First Doctor Visit

[saja]

Hello everyone,

I just wanted to tell you guys about my first doctor's visit today. I was VERY pleased with my doctor, she was wonderful! She is so kind, considerate and really took her time with me. I feel that we're going to make a great team in getting to the bottom of this. She listened carefully and took notes when I gave her my far too long list of symptoms. She did the usual testing of vitals and such, my BP was a bit high so we'll be keeping an eye on that. It was 150/98. She gave me a battery of neurological tests, she had me doing all sorts of things. I failed some of them miserably. One that I failed was called the Romberg Test and another was the test like they give people pulled over for suspicion of drunk driving. Good thing I wasn't pulled over because although I don't drink, I failed that one with flying colors! I had to try to walk heel to toe along a line, I couldn't do one step without falling off. She said that I have a seriously loss of proprioception, to the point that she told me that she wanted me to get a cane/walking stick. Failing those tests was scary and felt so odd that I honestly could not do these things. My body betrayed me and I have to admit that I was pretty stunned about it even though I know I have been having problems. Three or four years ago I was able to do yoga quite well and my balance was pretty darn good. She also said that I am obviously having some neurological issues and she ordered a MRI on my brain. It says on the from MRI Brain W WO Contrast. Does that mean they are going to do both with and without contrast? I know it's silly, but I'm super nervous about that contrast stuff. Does it hurt? Do many people have a reaction to it? It's freaking me out.
On top of that, she did a urinalysis and ordered a ton of blood work. They took 4 big vials and 2-3 little small ones. I've never had that much blood drawn before, I did okay though.
She also refered me to a neurologist. I will set up an appointment with him and for the MRI in the morning. I was very happy that I choose this doctor but I am feeling pretty scared and rather upset about having to walk with a cane. I know that much worse things could happen to a person, of course, so I am also trying to stay positive while I wait to find out what really is going on. She said that she was leaning towards of couple of things but would not discuss it until she got some tests back so as not to worry me. I thought that was nice, not to speculate.
Anyway, I hope everyone is doing well today.

Thanks for listening!

[lyndacarol]

Apparently you have found the perfect doctor for you! I also think that the two of you will make a great team.

On the topic of your MRI… yes, it will be done with and without contrast. Take a deep breath, it will not hurt. As you may know, you lie down on the table, which moves into the "tunnel" (I close my eyes when I lie down and tell the technician that I will not open them again until I am brought out of the machine.). When the first imaging (without contrast) is completed, the technician brings you out of the machine and injects a contrast into your arm and then moves you back into the machine for more imaging – you did okay when the blood draw was done for your blood work today; you will do fine with the contrast for your MRI, too. I have not heard of people having a reaction to the contrast (undoubtedly, it can happen), but tell the technician of any allergies you have – and even tell him if you are nervous. Technicians are usually very understanding and capable.

I am confident that you will do just fine. It is good that you try to stay positive; stay calm; the yoga you did three or four years ago may be a great help to you with this now.

[saja]

Lyndacarol,

Thank you SO much for that! You are so kind, I really appreciate you telling me what to expect. I'll do my best to be brave. I've had an MRI once, but it was in an open one that, was a little creepy. I had it on my lower back years ago. I will do like you do and close my eyes until it's all over. Thank you again, SO much!

[NHE]

The gadolinium contrast agent can negatively affect some people's kidneys. Following your MRI, drink lots of fluids in order to help your body flush it out.

[saja]

The gadolinium contrast agent can negatively affect some people's kidneys. Following your MRI, drink lots of fluids in order to help your body flush it out.

Thank you very much for that info! I'll make sure that I do that.