It's been awhile since I've posted. Shame on me. As of now, I am back in the game. At least, that is my plan. My plans never seem to work out, but I truly enjoy writing this blog. It may not be top notch (far from it), but it is something that helps me and I am proud of it. Anyways, enough babbling and I'll let you in on my life the last few months.
I ended up having five banding procedures (one a month). I like to call them my banding sessions ;). It was definitely an experience I will never forget. My hepatologist and all the nurses were so great. It was kind of fun walking in each month and having half the staff recognize you. Plus, they spoiled me rotten and not one of them was floored by my odd sense of humor. In fact, they joked right along with me.
The 'sessions' themselves were unique experiences. During one, I woke up towards the end of it. That was not so much fun. Being able to feel the scope and the last band being put on was almost but not quite painful. My last 'session' was even more interesting. The anesthesiologist didn't want me vomiting on my way home again (I had done this every time), so she apparently adjusted the anesthesia. I was quite awake for almost the entire procedure. I didn't really feel anything. The worse part was trying to swallow the scope down with a numb throat. I actually found the entire 'session' interesting since I was able to listen to and watch what was going on. Too bad my eyesight is bad and I couldn't see what was going on in the monitor. Strange enough, the moment the scope was pulled out, I was out cold. But at least I didn't vomit on the way home....
The last two months have been kind of terrible. My fatigue got worse, the pain in my liver area started bugging me again and was spreading through my entire abdomen. I went in to see my family doctor first. I was very happy my husband came with me because he ended up being a valuable witness to my state of mind. I had no idea I was depressed until my doctor asked started asking questions. One question hit me hard, "Do you feel like a burden to your family?" I broke down in front of somebody for the first time in four years. I was put on an antidepressant. I still have a month to go before I get the full effects of it, but it has helped tremendously. I now get bursts of energy where I get things done. It's only small things, but to me it's a HUGE step. I also no longer feel like a burden. Yay for me!
Back to the pain. My blood tests revealed some of my levels were slightly elevated, a couple more so. A ct scan revealed my organs were fine (as long as you don't count my crappy liver). So off to see my hepatologist. Well, his assistant. After I explained everything, she did her routine physical, and after checking my eyes she asked if my legs itched. Never really thought about it since it's winter in Wisconsin. That will tend to dry out a person with or without lotion. I told her yes. I must have taken to long to answer (did I mention that I have brain fog going on too? No? I do. That is not a good thing). She gave me a knowing look ordered an extra test with my labs and told me I probably developed Primary Biliary Cirrhosis (PBC). I wasn't shocked. It's quite common, actually. After the test results came back positive, I started Ursodiol.
I also tested positive for a urinary staph infection. The antibiotic that it responded to was ciprofloxacin. A drug they use to treat anthrax. The side effects were a bit crazy. I didn't know if I was coming or going, but the mystery has been solved.
This past week has been pretty great. I've had bouts of energy, no more itching, eyes are looking good (I did check my own eyes a couple weeks back and they were a bit yellow around the edges) and the brain fog is starting to lift. I say that, but today was kind of an off day. Grrr. I wanted to go out and do something with my husband. Within the next couple weeks or so, the ursodiol should be at a therapudic level.
Maybe this summer I can actually enjoy a bit of life? That would be AWESOME. I've got big plans that I will happy if I can accomplish even a small fraction of .
One more thing I didn't mention. I have a new hobby that I was always to chicken to try because I have a brown thumb. Bonsai trees. My dearest friend sent one as a gift to cheer me up after all the crap that I went through this past year. She had no idea how much I love them. She just wanted to get me something that wouldn't wilt and was different from the norm. Her plan worked. I cried I was so happy.
