this Tuesday (30th Apr 2013) I met with Dr Bain at Cromwell Hospital in London. I last saw him 2 years ago (described earlier in this tread). Dr B had in advance been told about the change in my situation and that I am much better now so he knew beforehand about my contacts with homeopathy and energy medicin.
We discussed how I'm feeling, he did various tests (some the same as last time and some new) and we talked more about how I percieve my situation.
Dr B is first of all happy for me. The most important thing, he says, is that I'm better - the how and why is secondary to that. He writes in his report to me that he believes my improvement might have several reasons such as me loosing weight, the medication valproate has probably now gone out of the system completely (can take years!), I cope with the overall situation better and I've reduced my anxiety level. He said that the discussion with the homeopath regarding supressed fear and stress might indeed have been a positive factor. I walk better, I'm steadier and he could no longer hear the helicopter sound when I stood up. So my being better is now checked by a doctor who saw me when I was quite bad..
I asked if stress could be a trigger for OT (as so many of us here feels OT has started after a period of stress or strong emotional stress) and he cannot say for sure as stress cannot be measured. But that is most probably is a factor.
He wants me to test standing in a swimmingpool as he says most OT'ers can stand without any problem at all in deep water (to chest hight) for a very long time. (Perhaps you who read also can try and report?) Dr B thinks that this indicates how important weight is..
He will consider my idea that pain in upper legs and lower back could be a result of posture changes due to leaning. A new input to him that he felt was interesting and would think about when talking to other patients.
So it was a very good meeting. I'll see him again in a couple of years time unless something changes.
He also mentioned a new drug some of his patients are trying; Alprazolam. I write it here in case anyone of you want to talk to your neurologists about this. I'm off all drugs and do not intend to start using anything again at this point. I do not need it!
I flew to London without any assistance in the airports. I managed a cocktail reception quite ok (needed to sit or lean or walk around - but could also stand and talk now and then which would not have been possible 6 months ago). I have stood in a crowded tube and in a crowded elevator - without feeling panicky! It was a bit difficult, but I managed quite well by just leaning a bit or holding on to something.
I have met clients (10 meetings) and not once have I needed to talk about my legs, explained that I've needed to sit down or behave in a different way. I still have to adapt a little bit, but it is not visible to others the way it used to be nor do I need to make special arrangements. It's amazing... I can hardly believe it.
So today I'm no longer the golfnut with OT -
I'm the golfnut. full stop.
)
