Looking inside my brain

Cold today but sunny. Awake for two of eight and a quarter hours sleep. A fair night's sleep? It doesn't feel like it. When I got up I didn't take all my meds in one go, but in stages before and after eating and drinking lots of water to see what difference it would make to the usual morning woozy thick headed feeling. Well, maybe. Drinking enough water seems to be most important.

After breakfast Clare went to her study group meeting in Penarth. I wrote a reflection for New Year's Eve Morning Prayer, then cooked lunch in time for her return. With a hospital appointment at four, and being uncertain about the best route to take by bus to UHW, I ended walking there instead - fifty five minutes. So I must have been feeling better, and the weather though cold was pleasant for walking.

I met cardio consultant Dr Hughes. We recognised each other, as he was the medic who took charge of me in  A&E the day after I had the stroke. Thanks to him I saw a screenshot of the MRI brain scan confirming the presence of a clot on my occipital lobe that caused the stroke symptoms. He conducted a physical examination with a class of student medics to start with before revealing the scan findings. Despite my condition, skin to concussion, I noticed and was impressed by his skill as an observer teaching others how to observe. 

During our conversation, he showed me the detailed 3D recording of that MRI scan showing the position of the clot just above the top of the spinal column at the base of my brain. It's only recently that I saw a similar recording of Clare's brain scan - in better condition than mine. We talked about the problems I've been having with different medications making me feel worse. He was willing if necessary to prescribe aspirin plus an additional medication whose side effects wouldn't have such an impact. On further thought he considered that the combination of morning meds may be causing the problem, and proposed spacing them out across the day, as a way of observing which of the meds has a noticeable negative impact. He's going to write to my GP recommending spacing the three things I need to take during the day is written on the prescription.

This session I found most helpful. I felt heard and my concerns understood. I came away feeling lighter and optimistic about a way forward with treatment that doesn't leave me feeling worse. I took a bus into town, then caught another back to Pontcanna after a chilly wait outside the Holiday Inn. On the way home I chatted with Owain, and then separately with Rachel, both relieved to hear my good news. Owain has been recommended taking a food supplement to aid mental clarity and sharpness and taking a test for vitamin D deficiency, as this can be a problem that impacts on metabolism and brain function. I'm willing to try anything that might improve the way I've been feeling this past couple of months. What most affects my brain however, is short nights of interrupted sleep week after week. If only a medication routine could be found that reduced me having to get up for a pee almost hourly, that would change everything.