Chronic Health Conditions Discussion and Support

the "kidney" warnings on that one struck me as more alarming than usual so I called my nephrologist before I took it (I have chronic renal failure). He usually okays meds....for Ampyra he said, "absolutely not, you may NOT take it. It's been known to cause seizures in people with kidney problems, and it's too risky for you." This is the first and only med he's nixed for me to take.

The "ugh" part comes in because I wanted to try it, but it definitely wasn't worth it for me! I can't answer for you, though. If you still have a nephrologist, it would be worth asking. But if your kidneys are okay...... If it gives you a hint, my creatinine has been pretty stable for the last 3 years (nephrologist thinks kidney problems were caused by my bladder problems, which I take care of with cathing now) and hovers around 1.6.

My first symptom was fatigue. I went to my excellent general practitioner and asked why the hell I was always so tired. I was a vegetarian and ate an incredibly healthy diet, got tons of exercise, lived a very healthy life. All of my tests were fine -- no problems noted anywhere. He was a great doc but VERY old fashioned -- he was a good friend of my parents and was their generation. He finally said, "Start eating meat. Humans were designed to be carnivores. Eat meat." Me: "But you just told me all my tests were perfect. I'm not anemic or anything. Why, then, should I eat meat?" He just said, "Try it, you'll feel better." I didn't try it.

Two years later, I was up early working (I'd just gone back to grad school) and my whole left side gradually went numb. It started with my leg, then I noticed my lower arm/hand and finally my face. I thought I was having a stroke. Long story short, after much testing, MS was the diagnosis. That was 1986. I did pretty well up to a few years ago -- I finished grad school while working half time and worked in a tough, stressful profession. I managed to compensate, including getting permission to take a midday nap at work, etc.

As for fatigue now, I found the first med that's ever helped me for more than a couple of weeks -- Nuvigil. It's also ridiculously expensive though -- about $400/month. My income is incredibly low now, since I retired, so I managed to get it free through the company. That's an option if you qualify.

Welcome to CHCDS!