I so enjoy talking about our books, current events, and other interesting things that come up here – rather than where we actually started, which is my autoimmune disease and the resultant complications that I experience in this unruly body.

However, though I am so grateful for our other topics, this past week has brought health issues on several fronts – and it’s important to talk about those things here, for my fellow spoonies to know they are not alone in these – often complex – health challenges.

So. . .

Last Thursday, dealing with a flare already, I was scheduled for an abdominal and pelvic CT scan to evaluate an umbilical hernia that I expect to have surgery on, followed by a visit to Cardiology to establish care with a new physician and discuss some issues.

From the CT scan, I would learn that, yes, we are dealing with a large hernia – and I’ll know more about the plan for that next month when I see GI.

Of more immediate concern however is a golf ball sized something in my right ovary that will need to be checked by my gynecologist. I have an appointment next Tuesday and all prayers, good vibes, and warm fuzzies are appreciated. I’m sure it will be okay – but my anxieties do not do well with these things.

From cardiology – and I really like my new cardiologist and his CRNP – I am being sent for an echocardiogram and a stress test, both pretty standard. However, a new one on me is that I have a Holter monitor to wear 24/7 for 30 days to assess my heart rhythm.

They used to only be 72 hours or so – but at least they are much more comfortable now.

Bug says I’ve landed myself in heart jail for “nurse diagnosing” my own symptoms. 😉

If I have it off for long – as in, to shower – an alarm goes off. I am to mark any symptoms and I would be contacted immediately if something really unusual is happening. Otherwise, my cardiologist and I will discuss the final report after the 30 days of monitoring.

I am now on day 5.

Finally, several days ago, I began having chills and then chest tightness, needing my inhaler. As unfortunately has become the progression of lung issues when I have them, by Sunday, I felt awful and had green stuff coming from my chest (yuck).

Needless to say, we were off to urgent care for chest x-rays and Rocephin shots.

I’ve now started a ten day course of antibiotics, I’m back on nebulizer treatments, and I’m absolutely exhausted and home for the duration of this ailment.

Whew. It has been a chronic illness ride these past several days.

When I’m a little more human-y, I’ll have our banned book post for the week and several other posts I am looking forward to getting up.

Right now, I am just wiped and headed for my bed and blankets and snuggling with Henry Petunia. Thank you all for reading along.

Wishing you a lovely week and happy reading. ❤

Be well, everybody. Take care of yourselves and each other.

Grace and Blessings.