How many business blog posts start with an MRI image of a brain? I mean, it is your biggest asset. It learns, retains, and guides you to your success.
However, today it is not about business. Today is a little more personal.
Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension Symptoms & Diagnosis – My Journey
On Monday, I have an urgent appointment with an optometrist. They need to officially diagnose something that was found during imaging, like the one that opens this post today.
My doctor ordered a brain MRI to rule out major disorders. These disorders could cause some of my recent problems. The problems presented as a nerve impingement in my neck, though. That was our suspicion.
I don’t think anyone expected to see signs of Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension (IIH).
My pituitary gland is being crushed by cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), as observed by a partially “empty” space. My optic nerves (both) are enlarged due to the pressure.
Monday means speaking to an optometrist about testing for IIH. We will then start medication treatments to reduce CSF pressure inside my skull.
I blog about my struggles in my personal blog, Angela J Shupe: I’m Probably Overthinking This… but this is important enough to explain here. It has continually affected my content frequency and needs to be noted.
I have been living with multiple struggles behind the scenes:
- Daily Migraines
- Drug-Like Fatigue
- Grip Weakness (Both Hands)
- Random Shaking of Hands
- Random Muscle Spasms (Whole Body)
- Sporadic Foggy Vision
- Black Spots in Vision During Movement
- Sporadic Blurry/Sleepy-Like Vision
- Sporadic Light Sensitivity
- Lowered O2
- Shortness of Breath
- Frequent Brain Fog
- Hormonal Shifts (previously believed pre-menopausal but now in question)
- Constant Inside Sinus Drainage
- Congested Ears/Ear Drainage
- Sporadic Eardrum Pressure (like a heartbeat of pain)
I’ve had explanations like Obesity Hypoventilation Syndrome, later disproven. My lungs didn’t show significant issues. My heart isn’t great, but the signs weren’t significant enough for the issues I had there.
Every time I thought we had an answer, I had to backtrack. I’ve spent 2 years going, “What the actual heck is going on?!”
I think the majority of those questions are being answered now. I think it is safe to say that IIH is the likely culprit.
The parts of the car weren’t going bad; the steering wheel was being jerked around instead.
Once confirmed, medication can reduce CSF production. That will reduce the number of days I feel those things, but it is not something that will go away.
Lifelong, but can be managed.
However, I need to face the real possibility that I may end up blind. As someone who thrives on crafting and writing, that hit me especially hard. When I learned about my advanced level of degenerative disc disease in my lumbar? It’s likely to put my butt on wheels and I accepted that. I can roll and crochet. I struggle to accept the loss of sight at any point.
Today was supposed to be a “Free Tool Friday” where I share something I made or found. I just want to make stuff using my knowledge and skills, turning it around into a business. It is my passion.
It feels a little like my passions are being pushed around. Fate has decided I need some extra hurdles to jump.
Good thing I have an adaptive personality.
Special Thanks
I would like to thank my PCP and support staff at Bronson Internal Medicine in Battle Creek, Michigan. I followed Nicole when she changed hospital systems because she fights for her patients. She personally invests in every patient she cares for. This is beautiful when so many feel doubted by their medical care team.
She said she would have her office find me the earliest opening with a provider. I must say, the next business day is pretty quick.
Nicole Degraff, PA-C is a woman who works hard because she cares. She is an amazing person.
Angela J Shupe—Stitched Business Solutions 
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