Scans, scans and more Scans

Since seeing Dr. Azam I had received a series of appointment letters telling me that I needed to attend the hospital for scans to check for anything which wasn’t picked up on the physical examinations. I needed a full abdominal scan as well as a cardiac echo ultrasound to make sure everything (else) was working ok under the surface.

Centre Parcs – The highs and the lows (and I’m not just talking about the rapids)

The wait between my first appointment with Dr. Azam and the next appointment with Dr. Dunn was agonizing, especially as Dr. Azam had suggested CIDP. Google here I come (never one to follow my own advice)! Having read about the symptoms, progression and treatment online, (it has to be said that Wikipedia’s constant use of the morbidity does nothing to inspire confidence) it seemed fairly clear that the good Doctor might be on to a winner. Some sites and blogs my partner and I read could frankly been written by myself.

Nerve Conduction Study 2 – This time with a specialist

Following my appointment with Dr Azam (see previous post), I made my way over to the neurophysiology department for my second appointment of the day, with yet a fair few more questions buzzing around my head. The internal walkway between the Jubilee and Brotherton wings of the LGI is really quite far! - But fortunately quite level.

Neurology appointment 1

Neurology Out-Patients is in the Jubilee Building of Leeds General Infirmary and is a surprising distance when reduced to baby steps. Still, I was optimistic, that with 2 appointments on one day I was going to finally crack this nut and get some answers. Dutifully, my partner and I set out and extensive timeline of symptoms, falls and aches as mentioned in my previous post (thanks Rach), which I was prepared to recite to both consultants if required. Arriving at the Neurology and Cardiac desk I took a seat and waiting to be seen by Dr. Dunn.

Nerve Conduction Study 1 – Plug me in and turn me on!

The day had finally arrived when I would be having my nerve tests! My symptoms had reached what I thought was a plateau, and despite my drugs best efforts I arrived at the Brotherton Wing of the Leeds General Infirmary (LGI) having fully Googled what an NCS can and can’t diagnose, and again ALS reared its ugly head in my conscious.

Wales v England

The symptoms in my hands and legs continued steadily until an unfortunate peak on the 16^th of March. This date is remembered for a number of reasons, firstly - Wales defeating England in the 6 Nations Rugby tournament to seal the championship – WIN; secondly - because after walking 250 meters after watching the match I collapsed – FAIL.

Some don’t like it hot.

Frustratingly, the symptoms in my hands became gradually worse and I began to notice that it was severely exacerbated by heat. It was a constant occurrence to wake up with severe tingling fingers/ hands whilst being warm. Then as the day wore on the tingling would become less. The heat as an accelerant of my symptoms became increasingly obvious on a Sunday morning after a warm bath. After a quick dip (10 minutes) both my hands became useless, which resulted in an outward display of frustration (me throwing my antiperspirant on the floor because I couldn’t hold the bottle or press the button with my finger). This was really starting to pee me off. Although I still hadn’t undergone my Nerve Conduction Study (NCS) I thought that the rapid progression of my symptoms, coupled with the lack of sensation, was sufficient enough to warrant a trip to A&E.