Not just a stupid body ~ A strong body!

I have had migraines since 1994.  When I couple that with anxiety, depression, allergies, IBS, myofascial pain, menstrual issues, and a cruddy immune system I often have felt that my brain is trapped inside an unreasonable, irritating body.  I have never felt terribly healthy or strong.  Swallowing a handful or so of pills a day makes me self conscious as do some of the effects of the aforementioned list.

On July 18 that all changed.

On May 2 I had the beginning stretch of a series of nerve blocks to pinpoint and eliminate some of my migraine pain.  June 20 was the 2nd series.  They did less that time because I had tachycardia (fast pulse) and highish blood pressure.  I hadn't been feeling great since the first block.  When I went to my GP it was chalked up to a nasty sinus infection.  As my headaches cleared a bit after the antibiotics were started I would say that was part of the story.

But...

Not the whole story.

When my 2nd block series caused more side effects than the first I canceled round 3 and instead asked for an office visit.  At this point, I also scheduled a visit with my GP.  My GP drew some block thinking there was thyroid or adrenal problems.  That weekend I was breathless, tired, sweaty... plain not good.  Monday I canceled work.  I wanted to hear from my Dr.  I called.  Tests weren't back.  Thursday I called.  "I want an appointment before the weekend this is urgent" He was booked solid for Friday.  I beg.  Secretary looks and squeezes me into an 11 am cancellation.

I get to the office.  My pulse was higher than the week before.  I am hot, sweaty, tired, and out of breath.  Tests have come back normal except for one panel which had to be re-run and is not back yet.  I ask Dr for the safest route to getting an answer and it is decided I will go to the ER and have them run tests.  This way I have answers sooner and will not be in crisis without answers over the weekend.  I go home, pack some bags and head to the ER.  This is July 18.  The fatigue I would say started around the beginning of May.  It is hard to remember for certain.  All I know is that I haven't felt well for close to 3 months.

As I am early the ER is empty.  I am quickly triaged and given an EKG, pulse oxygen is assessed, and vitals are taken.  I am given to an ER Dr with some cardiology experience.  Blood is drawn, I am placed on oxygen, IV inserted, Saline added, Chest X-ray given.  Everything is normal.  ER calls my Dr to check in.  I am presenting fairly well so where do we go?  My GP helps the ER decide to send me to have a Spiral CT of my chest with contrast dye.  It is fast and like being in a sci-fi movie.

I am back for 10-15 minutes with Mom in my little room in the ER.  The Dr is excited.  An answer found.... Drum roll here.... "Your Dr did well, you didn't present typically at all.  It is good he sent you here..." Okay... answers thank God, answers.  You have multiple pulmonary embolisms in all sections of your lungs.  We are going to get you on some heparin and then get you admitted."  I am 31.  "You are very young so likely they will be doing some tests to find out why you had this happen as well as scheduling some tests to make sure your heart and veins look alright.  the nurse will be right in."