Spasticity

[Angelchef80]

I was have horrible leg pains, occasionally my leg would "jump" all on it's own.

When I went to the neuro I didnt know how to describe it, I could only says my legs just hurt.

Because of the leg pain I was not working, taking personal leave until I could get short term disability. I couldn't get any dr to fill out the STD paperwork. Finally PCP filled it out but did not send in everything they needed so still was denied STD. But while I wasn't working it gave me time to research a lot about MS, looking for anything that described the way I was feeling.

I found an article on spasticity and as I read more all I could think was "this is exactly what I am experiencing". Where I couldn't find the words before to describe the pain I had now read this article that gave me the words I was looking for.

It felt like someone had taken the muscle off of my legs, stretched them as far as they could, put them back in place and said now walk. Oh yeah, add random leg and back spasms to the mix.

After reading this blessing sent my way I saw my PCP and asked could I have this. He said absolutely and prescribed me baclofen.

This little pill has changed my world. After being out of work for about 3 months I am now back to a full schedule. I am a chef, on my feet most of the day. Sitting down when needed, but definitely couldn't have continued without this reading that help me find my way back.

I write this hoping it helps someone else find their way to answers. I have found in this short relationship that I have had with the Monster that it is sometimes hard to find the words to describe what is happening. Hope this helps someone!

[rjoneslaw]

what is std paperwork ?

[Iona60 in reply to rjoneslaw]

probably short term disability

[Angelchef80 in reply to rjoneslaw]

Short term disability

[Iona60]

Great that baclofen is helping you. Many of us have been on it at some point.

[greaterexp]

I’ve often thought that those is us with MS need to come up with our own vocabulary.

It’s wonderful that the medication is helping you so much! Hurrah!

[Timeflies5 in reply to greaterexp]

Like “robolegs” when our walk is stiff like a robot ...or “jigglyhead” when we feel off balance! 🤔

[greaterexp in reply to Timeflies5]

We sure could come up with a great list! I don't have a word to describe visual/balance issues that don't match any word I've found. It's almost as though I'm wearing someone else's glasses, but not really. How's that for precise language? Ha!

[Timeflies5]

Hello Angelchef80...glad you’re having a positive response to baclofen..sometimes I feel like I have “robolegs “ to where I kinda walk like a robot...but, exercise, stretching and even rest minimizes that...at least for for now...thanks for this very helpful post...many blessings friend! 😎🙏🏻

[Jan4you]

So sorry you have been suffering. What bothers me is that your Neuro didn't further investigate this by asking more pertinent questions. As my neuro told me, any where there are muscles you can have spasticity effects. Baclofen helps but doesn't' always stop it.

I went to a acupuncturist for back/leg pain and guess what? The treatment loosened the my tight, tight leg muscles too. Pain relief immediately!!!!! Keep that in mind as your job depends on this. Wish insurance companies would pay for acupuncture.

BTW my neuro and other specialists do not usually want to do the paperwork for any disbility. BUT remember t mention emphatically how this condition/pain limits and affects your ability to do your job.

Your PCP is the "hub" and should always be consulted so they record results of your specialists appointments. BUT know that anything treated by Meds esp will cause you to be denied.

Healing hugs, Jan

[mrsmike9]

Could someone define what spasticity feels like? I get terrible cramping pain in my feet sometimes. Is that it? My neck and shoulders and Always stiff and sometimes are sore from being so hard. Is that spasticity? Either/or or none???

[Angelchef80 in reply to mrsmike9]

ninds.nih.gov/Disorders/All...

[mrsmike9 in reply to Angelchef80]

Thanks. Sounds like probably both of them. I guess I'd better tell the NP at the neuro.

[twooldcrows]

so glad you was able to get the relief for it ...yes it has lots of oddities ...take care and be safe....lots of answers on here and lots of information on MS web pages...