About getting used to all the tests

[Guest guest]

Anyse,

Perhaps I am only in the minority on this viewpoint, but I don't

look at it the same way that you do. If having these tests means

that I am going to be a step closer to finding a fix, then bring

them on. I have had many many tests, more than quite a few people on

this site, and i've been in hospital with more pancreatic attacks

than quite a few people on this site, but I guess it all depends on

how one puts things into their own perspective.

I had 17 ERCP's in an 8 month period, for stenting and 2

sphincterotomies, stents getting blocked, taking them out and

replacing them. Eventually it worked, between the stenting and the

sphincterotomies, my duct now stays open and I only have minor

biliary duct spasms that don't lead to much of anything thank

goodness.

I was also hospitalised 11 times between November 2002 & March 15th

2003, with the longest stay being 2 1/2 months, the shortest stay

being 2 days...so I was only actually home for about 8 days out of

that time frame, then from April - September 2003 I was hospitalised

again for 18 more visits....not to mention the years from 1999-2001.

I got depressed, but not as bad as everyone expected me to. The love

of my husband and daughter kept me fighting to find a reason why,

and perhaps I just have a tough mentality to break and the

depression couldn't penetrate that hard. On top of all of that I had

to battle my husband's attitude that I should just stay home and

manage because doctors aren't any good, or perhaps it is all in my

mind or not as bad as I am making out, and that I should get off all

my pain meds as I am getting addicted to them....thankfully my mum

and his sister had many words with him and he realised that I would

stop the pain meds when I didn't need them, and that one day I would

find a doctor who could work out what was causing this...and I did.

Yes I am lucky, but I saw many doctors in many states, and it wasn't

until I was unfortunate to have them find another problem that they

found what was causing my pancreatitis.

Now I am on another medical merry go round, but the doctor is great,

the cure is just not working right and I am finding that surgery is

looking like it is going to be an annual or semi annual way of life

for me.

I don't enjoy these tests, but if it means that one test, one time

will eventually give these doctors a clue as to why my body is

rebelling against me, then I will take these tests.

I did end up having it all get to me in the long run, but I sought

counselling with a psychologist and her program really helped me. It

didn't involve any medications, just changing my cognitive and

behavioural skills. I still get down, but I am now able to analyse

my situation to the bigger picture I guess one could say, using a

pros/cons type of approach to help me make up my mind.

I know this won't work for everyone, as their depression can be very

much deeper than mine was. I guess it all just depends on how

someone approaches how they view a situation, which is what makes us

all individuals and unique from one another.

Even if I was told there was nothing left for me to do, should my

situation become the worst possible outcome, I would still continue

to fight and look toward the future to find a cure....I don't know

where I get the strength to not give up, but I am glad I always

manage to find it...else I know I wouldn't be here today.

Regards,

Ward