I have had TM since Jan. 13, 1997. Almost 3 months. I have always been
able to walk, Thank God, just having pain, skin hyper-sensitivity, my right
unaffected leg gives out alot. I am getting headaches again now, something
I have dealt with for about 15 years. I have Fiornal for them, but after my
mixing meds, like I spoke about in my last entry, I am very scared to cross
my meds again. I take my anti depressant (Serzone) first thing in the
morning and wait a couple hours before I will take the Tegretol. Same thing
at night. I haven't tried to fit a Fiornal into my day yet. Too much
medication!
I am thinking I should just go back to grinning and bearing it and get off
whatever medications I can...
Thanks.
Sandy K.
you wrote:
>Hi Sandy!
>
>I can give you info on Tegretol....at least as far as I'm concerned. I've
>had TM since '81 and have been on Tegretol and Klonopin for years.....not
>sure of exact date I started...but over 10 years!
>
>The combination of the two have been very successful for me. Without them, I
>have burning, pins and needles, tightness, hyper-sensitivity and also
>restlessness in my legs. The Tegretol definitely helps with the burning and
>pins and needles feeling. The Klonopin has helped me with the restlessness
>and tightness.
>
>I take Tegretol 200 mg. 4 times a day and Klonopin 1 mg. 2 times a day at
>present. I also take Imipramine (Tofranil-PM) 100 mg. at bedtime.....but not
>for depression...for nerve pain. Before I began the Tofranil, I was taking 4
>Klonopin daily.
>
>I cannot say they have taken away my pain....they have not. I have constant
>pain and numbness, but this combination of meds has made it *bearable.* The
>only side effect I've ever had is drowsiness. And that is very minimal now
>that I've been on them for so long.
>
>In 1988, I was in a pain clinic for a month, and they tried to wean me off
>the Tegretol and see what effect it had. It couldn't be done.....as once I
>was off it, I had extreme difficulty in even walking. My feel were also so
>hypersensitive that it was hard to even put them on the floor.
>
>I am not familiar with Serzone.
>
>I am not one that loves to take medication, believe me! But when these cards
>were dealt to me, I knew I had to find some way to make the effects bearable
>so that I could continue a somewhat normal life! My physicians tried many
>medications before they came up with this combination to try and it worked
>for me.
>
>How long have you had Transverse Myelitis, Sandy? Will be interested in
>hearing how you do on the medication and if it helps you. Keep in touch!
>
>Linda
>
>