Time and perspective....

Seven weeks ago yesterday, I met with my family practice physician for my "yearly" physical. I had been having some trouble with Gi issues and increased tiredness that we both assumed were left over from a bad bout of flu in February along with typical Flolan side effects. But, to be thorough, she decided to take the time to do a complete physical so all types of blood tests, scans, collections, etc were done. All tests came back without any remarkable concerns.

Seven weeks ago today I did an exercize echo at the Med Center that showed that my PH was progressing. Rod and I had a discussion with my PH specialist about gathering information on getting registered for a lung transplant.

Three weeks ago today I met with GI specialist at the Med Center to discuss the increasing difficulty I was having with weakness, tiredness, vomitting and being unable to eat anything other than banana popsicles and chicken broth. It was decided that the following Thursday I would have an endoscope and colonostomy to try and determine the cause.

Two weeks ago today I was in the hospital. I missed the retirement party for two friends and the colonoscopy and endoscope were both cancelled due to the preliminary diagnosis of Addison's Disease.

One week ago today, I forgot it was my 51st birthday. My husband and sons sent me beautiful long stemmed red roses that I received at home in my pajamas from a floral delivery guy that will probably never stop at our door again.

One week ago today, I had a ct scan as a follow-up to the results of the last test that was done to determine if I did indeed have Addison's, and if so, if it was primary or secondary. Instead, I found out that I have Panhypopituitaryism which means that I have no pituitary. I found out that with the right balance of medicines I will begin to feel much better.

Today, I woke up, cooked myself toast and an egg for breakfast. I ate all of it. I cleaned up the kitchen including unloading and loading the dishwasher. I then went with my sister to visit Nick's condo to see how the new floor installation was going. I then went to lunch with my sister. I ordered Fettinicci Alfredo with some chicken on top. I ate some of it. I came home watched the recorded "All my Children," read a couple of chapters in a book and took a short rest. I also went to dinner with Rod, Nick and Chris and then went to see the opening night showing of the new Pirates of the Caribbean. I got home at 11:00 pm, mixed my Flolan medicine, switched cassettes, took my medicine and went to bed at 11:45 pm.

Seven weeks....a small fraction of time....a lifetime.....

"Dear Heavenly Father, I thank you for two special gifts that you have bestowed upon me....time and perspective....amen."

Much love,

Annette