Andi - A Probable Diagnosis

Andi went to the neurologist this morning and he believes she has Post Viral Acute Disseminated Encephalmyeltis. ADEM usually resolves itself with 6 months to a year, possibly with some life long residual effects though. She will probably continue to have flare ups as her body heals. The treatment involves massive doses of steroids, which she has already had while in the hospital.

The doctor thinks she got a virus and her body just went crazy trying to fight the virus. Andi's body has always been hypersensitive to things. Such as the reaction she had when she got into the greenery at the greenhouse where she worked in the summers. Most people would have gotten a little itchy- she ended up in the ER having to have help breathe.

I didn't blog about this before, but last week, we were back in the ER after Andi woke up Thursday morning with vision problems. She said her right eye was like it had a gray film over it and she had on drunk goggles. Her vision gave her problems for about 3 days before clearing up.

She continues to have sporadic speech issues. Not slurring, but where you can tell she has to work to make the words come out. Additionally, she is having depth perception issues and is off balance at times.

She is scheduled for 2 follow up MRIs next week. They will do one on her neck and one on her spinal cord. She will return to the neurologist in a month.

The doctor is not ruling out Multiple Sclerosis at this time, however, he is leaning strongly toward ADEM. If, in the next few months, this doesn't seem to be straightening itself out, he is talking about sending Andi to Mayo Clinic. Continued prayers for Andi are appreciated.