Mrs. V. -- possible old stroke

[Bertha Venation]

Mrs. V.'s been having some problems for which our doc sent her for a CT scan, among other tests. Yesterday we learned that the CT scan revealed a lesion in the left basal ganglia, and our doc has ordered an MRI. It's scheduled for Tuesday.

For the past couple of months, Mrs. V. has had worsening tremors in her hands. On a number of occasions, she has felt like she was going to faint. She has also had trouble finding the right word, or has stammered, or has used the wrong word.

Do you know anyone who found they might've had an old stroke, or a test found something in this area of your/their brain? What was the ultimate diagnosis? Prognosis?

[Downwinder]

1. I had multiple lesions, possible small strokes, possible MS.

Final diagnosis MS. With disease modifying drug (interferon) I have healed considerably.

[Bertha Venation]

2. MS??!!!

Fuck.

I'm sorry to hear it, Downwinder, but glad the interferon is working well. Does it kick your ass, though? I went through a six-month treatment that included interferon and I had to go out on disability.

[Downwinder]

4. I asked the neurologist about long term studies.

He said, "You are it." I have been on it (product of Chinese hamster ovaries) for for about 10 years. Off twice
1. three month fight with Medicare Part "D". 2. 72 hrs. in the local lockup for having MS (PI with no alcohol).

At my worst I could not see, talk, or walk. They have come a long way in the last 10 years. The MS diagnoses was much better than the 15 years of "it is all in your head." At this point I am not sure what is MS and what is age. I don't recommend MS but it could have been a lot worse. I am operating at 286 speed w/o multitasking, but still operating.

[mopinko]

3. no advice really, just

[Bertha Venation]

5. thank you so much, mopinko

so very much

[Warpy]

6. Medically speaking, lesion = something's not supposed to be there.

The MRI should nail it down completely as well as turn up smaller ones in her speech and balance areas, if any are there.

Right now, they're not sure what is there, CT scans don't often give them clear enough pictures.

I hope it's something very treatable. Much of it is.

[Bertha Venation]

7. thanks for your hopeful input, Warpy

I appreciate it.