MY HEALTH and a FACE CREAM!

February 6, 2020 166 Comments

CAN YOU SPY A FACE DESCENDING THE STEP?

HERE HE COMES……………

THE BIG JOY OF MY LIFE!

BANKSY BOY!

Who knew a PIG could be such a SMILE MAKER!

This week I had a call from ANIMAL SERVICES telling me that I WANTED TO SURRENDER MY PIG!

I said, WHAT DID YOU SAY?(I was driving and missed a word or TWO!)She repeated the reason for her phone call and I said this is a HOAX!I would NEVER SURRENDER THIS PIG.I heard a lot of relief in her voice as I went on to tell her HIS MANICURIST FLYS IN FROM TEXAS EVERY FEW MONTHS to do his nails and dental work!She then confirmed my name and email and cell number!SO, THE HOAX~ETTE had all my personal information!

I MUST KNOW HER!

Can you BELIEVE someone has time to do these MALICIOUS CHARADES!!!?

Giving YOU ALL an UPDATE on my HEALTH BATTLE.

Letting you know I have had TWO BAD, BAD MONTHS of EPISODES and EYES GOING!

Most of you have been around for awhile but a few of you are NEW so this is the LOW DOWN!

AS of this past NOVEMBER I have entered year FOUR of what I call EPISODES!

AN EPISODE IS WHERE I LOSE MY VISION AND FEEL FAINT!

Let’s just say I reached out to my old Medical doctor who has GREAT COMPASSION and she got the ball rolling by calling my other doctors!I had recently seen my CARDIOLOGIST on JAN 7th.I had gone to PILATES and than NORDSTROMS to have a salad and try on some NEW BRAS ( EXCITING!) before heading over to the MEDICAL BUILDING.

I was DOWN for about 40 minutes as my eyes went and I couldNOT SEE nor OPEN THEM!

I had an EXCELLENT SALES GIRL by the name of AUDREY!

She took control and said ,”Hold on to my hand.I’m going to put you in the dressing room next door there is a long chaise you can lie on.”I’ll get your things don’t worry!She guided me into the other fitting room and called out to another sales associate to bring water!She checked on me every 10 minutes or so………a young thing that had her wits about HER and took CONTROL!

I made it to the medical building a little WOBBLY and of course with a mild headache.

I told the gal at the front desk I should have my blood pressure taken as I had just had one of my Episodes, would that be possible.

She went to look for someone.

After about 10 minutes she came back saying they were all coming back from lunch and no one was available!!!!!

REALLY?

FINE.The EPISODE was over an hour ago when this all started and of course she has no idea how important that information would be!

Cardiologist arrives barely looks at me.To busy looking and typing on computer.

Almost forgot to listen to my heart until the “VISIT” was over!

DID you know they do this now through your clothing?!

AGAIN I was asked by a CARDIOLOGIST of the medical industry ,”WHAT ARE YOU DOING HERE?”

That is TWICE now I have been asked THAT QUESTION the other time was in the EMERGENCY ROOM.

WHAT HAS HAPPENED TO BEDSIDE MANNER AND COMPASSION?

Don’t people become DOCTORS Because they want to HELP PEOPLE?

I’m SO SORRY or lets look at this again would go along way for this 59 and a half year old!

OH NO NONE OF THAT!

Well, I say” I’m in year FOUR of these EPISODES and I have not seen YOU IN A YEAR:I thought maybe we should repeat some of the tests.”

His answer was a flat”NO.”

With reasons that this test and that test had been done in 2018 or 2019.

To pacify me he did say he could put another Heart Monitor on me.

I reply,” I just had one put on two months ago in October!”

WE found out I have AFIB, irregular heat beats, and something else that escapes me!

But that does not seem to be a concern!

After that phone call we changed my heart medicine from METOPROLOL, which I have been on for 20 years to a Beta Blocker called SOTALOL.I have noticed I’m not as tired nor as off balance with this new drug.That there were possible side effects and other unpleasant consequences, but I thought that one pill wouldn’t cause anything bad. TO think I have been dragging for the last 20 years because of a medicine really SHAKES ME UP!

I just googled METOPROLOL it says at the end………to prevent headaches in those with MIGRAINES!

ANYHOW, I feel a bit better OVERALL.

But these EPISODES are coming OFTEN NOW like every other day.

After an EPISODE HITS I am worthless meaning I get a headache and feel like a TRUCK has hit me.

SO, back to my old MD who spoke with my NEUROLOGIST and he thinks I have BASILAR MIGRAINES.

I had been told it could be COMPLEX MIGRAINES, but I had never heard the word BASILAR before as I would REMEMBER THAT WORD TOO SIMILAR TO BASIL which makes PESTO for us to EAT!

Because I am desperate, hardly leaving the house, feel awful every day and am now scared to go out in public without MY ITALIAN.

Remember I am gluten free, diary free and yeast free.

No alcohol No wine For OVER A YEAR!

Gluten Free bread has YEAST in it so I eat GRAIN FREE BREAD that costs $8.00 a loaf.

I cannot have Vinegar on my salad because it has YEAST!

I just gave up my ONE coffee a day!

Since, caffeine is not GOOD for the MIGRAINES.

This is the part where I want you to feel SORRY FOR ME as my wedding rings are falling off as well!

I have lost my appetite for FOOD in GENERAL.

THIS IS NO WAY TO LIVE!

FOOD IS AN EVERY DAY ENJOYMENT.NOT FOR ME ANYMORE.

ANYHOW……… here is our correspondence!

I write an EMAIL TO MY NEUROLOGIST:

DEAR DOCTOR,

I spoke with Doctor X and she told me your theory of BASILAR MIGRAINES.

What is the next step?

I have had Three Episodes in the past month where the eyes couldn’t focus for at least 40 minutes.

Dec.4,at lunch walking to table.

Dec.28th, worst one ever at dinner party

Jan.7th in fitting room at Nordstrom’s

In the last 12 days just the EYES have lost focus FIVE Times have left me with a mild headache.

Please advise.

Had eyes checked yesterday.All good there.

Wearing Heart Monitor for 30 days at the moment.

I would love to feel better so done with this after FOUR YEARS!

Look forward to hearing from YOU.

Should I make an appointment to see YOU?

THANK YOU,

ELIZABETH

Meanwhile, I called before hearing back and the receptionist would not give me an appointment without talking to the doctor first.You can imagine MY FEELINGS on THAT one!

NEUROLOGIST RESPONSE TO ME THE PATIENT.

This is the same diagnosis we discussed every time I have seen you.

The options are all medications and the Choices are as follows:

1)topamax – you tired this and had bad side effects

2)depakote- you had tried this and apparently it was sedating

3)verapamil – I don’t believe you have tried this

4)Other anticonvulsants(such as lamotrigine)- I think less likely to help than verapamil

Dress was orange!I can still recall this photo being taken.

Interesting way to respond to someone who is having DIFFICULTIES LIVING from DAY to DAY!

SO, I’m now on VERAPAMIL………..and it seems to be WORKING!

THIS IS A SEIZURE MEDICATION.

This is only day 11 but I’m hopeful!

When I picked up this medication I felt awful.I informed the pharmacist and he pointed to a desk where I can get my blood pressure read.After waiting 15 minutes maybe longer a perky young thing came out to get me.My blood pressure was 109/59 and that was when I was feeling a WEE BIT BETTER.She told me she would send the results to my MD and to have a good day!I had mentioned I was feeling SO BAD before that I did not think I could drive home.There is no concern or helpful chit chat like do you want to stay here for awhile before heading out…………. just ON TO THE NEXT PERSON!

AS of TODAY I have not heard from my doctor about the blood pressure which was taken on January 28th,2020.

So,TEN DAYS AGO.Maybe it was not a concern?An email checking in with me would have been nice.A follow up to a scare I had?

I have LOW BLOOD PRESSURE TO BEGIN WITH BUT IT IS NORMALLY IN THE RANGE OF 122/72.

My Pulse has been high these past couple of years like 91.And that’s after sitting for 45 minutes.

I had originally dismissed the MIGRAINE Theory because I could function, but this ALL STARTED FOUR YEARS AGO with me waking up from sleep to start the day with HEADACHES.

Time will tell……………let’s HOPE this is MY DRUG.

ON TO OTHER NEWS!

BELOW A COMMENT LEFT ON MY BLOG.

This made me SMILE and LAUGH, since A WOMAN recently MADE FUN OF MY HIGH PITCHED VOICE!

SHE told me “NOT TO SPEAK TO HER IN THAT HIGH PITCHED VOICE!”

I replied, but that is MY VOICE!

“NO IT’S NOT! THEY DONOT TEACH YOU to talk like THAT IN SCHOOL!”

THOSE OF YOU WHO KNOW ME KNOW THAT IS THE REAL ME!

NO FAKE VOICE HERE!

I have been teased about my voice my entire LIFE.Something I have learned to live with.

SORRY IF IT OFFENDS YOU!

I have a PRODUCT to SHARE with YOU.

Another READER of the BLOG a MS. VALERIE sent me a cream for my face months ago and I just placed a re-order!The owner has sent me MORE PRODUCT than I ORDERED and I was SO THRILLED AND TOUCHED by her kind words.THIS WOMAN follows me on ON instagram and her FIRST NAME is FLOWER!

(I do know another FLOWER who is an ITALIAN MAN named FIORE!)

A VERY SPECIAL MAN.

BUT

Back to MY STORY,Flower is an off grid gal living in VERMONT.

SHE makes her own POTIONS from her off grid

VERMONT MOUNTAIN APOTHECARY!

We recently had a nice back and fourth messaging.

FLOWERS WORDS BELOW.

“Your symptoms remind me of a client of mine who would lose her vision and it always followed with a headache for a day or two.

I worked with her and after a couple of tries I found the root of her symptoms.For her it was a pinched nerve in her neck that pressed on her upper spine.This connected to her ocular nerve.This may not be your situation but it definitely sounds like you are experiencing a disruption in blood flow to your ocular line which connects to pressure in your brain/head.”

THIS SOUNDS EXACTLY LIKE WHAT IAM EXPERIENCING!

Leave it to INSTAGRAM and MY BLOG READERS to HELP ME MORE than the PROFESSIONAL MEDICAL TEAMS!

I am so THANKFUL for all the recommendations and suggestions YOU ALL have provided to me over the last FOUR YEARS!

FLOWER is offering a special discount to MY FOLLOWERS:

I told you she is LOVELY!

COUPON CODE is 15% off anyone that follows my blog or instagram! Punch in at check out on her website the word goddess!

GOOD THROUGH THE MONTH OF FEBRUARY!!!!

HERE is a LINK to her WEBSITE SEE WHAT FLOWER OFFERS CLICK HERE!

HER PRODUCTS ARE VERY WELL PRICED.

$4.00 to $28.00

MADE IN AMERICA and all ingredients are NATURE MADE.

All products are custom and handmade without electricity.All organic and or wild harvested ingredients.The only thing that costs a bit more is if you order a holistic phone/online consult with her, which includes a tincture.

“MY SKIN HAS NEVER FELT SO SOFT EVER!”

SAYS YOUR CONTESSA.

FLOWER WILL BE 50 years old this YEAR!

I would say she is doing something RIGHT!!!

PHOTO taken morning of February 6,2020 for LA CONTESSA!

Photo taken this past weekend!

THIS IS 50 YEARS OLD FOLLOWERS.SHE HAS NEVER USED OTHER PRODUCTS!

VALERIE………..How many months have I been using the GODDESS FACE CREAM?

A FEW LINES and wrinkles but over all I am PLEASED with how my skin looks and feels!

HELP me SUPPORT these people who make UNIQUE PRODUCTS with NO CHEMICALS!

It’s so much fun getting a BOX in the SNAIL MAIL too!

WE NEED TO INVEST IN EACH OTHER TO MAKE THE WORLD GO ROUND.

THANK YOU FOR BEING HERE TODAY and letting me VENT!

I am FRUSTRATED NOT being able to do things like I use to do!

I have friends older than me who do circles around me in a day!

I am NOT READY to be an OLD WOMAN and sit in a chair all day!

XOXO

YOUR CONTESSA

166 Comments

Leave your reply.

Donna Workman
· Reply

April 27, 2020 at 5:10 PM

I have read all of this and am so sorry that you have been fighting this for so long Both if my girls have migraines and I have been amazed at the many ways they manifest. As I read I know from your Instagram page that you are at 60 episode free days. Praying you will have many more
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  Author
  
  April 28, 2020 at 10:08 AM
  
  THANK YOU SO MUCH DONNA!
  IT HAS BEEN A LONG ROAD BUT FEEL I UNDERSTAND WHY IT HAPPENS AND CAN AVOID DOING THINGS THAT WOULD TRIGGER IT THE ATLAS TO POP OUT!
  ITS SO GOOD TO HAVE A SOLUTION!
  HAVE A BEAUTIFUL DAY AND THANK YOU FOR READING IT ALL!!!!!!
  XX
Linda Spellman
· Reply

March 18, 2020 at 3:00 PM

I am seventy eight years old. I had suffered with migraines since I was seventeen. I missed my prom because of it. When I was in my thirtys I went to a new doctor that then became our family doctor because of his wisdom and empathy. He said to me when your eyesight begins to falter take three aspirins and lay down awhile. With in no time my eyesight is back to normal and I do not get a headache.Such a safe and simple solution that has worked for me all these years and if you have not tried this yet I will pray that it will work for you. Take care. Linda
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  Author
  
  March 18, 2020 at 3:54 PM
  
  THANK YOU!
  I will remember this for the future but I think I have found my solution……More on that in the next few weeks!
  TODAY is DAY 26 NO EPISODES!!!!!!
  THANK YOU!
  XX
Kate
· Reply

February 14, 2020 at 11:13 PM

Dear Elizabeth,
Some years ago I experienced something similar. My eyes locked and it looked as if I was trying to see while viewing through some sort of comic book page with jagged edges. The very first episode happpened late afternoon and my husband drove me straight away to an ophthalmologist. He diagnosed Occular Migranes. The episode was followed by a headache and fatigue. I was most fortunate to only experience these attacks less than 10 times and they stopped altogether without any treatment. They occurred around menopause. I did not change or eliminate one thing from my diet. Prehaps you can reevaluate what you have eliminated from your diet since it is so restrictive, led to so much weight loss and destroyed all of your enjoyment of food. I wish I could offer you better information but what you are describing sounds quite similar, although much more persistent and alarming than what i experienced. I hope you keep pursuing Occular Migranes as a possibility for your problems and that you receive better treatment and s much improved life very soon. My sincerest wishes for your recovery. kate
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  Author
  
  February 15, 2020 at 8:11 AM
  
  THANK YOU for sharing your experience that is similar to what is going on with me!I went through menopause 20 years ago!
  You are the second person to write to me in the four years I have been chatting about this that it JUST WENT AWAY!I wait for THAT DAY……………THANK YOU!It is good to know I am NOT alone in this and OTHERS have experienced it as well.I am SO HAPPY for you that YOU are DONE WITH IT!I would not wish this on anyone!BIG HUG,XX
Cara
· Reply

February 13, 2020 at 6:04 AM

Dear Elizabeth,
I am so sorry to hear this is still going on. I had little faith in allopathic medicine, and after a botched casting of a simple wrist fracture, and an over zealous OT who damaged my wrist, I now have zero faith in them. Your tales of lack of compassion (and, I would add, competence) seem par for the course.

Unless they can name your problems with a “diagnosis” they will not know how to treat it. The drugs they’re giving you seem scary to me!
If you use homeopathy, your remedy will be based on your SYMPTOMS, not some NAME. Anyway, I have a wonderful homeopath who does intakes by Skype (or if he’s in the country, you can see him in person). He and his family have been based in Tanzania for many years, treating patients in the AIDS epidemic. He’s been my main health care provider since about 2000 when I took a two year course he taught. I trust him completely. He’s wold-renowned as a homeopath.
If you’d like to see some of the miraculous results his clinic has had with AIDS patients, the site is https://homeopathyforhealthinafrica.org
Please feel free to contact me via email and I can tell you more.

All the best!
Cara
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  Author
  
  February 14, 2020 at 9:05 AM
  
  THANK YOU CARA…………
  I saw a new CHIROPRACTOR Yesterday!HE WAS AMAZING!
  Fingers crossed!MY ATLAS was OFF………..Lets see what he can do!I already feel better today!
  XX
Ellie's friend
· Reply

February 12, 2020 at 10:41 PM

Hi Elizabeth,

My ophthalmologist has a superb handout about migraines. Shall I get a copy of it from him for you? You don’t need to have a headache to have a migraine. You can just have an aura (a visual or even just nausea. Also he has a handout on the nerve you are talking about.

Doctors tend to get snarky when they don’t have a clue what’s going on with someone medically. I have a new gp and I want to tell him “dismissing a complaint is not the same as diagnosing it”. I was very ill and undiagnosed for about 20 years and the worst thing a doctor said to me was “it’s probably kuru” not knowing that I was bright enough to know kuru is a disease of cannibals in New Guinea. That doctor is dead and when I informed my former boss of his demise he said “what did he die of?”. I said I didn’t know and my former boss (who had also gone to this dr.) said “I know. Healthy living”. Well I had to really smile at that!!!

I am really sorry to read that your medical troubles continue unabated and undiagnosed. You must pursue it and don’t let idiots stand in your way. The advantage of the Mayo Clinic is that they take pride in diagnosing what lesser doctors cannot and it would be a fresh start. I went there and they could not diagnose me. If you look on google under migraine auras, you will see that the Mayo Clinic has a video about migraines, especially the visual effect — the scotomas (or blind spots in your vision), etc. You might like to watch that video.

I cannot believe someone criticized your voice. The first time I heard it I thought it was beautiful.
Nor can I believe the mean spirited comment about Banksy.

I would love to get some of Flower’s skin/face cream but I am totally broke as my hot water tank broke on Christmas Eve (fortunately no flood as there’s a drip pan with connected hose that drains to the floor drain and I discovered it right away).

I hope that things improve for you physically. Have you had such things as your levels of B12, Folate (a deficiency can cause hair loss, weak feelings — I know from experience), magnesium etc etc checked? All best wishes, con un abbraccio, Ann
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  Author
  
  February 13, 2020 at 8:29 AM
  
  YES, TO ALL THE QUESTIONS!
  You went to MAYO and NO RESULTS?
  I too think they have missed something in the MRI’s…..TIME TO DO AGAIN!!!
  XX
Caroline
· Reply

February 12, 2020 at 4:47 PM

I’m keeping my fingers crossed that you will find relief soon from your ongoing medical problems. Thank you for the introduction to Flower. I have just placed an order with her.
Juliet
· Reply

February 11, 2020 at 10:00 PM

Oh, dear … Contessa … I was under impression your episodes had become fewer and farther between and am so sorry to learn they are back with a vengeance. Reading through the comments I see that your darling readers have already mentioned all of the thoughts I wrote down as reading through your recent ordeal. It’s so disheartening to hear … over and over again … how unconcerned and uncaring our medical professionals have become. When combined with all the other craziness going on in our world, one wonder who – if anyone, can be counted on anymore. But, I digress … I think Flower’s idea is worth following up on. I have a wonderful chiropractor in Walnut Creek. Dr. Salem. She’s very gentle with her adjustments and no violent herky jerky stuff on the neck. She also does cranial massage work (or has a practitioner in her office who does this). I’m not really sure what this is, but she suggested Jim give it a try related to relieving his tinitus symptoms. He, of course, doesn’t believe something is working unless he can see, hear or feel it … and apparently the treatment to gentle for him to give it a chance. Oy vey. Keep pursuing this … it may be worth it to find a doctor at Stanford or UCSF, with or without a referral, and Uber there if necessary. Regarding Banksy, it’s fortunate the shock of this call didn’t cause an accident. Who does something like this. I’m shaking my head feeling very pessimistic about our world. xo
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  Author
  
  February 12, 2020 at 8:08 AM
  
  CRANIAL MASSAGE……………I think I need to try that!
  I will call her office!
  Feel just awful this morning…………..excuse my short reply!
  XX
- Ellie's friend
  · Reply
  
  February 12, 2020 at 9:30 PM
  
  Juliet,
  
  I was just reading tonight about tinnitus being linked possibly to a Vitamin B12 deficiency.
  Does your husband Jim have a deficiency? Tinnitus is awful.
June Leslie
· Reply

February 11, 2020 at 1:40 PM

I love Bansky!!!!

I know the feeling of being ignored by doctors. My husband had knee surgery and went back to his orthopaedic surgeon and told him he couldn’t walk and he just sloughed him off too. He’s doing better but had to go to a chiropractor to get shock therapy on the tendons (very painful) but at least he’s getting help. It was soooooo….frustrating.

I’m glad you’re doing better, and just love reading your post.

Lots of love
June
?????????

Oh, by the way, I am going to try that face cream.?
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  Author
  
  February 12, 2020 at 8:04 AM
  
  TERRIFIC JUNE!
  I hope you like it as much as I do……..THE EYE CREAM IS A WONDERFUL PRODUCT AS WELL.I tend to cover my whole face with it!A bit lighter than the FACE CREAM.
  Good under make up!
  SORRY to hear about your husband!THAT SOUNDS HORRIBLE!
  XX
Kathie Truitt
· Reply

February 11, 2020 at 10:06 AM

I am so sorry about your health issues and pray they’ll be resolved very soon. I am absolutely livid that someone would lie about you and Banksy!!! How could someone be so mean??
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  Author
  
  February 12, 2020 at 8:02 AM
  
  Someone with a lot of time on her hands is my guess.
  BANKSY sends YOU a SMOOCH!
  XX
Diana Amato
· Reply

February 11, 2020 at 7:45 AM

You never need to apologize for your frustrations nor your VOICE! We are all uniquely made and finely tuned to live with all of our beautiful imperfections. You are a wonderful friend to me and I would gladly shoulder some of your burdens if I could. Just know that there is not a day that goes by that you don’t somehow bring a smile to my face!
Whoever would be so simple minded to do that to Banksy? My gosh, the world we live in! I will be putting a hole in my fence to welcome my neighbors’ small dog over when they are not home. It will cut down on the level of anxiousness displayed by the poor little guy.
I’m looking forward to and praying for the day that your post will state: Nailed IT!

Sempre,
Zingara XOX
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  Author
  
  February 12, 2020 at 8:01 AM
  
  OH BOY ME TOO!!!!!!!
  NAILED IT or HO FATTO!
  GRAZIE,
  XO
Rebecca F Burgess
· Reply

February 11, 2020 at 5:11 AM

This sounds horrible to me, I hope you get some good medical help soon. I must say your attitude is great and you keep on trying to make your doctors do the right thing for you. I would have moved on by now. Take care of yourself and be persistent I will be thinking of you.
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  Author
  
  February 11, 2020 at 6:26 AM
  
  THANK YOU…………hope your well and still BUYING the OLD STUFF!!!
  XX
Cheryl Warren
· Reply

February 10, 2020 at 4:49 PM

I have been thinking about your vision issues and wanted to get back to you. My sister has been having similar problems starting last year and still doesn’t have a diagnosis. Her episodes are less frequent and she doesn’t have the low blood pressure with it, that she knows of. I will let you know if she ever does get to the bottom of it and finds a treatment.
I have the same provider as you do and had a health scare in June, and was extremely disappointed in so many aspects of the care and treatment received. It involved an overnight hospitalization and I was released with almost excruciating pain, no diagnosis, no meds prescribed, until I asked for one. It was two female nurses, one at the hospital and one that followed up afterwards that showed compassion and had a clue as to what it was and what to do if it ever happened again. I was so disappointed with the level of care. I hope you cross paths with someone that can help you.
As for Banksy…disturbing! I hope that never happens again!
Today was my first Instagram post since Christmas day, mostly because since then my sister and I have been cleaning out our mom’s house so it can be sold. It was built in 1947 by my family, and my great-grandmother and grandmother lived there. There is lots of vintage furniture and furnishings, much that’s now in my house with more coming, and so many surprise finds, some treasures from the 1800s. It’s been fun and a lot of work! I’ll probably Insta about that some day.
In the meantime, I wish you answers to your health issues, and caring, compassionate healers! ?? Cheryl
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  Author
  
  February 11, 2020 at 6:25 AM
  
  Well, tell your sister we should keep in touch!
  That must be so HARD cleaning out THE HOUSE!
  YES, DO instagram your discoveries and NEW to YOU bits and BOBS!!!
  I would LOVE hearing about them!
  XX
Katie Clooney
· Reply

February 10, 2020 at 1:24 PM

Hello dear Contessa… I read your post last week and when I started to comment my phone rang and then I forgot to get back to you. So sorry about your medical troubles. When my #2 got sick it took me 7 months and 3 doctors to figure out what was wrong. It was a nightmare. I really hope that you can find an answer soon. I thought the comment was so funny about your voice. I never expected you to have such a sweet voice. Also, call Andy Cohen at Bravo and tell him you want to do a reality show! Hope you feel better soon.xxxxx
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  Author
  
  February 11, 2020 at 6:21 AM
  
  YOU know I was CONTACTED TO DO A REALITY TV SHOW IN LONDON!
  I said, NO THANK YOU!
  I cannot STAND those SHOWS!
  XX
Mithra Ballesteros
· Reply

February 10, 2020 at 10:14 AM

I am reading up on basilar migraines. So very sorry, Elizabeth, for the difficulty in finding answers. My dad, a retired physician, shared with me last week that famous quote that surgeons know nothing but do everything, internists know everything but do nothing, neurologists know nothing and do nothing, and pathologists know everything and do everything but too late.
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  Author
  
  February 11, 2020 at 6:20 AM
  
  THATS FUNNY TO ME!!!
  I have NEVER heard this before…………..
  We will keep on KEEPING ON!
  XX
- Ellie's friend
  · Reply
  
  February 12, 2020 at 9:21 PM
  
  Oh Mithra, I really like that saying! Thanks to your Dad.
Anita
· Reply

February 10, 2020 at 6:16 AM

I’m so sorry you’ve had years of this Elizabeth, but hopefully this new medication could see you finally getting the relief from these debilitating episodes. I had no idea you’d been a victim of a telephone hoax. What did the scammers think they’d gain….,,..,,,,,a teacup pig? I hope Banky doesn’t know what transpired.
Big hug……..lots of love
Neat xx
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  Author
  
  February 10, 2020 at 7:26 AM
  
  NO BANKSY has survived OPERATION BANKSY BOY STING!!!!!!!!!!!!
  He is curled up in his Johnny WAS rose blanket keeping warm as it is COLD here today!!!
  I hope you have fallen asleep!!!
  XX
Lisa the Sequinist
· Reply

February 10, 2020 at 2:14 AM

I cannot wait to see a post where you have this all figured out and everything is behind you. You must feel so frustrated at this point. I must say, the diagnosis that Flower gave from her other client sure sounds spot on doesn’t it?

I adore the photos of you with Banksy. Who in the world would dream of doing something so malicious (the call about surrenduring him) that would have all of your details? Hmmmm.

Love and good health soon!
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  Author
  
  February 10, 2020 at 7:22 AM
  
  HMMM, is THE CORRECT ANSWER!
  YOU nailed it!
  I can’t wait either!
  Might have to do a DANCE on some table tops!!!
  XX
LA CONTESSA
· Reply

Author

February 9, 2020 at 3:25 PM

HELLO JUDITH!
1.YES,and I believe I did try that route a couple of years ago.I was NOT impressed with her went a few times but than gave up.I should try AGAIN a different person!
2.They have NEVER been mentioned to me EVER!By medical doctors or Gynecologist.My Mother was on them forever and I recall her blaming them for her weight gain!Maybe that’s why I Never inquired!!I’ll ask…….PROMISE!
3.YES, I have a CHIRO but he was unable to help me.Just got the name of a NECK CHIRO FRIDAY!I called lets see what happens is a bit frightening as the NECK YOU CANNOT SCREW UP!
4.I had an appointment with MAYO but cancelled.They wanted me for three weeks.I did look into STANFORD but MY MEDICAL wouldn’t do referral.Nor do I have a name to ask for.I cannot drive myself there.TOO FAR no where to pull over IF!!!!!!UCSF has HEADACHE TEAM need to look into that but the headache is the least of my worries!It’s the EYES LOCKING and unable to FOCUS that is troubling.
5.I DO and HE IS GREAT!I am in my third year with him and he got rid of the initial headaches.
I was seeing him once a week for about two years now down to every two…..tried to stretch to every three BUT need more often!THATS $80.00 a visit.
6.I am BOOKED through SUMMER for AGELESS STYLE but YES she can be a FUTURE FEATURE FOR CERTAIN!Especially if a few of you report in with me that YOU ADORE her product like me!She has a REALLY compelling story of being on the ground for two hours in NEGATIVE 8 weather until her husband found her!He thought she was dead her body was frozen she almost lost her hands and toes!She definitely has a GUARDIAN ANGEL!
I HAVE STOMPED. I HAVE COMPLAINED.NEXT is to PASS OUT THERE!!!!!!!!
I have even thought of THAT!If I could bring it on MYSELF believe me I would have done that and I thought it was happening at the pharmacy which would have been a stroke of LUCK I THINK but was not my day probably because I left the house without feeding the chickens!!
Had to get home!
THANK YOU for all your thoughts I so appreciate EVERYONE’s efforts here as I am giving up steam!I have had TWO EPISODES since writing this BLOG POST four days ago!SO, that NEW medicine is NOT doing the trick……….I did eat a Gluten Free Bagel the other morning which has yeast in it.That was at 7 am by 9:21am I had a headache and by 9:51 am I had lost my vision here at the computer.It lasted for 9 minutes right before I published this BLOG!!!!Had another EPISODE yesterday polishing silver head down in sink rubbing hard…………….ended up in bed all afternoon Nothing GOT DONE!Company at 5 pm!I was good for company but the Episodes are coming too often.Tomorrow Monday I will drink YEAST in my water to see if that is THE CULPRIT.If you did not know YEAST is in everything!!!!!ALMOST!!!IF I can NAIL down the cause it would be TERRIFIC if NOT I will follow FLOWERS idea of pinched nerve!
I WILL KEEP YOU ALL POSTED AS THIS IS THE BEST WAY I TOO CAN KEEP TRACK OF WHAT HAS HAPPENED!
THANK YOU!
XX
- judith
  · Reply
  
  February 9, 2020 at 4:38 PM
  
  So sorry you are going through all of this. I am astonished (and honored) that you take the time to reply to our comments! I still treasure the beautiful Christmas card you sent last year. I do think you have what it takes to get to the bottom of this medical mystery, and I send you every good thought and wish during this wretched process. If I lived in California, I would drive you to Stanford myself! Take good care of yourself, pamper yourself, and try and stay comfortable. You have Flower and all of us amateur medical staff in your audience, and I believe you will figure it out. Your admirers are all rooting for you, Elizabeth.
  - LA CONTESSA
    · Reply
    
    Author
    
    February 10, 2020 at 7:24 AM
    
    My amateur medical staff DOES A HELL OF A GOOD JOB!
    THANK YOU THANK YOU!
    XX
    - Barbara Fryer
      · Reply
      
      March 10, 2020 at 4:23 PM
      
      La Contessa
      I live in Sydney and I am appalled at the American medical system. You have been treated terribly by some of the doctors. I have been shocked by what has happened to you. Let’s hope the health system is overhauled soon. People who are sick and poor don’t have any hope and now with the virus, it’s a nightmare. I wish you good health and your followers have given you some very good suggestions. That’s what a circle of women do, isn’t it? Cheers, Barbara ?
      - LA CONTESSA
        · Reply
        
        Author
        
        March 11, 2020 at 8:55 AM
        
        YES!
        THE SUGGESTIONS HAVE SAVED ME!
        IT’s GOOD TO SHARE as YOU NEVER KNOW WHO CAN HELP……………
        PLus, WE might HELP someones else in the process!
        THANK YOU for your support!
        XX
judith
· Reply

February 9, 2020 at 10:42 AM

Contessa, I am so dismayed by your medical condition. A few things occurred to me while reading your post. 1. Have you visited or considered visiting an osteopath? I would like to find one myself. I saw that someone suggested a Functional Medicine practitioner, which would be my second choice. 2. I am surprised that you have never been on hormones. I have a blood test once or twice a year at my gynecologist’s office for this purpose. I realize they are not for everyone, but wondered if this may be something that would help your situation. 3. Have you considered visiting a reputable chiropractor? Especially if your headaches are in any way connected to your vision episodes and a pinched nerve. The chiropractor has a completely different (non-Western medicine) approach and may be able to offer some guidance. What if it could be addressed with a simple spinal adjustment? Some of them will see you for an initial visit/consultation at a reduced charge. 4. Have you explored options with a patient representative from one of these large teaching hospitals? If your insurance doesn’t cover a certain hospital/provider that might be able to see you for some extensive tests, such as the Mayo Clinic, surely there is an option for someone in your situation. 5. What about an acupuncturist? sometimes they can figure out things a traditional doctor cannot. 6. Finally, thanks for introducing us to the lovely Flower; have you thought about featuring her in one of your “Ageless Style” posts? She is almost old enough (but sure doesn’t look it.)

I wish you well in this journey. Remember that sometimes you have to stomp your foot to get what you need, such as these trying times at the medical appointments. I will be thinking of you. And you look beautiful in the photographs, so that tells me your indomitable spirit is going to allow you to persevere.
home before dark
· Reply

February 9, 2020 at 7:05 AM

I was shocked to read your medical travels—almost as much as your weight loss. Not finding an answer and also feeling dismissed is so very frustrating. Among your medical journey, did I miss seeing that you have seen an ophthalmologist? Ocular migraines can be a pain in themselves and can be symptoms of more serious problems. Another avenue to explore? And forget about having to wait until “everyone gets back from lunch” to have your BP checked. By your own cuff—or two—one at home and one in the elegant bag of your choice. Chart your own history. As for the hoax call regarding Banksy…karma is a slow moving bitch, but moves she will. What an unhappy person.
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  Author
  
  February 9, 2020 at 9:25 AM
  
  I have seen an OPHTHALMOLOGIST just recently AGAIN and eyes are fine.He has never heard of what I am experiencing!
  I do have my own machine its OUT AGAIN on the kitchen table and am taking BP twice a day just to see what my NEW NORMAL is on the NEW medication!
  THANK YOU SO MUCH!
  Love the KARMA MESSAGE!
  XX