Hello and Happy Sunday! As most of you know if you read last weekās post or have spoken to me in the last few days, I had an endoscope done to see what is going on with my digestive system. I know I have some issues with gluten, but the burn for the past several months that went from my throat down to my stomach area was becoming unbearable. It didnāt matter what I ate or drank, the fire was roaring within. Water seemed to make it worse instead of helping. I could drink milk, and it would help for a short time, but I donāt like milk (I will drink goat milk and chocolate Ripple milk mixed). I also would take some antacids when the milk wouldnāt work, and I really donāt like taking those.
So, tests were done and then the scope. I thought the fact that I had been on a low-dose aspirin for like 5 or 6 years was part of the problem, but my gastro doctor (who is awesome) said ānot this time.ā One of the BP medications I am on is most likely the culprit. Which sucks because it is the one medication I like. Unfortunately, it is causing ulcers in my lower intestines, which prevents my stomach from emptying the acid like itās supposed to. Since it wonāt empty correctly, the acid is being sent upwards, which is why the burn is also in my throat. It has also managed to burn and scar the area where the esophagus runs through the diaphragm.
So, what are we doing about this? The doctor stretched the diaphragm area a little, and I am on a new medication for four weeks to help inhibit some of the acid production so the ulcers might heal. He also took some biopsies of the intestines and possibly the stomach to hopefully pinpoint any other issues that may be contributing. All I know is I have been without a burn since the day after the procedure, and it is wonderful. I also bought a hydrogen water bottle and started it a little before the procedure, and found that it helped a little, so Iām thinking the hydrogen water will help even more now.
I hate to give up the one BP med that I donāt mind taking only to have to go through the whole process of finding another and possibly having my BP go wacko again, but I guess Iām going to have to. Iāll keep you posted, of course, and as always, if you have suggestions, Iām open to hearing them.
Next on the medical front is getting the skin cancer taken care of tomorrow. One spot the dermatologist said she will have to cut out as it could cause other issues, and one spot is a topical type of skin cancer and can be treated. That all happens tomorrow.
I have been taking a serious look at my health, and now that I have a little more energy (with the burn gone), I ordered a few exercise things to start working with. I like to walk, but it is so hot, and with the weight gain, my knee isnāt liking me very much. But I will start doing more than my goals group goal of at least 5 minutes a day.
Which brings me to my goals update⦠Iām doing OK. I chose to take yesterday off, so I am now up to $6.00 but still have the least amount of missed days. Waldenās Puddle or one of the other wildlife rehabilitation places will be receiving the goals group money.
I am working on my goals list for next quarter, but I am torn on which ones to actually focus on (I have a long list). One thing I want to work on is finding an agent or someone who can handle the business portion of writing for me. A person to set up the book events, make sure the financial end is being taken care of, and keep me on target with deadlines. If you know of anyone, Iād be open to talking or meeting with them.
Back to the medical for a moment⦠I would like to give kudos to the surgery staff at TriStar Stonecrest. The nurse that did my IV was such a pro. She was able to get the IV in on the first try (it often turns into a torture session). And she and those in the actual surgery room humored me by answering my silly question of: āIf you were to have a paranormal romantic tryst, would you prefer them to be 1. Wampus Cat; 2. Mothman; 3. Lizard Man/Alien; 4. Something else?ā Iām still working on what I want one of my characters in my book to be. All the women chose the Wampus Cat, and the male nurse said Mothman or re-create a character from Dungeons and Dragons. So Iām leaning toward the Wampus Cat character.
Anyway, if you want to vote, Iāll be putting up the poll sometime this week.
Iāll close for now with a thank you for supporting me and reading my whines about, well, health primarily. This is becoming my diary of sorts, and you are getting a peek into some of my inner thoughts, feelings, and life. Itās real-life stuff, and if you are experiencing any uncomfortable moments in life, I want you to know ~ you are not alone.
Have a wonderful week! May blessings, love, laughter, and hugs find their way to you each day. š»
P.S. I added some of my art to the website ~ check them out.š¤

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