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View Full Version : Hello! and an update


Karen T
02-25-2005, 10:59 PM
Hello everyone!! I have to say that I had a very difficult time making the decision to post again. I became extremely discouraged with the way the boards have gone and needed to take a break. I would check in on occasion. After reading Susan's post about being accepted to the NP program, I had to log in and say congratulations!! I hope things go more smoothly here. Thank you to the women who have made this happen. Truly it is a service that is needed. Hopefully the cattiness is left at the door.

Things have been quite challenging in our household over the past few months. Our son (soon to be 12) was hospitalized with major depression (that was a horrible time in my life, to see him so distraught..with meds, counseling and some help in school things are improving!), my husband has been dealing with Kidney stones for a month now. He's had surgery in attempt to retrieve the stone, but that was unsuccessful. They put in a stent for approximately 10 days in the hope to dilate the ureter and allow it to pass. Keep your fingers crossed it works. So far, the pain is much better (thats a good thing!).
I have been dealing with a recurrence of migraine headaches. I had them as a child (related to puberty). They stopped for many, many years, but seemed to come back with a vengence over the past few months, happening every 14-21 days. My PCP talked with my Cardiologist and they gave the OK for me to try Zomig when I got a migraine. It seemed to be working. The last two times I used the med, I had tightness in my neck and jaw and chest pressure. The first time, it was mild, but the second time, it lasted hours and brought me to the ER. Within 10 minutes, I was evaluated and seen by an MD and plans were being made for me to spend the night. Fortunately, I convinced the ER doctor to call my cardiologist. If she (my cardio) felt that I should be admitted, I would. They decided that if all my tests came back normal, I could go home. My labs were good, no evidence of an MI but my Chest X Ray was abnormal. The computer system was down and they could not acces my old records. They decided I was safe to go home that night and follow up with my PCP. I had a repeat CXR and again it was abnormal. It was showing a "Right Hilar Enlargement". I had never heard of this before, totally different from any of my previous X rays (I finally did get a copy of old reports and everything was "normal" in that area). I did some research on the web and found that most things associated with this are not good things to have (cancer, aneurysm, etc). I stopped reading immediately!! My PCP ordered a CAT Scan. Fortunately that did not show any masses! (YEAHHH!)...we found this out on the day my husband ended up in surgery! It did show "linear scarring vs atelectis". My PCP says its nothing to be concerned about, possibly residual effect from the cardiomyopathy. I'm hoping thing are going to improve and quite down (I said that New Year's Eve and I'm still waiting!!). When things settle down, my hubby and I want to get away!! I do believe that your "frame of mind" has a huge impact on how you deal with things. A few years ago, there was no way I would still be sane after going through all this.
Ok.....that's enough for now.
Again, thanks to the ladies who have kept this going.
Karen

SerenaWelsh
02-26-2005, 09:06 AM
Hi, Karen.

I'm glad you found us, and that you were able to post again.
I hope your life quiets down a little bit so you can spend some quality time with your hubby. I'm sending my well wishes for your son, as well. My grandmother, who is 98, has battled with depression pretty much her whole life. It's such a dark and horrible thing, and it makes me sad to think about your son going through it.

I've heard passing kidney stones is as painful as childbirth, and the closest men will ever get to knowing what it's like - so I wonder, can we throw your husband a shower? :D

Lisa V
02-26-2005, 11:26 AM
Hi Karen,

It is great to hear from you and to see you posting again. I am so sorry to hear about everything you have been dealing with lately. I do hope that your son is doing better and finds the good in life and in his family. I am glad to hear that everything turned out okay with all of your tests and that there are no tumors present. I will keep your entire family in my prayers and that you and your husband will soon be going away on a very much needed R&R.

Natasha
02-27-2005, 04:02 PM
Karen,
Wow! You have been through a lot. Thank you for updating us. Keep us posted on how everything goes. I will be thinking of you and your family and hoping that everything improves. Great job hanging in there!

SusanD
02-27-2005, 09:35 PM
Wow....you've had a CRAZY few months ! So glad you are posting here and glad your x-ray stuff turned out ok. It's hard not knowing !

Thanks for the congrats also. I hope we can have a good strong board here and none of the mess that has happened. I don't even know what happened...that's how *out* of it I've been !

jbeck
02-28-2005, 02:29 PM
Karen,

Whew! Will keep you and your family in my prayers!

Janet B

my4kidsma
02-28-2005, 11:57 PM
Hi Karen!

Good to see you around here, I'm hoping that I'll be able to be here more often too.

I know how it feels to have lots of yuck piling on at the same time. From Nov. to early Feb. it was one thing after another. My 6th grader is writing an essay. "The Series of Unfortunate Events, Bautista Style" Hang in there lady...and let us know how everything turns out. We will pray for all of you. The stuff with your son just breaks my heart, it's bad enough for adults having to deal with depression, but kids?!