Finally a diagnosis

Hey everybody. 

I went to see my doctor the other day to get the test results from the MRI I had done.  The MRI showed that I have 2 bulging discs and 2 herniated discs in my neck.  My MD wanted me to have another test called a "tilt table" test.  I was fortunate enough to be able to get in to have it done right away and had it done this morning.

My MD originally wanted me to have it done several months ago but had mentioned that it wasn't a lot of fun so I kept hoping that they would figure out what was wrong with me without having to do this.  So much for THAT bright idea!  LOL!  The test itself wasn't that bad at all.  They run an IV and strap you to a table and stand you up at a 70 degree angle and monitor your heart and blood pressure for 20 minutes.  Depending on what happens during the first 20, they give you nitroglycerin under your tongue and monitor you for another 20 minutes.  After 13 months of tests, doctors, drugs, therapy and whatever else, I finally have a definitive diagnosis.  I have orthostatic hypotension.  When I move my blood pressure drops and my heart rate increases.  It can happen with the simplest of movements like turning my head or bending over to pet the cat.  They said that my doctor may want to try medication but the bottom line is that there really isn't much they can do for this particular condition.  I have to increase my fluid intake (I don't know how the hell I'm going to do that, I'm struggling with getting it in now since surgery), and cut back on salt.  They want me to retrain myself not to make sudden movements and exercise daily, which I should be doing anyway.  Me and my new bathing suit are going for water aerobics here shortly and my hubby said he was going to buy me my tricycle next week or the week after, depending on when they get their bonus checks.

I'm glad that I can finally put a name to this demon that has been driving me crazy for the last year and truthfully, I'm loving the idea of early retirement.  It's just that I pictured it as a lottery winner, not a broken down old broad at the age of 49.

I had it in the back of my head that at some point they would be able to "fix" me and I could get on with the things I wanted to do, the big one being learning how to rider a motorcycle.  I guess I'll just have to be content  with being a passenger on the back of my hubby's bike.  At least it will be better with the weight loss this year. 

Anyway, that's it for me.  I'm going to go look at bicycles before I hit the gym.  I hope you all have a great day.

Colleen

Thank goodness for a firm diagnosis.  Do your best to keep yourself safe from injury with the orhtostatic hypotension.  I love that you are looking into trikes and using water aerobics.  Being a passenger can have benefits too.  Think of yourself as a liberated young broad of 49.  Mindset is the important thing.  You will survive and thrive.

You have time to plan your acitivities and work on your sewing projects.  I have come to the conclusion that I do not have time to work, I want to have more time for sewing quilts and let the fabric artist hidden inside loose.  Hugs Colleen.

Thanks Kathy.  I have been trying really hard to fight the urge to "work the system."  I've run across people in my life time that will milk everything they can from public assistance, churches, etc.  Until this point, I collected 1 unemployment check about 16 years ago but that was it.  I've always worked.  Now that working really isn't an option, I am going to fight for my benefits.  The advocate agency has a 98% success rate.  They told me today that they want all correspondence from SS to be handled through them.

I went to look at bikes before I went to the gym this afternoon.  I had to make one compromise; the bike doesn't have coaster brakes.  But beyond that I loved it, it has 3 wheels and a basket on the back.  I can order it in one of my favorite colors (raspberry) and hubby will get it for me in the next week or two.  Between taxes and extra money for a good lock it's going to be about $500 which is about $250 less than the one I was looking at online.  I can't wait; I always loved bike riding and we are having some really great spring weather right now.

I had a really good workout today.  I spent 20 minutes on the stationary bike and 50 minutes of water aerobics.  I think if I back off on the weight and reps and cut out a few of the machines, I can still get some good strength training in.  The episode I had the other day scared me a little more than I care to admit, but I've made up my mind that I am going to learn to work around this and not let it dictate my life.

I'm grateful for this group and the people in it that I can share my journey with.

Colleen

hey lady! Glad you got a firm diagnosis, but I am sorry there isn't more they can do about it. So now, it becomes a part of your journey to learn to manage this and still be active and happy with your self and your life. AND I happen to believe in you 100% so i know you will triumph!

If we lived close by one another, I'd take up the bike riding with you, only I would have to be further recovered first, as it would strain my abdominal muscles too much at this point.

Good for you doing the water aerobics! Aerobic activity is good for our heart and lungs! helps keep us active and more flexible too. Just remember when ever you are doing things that require a change in position, give yourself a few moments to acclimate to the position changes. (unless you have to run for your life! lol)

As far as being on the back of the bike.. you get to enjoy the views so much more, and be all snuggled up against your man! now thats a plus right?

Carry a water bottle with you everywhere you go, maybe attach one to a lanyard so it is "on you" no matter what you are doing.  Keep little individual packets of crystal light in your purse, so if you get tired of plain water, you have options and are not tempted to drink things you shouldn't. And imagine me rooting you on and cheering for you with every sip sip sip you take!

So are you and your hubby passing through Colorado at all this summer on the bike? Would love to see you if you are!

So glad the tilt table test wasn't as bad as anitcipated.  Since it wasn't as much fun as an amusement park ride, I think I will try to avoid one myself. LOL.  Just kidding.  I know it wasn't fun but at least you got a definitive answer.

As far as being a passenger, I am one and love it.  There have been times I've envied the women with their own bikes, but I also know that mentally I would not be good, you have to so very very aware at all times.  Also the arthritis in my hands would  present a problem.
Hubby has been talking about getting me a trike though.  Not a bicycle one a motorcycle one.
I'd really rather be a passenger.  I am really looking forward to our trip to Alaska, next summer.

Good   O with the water aerobics.  I prefer t o swim laps but occasionally join the water aerobic group for the social aspect of it. 

Hope you have a wonderful day.

Janet

Colleen,
I'm happy for you that you finally have a diagnosis. Sorry that it's not something they can "fix". But at least you can learn to live with it. Your plans for the water aerobics and trike sound great - keep it up.

Your new smaller self will love being on the back of that bike this summer. Just go with it and have a great time!

It's great that you have an advocate to fight for the disability for you. That's a big help in getting approved. Good luck!

Rhonda

colleen, so sorry about something you can't "fix" but at least the mystery is over.  i know how hard it is to go on disability. i was just like you.  you have paid into the system and you have a legitimate reason.  that is what it is for.  i sure hope you enjoy your new bike.  post a picture of you on it so we can all cheer you on.  your attitude is wonderful, you know that don't you?!?  you just keep on keeping on..  hugs, vick