renaissancewoman101 Posted January 10, 2008 Share Posted January 10, 2008 I spent most of yesterday afternoon, evening and night at the local ER. For the past week (and I've posted about this on here), I had been getting weird sensations in my head (aka numbness, extreme sensitivity on the left side of my head, etc). It had been bothering me for a while but I was busy with everything else and didn't want to deal with it. Yesterday, I got very lightheaded and faint at work and almost passed out Luckily someone caught me in time and I didn't completely pass out. I ended up going to the local ER to get checked out. That was a nightmare wait in itself. Had a bunch of blood tests done and CT scans done of my brain and of my neck. I still have the fluid-filled cyst in the back of my head. I also have some abnormalities in my brain (shapewise and a few other things, but nothing that affects my thinking and mental skills). The ER doctor thinks that as I am getting older, my issues could get worse. He also thinks that I may have something called Dandy Walker syndrome (based on some abnormalities in the size of my hands and a few other things). I've been referred to see a neurologist and made an appt for later this month. I have to get copies of my MRI scans from out in Wisconsin and see what else is next. Most likely, I will have to get new MRI scans and such. I hope things are not getting worse. But, I will find out. It's probably better to know. If I ever were to meet a guy, would guys be turned off by my health issues? I know I am a bit off the wall at times. Link to comment
Crazyaboutdogs Posted January 10, 2008 Share Posted January 10, 2008 I am very sorry about your health issues. Not sure if you want to know but here are a couple of links on Dandy Walker Syndrome link removed link removed I have a neighbour who has cystic fibrosis. She is 38 and has spent quite a bit of time hooked up to oxygen. It seems that she has known her husband since high school and, of course, he knew about her having cystic fibrosis and the health ramifications. He has stuck around. Several months ago she finally had a lung transplant and she is like a completely different person..a whole new lease on life. My point is that her husband loves her so much that he has stayed and took care of her and her needs. If a guy really cares about you, he will stick around. Link to comment
renaissancewoman101 Posted January 10, 2008 Author Share Posted January 10, 2008 From what the doctor says, he thinks I have a mild version of this syndrome (which is good). But I am going to see a neurologist to get a better diagnosis about it. Not sure how I feel about all this. I told my mom I was in the ER last night and she kinda freaked out. She still doesn't think there is anything wrong with me, and if there is, eating right will cure everything. Don't really know how I feel. Just a bit puzzled and a bit worried. Not sure what I want to find out about myself. The ER doctor was surprised that my parents never looked into why I was so small or so oddly shapen, when I was a little kid. One thing that the doctor pointed out to me is that my left hand (fingers and all) are smaller than my right hand. Interesting. I am doing some reading up on this issue, which helps, sort of. Link to comment
Miss Firecracker Posted January 10, 2008 Share Posted January 10, 2008 The ER doctor was surprised that my parents never looked into why I was so small or so oddly shapen, when I was a little kid. They didn't want to know that something was wrong. I ignored things with my son that were obviously strange that I just couldn't face at the time. Your mother will be very sad to hear this, Ren. I know that your case is probably one of the mildest if wasn't caught until now. But your mom will be hurt to hear it. I'm sorry that this happpened to you. And I hope that your problems from this will be very few. Link to comment
renaissancewoman101 Posted January 10, 2008 Author Share Posted January 10, 2008 They didn't want to know that something was wrong. I ignored things with my son that were obviously strange that I just couldn't face at the time. Your mother will be very sad to hear this, Ren. I know that your case is probably one of the mildest if wasn't caught until now. But your mom will be hurt to hear it. I'm sorry that this happpened to you. And I hope that your problems from this will be very few. My mom never wants to know that there is something wrong with me. Yes, the ER doc thinks I have a mild case of this (based on the fact that I can think, do things for myself, etc). From what I've read, I do have symptoms of this disorder (large cyst in the back of my head, a somewhat misshapen head, one hand being smaller than the other, and a few other things (I know, TMI). Do you know something about this? I hope this doesn't end up cutting short my life or anything of that nature. Sometimes I feel like I am a freak of nature and that people, if they knew all the stuff that is wrong with me, would not want to hang out with me. Link to comment
Miss Firecracker Posted January 10, 2008 Share Posted January 10, 2008 Ren, In my opinion we are all freaks of nature. There is something wrong with each and every one of us. My younger son is autistic and has only one eye. He is taking Neurontin to stabilize his moods. He has motor tics and was born with cancer. My older (perfect) child was stricken with two mental disorders, diagnosed last year. I saw this coming on but totally put it in the back of my mind until it finally blew up in my face. TMI here too. LOL What I'm saying is, I feel like a freak family. I feel like no one would want anything to do with us. But we keep getting up to go another day. And I won't feel sorry for us, I just refuse to. And I hope you won't do that either. Hang in there, Ren! Link to comment
renaissancewoman101 Posted January 10, 2008 Author Share Posted January 10, 2008 I'm not sure how I feel. Maybe a bit worried. But I do want to find out what really is at the bottom of all this, and what can be done about my neck and spinal issues. BTW, a few years ago, I was prescribed Neurontin to help with the spinal issues. I took it for a while but it had some weird side effects on me. You're a good woman Miss Firecracker. Link to comment
southerngirl Posted January 10, 2008 Share Posted January 10, 2008 Ren, I am sorry to hear that you are going through this. Hopefully the doctors will figure out what is causing you to have these symptoms and then a way to make you feel better and make the symptoms go away. Link to comment
renaissancewoman101 Posted January 10, 2008 Author Share Posted January 10, 2008 I hope so too. The symptoms went away for about three years and then came back recently, but the numbness and sensitivity in the left side of my head is new. Link to comment
JadedStar Posted January 10, 2008 Share Posted January 10, 2008 Ren, In my opinion we are all freaks of nature. There is something wrong with each and every one of us. My younger son is autistic and has only one eye. He is taking Neurontin to stabilize his moods. He has motor tics and was born with cancer. My older (perfect) child was stricken with two mental disorders, diagnosed last year. I saw this coming on but totally put it in the back of my mind until it finally blew up in my face. TMI here too. LOL What I'm saying is, I feel like a freak family. I feel like no one would want anything to do with us. But we keep getting up to go another day. And I won't feel sorry for us, I just refuse to. And I hope you won't do that either. Hang in there, Ren! And Ren I think you can take some lessons from Miss Firecracker. This is a woman who has been thru a lot but won't allow her head to be hung low.....i think you should follow suit. YOu think that there are all of these "normal" people running around that are better than you but truth is most of us don't know what normal is hon....we make our own reality. And live to rock another day. Link to comment
Miss Firecracker Posted January 10, 2008 Share Posted January 10, 2008 You're a good woman Miss Firecracker. And so are you, Ren! And thank you. Link to comment
renaissancewoman101 Posted January 10, 2008 Author Share Posted January 10, 2008 I'm fine. I've lived with this until now and will go on. As for guy issues, I just hope whatever guy I meet will be understanding of my weird medical issues. It seems most people want perfection, or close to near perfection in others. Link to comment
renaissancewoman101 Posted January 10, 2008 Author Share Posted January 10, 2008 Everyone compromises. But you might have to offer more in other ways. Be understanding, patient, and also accept that a guy you meet might not be winning a beauty pagent anytime soon. That is true, sometimes one has to compensate for their shortcomings in other ways. Life can be cruel. Link to comment
renaissancewoman101 Posted January 10, 2008 Author Share Posted January 10, 2008 I'll do fine. I'll probably post on here. And lean on some friends. Not sure. Link to comment
what2think Posted January 10, 2008 Share Posted January 10, 2008 Hey RW- I work at a spine and neurosurgery clinic so I see patients who are getting diagnosed with various brain and spine disorders all day long. Do what you can to read up on Dandy Walker Syndrome and ask the doctor all of your questions when you go in. The more you know the better you will feel about what they are recommending to you. When you go into the neurologist keep in mind that it is one doctors opinion you are getting, if you aren't sure about what the doctor says get a 2nd opinion from a different doctor in a different practice especially since you are dealing with a brain problem. You mentioned dating guys and having this going on... for what it's worth one of my coworkers had brain surgery a little over 3 years ago for a brain abnormality that was causing her to have severe migraines, she is still dealing with the side effects (for lack of better wording) of the surgery, she has slurred speech every once in a while and takes a while to comprehend some things. She hasn't had a problem with dating since I have known her, she has better luck than I do half the time Feel free to PM me if you have questions too I know you don't know me but I thought I'd offer. Link to comment
renaissancewoman101 Posted January 10, 2008 Author Share Posted January 10, 2008 what2think, thanks for your input. I am going to read up on it. I read some stuff on it this afternoon and it describes a lot of my symptoms that I have (the fluid filled cyst in the back of my head, and some of my other issues). I know all about getting second opinions. Right now, I'm not really affected by this disorder (with the exception of a few issues), but I want to know what kind of an impact it will have on me as I get older, and will it shorten my life in any way. I do struggle with neck pain and other discomforts having to do with my neurological issues, that I do know. Link to comment
the_mailman Posted January 10, 2008 Share Posted January 10, 2008 I saw your post and I had to comment. I was born with a congenital curvature of my spine. I am not a bad looking guy but my condition makes me walk bent over and with a limp. My choices of women have been few and far between. I meet with much sympathy but little success. Link to comment
renaissancewoman101 Posted January 10, 2008 Author Share Posted January 10, 2008 I saw your post and I had to comment. I was born with a congenital curvature of my spine. I am not a bad looking guy but my condition makes me walk bent over and with a limp. My choices of women have been few and far between. I meet with much sympathy but little success. I do agree with you about that. Most people are sympathetic, but many are not attracted to people with medical issues. I'm short and look kinda like a midget (not trying to put myself down and that has hindered me in many ways, in regards to meeting guys who are interested in me. Link to comment
JeckyllNHyde Posted January 10, 2008 Share Posted January 10, 2008 Hey ren, So sorry you have to be going thru this. I wish you strenght and all I can say is just walk with your head high and overcome these obstacles... Oh Miss firecracker, didn't know your situation with your childeren either. WOw,like ren said, your a remarkable person. Your post was moving.. Ren, I personally really doubt that a guy will not give you a chance due to your condition. A guy who deserves you and loves you will stick by your side thru thick and thin. feel like a freak of nature.. some maybe dont even knows yet. I'm glad you were diagnosed at the mild stages though. More chances of them being able to help you deal with it soon. Link to comment
the_mailman Posted January 10, 2008 Share Posted January 10, 2008 Then you need to concentrate on other short people. Other short people may be shy like you and thereforeeee you have to take the initiative. Link to comment
doyathink Posted January 10, 2008 Share Posted January 10, 2008 This thread is so sad. I almost feel guilty for complaining about...........anything! Very Strong women in here. Edit! And MEN! Sooo sorry, I hadn't read your post yet love. Link to comment
the_mailman Posted January 10, 2008 Share Posted January 10, 2008 This thread is so sad. I almost feel guilty for complaining about...........anything! Very Strong women in here. Next time you see a guy walking all hunched over maybe you can give him a second look. I know, it takes a strong woman to do that. Link to comment
JeckyllNHyde Posted January 10, 2008 Share Posted January 10, 2008 This thread is so sad. I almost feel guilty for complaining about...........anything! Very Strong women in here. I know.. I felt the same and was moved reading it.. I truly admire people who have to deal with sudden news like this and also people who stay strong and keep going thru it all, sometimes on their own.. and here I sit and complain/worry about silly tests (school) or guy/relationshipps.. pshhh.. Link to comment
doyathink Posted January 10, 2008 Share Posted January 10, 2008 I edited my post MM... Link to comment
renaissancewoman101 Posted January 10, 2008 Author Share Posted January 10, 2008 Hey you all, thanks for your kind and good words. In a way, it's kinda good to be able to have an idea what one has. I've been struggling with these issues for a long time (especially as I get older), and not knowing what was wrong with me, or why this was going on, kinda was hard on me. I'm not really looking for pity since everybody struggles with their own issues and everybody's issues are important, whether others think so or not. I just posted this thread because I don't have many people to talk to about my health issues and ENA is a good place for me to unload. Talking to my parents just freaks them out and I don't want to do that. "the mailman", I feel bad for you. I hope things work out for you. I know what it is like to struggle and think that people can't see past your disabilities. I am determined to find out if my issues are getting worse and what to do about it, if anything. Link to comment
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