Barium Sulfate& iodine contrast today....

I feel like a complete guinea pig.  Today, I got a CT done with barium sulfate.  I had to ingest that paste like drink twice.  The taste wasn't too bad BUT the texture was nasty due to how thick it was.

When I arrived, they had me lay down, they inserted an IV & in the IV, they injected IODINE.    It was the craziest feeling!  You immediately feel a warm sensation.  It makes you feel like your peeing your self, you can feel it hit your mouth and extremities.

The technician took some CT images and sent me on my way.

Day of Colonoscopy & Endoscopy

Well, 10-10-13 was the day of my 1st colonoscopy and my 2nd ever endoscopy. The procedure actually went smoothly and quickly.
They brought me back, hooked me up to a bunch of machines and within about 10 minutes, I was under.
Dr. Burnette did the procedure and next thing I knew, I was waking up :)
He performed multiple biopsies between the esophagus, colon and small intestines.
Lets hope this gives us the answers as to WHY my CA-19-9 tumor marker came back high and WHY my lipase levels are sky high :)

Getting ready to go back!!  I'M SCARED!

I'm all changed and waiting for the nurse to insert the IV

My Room :)

stuff to get me prepped

WAKING UP!!!!  I was SO loopy!!
Gotta love when the person picking you up snaps this photo memory :)

Colonoscopy & Endoscopy

After continually having high Lipase levels, High CA-19-9 markers & very bad stomach pains, I have now been scheduled for my 1st colonoscopy and my 2nd endoscopy.
That is the worst, most disgusting 16ounces of liquid I have EVER had to ingest.  Only being allowed to eat green jello was really not too bad at all.  It was the Sodium Sulfate, Potassium sulfate and Magnesium sulfate cocktail called Suprep bowel prep that made me want to vomit.   Ingesting that concoction is definitely something you can ONLY do if you are going to be home during the times you have to take it!

Kyo*Green

Today I began taking Greens.
Powdered drink mix is the best combination of nutrients from the land and sea, immune supporting barley and wheat grasses grown in the pristine highlands of Japan are blended with protein-rich, readily-absorbable, Chlorella and Kelp to support cardiovascular health. (Barley & wheat grass, FOS, brown rice, chlorella and kelp.

My general Manager keeps telling me that this is one of the best ways to re-build my immune system and kick these auto-immune diseases. So, finally, I got myself to Vitamin World and purchased them.
The manager on duty was extremely knowledgeable and helped pick out the right products.

 I also began taking Colostrum and Tumeric. We'll see what happens :)

Btw, I spilled the greens and Chloe' LOVED them!!!!

"Facetime" with Paeton!!!

I was out running errands today and guess who Facetimed me?  BABYGIRL!!!  When I answered her call, her smile was like that of Christmas day.  It melted my heart.  I am so sick but when I hear from her or see her, the weight of these auto-immune diseases just disappear.

When I count my blessings, this child is the 1st on my list.  A true little angel :)

I miss this child more than anything in this world.  Although I don't get the opportunity to be in her life on a daily basis any longer, I still get to talk to her.  I am so lucky to have been able to meet her, love her as my own and spend a year of my life helping her grow :)

Its hard to hang up with her....  I don't get to come home to her any more or wake up to her.  I don't get to deal with temper tantrums or homework...  I miss all of it.

Love you babygirl!

Abdominal Ultrasound 9/25/2013

Today was my abdominal ultrasound.

The tech took pictures of my spleen, kidneys, liver, pancreas and aorta.

This test was ordered b/c my lipase levels are @ 182.

They should only be between 20-42.

This was only discovered bc I have been so pro-active in my approach to get well.

Prior to meeting Dr. Kirsten, I went to the ER for the severe abdominal pains.  They did blood work and an ultrasound of my ovaries and said it was just a tumor and sent me on my way.

About a month later, I went to the hospital for a copy of my records.  When I looked, I saw that my "lipase" level was at 125 and the normal range was listed as 20-42.   I immediately asked Dr. Kirsten what that meant and she was puzzled herself to see that result.  She re-ordered this blood test and sure enough, it came back much higher.

The ultrasound results should be done Friday or Monday.  I'm sure nothing is wrong but it's better to be safe than sorry.