I am a ten year breast cancer survivor; stage I, 1.7cm, no lymph node involvement, estrogen positive to me; I had as treatment 17 CMF chemotherapy, 45 Neupogen shots, 30 radiation treatments and a quadrantectomy. My balance seemed to be off during my second chemo treatment. I told my doctor, I fell often. And in 2001 I fell down stairs, broke a tib/fib, titanium rods implanted and ended up with DVT. I have been walking with a cane since then.Last year was treated for an ear infection, serous otitis media, At the emergency room the doctor said I had bubbles on my eardrum. I was admitted to the hospital, and isolated. One doctor came in and said I had MRSA. I didn’t know what that was. I was treated with many antibiotics and the only one that worked was oxacillin. I was discharged after three days. Afterwards, everything changed. I had two failed 17 year old root canals, numerous antibiotics, kidney stone,more antibiotics, ear doctor treated with more antibiotics, saw a neurologist, said I have cerebellar ataxia. Another said I didn’;t. One neurologist said I had fear of falling. One said it was peripheral neuropathy. One said it was PTSD. I was thankful last year to hear that I did not have a neuro-degenerative disease. I left the state to celebrate, with my walker, my cane and a change of clothes. The third day, I fell off a foot high porch and broke the calcaneous bone and did a 2+ sprain on the left ankle. I returned back to my home with the goal of relearning to walk. However, I again became more imbalanced, my right eye started twitching and wouldn’t stop. The eye doctor today tells me it is convergence. The eye doctor last year, told me nystagmus. I call it my scarry eye and continue to do vestibular therapy. Two months ago, I went on another journey to try and save my life and the quality of my life. A neurosurgeon told me, I have never seen that part of the brain completely gone. You need to go to a stroke center. Another doctor told me I might have a connective tissue disease. I tested positive for anti nuclear AB. Yes, I do have arthiritis. If I have something else I don’t know. Last month I made an appt. with a gastroenterologist, because of unusual bloating and unable to urinate completely. No pain at this point. A week later I end up in the Emergency Room: told you have a 2mm kidney stone; it is in the ureter and should pass into the bladder, you should see a doctor in three days. I saw a urologist, CT scan of abdomen and pelvis. He said maybe you will pass it, if not we will do a lithotripsy and place a stent. By the end of the week I ended up in the ER again. I was admitted. The 2 mm stone now was 5.8 mm and in the ureter. I was given pain meds and stayed in the hospital so my 80 year old mother didn’t have to witness me birthing a stone, Everrbody said it was nothing. I tell you it was painful. Before I was discharged from the hospital, the doctor told me a CT scan revealed it was in my bladder. That all should be okay. I have strained urine, looking for a stone, The urologist says the stone is still in the ureter, and the radiologist read the report wrong. Today, a doctor says, good news, no blood in the urine, Today, I still have problems with bloating and voiding fully. I already have problems with vestibular dysfunction and I believe that this is compromising my life. Symptoms: can’t walk or stand for very long, can’t walk forward without holding on. I do well in a swimming pool but sometimes, even it can be difficult. Is it the ear? IS it another disease? I am exhausted and need help? My eyes have a hard time focussing. I try to exercise, stationary bike and swimming every other day. I used to be a very active person who helped others. Please, someone help me. It is difficult being in this body.Every day I don’t know what it will be like when I get up, good or bad, confident or fright.
