Tests, test, and more tests

Thursday, September 02, 2004


Had a visit with the doc today. My body is literally falling apart. I need to get a barium x-ray of my stomach & esophagus just in case I have ANOTHER ulcer to accompany my hiatal hernia. Plus I need to get an x-ray of my elbow. From years of abuse in lacrosse the joint 'locks' on me whenever I use weights. I went to see a specialist about it a number of years ago and he wanted to do an M.I.R then clean it out. I had to say no at the time because I was still able to play sports and didnt' want to end my season. Later that year my back did it for me.

Another test I need to get is a Urea breathe test for checking H. pylori. I don't know why he wants to do that. A biopsy has already confirmed that have it. Maybe he is buying himself some time to figure out what to do next. I have been through 6 treatments of triple anti-biotic therapy to get rid of it and with no luck. The success rate of the treatment is about 95%. However, the bug seems to be very resistant in me. That's not a good thing either. H. pylori bacteria is linked to peptic ulcers and has possible ties to causing stomach & esophagus cancer. When I was a teen it used to worry me a bit. Never lost any sleep over it but a concern for a 16 year old. What can I say except I'm a high stress individual:) Besides how many teens get ulcers? I have learned not to give it the time of day unless, like right now, eating makes me sick. I'm thin enough as it is. I can't afford to lose anymore weight.

An update on my clusters. The storms we've had the last couple of days have done a number on me. I hardly slept last night. Any sleep I did get was very light and pain-ridden. I'm trying to get my doctor to alter my meds a bit for the coming Fall weather but he would have none of it. Maybe I should tape myself during one of my attacks and show the 'quality of life' I'm enduring right now. I really don't know how to convince him. I'm tired of feeling like I am being tortured for someone's perverse pleasure. I keep hoping that it will end soon. Chin up, eh :)

Paul

It is curious that physical courage should be so common in the world and
moral courage so rare
-Mark Twain

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Medical terminology can cause confusion at the best of times. If there is a word you do not understand all you have to do is double-click on it and the definition will appear! Don't forget to drop me a line by email at versilleus@gmail.com with your comments, questions‚ recommended resources‚ concerns‚ & especially your experiences with clusters. Or come find me on my Facebook Profile to add me as a Friend. Whether you are a supporter‚ care-giver or sufferer. I would love to hear from you!

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