I just wanna say -- the random comments thread

[justginger]

I'm thankful you've found someone who is listening and cares, missy - these days that's half the battle. Good luck with the newest procedure; I very much hope it sheds some light on the situation. I hate hearing that you are still feeling unwell.

My random observation: cytology is hard. I'm spending about 15 hours/week screening Pap smears and it's bloody hard. "Let's see...I'm 100% confident those cells are either reactive/reparative from some sort of endothelial damage, like a brutal tampon insertion...or they're invasive squamous cell carcinoma. Oh, or maybe she's post-menopausal and that's just physiological atrophy with a bit of background necrosis. Or follicular cervicitis. So, basically, something may or may not be wrong." -- my answer to every screening slide, except HSV, which is the most cytologically beautiful disease ever, and (thankfully) blatantly obvious.

 

[Dee*Jay]

Missy, just popping in to say I'm thinking of you and hoping the procedure goes well and you get some real answers very soon!

 

[missy]

Thank you TooPatient, Kelinas, Ginger and Dee Jay! I appreciate the good thoughts.

Today was painless (thank goodness because the first endoscopy with a different doctor was not-sore throat for 4 days that time) and I am somewhat relieved. It seems that I don't (or maybe did but it healed?) have esophagitis or gastritis. I was groggy still from the anesthesia when my gastroenterologist came in to the recovery room to chat with me so a bit fuzzy on some of the details.

He told me I have a hiatal hernia and loose lower esophageal sphincter (again details fuzzy but that's what I think he said because I specifically asked about both of those) and they can be controlled by meds. He took biopsies of my esophagus because he thinks there is a possibility of this all being caused by the shingles infection but he is the only doctor who thinks this is possible. This is what I thought all along but was pooh poohed by all the specialists and my internist.

Anyway my next appointment with him is April 4th where we can discuss the biopsy results and what to do next. He has me on Dexilant 60 mg bid which he says is maximum heavy duty strength and should provide me relief.

I have to say that when you are feeling ill for so long you realize what truly matters in life and these last few months have given me even greater clarity than I had before (and I had a good perspective then but going through a chronic condition that causes so much discomfort and pain really just fine tunes one's perspective and outlook on life yanno?). I am feeling a bit better right now (not sure if it's the meds or just the relief of knowing someone is trying to really help me) and life seems so much sweeter. I am taking it day by day even hour by hour because that's the only way I have been getting through my discomfort 24/7.
Sorry for the long windedness but if what I am dealing with can be at all helpful to anyone else it is worth sharing.

Thanks again to all the lovely PSers who chimed in and sent good wishes and PS dust. Much appreciated as always!

 

[TooPatient]

Missy -- Wonderful news! It sounds like you found a great doctor who is willing (and able!) to find what is wrong and help you. Please do keep sharing lots.... but I hope you are all better soon!

 

[zoebartlett]

Missy, I'm glad you're getting some answers and are beginning to feel a bit better.

----------------------------------------------------------


I'm beginning a new job search after losing my position for next year.

The good news, although unrelated, is that we've had two people look at our condo the other day. One is interested after seeing it twice, so we're hoping she makes an offer. The other person saw it once and wants to bring her family back for a second showing.

 

[missy]

Thanks again TooPatient!
Zoe, thanks for the good wishes and good luck to you in finding that perfect new job and also in selling your condo.

I'm thinking of Sarah and her sweet doggie this morning and sending lots of good luck vibes for her safe return to the family.

 

[manderz]

I've applied for two grad programs, one an MSW program, and the other an MA in social policy. Oh yeah, and I'm having surgery in 3 days. Feeling just a little overwhelmed!

 

[zoebartlett]

Manderz, best wishes on everything you've got going on right now.

I have an interview this afternoon for a new position starting next fall. We also accepted an offer on our condo. The offer was pretty close to our asking price and the seller would like a quick close if all works out, so we couldn't turn it down.

 

[missy]

I've applied for two grad programs, one an MSW program, and the other an MA in social policy. Oh yeah, and I'm having surgery in 3 days. Feeling just a little overwhelmed!

Good luck manderz! Especially with your surgery...hope it goes well and is successful...(((hugs)))!!!

Manderz, best wishes on everything you've got going on right now.

I have an interview this afternoon for a new position starting next fall. We also accepted an offer on our condo. The offer was pretty close to our asking price and the seller would like a quick close if all works out, so we couldn't turn it down.

Congrats on selling the condo so quickly Zoe. That's awesome! And good luck on your interview.

 

[iLander]

MISSY!

So glad you're feeling better! What did he say about the skin burning? Is that from the Shingles too?

 

[missy]

MISSY!

So glad you're feeling better! What did he say about the skin burning? Is that from the Shingles too?

iLander, Hi!
My new gastro doctor said he doesn't know what is causing the skin burning and that I am an interesting case haha-just what I want to hear. He might be writing my case up for the medical journals depending on what he finds and what the conclusion is but we'll see. I am pretty convinced though that the burning (back, neck and arm and of course chest) is from acid reflux despite all the specialists saying it could not be. That only chest burning could be acid reflux but not back and arm. Except I really think it is.

My big problem right now is that I am still experiencing the burning most of the day even on quadruple the normal dose of meds (60 mg dexilant bid). Normal dose is 30 mg qd though some doctors write it for 60 mg qd but I am on 60 mg twice a day. I am keeping a food and activity journal just in case that provides some clues. Hope he doesn't think I am cuckoo for doing that as he didn't ask me to. I just though it might be helpful since we cannot figure out what is going on.

My dh wants me to go to a food allergist but since I have the symptoms of burning on an empty or full stomach not sure that would be helpful and I am sort of overwhelmed with going to all these doctors right now anyway. At some point in the future though I would go and get tested for food allergies. From my understanding that kind of testing is not always accurate anyway.

So, I am still worried but trying to concentrate on other things (PriceScope please get busier where the heck is all the activity as I need the distraction lol) to get through each day.

The other worrisome symptom is the chest squeezing and I really hoped the meds would help take care of that as well. I am seeing the gastroenterologist this friday at 8AM (and he should have my biopsy results at that time as well) so I hope he won't give up on me considering that the meds he said would for sure work didn't.

I think I am worried because I see this often with other people. The doctors cannot figure it out and they lose interest because they are so busy with other patients that they can help. So I am hoping he will work this out with me and find something that will provide relief. As well as a correct diagnosis.

Thank you dear iLander for thinking of me (and for reading this very long post). I appreciate that more than words can convey. If I saw you in person I would give you big hugs but for now virtual ones will have to do....(((hugs))).

 

[TooPatient]

Missy -- Great idea with the food/activity log! You might notice a common thing causing your problems or you might just find that if you do X, you'll feel a bit less miserable. Either way it seems like a good idea!

I'm right with you on being a bit skeptical of nutritionist people. I know some are very good and really can help but there are so many others who just take it way too far. (I'm thinking of the lady who tried to get me to do testing because "You might have a sensitivity but not have any symptoms at all!".... Umm.... If I have no symptoms at all and I eat things in moderation anyway then what good is your test?!?)

Good luck!
Make sure they keep an eye on your vitamin levels. Medicines for acid reflux can cause all sorts of vitamin issues like keeping your stomach from absorbing when you just eat them.

 

[missy]

Missy -- Great idea with the food/activity log! You might notice a common thing causing your problems or you might just find that if you do X, you'll feel a bit less miserable. Either way it seems like a good idea!

I'm right with you on being a bit skeptical of nutritionist people. I know some are very good and really can help but there are so many others who just take it way too far. (I'm thinking of the lady who tried to get me to do testing because "You might have a sensitivity but not have any symptoms at all!".... Umm.... If I have no symptoms at all and I eat things in moderation anyway then what good is your test?!?)

Good luck!
Make sure they keep an eye on your vitamin levels. Medicines for acid reflux can cause all sorts of vitamin issues like keeping your stomach from absorbing when you just eat them.

Thank you TooPatient. I have always tried to eat healthy and follow a healthy lifestyle but I guess something's wrong/off with my body despite all that- that's for sure.

My new gastro has me off all supplementation and the only pills he wants me taking is the Dexilant med. I really need some of my vitamins (especially my Vit D) but am following doctor's orders right now.

 

[chemgirl]

I am totally boob nervous.

My mom had breast cancer in her thirties and my aunt (her sister) had ovarian and breast cancer before the age of 50. Their cancers were found early and they are both doing well. Incredibly lucky.

My mom is waiting on genetic testing. An incredibly lengthy process.

In the meantime I am super diligent about any changes in that area. About 5 years ago one nipple became inverted and I had mammogram and ultrasound. Both were negative. I get examined in my doctor's office once per year. Now I have a freaking spider vein and came out of nowhere and seems to be getting bigger. Probably doesn't help that I'm poking it several times per day. So back to the doctor. So much anxiety over this. Feeling nauseous.

Can't feel anything so that's a plus.

DH doesn't see what I'm talking about, as usual.

The nipple thing got a "wasn't it always like that?"

Just stressed out and needed to vent.

 

[missy]

I am totally boob nervous.

My mom had breast cancer in her thirties and my aunt (her sister) had ovarian and breast cancer before the age of 50. Their cancers were found early and they are both doing well. Incredibly lucky.

My mom is waiting on genetic testing. An incredibly lengthy process.

In the meantime I am super diligent about any changes in that area. About 5 years ago one nipple became inverted and I had mammogram and ultrasound. Both were negative. I get examined in my doctor's office once per year. Now I have a freaking spider vein and came out of nowhere and seems to be getting bigger. Probably doesn't help that I'm poking it several times per day. So back to the doctor. So much anxiety over this. Feeling nauseous.

Can't feel anything so that's a plus.

DH doesn't see what I'm talking about, as usual.

The nipple thing got a "wasn't it always like that?"

Just stressed out and needed to vent.

Thinking good thoughts for you Chemgirl. Being proactive is the best defense- sending (((hugs)))-it's all going to be OK. Good luck at the doctor's and lots of PS dust!

 

[chemgirl]

Thanks Missy!

How are you doing? Did any of the gastros check for h pylori? I ask because I had a pretty bad infection late last year and the pain you'be described sounds similar.

I bugged a friend in the medical field about the breast thing and she said to get it checked, but 20+ years of sleeping on my chest with my arm crunched up underneath me could have caused the spider vein.

I'm getting it checked out, but feeling much better about it.

 

[iLander]

I need a quick vent: I was eating out with 2 other couples, and the men (northerners down here part of the year) start talking about their gardens. One claims his tree got "yellow leaf" and died from it. There is no such thing as "yellow leaf" it's actually a symptom of herbicide poisoning in the particular tree he was talking about. But he wouldn't listen to me, who has been growing here for almost 40 years. No. His "yard guy explained it" and he believes in this mysterious made-up disease. Which was obviously caused by his "yard guy" spraying herbicide to kill the grass under the tree. This guy is falling for a line of CMA bullshit, but it's another guy saying it, so he believes it. Don't listen to the little lady, is written all over his face. Ridiculous.

Honestly.

Stupid little rant over.

 

[tyty333]

Anyone watching the Decorah Eagles this year? They have laid 3 eggs. One hatched yesterday (Wednesday) and one of the other
ones has a peek hole in it! So exciting...I know its early but I'm hoping all 3 make it to adulthood!

 

[missy]

Thanks Missy!

How are you doing? Did any of the gastros check for h pylori? I ask because I had a pretty bad infection late last year and the pain you'be described sounds similar.

I bugged a friend in the medical field about the breast thing and she said to get it checked, but 20+ years of sleeping on my chest with my arm crunched up underneath me could have caused the spider vein.

I'm getting it checked out, but feeling much better about it.

Thanks Chemgirl. No H pylori and no closer to having any pieces of the puzzle. Latest endoscopy results show NO esophagitis, NO acid reflux and no gastritis. So everything the first gastroenterologist and first endoscopy showed is not present with the 2nd endoscopy (different gastroenterologist). So did I ever have that? Did it heal? Or was the first gastro seriously incompetent or just plain made it up? Ugh I am so overwhelmed now even more than before.

The new gastro is adamant that I have more testing done with 1. an esophageal specialist to attach a sensor to my esophagus to monitor ph and bile over a 48 hour or so period. Very invasive and I do not want to do it and 2. schedule an appointment with a neurologist due to the never ending upper body burning. I am OK to do that though I am sick of going to doctors and getting no answers whatsoever.

My new gastroenterologist is adamant that I see the esophageal specialist for that invasive test and I am (for the first time in my life) considering not following doctor's orders for that at this time. It's too invasive for something that is more than likely not to give me any answers.

And on top of it all he wants me to continue on the heavy duty proton pump inhibitors just in case it has something to do with acid. Though he said I don't have acid reflux etc.

Oh and newish symptom-the sharp chest pain I was getting is now a constant dull chest ache. Uncomfortable and like all my other symptoms disconcerting. My chest hurts all the time. A dullish sort of ache-difficult for me to describe. All the time.

Chemgirl-I am thinking of you and hoping all of your testing is going well.

 

[Aoife]

Missy, I haven't been around for a while, but have been catching up on what has been going on on PS, and was very sorry to read about the health problems you have been having. They sound so frightening and stressful. The symptoms you are having sound terrible enough, but the lack of definitive answers make an already stressful situation even worse.

Have you considered going somewhere like the Mayo Clinic? The advantage there is that on difficult or puzzling cases such as yours there is a multi-disciplinary, team approach, rather than the kind of piecemeal doctor-of-the-day process you are going through now. It's something to consider.

In any case, sending healing thoughts your way.

 

[Phoenix]

Missy,

I haven't visited this thread for a while, until today. I was wondering abt your health issue that you mentioned elsewhere on PS but didn't want to ask for fear of being intrusive. I am sorry to hear you've been having pain and burning sensation. Ugh, it sucks when you're not feeling well and the Dr's don't seem to be able to find out what's wrong.

I too have been having some stomach pain, though I am otherwise in good health. I went to see a few Dr's and one of them thought I had too much acid in my stomach and consequently prescribed Omeprazole, except that it didn't work. Then I went to see one of the best local gastroenteritis specialists and he did a bunch of tests, inclg my white blood cell count etc...gave me a bunch of medicines and still the pain persisted. I asked if I might have colon/ stomach cancer and he said that he'd have to do an endoscopy to find out for sure. I am so against the idea of any invasive procedure and so did some more research on my own. Then bamn! it struck me what the likely cause is: it's bl**dy Ambien!! I suffer terribly from insomnia and have been on Ambien on and off - more on than off - especially since I had some severe headaches practically exactly a year ago. I am trying to wean myself off Ambien and I find out that on days I am not on Ambien my stomach pain is non-existent!! Can you imagine?!! So, anyway what I am trying to say is that too much medication of any kind is bad for you (as in one) and I wonder if you should be taking more medication? I am no doctor and of course I don't know what might be causing you all this pain and burning but would like to ask you to please re-think taking any more medication - at least for now until the Dr(s) can pinpoint the cause.

Another thing is that you mentioned you eat beans. I know that if I have too much Perrier or consume anything gas-y, like beans, my pain comes back or worsens. Just something else to think about.

Anyway, I am sending you truckloads of get-well dust and {{{HUGS}}} and hope you find out what it is sooooon.

 

[Matata]

Made a mountain of mashed potatoes with 2 sticks of butter, heavy cream and a dash of sour cream for dinner. There's chicken & roasted veggies too but I don't want to waste stomach space on that. Yummy creamy mashed potatoes...

 

[manderz]

Made a mountain of mashed potatoes with 2 sticks of butter, heavy cream and a dash of sour cream for dinner. There's chicken & roasted veggies too but I don't want to waste stomach space on that. Yummy creamy mashed potatoes...

Sounds delish! When shall I arrive?

 

[Matata]

Made a mountain of mashed potatoes with 2 sticks of butter, heavy cream and a dash of sour cream for dinner. There's chicken & roasted veggies too but I don't want to waste stomach space on that. Yummy creamy mashed potatoes...

Sounds delish! When shall I arrive?

Better be within the next 15 minutes before DH gets home. He'll chow down those potatoes in no time. Skinniest person in the house and he eats like a horse. I have already gained 1/2 inch on my hips from the potatoes I ate.

 

[manderz]

Made a mountain of mashed potatoes with 2 sticks of butter, heavy cream and a dash of sour cream for dinner. There's chicken & roasted veggies too but I don't want to waste stomach space on that. Yummy creamy mashed potatoes...

Sounds delish! When shall I arrive?

Better be within the next 15 minutes before DH gets home. He'll chow down those potatoes in no time. Skinniest person in the house and he eats like a horse. I have already gained 1/2 inch on my hips from the potatoes I ate.

I hear you! My husband eats twice as much as I do, and he stays is such great shape!

 

[missy]

Missy, I haven't been around for a while, but have been catching up on what has been going on on PS, and was very sorry to read about the health problems you have been having. They sound so frightening and stressful. The symptoms you are having sound terrible enough, but the lack of definitive answers make an already stressful situation even worse.

Have you considered going somewhere like the Mayo Clinic? The advantage there is that on difficult or puzzling cases such as yours there is a multi-disciplinary, team approach, rather than the kind of piecemeal doctor-of-the-day process you are going through now. It's something to consider.

In any case, sending healing thoughts your way.

Thank you Aoife. I did consider the Mayo Clinic but not sure they would accept me (I think there is a long waiting list) and I am also not sure they could help me any more than the NYC doctors I am seeing. I did some research to find a multi disciplinary medical team in NYC but am running into some difficulties. Tomorrow I am seeing my dermatologist for our standing appointment (unrelated issue) and he is a very smart guy so I am hoping he has some ideas as to where I can turn next... I just hope someone figures it out soon.

I so appreciate you thinking of me and your good wishes!

 

[missy]

Missy,

I haven't visited this thread for a while, until today. I was wondering abt your health issue that you mentioned elsewhere on PS but didn't want to ask for fear of being intrusive. I am sorry to hear you've been having pain and burning sensation. Ugh, it sucks when you're not feeling well and the Dr's don't seem to be able to find out what's wrong.

I too have been having some stomach pain, though I am otherwise in good health. I went to see a few Dr's and one of them thought I had too much acid in my stomach and consequently prescribed Omeprazole, except that it didn't work. Then I went to see one of the best local gastroenteritis specialists and he did a bunch of tests, inclg my white blood cell count etc...gave me a bunch of medicines and still the pain persisted. I asked if I might have colon/ stomach cancer and he said that he'd have to do an endoscopy to find out for sure. I am so against the idea of any invasive procedure and so did some more research on my own. Then bamn! it struck me what the likely cause is: it's bl**dy Ambien!! I suffer terribly from insomnia and have been on Ambien on and off - more on than off - especially since I had some severe headaches practically exactly a year ago. I am trying to wean myself off Ambien and I find out that on days I am not on Ambien my stomach pain is non-existent!! Can you imagine?!! So, anyway what I am trying to say is that too much medication of any kind is bad for you (as in one) and I wonder if you should be taking more medication? I am no doctor and of course I don't know what might be causing you all this pain and burning but would like to ask you to please re-think taking any more medication - at least for now until the Dr(s) can pinpoint the cause.

Another thing is that you mentioned you eat beans. I know that if I have too much Perrier or consume anything gas-y, like beans, my pain comes back or worsens. Just something else to think about.

Anyway, I am sending you truckloads of get-well dust and {{{HUGS}}} and hope you find out what it is sooooon.

Aww, thank you so much Phoenix. You are such a sweetheart. Please do not worry about being intrusive. I wouldn't be posting on PS about this if I didn't want the encouragement and support of my fellow PSers. It helps me be strong if that makes any sense.

I am so sorry you went through pain and health issues as well. Good for you on figuring out Ambien was the cause of your health problems. It's the not knowing that's a big source of the stress for me and thank you for your thoughts because you never know when someone is going to hit upon the source of the problem. Goodness knows the doctors aren't yet able to figure it out and it wouldn't surprise me if a PSer could!

Thank you for the good health dust and hugs Phoenix-I so appreciate that and hugs to you too!

 

[manderz]

Ugh. My first student loan payment is due. I feel like I'm hemorrhaging money the last couple of months, with my surgery (LASIK), helping out hubby's mom after her injury, and student loans. Yes, all my choices, but still.

 

[VRBeauty]

Ugh. My first student loan payment is due. I feel like I'm hemorrhaging money the last couple of months, with my surgery (LASIK), helping out hubby's mom after her injury, and student loans. Yes, all my choices, but still.

A year or two from now the pain of the Lasik payment will be a distant memory as you appreciate the wonder of life without contact lenses or glasses!

My Maya is such a refined cat! She loves to hang out in the back yard on sunny days... but when nature calls, she comes inside to use her litter box! (The back yard is fenced and secure, and usually she ventures out front only to sit in front of the door and let me know that she wants to come inside!)

 

[Rosebloom]

I've been on a self-imposed exile from Pricescope for a few months. My wants were just far exceeding my means! The time away has been excellent for helping me remember my bling priorities. But I have missed you all so! And the amazing eye candy. So I'm going to try to ease back in to all the fun.

My CAD from Whiteflash has arrived so I am soon to have my dream ring. I'm so grateful for everything I learned here that led me to this place! Hopefully I'll have a SMTB post in a few weeks.