After waiting six weeks, I finally got to see a neurologist.
Shortly after my heart valve replacement I experienced some troubling symptoms that required me to report in to my cardiology team. Dizziness and eye floaters were alarming enough that I was ordered to our nearest Kaiser clinic for an EKG. The immediate reaction was that I was having a heart attack. I wasn't, but it was only after two ambulance rides to two hospitals and one overnight stay that it was decided that I had mild pericarditis. That did not explain the other symptoms.
Eventually I had a brain MRI and I got back the results via email that I had Normal Pressure Hydrocephalies. Well, that sounded bad. I had no personal feedback, just an appointment with neurology for 6 weeks out. I checked Dr. Google and got pretty scared at what I learned. If that's what I had, the fix would involve a permanent shunt from my brain to my abdomen, if that even worked. It doesn't always.
The most prominent symptom is having trouble walking, and also confusion. I have experienced both, although the confusion is mild and comes and goes. Today I learned that we need to learn more. The neurologist has had experience diagnosing this rare condition and says there just aren't enough indicators yet. He ordered a few more tests, is telling me to get an eye exam, and is referring me to a movement specialist. That makes sense what with all of my back and joint problems.
So I am celebrating finally knowing something, even if it's that we need to know more. I am now on track to delve into what's going on with me.
In the meantime, life goes on, and it's good. I made it to the stadium to watch the Sounders match on Wednesday, felt safe enough, and had a good time. I use my walking stick for stability and people see that and give me space. And we won. The Sounders are now one game away from reaching the CCF North American /Central American club championship.
Yesterday we got our second COVID booster shots, and I had a sore arm that evening and Tom has some fatigue today but otherwise we are good.
Outside Spring continues to erupt. The first tulips are in bloom.
The fragrant shrub Viburnum burkwoodii is coming into bloom
We hit 70 degrees yesterday but are back to a chilly 50 today, with sun coming and going.
Like my life, Spring has its ups and downs, but it's all beautiful.
It sounds like you are at a crossroad of life. I am almost there and had a great big scolding from my grumpy doctor because my blood test was terrible - high cholesterol, high sugar, high blood pressure, with Hashimoto Thyroiditis thrown in for extra measure. My fingers are arthritic. He said I would have to go on medication - which I refuse because I don't want to be on the merry-go-round of more drugs to treat the side effects of drugs.
ReplyDeleteSo, I am now changing how I eat and what I do daily and plan to continue until my next checkup. No more nightly ice cream binges or sweet snacks while watching TV. More salads instead of rice meals (I really don't enjoy salads...). Exercising on my Zaaz machine every day instead of once in a great while. And setting daily look backs at each day - asking myself what I accomplished and patting myself on the back for whatever job, chore, or success I had completed or begun.
I just began this about a week ago, and my blood pressure is getting better. I need to work on going to sleep at night earlier and I look forward to better and better health and also a much better blood test in 4 months. Getting old doesn't have to mean we suffer. We can enjoy life and live to our fullest in our gardens and hobbies and take care of ourselves in whatever way we desire.
Linda, we had a close friend who was diagnosed with something similar. He had surgery and the shunt put in. I hesitate to mention this, but thought I should (for what it's worth). His didn't turn out well. Now I know that everyone is not the same, just be very sure before agreeing with this diagnosis and surgery...
ReplyDeleteIt all sounds rather serious so I'm glad you have good doctors whose advice you can rely on.
ReplyDeleteThe viburnum blossoms are exquisite. If only the weather would warm up and stay more than a day or two!!
I am glad they are finding out things but also glad they are not jumping into anything and are checking you out with more tests. Let us know.
ReplyDeleteSo glad you had a great day at the stadium and that your Sounders won.
Got my second booster also with just a little itching.
Glad that you finally got some clear news!
ReplyDeleteGlad you got some more information, if not a full diagnosis. Good luck with the follow up tests and appointments.
ReplyDeleteThe tulips are gorgeous!
Glad you are getting more tests, hope you get some news about it all soon...at least something is happening besides waiting! :)
ReplyDeleteSounds like the neuro is setting the correct path for further information, and the movement people (usually PTs) are really good at giving tips for enjoying a safer life. Baby steps! Linda in Kansas
ReplyDeleteYour condition makes you worry and you have enough info to make you worry but not enough info to stop you worrying. I hope that they soon get this sorted out for you.
ReplyDeleteBest wishes for quick answers and quick fixes. I love that you are continuing to live your life and enjoy the things you have always loved. Your pictures are stunning as usual!
ReplyDeleteI always consult Dr. Google, but I advise to never take that as a final authority, as I am quite sure you already realize. We are all just temporarily healthy and able and strength comes from the mind and spirit as much as the body (at least in my view, but I am not even as qualified as Dr. Google). In any case I wish for you the strength to face what comes and the wisdom of handling it all with the grace you have always shown as I've read your blog over the years.
ReplyDeleteSo glad you are celebrating. You need to celebrate the wonderful person that you are. They say attitude is everything and you do have the BEST attitude. Dr. Google can scare you to death. I love Olga's comment to you. You love nature and being outside. I really believe that nature and sun both have healing powers. Love you Linda and wish you the very best. Forgive me if this comment sounds too dumb to publish.
ReplyDeleteIt's not dumb at all. Thank you for your sweet, loving, caring support.
DeleteI am glad they have identified what might be the problem but are not rushing into any surgery options. It seems to me you need to have some time to find out what might resolve naturally. My fingers are all crossed for you!
ReplyDeletewow, life can be so challenging at times. The not knowing is a test of our imagination filling in the blanks. So try to relax and go with the process...hugs-Lin
ReplyDeleteMy neighbor had that condition, which was undiagnosed for quite some time and left her feeling pretty helpless. She moved to a retirement center but felt entirely out of place. Once she got the shunt, she moved into an apartment in town and is doing very well.
ReplyDeleteSuch beautiful flowers! Just take it easy, Linda!
ReplyDeleteGlad you are getting some answers! My tulips are blooming beautifully too in spite of the return of the winter. Yikes. Crazy snow.
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