Fitness Check Day 93

When it rains it pours they say and I even posted about this in April when I had some other incidents happen. Well now it’s something totally different. I had posted on the 10th of this month how happy I was to get on that mat and do DDP despite the pain but I powered through it. That same week I mentioned about the bladder and bowel issues and my trip to CityMD which ruled out a UTI.

Well last week the issues continued and I was starting to think I’d have to go to the ER again but my mom reminded me I could talk to a nurse at United Healthcare. So I called the nurses at UH and she assured me my symptoms did not indicate a UTI, but I should get my stool tested. I went to a Urologist anyway the day after and got tested again but the urine culture results were negative. They did mention however, that my going number 2 was causing an overactive or irritable bladder something I had forgotten. After the appointment, I tried to call my gastroenterologist but she was on vacation and they couldn’t give me anyone else until she is back in the office August 31st. Then I called the primary doctor’s office and they told me they can’t do anything until I email him on online portal which I did. At the end of the day, I was hungry but nauseous and I was soo exhausted I just went to sleep instead of eating anything but 4 spoonfuls of rice. On Thursday I called the primary doctor’s office and they said that it takes 24 to 48 hours from the time I sent the message on their portal for them to respond. Soo I called the gastroenterologist’s office again and asked if the on call doctor could order some stool tests at the lab because I felt like this was some sort of gastrointestinal virus or something that I had. What did I get? I got a reply saying that he could not do anything for me and I had to wait to see my usual doctor on the 31st. I did not go to the ER because since I wasn’t dying yet (what a comforting thought) I’d be there for 12 or more hours and have to shell out anywhere between $800 to $1000 or so dollars and I just can’t take that financial hit again. Later that night I did get a reply from the doctor’s office online stating he can’t help me, just to go Urgent MD or the ER.

GREAT! THANKS!! SUPER HELPFUL!!! On Friday which I had off to spend with my family, I actually ended up going to City MD. They drew blood and the test results came back normal. I wasn’t able to get a stool test done because due to lettuce parasite- cyclosporiasis, their labs were backed up and I wouldn’t get my test results for one month. The doctor there did give anti nausea medication which was like heaven on earth because I was able to eat on Friday (hallelujah!) CityMD also promised they’d send me a message or call me on Monday with an appointment to a new gastro in the Summit Health network. On Saturday, the effects of the anti nausea medication were still working, so I was turned on some music to dance for a few minutes and also did 50 pullbacks with the yellow resistance band. I was also able to eat breakfast, and go outside for a stroll with my mom and brother. I did not bother resting because I’m soo damn tired of sitting on the sidelines!! I had the energy and desire, so I took advantage and went to get some sun and enjoy some quality time with my family. We ended up walking 3 miles in total!!! Funny thing is since I wasn’t eating much, I didn’t have to go to the bathroom so I figured maybe I was getting over whatever this is.

On Sunday I felt like crap again but did get an email from the office of the new gastro with an appointment for today, so I pleased. I was able to eat breakfast and dinner, although dinner felt heavy although it was just couscous and a piece of bland chicken.

Today, I felt like crap again and called out sick because I just had nothing in me to work the day. I went to my appointment early in the morning and the doctor was nice. He immediately ordered stool tests and if those come back negative, we will address what steps we need to take next. He listened to me, he offered solutions and was very thorough. I wish I had gone to him earlier but at least I went to him now. Crossing my fingers I don’t get any worse from whatever it is that I have but I do ask myself what I did in my past life or this life to deserve such a rotten string of luck. It’s been year after year of crap unloaded on me and I’ve gotten through them all but the consequences from some of them still linger and I really am tired of getting knocked down.

Not only that, I’m tired of the lack of urgency from doctors. How hard is it to order a blasted stool test when I’m telling you my symptoms? I’m sure if my gastro was not on vacation, she would have ordered up some tests for me as she has done in the past and I’d already have the results. You really have to be your own advocate when it comes to healthcare. You have to make sure your voice is loud and not shy away from confrontation. As of now I may be looking for a new primary doctor after this one’s lack of concern for his patients. Not to mention the fact that my cholesterol is high (Cholesterol 216, LDL 126) and he said he wasn’t concerned. When I was young, you called the doctor and you were either seen the same day or the day after. Years ago when you called the office, the doctor was given the message or the receptionist would put you through to talk to them directly.

Now it’s online portals, voicemails and a wait time of weeks to months or even a year for an appointment. It may be different in some suburbs compared to the cities (my friend lives in the burbs and she gets an appt the next day when it’s urgent) but it’s really sad and the doctors here should be ashamed of themselves. How would they feel if their loved one was ignored? I’m sure they’d be steaming, but they don’t think of these things. Anyway, that is my rant and update for today. I’d like to say I’m getting back on the mat to do DDPYoga or even do DDP Bedflex, but I will have to see which ones I can do that have no twists or excessive movement for now. I truly hope and pray that my body holds up through the next couple of days so I can get the results and then see what if any antibiotics I need to take. Until next time, stay strong my Phoenixes and remember to be your own health advocate!!