Whimpers and Good Wishes

[bronwynrh]

1:45pm yesterday afternoon, I saw Dr. Weddle, the gastrointestinal disease specialist to whom I have been referred. His receptionist is sweet and friendly, calls me "honey". His nurse is also very kind. Dr. Weddle is nice enough, asks lots of questions and takes notes, but has the bedside manner of a. . . well, not of a brick exactly. He doesn't give me the warm-fuzzies, and he doesn't scare the bejeezus out of me - but I don't feel all that comfortable with him wanting to poke around, you know?

Especially since he didn't want to take my word for it when I told him that latex gloves are a no-no.

Really, doc. No. You'll just have to wait on that exam.

He was exasperated, but managed to mask it quickly - just not quickly enough or well enough for my taste. It's not my fault you don't have nitrile in your office, buddy.

Anyway!

Preliminary diagnosis: IBS and Refractive Dyspepsia (refractive because it hasn't responded to treatment thus far). The RD could be due to a problem with an organ outside my stomach, such as my pancreas or gall bladder or liver. I don't know, I haven't had the time to look it all up, yet.

In any case, he wants to do some testing to investigate (read: he's going to make me as insanely uncomfortable and feel as humiliated as possible) in order to fully diagnose my illness. I'm looking at an ultrasound, an EGD and a sigmoidoscopy. I'll let you look it up if you don't what that stuff is. I don't feel like explaining it. I don't mind the ultrasound, I've had them before - one on my heart and one for my uterus (yes boys, I said uterus - and it hurt like hell). This one won't hurt. The other two, I am NOT looking forward to.

I'm freaked out and worried that whatever I've got is chronic. I love food and I love cooking - how unfair to lose something that used to bring me so much joy.

So anyway, now you're all up to speed, whether you wanted to be, or not :-)

In the meantime, I have lots of deadlines looming - a presentation, a poster for a meeting in less than 4 weeks, and the manuscript, late-night data-gathering, students to teach. . . oh yes, and I'm trying to heal old wounds, be with the man I love and keep house.

I know it will all work out in the end. I've said it before and I'll say it again. It will all work out in the end, because somehow, it always does. This time though, it will be even better. Things will just really suck for a while and I may have to look a little more closely for the good things.

A reminder of some of those good things. . .
My love
My friends - here on LJ and from my past and present.
My thesis is going extremely well. I will get that great-looking PhD.
I have the respect of my mentors and colleagues. (and often myself ;-))
I am not to blame. (this is important, don't ask why)

--------

On a happier note, I want to wish tonya a wonderful, beautiful wedding day! I hope everything goes smoothly tomorrow, and that you and Mike enjoy every happiness throughout your future together. {hug}

Comments

[aristophren.livejournal.com]

I knew you couldn't withhold the bikini shot. You and your idle threats.

[bramey.livejournal.com]

oh drat

[aristophren.livejournal.com]

*gloats*

[bramey.livejournal.com]

You're only looking at the little-bitty bikini shot, aren't you? Have you even found the full bikini shot?

*raises eyebrows*

Eh? Eh?

[aristophren.livejournal.com]

Always up for a challenge, I managed a couple:

[bramey.livejournal.com]

Do you feel better now?

[aristophren.livejournal.com]

:D

Wishes

[ex-friedrich47.livejournal.com]

Hope you manage to beat these bugaboos, and I know you will.

Re: Wishes

[bramey.livejournal.com]

Hey, so long as somebody keeps the faith. . . I can't always manage to hold it up. Thank you!

[chrisf-uk.livejournal.com]

Hmm alergic (sic) to latex.... ive heard of that but id never met anyone yet... ANYHOO i hope its all good and it gets sorted soon... Get well bronwyn!!

chris x

[weatherblonde.livejournal.com]

Feel better soon, Sweetie.