Mono-logues

So I decided that my update yesterday could have been called vague....and that is surely not ever my goal.  I prefer to be clear, pointed and transparent.  So, let me seriously give you the lowdown.  

• I am tracking along with this illness.  (If you're just learning of my mono issues, you can see the old news here.)
• I can expect another 2-3 weeks of feeling bad....but hopefully will make the turn soon and be able to join the living again.
• For the next 6-9 weeks I will be especially susceptible to pneumonia, bronchitis, strep, colds and have the increased risk of hepatitis so my liver functions will be tested regularly.
• I have an ear infection so he gave me antibiotics for that, which of course go great with anyone's tummy right?  (Blah!!)
• Since I have a "weakened immune system", I am to limit exposure to known sick individuals and to go to the doctor if I have the teeny tiny beginning signs of a cold, sore throat or any fever.
• I am normal.  Several symptoms made me wonder if I was...and I am.  Not sure if I'm happy or sad about that!!!  
• The dizziness should get better over the next few weeks.  He is hopeful that it will not last the duration of this illness (which is about 12 weeks total).
• I should not be taking anything for sleep.  I asked because I am so off on my sleep patterns.  He wants me to sleep when I am sleepy and not worry about when that is.  

That's all, folks!  I seriously want to thank those of you who ask about me daily, who have called, emailed, texted to check on me, those who've sent things, those who have prayed.  I appreciate you all so much.  This has been more than I ever could have imagined so I truly am most grateful for one thing - PATIENCE.  I'm not really good at it....but I've learned more than ever who is...my husband has been so loving and patient through this, I can't even express how much of a difference that makes.  My sweet  mother has been especially kind and helpful.  My kids have been totally understanding and have seemed to enjoy doing little things for me and I have to tell you that their handmade cards are the most treasured.  My boss has been amazing and easy on me.  My colleagues have been absolutely wonderful and have picked up where I left off in a big way.  My employees have been receptive to the changes that they have had to endure and have stepped up to make sure things didn't fall through the cracks.  My friends and family have been sweet to check on me.  I have had cupcakes, spaghetti, lemon pound cake and flowers delivered....(ohhh thank you to my sweet cousin Diane Thomas for that spaghetti...it was timely and so so so so good!)...and I am so very humbled by the kindness of my loved ones and of strangers as well.  From people who have contacted me privately through my blog or people who have found other ways...I just can't say enough how much it means to me.  This has been a hard thing for me  for which I've had no control.  (Possibly that's the hardest part.)  Thanks to you guys for making it a little easier on me.  Love you all!!!

Update or notsomuch

So here is the update.  

I am normal.

(For someone in their third week of mono.)

That's all.  Thanks for playing.

Prayers for today!

If you've been following my mono progress...you will know that it's been almost THREE WEEKS.  Which, by the way, is tooooo long!  From what I have heard/read that's about normal, though many people (women, especially) do experience issues far longer than this.  But we are not going there.  Nope!

I have a follow up appointment with my Doctor this afternoon.  Pray that it goes well, I feel good enough to be there and that I don't fall out.  Being "up and about" has been the issue lately.  Getting up too quickly and getting dizzy or feeling hot and like I'm going to pass out - those are the things that keep me home.  Well, that and feeling like I need to sleep 16 hours a day.  During the day.  It's no fun, y'all!!!!

Thanks for the prayers so far...

Results are In! (Well, some....)

So, after all that has happened (his almost fainting, stroke like symptoms, general exhaustion, findings of liver and kidney function issues) and his appointment this past Monday at a hematologist (still awaiting all of the results from that)...we were looking forward to today!  He had a three hour glucose test last week and we knew we were to find out the results today.  (Never mind the fact the I went yesterday for lab work {Vitamin D} and saw the Doctor and he TOLD ME the results!)

First, we talked about the hematologist (who Mike loves) and his findings so far.  He wrote our PCP a dissertation on my husband.  Swoon.  It was about all of the issues and what he thinks might be going on with my sweetie's blood.  As of now, they are leaning towards a diagnosis of polycythemia.  You can find more information about THAT here.  Basically, his body is making too many red blood cells.  This can lead to complications since they blood flow may decrease and stress on organs can increase.  Obviously, this is a great concern to us and is wayyy up there on the priority list to figure out what's going on.  The hematologist took 13 vials of blood on Monday to test for all sorts of things, levels, genetic markers.  The follow up for that is in two weeks and I'm very anxious to see what that is!

Now, on to the PCP's test results of the three hour glucose test.  So, normally, a non-diabetic person should have a glucose level of 60-100 at most times.  Once they eat something, it should normally raise no higher than 160 (even if it's seven ice cream sundaes and four Sonic slushies).  So, 30 minutes after Mike started his test (and had drank that lovely stuff that all pregnant women get to experience)...his glucose was at 262.  Yes, TWO HUNDRED SIXTY TWO.  Yikes!  The interesting thing?  At three hours...it was 56.  So, he spikes WAY up and he drops WAY low.  The good doctor hesitated to label him "diabetic" (probably due to insurance if you want to know the truth) but is treating it as such.  Put him on a medicine (Januvia) and will see him back in 6 weeks.  He also let him know he needs to lose ten percent of his weight and gave him some diet tips and levels to stay within.

I am really hoping this is a wake up call for BOTH of us.  For ALL of us.  My family, extended family, friends, whoever might be reading this.  Bad habits are SO easy to fall into and SO hard to break.  We let our kids grow up eating whatever is easy for us all and then expect them to turn from those habits when it matters???  So silly and I KNOW this.  So, I started typing this when my hand started cramping from making menus and lists of things that are "safe".  We will not do this cold turkey, but we will make swift changes (already did for supper) that will affect our diet, weight and our LIFE.  We can't continue to live by convenience and just expect to feel good because it tastes good!  Also, boot camp on Saturday for me was not a one time deal.  Mike has even expressed interest in going so I am TOTALLY down with that.  I would love to show him up work out with him.  I have found myself trying to do push ups around the house too...from different elevations...to see if my upper arm strength is existent any better.  I just want to be able to know that he and I are doing everything we can to improve our lives.  I feel like a twelve step program could help though!!!

Okay...I'm wrapping this up, just wanted to update those who asked and were praying!  Thank you so much.  I serve a Mighty God and I know that He will bring us through this.  I have much faith in that!!