Thread by @__Granuaile__

I'm turning 45 this week.

I just learned I have cognitive impairment akin to early stage Dementia or Alzheimers usually seen in someone 30 - 40 years older than i am.

I'm loosing it y'all.

#stroke
#LongCovid
#LongCovidBrainDamage

Had a cognitive/memory assessment done today w one of my neuro.

They are trying to access the extent of the damage from the strokes & subsequent brain damage & progression.

My memory loss is getting much worse. I forget everything.

Everything.

I have damage in frontal lobe, basal ganglia, progressive #encephalomalacia in right parietal lobe, volume loss, lesions throughout brain & brain stem, 4 inoperable 🧠 #aneurysms, mass around pineal gland & #chiari.

My brain's ravaged from #strokes & Covid.

I had pushed for this assessment because my doctors kept telling me that they didn't think I had that as much cognitive impairment as I thought because was able to still communicate with them effectively though slowed & w broken speech at times.

They were gaslighting me, saying it probably wasn't as bad as I perceived it to be.

Now that I have had a proper evaluation, they see that I have severe impairment & and agree that I'm seriously not ok.

I've been referred for a more in depth evaluation soon.

It's been 2 years since my 1st stroke that I have been complaining about cognitive decline & memory loss.

2 yrs that i have been trying to get help & dismissed.

Now, they tell me they recognize I need help & will listen.

Why weren't my 20+ brain scans showing damage enough proof?

Why did it take 2 years of fighting to get this assessment done to be listened to?

Why won't doctors listen to their patients??

I deserve a fucking apology from every doc that told me I was not as bad off as I thought I was.

Bet, I'm gonna go crazy old lady on some of them next time I see them.

I've fucking earned it.

Just blame it on the dementia.

Idk where to go from here.

I'm scared as hell to be honest.

I've already lost so much.

Memories slipping away, names, faces, important things ya know?

Things I reaaaally want to remember are gone.

I forget my grandchildrens names.
I forget how old my children are.
I forget how old I am.
I forget the simplest things &
the most important things.

I wish I could choose what I forget and keep the good stuff.

#mybrainisbroken
#LongCovid
#LongCovidBrainDamage

Thank you all for your kind words & messages.

It really warms my ❤️ to have such amazing support from all of you.

Ppl have asked what they can do to help.

If you are able, please donate or share for visibility.

Every little bit helps!

gofund.me/b79e8a34