imconcerned
11-16-2001, 12:41 AM
Hello. I'm starting here because I'm not sure where the best place is to start. I've got a laundry list of symptoms that I'd appreciate any insights on.
My neurological "issues" started about 16 months ago. Initially they included muscle twitching in my feet and a "creepy" sensation (I can't really describe it other than that) in the lower portion of my legs.
After about a month of that, I developed roving twitches in addition to those already in my feet. (The "creepy" sensation comes and goes at this point). I expressed concern to my doctor and he had me take an EMG test (the one where they hook you up to electrodes, shock you, and watch it on an osilliscope). The results were negative (supposedly ruling out ALS).
The next symptom to appear was a strange one. I developed what feels like a slight popping sensation in my hands. If I pressed my hand against my ear I could hear whatever was happening below the surface. It wasn't audible unless I put my hand up to my ear. Also at this same point I noticed a very, very slight tremor in my fingers. When I pointed it out to my doctor, he thought absolutely nothing of it and indicated no concern whatsoever.
Next, I saw a psychiatrist for some mental health issues that I wanted to address. For the past three months, I've beent on Wellbutrin for dysthemia (mild but persistent depression) and Ritalin for ADD. Both the Wellbutrin and Ritalin can cause tremor (or in my case amplify it). I am assuming that if I went off the Wellbutrin it would subside for the most part. My doctor wants me to continue with the medication at this point and see if the side effects decrease.
In spite of that, I am still troubled by the initial symptoms I had prior to going on Wellbutrin and Ritalin. My muscle twiching, slight tremor in the fingers, and "popping" sensation in my hands would not be allived by discontinuing the meds since they were present to begin with.
Does anyone have a theory regarding muscle twitches, slight tremor in the fingers, and a "popping" sensation in the hands? My doctor chaulked it up to stress (surprise, surprise) but I am convinced there must be a name for whatever it is I'm experiencing.
From the postings I've read, it sounds like the next step in addressing this would be to see a Movement Disorder Specialist. However, I may have a hard time getting my HMO to pay for any special expertise outside of the plan and I'm not sure if it would be worth paying for out of pocket at this point.
Does anyone have any thoughts that they'd care to share? Any input would be appreciated.
My neurological "issues" started about 16 months ago. Initially they included muscle twitching in my feet and a "creepy" sensation (I can't really describe it other than that) in the lower portion of my legs.
After about a month of that, I developed roving twitches in addition to those already in my feet. (The "creepy" sensation comes and goes at this point). I expressed concern to my doctor and he had me take an EMG test (the one where they hook you up to electrodes, shock you, and watch it on an osilliscope). The results were negative (supposedly ruling out ALS).
The next symptom to appear was a strange one. I developed what feels like a slight popping sensation in my hands. If I pressed my hand against my ear I could hear whatever was happening below the surface. It wasn't audible unless I put my hand up to my ear. Also at this same point I noticed a very, very slight tremor in my fingers. When I pointed it out to my doctor, he thought absolutely nothing of it and indicated no concern whatsoever.
Next, I saw a psychiatrist for some mental health issues that I wanted to address. For the past three months, I've beent on Wellbutrin for dysthemia (mild but persistent depression) and Ritalin for ADD. Both the Wellbutrin and Ritalin can cause tremor (or in my case amplify it). I am assuming that if I went off the Wellbutrin it would subside for the most part. My doctor wants me to continue with the medication at this point and see if the side effects decrease.
In spite of that, I am still troubled by the initial symptoms I had prior to going on Wellbutrin and Ritalin. My muscle twiching, slight tremor in the fingers, and "popping" sensation in my hands would not be allived by discontinuing the meds since they were present to begin with.
Does anyone have a theory regarding muscle twitches, slight tremor in the fingers, and a "popping" sensation in the hands? My doctor chaulked it up to stress (surprise, surprise) but I am convinced there must be a name for whatever it is I'm experiencing.
From the postings I've read, it sounds like the next step in addressing this would be to see a Movement Disorder Specialist. However, I may have a hard time getting my HMO to pay for any special expertise outside of the plan and I'm not sure if it would be worth paying for out of pocket at this point.
Does anyone have any thoughts that they'd care to share? Any input would be appreciated.
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Pelicangirl
11-16-2001, 11:15 AM
Hello imconcerned,
I don't think a movement disorder specialist is ever a waste of money, even if your HMO won't pay for one. It is something that will ease your mind just to know what you have. If he/she can't help you, then you know it's something else and can carry your quest further.
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Pelicangirl (aka Ruth)
I don't think a movement disorder specialist is ever a waste of money, even if your HMO won't pay for one. It is something that will ease your mind just to know what you have. If he/she can't help you, then you know it's something else and can carry your quest further.
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Pelicangirl (aka Ruth)
Bruce
11-16-2001, 05:24 PM
You have probably read my opinion of HMO,s, so I will omit that. I could almost write a book about same very bad choices I have made regarding picking physicians who I thought knew how to treat parkinsons, how to regulate medications and how to perform DBS surgeries and how to make the adjustments. It is not a job for a Family Practice physician or even an Internist.
Ruth gave you some excellent advice. Go for the specialist and you won't regret it.
In working around doctors in my life, it is rare that a doctor will tell you, "I have no idea what is wrong with you."Then you will get the experimenter. "Let's try this drug because it is newer." The last sentence is what I am getting now and that is a quote from my neurologist.
Bruce
Ruth gave you some excellent advice. Go for the specialist and you won't regret it.
In working around doctors in my life, it is rare that a doctor will tell you, "I have no idea what is wrong with you."Then you will get the experimenter. "Let's try this drug because it is newer." The last sentence is what I am getting now and that is a quote from my neurologist.
Bruce