Here's what happened today. I woke up and still my arm and leg felt numb, though not as badly as yesterday. Stairs were still a little scary but not as scary as yesterday. I felt like I had more control over my leg than yesterday.
I was able to see my PCP today at 1pm (Meg, to answer your question, he is a DO). Overall he said not to worry, he thinks I'm fine. He took blood for various things like thyroid function and vitamin B12 deficiency (he asked if I'm a vegetarian. I'm not, but I haven't eaten red meat in a long time. So tonight I had a hamburger...)
He said my numbness could be MS, a sign of a mini-stroke or some other things I didn't understand. He said he doesn't think it is any of those things but is referring me to a neurologist.
He did some basic neurological tests on me (like me pushing him, pulling him, moving my fingers in certain ways, tapping me with the little rubber mallet thing, following his finger with my eyes, etc) and said that I pass the neurologic tests.
He also asked if I was having a panic attack when it happened. I said no but I have been feeling stressed out.
I also explained that I had the numb left arm last Feb/Mar, numb toe and numb right ring finger too during that time, but that I never had that weird feeling like maybe I couldn't climb stairs.
I also explained that I had the numb left arm last Feb/Mar, numb toe and numb right ring finger too during that time, but that I never had that weird feeling like maybe I couldn't climb stairs.
I made the appt with the neurologist, but the first available isn't until Aug 16, 4 weeks from today. My mom joked either I'll be healed by then or dead.
I picked up the stuff I have to drink for my abdominal/pelvic CT scan tmw morning. The test is at 10:30 and I have to start drinking at 8:30 (up to line 1 in half an hour or something like that), then some more at 9:30 (up to line 2), and then some just before the test begins (the "save" section). No breakfast, and no liquids except this stuff after 6:30. I wonder how bad it's going to taste.
You can bet I will be doing some visual-imagery style tasting with this stuff.
I've never had a CT scan so if anyone would like to comment on what that's like, please do so. I've had an MRI so if you've had both tests I'd love to hear a comparison.
Last night I decided that I have three goals: a big cry, a big sleep and a big hamburger. One of the three is done!
Thanks again for your well wishes! Be well and good night!
I've had both before. For the c/t scan instead of drinking stuff they injected me with a dye .Once tha is done there's nothing to stress about, you feel nothing like an Xray. The mri was loud and the music they let me listen to was a bad radio station. The worst is just the length of the MRI, the C/T scan is much shorter.
ReplyDeleteNo personal experience, just personal healing energy being sent your way. xoxo
ReplyDeleteB12 deficiency!?! I almost suggested that in my last post! (I am a nurse). As far as the CT scan goes, you should have no problems with this test unless you get anxious. It is a big machine, you lie on a table, and it slides into a big tunnel opening. At our hospital, the tunnel was not tight or closed in at all, but more spacious, like a doughnut. Then a scanner passes over you to get pictures of the area being examined. People that get really anxious can get a sedative from their MD, but it is usually not necessary except for special cases.
ReplyDeleteYou are alone in the room while the scanner scans, but the technician watches thru a window, and there is an intercom if you need to communicate anything.
As far as the barium sulfate drink goes, it allow the scanner to pick up on your body's anatomy more correctly. I am more familiar with IV contrast dye than that stuff, but most people that ingest barium sulfate have the "runs" when it exits the body.
Best wishes again tomorrow, and thanks for the update!
I've been reading along, and I'm so sorry you are on this frustrating journey! I've had the scan you are about to get, and the barium isn't bad - just chalky and you get tired of it pretty quickly. And yes, it will give you the runs! it's not a long scan and your head isn't enclosed, but the table is cold and uncomfortable. You don't need another doctor telling you what they think, but I'm glad that your PCP seems to be listening to you and referring you to the people who can dig deeper. Good luck!
ReplyDeleteI hope all goes well, it does sound like a frustrating and anxious period for you... Good luck!
ReplyDeleteYour black dress in the previous post is gorgeous! The perfect LBD! I want one just like it!
Kyle, I'll be thinking of you tomorrow morning--I'll plan on sending positive energy your way.
ReplyDeleteRose in SV
I hope you are back to 100% very soon. We had to take my aunt to the ER on Monday and she had to drink that same liquid for a CAT scan. She said it wasn't too nasty tasting.
ReplyDeleteThe CT is a breeze compared to the MRI. I had some similar issues with numbness and had a MRI which took 40 minutes. It took all my resolve not to completely freak out and wriggle my way out. Also had a CT scan and it was over really quickly and not nearly as claustrophobic.
ReplyDeleteMy problem ended up being a slight bulge in my C7 disc which proabably resulted from a minor rear end accident 6 weeks earlier.
I was worried about MS too so I understand what you're feeling. Got all fingers crossed for you.
Keeping a good thought for you and hoping this will lead to an answer. Best wishes.
ReplyDeleteKyle, I'm sorry you're having such a terrible time with your health. I hope you are feeling better real soon!
ReplyDeleteSo sorry you are having to go through this. I have no personal experience with a CT scan and here's hoping it's over very quickly and you get some answers.
ReplyDeleteMermie
I had the MRI and I was also injected with a dye. Yes, the MRI was loud and the music they let me listen to was loud in my ear. You do stay in the machine for an extended period of time. It was not painful in the least just tedious. I hope things work out for you.
ReplyDeleteAlso sending good thoughts your way!
ReplyDelete