Since TB is the best place to get medical advice...

GeneralElectric · #1 07-15-2009, 03:54 PM

Well the long and short of it is, is that I don't have medical insurance. And while I would like to see a doctor, I was hoping maybe I'd get some ideas here to cope or alleviate it until I can actually afford to go to a doctor.

So I've got this weird muscle spasm. Its usually not painful. Basically my head involuntarily jerks to the left shoulder. My head doesn't really turn, but it bends so my ear is about parallel to my shoulder. Hopefully that'll give you a visual.
As I said its usually not painful, so I don't think its too bad for the time being. Sometimes the sudden jerk will leave my neck feeling pretty sore on the right side, and if its violent enough I'll crack my neck.

It happens irregularly. I'll go a few days without any, and then I'll do like 4 or more in a single night. I usually do it about twice a day, usually closer to the end of the day time. I wake up around noon most days, unless I'm working.

The girl who I've been pretty serious about seeing is pretty worried but I really can't afford to go to a doctor.

Some things that might be of note:
I've had prior history of seizures (since October) where I'd go pretty much catatonic for anything to a few minutes, to more than 30. It was diagnosed as a swelling vein in my brain, which was controlled with the help of medication and I haven't had one in months.

I've also had a prior history of drug and alcohol abuse including lots of opiate based drugs (heroin, Oxycontin, morphine, fetanol, etc) as well as benzodiasapins (I think I spelled that wrong) as well as psychadelics. I haven't done any in more than a year and a half aside from the occasional psychadelic and pretty frequent pot smoking.

I smoke cigarettes and pipe tobacco. I eat healthier than most and I excercise daily for at least an hour.

Any advice?

bassrique · #2 07-15-2009, 04:02 PM

If you can stay out of trouble and take up stuttering, you may be Emperor of Rome if you are patient.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lNyFAa_nAPI

RickenBoogie · #3 07-15-2009, 04:08 PM

I lost my 2 younger brothers, who both had seizure disorders related to drug abuse. The same drugs you mentioned. I know how it is, as I have no medical insurance either, but it would seem to me that a trip to the doc, no matter the cost, is in your best interest.

Chipsonfire · #4 07-15-2009, 04:14 PM

If my med school friend in India were online, I'd send him this link, but he is very seldom on these days. He is in 3rd or 4th year of med school and brilliant. If I see him on any time in the near future, I'll try to remember to have him take a look at your post. You really should see a doctor about this; your health is more important than, well, just about anything.

bassrique · #5 07-15-2009, 04:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RickenBoogie

I lost my 2 younger brothers, who both had seizure disorders related to drug abuse. The same drugs you mentioned. I know how it is, as I have no medical insurance either, but it would seem to me that a trip to the doc, no matter the cost, is in your best interest.

Yes, on a serious note, you should see a medical professional about this, and live on the straight and narrow for a time. I know this is difficult to do as a working musician, but one's health is of utmost importance - treasure it.

And btw, the entire classic 10-hour "I, Claudius" mini-series is available on Youtube if you are interested.

Muusers · #6 07-15-2009, 04:22 PM

PROTIP: Get health insurance.

bassrique · #7 07-15-2009, 04:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Muusers

PROTIP: Get health insurance.

And/or barter with a Fender Bass enthusiast medical professional.

TOOL460002 · #8 07-15-2009, 04:43 PM

hmm... thats a tricky one. my first thought regarding muscle spasms was muscle relaxers. valium works for me, but perhaps something like flexeril would be effective? i dont know; never tried it, though im fairly certain it is not habit-forming.

i am not aware of twitching related to opiates. it is my understanding that the only neuro-toxic component of opiate abuse is withdrawal. heavy alcohol use could be the culprit, but i have only experienced unsteady nerves during withdrawal, so if you have no longer use alcohol, i find it hard to believe that that is the source, unless you were a really, really heavy drinker. i have seen that manifest seizures well after cessation.

i have known some people, and heard about many secondhand who have developed such twitching from psychedelic use. regardless of the source, i would cease this activity. i have never heard of twitching related to cannabis or tobacco.

now, the seizure thing is a bit of a concern. you dont want to go biting off your tongue or anything, or collapsing and hitting your head on the floor (seen it happen, and i can still remember that "thud" as being one of the worst sounds ive ever heard). i take two anti-seizure medications for completely different purposes, but have also inquired about the anti-seizure component, so from what ive been told, lamictal or lyrica would be excellent candidates. but, if you have something that works, stick with that.

the seizure part is the most dangerous, as far as my completely unqualified opinion is concerned. if its not that, i would say psychedelics (lsd and mdma [technically not a psychedelic, i know] seem to have lasting effects). icing can also reduce swelling, which can cause nerves to fire off, so if you get one twitch, try an ice pack, and see if that helps.

thats about all i can think of. i really hope you end up well, and that you do all you can as soon as possible.

Grizzly700 · #9 07-15-2009, 04:47 PM

First of all, stop the drugs. Period. Second, I saw something like this on that Mystery Diagnosis show, where the guy started out like that and eventually got to where his head was basically stuck to his shoulder. Can't remember what he had though. I do remeber that they treated it with botox injections though.

Muusers · #10 07-15-2009, 04:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Grizzly700

Second, I saw something like this on that Mystery Diagnosis show, where the guy started out like that and eventually got to where his head was basically stuck to his shoulder. Can't remember what he had though. I do remeber that they treated it with botox injections though.

What the? Do you always watch junk on tv?

StyleOverShow · #11 07-15-2009, 04:54 PM

You need to seen a neurologist. Go to the nearest University hospital and ask them if they have a pro-bono program, or have a resident see you. The deal is you probably need a MRI of your melon and that is a couple of three grand (wholesale).

Something is firing in your brain telling a group of muscles to tighten up. Could be blood vessel spasms, or a narrowing, or some nuero-chemical imbalance.

See a doc!

-richard

Grizzly700 · #12 07-15-2009, 05:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Muusers

What the? Do you always watch junk on tv?

I live in America, TV = Junk. That's why I spend so much time here.

TOOL460002 · #13 07-15-2009, 05:10 PM

oh, and ibuprofin is an anti-inflammatory. i dont mean to talk down to you, but i always assumed it was simply for pain, like tylenol until i was prescribed it for said purpose (2400mg is the maximum one should take per day), but if you have stomach issues like ulcers, it can worsen those.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Grizzly700

Can't remember what he had though. I do remeber that they treated it with botox injections though.

actually, i saw some thing on the history channel in the last week regarding "bee venom therapy." the program said that bee venom could be up to 10,000 times as potent as cortisone for inflammation. i have an appointment with my physiatrist tomorrow, and intend to ask about the bee thing.

however, i like the suggestion about getting checked out by a free clinic or university hospital type program.

MatticusMania · #14 07-15-2009, 05:12 PM

Dance. Dance like youve never danced before!

oldrocker · #15 07-15-2009, 05:27 PM

Cut out that exercise. That stuff can kill ya.

Disco_Gee · #16 07-15-2009, 06:01 PM

I'd suggest you also lay off the drugs but I'm not medical professional.

WRBass · #17 07-15-2009, 06:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GeneralElectric

Some things that might be of note:
I've had prior history of seizures (since October) where I'd go pretty much catatonic for anything to a few minutes, to more than 30. It was diagnosed as a swelling vein in my brain, which was controlled with the help of medication and I haven't had one in months.

Maybe the swelling is back and the symptoms are showing up differently? Are you still taking that medication? You must have gone to the doctor before to get the other diagnosis. Can that doctor give you another prescription?

Hawaii Islander · #18 07-15-2009, 06:10 PM

Consult a medical professional at a clinic if possible. Some online medical assistance sites exist (i.e., HMSA and others run them) and may point out where you can get assistance for free.

superfunk47 · #19 07-15-2009, 10:54 PM

Maybe you're brushing your teeth too much.

I get small seizures, too. Couple bigger ones a few years back. Never been a major problem for me. I'd still see a doc about it, though. Not the kinda thing you want to screw around with.

KarateKid25 · #20 07-15-2009, 11:34 PM

Its possibly a motor tic of sorts? It could be related to any number of things really...

Is there no way that you can see a doctor at all? Surely in the US, people that don't have much money can still get some kind of medical attention?