Eyes Checked?... Check!

Yep, I've seen the Ophthalmologist. We got in there and got out. I didn't do all of the things that I THOUGHT I would do, with a Gilenya test but maybe that's because I'm not on the medication right now and he just needs to get a baseline of what my eyes look like. And basically, "Reliability was good. Findings included normal observations."

He did note, which I thought was pretty cool, that I have an "Aberrant regeneration of the oculomoter nerve" on the right side of my face. That's the same side I had Bells Palsy on (read about my journey here). 

Aberrant regeneration of cranial nerve III, otherwise known as oculomotor synkinesis, is an uncommon but well-described phenomenon most frequently resulting from trauma, tumors, and aneurysms. Its appearance usually follows an oculomotor palsy, but it can also occur primarily without any preceding nerve dysfunction. 

When I close my eyes, there's a slight pull on the corner of my mouth. I know it. I was surprised he could so it. It's more pronounced when i'm tired. 

What Next?

The plan was/is, to begin the Gilenya after breastfeeding for 3 months. Statistics state that women relapse harder 3 weeks postpartum. That's around Dec 9. Sorta aligns with the eye appointment that I rescheduled. So, since I rescheduled that appointment I have to wait for that to happen, which is Jan 6. 

Wish me luck that I don't relapse. 

Back to Mayo - Eye Appointment

Well, I was supposed to go on December 6 to see the Ophthalmologist but I needed to travel for work so I've postponed that appointment for a few weeks. I have this appointment in order to start the medication. Remember from the last time, taking the Gilenya could cause eye problems so yeah. 

Results Are In

I think i'm going to like this. The physician/staff are quick with providing results of tests/visits on their patient portal. 

I've the blood work results as well as the results from my MRI. In short (or long):


CERVICAL SPINE FINDINGS:  Study is motion degraded. However there are faint
patchy areas of abnormal hyperintense T2 signal in the cervical cord at C2 and
C4. After the administration of IV contrast, there is no abnormal cord
enhancement.

The alignment is normal. There is straightening of the normal lordosis. There is
no significant marrow replacing lesion or evidence of an acute fracture. The
visualized posterior fossa is unremarkable. There is partial visualization of
mucosal thickening in the right posterior nasal cavity extending into the
posterior nasopharynx. Significant degenerative changes are detailed below.

At C5-C6, there is a new, moderately-sized central disc protrusion which effaces
the ventral subarachnoid space and results in mild canal stenosis and flattening
of the ventral cord. There is no significant foraminal narrowing.

At C6-7, there is a posterior disc bulge eccentric to the right with mild
subarticular recess stenosis and mild right neural foraminal narrowing. 

THORACIC SPINE FINDINGS: The alignment is normal. There is slight S-shaped
scoliosis of the thoracic spine. There is no significant marrow replacing lesion
or evidence of an acute fracture. There is no abnormal cord signal.

There are mild scattered degenerative changes. However there is moderate left
neural foraminal narrowing at T11-12 with facet arthropathy and ligamentum
flavum hypertrophy. There is also mild spinal canal stenosis identified. After
the administration of IV contrast, there is no abnormal enhancement. 

Subcentimeter T2 hyperintensity noted in the liver likely represents a small
cyst. Small approximately 3.5 cm likely lipoma noted in the subcutaneous soft
tissues at the T9-10 level in the left paramidline region.

IMPRESSION:

Limited motion degraded exam demonstrates faint abnormal T2 signal in the
cervical cord at C2 and C4 without associated enhancement.

No abnormal cord signal in the thoracic spine.

Degenerative changes especially at C5-6 and T11-12, as described.

Back to Mayo - First MRI

So, the thing with Mayo is that they prefer their own to perform the work. And by that, I mean, lab work, eye appointments, MRI, etc. They prefer that you come there to get them done. Soooo, we're back. This time we're staying over night. I had multiple appointments scheduled and the last being a MRI of my Brain, Cervical Spine and Thoracic Spine with and without contrast. It didn't start until 7pm and I was in there for about 2 hours. 

We're staying at the Sawgrass Marriott Golf Resort & Spa. They actually have a Courtyard Marriott on the campus BUT man it's expensive. Ridiculous the amount they charge per night. For these families that come here to stay with their loved one (or even the patient themselves) that are here for procedures, etc, it really makes no sense the amount you have to pay. A basic search was like $259/night. [Compared to a Courtyard elsewhere that might be $150 or less). 

Anyhoo, I made it through the MRI and now we're heading back to the hotel to relax, have dinner and head home tomorrow. 

Mayo - First Visit

Had my first visit at Mayo today. It was a really good visit. Worth the drive to Jacksonville! As soon as I got there they took the images that I'd provided to them (previous MRIs) and by the time I was seeing the doctor, she had them and could show them to me. We looked, side by side at both my spine and brain scans to compare progression. 

She did a 'physical therapy' type exam to text my grip, balance, coordination, etc. 

The doctor talked about the different medication options available to me. We also talked about, and agreed, on restarting Gilenya; the medication I'd previously been on. So she's ordering that! 

We'll be scheduling an MRI. I'd hoped that they could get that scheduled before I leave here (like today or tomorrow), blood work and an eye appointment; but no. I went to do blood work before I left but the MRI is scheduled for next week, so I'll be coming back. 

Their facility is pretty nice too. This might be a promising decision. 

The Mangurian Building

WeHadABabyItsABoy

And he's perfect, healthy and whole. No effects from the few weeks of medication I was on after becoming pregnant.