I went to the doctor for a routine prescription refill appointment. My appointment was their first available at 9:30 am. My hope was to minimize the amount of my day I would miss. The doctor arrived at 10:30. I’m glad I waited because, after dealing with the prescription, he diagnosed me with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). He wrote me a prescription and left before I could ask questions.
During a break between errands, I googled SLE. It is an autoimmune disease that attacks your organs—which is good because I’ve been thinking that my immune system was strong enough to be a crazed killing machine. Turns out I was right again.
It is not contagious. It’s caused by severe stress and trauma, among other things.
Symptoms of S.L.E. include a rash or red nose and cheeks in the shape of a butterfly (check), extreme fatigue (check), pain in joints and the nervous system (check), enlarged lymph nodes (check), poor circulation resulting in cold feet (check), and extreme sun sensitivity (check). I know—all this sexy talk and I didn’t make you verify your age. ;)
Its long-term effects include blood clots, stroke, heart attack, and organ failure. They better hurry up with growing cloned organs in labs like they’ve been talking about my entire life.
It turns out the constant pain and brain-smashing headaches were both a symptom of grief and S.L.E.. I’m looking forward to finding a Rheumatologist to verify the diagnosis. My current doctor has all the bedside manner of a queef in hot pants.
Nancy, Thank you for sharing what was helpful to you in managing your grief. I appreciate how open you are.
Day 56 is at https://www.wantmybabyback.com/blog/day-56.
As if you didn't have enough to worry about. I think you will get control of your symptoms in time.
With Mother's Day coming, I hope you can think about all the things that Candance gave to you - her smile and giggle, her expertise at jumping on her bed, her love of swimming and that great dog. It is hard to think about what she will miss as time goes on, but this little angel did give you many things that will always dwell in your heart.
Get a new doctor, I did. Get a counselor, I did.
Go to the place where Candance's ashes are located and talk to her on Mother's Day. Tell her how grateful yo…