I don’t know if startling is the most appropriate word, but the line is straight out of a medical show.
It’s my arm.
I stopped the Neurontin trial on Tuesday because of the worsening neck
My arm is definitely lifeless-like, similar to the doll.
symptoms and the possible correlation. Beginning on Tuesday, I am getting dizzy every day around 2:45pm. I thought that stopping the Neurontin might help. I think I was wrong.
I feel like a rag doll that two children are fighting over – one pulling my left leg, the other pulling my right arm. Ouch!
My right arm is weak, painful, and limited – almost they way my left leg is and has been for some time. With my arm, my range of motion is limited. It feels slightly better when I rest it…lie it flat on my bed as I lie down. My grasp is limited. My shoulder hurts. I do not recall having these symptoms before.
Just this evening I discovered I get the most relief from a double dose of Valium. Ibuprofen does not appear to help and the Darvocet helps me sleep. I doubt Valium is a long term answer, so I will look to Dr. PCP and my upcoming appointment with Neurologist #4. As usual, my biggest concerns are how I will function to work and, in general, live.
In my mind, I keep going back to an anonymous post over at Ask an MD. The Anonymous poster said their doc said, “”[your symptoms] will either go away, stay the same, or get worse. And sometimes it needs to get worse for us to figure it out, but you won’t die before then.” Knowing my upcoming appointment with Neurologist #4, I hope this worsening of symptoms sticks around long enough for him to evaluate and figure it out.
Did I tell you much about Neurologist #4?
He’s internationally recognized for his work with neuroimmunologic diseases. He’s very selective with his patients and somehow I’m getting in on Feb. 17. I’ve asked Dr. PCP to accompany on the appointment and I am hoping, hoping, hoping that she will.
Though I’m not unfamiliar with the neurological exam, I found a great resource from the University Of Utah. Full of info and videos.
I’m right-handed so this whole blogging thing with a bum right arm isn’t working too well.
Until next time…. I always enjoy your comments and wish you well.
Filed under: Uncategorized Tagged: | arm weakness, Ask an MD, leg weakness, neurological exam, undiagnosed chronic illness
Oh my goodness, that sounds scary!! I didn’t do well on a Neurontin trial either, but for me it was just feeling like I wasn’t ever quite awake and increased dizziness. This is MUCH worse. *hughughug* So sorry you’re going through this — it’s pretty much the last thing you need.
I, too, keep hoping that my latest development of scary-to-me symptoms will be just exactly what they need to figure out what’s wrong with me and how to treat it. I hope this new neuro has some answers, or at least good ideas to pursue, for you.
I see rheumy #3 on Feb. 9. He’s not as prominent as your new neuro, but he too kept me hanging for weeks while he looked at my records and decided whether to accept me as a patient. I’m keeping my fingers crossed … for BOTH of us!
Hang in there …
Aw, man, that sucks. As for typing (your blog because that’s what I care about!
jk) what operating system do you use? If you’re on Windows 7, I can help you set up to dictate your text. Also, you could look into buying Dragon Naturally Speaking. It kicks ass. Got my email?
I do… I want to learn more! Thanks, Laura!
http://windows7news.com/2009/09/18/how-to-use-speech-recognition-with-windows-7/
If you run into problems setting up, let me know. I don’t know if you have a microphone…I’m not sure it needs “a very good microphone” to be functional. A decent one is probably sufficient. I use my husband’s skype headset (good price too I think):
http://shop.skype.com/headsets/usb/iss-talk-5115-everyman/
oops, not sure if Dragon is up to Windows 7 yet. I think they’re releasing a new version or a patch or something. I’d go with Windows’ built in dictation/speech recognition for now. If you like it and want more, you can look into Dragon.