May 25, 2017

Looking back

            My last Sunday as a preacher was March 26^th and even before that we had started the procedure to apply for disability.  I filled out the forms they requested with the information about my condition and the doctors I have seen.  I also filled out the authorization forms so they could get the information from the doctors they needed to decide. 

            One of the complications was that I had a diagnosis but then another doctor said I didn’t have that diagnosis.  Another doctor gave another diagnosis only to have that taken away too.   Finally a doctor diagnosed me with Small Fiber Neuropathy which had withstood the biopsy. 

            All the doctors but one sent the required information but one.  Even updates were sent in regularly.  But it took two months for them to get their information in. Bonnie had to travel to Chattanooga in order to get it sent personally!

            But now they say with my psychological, Sleep Apnea, blacking out issues from before and the Small Fiber Neuropathy they will take two weeks to decide if I get disability and if so what program I will be under to hopefully guide me back to health. 

            So we wait.

Wednesday May 24

            I got up and got my shower so I could get ready for the Lumbar Puncture.  With the help of Dr Pepper I made the journey to Fort Sanders Hospital for the test.  They did a full panel of blood tests and the puncture went well.  They took four vials of spinal fluid and I got to see some of the clear fluid which is a good sign.

            After about an hour I went home and laid around.  The regular pain was increased by another headache and by a pain in the back.  The day I was supposed to lie flay was not a good one and after I finally slept I awoke later freezing and with my eyes hurting and light was painful to me.