Momma Update End of August

Ok. So last week I saw a new endocrinologist and had an ultrasound and bloodwork done. Read about it here. Well, the very next day (thurs) I got a phone call from the nurse saying the Dr wanted to see me in office ASAP during her lunch hour.
I didn't tell you. Because you read that and just thought the worst thought didn't you?! That's why I didn't tell you. I did it too, I don't blame you, it's only human.
So we waited. A WEEK! Waiting is the worst for me.
Happy to say the appointment was today and it wasn't all bad news! In fact, we taking it as hope and therefore good news.

Where to start. hmm
Ok so I DO have two diseases. Hashimoto's Disease & Graves Disease.
Hashimoto's = Hypo Thyroid Disease
Graves Disease = Hyper Thyroid Disease

Momma = Human See Saw

I DO NOT have Celiac Disease...or at least not yet but with Auto Immune Disease and no immune system you never know about the future. *sigh*

SO. This Dr. I like this Dr. I FINALLY feel like I'm in capable hands after a year of being drug through the mud with the CN. Why in the world did that Dr not find I had both diseases when I asked time and time again why my bloodwork wasn't showing normal even though she said it was "normal". Anyway.
This Dr is paying careful attention to everything and treating me in a whole body way. She wants the best for me. She is capable, and I trust her. This is good.

Here's the thing. She would ideally like me to try meds and go into Graves Remission and live the healthiest life possible and feel better without such an extreme thing as surgery because of complications and living without a necessary organ needed. BUT!

Why oh why is there always a but?! 

At the moment my Graves Disease is considered "in remission". Don't get too excited, it doesn't always last long and I'm still dealing with almost ALL the symptoms/side effects. So therefore, she can treat the Hashimoto's but, if ever, they are battling and hurting me at the same time there is no way to treat both, at the same time.

Therefore...

It looks like Surgery is the best option for me, even though surgery WILL NOT cure my Grave's Disease and I will be fighting it the rest of my life, it will stop the Thyroid battles (after we get meds straight which can take a year).
Should I try again to fight with meds it will be me always trying to catch up, always fighting one disease or another. I just don't think I can do that anymore, honestly.
So, Surgery it is. I am referred to a surgeon whom I'll meet with within the month, to discuss surgery, etc. 

                                                                             But...

There's that darn word again.

I have a secret I haven't shared with many. 

I have been planning on getting Lap Band Surgery once I got my Thyroid taken care of. For some reason I thought to ask her about it today. And she thought it a GREAT idea for me. I was kind of surprised to be honest. She thinks the surgeon might consider it a necessity BEFORE Thyroid surgery. Because if I were to be in a healthier status prior there's less complications that could occur. Also, the 6 months to a Year after surgery are rough. It takes time to get the meds right and during that time if I continue to gain weight it's very dangerous on my health and it WILL take it's toll. With something like Lap Band battling that it's easier and better for my body. 

I have an appt for a seminar the end of Sept so I'm going to keep it and wait to hear from the surgeon. If it ends up that it is medically necessary to have the Lap Band first then maybe he can rush me through the process and I will not have to wait the 3 months that is insurance norm. 

And Onnnnnneeee more thing. 

I know. I'm a mess, whaddyawantfromme?!
So I also have a Tumor on my Pituitary Gland in my brain.
Don't panic. I've had it at LEAST 10 years, and it's never grown thus far.
But this Dr, she KNEW about it. I hadn't even told her. But she saw it on my paperwork and part of the blood she took last week was checking the hormonal levels of everything that has to do with the Pituitary. She also ordered an MRI because it's time to check it again. Plus, one more kidney function test in which I have to do/take at the hospital. The MRI is next week (I've been asking the CN for one for OVER A YEAR NOW).
So yeah.

I have a long road. I have a disease I will deal with the rest of my life. But you know what?! Right now, at this moment it looks like within a year I will no longer be dying and, instead, I will be living with a disease. But I WILL BE LIVING

And BOOM!! There it is.

HOPE

I'm not a butterfly yet. But I'm struggling to get out of this cocoon, I'm fighting for my life and I'm about to be bloody, wet, sticky, and crumpled. 

Once I dry off maybe, just maybe my wings will strengthen and stretch.