Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas to everyone this year! And Happy New Year next week.

I have not posted in a while and am sorry. Let me tell you why I have been out of commission for a while. Well, I have been battling some deficiencies that are just coming to light, over the past couple of months. First, I found out that I am severely deficient in Vitamin D. I was put on high doses of Vitamin D and thought all my problems I'd been living with, would subside, but that was not the case. Although some things did get better, not everything did and I was confused. I couldn't understand why I continued to feel bad; low energy, couldn't think straight, vision problems, and always cold and numb extremities. I was baffled, but then I found out that my doctor didn't test any other vitamins in me...I don't understand why, but my B12 was never checked, iron, just no other vitamins got checked. I had to call her and tell her I was still not feeling good, and could we check other vitamins. She agreed, so I went back in and had a whole slew of vitamins checked; including my B12 and iron and just all kinds of things. When I got the results back, turns out that I am severely anemic! I don't even know "how" I got so anemic, but I am, and that explained this horrible fatigue I've been lving with, and the cold/numbness I've been getting in my extremities. I just could not figure out why my arms and hands and even my face etc, were getting so cold and numb all the time. I could not get the chill out of my bones and shake this tired feeling. Well, now I know why!

Iron deficiencies cause all kinds of problems and especially the ones I mentioned; especially when the deficiency is significant, which mine is. So I was started on Iron supplements right away and have now been on them about a week and a half. I cannot say that there has been any huge, significant improvements yet, but rather, very small improvements. I have heard it can take a while to feel better, because it can take a while to get your levels back up to normal. Your memory and thinking abilities can be altered, which mine have been, and the longer I've been deficient, the worse my thinking and reasoning abilities have been getting.

I cannot wait until the levels get back to normal, and a lot of these low level symptoms, fade away! I have been feeling so horrible and living with such horrific symptoms that it is hard to imagine not having them anymore. I don't even remember what it's like to live, feeling normal, anymore....well, as normal as I can possibly feel with my brain issues. But it was so long ago that I didn't have all these added problems. For the past, probably about 2 - 2 1/2 years, I have been going slowly, but continually downhill. One thing after another developing, and just getting worse and worse. So it is a relief to know that over time, in probably a month or so, I should be doing and feeling better!

I wish I knew what caused my vitamins to get so low. That is the one thing we are not really sure of, so that worries me. But I will be on top of it; I can guarantee that! I will be more aware of the symptoms of vitamin deficiency-related symptoms, so that, should there ever be another deficiency, it won't take me so long to figure it out and get it rectified. And I won't ever let any of them get down to the point these two; D and Iron, have gotten.

Well, I am hoping and wishing all of my followers, and their families a happy, and HEALTHY New Year! I pray that everyone is doing good, and will continue to do well through this new year. I am also planning on being able to post more, and some good, informative information, too. As I feel better, I will be able to write more. My writing will pick back up; both for my freelance business, and my blog.

Take care everyone. Enjoy the holiday season, your families, and God Bless!

Fighting Pain With a Tens Unit

Pain
So many people deal with pain on a regular, even daily basis. Pain can attack on so many levels. For some people, it can even leave them unable to function. It can be debilitating. Many people are either unable to manage their pain; or can’t manage it well, taking lots of medications, and many times with little, to no relief. Medications can also cause other problems; such as, side effects, bad reactions, interactions with other medications, even overdose.

Although pain is necessary; being that it is our body’s way of letting us know that something is wrong, it can also go too far. It can escalate, and it can seem unrelenting. Trying to control it can be an unending cycle of failed attempts to get it under control. But there is another solution. A TENS Unit. A TENS Unit is a subcutaneous nerve stimulator.

What does a Tens Unit do?
A Tens Unit uses gentle electrical current that finds its way to the underlying nerves and muscle groups by traveling under the skin to them. This electric current comes from electrodes that are applied to the skin. You control the intensity level by adjusting it as you need to.

A TENS unit is not meant to cure any problem or condition that brings on pain, but rather help you control the pain. The TENS Unit works by placing electrodes to the skin. You control the level of pulses by the control pack that is attached to wires, and the wires to the leads. You can adjust the level of therapeutic effects.

Who does the Tens Unit Help?
As well as the Tens Unit works for many people, it doesn’t work or help everyone. Some may not notice a difference in their pain, while others get a great response, getting a lot of relief. The Tens Unit also does not work on or cure any physiological or psychological conditions. It is meant to help with the pain, but not cure the cause of the pain. It is designed to interrupt the pain route and modify your pain perception. It can help you get back to a more normal routine and live a more normal, pain-free or pain-reduced life.

Tackling Pain With a Tens Unit

Pain So many people deal with pain on a regular, even daily basis. Pain can attack on so many levels. For some people, it can even leave them unable to function. It can be debilitating. Many people are either unable to manage their pain; or can’t manage it well, taking lots of medications, and many times with little, to no relief. Medications can also cause other problems; such as, side effects, bad reactions, interactions with other medications, even overdose. Although pain is necessary; being that it is our body’s way of letting us know that something is wrong, it can also go too far. It can escalate, and it can seem unrelenting. Trying to control it can be an unending cycle of failed attempts to get it under control. But there is another solution. A TENS Unit. A TENS Unit is a subcutaneous nerve stimulator. What does a Tens Unit do? A Tens Unit uses gentle electrical current that finds its way to the underlying nerves and muscle groups by traveling under the skin to them. This electric current comes from electrodes that are applied to the skin. You control the intensity level by adjusting it as you need to. A TENS unit is not meant to cure any problem or condition that brings on pain, but rather help you control the pain. The TENS Unit works by placing electrodes to the skin. You control the level of pulses by the control pack that is attached to wires, and the wires to the leads. You can adjust the level of therapeutic effects. Who does the Tens Unit Help? As well as the Tens Unit works for many people, it doesn’t work or help everyone. Some may not notice a difference in their pain, while others get a great response, getting a lot of relief. The Tens Unit also does not work on or cure any physiological or psychological conditions. It is meant to help with the pain, but not cure the cause of the pain. It is designed to interrupt the pain route and modify your pain perception. It can help you get back to a more normal routine and live a more normal, pain-free or pain-reduced life.

Shunt Pressure Just Turned Back Up!

Like a yo-yo, I have been down and now back up. The end of last week, I went back to Duke to get my pressure turned back up to 150. Although I have noticed a few positive things come of my adjustment back up, there just has not been a lot. There is still a little time....it can take several days to adjust, so am hopeful and keeping my fingers crossed that this works. I am weary of the shunt problem issues again. I am having to look into a possible surgery, either a cyst fenestration (open my cyst back up) or the Chiari surgery, or both. Sending my MRI's off to the appropriate doctors to look at. Am a bit nervous and apprehensive about any surgery that may need to be done. I will post again to give an update on what the final word is on whether or not I need 1,2 or no surgeries. The Chiari Institute may come back saying that they cannot operate on my Chiari due to my brain sagging. Can be dangerous and that is why my dr. at Duke won't operate. He told me to look into the Chiari Institute, so we shall see. Fingers crossed....I don't even know what I want them crossed for, yet, but just cross them! : ))

Shunt Adjustment Update

So, it's been a week since I had my shunt adjustment down to 140 from 150.  How am I doing?  Well, although there have not been huge differences....there have been some small ones -- positive ones.  I just don't know what to make of it....I don't know if this is as good as it's going to get, or if I can expect even more good things to come.  Here, I have had my shunt pressure adjusted so many times over the years, yet I feel like this is one of the first times.  I don't know what to expect, and I feel apprehensive about what's already happened....which isn't a whole lot.

I think I had expected there to be a much bigger, more noticeable change.  I not only expected it, but had a lot of hope.  I have been dying for things like; this numbness I get throughout my body, to disappear.  But it hasn't -- not yet.  I had hoped that this extreme tiredness I get after I eat, to go away.  But I still get it.  I had hoped that this very odd problem of not being able to sleep on my back or left side, would disappear.  It feels like I am having a little seizure if I fall asleep on those sides.  I can lay on those sides, but not go to sleep, or it feels as if I am having a little seizure.  I can only sleep on my right side, and I have been for a few years now, so have been anxious to get back to being able to sleep on those other sides.  My right side -- especially my hip, has been hurting something awful.  Just aches and aches, and wakes me up in the night.

I just have so many things I had hoped would correct over time as my pressure was lower, and really, the only main difference is that "if" I get enough sleep, then I will feel a little more "with it" during the day.  I feel more, "in-the-moment" rather than like I'm so much in a fog.  But I am not giving up hope or faith yet.  I feel like.....over more time, some more things will straighten out.  I keep trying to remind myself that my brain has had all this extra pressure on it for quite some time now, so it not only takes time for the extra pressure to get off the brain, but then some things have to heal once the pressure "is" off.

A waiting game.  That's what this is.  Although I've gotten better at waiting, in general, over the years -- waiting for this or that, I would still classify  myself as an "instant gratification" person.  But when it comes to wanting to, and needing to "feel" better....yea, I want instant results.  I feel like I've waited long enough!

So, I will post as I have results.  Please....keep me in your prayers.  Pray for good results and in a timely manner, too.  And thanks!  God Bless.

Shunt Adjustment Coming Up Tomorrow!

Well, tomorrow is the big day!  I get my shunt pressure lowered.  I have a Codman Programmable Shunt, and have had this procedure more times than I can count, yet I am as nervous as if it were my first.  Mainly because I have felt so bad lately and am deathly afraid of getting my pressure too low and making things worse. 

I have not felt well in a long while....just all kinds of unnerving symptoms; from numbness throughout my body, where my extremeties feel cold all the time -- especially when I touch them. And when even just luke warm water hits my body, it stings. It feels like needles are being pushed into my skin....all over.

I also have this strange sensation or issue, when I sleep on my left side and back.  I can "lay" on those sides, but to actually fall asleep on those sides, I will get this weird issue where it's like I'm having a seizure.  I have gotten to where I can feel it start to happen, and I'll usually wake myself up quickly....usually.  And the second I come-to, even just a little, I can stop the process of this unnerving symptom.  But it's frightening when it happens, because I will start "spinning."  I get so dizzy and get so weak and off-balance that I cannot walk for a while after it happens, or I am sure to fall.  And I'll stay dizzy for a while, too.

I started sleeping on my right side, and have been doing that so long that I don't move at all anymore.  I never wake up on my back or left side.  I just stay on my right side, all night, and to the point where my right hip hurts something terrible these days.  I feel like I have sciatica in that hip now, and have to use a heating pad on it at night.  Just so many issues I live with these days, so am praying hard, and hopeful that going down in pressure will help relieve a lot of the issues I live with....if not, all of them.  There are many more, but those are the main ones and the biggest ones.  I have often wondered if I am having Nocturnral Seizures.  Without another sleep study, it's hard to say.

I will post more updates as everything unfolds, to let you know how it works out for me.  Please, if you pray; then pray for me to get through this, and that the lowering is successful.  That it does not yield negative effects on me, but good, positive ones. I pray that the pressure doesn't end up being too low to where I have to be on my back, and have to somehow get back to Duke, to get it raised again. That could be miserable, scary, and hard for me to deal with - trying to get all the way back to Duke when I'm in that state, or condition.  I don't drive well these days, so could not drive there on my own.  I try to keep my driving to only close-by places.

Anyways, fingers crossed, and extra prayers. I am cautiously optomistic. Nervous.....and cautiously optomistic.

When Life Gets Me Down

What do you do when life gets you down? On those days where you feel low, down, depressed, whatever your feelings are that are "not" cheery, happy or upbeat....how do you get out of it? How do you get yourself to feel better and turn those feelings of dread, into happy feelings, or even just, dealable feelings?

I have a few reasons for getting like this - and I do get "down" or have days where I feel; low, blue, and even flat-out depressed. One of the most important reasons is that my brain operates differently than it used to. It, many times these days, can't differentiate between emotions, or feelings, and it can't handle a little bad news or stress. Stress is one surefire way of getting me to spiral down and feel anxious and depressed. My brain doesn't take things in stride, like it used to. The slightest bit of stress or bad news these days, and I can get into a funk or depression, much easier than I ever used to. It's as if my filter has been broken. My brain no longer has the ability to filter emotions and keep things in perspective. It reels out of control and goes into a type of, "shut-down" mode.

Once this pattern became a ritual, I knew I had to get a grip! I had to be able to control my emotions and my feelings. If I didn't, I was doomed to be in a state of depression that was surely destined to spiral out of control. I was setting myself up for my emotions to become a runaway train. I had to learn to deal with these emotions; and quickly, because before I knew it, it seemed I was having to deal with these emotions more often, and in closer intervals than ever before.

One of the biggest reasons these emotions were coming on so often was due to the excess fluid on the brain. Also, after 13 years of a tumultuous marriage, it was coming to an end, and despite it being a difficult marriage, I viewed it as, at least there was someone there for me on a regular/daily basis. Now, I was going to be alone, with my health issues and with my boys, and that frightened me. Despite the reasons for the downward spiral, I was headed down, and didn't want to stay down. I didn't want the grips of depression to get me and hold me. And I knew I couldn't take any medication to help me, since I don't do well on medications. I had to find other, natural ways of dealing with depression/the blues.

Exercise has always given me a boost of confidence.  It is a natural high for me and for most people. So I try to get regular exercise. Another thing that helps is; cutting sugar out of my life. Sugar not only makes you gain weight, which is a depressant alone. But it plays a role in how your brain works and puts up barriers in your brain to get the good endorphins to your brain.

Being aware of your body; what makes you depressed, and the things that help, is a good start.  Pay attention to cycles of depression and what helped you get out of a depressed cycle. The more you know, the better equipped you will be to help yourself.

Managing Your Brain Cyst

So you have a brain cyst. You've been diagnosed by a doctor that you, in fact, have a cyst growing on your brain. You know that you have been dealing with some strange symptoms and possibly pain. You want to get things under control and try to get back to a normal life. Well, you may not be able to get back to the life you once knew, but you can do things to help some of your symptoms.

First and foremost, make sure you:

• Get plenty of rest -- You may find that you are not sleeping as well as you used to before the cyst got to the point of causing symptoms. But that shouldn't stop you from trying to keep getting a good night's sleep.  If you are having trouble sleeping, figure out which symptoms are the most pronounced at night, and be creative with things you can do to help you sleep - and I mean, sleep either through the night, sleep more comfortably, whatever it is that you're having problems with. Take a nap during the day to help give you what you missed at night. The more you can rest, the better you will not only be able to deal with the physical symptoms you get, but your emotional status will be more intact and able to handle dealing with your condition. If you can, try to avoid taking too many sleep aids or any at all. Many sleep aids contain ingredients that may aggravate your neurological system, your symptoms, and your state of mind. Try all-natural sleep enhancers; such as, warm milk, warm decaffeinated tea such as Chamomile, or a warm bath or shower to relax you, just before bed.
• Eat properly -- Diet plays a big role in your situation. When you have a brain cyst, you, more than likely will suffer neurological symptoms; maybe even neurological damage. There are lots of foods and products that are hard on the neurological system. To keep your neurological system intact as much as possible, and prevent it from going into a meltdown or aggravating it more, watch what you eat. Some foods you should reduce or steer clear of altogether are: Caffeine, too much sugar, too much red meat, diet products that contain Aspartame, too much fat, too much salt, and spicey foods may aggravate your condition. Whatever you find outside this list that aggravates your condition or gives you flare-ups, you need to stay away from.
• Exercise --  You may not always feel like exercising, but it is important to get some exercise on a regular basis, if not, a daily basis. Even if you just take a casual walk around your neighborhood, or do light, floor exercises, try to do something every day. At the least, multiple times each week. This will help, not only with your physical stamina, but your mental stamina as well. It can help keep you in a positive frame of mind, especially because exercise causes the release of endorphins in your brain, which is a natural "feel good" hormone. Living with a neurological problem can bring you down, so be sure to do things that help boost your frame of mind.
• Try to keep things normal - Ok, so now you are running to doctors and having bad days. You may feel like, on some days, just crawling into bed or curling up on the couch under a blanket and retreating into a funk - all day. But this can bring you down. Eventually your body will start to notice things aren't normal, and it will start reacting, accordingly. You may not always be able to do all the things and activities you used to do, or want to do, and that is okay - and it's expected. But what you can do, try to keep doing it. You may have to adjust your schedule to fit your new condition, or create a whole new schedule. And that is ok. So long as you try to keep your life as active and as normal as you possibly can to prevent too much down time. Too much down time only allows depression to sink in, and allows your body to get used to being too complacent.
• Rest - Of course you do need extra rest! Yes, you want to try to continue to live a normal life, and keep your routine as normal as much as possible. However.....you need rest, and extra rest, at that! If you find yourself feeling bad or getting too weary, rest. If you are tired and don't have the strength to go on in the day, take a nap. Even a short nap can revitalize you enough to get through the day.
• Seek professional counseling - If you find that your diagnosis, and how you feel physically, is just too much to handle, don't hesitate to seek professional counseling. There are counselors who specialize in helping people deal with medical conditions and changes in their life due to them. If you feel yourself getting depressed over your brain condition and/or brain cyst, talk to someone. Not only can the changes in your life get you down, but brain cysts can also put pressure on areas of the brain that deal with your "coping mechanisms," making it more difficult for you to deal with your situation. You may need a little extra help in dealing with your condition so you can cope.

It is very important that you take care of yourself when you have a brain cyst, a Chiari Malformation, or any brain issue. Without our brains, our entire bodies can fail. Be good to yourself. That is the important, and key issue. Always be aware of what your body is doing and trying to tell you. Get in touch with yourself and your body, and put your brain first!

Are You Serious About Your Healthcare?

So you have a medical concern that you want to have checked out. You go to your doctor, you voice your concerns and complaints about how you are feeling, and request "something" be done.

Your doctor takes the time to set up tests and more appointments. You thank him and leave, having every intention to go to your upcoming appointments.  After all, you are anxious to find out what is going on that makes you feel bad.

Your appointment rolls around, but.....something has come up. Maybe it's something to do with work, maybe you didn't find a babysitter for your kids, or possibly, you just decide you don't want to go. Sometimes, you can feel really bad for a while and you are dying to find out why. At the time, you'd go to any test or appointment made. But if things suddenly let up at all and you get to feeling a little better, suddenly you think you "are" better and cancel your appointment with the specialist - your tests, or your follow-ups with your primary physician. Whatever was scheduled for you, you suddenly don't think you need anymore, or you don't "want" anymore, and you cancel.

Bad idea!  Here's why.......

1. Medical issues are funny - Not funny, "ha-ha," but funny, "Strange." They can flare-up for a while, subside, then flare-up again. You can have strange symptoms that are persistent for a while, then as mysteriously as they came-on, they subside. And they can return, and when they do....they may be worse than when they originally started.
2. Wait-time to be seen is prolonged - If you postpone your appointment, you may have to wait longer to be seen or have your test re-scheduled. If you suddenly wanted to re-schedule, you may not be able to get in for a while due to booking issues. This can cause problems with your health, as well as put pressure on your doctor's office to fit you in where there isn't room.
3. Doctor doesn't take you seriously - If you cancel or re-schedule appointments often or even every now and then, your doctor and doctor's office will begin to not take you seriously. They will think that your problem obviously isn't too serious, if you cancel appointments; after all, if it were, you would keep your appointments and be there - with bells on!

When you see your doctor, if you are scheduled for a follow-up or a test, you need to do your absolute best to keep the appointment. If you need to go home and look at your schedule first, before you set up the next appointment, let them know, but be sure to give them a call as soon as possible.

If there is by chance a conflict in scheduling, with your next appointment, whether it be for a test, or to see your doctor again, let them know right away and set up another time that you are sure you can keep.

If you have had an unforeseen issue pop-up that you just cannot avoid - your child gets sick, your car breaks down, something that you really cannot help and need another appointment time, call as soon as you can and re-schedule it for as soon as you can.

The more diligent you are about keeping appointments, it lets your doctor and his staff know that you are serious about your health. You are telling your doctor and staff that you really want to get better and you care - not only about your health, but about his time. You care that he has blocked off a time slot for you and want to make sure you get in, to fill that slot.

Some doctor's offices, today, will give you one freebie to miss an appointment, and then they will charge you about $25.00 (or more) for missing and not cancelling in a specific amount of time.

The more serious you are about your problem and your health, the more apt you are to keep appointments. You want to build a good relationship with your doctor, and by keeping appointments and following his recommendations, you are saying you are serious and you care - about you....and about him!

My Interview - Greensboro Glimpses

Hi all!

I wanted to post a link to an interview I did a while back.  It was for a local TV show called, "Greensboro Glimpses."  It was my first TV interview; ever, and although the interview-itself went pretty well, I can see how I didn't feel well that day.  I'm very critical of myself anymore, and I notice things, like the color being off in my cheeks and skin.  I see how my right eyelid was drooping significantly that day, and was glad that I was sitting so that my right eye was furthest from the camera during the interview. You only saw it every now and then, but to me, it was still very noticeable.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QO0PWFO9ZlU

Well, I just wanted to share. There was a second interview with them that may have been a bit better - I've yet to watch it.  Once I locate it, I will post it, too. 

I hope all of you are doing well; feeling well, and feeling happy.  If ever any of you have any questions or comments for me, please feel free to contact me.

Remember, what you are feeling isn't "All in Your Head." And you are not alone!

http://www.amazon.com/Its-Your-Head-Maria-McCutchen/dp/1613460716/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1364215875&sr=1-1&keywords=it%27s+all+in+your+head+maria+mccutchen

It's All in Your Head, by Maria McCutchen

"It's all in Your Head."  Has a doctor ever told you or made you feel your problems were "all in your head," when you knew it was much more than just a mental problem.....it was a real physical, medical problem?

Read my story, "It's all in Your Head," and see just how serious my problems were, that doctors tried to blow off!

One of Those Weeks!

It was going to be one of those weeks.  I knew it from the moment my computer got a bad virus and I couldn't find my computer people to help me. They were out of town. I had to take it to Staples which charges a lot more to remove a virus, but with little choice, there went a lot of money I didn't really have.

The next morning I had to drive across town to have State Farm look at some damage on my vehicle, from being in a fender bender the month before. After leaving State Farm, I was headed down the freeway - home, when I noticed my car was no longer running. It had just shut off and I had no power. I could hardly move the steering wheel, and my brakes were hard to push. But I made it over to the side of the highway. It was then, as I started digging around my purse, that I realized my cell phone was at home, on the counter, charging.

I had my standard poodle, Murphy with me, so there was no walking to the exit, which was really too far for me to walk to anyways. So I got out and put my hood up to signify that I was having trouble, but still; car after car, truck after truck, whizzed by me without stopping. That was hard enough to watch, but when a police car went by and didn't stop, that really hurt!  I was shocked! Disappointed and shocked.

Over an hour I sat there before finally, a pick-up truck pulled over.  I was nervous, but knew I needed help and an older, scruffy looking man got out and came to my window to check on me. I cracked my window to talk to him. He sensed my nervousness and explained that that was his job, to drive up and down the highway looking for motorists he could help, that were in trouble.  I felt better and rolled my window the rest of the way down. 

He tooled around under my hood, added some gas to my tank (just in case), but it wouldn't crank. I used his phone to call AAA, and was told it would be about 45 min. So there Murphy and I sat, for not just 45 more minutes, but over an hour. AAA finally came and hoisted my van up on their truck bed, and off to the garage we went. My fuel pump had gone, I was told. It would be $900.00 to fix it, plus the cost of a rental. Feeling defeated, and with no other option, I told them to go ahead and fix it.

It was a long day that day and I couldn't help but wonder what was in store next. I had always heard these types of things come in three's, and so, I was going to keep my eyes peeled for number 3 of my bad luck streak! And then, there it was - the day after I got my car back, that very next morning, my "number three" came.

It was dark outside. I had woken up early and decided to get a little writing done, but needed to let Murphy out and put the garbage out on the back deck. Everything looked normal, and without thinking about it, I stepped out onto the deck to set the bag there. Without warning, my right foot started sliding out in front of me and suddenly I was down. I was on the ground with the appearance that I was trying to do the splits. My knee hurt, my toe was killing me, and I could hardly get up.

I knew within minutes of getting inside that I'd broken my big toe on my right foot. I've broken enough toes over the years, that it's an all-too-familiar pain, and if that wasn't enough to tell me, then the foot and toe bruising-up, and swelling to the point where I couldn't put on a shoe, was.

I have been in pain for a couple weeks now, though it's lessening, but it still hurts. Especially if I try to wear certain shoes. But most of all, my faith took a bruising. I kept finding myself asking, "Why?" "Why me?" And when I'd think about it long enough, I would find the answer - "Why not me?" Just because I've been through all I've been through in my lifetime, doesn't mean I'm exempt from having "life" happen to, and around me. I am just as susceptible to having bad things happen to me as anyone. And they sure did that week.

It took many days to get past that week and actually, I'm still trying to get past that week. I still don't feel up to par after the exhausting week I had. That's how it is, too, when stressful things happen to me, it can take a very long time to recoup from them. I don't bounce back as quickly as I used to.

Well, I did survive my week of horror, and I can't help but think that I am glad the saying goes, that things like that tend to come in 3's, and not 4's, because I'm not so sure I could have handled another crisis! I was barely able to handle the 3 things that did happen that week- as it is!

What Does a Brain Cyst Look Like?

http://www.gouttreatmenttip.com A cyst is a fluid-filled sac and typically, the fluid is a clear liquid that is easy to detect on film.  A brain cyst, then, is no different.  It is a fluid-filled sac and sits on the brain. They can be quite small, or quite large.

My particular cyst is quite large, as I've mentioned before, taking up over a 1/3 of my brain. It covers the whole back portion of my brain and wraps around to the right of my brain.  If you have never seen a brain cyst, here are a few pictures of a cyst.

This picture is similar to the pictures of mine.  This is an MRI, showing someone's cyst at the back of the brain. The white, clear area is the cyst. Typically you would see the brain extending to that area and not a light, clear looking area with no brain visible. This is only because the brain is hidden behind the cyst; however.

My particular cyst takes up the entire back portion of the brain, even extending up the back of the brain, and wrapping around to the right of my brain. My cyst is so large, it doesn't leave much of my brain truly visible.  When I first looked at my films, I thought my brain was gone. But I was assured that my brain is still there; it's just hiding beneath the cyst.

Today, my brain sags, which means that on top of the brain, my dura matter, is visible when it shouldn't be.  What else is visible is that my brain stem has herniated into my spine.

I will download some of my own, personal MRIs soon and post them.  But this gives you an idea of what a large, Posterior Fossa Arachnoid Cyst looks like.


    

Podcast about Arachnoid Cysts and my book, "It's all in Your Head"

Some time ago, I did an interview, a Podcast, with Morgen Bailey.  If you'd like to hear the interview, follow the link below:

http://morgensauthorinterviews.blogspot.co.uk/2012/12/author-interview-no468-with-writer.html

And here is the commercial for my book: "It's all in Your Head."

I haven't posted it in a while:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3XSAXC2UTqk

Please share both of these with others.  That would be the biggest compliment....and help, to me!

Thanks all!

Could Your Child Have a Brain Cyst?

No one wants to see their child hurt or in pain. We want to protect our children, and we will go to any length to see that they are. We will do anything to keep them healthy and happy.

Many things that children develop with their health, are noticeable - the common cold, the flu, a boo-boo from play. But there are plenty of things that a child can develop that are not as easily seen or known what it is. A brain cyst can be one of those medical conditions that although you see outward ramifications of a problem, you don't see the cause. You don't see the culprit. It is these types of medical problems that can be the most tricky to get diagnosed.

Brain cysts can sit on the brain for years - for a lifetime, and never get noticed. Why? Because many do not create symptoms. They don't create problems. And for those where that is the case, you are lucky. You are fortunate. But for those who have a brain cyst where symptoms do arise, and those symptoms are the result of the brain cyst, it can be a horrific and frightening experience. For children, I can imagine it is even more frightening because they do not know how to communicate their symptoms. They do not know how to discern what is supposed to be normal and what is not. Especially very young children. So it is up to us, as parents, to monitor our children and their health. It is up to us to pick-up on changes in their behavior and their physical wellbeing, and to be able to discern what is normal for them, and what is not.

Brain cysts can cause such a wide variety of symptoms and a lot has to do with the type of brain cyst it is and where it has planted itself and decided to grow. There are multiple types of brain cysts. They can grow on any part of the brain, and at any level - meaning, any layer, or covering of the brain; for instance, an Arachnoid Cyst grows on the Arachnoid covering (the third covering, or layer of coverings) of the brain.

There are several things that can affect the symptoms produced by a brain cyst. Depending on where the cyst is growing, this will play a role in the types of symptoms your child may develop. However; as a general rule, there are some general symptoms and tell-tell signs that you would watch out for that could indicate a problem with the brain; such as a brain cyst.

If you notice your child starts to have changes in, or difficulties with these issues, you should have your child checked by a neurologist. It can be a couple of issues or many, that he develops. But if anything seems to come on out of no where, and especially if it persists, keep a close eye on it and seek medical attention.

• Excessive crying - For a baby or toddler, there is no consoling the crying. 
• Difficulties with memory - Especially short-term memory can be effected.
• Balance issues - He tends to sway, trip, or fall often.
• Visual disturbances - Irregularities in pupils. If old enough, he may complain of vision problems-changes that seem to come out of nowhere.
• Head pain - Complains of head pain, or if too young to complain, holds his head, or pulls at her hair or ears.
• Nausea and vomiting - Spontaneous nausea and vomitting and for what seems to be no reason - no stomach bug or fever associated. Comes on for no reason, or out of nowhere.
• Sleeps a lot. Always tired or drowsy. No energy.
• Numbness - He complains of numbness in extremities. Especially often.
• Dizziness - He seems to get dizzy for no reason and often.
• Personality - Noticeable changes in personality, and what seems to be sudden changes.
• Memory - This can be more noticeable in older children. Suddenly they have difficulty remembering things from their short-term memory; like, what they learned in school that day.
• Breathing - Noticeable changes in breathing; either while asleep or awake; such as, sleep apnea. If he's old enough, he may complain of not being able to breath "right," or "good."

Anything that seems to be out of the norm, or out of the ordinary for your child, should be noted. One of the best ways to keep track of symptoms, or regular, irregularities, is to keep a symptom diary. If you notice things about your infant, or your older child is complaining of things regularly, start making note of it - keep a journal and make sure your doctor is aware by giving him a copy.

The more organized, and the more diligent you are with keeping records, the easier it will be to find the root of the problem.

Having your child followed by a neurologist if you notice these issues, is a good idea. If your doctor doesn't suggest it, you may ask if you can get an MRI of your child's brain. A Cat Scan does not show the detail like an MRI does, so be sure to request an MRI.