Newest Update on Mini-Stroke??? Ear Infection??? Latest info again...again

Well so far still no definative explaination, or diagnosis. The best answer so far is not a brain tumor, we'd have seen that. Not MS, we don't even consider that in your age group. Not a stroke, probably two TIA's ie mini strokes. But why are some of the symptoms still here almost a year later? Well, we don't know...
Most recentl had a cerebral Angiogram, everything good but for 50-70% blockage in the left rear artery to the brain. Yes, I'm told that MIGHT cause the numbness on the right side of my face and other symptoms. I'm also told that either the blood pressure or colesterol meds don't remember which, can cause the balance issues as a side effect. Then had a CT Perfusion scan, apparently even with the blockage blood flow to the brain is normal I'm told. Going to see the Neurosurgeon Dr. Deshaies again in Dec, to discuss options, I figure he'll recommend a stent, but at this point, the numbness receding, I'm inclined to let my body heal itself.  Had a colonoscopy and no problems, got yelled at by the Drs for never having had one, with a family history. Seeing another Dr. in a couple days, to see about repairing the hernia, it's like an old friend, been with me since around 72 or 73 and still reduceable.

Still diabetic I guess, that apparently never goes away. I am surprised by how it seems to have grown in this country compared to 50 years ago or so. My blood sugar is down in the low to mid 100's now and the 3 month blood test was under 7 (6.5-7 is right per the Dr.) both times. Blood pressure has corrected itself and colesterol was good, except good colesterol was low, need to get that up some. Saw Dr. Young in Hamilton, no news is good news. Saw the new Cardiologist in Hamiliton, Dr Carlson, he said the hole in my heart may not be a hole but a flap that didn't close completely, apparently as babies we all have the wall between the two chambers as two flaps that allow the mothers blood to circulate, after we're born the flap grows closed, except in possibly as many as 30% of adults the flaps never closed completely. Dr Carlson said he's not convinced this is my problem, that he feels that I should hold off dealing with it unless I have another "episode"...
So at this point I still don't know for sure what caused the mini strokes, if that's what they were, and may never know. But I am much more aware of what's going on in my body, I keep an eye on blood pressure and blood sugar, I'll continue taking the aspirin and my herbs. I have to say I hadn't seen a Dr in nearly 30 yrs until this happened and should have, if I'd known before what I know now, who knows it may never have happened. I've always maintained my cars taking them in at the slightest problem, now I know to do that for this vehicle too, my body that is. The other benefit is that it's made it easier to relate to the veterans I see, and deliver their scooters to.

Update on Mini-Stroke??? Ear Infection??? Latest info

Went in today, another blood test after 2 weeks on blood pressure medicine. Didn't see Neurologist,  saw Cardiologist, good news blood pressure good. Bad news going to have surgury, at some point to close the hole in my heart, the one I was probably born with. Fortunately sounds like minor operation, going up through an artery and putting an umbrella, she called it, in to close the hole. First before they schedule that I have to see a neuro-surgeon in May.  The nurse did say that the CT Angiogram looked normal.  So far so good...I guess.

New Update Mini Stroke or Ear Infection -- MIR this AM

Went this AM for the MRI, they also did an MRA and ANOTHER fasting blood test. The MRI/MRA was facinating. First time I've ever done it. They put you on a table and put headphones over your ears, she asked what music I wanted, I of course said Rockabilly, but the best they had was late 50's early 60's rock and roll, oh well, finally a framework goes over your head and shoulders. Then you're slid you into a chamber, and it starts, They tell you not to move. I remember thinking  this is what it's like inside a jackhammer. But, once you're used to it it's kind of peaceful. I was in there about 30 minutes or so, didn't move at least I don't think I did. I meditated on a blue line that ran right in front of me, lengthwise along the top of the tunnel. When it was over went and got blood drawn, fun, fun, fun...
The neurologist Dr Johnson called me at home, so I figure it's possibly bad even though she played it down, otherwise why would she call personally. She said she looked at the MRI, and it wasn't a stroke, that was the good news, so now ear infection, brain tumor, MS, and stroke have all been pretty much eliminated. But the bad news was that while the MRI was ok, the MRA wasn't. Apparently there's an artery or vein that goes to the back of the brain. She said that it didn't appear to be allowing the blood through as it should. So now I have to have what's called a CT Angiogram I think she said. They inject dye into the blood and follow it with a CT. If that's the problem, she said it requires an operation, meaning I guess they open up my head.
So that's where it stands until they scedule the test and I go for another CT. It is interesting, and I said earlier even this is better that it having been MS, even this can be fixed, MS can't. So I figure I'm still ahead....

Lee Murray