Update on Numbness

[Bikingmomof3]

Well I saw my doctor today. Good news, it is not the bike. Bad news, as soon as the nurse gets approval from my insurance, I need to go in for a contrast MRI (he gave me a script for valium-just for that day). He is looking for tumors or M.S. :( I am doing my best to be upbeat and positive. At least it is not the bike.

[KSH]

Well, do stay positive. Dr.'s tend to go overboard with their statements... so they cover their ***@s on everything.

I am sure it will work out just fine.

Good luck and please keep us posted.

[Bikingmomof3]

Thank you. At least now I can resume riding. :)

[GirlWonder]

Well, at least you can resume biking. :)

Be sure to keep a positive attitude and everything will work out.

Keep us posted!!!

[pooks]

A friend of mine was "diagnosed" with MS even though it didn't show up on any tests. She had numbness in her wrists (wasn't a cyclist). The MS diagnosis was because of symptoms, and the fact that MS evidently doesn't always show up right away on the tests. (This has been a few years so if I get something wrong, it's me, not what actually happened at the time.)

Finally after months of this she went to a neurologist (perhaps a different one?) and during the course of his examination he asked her what she did for a living (writer) and then asked her to go to his desk and sit down the way she sits at her desk.

She sat down and typed on her keyboard.

He kept pressing, asking different questions, until he got to -- "Do you always type or do you sometimes have to sit and think?"

She laughed because there's more sitting and thinking than there is typing for most of us. And she showed him how she sat and thought....

She rested the underside of her wrists on the edge of the desk.

Which was the source of her numbness. They checked for nerve damage, etc. and luckily she stopped doing it before doing any real damage.

But I just wanted to point out that in her case, a diagnosis of MS turned into a diagnosis of using her wrists wrong.

Fingers crossed for you!

[KnottedYet]

I'm glad you went to the doc and it's being checked.

The valium was a huge help to me when I had my MRI with and without contrast. That and I brought my own CD of music for them to play for me.

Keeping my fingers crossed for you.

Keep us posted!

[esther231]

Rooting for you.

Let us know.

[Bikingmomof3]

GirlWonder, Pooks, KnottedYet, Esther231,
Thank you for your support. I am trying to stay upbeat-it is not working well. I appreciate the well wishes, they means a lot.

[Lise]

Hang in there, Jennifer. It's hard to wait for the tests and the result. I recently went through it with worries about my heart. All turned out OK, but in the waiting, I tried to remind myself that it already is what it is, and the test/diagnosis won't change it. I'm coping with it now, and I'll cope with it then.

In the meantime, you can ride your bike. All best wishes--keep us posted. Lise

[KnottedYet]

PM any time! Use the board to help you stay "up," and keep riding. We're here, and we're listening and watching for you!

((((((hugs)))))))

[Bicyclette]

Jennifer -

Glad you went to the doctor - just take it as it comes - and try not to stress too much - worrying isn't going to change anything - and in the mean time... you can ride! :D

Thinking good thoughts for you

Pat

[CorsairMac]

Just another thought: I was having problems with numbness in my hands - turns out it was caused by my shoulders. As I singer I use music folders and holding them up to sing was causing muscle tightness in my shoulders which was translating to numbness in my hands. Now I try and get my shoulders massaged every so often to release the tension or when my hands start going numb again.

Let us know when the MRI is, and keeping you in my thougths.

[Cassandra_Cain]

Jennifer - best of luck! I think you will be OK. Oftentimes I think doctors say stuff to prepare you for the worst case scenario but I suspect it will be nothing like that. :)

[Triskeliongirl]

When in these situations I think its best to assume the best until you know otherwise. Its great that your doctor is going to do the tests to identify the source of your problem, but until you have the results try not to worry. I know this is easier said than done, but we have enough stress in our lives without having to sress about what *might* be. Good luck, and keep us posted on the results of your tests.

[eclectic]

Just got up to speed on this - no matter what, it is scary:( - my thoughts and prayers are with you.

This sounds bizarre and not necessarily related to numbness in the hands but to MS symptoms overall

A coworker of mine was exhibiting a lot of strange symptoms, one of which was numbness, she ran the gamut of tests and nothing conclusive was found but the docs were suspecting and watching out for MS. In the meantime all her symptoms were continuing to worsen

Somehow, somewhere she got some information on Aspertame, she was a regular diet coke drinker, and the article told about the effects of aspertame on some people's systems. She immediately quit using all things that have aspertame in them. It took 6 months but all her symptoms went away.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Jennifer,
Try to be optimistic as you wait for results of tests. Remember, there are LOTS of causes for numbness (especially in bikers!), and the odds are good that it is due to something besides MS.

[KnottedYet]

My mom had the same reaction to aspertame.

[Bikingmomof3]

A huge thank you to everyone for the well wishes. I go in Friday morning and should have results the following week. I am still quite nervous, thank goodness I can bike. :)

[Dogmama]

...that sure sounds like overkill!! My numbness was caused by a slipped disk in my neck. MS was never even discussed.

HA! MRI's!! They have to knock me out COMPLETELY because I'm really claustraphobic. My first MRI I lasted about 30 seconds in the tube before I went bonkers.

Hang in there. There are a ton of things that can cause numbness. Don't sell the bike yet!

[esther231]

I'm glad it's Friday.

I think waiting makes anyone worry more.

Crossing fingers. But I got a good feeling on this one.

[Bikingmomof3]

Oh the bike stays. :D I am perfectly fine to ride it, thank goodness.

The MRI is due to migraine complications and to the fact everything I told him about the symptoms was vascular. On the upside, he said I was "due" for another one anyway. They monitor my brain closely-maybe they think it is awesome. ;)

It is an "open" MRI and they will not knock me out as they like to ask me questions throughout it.


...that sure sounds like overkill!! My numbness was caused by a slipped disk in my neck. MS was never even discussed.

HA! MRI's!! They have to knock me out COMPLETELY because I'm really claustraphobic. My first MRI I lasted about 30 seconds in the tube before I went bonkers.

Hang in there. There are a ton of things that can cause numbness. Don't sell the bike yet!

[Bikingmomof3]

Thank you. Yes, I only have to worry about the actual procedure for another 21 hours. I see lots of biking today,


I'm glad it's Friday.

I think waiting makes anyone worry more.

Crossing fingers. But I got a good feeling on this one.

[emily_in_nc]

Good luck, BikingMom!

Here's hoping that the scan turns up negative for anything scary and you can get back to your regularly scheduled life. :)

Let us know,

Emily

[Bikingmomof3]

Thank You Emily. I had the MRI with and without contrast this morning, before the sun came up. :) Now I can enjoy my weekend riding my bike. :D

[Bad JuJu]

I'm just now catching up on this thread, and can only say it's great that you can still ride your bike. Sometimes that's the only thing protecting my sanity. I'm glad to hear the MRI itself is over with, and I'll be waiting along with the others to hear your report. Try to have a lovely weekend!

[Jo-n-NY]

Bikingmom....I am wishing you all the best that your test results turn out to be ok. Yes...go out and enjoy your weekend!!!

~ JoAnn

[Kano]

Hey, Jennifer Bikingmomof3, have we heard anything yet? Did you wear out the bike over the weekend and in the days since?

Karen in Boise

[Bikingmomof3]

Thank you for asking Karen. I have indeed been riding. :) Not so much this week due to much need rain.

I receieved a call from the neurologist's office this afternoon. They can fit me in at 1pm of the 28th.

Hopefully the wait means nothing drastic showed up on the MRI.

[DDH]

Jennifer, I'm so sorry I am just now seeing this. I haven't been on much the last couple of weeks or last week, shoot, I have lost track of time. Anyway, my thoughts are with you and hoping for nothing major. Keep us posted on your results. I am glad you are able to ride, hopefully this helps you keep your mind off things.

[esther231]

Egads, more waiting.....

Well, bad news travels fast. Hopefully good news travels slow.

Keeping my fingers crossed.

[Kano]

For what it's worth, I can't help but think they'd "fit you in" a whole lot sooner if it was something that needed urgent attention!

I'm going to go on record as hoping that this is relatively good news!

Karen in Boise

[7rider]

Yeah, I hope the wait means they found nothing urgent.
Hope all goes well!

[biking4health]

Jen,

I'm glad they finally called, but now more waiting :( I have to agree with Karen though....I think they would have gotten you in much sooner if the results were serious.

Carol

[mary9761]

I'm sorry to hear of your problems, I too am WAY behind on reading and posting to the forum. I hope everything goes well. I hate being stuffed into the tube like a sausage, I'm claustrophobic too. Glad to hear you got to have an open MRI, they're still not fun, but at least a bit more bearable.
Good luck with your appointment and keep us up to date.

[Bikingmomof3]

I just got back from the neurologist. I suffered a stroke at the ripe old age of 37. I will be going back for more tests Oct 18th. I have been placed on an asprin regime as well as a calcium entry blocker. Thanks everyone for the good thoughts, wishes, and prayers. At least the numbness is not from my bike. :D I am not supposed to drive, but I can cycle-I am not even questioning that one.

[SouthernBelle]

Well I'm debating on whether or not to congratulate and decided yes. This news is much better than tumor or ms.

I have a friend who had a severe stroke in his late 20s. That was back in the 70s and all is well since.

:)

[Trekhawk]

I just got back from the neurologist. I suffered a stroke at the ripe old age of 37. I will be going back for more tests Oct 18th. I have been placed on an asprin regime as well as a calcium entry blocker. Thanks everyone for the good thoughts, wishes, and prayers. At least the numbness is not from my bike. :D I am not supposed to drive, but I can cycle-I am not even questioning that one.

Oh My - you take care of yourself and keep us updated with your recovery.:)

[GLC1968]

Oh wow! I have no idea how I missed this until now, but I'm sorry to hear about your stroke! That is scary! I hope the tests in Oct give you some answers and/or peace of mind.

Glad to hear that biking is still OK!! :)

[eclectic]

Very sorry to hear about your stroke:( Very glad to hear you can keep cycling:D

The mixed blessing is you had a stroke but hopefully there wasn't too much damage done and now you are aware of the risk and can take precautions instead of being unaware and hit later by a massive one.

Just curious why no driving - have you been driving up to this time after it happened?

take care and pedal, pedal, pedal

[DrBee]

A stroke??? I'm glad to hear it's not a tumor or MS. At least you can still ride! Good luck!

[Bikingmomof3]

Thank you everyone. I have had atypical migraines for 23 years (there is a fancy phrasing for that, but I cannot recall it and certainly not spell it). This was not a huge surprise and I know the day it happened.

Why no driving-he would prefer I not drive until my tests in Oct. He needs to know the full extent of "damage" and risk of further stroke(s). This does not bother me, I am a SAHM, my DH will cart children and I have my bike. :-)

[texascyclist]

Jennifer....I haven't been a member very long and just read your update on your dr.'s visit. I want to let you know that your in my thoughts and prayers as well as all the other TE girls. I have found that no matter what is going on in someone's life, whether it be cycling related or not, the girls on this site give so much help and encouragement that it can't help but cheer you up! Hang in there and know that we're here for you and we're with you every step of the way.

Take Care,
Amy

[KSH]

I just got back from the neurologist. I suffered a stroke at the ripe old age of 37. I will be going back for more tests Oct 18th. I have been placed on an asprin regime as well as a calcium entry blocker. Thanks everyone for the good thoughts, wishes, and prayers. At least the numbness is not from my bike. :D I am not supposed to drive, but I can cycle-I am not even questioning that one.

WOW! How scary! Thank goodness you are OK. Well, OK in the sense that you can still walk/talk/etc. and you aren't in rehab to try to get it all back.

Thank goodness you went and had it checked out.

[maillotpois]

BMo3 - good luck to you. it must be a relief to have a diagnosis. I think the time of not knowing is the scariest part. I was at high risk for stroke when I was developing my pulmonary emboli this spring. yikes!

strokes, clots, tumors, MS - all serious illnesses and I don't think anyone can really say one is worse than the other and none are necessarily a death sentence. the key is how you live with it. it seems and I hope that you are going to make a good recovery. I plan to fully recover from these clots! and SK is managing her MS well - keep in mind that one of our nation's best presidents in recent years also had relapsing/ remitting MS as well. :)

anyway, be well, take care of youself and be grateful for your health, even if it's not "perfect". we only get one chance.

[esther231]

Jennifer, glad you know what it is. And I'm also glad it's not a tumor or something progressive. Seems like if it hasn't gotten in your way yet, the worse might already be behind you.

Rooting for you.

[Geonz]

Rootin', rootin', rootin :-)

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Wow Jennifer-
At least now you know how to make changes that may prevent this from happening again. And yes, good that it was not a tumor or MS. Please get better slowly and surely!! And how great that you can still ride bike!- I bet it will help you get well!

[Blueberry]

Sending healing thoughts your way.....

I'm glad the diagnosis wasn't worse, and also glad you have good treatment options for prevention:)

Glad you can ride - it's great therapy!

[Python]

I am so slow when it comes to anything health related and I'm sorry I didn't pick up your thread until now.

What a worry this must be for you:( On the plus side, you know what's been causing the numbness. The same thing happened to one of my neighbours last year. She's absolutely fine now and fully fit, working full-time etc.

I'll send some healing thoughts your way:)

[salsabike]

BM3, it's actually great, isn't it, that you got this diagnosis and can treat for it before anything scarier happened. Good for you! You'll get throught this.

[Xrayted]

Just caught this thread -- Wow, what you must have been thinking this whole time. Shows how strong of a woman you really are. It's good that you now know what's up so you can do something proactive about staving off future ones. A girlfriend of mine had a "mini" stroke about a year ago. (I forced her to go to the doc, she's sooooo stubborn.) In the end, she felt lucky actually b/c it served as an early warning before things escalated. She takes some blood thinners and such now and feels wonderful again.
I wish you and your family all the best.

(And you know where to come to get all the "extra" encouragement you need. They are a great group of ladies, are they not?)

take care

Cindy

[Bikingmomof3]

I truly appreciate all the support, thank you. :) I am not happy to have suffered a stroke, but at least I know why I have the weekness on my left side and I will be having further tests to check for any bloackage. I am very fortunate to have found this out when I did. I am a tad worried and most likely will not be relieved until the rest of the tests are done. At least I can bike. Biking is threapeutic. :D

[CyclChyk]

{{{{Bikingmom}}}}You are in my prayers.

[emily_in_nc]

I'm just so glad you can still ride!!! What happened to you is not good, but think how much worse it would be if you didn't have your cycling as an outlet....

Thinking of you and hoping for a full recovery. Do they have any idea why this might have happened yet? You look slim and healthy in your avatar. It's scary to think of a stroke in a healthy female in her 30s.

Keep us posted, and keep on pedaling!

Emily

[Bikingmomof3]

Thank you CyclChyk and Emily! I am quite grateful I can still ride. Yes, I am young, physically fit, and relatively healthy. I have extremely bad migraines which predisposed me for strokes, so it was inevitable, I had just hoped I would be much, much older.

[bikemad1]

I'm sorry I'm a little late receiving this news but I just caught this thread and I want to wish you the best of luck and a full recovery. I know it must be scary for you and your family but I think that with your strong spirit you'll definitely overcome this little bump of illness. I'm glad it wasn't MS. Many hugs and lots of love to you!!