I finally got up the courage to call my former Rheumy and ask about xrays he did on my back in regards to tremors in my legs. Well, supposedly the xrays are fine, which cannot be the case since previous ones showed OA in the lower lumbar and I have the films and you can see something quite obvious there.
But the disconcerting part is that the Rheumy says now that that wouldn't have anything to do with the tremors and I need to see a neurologist.
I'm like Linda, worried about possible MS. There are days I have no tremors and others that they last for hours, making it impossible to walk. So, if you examine one day, I'll be just fine. Another, I'm in terrible shape. I've also been reading the posts about the Uvetis and that's been a symptom for a long time as well as tremors and loss of function in the hands.
I know that Linda's doctor told her that it might be the FM that was causing the problem. I suspect that's a possibility although I have cervical spine problems too.
I get really confused about all this. I don't want to see another doctor. Somebody make me do this.
Hi there Ms. Deanna!!
Young lady, when Monday morning rolls around, you better be on the phone setting up an appointment with a Neurologist!!! Peace of mind is everything, and IF there is another problem, well it is best to be aware of it. I know that you are up to your ears in drs., but what the heck, whats one more?????
Honey, I hope you will be feeling better soon
Trisha You GOTTA Go...... You might just feel lots better after the dr. sees you. He will be able to put your mind at ease. All this upset, worring about what it is, will not help you. Too much stress. Girl, you have enough on your shoulders as it is, so,please go & get this checked out SOON!! Trisha Deanna, If you know the Enemy, you can take steps to do battle with it. I agree with Trisha - make that appt. Monday morning first thing! ((hugs)) I know. I know. I have to do this. But I guess I must be really avoiding this. I had the xrays done back in the first part of Aug. I don't understand why he did the xrays because my complaint was muscle weakness and severe tremors. It took me until this week to finally call for the results. Supposedly they are fine, which can't be. I can see a mass on one of the joints myself and know I have OA there. I don't think it goes away on it's own. Of course, they are saying the same kind of thing with my knees. But now he's acting like there was no reason to do the xrays. So, why did he do them? So I could have another large bill? I was tested for MS during my first year with this. They did a MRI of my brain, which I gladly exhibit as proof that contary to popular opion, I do have one. That was fine. The nerve conduction tests were fine. All the problems turned out to be my knees. They did not do a MRI of the spine. I didn't even know that was one of the tests. Fast forward six years, problems in the spine, problems in all major joints, RA not under control, FM not under control and then these stupid tremors. Problems walking, problems with balance, severe headaches, loss of fine motor skills -- maybe there's a problem. And the last week, I really haven't had any tremors. Standing, walking and swimming seem -- any real physical activity seems to trigger them. And, always at night. I got all new doctors. I don't know if they will believe me, especially when I walk fine in the mornings and cannot produce the tremors for them. Heh, I look fine. I hate new doctors. But then, I don't think that the treatment from my Rheumy this last year has been up to par. Right now, I'm not experiencing the symptoms. Rewind one week, and yes, I was. I guess I am afraid of going and not being believed. Or, just being given another referral to a doctor that I will have to wait months to see. I am just so, so tired of doctors. They never have good news. It might not be the worse news, but there's always been something wrong that's not cool. Denial is a good place to live. Really, it is. There are pretty flowers on the wall, deep, lush carpets. Caviar is brought in by the pound served by handsome waiters that'll give a quick, almost seductive wink. And, I feel great. There's even a big sign that says, "All doctors shot on sight." No, I have to do this. I know. I'm just scared. Deanna, Sweetie, I know how you feel about doctors, but this is really important. I understand, it sometimes feels like your entire social life consists of seeing doctors. In fact, I said that to my wonderful PCP, who I've been seeing for 12 years, and he said " I guess we'd better become a lot more entertaining" and laughed. Anyway, have they mentioned the possibility of neuropathy? It can take on many forms. But a neurologist is a must for a diagnosis for what you are describing. My neurologist is also my pain specialist and I see her every 2 months. Sometimes it seems as though every time they test you for something, they find something totally unrelated, that requires even more testing, doesn't it? And it goes on and on. But even though your tests may have been negative for something in the past, that could change over the years. I learned this the hard way. Please call Monday and get in to see a Neurologist, ok? You can see how many of us care about you, and how important you are to us. Gentle hugs and Blessings, Nini Do I have to drive my mangled car to you and drag you into a neurologist's office? You can't fight an unknown enemy. Hang in there, Make the call as though you are calling for your dear friend deanna, who is afraid to make the call herself. You'd do that for her wouldn't you? I know you are all right. Which is why I came here. I knew you would push me. Ususally, I'm not so bad about this stuff. But I've had months of bad news and I guess I'm just worn out from it. Okay, chin up. I'll make the call on Monday. I have MS. I have RA. Cervical spine MRI is important to MS diagnosis. The neuro should order one. Now I want to tell you none of this is life-threatening. You'd be amazed how normal I appear, now that all the tests are done, diagnoses made and meds prescribed. Strangers look at me and think I'm Miss Healthy. But I understand, for sure, your dread of yet another doctor or test or whatever. But imagine the relief you'll feel when you know what the heck is going on. I swear, the worst of it was not what I'd find out it was. Rather, it was the time prior to that--not knowing. It made me nuts. Whatever it is, there's probably a therapy or med out there for it. Won't it be nice when you you realize you haven't had a tremor for a long time? Think positive.
I hope by now you are planning to call for an appointment with the neurologist. The tests are not painful and can hopefully clear up some questions. Your symptoms sound an awlful lot like mine, and my MRIs turned out to be OK. Fibro can cause a lot of weird muscle problems and maybe that is the cause, but why not make sure. I went all week without any abdominal pain and then of course now it's bothering me again. The neurologist wants to refer me to an abdominal specialist, although I think it's probably either diverticulitis, or fibro. You'll feel a lot better mentally if you go through with this. Have you found a decent primary care doc? Maybe the pcp could do the initial tests for MS and other neuro conds and then help you see a neuro specialist if anything turns up. I was a good girl and made the appointment with my PCP for Wednesday morning. I might whine, but I always face up to this stuff. I'm going really push for them to try something for my shoulder too. Thank you all for pushing me over the edge, though. This time I needed a little help.
Just kidding a little!
MS is one of the first things I was tested for about five years ago, because of the neuropathy in my upper extremities. There is also a family history of it.
Please, call for the appt!! :)
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