Monday, November 18, 2013

Hope on the Horizon

It took nearly a month for me to get into a good gastroenterology office. Immediately the doctor knew what was wrong and gave me this diagnosis (I googled it and will post the explanation of what it is taken from Medscape.com)

In general, PCS is a preliminary diagnosis and should be renamed relevant to the disease identified by an adequate workup. PCS is caused by alterations in bile flow due to the loss of the reservoir function of the gallbladder. Two types of problems may arise. The first problem is continuously increased bile flow into the upper GI tract, which may contribute to esophagitis and gastritis. The second consequence is related to the lower GI tract, where diarrhea and colicky lower abdominal pain may result.[2] This article mainly addresses the general issues of PCS.

 These are the symptoms I have been dealing with for months. If I ate anything I immediately felt bloated, developed heartburn followed by stomach pain and diarrhea. There are meds used to combat this. One binds the bile together and prevents so much of it being absorbed. I have to drink that twice a day. The other is Probiotics and the third is used to treat a miserable hemmroid I have developed. I am hoping the end is in sight. This has been misery.

I have a slight cold I think. I am coughing and more short of breath than usual. We had two things planned for Saturday and I couldn't do either one. Sunday I managed to get to church but we came right home afterwards. I was grateful to be able to do that.

Today  an old friend is coming soon. We met when her daughter and my son were being treated for leukemia so many years ago. Her daughter is gone and she carries on but is not the person she once was. I saw her in August. She has been busy having foot surgery and recuperating herself.  Wednesday I get to spend time with my friend Monica so it's a rich week for me. It's so disconcerting how many friends I once had who just slowly went away. A few of them found me on Facebook and wanted to tell me how much they cared for me. I'm sorry but I learn from your actions, not your words. I don't want to sound depressed. Life is a set of learning experiences. I am making many new friends in my church. These are genuine caring people. Nothing lifts your spirits like a warm embrace. You don't get that on Facebook.

That's about all the news for now. It got really cold but the weather is nice today. People think I am crazy but I eagerly await some real snow this year. Now that we have a generator losing power won't be so much of a problem. We love our new neighbors. They are very young but oh so sweet and helpful. The walk in love. :)