MS related. Should I go to the doc?

[Jux]

I've got this mighty pain in my arm, such that there are days when I can hardly move it and it is severely restrictive. I'm OK as long as I have the arm from elbow to shoulder nestled into my side and only move my forearm. This is my right arm and I'm right handed. I know this is ms. It has been coming on since Xmas and has become severe in the last 6wks/2months.

I can't see the point in going to the GP as I don't think he can do anything, but dh has been nagging and nagging and nagging, is convinced I need physio etc etc etc, and I capitulated yesterday and made an appt to see my GP.

Does anyone know if there's anything he can do? Any point in going?

These things usually pass after a while, or I find a way around whatever it is. Sure the pains come back, periodically etc, but is there anything anyone can actually do? As far as I know, you just have to grin and bear it.

[Erebus]

Have you been diagnosed with MS? Sorry, it's not clear what you mean by 'I know this is MS'.

IMO you might be able to get help and hopefully relief via visiting a Dr. but if you already have a clear diagnosis, do you have an neurologist or special clinic you can attend for advice?

[Jux]

Sorry, yes I was dx 8 or 9 years ago. I have a neurologist, but I've had my annual audience with him this year and am not due another until Feb next year.

There isn't a clinic I can either go to or contact on these sort of occasions. Usually, I just get extra pain/new pain, I adjust. This will be accompanied by greater fatique, more headaches, more migraines. I'll sleep more. Eventually, I'll get used to additional pain or it'll decrease, I'll need less sleep, have fewer headaches and migraines and that's that.

I have pills for nerve pain, fatigue and other stuff. None of them are 100% effective. That's why I'm really wondering if there's any point. I thought maybe someone knew of a new treatment or something (steroids? I know nothing about steroids except when my eyes are affected) which my doc would dispense and lo! arm under control again!

[poppyknot]

Sorry no real advice but lots of sympathy and virtual rubs. I take Baclofen for spasm and cramps and this seems to ease intense pain. I was only prescribed it recently but to does seem to ease general pain of things.

Hope you find a remedy.

Have you tried this site?

www.msrc.co.uk/index.cfm

Hugs and best wishes.

[Jux]

Thank you poppy knot. That link is really interesting. I have only had time to skim it. It's interesting that the UK has about the worst record in Europe for the treatment of ms (random fact I heard recently).

Baclofen sounds good. I don't really get spasms, I don't think. I've thrown the odd spoon or loo roll across the room unexpectedly, once in a while

I shall ask my gp about it - am seeing him next Friday. Mind you, it only took me 5 years to persuade them to give me modafinil!

[Erebus]

Yes, I'd agree that the NHS isn't 'good' with MS.

I hope the site helps, and is there any point in getting a more responsive GP? Sorry if it's asking granny to suck eggs!

I don't have MS as such (I have- are you ready?- 'Benign Sensory MS'!) but I am aware of the gaps in help available having, like you, done some research!

Hope you get some help!

[Jux]

Mind you, I shouldn't think the NHS has much of a chance at being 'good' with much these days. Understaffed, overworked, under resourced etc.

My GP does his best, but bows to the greater knowledge of my neurologist, which is fair enough. He's fantastic about things you can reasonably expect a GP to be fantastic about.

[Jux]

Benign sensory ms? This is a variant of which I have not heard!

I was told, when I was dx, that I had had benign ms for the last 11 years. As far as I could tell that meant I had no symptoms. Erebus, I am not making light of your condition, but WTF?!!!