One Sick Puppy
My apologies for ignoring the blog this past week. Unfortunately, that may continue for a bit. As you know, I’ve been sick quite frequently for the past year, moreso of late, particularly after these mysterious red spots developed on my body January 1. Since then, I’ve had perhaps a grand total of 10 days when I haven’t felt almost incapacitated — and those days have, fortunately, been quite good ones.
At several folks’ suggestion, I insisted that my doctor take some blood yesterday to determine if I have an auto-immune disorder. They ran a sed test to look for signs of inflammation. This morning, I got a call from my doctor’s office concerning the results. Considering it’s Saturday, that’s the kind of call that can wake a girl up. But given how absolutely bad I’ve been feeling, I still was barely alert until the doctor told me my test results.
I have elevated liver enzymes. How elevated, you ask? Well, somewhere in the 2000s. I can’t recall the precise number. I’d dropped the phone at that point, although I’m not clear whether that was due to shock or weakness. When I got back on the phone the doctor wanted to know if I feel sick enough to be admitted to the hospital. Who in their right mind would say “Yes,” given the history I’ve had with hospitals and doctors of late.
At this point, I’m now off Cymbalta. Whether it’s causing the problem or not isn’t clear. Typically, medications like Cymbalta are associated with liver toxicity if there’s pre-existing liver disease, yet prior to taking it I didn’t have any such symptoms. My blood pressure remains good: 120/70. I actually haven’t been drinking all that much — despite appearances — because my alcohol tolerance has been virtually nil since starting that medication, so at least that’s some good news. (Anyone, particularly those of you who’ve been reading about all of my various health problems, care to place a bet on Still’s Disease as the cause?)
I’ll be going in for a sonogram on Monday at 7:30 a.m. Not sure what we’re going to do to juggle VH’s schedule and take care of the Big-Eyed Boy as well, nor am I sure how we’re going to afford all of this. But it’s nice to know things are getting narrowed down and perhaps getting better is not too far ahead in my future.
UPDATE: At my doctor’s direction, I’ll be remaining in bed this weekend. Given the debilitating exhaustion I’ve been feeling, I most likely won’t be responding to email. If you’ve sent one, please accept my apologies for not responding. I’ll try to check in on the comments to this entry, but otherwise I plan on sleeping. Lots. And wishing this all turns out to be a bad dream.
*never tease someone who is dieting* *never tease someone who is dieting* *never tease...
Aw, Kste, That totally sucks! But I’m glad your doctor finally took some blood!!
Feel better!
That’s an order!
Understand about health problems! Take it easy and follow dr’s orders! Good luck with your tests on Monday.
Good luck on your tests Monday. it would be great if a diagnosis is finally made.
Prayers up for you.
Praying for you, O, Venomous One. Hope they diagnose it and whup it!
It’s always good to get test results, even if they’re bad – it puts you one step further towards figuring out the problem. Hang in there!
Ugh. Welcome to the wonderful world of rheumatic disease, where doctors specialize in the phrase “no, you’re not crazy, you’re sick!”
Here’s hoping you get a real diagnosis and med regimen that gives you some relief.
Thanks, all!
CalTech Girl, it’s rather infuriating right now to realize that the Cymbalta could very well have exacerbated an autoimmune problem. In which case I got prescribed an anti-depressant when I was actually sick!
Kate, It wouldn’t be the first time a doctor told a woman it is all in her head! That’s all Freud’s fault.
Anyway, I’m glad the doctor is getting somewhere with a diagnosis.
From VK: Yeah, and I bet the doctor wouldn’t believe me if I told him I’d rather have a diagnosis than a penis!
So did they tell you what your sed rate is? That test along with a CRP are two of the more reliable indicators of inflamation, as I’m sure you’ve found from your research. RF? ANA? Lupus Ana-lyzer panel? (I work in a hospital lab) Find thee a good internist and/or rheumatologist! Hang in there — and keep squeaking til they grease you!!
From VK: No, they didn’t make it clear and I didn’t think to ask at the time. Having a doctor call at a very early hour on Saturday morning was enough to throw me for a loop, on top of which I didn’t even know what questions to ask since I hadn’t researched anything involving liver disorders at the time. I’ll be asking later today, though, and will be sure to let you know.
Lie back and relax as much as you can, being sick sucks. Hope you feel much better soon!
*sigh* I’ll be praying for you too. Now if they diagnose you quickly so you can get the right treatment, that would be so much better than anything else. I’m sorry about the Cymbalta, I know you were hopeful it would work.
Wishing you well. We’re all rooting for you. Please keep us updated.
Get rest. I’m sure everyone will just keep checking in awaiting your return.
Don’t worry about the blog… we’ll still be here! ! !
I’ll keep you in my prayers Kate. I hope you will feel better soon.