Last surgeon visit! No more please!

[stefanies]

Well, I saw my neurosurgeon for the last time yesterday. It was really a waste of time. I spoke to my neuro the night before my visit and she said to not expect much from him. So I didn't.
Basically I still have damage to my cerebellum and the neuro said it may or may not get better. But it can take years to get back to normal. Am I better than I was in Feb? Yes, but I am still whobbly and afraid to do a lot of things...which is just not right. It sucks.
All the surgeon was concerned about was my TN being back and the ON still being there. I was like, I'm more concerned about falling. He also recommended GK, but there is no way I'm doing anything like that at this time in my life.
It was basically a waste of time, so I guess I just have to hope for the best. I am upping my Cymbalta tonight for the ATN to see if that helps. I could probably lower my Keppra b/c I don't get many TN zaps, but I can't b/c of the ON. Man, this is such a pain....in the head! So that is my update.
Stefanie

[baywatcher]

This whole thing is a bummer. I wish that there were something - anything - I could think of that would help, but all I really can do is send you love and concern and sympathy for what must be a real pain, not just in the head either. Hugs - Nancy

[stefanies]

Thanks Baywatcher! I'll be fine. I'm starting a new physical therapy next week that should help with balance. It should be interesting. It's like a Pilates class, but covered by insurance and one on one! I hope that will help a bit!
Stefanie

[argye]

If you think of yourself as drunk, it might help...

When I had my severe balance problems from toxic doses of meds, I used to pretend that I was drunk. I actually used to enjoy it, in a perverse way. I would walk into walls, had to crawl on my hands and knees to go into the bathroom, and my husband would have to dress and feed me. Feeding me was a task because I had to lie flat on my back to eat and the trick was to swallow without choking. Of course, I couldn't see either because of the double vision and the nystagmus from all the meds, and that made me feel even more inebriated.

Argye

[southerngirl]

Argye you sound like you have a great sense of humor which helps with this illness alot. Being able to laugh and try and find some type of humor out of this can get us through alot of the bad times. I wish I had some when my times were the worst, but I got through with the help of my family. So whatever it takes that the path we must go down.
Catherine

[argye]

Thanks, though I was the only one that though that my drunken symptoms were funny.

[stefanies]

I don't drink, but I did look drunk before! But after 11 months post-op, it's a little harder to laugh at it....I'm ready to move on from this MVD experience and be normal again. :) At least be able to walk in a mall without wobbling..