Hi Melody :)

Thank you for your reply & I really feel for you that you have gone through so much yet still manage to have a good outlook on life & maintain a cheery disposition.

Like yourself, my husband, father-in-law & a few very close friends are very concerned with the swelling...but sadly there is nothing we can do here with regards to having the MRI earlier than the prescribed 4-6 weeks...even if Steve was to take me to the emergency at the hospital they will only confirm that I have to wait either to see the Neurologist on the 16th Oct or when the MRI test appointment comes through...neither of us fancy sitting in the waiting room for up to 8 hours just to be told what we already know.

Most everyone is saying that surely it would be better to MRI the neck with the swelling present than at a time when it could either be reduced or not visible at all...it makes sense to me but then who can tell what is in a doctors mind when he/she says these things...I can only presume with trepidation that he has no great cause for concern & that is why he deems it safe to wait for the routine time..

In view of this I shall just take it one day at a time & literally just hope for the best...not much consolation for me I know if they MRI with the swelling gone or reduced...

I have Osteoarthritis in the feet. knees & hands at this present time so do find that sometimes too hot a day can be sometimes almost as bad as cold days...the hot summer heat can made the nodes on my joints unbearably tender. As for the creaking & left side facial numbness this has only been happening since late July of this year no not really had the chance to test this out with regards to the very cold weather..

Anyways Melody again I thank you & please take care to yourself & one & all

Beth :grouphug: