Yesterday Andy got the blood tests the doctor wanted and also got a disc of the MRI scans and took them down to Santa Fe to the neurologist’s office. (It’s Labor Day weekend and they wanted to be sure the neurologist had the scans by Andy’s appointment Wednesday.). Originally the appointment was supposed to be by phone, but the receptionist phoned after 5 to tell Andy the appointment would be in person. She told him where to go and also said they wanted Andy to get a spinal tap. She gave him the phone number to call to schedule the tap, and he’ll phone Tuesday morning to try to make an appointment.
We actually saw the neurologist two years ago about the carotid artery dissection they had found when Andy was in the hospital for a brain bleed. We assume the new incidents are part of the long-range problems that have been hanging over our head for years. We’re not wasting our time worrying, just being sensible and enjoying the time we have left.
August 5, 2020
Andy had a disection in his neck? Oh my! I have only heard of them in the aorta. Please let us know how the appointment goes on Wednesday, I will be waiting to hear. And I have been praying for him! I run our church prayer and info line on phone and e-mail.
Thank you. I’m not sure we will learn that much, but I will let you know.
ummmmmmmmm hope this doesn’t signal anything dreadful bad…fingers crossed that all will be well, and that the new tests will show a “small change”… I’m not sure Kaitlin and Torben will be happy out of reach from you both, so virtual hugs to you all…
Thank you!
Goodness…I pray for you bith, and know your bravery (both of you), determination, faith, & skill of specialists will be noted from above!
Thank you!
we went through the stroke and the one carotid blocked 100 percent and one 75 percent in 2017, they took 4 hours to open one and the other is still blocked. i have not heard of this dissection’s, i read the link. prayers for both of you and you are doing all you can do . keep us posted, hugs coming through the intranet to both of you.
Andy’s dissection is too close to the brain for surgery. The neurosurgeon wanted to put in a stent but we did the research and the danger of death or severe stroke was way too high. Hurray for the internet! Just to check our reasoning we applied to the Mayo Clinic to have them look at it, and they said they had nothing to add. That was two years ago, and we’re happy with the decision we made.
Your last sentence is so beautiful ….. refreshing! Being a chronic worrier and ‘what-iffer’ all my days, just imagine the grief I might have saved myself. Lifting you both in my prayers and will keep checking in for updates.
Thank you! I was a worrier when I was younger but one day I resolved not to waste my life worrying, so I’ve been practicing for years. I even taught classes and led groups in stress management, emotional aikido, dealing with difficult people, etc. for about 10 years after we retired. Some people got a lot out of it, but for me the main thing was I had to practice what I preached. It was a great use of my time.
Jeez, this is scary stuff! Fingers crossed the medical community is just being super cautious and all will turn out well.
Thank you!
I did not realize Andy had had a brain bleed…or if I did, I have forgotten…that is what Roger had. I used to get stressed about spots being skin cancer on my face, but since his stroke, I sure don’t dwell on it. Not saying I don’t think about it and try to keep sunscreen on…but I sure don’t spend time worrying about it.
It happened two years ago. The crazy thing was they decided here that it was an emergency they couldn’t handle, so they called an ambulance to take him to Albuquerque. That was a two-hour trip and it took the ambulance hours to get here. Fortunately the bleeding had stopped otherwise Andy wouldn’t have made it. We’re not completely sanguine about the medical system here. 🙂
Oh my Dear, I am so sorry. Have not been in blog land this last week, much. So did not know.
Many gentle hugs…
Thanks.
Ohhh…. I’m just trying to catch up with things here. And to read this….I will have you both in my prayers, my way of praying anyway…. sending it out to the Universe, to whatever you give your thoughts and worries and hope to.
I’ve been reading a lot and you are very wise as worry is not good and never a help… but how can you help not to?
Love you!
What a strong way to be, to enjoy each moment, the NOW.
Truly, XOXOXO
Thank you, and best of luck to you, too!
Praying…..
Thanks.
yes. Cindi said it all for me Monk.
will be waiting to hear. love you.
Thanks. 🙂
We are glad that at least there are additional steps in the works. We hope for the best for Andy and for you. Hugs.
Thank you. 🙂
Keeping both you and Andy in my thoughts and prayers. Keep us posted.
Thank you.
Good luck.
Thank you.