One Thing Leads To Another
Remember my stomach pain a few weeks ago?
Well I still don't have a definitive answer for it. My GP is fairly certain it was my gallbladder causing all the problems but by the time I got in for an ultrasound on the Thursday (the onset of the pain was Sunday) there were no signs of inflammation. Just gallstones, sitting there all innocent like. The GP thinks maybe I passed a stone and by the time I got in - because I'm stubborn like that - it was all quiet. And it is much better now - just a bit tender and the occasional twinge over on the right side. And belching. Man can I burp with the best of them now.
However... the ultrasound turned up a couple of areas on my liver that bore further investigation. When you read the ultrasound report and see the word "lesion" you freak out just a tiny bit. But only a tiny bit because my blood levels were all good, I had no other symptoms and primary liver cancer is really really rare. But I had to go in for a CT scan, with contrast.
And that? Was freaky! The hot flash I got when they injected the contrast dye was like nothing I've ever felt before. At least I can take that experience back to my patients someday.
My liver is fine. Well not exactly fine but nothing that's going to kill me in the next six months. One lesion turned out to be fat - yes I have a fatty liver. Great. Just like my ass and thighs. Since I started modifying my diet after the last health issue, and my cholesterol is on the way down, I just really need to get off my fat liver and add exercise to the mix. The other lesion is likely a hemangioma - essentially a benign liver mass made up of a tangle of blood vessels. I'll have another ultrasound in 3 months to measure it again and if it hasn't changed it's all good.
However... the CT scan found problems in my uterus. Specifically fibroids and some type of lesion - probably a cyst (the actual wording was "partially cystic subserosal lesion" for those whom paraphrasing won't due) or another fibroid. And my uterus is "bulky", which to my way of thinking is just another way of saying fat, like my liver, ass and thighs.
So I went in to find out why I was having pain in my upper abdomen and I leave facing a possible hysterectomy.
Now this is the worst-case scenario, but I must admit I'm not fussed by it. Yes I have been having symptoms and was going to bring it up with my GP when I went in to get the results of my repeat cholesterol - which was due this month - but had no idea why I was having the problems (no, I'm not sharing them with you - TMI). There are other treatments, but I need to have an ultrasound to get more details. I will have both ultrasounds in 3 months time.
As I said, I'm not bothered by the thought of a hysterectomy. I'm done with my uterus, and so long as they leave my ovaries to control my hormones I'm good. The Hermit, however, is bothered by it and I'm not sure why. I don't know if my attitude bothers him, or surgery in general, or what it is. He's not exactly forthcoming.
And I still don't know what caused the original pain! How frustrating. Fortunately I understand that medicine isn't an exact science, so I'm not angry with anyone for not being able to give me an answer. Frustrated, sure. Frustrated they keep finding shit wrong with me, but not mad. And there is a bright side - giving up caffeine, or cutting way down, has made my kidneys very happy. I couldn't handle them falling apart right now.
That's where I stand. Approaching 40 and falling apart, apparently. And - and this is the kicker - I've had 7 years of being at home with kids to have these issues and when does it start? Just when I'm about to start my nursing career again!!! Typical. But seriously, it could be a lot worse than it is.
9 Witty Remarks:
I too, have a fatty liver AND a hemangioma. sucks, doesn't it? I'm hoping it will be better next ultrasound...in a few months, too busy to do it now plus my diet is shit. I'll wait until I can do a little better lol. Hope you're starting to feel better!
Hey...how's it going hysterectomy sister? And you've "bulky" parts, too. You clearly take it much lighter than I do. I'd like to keep my parts as long as possible. My doc recommended it again about 2 months ago. I'm trying the less invasive route.
Maybe we can start a long distance exercise program together?
Hang in there!! I'm thinking about you.
I haven't had any of those (yet) but you don't want to get me started on my list of issues. Getting older sucks. On the plus side, they are all things that can be corrected. I know you hate exercise, but take a look around and try to find something you don't mind too much. Swimming is great and it doesn't hurt. Biking isn't bad either. It doesn't take too long with either of those to get good things happening.
As for why the thought of the hysterectomy bothers the Hermit, in the old days they never left the ovaries which caused all kinds of side effects - he may have had family members in that state. Or maybe it's the old mind set that men had - without that is she really a woman. He might think you'll lose your sex drive (silly man as most women rediscover it). Or maybe, he's just concerned about you undergoing surgery. Hard to tell and knowing the Hermit, harder still to get a straight answer from him. Good luck with that - I was never sure if he liked my cooking.
Keep me posted. Once we know more about the house and stuff, I'll try to give you a call.
Yikes, kid. I hope everything turns out OK. I've had a pain in my left pelvic area for almost a year now, and have had that CAT scan (with that weird hot-flash stuff), a colonoscopy, and endoscopy and one of those pill endoscopies where you swallow essentially a tiny camera and wear what looks like a suicide bombers outfit all day. They found nothing at all!!! So, I'm OK I guess, but still have that pain.
As for working out, you know I have always been doing that. Can't tell you how much my life is better because of it and eating right. The yoga has been amazing as of late, it really centers the mind and clears you of stress, plus it gets you flexible and strong. Yoga, walking and lots of veggies/fruits will help that liver.
Oh dear...
That's why I'm never one for going to the doctor. Who knows what they'll find out.
I was offered a hysterectomy before I had my children, after having two miscarriages. I was 29! Seemed easier for the doctor to sort that than my other issues. Thankfully I thought she was an idiot! I now have three children.
I have never ending "issues" but am ignoring them, as most mothers seem to do. I don't have time for a hysterectomy, I'm busy and the nanny, driver, cleaner, etc etc are all on holidays!! It has been suggested in recent years to have one too.
I think the Hermit is probably concerned about you having such an operation as it would really knock you about. Well, I've never had one but that's what I hear! Depends on how they do it too... without too much detail... I'd have to have the stomach cut open version so a longer recovery time.
As for exercise... I'm really trying to get into it. Well, that means I think about it and I really should and I try and talk myself into it because I'm a big fat heffalump... so one day I'm a gunna start!
Good luck with your decisions.
Nearing 40 and falling apart, man can i relate to that! You've got a much better attitude about it than I do, though!
Kitten - the liver findings were totally surprising as they were an accidental find. The fat is related to my cholesterol and the hemangioma should not cause any problems so long as that's what it is and doesn't grow. I am feeling better, though.
HLS - My warped sense of humour and "lightness" is how I cope with things. But quite frankly I don't need my uterus any longer and if it's causing me semi-major issues I'd just as soon be rid of it. Your brother is hoping my fat liver will be enough motivation to get me exercising again - he's probably right but don't tell him that!
MM - I just think he's uncomfortable with the thought of surgery and me taking it so lightly. And I don't know if he likes my cooking, so we're together on that.
Kristin - You are much better than me. Medicine can be like that in which sometimes that can tell you what something isn't but not what it is. Just the limits of knowledge at the moment. Hope your feeling better.
Mumfies - What am I going to do with you? Ignorance is NOT bliss sweetie. The trick is finding a GP who will listen and give you all your options. I will lecture you gently tonight at footy if you turn up. :-)
AFM - I've been knocked about enough to save my energies for the things I can do something about. And I say this as a person who has battled the black dog several times.
Aw, gee wiz Amy... why'd you have to go and get yourself all messed up like that? Pa ain't gonna be too happy.
No, for reals though... I'm sorry you're not feeling well. Hope it all straightens out for you soon. XOX
Now you have me worried about going in for a routine physical in a few months. After all, I'm a few months older than you, so what are they going to find in me? ;-)
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