GERD or ???

[Dee Dee and Hallie]

Thanks Roberta, that is all good advice. Other than this stomach thing though I really don't have anything to stress about right now, life is going great for once! I have been going to the behavior clinic for about 2 months now and those techniques have helped some and will even more with practice I think. I called this morning to see if the nexium script had been filled and they said my insurance won't pay for it and they can't fill it for several days anyway. So maybe I should just stay off all meds until Monday if I can stand to for that long. Anxiety drugs would be something to try just to see. It's hard to get all docs from different areas to agree on one thing.

Gosh Tara let us know what the results are! Hoping it's gallbladder that you can get out and not have bother you anymore. I'll be anxious to hear. I hope you feel better soon too.

[Delia and girls]

Wow! I didn't realize stomach problems were as numerous but if there are this many sufferers in our little group of people, it must be bad. Of course, the number of meds should have been clue #1 for me. I just never really thought about it since I (thankfully) don't have that problem. Anyway, I just wanted to send rays to all who need them and hope that answers will come, with solutions.

[PattyInAK]

I couldn't figure out why, after finally getting surgery, I would plummet and feel so sick to the point I couldn't function.  I, too, had heard that the anti-depressants can aggravate the anxiety and make it worse.  Lord knows I didn't want that to happen but I was so low that I decided to give it a try.  It worked for me.  I still have anxiety, over money and what the future holds.  I have applied for social security disability retirement and am agonizing over what their decision will be.  I just know that I can't go back to those 12-hour days with commuting 100 miles a day and sitting at a computer all day.  I cannot do it anymore.  I have been a draftsperson for 35 years.  Its hard to let it go, especially since it wasn't my idea.
DD, I think that what might be getting to you is not so much Hallie's health but your own...........and what would happen to Hallie if something happened to you.  I know you have made arrangements for her care, and that is great.  If you ever need a backup, I am here and would take good care of her. 
I don't know what to tell you to eat.  Its good you are drinking the Ensure, at least its some nutrition.  I tried to think of all the foods that I usually crave and none of it sounded good.  One day my mom brought over a roasted chicken and I about devoured the whole thing standing there at the kitchen sink.  But it has been hell.  Mornings were the worse for me, but as the day wore on, I would feel better and could finally eat.  It helped when Dan came home, or when I was up at the cabin with other people.  Being alone made it worse, I guess because I was thinking about stuff all the time.  I am doing much better now.  That could be the drugs, or just the passing of time and coming to terms with things.  My biggest worry is having my docs or the insurance company pulling the plug on me and saying there is nothing wrong with me and I can work.  I know that I cannot do it anymore.   I truly believe it was the 35 years of drafting that did this to me.
Sh*t......I just don't know what to say to help.   I know how hard it is when you have to wait so long for an appointment with a doctor and all that.  After what I went thru, I worry a lot about getting old and being in pain, and having no one to help me.  I think the smartest thing to do is have an MD as a good friend.

[papbouv]

An old nurses aide told me once if you have a  hiatal hernia you cannot drink orange juice with out paying the price guess she means pain in your upper gastric area???

[Dee Dee and Hallie]

Yes be very thankful for your health, until Jan of this year I never thought twice about it I just figured I'd stay healthy. That all changed in a day. You guys know about that all too well!

Tara did you hear anything yet?

Patty I have not heard that antidepressants can give you anxiety? Good grief. You are exactly right that I am most worried about something happening to me and leaving Hallie behind. That is my very most worst fear. I know she'd be taken care of but we are so bonded it would be h*** on her without me. I would never want her to go through that. I am the exact age my Mother was when she was diagnosed and died and left me so I know what that feels like adn I know that is playing into all this too I've dreaded this age all these years. They just have to keep me going a minute longer than Hallie that is all I ask! There is nothing that sounds good, it's such a huge ordeal to try to even come close to eating enough every day. I really do have to stay off google everything I read is stomach problems like this are next to impossible to treat when they don't respond to meds like PPIs and a lot of people out there have to suffer all their lives without any relief. :( Or take a lot of horrible drugs that will mess up your system and still don't work all that well. It is amazing this hit so hard and fast pretty much out of the blue and appears to be here for good.

Papbouv a large percentage of people with GERD also have a hiatal hernia. I happen not to but it doesn't make a difference on my symptoms. Orange juice (and all citrus) should not be had by anyone with GERD or any kind of digestive disorder. Along with spearmint, peppermint, onions, garlic, tomatoes, chocolate, sugar, anything tomato based, anything spicy or fatty, dairy...the list of what you can have is a lot shorter than what you can't and even though I've been avoiding any of those things like the plague it isn't helping. I hope this won't be a long path of the docs not having anything to offer adn searching out new ones I guess this is that my first Dr meant when he said he hoped this didn't become a death sentence for me. (nice guy doesn't mince words). I am thinking of getting tested for food intolerances next just in case that might be part of it. I kind of doubt it though as I do think this was brought on by the stress this winter but stress can't cause this, it had to be underlying already and stress just flared it up.

[MyLittleBoo]

Unfortunately, I didn't hear much...  The only thing I know is that they stole my blood, bruising the vein (first time this has ever happened to me), and the tests they did showed nothing...                But, at the Dr.'s  office, the physical tests he did pointed mainly to gallbladder...  Still no answers, still the pain & nausea...   Guess I'll get in touch with doc tomorrow and see what's next...   Afterall it was the receptionist that looked at the results for me, so maybe she missed something...   I don't know...    I know, I don't like not knowing, and I don't like waiting, I have put other health problems to the side trying to figure this out....   Ugh!!!   Getting old is no fun...  lol  Hopefully I can find out more info tomorrow...  Wish me luck...        :xfinger:

[papbouv]

Hope they find out what is wrong on the 8th can't loose too much weight rays & Hugs to you papbouv Buddy & Patches

[Frankys_mom]

Dear Dee-Dee

We are sending rays that you get an answer and relief soon!  I don't know if anyone else said this (I have a short attetnion span  :thumb:) but two things that helped my mom who gets super duper motion sickness/nausea are ginger root and acupressure.  It needs to be real ginger not the "fake" stuff like ginger ale softdrinks.... I know you can get supplements or "candied" ginger. Also acupressure (not acupuncture...needles YIKES I don't think so!) there's a spot in the area of your thumb that is suppose to repress nausea.  Alway check with the Doc, first though
I know the most important think is finding out whats wrong & fixing it, but maybe you can get some relief in the interim.

I know I don't know you personally, but wanted to let you know that we do care about you and everyone else here that has problems.

We hope you have a great, relaxing, peaceful vacation in Montana.  Yellowstone is my dream vacation.
Smooches to Miss Hallie
Dawn, Franky & Delilah

[Dee Dee and Hallie]

Thanks you guys, I forgot to check this thread again. Tara have you found anything yet?

Thank you Papbouv you guys are the best, I am so relieved to have a good Dr!

Thank you too Dawn! I will look into the ginger root for sure, thanks for the tip I will go to the health store tomorrow, the lady who owns it I hear is good at telling you what you need. Accupressure is a good idea too (I had that once many years ago to help me stay awake when I was doing a horse marathon ride for the Guiness Book thing, I can't remember it well but know it didn't hurt!) I got some wrist bands from my cousin that she wore when she had morning sickness to try. I'm finally feeling different  though, the nausea and burning is pretty much gone! But I feel sick in a different wierd way...but over all it's better! I think I'll make it now til next Thursday and the tests! I sure hope they figure it out then and it won't be anything major so we can really enjoy our trip.

[MyLittleBoo]

Ok, here is what I know right now, absolutely nothing....  The bloodwork was normal last week (but, the week before when Philip took me to the ER, my white count was low                     ), so they did the ultrasound yesterday morning...    There didn't seem to be any large stones, but possibly a few smaller ones...   The Dr. got the results back a little before noon today, and I still haven't heard anything...  I went for the mammogram today, and was told they didn't want to do it in the mobile, since I have a family history of Breast Cancer, I have found some lumps & I am so young, that I need to go to Pocatello (bigger hospital) where they can do a diagnostic, and the Radiologist will be there looking as we go along...   *SCARY*    So, no news on the gallbladder yet, and I am now scared out of my mind with the mammogram....    I think I will call the Dr. office right now, and demand my results...  lol                  I don't like waiting...                 Thanks for asking DeeDee, I will let you know when I hear something...     

[papbouv]

Would be nice if we could send some of our extra weight to those that wanted it or needed that would help solve weight problems. DeeDee did you get to go see thenew guy yet??? if you did what did he say???

[Dee Dee and Hallie]

Goodness Tara. I know how you feel. I have literally had dozens of tests this year so far and it is so stressful waiting for each one. I am worried about next week too but at least I feel I have a great Dr finally! I just hate they make you wait so long to get to the next app't and then to get any answers. All we can do is hang in there!

I wish you could too Papbouv, it's really quite scary to not be able to eat for weeks and forcing yourself to eat all you can and it's still not enough. But today I think is the best day I've had since all this started! Not great of course but comparitively I felt an improvement!   :thumb:

I did get to see the new guy and he is wonderful. I am so relieved, unlike the first guy, he got right on it and said this has gone on way too long and is doing some tests next week. He is super nice and LISTENED to me, I am really glad I found him. He didn't throw out any theories of what it could be but one of the things he is checking is gallbladder, like Tara. He did say you can have a gallbladder problem with no pain, as I've not had the typical pain that goes with it I was thinking that would not be it but maybe it is. He also said from what I said, he didn't suspect GERD or acid reflux first. The rest of the tests are 2 days before Ron and Delia and the girls get here, nothing better stop us from our trip!

[papbouv]

It is great when you can find a doctor that listens to you and does not act like its all in your head lie some doctors do hope they will find out what is wrong quickly and be able to fix it quickly. Have fun on your trip know it is easier said than done try not to worry so much worrying does not help at all just makes things worse. I read in Dog Fancy magazine an article about people that are worried about their pets if they were to die before the pet. They have a few homes across the country that the pets can go to until they pass on them selfs these are real homes and the care givers really spoil the pets. I think you can most likely find something about it if you were to google it,Like after care for pets if I die first. I think you have to set something up with a lawyer like a Living trust for the pet. Of course if you do have any family they could care for her??? If you had something set up maybe you would not worry so much about it of course no one will care for Miss Hallie like you but she would get excellent care if you looked around for what might be available.At my house Buddy would go to his breeder its in the contract Patches would be stuck with hubby I have written detailed instuctions in my filing cabinet about how you have to brush her and take her to a groomer once a month. Hubby is so tight with monies I do not know if he would spend the monies on Patches guess I can always come back and haunt him.

[Dee Dee and Hallie]

That is definitely my biggest worry, I do have a will for her and I have excellent godparents but she would miss me SO much. It really scares me to death to consider that, I keep telling the Drs keep me going just one minute longer than my dog that is all I ask.

I just got home from yet another trip to Urgent Care...now i have 2 infections, they can't give me antibiotics because of my other problems so just gave a prescription to deaden the pain until Monday. I swear! I had no idea it takes this long and this hard to figure something out and treat it, my stomach is 10 times worse than normal tonight too I am so sick of this. :( The Urgent Care Doc even gave me his home phone number in case I get worse over the weekend. How nice was that.

[Roberta]

Dee Dee, I know how you feel.............remember only if you want to, we in  a heart beat would  come and get her and bring her out here, we had started to look into it re Jude earlier on the board and it can be done. So don't worry about her out living you.
Have a peaceful week-end and EAT 

Roberta

[sollysmom]

Dee Dee, I am sorry to hear that they still haven't found out what's wrong with you.  It is very frustrating I am sure.  Hope the newest
infections get better soon.  I feel your pain.  Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers, and I hope you hear some news soon, and that it's good!   

Darcel
(PS I forgot to answer your question earlier and yes, I will probably take something for gerd for the rest of my life.  Just have to wait and see.)

[papbouv]

Rays & Hugs hope you feel better soon  Thinking of  you,Patches,Buddy & Papbouv

[Teresa]

Just remember, Dee Dee. you seem to have a doctor that cares and understands the importance of you getting better. He wants to make you feel well enough to go on your trip and that says a lot. I'm guessing that he is holding off on the medication he wants to give you until after he does the tests. I'm curious to see if once you are on the road with Delia and Ilsa and have the meds if you will feel better, especially if you have gone through the tests and know you may finally have an answer. AT least the anxiety will be less then.
I pray that the test days get here quickly and an answer is found and you are feeling really good on Thursday. You are going to have a blast, even if you aren't 100%, but it would be great if you felt your absolute best!

[Dee Dee and Hallie]

That is so sweet Roberta I still think we should all move into a big doxie commune and be closer together!

Darcel I hope you will be able to go off the meds at some point. I was supposed to start ranitidine but I keep stopping because of other things I dont' think it was helping anyway. Sure does seem to be a lot of people with stomach issues.

Thanks Papbouv I am ready to feel at least "normal" again!

You are right Teresa. I do hope there will be no glitches between now and the trip I am sure it will do us all a world of good I know Ron and Delia could use a get away too and will be so nice to see Dave and Dee and the boys.

Well at least I got one answer today...I just got home from 7 hours in the ER. Turns out this time I have a very severe UTI (hemmorhagic cystitis I think he called it). Scared me to death! (and PAINful). I got a half hour of IV fluids and antibiotics and some other stuff. He said another day and he figured it would have gotten to my kidneys so good thing I went in today. Thankfully my cousins were home and they drove the half hour in to take care of Hallie for me.

I had mentioned to my cousins (the wife is my cousin, but I call her hubby my cousin too he is great they are the ones who built the new fence for me) that my pressure washer wasn't working right. Then when I got home tonight, I took Hallie out to potty and was standing there waiting for her looking down and my mind didn't get around it for a minute but I made out the letter "D" in my cement. Then I saw DEE DEE and HALLIE above that...obviously my cousin fixed the pressure washer he had written our names in the cement!

[Teresa]

You'll certainly feel better now. That is something that will make you feel awful, but will also get better really fast. I have a feeling that by this evening you'll feel like a different person and will be amazed at the difference. I'm glad you went in when you did and found out what was going on.

[papbouv]

If you like Cranberry juice drink allot of it that will also help with any bladder problems when you run out of antibiotics you might want to get re-checked to make sure the infection is all gone.Sometimes bladder infections are stubborn things to get rid of you need the right combination of antibiotics to make sure the infection is all gone.
See calling your cousins stepped right up to take care of Miss Hallie for you while you were gone to the ER now don't you feel better knowing Miss Hallie received excellent care while you were gone I'm sure they love Miss Hallie allot too.
Get Well Soon Hugs & Rays to you.
Papbouv
Patches & Buddy

[doxielady5569128]

Wow!! Dee Dee, That sure is scary what they told you at the ER!  I hope that you get over all this really soon, I'm sorry I didn't check this post sooner!!  I agree that drinking cranberry juice will help a lot with you UTI.  I can't stand the taste of it, myself.  However, when I had an infection a few years ago, I forced myself to drink a lot of it and it really seemed to help.   I'm praying that your health gets better soon,  you and Hallie have had more than yur share this year!   

[cheryl186]

Dee Dee...I am soooo very sorry that you are feeling so bad Again....Continued prayers that the doctors will find out what is wrong and you will be feeling better really soon

[papbouv]

I hate Cranberry juice also hold my nose & chug it or mix it with 7 Up from what I have heard the Cranberry juice keeps the bacteria from adhering to the bladder walls.Thats why it is so good for you to drink witha UTI they even have Crandberry pills out now too not sure if they work as well as the juice.

[Dee Dee and Hallie]

Thanks you guys I will be getting some cranberry juice. The UTI symptoms are better but I'm feeling worse than ever, I got an app't with my regular Dr this afternoon. Can antibiotics make you feel sick? I feel really weak and exhausted and no appetite whatsoever I can't hardly force myself to eat but I keep trying to drink stuff, but I'm not nauseated. This is all so crazy.  Of course I keep fearing the worst this has been going on for so long and getting worse why would I not have an appetite for weeks on end and I just don't know what to do about the Montana trip.