My life is now just one doctor’s appointment after another. I turned 37 and suddenly started falling apart. Let’s discuss.
1) BRAIN
I had an appointment with my psychiatrist this week, and we discussed my anxiety symptoms. I do feel like Prozac has helped decrease my frequent anxiety spirals—now, I can bring my brain back online much more quickly than I used to, and that’s a major improvement! In its place, however, are random spikes of anxiety that come out of nowhere. Yesterday, I was sitting at my desk, wrapping up work for the day, when my heart started racing and butterflies began a dance party in my stomach. No reason for the anxiety, but there it was. So, we’re going to increase my dosage of Prozac (we started off at a lower dose to get my body used to the new medication) and she also prescribed an as-needed medication that I can take during those random high-anxiety moments. So here’s hoping things start to improve!
2) SKIN
I have an appointment with my dermatologist next week. It’s my routine skin check that I get twice a year since I’m prone to moles, and those moles are prone to have skin cancer markers. It’s fun times! I also need to talk about my lingering scalp psoriasis issue. While things have dramatically improved from where I was a year ago, thanks to steroid shots, I have started to notice that the psoriasis has moved to the skin behind my ears, next to my scalp. I’ve been using the prescription lotions my doctor has given me, but I’m not seeing any improvements. So hooray, more issues to talk about with my derm!
3) UTERUS
I have an ultrasound scheduled for next Thursday! I sent a message to my gynecologist in the patient portal on Monday afternoon, telling her all about my heavy periods and intense cramps, and within a few hours, someone from her office called me to schedule the ultrasound. I have Thursday off work, so it worked out perfectly. I can get this taken care of and then have the rest of the day to take it easy. It’s a really good thing I met my deductible this year—it’s nice to do all of these specialist appointments and tests without paying a dime!
Fingers crossed I don’t have any fibroids or polyps! If I don’t, I will definitely make an appointment to get an IUD to see if that helps lessen these intense periods.
4) BUTT
After four months of chronic digestive issues, I finally decided to see a GI doctor. I was really hoping this issue would go away on its own, but no such luck. I had my appointment yesterday, and I left the office in a daze, overwhelmed by all of the different tests my new doctor ordered for me. There was a part of me that wanted to just throw everything away, cancel all the tests, and pretend that everything is FINE because it’s going to be a lot and may not provide me with answers I like.
But then I was in the bathroom almost every hour yesterday afternoon and evening, and realized I need to know what’s going on. My body is not functioning normally and I can’t live this way forever. So I am going to be a big girl, get the tests done, and hope for the best.
Over the next few weeks, I’m going to get blood work done to test for certain food intolerances, schedule an abdominal ultrasound to see if there’s anything going on with my gallbladder (or liver/pancreas/kidneys, although the doc is most concerned with my gallbladder), and send in a stool sample, which should just be the most fun to handle. I am also scheduled for a colonoscopy on July 18th! I am very much dreading all of the prep, but everyone tells me it’s “not so bad” and I’m choosing to believe them. I am very grateful that my doctor listened to my concerns and ordered a ton of different tests to get a comprehensive look at my digestive system so we can figure out what’s going on.
5) NERVES
And last but not least, I’m also dealing with carpal tunnel pain! I already talked about my upcoming nerve conduction study (July 22) and I’m very curious to see where things stand with that because I’m back to waking up with numb fingers and pain, even though I only got the steroid shot a few weeks ago. Imagine if I need to have carpal tunnel surgery on top of dealing with all of my other ailments.
I am falling apart, you guys.
Oh, my heart goes out to you – this is a lot! I’m super impressed with how you’re showing up for yourself, though! One thing from my experience that might be helpful: I had my first colonoscopy in my early 30s because of wild GI and other issues I was having. Although the prep isn’t fun, it wasn’t as awful as I was expecting which I think we chalked up to that I was already having miserable GI issues, if that makes sense? Sending you good thoughts! Medical appointments are like another job, right?
Thank you, friend! It feels very overwhelming but I’m trying to remind myself that it will be a busy June/July and then I’ll have some answers for all of my different ailments, and can move forward in August and beyond with what comes next. <3
I think you and Ben have the same colonoscopy date 🤣 The prep is gross, but the post-procedure snacks and naps are 💯
Good for you for taking all these bulls by the horns and talking to docs– this is not easy and you should give yourself props
I am already planning out what I’ll be eating on Friday after my procedure, HA. And how fun that Ben and I get to be colonoscopy twins!
Well shoot, this is all kind of a lot isn’t it? Silver lining that this is all coming after you met your deductible but still…
I will fess up that I chickened out of collecting a stool sample for Cologuard (colonscopy alternative). You would think that since I have a dog and pick up poop every day that it would be second nature but it is not. However, I can join in the chorus of people who are telling you that the prep for a colonoscopy is “not that bad”. It’s just eating low fiber for a few days (in my case that meant The Grilled Cheese Diet), and the “unloading” period was way less dramatic that I imagined that it would be. I know that you wanted to get one because of family history, so for that reason I’m glad that you can get it now so that you can see “what’s up”.
The Grilled Cheese Diet! Now that’s something I could get behind. I am mostly concerned about the day before and being on a no-solids diet. I’m going to be so hungry!! Ack. But at least I can have soda so I am taking that as a silver lining.
I don’t even KNOW how I’m going to handle the stool sample. My friend just told me she had to collect stool samples for an entire WEEK to diagnose a different condition, so at least it’s only one sample!
Ugh, I can so relate. I have so many doctor appointments between appointments for my kids and all my many appointments. When you see the derm, you should ask about the tretinoin rx as well – I got mine during my skin check a few years ago.
Right now I need to schedule another skin check and my colonoscopy. Maybe I will tackle the colonoscopy today since I’m in the office and there’s barely anyone here. I should get the skin check scheduled as well but gah, I am sick of appts. I get my IUD placed on 7/2 so at least I got that appt taken care of. I decided at my April GYN appt that that was the best next step and then it took me 2 months to find the energy to book something!
All of the appointments are SO much, and I imagine even worse with all the kids’ appointments, too! I will be in a doctor’s office almost every week for the next 6 weeks, UGHHH. At least I get a break the week after the 4th of July since it’s my mom’s birthday week that we’re spending in Orlando! That will be a nice reprieve from all of this. <3
I never comment on the day posts, well, post (go live?), but I just wanted to say you are doing Everything Right. You’re seeking answers instead of ignoring symptoms (YAY), you’re being proactive about your mental and physical health (YAYAYAY), and it seems like your goal is to feel the best you possibly can. As others can attest, yes, the number of frustrating health things goes up over time, but if you’re on top of it now, at 37? You are SO FAR ahead.
Props to you. Get the colonoscopy. Get the ultrasound. I hope they help your docs get the info they need to help you feel your best. You deserve that – we ALL deserve that. <3 Hugs, friend.
Thank you so much! It feels very overwhelming right now, but I know I will be happy I did all of these damned appointments to figure out what’s going on. Even if it turns out I’m just lactose intolerant or something! It’s just crazy to have all of these different things act up at the same time, blergh.
Oh, friend. There is nothing else like doing a full body scan and realizing so many things are not quite right. I hope you find solutions so you can be healthy and happy.
I’d like to just say that I found the colonoscopy prep terrible and afterwards I did not have a great time either, but the peace of mind that came with the results was invaluable. It’s TERRIBLE (people used the word “unpleasant” with me, too, but I think that underemphasizes it’s terribleness – I am jealous of the people who said “it’s not as awful as I thought it was” because it was way worse than I thought based on comments like that, so I’m trying to be real with you), but the awfulness is for a limited time and the knowledge gained is worth it.
Thank you for the honesty! I am honestly very nervous about the prep, especially the day before and being on a no-solids diet eeks. I feel like I am going to be so hungry and weak! But I’m also used to pooping a lot every day so hopefully that part of the process won’t be terrible! Ha.
Good lord that is a lot of things, my friend. That feels so overwhelming. But you are doing it, you are taking care of yourself and figuring out what you need. I’m proud of you! And also so very sorry you’re Going Through It.
My husband has had a lot of colonoscopies, and I have a couple of pieces of advice. First, before you start the prep (not the low fibre part, the day-before-drinking-the-laxative part), buy yourself some diaper cream, like Desitin. Put it on your butt. You will thank me later. It makes an enormous difference. Second, buy some incontinence pads, like Always or similar, and wear them when you are on your way to the colonoscopy itself. Just in case of, um, leakage. Both of these things improve the prep immensely. And when it’s done, it’s done!
Great advice! To be honest, the laxative and “emptying out” part won’t bother me all that much because, well, it feels like that’s what my body has been trying to do for months now. I do have some… supplies… on hand when things get unpleasant down there. I would have never guessed I would talk so much about my butt on my blog!
First, I so appreciate you have someone helping you with your anxiety. So many people dont do that.
GI issues are the worst in testing. I just scheduled my colonoscopy & I’m counting down the DREAD. Did they mention how anxiousness can effect the GI system – because you want to ask someone who knows??? MEEEE!!!
I have to get an appointment with a dermatologist. I have so many new moles & skin tags. So yuck.
I applaud you for taking care of you though – so many people just push it aside.
I know its not fun … but keep making the best for your health!!!!
If I go through all this testing only to find out HAHA IT’S YOUR ANXIETY, I’m going to be beyond myself. I mean, happy it’s not a serious issue but also COME ON BRAIN. Get it together!
I have skin tags, too! Every time I get some removed by my derm, more make an appearance. It’s quite annoying!
It seems like these things come in waves. Ugh. I’ve never had a colonoscopy but I feel like I need to chat with my Dr about this. Is there an age when it’s recommended to start? I feel like I should know this…
I hope you are able to get your gyn things under control. It is so draining and awful to deal with month after month. I never had polyps but had SO much blood loss each month. I had transfusions but ended up with an ablation and it has been LIFE CHANGING. I’m actually glad I got COVID when I was set to have a hysterectomy because the ablation has been such a relief. I do still get my period, but I haven’t had to deal with any of the potential hormonal downsides of a hysterectomy. I’m hoping my ablation lasts me out until menopause?
I think the recommended age for colonoscopies if you have no first-degree family history is 45. So you have time!
I remember all of the issues you experienced with your periods. It’s amazing how well that procedure worked for you. I have my ultrasound on Thursday and a follow-up with my gyn the next week so here’s hoping I finally get some answers!
Oh, that is a lot! But how great that you’re taking charge of your health and getting all these tests done when you’ve met your deductible! I’m cheering for you!
Thank you, friend. That means a lot!
Well, at least you still have your sense of humor- I like how the category for #4 is “Butt.” On a serious note, believe me I know how frustrating digestive issues can be.
Wait I wasn’t done!!! I hope you get some good answers- and don’t worry about what those answers might be. Any information is good, and will give you the tools you need to fix this. And, I fall into the category of people who say the colonoscopy isn’t that bad. Even the prep wasn’t that bad for me! But, whatever happens, you will get it over with. If they don’t find anything they’ll probably tell you you don’t have to come back for a long time- and that’s nice to hear.
Btw… how long ago did you start the Prozac? Did your digestive woes coincide? Just curious because there’s a huge link between your gut and brain- sometimes they actually prescribe Prozac for IBS. I’m just going out on a limb and wondering if it could have affected your gut in an adverse way? Or maybe another medication did that? It might be worth looking at some of the side affects of the things you’re taking. Yes, I know you’re seeing a doctor, ha ha! Just thought I would butt in with my ill-informed opinions.
So my digestive issues started when I was still on Lexapro (even before I started weaning off) and have just continued being on Prozac. So I don’t think it’s connected to the change in medication, although I do agree there is a gut/brain connection and this could all be anxiety-related. I’m going to lose it if I find out all of this was due to my goddamn brain, but at least that’s better than a serious health condition!
I’m glad the colonoscopy prep wasn’t too bad! I am used to pooping a LOT in a day, HA, so I feel like that part of the process will just feel rather normal!
This is A Lot, Stephany. I’m sorry all these things seem to be happening at the same time. You are amazing to make the appointments and get everything taken care of. Sending you lots of warm wishes. xxoo
Thank you! It’s wild that all of these issues are all cropping up at the same time, but at least I’ll get all of the doctor’s appointments done at once. Gah!
I so admire your determination to get things looked at! I get so anxious about making appointments that I let things go on too long – like carpal tunnel. But I finally asked my pcp about it, got an EMG, and met with a hand surgeon. The EMG/ nerve conduction study is not comfortable when they stick needles in you but it does not last long. I am scheduled for surgery next month and really hope the recovery is easy.
I also thought the colonoscopy was not as bad as I expected and the prep wasn’t too bad. I re-read several blog posts before the colonoscopy and felt like that helped me prepare. I liked the afternoon appointment because I didn’t have to get up in the night for the second half of prep.
So here’s a random stranger that’s proud of you and also grateful to learn from others’ experiences and i will try to be inspired to take care of my issues.
Please let me know how the carpal tunnel surgery/recovery goes! I am very intrigued to see what the nerve conduction study tells me regarding my carpal tunnel pain. I hope everything goes well for you!
I have a 7am colonoscopy appointment because I just wanted to get it DONE as quickly as possible, haha. From the paperwork I received, I do my last part of prep between 8pm-10pm so it shouldn’t be too bad. Sleeping that night should be interesting, though!
I appreciate this comment so much! It’s so hard to make those calls and appointments. It took me MONTHS to finally call a GI doctor because I just didn’t want to deal with what it would entail. But I’m glad I’ll have some answers within another month or so.
Oh man… this sucks.
So sorry your body is failing you. I sure hope you can figure out what is going on and why it’s reacting like that. It is no fun always being made aware of all the pains and ailments.
I’m hoping that I’ll just need to deal with all of these ailments in my 30s so that my 40s can be my healthiest decade yet!
I agree with everyone! As in, it is good that you are getting these things done, and that yes, since you met your deductible, you should just line ’em up and get them all done this year, and then next year you can lay around and eat bonbons (or whatever)! I did that before I left my job, and did all the things in like a three month period. It was not super fun, but it is done (for now). Next year I will be in Southeast Asia and a cool thing they have is like a one stop checkup, where for lets say…$300 – $600 you get EVERYTHING done, lady stuff, bloodwork, ultrasound, xray, EKG, ears, eyes etc. Here is the website: https://princecourt.com/health-screening?package=signature-female The doctors all speak English and they give your results same day! The only thing not included is if you need a further check, like Derm, or if you want a colonoscopy it is extra, but I think for a total of around $800 you could have those added on, so I probably will just do it all! Pretty cool, huh?
$800 for all of that, including a colonoscopy, is a STEAL. I hope you’re able to get all of that done! That would be a great blog post, too!
Gosh, I hope the new dosage helps. Random anxiety attacks are no bueno 🙁
ALSO NO BUENO TO THE PSORIASIS MOVING. Okay no bueno to all of this. I know you warned us but come on 🙁 I am so glad you are getting help for it all and hope you get answers and feel better soon! And I know all this can’t help with your mental health. Sending you lots of love.
Thank you, friend! All of this is no bueno indeed.
Oh friend. This is A LOT. I’m sorry.
From my view it looks like you are taking care of things and have a plan. So kudos to you.
HUGS
Thank you! I’m just trying to tell myself it’s going to be a busy summer but I’ll have some answers for all of my ailments by August. <3