Remember my bitch session about my allergist? Well, I decided to give him another try since he already knows my history, and he redeemed himself. I saw him (no intern in SIGHT!) on Friday and he really seemed to want to help me, and when he started to get serious, I got a bit freaked out. Since I can remember, I have had allergies but nothing life-threatening or dangerous, more annoying than anything.
That might change and I'll be honest, I'm freaking out a bit.
I have so many issues (don't we all, lol) but out of them all the constant feeling that the energy has been sucked out of my body has to be one of the worst. I am ALWAYS tired. Always. Last time I saw him, he said that if the hives kept coming back, he would give me a blood test to see if we could get to the bottom of it all.
Well, draw blood he did. I swear he took like 6,93939 vials. Ok, I am exaggerating a bit (i think he took like 8-10, but I'm not good at giving blood. I'd love to donate but the two times I've done it, i have managed to pass the heck out.)
He thinks it could be food related, but he also mentioned several times about it being an autoimmune issue. Well, that is kind of what freaked me out. (Of course, after I googled it, lol)
Wikipedia describes an autoimmune disease like this:
Autoimmune diseases arise from an overactive immune response of the body against substances and tissues normally present in the body. In other words, the body attacks its own cells. This may be restricted to certain organs (e.g. in thyroiditis) or involve a particular tissue in different places.
After my research, things like Lupus, and Celiac Disease kept popping up, along with several other things (thyroid issues, etc) I have had my thyroid function tested in the past from my pcp so i don't think that is it. Of course, I have managed to diagnosis myself with everything else under the sun. Stupid Internet.
I was talking to my mom and she reminded me that my aunt has Lupus and she also has a cousin that has it. My grandmother's sister has Celiac disease. So, there is a family history of both, which also caused me to over diagnosis myself.
Celiac disease is caused from an intolerance to gluten--which is found in wheat, a common ingredient in many of the foods we eat. It is manageable with a gluten-free diet. It would be a huge lifestyle change but definitely do-able!
I won't know anything for about a week or so but until then it's a waiting game. I am trying not to worry myself silly as it could just be something as simple as a food allergy (or nothing at all) but at the same time it will be somewhat of a relief to know why I've been feeling like crud. Hey, knowing my luck, I'll be allergic to wine, chocolate or something i can't live without. :) BUT--it could be a huge jump start to that weight loss.....lol
9 comments:
I run to the internet too and self diagnose myself all the time! I think it's normal. Hopefully they'll figure out exactly what's up and it won't be anything horrible. I often wish I had a tape worm so I could eat and still lose weight. I guess I should give up on that....
I'm sure it isn't anything too scary; I mean, you haven't died yet! ;) And once they figure it out, you'll be able to get back to normal. I hope this week flies by!
aww, amy... i'll keep you in my thoughts. it's never fun waiting on medical test results. but like jennelle said, i'd bet it's nothing serious. keep us posted and try not to worry too much this week.
Oh, I hope it's something simple! Haven't you been through enough? I think you could use some good luck anytime now!!
Don't self diagnose, silly! That is how you cause yourself unnecessary stress.
I'm sure it's something that can be managed [if it's anything at all] and hopefully the management will make you feel much better, too. There are usually other signs of Lupus and I'm pretty sure Celiacs disease can make you pretty sick when you eat the wrong foods....more than just hives and feeling tired [I've heard of people who can't get off the toilet after they eat gluten].
Either way, hang in there!
I'll keep my fingers crossed for you girl!
I love your attitude and sense of humor! I'm sure that even if they find something, you will be able to manage it with lifestyle changes, as much as that would suck. It might be nice to feel energetic again...as long as you don't have to give up wine:)
All I can say is that you are One Patient Gal. My gosh. Keep strong. I'd be so frustrated; I admire the strength you have instead of just kicking everything (and maybe everyone?) like I would!
Katie
I have just stumbled across your blog - very cute! I LOVE the shoes in your header! Where are they from?!
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