question about spasms

[Guest guest]

I have a concern that maybe some of you who have had this MonSter longer than I have can help me with. I have had MS for almost three years. I am on Rebif injections and have been very stable so far. For the last week, I have been having neck/shoulder pain that has been pretty intense. It's feels like my muscles are really tense. Last night, I layed down in the bed and started having cramps in my legs. Then, I woke up this morning and couldn't get out of bed because of a stabbing pain in my back. After meds and the heating pad, I did finally get up. I went to get a massage and the girl said that my back/neck and shoulders are in terrible knots. My legs still feel very crampy and stiff. I have never had any of this before. Does this sound MS related? Just age....???

Should I call my dr?

thanks for any help offered,

[Guest guest]

Yes, call your doctor. Are you on any medication for spasms? The cramps in your legs are most likely spasms and are related to MS. I think your back pain is probably related to MS. With MS when something happens to stress out your body (like the leg cramps) it often causes another problem (like the back pain).How are you feeling now? Are you still having tight muscles tonight? I hope you sleep well and have no more problems.hugs SharonThis email is a natural hand made product. The slight variations in spelling and grammar enhance

its individual character and beauty and in no way are to be considered flaws or defects. To: Group <mserslife >Sent:

Tue, November 16, 2010 7:33:37 PMSubject: question about spasms

I have a concern that maybe some of you who have had this MonSter longer than I have can help me with. I have had MS for almost three years. I am on Rebif injections and have been very stable so far. For the last week, I have been having neck/shoulder pain that has been pretty intense. It's feels like my muscles are really tense. Last night, I layed down in the bed and started having cramps in my legs. Then, I woke up this morning and couldn't get out of bed because of a stabbing pain in my back. After meds and the heating pad, I did finally get up. I went to get a massage and the girl said that my back/neck and shoulders are in terrible knots. My legs still feel very crampy and stiff. I have never had any of this before. Does this sound MS related? Just age....???

Should I call my dr?

thanks for any help offered,

[Guest guest]

I would definitely call your doctor. You are in my prayers.

Hugs

nne

To the world you might be one person, but to one person you just might be the

world "

" May the Lord Bless you and keep you,

May the Lord Make his face shine upon you, and give you Peace...Forever "

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> question about spasms

>

> I have a concern that maybe some of you who have had this MonSter longer

> than I have can help me with. I have had MS for almost three years. I

> am on Rebif injections and have been very stable so far. For the last

> week, I have been having neck/shoulder pain that has been pretty intense.

> It's feels like my muscles are really tense. Last night, I layed down

> in the bed and started having cramps in my legs. Then, I woke up this

> morning and couldn't get out of bed because of a stabbing pain in my

> back. After meds and the heating pad, I did finally get up. I went to

> get a massage and the girl said that my back/neck and shoulders are in

> terrible knots. My legs still feel very crampy and stiff. I have never

> had any of this before. Does this sound MS related? Just age....???

> Should I call my dr?

>

> thanks for any help offered,

>

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[Guest guest]

,

It's a consensus.. I 3rd the opinions of Sharon & nne..

Call the doctor. I'll also say a little prayer.

HUGS

|)onna

I have a concern that maybe some

of you who have had this MonSter longer than I have can help

me with. I have had MS for almost three years. I am on Rebif

injections and have been very stable so far. For the last

week, I have been having neck/shoulder pain that has been

pretty intense. It's feels like my muscles are really

tense. Last night, I layed down in the bed and started

having cramps in my legs. Then, I woke up this morning and

couldn't get out of bed because of a stabbing pain in my

back. After meds and the heating pad, I did finally get up.

I went to get a massage and the girl said that my back/neck

and shoulders are in terrible knots. My legs still feel very

crampy and stiff. I have never had any of this before. Does

this sound MS related? Just age....???

Should I call my dr?

thanks for any help offered,

--

Help Feed The Critters!

Your daily click counts at

http://www.theanimalrescuesite.com/clickToGive/

[Guest guest]

I say like the others. Call your doctor. There is medication you could try, if you are not already on anything for (or against more like it...) spasms...Best of luck!love/Reb>> I have a concern that maybe some of you who have had this MonSter longer than I have can help me with. I have had MS for almost three years. I am on Rebif injections and have been very stable so far. For the last week, I have been having neck/shoulder pain that has been pretty intense. It's feels like my muscles are really tense. Last night, I layed down in the bed and started having cramps in my legs. Then, I woke up this morning and couldn't get out of bed because of a stabbing pain in my back. After meds and the heating pad, I did finally get up. I went to get a massage and the girl said that my back/neck and shoulders are in terrible knots. My legs still feel very crampy and stiff. I have never had any of this before. Does this sound MS related? Just age....??? > Should I call my dr? > > thanks for any help offered,> >

[Guest guest]

WOW....what a comfort to get up to so several responses to people who get it and care...thanks!

I am not on any meds for spasms because I haven't had this much trouble so far. I have dealt with pain by going to the chiro and getting massages. I guess my main concern is new symptom and relapse. Such a scary feeling not knowing what tomorrow will bring.

I took meds last night and slept well. My back is still really tight this morning, but nothing like yesterday.

Going to see how the day goes as far as calling the dr.

thanks,

question about spasms

I have a concern that maybe some of you who have had this MonSter longer than I have can help me with. I have had MS for almost three years. I am on Rebif injections and have been very stable so far. For the last week, I have been having neck/shoulder pain that has been pretty intense. It's feels like my muscles are really tense. Last night, I layed down in the bed and started having cramps in my legs. Then, I woke up this morning and couldn't get out of bed because of a stabbing pain in my back. After meds and the heating pad, I did finally get up. I went to get a massage and the girl said that my back/neck and shoulders are in terrible knots. My legs still feel very crampy and stiff. I have never had any of this before. Does this sound MS related? Just age....???

Should I call my dr?

thanks for any help offered,

[Guest guest]

,

I can't swear that my experiences with the MonSter will be anywhere

near the same as your experiences. But maybe my story will

alleviate some of your fears.

I was diagnosed in Aug/Sept 2000, but the medical history and events

described to my neurologist led her to conclude that I had already

been living with the MonSter for at least 10 years prior to my

diagnosis.

I had numbness in my fingers that was contributed to overuse of the

computer and carpal tunnel. I had something going on with my

shoulder that was put down to bursitis brought on by overuse of the

computer (I've always spent most of my waking hours in front of a

computer, be it for pleasure or for work). I was able to get the

bursitis to clear up, from moving an old kitchen table into the room

with my computer. the table support my lower arms while using the

keyboard. Won't swear that the table is actually what cleared it up,

because it could have just been the MonSter reeking havoc, and then

just disappearing as well.

I spent a couple of months seeing a chiropractor a couple times a

week, for the heat, then electro-stimulation before her using her

thumb, which seemed to double as a steel ball, running up and down

my lower back. There really weren't many adjustments (cracking &

crunching mode) that she tried to make, because I don't think she

really found any of the vertebrae misaligned.. and then suddenly all

the pain I had been suffering just vanished. It reappeared a few

years later, lasting about a week. But someone had prescribed

Parafon Forte (Chlorzoxazone [spelling?]) for the lower back

pain/spasms I was having, and when it reappeared all I had to do was

tell my PCP what was prescribed before that seemed to help relieve

it and he wrote another script for the same thing. And within a week

it was gone.

I had an episode where my left leg stopped working.. it was like 2

weeks gradually getting worse, 2 weeks that it didn't work at all,

had to throw my leg to walk, and did use crutches for support during

that time.. and 2 weeks as it started to and then became fully

functional again.. Just about the length of time it took for me to

get an appointment with an orthopedic in Pittsburgh.. by the time I

saw him, I was only using the crutches for "safety" purposes when

walking long distances. He of course found nothing on my MRI that

would explain the leg doing what it did.. but he never even though

to suggest the possibility of MS..

What I think I'm trying to say, in a very long roundabout way is

that I spent at least 10 years living with the MonSter with none of

the doctors ever suspecting MS to be the culprit of the different

things I had going on. It wasn't until I was talking with a friend

who had MS, and we started to talk about what having MS was like,

and I'm pretty sure he told me then that he suspected that I had MS

when the leg episode happened, but he didn't say anything, until we

started to talk about some other issues I had going on at that

time. He told me then that he was pretty sure that I had MS, but

that before I actively sought a diagnosis, that I needed to get my

"ducks in a row" [life insurance, long-term disability, etc.).. So

I put off mentioning to my PCP what we suspected until I was working

again, with short & long term disability benefits, and I had

life insurance in place)

and I worked together, and he thoroughly tormented me about my

literally falling for him the evening I took a nose-dive into the

glass entrance door to our office building.. but he was also the one

who pushed me to make an appointment with my PCP when I had a round

of Optic Neuritis going on, and he insisted that I tell her that I

suspected that I had MS.. She, of course, poo-pooed the idea,

telling me that she highly doubted it, all the while doing the

little follow my finger, don't let me push your arms type tests..

She said that if I was right and she was wrong, it was a very very

mild case (Of course I kind of chuckled at that, because I'd never

heard it called that before.).. BUT she ordered the MRI with

contrast. A week later she called me to tell me that it was, in

fact, MS, that the MRI showed 7 lesions as well as Optic Neuritis.

She wanted to start me on prednisone immediately for the O.N. but

the ophthalmologist that she contacted told her "no" they wanted to

see me first (and they didn't prescribed prednisone either. for that

matter.. said Yup it is.. but we aren't going to treat it with

steroids, it will go away on it's own.. My PCP, then, also set me up

with my first appointment with a neurologist.

From the time I was diagnosed in 2000, until May of 2009, I didn't

have any, what I would call "major" flares. I had fatigue off and

on, I had, of course, the Optic Neuritis, I had additional new

numbness, little things.. balance eventually got to the point that I

had to use a cane, but that wasn't until around 2007 or so.. I

started sooner than that to use the electric carts in places like

Wal-Mart, but only because the store was soooo huge that I'd never

have made it the whole way through the store walking without

exhausting myself.

But the point of this long-winded tale, is to let you know, that

although things are scary right now for you, being fairly new to the

MonSter and such.. It's not as horrendous as your imagination can

lead you to believe it is. I'm at, the very least 20 years into the

Roller Coaster ride of Multiple Surprises, and up until last year,

was still working 3 days a week and running up and down stairs

(slowly) more than several times a day while at work. The fall that

messed up my knees came first, the the flare, and then later in the

year, the order for the power chair... But had I not torn an ACL in

the left knee, and who knows what in the right knee (which is just

recently started giving me the pain and fits that the left knee gave

me immediately following the fall -- no MRI on the right knee at the

time of the fall).. I probably would have regained most of my

mobility following the flare, either back with the cane, or using a

walker for balance.. My current diagnosis is Secondary Progressive

MS with relapsing tendencies and I'm still on Copxaone with hopes

that once the knee situation is resolved that I WILL maybe to

eventually be walking independently again before to long..

And then there's our beloved n.. who diagnosed in her teens

(unless my brain-warts are totally screwing with my memory) is still

going strong, at around 73 (I think, forgive me n if I got it

wrong)..

So.. call the doctor.. get whatever you need to get through whatever

it is that's going on right now.. and keep plugging away at what

you're doing.. Try not to worry too much about what the future

holds.. and my best advice, and I follow it myself.. "Plan" for the

worse.. Hope for the best.. and by planning I mean.. when we went

out to buy a car, we would have preferred a sub-compact -- much

easier on gas -- but chose a larger car for the trunk space..

remembering that at anytime, I could have a flare that would require

my using a manual wheelchair a lot.. When we bought this

double-wide.. we checked to make sure a wheelchair would fit through

all the doors.. just in case.. When built the deck, he took

into consideration the fact that I might need a ramp, sooner rather

than later, so he laid out the deck so that adding a ramp wouldn't

be a major construction project .. and when he finally had to put

that ramp on this past summer, it was a couple hour job.. rather

than a major reconstruct.

Sorry that I made this tirade so long-winded.. but I am hoping that

my story about the MonSter and I living together, may be

encouragement and helpful to you in putting aside most of your fears

for the near future... and to know that this is all very do-able

even when the disease gets to the point that all it seems to do is

progress.. there are medications for all the things we deal with..

HUGS to YOU

|)onna

WOW....what a comfort to get up

to so several responses to people who get it and

care...thanks!

I am not on any meds for spasms

because I haven't had this much trouble so far. I have dealt

with pain by going to the chiro and getting massages. I

guess my main concern is new symptom and relapse. Such a

scary feeling not knowing what tomorrow will bring.

I took meds last night and slept

well. My back is still really tight this morning, but nothing

like yesterday.

Going to see how the day goes as

far as calling the dr.

thanks,

question about spasms

I have a concern that

maybe some of you who have had this MonSter longer

than I have can help me with. I have had MS for

almost three years. I am on Rebif injections and

have been very stable so far. For the last week, I

have been having neck/shoulder pain that has been

pretty intense. It's feels like my muscles are

really tense. Last night, I layed down in the bed

and started having cramps in my legs. Then, I woke

up this morning and couldn't get out of bed because

of a stabbing pain in my back. After meds and the

heating pad, I did finally get up. I went to get a

massage and the girl said that my back/neck and

shoulders are in terrible knots. My legs still feel

very crampy and stiff. I have never had any of this

before. Does this sound MS related? Just

age....???

Should I call my dr?

thanks for any help

offered,

[Guest guest]

The meds for spasms can bring a whole new set of problems unfortunately. The worst side effect for me was the groggy/sleepy 'out-of-it' feeling. Dan mentioned feeling depressed from taking baclofen. How are you doing today? SharonThis email is a natural hand made product. The slight variations in spelling and grammar enhance its individual character and beauty and in no way are to be considered flaws or defects. To: MSersLife Sent: Wed, November 17, 2010 6:29:26 AMSubject: Re: question about spasms

WOW....what a comfort to get up to so several responses to people who get it and care...thanks!

I am not on any meds for spasms because I haven't had this much trouble so far. I have dealt with pain by going to the chiro and getting massages. I guess my main concern is new symptom and relapse. Such a scary feeling not knowing what tomorrow will bring.

I took meds last night and slept well. My back is still really tight this morning, but nothing like yesterday.

Going to see how the day goes as far as calling the dr.

thanks,

question about spasms

I have a concern that maybe some of you who have had this MonSter longer than I have can help me with. I have had MS for almost three years. I am on Rebif injections and have been very stable so far. For the last week, I have been having neck/shoulder pain that has been pretty intense. It's feels like my muscles are really tense. Last night, I layed down in the bed and started having cramps in my legs. Then, I woke up this morning and couldn't get out of bed because of a stabbing pain in my back. After meds and the heating pad, I did finally get up. I went to get a massage and the girl said that my back/neck and shoulders are in terrible knots. My legs still feel very crampy and stiff. I have never had any of this before. Does this sound MS related? Just age....???

Should I call my dr?

thanks for any help offered,

[Guest guest]

Adding my agreement to the others...get thee to a doctoree!

 ~*~Hugs~*~

~*~Akiba~*~

http://www.affiliates-natural-salt-lamps.com/pages/156.php

-- Re: question about spasms

,It's a consensus.. I 3rd the opinions of Sharon & nne.. Call the doctor. I'll also say a little prayer.HUGS|)onna

I have a concern that maybe some of you who have had this MonSter longer than I have can help me with. I have had MS for almost three years. I am on Rebif injections and have been very stable so far. For the last week, I have been having neck/shoulder pain that has been pretty intense. It's feels like my muscles are really tense. Last night, I layed down in the bed and started having cramps in my legs. Then, I woke up this morning and couldn't get out of bed because of a stabbing pain in my back. After meds and the heating pad, I did finally get up. I went to get a massage and the girl said that my back/neck and shoulders are in terrible knots. My legs still feel very crampy and stiff. I have never had any of this before. Does this sound MS related? Just age....???

Should I call my dr?

thanks for any help offered,

-- Help Feed The Critters! Your daily click counts at http://www.theanimalrescuesite.com/clickToGive/

[Guest guest]

Now see.. I've never really had a problem with Baclofen, other than

when the dosage was increased to 40mg per day.. I did explain that

trying to do 20mg twice a day might be a problem with it making me

sleepy on the days I had work.. At which point the script was

changed to 10mg tablets... and I was told she didn't care how or

when I took it so long as I got the 40mg in me each day.. So I did

it up so that I took 10mg in the morning before work.. 20mg after

work, around supper time.. then the last 10mg at bedtime..

When I very first started with Baclofen though, my dose was 5mg

morning and night.. and I'm not real sure why I was started on it

then, because I didn't think I was having a spasticity problem..

definitely wasn't having cramping or spasms in my legs.. on second

thought it might have been a 5mg tablet broken in half take twice a

day..

But with my new neurologist in the group (before she passed me on to

Doc -- she specialized in mobility issues, he specializes

in MS) when I mentioned the burning sensation in my right foot..

that's when I learned what "nerve pain" really was, and she

prescribed Gabapentin for that and the big toe playing reach for the

stars.. when I asked Doc to increase the dose of Gabapentin

and/or Baclofen for the "new" thing I had going in my right leg.. he

said "nope".. and added Keppra instead of increasing the others...

Seems that in some cases of spasticity.. the doctors do not want to

rid all people with MS from all spasticity.. I guess that in some

cases, the only reason some people are remaining upright on two legs

IS some degree of spasticity (ie. stiffening in the legs)... so in

some cases spasticity is a "good" thing and it keeps us from

falling... That doesn't mean that they don't want you to be rid of

the pain.. and I guess Keppra is a potassium channel blocker that

prevents the misfire of nerve message that cause the Cramping (ie.

Charlie Horse type thing) to start..

I guess I should have put my worries and not wanting the long drive

into Pittsburgh, possibly during rush hour traffic, aside at the

beginning, and gotten switch to these guys years and years ago..

They are right on top of everything it seems.. AND it's nice to know

that they are finding more and more ways of treating our symptoms to

keep us relatively pain-and-other-symptom-free..

It's come along way in the ten years since my PCP told me that there

was NO pain involved with MS.. I did have to be a smart-a$$ and

re-train her way of thinking real quick-like though.. I'm bad.. so

very very very bad.. but hey.. what's a girl to do when her doctor

is wrong??? <evil grin>

HUGS

|)onna

PS.. am taking 20mg Baclofen morning.. and 20mg night now that I'm

not working.. Some days I have to take a nap, most days I don't..

The meds for spasms can bring a whole new set

of problems unfortunately. The worst side effect for me was the

groggy/sleepy 'out-of-it' feeling. Dan mentioned feeling

depressed from taking baclofen.

How are you doing today?

Sharon

This email is a natural hand made product.

The slight variations in spelling and grammar enhance its

individual character and beauty and in no way are to be

considered flaws or defects.

From:

WEST

To:

MSersLife

Sent: Wed,

November 17, 2010 6:29:26 AM

Subject:

Re: question about spasms

WOW....what a comfort to

get up to so several responses to people who get it and

care...thanks!

I am not on any meds for

spasms because I haven't had this much trouble so far.

I have dealt with pain by going to the chiro and getting

massages. I guess my main concern is new symptom and

relapse. Such a scary feeling not knowing what tomorrow

will bring.

I took meds last night and

slept well. My back is still really tight this morning,

but nothing like yesterday.

Going to see how the day

goes as far as calling the dr.

thanks,

question about spasms

I have a concern

that maybe some of you who have had this

MonSter longer than I have can help me with.

I have had MS for almost three years. I am on

Rebif injections and have been very stable so

far. For the last week, I have been having

neck/shoulder pain that has been pretty

intense. It's feels like my muscles are

really tense. Last night, I layed down in

the bed and started having cramps in my legs.

Then, I woke up this morning and couldn't get

out of bed because of a stabbing pain in my

back. After meds and the heating pad, I did

finally get up. I went to get a massage and

the girl said that my back/neck and shoulders

are in terrible knots. My legs still feel

very crampy and stiff. I have never had any

of this before. Does this sound MS related?

Just age....???

Should I call my

dr?

thanks for any

help offered,

[Guest guest]

I did hear from the nurse at my drs office. After talking to me she is going to talk to the Dr and see what he wants to do. She did mention baclofen. She said I would take it at night because of the sleepy issues. I am still really sore. I think pain makes me irritable. ;-)Thanks for listening and for the suggestions. It is times like this when an understanding Dr is important. wish I had one. Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerrySender: MSersLife Date: Wed, 17 Nov 2010 10:16:21 -0800 (PST)To: <MSersLife >ReplyTo: MSersLife Subject: Re: question about spasms The meds for spasms can bring a whole new set of problems unfortunately. The worst side effect for me was the groggy/sleepy 'out-of-it' feeling. Dan mentioned feeling depressed from taking baclofen. How are you doing today? SharonThis email is a natural hand made product. The slight variations in spelling and grammar enhance its individual character and beauty and in no way are to be considered flaws or defects. To: MSersLife Sent: Wed, November 17, 2010 6:29:26 AMSubject: Re: question about spasmsWOW....what a comfort to get up to so several responses to people who get it and care...thanks! I am not on any meds for spasms because I haven't had this much trouble so far. I have dealt with pain by going to the chiro and getting massages. I guess my main concern is new symptom and relapse. Such a scary feeling not knowing what tomorrow will bring. I took meds last night and slept well. My back is still really tight this morning, but nothing like yesterday. Going to see how the day goes as far as calling the dr. thanks, question about spasmsI have a concern that maybe some of you who have had this MonSter longer than I have can help me with. I have had MS for almost three years. I am on Rebif injections and have been very stable so far. For the last week, I have been having neck/shoulder pain that has been pretty intense. It's feels like my muscles are really tense. Last night, I layed down in the bed and started having cramps in my legs. Then, I woke up this morning and couldn't get out of bed because of a stabbing pain in my back. After meds and the heating pad, I did finally get up. I went to get a massage and the girl said that my back/neck and shoulders are in terrible knots. My legs still feel very crampy and stiff. I have never had any of this before. Does this sound MS related? Just age....??? Should I call my dr? thanks for any help offered,

[Guest guest]

you will remain in my prayers.

Hugs

nne

To the world you might be one person, but to one person you just might be the

world "

" May the Lord Bless you and keep you,

May the Lord Make his face shine upon you, and give you Peace...Forever "

Breast Cancer Patients Soul Mates for Life

http://breastcancerpatientssoulmatesforlife.bravehost.com/

Anxiety Depression and Breast Cancer

http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/AnxietyDepressionandBreastCancer

Angel Feather Loomer

www.angelfeatherloomer.blogspot.com

The Cancer Club

www.cancerclub.com

> Re: question about spasms

>

>

>

>

> WOW....what a comfort to get up to so several responses to people who

> get it

> and care...thanks!

>

> I am not on any meds for spasms because I haven't had this much trouble

> so

> far. I have dealt with pain by going to the chiro and getting massages.

> I

> guess my main concern is new symptom and relapse. Such a scary feeling

> not

> knowing what tomorrow will bring.

>

>

> I took meds last night and slept well. My back is still really tight

> this

> morning, but nothing like yesterday.

>

> Going to see how the day goes as far as calling the dr.

>

> thanks,

>

> question about spasms

>>

>>

>>

>>

> >I have a concern that maybe some of you who have had this MonSter

> longer than

> >I have can help me with. I have had MS for almost three years. I am

> on

> >Rebif injections and have been very stable so far. For the last

> week, I have

> >been having neck/shoulder pain that has been pretty intense. It's

> feels like

> >my muscles are really tense. Last night, I layed down in the bed

> and

> >started having cramps in my legs. Then, I woke up this morning and

> couldn't

> >get out of bed because of a stabbing pain in my back. After meds and

> the

> >heating pad, I did finally get up. I went to get a massage and the

> girl said

> >that my back/neck and shoulders are in terrible knots. My legs still

> feel

> >very crampy and stiff. I have never had any of this before. Does

> this sound

> >MS related? Just age....???

>> Should I call my dr?

>>

> >thanks for any help offered,

> >

>>

>>

>>

>>

>>

>>

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[Guest guest]

I was okay when my dose of baclofen was low. But then my legs were really, really bad and it was raised to 90 or 100 mgs. I was a big time zombie.I'm glad you have a good team on your side. How far is it to Pittsburgh for you?hugs SharonThis email is a natural hand made product. The slight variations in spelling and grammar enhance its individual character and beauty and in no way are to be considered flaws or defects. To: MSersLife Sent: Wed, November 17, 2010 1:22:06 PMSubject: Re: question about spasms

Now see.. I've never really had a problem with Baclofen, other than

when the dosage was increased to 40mg per day.. I did explain that

trying to do 20mg twice a day might be a problem with it making me

sleepy on the days I had work.. At which point the script was

changed to 10mg tablets... and I was told she didn't care how or

when I took it so long as I got the 40mg in me each day.. So I did

it up so that I took 10mg in the morning before work.. 20mg after

work, around supper time.. then the last 10mg at bedtime..

When I very first started with Baclofen though, my dose was 5mg

morning and night.. and I'm not real sure why I was started on it

then, because I didn't think I was having a spasticity problem..

definitely wasn't having cramping or spasms in my legs.. on second

thought it might have been a 5mg tablet broken in half take twice a

day..

But with my new neurologist in the group (before she passed me on to

Doc -- she specialized in mobility issues, he specializes

in MS) when I mentioned the burning sensation in my right foot..

that's when I learned what "nerve pain" really was, and she

prescribed Gabapentin for that and the big toe playing reach for the

stars.. when I asked Doc to increase the dose of Gabapentin

and/or Baclofen for the "new" thing I had going in my right leg.. he

said "nope".. and added Keppra instead of increasing the others...

Seems that in some cases of spasticity.. the doctors do not want to

rid all people with MS from all spasticity.. I guess that in some

cases, the only reason some people are remaining upright on two legs

IS some degree of spasticity (ie. stiffening in the legs)... so in

some cases spasticity is a "good" thing and it keeps us from

falling... That doesn't mean that they don't want you to be rid of

the pain.. and I guess Keppra is a potassium channel blocker that

prevents the misfire of nerve message that cause the Cramping (ie.

Charlie Horse type thing) to start..

I guess I should have put my worries and not wanting the long drive

into Pittsburgh, possibly during rush hour traffic, aside at the

beginning, and gotten switch to these guys years and years ago..

They are right on top of everything it seems.. AND it's nice to know

that they are finding more and more ways of treating our symptoms to

keep us relatively pain-and-other-symptom-free..

It's come along way in the ten years since my PCP told me that there

was NO pain involved with MS.. I did have to be a smart-a$$ and

re-train her way of thinking real quick-like though.. I'm bad.. so

very very very bad.. but hey.. what's a girl to do when her doctor

is wrong??? <evil grin>

HUGS

|)onna

PS.. am taking 20mg Baclofen morning.. and 20mg night now that I'm

not working.. Some days I have to take a nap, most days I don't..

The meds for spasms can bring a whole new set

of problems unfortunately. The worst side effect for me was the

groggy/sleepy 'out-of-it' feeling. Dan mentioned feeling

depressed from taking baclofen.

How are you doing today?

Sharon

This email is a natural hand made product.

The slight variations in spelling and grammar enhance its

individual character and beauty and in no way are to be

considered flaws or defects.

From:

WEST

To:

MSersLife

Sent: Wed,

November 17, 2010 6:29:26 AM

Subject:

Re: question about spasms

WOW....what a comfort to

get up to so several responses to people who get it and

care...thanks!

I am not on any meds for

spasms because I haven't had this much trouble so far.

I have dealt with pain by going to the chiro and getting

massages. I guess my main concern is new symptom and

relapse. Such a scary feeling not knowing what tomorrow

will bring.

I took meds last night and

slept well. My back is still really tight this morning,

but nothing like yesterday.

Going to see how the day

goes as far as calling the dr.

thanks,

question about spasms

I have a concern

that maybe some of you who have had this

MonSter longer than I have can help me with.

I have had MS for almost three years. I am on

Rebif injections and have been very stable so

far. For the last week, I have been having

neck/shoulder pain that has been pretty

intense. It's feels like my muscles are

really tense. Last night, I layed down in

the bed and started having cramps in my legs.

Then, I woke up this morning and couldn't get

out of bed because of a stabbing pain in my

back. After meds and the heating pad, I did

finally get up. I went to get a massage and

the girl said that my back/neck and shoulders

are in terrible knots. My legs still feel

very crampy and stiff. I have never had any

of this before. Does this sound MS related?

Just age....???

Should I call my

dr?

thanks for any

help offered,

[Guest guest]

Is this a neuro or a family doctor? I finally found a good family type doctor and I'm so excited:) I don't have a neuro anymore. I live pretty rural and we are at least a 3 hour drive each way to a larger area with neurologists. Let us know what your docs office decides to do. big hugs SharonThis email is a natural hand made product. The slight variations in spelling and grammar enhance its individual character and beauty and in no way are to be considered flaws or defects. To: MSersLife Sent: Wed, November 17, 2010 2:14:19 PMSubject: Re: question about spasms

I did hear from the nurse at my drs office. After talking to me she is going to talk to the Dr and see what he wants to do. She did mention baclofen. She said I would take it at night because of the sleepy issues. I am still really sore. I think pain makes me irritable. ;-)Thanks for listening and for the suggestions. It is times like this when an understanding Dr is important. wish I had one. Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

Sender: MSersLife

Date: Wed, 17 Nov 2010 10:16:21 -0800 (PST)To: <MSersLife >ReplyTo: MSersLife

Subject: Re: question about spasms

The meds for spasms can bring a whole new set of problems unfortunately. The worst side effect for me was the groggy/sleepy 'out-of-it' feeling. Dan mentioned feeling depressed from taking baclofen. How are you doing today? SharonThis email is a natural hand made product. The slight variations in spelling and grammar enhance its individual character and beauty and in no way are to be considered flaws or defects. To: MSersLife Sent: Wed, November 17, 2010 6:29:26 AMSubject: Re: question about spasms

WOW....what a comfort to get up to so several responses to people who get it and care...thanks!

I am not on any meds for spasms because I haven't had this much trouble so far. I have dealt with pain by going to the chiro and getting massages. I guess my main concern is new symptom and relapse. Such a scary feeling not knowing what tomorrow will bring.

I took meds last night and slept well. My back is still really tight this morning, but nothing like yesterday.

Going to see how the day goes as far as calling the dr.

thanks,

question about spasms

I have a concern that maybe some of you who have had this MonSter longer than I have can help me with. I have had MS for almost three years. I am on Rebif injections and have been very stable so far. For the last week, I have been having neck/shoulder pain that has been pretty intense. It's feels like my muscles are really tense. Last night, I layed down in the bed and started having cramps in my legs. Then, I woke up this morning and couldn't get out of bed because of a stabbing pain in my back. After meds and the heating pad, I did finally get up. I went to get a massage and the girl said that my back/neck and shoulders are in terrible knots. My legs still feel very crampy and stiff. I have never had any of this before. Does this sound MS related? Just age....???

Should I call my dr?

thanks for any help offered,

[Guest guest]

Oh, I'm

sure you were.. the 20mg at one time took a little getting used

to so that I could stay awake. and that's not anywhere near what

you were taking.

I'm of a mind that one tremendous reason that their team is this

good is the nurse they have on staff handling and coordinating

all the stuff that needs to be done. And she's great at

coordinating.

HUGS

|)onna

I was okay when my dose of baclofen was low.

But then my legs were really, really bad and it was raised to 90

or 100 mgs. I was a big time zombie.

I'm glad you have a good team on your side. How far is it to

Pittsburgh for you?

hugs

Sharon

This email is a natural hand made product.

The slight variations in spelling and grammar enhance its

individual character and beauty and in no way are to be

considered flaws or defects.

From:

|)onna

To:

MSersLife

Sent: Wed,

November 17, 2010 1:22:06 PM

Subject:

Re: question about spasms

Now see.. I've never really had a problem with Baclofen,

other than when the dosage was increased to 40mg per day.. I

did explain that trying to do 20mg twice a day might be a

problem with it making me sleepy on the days I had work.. At

which point the script was changed to 10mg tablets... and I

was told she didn't care how or when I took it so long as I

got the 40mg in me each day.. So I did it up so that I took

10mg in the morning before work.. 20mg after work, around

supper time.. then the last 10mg at bedtime..

When I very first started with Baclofen though, my dose was

5mg morning and night.. and I'm not real sure why I was

started on it then, because I didn't think I was having a

spasticity problem.. definitely wasn't having cramping or

spasms in my legs.. on second thought it might have been a

5mg tablet broken in half take twice a day..

But with my new neurologist in the group (before she passed

me on to Doc -- she specialized in mobility issues,

he specializes in MS) when I mentioned the burning sensation

in my right foot.. that's when I learned what "nerve pain"

really was, and she prescribed Gabapentin for that and the

big toe playing reach for the stars.. when I asked Doc

to increase the dose of Gabapentin and/or Baclofen

for the "new" thing I had going in my right leg.. he said

"nope".. and added Keppra instead of increasing the

others... Seems that in some cases of spasticity.. the

doctors do not want to rid all people with MS from all

spasticity.. I guess that in some cases, the only reason

some people are remaining upright on two legs IS some degree

of spasticity (ie. stiffening in the legs)... so in some

cases spasticity is a "good" thing and it keeps us from

falling... That doesn't mean that they don't want you to be

rid of the pain.. and I guess Keppra is a potassium channel

blocker that prevents the misfire of nerve message that

cause the Cramping (ie. Charlie Horse type thing) to start..

I guess I should have put my worries and not wanting the

long drive into Pittsburgh, possibly during rush hour

traffic, aside at the beginning, and gotten switch to these

guys years and years ago.. They are right on top of

everything it seems.. AND it's nice to know that they are

finding more and more ways of treating our symptoms to keep

us relatively pain-and-other-symptom-free..

It's come along way in the ten years since my PCP told me

that there was NO pain involved with MS.. I did have to be a

smart-a$$ and re-train her way of thinking real quick-like

though.. I'm bad.. so very very very bad.. but hey.. what's

a girl to do when her doctor is wrong??? <evil grin>

HUGS

|)onna

PS.. am taking 20mg Baclofen morning.. and 20mg night now

that I'm not working.. Some days I have to take a nap, most

days I don't..

The meds for spasms

can bring a whole new set of problems unfortunately.

The worst side effect for me was the groggy/sleepy

'out-of-it' feeling. Dan mentioned feeling depressed

from taking baclofen.

How are you doing today?

Sharon

This email is a natural

hand made product. The slight variations in

spelling and grammar enhance its individual

character and beauty and in no way are to be

considered flaws or defects.

From:

WEST

To:

MSersLife

Sent:

Wed, November 17, 2010 6:29:26 AM

Subject:

Re: question about spasms

WOW....what a

comfort to get up to so several responses to

people who get it and care...thanks!

I am not on any

meds for spasms because I haven't had this much

trouble so far. I have dealt with pain by going

to the chiro and getting massages. I guess my

main concern is new symptom and relapse. Such a

scary feeling not knowing what tomorrow will

bring.

I took meds last

night and slept well. My back is still really

tight this morning, but nothing like yesterday.

Going to see how

the day goes as far as calling the dr.

thanks,

----- Original

Message -----

From:

Sharon

To: MSersLife

Sent:

Tuesday, November 16, 2010 10:14 PM

Subject: Re:

question about spasms

Yes, call

your doctor. Are you on any medication for

spasms? The cramps in your legs are most

likely spasms and are related to MS. I think

your back pain is probably related to MS.

With MS when something happens to stress out

your body (like the leg cramps) it often

causes another problem (like the back pain).

How are you feeling now? Are you still having

tight muscles tonight? I hope you sleep well

and have no more problems.

hugs

Sharon

This

email is a natural hand made product.

The slight variations in spelling and

grammar enhance its individual character

and beauty and in no way are to be

considered flaws or defects.

From:

WEST

To:

Group <mserslife >

Sent:

Tue, November 16, 2010 7:33:37 PM

Subject:

question about spasms

I have a

concern that maybe some of you who

have had this MonSter longer than I

have can help me with. I have had MS

for almost three years. I am on Rebif

injections and have been very stable

so far. For the last week, I have

been having neck/shoulder pain that

has been pretty intense. It's feels

like my muscles are really tense.

Last night, I layed down in the bed

and started having cramps in my legs.

Then, I woke up this morning and

couldn't get out of bed because of a

stabbing pain in my back. After meds

and the heating pad, I did finally get

up. I went to get a massage and the

girl said that my back/neck and

shoulders are in terrible knots. My

legs still feel very crampy and

stiff. I have never had any of this

before. Does this sound MS related?

Just age....???

Should I

call my dr?

thanks

for any help offered,

--

Help Feed The Critters!

Your daily click counts at

http://www.theanimalrescuesite.com/clickToGive/

[Guest guest]

I am doing MUCH better now that my Baclofen dosage is being reduced. I was on 3 pills a day (I'd have to look up the mgs because I don't know offhand), and I swear it was doing more damage than good. Yes, it reduced and almost eliminated my spasms and cramping, but wrecked havoc on me otherwise. I am now down to 1 1/2 pills a day and I have noticed a HUGE improvement on how I am feeling. I am actually functioning again and not drop dead depressed. However, I am constantly increasing my Nortriptiline each week, but, knock on wood, so far so good!

Jen H

To: MSersLife From: wobbletowalk@...Date: Wed, 17 Nov 2010 13:55:26 -0800Subject: Re: question about spasms

I was okay when my dose of baclofen was low. But then my legs were really, really bad and it was raised to 90 or 100 mgs. I was a big time zombie.I'm glad you have a good team on your side. How far is it to Pittsburgh for you?hugs

SharonThis email is a natural hand made product. The slight variations in spelling and grammar enhance its individual character and beauty and in no way are to be considered flaws or defects.

[Guest guest]

,

I hear you, mine isn't very understanding either. He sucks. But, not much I can do about it.

Baclofen never made me sleepy, but once I was on it for a bit, I was just a zombie all the time. But I needed to take it more than once a day, so that could be why too

Good luck!!

jen H

To: MSersLife From: tjwest4@...Date: Wed, 17 Nov 2010 21:14:19 +0000Subject: Re: question about spasms

I did hear from the nurse at my drs office. After talking to me she is going to talk to the Dr and see what he wants to do. She did mention baclofen. She said I would take it at night because of the sleepy issues. I am still really sore. I think pain makes me irritable. ;-)Thanks for listening and for the suggestions. It is times like this when an understanding Dr is important. wish I had one.

Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

Sender: MSersLife

Date: Wed, 17 Nov 2010 10:16:21 -0800 (PST)

To: <MSersLife >

ReplyTo: MSersLife

Subject: Re: question about spasms

The meds for spasms can bring a whole new set of problems unfortunately. The worst side effect for me was the groggy/sleepy 'out-of-it' feeling. Dan mentioned feeling depressed from taking baclofen. How are you doing today?

SharonThis email is a natural hand made product. The slight variations in spelling and grammar enhance its individual character and beauty and in no way are to be considered flaws or defects.

To: MSersLife Sent: Wed, November 17, 2010 6:29:26 AMSubject: Re: question about spasms

WOW....what a comfort to get up to so several responses to people who get it and care...thanks!

I am not on any meds for spasms because I haven't had this much trouble so far. I have dealt with pain by going to the chiro and getting massages. I guess my main concern is new symptom and relapse. Such a scary feeling not knowing what tomorrow will bring.

I took meds last night and slept well. My back is still really tight this morning, but nothing like yesterday.

Going to see how the day goes as far as calling the dr.

thanks,

question about spasms

I have a concern that maybe some of you who have had this MonSter longer than I have can help me with. I have had MS for almost three years. I am on Rebif injections and have been very stable so far. For the last week, I have been having neck/shoulder pain that has been pretty intense. It's feels like my muscles are really tense. Last night, I layed down in the bed and started having cramps in my legs. Then, I woke up this morning and couldn't get out of bed because of a stabbing pain in my back. After meds and the heating pad, I did finally get up. I went to get a massage and the girl said that my back/neck and shoulders are in terrible knots. My legs still feel very crampy and stiff. I have never had any of this before. Does this sound MS related? Just age....???

Should I call my dr?

thanks for any help offered,

[Guest guest]

Oh, I guess I didn't realize you had already been on baclofen. I'm so glad to hear you are feeling better with the reduction. Great news! SharonThis email is a natural hand made product. The slight variations in spelling and grammar enhance its individual character and beauty and in no way are to be considered flaws or defects. To: mserslife Sent: Thu, November 18, 2010 10:23:48 AMSubject: RE: question about spasms

I am doing MUCH better now that my Baclofen dosage is being reduced. I was on 3 pills a day (I'd have to look up the mgs because I don't know offhand), and I swear it was doing more damage than good. Yes, it reduced and almost eliminated my spasms and cramping, but wrecked havoc on me otherwise. I am now down to 1 1/2 pills a day and I have noticed a HUGE improvement on how I am feeling. I am actually functioning again and not drop dead depressed. However, I am constantly increasing my Nortriptiline each week, but, knock on wood, so far so good!

Jen H

To: MSersLife From: wobbletowalk@...Date: Wed, 17 Nov 2010 13:55:26 -0800Subject: Re: question about spasms

I was okay when my dose of baclofen was low. But then my legs were really, really bad and it was raised to 90 or 100 mgs. I was a big time zombie.I'm glad you have a good team on your side. How far is it to Pittsburgh for you?hugs

SharonThis email is a natural hand made product. The slight variations in spelling and grammar enhance its individual character and beauty and in no way are to be considered flaws or defects.

[Guest guest]

I agree. I thought it would be the answers to my prayers and it was, in a way.......Now that I am weaning off Baclofen, I realize just how terrible i was feeling and luckily enough I am still without any major spasms or cramping SO FAR!

Jen H

To: MSersLife From: wobbletowalk@...Date: Wed, 17 Nov 2010 10:16:21 -0800Subject: Re: question about spasms

The meds for spasms can bring a whole new set of problems unfortunately. The worst side effect for me was the groggy/sleepy 'out-of-it' feeling. Dan mentioned feeling depressed from taking baclofen. How are you doing today?

SharonThis email is a natural hand made product. The slight variations in spelling and grammar enhance its individual character and beauty and in no way are to be considered flaws or defects.

[Guest guest]

I was on 100 mg of baclofen at one point. I started weaning off and finally quit the baclofen completely in Oct. 2009. I feel so much better! I'm glad to hear you are having positive results so far.hugs SharonThis email is a natural hand made product. The slight variations in spelling and grammar enhance its individual character and beauty and in no way are to be considered flaws or defects. To: mserslife Sent: Thu, November 18, 2010 12:28:20 PMSubject: RE: question about spasms

I agree. I thought it would be the answers to my prayers and it was, in a way.......Now that I am weaning off Baclofen, I realize just how terrible i was feeling and luckily enough I am still without any major spasms or cramping SO FAR!

Jen H

To: MSersLife From: wobbletowalk@...Date: Wed, 17 Nov 2010 10:16:21 -0800Subject: Re: question about spasms

The meds for spasms can bring a whole new set of problems unfortunately. The worst side effect for me was the groggy/sleepy 'out-of-it' feeling. Dan mentioned feeling depressed from taking baclofen. How are you doing today?

SharonThis email is a natural hand made product. The slight variations in spelling and grammar enhance its individual character and beauty and in no way are to be considered flaws or defects.

[Guest guest]

Wow.that's a large dose. He just put me on 10mg twice a day. The nurse said to try taking it just at night because of the sleepies. I did take a pill this morning because I was feeling so bad. I do feel better tonight, but I know it's time for anther dose. I love your other post....there is always hope even if some days feel like there isn't. Tomorrow is a new day, and with MS, each one can be very different. Only someone with MS really gets that!

Re: question about spasms

The meds for spasms can bring a whole new set of problems unfortunately. The worst side effect for me was the groggy/sleepy 'out-of-it' feeling. Dan mentioned feeling depressed from taking baclofen. How are you doing today?

SharonThis email is a natural hand made product. The slight variations in spelling and grammar enhance its individual character and beauty and in no way are to be considered flaws or defects.

[Guest guest]

Oh yes, I have been on Baclofen for awhile. First Flexeril, then the Bac.

I am very happy to be cutting it down, then out. It WORKS. But it doesn't like me lol

jen h

To: MSersLife From: wobbletowalk@...Date: Thu, 18 Nov 2010 10:24:50 -0800Subject: Re: question about spasms

Oh, I guess I didn't realize you had already been on baclofen. I'm so glad to hear you are feeling better with the reduction. Great news!

SharonThis email is a natural hand made product. The slight variations in spelling and grammar enhance its individual character and beauty and in no way are to be considered flaws or defects.

[Guest guest]

Jen,

It's good to hear that your weaning to a lower dose of

Baclofen.. Maybe it took that much to get the spasms under

control, and now that they are controlled, the lower dose will

keep them that way.. Sort of like the Solumedrol works.. and

then the taper dose off those.. BIG jolt to make the body wake

up and pay attention.. once it does pay attention.. wean it off,

but just keep enough to control it going in..

I sure hope that it keeps getting better for you every day..

HUGS

|)onna

I agree. I thought it would be the answers to my prayers and it

was, in a way.......Now that I am weaning off Baclofen, I realize

just how terrible i was feeling and luckily enough I am still

without any major spasms or cramping SO FAR!

Jen H

To: MSersLife

From: wobbletowalk@...

Date: Wed, 17 Nov 2010 10:16:21 -0800

Subject: Re: question about spasms

The meds for spasms

can bring a whole new set of problems unfortunately. The

worst side effect for me was the groggy/sleepy 'out-of-it'

feeling. Dan mentioned feeling depressed from taking

baclofen.

How are you doing today?

Sharon

This email is a natural hand

made product. The slight variations in spelling and

grammar enhance its individual character and beauty

and in no way are to be considered flaws or defects.

--

Help Feed The Critters!

Your daily click counts at

http://www.theanimalrescuesite.com/clickToGive/

[Guest guest]

Thanks very much

I hope so too!!

Btw, is anyone else here on Nortriptiline?????? (not sure of spelling)

Jen H

To: MSersLife From: donnaisalwayz@...Date: Fri, 19 Nov 2010 10:42:45 -0500Subject: Re: question about spasms

Jen,It's good to hear that your weaning to a lower dose of Baclofen.. Maybe it took that much to get the spasms under control, and now that they are controlled, the lower dose will keep them that way.. Sort of like the Solumedrol works.. and then the taper dose off those.. BIG jolt to make the body wake up and pay attention.. once it does pay attention.. wean it off, but just keep enough to control it going in..I sure hope that it keeps getting better for you every day..HUGS|)onna

[Guest guest]

Yes, MS is a disease of many changes for most of us!I hope you continue to feel better and better. Just take it easy and rest when you need to and sleep when you want:)hugs SharonThis email is a natural hand made product. The slight variations in spelling and grammar enhance its individual character and beauty and in no way are to be considered flaws or defects. To: MSersLife Sent: Thu, November 18, 2010 8:16:07 PMSubject: Re: question about spasms

Wow.that's a large dose. He just put me on 10mg twice a day. The nurse said to try taking it just at night because of the sleepies. I did take a pill this morning because I was feeling so bad. I do feel better tonight, but I know it's time for anther dose. I love your other post....there is always hope even if some days feel like there isn't. Tomorrow is a new day, and with MS, each one can be very different. Only someone with MS really gets that!

Re: question about spasms

The meds for spasms can bring a whole new set of problems unfortunately. The worst side effect for me was the groggy/sleepy 'out-of-it' feeling. Dan mentioned feeling depressed from taking baclofen. How are you doing today?

SharonThis email is a natural hand made product. The slight variations in spelling and grammar enhance its individual character and beauty and in no way are to be considered flaws or defects.