Our Medical Results

Yesterday was a BIG day in the house of the Hathaway's!  Our morning started off at 2:30am when Bryce woke up and was unable to get back to sleep...he was so nervous.  I finally turned the TV on for him at 4am and I got an additional 30 minutes in before it was time to arise for our day.  Bryce had some preparations that needed done before we left for the hospital.  It is one thing when I am sick but it is another when you are watching your child in tears and discomfort...it was a rough morning indeed.  We arrived at the hospital at 6:30am and everything went quickly and smoothly...we felt ALL the prayers throughout our time in pre-op.  Unfortunately, Bryce inherited my veins and the nurse was unable to get the IV in so they called for the IV team to come and try his other hand.  That was the end of his pain and discomfort!  I prayed with Bryce right before they gave him the laughing gas.  It only took a few minutes and he was truly loopy!!!   Ironically, Bryce was at his happiest moment and this is when I fell apart...seeing him hooked up to so many wires, IV, and laying in the bed, overwhelmed me.  Then, it was time to wait...

The doctor came out 20 minutes later and his first words were, "Everything looks good...Everything is clear!"  Breathe...yes, I took a deep breath and rejoiced!  We sat down and he went over the pictures of his stomach.  He does have Irritable Bowel Syndrome and we are awaiting the results from several biopsies.  He is restricted to a bland diet for the next two weeks with Benefiber and a medication before each meal.  We go back to the gastroenterologist once the results of the biopsies are back....so, we wait again...

Once Bryce was released, we got him home and comfortable and then I headed to my much awaited rheumatology appointment.  I sat down and began explaining my symptoms.  Dr. Reddy's response, "I'm not sure why your doctor sent you to me...a neurologist is a much better fit for your symptoms."  Seriously?!?!?!!?!  I specifically asked my doctor that very question and was told to start with rheumatology.  So again friends, we wait... I am now scheduled to see a neurologist on June 23rd and a rehab doctor on June 27th.  The rheumie doc is recommending an MRI of my brain and back.  Also recommending an EMG of all the nerves in my arms, neck and back (this is a bunch of needles poked into all of my nerves to see where the pain is originating from).  The MRI will be scheduled through the neurologist and the EMG will be done through the rehab doctor.  I am certain that I will be seeing the right doctors this time...I just wish that I wouldn't have needed to waste the last 8 weeks.  Living in the unknown and pain is a bit frustrating.  However, the appointment wasn't a total bust...she did rule out fibromyalgia and believes that I do not have an auto immune disease!  She also diagnosed me with Osteoarthritis in my right knee and possibly the left.  She has given me exercises to begin on my quads for the arthritis. 

I am grateful that my thyroid is getting under control and that my energy level rises each day :)  I am thankful that I am entering my last week of school.  I have peace with any diagnosis that is made.  I am filled with hope...believing that when the diagnosis is made, it will just be a matter of physical therapy and medications to get me feeling well.  I have learned patience...at the beginning of this journey, I drove myself crazy trying to take control and now, I am allowing God to navigate this ride!  I am filled with joy today that the sun is shining and my son is smiling! 

On my way home from my appointment yesterday this song came on the radio... Let Faith Arise!!!  Powerful and comforting words!!!  Click the YouTube links below...

I Lift My Hands...Behind the Song

I Lift My Hands by Chris Tomlin

Psalm 28
⁶ Praise the Lord!
      For he has heard my cry for mercy.
 ⁷ The Lord is my strength and shield.
      I trust him with all my heart.
   He helps me, and my heart is filled with joy.
      I burst out in songs of thanksgiving.