I saw a specialist this morning who told me I have gallstones and need surgery. Unfortunately, some stones have migrated into the bile duct, and before he can operate, I have to have them "cleaned out" via an endoscopy. My worst nightmare - it won't just be a quick "in with the camera and out again".
I'm also waiting to get an appointment with the vascular surgeon to see what they can do with the aneurysm in my abdominal aorta. Scary.
Then I will see the cardiologist on Monday, and an endocrinologist on Wednesday. I'm not even sure I know what the endocrinologist is for, but my mind is glazing over with all the problems and all the specialists. And there might even be more - some call me to set up an appointment and I have to call others to set it up.
Ah well, I just hope they can get everything all done before June, or at least the middle of June, and give me some time to do some camping this summer before the drive to NY. I probably won't try to stay in campgrounds along the way but will just stay in motels.
I hate having to let go of the job at Lassen this summer, for one thing, I think it means that a new stage of my life is here and I will
have to let go of the old one - the one where I could do just about
anything I decided to do. I foresee a slower pace ahead, which may not
be a bad thing, but I hope I can still manage to travel once in a while.
I'm looking forward to being with family tomorrow evening as Joe & Sarah are hosting the monthly dinner. I may take my camera along with me, but it usually just gets in the way.
I hope everyone has a great weekend.
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Gall stones could explain lots of your recent misery. The aneurysm may be one of those "watch and see" things. I have one in the aorta right above my heart and am now on a yearly check as it hasn't changed in size at all and may have been there for a long time. Try not to worry and just let them do what they must to help you get better quickly. Dione
ReplyDeleteI understand when you say, "I think it means that a new stage of my life is here". I think many of us here in Blogland are at that point now. If I were in your position I would just go with the Doctors & do what has to be done. They are only trying to help best they can. If this was a hundred years ago many of us would already be in the marble orchard......
ReplyDeleteI had my gallbladder out almost 40 years ago. Thank goodness they've come a long long way since then with the surgery. You will definitely feel much better when you're not dealing with gallstones. And even though it's hard to accept that new stage of life, we make it the best we can and enjoy every minute of it. Hang in there, these things will all be taken care of and you can still get out there and see the good ole USA.
ReplyDeletePerhaps you'll still be able to do Lassen. I can't remember when you were to start. Don't give up!
ReplyDeleteI am glad to hear they are finding some issues that might have been making you feel bad. I feel confident that you may be a new (almost) woman by June and will enjoy Lassen. I would do whatever it takes to get back to enjoying life. You were such a strong and confident woman when I started to read your blog and I don't think she had ended yet!! Hang in there and like Judy said don't give up hope! :)
ReplyDeleteSo sorry to hear of all your troubles. Seems that when it rains it pours, so to speak. You will be in my thoughts and prayers.
ReplyDeleteQuite possibly when they finish fixing the things that need fixing you will find you can do things you haven't felt up to for a long time. Be reasonable about it, but don't give up!
ReplyDeleteYes, there IS light at the end of the tunnel. That gall bladder problem explains a lot of your misery. Hopefully whatever else is wrong will be minor things. Hang in there; you might be a new woman when all is said and done.
ReplyDeleteEnjoy your time with family. I hope all goes well for you medically & you'll be feeling much better soon!
ReplyDeletePlease take care of yourself, but stay positive.
Try to be positive. If they are finding things that are making you feel bad, they can fix them and then you may be much more able to do what you want to do. If things continue as they have been, you just don't feel good enough to do anything you want to do.
ReplyDeleteI totally undestand how depressing all this news is. And I don't blame you for fearing the worst. In your situation I would be feeling just as you do. And I'm not sure if I would appreciate all the chin up advice. But I do think your friends here may be right that the gallbladder business may be at the heart of your recent slump and surgery will make you feel a whole lot better. David thought his life was going to change totally too and for a while it did but he's back to nearly where he was and I think there is an excellent chance you will be too. Move through it all with as much confidence as you can and picture the future you want for yourself. You are a plucky lady. I don't think you are down for the count by any means.
ReplyDeleteFYI, gallbladder surgery is a piece of cake now days. Surgery at 1:30pm, home at 9pm. I was off work one week. Few holes, couple stitches and viola! good as new.
ReplyDeleteOne thing I have learned to accept is that modern medicine can do some amazing things. Keep positive thoughts and you will still enjoy many great experiences:)
ReplyDeleteA lot of us seem to going into a new stage of life. We certainly hope and pray that you come out of all of this strong and healthy and charged up to GO ON WITH YOUR LIFE!
ReplyDeleteNo wonder you haven't been feeling well! Hang in there with the doctors and get everything back up to snuff. You may surprise yourself and start feeling well enough to go camping again.
ReplyDeleteIt sounds as though you have been far too brave and toughing it out for a long time. Thank-goodness the tests showed up stuff that can be treated.
ReplyDeleteYou must be feeling pretty upset right now alongside a smidgeon of relief. You have many things to sort out and I really appreciate that you found time to share with us.
Take care and take one step at a time.
Blessings
I, too, am betting you will feel so much better once this bump in the road is passed, (pun intended).
ReplyDeleteBest wishes for a speedy recovery.
I am always happy when they actually diagnose the problem, and it can be taken care of. Don't fret - you'll soon be done with it and on with your life. I know it's scarey, but it's also fixable. My prayers and good thoughts are going your way.
ReplyDeleteJust want to say hey and I'm thinking and rooting for ya...
ReplyDeleteBummer ... but so glad you got your family by your side as well as your blog pals ... Lots of good vibes being sent your way ...
Gale's Dr's have said his aortic aneurysm can be stented. May be a question to ask yours.
ReplyDeleteR U OK? We wonder.
ReplyDelete