Hi,
I am a 39 year-old female. My mother is a diabetic and I was born with spina bifida occulta in the lower part of my spine. At age 6, I was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes. As an adult, I was diagnosed with bipolar-disorder; and, am compliant with medication, attend therapy regularly, and am in remission. I am scheduled for Adult ADHD testing.
I was in a car accident in May 2010 and was diagnosed with a severe concussion. In July, I fell on concrete stairs in the rain and had a large contusion on my buttocks and trauma to my back, but no fractures.
I have had strange vision problems, severe headaches, constant nausea, memory problems, balance problems, dizziness, language aphasia, neck pain & stiffness, and shoulder pain since the accident. These conditions have been worsening. The shoulder pain has been intermittent for several years. I have also experienced constipation and do no usually urinate until after 4 pm, but these two problems have been occurring for several years.
I also have a type of genetic thrombophilia and take warfarin sodium and low-molecular heparin, alternately. CT scans were done three times after the car accident and all were normal.
I was referred to a neurologist for the headaches and (nn-contrast)MRI's were done of the brain and the spine. [I do not know the magnification.] A small lesion was found on the brain, but not in an area consistent with MS. Syringomyelia was diagnosed in the area from C7 - T2.
Although my symptoms, with the exception of the headaches and the vision problems, can be explained by my other various medical conditions, my neurologist has referred me to an MS specialist for more testing.
My retinal opthamalogist ran tests to check my visual field and to check for macular swelling. The next step in diagnostics is a lumbar puncture and CSF test. I am also scheduled to establish care with a neurosurgeon in case the Syringomyelia becomes worse.
Should I request a higher-magnification MRI and a contrast-dye test if my doctor doesn't include them in my treatment plan? Also, are there any other suggestions you can think of for me to include in my overall health plan? (Part of my treatment includes a woman's therapy group for people with chronic health problems.)
Thank you.
:)