This NEVER happens...

...I was wrong.  I know, you're probably as shocked as I am.  I do not have an ovarian cyst after all.  The ultrasound was negative.  That's great news!  Right?  Wrong.

If my abdominal/pelvic pain was caused by an ovarian cyst, I would start birth control pills again and it would probably go away like the last one did.  Easy solution.  But, it's not an ovarian cyst.  So now what?  Why am I having this awful pain?  As with all of my other symptoms, it gets worse as the day goes on.  This morning I felt pretty good.  Tonight it's a different story.  I took some pain meds and a hot bath and I'm doing a little better at the moment though.  I guess this will just be one more question for the neurogenetisist that I'm seeing in Atlanta next week.

Speaking of that... I getting things ready, making plans for the kids, and making sure everything is all set for our trip next week.  We are driving down to Atlanta on Monday the 6th.  I have an appointment with the doctor and one test on Tuesday.  Then, I have my muscle biopsy on Wednesday.  We will stay the night Wed. night and leave on Thursday. 

I have been told that I will not get the results of the biopsy for 10-12 weeks or more.  So, once I have it done, it'll be another waiting game.  I'm ready for some definitive answers.  I am also ready for a doctor who won't blow me off when I tell him/her what's wrong.  So far I've had one doctor, my cardiologist, who has taken the time to listen to me and actually try to help.  Unfortunately, he's reached his limit.  There's nothing else he can do for me.  So I really hope this doctor in Atlanta can help me out.  Hopefully he can also help me find a doc here in town that can continue to help me out.

I am very grateful that my mom and my mother-in-law are helping us out by watching the girls while we are gone.  It's so wonderful to have family around to help out in times like these.  Someday I'll be able to return all of the favors.  :o)

As many of you know, I have applied for social security.  Although I don't have the support of my primary care doctor, I have gone ahead and continued with my application.  My husband and a good friend/former coworker both wrote letters of support that I sent in with my paperwork.  I am also waiting on a letter of support from one of my previous supervisors.  I have also requested a letter of support from my cardiologist.  I don't know if I'll get it, but it's worth a try.  Unfortunately, I made the mistake of applying prior to asking my doctors to support me.  I hoping, however, that I will get approved regardless.  If I don't, I will appeal.  By the time I am able to get an appeal I will make sure that I have the support of one of my docs.  Plus, by then, I will also have the results of my muscle biopsy.


One other thing I was going to mention...  To those of you who read my blog who also have a chronic illness, I want to recommend a book.  I have been slowly (very slowly) reading it for the last few months.  I usually just pick it up and read a few pages every now and then.  I need to, however, read it more often.  I was reading it while in the bath this evening and I really think it helps with my attitude towards all of this chronic illness bullshit.  The name of it is "Being Sick Well: Joyful living despite chronic illness" by Jeffrey H. Boyd. 

Some of it has been more difficult for me to read, but may be very helpful for you.  I am not religious.  In fact, I am an atheist.  I don't use that word very often, it sounds weird to hear myself say it, or type it.   (I will get into the whole religion discussion some other time.)  Much of this book talks about how Christianity and God will get you through rough times.  However, even if you aren't religious, like me, much of the book talks about other ways to help you deal with chronic illness.  Pick it up at the bookstore or library the next time you get the chance.

Being Sick Well

And with that, I will leave you with a quote...

"A wise man should consider that health is the greatest of human blessings, and learn how by his own thought to derive benefit from his illnesses".  - Hippocrates