Second Opinion?

[wadeheather]

Hi, all.  I was wondering if you could give me some advice?  I saw a neurologist for chronic headaches in Aug, 2007. He did an MRI MRA with contrast because he was suspecting MS.  The MRI came back clean.  I later saw a different Neurologist that specializes in headaches.  He told me that I have NPDH, which basically means "we're really sorry you have horrible headaches every day for almost two years, but you are fine." About a year ago the headaches subsided, other than ones that are minor in comparison. Last fall I started getting the pins and needles in my legs and feet, which since has moved on to my arms, neck and back. They come and go.  I also have muscle twitches constantly. My on and off symptoms since fall have included facial and eye pain, extreme fatigue, cramping, insomnia, anxiety among others. I went to physical therapy for my arm/neck pain, with no avail. Currently the pins and needles feeling is so horrific I can barely stand it. I usually wake up with either my arm or leg "asleep" no matter how I sleep.  My hand cramps up horribly.  I have also recently developed and been diagnosed with Rosacea.
I saw a neurologist a couple of months ago that told me that my pain "filter" didn't work like everyone elses and that I just need to suck it up. He said he would do any tests I wanted but that he's sure they would be inconclusive.
I'm almost embarrased to talk to my GP about the developments, even though I adore her.

So, my question is do I "suck it up?" Or should I try talking to another doctor? I don't know if I can handle being told that "nothing" is wrong with me again.

[wadeheather]

Thanks.  Just needed the confidence I guess. I keep going through the - "I can handle it," "No I can't" phases over and over again. I have a friend that tells me that you have to be your own health advocate.  But that can be a lot harder than it sounds.  Especially in a small community like this one.

Thanks for listening.
H

[Lulu54]

Hi WH,
you have to be miserable with these symptoms and no one taking a serious look at them.  Chrisy is right - you should be outraged that a doctor told you to just tough it out.

It sounds like you have somehting neurological going on and you deserve some answers.  If its not MS, then what is it?  Don't let the medcial community off the hook until you get an answer.

Going back to your GP and talking this through with her sounds like an excellent re-starting point.  Don't stop looking for answers unless you can be content living with the symptoms that are plaguing you.

Stay in touch and let us know how we can help. We're in this with you,
Lulu

[goofysmom1]

Oh my, the doctor actually told you to "suck it up"?  Unbelieveable!  I wouldn't go back to a doctor who said that to me!

If you adore your GP - start there.  If she can't help you, then have her send you to someone who can.  If she is the one who referred you to the other doctors - tell her how they treated you.  

Definitely continue your search for answers - every person deserves to be heard and their health issues addressed.

Good Luck,
Chrisy