New GI Yesterday

[Jerman]

:confused2:

Hello my friends, After much discussion and a few well intended threats to my personal well being, my wife convinced me to see a new GI. As I have shared before on this forum, I am kind of a stubborn pain in the ass most times when I have made my mind up. when it comes to trying to bury signs that i am in any type of discomfort, I thought that I was doing a fair job of fooling her.

It is not Always because I am just bullheaded , although that is certainly a factor, but it is because Laur is sick too. She has fibromyalgia and a few other challenges because of that awful condition. She has body aches all over and at times feels like her body is on fire. We both currently struggle with anxiety as well at this time and I do not share my pain or my superior ability to attach expletives to my thoughts and speech with her. I sort of feel like I exacerbated her condition because she got worse when I fell ill last Feb. She was so worried about me and so stressed that she had to take a leave of abscence from work and has been out since.

So as a partial strategy of keeping her stress lowered, I sometimes try to push through the pain and do something of worth for at least part of the day. There are definitely days where i feel too much pain to move much, but I will often go to try to accomplish projects -gardening, stump removal, cleaning, just about anything.

This is often a foolish endeavor as I sometimes end up in much more pain but sometimes it just feels like I have a sense of purpose, so it is worth it. Other times not so much and I curse myself for being the thickheaded ******* that i am oh so capable of.

Soooo..... Yesterday as I said I met with my new GI who had most of the records I have accumulated. He was kind, patient, and listened. I told him that I had each and every test offered up at Boston and just stopped going because of the cost of travel and lack of results.

He asked a lot of questions and checked my belly out, saw the scars from the three heating pads i have worn out this year and said a few hmmms and ahhhs.

If Risa were still here she would get a kick out this, he asked if they ever tested my gall bladdah. I said that I thought that they had and he rattled off something about a nuclear gallbladder (it involves a contrast dye and then they squeeze the gallbladder to see if half of it empties-if yes it comes out if not same old) test blah blah blah.

He apparently noticed that I had drifted away to the happy place in my head and asked if I would be willing to have the test to see how my gallbladder was functioning.

I told him that I was up for any thing short (hehe) of a lobotomy or penis reduction. He cracked a smile and we set up the test.

So If this is it and works maybe pain free days are ahead, good move right? If not maybe they see some type of adhesion or something of that sort. :::Terminator voice, "It's not a Tuma":::

OK, guys what do you think?

 

[D Bergy]

You have to start somewhere, and a process of elimination is one way to figure things out. I am always a little leery about anything "nuclear" but sometimes you have to use these test to figure things out.

I was joking around at work about going in for a Penis reduction surgery. I said it was nothing to be worried about since it would be a minor procedure. The Lobotomy would probably produce no noticeable result in my case.

Dan

 

[Crohn's 35]

Hey Jerman, I agree with Dan, you do have to start somewhere, fresh eyes can usually see something different. I was waiting to see what your doc said about the heating pads, I use one all the time but trying to keep it low and less usage, not sure I wanna hear that bad side of it :eek2: .

I had my gall bladder out, done laproscopically and it was easy peasy, the pain and vomiting I had initally I thought was a Crohn's attack, it was gall stones. So yeah now I have a Hiatus hernia and have heartburn. I blame all that crap on the number of times being on Prednisone. My doc agrees. I had a endoscopy after my gall bladder removal, and I am sure that with all that heartburn I had it scarred. Hopefully when you have or if you have an endoscopy it should tell what is going on. I was knocked out for that, thank god. Let us know!

 

[dreamintwilight]

I wasn't aware there was a "bad side" to using heating pads. :confused2:

 

[Astra]

Aw Jerman my friend
I didn't know any of this! I'm a newbie ya see! I didn't know your loved one was ill too, I'm so sorry about that, and the struggles you both have, and I didn't know that you were a pain in the crack neither ha ha ha
I think this might be a new beginning, a new start, a fresh pair of eyes, light at the end of the tunnel, call it wot you like, but maybe the gall bladder test to see if its functioning maybe 'the one' to ease some pain if its not working to its full capacity!
Yay! Bring it on!
good luck, and let us know
xxx

 

[Nyx]

Can't hurt to test it out! And if that turns out to be the problem, then yay! That's easily fixable (my dad had his gallbladder removed as an outpatient procedure). Otherwise, it's another thing to tick off the list of possible culprits.

Let us know how it goes...good luck!!

 

[ameslouise]

It's kind of a weird wish to say "I hope it's your gallbladder" but I think you get the gist. It would be an "easy" explanation and hopefully an easy fix. I had mine done lapro and it was a piece of cake compared to my other surgeries.

Good luck. I hope both you and your wife are feeling better soon.

-Amy

PS D Bergy, you crack me up!

 

[ameslouise]

I wasn't aware there was a "bad side" to using heating pads. :confused2:

Me neither! I am addicted to mine. I use it when I don't even have pain. It's like a blankie or favorite stufed animal.

 

[Tan]

Hi Jerman, like the others said its always good to have a fresh set of eyes looking into things they may find something that was overlooked by your other doctors. I also think the new tests you are doing can't hurt at all at least you may get some answers you have been looking for.

Good luck buddy hope all goes well for you.

 

[Pirate]

Hi Jerman, I understand the part of trying to down play the pain and stuff because of the better half. Though Janis isn't physically sick, I still try to hide as much pain and problems from her because she worries so much about me that I can actually tell that it is running her down.
Hoping that the gallbladder thing works out for you and that if it is the gallbladder you can get rid of a lot of problems. Then you can focus on Laur and get her feeling better.
Thinking about the 2 of you bro, so keep us updated.

 

[Jerman]

update from gallbladder test

Hi my friends, sorry for the delay in responding, kinda played ostrich for a few days and stuck my head in the sand.

Dan thanks for the humor you always have great one liners! :ylol2:
Jetta, Dreamintwilight, ameslouise, nyx, Joan,Tan, and Pirate: Thanks so much for the kind words and wishes. It means a great deal to me.

Ames, you were right on the mark when you said , ..."wishing it is the gallbladder, so that this would be over."

I went for the test, had to lie completely still for 2 hours and really had to piddle (hehe i said piddle) after about an hour of lying there so that was only somewhat uncomfortable. The test itself is painless and the tech was great, I did have adbominal pain at several moments during the test and Laurie was trying to share her interpretation of what was on the screen. the tech promised that my doc would call by the end of the day and they did. Any guesses? Ya that's it, it came back clean no problems at all.

So I ask may I have a WTF from the congregation? I do not mean to sound upset
but I really thought this would be the answer...was hoping anyway. I am a little down about it trying not to be, but I guess more pissed off than anything! I am tired of this frikkin thing holding me back form life and the way I want to be, but not showing its self during every test I have had.

Laur was already in high gear on the way home telling me that I was to continue testing no matter what but i am also tired of being poked and prodded. of having symptoms appear, vanish, change, and re-appear after months. Yes, the pain and the song remains the same but I want my life back.

My middle son, my hero, is starting HS football this fall and I need to help him train and bulk up for it. I hoped to be running wind sprints and doing pushup,crunches, and medicine ball stuff with him to get him ready.

I just kinda suck, nothing is frikking resolving where do i go from here?

 

[dreamintwilight]

I'm so sorry to hear this, Jerman. I can see how you would feel so disheartened and angry. I would be sick of all the poking and prodding too. I don't really have much to add as far as help. I just hope you spend some quality time with your family and take a rest from tests and things if you need to. All of this can be so mentally draining, which doesn't help our situation unfortunately. I wish I could be more helpful! I have faith answers will be found soon enough Your doctor sounded like a very compassionate and understanding guy. Hopefully he'll have some more ideas for you. Hang in there, but feel free to vent some more if you need to. You're in my thoughts, my friend

 

[Astra]

Aw Jerman
this isn't fair! everyone was rooting for you, that this would give you answers at last.
I hope in time that you get the strength to investigate further. Try and rest now, collect your thoughts, and spend some time with your family, thinking of you mucker,
love as always xxx

 

[Jerman]

Thanks very much Marisa & Joanie for your well wishes. I have a great deal of pain in the ab area this afternoon and am feeling both depressed and angry at myself and my body for being weak! Sunny day here but don't want to get out o my bed. I also have another job interview coming but am discouraged because of the results of my last endeavor and how I am feeling-can't get caught in that downward spiral again.

 

[Jerman]

Yet another update from a very frustrated Jerman. I went a few days ago to the Surgeon who seems very nice and present like an intelligent man. I was pretty comfortable with him until he couldn't give me the quick fix I wanted. He still believes it is the gallbladder and would like to run some of the tests again "just to look at it with his own eyes." I am still having pain nearly every day and really just dont want to do these damn tests all over again!!!

I had the interview for another job and again made it to the final two candidates, felt I needed to have integrity and told here I had a medical condition that may call for a rare appointment but would not affect my ability to perform the job. When I called at the end of last week, she was very kind but same old S@#%. I am in counseling now and he seems ok, well I suppose we will see what he is made of. He certainly has his work cut out for him, I feel broken.

The upside is that I have just myself and my little girl this week as the rest of the family is traveling to texas then arkansas to visit a terminally ill aunt.

I took Alea to the park by the beach yesterday and we had a really cool time. I will just try to escape into her little world with her for a few days and enjoy my time with her.

Any advice or words of wisdom are most welcome........

 

[Astra]

Dear Jerman

really hope that you can find some strength to go ahead with these tests and maybe, just maybe, this time, he will find the answer.
Try not to fret about the job thing, put it down to experience, I'm sure it had nothing to do with your illness.
There is nothing like a small child to put everything into perspective, I've just spent the evening with my 5 year old niece, she is so inquisitive and chatty, and whilst I feel so tired and feel like crap, she lit up my evening with her giggles and cuddles, and I vowed that I would spend some more quality time with her, so we're going to the park tomorrow cos my sister has to work, and I can't wait. I hope that your little un works her magic on you too!!
'out of the mouths of babes' as they say! Ain't that the truth!
keep your chin up my friend, stay strong, there is a light, you've just not found it yet xxxxxxxx

 

[ataloss]

Jerman,

I worked on a surgical floor for many years. The HIDA scan you had done isn't always completely conclusive. I recently also had the same test done for my GB. Most people who have abd pain during the procedure do so because IT IS the gallbladder. The thing they inject in you is the same thing our bodies produce naturally to make the GB squeeze the bile out. So if your GB is bad when it starts squeezing it hurts....just like yours did during the test. Have you had an ultrasound yet??? That will show if you have any gallstones. If you have gallstones plus pain a surgeon would still remove the GB even with a negative HIDA. Some people just present atypically. Here is some advice from a great doctor: If you do have to have a repeat HIDA eat the fattiest meal you can possible eat prior to the scan...steak, burgers, any fatty thing you can get into you...then do the HIDA....if the GB is bad the stuff they inject plus the fatty food should get your GB pissed off.

What you are going through is so discouraging and frustrating. Try to hang in there. Best of luck to you and your wife. I hope that they figure out the probs and that the GB comes out if it needs out! I do know for sure that there are alot of surgeons who are more willing to go with physical symptoms then just a test result.

Best of luck.

 

[dreamintwilight]

Wow, Jerman...really bummed things are still so uncertain. I agree with Joan on trying to get the tests done again, even though that sucks. It sounds like the surgeon doesn't want to give up on you at least. That is good!

Antonella has some good advice it sounds like too, if you decide to try the tests again. Eat those fatty burgers!!

Would it be possible to get another surgeon's opinion? If Antonella is right, perhaps another surgeon would go ahead and take the GB out if your tests come back negative again.

This is a really tough situation. I really feel for you. I would feel at my wits end too. You are strong! You will get through this

BIG HUGS to you!!

 

[Jerman]

Joan, Antonella, Marisa, thanks so much for the support. I very much appreciate the kind words and the knowledge shared. I certainly will be gorging on a fatty burger before going through this foolishness again.

Feeling crappy today, physical symptoms galore, and a bit blue because it is beautiful here and I am too tired to do anything with my lil gal. Stayed up too late last night as my mind was doing the lottery ball machine of thoughts and worries. (Own worst enemy with this frikkin anxiety). putting off taking meds for a dose as they seem to be making me tired today.

Gonna go and chillax with my girl, we took a nap together earlier and she was really cuddly- definitely a cool moment, focusing on that. Thank god for my family and for people such as you three ladies, thanks very much. Marisa, thanks for the hug-needed that pal.

 

[PeninsulaLil]

Jerman, just catching up with this thread and I feel for you. Just a couple weekends ago I spent two beautiful sunny days in bed and the bathroom. Feeling like I was a wimp for not being able to be outside and taking advantage of the sunshine made me feel even worse.

The physical pain is hard enough to deal with but the mental beating and depression can almost be worse. I went through a very hard period when my daughter was 10-11 and some days I was only able to get up and do the things I needed to take care of her. If she hadn't been there to motivate me, I sometimes think I would have just curled up and disappeared. Somehow I could do things to take care of her that I could not do for myself. Thank goodness we both came through that dark time none the worse for the wear.

I wish I could think of some way to ease your pain. Going through the slow medical system when you're hurting is so frustrating! Stick with it though. Things will get better. Meantime, I think you are doing what you can and spending time with your family and appreciating your kids and wife is all you need to do right now.

Keep us posted.

Lilly

 

[Jerman]

Thanks so much Lilly,

You are right when saying that the mental issues can be even worse. I have struggled mightily with anxiety and depression recently (ok for quite a while)
and it can really beat the hell out of your spirit. Best of luck & good health to you.

 

[Regular Joe]

Heya Jerman,

Are you taking any type of medication? How about bloodwork that might indicate inflammation (C Reactive Protein -CRP or White Blood Count - WBC)? With my blood work, indicators didn't start appearing unless I was flaring bad or in pain. I had blood drawn in between "episodes" and there weren't any anomalies. But when the rheumatologist drew blood I was sick as hell, and that was one of the deciding factors for my GI.

Also, when I had the last colonoscopy (3 weeks ago), I'd been on the verge of having major flare problems because everything was getting worse over a month with no break. I was in so much pain I couldn't walk a couple days. All of that showed up so clearly in my ileum, my GI could easily make the call.

What I'm saying is wait until your symptoms are at the worst, then get bloodwork done, and if you can get a colonscopy in that timeframe, something is bound to be out of range or abnormal. My last colonscopy luckily just worked out being timed right. Otherwise I can gauge how my body feels, and I know ahead of time when I'm going down the tubes.

But I guess it's moot, I was going down the tubes anyway and was staying there and going down lower - CD was there and not hiding among other abnormalities. If I would have gone on longer, that wouldn't have changed, but I might have been in the ER arguing with greenhorns.

 

[Jerman]

Hey Joe, welcome to the forum and thanks very much for the suggestions.I will follow up with the bloodwork. I very much appreciate your help.

 

[Regular Joe]

Wow. I'm really sorry to hear about your day, Jerman. Wish I could help. I've seen something like what happened to you happen with my son. I had this gut notion to call him, and he was in tears too, like you said you were. God I feel bad when things like that happen because you know the one person isn't well, but their destruction is like a "drive-by" and so many innocent loved ones get in the crossfire. It's heartbreaking. I'm so sorry you had to endure that.

 

[dreamintwilight]

Jerman - I feel really sad hearing your story. I have no idea what to say, or if there is anything I really can say. Though not quite like your story, I know what it is like to be hurt by loved ones. It can be excruciatingly draining on your emotions. I'm so sorry your children had to be there when it happened.

I can empathize with your feeling of being broken. It's difficult when you are at home with this illness, unable to find a job in an economy that's not very accepting right now. I had a break down a few nights ago telling my husband I sometimes felt bad he had to deal with me and this life. I hope you and your wife are able to get through this. I know it can be difficult.

Don't ever think that you aren't a good enough person. I know I do not know you other than on the forum, but you've always stood out to me as someone who has a deep love for their children, a desire to provide for your family, and an unfailing strength! I admire your perseverance through everything you've been through. If your family isn't there to hold you up I hope the friends you've made on the forum are able to while you go through this rough time in your life.

Not to be generic, but I do believe when things happen in our lives it is for a greater purpose and we are chosen to endure some of the hardest things because there's an opportunity to grow and shine from it. Maybe not now, but in the future, you will look back at this time in your life and know that your experience made you a better person and hopefully the knowledge gained will be able to touch others going through similar experiences.

I wish you lots of love and hugs, my friend!

 

[Jerman]

Thanks for the support Joe and Marisa, you are both very kind. I did'nt think it possible to feel worse than i did yesterday but I do. i do not feel as though i can do this over and over, without any improvement. It has been so long and so grueling to keep pluggin along. To quote the lovely Kate Bush, "Just make it go away..."ale:ale:ale::angry-banghead::angry-banghead::angry-banghead:

 

[Jerman]

gotta go away for a while my friends. thank you all for your constant and honest support. You are some of the beautiful and kind people I have ever had the pleasure to know. Iwish you all the best of health and more happiness than you ever expected. Love ya guys. Please take care of yourselves. Bye.

Jer

 

[dreamintwilight]

I wish you all the same, Jerman! Take care of yourself and all the time you need We'll be here when you come back.