Thursday, November 17, 2011

A Word of Warning

I know this blog is about writing - but this has affected my writing. 

Take care of yourself and listen to your body.

For more than three months I have felt ill in numerous ways and saw a doctor. Lots of things happening, but the doc would look at one 'problem' at a time, try to fix it, and then go on to the next. Most times, I got the impression that he was  humoring me. I felt such guilt. That perhaps I had let myself fall apart. Didn't take care of myself. Etc., etc., etc. Taking care of a five-year old was too much.

The doc finally ordered blood work. Discovered I had a major, life-threatening problem, and prescribed some easy meds to fix it. However -- and don't you just love it -- the doc never told me about it. His office called me the next day and said he'd ordered meds. No discussion. 

I went to another doctor. This one told me that the diagnosis impacted my life in every way possible. From my eyesight - to my extreme fatigue - to my 9 out of a scale of 10 back pain - to my deep sorrow. He said all will slowly be corrected with the medication.

I can't tell you the weight that was lifted from me. Especially the weight of guilt. Incredible feeling.

Had to share this with you all. If you have recurring problems with your health, in any way, seek a doctor. And if you don't get answers, go to another, and another until someone finally takes the time to tell you what's going on. 

Life is too precious.

6 comments:

  1. Thank God for good doctors, and medication that works. I'm so happy for you.

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  2. I'm glad you finally know what the problem is, but I am feeling irritated on your behalf that the doctor didn't think of your illness right away and order blood work early on. The doctors I've gone to are always checking for that kind of thing for me; maybe it's because of my family history. In any case, I trust the meds will get you back on track in no time and you'll feel good again in all ways. I'm praying for you! <3

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  3. Thanks, Judy. I pray to God it works quickly.

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  4. It's funny you should say that now. I just was on the phone with my daughter, mumbling about the doc waiting so long when every symptom I told him pointed to the illness. I just can't believe it. She, as she always is, was courteous and suggested that there's no way the doc could have known, being as the blood work looked fine in February. But I did keep telling him about the symptoms and he just ignored them.

    Bless you for your prayers. Praying too that the meds start working and fast!

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  5. Even when doctors do blood work, they don't always check for that particular thing -- though I think they should! Maybe he didn't check last time. Or maybe it really wasn't a problem back then, since I think it's possible for the problem to crop up and get bad fairly quickly. I'm sorry it's been such a trial to you, I know you've been suffering. But I know others who have gotten a new lease on life once they started getting treatment, so I trust it will be the same for you!

    If you don't get relief in the near future, check with the doctor to be sure your dosage is correct.

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  6. A new lease on life! *kicks heels in the air and promptly falls flat on her face*

    That's what I'm hoping for, Margaret. And I will keep checking because it sounds like correct dosage is hard to find at the beginning.

    I wonder how many people think they have the beginnings of dementia or Alzheimer's due to something like this. It definitely messes with the brain!

    Bless you

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