I'm New & am I on the right track?
 

Hi everyone...Sorry such a long letter.... I'm not one for forums these days ... but I'm trying to be sure I'm on the right track. After 2 MRI's : INDICATIONS: Possible neurodegenerative disorder ....

first neurologist seemed to be stuck on depression - because I sat in his office and put my hand on my head - I was bored! Not depressed. Been there - not this time... a person in a depression doesn't try to start a business or look for a new job and do a BIG on line auction for a non-profit. Psych. said - no depression - it's a mood disorder.... based on one question - does your mood change....... I HOPE SO! I'm dead if it doesn't! 2nd PA neurologist - (yesterday) ... not depression - possible brain injury from concussions. I've been saying that for almost a year now!

Last Thanksgiving - I took a fall down concrete steps - didn't think I hit my head but laying there with my leg bent the wrong way (didn't break anything - not sure how I didn't) I wasn't sure if my head hit or not. Didn't go to hospital - didn't feel sick or anything. A few weeks later - I was doing a party at the house and decorating for the holidays and I would get confused and overwhelmed. I tried to redo my boxes and crates from doing a craft show and right in the middle of it - I walked away because the more I tried to do - the more I felt overwhelmed. I knew something wasn't right but didn't think much of it until - I couldn't put dishes in the dishwasher, I had trouble knowing which clothes go on first when I put them on the bed to get dressed, I picked up my hairbrush to brush my teeth and knew it wasn't right but it took me a bit of time to understand why, not to mention forgeting things like family names, etc, houses on my street didn't look familiar, not feeling confident about where I was when I was driving... and so many other things.


I thought maybe I'm not (can't think of word here.....oh got it) challenging myself enough - so started a craft/art business, tried to apply at some jobs, got a personal trainer (really figured I sure see a doc when I would do lunges and fall over - my balance was off but I'd loose count - which foot do I put in front next? Even my trainer was a little concerned). Now PA and doc want me to see a neuropshyc. So they're checking with my insurance.


Not sure what to expect to do or see when I do. She also wants me to try pamelor for the headpressure, ear ringing, fatom smells and balance. I'm not familiar with that... but I know I have a LOT of trouble with meds like that... so we'll see. Seems these docs seem to think I have a learning disorder, dispression, mood disorder, etc etc ..... I'm no rocket scientist but I don't have to be to know that things changed and rapidly and just after the fall to know this is something more physical.

So... hope someone can let me know their opinions about the med, about a neuropysch. (however you spell it)... so I know if I'm on the right track or should I try something else. After 3 not so good doctor visits (won't get into the long stories there) I was ready to just say heck with it - but the first doc insisted I take a retest and talk to his PA... so I did and here I am. I'm still wondering maybe just pull up my boot straps and deal with it... but not sure how - and that's another story maybe for another time. I refuse to loose my sense of humor .... if that goes... I'm really in bad shape.:eek: Just not sure how much people around me believe there's a problem or know what to do or not to do around me. Thanks for listening.


Head injuries I've had in the past(gave this list to the doc). When I was around 5yrs old I fell from a tall slide (appx 6-7’tall) when I was pushed off and landed on my back on the grass. I don’t remember my mom saying if I ever lost conscience. I do remember she said I didn’t cry right away until after I got up and Mom took me home – I didn’t want to leave. I don’t remember her saying that she ever took me to the hospital. I didn’t remember the incident until years (I was around 9 or 10) later when we were taking my nephews to a playground and they wanted me to go up with them and I kept hesitating. I had no problem with another slide, but this particular slide made me feel uneasy. That’s when mom told me the story.

When I was about 15 or so, I was walking down stairs to the basement when my shirt caught on the railing. I missed the next step and I remember falling down a few stairs, feeling my head bouncing on the steps. The next thing I remember was my dog licking my arm and face as I lay at the lower end of the steps (I didn’t fall all the way down). I don’t remember my full position but I was slow to get up. My head, neck and back hurt so I returned upstairs to wake my mom to take me to the hospital. She continued her sleep and kept saying later, don’t bother me. I don’t remember what I did after that. I do remember a few days later my Mom took me to singing lessons and after a few seconds, my teacher stopped – looked at me and asked when I fell. I looked at Mom and then her confused at how she could tell. She said my breathing, tone and words weren’t right. She wanted Mom to take me directly to the hospital after I told her the story. Mom made an appointment a few days later with a chiropractor. Fast forward to about 7yrs ago from now when I lived in NH, I had trouble turning my head and was in a lot of pain. Doctor sent me to another doctor that specialized in natural therapy rather than trying full surgery for bulging disks in my neck. After doing some scans, one of the first questions she asked me was when did you fall down the stairs and break your neck? At the time, I didn’t think or remember the time when I was 15. After some talk between us, I told her the story. She said I was lucky. If the injury had been worse, I might not be standing here today. She worked with me for a few weeks and got my neck working better and the swelling down. She did say that it would probably flare up now and then and that I shouldn’t go on fast rides, etc where I would put quick jerky movements on my neck also to avoid looking far upward as much as possible. She also asked if I had ever seen a neurologist for the head injury. I said not that I knew of. She said it might be fine forever but might also cause problems later in life. She didn’t say what kind of problems.

Also in NH, after I went to the doctor for my neck, I don’t remember much about this time, I fell down the steps and hit the back of my head hard enough that when I heard the crack, I thought it was my head but it was the wall that now had a hole in it the size of my head. I saw stars for a bit. I don’t think I went out. I didn’t go to the hospital. I never got sick from it. I was more worried about my neck than my head at the time.

Back track to a time in Hawaii, appx 17-18 yrs ago, while scuba diving I was knocked off the reef upon exiting and hit my head face first. I know I must have been knocked out briefly because I found myself underwater, my mask turned on my face and partly off, I had water in my mouth, my air supply had twisted and was behind me so I couldn’t reach it and I had taken my fins off just before this happened, they were still in my hand. I grabbed the reef as the wave pushed me back into it again and held on tight as I climbed up and out. I came out with 2 black eyes but felt fine. After a quick lunch break for about an hour, we returned for another shallower dive. I never went to the hospital.

Also in Hawaii, I was at a gas station when I went to get back in my truck I hit my head, hard. I got in and had to sit a moment until the stars stopped and I was less dizzy. I just lived up the road and decided to drive home. At the red light, I looked at the hill across the street and remember thinking how strange it was that a whole section of grass turned grey. Then I realized it wasn’t the grass, it was my sight that the center of my vision was missing color. I went home and decided if it didn’t clear up within an hour I would have someone drive me to the ER. I called Bob at work to tell him to call back within that time to check on me. I seemed fine within the hour and didn’t go to get checked out.

Thanksgiving 2011, I had my dog on leash and was walking up the set of concrete steps in the yard when he decided to quickly turn around while I was mid step – one foot up in the air to step up. I caught the metal decorative pieces on the side of the steps to try to break my fall. I don’t know if I went out. I remember laying on the ground my left leg bent back under me and I was flat on the concrete walkway. I wasn’t hurting but knew not to get up quick. I concentrated on me, thinking to check my hands, feet for movement, pain, etc. I didn’t have a phone on me and knew that no one would hear me yell. I remained there for a few minutes before slowly getting up and going inside. I had a slight headache and saw stars but did not go to the hospital.

Easter 2012, I stepped sideways on the round plastic garden edging and fell to the ground – rolling down the small grass hill. I’m not sure if I hit my head or not. But I remember seeing my foot stepping on the edging and thinking to not step there but my foot wasn’t listening to my head.
I’m pretty sure there were other times where I hit my head, but don’t remember times, details.

Just4Me,
Regardless of whether you hit your head in your recent fall, something is clearly not right. Depression can cause forgetfulness if you are down, but not being able to put dishes in the dishwasher is a whole different thing. Something is going on, and getting other medical opinions is justified.

Most people have hit their head many times during their lives, some are serious, others, even falls from heights, never seem to have a problem. There are congenital problems that don't show up until later in life that may have nothing to do with a head injury. There is an awful lot we don't know about the brain and its functions, and sometimes there aren't answers. Other times it takes persitant looking to find a Dr. who finally identifies something that the others didn't see.

Antidepressants, even the new ones don't agree with a lot of people. They put me on a low dose for migraines, below the dose used for depression, and they floored me. If you know that antidepressants effect you negatively, don't be shy about telling them so. It saves time, and your wallet.

i'm afraid I can't help with the neuropsych side. I'm sure someone here will have had some experience with that.

Most Dr.s have some sort of website these days, and you can pre-screen them. You should be able to be involved in your treatment and diagnostics. Especially if it involves a problem that is not visible. Finding a Dr. that will listen and take the time to include you and explain things goes a long way in my book.

Sam

Just4Me,

Welcome to NeuroTalk. Sorry to hear of you many escapades with stairs. My very first concussion was with stairs in NH, Nashua to be exact. I was 8 and had never lived in a house with stairs. Hardwood stairs can be a struggle when you are not paying attention. The ride down was not a problem. It was the landing that hurt. A year later, my life was changed by a bike fall near Manchester.

It sure sounds like you have a good case of Multiple Impact Syndrome. I tried to follow your post to approximate your age but failed. Are you in your 40's? Are you female? How is your health otherwise? What is your living/family situation like? Do you have any support structure?

The NeuroPsych Assessment sounds warranted. It will help define your level of dysfunction. Hopefully, you will be tested with a battery like the Halstead-Reitan. The results will be good information regardless of how the NeuroPsych interprets the results.

What are you doing to help your brain? Any meds?

It sounds like you may be trying to achieve too much. The only reliable therapy is quiet rest. I was in your state of function years ago. I am doing much better now even though my NeuroPsych Assessment says that nothing has changed. I have learned many work-arounds and accommodations that allow me to be high functioning. You can too.

If you can answer my questions, I can start to help you with some ideas.

Please try to limit paragraphs to 5 lines. Don't worry about proper grammar or paragraphs. We are very tolerant and would rather be able to read your shorter paragraphs. We don't grade your writings. LOL

My best to you.

Thanks for responding.... sorry - had some family and home issues to deal with so I didn't have time to sit at the computer.

Me: 51 F (I lived in Amherst NH for 10 yrs before having to move back home to NY after being away 30yrs) wish I was back in NH now - better medical there.

family - support ..... somewhat .... but if I lead (that only works if I don't get worse).

other health .... there's the usual - high bp, cholorestal(I can never spell that!) they say I have fibro - but can't help wonder if it's the head thing instead.. on lyrica for that - seems to help....

what else? bit of arthritis ... all in all not bad for over 50 (and I think I'm overweight - Doc says yea but don't worry about it right now - hormone thing and all). Tried weight lifting - was pushing 80+ but when I started to get directions confused - I stopped before I got hurt.

Multiple Impact Syndrome - haven't heard that one - I'll have to research it more. Thanks for the suggestions!

Med: just took my first pamelor - we'll see how this one goes. I don't have much confidence.

shorter paragraphs - got it :winky:

Halstead-Reitan - another new something I can learn about.

Well - might now be around much tomorrow..... more family stuff to deal with.

Got an appt Tues with the neuropsych - but may have to postpone it - we might get that hurricane even where we are!!!

Have a good night all ...... I'll pop in as soon as reality lets me get back to life!

Just4Me,

Sounds like you would benefit from a bio-identical hormone assessment. Here is a referral link. https://www.womensinternational.com/..._referral.html

Bio-identical hormone replacement can target the imbalance without the side-effects of Brand Name hormone 'almost copies.' If your hormones are out of balance, it can cause cognitive and behavioral symptoms that will just make PCS worse. It should take a few months or more to find the right dosages. You will likely feel like a new woman when they are all lined up.

Concussions can play havoc on hormones without even considering your age.

I lived in Nashua out off 130 in the early 60's. Great times except for my head injury. NH has a special place in my heart.

My best to you.

My first thought was hormones - had them tested - all fine - tested thyroid & parathyroid - all fine.

Last night - went to take a bath - put my right foot in to test water - felt warm - not hot so I stepped in - my left foot said it was so hot I couldn't stand it! Felt with my hand again too hot. My right foot was a bit sore after that.

Had to request postponeing my tues appt with the neurophysc because of the storm. I can't and won't be away from home for 4-6 hrs or longer during a storm.

The meds she put me on, don't seem to have any side effects yet. Hardest part is remembering to take it 3 hrs before bedtime! Not sure yet if there's any benefits. I'll give it time.

Take care out there if anyone is in the path of Sandy. I'll be back on line again after the storm. Thanks again everyone.

Just,

Did you get your hormones reviewed by a specialist or just a GP or gyn? Many use a wide range of values that are not appropriate for some.

More important, what diagnostics have you had done for your neck? The difference in nerve sensation can be from inflammation in your neck. An Upper Cervical Chiropractor (www.NUCCA.org or www.atlasorthagonality.com can direct you to a specialist. ) can help you with this.

In the mean time, use ice packs to try to reduce inflammation in your upper neck. 15 minutes on, 30 minutes off, repeat as often as comfortable. A large zip lock bag with 1 part rubbing alcohol and 3 parts water will freeze to a moldable ice pack.

Wish you well with the storm.

Went to a specialist (whatever you call her)...

I know a PT person - I'll mention the neck (foot) thing to him. I do have bulging discs in the neck - you might have something there.

wonder about an opinion on something: The neuropysch I had an appt with that I canceled due to the storm... got me really upset - they were going to bill me for a full visit because I couldn't give 48 hr notice.

Hard to when there's a weekend in there. So they said they would do this one time. But next time I would get charge - SO I better not have a family emergency, get sick or have another hurricane if I have an appointment!

to me - that seems ridiculus - I understand rules, etc but to get your patients this upset when they are coming to you with trust to help with them problems so they could deal with life issues like stress - I don't get it.

So - now I"m in the position of making a decision. Don't go at all - find another doctor (which could be 2 hrs away) or just deal with this one. :confused:

It's been one issue after another with doctors with this group. Not to mention the closest hospital. I've never had such problems like this any where else we've lived. Like the physch that I saw to be sure I didn't have depression - he agreed - no depression - but listed me as a mood disorder after I answered 2 questions - do your moods change (I didn't say - but maybe I should have - if they didn't I'd be dead!) and now I forgot what the other one was. But it was similar. No tests, just 2 questions and 5 mins (no lie !) in his office.

signed frustrated and confused.

Hope everyone else is well.