Vincent J Cataldi -- Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53202 - USA
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Below is a summary description I wrote to friends

Honest Tidbits as requested

 
It started about 2.5 years ago and danced about masked as the knot, in fact I am shocked it was not the knot (I had too). A left toe went purple with pain one day and was fine the next day.  Days later a different toe, and the pattern went to the fingers. Two years ago it was painful to walk and walking was no longer automatic - I thought my left leg forward only consciously. 
 
1.5 years ago I went to old friend (orthopedic specialist) because lots of the left foot was purple and icy cold.  I went to assure blood flow adequate to prevent clots and was told ok but go see neurologist. His big concern was super topical pain on the entire left torso, which got outrageously painful but only to the lightest possible touch. A drop of water or the shirt going on, but only as it was going on, and once on, nothing hurt because it was already being touched.
 
By last June things progressed enough for me to find the neurologist (This nice man refuses to take my money) who wanted scans.  The next two months I ran around looking for a way to do so.  I was 200$ over the yearly limit for indigent help, and I was indigent because our bank fell on 9-11 and we lost four years of work.  I tried to get a job for insurance but my honesty prevented that.
 
So I had to wait for Jan 1 so I could file taxes to prove I am broke enough for help.  That was my choice because things were stable, and I wanted to protect my fathers home and his security.  Thanksgiving or so got rougher but I was so close to the end of the year that I waited, and thus the scans last week.
 
At this point I can hardly walk two blocks sober though coming home is much easier. From elbows and knees down I am icy cold, too numb to feel, and chronically cramped. Imagine me unable to tolerate a back scratch, and too nauseous to eat with comfort.  I am building my character exploring pain. 
 
It seemed the knot at first, them I began to suspect MS type problems.  Lisa I almost called you many times but worried about drawing upon your insider knowledge without knowing what I was talking about.  I also assumed if it was ms, what could I do any way.
 
I am still trying to figure out what is up, and what this may all mean.  I must finish taxes and GAMP application by Wednesday and hopefully next test can begin in about two weeks. 
 
Sorry this truth is brutal, but my love for you two requires forthright honesty, I know this causes pain for you.
 
The good news is that my head feels fine - so there is no problem smiling. 

enZo

How do you feel?  Is this problem affecting you daily?  Sounds painful, but is it actually?   How did you find out?  Something you noticed initially or in a regular check-up?  Is it something that developed over time or gotten worse with time?  Can’t you give me just a few more tidbits of information?  Glad to hear the problem was not caused by your knot, and yes, ironic.

 

Please keep me posted.  Also, let me know what I need to do to ensure private emails.

 

> Gosh, Vince, this isn't what we expected, is it?  Don't be scared - this is the
> time to be the best explorer you can be.  Get lots of opinions; learn everything
> you can about your situation.  Surgery is not always the only option.  I want to
> hear this chapter and verse, do you understand? 

Vincent J. Cataldi - medical status journal - GHAC