Prism Lights

I snapped a shot of my most favorite place while sitting behind the wheel of my car during a recent rainstorm. With a few editing tweaks, I was able to create this amateur sampling of how my vision gets distorted during a migraine aura. I always describe one as big, flat raindrops pounding down on a car windshield, often intertwined with ricocheting prisms of light reflection. The blinding aura generally lasts 45 minutes, then gives way for an excruciating headache. The kaleidoscope of colors is a beautiful thing...

I Am My Own SUPERHERO!

Four years ago today, I patiently waited for chief neurosurgeon, Dr. Park, to enter the Stanford University Hospital exam room so he could review procedures and instructions prior to my reconstructive neck surgery. The plan, I am pretty sure, was to build me a bionic neck. 😉 His assistant first took me through a series of odd neurological testing (which I failed), then waited in confused expression with me. When Dr. Park finally joined in to hear the fresh test findings, he paused. He asked me one simple question, which I answered. He again (at length) browsed results of my previous surgeon reports, PT progress, blood results, scans, and X-rays. Confidently, he canceled surgery. Although my neck is severely damaged, he said that stenosis is not my underlying problem. He referred me to the neurology staff, ordered more X-rays and another MRI, this one to include my brain and spinal cord with/without contrast. Days later, I received confirmation that I have Multiple Sclerosis. What? Oh! The disease where my own cells attack my own Central Nervous System. Sooo...I can (essentially) kick my own butt! How is that for SUPER POWERS...?!? #msawarenessmonth #mssuperhero #mstryme #antiquatedneurologicalscribble