thankful

Today Case reported in for his MRI-- it was only when he got there that he found out it would be just of his brain, with & without contrast.  Then I got him back to our little apartment to rest-- it's so great to be staying just blocks from Mayo, so he can lay back down in bed as he needs to.  

After lunch we went to the neurology floor to meet with our primary neurologist.  He was happy to report that the MRI showed that the procedure had accomplished it's main goal.  The brain sag & congestion that had been noted in his last MRI (Oct. 2017) was completely gone on today's image-- and it appears there is no notable sign of decreased spinal pressure per the MRI.  This is amazing news!!  (A simple definition if this has sounded confusing-- A brain sag can happen when there is not enough spinal fluid to keep the brain as buoyant as it should be.  The brain can get too low & put pressure on important things...like the brain stem, optic nerve, etc.)  So again-- no brain sag is a great report! 

Next was the issue of why in the world Casey has been experiencing such increasing neurological symptoms in the past month.  The neurologist did not have a definitive answer for this yet. It could be one of many reasons....1) as the brain heals it still has lingering symptoms that might resolve on their own, 2) he could have another possible leak that is starting & just not showing up on the MRI yet,  3) there could be lasting damage to the brain that is causing his headaches, or 4) he could just be struggling with headaches & neurologic symptoms for a different reason.  So basically, it's too early to tell-- but he is hopeful that Case might have healing over time.

The doctor is waiting  on making a definite plan until Casey has his appointments with the other 2 neurosurgeons tomorrow, because he is curious to see what their take is on Casey.  He also did take Casey off a bunch of his medications-- he even gets to try slowly working his way off his anti-seizure med. 

Casey's entire dura is thin-- not just at the one spot the surgeon saw-- this was a huge question answered today.  Thankfully, our neurologist said Case is not the first patient he's seen or had with this complication.  He thinks it most likely a congenital defect that he has had since birth.  There is also the possibility that it could be a genetic disorder.  For Case, he will always be more susceptible to spinal leaks, so he will have to be careful with activities for the rest of his life.  

Everything I just shared with you all is pure gold to us-- these have all been burning questions since the surgery in February. We weren't sure we would get any answers today-- so every bit of this deserves celebrating with full & grateful hearts.  Tonight we were treated to bbq & got to connect with some dear family that happened to be spending a night in town-- so much fun!  And now we lay here & rest, ready for whatever tomorrow brings.

I will give thanks to you, Lord, with all my heart. I will tell of all of your wonderful deeds. Psalm 9:1