It's Official!

This week was rough and has definitely had more downs than ups. But it can always be worse and I just have to keep chuggin' along (although the end of the semester really needs to come sooner).

On top of having one of the craziest school weeks with assignments, tests, and papers, I had PT and several other doctors appointments--PCP follow up to review my upright MRI results and eye doctor appt (my eyesight has gotten worse in the last 9 months).

Monday I received some unfortunate news. My upright MRI revealed that I do in fact have Chiari Malformation. I have a 3mm herniation on the left and a 2mm herniation on the right. The left side is definitely more symptomatic but I experience the same symptoms on the right as well. Because my herniation does not meet the standard criteria for Type 1, I fall into the Chiari 0 category. I am still scheduled to see the specialist at Children's in 2 weeks. I am hoping for more answers and a game plan after that appointment!

I have been having more (pre) syncopal episodes lately. I'd imagine this is because of my headaches and pressure issues but I am not entirely sure. I am pretty diligent about staying on top of my salt intake and I always have water with me to make sure I am hydrated.

I have been struggling in PT. There seems to be a disconnect between my hip flexor and my brain. For most people, walking just comes naturally. However, when your hip has been cut open and messed with a bunch of times this natural "connection" can be interrupted. Instead of picking my knee up (using my hip flexor) and walking, I use my back and pelvis to swing my leg out to the side and forward. FAIL! So I have been working with Cam on walking drills and exercises that will help my hip flexors fire correctly. However, it's a painful process because I still have tears in my psoas and rectus femoris--which make up the hip flexor.

My nerve pain (CRPS) seems to be back under control after increasing from 1800mg of Neurontin to 2400mg. Hoping it stays that way!

My ankle has been bothering me a lot more lately. I have no idea why but I am not too concerned. There really isn't anything I can do for my ankle at this point other than wait for surgery.

Both of my knees hurt, but like the ankle, until surgery there is nothing I can do--at least for the right knee. The brace does a good job at keeping the kneecap in place and that's really all I can ask for at the time. I have no idea what to think about the left but seeing as the kneecap is stable, I don't really have any energy to worry about it.

The BRUINS won their last two games. I am much happier! They won tonight's game against the top team in the division...7-0! GO B's! I can't wait for the game I am going to with my cousin at the Garden!