strange 'episode'

[curiousandkind]

Hi all

I went to see the doctor yesterday and she immediately diagnosed me with trigeminal neuralgia. She prescribed Tegretol, which I have yet to take (I explain why below). So I was very pleased to finally get a diagnosis and something to treat the pain I've been experiencing and I thought I'd start the pills 'tomorrow' (today).

However, I was playing at an open mic night last night and while I was playing the guitar I seemed to lose control of my left hand. Particularly the ring and pinky fingers. It was kind of like a painless hand-cramp, felt like my fingers were in a big glove. It just wouldn't respond. I've never felt anything like it. It did improve once I stopped playing the guitar, so I figured that perhaps I had 'over-done' it and decided to sleep on it and see how I felt in the morning.

In the middle of the night, I had an asthma attack and got up to find my inhaler (which is unusual in and of itself as my asthma hasn't flared up in years). I went to the livingroom to get the inhaler, then my memory is foggy... I remember hearing my own voice gasping, then I remember waking up on the livingroom floor feeling as though I had just woken up from sleeping. I don't know how long I was out.

Anyway, I took my inhaler and went back to bed. This morning my hand is a lot better, but feeling a little clumsy. I'm also feeling quite shakey, but I'm always shakey after an asthma attack because the medicine makes me shakey. So I decided I better not add the Tegretol to this mix.

Do you think I should call a doctor? I hate going to the doctor. I don't know if I should go to the emergency room (I don't feel like I'm having an emergency right now) or what. My hand doesn't feel bad enough. It's mostly working fine, just a little rubbery.

This might be the completely wrong forum to post this in, it's just I live on my own and I don't want to worry any of my relatives with this unnecessarily. So it occurred to me to ask here for advice.

[curiousandkind]

Hi all

Just wanted to let everyone know that I've heard from the hospital and I have a range of tests (not sure what tests yet) at the end of October. So I'll at least get an answer soon :)

[Sidesteps]

I am glad more tests are being ordered. Please be sure to ask for help and not drive. Listen to the doctor and take care of yourself.

(hugs)

[curiousandkind]

Hi all

Just been to the Doctor. She seems to think I've had some kind of a seizure. I'm not sure, it was all very confusing and strange.

She did a neuro exam and I'm fine, except some trouble getting my reflexes to move and being a little unsure about something in my right eye (she didn't say what!)

However, she's referring me for some tests and I guess I'll see what shows up. I'm not sure what tests I'll be getting, but hopefully I'll hear from her soon.

In the meantime, I'm not supposed to drive. However, I live in a rural area so I have no idea how I'll manage that.

Thanks so much for all your kind words and support everyone :)

[Sidesteps]

How are you doing? I hope you are well and everything is okay.

[curiousandkind]

Hi Bob

I'm actually in the UK so I don't have to worry about insurance issues. Thank goodness.

I'm calling NHS 24 for advice. :)

[COBOB]

Call you insurance companie's nurse line if they have one.  If they send you to the ER, it can save you hundreds of dollars.  If they do not (the rule out stroke with a questionnaire, then you can just call your doctor.

I could be a simple absence seizure.  You should not drive yourself if the doctor wants to see you.  Ask the doctor, she may want to to start the Tegretol since it is an anti-seizure medication.

Bob

[Sumanadevii]

My bet is ER even if you are feeling better.  Passing out and not knowing how long spells trouble to me.  You need a professional  that has the equipment close at hand to do an evaluation.

JMO