FEAR OF KNOWING

Posted on November 21, 2014

Sometimes we put off seeing our doctors out of fear of hearing bad news. We've all done it!!! I know I have!!! LOL!!! One of the things I've learned over the years is to face the music head on, & deal with whatver comes my way. It's easier said than done, & I'm speaking from experience.

I used to work 12-16 hour days at a hospital a few years ago, & I suffered with headaches. I mean I suffered daily - FOR 2 YEARS!!! I'd take Tylenol or Motrin like it was my maintenance drug!!! I'm really surprised my stomach is okay after taking sooo many pills daily for such a long period of time. Anyway, because of my busy schedule (supervising & running department), I didn't have time to check it out. At the time, I wasn't too concerned about the headaches; I just hoped & prayed it wasn't brain cancer.

A few months later, I made the decision to give my job 2 weeks notice, & I ventured out to start my new journey as a travel agent. I was okay; still having the headaches, but the burden I carried as an Administrator was released. I felt WONDERFUL!!! I had peace of mind, & I was open to trying new things!!! :-)

About 6 months later, I started having chest pain, & I had to go to the Emergency Room. After being examined by the doctor, he asked me if I had any other complaints. When I told him about the headaches & how long I'd been having them, he asked if I had been throwing up too. When I answered yes, he referred me to a neurologist for tests. I had several tests done, & when my results came back, the neurologist told me that I had swelling on my brain (Neurosarcoidosis). The scary thing is, if I hadn't checked it out when I did, eventually I would have gone blind!!! SCARY!!! I had to start taking Prednisone for several months, & my weight skyrocketed to over 250 pounds. Oh well...... I had to take high doses to get better.

Moving forward (4 years later), I still have MRIs done once a year to make sure I'm okay, & I have to see my opthamologist annually for her to check my vision for any changes too. :-)

The point of my story is don't be afraid to find out what going on with your body. Why suffer if we don't have to???

Now, I'm taking better care of myself, & doing my best to make sure I don't have another flare-up. :-)

Comment Now!

AFray7

04/07/2015 7:02PM

We have all been there!! I'm so not a fan of doctors. One huge reason why we're all here to stay healthy and for me - to avoid going to the doctors more than for an annual physicals and check ups honestly. I'm so glad that you made the decision to go in before things got worse. Definitely a lesson I'm beginning to learn. Before last year, I had spent 5-6 years without getting a physical.

adrienne121 likes this comment.

adrienne121

Ana, I'm sooo glad you're realizing the importance of staying on top of your health. I have to see my doctors every 4-6 months to make sure my Sarcoidosis stays under control. They're amazed that I haven't been sick in a long time, & I want to keep it that way. Also, I'm really happy that I saw my doctor when I did too!!! I probably wouldn't be here now if I hadn't!!!

Roxanne C.

01/09/2015 4:28AM

Well said Adrienne. I am so glad you were checked out before it was too late! You're doing great. I can't believe the difference in your photos! I bet you can't either. We can all equate what you said to some aspect of our lives, even if it's not dealing with doctors although that is a common one. It could be as simple as not wanting to step on the scale to see the damage done over the weekend... For me, I like to know that info so I have the earliest possible chance to correct any damage done... which is the same outlook you would hope people have going to the doctor. Sometimes that fear is paralyzing though and prevents us from doing what we really should. Anyway, as said, glad you were able to get it taken care of before it was too late for your eyes!

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Losing it

So glad you got that checked out. Its tempting to put our heads in the sand, but we have to face things (telling self). I added you as a friend; you seem like an amazing inspirational woman!

adrienne121

Awww!!! Thanks sooo much for your kind words Allison!!! I'm gonna add you as a friend too!!! :-) Wishing you much success on your weight loss journey!!! :-)

Rayn E

01/05/2015 7:10PM

Good for you for taking the bull by the horn and making the necessary changes! Keep fighting the good fight, Adrienne!

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adrienne121

Thanks Rayn!!! I will!!! :-)

Datadriven

12/02/2014 10:59AM

P.S. Fanatastic job on your weight loss so far...you are an inspiration!

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adrienne121

Thanks Datadriven!!! It's been a struggle, but it's sooo worth all of my hard work!!! I still have a ways to go to reach my goal, & I'm gonna do it too!!! Good luck to you too!!! :-)

Datadriven

12/02/2014 10:58AM

Wow, what a story. I'm so glad you got help in time. Definitely a cautionary tale. Thanks for sharing.

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adrienne121

Thanks Datadriven!!! I thank GOD every day for opening my eyes in time!!! :-)

Dodo

11/27/2014 7:27AM

Congrats on your steadfast progress.

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adrienne121

Thanks Dolores!!! Happy Thanksgiving to you & your family!!! :-)

Elizabeth D.

11/24/2014 10:34PM

I finally found a moment to read this - very glad I did! I think it's a reminder many people need. I also work in healthcare and there are too many instances of shaking one's head and wishing they'd come in sooner. You can prevent and treat so much if you know what you're up against! I'm so glad you're doing so well with your scarcoidosis! Just wondering - yours is strictly neuro? I didn't know that it could be so specific.

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adrienne121

Thanks Elizabeth!!! I'm sooo sorry to hear the sad news about your friends' daughter. I still believe that as long as there's life, there's hope. I hope & pray her condition turns around for the better soon. She'll be in my prayers. I'm doing well. Just trying to play catch up in my 2 challenges (been in SC from 12/21 - 1/5/15); then I'm coming to our group (been MIA in all 3). Sorry to hear you're not feeling your best. Hope you get better soon, & can get your workout on like you always do!!! SENDING HUGS, LOVE, & HEALING THOUGHTS YOUR WAY!!! :-)

Elizabeth D.

Thanks for all the hugs, love and healing thoughts! ;) I'm definitely getting better...I just can't believe it's lingered for 2 weeks already! I've been hula hooping, but that's it. I'm ready to get back to JM kicking my butt! :)Good luck with your catch up! I'll look forward to seeing you back in our group!

Adrienne

11/22/2014 5:16AM

wow...thank you for sharing your journey. scary, but INSPIRING! hugs!

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adrienne121

You're welcome Adrienne!!! And thank you too!!! I really appreciate the hugs!!! :-)

Odette O

11/22/2014 2:49AM

Amazing story.. Thank you for sharing. So blessed. Sending you virtual hugs and in my prayers for continued healing... :-)

adrienne121 likes this comment.

adrienne121

You're welcome Odette!!! And thank you too!!! I really appreciate the hugs & prayers!!! I'm feeling the love from all of you!!! :-)

Biking Syl

11/21/2014 4:30PM

So inspiring - thanks for sharing!!

Glad to read that you were able to figure it out in the end!

adrienne121 likes this comment.

adrienne121

You're welcome Biking Syl!!! I'm sooo grateful & thankful to GOD for blessing me to continue on striving to live a healthier life!!! :-)