I recently wrote about how the new medication Trintellex for my Bipolar Disorder made me feel better than I had in years. It still has that effect on my life but it’s marred with new and ongoing health issues. Some have popped up in the past few weeks. It’s a woop on the head trying to understand what is happening to my body and messing up my ability to live my best life.
I’m very happy to report that The Mayo has accepted me as a patient and I will be flying to Rochester, MN in a few weeks. I trust them with my life and I am confident they will find what or what several issues are affecting my health. The first day will start with an Internal Medicine Doctor for an evaluation, later that day I pick up a Pulse Oximeter to wear overnight.
The second day starts early with a load of blood tests, the test appears to focus on my blood. Later that afternoon, there is a consultation with a Hematologist to discuss the lab results. Probably additional information as well. At this time my schedule is free on the third day and on Friday I return back to Internal Medicine for a readout.
The last time I went for my heart there were so many tests that we ran from one appointment to the next, sometimes without a breath. This trip is very different and I’m so glad due to the way I’m feeling. They did want me to come back in November for a Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue evaluation but I don’t see the need. I was diagnosed with both many years ago and I don’t need to fly up there for a day of testing and education. I canceled that appointment. The Mayo did send a video on Fibro & Chronic Fatigue I will watch as a fresher but I’m not flying up to get evaluated for something I already know. Unless they can give me a reason I can make logic out of, I’m not spending the money for a one-day trip.
I met with an Orthopedic Surgeon who specializes in hands and was not surprised to hear I had Carpal Tunnel in both hands, as well as arthritis but the diagnosis of Osteoarthritis in both thumbs was a shock. He is ordering a Nerve Conduction Study since I do have nerve issues in my hands. I thought a barnacle was growing on my wrist only to find out it was caused by the wrist plate put in when I broke my wrist years ago. When he does the carpal tunnel surgery on the left hand he will remove the wrist brace and I will have the right hand surgery after the left heals. The great news is that technology has improved so much that Carpal Tunnel surgery can be done with a very small incision, ultrasound is used and only a band ade is required after the surgery. It is said that most a back to full range of motion in three days. Boy, what a difference in the right hand Carpal Tunnel surgery I had years ago. It won’t be as easy on my left hand with the removal of the wrist plate but I have no doubt that surgery has improved in that area as well. I’m currently wearing a painful thrumb support that hurts other areas of my hand and it’s impossible to wear except when on the computer. I’ve asked for another option.
Just another interesting week in my life but I’m thankful I have a life and it’s great outside of the health conditions.
Melinda
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It’s great to hear the kind of research Mayo is doing and that real people I know … even online … are involved. Living in Australia, I often hit on Mayo for extra health info
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They are the best. There site is full of reliable information which important with all the junk out there. I’m headed that way in two weeks.
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have fun at Mayo.
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Since the schedule is light so far, I’ve found many places to enjoy while there. We’re trying to spin the trip into a mini vacation and enjoy what we can. There is an incredible art exibition on making a type of traditional rug that I want to see and a photo exhibit at the same Museum.
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You’re doing a great job addressing your health care challenges and with the gratitude for life! I’m inspired. <3
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Thank you for the kind words, JoAnna. :)
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You’re welcome. :)
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I hope you find relief Melinda.
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I’m confident they will have answers. They are one of the best.
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I will pray that Mayo not only has answers but solutions for you, Melinda. I’m sorry your life is such a daily struggle. You are a courageous woman, always going forward, and that is commendable.
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Thanks for the kind words Mary, I stopped looking back a long time ago.
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You are a good example, of how to end the post – with gratitude! Love it!
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Thank you for noticing. No matter how hard the day is I’m still blessed and grateful.
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I love how you ended this post with gratitude. It’s so easy to camp on the life trials when we’re in them. Focusing on what’s good is healing to our souls as well. God bless your time at Mayo🙏🏻💛.
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No matter how my days can get, I know I’m blessed and have a great life. So many around the world can’t say that. I’m grateful. The Mayo is the best in America and I know they will find answers for me. Thank you for the kind words.
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💗🙏🏻
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I am glad the mayo accepted you Melinda! That is great news xo
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Me too! They are the best in America.
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Wishing you the very best with the upcoming appointment and the surgery, it is great to see technology aiding health, positives are always welcome when it comes to long term health!
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They sure are. I have CFS but I’m not used to calling it ME. It’s easy to stick with what is was called when you were diagnosed. Take good care of yourself.
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I think the term CFS is very common in the US while ME is more common in Europe. Labels are just labels though, we as patients are people, people doing the best we can for ourselves! Mind yourself. x
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Interesting I didn’t know that. It makes sense because many people I’ve followed over the years said ME and they were from Europe. The most important thing you hit on is that we are not our illness, we are people first. :)
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