It was only last Sunday that Beate and Tim drove Andy down to the emergency room — thank you again for all you have done!
Andy is still having symptoms, about four times a day and still never incapacitating. They don’t seem to be triggered by exercise, but he hasn’t been able to tell if they’re correlated to anything else. He’s being very careful about exercise just in case, for instance not taking his daily walk, driving to the orchard instead of walking, etc. And when the symptoms first start to present he stops to sit or lie down which may be having some effect. In other words, he’s gathering data.
When he was discharged from the hospital he was supposed to make an appointment with our regular doctor within 7 to 10 days, but she’s on sabbatical so we have an appointment with another doctor in the group this coming Friday.
We should know by then if the treatment plan is working, if not we will go from there — Andy’s thinking of a visit to the neurologist for more ideas, I’m wondering if we should go straight to the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. It’s a long way, but U.S. News says it’s the best hospital in the U.S. for neurology. I remembered that Beate told me one of her friends had TIA-like symptoms and the Mayo Clinic discovered they were caused by migraines after other doctors had missed the diagnosis. We’ll see. We’re guessing this will be a long process, but we wouldn’t object to being happily surprised!
oh my! do I get to vote? 🙂
I vote Mayo Clinic! as in “let’s get this show on the road!”
the pictures have been wonderful in the last few posts!
it seems strange that it’s already been a week. the time just flies anymore.
Yes, let’s get this show on the road. Mike’s comment about how long it takes to get an appointment got me moving today. Andy is now in their system and he has a questionnaire to fill out.
I also vote for the Mayo Clinic. Not because I live in Minnesota but because they have done so much good for so many.
They’re ranked by U.S. News as the best hospital in the U.S. for neurology.
I don’t know what to say – because I’ve never been in this type of situation
– other than the instance when I inadvertently helped a doctor discover that I appeared to be allergic to BP medication from a comment I made when he wanted to understand the reaction I was having to ?something… I had already been changed from one brand by another doctor, who didn’t pick up on it at all…I think she thought I just hadn’t eaten enough that day. But suddenly I was being tested by body/head movements and it took months of another medication to get things working properly again – a couple of months ago I discovered that there is some type of “marker” on my electronic chart “allergic to BP medications” [now I take nil BP meds, just my Asthma med]
I like it that Andy realises that he “just has stop” when he feels not so upright or whatever. I call that “self-management & mindful of me” which is something I do most of the time…because of my own health issues. But that will be hard for the “active-Andy” …
Yes, it is hard for him, but he’s being conscientious, which we all appreciate.
Sorry Andy having to cope with these events. Sounds like you’re doing what we all need to do — educate ourselves about the medical issues we have. Ruling out what some problem we’re having is, can be an important approach. As much as I’ve learned and experienced in my work I realize how much more there is yet to know when it comes to figuring out what’s happening in our bodies. Amazing that more doesn’t get out of kilter. Consulting with your doctor(s) expect you’ll make decisions on how to proceed that will be best for Andy. Just aren’t always simple answers or solutions. Wishing you the best so Andy can have this all behind him and you both can get on with life.
Thank you. I was going to wait until we talked to the local doc before phoning Mayo, but after Mike’s comment I got Andy into the system today. As I understand it, Andy has to fill out a questionnaire before they will make an appointment. The fellow who entered Andy into the system sent us the link.
I am getting caught up, and am so sorry to read about Andy. But I love that he’s doing his nerd/geek thing and gathering data and feeling a bit better and is setting his limits. All my best to you both as you decide on where to go for treatment. **My vote is for the Mayo Clinic, if you can get an appointment time sooner rather than later.
Take care, and you have my prayers and positive vibes coming to you from VA.
Thank you. I did phone Mayo today, and Andy has a patient ID# and has to fill out the questionnaire before they make the appointment.
If you want to get into Mayo, you might want to get the process going as soon as possible.
My understanding is that it can sometime take a while to get into Mayo. Our granddaughter had some gastrointestinal problems a couple of years ago that resulted in her missing quite a lot of school, enough that if she wasn’t such a good student, she might have been held back. She was able to keep up with homework that was sent to her, though.
By the time Mayo agreed to see them, she was responding to the gluten free diet that a local Wisconsin doctor had recommended. Our daughter did make an appointment, but ended up canceling as all of the symptoms had disappeared.
Thank you for that! I was going to wait until we talked to the local doc before starting with Mayo, but you convinced me to get the ball rolling today. That was my inclination anyway. 🙂
Great! I’m glad I was able to help even a little bit. I hope that there is some beneficial resolution sooner than later.
I am not qualified to comment on the medical side but do admire Andy’s tenacity. I am sure that he will come out of this trial successfully with your able support. My best wishes.
Fingers crossed, but there are no guarantees.
well, great – even if you find that Mayo-clinic not needed – good to be on their files… and that is an option your family have chosen to be part of the whole medical scenario…
Yes, Mike was right, we might as well try to get on their list earlier rather than later.
Mayo has an impeccable record, and is famed the world over for solving medical mysteries. I’m so glad you took charge and are now on the way to having an appointment—the sooner he better. Andy has a wonderful partner in you, caring, but always in control. Take care of yourself too, Jean.
Thank you!
“Gathering data” …yes. The more the better; any Mayo doctor worth his salt (or his patients) will be glad to get it. Very glad to hear, Andrew, that you’re doing OK from day to day. And very glad, Jean, that you blog, so that I in a non-intrusive way I can get a sense of what’s going on.
Thank you. It’s an experience worth sharing.
Well, if the Mayo Clinic has such a good reputation, I say get driving! I hope you make progress with identifying the problem.
The fellow I talked to said it would probably be a three-month wait, and when we submitted Andy’s questionnaire tonight they said they will tell us if they will give him an appointment. We’re wondering who they reject. Something too trivial?