On Anniversaries

 I still have no idea how to understand this change. I still cannot properly describe what it means to have been a person who knew she could do anything and to discover she can do so little. But right now that doesn't matter. I am still alive. -Missy Y. (formerly A Case of You)


My first anniversary of the onset of my chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy is just days away and I am all abuzz with excitement.  The symptoms appeared at the beginning of March, but I went into the hospital on March 19th; I am not sure which date will earn the badge of being the most significant.  That is not quite sarcasm.  Perhaps June First would be a better date; that is when Dr. Boughaba correctly diagnosed my chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (and the date I began to improve). I don't really believe that the actual dates mean anything.  They are more like convenient markers that can measure the distance I am getting away from the horrid events of 2010.

I can dish it out, but can I take it if I dish it out to myself?

Thursday, February 17, 2011 

I am preparing to recognize a milestone-my symptoms first appeared early in March, 2010. Whether I am going to celebrate or curse remains to be seen.
It depends on my perspective on the events of the last twelve months. A year ago I was healthy, employed, and looking forward to vacationing with my wife; two months later I was paralyzed and totally dependent on other people for everything.

Sunshine and Unicorns

Today is more than just a good day; the weather has been kind, permitting me to go about outside in the (semi) warm air and sunshine.  Plus, I have more energy than I've had in a long time. It is a great day. 

I picked up my ankle-foot orthotics yesterday.  I am still a little uncomfortable with them, but I know that is just until I get used to them.  They have been very helpful.  I had them on for about two hours today while I went grocery shopping and I was amazed at how much of a difference they make.

There was more that I wanted to share, but I am tired, so it is off to Napland.

Did you get a flu shot before you CIDP or GBS? Spotlight: Flu Vaccines and Neurological Problems | Philosophers stone

I haven't had a chance to completely check if this is one person's opinion or if there are any facts connected to it.  I am posting it now to start a conversation.

Durring my hospitalization,  I heard doctors and nurses talk about how rare it was to see so many people with GBS.  My mind went back to the previous summer's influenza vaccination frenzy.  I don't usually get flu shots, but did in Fall of 2009.

Spotlight: Flu Vaccines and Neurological Problems | Philosophers stone

Monday's update

As always,  my appointment with Dr. Boughaba had an anxiety relieving effect.  I consiuder myself very fortunate to have found her.  We talked about finding a new neurologist in Statesboro and she is willing to help with the search.  That was a big relief because I hadn't been able to find any neurologists there that specialized in CIDP like she does.

Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy is not a progressive illness, it is an intermittent condition.    She was concerned that I might be having a flare up when I told her about feeling more fatigued lately and off balance more.  She proposed extra IVIg treatments for now.

Monday

Monday morning, back at it.  A quick look at facebook shows me a world still rocking from yesterday's disappointing Black Eyed Peas performance.

I am off to physical therapy soon and then later today I have an appointment with my neurologist.

Details to follow.

My day out

Monday, January 31, 2011 10:43:47 PM

We woke on Wednesday morning to a house with no electricity which meant no heat, to Internet, and NO COFFEE. There was a huge ice storm in South-West Ohio last night, leaving everything coated in glass. It is very pretty to look at, but getting out of the house to find heat, Internet and good coffee was pretty tricky.