I guess it's time to divulge what has been going on with me. Ladies it has not been good.
This last year, 2011, was pretty hard on me both physically and emotionally. I literally thought I was becoming a hypochondriac or was loosing my mind. I've suffered from migraines for most of my life, however this past year they worsened and I started developing other symptoms. Extreme fatigue, pressure headaches that worsened when I strained coughed or sneezed, my voice became hoarse, vision problems and dizziness. Most recently my feet and hands are feeling numb and they tingle when idle. I know, I know, I sound out of my mind huh? Well after all the work up and several MRI's, I have a diagnosis - I have Chiari Malformation l - basically my cerebellum has descended into my spinal cord about 1.5 cm., and is interrupting the flow of the protecting fluid that circulates around the brain and spinal cord. Apparently I was born with this condition and no wonder I have been feeling so lousy.
I was seen at the Stanford Medical Center Neurology Clinic in Palo Alto yesterday will have surgery to correct the problem soon. It was a struggle getting to this diagnosis, mainly because Chiari Malformation l is not a very well known disease and not many doctors are familiar with the condition. I am happy that I took the initiative to look into things further and that my doctor did not hesitate to consider my requests or to refer me to specialists. Ladies don't give up - if you know you feel sick and out of sorts, be persistent, do your research and hopefully you have a primary doctor like mine - love Dr. Cruz - such a caring and humble doctor.
I will keep you posted as to when I will have my surgery, probably the end of April or May. We'll see how things progress. My goal is to finish the school year or until we start winding down but my condition will ultimately dictate this.
Please keep me in your prayers and don't worry, you'll still see me lurking through your blogs.
Jenny
ladonaboutique
8 comments:
Oh Jenny, so sorry about what is going on, but happy that it will be corrected. A thumbs up to you for seeing a doctor when you suspected something. I'll keep you in my thoughts and prayers. Take care.
Oh my! You have been thru a lot. Sorry your are having to deal with this, but glad they found the answer and it can be corrected.
I am sending healing thoughts and prayers your way. Take care of yourself.
Thank you so much Gloria - I need all the prayers I can get. Have a great weekend.
Sweet Glenda, thank you. Yes, it's been a lot but I am happy that I have a name to this. Thank you for your prayers. Have a great weekend.
oh my...i am sorry to hear that you have been so under the weather. truly. but i am happy to hear that you finally have a diagnosis! when one has a "name" for what ails them..the fight can BEGIN! I wish you all the strength you will need to get your health back! you will be in my constant prayers!!
This comment has been removed by the author.
You are very kind Michelle. I think that part of the battle is won, once one knows what is issue is. Otherwise your world begins to crumble around you and other things start to set it. Thank you for your thoughts and prayers. All of you are so great...you just can't imagine how much visiting your blogs uplifts my spirits, especially at the end of the day.
I'm glad you wrote about this because it gives me something to ask my doctor. I hope you'll email me before your surgery -- and know I'm thinking of you and completely understand your feelings.
Post a Comment