Wouldn’t you know it… just as I say that I have lots of happy news to report, something bad happens. I’ve just gotten back home from spending the weekend in Ohio to celebrate my brother Tim’s 30th birthday. That’s not the “something bad”, in fact, that was quite wonderful. But while I was there, the pain from the Dercum’s Disease decided that it was high time to get me bedridden again. The pain over the past two days has been absolutely unbearable, but in a new and frightening way. My lower legs, ankles, and feet have been so bad that I can’t bear to stand on them for more than a few minutes before the pain starts to take over and I start to swell. On top of that, I think I’ve found a tumor in my side, which needless to say, hurts like hell. But as if that weren’t enough, most frightening of all is what’s happening to my left upper arm. The skin has become discolored, the growth rate has sped up incredibly, and well… my skin just doesn’t feel like skin anymore. It doesn’t look like it either. I can’t even begin to explain it except to say that it’s just not right, and it’s scary.
My arm prompted my very first experience with asking my doctor brother, “Hey, what do you think of this?” It’s convenient we were in Ohio so I could ask him this at his house rather than swapping digital photos over the Internet. Tim gave his opinion, which was sweet, but he was pretty much just as baffled and concerned as I am. Anyway, that means I’ll probably be spending my Tuesday at the urgent care office. I have a feeling I’ll be going through a battery of tests this week, which is unfortunate. I have some major business plans and meetings to take care of. I just hope my body will let me do it and that somehow I’ll be able to compose myself despite the pain. There’s no way I’m giving in now just as things are starting to look up again, and I’m not going to let these latest developments get in my way. At least, I hope I don’t have to…
Hoorah.
Sorry I couldn’t be more helpful. I’ve learned that when it comes to family members, it’s best if I don’t guess.
Tim – I didn’t mean to make it sound like you weren’t helpful. In fact, you were very helpful. You were the reason that I finally decided to go to the doctor sooner than I had planned. And, on top of that, it was your opinion that helped me to convince an uncooperative doctor that I needed a CT scan. So actually, you helped me a lot. I just reread my post and I’m sorry it didn’t read like I appreciated your help – I do, and you did give me the best possible advice and told me exactly what I needed to hear right then. So thank you; if it hadn’t been for your input, I might not have gone in right away and I certainly wouldn’t have been able to get that referral for the tests I need. As always, you rock, and I love you for it. 🙂
Oh, bugger. *shakes a fist at Dercum’s Disease* Begone, little demon, you have no power here!