I need an MRI
I've been spending the last two weeks wondering if I should write this post, because
1 - I feel like a dick asking
2 - There's enough people asking for things - probably more needy people than I
3 - I really dislike sharing my personal problems, it's just something I've never been good at.
I will start from the beginning for you to get a better understanding of the despair I'm in.
Two months ago..
I fell really ill, out of nowhere I started having problems with coordination - to the point where using utensils, opening doors, and taking my shoes off were a challenge. This really frightened me, and so when it got worse i went to the emergency department. There are many symptoms much worse than this but I wont go on & on.
The Doctor there was amazing & referred me to a neurologist for further testing. I knew the wait to see the specialist would be at least a couple of months, but it put my mind at rest knowing at least I was going to be seen.
Then I got the letter....
I filled with rage & tears as I started reading, "Our waiting list it fuller than usual and we will not be organizing a consultation for you"
WTF?
I was mad at having spent a month in so much pain & disability only to be told I can't get help via the public health system. I knew the Health system in New Zealand was turning to shit - but it was still a surprise.
My previous GP thought I was making it all up - and refused to send through another referral.
Always get a second opinion!!! Please!!
If something doesn't feel right, and they wont listen, change doctors till they listen. And fight for yourself. I've found the last few months I've had to be my own biggest ambassador. Never in my life have I had to fight for something that should be so straight forward. it has been frustrating to say the least.
So I changed GP's - This new Doctor did some simple tests and referred me straight to a specialist. Unfortunately my condition hasn't allowed me to wait further on the public "Health" system, & so I had to go privately.
This specialist was pretty good - but he mentioned a few things that made me worry a little
Demyelination
&
Tumor
Those are the things the MRI will be looking for - although he did mention they may find nothing, I'm still worried as shit.
Most of my symptoms point to Multiple Sclerosis - which is fine I can adjust & deal accordingly if that's what manifests.
My cognitive symptoms have been the scariest - I haven't even been able to post on Steemit lately. But today is a "Good day"
So I thought i'd utilize this "Good day"
To ask for help from Steemians - (Asking for help is the hard part of all of this)
To go privately for an MRI is costly - $1420 costly
I've upvoted your post and donated the remaining Steem Dollars in my account.
Just resteemed it too!
Sitting here wondering what to say to this. A few tears. Good things really do happen sometimes! Everything seems so unreal & unfair at the moment and it's nice to be reminded of the realness & kindness of strangers. It still makes me nervous that I posted something I didn't want people to know, but I know at times like this it's best to talk. Thank you so much for your support it is beyond any expectation & I am so grateful.
You're welcome. I really hope things work out for you!
That really sucks - I had an MRI back in 2002 after three years of headaches - turned out I had a 3 cm benign brain tumour, and I was told I would die within a year if it wasn't removed.
I told them where to go and started learning about natural therapies.
To be honest I wouldn't trust the NZ medical system an inch!
Last year I had a CT scan after a car accident and the tumour is slightly smaller now that it was 15 years ago. Still there, but just a dead lump.
And symptoms wise - firstly it didn't kill me and the headaches went away, but some stuff was permanent - I'm deaf in one ear and have poor balance.
I know it's hard when you feel like crap, but do your own research and take the spoutings of doctors with a big pinch of salt.
This is one of my scans from 2002:
Wow!!! That is crazy - i know even a "small tumor" can cause lots of issues, and that's interesting and awesome that the doctors were wrong! It's unbelievable some of the things Doctors say & do.
Yes - at the time they said it was the third biggest tumour of it's type ever scanned in NZ - I was nearly blind in one eye (it's fine now) and sometimes the headaches were so severe I learned that no matter how bad the pain got I never passed out, which was a bummer.
As to why they went away I don't really know, but doctors don't either, so I'd rather stick with my own guesswork
it's always disappointing when you don't pass out.
That is scary! I knew there were long waiting lists, but deciding just to not see you? That is a new low. Once you have your results, if you need to talk, feel free to ring me. My website details are at the bottom of all of my posts.
Thanks Kiwi Deb - good to see another kiwi :) It has been so unbelievable that all i have been able to do is laugh about it otherwise it will make me permanently angry lol
That attitude is the number one thing that can help you! Most doctors don't even begin to grasp that...
Have you seen my post with the list of kiwis?
https://steemit.com/newzealand/@kiwideb/wellington-blockchain-meetup-updated-steemit-kiwis-list-nz-meetup
And are you following @ecentrally from Cromwell? See this post she just did:
https://steemit.com/blog/@ecentrally/thyroid-function-problems
If your diagnosis is MS, her next post about her sister might be helpful for you.
And that got me thinking - the MRI will only show is there's a tumour - right? If there isn't (touch wood) will you then need more tests to see if it's MS? Or would the MRI show up the damage to the myelin sheath as well?
Thank you @kiwideb, I am going to look at these now. The specialist is checking for any demyelination, and also any tumor or lesions etc so i would say the MRI will see anything he's looking for. Fingers crossed!
How did the MRI go today? When will you get the results?
It was yucky lol. Well the first few minutes were horrible. Have you had one? Just very claustrophobic at the start. Was OK after that as they had a TV to watch in it. I see the specialist for the results on Thursday next week - 1 week. Hoping for the best!
Oh, I understand now. You had to go and pay privately for the MRI. I am glad that I found this history post. I hope the results are more positive. I had 2 strokes a few months apart that caused my dizziness and vertigo. On is in the vestibular part of the inner ear. I have a bunch of other stuff going on, too, and I am much older than you are. I would be happy to be a supportive friend for you. Can't wait to hear what the results are from your MRI. You are definitely not a "dickhead", it is great that you have this place to share!
Thank you @sallykwitt - The Vertigo is weird. Are you feeling any better?
.
noooo lol sorry!!! And thank you <3
Your jacket is so COOL! I am praying for your MRI on 27 that you'll make it and hoping that the result is not that bad.
Thank you - i made it myself :) all hand sewn not printed. And thank you SO much for your donation it has made my day!
The good thing the lord made was one day after another. You will be in my prayer , wishing you a speedy recovery
God Bless you always
Thank you :) yes one day at a time!
get well soon
Praying for your full recovery. I hope you get the help you need. God bless!
Thank you very much :)
That's the happiest dick ever lol
I hope you get better soon! Good luck!
haha i know. That's why i chose him, he was the happiest of all. Thanks