Tuesday, February 16, 2010

Third Time is a Charm!


Ever have one of those days or weeks even where it seems like everything is going by at lightning speed?

Well this has been one of those weeks for me. I thought I would take this moment to update you all on what is going on besides all my book reviews. Thank you sincerely for all of you that stop by and take the time to read those reviews. I haven't yet come across one that I really don't care for.

Doctor's Update: Here is what we know so far, I love my new doctor even though I have to drive almost 2 hours to see him and that is with no traffic. I have to time my doctor's visits well to avoid that whenever possible as traffic on Southern California's freeways is not fun at all. Thankfully God has blessed me with amazing patience to deal with it no matter how bad it gets. Let's just hope I always keep enough pain meds with me at all times.

So doctor number three is a keeper! Here is why! After 12 years of dealing with what I call nightmare monthly cycles, and most of my other OB GYN's over the years tell me are quite normal as you age, Doctor Alan does not.

Finally can I get an AMEN to that alone? A doctor who doesn't believe that a woman should have to tote around more monthly protection than most retail stores carry, and doesn't think you should have to spend those times of your month, curled up in a fetal position and sometimes wish for death to come quickly, while inhaling as many pain meds is medically safe? You mean there is a light out there for me? For women everywhere?

Honestly I wanted to hug this man when he said that to me, but I restrained myself quite well. I smiled from ear to ear when he said that is no quality of life for anyone. AMEN!

So after hearing him tell me about himself, his medical history and what he thinks of the information I provided him, we've come to a couple of conclusions. I am dealing with 3 different issues:

1. The mass on my left ovary. Since no doctor thus far has been able to tell me what is going on, and through countless tests, Xrays, ultrasounds, and CT scans, there still is no definite answer as to what it is, just what is might be.

2. The pain. Not sure if this is something attributed to the mass on my left ovary, the fibroid tumors in my uterus, or what he calls stretching or twisting of this mass to the point where it causes me severe, eyes tearing up, pain.

3. Fibroids in my uterus. These depending on where they are growing can cause me to carry around that utility supply of monthly woman's products with me wherever I go just in case.

As you can see the quality of life that Dr. Alan is talking about is broken down into three areas. Now he said most of the time in his dealings with women, he usually only deals with one, but I am dealing with all three at the same time.

So here is how he would like to proceed and I have agreed.

1. We are getting blood work complete to look for cancers and tumor markers. - Completed the same day and on Friday, I received word that everything is in the normal range aside from being anemic. Taking iron supplements for that.

2. Since my monthly visitor was due to show up this week right on schedule, I had to delay the latest ultrasound tests to Friday, February 26. He wants to get an updated look on what is going on before he makes any other decisions.

3. Based on the findings of the ultrasound, more than likely because I am dealing with a multitude of symptoms and except for the pain since November, I have dealt with all the other things for over 11 years now, a hysterectomy is looking like our best option. There are so lesser evasive options but since I've been struggling with all of this except the extreme pain for over 11 years, I would like to have some of my life back.

My opinion on it all: I love this doctor and based on his recommendations and the quality of my life for the last 11 years, I say it's time to carve this pumpkin before Halloween and call it done.

Here is how you can help me specifically with prayer:

Please, please continue to pray that all the findings of the ultrasound on February 26th will lead them to some solid answers regarding what is causing all this tremendous pain.

I ask that you also pray for any reduction in the amount of pain I am currently dealing with in regards to my monthly visitor. Since the mystery pain arrived in November, it's twice as bad when this time of the month rolls around and requires me to take 8 to 12 Norco pain pills a day. NOT GOOD!

Please pray that Steve's job will work out according to what he needs and they are understanding with this situation. We've filled out Intermittent Family Leave paperwork to make sure his job stays secure, despite the fact they are not happy that he can't travel out of state right now, and there is no retaliation by his employers.

Please pray for peace over both of us as we've been under major spiritual attack for the last two weeks, our relationship, my health and our marriage are under constant bombardment from the enemy. The more we draw near to God, the more something else pops us like me coming down with Bronchitis just before my doctor's appointment. I went anyway despite being doped up on pain meds and cold medicines. As you can see the storm hasn't been easy.

Thank you my dear friends for all your cards, well wishes, emails, and phone calls. They have meant the world to me.

If you haven't had the opportunity to sign up for the book giveaway that I am scheduling for Friday, please click here for more information. Since this has received so many comments, I am going to give away two copies of the books so there will be two winners!

22 comments:

Denise said...

Praise God that you have found a good doctor finally. Prayers remain with you dear.

Heckety said...

Well HALLELUJAH! About JOLLY time- a doctor who is looking at you like a woman and not a female machine...I'm sooooooo GLAD for you!
Prayers comin' up as requested m'dear!
Another thing, can you email me your address when you've a mo as I've wristwarmers knitted/knatted for you- nice loud stripey ones with attitude!
As to the bombardment- by this stage in life I know that Satan doesn't waste time knocking temporary things, so if he's taking the time to attack you take it as affirmation that you are close to God and have strength.

Anonymous said...

I pray that God will heal you
in Jesus Name Amen!

God bless you and your family, Ron

Mari said...

Hooray!!!
I'm so glad you found someone to listen to you and cares! I had a hysterectomy at 40 because of fibroids and I've not regretted it.
Praying, as you requested!

Charlotte said...

Hi Kat, Thank goodness that you've finally found a doctor with some answers! I will continue to keep you in my prayers...

Hugs,
Charlotte

Parsley said...

Will pray, hon. Glad God is guiding you to the right doc. I fully expect you to have all your answers and a fix soon.

Unknown said...

G'day ~ What wonderful news. There must be something about Dr. Alan(s) as mine is a dream come true also.

I had to have a hysterectomy at age 28 & never looked back once with regret ... it solved the issues.

Hopefully, this will all be corrected quickly & you will have your life back ... Please keep us posted.

Have a beautiful day ~
Marydon

Sandy Howell said...

Praying for you my friend. I'm glad you finally found a doctor who cares and is willing to find the solution to the problem. ((hugs))

Skoots1moM said...

I'm liking the sound of this doctor's ability and bedside manner much more than the others...
my journey with fibroids was bad, too...i had more than 8 tumors the sizes of grapefruit and oranges, i also had a tumor on the outside of my ovary and I was anemic...
once my blood was stronger and i went through surgery, things have been much better (even though i still deal with hormonal issues)
praying your pain journey won't be much longer!

christy rose said...

Kat, I am glad to hear that this new doctor might be coming up with some answers for you. I will continue to pray that God leads you to complete healing. It does feel good to maybe see the light at the end of the tunnel, huh?

I have a little token of friendship for you over at my place. :)

Girly Muse said...

Dear Kat,

I am so relieved that you have found a good doctor!!! Thank the Lord for that answer to prayer. Will be praying about the hysterectomy and all the bombardment you're getting knocked around with...ready for you to have relief and joy and a light heart...in Jesus' name.

Love and hugs!
Lori

Samantha said...

Praise God ! I know you are so glad to have found a doctor like this, I hope I can do the same.
I am sure just knowing what is going on helps to ease your mind.
Continuing to keep you in my prayers.
Take care and God bless !

Suz said...

I have a friend who dealt with similar issues to 8 years. She had a hysterectomy a few months ago and could not be more thrilled.

She hasn't felt this good in years and her marriage is "like we were newly weds."

So know that there is hope.

I am praying for you.

He & Me + 3 said...

This Doctor sounds genuinely concerned and sounds like a keeper. praying for you.

Danae Hudson said...

Yes! Praise God that He has found you a good doctor. :)

Teresa @ Grammy Girlfriend said...

I would have a hysterectomy without a second thought...I had one at 32 and have nver looked back....Easy surgery and
never anymore problems....
I am surprised they have not suggested this before....Praying...and so happy you found a good doctor

Darcie said...

Kat,

I can't tell you how happy I am that you finally found a Dr. that has the answers. It's been one long road for you but how encouraging it must have been to have some answers. ((hugs))

LV said...

It is a shame you have had to go through what you have so long. I do pray this doctor can help you. When you are not well, it takes a toll on everyone in the family. You and your family are stronger than you think. Things are going to get better.

Wendy said...

What is it with doctors who think that women's problems are all in their heads? Sheesh! So glad you found a doctor with a brain. So, about this hysterectomy - are you thinking of doing a complete one? Or a partial? I only ask because of experiences friends have had and the ones who have been able to keep at least one ovary have had fewer hormonal problems afterward.

RCUBEs said...

I'm glad the Lord had led you to a doctor who truly cares and spends his time looking at all angles. Finally!

Keeping you in prayers sister Kat. May the Lord guide you, bless you and protect you. Praying continuously for your healing. Take care of yourself. Blessings and love to you.

Anonymous said...

"The" doctors are literal gifts from God. I had secondary infertility and a bunch of specialist just kept blowing us off. Someone finally gave us "the" name to one. He said I had endometrious which created AWEFUL, labor-like pain. After 6 months on SYnarel which put me in menopause - no more pain. Praise God.

However, 4 kids later (5 total), I was having the same problems you were having with no products able to handle the, ahem, situation. They discovered "good" precancerous cells and did a hysteroscopy with an ablation. They then put me on a hormone for 6 months to reduce the 1% risk of "good" precancerous cells turning to cancer (verses the bad ones that turn tocancer 50% of the time) to 1% of the 1%. ANd guess what? Miniminal, ahem, issues to deal with. I felt like I had been delivered.

I had tremendous pain since I was 13 years old. "The" doctor makes all thedifference in the world. I'll be praying for you:)

Debby@Just Breathe said...

Well Amen, I am so glad you have a new doctor. He sounds wonderful. I will keep you and Steve in my prayers. I think it sounds like a good plan.