Three months ago I sat down and wrote a blog post. But I never actually posted it. In the moment I felt a bit crazy. I got self conscious and started worrying about what people would think of me. But today, I’m not concerned about it. I am transparent and honest and I am proud that I’ve found ways to help my body when nobody can really figure out the answers. So I’ve back posted 2 blogs. And here goes a current one.
I am currently in an airplane on my way home from Maryland. My 1 year post op follow up was long over due. It’s actually been 18 months. That’s so hard to believe. It’s been a rollercoaster to say the least. I’m taking every precaution I can to stay safe during COVID. I have a mask with a filter that is better than N95s, I wipe down all surfaces I’m going to touch. And I have hand sanitizer easily accessible of course. Anyway, I felt the need to mention all of the above because to be completely honest with you I was a bit worried going into the travel. Luckily, the flight to Maryland was half empty and I only had 2 people even remotely close to me. But now I sit in a package of sardines for the flight home. I haven’t heard anybody cough or sneeze. And of course we all have our masks on.
Okay, back to the NIH visit. It was short and sweet with lab work, DEXA scan, and chat with Dr Davis and my dietician. Lab work looks good. Iron levels are still slowly increasing. So they want me to keep up with my iron regimen. DEXA scan shows a slight decrease in density compared to my scan last year, but still well within normal range. I feel so good about that. I was a bit paranoid as I was an idiot right after my gastrectomy. I knew I needed to take Calcium Citrate multiple times a day. But I found the huge pills difficult to take and to remember 4 times a day was also difficult. So I found some chewable ones. Well, three months later when I go to reorder them I realize I ordered a different type of calcium! Doh!! I felt so stupid. Anyway, so bone density scan all good.
I spoke with Dr Davis about my gallbladder vs other cause of the pain I’ve been having. We both agree that we don’t think it’s a gallbladder thing. I explained some of the osteopathic manipulation I’ve been doing and he seems a bit intrigued. He said he has about a handful of patients that are having very similar experiences. He asked that I keep him in the loop about it all because he would love to start reading up on it and be able to start recommending something similar to other patients if they have it available.
I won’t bore you with all the details but I did have the pain again about a week ago while my hubby and I were on an epic road trip for our 10 year anniversary. Thankfully it only lasted less than an hour or so. As soon as it started I laid flat on my belly on a heating pad. And eventually was able to get comfortable enough to fall asleep. 🤷🏻♀️
Just rolling with the process. And hopefully I don’t actually go crazy while doing so. Haha.
