|
2004/09/06, 01:23 AM
I know that it’s been quite a while, and you probably believ that I really did fall off the face of the earth this time, but it’s been quite the ride these last 7 months.
As you may recall, I was having some problems with my hypoglycemia, maintaining my blood sugar levels; I kept “crashing” (too low). I have had this problem in the past, but never so frequent, often several times in a week. I adjusted my diet, and it seemed to level off, but, in reality, it hadn’t. Within two weeks, the episodes started back again, but, this time, with a vengeance. Basically, what would happen is that I would “black out,” that is, even though my eyes would be open, I would lose all sense of reality. Friends and family that witnessed these episodes state that my personality would fall into one of several categories: exhaustion/lethargy; paranoia/hallucinations; or anger. And, many times, these would be followed by levels of hyperactivity. Another problem with these is that I wouldn’t remember entire segments of time (or, if I did, it would only be fragmented, and would resemble trying to recall a dream). Sometimes, several hours, and almost entire days, would past that I wouldn’t remember. I have been averaging about 4-5 of these episodes per week. I started going to a doctor in mid-April.
With the first few months of poking and prodding, and a whole slew of tests, I was diagnosed with a dime-sized tumor on the right side of my brain. This set into motion a whole new onslaught of tests, and, before I knew it, I was consulting two neurologists and a neurosurgeon on what my possible options may be, including some pretty radical invasive actions.
More tests were done, with the results being semi-good news and bad news. First, the growth is most likely not tumorous, and it may not be the cause for these episodes, so no action is going to be taken on it for now. It will just be something that I will have to monitor throughout my life. Now, not having my skull cut open anytime in the near future was the best news for me. But the problem is, we still don’t know why these attacks are happening.
So, over the last 7 months, I have been to seven doctors, numerous labs, etc., and have been run through batteries of tests, including MRIs, EEGs, EKGs, and blood panels. This is where I’m at right now. The current prognosis is that I have some sort of Epilepsy. As possible side effects of this, several other problems have surfaced:
My hypoglycemia is completely out of whack. In the test, my blood sugar level dropped from 140 to 50 in one hour (with the normal range being from 90 to 120). Also, my HDL (good cholesterol) is dangerously low. With mine being a 5 (the lowest it’s supposed to be is a 9), I could be a prime heart disease patient, unless I get it raised. Both of these, with a few other concerns, are currently being addressed, so we’ll see how it works out.
As you could imangine, being hit with the whole brain thing out of nowhere was quite the shock to the system. These last few months have taken quite a toll on me: I have lost over 20 pounds; my driving license was suspended pending the confirmation of a diagnosis and successful treatment of the episodes, so I’ve been relying on rides from friends and family. Since these episodes can occur at any time, anywhere, and for an unknown length of time, I have become quite the recluse; totally not the way I used to be. And, this being probably the most difficult, I have had to suspend all of my expansion phases for my company, and relinquish daily operations of my current company.
Now, you know as much as I do, as well as why I haven’t been my usual extrovert self. I will keep you updated on as much as possible. But first, I want to give a huge "Thank you" to George and Adrian for keeping me on board, even though I haven't been online in soooo long. And also, thanks in advanced for the support from the most awesome family on the 'net!!
I'm back, and all would-be evil-posters......... BEWARE! :big_smile:
--------------
Michael
Trample the weak; hurdle the dead!
Chaos, Panic, Disorder.... Yes, my work here is done!
rev8ball@freetrainers.com
|
|
|
|
2004/09/06, 02:02 AM
it's so great to see you back! ft has missed you more than you can imagine.
i can't believe everything you've been through in the past 7 months. that has got to be some kind of all-time record for the longest string of unfortunate events, but i know everyone is glad to hear that you're ok.
even in your absence you've continued to be a presence on this site. in fact, the last comment posted in my gallery made a reference to you, so if you needed any proof...
welcome back!!! :big_smile::big_smile::big_smile::big_smile:
--------------
i wish you ill, ice-t.
margarine is a liar who announces, "i am butter!"
|
|
2004/09/06, 03:20 AM
Michael welcome back big guy!! us slackers in the powerlifting forum have missed you. I hope that your ordeal comes to some a good end. Just look at it the way I do the trials of the mythological hero. :dumbbell: Mike
--------------
I am that
which must be feared, worshipped and adored. The world is mine
now and forever.No one holds command over me. No man. No god. I am ANIMAL! and that is enough.
|
|
2004/09/06, 07:27 AM
Wow that is definately a roller coaster ride you've been on. I'm sure there'll be a positive end in sight after all these tests sometime soon. Hope to see you back with a vengeance in the near future and take care of yourself.
|
|
2004/09/06, 10:06 AM
Hey Michael, all I can say is welcome home and glad you are back here with us.
--------------
"A will finds a way, failure is not an option"
Ivan
carivan@freetrainers.com
Montreal Canada
|
|
2004/09/06, 04:30 PM
I think I joined just when you left off, but I've heard all about you and I'm sorry you've had such a rough time of it, glad to see you back :)
|
|
2004/09/08, 02:41 AM
Thanks, guys, for all of your remarks and emails. You have NO idea how much it means to me to be missed.
A big "thanks".....
--------------
Michael
Trample the weak; hurdle the dead!
Chaos, Panic, Disorder.... Yes, my work here is done!
rev8ball@freetrainers.com
|
|
2004/09/08, 08:44 AM
I guess we all missed you and we are HAPPY to have you back!! :love:
--------------
- Nina :o) Les Victoires éternelles sont celles du coeur.
www.nme-pro.com
|
|
2004/09/08, 11:47 AM
Our prayers and well wishes go with you big guy!
--------------
**_Robert_**
Pain is temporary; glory is forever!
E-mail: rpacheco@freetrainers.com
|
|
2004/09/08, 02:24 PM
Good to hear you are okay, hope it all gets worked out soon!!! We missed you, big guy!
--------------
"Achieving worthwhile goals requires a consistent investment of time and effort on your part....The rewards you receive will be in direct proportion to the consistent effort you put forth."
Brian Johnston, The Power of The Champions
|
|
2004/09/10, 01:05 PM
Wow, I just read this post!! God bless you Rev, I sincerely hope all is now well with you and your family(they for sure share in the pain). Best of luck to you bro, and keep us up to date. I am as I am sure all of us do wish you nothing but the best.
--------------
If you don't stand for something, you will fall for anything....
bb1fit@freetrainers.com
|
|
2004/09/15, 03:07 PM
Wow! What an ordeal you've been through. Sure hope things get better for you soon.
Good to see you back here - hasn't been the same without you kickin our butts :angry::big_smile:
:dumbbell:
Get well
|
