I had a really great visit with Dr. Stephenson today. She was very concerned about my eyes, but I assured her that all was well. (Since my last blog, I had another eye problem which Dr. Carter prescribed TobraDex eye drops and Doxycycline for. I was quite sure that I was getting optic neuritis again, but I apparently had something else going on. I was weepy most of the day last Monday because I just couldn't face dealing with that again. The IV steroids suck!!!!)
Dr. Stephenson asked about what I've decided regarding the Copaxone. I told her of all the lifestyle changes I've been making since January and she was very pleased. I also told her about all of the supplements I'm currently taking and I gave her some information I had printed out regarding the curcumin and cod liver oil. Dr. Stephenson took the literature and said she would read it. I questioned whether all of her patients were so wishy-washy regarding treatment as me and she said that MS is a very big thing to deal with as is deciding on the best treatment and that yes...all patients are typically "wishy-washy" as I put it. We mutually decided to try the supplements for 6 months and to run another MRI in September. If at that time I've developed new lesions or show any activity/changes/etc. at all, I will promptly go on Copaxon...no questions asked.
I talked to her about the itching again. I told her that we discussed it before, but this time I brought information from the National MS website regarding itching. She read over it and said that it all makes perfect sense, but that she just hadn't had anyone mention the itching. She prescribed 300 mg. Neurontin to be taken each night to help and I'm suppose to call her back in 2 weeks to let her know how the medication is working.
As before, Dr. Stephenson pointed out that I could at any time ask for a referral to a MS specialist in Dallas. I explained to Dr. Stephenson that I am very comfortable with her as long as we are able to logically discuss my medical needs and negotiate my treatment.
All in all....I'm quite pleased with my visit today and I'm really liking Dr. Stephenson!
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