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Originally Posted by Travelinglady
Alas, a p-doc prescribes drugs. That's what they do. As you know, if a doc can't find a physical reason for something, then he/she thinks it's a mental issue. I wish your doc would do more tests. Maybe you need to see another doctor and get a "second opinion!" 
I hope you feel better soon. Please realize you don't have to take the meds. There are plenty other doctors you can see. So, sleep, dear one.  |
Thank you, travelinglady. Echo/ stress test normal. I don't have asthma. Have had blood tests recently but maybe not since the weakness. What tests do you think I should have?
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Originally Posted by mostlylurking
No one can make you take a medication you don't want to, rainbow. Perhaps you could think of this as an information-gathering stage, before you decide what you would like to do? And you could do your own reading as well, about your symptoms. You are the one in charge.
Does the weakness feel like specific muscle weakness or does it feel like you might have to lay down or you will pass out? I used to have this second, whole-body weakness at times and it turned out I was hypothyroid, but the normal thyroid tests did not show this, I needed the whole panel of thyroid measures in order for us to see that.
If you take a statin drug you may also need to supplement with coQ10 to replace what the drug blocks, in order to not have muscle weakness. These are just my thoughts -- worth only what you paid for them! -- but I'm sure there is a lot to consider and no one should pressure you into any hurried decisions.
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No, it's not muscle weakness. More like faint but not exactly. My face flushes a little and I put my hand on my head. Usually it goes away in 5 or 10 minutes but it's scary. My pulse usually around 100 but blood pressure normal. I've taken gemfibrozil for years. Never had a problem.
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Originally Posted by atisketatasket
Did your doctor and therapist specifically suggest taking antidepressants? Because psychiatrists can also prescribe anti-anxiety medications. And anxiety can have a huge effect on physical health and increase the side-effects of other medications. |
No, but when I tried Zoloft I think it was supposed to be for both. It made me shaky and didn't help at all!
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Originally Posted by Rayne_
I don't think you are overreacting. Weakness is a common side effect of gabapentin.
I researched weakness extensively because i was weak for a long time. It turned out to be dangerously low blood pressure. Before that was identified, doctors kept trying to convince me to take antidepressants (which are the standard treatment for anxiety).
I've dealt with anxiety my whole life and know what's in my mind and body more than any doctor. People are arrogant to suggest otherwise.
Anyway, sometimes side effects flatten out and dissipate, so perhaps give it more time.
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Thank you! I'd like to take less gabapentin but then I'd have more nerve pain. Or maybe not. I don't take it during day and I can drive now, for short periods.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Rayne_
Hey be careful. When I had weakness I fell 5 times within a couple of months and got hurt. I'd be walking out of the gym and be taking a step and would totally lose my balance. It was bad.
If you walk outside, make sure you walk carefully, get your foot firm on the ground with each step. Take care.
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Thanks! That's why I won't take Gabapentin during the day.
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Originally Posted by Favorite Jeans
Well the job of a pdoc is not necessarily to prescribe but to evaluate to what extent mental illness is contributing to your symptoms. A good one will consider that this could well be medical illness or medication side effect or both or any combination of things along with some element of mental illness. So it's worth considering. You can ask if there's a pdoc in your area who is particularly knowledgeable about pain or chronic illness.
You are not obliged to follow through with their suggestions. They would just adding information and perspective. If you don't think much of them, you don't have to continue seeing them.
Is there a chronic pain excercise, aquafit or yoga class where you live? Or even art or cooking? It could be a non-drug way to help with things? When I was ill for a long period, I didn't get out as much and classes like that became a lifeline.
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My PT said no yoga. I tried going in the pool but the water hurt my legs. I'm not getting out because it's hard to sit in a car.
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Originally Posted by precaryous
You might tell your PCP you’d rather rule out other medical issues first. Have they ruled out heart, blood pressure, kidney and thyroid issues?
I was misdiagnosed for years until I asked for a chest X-ray which revealed my enlarged heart. You are wasting your time, money and energy on a psychiatrist/antidepressants until you’ve ruled out other possible health conditions.
Antidepressants are great for many people but not effective for me. I gave them a good try. I won’t take them and no apologies from me, either.
Good luck.
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Heart is normal. So is blood pressure. Had blood tests. Kidneys are fine. Thanks!
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Originally Posted by nextstep_butwhat
Not sure if it will help or not, but when I was first sent to my recent psychiatrist I was really hesitant about it since I know I won't do psychotropic drugs. Earlier in life I tried them and my experiences convinced me it wasn't for me.
But I went to the psychiatrist anyway, and to my surprise they applied very little pressure when it came to the medication topic. They actually thought it would be better to try other things before visiting the medication route. I had been fully expecting to walk in and get pills shoved in my face the whole time, but to this day it's still not been brought up again.
Maybe who you're being sent to will wind up being like that too?
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I think that's rare but I wish!!
Quote:
Originally Posted by Rayne_
You ask for a chest xray as advised by your allergist, and the response is that you should see a psychiatrist?
Have any of these doctors even considered gabapentin which has a common side effect of weakness?
Is this odd or am I from a different planet.
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Yes, they consider it but my PCP knows I'm anxious, and that I see a Therapist. She thinks they've ruled out physical part of it I guess.