Re: Question for the Group
Deborah Capen (dcapen(AT)ivic.net)
Sat, 5 Apr 1997 14:35:51 -0800
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on Saturday, April 05, 1997 2:02 PM
Kara wrote:
> Hi!
>
> I posted last week about what to ask my neurologist when I see him on
> Monday. Thank you to all that replied--it helped me sort things out.
> The question I have now regards my health. I'm having problems
> breathing. My husband woke me up in the middle of the night because he
> said it sounded like I was suffocating to death. I don't have much pain
> when I breath but it doesn't seem like I'm getting enough air into my
> body. After the breathing problems developed, I suddenly lost the
> ability to swallow anything. It's been three days and I haven't been
> able to drink a thing. My lower back pain has gotten worse so I'm
> taking pain meds sub-lingually. Also, my left leg has become extremely
> weak, almost to the point of paralysis. I've called my neuro 3 times
> and his assistant called back and said it was anxiety and that I should
> see a psychiatrist!!!!! My mom got worried because I looked cyanotic
> and lethargic so she emergency paged him yesterday and he never called
> back. I don't think I'm having an attack but I'm scared and wondering
> if I need any steroids to reduce inflammation, if I have any. Or, since
> I'm new to this syndrome, does this happen often? Has anyone else had
> these symptoms? Hopefully I'm just overracting but if anyone has
> advice, I'd appreciate it.
>
> Thanks!
> Kara
>
I think you should find yourself another Neurologist. I am only an expert
of my own TM, but I know that if any doctor would ignore symptoms that to
me would be very frightening, I would be dropping him right away. You are
paying for his services, and for him to ignore you is unspeakable. You
could be having reactions to medications, or if it is anxiety, he could be
prescribing other medications to alleviate anxiety attacks, since they are
unhealthy for you. If you have a Neurological Trauma center near you, I
would advise going there.
Even if it is anxiety, your doctor should take time out of his schedule to
speak with you and reassure you. It doesn't sound as if you are being
reassured.
Also, if you haven't taken any liquids for three days, you could be
dehydrated. That does not help any medications you might be taking to
circulate through your system. Please let us know what is happening with
you, and please find another Neurologist, pronto!
Debbie