I’m Facing Uncertain Health Concerns – Positive Thoughts Appreciated

I have always considered myself to be a very fortunate person who is grateful for everything that I have. My health was always one thing I was grateful for, so it’s scary when those things take an unexpected turn.

Back in February this year, I got what I thought was a migraine (and could have been). My vision became blurred by bright lights then slowly narrowed to where I could barely see. When my vision returned, I had a headache.

When this happened a second morning in a row, I decided it was time to see a doctor. I set the appointment (of course it was a 2 week wait) then went in to see him. During this discussion, we got to talking about a few other health issues I’ve had over the years.

The doctor and I discussed how I started getting vertigo when I was 23, and how I’ve had it on and off ever since. If you have never experienced vertigo before, it can be very overwhelming and scary at times. You feel dizzy, and the room spins with no warning.

The longest bout I’ve had lasted for 6 months. Most of the time it’s just for a few days or weeks here or there. I’ve seen several doctors about it, and I’ve never gotten much of an explanation other than it just happens to some people and it could just be the structure of my inner ears.

We also talked about how I started getting tingling in my feet when I was 21 and that I went to a doctor about it back then. The doctor told my 21 year old me that I’d probably just been drinking too much alcohol and should stop. I still have tingling in my feet.

I started getting tingling in my hands around age 23 as well. Again, I went to the doctor. The doctors I saw assumed it was tendonitis from working on a computer. I followed their directions, and I’ve even had ergonomics counseling at past jobs, but it always seems to come back.

I told my current doctor I have always been a bit clumsy, but it has gone to a new level recently. I’ve had issues with kicking or bumping into things as I walk by them. It’s as if my coordination is just a bit off.

And sometimes things like keys or mason jars will randomly fall out of my hands for no apparent reason. I’m not sure if it’s related to the tingling in my hands and feet, or something totally different.

I also told him in addition I have dealt with fatigue for a long time, which can’t be explained away by having babies nursing all night anymore. There are some days where I’m just so fatigued – not sleepy, but fatigued – that it’s hard for me to do much of anything. Combine the fatigue with the internal shaking feeling I’ve had for the last few months, and it’s a challenge to participate in some of my normal activities.

I also shared the fact that I have been having issues with my memory lately. I have always had an excellent memory, but that hasn’t been true for a while. I have forgotten entire conversations and have a hard time focusing. The other day I found my hand mixer in the refrigerator and had no idea that I put it in there instead of the cabinet after I baked. I just have to laugh about it when things like that happen.

After this discussion, the doctor told me he was concerned that these symptoms could be signs of MS (Multiple Sclerosis). He referred me to a neurologist, who I finally saw on Monday (insurance finally approved the visit).

After talking with me and examining me, the neurologist shared that at my age, with my symptoms, it could be one of two things: either complicated migraines or MS. However, since the headaches only occurred with the vision disturbances, complicated migraines were less likely.

Last week had a ton of blood drawn and had a carotid ultrasound to make sure I don’t have a blood clot causing the issues. Now, I’m waiting to have an MRI, EEG and EMG to hopefully help us find out what is going on with me.

The doctor wanted to admit me to the hospital last week because my symptoms warrant it and to get a jump on the tests; but Zoë’s birthday was yesterday and Mother’s Day is tomorrow. Since the doctor doesn’t know how long I’m going to be admitted to the hospital I chose not to go in on her birthday week. I’m more than likely going to be admitted to the hospital on Monday.

If you could send positive thoughts out into the universe for me, I’d greatly appreciate it. And if you’ve interacted with me recently and I haven’t seemed quite myself, this is why. I appreciate everyone’s patience and support, and I’ll keep you posted about what is going on.