Wow! It sure has been awhile. The school year started and boom! A whole bunch of other things went along with it! Long story short, I have had some health issues lately. After many visits to my wonderful doctor, Ex-Rays, and an MRI of my brain it's been discovered that I have what is called Chiari Malformation 1. This malformation is causing the neurological symptoms that I have had the past couple months- arm numbness, symptoms of the Shingle Virus (with no rash), headaches and dizziness Basically, a tiny part of my brain is dipping down into my spinal canal by about 4mm.
What's next... I have 2 appointments coming up with different neurosurgeons, one of which specializes in Chiari. Surgery is the only thing that helps this malformation. It's called Decompression Surgery where the surgeon makes room for the herniated part of the brain. I do not plan on rushing into this rout because currently I can live with the symptoms. I have a bunch of questions though!!!
Health stuff is funny... everyone deals with it differently. For me, I have to do things to distract myself from thinking too much about it, because then the worry and emotions come out. I've also found that I feel better when I'm in-the-know. Researching and finding other people who are in the same boat. Through this I have met people, asked about neurosurgeons and became aware of a condition that other people live with too. Along with that, I have to take a lot of information with a grain of salt- not everyone on the internet is a doctor!
I have to say, through all of this, my husband has been amazing. Helping with Cece, dropping everything to come to the MRI, clearing his schedule for the neurosurgeon appointments, and most of all, reminding me constantly that everything is going to be OK. As a working family of 3, it's hard to have time for these kinds of things! Family first! My parents have also been a huge help with watching Cece for doctor's appointments, and keeping our spirits up! And Cece puts a smile on my face everyday! Like I said, everyone deals with health stuff differently. Never being through anything like this before, I'm so grateful to have a loving support system, and that alone makes all the difference in the world.
Now that things have settled down for a little bit, I'm hoping to get back to this blogging thing! Cheers everyone!
What's next... I have 2 appointments coming up with different neurosurgeons, one of which specializes in Chiari. Surgery is the only thing that helps this malformation. It's called Decompression Surgery where the surgeon makes room for the herniated part of the brain. I do not plan on rushing into this rout because currently I can live with the symptoms. I have a bunch of questions though!!!
Health stuff is funny... everyone deals with it differently. For me, I have to do things to distract myself from thinking too much about it, because then the worry and emotions come out. I've also found that I feel better when I'm in-the-know. Researching and finding other people who are in the same boat. Through this I have met people, asked about neurosurgeons and became aware of a condition that other people live with too. Along with that, I have to take a lot of information with a grain of salt- not everyone on the internet is a doctor!
I have to say, through all of this, my husband has been amazing. Helping with Cece, dropping everything to come to the MRI, clearing his schedule for the neurosurgeon appointments, and most of all, reminding me constantly that everything is going to be OK. As a working family of 3, it's hard to have time for these kinds of things! Family first! My parents have also been a huge help with watching Cece for doctor's appointments, and keeping our spirits up! And Cece puts a smile on my face everyday! Like I said, everyone deals with health stuff differently. Never being through anything like this before, I'm so grateful to have a loving support system, and that alone makes all the difference in the world.
Now that things have settled down for a little bit, I'm hoping to get back to this blogging thing! Cheers everyone!