I know a lot of my Posts relate to products - I'm helping the little businesses get their name out there. I know how difficult marketing is from my Crystal's Bird Toys days - word of mouth really DOES get the most repetitive business (or at least that's what I encountered).
This post in about My ongoing 12+ year battle with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. Something the majority of people just brush off or laugh off.
I can't count the number of mainstream doctors I've seen. I've seen one homoeopathic "doctor" (she was only a few years into it, but I saw a glimmer of hope with her treatments). And one Naturopathic Doctor (ND) who really helped me progress beyond Zombie stage 3 years ago.
Every single one of my friends, my in-laws, and the car at lunch have all encountered Systic falling asleep on their couches, on chairs, on the floor, against walls, and probably other random places.
When I stop, I drop. Or at least I used to.
My ND, however, was not cheap. And as great as my employers' benefit plan is, beyond the actual visit fee, Naturopathic remedies are not covered. I could manage this when I ran CBT - but after I closed shop, it became very anxiety driven as to where the extra $200-$300 a month would come from.
So I went from monthly visits to every 3 months, then 4, and finally not at all. I stalled out, my memory began fading again, my constant dizziness returned, and my sleep cycle worsened.
It's not as bad as it was 3 years ago - I can work out daily, and am not a walking zombie. I don't feel I'm as grumpy as I used to be either.
I really do try to stay positive - like unicorns, sparkles, and Jazz Hands!
Not stopping + positive thinking = better frame of mind.
Then my accident in September happened, and my mainstream doctor ignored me yet again (about my pain and injury totally unrelated to CFS), and I ended up in the emergency room two days later.
Husband once again asked his newish family doctor if he would take me on as a patient. Husband likes his doctor - he listens and seems to actually care. For Husband to recommend someone - they MUST be good!
I finally mustered up the energy to fill in the transfer paperwork, and eventually got it to the new doctor's office for the process to begin.
I'm at the point where I expect nothing from mainstream doctors. For my concerns to be brushed under the rug, like my last doctor who suggested warm milk and a boring book before bed.
I'm totally serious.
I went to my first appointment the day after the last snowstorm. I snowshoed part way to be more efficient. And really, who doesn't want to snowshoe partway across town? It's what Canadians do, eh!
. My first impression was "Wow!" as the nurse was personable, friendly, and made me giggle.
The nurses at my old office were always abrupt and never smiled - I appreciate that they are busy running a clinic, but making patients feel like more than just a number really goes a long way.
My new doctor's office is just him - no clinic with multiple doctors on the roster (I did have my own set doctor) with a walk in at the end of the day AND It's not an Appletree (which I don't think I ever saw the same doctor at).
I was in the reception room for 1 minute and then brought to a room in the back. I was in the room in the back for another minute before the doctor arrived.
So weird, right? A doctor on time??
As this was the meet & greet appointment, I went through my history, and my main concern - my CFS. He asked me questions, spoke about what he might be able to do for me, and set me up to get my blood work completed.
My last doctor didn't have my bloodwork done, and I was with her for at least 7 years.
8 vials of blood and 2 weeks later, I was sitting in his office again.
An action plan is now in motion! Right then and there he administered my first monthly Vitamin B12 shot. And faxed over 3 prescriptions to the pharmacy.
I'm on a super weekly dose of Vitamin D (1 pill a week 10x the normal weekly amount), monthly Vitamin B12 shots, and Modafinil in the mornings (my keep me awake pills).
He was hesitant about the Modafinil, as he wanted to get me into the Sleep Clinic first - but they don't have any availability until July or August - this is a band aid fix until he can review the results of my sleep test.
I'm also going in to another specialist for my Thyroid this week - it's enlarged with a possible growth on it - the thing that irks me, is I recall at least 2 other doctors in the past years who have mentioned it seems enlarged. And they did nothing.
I honestly feel like crying, because for the first time in 12+ years, I'm not being ignored. There is an action plan in place. I don't feel like a number.
I don't feel like a number.
Wow.
So far, I feel like I can focus so much better, which is great, as I have my Risk Management exam next month and have had troubles really focusing and remembering what I'm studying and learning.
I feel less foggy in my brain.
I feel there is Hope.
I feel the girl pictured below pre-CFS can come to life again. I also really miss that running shirt - It was so sweet!
