Medical Marathon

I ended up scheduling a bunch of appointments all in a matter of 2 and 1/2 weeks. I've been examined and tested up and down. This much concentrated time on my health has not been good for my mental health. Discussing my health, focusing on myself has upset me. Not that I've been in a great place about life and health in general, but sitting in six different waiting rooms doesn't help the positive thought process. I wish I had some fun stories to tell from the waiting rooms, but all I have is a mash-up of magazine articles I sampled. I did write several post in my head and of course have procrastinated so this blog was a great opportunity to lightly write about what has been going on with me.

I had my blood drawn for my endo doc. I slightly dreaded the results because I wasn't taking my supplements. Along with a disrupted routine with commuting at the beginning of the year and another family move I wasn't consistent about anything. My blood work was spot on though. She still is concerned about my low cholesterol and wants me to take my fish oil. I am still iron rich, but she suggests I get another mega dose of iron because my levels are coming down and she doesn't want me to be anemic again. I questioned her about my loopy feelings, as in since beginning Advair, I don't feel all here. I am not concentrating well and I love to sleep, which isn't new but it's trending near depression I feel. She recommended I begin taking my vitamins again and get back to a schedule. I am one of the worst people to stick to a schedule unless someone else forces me too. This is why school was so great.

I saw the dermatologist, finally, because at 25 my face needs to be clear. I am extremely frustrated and there doesn't seem to be any solutions besides more drugs. I've been using 3 creams/foams instead of taking pills, but I followed up with her again and she gave me another cream to try. I'll probably end up taking a drug.....It is the story of my life, but I don't want to accept it. Denial that my life consists of taking something to 'fix' almost everything about me. 

I finally and I mean finally had a DEXA-scan done. I am suppose to get one every year, its been about 3. Since CFers can be malnourished, bone loss at a young age is expected. The last test showed slight osteopenia so we'll see if my supplements and gluten free diet helped my absorption at all.

Another thing that is wrong with me, my mouth. I visited my dentist for a 4 month follow up instead of 6 months for a cleaning. Since my gum graft they wanted to make sure plaque didn't disrupt my progress. My electronic toothbrush though has done wonders. Since I inhale a lot of medicine that can add to the build up. I was given an excellent report and scheduled a 6 month follow up. Wheww

The CF clinic, of course it had to be in there at some point. So it had been 2 months since my last visit. That last visit my lung function had improved from two weeks prior due to my best friend Cipro for helping me out. This time they were back down slightly. ARGH, I also told them about my strange loopy feelings. My lack of focus and drive to get things done. But the main point of this visit was my bowels. I knew I was blocked up because for the past year they have been shoving it down my throat to take miralax daily and do not take constipation lightly. I have always been a regular girl and their warnings didn't seem to apply to me because I never had any problems until 2 months ago. Again, my theory of the introduction of Advair was causing problems. They ended up x-raying my belly and sending me home with a jug full of salt. Well, basically a colon cleanse formula. I had to cancel my weekend plans and I'll spare you the details, but I plan on taking miralax more often, I guess daily now to prevent cleaning myself out again anytime soon.

Now back to lung function, they want me to do 3 breathing treatments and come back in two weeks. I am not exercising and they too recommended I get on a strict schedule to help my daze and confused being. Well since I'm on Cayston I've been able to sit myself down. I really am not clearing more out, but I think it is helping my airways. I don't like that it is interfering with my sleep, but it has given me the chance to watch the second season of Downton Abbey. Oh my goodness such a good show. I can discuss that in another post. Since my treatment is done, I'm ready for sleep!