So I told
you about my embarassing episode at the opthamologist on Monday. I still cannot
believe that whole thing. I am so glad I don't ever have to show my face there
again- haha
December
22, 2008: While I was at home
over Christmas, I went to get an eye exam to update my contact/glasses
prescription. While I was there, they noticed some swelling on my optic nerve.
They referred me to an opthamologist to get a second opinion, confirm/deny what
they thought they were seeing, etc.
January
12, 2009: So on
Monday I went to a really great opthamologist that my Teaching Leader
recommended to me. That doctor confirmed what the optometrist had found-
swelling at the opening of my optic nerve. Basically, a normal optic nerve has
a bowl or cup shaped opening; mine is concave (upside down bowl), which
indicates swelling or pressure of some sort. He said it could be 1 of 3 things:
pseudo papilledema (increased intercranial pressure on the optic nerve), optic
tissue swelling (?), or a brain tumor. He didn't come right out and say this
until I directly asked him. I think he was trying not to scare me. Which makes
sense considering my reaction to the dilation...
January
15, 2009: So he referred me to
a neuro-opthamologist so we could rule things out. I didn't even know that
specialty existed. My mom came into town so that she could go with me (at the
suggestion of the opthamologist). That appointment went well; the doctor
confirmed what the other 2 had found- swelling on the optic nerve. I did learn
today that the optic nerve is not a part of the eye, it is part of the brain.
Learn something new every day! I also learned that there are other
possibilities for the swelling than the ones given by the opthamologist. It
could be an auto-immune disease or it could be a blood clot. He did find that
the swelling is on both optic nerves, not just the right as we had originally
thought. He said that more than likely it is pseudo papilledema, but he has to
put me through a series of tests so that he can rule things out and be
sure. He sent me to have some blood work done, and I will have to schedule
an MRI/MRA/MRV.
January
16, 2008: My mom went with me
to get my blood work. When I walked into the lab, the girl took a look at me,
took a look at the doctor's request, and said, "I hope you have good
veins." Another nurse was peaking around the corner with a concerned look
on her face, and I later learned that they were talking amongst themselves,
wondering why I was having so much blood drawn and if I would survive it. LOL.
I did warn them about my tendency to get dizzy, lose my breakfast, and faint. I
think that made them more nervous for me. I had been warned by many doctors in
the past not to ever give blood, just because they didn't think I could handle
it. Goodness. I am very proud
to announce that I didn't even get dizzy! No crazy reactions- I took it like a
pro! When the nurse said she had to take a lot of blood, I had no idea what
that meant. They ended up taking 20
vials of blood! They pretty much sucked me dry- lol. What they
are going to do with that much of my blood, I have no idea. But some is being
sent all the way to California for testing. Since I turned over so much, I want
to know everything- my blood type, what I am allergic to, what diseases I have,
everything. Haha.
I am still waiting to schedule
the MRI/MRA/MRV. A week after that is done, I will go back to the
neuro-opthamologist for the official diagnosis. All this is a bit of a
whirlwind. Who would have ever thought I would be going through something as
random as this? I am so blessed that they found it in a simple routing exam. I
am thankful for the timing and the doctors God has provided. I am thankful for
good insurance. I am thankful for everyone who has committed to pray, and who
have been such an encouragement and support so far. And I am thankful for the
overwhelming sense of peace that God has provided to me and my family. I like
this new idea of trusting God instead of worrying.
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