Updates and Latest Appointments
Optometrist and GP appointment today (still no word from the neuro!)
My visual field test showed I have left homonymous inferior quadrantanopia. It's my first 'official' visual field test so I can't say for sure, but I feel like it has improved from my original vision loss which seemed to affect my entire left peripheral vision. Fingers crossed this is the case and the improvements continue! The optometrist informed Vic Roads of my assessment results and said I should get a letter from them soon. I was too scared to ask what that letter would tell me..I'm still holding out hope that once my 4 weeks of driving exclusion post stroke have passed that I'll be able to return to driving. I miss my independence so much!
I met with my GP to look over the CT, MRI and blood test results. The MRI report didn't reveal much. There is a bleed (no der!), it is not active (great news) andthere is no obvious cause of the bleed (not helpful). I did learn that the bleed is 30 x 20 x 20mm in size and having exact measurements makes it seem more real. Hopefully the neurologist will be able to tell me more.
My blood tests are pretty unremarkable, aside from quite elevated cholesterol levels, so more blood tests have been ordered and medication to control this will be started soon. My blood pressure levels remain 'ok' but slightly elevated so I'll have to continue to monitor these. Although my pressure is not dangerously high there is a possibility I have been having regular 'spikes' causing a weakening of vessels leading to the bleed.
My headaches have eased finally, after a rough day without pain killers after being on them constantly for over a week. I'm down to 2-4 panadol a day, usually just a couple before bed to avoid pain over night when lying down.
The fatigue is still there, but I think it's improving. I've been able to move more, taking short walks and doing more housework without getting exhausted so quickly. I'm feeling less 'brain fog' and my memory has improved slightly. I'm finding typing easier and the words are flowing more easily...thank goodness!
For now my focus is on improving my diet, increasing my exercise, decreasing stress/anxiety (which will hopefully improve my sleep) and keeping a close eye on my blood pressure. Hopefully I can get back to my pilates classes and swimming soon!