Friday, October 02, 2020

Missing

This was actually written January 22, 2019.

My birthday is coming up.  And I'm missing my grandparents.  I'm missing our Arnold family get togethers.  We have had so many gatherings at my grandparents house in Jarrettown or Neshaminy Falls, in Elm Terrace, or my parents' or aunt's houses.


Three is it

So, before 2020, I had had no surgeries.  By the end of 2020, I will have had three.  I guess it's just the kind of year 2020 is going to be.

They are all elective but still sort of important.  For me anyway.  One to repair a deviated septum allowing me to breathe ever so much better.  One to repair a bunion allowing me to walk ever so much better.  And the last one to remove my gallbladder allowing me to digest food ever so much better.  

But I think three is good.  Three is enough. No more, thank you.

The diagnosis leading to the gallbladder discovery is welcomed.  Biliary dyskinesia - poor functioning of the gallbladder.  I have had symptoms for over 14 years.  I have reported my symptoms to several doctors and got the response, "Hmm.  I haven't heard of that before" then going on their merry way not trying to help me.

My GP, Dr. Shearer, at Detweiler Family Medicine listened to me.  She ordered ultrasounds, which came back normal.  She ordered a HIDA scan, which my gallbladder failed.  12% function is not a great amount of function.  The treatment for biliary dyskinesia is a cholecystectomy, (I like using all the medical jargon.)  I am glad to know I have a faulty gallbladder.  I do still wonder if that is the actual reason for my digestive issues, or if there is something more.  So, I will be seeing a gastroenterologist.  In addition, I have an appointment with a surgeon, because regardless if it's my issue or not, my gallbladder has one job to do, and it's not doing it.  So, it's fired and out it comes!