Making headway
I’ve been in a lot of pain over the past week, getting worse every day to the point where it hurts to drive or feel sheets/clothes rubbing against my skin. I seem to be on a cycle of medication working for 4 weeks and then stopping suddenly. They last increased my medication dosage in early December and it started wearing off last Tuesday. I took some painkillers last night so I could sleep and am still on some today.
Fortunately my visit with the Head of Neurology today went well. He took me seriously and was very friendly and knowledgeable. He is sending me to another local neurologist who is apparently world famous and deals only with neuropathies. They made me an appointment for next Monday morning for a nerve biopsy to see where and how bad the small fiber damage is. I’ll have to take the day off after the biopsy, but hopefully it will yield enough results that I won’t end up using all my sick leave again this year! This man uses a variety of innovative treatments, including more natural/homeopathic remedies along with more traditional medications. That makes me happy and I just hope he’s as good as he sounds.
Today’s neurologist also suggested that some of this may be restless limb syndrome (it’s not just in your legs) because of my severe anemia. He took me off the Neurontin and has switched me to Topamax (more fun side effects to come). The good thing is that whereas the Neurontin can cause some weight gain, the Topamax is well-known for weight loss. Won’t complain about that! 
Hopefully the side effects won’t be too hard to handle. I’m starting off slow and ramping up. At least I don’t have to start classes until next week.
Obviously I should have listened to those of you who suggested talking to the dean before exams. Today I asked the neurologist to give me a note. I spoke with the dean and then faxed the neurologist the name, address and info needed so that I can get some accommodation to help me this semester. I’m not sure what that will entail, but at least they will know I’m having some difficulty. The dean said that they can offer me a slower-paced program, but I’m not sure how much slower I could go (I only take two classes a semester!) so we’ll just see what happens. Once the doctor sends the note to the campus disability department and they vet it, the dean and I will sit down and talk about options.
