So Wednesday afternoon I went to my appointment. It was the first time I'd been to this doctor, and I really liked her. She talked to me about what I've been experiencing, took my blood so they can run some tests, and then brought in a sample of a drug for me to try.
This drug is called Mirapex, and it's supposed to ease the symptoms of RLS. As soon as she gave it to me I started getting really excited thinking that maybe FINALLY I can ease the frustration that I face every night. She said to give it a try and if it doesn't work then to make another appointment and we'd go from there.
Wednesday night J and I were gone until really late, and I forgot to take the pills with me. Because you're supposed to take one pill 3 hours before bedtime, I decided to just wait and take it Thursday night. So, last night I was messing around on the computer, when the pills popped into my head. Before getting up to go take one, I decided to type in the name on google and see what came up. I remembered my mom telling me last week that if the doctor gave me any medication, she wanted me to call and tell her about it before I took it. She said she's had some friends experience really bad side effects from drugs.
Anyway...so I type in the name and I get several hits. The first couple hits were just informational sites about the drug, but I noticed that about four down was one that said it had reviews and ratings. This webpage had over 100 reviews of the drug. I would say about 85% of the reviews were horrible. People listed side effects anywhere from hallucinations to intense and disturbing dreams, OCD behaviors, weight gain, teeth clenching, insomnia, leg pain, falling asleep at random times and not knowing it until waking up, disinterest in life, depression, anxiety etc etc etc. I mean, multiple people wrote about how this drug ruined their life and it should be taken off the market!
So, I don't know what to do now. I didn't take it last night. I'm just scared to death to try it now. I know that people are more likely to write a review on something if they had a bad experience and whatnot, but still. As much as I hate dealing with RLS every night, I just don't know if it's worth the risk! A lot of the people said in their review that the side effects happened gradually and they didn't realize what was happening to them until they were already in full force. Also they said that they had to keep increasing their dosage for it to work and that when they tried to get off the drug they couldn't.
I feel really disappointed now because if I'm not willing to try the drug, then I'm just stuck with the RLS. But, I would rather deal with the RLS than to experience those side effects. What would you do? Would you risk taking the drug or would you just deal?
On another note, I just wanted to say thank you for the encouraging comments from yesterday. I felt so much better and more ready to tackle this issue after hearing from all of you. I am so thankful for all of my friends in blogworld! You guys mean so much:)
And...I made it through the entire day yesterday - on plan and confident about it! I tried to keep myself busy with tasks and to focus on things other than snacking. I have to give a shout out to my best friend, Jayma. She called me mid afternoon after reading my blog, just to give me a little accountability. I love you Jay!
Now on to day 2!
Posts
7 comments:
The internet is our best friend and our worst enemy. I would be scared out of my mind after reading all of those reviews!! Is that comforting??!?!
I probably wouldn't take it or ask the Dr. if there is anything else you could take?
Maybe there is something more herbal you could do to help it?
Whoa that is really scary. I think you should probably call your Doctor and tell her about your concerns. She should be aware of the side effects and can tell you if the benefits out weigh your concerns or if you are even at risk of getting those side effects. That's a hard call to make though.
On another note, congrats on making it through day 1, I hope day 2 is just as successful!
becareful with those side effects! even though the drug may work the side effects are what's scary! i hope it works out well for you! congrats on the first day i hope day two is just as good if not better!
thanks for the comment! that was soo sweet!
Have you considered acupuncture? I started last summer for various reasons and it has saved me so much pain and discomfort! I highly recommend finding a trusted professional in your area.
Hope you feel better and can start to get some great sleep!
Ugh, so sorry you are dealing with this...I freak myself about medication too, but I don't think I could get past those side effects you saw. I would be having another conversation with my doctor!
She said you for sure have Restless Leg
Thank goodness you forgot the pills and that you thought to do some research before taking it! I am such a believer that everything happens for a reason! I would definitely talk to your doctor again soon... Good luck!
I hope the doctor has something else you could try. I don't know much about RLS, but maybe there's some sort of natural treatments for it?
Either way, good luck. I know what it's like to be suffering from some physical ailment and feel like you just can't get out! Soon enough you'll find something that works.
Post a Comment