9/21/11 Shock the Neurologist

Mayo Hospital from above

I went to the Mayo Clinic yesterday for a follow up with Dr. Wingerchuck, my neurologist.  We're now about 5 1/2 weeks postop and he wanted to see how I was doing from a neurological standpoint.  I gave him the discussion about the surgery lag still a little on me and all the wounds and stitches haven't healed yet, but he wanted to see how I was progressing - or IF I was progressing. 

Both Dr. Wingerchuck and his fellow put me through the standard tests.  Eyes, hands, etc.  When they got to the left leg, which has been the weaker one, they were both taken aback.  I can lift my thigh up from seated position, extend my lower leg from seated position, and hold my foot up when resisted downward all significantly better than before.  I also walked for them and they noticed a significant improvement in my gait.

Dr. Wingerchuck would be a great poker player.  His demeanor is tough to crack.  He's a serious, educated doctor with enormous credentials who understands the disease as well as anyone, and he doesn't get too excited about things.  So to get any reaction from him is significant, and he clearly acknowledged I was improved.  It was quite a moment for me. 
I asked them for a report to get to me as soon as possible so I can restore my pilot medical, which they said they'd do.  But I also asked them to really look into the CCSVI phenomenon from a number of different angles.  I reminded them of all the people from Canada and the US who are travelling overseas for a chance to see results like I have, and that the doctors in some places are refusing to address it.  I told him that, at least based on my results, that the relationship between vascular circulation and neurological symptoms is real, which he agreed, but Dr. Wingerchuck appropriately replied by stating it was his job to be one of the skeptics about these things, and that further studies were needed.  I agreed, but said to him that Mayo Clinic is one of the few places in the world that could bring this to the mainstream. 

In any event, back to my condition.  I walked a bunch yesterday and my leg worked quite well. 

It's amazing what the slightest improvements do for the psyche.  Hope goes a long way in this world, and for me to know unconditionally that I have turned the corner in my battle makes my life carry that much more meaning and significance.  Family and friends love me anyway, but this is about my personal battle, and when I feel progress, I feel hope, and that hope turns to confidence.  I so wish for others with this disease to be able to feel it.