I wish I had some advice for you but I don't. Just want to send some (((((HUGZ))))) your way.

Can you call your local ER and ask them what they could do for terrible muscle spasm pain? They may say all they can do is refer to a pain specialist. If this is the case ask where you can go that would treat you in the area. At least then you'll know where you can go to get some help without making a wasted visit in time and money.

Good luck finding someone that can help you,
EP

I think if you go to the er screaming in pain, they will attempt to address the immediate pain and then refer you to a specialist. It may be worth it if they can give a push to get you into a neuro sooner.

Yes the Hosp. will refer you and then you will have one. Just tell them u keep being turned down and need on!

Thanks everyone. Might be the way to go. My cousin is a Nurse practitioner at the hospital here, trying to get a hold of her to see if she knows if they will treat me... but she won't answer, a busy time for her, he mom, my aunt she had a brain biopsy and has stage 3 brain cancer.

On of the many stressors that I think set all this off into overdrive.

I just wish they could find a way to treat spasticity
.

I have spasticity too, I've been going to pt and it has helped a lot. Think,,,,there is pain at the beginning of the therapy but a few sessions later I felt improvement. They thought me how to do them at home, you have to work thru the pain in order to feel relief. For me,,it works, maybe your dr can refer you to pt with a home program. Feel better soon.

You know I empathize and there is a lot of info shared on my recent post about spasms being unbearable. If pain is your primary symptom then I think a pain doctor is the first peron you should see. In my experience neuros are not good at managing pain. None I have ever seen will prescribe pain medication. And the cause of these spasms needs to be figured out before anything can be done. A brain scan can be ordered by a PCP if they are willing to do it. Certainly the ER can do this

If you go to the ER I think it would be wise to talk to your cousin the CNP first. Go to the ER during the day to see the most experienced staff and word your problem carefully. You don't want to be dismissed as a drug seeking person. That happens too often these days when people need real help. Be sure you see an attending physician not a resident and be sure they have a neurology department where you go so they can call for a consult right there and then.

The person I see for spasticity treatment is a physiatrist. (physical medicine and rehabilitation Dr.)

And there may be treatment options you do not know about. I've been at this a long time and am still learning new options.

Do you have a diagnosis? If not then you need tests. To get any help in-patient you really need to be in a specialized rehab hospital but you need a diagnosis. Physiatrists, anesthesiologists, neurosurgeons are other options for treatment.

I know it is an awful situation but don't panic. Anxiety makes pain worse and can be an obstacle to communicating how bad things are.

I hope you can get help soon.

Melanie

I was diagnosed with MS in 2001.

I am limited in pain meds do to chronic pancreatitis. I do think PT will help with some of the pain. But not the toes, fingers, and throat spasms. At least, I would think they would be harder. So I feel I need a combination.

I am just confused about it all. I am in this much pain, my muscles are hard as a brick. Flexing my ankles hurt so bad. But I am not drawn up like some people.

Not like this...

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NnsXGn4ZX18/S7u3TQqaCqI/AAAAAAAAAM0/W0h_yJQgT4E/s1600/Easter+and+Misc+005.JPG

or this...

http://s3.hubimg.com/u/1368918_f260.jpg

And around here, seems if they can't "see" it, they don't care.

But, that is just something i have to keep fighting.

When I get into see a neuro, I am taking an advocate with me. Someone who will tell them how I scream and writhe in pain often times. Someone who won't let them brush me off.

Thanks for all the advice. Taking them all in and formulating a plan.

In the meantime, trying to get through the night. It won't let up. Just typing this is excruciating.

My girls 4 and 11 keep checking on me. They rarely see mommy cry out like this. But it is too much not too. But their love is helping me get through.

I'm so sorry ou're going through this, Tara! All this stres can't be healthy for you at all. Can someone go with you to the ER tonight? Please take care of yourself. What about a naturopath MD if you can't find a neuro. I'm thinking of switching to one of those myself.
Take care and please let us know how you're doing.
Hug,
~Lorrie

Yep contractures from unmanaged spasticity or born with it llke CP,

I get massage every week to manage, baclofen pump has been suggested but I am in a wheelchair and need full assist to transfer so that is not an option.

These pictures are on my spasticity Drs wall. All neuros and other Drs know this can happen. I think you should call your MS society Tara and find out who does Botox etc in your area, This is the Dr. you need to see. A spasticity management specialist.

Once something like these pictures depict happens there is no going back.

Melanie

To the best of my knowledge, the best they can do for you is give you a medicine to control the spasms. Often with acute very intense relapses/symptoms you can be admitted as in inpatient and given IV steroids (depending on situation). If admitted, you will be seen by a neurologist. If I were you, I would go to the ER and request a neurologist give you an examination and options. If steroids will stop you from screaming in pain, then I would demand it. Anytime you are screaming in pain, I think it is time to go to the ER. And get a neuro ASAP. Try contacting the MS chapter in your area for referrals. My best to you.

I have dystonia (caused by ms) - cervical, and in my arms and legs. I also have spasticity from ms. With my last relapse I had severe tremors, loss of balance and coordination, severe fatigue, trouble walking and severe spasms throughout my body. The dystonia generally gets worse each time I have a relapse. My neurologist treated this relapse with Acthar Gel instead of Solu-Medrol this time and it helped the muscle spasms and spasticity as well as my other symptoms.

I also take topamax and baclofen to help with the dystonia and the spasticity. And when the dystonia causes my muscles to become extremely hard I get botox injections. I have spasms that cause my head to pull to the right toward my shoulder and also have spasms in my legs that cause my feet to pull inward. In addition, I have difficulty writing because the muscles in my right hand tighten excessively around the pen or pencil. The medications and botox help some, but I always have some pain. I don't take pain pills though. I have worked with physical therapists and I find that mild exercise and stretching does help. I also take supplements.

I have dystonia (caused by ms) - cervical, and in my arms and legs. I also have spasticity from ms. With my last relapse I had severe tremors, loss of balance and coordination, severe fatigue, trouble walking and severe spasms throughout my body. The dystonia generally gets worse each time I have a relapse. My neurologist treated this relapse with Acthar Gel instead of Solu-Medrol this time and it helped the muscle spasms and spasticity as well as my other symptoms.

I also take topamax and baclofen to help with the dystonia and the spasticity. And when the dystonia causes my muscles to become extremely hard I get botox injections. I have spasms that cause my head to pull to the right toward my shoulder and also have spasms in my legs that cause my feet to pull inward. In addition, I have difficulty writing because the muscles in my right hand tighten excessively around the pen or pencil. The medications and botox help some, but I always have some pain. I don't take pain pills though. I have worked with physical therapists and I find that mild exercise and stretching does help. I also take supplements.

I have dystonia (caused by ms) - cervical, and in my arms and legs. I also have spasticity from ms. With my last relapse I had severe tremors, loss of balance and coordination, severe fatigue, trouble walking and severe spasms throughout my body. The dystonia generally gets worse each time I have a relapse. My neurologist treated this relapse with Acthar Gel instead of Solu-Medrol this time and it helped the muscle spasms and spasticity as well as my other symptoms.

I also take topamax and baclofen to help with the dystonia and the spasticity. And when the dystonia causes my muscles to become extremely hard I get botox injections. I have spasms that cause my head to pull to the right toward my shoulder and also have spasms in my legs that cause my feet to pull inward. In addition, I have difficulty writing because the muscles in my right hand tighten excessively around the pen or pencil. The medications and botox help some, but I always have some pain. I don't take pain pills though. I have worked with physical therapists and I find that mild exercise and stretching does help. I also take supplements.

Sorry don't know why that posted so many times.