(Not) Out of the Woods

This morning as I drove down Wilshire Boulevard, listening to Taylor Swift belt out her tune "Out of the Woods" on the radio, I thought about how different this drive had been just a few weeks ago. How much life has once again changed over the course of such a short amount of time.

I'm out of the woods. I sang along with Taylor and rejoiced in the fact that I am. And yet...I'm not. It's a continuing work, me and my life. Me and my health. Continuing and ever changing and always exciting, though not always in the good way. This morning I was driving home from the doctor's office, and two lab appointments. I have been struggling to get information on some of my symptoms and I pressed my doctor for an appointment. I've been having lots of tests and not getting lots of answers. In that way, I'm still way deep in the woods. But the good news? The good news is great. Angela's doctor sent her to her very own hematologist who told her that my blood disease is not genetic. So she doesn't have to get tested or worry about blood clots from that. That was very good news.

But me? Well, I went today expecting to get some blood test results. The answer? Inconclusive for the most part. The lab did not draw enough blood. Even though I specifically asked if they drew enough blood on that Saturday morning. I asked because weeks before I had to go back two days in a row to give more blood when they realized they were short. Alas, the lab and I are in a fight today. But...the doctor still doesn't see markers of autoimmune disease which is a very big plus. He'll have the tests run again and hopefully the rest of the blood panel will confirm that I don't have anything to worry about there right now.

The other reason I was at the doctor this morning? Two weeks ago I had an ultrasound. That ultrasound showed what Trace feared, I have a gallbladder issue. Specifically? A gallstone that is over three centimeters big. So...the pain I've been having since December? Likely that is at least part of the culprit. So while this is a huge bummer, and literally, a pain in my side, it's also an answer. And I'm a person who likes answers. Who likes information. And we're already trying to solve this problem.

I have a referral to a surgeon. I'll make the appointment and hear him out. But last week I started herbs to help shrink/move the gallstone. Trace is confident we can help me become pain free. At least until I get a chance to get better insurance and find doctors I am more happy with. So that's the plan. And knowing I have a plan helps a lot. I don't want surgery but I do know if it's necessary we'll figure it out when the time comes.

Having a gallbladder issue also means they ruled out a muscle tear which is very good news. I can exercise and golf and not worry about breaking any other part of that muscle. Again, out of the woods there.

So it's Monday. I have some information. I have a plan. I'm ready to tackle whatever comes next, whether it's in the woods or not. Here goes...