Doctor #25

I went into Manhattan yesterday to meet #25.  I got there early and visited my old job. I haven't been back there since Before I Got Sick, and I had never had a chance to say goodbye to the guys there. It was really nice to see them. They were all amazed at how well I look. Of course, apart from the fits, the bouts of exhaustion and the pain, I am the healthiest I have been in years. I am eating right, drinking only water for the most part, and getting plenty of rest. I looked in better shape than the stressed and busy former colleagues.

I had lunch with my former boss, who is also a friend, and we were talking about all sorts of things including migraines, because we both get really bad ones, although I haven't had one since Before (I got sick).  It was nice to catch up again.

So I met #25 at the appointed time. He is a neurologist with a sense of humor. I think that is the first time I have observed both of those traits in the same person. He spent a lot of time with me, asked about the fits, the meds reactions and what else was going on. He was very interested in the tilt-table story, as I had fits during both tilt-table tests. He also gave me a very thorough neuro exam, testing reflexes I didn't know existed. 

He said my syrinx was "adorable" (I brought pictures).  I wonder would he think the same thing if it was embedded in his own spinal cord (or his child's)?  And he said that he didn't think the syrinx or the tarlov cysts were responsible for the right leg thing. Or for the neuropathy in my feet -which I didn't know I had until right then.

He ordered a bunch of bloodwork to test blood vitamin levels. I knew he was thinking B12, so I 'splained that I had been deficient 19 months ago, but that had been caught and corrected by the Endo. My latest B12 blood number had been really high. So of course he didn't believe me and tested me anyway.  Not just for B12 for for other stuff as well.

Then he said what he thinks it might be: some kind of migraine-related syndrome. I raised me eyebrows at that one, and then gave him the evil eye and asked if he thought it was "ocular migraines" (which I personally think is a load of bollocks). He said no. According to him there are three types of episodic syndromes: epilepsy, migraines and ...I forget the other one. I think it was vasovagal (fainting).

And he thinks it might be migraines. I guess it's worth checking out, as I have already explored the other two -to my cost.

So after the blood is drawn, I have a list of (new) vitamins and supplements to take (he is another one -like the rheumy- who believes in the natural and nutritional approach whenever possible. I like that). He mentioned Topamax as a possible next step, but the glaucoma is an obstacle there. I happen to have an appointment with the neuro-opthamologist on Monday, in which I expect the glaucoma diagnosis to be confirmed (he seemed pretty sure the last time, but I didn't think there was a family history. Turns out I was dead wrong), so I'll let #25 know what happens then.

So yeah... Migraines. #25 is of the opinion that they can manifest as more than just headaches. I only did a little Internet digging last light and I found a mad article written by a dentist in Miami who reckons that migraines are a vascular problem, and not limited to the brain -which does make some sense to me. I will do some more searching  because I think the dentist guy takes his theory a bit too far. I really don't think psoriasis is migraine of the skin. Maybe I'm wrong (what do I know?), but the psoriasis thing doesn't pass the "common sense" test, and I happen to be a big believer in common sense. Although he does support the removal of mecury amalgam fillings, which makes a lot of sense to me.  Hmmm.

Anyhoo, I'll go with supplements for migraines for now. What harm can vitamins do?  No. Don't answer that.  I don't want to know.

Comments

[prism]

Hey~ You've been busy!!! ~ something I've envious of at this point-
Sock it to'm baby~
but how in the world do you handle all the doctors? I am a flippin' mess after a phone call or visit - good or bad - (it must be an allergy or something) ")
I'm glad at least that #25 wants to explore things and that he is taking the conservative approach in terms of drugs- (I spent all summer dealing with Topamax- ugh btw.) I will pray some more~ for your strength and joy to continue -- and for the answers to come!!
Love you~ zoe

ps. You've really got some balls wearing the heels with your cane~ I haven't been able to make myself lurch around with heels on even though pressure on the toes helps me walk~
{{I have the feeling you and I could really have a whole lot of too much fun together in person~}}} LOL>
www.CarePages.com (prismed)

[One Sick Mother]

AHA!

I finally figured out how to respond to comments. Typepad was going all weird on me and pretending I didn't exist. I finally managed to convince it that I do.

How I handle all the doctors? First of all I go in with very low expectations. It is harder to be disappointed if you expect nothing. (because nothing is what you often get).

Also I try not to to take the whole business very seriously. This doesn't always work out of course. I was practically a basket case for a week after #24 showed so much promise but totally failed to follow through.

Yes it's a shame we didn't manage to get together that time. I would have loved to have hung out. I hope we get another chance.

love you too
-OSM