Updates on a few things

First of all, I don't know what I've done but I have totally pissed my back off. My hip hurts, my leg muscles are tight and my right foot is pins and needles. All symptoms that I've had but very lightly since my back surgery last year. Egads. So I'll be taking off from the gym and my walks to give it all a chance to rest. Funny how saying that bothers me... I really want to MOVE. Guess that's good except for times like this. I have an appointment with my back surgeon for a reevaluation... but it isn't til 8/30. Yes, August. That is the soonest they have. Argh. Today we went to see the hematologist for Rich. Reviewing his current CT scan... the spleen is enlarged (hence the low platelet count) but he has has a few enlarged lymph nodes. The nodes aren't enlarged like you would see in lymphoma but still that cannot be ruled out at this point. The cause for an enlarged spleen are too numerous to mention. The doctor ran a bunch of specialized blood tests today looking for things like lymphoma among other things. One that is being looked at is a rare genetic disorder called Gaucher's disease which is more likely if you are descendant of the Ashkenazi Jewish population (Eastern European). Rich is of German descent (both sides) and there was speculation that some of the family was indeed Jewish but suprisingly (not!) the town's hall of records burned to the ground just before WWII. Anyway, it is disease due to an enzyme deficiency. I think the blood test (leukocyte glucocerebrosidase) gets sent to the Mayo clinic or something like that for evaluation. Other tests run were CRP (reactive protein), ERP (erthyrocyte something-er-other), rheumatoid factor (could be an indicator of lymphoma, I believe), ANA and I forget what else. Overwhelmed? You get. But what calms me at this point is that looking at Rich's CT scan from 1996 (yes, 10 years ago)... he already had a bit of an enlarged spleen. And reviewing his blood work that is in the INOVA (hospital system here in Nothern VA) system, his platelets were low even as far back as 1999. Nice of folks to question it eh? So, looks like whatever issue Rich has... he has had for quite a while and he is still living, breathing, functioning without any real symptoms. Though with something like Gaucher's disease there can be bone issues and his back and knees aren't fabulous but that could be from normal wear and tear of a man that topped the scales over 500 lbs for a while in his life. Kathy

Also, blood work for Rich probably won't all be back for about 3 weeks. At that time, the hematologist is going to do a bone marrow biopsy to check for more things. Kathy

Kathy, I am glad to hear Rich is being looked after well by the doc. Funny how his same symptoms and labs were present in 99 and nobody 'saw' , could it be that MO folks are somewhat invisible? I will pray for him and for you too, gal. I am sure the stress is not easy to bear. Maybe that's triggering your own back to hurt again. When you have a 'thinking' doctor it is a comfort that he/she will be on top of things. ( of course it always helps to be an advocate ) BTW how is Rich's energy? Is this making him feel dragged out? Wishing you the best, Mary

WOW, do ya think you have enough on your plate???? Will cross my fingers for both your back and Richs spleen/platlet issue..... Geez now I have nothing to complain about.... Hugs Karen