I am combining some of the days on the diary now, since the experience is similar each day. I still have trouble sleeping all night. I am sleeping from around 9pm (worn out) until anywhere between 1:30am to 3:30am. Can’t sleep the entire night no matter what. I am up to 900mg of Neurontin now and will stay at that dose. The headaches are only when I am real tired.

I had all my tests today that the Neurologist ordered. What an experience that was. The blood tests were taken by a nervous nurse. I overheard her reporting to some officials that a strange man with a toolbox and scrubs was walking around the hospital. With the terrorist alert that we are constantly in, she was almost shaking. I was thinking “this lady is going to stick me in the arm???” Anyway, I talked to her for a while and almost was counseling her. I thought that I should use my mental health knowledge now. She was calmer and then took my blood. She did fine.

The MRI was HORRIBLE. This was the third one that I have had, but this was a different hospital and the machine was smaller. I felt like I was going in a coffin. It was so tight that I was almost squeezed in it. Since I am not a big guy, I wondered how they get some people in it. Luckily, it was done without contrast, so it was quicker - about 25 minutes.

The CT Scans were pretty neat. The machine talks to you and tells you what to do next. I felt like I was on the Jetson’s cartoon.

I have had no headaches now for three straight days. This is absolutely great. I was back at work over the last week except for Thursday for the tests. I am so happy that the Neurontin is working. 900mg must be the dose that works for me. I just take it at night and wake up sort of foggy, but that is worth it for the headaches and not having to take anything else. For those going through this, I would recommend that you ask your doctor about this medication. I think of it as a miracle drug now.

Sleep is even better. I have slept until 4:30am for a couple of days now. That is a huge improvement. I have to go to Austin, Texas on Monday for work. It is just an overnight trip, but have an all day meeting there on Tuesday. This is a pretty routine trip for me and is about a 4 hour drive away. I am going with two other people from work. I guess I am dreading it and nervous about being away from home in case I get dizzy or the headache comes back. It seems to be so much better, though, so I will give it a try.

The tests results will not be back until Tuesday or Wednesday. I am a nervous wreck about that. Not sure if I want to know if it is something horrible. Ignorance is bliss sometimes, but I need to know if there is anything going on that can be treated to prevent another round of this.