A quick health update…

So many of you passed along your prayers and positive thoughts today (thank you) that I didn’t want to leave you hanging.  I saw my GI doctor this morning at 8:30 (and got to hug Erica at 8:20 in the lobby). She explained that my celiac disease had pretty much resolved and that my gut looked healthy during my last scope.  She feels like the issues I’m currently experiencing might have another root cause.  So we will be doing further testing, including blood tests for vitamin and mineral deficiencies, thyroid levels and hormones.  She also prescribed the probiotic Risaquad and some digestive enzymes.

Mayo Clinic

While I was there, I told her about a lump in my right armpit.  I wasn’t too worried about it and thought it was just a cyst, but I was already there so I had her take a look.  She got a worried look on her face and called another doctor for advice.

Cue mini freak-out session.

The other doctor recommended an ultrasound, and Mayo was able to get me in at 2:30 for one.  I was trying to be cool, but the wide-eyed doctor and the fact that it was a lump near my breast had me near tears.  I don’t care who you are, having a lump checked is scary.  Thankfully I had tribe of women praying peace over me, a mom at home with the kids, and a husband willing to leave work and drive with me.

Mayo Clinic

I was worried that because it was Friday afternoon, I wouldn’t get the results until Monday.  I knew I couldn’t go the whole weekend without knowing.  The ultrasound tech encouraged me to make a patient profile on Mayo.com and get the app for my iPhone so I could see the results as soon as they were posted.  Amazing!  How did I not know this existed?

Except that meant I spent the next two hours tapping the “refresh” button.

Mayo Clinic App

At 4:40, my doctor called.  She didn’t want me to worry all weekend (thank you amazing doctor), and told me the lump was a harmless cyst.  Unless it becomes infected, we should leave it alone.

Cue sigh of relief.
And one hour nap.
And glass of wine.

So that’s where we are now.  More tests and doctor referrals to come.  My celiac disease is looking good for the moment.  Now to search for other causes of the fog, fatigue, hot flashes, finger swelling…

Thanks for following along, and for those of you who sent prayers above and positive vibes into the universe, I am grateful for you.

  • Heather || Heather's Dish April 5, 2013 at 7:48 pm

    Um, how about I was panicked this entire post?! So thankful that it’s a harmless cyst, and just praying for more information for you soon!

  • Michelle P. April 5, 2013 at 9:05 pm

    So glad that you had good results about the lump and the celiac progress. I bet that was so stressful and an emotional roller coaster! I am praying that they can soon figure out the cause of the rest of your symptoms. My body did a similar thing last year and it ended up being Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis, developed 2 years after Celiac. I was being monitored for it every 6 months, but it suddenly snuck in. I hope you hear soon and can get on the way to feeling better soon!

  • Erin April 5, 2013 at 10:04 pm

    Hi! Have been reading your posts about how you have been feeling, and it could be me writing them. I had the EXACT same symptoms, feeling etc. have they tested you for b12 deficiency?? Once i started getting weekly shots it was like i was a whole nother person. Beg to get that level checked! Blessings!! 🙂

  • Lauren April 6, 2013 at 2:44 am

    That’s great news on this Saturday morning. I hope you are able to enjoy your weekend!!!!!’

  • Purelymichelle April 7, 2013 at 6:41 pm

    thinking of you!! happy to hear you found some positive news, but know healing is a long journey.

  • Camille April 8, 2013 at 7:29 am

    Thinking about you! Somedays all the different issues feel never ending. By the time dinner comes around I have no energy to cook even though I have just bought gorgeous fresh vegetables. Will keep you on my prayer list. Hooray!! for the lump being a cyst.

  • Rachel April 9, 2013 at 4:07 pm

    Eek! I had a lump scare last October after my first mammogram. I got called back for an ultrasound after a mammogram (I started at age 30 since my mom had breast cancer at 40). I totally freaked out. Thankfully a benign lymph node.

    I agree with the other recommendation of B12 testing. Hashimotos thyroiditis also makes me fatigued. And vitamin D deficiency and anemia. Also consider that our gut produces serotonin. Perhaps there is some dysfunction and SSRIs could help. It’s been helpful for me.

  • Robin April 12, 2013 at 5:37 pm

    Praying for you, that you can find the answers you’re looking for. I went through a similar scare with a cyst, and those were some of the most nerve wracking hours of my life.