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Stomach Ache

Just a quick update to tell you all I haven't been feeling good and thus haven't felt much like writing. It started Saturday evening, with sharp abdominal pains after dinner. I thought maybe I'd tried to eat too much. I contemplated calling the clinic, but opted to wait and see. When I woke up with cramps in the upper abdominal area the next morning, I had Ian call the clinic for me. The doctor on call determined that I was constipated and prescribed Miralax. The Miralax definitely produced results, but the cramps did not abate. By Monday, I am taking Oxycotin to ease the pain. Thankfully, it works well.

Tuesday, I go to clinic and the Nurse Practioner says, "hmmm ..." like doctors do. She doesn't think it's GvHD of the digestive system because I don't have any other of the classic symptoms: vomiting, diarrhea or fever. She ticks off a few other possible causes, which I can't quite recall exactly (thanks, Oxycotin) and sends me for an ultrasound. Since the ultrasound came up negative, I'm scheduled for a CT scan tomorrow morning.

In the meantime, I spend a lot of time lying down. Moving around intensifies the pain, so when I do walk, I do it hunched over like some henchman from early century literature. It's uncomfortable and perplexing. I am hoping we discover a cause -- and a treatment -- soon.

cheers,
Katie

Comments (16)

Greg:

Morning Katie,

I'm sorry your stomach is in turmoil. I was happy to finally see you feeling in the "Pink" with the last blog entry (and impressed you have a frock to match).

I too hope they figure out what's up soon; not knowing makes the discomfort more intense.

Thanks for writing even when you don't feel like it...

Sending you healing thoughts,
Greg

Mom:

Dear Katie,
That sucks that you are now having atomach cramping. I've been contmplating it and have not come up with anything great or wonderful. will keep thinking about it. I remember when you first told me how hesitant you were about getting a BMT-I didn;t quite understand but now I sure do. I should have realized that a BMT is just as invasive as any transplant-even if there is no surgery involved. It is the life changes that are so difficult to deal with.
I had to go to the dentist this am tohave my partials sanded and whittled down some. You remember Isaid that I felt like I had an 18 wheeler in my mouth? Well I kind of did. They were rubbing and scrapping my gums. Now I have to leave them out for a few days in order for my gums to heal a bit;small price to pay though for fixed teeth and being able to smile without feeling self conscious. I have a really nice dentist-really patient and he keeps telling me that it will take some adjustments for me to feel comfort and not to hesitate to come in and get them adjusted. I told him that I thought I had to wait for a 50,000 mile check up or something.
Going back to work tonight. It goes so fast, for that I am grateful.
Well, keep us posted when you can.
Much Love,
Mom

Shona Mauro-Sachs:

ooh girl, if things get tough, and you can't get Zach a lucrative Virgina Ham commerical right away, remember your oxycontin has street value. Sorry about the stomach ache. It's funny that you thought you ate too much, because the way you're describing it, it sounds just like I feel in New Orleans and then I just chomp a couple few Pepcid completes and keep eating. Probably coulda used some Miralax, too. Hope you feel well enough to stop hunching soon.
Love ya,
Shona

Jonny:

Hey Katie:

I'm sorry to hear about your stomach ache. Remember to have Ian give you foot rubs when he can. This always makes a stomach soothe out quicker. Also: get a prescription filled out from Dr. Green Thumbs if you know what I mean....

Gucci:

Katie -

That sucks. Sorry to read about your tummy pains. I know that walk, had to do it myself a few times when I had kidney problems and standing up straight just hurt too much - no fun, no fun at all. Have you tried a good old fashioned hot water bottle or heating pad yet? I know it won't take away the pain the way the drugs will, but it may help your muscles relax a bit. I hope you feel better soon.
lots of love,
gucci

Katie,

I hope this latest development passes quickly; it sounds very uncomfortable and confusing. Screw cause at the moment -- let's pray for treatment that works!

Hugs,

Liz

Jean G. Barnes:

Dear, Dear Katie. . .

I'm so sorry to read about your stomach problems. I sure hope they can determine the cause and get you back on the mend soon.

You are in my thoughts nad in my prayers.

Love,
Jean

Mom:

Dear Katie,
Well, how goes it today, girl? I have been praying that this too shall soon pass for you. You've been in my thoughts all night. I was on call all night and didn't get called in but was waiting. A whole $1.50/hr, YIPEE!!! Oh, well we all have to take a turn at it.
Boots, our new little cat is sick today. Don thinks htat he probably got bitten by a spider or something. I hope he feels better soon. I hate to see him so glume.
Well, got to get a little rest before work tonight.
Much Love to you from me,
Mom

Aunt Kathy:

Katie,
This is 2 days after that last post---so, hope the cramps are gone. Haven't been hunched over by cramps, but with severe back pain (stress) that I could only stand hunched over, crawl, and lie in a fetal position. I'm enjoying the weather in Irvine--pleasantly warm, low humidity and cool nights. Have really hot weather in Jeresey--90s and comparable humidity. Grandma said it was 94 yesterday with high humidity. Good thing for AC! Take care. Love to all of you. Aunt Kathy

Cathy:

Katie, sorry to hear your stomach hurts. I hope this goes away soon. Geez, what next?! You sure do have to put up with an awful lot. Hang in there. Keep us posted. love, Cathy & Jake

Adrienne:

Hey, does this mean we can see you sometime soon? We will gladly come to Marin for a short park visit if that is all you are allowed. I was missing you today. We took a brief trip to Hayes Valley just to get out of our own heads here in the burbs.

All our love to you and Ian and Zach.

Adrienne

Adrienne:

Okay, my last posting didn't make sense because I was responding, actually, to a different posting of yours. Anyway, I hope you are feeling better and also that you have a lifetime supply of Oxytocin to share with all of your friends.

I miss you!
Adrienne

Meredith:

Hi girlfriend,
Just sending you some hugs on this Monday morning. I hope the pain has lifted a bit. Looking forward to seeing you soon :)
Much love,
Mer

Jamie Zarling:

Hang in there. We're cheering for you!

Eva:

Among old-fashioned palliatives to consider while you wait for the CT is ginger--gingerale, ginger tea, candied ginger. I am so sorry that this bump has appeared on your road to recovery. We all await your next blog and hope for good news.

Lovingly, Eva

Charlene:

Hwy Katie! I'm thinking of you here in Munich -- well, I actually think about you very often, but especially now, as I'm catching up with news of your stomach pain. I hope that you are in recovery now and feeling much better.

You would be proud -- today I made a dinner that required the use of more than one pot! If I had had the proper ingredients, it would have been a Moroccan chicken dish, but as I only had paprika, it was just stewed chicken over couscous. Your love of cooking -- and your kitchen -- always inspired me!

much love,
Charlene

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