Posted 12/7/2016 10:15 PM (GMT -8)
Sorry I've kind of disappeared for a time. Thought I would check in.
Typical for me, have spent so much time with this new neurologist, so much testing and scans, etc., but he moves in slow motion, and is so overbooked, that I am still awaiting final diagnosis, let alone a treatment plan.
Since last time, have developed severe pain in right shoulder area, been to my reg. doctor, had x-rays done last week, still waiting for results. I am left handed, and really don't use my right arm per say. Did not injure or strain it. Pain is very acute, and hurts most of the time, extends at times down past my elbow toward my hand.
about at the half-way point in the VA's PTSD treatment program. It has been very tough, tougher than I thought. My therapist told me recently, that my "story" is one of the more severe she has heard in her career. Problem with the treatment, is being forced to bring back ghosts, horrors, etc. from one's distant past.
On the double-depression front, they have ruled me as "medicine resistant", which is not uncommon with double-depression. The base depression has been there so many years and is so entrenched, that all the normal anti-depressants have no effect with me. I have now been put on a pretty strong dose of Lithium, which is something I had hoped to avoid. My body is having a hard time adjusting to it, lots of side effects, but having to tough my way through them.
The VA is awaiting approval to have other treatment for me outside of the VA in my area. They are wanting me to undergo a min. of 12 ECT treatments. Mon-Wed-Frid, for 4 weeks, and see if they won't reset my brain, thus allowing medications to work. If approved, I will be able to have it done out-patient at a local hospital (largest in my area). Bad news, if I undergo them, I will not be allowed to drive the entire 4 weeks, or even longer.
If all else fails, they are preparing for me to do some in-patient care, either at the VA hospital in Asheville NC (my choice) or the one in Columbia SC. They are talking about 3-6 weeks.
Had a miserable Thanksgiving holiday, but hoping to salvage a better Christmas before any of the more severe treatments begin.
Haven't heard back from my new oncologist since my initial visit, but right now, the PC side of what ails me is the least of my worries.
Never knew life could be so complicated.
Thanks to those of you that have contacted me off the grid, its all appreciated.
All for now. Wish I had something more useful or positive to report.