Sunday, May 14, 2017

Another setback

Hi everyone, when it rains, it pours. A few months ago, I noticed very small tremors in my body, within the last 3 months they progressed more and more. I decided to visit my doctor and she examined me and decided I needed to see a specialist. Last Wednesday I had an appt. at the Brain Center where they gave me an MRI Cervical Spine Impression and an MRI Brain Impression. The first one showed I have multiple disc herniation's and degenerative changes.  The worst is in the C5 and C6 level where a disc herniation presses against the Spine.

The Brain scan discovered some white matter foci of increased T2 signal, which means one of them has an orientation consistent with minimal manifestation of Multiple Sclerosis.

It's a lot to take in, I have an appt. next Wednesday with a specialist to determine surgery procedure. This is putting all my plans this Summer on hold. Depending on the results, I may have to make some life changes. I do have a lot going through my mind. I will keep all of you updated.

Thanks for being there and take care

43 comments:

Na Na said...

Life is always throwing boulders in our path. You have a lot of people who care about you. Please keep us updated.
Hugs from Kentucky
Anita

Mike Silvius said...

Well , that is some tough news John. The disk herniation they can fix. I had a a blown disk at C6-C7 and a bone spur growing inwards to the spine pinching the main nerve to my arm causing much pain and grief. As frightening as it was, last December they were able to drill a hole in between the vertebra and fix me up right. All the pain and awful tingling in my left arm was finally gone. The MS is a tough one. Cold weather is good for it so you are in the right place. Hope things can be fixed. Try to stay positive. They can do some amazing things in medicine these days. Hang in there buddy, we're bucking for you.

Evano said...

Today is all you've got John, live it to the fullest!
Sounds like there will be more visits before you know all of the details.
Easy for me to say but, in life worry only about those things that are in your control....and that's not much.
Fill up your birdfeeder, kickback and try to relax

Keep us posted.

Bushrat John said...

Hi NaNa, thank you for the kind words. I will update when I can.

Bushrat John said...

Hi Mike, thanks for sharing your knowledge, that makes me feel better with your info. The MS is the one that bothers me but, I will accept whatever happens.

Bushrat John said...

Hey Evano, wise words, I now have the wild bunnies running around, chasing each other. Really fun to watch.

Anonymous said...

Hey John
If you need to talk about "it" you know where I aM... Except I'll be down in Homer the 20 th - 21st for the annual shake down - break down Halibut cruise.. Just me the kid and an old USMC buddy.. It's liable to be a tall tale telling, beer drinking, and maybe even a halibut catching trip..

My annual wasn't so good either.. something about the PSA count being too high b ut at my age who gives a ......!!!

Old John

Debi said...

will be checking in to see how you are, John. sending positive vibes for you to feel better very soon. I will just say that I don't get too upset over initial findings, as they often are not correct. take care!! Debi

Bushrat John said...

Thanks Debi, I appreciate your thoughts.

Bushrat John said...

Thanks John, hope your fishing trip goes well. I'm beginning to think about who gives a .... as well.

lynn said...

John, I am sorry to hear this news and always look forward to your interesting updates. I am sure you will tackle this one too with great gusto, your energy is full of life and I know you will make the best of it despite this set back in your summer plans. Thinking of you from cold damp Maine.

Anonymous said...

Well, shoot. I was hoping we haven't heard from you cuz you were having too much fun!

Research, explore all your options, then do what's best for you.

Thoughts & prayers heading north.

Susan in the great Pacific Northwest

Bushrat John said...

Hey Lynn, thanks for your kind words and support. I'm pretty sure it will turn out well. The gusto will still be there.

Bushrat John said...

Hi Susan, thanks, I'll do that. The fun will return soon enough. Good luck and have fun on your trip North

Mary said...

I am sorry to hear this and hope the diagnosis is wrong. Look into the link between low Vitamin D and MS. I think there's something to it. Hang in there and let us know.

Bushrat John said...

Thanks Mary, I hope it's wrong also. I'll check it out. Take care

Rumbarr said...

I'm very sorry to hear this John. I kinda suspected something like this was going on. A post you made last year or the year before about a Doctors visit not looking to good from the blood work I think. I really hope you can grab this bull by the horns and take it down. I'll be checking here everyday for any updates. Talk soon brother.

CottonLady said...

Well heck, John, sorry to hear the news! But we know you have guts and gumption, so hang in there whatever the news. I've got a few years on you and doctor's news isn't always what I want to hear. But I figure, what the hey, if the Good Lord is ready for my, then I'm ready. Otherwise, I'm going to live my life the best I can. Sure wish my trip to AK next month was close to you, I'd stop and say "howdy", but don't think I'll be close. You take care, keep that chin up and give'em heck! I'm praying for you!

Blessings!

Bushrat John said...

Thanks Rumbarr, it bothered me at first but, it is what it is and I will be fine (fingers crossed), lol.

Bushrat John said...

Thanks cotton, I've got the same oitlook you have. At 70, it's to late in life to worry. I will keep positive thoughts.

C said...

Hi John.....This is certainly not the most welcomed news a person can hear, but our days are not promised to be perfect either. The point is that they are OUR days to "spend".........you have a daily reminder of the beauty that surrounds you.....that will not stop. Enjoy. Chris

David said...

thats not what i wanted to read this morning. I bet you can beat this your tough from living up there. I look forward to many more posts and good luck with your Doctor visits. David

Bushrat John said...

Hi Chris, I kinda figured things might start going downhill as I got older so, I will address these things the best I can. I'm kool, lol.

Bushrat John said...

Hey David, thanks. I'm just gonna go with the flow and accept whatever comes.

Anonymous said...

All the best John, thinking positive thoughts your way mate !!

regards

Peter (Aus)

Bushrat John said...

Thank you Peter, I appreciate your kind words. Hope things are well down under.

Anonymous said...

John sorry to hear about this.But don't get down just take one day at a time.Doctors sometimes can throw us a blow with throwing all their thoughts out at one time.Hoping your test prove otherwise.I will keep you in my prayers and thoughts.Keep us all posted....Your Friend Bert From Bama

Rain said...

Hi John! I'm sorry I'm so late in posting. I'm also sorry about your diagnosis...I hope that everything turns out okay. There will be bumps and curves in your road, but you seem to be such a strong man, one thing at a time. Please keep us informed, sending you my thoughts and good wishes.

Washkeeton said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Washkeeton said...

I'm sorry to hear this. If I can ever get well we will stop by to say hi.

Wash

Bushrat John said...

Hi Bert, good to hear from you, it's been a while. Thanks for your kind thoughts. I hope you are doing well. I'm just taking it a day at a time.

Bushrat John said...

Thanks Rain, this isn't the only bump in the road I've had, lol. I appreciate your kind words. Hope you and yours are doing well.

Bushrat John said...

Thanks Wash, I'm doing ok, you take care of yourself and get well.

LeaDee said...

My dream has always been Alaska. About the time we were about to take the plunge my husband started to have seizures. So I understand your dismay. I was wondering if you ever heard of Dr. Christopher with natural healing. Before any chemical or invasive action please try his
3 day cleanse and cold treatment method. both will help pull the toxins out of your system. When your body is having overload of these toxins issues come forth. I have known both of these treatments to work. Please try and I will keep you in my thoughts. Don't give up hope or give in. Please.

Bushrat John said...

Thanks for the info.

Carol G said...

Any updates, John?

LeaDee said...

Just checking in to see how you are doing. I have a girlfriend from school that lives in willow. She is selling her cabin and going to move back home. I really want to take the plunge but don't know if i dare. Her name is Penny Baldwin so if you know of anyone looking for a place, she is selling for 25,ooo.oo. She is a pretty good person, very honest. Please keep updateing. I know we haven't met but if I only get to alaska through your eyes I still feel lucky. Take Care.

Carol said...

Hi John, I am so sorry I am late posting and I am sorry to hear you are having some medical issues. I pray you get good results in your next appointment. I know you are a strong man and not let this get you down. Will be waiting to hear from you and I certainly will be thinking of you.

Penny said...

As always, pulling for you, John! All my best wishes and hopes for your good health and successes!

Bushrat John said...

There sure is, check it out.

Bushrat John said...

I sure hope you get your dream to move to Alaska. If I can help in any way, let me know. Sorry, don't know your friend by name but, maybe by sight.

Bushrat John said...

Hi Carol, thanks for stopping by and the kind words. I'm doing fine. Check out the new post

Bushrat John said...

Thanks Penny, everything is fine here now.