it's called?
Thanks for your help. Loretta

[Lady Jay]

Loretta-  First... allow me to apologize if I contributed to any confusion as it was never my intent to cause any.

Pulling a tooth because it hurts won't change a thing if the tooth is perfectly fine.  The underlying sensory nerve that is responsible for "feeling pain" has a problem.  As for the right side tooth?  It may very well be a legit abscess, so have it checked.  It'll be a show and tell time consultation.  Also, hydrocodone is Lortab.  The stuff makes me sick and what I take would knock a normal 200 lb man out like a light.  (Neurontin, Baclofen, Mexiletine, Oxycontin w/ Ritalin for awareness... I refuse suggestions to increase anything as my problem progresses.)

You were told that a schwannoma (tumor) growing on the 5th cranial nerve was not neurological by nature.  Utterly confusing nonsense!  Schwann cells are natural to the nervous system.  Everyone has them.  They are responsible for creating and maintaining the myelin sheath that protects the nerve inside.  Sometimes they collect wrongly and spindle themselves around a nerve and basically "choke" it.  This causes problems. Why?  Because schwannoma are slow-to-grow.  That doesn't mean you wait years for the symptoms to begin.  In fact, the term "nagging pain" fits well.

I will say it again, Loretta... stay on top of this.  It was large enough to show itself on an MRI (probably with and without gadolinium) and that in itself is enough for me to express this much concern for you.  Please take care.- Lady Jay

[LorettaB]

Thank you, Lady Jay. "Nagging pain" is a good term. I can relate to that.
I think what the doctor may have meant when he said it wasn't neurological was that it was in no way related to the pain, numbness and tingling in the extremities that I have been experiencing. I think he meant it was totally localized in the face. I think that's what he meant. I sure will be glad to see the next neurologist and get some of this stuff cleared up. I feel totally stupid right now, especially since a doctor at my work laughed at me and said a 3-4mm trigeminal neuroma is too tiny to cause any symptoms. And here I am wanting to get the darn thing OUT! Or do the risks involved with surgery outweigh the risks of leaving it alone and monitoring it? I guess that's the main question I want answered. I live in Indiana. Does anyone know of a specialist for this at IU Medical Center?

[dee557]

Well I went to neuro #4 Friday. I was kinda shocked cause this one actually examined me. This one dx me with complex migraines.
he said thats why i have been getting the tingling and  numbness, and pain. Now comes my next ?? for u all. what are complex migraines? what causes them? i dont always have a headache when all these things are happening is that normal?
and i am going in for a sleep deprived eeg on the 31st.
i have also been put on imitrex 100mg and keppra 500mg for 1 week then increasing to 1000mg for 1 week then if i can tolorate it 1500 mg i go back in to see him in oct.
any more info on these or web sites to check out would be great.

[Fantine]

I experienced my first migraine during the first tri-mester of my fouth pregnancy. It lasted for three months. I was 27 I am 43 now. When I was 37 I began to experience TIAs. I thought they were beta blocker related. I then had a brain trauma experience where I lost control of my left side, lost speech and had terrible memory problems. Two sided tasks were impossible, such as playing the piano. It has been difficult for the docs to diagnos my problem or the nature of the event. I have had countless MRIs MRAs Catscans, EEGs and Spinals. They have been inconclusive. I deal with constant pain in my arms (like a vice) and in my hands including muscle weakness. It is my belief that I have complicated migraine. Currently I am taking Neurotin, Pamelor, and using Maxalt as an abortive. I believe that you can have a good and productive life "with" the pain. Complicated migraine causes a wide variety of symptoms that are part of the aura associated with migraine. I completely understand the panic and grief that chronic pain brings to your life. I also understand that it is important not to let these challenges take over your life. There is too much beauty and joy to be experienced. I believe in taking control, using daily preventatives, aborting any and every attack early and aggressively. I realize that my migraines are tied to my hormonal system. I am in menopause. Things are changing neurologically for me again. I hope something in this comment has struck a chord and may help. -Fantine-

[St. Louisan]

Well this is my first time on here and didn't know this was even here.  I think after reading every thing on this post that the last post before mine was really worth reading.  I actually think you could actually have helped her in her delima.  I feel for dee in what she is going through and really do hope that she finds that ONE doc that remembers what he learned while he went to college.  There is one, well may be two that does.  DEE:  I hope you find him/her!!  best of luck!!  :)

[Poopypants]

Doctors took an oath to HELP people, no matter what.  If they were in an airport and saw someone having a heart attack, would they say, "I don't have enough time to help them, I gotta run, here, I'll call 911 for ya though."  It's the same thing.  If they don't want to answer people on here, let them ask one of their aquaintances to do it instead of them.
My $0.002

[Husain]

Dear Docter

I am M/54 years,having problem at face at lower left eye that it start quinching, now comes to the start of left upper lip.
I visited my G/P,He advise for Loprin 75mg then 150mg,Methocobole
injections one daily for 5days then alternate also in the night
one Xanex1mg for ten days.I went through all butthe problem still
there.Then he revised for more 15 days but again it is there.
Two days back i visit Neurologist Consultant.
He diogonose that it is LEFT HEMI FACIAL SPASIM and advise for
TATRABENZINE25MG o=o=1 5days o=1=1 5days 1+1+1 5days with
Loprin 1+1daily.I have started this now.
DOC, please advise me that my physicians r at right direction
I need your help and advise please iam so disturb due to.
My livings r of lower middle class can afford a little but
not so expencive.We have not insurence system.
Wait for advise.
thanks
Regards!
IFTAKHAR

[dtwin]

Been a fitness buff for 30 years. 2 months ago right tricep muscle suddenly and without warning gave out. Cannot fully extend right arm.  Muscle beginning to atrophy. Not painful but experience unpleasant burning sensation underneath right scapula. Have seen two neurologists who cannot explain why or what to do.  Can use arm for normal situations but have no power in tricep. Is this a temporary paralysis. Has this ever happen to anyone out there.  Recently viewed the Lou Gehrig story, hence my concern.

[enough]

Actually, Doctors don't take an oath to help everyone no matter what. However, ethical considerations do not allow doctors to drop patients (medical or psychological) without doing a reasonable job to secure alternative care. Trust me - this is not always an easy prospect and you have no idea how much pro bono work your providers actually do, especially outside of big cities.

As for the heart attack - when this happened in the Atlanta airport train, every single human being with the exception of two flight attendents, the man's family and myself (I do crisis type work) continued on although the screaming did get some attention.  I have no doubt if there was a doctor in the train, he/she would have helped - it seems to be more about a conditioned response than anything else. The flight attendents, by the way, saved the man.  Impressed the heck out of me.

We are sick, scared and in pain.  But the world doesn't owe us because of it. I know I have to try ten times harder to be pleasant and reasonable but perhaps that is the point.  I wish I could accomplish that more often. I have found that working in crisis care forces me to act right when I don't feel like it.  

[Tweeety]

Dee,
    I too have Lupus.  It is a complictated disorder.  It can ivovle alot of things.  Maybe you should go and see a rheum. Dr instead of a nuero.  They might be able to shed some insight on your disorder and can provide  the correct meds for your problems.  I too have had problems with doctors finding the cause of the problems.  They know that I have lupus.  Well that is what I chalk most of my problems up too.  Migraines muscle spasms the list goes on and on.  There is also a posibility of mental disorders that goes with lupas so again I say go and see a specialist that can help you with that.  good luck, Tweeety

[NotRunninWildnoMore]

Hi Everyone,
I have a bad case of scoliosis so do all the woman of my family.I went once to a chiropractor this was a big mistake because I couldn't walk for about a week after I also had the same experience when a well meaning boyfriend gave me a backrub. Anyway I have alot of numbness in my hands and feet,burning sensations across my lower back (upper buttox region)for 5 days now I have had tingling sensations in my right foot and circulation problems in my legs feet and hands typing is difficult my fingers are so cold. I have been experiencing extream pain in my hips and inner thighs and bruising.
I also have lived with constant headaches for the last 2 years.
My orthopedic dr has taken some xrays of everything but my hips and suggested physical theropy saying I have tendonitis in my lower back and hip area. I have asked to be seen by a neuroligist but well no luck I've done the theropy thing and the numbness gets worse some days my legs are so numb I don't know they are gone til well like friday I ended up with 4 stitches in my head because when I tried to put weight on my  missing legs I took a header. Any helpfull sugestions would be appreciated

Thanks to all
NotRunnin