Hi all,
The current medications that I am taking were prescribed over time to deal with the symptoms that I have developed over the past four years. As most of you know the Baclofen is for the muscle rigidity and the Quinine Sulfate is for the muscle cramps. I agree that 80MG is a lot, but I am trying to put off using the Baclofen pump for as long as I can. My rigidity is severe enough that it has affected my ability to walk, move and sleep. The Baclofen allows me to walk without shuffling my feet ,so that I am not constantly tripping on stairs and toe tripping, especially on carpet. The Lyrica and Chlonazepam were prescribed to help with my involuntary muscle movements, which usually occur at night. Sometimes, my legs and arms have a mind of their own and move about. The Lunesta was prescibed to help me try and sleep, although the rigidity gets so severe at night , I wake up because I can feel the pressure placed on my spine. The pressure sometimes results in pain that warrants using the Hydrocodone for relief. I also frequently recieve trigger point injections in the spine at the local pain clinic to help relax the soft muscle tissue around my spine that contracts and spasms. My local neurologist is starting me on Sinemet to help with my slowness of movement and to also combat my rigidity.
I have been seen by neurologists at Mayo Clinic, but their opinion is that I have a neurological condition yet to be determined. Emg's have so far been inconclusive and since I have not exibited any atrophy, they are reluctant to put a name on my condition. My opinion is they are holding out making a diagnosis, until they are sure that I don't develop Lower Motor Neuron signs. My local neurologist has talked to me about the possibilty of me having PLS. I also currently take an antidepressant to help me deal with the frustration. Changes are starting to happen, more muscle twitching, increased lack of cordination in my hands and recently I have developed a hoarse voice. Time will tell.