((((((Judy)))))),



Have they done a full MRI (or a least an x-ray) of your full spine?? Now that I know about the osteoporosis, you could have something going on in C8.

Know what you mean about "problems". My son says I said send my body back to the manufacturer. I tell him that factory went out of business

It's a good thing our parents and grandparents don't tell us about all this SHIPS, we'd never want to grow up

You know, Judy, it's a good thing (excuse the Martha-ism) that you're going to Mayo. I had the same primary care physician for over 9 years. She was actually the director of the women's health center. Sometimes they get so used to seeing you that that don't really SEE YOU anymore. Sometimes a fresh viewpoint can move 'things' along.

I'm hoping you get GOOD ANSWERS in 6 weeks -- answers to questions that you have but also solutions too. I, personally, feel that when we know what we're dealing with, it's easier to cope with it and easier to come up with a plan. This 'limbo land' thing is for the birds (I don't even think they'd want it).

Writing. Talking. Getting your feelings OUT or at least down somewhere (I like writing when I'm trying to cope with something difficult) helps immensely. We people who have landed here at NeuroTalk moved on from the old BrainTalk. It's a unique kind of support that you get here. I used to hang around the Child Neuro forum a lot on the old forums. We all can cope with a lot when we've got people that HEAR us.

BIG HUGS (gentle ones)

Barb

Barb,

You pretty much summed up a majority of my feelings. I am not afraid of what Mayo has to say.......................just say something. I want to hear " Oh yes, I have seen this before and it is.........

Things happening so rapidly does cause me concern. Up until a month ago I could still work. (Well, sort of, LOL) I used a lot of vacation days because I had many bad days. I have a chronic illness (FMLA) on file so that I do not lose my job and the days don't count against me.

My work has been fantastic and that is one of the greatest of my fears. That I will never be able to work again. I know that many of you are at that point and if that is the case for me then I will need all of you to help me with coping skills. But that is a bridge I will cross when the time comes.

I will let you know what the x-rays show. The order is for the lumbar spine, but if this continues, I will ask for a full spinal MRI.
Thanks for your input, every bit helps and just venting.

Gentle hugs back to you,

Judy

Hi,

My entire half of my left hand is now numb and has moved to my wrist, about where my watch would be.

This has progressed in the last week and seems to be advancing quickly. i had the lumbar x-ray Friday, but I don't know the results and I don't really think that an x-ray is going to show anything unless there is a fracture or disc problem.

My feet are beginning to tingle more often and the left side of my face is still mild and intermittent.

If I put my hand in water hot/cold it intensifies the tingling and it hurts.

Does this sound familiar? Why all of a sudden is it moving so fast.

Any more advise? Should I wait till going to Mayo in January and let them run their tests?

Thanks,

Judy

((((((Judy)))))),



Are you gonna get the MRIs done before you go to Mayo?? If you are, make sure they're doing your head too -- which they should be doing anyway if they're ruling out MS (looking for lesions).

You want to get ESR and C-Reactive Protein blood tests to help rule out infection.

And finally, it's probably a good idea to do nerve and muscle conduction tests on your hands and feet and forearms and forelegs (is that a word??). Also nerve conduction testing on the mental nerve (that's the one for your chin). Have you had any recent dental work done in the same region (on the same side) that you're getting the numbness on your chin??

I'm no doctor. I'm just somebody like you who's been through 'stuff'. Any tests that they do now will still be 'current' for the Mayo work. They'll also probably save some time and testing at the Mayo.

Now, this is just based on my own experience, but, because of the numbness, I wouldn't wait to get that testing done. Mayo can always do MORE if they require more. The nerve conduction tests will show how much of a problem we've got in that area.

I know what you mean about the sensation being all screwed up in your hand. I remember when I couldn't touch anything cold or smooth. The cold was really painful and the smooth was just so radically WEIRD, it freaked me out I thank G-d that I found Effexor XR -- I couldn't open jars or use my cane -- just too painful. I still have the numbness because of the blood condition. But, I don't have the pain. And my strength is back.

I'm praying for success for you too. BIG HUGS.

Barb

Barb, yes........... i had an abcess under a front veneer, it had to stay open forever because it won't heal. it still is sensitive to heat, mostly cold and that was at least 7 mths ago.
Every time i see my doc, we are dealing with a new issue, so we never get to concentrate on one.
I will write down what you have said, she probably would appreciate it.
Thank you so much,
hugs to you,
judy