Update on Spasm

[HVAC]

I have done a ton of research. My husband works at a health library. As usual I have something so weird Doctors do not know what to do. Basically a read case after case of folks going to the ER  with exactly the same symptoms and they could not really do much. At least I now have medicine to take the next time.

Well I am going horseback riding tomorrow. I miss Clara.

Alex

[Guitar_grrrl]

Alex,

Glad you were able to ride a little.  

Hopefully you will be able to monitor yourself and do what you need to do.  It doesn't sound like the medical establishment is going to be of much help...

Cheers,
Lisa

[rendean]

Alex,

I'm glad you got to ride and I very glad you found a solution to the spasms!! Two pluses n one day!!

Ren

[HVAC]

Lulu I got the Medicine  called in last Saturday when I called my Doctor after getting of the phone with Ren. My Doctor did not want to see me to follow up she just called in the script. The first time in November she was really too busy for me as was my Neurologist. After I kept pushing in November she sent me to a Cardiologist and she did blood work which found the thyroid. She insists it is something for my Neurologist. My Neurologist is booked through 2011 and his secretary never calls me back when I tell him whats going on.  I see his PA in a few weeks for my six month check up.

The ER would be a waste of time. I have looked at all these case studies of others with my symptoms and the ER was useless. I under my insurance would have to pay the whole ER bill up to $7300 and ambulance is not covered at all. If I had a clue what an ER bill would be I might consider it. The problem is the unknown. I have not been to an ER since 1988 and have only gone three times in my whole life.

I got a blood pressure monitor and a pulse oxometer and I have a stethoscope. I worked at a Veterinary Emergency Hospital and triaged. If I go into a full attack I will videotape it and take all my vitals.

Alex

[Lulu54]

Alex, have I missed a segment of this story?  Did you go to the ER and get this medicine or some place else?  I'm so glad it seemed to stop the attack.  Here's hoping it continues to work for you.  - Lulu

[HVAC]

Started to have another attack and took half a pill. I did not go into spasm so I guess it works. A half a pill knocks me on my rear.

[HVAC]

My ride was very cold. I road outside for an hour. I was in better shape than last week before the spasm. I did not push it. I trotted a little. I took pity on the instructor's daughter who was sitting out with me freezing. I will have to buy her her favorite pretzels for going beyond the call of duty.

I do not know if the medication will help I have not used it. On Ren's suggestion I asked for a fast acting tranquillizer that dissolves on your tongue.

The attack is not scary it just hurts unbelievably and then I am messed up for a week.

Alex

[essdipity]

I'm sure it's very frustrating for you that the medical establishment doesn't seem interested in this phenomenon. But at least you are learning on your own, and that gives you a measure of power over it. You are very resourceful, so if you keep plugging at it you are likely to find out more.

And at least you have found some triggers, so maybe you can keep the attacks to a minimum. What medication helps? Sometimes if you work backwards from the meds you can start to pin down the possible causes.

Hope your ride is fun. But isn't it freezing there? Brrr, it's 18 here!

ess

[Sarahsmom46]

Alex, you are a super-sleuth.  I think you are on to something here and the research you did is paying off.  You are making amazing connections. How you found a way to address the spasms if/when it happens again is also remarkable.  

This is very interesting information and I hope you keep us updated on how you are doing and if the new approach to handling it works next time.  These spasms would scare anyone who has them and knowing how to manage yet another symptom, MS or not, is valuable information.

Have fun with Miss Clara today.  Wish I could go riding with you.  

Julie

[HVAC]

Julie,
  It is probably somewhat MS related because of the nerves. It is often found in Marathon Runners. Now that I look back all the days I was really exerting and may be dehydrated so I can control that part. People go to the ER but most times it  has stopped by the time they are seen and the ER shakes their heads. They give them something to relax and for pain.

All the people describe it the same way. Spasms sometimes for minutes, sometimes hours, sweating like crazy, turning white, incredible pain, having trouble breathing, not being able to comfortable in any position. They all describe having after effects for days, some damage to connective tissue.

One guy said he had a bad fall in his youth. It may be related to the fall I had doing HVAC. I was working on a unit in a drug store up in the rafters, I had to crawl on my knees rafter to rafter under this unit and I lost my balance (probably the MS) and fell head first through the ceiling 10 feet on to a tile bathroom floor. The rafters were narrow and slowed my fall but I messed up my shoulder, broke my collarbone and my ribs.

I may be I have had this weakness and with the added MS weakness this thing gets set off. My guess is as good as any since I am the only one trying to solve this mystery.

Talley Ho Alex

[rendean]

I'm glad you feel well enough to go riding!!!! Since heat doesn't bother you,perhaps you could apply some warmth to the trouble areas to prevent spasms.
Cold will cause muscle contraction and is good for pain control if it escaltes tthat far....but this time it won't. You've earned some pleasure and Clara is just the ticket to that pleasure. Enjoy!

Ren

[Sarahsmom46]

So, it sounds like you are a medical mystery.  

Do you think this is something seperate from MS?  And you said you found a medicine that helps?  

There are times when not knowing what to call the problem, when it is not obvious, becomes less important than having a way to handle the symptoms.  I bet if you keep plugging away you will find the answers that these doctors aren't finding.  

Have a good ride with Clara Bell tomorrow.  

Julie