I stopped doing exercise about 1 year ago and since I stopped just basic cardio (mostly swimming) I fatigue much quicker. Even though the exercise did not make me walk better it must have at least somewhat built up my strength and endurance. I regret stopping and I have already begun a new regimen of exercise. Depending on each of our specific conditions the amount of exercise will vary...but all of us can at least attempt some kind of exercise. Sometimes we are so consumed with our condition we forget to just practice general good health. In addition I find that when I eat right and watch my weight I have more endurance and generally feel better. I take 450 mg of Lyrica per day but no neurontin. We all have to make compromises regarding our meds...for me every medication I take has some negative side effect...I therefore have to weigh the good and bad for each and every med. I take...it can be a very difficult balance. Rob in New Jersey
________________________________ From: Regina Rummel [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Saturday, May 10, 2008 12:59 AM To: tmic-list@eskimo.com Subject: [TMIC] Dr's visit, just a follow up I saw the neurologist yesterday. She suggested we increase the Neurontin to 900mg 3 times a day for a week, then increase to 1200mg three times a week. I asked about Lyrica in spite of my concerns since some of you didn't do well with it. She said Lyrica was similar to Neurontin, may work faster, is more expensive. I asked if we can take Neurontin and Lyrica together. She said yes and that surprised me. Do any of you take both? And about the spasticity in my hamstrings, she wants me to take 10mg Bicoflen before I do my exercises. Some of you made negative comments about Bicoflen, didn't you? I guess you take it as needed. I mentioned my memory slipping somewhat. I can order a brain MRI if you want to she said. But I've had TIAs that probably are the cause. It all went very fast because I type all the questions and concerns to make sure I won't forget anything. What's wrong with me? Fatigue is a 10 most of the time. Chronic fatigue is truly a handicap. I can hardly walk. My left leg is acting up big time, and so is my lower back (T10-T11 lesion). I drag myself with a walker. Every little thing is a challenge, etc.. Just lifting my left foot is a challenge. Speaking of foot, Frank was right. Prednisone will bruise you. I stopped taking it, it's poison. I refuse to give up. I cleaned all the floors of my little apartment. I cooked shrimp and pasta and steamed asparagus for me and my daughter. I watched and read the news ignoring the blurry right eye, I did this and even did that.... It's a big challenge to do every little thing. And tomorrow I'll work all day in the gift shop and check the inventory. Once I smear the new Channel foundation on my face, eye shadow and gloss on my lips, perhaps if I look better, I'll feel better. But back to the neurologist. She is supposed to be one of the best in Marin. But why do I feel that she can't wait to go to the next room where another patient is waiting? I honestly feel that it's because we both know that there is nothing that can be done for me. That we're both waisting our time. Took a sleeping pill and smoked some pot (medicinal of course) so I can sleep. But I feel better talking to you who is kind enough to put up with this babbling. PS. Jude, I'm thinking about you and hope you feel better and are sleeping peacefully.
