Monday, December 9, 2013

Latest update

So here I am once again. Again I am sorry for the space of time between posts but it has been quite a busy few months. I am currently struggling with my vision very much, so bear with me as the font here is just so tiny that it is hard to see.
I had my appointment with my neurologist a few days ago. I have learned that I have a demyelinating disease of the brain. As usual, I learned this by reading my report, not from the mouth of my doctor (which really is no surprise believe it or not) I Googled it to see exactly what it was. I will copy and paste my finding below....

A demyelinating disease is any condition that results in damage to the protective covering (myelin sheath) that surrounds nerve fibers in your brain and spinal cord. When the myelin sheath is damaged, nerve impulses slow or even stop, causing neurological problems.

Multiple sclerosisMultiple sclerosis (MS) is the most common demyelinating disease. In this disorder, your immune system attacks the myelin sheath or the cells that produce and maintain it. This causes inflammation and injury to the sheath and ultimately to the nerve fibers that it surrounds, and may result in multiple areas of scarring (sclerosis).

Other causesOther types of demyelinating disease and their causes include:
  • Optic neuritis — inflammation of the optic nerve in one or both eyes
  • Devic disease (neuromyelitis optica) — inflammation of the optic nerve and spinal cord
  • Transverse myelitis — inflammation of the spinal cord
  • Acute disseminated encephalomyelitis — inflammation of the brain and spinal cord
  • Adrenoleukodystrophy and adrenomyeloneuropathy — rare, inherited metabolic disorders
MS and other demyelinating diseases may result in vision or hearing loss, headache, seizures, muscle spasms and weakness, loss of coordination, paralysis, and loss of sensation.
TreatmentNo cures exist for demyelinating diseases and their progression, and symptoms are different for everyone. Getting treatment early is important. Treatment focuses on:
  • Minimizing the effects of the attacks
  • Modifying the course of the disease
  • Managing the symptoms
A variety of drug therapies are recommended depending on your specific disorder. These may include medications that decrease the frequency of new lesion formation. Strategies to treat symptoms include physical therapy, muscle relaxing drugs, and medications to reduce pain and fatigue. Talk with your doctor about the best course of treatment for your specific disorder.

Quite honestly....these things actually make sense to me.

I had my appointment today with my general practitioner and will be receiving the following referrals
-Opthamologist
-Pulmonologist
-Podiatrist
-Physical Therapist
_Ear Nose Throat

I have FINALLY agreed to a prescription for pain to help me sleep at night.

My appointment with my rheumatologist is next month.

Anyway....that's all I've got. I hope you are enjoying your holiday season.
PEACE :)
~Heidi