Thank you so much, Hope. Your words are very much appreciated.

I have decided, after reading up on Mirtazapine, that - until I have definitive answers from tests - I will assume that a combination of that med and changes in my liver from losing weight may be the cause of these results.

What else can I do, worry myself sicker about potential illnesses? Better to be deluded for a while, eh?

Dave.

Dave, your courage and determination in dealing with everything that life has thrown at you is an inspiration to me.

I am thinking of you and hope that the tests shed some helpful light on what is going on.

Thank you, kiwi.

Dave.

Dave

Keep up that fighting spirit - reassure yourself that what's going on with your liver will be dealt with in the best way possible.

When you're feeling depressed think of your friends here at NT and lean on us for support and comfort (and the occasional bad joke).

Sending hugs northwards

bluesfan

... and from me too. We're always here for you Dave.

Thank you bluesfan and Lara for your support.

(Probably) Psychosomatically, the pains that had receded have returned. It doesn't help that I have cheated on my diet these past 2 days and eaten a few of my Christmas weakness - mince pies - so I am feeling nauseated.

I have to be dragged out this evening to have an MRI on my cervical spine again for the numbness and referred pain in my right arm/hand, and the pain in my neck. Have to fight through traffic for the Guy Fawkes bonfire/fireworks Celebrations on the way back as it is the 5th November. He was the Conspirator who almost blew up Parliament. Do we celebrate the attempt, or that he failed? Sometimes we wonder.

Dave.

The MRI was 40 minutes of excruciating neck and arm pain, despite being doped up with all my meds. I truly thought I was not going to make it through this time, they had to keep asking me to try not to shake from the pain, even though the images were good. More than 5 hours later and the pain has not subsided even after more Tramadol, Ketamine and Arcoxia.

Just a wait of 2 weeks for the images to reach my GP and about 5 weeks before I see a damned Neuro

Dave.

I'm so sorry about your pain Dave and also sorry that it's such a long time to wait now for results.

I hope your pain subsides a little and that you can get some sleep eventually tonight. [guessing you're up in the middle of the night]

One good thing is that the Mri is done as hard as it was for you.

you take care there

Oh Dave,

I can't stand to hear you are feeling nauseated from the mince pies because I am ready to box up a bunch of junk food and send it to you overnight. Obviously your body is in complete rebellion at the healthy changes you are trying to make.

But seriously, I am so sorry you are going through so much. It is hard enough having one system giving you trouble, but to have more than that to worry you at once is just unfair. It would be impossible for anyone not to feel anxious with unfavorable lab results and the history of what you have gone through.

I don't know how it works there, but here in the states you can bypass waiting for results by signing a release for the imaging center and having them give the radiology report right to you. I have done this more than once not wanting to fret over the time it takes to forward the report and get in for the next appointment.

I hope you recover soon from your MRI ordeal. Holding still for those can be a real problem when the position makes you uncomfortable. I remember being surprised at how much discomfort I had in my foot when getting those. I am glad it is over and pray you get good information out of it.

We are all thinking of you and sending love. Rest well my friend and know you are held in the deepest affection here.

Yes, Lara, I was up most of the night with the increased pain. Too much to even be able to distract myself by logging on here Then came the now customary Cluster Headache this morning.

Littlepaw, your mothering instinct really comes to the fore towards everyone here. A Care Package is a lovely thought! I have laid off the mince pies, my Ex picked up strawberries, grapes and a triple chocolate cookie (fresh baked) for me while we were out yesterday, so that makes up my afternoon snack today.

Here, Radiographers are not allowed to give out information on scans. It has to come from the Dr or Specialist who orders it. That is to avoid Law Suits and confusion and to ensure proper interpretation of results. Stupid really as the Radiographers often know more than the Drs.

Dave.