Day One Update: After the Dr. Visit

Well, day one is over. My appointment was for this afternoon and we got there a bit early. We had a short wait in the very cool (temperature) and very unscented waiting room. It was amazing! I met with the patient coordinator, Sue, and she took us back to be roomed. Sadly, that part of the clinic was very hot since the air conditioner was broken. After having my vitals taken we were taken back to the exam room to meet Dr. Rea and his assistant Trep. It was a little warm, as the room was small and there were four people in there. By the time we were done, my hair was wet from sweat, and my face was really red. The Dr. even remarked about it, and I explained that it always gets red when I am hot.

I was asked a LOT of questions, and it was amazing to hear Dr. Rea asking questions in the way he did. It was like he already knew the answers. I guess that he did. He asked me to stand on my tip-toes, and then do it with my eyes closed. Then he asked me to walk a straight line, and then do it with my eyes closed. I was so glad my son was with me there, as I needed someone to steady me, and Dr. Rea (just turned 80) is very frail. John was able to really contribute to the conversation regarding my symptoms and reactions as well.

I think the most validating thing was the conversation we all had later. I really feel like I now have this whole wonderful team of people on my side. They believe me when I talk about my reactions. They shook their heads when we talked about how I have been scorned by other health care professionals. They knew what I wanted to accomplish and I was able to talk openly about that with them, and not feel any shame about needing extra help. Dr. Rea understood that I am on a budget and only ordered a few tests, but they will be key. So tomorrow I go back in the morning and we start the testing. Bloodwork first and then the skin testing. It also looks like I won’t be here the full week, but that all depends on how I do with the testing tomorrow. Each person is different, and how long it takes depends totally on how my body reacts to the substances. Sue mentioned something about Thursday. I know it won’t be tomorrow. But Wednesday would be nice. We shall see. I am already calling tomorrow “The Day of the Needles.” Your prayers are appreciated. I will try to update tomorrow again. And perhaps upload some video and pictures from the road. Thanks for supporting me! I do appreciate it.

Day One: Morning, From the Hotel Room

So, here we are, in our hotel room. It is really nice! It has pretty much everything that I would want in a "safe" house. It was really nice to be able to relax and not have to worry about whether or not something is going to make me sick. The one exception is the water. It is NASTY! It smells like plastic. There is a filter for drinking water in the kitchen, and a filter for the shower, although I can still smell the plastic in the shower. I still used my own counter top filter for my drinking water, but I did use the filtered water to fill it.

I finally got settled in my bed. It just took a bit to get used to one that is level and straight. LOL And it is taking me a bit to get used to this space. It is hard to explain, but I am never at ease unless I am in my room or in my chair in my living room. Even within my own home, like in John's room or a different chair in the living room makes me food off. I think it is just my body's sense of my surroundings and I don't do well with anything else. I am getting used to a couple of spots here so that is getting better. Once the man-child gets up I plan to make a video of our room and y'all will get to see what I mean.

My appointment with the doctor is for 1:00 this afternoon so I would appreciate more prayer. I am working on my list of questions for him, so I will be prepared. And the only other thing I want to do today is get some groceries. I want to go to the local Whole Foods store, which is in our "neighborhood". I am really craving a salad after yesterday's lack of veggies from being on the road. Ciao for now. I will try to post something later on today once I have a better idea what is going on.

T-minus two days... is that right?

Hey! It is just a couple of days before I leave to go see Dr. Rea in Dallas. He is an Environmental Illness specialist. It is a six to seven hour drive for us, and in all honesty I am really nervous. I thought that I should try to vlog about it and take videos each day so I can keep everyone up to date on what is going on. Thanks for watching!

Let the countdown begin!

I just made the appointment for the clinic visit and so now I begin my countdown to the appointment. (Five weeks FYI) I am excited and nervous and just glad to be getting this done. I don't like being poked and prodded, but I do hope for answers and a possible cure or at least a way to manage my life. So, on the off chance that anyone is actually reading this, and doesn't know about the Go Fund Me page I have, here is a link. There is also one on the right side of my home page here on Blogger. My whole story is there, in case anyone wants to read about it. Thanks for being here, and reading my blog.
God bless you and yours
Deb

Today I had the privelidge of being interviewed by my local ABC affilliate. I got to meet two really nice men that genuinely seemed interested in my story. I have the link to what was on the TV, so if y'all want to see the extreme close ups, here you go!

Here is a link to a blog that expresses very well what it is like for us canaries to try to maintain friendships and family ties.

https://fergiemoto.wordpress.com/2013/03/05/human-canaries-and-friendship/

Day 3 of MCS Awareness month.