Just Hanging On

I haven't posted in a while. Mostly on account of my health and an extremely busy research schedule. I'm taking one day at a time, living in the moment and not finding much time to sit down and write or have much time to myself. Often once I get home from the lab it's all I can do to take care of my son, get him to bed and then crash. My husband does a remarkable job parenting during the day and working nights part time so he often feels the same way I do. The dissertation is coming along and I am always excited about all my projects and new research avenues. It takes time and I feel that I am a long way from being done.

Lately my GI problems have been worsening and this certainly isn't helping me stay on top of everything. I finally saw a gastroenterologist. He is a great doctor and very patient and understanding with me. I am grateful to have had some compassionate and concerned physicians while living here. I certainly can't say that about all my past experiences with the medical profession. There are some different possible problems that could be causing my symptoms. I have been previously diagnosed with gastroparesis, but I am also being evaluated for peptic ulcers likely caused by NSAIDS and/or sphincter of oddi dysfunction. I will have some tests at the hospital over the next few weeks. I am hoping for the ulcer because it is the most easily treatable and I'm fairly miserable at this point. Zofran is taking away the nausea to some degree but I think if I have to keep dealing with the pain I may start wasting away. I have lost over 10 pounds in the last two months already.

One thing that I have learned is that eveything in life comes and goes. There will always be good days and bad. If I can keep myself grounded and living in the moment things will work out. It also helps me to remember that it could always be worse than it is. So for today I'm just hanging on.