I have Cerebral Small Vessel Disease - so far caused loss of balance

@nancywootten You are certainly off to a good start, you are an inspiration!! Teresa

Thank you Theresa! I’m determined to delay onset of dementia as long as possible! Good luck!!

@nancywootten

All of your activities are very impressive! I just recently finished taking a sign language class. It is a great activity for the mind and the hands! Between your eating habits and lifestyle you sound like you have found ways to be happy. Congratulations on that.

Teresa

At 71, I have similiar issues with balance and fatigue. I steadily increase the use of my cane. It appears my body is slowly wearing out which is a long way from where I was in the younger days. I blame this on Agent Orange exposure during RVN time but, but and but. I can drive but exercise is almost impossible except from a couch. Laying down is immensely more comfortable while walking becomes increasingly diffcult within minutes. Good Luck

Hi Coleen!

All the neurologist I talked to at home and Mayo said a no fat diet was best but that it was not sustainable. They just don’t know me very well at all! I’m a fat free vegan Natzi!! They also suggested another foreign language so I am learning Spanish. Music was suggested so I am learning ukulele. It is a blast. I even joined a beach ukulele group. It’s been a year and I feel no different at all. Just saw local neurologist and I passed all his cognitive tests. That was very exciting for me. I’m living life!!!!

My doctors, all six, recommend fat free diet. It’s very simple but you’ll need an insta pot! Lol!

I have very little problems eating out. I’ve learned to talk to the chef and they love helping me.

I was told brain games were not helpful but to learn a language and music. I’m learning Spanish and ukulele. I think a good attitude is our primary defense . We have already taken steps to improve quality of life by having a really nice fence put up and all new landscaping done. I’m making my home a beautiful place to live!!!! Don’t worry. It’s a waste of life. Live and live all you can while you can.

Hello!! Yes I am doing all I can. I went on a strict fat free vegan diet. It was suggested by neurologist that I learn a language and music. I am learning Spanish and Ukulele. Both are fun and challenging!!! I am doing everything I can do and not worrying about the rest. I’m still managing my own business and teaching sign language. Life is good.

Welcome to Connect, Nancy (@nancywootten).
Somehow I missed your first post on Connect. What an entry. You're attitude and actions are admirable, and we're glad you're here.
Am I understanding correctly that you will be returning to Mayo Clinic in November or December to redo some of the cognitive testing that you did at your first visit? In addition to grabbing life by the tail, enjoying it and keeping up with work, are you also doing specific cognitive exercises? Or is that unnecessary with your level of activity?

I have severe white matter disease also. I had no idea until I got a concussion in a golf cart accident. A brain scan led to an MRI which then led me to Mayo Clinic. I am 68 years old an extremely active. I teach and interpret sign language and am in a band at church. Since my diagnosis I started on a fat-free vegan diet and started learning the ukulele and Spanish. I don't feel like this diagnosis is a death sentence bur rather a new way of looking at my life. I do more, not less. I love more, not less. I want to start a blog about this because so many people do see it as a death sentence when really none of us have a guarantee that our lives won't end TODAY on our way to the store or crossing the street.

I plan on living the dickens out of my life, however long or short it may be. My husband and I have set upon upgrading our home to be a safer place for me and a nicer one. We moved my office into the Florida room so I can look at my newly landscaped back yard while I work. I wonder why I did not always live with this new improved attitude toward life!

I got back to Mayo Clinic in November or December and I'm planning to knock their socks off with my cognitive testing. I know this white matter will catch up with me sooner or later but in my 'in-between' time, I'm living life.

Good luck and may God bless us all!

Nancy

How is your husband doing by now? I am 58 and diagnosed with SVD and quiet frankly very fearful. I'm dizzy much of the time and stutter off and on for periods, then it seems to get better. I hope he is doing okay......