Where do I start? The current is that they've discovered I have some sort of poly(?)neuropathy in all four appendages.
I've always known I had some carpal tunnel in my wrists. Last September, the buzzing was from the elbows down, or the right shoulder down. So, decided best to get it checked out. My doc sent me to a neurologist who did an EMG nerve conduction test on my arms. Some slight ulnar neuropathy was going on, but really not cause for concern. Just several hundred more dollars added to the plastic.
March or April, I started noticing how my feet would occasionally get similar feelings. No big deal. But it progressed. So, the start of May I started journaling all the buzzing, tingling, sharp jolts, etc. Then it decided to give me restless nights of fitful sleeping. Time to go back to the doc, I guess.
Called on Monday, the 15th and was able to get an appointment on Tuesday. I did up a chart to compare right side vs. left side and stuff. Pretty much the right foot, right low back, left big toe and ankle/heel. Lots of right low back to toe, right shoulder to finger.
I've always been mean to my back. Major fall in 1983, and then the big fall on stage with Man of La Mancha. Me and exercise? Nope. They must be the cause for everything, has to be.
Saw the doc. He didn't like the fact that my legs and feet were now begging for attention. Thinks it might be neuropathy, but not being a nerve specialist he wasn't going to say one thing or another. So, they scheduled me with a neurologist. First available appointment was July 17th.
After work, had a voice mail waiting on my cell phone. It was the neurologist's nurse stating they had an appointment at 11 in the morn. I called back to take it. Called Kristine to talk with her about it since Mom had had it. Mom didn't have diabetes, which is the main cause for neuropathy. But they were never able to determine the cause for Mom because several small strokes got all the stuff mixed up.
Met with the neurologist Wednesday morning. Long medical interview and stuff. Then he did some preliminary tests and said there definitely are signs of neuropathy. Best get some blood work done first and then a full EMG nerve conduction test. Appointment was scheduled for nine the next morning. Before leaving the hospital, six vials of blood were sucked out.
Thursday morning the nerve conduction test. Ouch. The stimulus pulses were intense. But nothing in comparison to the muscle response tests. Nothing in comparison. The ulnar neuropathy has increased in the arms and hands. There definitely is neuropathy going on in the feet. The muscle test showed that the muscles in the feet are not really up to par.
Basic blood work came back normal. Still testing for deeper issues. Also checking for HIV, which has always been negative.
He doesn't really think the trauma of the fall should be the cause. That would cover just one area or such, not all four appendages.
Next up, a brain MRI scheduled for Monday morning at six. Then a follow-up with the neurologist at 10:20. The scan is to rule out MS or any other brain disorder. Starting a trial run of Lyrica for dealing with the nerve pain.
So, Friday night. Where am I with all this? 1] I can't afford all this testing. Shoot me if you want, but this will have to go on plastic. Uff da. 2] The unknown. I know He Who Holds The Future, no doubt. But I've never been one to be able to calmly approach the unknown. Brain scan? Scary thoughts. Hold me tight Lord! 3] Each day I discover what I can or cannot do, or what takes a smidgen longer, or what isn't really friendly with my bod anymore. 4] What kind of support base do I have to deal with all this? That was a question on the preliminary medical history form. I left it blank. Each person has their own troublesome life, why add my concerns. So, here I blog out my ponders while waiting.
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