I did a lot of exercises, including using fins on my hands. The therapist said I have flexor spasticity in my arm/hand and extensor spasticity in my leg/foot. She said the aquatic exercises will help both. She also gave me a few exercises to do at home and encouraged me to ask my insurance if they give discounts for Y memberships, so I can access a pool more often.
First day of therapy is in the bag! Since there was paperwork and some confusion about which building I needed to go to first, the actual therapy was a bit shorter than it will be going forward, but that is fine with me, since it wore me slap dab out. My stamina needs a lot of work (but I already knew that), and so my therapist said we will work up to the full hour.
I did a lot of exercises, including using fins on my hands. The therapist said I have flexor spasticity in my arm/hand and extensor spasticity in my leg/foot. She said the aquatic exercises will help both. She also gave me a few exercises to do at home and encouraged me to ask my insurance if they give discounts for Y memberships, so I can access a pool more often.
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Yesterday, for the first time in *years*, my side did NOT go numb! Today, I felt my arm and leg start to sparkle and then...it stopped.
I think the medicine is working! And the side effects (tiredness and headache) have lessened, as well, because for the past three days I haven't felt the need for a nap, and every time I get a headache, I drink a cup of water and it goes away (so it's a dehydration headache, not a side effect headache). My leg feels heavy (and my foot likes to turn in when I walk) most of the time, and my hand is spazzy more times than not. So these things haven't changed. My first therapy is Jan 7, and I will be asking about a brace for my foot and my hand. I will also ask about botox for my hand (I have researched the pros and cons and the cons seem to be concentrated on children). Praises and prayer requests all around! Tomorrow was supposed to be my first therapy appointment, but we found out today that our deductible will start over in January, so we've decided to reschedule for next year. The nurse didn't have access to the doctor's calendar, so we'll have to call back in January for a date.
My neuropsych evaluation has been scheduled for January 13! It starts at 8.30 am and goes ALL DAY. Bill may drop me off and come pick me up so he doesn't have to take off a full day of work, but I'll for sure be ready for bed when I get home! It is tempting to bury myself in the cocoon of twinkle lights and red bows. To block out the world for one month. I need the rest. I need the escape and comfort the Christmas season lends.
But that is not what Christmas is for. It's not for my own peace of mind, snuggled under my blanket in front of the fireplace, away from the heartaches and troubles that abound in my life. It is for God to reach down his Peace, wrapping me in his care, comforting me. Christmas isn't to escape the pain. It is a reminder that God walks with me through it. Yesterday, I didn't take a nap! I didn't even realize it until Bill came home and asked how my nap went, and I was like, "Wait, I was supposed to take a nap?!" This might be a fluke, though, because I'm already feeling like I'm about to take a nose dive into my pillow.
My side went numb only once Sunday, but 5 times yesterday, so...I'm not saying this problem is getting resolved just yet! Yesterday, the pain was more in my extremeties' nerve endings rather than my brain. It's weird how the pain migrates around and makes me feel on the inside. I have a therapy appointment for the 23rd. They should focus on my hand (possibly discussing botox shots for the spasticity) and my leg (sometimes I have to drag it because it's so heavy to pick up). The neuropsych people called saying that in order for insurance to cover the visit, the referral needs to come from my PCP, not the neurologist. I've never in my life fought so hard to get decent treatment by medical professionals! Praises: -still no terrible side effects from the medicine -lots of down time this month to get used to the medicine and also just to relax and refresh -no nap yesterday! Prayer requests: -the therapy place to not have an issue with no mask -the referral for neuropsych to go smoothly -the neuropsych people to not have an issue with no mask -the nerve pain and numbness to subside Isn't this tree beautiful? God sure is the best artist I know!
I've been taking my anti-seizure meds for one week now, and here is what I have to report. Yesterday morning, I should have eaten a live frog! My appointment was stressful and long, but I'm gonna skip the stressful part and just share the doctor's recommendations.
He will be referring me for a neuropsych evaluation. I should find out early next week when that appointment will be. Tomorrow is my follow-up appointment with my neurologist. We will be asking for him to schedule the neuropsych evaluation. We will talk about my EEG results and why I haven't been taking the medication he prescribed. He may schedule an angiogram. We will ask about CBD oil (keep reading!). We will ask about a referral to physical therapy (for my leg/foot mobility).
When I take my vitalbiome regularly, my brain is clearer, my anxiety is toned down, and I have fewer depressive thoughts. I've also noticed when I take it regularly, the weird "all the problems of the world are my fault" thoughts when my side goes numb aren't as strong. When I take my CBD oil regularly, my side goes numb fewer times a day, and when it does go numb, it seems to not be as severe. I don't have a lot left, so I'm looking for a high quality source. I've been taking 75 ml of this almost every morning for the past 4 weeks, hoping it helps with my side going numb. The EEG was normal (meaning no electrical seizures), but there is a type of seizure that there are no electrical charges with. Some research suggests CBD oil helps with these, so I figured, what can I lose? This CBD has zero THC (which besides being illegal in my state, I'd say is a slippery slope I don't want to get on!), and whether it's a placebo effect or it really is working, my side goes numb about 1-2 times a day, down from 3-6 times a day just a month ago.
The doctor called today and said my EEG was normal. Meaning...I'm not sure what. My side *did* go numb during the test, so if it was caused by electrical charge seizures, it would have shown up. I have read of non-electrical charged seizures, so I will be doing more research into these.
With no electrical charge, the medicine he prescribed isn't gonna do anything, so I won't be taking it. I do have some thc-free cbd oil that I will begin taking twice a day, as I read that cbd oil can help with brain stuff. (Did you know we have a cannibinoid system, like our nervous system or endocrine system?! Cbd oil helps balance this system when it gets out of whack.) Praises: -they found my EEG results! -no seizure activity (meaning I won't have my license suspended) -I already have some good quality cbd oil I can start taking immediately Prayer requests: -the headache is still hanging on, but it is calmer; keep praying! -neuropsych evaluation to be scheduled soon, as I feel this may help shed light on some of my problems (I don't know how. Just a gut feeling) -neurologist as he decides if I need other tests (he mentioned angiogram at my last appointment--I had one 15 years ago) |
Who am I, you ask?
In 2006 I had a stroke, and every day my husband encourages me to use my remaining brain cells to the best of my ability. I love to organize, make crafts, and go on adventures (safe ones). I hope that through my blog posts, you will be encouraged to accept and make the best of challenges God throws at your life. Categories
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