Thursday, October 8, 2009

Meet Josie


I said the other day I had found a way to get my kids to look at my blog. All I have to do is post their photographs! So here is Josie. She is Son #1's cat. She is a Norwegian Forest cat and very beautiful. He also has another cat named Cleo, but she is somewhat shy and doesn't come out when he has company or to have her photograph taken.



We had a bit of excitement last week because Son #1 found evidence of a LARGE cat that had been spraying on the wall of his house right where his cats sleep. Fortunately his cats are indoor cats, because right in his area a cougar has been sighted recently! So Son #1 is a little more cautious and alert when he goes out into his back yard. His house has hills and rocks all around it.

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The results of all my tests are now in. The main answer is that I have peripheral neuropathy. Quite a common ailment that simply means a disease of the nerves in the hands, arms, feet and legs. It can be caused by alcoholism, (I don't drink); diabetes, (I don't have that); a high fever, well I did have scarlet fever as a child and Asian flu when I was in college.

The brain MRI shows that I have some small holes where nerve cells should be, but nothing major and not caused by mini strokes. The test for the nerve response in the ears also shows some holes. (So now, not only do I have rocks in my head, I also have holes in my head!) The EMG shows abnormality of feeling in feet and legs. Mostly they never do find any real causes for neuropathy, if I have none of the above, but the 'holes' could well contribute to a lack of balance. So the physical therapy I am now having can help the brain compensate for these balance problems. It certainly is helping because at least I now know where my feet are!

I have to have two more blood tests to make sure none of it is caused by problems with the liver kidneys or pancreas. I really don't think I have any problems there.

It is nice to know that there is nothing seriously wrong, but I must keep doing the small exercises to keep my brain connected to my feet and I have to go back for a check up in 6 months.
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7 comments:

Chely said...

Chris,

Here's a 2 part story I posted about my brother and me back in 2006. I'm sorry to hear of your experience & your health. You will be in my prayers.

Part I
http://chelymelo.blogspot.com/2006/08/1977-my-brother-fide-and-i-went.html#links

Part II
http://chelymelo.blogspot.com/2006_08_08_archive.html

Besitos,

Chely

claude said...

Firstly I want to tell you I hope your healt is better.
Josie is really a beautiful cat.
Take care of yourself.

Anonymous said...

Cougar spraying isn't to be messed with. I would watch the kittys with some care. This one is a winner. Wow. Looks a lot like one my daughter has.

Rune Eide said...

The Norwegian Forest Cat is famous - at least in Norway! The only other natural cat in Norway is the lynx, which is not to be trifled with.

Nice to know that it was not anything SERIOUSLY wrong, but I'm glad to hear that they keep a close look at things.

sandy said...

That cat is gorgeous, love it.

And the holes in your head, join the club. I'm glad this can be helped with physical therapy and really glad you can feel your feet.

take care, and may you be extremely healthy in the future and may all of us be.

Cherdecor said...

A cougar is not to be messed with! I hope they are very careful. Josie is a beautiful cat.

I am glad that they found nothing serious in the tests. Of course, it would have been good if they found nothing at all. It is amazing what they can do with therapy these days.

Morning's Minion said...

I have never heard of that breed of cat--she is very appealing. Such big green eyes--and her white toe-tips look like those on one of our Siamese hybrids.
Health issues are no fun--hopefully these are manageable.