Hi, I'm glad it is useful to someone! Sometimes I feel like I might be too gruff or smt in what I say and perhaps it isn't helpful in the end. So thanks for that. Anyway, yes I did go see a neurologist, they sent me to some of the most bizarre tests ever, conduction tests that make your body work unwillingly. Took a biopsy from my hip, and sent me for evaluation from this really awesome physical therapy team. They are convinced I have peripheral neuropathy (so far they have been unable to find it but are absolutely convinced) which is somehow contributing to fibro, muscle loss, etc. I was rated 1 point off "crippled" (oswestry disability index) and they took that down 2 points but still "severely disabled." Those are a big 2 points though, thank God, cane to no cane! At the end of that therapy I was stocked with all kinds of helpful devices, best being the TENS, the second a Thera-cane, which is a shepherds hook shaped self-acupressure massager. I also have a full set of extremity braces. I also do Yoga and/or Tai Chi now to attempt to keep those 2 points gained. I also have a full collection of meds, Gabapentin, Duoloxetine, Buspirone, Trazodone, ointment diclofenac. I have since moved from the west coast, inland to find a more remote and theoretically peaceful place to live. Which I think it is overall but the healthcare quality and even availability is practically non-existent. Fortunately, I think once you have gotten that far, you have been firmly diagnosed by a team of specialists and it is mostly about management at this point. It also seems to be about all they can do for you. In the case of VA care, you are also at their medication limits as they do not prescribe opiates or anything like that. So, I am more or less now on my own and just have to follow all that advice. I was on MMJ at the beginning because I didn't know what was going on, was doctor phobic, and that was the big self help at the time. It is still part of my "personalized therapy" but less as it contributes to the fogginess during those times. Through acupuncture, the doc introduced me to Kwan Loong ointment, very menthol but does work topically, like a liquid Tiger Balm. I have also added an herb called kratom and am trying to step down on gabapentin as I think it is also contributing to the fogginess severity. To date, I have less overall body pains, contributes to a better mood, give a bit more mobility, and what seems like a lot of energy for short periods (1-2 hours). You have to do you own due diligence on this one as Kratom is somewhat controversial and even illegal in some places.
Sorry for the wall of words, lol. Short answer is yes and they did suggest things that have helped alleviate some pain, add stability, and access more care.
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well I wouldn't be happy with the dismissive attitude of your neurologist, when my symptoms were at their worst I went to hospital and the Dr there told me it was all in my head! years later the rhumie diagnosed me with fibro, people get stressed it doesn't usually make them have all these symptoms (though mine started after some really traumatising experiences) I think more needs to be looked into, blood tests, scans (a different neurologist preferably) vitamin checks as the muscle twitching could be vitamin deficiency (b types or magnesium, other) but it doesn't explain everything else going on, it needs a more thourogh investigation
