Every day I check my online medical chart to see if new test results have been posted. I was happy with the latest set posted yesterday. These x-rays were ordered by the rheumatologist to check for signs of Sarcoidosis and Interstitial Lung Disease. The lung x-rays were clear, and I’m so thrilled and thankful! Lung diseases are horrible and I’m …
The Search That Never Ends
After the shock of my appointment wore off, I began to worry. Frustration and despair followed as I contemplated the situation I’m in. Fearing the results of my tests is just the beginning. Knowing that the doctor suspects something worse than Sjogren’s Syndrome has made me afraid. I’m afraid of Sarcoidosis. I’m afraid of Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD). As I’ve …
Delay of Hope
Yesterday was my long-awaited rheumatology appointment. Such a high level of anticipation led up to this day. Since I had finally found a diagnosis of Sjogren’s Syndrome, all I needed was for it to be official. Then, I should be able to receive some medical help. Nothing is ever as simple as it seems. After a thorough physical exam and …
CPAP: My New BFF
My CPAP arrived and I was so thankful! Eagerly awaiting bedtime, I hooked it up and read all the instructions. The medical supply office had spent plenty of time to demonstrate how the CPAP worked. It seemed simple. For three nights I slept well, even though I was a little nervous about turning in my sleep. I did wake up …
World Kidney Day 2018
Today is World Kidney Day. “Kidneys and Women’s Health: Include, Value, Empower” is the theme this year. Chronic Kidney Disease affects 195 million women worldwide. There are 600,000 deaths from this disease each year. This is the 8th leading cause of death in women. Men and women both suffer with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD), but there seems to be …
March is National Kidney Month
There are so many awareness months, but this is one that has become very interesting to me. During the last year, I was tested three times to check on my kidney functions, because they were showing damage. Though all three tests were below 60, the doctor did not send me to a kidney specialist. This will be another medical condition …
Rare Disease Day 2018
Today is Rare Disease Day! It’s an international day of awareness for diseases that are rare. Many diseases are not well-known. Because they don’t affect huge amounts of people, they are largely ignored by the medical profession. Doctors don’t study them in medical school, so they are not diagnosed easily. Sufferers are referred to numerous specialists before they finally get …
CPAP Relief is Coming Soon
My sleep study test was completed before Christmas, and I’m excited to say that I will get my CPAP soon. I was finally able to meet the Sleep Disorder doctor on Friday and he showed me my results. My results were bad! My score was 37. 35 is severe sleep apnea, and he showed me all the numbers of my …
A Real Reality Check
As I’ve been fighting this bronchitis, I’ve had a little too much time to think. It’s very discouraging to be sicker than my usual sick. I finished a round of antibiotics and I am improving, but it takes such a long time to get well. Sleeping all night and taking extra naps during the day has been part of my …
Good News, Bad News
The bad news is first. I would rather get that over with. I have the flu. I hope you don’t have it. The entire country seems to have it, and it’s a bad one this year. I’m on my 5th day and it was the first day to have no body aches and chills! Yay! Since I have passed through …