Saw neuro doc yesterday. He went through the MRI with me, slice by slice. Very patiently, explaining, pointing out interesting areas. Answered any questions I had. Brain bottom line: Nothing in my brain indicates any neurologic problems. It is normal in size and condition for a normal person my age. We pondered and guessed what might explain my physical symptoms. He checked my reflexes and strength again. Observed my walk. Took off and put back on my shoes and unmatched socks. Appreciated the story that goes with the socks. I like this guy.
I had complained of leg pain upon awakening in the night. He offered choices of drugs. I choose gabapentin because Jim used it, I tried it, and it made me drowsy. Jim’s were 300mg and the doc started with 100mg, maybe 2 a night. Took them last night and no leg pains.
EMG showed general body neuropathy. There is some wrist carpal tunnel and some elbow carpal tunnel, but they don’t bother me, except for thumb and wrist pain, and I can deal with that.
From what I have read, the neuropathy could contribute to weakness and balance, among other things. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/peripheral-neuropathy/symptoms-causes/syc-20352061
CAUSES OF BODY NEUROPATHY
Nutritional or vitamin imbalances, alcoholism, and exposure to toxins can damage nerves and cause neuropathy. Vitamin B12 deficiency and excess vitamin B6 are the best-known vitamin-related causes. Several medications have been shown to occasionally cause neuropathy.
So, I’m going on the assumption that this a consequence of my lifestyle in the past and what I am dealing with and will act accordingly.
I have been taking supplemental B6 and B12 and a multi for a while.
I prescribe: More of all these.
Weight lifting with hand weights. Thanks Chris.
Body weight exercise.
Walking walking walking.
Continuing to lose weight.
As the doctor said, keep on doing what you're doing, and we will review the gabapentin in 3 months.
NOW FOR THE COOL PART
The doctor noted on my history with IU doctors that I had taken ADDERALL at one time. So I explained, and we discussed the whole ’take it, no don’t take it’ thing. I asked him if he would prescribe it. He hesitated, saying IDK about prescribing ADDERALL to an 84yo * woman. I did my usual, What can happen?–which I very well know– and still would like to try it again. Offered to trade him gabapentin for Adderall. This is all a laughing, coaxing, trying to persuade, understood, back and forth.
Finally, he will think about it and we will talk more in three months. So that’s why I made another appointment. And the fact that at least I got Gabapentin to help me relax and doze, maybe. I really think I may be able to talk him into trying ADDERLL.
Of course, the fact that my B/P in the office was 195/90 didn’t help my case any. You can bet next appointment it will be on the low side. Smile.
*Google suggests (a) 84 yo woman. Jeez.
So Mel and I ate Ethiopian and had a wonderful rest of the day. My how we laughed.
When I was home sitting in my chair starting to read, I had this wonderful, relaxed, free feeling. Like a giant weight had been lifted. Like I can go on and live now and not worry anymore.
I had not realized how much this whole thing was dragging my spirit and psychological well-being down. I feel new, and capable.
Also, I found in my charges when and where I bought my last pair of shoes. They would be perfect except they are ½ size too long. I took them because they did not have my size, and I was desperate. I have worn them some, but the toe sticks out in front and I flap like one of those Disney characters. Pluto? Also, I stub the toe and trip unless I am very careful, so I avoid wearing them unless I need to look good, and then I drag my feet. Not conducive to improved walk or balance. And I figured, why waste big money on shoes with an uncertain future. But now, feck it. I’m spending the bucks on the shoes. AND, I paid 50 dollars to have my floors vacuumed and mopped and the bathroom cleaned. Feels wonderful. It’s like, suddenly, all the things that hung over me have been rendered powerless. God, what a relief.
PS: Feeling so good, I headed out to figure out how to walk to the local Chase bank and made it there and back. 2009 steps Kinda shaky at the end, but it will get better next week when I have my new shoes.
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