Medical Updates
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.
All the blood work won't be back for probably 3 weeks especially the one that gets sent out so Rich doesn't go back to the doctor til then. The doctor is going to do a bone marrow biopsy that day too (Rich's birthday, no less).
Overwhelmed? You bet.
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
Hey Kathy,
I hate to say this but you sound like a freaking medical encyclopedia. I know it comes from all that you and Rich have been through in the last few years. I will continue to keep you both in my prayers. You two have had more to deal with than any two people I know. You definitely deserve a break from all the doctor runs, testing, and waiting. The waiting can be the worst. Just keep the faith and believe!!!
Lots of Love
Kathy-25 days & counting til surgery
Hi Kathy,
I certainly wish you the peace of mind of getting to the bottom of your husband's spleen condition. Sometimes just knowing is half the battle but things with you sound very upbeat and I'll certainly pray they stay that way.
I can identify with the hip issue. I was at a swim meet at Wakefield Park in Annandale and the bleachers there are super deep. I kept hoisting this big body up.....no rails or anything....just the sheer determination I had not to embarrass myself by having to get on my hands and knees and crawl up them. I paid. And paid. My hip got so bad the muscles on the top of my thigh drew up and my walking was affected...and forget standing for any length of time. One doctor said....."It'll go away." Another doctor said, "It's bursitis. It needs some help to go away." Already, the problem with walking and stance had affected my other leg and back. He gave me several shots in it that had lidocaine and a steroid. The lidocaine worked immediately and lasted a few hours allowing me to get some sleep since I hadn't had any in what seemed like weeks. Then it hurt again but gradually the steroid took hold and it is now fine. Took about three solid weeks. Keep that in mind if the problem continues. My hip didn't hurt at first. I was back from Annandale for a week before I had a problem but I know that's what caused it. It's considered an athletic injury. Take care....and take it easy.
Amy
Kathy~
Wow! I know you have a lot on your plate but try and stay positive. I will be praying for you both and for a speedy recovery. I too am out of the gym for a while. I found out last week that I have to have surgery on my knee again and I have been told to rest it until then. It drives me crazy especially since I look forward to oing to the gym every day!
~Tammy