The good, the bad and the ugly

[Smart Red]

Took DH to the doctor today for some testing. I used his time to visit Urgent Care for myself. Nearly two hours later I got the bad news. According to the doctor I saw today, I have an "Avulsion". I definitely have an aversion to Avulsions.

The good news, I knew it already -- mentioned it to you all some time last week -- and I'm feeling better already. Still it will be 12-18 months before everything is good as new.

The ugly news -- if the doctor and the testing are right, DH tested out as a drooling, incompetent who needs 24 hour attention and should be institutionalized. I say the tests are wrong. The doctor says I can't dispute the test result facts. I still say the tests are flawed. Her test results cannot explain how the man is capable of doing anything he wants to do during he course of the day. Not disputing that DH and I have problems, but our biggest concern was his language problems since his head injury in March. The doctor threw in problems we didn't know were problems.

The worst news is that -- according to the doctor -- DH's decline is progressing faster than either Alzheimer's or dementia would. More visual imaging is needed to see if a cause can be found -- infection or what? Doctor also vetoed language therapy as being useless considering how low his testing results placed him. Sheet! All I really wanted from the testing is how I can help DH, like home therapy.

 

[so lucky]

so what is your next step, Red? Maybe Division of Aging can give you some practical ideas, rather than a bunch of discouraging tests.

 

[thistlebloom]

Red, can you get another opinion that would be more helpful to you getting home therapy for your dh? Or is the testing binding?

Avulsion? Sounds terrible..and painful. Is this something that will heal?

I hope you have better days and get better news ahead.

 

[NwMtGardener]

Yikes. Sounds like you have a lot on your plate. Where is your avulsion?

 

[Carol Dee]

 

[Nyboy]

Red Sorry your going thought this. Keep seeing differnt Drs till you find one that believes they can help your husband. Sounds like your Dr now doesn't feel there any hope. Thats not the kind of Dr I would want treating a loved one. Even if you need to screen 10 to find 1 you like.

 

[Ridgerunner]

No advice or suggestions Red, just that you are in my thoughts.

 

[Lavender2]

Sorry for the tough time, @Smart Red. I assume he is seeing a neurologist?

We went through some scary things after Dh's brain surgery many years ago, and a lot of doctoring. One thing we learned pretty quickly was that no doctor knows everything, or will make the best diagnosis or treatment for every situation. I agree with @Nyboy.. if you are not comfortable and confident in his doctor, try another... if you can talk him into going

 

[Smart Red]

Yikes. Sounds like you have a lot on your plate. Where is your avulsion?

The removal of a finger or toe nail is called an avulsion. Doctors need to have a name for everything it seems.

Anyway, last week I mentioned that I tore my big toe nail off (to the nail bed) when moving my buffet. Ergo, my avulsion refers to my right big toe. (We know it is too big anyway, but losing the nail isn't a big help.) And, yes, it will take 12-18 months to regrow a nail.

 

[Smart Red]

Neurologist appointment is for March 24th. We are on the call list if a vacancy pops up. We only need 1/2 hour to make it to the clinic.

Not for more of the hands on, one to one, testing that we did all day Monday, but a better picture of what's going on in the structure of his brain. Since he doesn't have Alzheimer's or age related dementia, we need to see if there is some swelling or infection that didn't show up on the MRI that was done.

It is the fast progression that worries me the most. This Doctor had no idea of what could be the cause.