I'm an Explorer

Not really. But, I have been doing a great deal of exploration lately. I'm learning a great deal too. It's exciting actually.

Here are some of the things I've excavated.




First, I have gastro-intestinal issues. (I'm not going into the gross details, so don't worry). But, the other day I got to thinking about these issues. From the time I was born I have had some type of issue. As my life progressed, my issues became a bit more complicated. I've even been hospitalized a few times for these issues. The last time I was hospitalized, I was in for about 7 days. For 5 of those days I was heavily sedated on dilauted iv pain medication. But when I left the hospital and had a final colonoscopy, it was almost as if nothing ever happened. None of my doctors have brought it up ever again. Which never really struck me as horrible until recently.




Last summer I told my primary care doctor that I was feeling like my depression was more intense and the meds weren't working quite right anymore. His resolution? Up the meds. Or maybe I'd like to talk to someone. I also told him that I get 1 to 2 migraines a week and was having difficulty sleeping. He recommended I go to a sleep study clinic. - I didn't go.




When I last saw my gynecologist, I mentioned problems with my cycle. Pain, irregularity, etc. I also mentioned that I seem to be having signs of menopause (hot flashes and the like). He suggested that I have a surgery on my uterus that might relieve the monthly issues. No blood tests to see if I am in menopause, no other suggest but surgery.

I also have been seeing a dermatologist for some skin cancer issues. She has mentioned this to my primary care doctor, but he has never mentioned this to me.





My primary care doctor took a "leave" for 6 months last year and I never ever received any information as to why he did this, but it was quite sudden.

So, while I was thinking the other day about how icky I've been feeling lately, I started really thinking about my choices in doctors and their response to my "issues" or "concerns".



I think there comes a time when we need to separate and choose new physicians. Break out of the comfort zone and seek another. Heavily question the care that we are receiving and if we think that care is truly addressing all of our needs.

I've been "told" that I have chron's disease, and then told I don't.





I've been "told" that I have ulcerative colitis, and then told I don't.





I've been "told" that I have ischemic colitis and IBS, but then no one ever mentioned this diagnosis again.






So, I started making a list of what ails me. I googled this information and discovered that I may very well have issues with Gluten. Why on earth hasn't anyone ever suggested this to me??? I've been reading about the subject and I'd like to scream. No one ever mentioned this or discussed this or even remotely stated that this could be a possibility.





But, think about it...
When you bring your child to the doctor, you tell the doctor what's wrong and all he / she does is write a prescription and send you on your way. So, why do we pay them the crazy insane prices to go and see them? We wait in waiting rooms and then in examining rooms for what? I mean, I know they serve an important purpose, but it is upsetting (at least to me).

So, what else has been happening???



I went shopping. I made note of the items I saw that touched my soul. I brought a few things home. They still make me smile when I see them. So, I realized I'm not all about flowers and pink and ruffles all the time. Don't get me wrong, I do love them - but not enough to make a commitment to them long term (in means of decorating).

For the first time in ages I feel as though I'm gaining back some of my confidence.

I'm taking control of my health and the health of my family.

I'm taking a giant leap into my decorating too.

Still crazy busy with back to school goings on, but I see a light...

Of course, then it will be homework, papers, $5 here ~ $5 there, I need this, she needs that, lunches, backpacks, and early bedtimes. On the plus side, autumn is near. Ahhhhh...Autumn.




And lastly...
My darling hubby and I have been offered an opportunity to move. Move out of state. I have never lived outside of this state nor have I ever lived more than a one hour drive away from my family. Yup, my entire family. The big clan of them all. It's a big decision. Not sure I can do it. Not sure I don't want to.