Old Health Issues With New Awareness

I recently joined a Lewy Body Facebook group. Aside from being reminded of many of my lifestyle and health obstacles, there have been some amazing discoveries. 

Stuffy and Running Nose

For the last number of years I've experienced what I've believed to be very disturbing (difficulty breathing) allergic reactions to possible sources. Sneezing fits for as long as ten to fifteen minutes before bed at night and going through a box of Kleenex in a day or two. Difficulty breathing that has found my voice muffled and strained. I have imagined my inability to enjoy odors such as the scent of roses, of baking bread, or roasting meat with vegetables, even the joy of the ocean air, are all losses to which I've become accustomed. Now, I learn from other LBD associates, all such symptoms are actually coming from neurological issues as much as my blood pressure problems have been.

Terribly Sore Mouth and Tongue

In the past few months (and occasionally in the past) my tongue and mouth lining have been inflamed and so tender, even eating toast has become a  challenge. Because I've had "temporary caps" on my teeth for decades, and now because my gums are receding, leaving sharp edges, I'd determined were the cause of my painful mouth and tongue. When choosing what I might eat or drink, I've had problems choosing what I might comfortably eat or drink, attempting to eat items I've always found pleasant have surprisingly caused pain that has deterred me from eating.

Weight Gain, Yet Hyperthyroidism

We all know that when one suffers from "hypothryroidism" the expectation is weight gain. But, "hyperthyroidism" is noted often for significant weight loss. My blood tests and a scan of  my thyroid evidence most certainly, that I am suffering from hyperthyroidism. As a matter of fact, I have numerous nodules in my thyroid. My family physician had me booked for a thyroid biopsy. Then, his referral for me to a specialist came through and she has determined she desires more tests before any biopsy ought to be done.

I've told her, Dr. McKay that I'm not very enthusiastic about a biopsy at all. She was puzzled about that and I explained, that if I have thyroid cancer, I will not have it surgically dealt with. I would explain why, but know my belief is between the Lord and myself. As we press forward, time will tell what the future holds. 

Thyroid Hormones Control:

metabolism; breathing; heart rate; nervous systems; weight; body temperature.

Overactive Thyroid Symptoms:

                        nervousness; anxiety, rapid heartbeat X; hand tremors X, excessive sweating X;                             weight loss; difficulty sleeping X.

(each X is an area of symptoms I'm experiencing)

  Vision Problems

My vision has been something I rather take for granted. I'm FAR SIGHTED and my greatest challenge for years has been putting reading material at significant distance to allow comfortable reading. Then, in the past year, jumping letters and blurred vision have become a challenge. 

It wasn't until I was reading entries on the Lewy Body Dementia Facebook site, that I learned my vision, my sore mouth and runny nose with stuffiness were actually LBD issues. It seems, unlike many LBD symptoms which are brain centered problems, this one comes (if I've understood correctly) is actually from the brain stem. The first gentleman commenting stated his physician stated it is indicative of the brain stem misfiring. All that is important to my thinking, is that my intermittent vision blurriness and jumping letters is neurological and perhaps my worry about getting my eyes tested toward new glasses will not necessarily help my vision. WHO WOULD HAVE GUESSED? Yet, these are autonomic bodily systems, so it does make sense.

IN SUMMATION...

While this posting is not as humorous as some others have been, it offers facts which allow for reader awareness and learning. BUT... please know I'm my usual, cheerful self and emoji's are quickly becoming my preferred visual friends.