« December 2007 | Main | February 2008 »
January 20, 2008
So You Take This Long Needle, And...
Well I am happy to say I still don't have a tumor, but I do have pseudotumor cerebri. After a visit to the neuro-ophthalmologist, and an appointment with a very long thin needle, it's been confirmed. So what does that mean for me? This is one of those really Fun illnesses that the world of medicine doesn't really understand. Great, eh? Instead what they do know is that this disease occurs most often in young overweight women. And that's me! So the treatment involves losing weight and taking a diuretic. The weight loss is meant to reverse the over production or poor drainage (whichever it is, they don't really know) of my cranial fluid, and the diuretic is meant to reduce balance of fluids in my body and decrease my elevated cranial pressure. The lumbar puncture isn't the end of the story, I need to make a follow up appointment to monitor my optic nerve swelling (which is created by the heightened cranial pressure). If left unmonitored or untreated it could permanently impair my vision. Of course, that won't be the path I will take.
However, I am really concerned. The primary treatment for my condition is weight loss, which just happens to be the area in my life where I struggle the most. At the moment I am doing Weight Watchers, and I am headed to the gym in my office. But I don't know what to do honestly. I have tried many programs and plans over the years -- plans radical, hair brained and sensible. I am clearly missing something of else I would happily be a healthy weight right now. So what's wrong? That's what I plan to find out.
So stay tuned for more weight loss angst, health excitement and a surprise this Spring semester that will appear to come from left field. Hold tight!
Quote of the Day:
Fear is a question: What are you afraid of, and why? Just as the seed of health is in illness, because illness contains information, our fears are a treasure house of self-knowledge if we explore them.
-Marilyn Ferguson
January 2, 2008
"It's Not A Tumor" Said Arnold-style
The MRI scan was an exciting test of endurance -- 40 minutes in a tube of coffin-like dimensions, with my eyes closed, trying not to cough (despite my head cold). It could have been worse, I guess. The results show that I am brain tumor free, which is excellent news. Now it is off to the Neurologist for an exam and a very exciting spinal tap, or as they say on House, Lumbar puncture! You can imagine that I am thrilled, THRILLED! Flounder has taken the 16th off to accompany me to my appointment and will surely be there to hold my hand. Wish me luck!
In association with the optic nerve swelling, I have started to have some really fun headaches. I am stocking up on pain killers and hoping for the best!
Quote of the Day:
Look at a day when you are supremely satisfied at the end. It's not a day when you lounge around doing nothing; its when you had everything to do, and you've done it.
-Margaret Thatcher
