OK, so I know a few of you know what is going on, and a few of you have no clue. And a few of you have sensed that something is wrong, but don't really know what....so here I go in an attempt to fill you all in....
In mid-late August, I started having really bad back pains. I finally gave in and went to the chiropractor. As he was doing my initial check-up, he noticed that my thyroid was extremely swollen. Throughout the rest of my visit, he was more concerned about my thyroid than my neck and back, which is his area of expertise. Anyway, at his urging, I went to see my Primary Care Dr. to see what he thought.
(OK, timeout for a minute....I guess you are wondering, "if her thyroid was that swollen, why hadn't she noticed it?!?!" Well, I had, I had just ignored it. As stupid as this sounds, when someone in my family has something like this "pop up" it always ends up being something serious. So this scared me. I guess I just kinda thought it would go away....I was wrong)
OK, so I made an appointment with my PCP and went in to let him take a look at it. He showed concern as well, and ordered some blood work and an ultrasound of my thyroid. I had those tests done, and went back to see him for the results. He basically said, "yeah, something crazy is going on in there....you need to see a specialist."
So, I got on the phone and started calling every Endocrinologist in SA that takes our insurance. All of them had at least a 3 month waiting list. Are you kidding me?!?!?! I have had 2 different doctors tell me I need to have this looked at ASAP, and you want me to wait 3 months?!?!? So, I got creative, and started calling Endo's in the surrounding areas. I finally got in with a great guy in San Marcos. Yes, it sucks having to drive an hour for doctor appointments when I live in a city with so many great doctors, but I know that I am seeing this guy for a reason, because my prayers to God led me to him.
So I finally went in to see this Endo and he instantly diagnosed me with hyperthyroidism. But he said that was far from the extent of my problems. He said there is a 99.9% chance that we will need to remove my entire thyroid. There are 2 growths on there, and they are both considered "large". One of them is bigger than the other, and he feels the largest one can not be shrunk with radiation without destroying the thyroid anyway. So removal is pretty much inevitable. He also started me on a heart medication right away due to heart palputations (sp?). But hopefully that will all subside once the thyroid issue is taken care of. (this is why P90X has been put on the back burner....)
He wasn't happy with the extent of the tests my PCP had done, so he wanted to do more. He ordered a CBC so that he could see everything going on in my blood (HOLY COW they took a TON of blood out of me!!!) and then he ordered an ultrasound of my whole neck, not just my thyroid. He was concerned about some other swelling he detected in the lymphnodes in my neck. He also had me do a "radioactive iodine" scan.
So, blood work has been done. Ultrasound has been done. And radiation scan has been done.
Tomorrow is the day of truth. Tomorrow I go in and get the results. I get some answers. And we make a plan of action.
In the days leading up to this, my mind has been going 100 mph in 100 different directions. I am constantly hearing from different people, "my so-and-so has thyroid issues, and they are fine". But the fact of the matter is, there are still so many unanswered questions with me, and I don't like people comparing me to them or anyone else. It has been frustrating thus far. But there is one thing for sure that I know. God has got this. He is holding me in His hand. And no matter what the outcome may be, I will be ok. I know I will. Another reason I know I am going to be ok?? I have an amazing support system....an awesome husband, great friends, and a wonderful family.
It should go with out being said, but I could really use some prayers. Prayers for strength, courage and understanding.
Thank you all, and God bless! ~ rlb
(sorry that the format is all messed up....I've been out of the blogging world for awhile and I'm going to have to learn all the tricks again.....)
Praying continually. Thanks for getting back into blogging. Maybe you'll inspire me! I need a little help in the inspiration department. Love you!
ReplyDeleteWow, we had no idea! You are in my prayers!
ReplyDeletePraying praying praying! Pleaded let me know if I can help you with anything... I fully believe this is all temporary, and that God uses these moments to draw us closer. Love you, lady! Xoxo
ReplyDeleteYou and your family have been in my prayers and will continue to be. I had no idea you were going to San Marcos for your doctor but it's not that far since you're already north end of the area. Regardless, safe travels and good vibes!
ReplyDeletewow, I had no idea. I can understand why you've been worried. Many prayers being sent your way.
ReplyDeleteI feel you on the ENDO thing, I can't wrap my mind around their waiting lists. I had to wait a long time to see mine initially and that's after I got in with a cancellation. I tested positive for a whole bunch of stuff and had to wait 2 weeks for a followup!