Update

Hello everyone! This will not be a normal post from me but instead an update. I saw the neurologist at Mayo this week and I wanted to let everyone know what the next step in this long drawn out journey is. 

The neurologist was someone I did not expect! He was fantastic! I knew he would be but all of you who deal with specialist will agree that most of the time they are so dialed into their specialty and it leaves little room for bedside manner. This doctor had it all! He sat with me for an hour just talking about what is going on with me now, in the past and going over my family history. I truly left that office knowing for once I was in good hands. This does not mean he will tell me anything new but I feel as if the effort he puts into it is going to be enormous!

After all the discussing he decided that we need to get a MRI and a MRA of the brain and upper spinal cord. He also went on to explain that those little flashes I see on the outer edge of my peripheral vision, loosing peripheral vision and the sinus pressure and pain are all migraines. They are a tough kind only because they don't produce any pain and so following them are a bit harder because most people only go seek medical advice when there is significant pain. He also explained to me that due to the fact I had a parent with aneurysms it makes me more likely that it could also be a possibility for me. He doesn't think I am suffering from anything like that but we need to monitor it yearly. The white matter on by brain is actually what is left after a migraine. This is the result of having oxygen deprived in these areas. It is basically scarring and can not be reversed. 

The neurologist also is very concerned about my high blood pressure. He said at my age I should not be diagnosed with hypertension until all other avenues are exhausted. In order to rule out everything it will take a nephrologist at this point. There will be lots of tests involving the kidneys and adrenal glands in November. I have had high blood pressure since my mid twenties and no one ever seemed to question it so for me it will be very interesting to see what, if anything, they find!

Where does all of that leave us? Well, I check in Monday morning at 6:30 for my MRI and MRA at the hospital. This will take a few hours. After that we will head to the clinic for minor surgery. They will be implanting a devise in my esophagus to measure the ph level for 48 hours. They will also be taking a biopsy of the stomach, small intestines and large intestines  This is to rule out celiac disease. Monday is going to be long and exhausting but I can handle it! On Wednesday they will turn off the device implanted and it will dissolve  I will see the pulmologist on November 9th, nephrologist on November 17th and the neurologist the first week of December. 

Whew! That is a lot and I have to admit that this process is really taking its toll on my body. I will have two IV's Monday alone! I truly feel that this testing will go into 2013 but hopefully after that it will be a very healthy year! Tim keeps reminding me that with every appointment brings us closer to some new answers and that keeps me going along with all the support from my family and friends. I will update everyone through my blog over the nest few months because there is way toooooooo much to say! Again thank you all for your love and support over the last six months and in the future!