Aa
It's a new world, or day 2 on Provigil!
Wow! I took my first 100 mg. of Provigil yesterday. I had to get up really early to make it in to a 8:20 appt. with my PCP, and took my Provigil at 6 am. After my shower, I was feeling pretty good, still dizzy and shaky, but moving fast, ready to go in plenty of time, and took everything I needed to have with me.
I got into town in time to go to my apartment, pick up some items I wanted, check in with the forum, and go to my appt. after chatting briefly with a neighbor.
My PCP was great, as usual. A temp. medical assistant had taken my BP and it was 130/88, and I was afraid that I wouldn't be able to take the Provigil because of that. Dr. S. said not to worry, that I could get used to it after a couple days, or maybe it was just elevated because of the drive in and walk over. She took it again later in the appointment, discovered the M.A. had used the wrong sized cuff, and my BP was 106/70.
I started out by asking her how long I had been coming in and saying "I'm soooo tired", and that started the discussion about Provigil, which Dr.Y. had written the Rx so I could use my coupon for a week's supply (though I get 2 weeks 'cause I'm cutting the 200 mg. in half). She told me that she would work with insurance to get it approved if it worked out for me (and it seemed it would, as I was already more alert and happy about it), then told me I couldn't take Phentermine (appetite suppresant) while taking Provigil.
I really wanted the Phentermine to help me lose some weight, but being awake is realllllly important to me, and I assume I will be more active and able to burn calories. I suggested she give me Rxs for both, in case the Provigil can't be approved and I can't afford it, and she agreed. I'll only get the Phentermine filled if I can't get any more Provigil. She knows and trusts me.
I told her about my appt. with Dr. Y. during my flare of symptoms, how excited I was at how she reacted, and then showed her the chart notes that said everything was fine and normal except for tremulousness and hesitant tandem. Her thoughts were that Dr. Y. must have been busy, didn't finish my notes until the end of the day, and just used a template. We discussed how interesting neurologists were.
I asked if she thougth it would be out of line to send Dr. Y. a note expressing my surprise at the content of the chart notes from that date, asking if possibly the transcriptionist had made an error, since I remembered that appointment in a different way, and enclose my "journal entry" (post on this forum) from that day. She thought it was a great idea, that the transcriptionist error was a good way to approach it, and that it was a good idea to have it in my chart.
I found that post, put it in a word document, and found I had to edit some comments (hee hee), and I've now put it in a true journal entry, if anyone wants to read it and comment. I'll work on a note to send with it and drop it off at Dr. Y.'s office on Wednesday when I'll be driving by there.
Dr. S. referred me to a neurologist for a nerve conduction study of my right arm. I have to go to neuro #2s office, but I'll see a doctor that did studies on the same arm in 2000 and 2001, when I had a mild ulnar neuropathy, which resolved in 2001.
She also sent me to get my Vitamin D levels checked, saying my file said it was time, and that the acceptable levels were more than they used to be, so when I had tested "high" before, that # would be considered normal now.
We discussed my PT, and she suggested that they work on my lower back, too.
I stopped at the blood draw station, made a follow-up appt., tried to get the Provigil filled in the pharmacy downstairs, and found out that they don't take any Rxs with any form of Medicare coverage any more.
I walked back to my apartment, then drove to the DMV, where I waited for 45 minutes to get my permanent handicap parking placard, as well as a form for reporting an unsafe driver.
I then went to Dr. H.s office, and picked up my new knee brace, took it home, and tried it out. It's really cool, but it doesn't have the heat insert; Mrs. H. must have been talking about a different brace when I heard that part. I put the brace on, pumped up the compression valve, and walked (more easily) upstairs and checked in on the forum.
Then I had to go to PT. The therapist is very nice, listened when I told her about my multiple issues, and worked up a plan of action. She gave me three exercises to do, and printed them on a page headed "Kathy's 'no metal in my knee' exercise plan". We discussed working on my back, too, and she said that it was simple to include it in treating my knee.
I then went in the Container Store, bought a couple stocking stuffers, then drove home. My roommate had gotten off work early, and wanted to go to AAA, so we hopped in her car and drove there to buy passes to Disneyland (30% discount plus a free parking pass!), then went to her bank in a store, where we picked up a big sandwich for dinner, as neither of us felt like cooking by then.
I did two loads of laundry while watching TV and eating dinner.
About 10 hours after I took my first dose of Provigil, my tremors got really bad, and I got a headache. The headache cleared up after I ate. BTW, I kept too busy to have time to snack, and my appetite seemed less than before.
I put more than 8000 steps on my pedometer yesterday; the past few days have been around 2 or 3 thousand, as I was too tired to do much of anything.
I still felt dizzy and fuzzy-brained, but I felt so much more alert and alive! I talked alot, so it was more obvious how I have trouble finding words, but I was mostly talking to people that know what's going on with me (my poor PT learned a lot, quickly!).
I got more sleep last night, so I'm hoping that today will be even better. I need to go fill up the gas tank, pick up a few things at Costco (where I get my gas, too), and maybe pick up a gift at Target (same area). I then need to trim some chicken breast that I bought a couple of days ago but didn't use, freeze it, and maybe vacuum.
Tonight is a soccer night; the University of Porland Pilots Women's team (won their division title) will play their first Play-Off game on their home field at 8 pm, but first University of Washington will play a game on the same field at 5 pm, and my soccer pals want to see it all, so I'm driving in to meet up with them. We'll probably grab something to eat in between games.
So, the moral of this story is, I'm getting a whole lot more done, and so far the only side effects are some increased tremors, talking too much, and a little crash as it's wearing off. I did read quite late, too.
Woo hoo!
The sun is shining, the leaves are gorgeous, I'm alert enough to notice and enjoy it; who could ask for anything more!? Who cares if this took even longer than usual to type because of my shaky hands?
Smiles all around,
Kathy.
I got into town in time to go to my apartment, pick up some items I wanted, check in with the forum, and go to my appt. after chatting briefly with a neighbor.
My PCP was great, as usual. A temp. medical assistant had taken my BP and it was 130/88, and I was afraid that I wouldn't be able to take the Provigil because of that. Dr. S. said not to worry, that I could get used to it after a couple days, or maybe it was just elevated because of the drive in and walk over. She took it again later in the appointment, discovered the M.A. had used the wrong sized cuff, and my BP was 106/70.
I started out by asking her how long I had been coming in and saying "I'm soooo tired", and that started the discussion about Provigil, which Dr.Y. had written the Rx so I could use my coupon for a week's supply (though I get 2 weeks 'cause I'm cutting the 200 mg. in half). She told me that she would work with insurance to get it approved if it worked out for me (and it seemed it would, as I was already more alert and happy about it), then told me I couldn't take Phentermine (appetite suppresant) while taking Provigil.
I really wanted the Phentermine to help me lose some weight, but being awake is realllllly important to me, and I assume I will be more active and able to burn calories. I suggested she give me Rxs for both, in case the Provigil can't be approved and I can't afford it, and she agreed. I'll only get the Phentermine filled if I can't get any more Provigil. She knows and trusts me.
I told her about my appt. with Dr. Y. during my flare of symptoms, how excited I was at how she reacted, and then showed her the chart notes that said everything was fine and normal except for tremulousness and hesitant tandem. Her thoughts were that Dr. Y. must have been busy, didn't finish my notes until the end of the day, and just used a template. We discussed how interesting neurologists were.
I asked if she thougth it would be out of line to send Dr. Y. a note expressing my surprise at the content of the chart notes from that date, asking if possibly the transcriptionist had made an error, since I remembered that appointment in a different way, and enclose my "journal entry" (post on this forum) from that day. She thought it was a great idea, that the transcriptionist error was a good way to approach it, and that it was a good idea to have it in my chart.
I found that post, put it in a word document, and found I had to edit some comments (hee hee), and I've now put it in a true journal entry, if anyone wants to read it and comment. I'll work on a note to send with it and drop it off at Dr. Y.'s office on Wednesday when I'll be driving by there.
Dr. S. referred me to a neurologist for a nerve conduction study of my right arm. I have to go to neuro #2s office, but I'll see a doctor that did studies on the same arm in 2000 and 2001, when I had a mild ulnar neuropathy, which resolved in 2001.
She also sent me to get my Vitamin D levels checked, saying my file said it was time, and that the acceptable levels were more than they used to be, so when I had tested "high" before, that # would be considered normal now.
We discussed my PT, and she suggested that they work on my lower back, too.
I stopped at the blood draw station, made a follow-up appt., tried to get the Provigil filled in the pharmacy downstairs, and found out that they don't take any Rxs with any form of Medicare coverage any more.
I walked back to my apartment, then drove to the DMV, where I waited for 45 minutes to get my permanent handicap parking placard, as well as a form for reporting an unsafe driver.
I then went to Dr. H.s office, and picked up my new knee brace, took it home, and tried it out. It's really cool, but it doesn't have the heat insert; Mrs. H. must have been talking about a different brace when I heard that part. I put the brace on, pumped up the compression valve, and walked (more easily) upstairs and checked in on the forum.
Then I had to go to PT. The therapist is very nice, listened when I told her about my multiple issues, and worked up a plan of action. She gave me three exercises to do, and printed them on a page headed "Kathy's 'no metal in my knee' exercise plan". We discussed working on my back, too, and she said that it was simple to include it in treating my knee.
I then went in the Container Store, bought a couple stocking stuffers, then drove home. My roommate had gotten off work early, and wanted to go to AAA, so we hopped in her car and drove there to buy passes to Disneyland (30% discount plus a free parking pass!), then went to her bank in a store, where we picked up a big sandwich for dinner, as neither of us felt like cooking by then.
I did two loads of laundry while watching TV and eating dinner.
About 10 hours after I took my first dose of Provigil, my tremors got really bad, and I got a headache. The headache cleared up after I ate. BTW, I kept too busy to have time to snack, and my appetite seemed less than before.
I put more than 8000 steps on my pedometer yesterday; the past few days have been around 2 or 3 thousand, as I was too tired to do much of anything.
I still felt dizzy and fuzzy-brained, but I felt so much more alert and alive! I talked alot, so it was more obvious how I have trouble finding words, but I was mostly talking to people that know what's going on with me (my poor PT learned a lot, quickly!).
I got more sleep last night, so I'm hoping that today will be even better. I need to go fill up the gas tank, pick up a few things at Costco (where I get my gas, too), and maybe pick up a gift at Target (same area). I then need to trim some chicken breast that I bought a couple of days ago but didn't use, freeze it, and maybe vacuum.
Tonight is a soccer night; the University of Porland Pilots Women's team (won their division title) will play their first Play-Off game on their home field at 8 pm, but first University of Washington will play a game on the same field at 5 pm, and my soccer pals want to see it all, so I'm driving in to meet up with them. We'll probably grab something to eat in between games.
So, the moral of this story is, I'm getting a whole lot more done, and so far the only side effects are some increased tremors, talking too much, and a little crash as it's wearing off. I did read quite late, too.
Woo hoo!
The sun is shining, the leaves are gorgeous, I'm alert enough to notice and enjoy it; who could ask for anything more!? Who cares if this took even longer than usual to type because of my shaky hands?
Smiles all around,
Kathy.
addendum:
just to clarify, I don't think provigil users are pill seekers! I think my doc has a narrow view and want to know more about these medications. It sounds like it could really be of help to me.
just to clarify, I don't think provigil users are pill seekers! I think my doc has a narrow view and want to know more about these medications. It sounds like it could really be of help to me.
Confession--I didn't read all of your post yet! I'm sneaking in some MedHelp amidst laundry and dinner prep. (I'm a wild one, I know!)
I just wanted to say I'm glad to see that the provigil is working. It sparks a general Q from me: What sort of risks are there in using anti-fatigue meds? I hinted at it once with my neuro, and he so quickly made me feel like a pill seeker, I shied away from further pursuing the matter.
Thanks, and I WILL catch up on your posts, just shouting out quick in the meantime!
I just wanted to say I'm glad to see that the provigil is working. It sparks a general Q from me: What sort of risks are there in using anti-fatigue meds? I hinted at it once with my neuro, and he so quickly made me feel like a pill seeker, I shied away from further pursuing the matter.
Thanks, and I WILL catch up on your posts, just shouting out quick in the meantime!
If Tippy keeps sleeping through the night, can we have her talk to Fluffy?
I'm so happy that you're feeling better; anti-depressants can work on so many levels. I think Tippy's good medicine, all on her own. She is such a cutey pie!
I just got back from Costco and Target. My roommate had called back to see if I would like her to pick up a sandwich for me, and I talked so much she told me to go ahead and do my shopping and fill my gas tank. She's not feeling well, and she said I was wearing her out just listening to me. Oops!
I had a good time chatting with the cashier at Target, the kids pumping gas at Costco, and the cashier inside Costco, too. :oD I hope I don't have people shushing me at the soccer games! Naw, people yell a lot there.
Only downside is my lower back is hurting badly; I think from the PT exercises I did yesterday. I'm using an ice pack now, and took a pain pill.
I put on a PILOTS temporary tattoo and my earrings I made with soccer-ball beads on them for tonight's games. I'll have a great time, pain or no!
Bunches of Hugs,
Kathy
I'm so happy that you're feeling better; anti-depressants can work on so many levels. I think Tippy's good medicine, all on her own. She is such a cutey pie!
I just got back from Costco and Target. My roommate had called back to see if I would like her to pick up a sandwich for me, and I talked so much she told me to go ahead and do my shopping and fill my gas tank. She's not feeling well, and she said I was wearing her out just listening to me. Oops!
I had a good time chatting with the cashier at Target, the kids pumping gas at Costco, and the cashier inside Costco, too. :oD I hope I don't have people shushing me at the soccer games! Naw, people yell a lot there.
Only downside is my lower back is hurting badly; I think from the PT exercises I did yesterday. I'm using an ice pack now, and took a pain pill.
I put on a PILOTS temporary tattoo and my earrings I made with soccer-ball beads on them for tonight's games. I'll have a great time, pain or no!
Bunches of Hugs,
Kathy
Wow...sounds like you are just getting to be a going concern eh? I am so happy to hear the the Provigil is working and you are feeling so positive! I feel pretty much the same way on the anti-depressant but I am still incredibly tired although Tippy slept in until 8:30 this a.m. with no outings to pee in the middle of the night! Yee haa! She is really a living doll and I am soooo inlove! Anyway, I am really happy for you Kathy that things are looking up and I hope to hear more positive stuff in the near future for you!
Lots of Hugs,
Rena
Lots of Hugs,
Rena
I won't get the other Rx filled until I have no more Provigil; don't want to accidentally take the both and see what kind of side effects might happen!!!!
I fly south Wednesday, November 26 at 7am, and fly home on the 30th.
I just found out my roommate will drive me to the game, so there is no hurry to fill my gas tank. She'll even take me by my pharmacy on the way, so that changes my list! I guess I'll straighten up the townhouse and maybe try making some jewelry; I have one badge lanyard to make that I've already been paid for, so I need to get it done. I had sent a finished one to the lady that wanted it, and she liked it so much that she paid me for it and the next one that she ordered! Now if my hands don't shake too much...
be well,
Kathy
I fly south Wednesday, November 26 at 7am, and fly home on the 30th.
I just found out my roommate will drive me to the game, so there is no hurry to fill my gas tank. She'll even take me by my pharmacy on the way, so that changes my list! I guess I'll straighten up the townhouse and maybe try making some jewelry; I have one badge lanyard to make that I've already been paid for, so I need to get it done. I had sent a finished one to the lady that wanted it, and she liked it so much that she paid me for it and the next one that she ordered! Now if my hands don't shake too much...
be well,
Kathy
Have an Answer?
You are reading content posted in the Multiple Sclerosis Community
Top Neurology Answerers
Australia
ON
Queensland, Australia
Queen Creek, AZ
Find out how beta-blocker eye drops show promising results for acute migraine relief.
In this special Missouri Medicine report, doctors examine advances in diagnosis and treatment of this devastating and costly neurodegenerative disease.
Here are 12 simple – and fun! – ways to boost your brainpower.
Discover some of the causes of dizziness and how to treat it.
Discover the common causes of headaches and how to treat headache pain.
Two of the largest studies on Alzheimer’s have yielded new clues about the disease
