nurafifaali-blog

[nurafifaali-blog]

one of the most adorable illustrations of a cat with coffee

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My cat looking pissed off with the appearance of mini cat. Lol.

[nurafifaali-blog]

My Medical Report

I was diagnosed with Idiopathic Scoliosis at age 16 (2006) and went for Thoracolumbar instrumentation (T11 to L3) fusion with rib autograft. Yearly checks all fine till in 2014, progressive curves about 80° at thoracic spine and Syringomyelia or csyt in spinal cord detected in MRI – monitoring with periodic scans and neurological exams may be all that’s needed; Finally June 2016 proceeding ops for my large curves but Prof request for 1 last test, Brain MRI to look for intracranial causes contributing to my severe scoliosis as part of pre op planning; Results came back with pituitary tumor (macroadenoma) referred to specialists. Plans cancelled. July 2016, First appointment with Endo because any type of pit tumor can affect hormones. Did all the necessary and additional test and again, found out I have rare diseases, Acromegaly; (a disease that causes bone enlargement on our hands, feet, forehead, spine; unfortunately for me, my spine doesn’t know when to stop grows. It does not make me grow taller and goes sideways. Endo discuss with Prof and they confirm the causes of my severe curves (now 102 degree) However, Endo says, Acromegaly develop so slowly inside our body that it can make it difficult to diagnose or even detect. – First treatment is to remove the tumor located at the base of the brain, just to release the pressure pressing onto the optic nerves and meds to control unbalance hormones; August 2016, appointment with Neurosurgeon/ENT; 26th Sept 2016, went for Endoscopic Transsphenoidal surgery. MRI scan every 6 months hoping no tumor returns. Recent appointment with Prof; suggested 4th of May 2017, 3 weeks halo traction to loosen the stiffness before spine corrective surgery On another note, there are people call me names and I was told I looked like a Hunchback of Notre Dame from that Disney movie I wish I’m like the other individuals, successful at first surgeries but it doesn’t matter now 🙂 so to anyone going through tough times, please remember that despite your diagnosis and any pain that comes your way, you will make it through 🌸 🙏

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If I have to make a perfect selfie, it would not be complete without you Mama. Thank you for playing such a great role in my life. Happiest birthday (9th April) to you. I love you Mama 💋

[nurafifaali-blog]

one of the most beautiful qualities of true friendship is to understand and to be understood; these are my favourite moments and humans – in no particular order *