Author Topic: On a Positive Note  (Read 3473 times)

alwaysthere

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On a Positive Note
« on: February 24, 2010, 08:37:29 pm »
I starting suffering with debilitating headaches in Jan. 2009. It was thought that I had a small brain bleed because a small amount of blood was found in my spinal fluid. Later that day I was told that I had a AN, which turned out to be a Meningioma. Anyway I had headaches 24/7 for most of 2009. So many trips to the ER and so many ambulance rides that I lost count. The heavy narcotics quit working and things were bad. Finally, someone really listened to me and what I had been saying for a year. When my head hurt my neck hurt. Yes, those are signs of brain bleeds, but I was also telling them that if I put my chin down to my chest, it would all quit hurting.

Finally in Dec. 2009 a pain Dr. listened to me and checked my neck. Well guess what? My neck was screwed up. I had a ruptured disc at C5-C6. I had neck surgery on Jan 2010 and so far I am headache free. C3-C4 aren't the greatest and will keep an eye on them.

So, if you think that things are not right, don't give up. It might take awhile, but someone will finally listen you. If they don't, keep going till someone does. You know your body better than anyone. I'm glad I didn't give up, when it was so easy to do.

Patty
Diagnosed 1/09 1.6cm left side
5/09 2cm
hearing & balance problems
Surgery Date June 25, 2009 St. Mary's Hospital in Rochester, Mn
Surgery went great, can still hear!!!!

"This too shall come to pass and life will go on"

Soundy

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Re: On a Positive Note
« Reply #1 on: February 24, 2010, 09:48:47 pm »
Glad you found someone to listen and that you got the treatment you needed ...

I have no problem firing doctors who don't listen to what I am saying or think they know better than I do how I feel because they have a piece of paper saying they are a doctor ... my PCP is great and listens to me ... and when I have needed specialist for various health issues he helps me find them and if they don't work out helps me find someone who does listen
3mm AN discovered Aug 2004
Translab July 2 ,2007
3.2cm x 2.75cm x 3.3cm @ time of surgery

Jim Scott

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Re: On a Positive Note
« Reply #2 on: February 25, 2010, 03:47:50 pm »
Patty ~

Your headache scenario is interesting and I'm very glad to learn that the cause for your headaches was found and eventually corrected by your neck surgery.  Your advice to others about not giving up and resolutely seeking an answer to a medical problem so that a solution may be found is excellent and I hope will be noted by many. Thanks.

Jim
4.5 cm AN diagnosed 5/06.  Retrosigmoid surgery 6/06.  Follow-up FSR completed 10/06.  Tumor shrinkage & necrosis noted on last MRI.  Life is good. 

Life is not the way it's supposed to be. It's the way it is.  The way we cope with it is what makes the difference.