My Latest Medical Update

MaggieRedwings · Post by **MaggieRedwings** » Mon Jan 14, 2008 8:22 am

Morning All,

I just wanted to fill you in on the latest from the medical community and me. Last we talked everything was on hold with the ears (Meniere's Disease) until I saw the neurologist last Wednesday. Well she was very, very nice and knows all of my docs - gastro, cardio and GP who recommended her to me. They graduated together.

We talked and she really listened and did some eyes open and closed tests, walking, bending, reflexes, etc. I thought she was quite thorough. Her opinion is to through the Meniere's Disease diagnosis out the window and she said she would bet a sawbuck that it was a quick and not thorough diagnosis regardless of how many tests they did. She felt they did not listen to what I told them and if they had, they would have known that I am not sick or nauseous with attacks, respond right away after one, don't have headaches associated, extreme dizziness, etc.

I am going today for a full panel of bloods and she is including a blood test for (she said not to get my feelings hurt) but syphillis since the way blood is drawn for that will give quite good immune system insight. She feels that the ear problem may be carotoid artery blockage so am having an ultrasound done for that today, or a peripheral audio nerve issue and if need be will see another ear doc entirely.

IN the meantime, I have had this horrible flu/bronchitis thing that is running rampid in this area and hopefully am on the road to recovery with that. It has affected my visits from Norman and hopefully that will get back on track soon.

I have decided that 2/1/08 will be the start of my new year since my last scheduled doc appt is with the gastro on the 31st. Next week the cardio doc.

Thanks for listening and I am just as baffled now as I was from the beginning but I feel that the core of docs I have now will help me a lot. If not it is yoga or Tai Chi if I can find a class.

Love, Maggie

Post by **tex** » Mon Jan 14, 2008 8:45 am

Morning Maggie,

Well, that's an interesting twist, isn't it. It sounds as though you've been lucky enough to find a specialist who actually listens, is open minded, and knows what she's doing. That's a winning combination, so I'm very optimistic that she'll actually get to the bottom of this.

So many specialists seem to be unwilling or unable to think out of the box, and they just run all their patients through the same old tests, in order to eliminate the possibility of cancer, and one or two other issues, and then they arbitrarily pick a diagnosis out of the possibilities that are left. I don't think that will happen this time. This doctor is obviously willing to actually put some thought into your issues, so I'll bet she'll get to the bottom of it.

Love,
Tex

CAMary · Post by **CAMary** » Mon Jan 14, 2008 5:36 pm

Oh Maggie!

What an ordeal this is! On the one hand, this doc seems like a real *keeper*, on the other hand, I know the feeling of leaving a doctor's office with "more questions than answers" and that takes a mental/emotional toll...

Hopefully, she will point you in the direction that will lead to some answers, eventually! I like that she is invested in an accurate diagnosis, rather than an *easy* one...

I'm so sorry you aren't feeling well, and that is wreaking havoc with Norman...

I think the yoga/tai chi sounds like a good idea, regardless...

And yes, you get to CHOOSE the start to your *new* year. I decided my *forties* will begin when I turn 41 on my next birthday...40 was a horrible year, and not the way to start off a new decade...

Sending you my best wishes for healing, peace and clarity.

Love,

Mary

hazel · Post by **hazel** » Mon Jan 14, 2008 11:11 pm

Sounds like you are going to be busy for the next couple of weeks. I hope they find a cause with a simple cure, as the testing sounds complicated enough. Too bad it wasn't just "ear rocks." Also hope Norman comes back soon. He hasn't been hanging out at my house, or I'd send him right over! We spent two weeks with the kids and I think the stress of babies crying and acting like two year olds (oh, that's right, she IS two and the he IS a baby) sent Norman running. Now we're home but he can't find me. Oh well. Glad you found a good dr.

hazel · Post by **hazel** » Tue Jan 15, 2008 3:47 am

...but they are awfully cute!

starfire · Post by **starfire** » Tue Jan 15, 2008 8:28 am

Good Luck Maggie!!! I hope the new doc will come up with some concrete conclusions.

Love, Shirley

JJ · Post by JJ » Tue Jan 15, 2008 11:33 am

Wow Maggie....lots of questions to answer, but it seems like this doc is willing to explore all aspects of what is going on...hope your tests go well and you can get to the bottom of this sooner rather than later.

Take Care,

Jill

Gloria · Post by **Gloria** » Tue Jan 15, 2008 9:36 pm

Oh, Maggie, I feel for what you've been through. It sounds like you have a doctor that is on your side and is going to do everything she can for you. That's a rare find! I hope she gets to the bottom of your problems.

It's been so encouraging to read that you've achieved remission. Having the flu/bronchitis is no fun. I think Norman doesn't want to be around when you're sick and he'll visit again when you're better.