How many specialists, mostly neurologists, have I see over the past three years regarding the pins and needles I feel in my right foot? How many tests have I undergone? Where were these people trained? Many were Hopkins trained, yet no one has diagnosed my problem correctly. I have attempted to take medications. They made me sick. The last neurologist wanted to operate. Guess what? It is all related to my back surgery of 12 years ago. Even my top-notch surgeon could not read the spinal MRI correctly. He said the problem was not related to my back. Someone labeled it neuropathy. NO. I do not have it in both feet. The nerve pain is also located on the side of the leg.
After examining me and re-reading the MRI of my sciatic nerve Dr Hoke knew exactly what the problem was. It is related to L5 in the spine due to some injury. He did not know I had had surgery.I made an appointment nine months ago and I am so thankful to have waited so long to see him. I almost cancelled my appointment after I had a stroke which makes that problem seem so insignificant. Dr Hoke is a full professor at The Johns Hopkins School of Medicine. He is compassionate (unusual for a neurologist), he is patient (was correcting a medical student without embarrassing her), and most of all listened to me.
We addressed my present neurological deficits. They should resolve themselves up to 90%. I will aim for more. And it could take anywhere from 6 months to 2 years. I can live with that! Now the problem in my head... I feel drunk all of the time... this is the blood pressure medicationis affecting my presence of mind.. He even questions the need for it since I am on such an insignificant dose which causes it to drop so much on occasion. Dr Molinaro, my GP, was very nervous about his suggestion for good reasons.
I decided to take the evening dose since I do not feel the dizziness and "loopiness" in bed. I will try without the AM dose. By then my brain is so much clearer until I take the next dose. This way I can see how my system reacts in terms of blood pressure and improvement in "loopiness." I have already implemented a diet which lowers blood pressure. I will continue to exercise as much as my body allows. Dr Hoke seems to think I am working too hard at getting better, so I will rest more. During these rest period I will meditate. We'll see...
In any case, Dr Hoke was a breath of fresh air. He made my condition so clear. He is a guru!
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