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.

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.