Just an update on my life!

I have had a pretty rough summer.  Basically, I have been sick since the last week of May.  Began with an asthma attack, but what followed were varying symptoms that didn't seem to relate to asthma at all.  Figure it to be a respiratory infection at first, but that was just part of it. 

After numerous medications and medical tests, I still know nothing.  One test result was borderline for lupus, but the rheumatologist I saw last week said that my symptoms don't point definitively toward lupus...or definitively away from lupus.  Grr!  At this point, I really just want SOME diagnosis...I want to know what it is that I am fighting so I know how to fight!

I returned to work a couple weeks back, on a part time basis at first...only to learn that my dept was moving offices and the travel would be too excessive.  So, I am now out of work and trying to get as many of the remaining medical tests in this week as I can.  COBRA will cost me $526/month.  And if I don't get a diagnosis this week, whether or not I can pursue it at the moment comes down to whether or not I can manage COBRA payments or something else comes through. 

On a positive note: I am in love...with someone who is in love with me!  We've been together since February, living together since June, and plan to remain together.  He went on disability some years back and is now looking to get back into nuclear engineering (anyone know anyone in the field who is hiring???).  Very nice man, my Steve ...kind, sweet, and crazy about me  .

On the weight front, I froze just short of those last two pounds because I couldn't exercise.  I took prednisone and other meds and felt like crap all the time and gained about ten pounds.  I've lost six of that...I think just by coming off most of the meds!  While I couldn't handle the humidity and pollen, I could sometimes manage walks through the mall, then the treadmill at the gym.  Nowadays, I'll feel super one day and the next I might have a fever and can't stop coughing or develop a weird rash or just have no energy.

Thing is, with so much going on right now, I feel a need to re-dedicate myself to fitness.  Steve and I have pledged to go to the gym five days per wee****il we are set in a routine.  Both for body's sake and mind's.  This is very necessary right now.  It's something I can control - well, unless I can't breath and my temp is up to 101...but otherwise, it's something I absolutely must do. 

My asthma specialist tested and proved I do have asthma, but he also believes that some of my breathing issues are related to anxiety.  So, taking a good look at my life and at what really matters to me, I've also deleted my complicated time management/to-do spreadsheet.  What do I really need to do?  Tend to my health, spend time each day with God/dess, spend time each day with Steve, make time for friends, and work on my new book.  That's it.  Everything else will fall into place.

Thanks for reading...I felt that if I put this out here, it would become more real for me...and I am always happy to have encouragement too!

Lisa

Lisa,

Sorry it's been so rough for you - congrats to you and steve and I understand the whole work thing - hubby has been in that situation and is just now getting out of it - and it's not fun.

The illness thing - wow.  Sorry to hear about that - and COBRA is definately a pain to try to afford when you are unemployed!!

I'm wondering if lymes or fibromyalgia has been tested on you?  The fibro to my knowledge doesn't cause the rashes - but perhaps it could.

I'll be thinking of you!

Pam

Thanks, Pam.

Yes, that COBRA payment hits just when you most need to conserve cash...I was tested for lyme in the last round of blood work from my PCP, and it came back negative.  The rheumatologist doesn't believe that's it, but ordered a test anyhow with my most recent bloodwork; if fibromyalgia wasn't tested for, I'll guess he ordered it, as he was incredibly thorough.  I hope to have those results today.

By the way, you look fantastic!

Lisa

 

Thanks Lisa!

Pam

Hi Lisa,
I am sorry to hear about your health issues, and the trouble you have had all summer.  I have had some minor health issues of late, and understand what a hassle they can be. 

Glad to hear you are in love, and that you are being loved.  That is wonderful. 

Hope things improve soon.

Hugs and love,
Trish

Thanks, Trish.  And I hope your health issues resolve soon too.

Lisa

Hi Lisa,
I wanted to let you know that my hubby works for a company called Nuclear Electric Insurance Limited in Wilmington, DE.  They have Enginers on staff.  The company is very small (50 or 60 employees).  My hubby is part of the IT team.  It might be worth a look.

My old next door neighbor (Tacoma, WA) had Fibro and it drove her nuts.  Out here on the E coast Lymes usually ends up being the answer to all the weird unexplained symptons.  I do hope you come up with an answer soon. 

Good Luck, Jackie

Thanks, Jackie, for the well wishes as well as for the job info.  I will pass it along to Steve.

Lisa

Lisa,

Nice to have an update on you, sorry to hear that you are having health issues that they can't seem to get to the bottom of.  Your attitude appears very positive and that goes a long way towards health and healing.  There is a book called, You Can Heal Your Life by Louise Haye, perhaps it can help you feel better. 

Congrats on the new love in your life, I, too, have met a very nice man, dating since early February and it is very nice to give my love to someone who treats me the way I deserve to be treated and who supports all the many things I do. 

Anyway, I sincerely hope you gain your health back as well as find employment soon!

Hugs, Laureen

Thanks, Laureen, and I will look into that book.

And congrats to you as well on your new love!  Isn't it wonderful!

Lisa