Today, I had a follow-up appointment with my ENT, 60 days post-Mastoidectomy in January. The healing process is progressing well, with no fluid or swelling, and my doctor assured me that all inflamed mastoid cells and debris were removed. I mentioned that the pain behind my right ear, which I experienced before the surgery, hasn't returned, although my hearing has significantly worsened and the tinnitus persists. He explained that this is normal at this stage, and we will schedule a hearing assessment once I'm six months post-surgery, allowing ample time for healing. I also shared that I'm experiencing unusual side-effects, including twitching in my right eye and cheek, which has become more frequent and noticeable, though not painful. At this point, he informed me about a discovery made during the surgery: "benign skeletal muscle and dense fibrous tissue with mild ischemic changes," typically caused by inadequate blood flow. I'm aware of my circulation issues, as they have led to Avascular Necrosis in both hips. Reduced blood flow to the neck and head can cause severe issues like early dementia, strokes, and memory problems. Consequently, I've scheduled an appointment with my Neurologist for May 27th, as earlier slots were unavailable due to my surgery on the 19th. I've worked diligently to lower my A1C below 7.7 to proceed with my right hip replacement, which was postponed because my A1C exceeded 7.7. I'm thrilled to have achieved a 7.3, allowing me to move forward with the hip replacement. I’m hesitant to reschedule it for a neurologist appointment that might be unnecessary, yet I'm uneasy about prioritizing my hip over a potential head issue. It feels like each doctor visit uncovers more problems than I initially had.
I haven't had much time to reflect on this, but I did a Google search since I can't see my neurologist yet, and my mind won't rest until I do. Here's what Google AI states:
"Mixed Connective Tissue Disease (MCTD) can indeed affect small blood vessels throughout the body, including those in the head, potentially leading to reduced blood flow and causing ischemic changes (tissue damage due to lack of oxygen) in the brain due to its impact on the microvasculature; this is considered a potential neurological complication of MCTD, although not always present in every patient. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6]
Vasculitis involvement: MCTD is characterized by inflammation of blood vessels (vasculitis), which can affect small blood vessels in various organs, including the brain. [3, 5, 7]
Raynaud's phenomenon: A common symptom of MCTD is Raynaud's phenomenon, where blood vessels in the fingers and toes constrict in response to cold, which can be a manifestation of the underlying vasculopathy affecting smaller blood vessels. [3, 5]
Microvascular ischemic disease: When small blood vessels in the brain are affected by MCTD, it can lead to microvascular ischemic disease, causing reduced blood flow to brain tissue and potential ischemic changes. [1, 2, 3]
Headaches: Frequent or severe headaches can be a presenting symptom in some MCTD patients due to reduced blood flow to the brain. [6, 8]
Cognitive difficulties: Memory problems, difficulty concentrating, and slowed thinking can occur as a result of brain ischemia. [1, 2, 9]
Visual disturbances: Changes in vision, blurred vision, or visual field defects may also be present. [6, 7, 8]
Stroke-like symptoms: In severe cases, MCTD related vasculitis could lead to stroke-like symptoms due to blockage of larger blood vessels in the brain. [1, 2, 9]
Blood tests: Identifying the presence of specific antibodies like anti-U1 RNP, which is associated with MCTD, is crucial for diagnosis. [3, 10]
Imaging studies: Brain imaging techniques like MRI can help assess for potential ischemic changes in the brain. [1, 2, 9]
Treatment: Managing MCTD primarily focuses on managing inflammation with medications like corticosteroids and immunosuppressants, which may also help improve blood flow to the brain. [3, 7, 11]"
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