it is time

I'm headed to the neurologist this afternoon.

I need to convince this man to take me seriously, that something is really wrong with me that is not anxiety/depression, and to do an MRI or other diagnostic tests on me.

Thoughts, prayers, vibes, energy, and small sacrifices to the household gods appreciated.

wow. that went really well

Okay, y'all, I am not going to answer your comments on the previous post because I suspect I'd just be repeating my replies to this post, but I appreciate all your well wishes and prayers and vibes so hard. They kept pinging in all day, and they kept me sane. :)

I am so hopeful and optimistic about this visit. The doctor did a super long intake, was really concerned about my symptoms, and agrees with me that something is wrong. He said more than once that he was surprised that my other doctors didn't continue to pursue trying to find a diagnosis. THAT'S WHAT SHE SAID, BUDDY! LOL

Anyway, he did a short physical exam in which he discovered that I have an abnormal, increased reflex response in both my legs. Coupled with my other symptoms, this is concerning to him and a potentially important symptom. I'm just stoked because the visit wasn't only about me telling him what I think is wrong with me but HE ALSO FOUND SOMETHING MINORLY WRONG WITH ME HIS OWN SELF AND WILL NOW BE MORE MOTIVATED TO DIAGNOSE ME! Also I googled that and then decided that I was putting an immediate kibosh on googling of symptoms because I do not need to start worrying that I have ALS.

He ordered a truly astronomical list of blood tests which I got done immediately upon leaving his office. I do not expect these blood tests to yield anything; they are almost all things I have been tested for over the years, but he's required to rule all this stuff out.

He is ordering an MRI of the brain and full spine; this will actually be a set of 4 MRIs. He did this without me asking or suggesting it just based on our discussion of my symptoms!

He asked me to get a special eye exam: OCT with visual field testing. My eye doctor offers that, and I scheduled an appointment to get it.

I am going back to his office multiple times over the next few weeks for a series of four tests he does in-house. Don't know what they are because they are weirdly acronymed on my appointment sheet.

The point is, I think it's really happening! I think I am going to finally get some answers.

*hugs you all*