Sunday, February 17, 2008

The Smell of Hospitals in Winter and the Feeling That it's All a lot of Oysters, But No Pearls

This is my submission for BlogHer's Plans for Living Healthier for 2008, I've been sitting on it for awhile because I'm having issues accepting what's going on right now.

Last week I got a phone call from my doctor.

Back in December he told me he was leaving our family practice to go to work for an alternative practice.

Now, I love me some rockin’ alternative medicine. No doubt about it. He decided to run a blood panel on me checking some stuff out, just as practice for going to his new venture.

My results are in.

In my doctor’s words, I’m “pretty damn sick.”

Now, I’ve always had a myriad of medical problems – polycystic ovaries, Celiac Disease, Wilson’s Syndrome (a thyroid disorder), multiple food allergies and intolerances.

The blood tests, mostly used to check levels for antibodies, are pointing to Chronic Lyme Disease, Cancer and Lupus.

For those of you in the back: LYME DISEASE, CANCER AND LUPUS.

Now the tests don’t necessarily say I have those, the results show that I potentially have those and that my body is a nice breeding ground to create cancer. It doesn't mean I have it, and I'm holding on to that philosophy.

So, the new resolution around her? Figuring out what exactly is going on. Perhaps, finding a label to my chronic health issues I’ve dealt with for well over 20 years.

Twenty God damn years and maybe, finally we'll have a label.

Amazing how life can jump up and bite you in the ass and give you new motivation.

31 comments:

Carla said...

Wow cous...that was a lot of information to start researching and put the puzzle pieces together!

Green-Eyed Momster said...

Think positive thoughts about your health. Doctors have been wrong before. You know yourself better than any doctor. How do you feel? If you feel fine, no problem, if you don't, then have whatever doesn't feel good addressed. I haven't had a doctor since mine died almost 7 years ago. I can heal almost anything. Feel free to contact me if you'd like. Alternative medicine rocks but I do believe it has it's limits! Hang in there! You're such an amazing woman!

Stacy said...

...you're freaking me out. I think I'd rather not have known that particular opinion. I'd worry myself right into a self-fulfilling prophecy kind of thing.

Anonymous said...

I've been reading Ali's blog for a long, long, time now (over a year?), and for some reason today I clicked over on the link that she has to your blog over in her sidebar...

I've had chronic Lyme Disease for about 14 years, since I was 22 (ohmygod, I feel old). It's not debilitating, and please feel free to email me and ask me whatever you'd like. I know you don't know me at all, but we're all in the same circle of crafty bloggers, and it is quite a coincidence that I clicked on that link today, don't you think?

Take care of yourself.

Anonymous said...

Hang in there. Maybe this is the beginning of finding out just what the hell is wrong, and to getting better. Now you just need a good doctor to help you connect the dots.

amy h said...

Wow -- any one of those things is not so good. But it IS good to maybe finally get some answers and treatment! I hope you're on the road to resolution here.

LJ said...

i'm trying not to worry!!

Alicia A. said...

What?! What kind of test was this? Did they run a Lyme titer? I think false positives are common with Lyme, so keep that in mind.

Do you trust this doctor? This seems like so much at once! What do they do now? A bunch more tests? That cost a bunch more $$?!

How are you feeling?

Anonymous said...

Holy crap. So, what happens next? You really must be reeling.

Ali said...

Does that doctor specialize in scaring the crap out of his patients? Because I would be going crazy.

Anonymous said...

Staying calm *breathing* Diagnosis can be a GOOD thing. This may be the beginning of finding a way through your illnesses. I hope so.

LLA said...

Oh sweetpea - what a lot to take in....

if I may be so bold as to offer two words of completely unsolicited (and probably unwanted) advice???

"SECOND. OPINION."

Because I have to agree with Ali, above - it sounds as if your doctor has dipped a toe into "scaring the crap out of people"-land. There is a WORLD of difference b/t antibodies that might show a slight predisposition towards something, and actually having that something...

feel free to ignore those words, but don't ignore this ---> ((hug))

house on hill road said...

good god, that is a lot to take in! thinking of you, hoping you are doing what lla says (i second the second opinion) and sending positive thoughts your way, laura.

World Wide Alternative said...

I'm with Ila.
And damn right "YOU DON'T HAVE IT!"
Now I don't usually do this 'cause I'm afraid people'll think I'm a total freak, (yeah right, like that horse hasn't already bolted...)
but check this out. www.emofree.com
It's pretty amazing...Xxx

Angelina said...

I totally want you to get more information.

You know what crazy inane thought first came to mind? Your eyes are too pretty and your teeth are way too good for you to have cancer of any kind.

Yeah, I know.

I don't think staying up super late particularly compliments my mental faculties.

Annie B said...

oh crap - that's a bit much to take in all at once. 2nd opinion sounds like your wisest move right now.

I am so sorry you've been scared like this...look forward to hearing better news from you really soon X

World Wide Alternative said...

Something or you at mine...Xxx

World Wide Alternative said...

& my "F" key is ucked.

Marshamlow said...

Where is House when you need him? I hope that they figure it all out and you can finally get well.

Anonymous said...

don't you think doctor should say things like that only when they're absolutely sure of what they're talking about?

keep up.

Anonymous said...

Holy Hell, what a lot to lay in your lap. I agree that you should definitely get a second opinion. Sending positive thoughts your way . . . Let me know if I can do anything for you.

Heather said...

HEy! Its been great getting comments from you!!

I'm not really sure what I'm going to do next, right now I'm working to make some green...hahaha. I start substituting for the public school district this week! wooo.

I have plans to go back to Mexico and work with the same organization this summer for two months..but this fall I really don't know yet. I am looking into getting a certificate for teaching English as a second language...but the big thing that'll keep me home this fall is I have student loan to pay off. If I live at home, and work in public school for a year, I should be able to pay it off no problem...sigh...I'm not crazy about the idea...but we'll see what happens!

love you cuz!!
Heather

Chickenbells said...

C-rap. Well, at least you have a few directions to go and research for yourself in. R has a theory that he had gotten bitten by a Lyme infected tick, and his father would not take him for medical care, and thus he may not have Lupus at all, but Lyme...but, he has been living with the Lupus diagnosis for a while now, and has been doing everything he can on his end to avoid flare-ups. Thank goodness you know about your food allergies already, thats going to go a long way towards keeping you healthy. Did your dr. have any suggestions about possible avenues that you may need to go in?

forcryeye said...

I am praying that you will only hear good news. I too, have suffered with a thyroid disorder and have been told I have other possible autoimmune problems, but have not been diagnosed. I know what you mean about finally getting an answer about what has been aililng you for so long...just tell me what it is, so I can get better!!! Best wishes!!

gwendomama said...

feel my lurve for you.

eat chocolate. frosting.
brownies with a spoon.


remember that there is VERY MUCH that we don't understand about medicine, and there are VERY FEW doctors who will admit this.

Dana said...

That is alot to take in. I'm thinking, wishing, hoping and praying for you.

Anonymous said...

when I was in high school I had to go see a counselor who had me fill out a questionnaire (oh, it was one of those you're a delinquent and we're going to find out why tests), upon his brilliant review of my answers declared to my dad and I, that I was in the MIDDLE STAGES OF ALCOHOLISM.

Right. I was perhaps 16 at the time.

When my Dad and I left, he put his arm around me and said, so just lay off the parties a bit wouldja?

I too, am in favor of a second and third medical opinion and a second and third of your OWN opinion - no one knows you, like you do.

er, maybe the winter has gotten to your doctor?? :)

Suzie Sews At DOTTY RED said...

I am going to be very british here...Oh Buggar!!! would you like a cup of tea... can drink tea...seriously I hope its just a label and nothing more...Sounds pretty darn scary!!!

Anonymous said...

Knowledge is a good thing. I'll be keeping you in my thoughts as you find out more.... And I got a call back for a second mammogram today. Whoot! I was hoping callbacks were limited to High School Musical.

Unknown said...

I'll be thinking about you and keeping my fingers crossed.

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