If it's not one thing, it's anemia.

Sigh.



I know in the whole scheme of things, anemia isn't that big of a deal. It's nice to know that there's a medical explanation for my exhaustion. I can stop blaming my kids. I had my annual exam today, and wow, DocH was so thorough in the testing etc, and now there's a load of things to be taken care of. I just have to be thankful that I have a doc here who listens and is willing to do the work of following through.


So anemia. Mostly likely resulting from my problems with my cycle relating to endometriosis. Things just aren't right. I'm on iron now, which I know has a whole other set of issues. I'm just hoping that it returns to normal (it is about six points below the lowest range of normal, not good at all) in the next six weeks, otherwise she wants my to come in twice a week for iron injections in my bum. That'll be a scheduling nightmare, dragging kids in there all the time. Praying things clear up.


I also have a referral to a gynie, which I was pretty sure would happen, although I'm again am thankful that my CA125 (a blood test that is a marker for pelvic cancers, most notably ovarian cancer, but also can show a higher inflammatory state related to the endo) was within normal range. At least that means that I won't necessarily be moving forward with surgery for the endo. And as always, I am immensely grateful that, although this number doesn't give the whole story and I live with a healthy (I hope healthy anyway!) awareness that I'm at more risk for pelvic cancers for several reasons, this test doesn't raise any red flags regarding cancer. I have dear friends in remission, some fighting for all they got, and one friend I dearly love who is terminal. I don't want to go to any of those places. So I live grateful that these are the problems I have, not others. They all suck mind you, but still...


DocH thinks it's important for me to discuss with the gynie my options relating to treatment of my horrible cycles. Option include birth control as in Mir.ena I.U.D., or an endometrial ablation (the lining of the uterus is burned so that periods halt permanently) or the good ole hysterectomy. She is not convinced that the Hys is the way to go and finally, someone who isn't pushing that option on me. Thank goodness for that! Many people have gotten some relative relief and that may end up being the decision I make. But it's not my first choice for treating this and I won't rush into it. So we'll see what that appointment holds, whenever it happens. I'm bracing for a long wait on a list as usual.


Onto other things... mammogram. My breast tissue is cystic and dense and although she doesn't see any problems at this point, she wants a baseline. They recommend 50 years old for this with no family history, but she wants to be cautious here. Again, she was thorough and very reassuring. I didn't realize that 95% of lumps found are benign. She still recommends self-exams as she'd rather see a patient with something benign rather than something advanced. Good plan I say.

And then there's my beautiful skin. One of the things I can say I love about my body is my skin. It's normal skin, not too oily or dry. It isn't overly hairy (yay!). And I tan easily, although I don't spend lots of time on purpose making that happen. I also have lots of brown freckles and moles on my body and shoulders. I don't know why but I like that. But there's the downside in that some of them could possibly turn cancerous. She we're taking a couple spots off. I've had this done before so I know it's no big deal. Just another appointment. At least that is what I keep telling myself.

So much fun here, huh? I can say that I'm overwhelmed. But I'm also happy that there is some confirmation that I'm not really a hypochondriac...I just have a complicated health history. And as always, I'll just deal with it each day and hope that I get to feeling better. What else can I do? I can't throw up my hands and give in to this body... there is too much life to live. I must live and be and enjoy. And work on health. So there it is... all the sordid stuff. Add that to the foot stuff and there's a whole pile of stuff.