Sunday, November 22, 2009

Muddling Through This Thing We Call Life

There's been a lot going on this last week, and I figured it was about time I updated everyone! It's been awhile since I've updated on my medical stuff anyway I think...

This week all my appointments seemed to pile up on top of each other. I'm not sure how that happened, but it did! The first was my bi-weekly xolair shot that took up all of my Tuesday morning. Now that Jack is no where near as portable I just took my slightly defunct mp3 player and my knitting. Um, yah, apparently I was tired. I fell asleep. That was at the START of my week.

Wednesday I saw my regular physician to talk to him about my blood sugar levels and my hair. We're going to try and see if we can get the insurance to pay for me to go talk with a dietitian because things are just getting way to complicated and its hard to balance my blood sugar, keep on a low sodium diet, and everything else I have to keep track of.... I also asked for another fasting blood test to make sure I'm not getting any closer to actual diabetes instead of just pre-diabetes like I've been at.

Hair. Ok, this is a tough one. I knew I'd lost some hair volume over the last year or so but I hadn't really thought much of it because I had a LOT of hair and I know people do that sometimes right? Well the other day Mom mentioned it, and then I realized just how much I'd lost. Um, I've lost over half the volume of my hair. I talked to my doctor about it and it's probably from the steroids I'm on for my asthma that are keeping out of the hospital. I'm going to go see a dermatologist, but it sounds like there's not much we can do about it. Joy 'eh?

Wednesday I also did an ultrasound. No, I'm not pregnant, it was to check up on my kidneys and bladder. Follow up on the kidney stones I had in Sept. I won't go into details so I don't gross you out, but I've now seen the majority of the organs in my body on one type of scan or another!

Thursday morning I saw my urologist to find out what they found on the ultrasound and what they learned from some other tests they had previously done on me. Good news is my kidneys and bladder are fine. Bad news is that, from my tests, he would normally tell me to take less calcium and eat less protein to avoid kidney stones in the future. The problem with that is that I have osteopenia (the stage before osteoperosis) so I have to be on a high level of calcium to prevent that from progressing. As for the less protein? Well, when my regular doc and I were talking about my blood sugar one of the things he told me was less carbs and more protein! So we decided there wasn't much we could do there. Pretty much the only things we could come up with that were constructive were continue to work on watching my sodium intake and drink LOTS of water. Oh, and pray that I don't get too many more kidney stones :P

Immediately following that appointment I saw my neurologist (I TOLD you these were all stacked up didn't I?). We're taking me off the medication that I was on because it wasn't working, and we're going to put me on a new one as soon as I've worked off of this one. It's a seizure medication and a little scary because it's got a lot of potential side-effects and I've already got enough to deal with! On the other hand - I also need to function and daily migraines do not lend them selves to that.

In the mean time, I've gotten to the point where I'm having so many migraines and I've had to treat them so frequently that I'm now probably having medication overdose migraines in addition to my normal migraines. Loverly eh? Well, to get rid of those he gave me a 7 day course of treatment that's supposed to get rid of the overdose headaches - but in the mean time I can't take ANYTHING for my migraines. That was like an invitation for the migraine monster to come in and play. The last three days have been miserable. I'm really hoping he's right and it'll be worth it when this week is over with...

12 comments:

Carapace said...

Vastest sympathies and big hugs, dear.
Has anyone mentioned the Modified Atkins Diet for your brainmeats yet? It's done wonders for me-- toilet as my health is, it was sewer. Convo me if you want details on it-- it might help with the whole blood sugar brainmelt thing for you.

Memories for Life said...

Holy cow...I'm exhausted just from reading about your week!
Sending the biggest bear hugs I've got!!!
Thought this might give you a good laugh...I think you're wearing off on me with your klutziness:
http://memoriesforlifescrapbooks.blogspot.com/2009/11/first-er-visit.html

Unknown said...

I love you sis. I'm sorry that you must suffer so much, but I know that God is still all powerful. And still in control, and DOES have an amazing plan for you. I love you bunches and send you hugs and prayers to God often!

Kathleen said...

Praying for you! That is a pile of no fun stuff. Glad you are taking charge as you go from doctor to doctor - that can make a lot of difference!

Regarding hair ~ you might try changing what you wash your hair with. I was loosing tons of hair due to multiple issues... ((((sympathy hugs!!!))) and, after a bit of research, I quit using commercial shampoo. I use Kirk's Castile Soap and a vinegar rinse. I have more hair now! *smile* I don't loose as much as I used to, either. It does feel different when you first start and it takes a while for the hair to adjust, but when it does - it's great. Convo me if you want more details!

Hang in there! glad you got some good reports this week in the midst of all of that!

Anitra Cameron said...

Oh, my, you Have had one thing piled on top of another! I'm so sorry.

On the subject of migraines: Do you have any feverfew growing around anywhere? I read sometime back that eating a feverfew leaf a day is an old-time, but apparently reliable, cure for them. Feverfew flowers look like tiny white chrysanthemum blossoms, the leaves are identical to those of mums, and so is the smell. You wouldn't mistake anything else for them.

I don't know if you can get them at an herbologist's, but they're harmless, and might be worth a try?

Hugs and hope!

Anonymous said...

Don't know what to say... BIG HUGS... many BIG HUGS for you, Ruthie!!!

Meri Greenleaf said...

I already send you lots of love through email, but I'll do it here, too. *hugs!*

Unknown said...

Hopefully you & the Dr.s will get you all figured out! I sympathize with the migraines, and asthma (son). I can't imagine either of those with everything else you are dealing with. Stay positive :)

Anonymous said...

Rosey Posey, you are the only bean that I know who has SO many health issues and continues w/such a great, positive attitude. You never seem to let it get you down. You are a very strong woman w/such strength in your relationship with God and family.

Love ya my dear, dear cyber-niece...

TiLT said...

((((Giant hugs))))
Girl...at least you only see the insides from scans...that's a positive right? :)
My mom has gone through just about every seizure med there is (literally) and got a large amount of their side affects...she said some were actual useful...like weight loss & sleeping more...here's to hoping that if you get any they are those kinds.

Emerson Bindery said...

Good Lord! I feel like such a whiner complaining about my allergies when you have all that to deal with!

Splendid Little Stars said...

Ruthie~
I echo what Gordan said and what Tulips said. sending you love, hope, and prayers.
♥ ♥ ♥