Time has certainly flown for me this past 3 months. I actually have my 3 month mark in 4 days. I'm having a quiet morning so I thought I would post a couple of days early.
Let's see, still ups and downs but I do have to say the downs are getting fewer and further apart. As long as I take care of myself and don't over do it. Sleep is of the upmost importance for me. If I have a night or two where I don't get at least 8 or 9 hours sleep, then brain fog can creep back in as well as other old symptoms. I was very frightened a couple of weeks ago when I felt for a few days, as though I was back at square one. Then I realized, as bad as I was feeling, I still wasn't using my crutches, even though my legs were a bit rubbery.
So.... symptoms I still have difficulty with:
My hands are still quite numb, but I notice it changes in severity and from hand to hand depending on what position I sleep, sit or how tired I am. Yup... I said tired, not fatigued.
I still have bladder urgency from time to time. But, the last few short flights I was on, I would normally get up to use the bathroom once or twice. I actually made it from airport to airport and didn't have to scramble to the bathroom as soon as I landed.
I still get the dreaded MS hug and can't seem to go off neurontin which seems to be the only thing that keeps it at bay. Also, there is a neuropathic pain in the bottom of my right foot which is like stepping on a tack or sharp rock. This isn't constant, but happens when I do too much walking.
things that have improved:
OK, here is the biggy.... I finally had my eyes checked and the rx is better than the last one the dr. had on record which was in 2006! I got to order new glasses which will be ready for me in about a week. I had been switching between my last pair and a pair from before because my eyes would blur and I would get head aches (mind you, spending hours on my laptop didn't help) When I had my eye exam, sure enough, my glasses were too strong.... that's a HUGE thing that I consider 'quantifiable' and would be hard pressed to believe could be 'placebo'!
I sleep so much better when I go to bed at night... solid! Hubby told me that as a result, he's finally sleeping better. I guess I used to toss and turn all night with the pain of laying still, but now I can wake up a few hours later in the same position.
I still haven't had to break out the cane or forearm crutches again...I'm glad they're gathering dust. My brother in law said we should have a 'crutch burning' party, but I'll hang on to them for a while to make sure all is well. Maybe they stand (no pun intended) to remind me of how much better I'm walking and how much more endurance I have. I actually went kite flying with my grandsons, it was a great day!
Cog fog has stayed at bay. I can concentrate clearly and for much longer periods of time. My recall has improved significantly much to my delight, and disappointment of my hubby :)
My flow of speech has remained improved since just over a week after my procedure. I'm not sure how hubby feels about that one either. I'm not always loosing words and struggling to get my point made. It's truly a wonderful feeling.
My hearing has remained improved, although not perfect. I'm so relieved not to be completely deaf in my left ear. I can enjoy listening to music, hear my grand baby when he wakes up, even listen on the phone with that ear that was technically gone to me. I still have issues with hearing when there is a lot of peripheral noise in the room but, then again who doesn't? Tinnitus only reappears for a few minutes, and not often.
My balance has remained, I even danced a salsa with my husband spin and all. He didn't have to scrape me off the wall or floor as he usually has to. I do notice if I'm tired, and wake up early, get out of bed too fast, then I'm a little off. But, I'm not 'wall walking' anymore and I can get into a standing position using only my legs.
that's all I can think of at the moment, if I forgot something I will edit this post.
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
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