Update from MD appt #1

Hi everyone,
Just an update for any of you interested.  I saw the gastroenterologist today (he's the same doc that did my colonoscopies and endoscopies, so he knows me pretty well!)  He knew my history and had copies of all the CT scans, etc.  He thinks I've had enough testing to last me a lifetime and didn't want to do any more testing as he felt the only thing left to do was to "cut me open" and look inside and he didn't feel that was needed.  So.........he thinks that, due to the weight loss, I have a pinched nerve in my abdominal wall. (He's hoping it's not coming from my back.)  He's put me on a new type of med that I take only at night which is for neuropathic pain.  I have to call him in two weeks and let him know if it's helping or not....either way, he wants a call.  If it's not helping, they will double the doseage.  If it is helping, we're gonna see how it goes.  He's hoping this will work. SO AM I!!!!!!!!!!!

So, I start this new med tonight.  I'm not expecting overnight relief, but I sure hope I see SOME change for the better before I have to call him in 2 weeks!   I just want my life back! 

Anyways........there's the update!  I go see my PCP tomorrow for my physical.  I HATE physicals!  lol  At least we won't have to have the talk about losing weight this year!  haha   This year, she'll be harping on me about the mammogram, I'm sure!

Thank you ALL for your support!  I really appreciate it!
Hugs and peace!
Ruth

well, at least they are trying something different.  I have a few questions.  if you only take the med at night, what happends if you have pain during the day?  Second, do they expect you to take this med for life?  can they fix the pinched nerve?  SOund like its is a good place to start and someone is finally doing something about all your pain.  I'm happy and pray this will be the beginning of the end for all the "BULL" you've been putting up with.  I"m sorry you've had to go this long dealing with this.  best of luck.  thanks for sharing with us.

This med isn't really for the pain.  It's more of an anti-inflammatory for the nerve (but it IS safe for me to take, I called Dr L's office and spoke to Michael, the PA to be sure).  I think, if it works, I'll be on it for a while and then they'll probably try to get me back off of it once the pain goes away, but we didn't talk about the future yet.  I have to see if it works first.  I'm hoping this is the beginning of the end of this pain!  
Thanks for your good wishes!

I sure hope this medicine helps you. You've been through enough!

Goodness sakes! I sure hope for you that this works. It has been going on far too long!

Well I hope this new med will help you out some.  Good luck on your physical.  Have a great day.

Ruth,

I had a pinched nerve in my neck several years back and tried everything from drugs to PT to chiropractic. Finally saw a neurologist who made me where a custom neck brace 24/7. After 5 months in that stupid thing without any relief, someone mentioned acupuncture and I figured I had nothing to lose. 1 visit a week for three weeks and I was completely cured. Never came back. My insurance didn't cover it, but I was so desparate, I didn't care and so I went for it. When I relaized it was gone, I balled like a baby I was so relieved. It might be worth a try...Will keep you in my prayers...