Status
Not open for further replies.

keane

Active member
Joined
Jan 6, 2009
Messages
30
Reason
Learn about ALS
Country
US
State
IL
City
Washington
This probably doesn't occur very often, but I learned from a recent experience to question my neurologist about the possibility of my medications masking symptoms that could help in diagnosis. My neuro was aware that I have a severe degenerative joint disease and attend pain management therapy, plus he was aware of my medications. I take medicines such as (pardon the spelling) tinzanidine, skelaxin, ultram, lodine, sulfazine, and embril. Recently, on a business trip, I forgot one round of medications. In my hotel, I performed the range of motion exercises prescribed by my physical therapist. Shortly after, I experienced almost unbearable muscle cramp pain in my forearms and calves for hours. I have never experienced anything like this. Until recently, I was into powerlifting and have a gym in my basement. It's hard to imagine that wrist curls with one pound weights could cause so much pain. 6 months ago, I used 150 pounds.

During my previous neuro visits, I told him I was having only minor cramping and pain. When I called about this experience, he apologized and said he had not really considered the possibility. He was disheartened by the news.

I am scheduled to go to the Mayo clinic in two weeks. I would appreciate any recommedations regarding lodging in Rochester, MN, because I was told that I may need to be there over a week.
 
Keane,

Hopefully at the Mayo they take into account the different meds you are on (maybe a chat with a pharmacologist). My brother has begged my father to have a good clinical pharmacologist review all his meds, as once you hit the half dozen mark there is a lot of potential for interaction (he himself saw a number of possibilities). Its unfortunate that it seems like the medication may be hiding the intensity of certain symptoms (though I certainly don't want you to suffer).

Best of luck... I know there are a number of people who on the forum who have been to Rochester who will be able to help you out.

Take care,

Robert
 
Going to Mayo/Minn March 2

Hi Keane.

I was told I most likely have bulbar ALS - slurred speech and intermittent trouble swallowing for the last three months.

My husband and I will be at Mayo the first week of March for another opinion. We are staying at the Marriott Hotel. Mayo sent a packet of info and their was a lodging brochure in the packet. Maybe we'll see you there!

Vicki
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top