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1260255 tn?1288654564

Results from 2nd Opinion Visit

I had my appointment for a second opinion with a neurologist today at Yale New Haven Hospital. He specializes in brain cancer and tumors, yet he is the one the neurosurgeon thought best for me to see.

This was my first visit to Yale where I had the benefit of a teaching hospital. All of my files had been read before I got there.

After interviewing me for the history of my symptoms, general health, etc. and my assessment of the most troubling symptoms (balance, light headness and cognitive decline) a very targeted neuro exam was done. He did tell me that my cognitive decline was not normal for someone of my age, so I must have explained well and he listened well also.

He then went off with the underlings in tow and reviewed my films.

His assessment at this time is that are probably comorbid conditions contributing to my issues. He is most concerned about my balance problems; my current neuro had told me that she did not think they would resolve themselves, but I did not get a clear answer why. Today I did. My disks show that I have lost brain mass. There has never been any mention of this in MRI reports. He also did say that my MRI was abnormal in other respects.

I have 3 to 4 drinks a day and he said that this could be a contributing factor. Yup, time for honesty here…that is what this forum is all about. He explained how I might not feel the effects of the alcohol, but that it can and often does do damage. And yes, alcohol does like to effect cerebellar function. So while alcohol may be good for the cardiovascular system, it is not so good for the brain.

He has ordered an ultrasound of my carotid arteries as well as a repeat of blood tests. As he explained it, the blood tests can be run several times with normal results and then one test comes up with the abnormal results. This is consistent with what my neuro told me when she ordered that tests be run again, but she was very selective in those tests.

I have a follow up appointment next Monday, with the ultrasound scheduled beforehand.

So there you have it.

Guess I can't have that tequila from the "Happy IVGLDSW Day!" post.

Audrey

PS: I have been trying to keep up with journal entries, along with pics, so feel free to dig if you like. What this place is all about is sharing information to support one another in every way possible through the journey.

Hugs!
9 Responses
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Avatar universal
Oh sorry Audrey, I'm such a dope lately. I should have read your journal entry where you explained everything. Well, I just wanted to let you know I was concerned.

Blessings and hugs
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Avatar universal
Hi Audrey,
I was just wondering how your appt. went. I hope all is well with you.
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551343 tn?1506830518
Hi Audrey I think you are being very very sensible.

Going for  a neuropsychological exam for a baseline is a brilliant idea. Its easy for us to stop drinking but is it necessary. I am not so sure sometimes it is, BUT at least you are giving yourself a chance to see if it is partially responsible.

Fair play to you, you are inspiring thank you for that. Mariaxxx
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Avatar universal
dear audrey,

i was glad to read your update that the visit to yale was a productive, albeit a bit scary one for you.  i am wishing you the very best as you head down this new path, and have my fingers and toes crossed that eliminating alcohol will help abate any further decline.

please do keep us posted.

best wishes,
binx

Helpful - 0
1260255 tn?1288654564
Thanks for the words of support.

I have spent time trying to find a psychologist. I want one who specializes in substance abuse, but can also run a neuropsychological exam or test my cognitive functions. That way I will have a baseline, so that if in 6 months or a year I am still having problems and not drinking, we'll know that something else is happening.

The doc did say that I probably do have multiple issues going on. Oh boy, more visits to specialists.

Again, thanks for the words of support.

Audrey
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956292 tn?1334054869
He Audrey,

I wanted to say I am thinking of you...Making chnages is so hard..i am a smoker and have to admit i enjoy it...I know I should quit but it is a comfort for me..not much of a drinker as it does not mix well with my meds..but i do enjoy a drink after a shi**y day....I hope your next appt. goes well.

Be well jibs
Helpful - 0
428506 tn?1296557399
I commend you for your positive outlook and commitment to change for your health.  

I speak from a bit of experience on this, as my illness is what finally got me to quit smoking, drinking, and to start exercising and eating better.  If nothing else, the life changes gave me a sense of control during a time when life felt very much so out of control.

It's been more than 2.5 years since I last had a drink or a cigarette.  I would have preferred to not get sick at all or to quit on different terms, but the end result is a positive.  I honestly don't miss happy hour as much as I thought (like you, I liked a couple of drinks after a hard day at work).  In social situations I usually get a club soda with lime, so that I can "pretend."  Smoking was a bit more difficult, but it is so worth it to be over that filthy and expensive habit.  

Good luck moving forward and again congrats on having the guts to tackle your vice!


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1260255 tn?1288654564
How do I feel about it?

Scared, sad, mad and confused.

I've known for a long time that something was wrong and I started with neuros back in 2002. The first knucklehead was convinced that it was Meuniere's disease, so he only ordered at CT scan of a very small portion of my brain. I'm also angry with the radiologists and neuro I've seen recently who did not pick on on the brain atrophy. So many other things I mentioned that others did not put together.

Because of the gravity of the changes (most important to me is the decline in cognitive function) I absolutely, positively have to stop having my "few" cocktails when I come home from work.

That being said, I did some research today and I will discuss this during my follow up visit next Monday. If this is not due to alcohol (no, that's not denial speaking), it could be early Alzheimer's. I have to hold up my end of things and put alcohol out of my life. If I continue to decline then another scan should be done later (one question for the doc) to see if there have been any more changes in my brain.

I am glad that I sought out this second opinion. While it was hard to hear what he had to say in terms of this may be something that I brought upon myself, it is better than anything that I have heard to date.

Time will tell. Right now it rests in my hands to take the next step.

Audrey

Helpful - 0
551343 tn?1506830518
Well that sounds a good result how do you feel about it.

Alcohol is lovely but dangerous stuff sadly. I stopped drinking over 10 years ago now when I found I had blood pressure funny enough when I am not stressed lol my BP is normal now lol. Do you know what Audrey I dont even miss it, and cant stand the smell of it lol. I just drink water all day yes how boring is that, but I must say I have lovely skin lol, and NO WRINKLES on my face at all lol, so there are some benefits.

I wish my neuro was so proactive I have given up with mine.

Anyway it sounded to me as though you have had a good visit, great stuff.

Big hugs. xxxx

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