Friday, May 15, 2009

And I thought April was bad...

Let's just say that April wasn't a banner month for me. I got sick. I hurt my back. My car was wrecked. It wasn't a very good one for me. Surely May would be better?

No such luck.

Warning: If you don't want to read personal scary medical stuff, stop right here and come back another day.

On the morning of May 1st, I was sitting at my computer when I noticed my shirt was wet with little light brown spots. Right over my left nipple. The freakage level racheted up a bit when it wouldn't stop. I called in to work and told them I was going to the doctor and would check in later.

My own doctor was out of the office that day, so I went to a walk-in clinic and saw the doctor there. After lots of questions and examination, he agreed that something was going on - probably an infection, but he wanted me to schedule a mammogram and ultrasound examination to rule out breast cancer. I knew there was something not right going on there, but to have the C-word out there was terrifying. Still, I would do whatever needed to be done. In the meantime, he gave me prescriptions for two antibiotics to take care of the suspected infection and sent me on my way.

A week later, the leakage stopped and everything was feeling more normal - except my stomach which was a bit upset. This is not unusual for me and antibiotics, so I didn't think anything of it. I continued taking the pills until the 10 days were up (as prescribed). On the 11th day, my stomach suddenly rebelled. Extreme diarrhea, explosive vomiting, sweats. My temperature started downward, 95, 94.3, 93. I went to bed.

The next day, I couldn't get out of it without great effort. I dragged myself to the doctor who looked me over, asked some questions and told me that I had overdosed on antibiotics. As antibiotics are cumulative it would take a couple of days for the toxicity to go back down. My own body was doing a pretty good job of it with all the throwing up and such, but it would still be a rough couple of days. He couldn't understand why this other doctor had put me on TWO. (If anyone tries to prescribe two at a time, question it!!!)

I went back home and back to bed. And there I stayed. No dreams. No tossing and turning because it hurt so much. The stomach cramps were severe and painful. I couldn't eat. Couldn't drink but tiny sips of water.

Wednesday was when my mammogram and ultrasound were scheduled. I dragged myself from the bed again and got into the shower. When I realized I couldn't lift my arms, I also realized I couldn't drive myself to the appointment either. Darling Man came and took me. By then I was having a hard time staying conscious. I was freezing cold, felt like I was burning up, and was sweating like crazy. After the mammogram, I sat in the chair to wait and passed out. I woke briefly when a nurse put a heated sheet around me and realized that I was cold. She asked if I wanted some juice or crackers and brought me apple juice and cheese crackers. Never have I tasted anything as wonderful as the apple juice - but the crackers just wouldn't go down. I needed a wheel chair to get out. And back home, I collapsed into bed and didn't move again.

Until this morning. When I woke up and actually felt alert. And hungry. I finished the crackers on the bedside table and the sprite that was still there. I didn't want to push it, but I finally went downstairs and made myself some chicken noodle soup. I ate half the can and now I wait - to see if it stays, to see if I want more.

But I don't have to wait for my results. The mammogram and ultrasound were clear - no breast cancer.

SURELY June will be a better month...

13 comments:

Jan said...

Good grief. I can't imagine what you've been thru. Surely, you're right and June will be better. I'll be gone until mid-June, but I hope for a better report.

Mel said...

Oh my god. Sayre, honey, my heart was thundering while I read this! SUPER glad that mammogram was clear. So, so glad.
Here's hoping for a better rest of May!

Janis said...

lets hope your feeling better by the weekend. I had never heard of ODing over antibioctics. I held my breath as I was reading, I was thinking the worst. So happy your mammo was normal. Take care and have a good weekend.

R.Powers said...

Gosh. Poor thing. I'm glad that's over and you are clear! Have a safe weekend!

Anonymous said...

Anxious parent..relieved...thank God. dad

Island Rider said...

I'm so sorry. My dad overdosed on antibiotics once and his stomach quit working completely. He also got over it, but it took several weeks of including priobiotics in his diet before he felt up to snuff. Get darling man to buy you some. They are in the yogurt section at the grocery store. Hope you feel better soon. Very glad it was not the big C

Unknown said...

This had to be terrifying! I'm glad that you're ok now! How scary!

annie w. said...

oh my goodness, sayre. how terrifying. my prayers are with you- hugs hugs

movin down the road said...

OH NO!!! My goodness, how scary for you. I am glad the mamm and ultrasound came clear, but still, hoping you get to the bottom of it and you are better for good!!! Thinking of you!

margaret said...

O.M.G. I visited a few times this week and saw your Fun Monday still at the top. I figured you were just busy. I was so scared when I read this post. Thanks for letting us know what's going on. I am so very grateful that the mammogram and US were clear. Take it easy and let us know how you are doing. Hugs to you my friend.

Jennfactor 10 said...

{{hugs}} my dear! Even the spectre of the Big C is exhausting, but I am so glad your test came back with good news! Hope you're feeling better soon!

Robbiegirl said...

Wow, thank goodness for the all-clear! Take care of yourself, okay?

Someone should kick cancer's ass. With big steel toe capped boots on.

Ari_1965 said...

Good. I'm glad that the test results were clear. I'm sorry you had that first cluck of a doctor.