Friday, September 5, 2008

Finally!! A Diagnosis!!

I know I haven't kept you guys very well updated on what's been going on with me and I hate popping by for another quick update, but until I get my computer back, this is all I can do :o(....I just wanted to let you all know that my wonderful OB/Gyn called me this afternoon with the blood test results I've been waiting for and I feel like I am FINALLY getting somewhere with all of this. I found out today that I have Hashimoto's Disease. I don't know anything about it right now other than it is an autoimmune disease where your body creates antibodies that attack and try to kill your thyroid (great, right?) I have been wondering if I had this disease since my thyroid started acting up almost TEN YEARS AGO!!! All it takes to diagnose this disease is a simple one-time blood test and I have never been able to get a doctor to do it for me until now. I should be really upset to find out I have a disease, but instead, I am relieved to finally have some answers. When I feel sick now, I can say, "Hey, its my Hashimoto's bothering me again!" instead of "Crap, I bet I have cancer!" It really does help. Beyond the Hashimoto's, she also found out that my Vitamin D levels are really low (about one fourth of what they should be) so now I have to take 6,000 iu/day of Vitamin D3 to catch up (yes, I said 6,000--that wasn't a type-O :o) I am soooo ready to start feeling better. I am supposed to start treatment for all of this beginning next week. Please keep the prayers coming! They are definitely working!

I'mm off to the arrhythmia specialist about my heart palpitations on the 15th--I was really scared (and I'm still not totally at peace with the whole situation), but Dr. Collins told me my crazy thyroid and my low Vitamin D levels can be making a mountain out of a mole hill as far as my heart problems go. Those issues could be causing the arrhythmias (or at least exacerbating the problem)---I hope and pray its "just" that and not what my mom has so that I don't have to have the ablation done (shiver, shiver!) That whole procedure creeps me out!

ANYWAYS, sorry to be flying in and out of here with nothing but updates on my health. I have been keeping a journal again so I'll have plenty of funny stories and interesting Landon-isms to report as soon as I get through all of this stress (and get my darn computer!!!). I miss my bloggy friends sooo much! You're all in my thoughts and prayers (lots of those lately, so be ready for good things to come your way!)

6 comments:

Kim said...

Hi Jen!! I know Ive been MIA for a while, but I want you to know that I HAVE been thinking of you as you go through all of these challenges, and keeping you in my prayers! I'm so happy that you're finally getting some answers, some resolution, and some ways to take action in helping you feel better!:) I am sorry to hear that you have Hashimoto's Disease, but you are so right that it feels a whole lot better to KNOW what it is rather than constantly wondering and worrying and fearing the worst! I will keep you in my prayers...and wait anxiously for updates:)

Anonymous said...

Awesome! I am so glad that you are now diagnosed with something! That has to be a relief. I've had you in the prayers for some time now and check your blog to make sure my Google Reader is forgetting you are posting. :)

Can't wait to have you back and commenting on our crazy lives!

Sue said...

I'd be happy to watch Landon-please call me if there is anything I can do.

Jessica said...

i'm glad to know that you have some answers!!! here's hoping that you'll be better in no time! is this a curabel disease?

Miss Mud Puddle said...

I'm praying for ya...stay strong!

Sharon said...

I'm googling this. ;)

I'm glad you can at least have some peace of mind now & not torture yourself over the "what if I have THIS" questions.

Are you feeling any better?