Thursday, May 23, 2013

Stomach matters

Guys, I've been crazy busy and I appologise for not keeping my posts more current. In addition to a normally hectic life, I've somehow managed putting school back on my agenda. Wish me luck. Now please remember, I'm just filling you in now. I find it only fair to inform my readers about the stress I had experienced with the conflict between my husband and my oncologist. Oncologist= take your meds, A.D.- you shouldn't need all this stuff, this is what's causing your stomach problems, drink the Kangen water. They have collabarated several times about the meds, and each time they seem to bee at opposite ends. Talk about a mental tug of war... but I knew both guys intentions are for my healing, yet I literally felt trapped. So, what do I do... I stop taking my meds all together. Trust me, I was petrified to make such a step but I figured it was what my husband wanted me to do. My desires were muddled by the disagreement between Dr. S and A.D. "I don't want cancer to come back, I want to take my meds, I want to drink the water, I want to stay here with my family. There is just to much I desire here to let cancer return by not taking the proper precautions... but I'm trapped." Fear, trepidation, worry, set in my soul. Think I set into a mildly depressive state, or maybe I just wasn't talking to anyone much. idk. Sometimes solitude is my salvation from hurt and confusion. Further discussion with A.D., my nurse; she gave the "you wanna die" scolding, and Dr. S. prove worthy. I got back on my meds without much problem. Well, so I thought, but I'll save that for the next post. NEW DOCTOR Finally, I've made it to the gastroenterologist. My approach is hopeful but cautious. Oh, guess what...A.D. came with me. :) Not sure but I'm guessing my excitement about that may be premature. Of course this Dr. had to start out with my entire rundown of care, meds, and surgeries etc. After my history unload he agrees that one of my meds or a combination of both, Tamoxifin and Lupron, MAY be an issue but wanted to investigate more. hump! Wonder how he plans to investigate. I've heard about colonoscopies but never had one nor to I wish to have one. Well... if it'll help resolve my stomach turmoil... I guess I'll have to. The pain and effects are intense, inconvenient, and intolerable. Thankfully, all I had to do was provide a stool sample... in a container. Gross, but it had to be done. RESULTS Stool sample complete and back to the doctors (gastroenterologist). I must admit, the sample looks...a bit odd. A few days later I get a call from him. There is usually a level of trepidation when I receive calls directly from doctors, but this one was going to fix the pain... so I'm filled with gratitude to hear from him. "Your sample has reveiled some interesting information." "ok" "you have what's called Clostridium difficile or C.diff." The human body has good and bad bacteria and can usually manage both under normal conditions. When there is disruption in those normal conditions, those bad bacteria's can become destructive. This particular condition is usually ignited in patients who have taken copious antibiotics that in turn allows those harmless bad bacteria to corruption. The bacteria overgrows and attacks the lining of the intestines leaving them inflamed and irritable. Hence the stomach cramping and diareah. He starts me on another form of antibiotics. Strange. That the very thing that started this condition... yet it's what's needed to cure it. Long story short. These meds are expensive. The 1st cost about a grand, the 2nd about $1,500 and the last and final one about $2,500. The first 2 didn't work but eased my pains. The final one did the trick condition resolved and my stomach is all better. What a reprieve.