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Neuropsycologist
Hi all! I went back to visit my neuro for a follow-up. This is the first time I've seen her since my gastroparesis dx and also since the neurosurgeon said NO to my disc bulge causing my symptoms. She still disagrees and feels that my spinal cord is being pushed upon enough to cause tinglings, etc., but respects the surgeons' opinions.
I told her that my cognitive/concentration issues are really getting to me. I hope you all don't think I am a total sell out, but I asked if it is possible that stress is causing this. I am under some enormous stress right now and these issues have gotten worse. I just don't feel like myself anymore. she asked what she could do to get me to take the meds and I told her that I just need to know that if I admit I am stressed out that all my symptoms will not immediately get written off as stress or depression. She agreed and is sending me to a neuropsycologist for some testing to find out of these probs are stress related or something else. In the meantime, she prescribed Pristiq (an anti dpresseant that they also use to treat headaches-bonus!). She wants to see how that goes and then we will readdress the tingling, numbness in a month.
has anyone else seen a neuropsycologist?? I would love to know what to expect.
Kristin
I told her that my cognitive/concentration issues are really getting to me. I hope you all don't think I am a total sell out, but I asked if it is possible that stress is causing this. I am under some enormous stress right now and these issues have gotten worse. I just don't feel like myself anymore. she asked what she could do to get me to take the meds and I told her that I just need to know that if I admit I am stressed out that all my symptoms will not immediately get written off as stress or depression. She agreed and is sending me to a neuropsycologist for some testing to find out of these probs are stress related or something else. In the meantime, she prescribed Pristiq (an anti dpresseant that they also use to treat headaches-bonus!). She wants to see how that goes and then we will readdress the tingling, numbness in a month.
has anyone else seen a neuropsycologist?? I would love to know what to expect.
Kristin
Thanks guys! Sam-I don't think stress does cause tingling, etc., but it could be causing my cognitive issues. So, I've decided to comply and just see. Who knows, at least we can ruleit out if my issues remain. That being said, I am super stressed and going through a lot right now so the meds may be something I need even if it's not causing my symptoms. I'm going through marital issues and other things on top of my illness and it's just become far too much for me to handle on my own.
So far I am doing well with the pristiq, but I had to change the time of day I take it because it was making me not be able to sleep. So far, my concentration and focus already seem better! We shall see.....
So far I am doing well with the pristiq, but I had to change the time of day I take it because it was making me not be able to sleep. So far, my concentration and focus already seem better! We shall see.....
Hi Kristin
It sounds like you're ruling out everything you possibly can, and your neuro sounds like she's willing to deal with you reasonably.
My tuppenceworth is 'define stress'? Tell me the mechanics of how 'stress' physically produces e.g. blindness, weak limbs, tingling, cognitive problems, numb bits and bobs....!!
Having said that, I saw a neuropsychologist who was great: very highly experienced and very thorough. I paid through the nose because the NHS were doing nothing. Because the neuropsych a) was private and b) came up with real causes for my sx the NHS ignored her report completely and dismissed my signs and sx as 'functional'.
Beware that weasel word. It's doctors' code for anything from stress to psychosomatic to malingering.
I don't know how these things work in the US, but I found it very interesting - the tests were straightforward as far as I know, and it was a good experience. Basically, they test all aspects of your mental functioning: short term and working memory, word search, problem solving, reasoning, interpretation, and a load of other things which you can find on the web (google something like 'neuropsychological evaluation'). I relaxed and approached it as a fun, learning experience and did my best. It's by far the nicest encounter with a professional in terms of tests that I've had so far!
BTW - my scans have subsequently shown that my sx were physically caused and were/are NOT functional = the doctors I had were just too lazy or something to do the right tests. So that's why I always take doctors' pronouncements with a big pinch of salt these days and always insist that my questions are answered satisfactorily..
hugs
samxxx
It sounds like you're ruling out everything you possibly can, and your neuro sounds like she's willing to deal with you reasonably.
My tuppenceworth is 'define stress'? Tell me the mechanics of how 'stress' physically produces e.g. blindness, weak limbs, tingling, cognitive problems, numb bits and bobs....!!
Having said that, I saw a neuropsychologist who was great: very highly experienced and very thorough. I paid through the nose because the NHS were doing nothing. Because the neuropsych a) was private and b) came up with real causes for my sx the NHS ignored her report completely and dismissed my signs and sx as 'functional'.
Beware that weasel word. It's doctors' code for anything from stress to psychosomatic to malingering.
I don't know how these things work in the US, but I found it very interesting - the tests were straightforward as far as I know, and it was a good experience. Basically, they test all aspects of your mental functioning: short term and working memory, word search, problem solving, reasoning, interpretation, and a load of other things which you can find on the web (google something like 'neuropsychological evaluation'). I relaxed and approached it as a fun, learning experience and did my best. It's by far the nicest encounter with a professional in terms of tests that I've had so far!
BTW - my scans have subsequently shown that my sx were physically caused and were/are NOT functional = the doctors I had were just too lazy or something to do the right tests. So that's why I always take doctors' pronouncements with a big pinch of salt these days and always insist that my questions are answered satisfactorily..
hugs
samxxx
Hi-
Glad to hear your appointment went well, overall. I have never had neuropsychological testing but it was mentioned to me last appt. that my doc wanted to do some neuropsych tests..I still don't know what it means so I guess I am no help but I am sure someone will come along with some answers for you....
I have sen the commercial for Pristiq..I hope it helps you...at least she agreed not to label you or right you off..
Jibs
Glad to hear your appointment went well, overall. I have never had neuropsychological testing but it was mentioned to me last appt. that my doc wanted to do some neuropsych tests..I still don't know what it means so I guess I am no help but I am sure someone will come along with some answers for you....
I have sen the commercial for Pristiq..I hope it helps you...at least she agreed not to label you or right you off..
Jibs
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