A Rough Year

This past year has been a pretty rough year for health. 

Last September, I was removed off of a medication to explore different potential diagnoses for the swelling condition that I have. 

The swelling worsened within days. 

Also in September, I developed blood in my stool. Bright red blood, 12-15 times a day (up to 25 times per day on extremely awful days). Plus increased intestinal pain. 

In November 2022 I began a restricted diet. This diet included eggs, some bread/pasta but only once every few days, yogurt, potatoes, pudding, and fluids. Then, every few weeks I would try to incorporate another food. Sometimes I would be okay with fish for a few weeks, sometimes rice, and chicken a few times, but none of this was a long-term change. I am still mostly on this diet, allowing myself something more substantial every now and then - knowing the bloody fallout. 

I am waiting for additional testing. 

In January I was found to have high-normal levels of TSH, so my thyroid medication was adjusted to help bring those levels down to a more ideal level. 

In February of this year, I had a sudden onset of tinnitus, followed by some hearing loss in my left ear, which has not improved. I am still waiting to see an Ear, Nose, and Throat specialist to investigate the cause. 

From about January to late March, I fell into probably the most significant episode of depression since 2012, triggered by multiple factors, including the loss of our dog, Decker. 

In April I had a quite negative appointment with a new-to-me specialist that left me further stressed. I was also (thankfully) put back on my swelling medication, so the swelling has been reduced. 

In May I had a hearing test to assess the level and amount of hearing loss that I have experienced in my left ear. It is mild to moderately severe in some tones. I am due for another hearing test this coming November. 

In July I was hospitalized for 4 days due to the intestinal bleeding and an esophageal ulcer that developed. 

In August I had a significant allergic reaction to blackcurrant juice, then later in the month I developed stress rashes on my legs. 

I also had bloodwork done and my levels of TSH were now virtually non-existent, so my thyroid medication was adjusted again. 

In September (so far), I found out that I have something called Geographic Atrophy currently in my right eye, and that both eyes have seen some disease progression (though seemingly very slight in my left eye). 

In November, my annual ablation appointments are scheduled. 

There is not much more that I can do. I am seeing the right specialists, I am on the waiting lists for several procedures and appointments, I have been seeing a psychologist, and I am focusing and reprioritizing general happenings in my life. I am taking my medications, taking precautions, keeping (as always) a medical diary, and continue with a restricted diet. 

So I wait. 

Maybe I'll have a few more concrete answers by the end of this year. 

In the meantime - here's a smile while I enjoy a bright and sunny day. Because even if a bunch of things are difficult, a beautiful day outside always gives me a reason to smile.