Tuesday, November 6, 2012

Health Update #1 - Will I Ever Catch a Break?!?

First it was my teeth. I had a front tooth with a hole in it exposing the nerve. It caused an infection that was pure torture. I was maxing out on Advil in less than 24 hours. The antibiotics the dentist gave me were too strong and killed my stomach. When I called for something different, he said to see my family dr or go to the ER. I tried to go to my family dr and found out the clinic was closed. I had just called one week before! So I arranged a ride to urgent care. They were going to have to bill me, because my insurance wouldn't pay. So I called for a ride to the closest ER and was denied a ride there or home because I wasn't treated. I started to have a panic attack, because it was dark, I was alone and I didn't know where I was. I had to call my mom to get me. The ER got me squared away with antibiotics. Although the last dentist I saw said that tooth needed a root canal, the next dentist I saw medicated the nerve and put in a permanent filling. He also fixed the chip that fell out on that tooth 2 days before. The 2 days after the work was done had me in agony again, but it resolved itself and now I can now tolerate cold again.

Here are the before & after pictures of my cracked tooth:

I had a cough for about 5 weeks that was getting worse. I finally caved in & saw a dr. They did a chest x-ray which looked clean. My lungs sounded good. They also tested my for whooping cough at the time. They made a preliminary diagnosis of whooping cough. A positive result would have required my mom, dad, brother & sister in law to get tested. Luckily it was negative.

I saw my new family dr who said it might be acid reflux and put me on meds. Well, the meds gave me physical symptoms of acid reflux. So, I took another one. The cough and reflux persisted so I was referred to the Digestive Health Specialists.

In the mean time, I finally had my blood drawn. I told the new dr my cholesterol would be high. It was, so back on a cholesterol med. What I didn't expect was to find out one of my sleep meds was poisoning me! The dose was lowered from 800mg to 600mg. I re-tested the levels 11 days later & they're within range.

Then I hurt my right shoulder. Advil wasn't cutting it so I scheduled an appointment to see my dr. I changed my number the day before the appointment. When my ride came, despite having the right number, he left because he couldn't get in the gate. He never called me to tell me he was there. So, because the driver didn't do his job, I got a no show. If you get too many no shows, they stop giving you rides.

Anyway, went to the dr 2 days later. She gave me a couple if exercises to do. And we discussed physical therapy. I decided if I wasn't better by the time I followed up, I'd do physical therapy. She also gave me some muscle relaxers to help.

Last Friday, I was in Target when I got a severe sharp pain in my lower right abdomen. It was coming in going in waves that made me think of contractions. Since I couldn't sleep, I went to the ER. I was poked 7 times & wound up with 2 IV's. I had a x-ray & 2 CT scans. The first was my abdomen. They saw a pleural effusion (that explains my long lasting cough) & did the 2nd CT on my lungs. The CT on my lungs was the reason I needed so many sticks & a 2nd IV. From the ER visit, they suspect my gallbladder. The CT was clear so I need a hydascan. (spelling?) I was given a medication to help with the abdominal cramping. I also have to see a pulmonologist. I'm scheduled for a pulmonary function test Nov 20 & to follow up with the pulmonologist on Nov 29. I'm taking antibiotics for the pleural effusion.

After my 7 hours in the ER, I slept most of Saturday. Still didn't feel well Sunday. While running up the stairs (with my milk) to get back to my TV show, I fell, twice while rushing up. I not only spilled milk but I stubbed my toe badly & woke up everybody.

Monday, I realized the muscle relaxers weren't helping despite taking the max dose of 2 pills, every 6 hours. I asked for something else but what I'm taking is apparently strong so I have to be seen to get something different. And they are booked solid for at least 3 weeks. I also had to call because the medication for the abdominal cramping gave me a rash, which is an allergic reaction. But I have to be seen for a different med & to get the proper referrals for the hydascan & pulmonologist.

Will I ever catch a break? What's in store for today?!?

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