First ever blog

Hi everyone,

Hmmm... what to talk about? I'm a Navy veteran who was medically discharged in 94 for degenerative disc disease, it really wasn't to bad for several years just uncomfortable. Then all of a sudden in 2004 I developed neuropathy in my rt hand and severe pain in my rt shoulder. I had surgery to fix the disc bulge and was pain free for nine months when all of a sudden I began experiencing pain on my left side like I had never felt before and developed neuropathy in my Lt hand as well. Another surgery and again I was pain free. Suddenly six months later I thought here we go again, my Lt shoulder elevated into my ear and my head and body tilted sideways. nine months of more tests and doctors with no results. Finally I was sent to the neurology dept at the VA hosp, where the DR sent me to a psychiatrist and prescribed Botox shots. In my chart he put the diagnoses of Dystonia, but it was a year before anyone said anything to me about this and then only in an off-handed way by telling me to look into a support group. I pulled a copy of my medical files only to discover they had known for a year what was wrong with me. I went for a second opinion at a civilian hosp and they confirmed the diagnoses, I am now being treated by them. I would have to be incredibly desperate to go back to the VA again (even if the prescriptions are free).

I started physical therapy last week for the first time. The Botox shots are great for relieving my symptoms, but then the muscles on the other side of my body start spasming pretty badly. I'm really hoping that PT will help with this (the massages are great, the exercises not so much). I'm also looking into submitting a claim with the VA for my Dystonia as my neurologist believes in was brought on by the chronic pain I have been in since being medically discharged (fingers crossed on this one, the VA can be a pain to deal with).

I would be really interested in talking to people about their responses to some of the meds they are given and what treatments or exercises they do. I seem to have a real problem with the Lyrica (auditory hallucinations). Its very strange to think your hearing music when you know its not possible. Is anyone else out there having issues with their meds?