nueorpsych results

[luverofrogs]

I got my results from the neuropsychological exam in the mail today.  I'm shocked and stunned that I only tested 7th grade level for math:o(.  I won awards in school for math and was in the higher math classes in high school.  I showed problems with short term memory and attention. I showed relative weaknesses in tasks requiring attention, working memory, incidental learning, verbal list learning and verbal list recall.  My math score being so low was also mentioned with this.  I had lower results with my dominate hand then my nondominate hand on the finger tapping and peg board tests.  My grip strength with my right(dominate) was higher than my left.  She said that she didn't feel I showed significant signs of depression.  She said that I did show mild signs of anxiety, but that those were physical and related to my longstanding medical concerns such as numbness, tingling and unsteady gait.  She said that I may be experiening changes in my attention/concentration, verbal list learning and memory.  She said that the etiology of these findings is unknown, but that many facotrs may be contributing to these findings such as a possible underlying medical disorder, medications, psychosocial status, fatigue, chronic pain, etc.  She said that imaging studies were pending at the time of my exam that may clarify the etiology of these findings.  she recommeded a review of my medications and their side effects. She recommended that I continue to use lists and consistent routines to help cope with my attention and memory problems.  She also suggested that I may benefit from cognitive/behavior therapy to address issues related to my medical symptoms and the resultant emotional distress and impact on my daily life. When she and I were talking after my exam, she was talking like I'd need another exam in 6 years.  Her report recommends one in one year, sooner if warranted.  :o(.

My appointment with my neurologist to find out my MRI results and get his diagnosis is on Monday at 3.  

I'm sad.  It's pretty much what I was expecting but is still sad to know for sure that I am declining.  It's nice to have confirmation that it's definitely not my imagination...but on the other hand is sad for me to see it in writing too.  It makes me wonder what happens from here.  I knew that I was struggling with things I never used to struggle with.  I knew that I was declining and the areas that I said I felt I was declining in are the same areas that the tests showed except the math part blows me away.

I'm nervous about Monday.  I'm not sure whether I'm more afraid that the MRI will be normal and I'll be left in the same boat I am in now...or getting a diagnosis of MS (what he's looking for and what we expect at this point).  As ready as I think I may be to hear that, I'm sure it's going to throw me for a loop.  If the MRI is normal and he can't give me a diagnosis even though other tests are abnormal, I'm almost certainly going to cry.

[luverofrogs]

(((((((CJ)))))))))  I feel for you too.  It's really a scary place to be in:o(.  Hang in there.

[ohwild]

So sorry you are having so many probs I really feel for you, Ive just gone back to work and i'm in trouble because I cant remember things like how to use the work pc. they just think im stupid because i forgot stuff. so big hug to you hope it works out
CJ

[luverofrogs]

Thank you all for the support and suggestions:o).  I really appreciate it.

I can't really take college classes right now.  I have two little kids with no one to watch them.  I've got too much to do right now with the move coming up and everything to be able to commit to classes too.

I do use puzzle books, play memory games and take my kids to places like museums when I can.  I am an avid cook when I'm well.  Even that math has become very difficult for me and I've been using it regularly for years.  When I started noticing myself declining, I've tried to both fight back and to cope. I am trying.  I will continue to try:o).

[luverofrogs]

I was very nervous prior to the test too.  It is like a marathon for the brain and is designed to discover your limits.  Give everything your best effort and if it is truly too much for you to handle at any time, just speak up so you can have a break as soon as possible.  Trying to stay calm is important too.  Some of the testing is bound to be a little fun.  I know that there were parts of it that I thought were neat and a bit fun.  I do highly recommend having someone drive you to and from the test and not making plans after the test.  I slept on the way home.  I ate dinner at hubby's insistance and went to bed.

My biggest fears turned out to be unfounded.  For the most part, my results validated what I've been telling people I was concerned about.  People around me kept shrugging off my concerns telling me that everyone has these things happen.  They weren't getting that it's not a momentary laspe that everyone has sometimes because they are busy or stressed or something.  I knew that these things were happening to me and it was very scary at times.  I felt like I was losing my mind at times and no one was really hearing me when I was voicing my concerns.  This testing showed that I am truly struggling in those areas...and in math, which did surprise me.  

Ask away any questions you may have.  ((((Rena)))))

[monotreme]

I am so sorry for the report.  I understand your anguish at the lower math scores, being someone who always was great at math.

I would have to agree with the suggestion to keep your brain active and do whatever you can in that regard.  Puzzles, non credit college courses, going to museums etc.  Maybe even take a college math course?

Please don't give up.  Hopefully you can delay this by taking action now.

Best to you,
Elaine

[Rena705]

I have to undergo a neuropsych evaluation in the future and I am so glad that you shared this with us.  I am sorry that your results are not what you had hoped for but at least you know where you stand, what your deficits are and you can start to work to improve the problem areas.  Please know that we are behind you and I hope that your appointment on Monday garners you the results  you are expecting, no surprises!

I am rather nervous about this test myself but I haven't even had an indication of when the test might be so I can relax for a while.  I will let you know when it comes up and will probably have a few questions at that time ok?

Again, I hope that this test is going to give you positive results in that you now have the information you need to fight back and please know we are all behind you in that ok?

Lots of Hugs,

Rena

[wishforchange]

Cry for as long as you need, and when you need a break, plot your next move.  If you're thinking is slowing, fight back.  Get yourself a pile of puzzle books, sign up for an Open University course, practice memory games and have a bash at the daily crosswords.  Your brain is NOT going to get the better of you.  Next time you see this consultant, you will have her amazed.  Please don't give up.  A test result like this is devastating, but it is a glimpse of you in a moment in time. I really want to hear you getting on top of this.  But have that cry first.  I share only a little about myself on this site, but with my problems went one of the greatest loves of my life.  Every day my motivation is to get that capacity back.  In between either being dismissed or being told I will only ever degenerate more is the little goal at the back of my head, which keeps me from going under completely.  You need to find that goal too.  Not now, not while you are hurting so much, but when you have got the initial whack of despair out of your system.  Message me any time and we can talk if you like.

[luverofrogs]

Crying along with me sounds wonderfully supportive to me.  I wish those around me to person understood that.  Thank you:o).

[Heather3418]

When I read your post "I" was crying.  Oh honey, I can imagine how you felt when you read that report.  Is is true that it is good to know what's wrong and shows your decline, but it hurts to read it in black and white.

I was going to try and comfort you with my post, but if you don't mind, I think I am going to cry right along with you.

Hugs sweetheart,
Heather

[luverofrogs]

(((((((((Sunnytoday)))))))))  I hope you get answers soon too.

[Sunnytoday]

Big, bigs (((hugs))))!! That is tough to deal with!!

I'm still in college and I went from a straight A student to making bottom C's and not being able to add or alphabetize... and my teachers looked at me and said  "perhaps it's whatever they are testing for, becuase this isn't right".

Again, I feel for you, seing it in writing is tough.

I truly hope you find answers.

I'm praying for ya!
(((hugs)))
~Sunnytoday~