Those motorized wheelchairs at Wall*Mart are looking awfully tempting ....
EDIT: My neurologist says to walk as much as possible to allow those muscles to keep working. So, I guess I'll keep using the shopping carts to steer & steady me. ;-)
Thursday, September 14, 2006
Tuesday, September 12, 2006
Neurologist Report
Here's what my neurologist told me today:
I do have a disease of that part of the brain that controls the muscles. My MRIs (from my brain to my lower back) have all come back clean. This (& the lack of some symptoms) cause him to doubt that I have MS. He is more inclined to believe that my condition is genetic, probably of one of these 2 families of disorders ....
1) Leukodystrophy refers to a group of rare genetic disorders affecting the central and peripheral nervous systems. They are neurodegenerative diseases characterized by abnormalities in myelin, the fatty substance that surrounds, insulates, and facilitates the function of nerve cells.
But more likely is this group of disorders ....
2) Hereditary spastic paraparesis (HSP) is also called familial spastic paraparesis and Strumpell-Lorrain syndrome. The common feature of these syndromes is progressive, often severe, spasticity in the lower extremities.
The next step to eliminate MS would be a spinal tap. However, my neurologist doesn't want to put me through that if checking my relatives' reflexes would confirm the genetic theory. So members of my family are to make appointments with him.
I do have a disease of that part of the brain that controls the muscles. My MRIs (from my brain to my lower back) have all come back clean. This (& the lack of some symptoms) cause him to doubt that I have MS. He is more inclined to believe that my condition is genetic, probably of one of these 2 families of disorders ....
1) Leukodystrophy refers to a group of rare genetic disorders affecting the central and peripheral nervous systems. They are neurodegenerative diseases characterized by abnormalities in myelin, the fatty substance that surrounds, insulates, and facilitates the function of nerve cells.
But more likely is this group of disorders ....
2) Hereditary spastic paraparesis (HSP) is also called familial spastic paraparesis and Strumpell-Lorrain syndrome. The common feature of these syndromes is progressive, often severe, spasticity in the lower extremities.
The next step to eliminate MS would be a spinal tap. However, my neurologist doesn't want to put me through that if checking my relatives' reflexes would confirm the genetic theory. So members of my family are to make appointments with him.
Tuesday, September 05, 2006
DEFINITIONS
Hyper-reflexia: a condition in which the deep tendon reflexes are exaggerated; overactivity of physiological reflexes (in other words, my body over-reacts to anything that unexpectedly touches me)
Spasticity: muscular hypertonicity with increased tendon reflexes (iow, my muscles are not able to relax)
Dystonia: literally, "abnormal muscle tone"; generic term used to describe a neurological movement disorder involving involuntary, sustained muscle contractions. Dystonia may affect muscles throughout the body (generalised), in certain parts of the body (segmental), or may be confined to particular muscles or muscle groups (focal).
EDIT: I learned from my neurologist that dystonia is actually the opposite of my problem.
Spasticity: muscular hypertonicity with increased tendon reflexes (iow, my muscles are not able to relax)
Dystonia: literally, "abnormal muscle tone"; generic term used to describe a neurological movement disorder involving involuntary, sustained muscle contractions. Dystonia may affect muscles throughout the body (generalised), in certain parts of the body (segmental), or may be confined to particular muscles or muscle groups (focal).
EDIT: I learned from my neurologist that dystonia is actually the opposite of my problem.
Sunday, September 03, 2006
Post Script
My natural-path doctor told me that it sounds like I may well have had a concussion. Since I did not see my doctor till 8 days after my tumble, it is understandable that he was unable to detect such. Anyhow, all's well that ends well. :)
Edit: My hyper-reflexia, dystonia, & spasticity are conditions that preexisted my tumble. In fact, that fall happened because of these problems.
Edit: My hyper-reflexia, dystonia, & spasticity are conditions that preexisted my tumble. In fact, that fall happened because of these problems.
Saturday, September 02, 2006
31 August, 2006
I guess the tests went ok. I'm not sure if I'll know the results of them before my follow-up visit with my neurologist 9/12.The nerve conduction involved having my legs lightly shocked while monitor patches reported reaction time to a computer. The poor gal doing this test on me thought she was torturing me because of my involuntary jumpiness in reaction to the shocks. Also the pointy instrument she used was not conducive to my "relaxing" & "holding still" so she could get a clear reading. As a result, I had to be shocked more often till she could get that reading.I went from over-activity to a lot of inactivity. After an hour's wait, I had my MRI. In the waiting room I picked up the Gideon Bible & read the next Psalm I am on in my Xanga posts, Psalm 46. I read one of my beloved verses,
Well, I was to be still in that MRI tube for about 50 minutes, & pondering what I had seen in the Privileged Planet DVD set <http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000COET9C/ref=nosim/002-9874645-6218434?n=130> helped me to know God's vastness. It was a long time to pray ... when my mind didn't wander. So the Lord reminded me that He was with me in those tests, too!
Be still & know that I am God.
Well, I was to be still in that MRI tube for about 50 minutes, & pondering what I had seen in the Privileged Planet DVD set <http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000COET9C/ref=nosim/002-9874645-6218434?n=130> helped me to know God's vastness. It was a long time to pray ... when my mind didn't wander. So the Lord reminded me that He was with me in those tests, too!
22 August, 2006
I saw the neurologist today. He confirmed that I do have a neurological condition; the question is "what?" He added the term "spasticity" to describe me (my over-reacting reflexes are not allowing my muscles to relax). He doubts it's MS but is not ruling it out yet. We are going to be systematically going through a battery of testing, starting with 1 more MRI on my neck & spine (the last 1 was lower spine -- "that doesn't count") & a nerve conduction test on my legs, both scheduled for 29 August. Then I need to do some pretty extensive blood tests, a spinal tap, & who knows what else. Thanks for your continued prayers!
P.S. I never told you what happened about the headaches. Once I had run out of the Tylenol with Codeine, the headaches resumed. So I am presently on a course of antibiotics & sinus stuff for sinusitus. Apparently the muscle strain combined with the sinusitus was the source of the unbearable pain. So, things are going well now. I haven't had to resort to headache relief for some time now!
P.S. I never told you what happened about the headaches. Once I had run out of the Tylenol with Codeine, the headaches resumed. So I am presently on a course of antibiotics & sinus stuff for sinusitus. Apparently the muscle strain combined with the sinusitus was the source of the unbearable pain. So, things are going well now. I haven't had to resort to headache relief for some time now!
5 August, 2006
Just an update for those of you who have been praying (& a HUGE "THANK YOU" to you!)
...This a.m. I did get my blood drawn, so we'll see what comes of that. Then I must've eaten my bag breakie (left-over humus ) in time cuz my blood-sugar seemed unaffected.
My family doc retrieved my MRI results [normal] from yesterday already. He had a migraine injection given to me, but after a 30 minute wait I was still in great pain, so he gave me a Tylenol+Codeine Rx, as well as 1 for a muscle relaxant for bed-time. The Tylenol 3 seems to be helping quite a bit(some pain, but present less consistently & much more bearable -- no tears!). Yay!!
I see a neurologist on the 22nd, so we will begin (Lord willing) to find out what does cause this hyper-reflexia & leg weakness since it's nothing that shows up in the MRI's.
...This a.m. I did get my blood drawn, so we'll see what comes of that. Then I must've eaten my bag breakie (left-over humus ) in time cuz my blood-sugar seemed unaffected.
My family doc retrieved my MRI results [normal] from yesterday already. He had a migraine injection given to me, but after a 30 minute wait I was still in great pain, so he gave me a Tylenol+Codeine Rx, as well as 1 for a muscle relaxant for bed-time. The Tylenol 3 seems to be helping quite a bit(some pain, but present less consistently & much more bearable -- no tears!). Yay!!
I see a neurologist on the 22nd, so we will begin (Lord willing) to find out what does cause this hyper-reflexia & leg weakness since it's nothing that shows up in the MRI's.
3 August, 2006
Please continue to pray for me & for my family. They are trying to figure out the cause of my leg weakness & hyper-reflexia. It caused me to fall down our front steps Friday & so now I have a terrible case of whip-lash. I'm seeing a chiropractor, but right now have awful neck & head pain -- almost to the point of nausea! Agghh!
I go back to the chiro Friday afternoon. I have a spinal MRI Fri. a.m. (the brain MRI appeared normal) & fasting blood work Sat. a.m. I hope this fasting doesn't mess with my hypoglycemia. I am to take the MRI discs with me to my neurologist apt in Sep. My doc is checking for lime disease, thyroid (again), & wonders too if it might be MS.
The Lord knows...
I go back to the chiro Friday afternoon. I have a spinal MRI Fri. a.m. (the brain MRI appeared normal) & fasting blood work Sat. a.m. I hope this fasting doesn't mess with my hypoglycemia. I am to take the MRI discs with me to my neurologist apt in Sep. My doc is checking for lime disease, thyroid (again), & wonders too if it might be MS.
The Lord knows...
12 July, 2006
I was called today & told that all appeared normal on the MRI. I guess I should be relieved, but just want to get to the bottom of this. I was praying for something definitive to show up. I have a follow-up visit with my family doctor, when I should get a referal to a neurologist. Thank you all for your prayers!
7 July, 2006
Last evening I attended a ladies' gathering with friends from the church where I used to live, 30 minutes from here. I felt so awkward, especially when carrying ceramic dessert plate & coffee mug down the brick steps from the kitchen to the patio. Most of these ladies have not seen me much for a number of years & have no idea what I am struggling with.On the drive home I just wanted to cry. But I was so encouraged by singing this Scripture song that, incidentally, I learned in my high school youth group with last night's hostess & her husband as my youth leaders. They taught us this song by Amy Killion. (The 2 verses from II Corinthians 12:9 & Isaiah 40:31 are normally sung separately, & then simultaneously. Obviously, I had to content myself with singing them separately.)
My grace is sufficient, is sufficient for you:
For my strength is made perfect in weakness.
My grace is sufficient, is sufficient for you:
For my strength is made perfect in weakness.
They that wait on the LORD shall renew their strength;
They shall mount up with wings like eagles;
They shall run, and not be weary; they'll walk, and not faint.
For my strength is made perfect in weakness.
6 July, 2006
I have an MRI on my brain scheduled for Monday. This was done 2 yrs ago, showing nothing, but I have been told I may be in the early stages of MS & so things don't always show up. Then we go from there. If I haven't mentioned before, my major problem is severe weakness in my legs. Comforting to know that the Lord knows the diagnosis, prognosis, etc!
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