I am back from the neurosurgeon.
Good news: I still have a brain.
Bad news: I guess, really, all the rest was bad news. Or at least, not the news I wanted.
I didn't even get to actually see the neurosurgeon, just his assistant. But the assistant took a history from me and went over my papers I brought in and looked at my MRI films. He did an exam too.
And his conclusion (which he talked with the expert on, and I guess they agree) is that there's no reason to do surgery at this time. The chiari is probably causing these headaches, but the other nerve pain, the sciatica, the muscle weakness, the memory problems, are not related at all.
They want me to go back for another MRI, this time of my neck and back. And they want me to see a neurologist. So I made an appointment for - of course - Next Month, and a follow up with the expert (maybe I'll even see him in person!) for November. And they're going to schedule another MRI for me. And this time, they prescribed a Valium. Because I wouldn't do it without one.
I'm just not sure how I feel at this point. I was really hoping that the dr. would say that surgery would definitely help with at least some of my symptoms and go ahead and schedule it. I know brain surgery (and this is really surgery of the skull, not the brain) is risky and the recovery is long and can be slow, but at least I would have an answer and something I could do. Carrie did so well with her surgery that I guess I was expecting to hear the same thing for me.
I would get a second opinion, but this is the best neurosurgeon in the state. And if he doesn't think surgery is the answer, then maybe he's right and I'm going to have to do something else. I just have no idea what.
I am in serious need of hugs. I have been feeling a little sorry for myself and unhappy about things for my family. We are all in need of friends right now. Then Deanne called this morning and Melanie came by and I am so grateful. I really needed that.
So I've decided I'm just going forward with my life, instead of waiting and trying to guess what the doctor will say. I'm going to read all those books I had saved for when I was recovering from surgery, and I'm going to plan on working this Christmas. We're going to pray hard and decide about moving or fixing up the house. And I'm just going to keep going.
5 comments:
So sorry the appointment was not what you wanted to hear. It would have been so much easier to just schedule surgery and get it done, huh? Well, I hope they get it all figured out for you soon.
You have the right attitude to just move forward and on with life in the meantime.
It was great to see you yesterday!
I'm so sorry that there wasn't a clear answer to the symptoms. It does sound like you have been miserable for some time. I hope that further tests can give you more information. And I admire you for moving forward in the meantime.
For what it's worth, I usually can't tell when you are suffering. You are a very kind person, often thinking of others and I don't feel like you dwell on your problems or drag others down around you. I really admire you for that.
Here's a hug Cindy. I tried calling you the other day too, but you weren't home. I am surprised that they didn't think surgery would help. What a pain in the neck, literally. I have a good amount of pain in my body too that I thought the surgery might help and didn't. I hope you can find some answers Cindy. Like Melanie said it sounds like you have the right attitude about it. I know it's hard. Please call me if you want to vent and complain or talk about anything.
Sorry to hear that you didn't find the answers you were looking for. I can only hope and pray for ya. Hang in there.
It is hard when the answer you seek is not the answer you receive. It will all work out for you, it's hard when you want in on your timetable, but the Lord's way is always best in the end right? And what is this about moving? Do you want to move?? Apparently we don't talk near enough!
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