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.

Hand Therapy

It's been going good. There's something about those muscles (by my elbow) that don't feel right. But this helps.

No Medication During Pregnancy

Remember when I said the cure to MS is pregnancy and that we pretty much has a Hold My Beer moment because I had the worst flare I'd ever had? Well yeah. I've decided NOT to take any medication during this pregnancy. Never know what impacts they could have and I don't want to take any chances.

I was supposed to start taking Copaxone, an injection. They event sent the 'injector' to me but eh. Plus, it was a generic brand that hadn't officially been approved and the nurse that had previously reached out to me couldn't do it because it was generic. 

Nerve Test

Lots of prickly sticks in my legs. 

Adding To My Care Team

I went to see a new neurologist today. I was searching for that ONE specialist in Tallahassee that knows everything about Multiple Sclerosis. I'm pretty convinced that doesn't exist. Anyway, while i was in the hospital a PA from this doctor's office visited me a few times. We clicked. I thought going here would be another step in the right direction. Frankly, the MS Center in New Jersey spoiled me. 

Anyway, we talked. He was upfront and honest that their office wasn't the facility for me. They deal with pain management. I wasn't in pain. The pipe dream I was sold by the PA vanished before my eyes. It was a good visit though. We talked about me going to see the specialists at Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville. I'd thought about it before and this appointment solidified that.