Utter bafflement

Discerning readers will has seen occasional references to Carol's declining health these last months. It's always difficult walking the narrow line between over and under-sharing. And personal over-sharing can be a killer on blogs!  However, as many local friends already know, Carol was engaged with the long- covid research team for 7 months in the early part of this year. Because brain fog and limb weakness is associated with Long Covid - Carol suffered badly from Covid early 2020 - it was thought that this could explain her condition.  But it became very obvious in the team research that something more complex was happening.

She was then transferred to the 7 month waiting list for the memory clinic. After one disappointing postponement we were given the date November 5th. Since Carol has only dressed and left the house once (briefly) since July 17th. it was agreed she should receive a home visit.  You can imagine how much I pinned my hopes on this visit that, at last, it might provide a clear diagnosis!  The nurse consultant was very thorough and impressed me by the care she took with both me and Carol separately during 90 minutes.  Carol's excessive sleeping, weight loss and memory lapses were carefully chronicled.  At the conclusion, while still in bed upstairs, Carol undertook a long memory test. And, wait for it....she answered most of the questions slickly and accurately. The consultant expressed surprise that she responded so well. So did I! . 

This cognitive display clearly puzzled the consultant. Indeed, she found the situation utterly baffling. It meant, she said, that it was impossible for her to explain this range of symptoms. She concluded that the only way for us to make progress is for Carol to receive a scan at the hospital, which will then be examined by a cross-specialism team.  I have no idea how long we wait for a scan, and you can probably sense some frustration!  I am immensely grateful for the prayers and care of so many friends and though I don't expect to have any news to share for a while, I shall pen a post when the bafflement is resolved or, at least, less baffling!