When I was about 27 or 28, a friend told me to 'watch out, everything goes down hill when you hit 30.' Well I was a little traumatized by the thought, but I turned 30 and I didn't seem to be as broken and sickly as my friend did. So I figured they were nuts and moved on with my life. 35 snuck up on me and so did my weight, but I managed to beat it back down (somewhat!) and keep going. I turned 40 last year, and aside from a bad cold last year about this time, everything has been swell.
I turned 41 in April and everything seems to be going downhill. First there was this, then this. both of which were taken care of and I seem to be doing wonderfully.
So Sunday night (about 5:30) I decided I would have pumpkin pie before I had my dinner of Thanksgiving leftovers. Why? Because I am grown and I could and I hadn't had any desserts for all of the Thanksgiving season. But I only had 1 piece and then I fixed myself a lovely plate of leftovers, turkey, dressing, black eyed peas and green bean casserole. About 3 /4 of the way through my plate I started feeling a strange pressure underneath my sternum, so I stopped eating, scraped my plate and took a couple of Tums. The pressure worsened and turned to a burning sensation and I was miserable. I took a couple more Tums and chugged a soda, because that has always worked in the past for acid indigestion. I burped, some. I received a little relief, but it didn't last.
This went on for hours.
About 9 I made myself throw up. Didn't help. I finally thought, 'screw it' and took some pain pills leftover from this summer's fun and passed out.
And woke up 2 hours later pretty sure I was going to die. Unfortunately at this point I was still incredibly groggy from the drugs, so while I was trying to figure out if I should get a ride to the ER or call 911 and where are my clothes? I passed out again.
And woke up about 90 minutes later feeling just fine.
I came to work yesterday and explained what had happened to Dr. A. He told me to make an appt with my doctor right away. "It's probably acid reflux, or just indigestion, but," then he went down the list of possible issues including myocardial infarction (I don't ever want one, but that is a cool word!).
There was an EKG done immediately this morning and it was not my heart. It looks like I probably just strained something with all the overeating at Thanksgiving... really. So I am on Protonix, which is supposed to heal whatever issues I am having.
I hope so. There is still some discomfort and I am paranoid to eat much. Maybe I can drop those last 10 pounds, but wouldn't going to the gym or for a walk be a better way?
Showing posts with label TMI. Show all posts
Showing posts with label TMI. Show all posts
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Monday, August 4, 2008
This Has More TMI Than the Post About my Lady Parts
Really, no kidding.
On Friday 25 July, there was a very long meeting, where everyone was required to sit for an extended period of time without a lot of moving. On top of that, I had an upset stomach and made many trips to the ladies that day. So, by the time I got home, my behind was a little chafed.
No problem. I spend most weekend running around the house in men's boxer shorts. (Yes, I dress if people are coming over or if we leave the house.) So I had no issues over the weekend.
On Monday (28 July) I noticed a bump on my bum. In between the cheeks. Again, no problem. A zit, an ingrown/infected hair? Whatever. I came to work and didn't even think about stopping after work for a pedicure, just because I wanted one.
Tuesday (I think it was morning) I noticed this was a little less comfortable. I asked DSD (who, just for the record, is the World's Best Husband!) to take a look. "Looks like a zit, but it doesn't have a head." So I'll wait. Right? Did I have a choice?
But I looked up homepathic remedies for zits, boils, ingrown hairs and stopped by the drugstore on the way home. I tried warm compresses, epson salt and other various things on Tuesday night, Wednesday and Wednesday night. What happened? It grew. Exponentially.
So that by Thursday morning it. was. the. size. of. an. EGG! And. it. hurt.
Sitting was not easy. Standing was not easy. Going from sitting to standing or the other way around was not easy. And, honestly, the only reason I called my doctor was because he was closed on Friday and I didn't want to suffer through the weekend. I figured he could give me something that would cause this stupid thing to come to a head so that I could get the gunk out. (Medical term for the day: gunk!)
I didn't expect him to tell me that I was going to need to see a surgeon. I didn't expect him to tell me that NONE of the homepathic remedies were ever going to work. I certainly didn't want to hear that the longer I left it, the more likely I was to get REALLY sick. (In my defense, I was watching for any flu-like symptoms, because that would have been a sign of a more serious infection.)
The diagnosis? Perirectal Abscess.
A perirectal abscess is a collection of pus in the deep tissues surrounding the anus. By contrast, a perianal abscess is a shallower collection of pus under the skin surrounding the anus. Both types of abscesses need immediate attention. A delay in treatment may cause serious worsening of the condition and unnecessary complications.
Ok, maybe it was perianal, but both doctors said rectal and really, who cares in the end?
You may not have stitches. Infected wounds such as abscesses are left open to drain. If they were stitched shut, they would just fill with pus again. There may be packing left in your wound, which will be removed by your doctor after a few days.
You may need to take an antibiotic for several days, depending on your condition. You should be given strong pain medication if you need it.
The problem is that my doctor said the packing had to be changed every day. Twice a day. And who do you think gets this absolutely fun-filled job? Why, my poor beleaguered husband*, of course.
And, yes, antibiotics. And, yes, nice pain drugs. I am not a big believer in narcotics (they scare me) so I have only taken 3 or 4 of the 30 I was prescribed. All they really did was make me loopy anyway. It still hurt like the dickens when the packing was changed.
This is all still going on. The packing changed twice a day. Warm baths twice a day. Antibiotics once a day. And a repeat trip to the surgeon on Thursday.
But I can sit (normally) and I can stand and I can walk (mostly normally as long as I don't over do it), so I am doing much better than I was Thursday and Friday. Have you ever tried eating dinner laying on your stomach? I really don't recommend it.
So, while I am still a big believer in homeopathic remedies, I may (just may) be less hesitant to go to the doctor in the future. But, just once, do you think I can do see him WITHOUT taking my pants off?
*He is honestly the absolute BEST husband in the world. I can not say enough good things about him. I have hit the jackpot this time.
On Friday 25 July, there was a very long meeting, where everyone was required to sit for an extended period of time without a lot of moving. On top of that, I had an upset stomach and made many trips to the ladies that day. So, by the time I got home, my behind was a little chafed.
No problem. I spend most weekend running around the house in men's boxer shorts. (Yes, I dress if people are coming over or if we leave the house.) So I had no issues over the weekend.
On Monday (28 July) I noticed a bump on my bum. In between the cheeks. Again, no problem. A zit, an ingrown/infected hair? Whatever. I came to work and didn't even think about stopping after work for a pedicure, just because I wanted one.
Tuesday (I think it was morning) I noticed this was a little less comfortable. I asked DSD (who, just for the record, is the World's Best Husband!) to take a look. "Looks like a zit, but it doesn't have a head." So I'll wait. Right? Did I have a choice?
But I looked up homepathic remedies for zits, boils, ingrown hairs and stopped by the drugstore on the way home. I tried warm compresses, epson salt and other various things on Tuesday night, Wednesday and Wednesday night. What happened? It grew. Exponentially.
So that by Thursday morning it. was. the. size. of. an. EGG! And. it. hurt.
Sitting was not easy. Standing was not easy. Going from sitting to standing or the other way around was not easy. And, honestly, the only reason I called my doctor was because he was closed on Friday and I didn't want to suffer through the weekend. I figured he could give me something that would cause this stupid thing to come to a head so that I could get the gunk out. (Medical term for the day: gunk!)
I didn't expect him to tell me that I was going to need to see a surgeon. I didn't expect him to tell me that NONE of the homepathic remedies were ever going to work. I certainly didn't want to hear that the longer I left it, the more likely I was to get REALLY sick. (In my defense, I was watching for any flu-like symptoms, because that would have been a sign of a more serious infection.)
The diagnosis? Perirectal Abscess.
A perirectal abscess is a collection of pus in the deep tissues surrounding the anus. By contrast, a perianal abscess is a shallower collection of pus under the skin surrounding the anus. Both types of abscesses need immediate attention. A delay in treatment may cause serious worsening of the condition and unnecessary complications.
Ok, maybe it was perianal, but both doctors said rectal and really, who cares in the end?
You may not have stitches. Infected wounds such as abscesses are left open to drain. If they were stitched shut, they would just fill with pus again. There may be packing left in your wound, which will be removed by your doctor after a few days.
You may need to take an antibiotic for several days, depending on your condition. You should be given strong pain medication if you need it.
The problem is that my doctor said the packing had to be changed every day. Twice a day. And who do you think gets this absolutely fun-filled job? Why, my poor beleaguered husband*, of course.
And, yes, antibiotics. And, yes, nice pain drugs. I am not a big believer in narcotics (they scare me) so I have only taken 3 or 4 of the 30 I was prescribed. All they really did was make me loopy anyway. It still hurt like the dickens when the packing was changed.
This is all still going on. The packing changed twice a day. Warm baths twice a day. Antibiotics once a day. And a repeat trip to the surgeon on Thursday.
But I can sit (normally) and I can stand and I can walk (mostly normally as long as I don't over do it), so I am doing much better than I was Thursday and Friday. Have you ever tried eating dinner laying on your stomach? I really don't recommend it.
So, while I am still a big believer in homeopathic remedies, I may (just may) be less hesitant to go to the doctor in the future. But, just once, do you think I can do see him WITHOUT taking my pants off?
*He is honestly the absolute BEST husband in the world. I can not say enough good things about him. I have hit the jackpot this time.
Friday, June 13, 2008
I Still Am Not Sure About My Options
I had my doctor's visit this morning. The visit was with a GYN Nurse Practioner (NP). This does not bother me; I do not have a need to see the actual GYN. They are normally very busy people who are never on time, always running around birthing babies. I liked the NP. She was pleasant, almost on time and had plenty of time to talk to me about what is going on and what my possible options are. Unfortunately, I am not crazy about those options.
Apparently my uterus is significantly enlarged (should I be a little annoyed with my regular family doctor here? The damn thing is NOT where it is supposed to be, shouldn't he have noticed?), but that is all she could tell without an ultrasound. That is scheduled for next Wednesday. I had one about 7 years ago, which is when I was diagnosed with the fibroids, but that does not do me any good at this point.
The only options she really offered me, though was
#1. Endometrial ablation :
Endometrial ablation is a procedure that uses a lighted viewing instrument and other instruments to destroy (ablate) the uterine lining, or endometrium. Endometrial ablation can be done by:
Laser beam (laser thermal ablation).
Heat (thermal ablation), using:
Radiofrequency.
A balloon filled with saline solution that has been heated to 85C (thermal balloon ablation). This is the one available to me.
Normal saline (heated free fluid).
Electricity, using a resectoscope with a loop or rolling ball electrode.
Freezing.
Microwave.
The endometrium heals by scarring, which usually reduces or prevents uterine bleeding.
What To Expect After Surgery
Endometrial ablation is usually done in an outpatient facility or hospital. The procedure may be done using a local or spinal anesthesia, although general anesthesia is sometimes used.
It takes a few days to 2 weeks to recover. (WebMd)
#2. Hysterectomy
The surgical removal of the uterus. It is done to treat certain gynecological conditions, including childbirth complications; cancer; and fibroids, endometriosis, or uterine bleeding that hasn't responded to other treatments. (WebMd)
But until the ultrasound is done, there is no way to know if the ablation will work for MY fibroids. And the thought of a hysterectomy does not sound even vaguely pleasant. Not to mention the fact that recovery time is normally 4-6 weeks and I only have about 3 weeks vacation time saved up. I have savings, of course, and so does DSD, so the bills will be paid, but what if I am out for 6 weeks and they don't miss me? What if they realize they can get along without me? I can't afford to lose my job and there have been issues lately with some of my co-workers.
After everything I have read in the last week, I was leaning more toward
Uterine Fibroid Embolization (also called uterine artery embolization):
shrinks or destroys uterine fibroids by blocking the artery that supplies blood to them. During a UFE procedure, a radiologist places a thin, flexible tube called a catheter into the upper thigh and guides it into the uterine artery that supplies blood to the fibroids. A solution is then injected into the uterine artery through the catheter. (WebMd)
I like non-surgical! Of course, this isn't offered at the GYN, but it is something that I could possibly pursue on my own if hysterectomy is my only other option (I have already found 2 radiologists who perform this locally. One at the radiology place that does my mammograms and that will be performing my ultrasound). IF, of course, my insurance will pay for it. Sadly, from everything I have read, it is NOT cheaper than a hysterectomy and
in one study, about 1 in 5 women who had uterine fibroid embolization (UFE) needed another UFE or a hysterectomy within 3½ years. (WebMd) (Edwards RD, et al. (2007). Uterine-artery embolization versus surgery for symptomatic uterine fibroids. New England Journal of Medicine, 356(4): 360–370.)
So, I have been left with more questions than answers. My mom is a little pissed about it, but there is not a lot that can be done at this point. Just wait and see.
Enjoy your weekend.
Apparently my uterus is significantly enlarged (should I be a little annoyed with my regular family doctor here? The damn thing is NOT where it is supposed to be, shouldn't he have noticed?), but that is all she could tell without an ultrasound. That is scheduled for next Wednesday. I had one about 7 years ago, which is when I was diagnosed with the fibroids, but that does not do me any good at this point.
The only options she really offered me, though was
#1. Endometrial ablation :
Endometrial ablation is a procedure that uses a lighted viewing instrument and other instruments to destroy (ablate) the uterine lining, or endometrium. Endometrial ablation can be done by:
Laser beam (laser thermal ablation).
Heat (thermal ablation), using:
Radiofrequency.
A balloon filled with saline solution that has been heated to 85C (thermal balloon ablation). This is the one available to me.
Normal saline (heated free fluid).
Electricity, using a resectoscope with a loop or rolling ball electrode.
Freezing.
Microwave.
The endometrium heals by scarring, which usually reduces or prevents uterine bleeding.
What To Expect After Surgery
Endometrial ablation is usually done in an outpatient facility or hospital. The procedure may be done using a local or spinal anesthesia, although general anesthesia is sometimes used.
It takes a few days to 2 weeks to recover. (WebMd)
#2. Hysterectomy
The surgical removal of the uterus. It is done to treat certain gynecological conditions, including childbirth complications; cancer; and fibroids, endometriosis, or uterine bleeding that hasn't responded to other treatments. (WebMd)
But until the ultrasound is done, there is no way to know if the ablation will work for MY fibroids. And the thought of a hysterectomy does not sound even vaguely pleasant. Not to mention the fact that recovery time is normally 4-6 weeks and I only have about 3 weeks vacation time saved up. I have savings, of course, and so does DSD, so the bills will be paid, but what if I am out for 6 weeks and they don't miss me? What if they realize they can get along without me? I can't afford to lose my job and there have been issues lately with some of my co-workers.
After everything I have read in the last week, I was leaning more toward
Uterine Fibroid Embolization (also called uterine artery embolization):
shrinks or destroys uterine fibroids by blocking the artery that supplies blood to them. During a UFE procedure, a radiologist places a thin, flexible tube called a catheter into the upper thigh and guides it into the uterine artery that supplies blood to the fibroids. A solution is then injected into the uterine artery through the catheter. (WebMd)
I like non-surgical! Of course, this isn't offered at the GYN, but it is something that I could possibly pursue on my own if hysterectomy is my only other option (I have already found 2 radiologists who perform this locally. One at the radiology place that does my mammograms and that will be performing my ultrasound). IF, of course, my insurance will pay for it. Sadly, from everything I have read, it is NOT cheaper than a hysterectomy and
in one study, about 1 in 5 women who had uterine fibroid embolization (UFE) needed another UFE or a hysterectomy within 3½ years. (WebMd) (Edwards RD, et al. (2007). Uterine-artery embolization versus surgery for symptomatic uterine fibroids. New England Journal of Medicine, 356(4): 360–370.)
So, I have been left with more questions than answers. My mom is a little pissed about it, but there is not a lot that can be done at this point. Just wait and see.
Enjoy your weekend.
Thursday, June 5, 2008
This Post May Contain Too Much Information about the Female Reproductive System, Menstruation and my body
For some time now my menstrual cycle has run from 21-24 days. While that sounds fairly miserable, the actual period would only last 3 days, so it wasn't a bad trade off. Much better than a 28 days cycle with 5-7 days of bleeding in my humble opinion.
Now I have always had cramps to go along with the onset of my period. As a teenager, before the Pill, I usually spent 12-24 hours writhing in pain and throwing up. No kidding, actual vomiting. Nothing helped the pain. I finally started taking birth control pills at 18 and things were much better. I came off of them to get pregnant, but pregnancy seemed to help with many of the problems and I stayed off of them for a while after my son was born and then only took them intermittantly (they were expensive and we were without medical insurance for a while). I went off of them permanently when DSD moved in. He had a vasectomy many years before he met me, so birth control is not an issue and why screw up my system with hormones if I didn't to?
The cramps were more annoying than anything else. Painful, yes, but usually only lasted 12-24 hours and were easily managed with Motrin or Advil. The backache, which started 4 or 5 years ago was more painful. Maybe because it was new and unexpected, but it would usually knock me down for a day then move on until the next month.
So, imagine my surprise, and annoyance, the day before my birthday when DSD and I were out of town, to realize we had taken along an extra guest for the weekend. Aunt Flo apparently likes to play the slots and decided to tag along to Biloxi. Not a welcome guest, ever, but certainly not when she was not expected for another week. Add to that the fact that the cramps and backache are running closer to 3 days of actual pain that Advil will not kill and my periods are up to 4 days.. not fun at all.
It was time for my yearly visit to the family doctor, so I scheduled it for 10 days after our return, and then rescheduled it because (Hello!) I was on my period. Again. My mom went through very early menopause, so that it was I thought it probably was. I was poked and prodded through the usual PapSmear, two separate (and not even close to equal) mammograms, what seemed like a gallon of blood and the results? Nothing. No menopause, no anemia (which is what my doctor thought), nothing. Then he mentions that maybe, I have fibroid tumors. Well, duh. Now I love my doctor, but do you think he actually reads my chart? The information is in there. I gave a complete history when I started seeing him about 6 years ago that included the important things like, you know, Fibroid Tumors. Embedded. In. My. Uterus.
So, now I get to go see a Nurse Practitioner at an actual GYN clinic for MORE poking and prodding and, possibly, an ultrasound. Is there anything more relaxing than having someone press on your belly to take pictures when your bladder is full to the point of explosion? Then, probably, I will get an appointment with the actual GYN, then, we can figure out what we are going to do.
The choices range from medication (apparently RU486 works well in situations like this) to full blown hysterectomy. I would like to stay away from surgery if at all possible. I am over 40 and should be experiencing menopause in the next 10 years or so. We will see what MY options are. All I know is that doing nothing is NOT an option.
Now I have always had cramps to go along with the onset of my period. As a teenager, before the Pill, I usually spent 12-24 hours writhing in pain and throwing up. No kidding, actual vomiting. Nothing helped the pain. I finally started taking birth control pills at 18 and things were much better. I came off of them to get pregnant, but pregnancy seemed to help with many of the problems and I stayed off of them for a while after my son was born and then only took them intermittantly (they were expensive and we were without medical insurance for a while). I went off of them permanently when DSD moved in. He had a vasectomy many years before he met me, so birth control is not an issue and why screw up my system with hormones if I didn't to?
The cramps were more annoying than anything else. Painful, yes, but usually only lasted 12-24 hours and were easily managed with Motrin or Advil. The backache, which started 4 or 5 years ago was more painful. Maybe because it was new and unexpected, but it would usually knock me down for a day then move on until the next month.
So, imagine my surprise, and annoyance, the day before my birthday when DSD and I were out of town, to realize we had taken along an extra guest for the weekend. Aunt Flo apparently likes to play the slots and decided to tag along to Biloxi. Not a welcome guest, ever, but certainly not when she was not expected for another week. Add to that the fact that the cramps and backache are running closer to 3 days of actual pain that Advil will not kill and my periods are up to 4 days.. not fun at all.
It was time for my yearly visit to the family doctor, so I scheduled it for 10 days after our return, and then rescheduled it because (Hello!) I was on my period. Again. My mom went through very early menopause, so that it was I thought it probably was. I was poked and prodded through the usual PapSmear, two separate (and not even close to equal) mammograms, what seemed like a gallon of blood and the results? Nothing. No menopause, no anemia (which is what my doctor thought), nothing. Then he mentions that maybe, I have fibroid tumors. Well, duh. Now I love my doctor, but do you think he actually reads my chart? The information is in there. I gave a complete history when I started seeing him about 6 years ago that included the important things like, you know, Fibroid Tumors. Embedded. In. My. Uterus.
So, now I get to go see a Nurse Practitioner at an actual GYN clinic for MORE poking and prodding and, possibly, an ultrasound. Is there anything more relaxing than having someone press on your belly to take pictures when your bladder is full to the point of explosion? Then, probably, I will get an appointment with the actual GYN, then, we can figure out what we are going to do.
The choices range from medication (apparently RU486 works well in situations like this) to full blown hysterectomy. I would like to stay away from surgery if at all possible. I am over 40 and should be experiencing menopause in the next 10 years or so. We will see what MY options are. All I know is that doing nothing is NOT an option.
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