nothing important, just whining really

[doublevision1]

Today I heard back from the MS clinic nurse about the neuropathic pain in my left hand.  She said she talked to my neuro about my inquiry into a change of meds from Neurontin to possibly Lyrica, or at least, to add a boost of amitriptyline at night to my current treatment.  She said he wants to take a conservative approach and not make a quick change, given the side effects of those other meds.  Then she asked how much Neurontin I was on and for how long.  SIGH.  I reminded her I'm on the max dose (3600mg /day) for about a month now.  This was all in my email, which apparently she did not have on hand when discussing my case with him.  So she said she will talk to him again, that might change his mind, but then again it might not. I reiterated the increasing impact this is having on my functioning incl. my attempt to return to work.  SIGH.  

Then she again suggested hand exercises from a PT, which I said I'd be willing to try, but asked how does it help when the damge is in my spine.  She said it might help with the stiffness in my hand.  SIGH.  I reminded her my hand is not stiff; it just *feels* like it is.  She then conceded if it's purely neuropathic and not muscular, PT might not help but encouraged me to try anyway.   Fair enough.

Called the PT clinic, said I needed to see a PHYSIOtherapist.  Got in at 3:15 today.  Wow, that was fast.  So I do the 10 min walk to the clinic; report to the desk, say Hi, I have a 3:15 appt for physio, am told, No you don't, not today, there's no PT here today.  So I ask, Well then, why was I scheduled to see her today?  Answer: You weren't, you must be in the wrong place, there's another clinic down the street.  I say Nooooo, this is the right place.  Then they check and tell me that I booked an appt for a MASSAGE.  I said, Noooooooo, I don't need a massage, I need physio, that's what I called about.  She was then all apologies and booked me to return on Thursday.  SIGH.  Oh well.  Everyone makes mistakes, I'm not going to have a meltdown on the poor frazzled girl.

Then I get home and run to pick up the ringing phone; it's a national opinion survey; I start to tell her it's not a good time but she's welcome to call later, when I hear her let out a huge SIGH (like the ones I've been doing all day) and SHE slams the phone down on ME!  I had to laugh out loud at that.

Oh, my NERVES!  (nice double entendre, don't you think?)

Anywat, I just needed to get all that of my chest so that I can resist the urge to go BLAH, BLAH, BLAH about it when my poor overworked husband walks in the door!


On the upside at least I had a shower, got out of the house, and had a bit of exercise; three things that probably wouldn't have otherwise happened today.  It's a warm breezy day outside and the flowers and fresh cut grass smells great.  Gotta look for the silver lining.

DB

ps: I'll let you know how my ACTUAL PT appt goes on Thursday!

[Rena705]

Gee...that dr. office sounds a lot like the one I used to go to...tee hee!

Can I come to Boston with you?  I am very anxious to hear what the doctor there has to say and I hope you get better answers than what you are getting here!  Best of luck honey!

Rena

[doublevision1]

.....and another thing!

When I asked the nurse about what she and/or the neuro thinks of niacin supplementation (100mg x 3 times daily) she reiterated that my neuro does not want to introduce anything new to my treatment plan at this time.  

But, I ask.....what does he/she think of it, IN GENERAL, to treat neuropathic pain???

Can't get a straight answer....but of course.

I think all my questions are starting to get on her nerves!


BTW I jumped the gun (shhhhhhh!) and took one 100mg tablet of niacin on Saturday (yes I already went ahead and bought them) and got the wickedest niacin FLUSH almost instantly after taking it.  I had read about it so didn't panic.  I went bright red like a lobster, and my skin was HOT.  I felt mildly nauseated so laid down and slept it off.  When I awoke 90 mins later it was gone, but my cheeks were pink all day.  I don't think I'll try it again till I can discuss it with my neuro, or with the doc I will be seeing in Boston in a few weeks.


Is anyone else here taking niacin for pain, and have you had that flush?  It is freaky.  I might need to start a new thread for this one.  I'm really digressing now.

[doublevision1]

Now how dimwitted am I?  Until you said that, It never even occurred to me to just take the massage anyway.  It's covered by my Blue Cross for Pete's sake, which by the way I've had for 11 years (incls. 100% for massage therapy up to $1000/year) and have NEVER used it.  

I'll blame my stupidity on my misfiring neurons.


I DO wonder if anyone gets anything right.  I feel like I have to repeat myself and clarify endlessly to ensure they get the facts straight.  My neuro and GP listen well, but not so much with everyone else it seems.  I guess they are the ones that really matter.  If it weren't for all those darn gatekeepers getting in the way.

Blah blah blah!

[Quixotic1]

SIGH!!!....................

It really would have been nice if she had had the fax.  I always ask them to locate the fax or the letter and call me back when he's read it.  Sheeeeesh!

....tho a massage might have been nice....

Do you ever wonder if anybody gets ANYTHING right sometimes??  

And Blah, Blah, Blah back so you feel you've had a real conversation with someone.

We're having perfect PNW weather here with sun and a day in the 70's.  The windows are all open, the house is cool and I'm content enough to sing along with elevator music.

Peace to all but telemarketers.

Quix