The Silver Lining

So, I think we have established that I have felt horrid for days now. Well, I am nearing the end of my antibiotic cycle for the E Coli that set up camp in my kidneys, and I wanted to make sure that I didn't need a second round considering the fact that I have felt progressively worse for days. So, I called the doctor's office. I really hate bugging them, but it isn't like I have any clue if I need more antibiotics or not, that's why they don't let amateurs prescribe drugs. When the nurse called me back, she asked what my symptoms were and I told her that I didn't have any of the "you need to call us if the following occur" symptoms but that I had been steadily more nauseated each day to the point where I was barely getting water in my system. When I talked to her I had barely gotten my bread and peanut butter in (I ate about half before giving up) and had been working on my first 20 oz of water all day (I am supposed to get 2-3 liters in) I had gone to work, and still wasn't able to stomach the thought of food so I hadn't eaten anything since about 6 am. I also was feeling weak and dizzy so I did an early afternoon check of my blood sugar when I got home. It was the highest number I had seen yet, so I mentioned it to her when we talked.

I then tried to eat some chicken soup and went to sleep because sleep is a powerful ally.

Flash forward to the afternoon, I am texting a few people and decide to text my love to see how his day is going. I mentioned that I was waiting to hear back from the doctor, but that if he wanted to get dinner that I was available. We have been trying to get together to celebrate my new job, but it just hadn't worked out time wise. We discuss what I would/could eat at the various places I mentioned I would go to, and I mentioned Huarache Chicken. There is a taqueria by my house that makes really good chicken. And he said that sounds so good. So we decided to go there. I was a bit nervous about trying to eat there because of the spices, but while I was waiting for him to escape the island, I got the call back from my doctor's office.

No need for the second round of antibiotics. Sounds like the infection has been contained, just finish the week so we kill it all.

Nausea? That is an unfortunate effect of the combination of antibiotic and my diabetes medication. Solution? Reduce diabetes medication by half per day until antibiotics are finished then re-up the dose. I was a little stunned. I asked even though my sugar is so high? She told me that the doctor was actually really happy with the number I had given her because it was such an improvement over the blood test that got me diagnosed in the first place. I pointed out that it was markedly higher than the numbers I had seen the rest of the week. She told me that was really good and not to worry too much about them. In fact, they told me not to bother testing until I finish the antibiotics. THIS may be one of the highlights of my day (other than finally getting to see my love) I don't have to do the finger poking nonsense for two whole days! Woohoo! (It almost makes me wish I had gotten the second week of antibiotics ;) )

It helped me to feel that my hard work is going to be noticed when it is time to check my A1C (average of your blood glucose levels over a three month period of time) levels again. If he was happy with a number that is way higher than the average numbers I have been seeing, then wait til we see the results. I have made so many drastic changes to my lifestyle and everything else, that if it didn't look like it had made a difference, I know I would be devastated. Seriously, I have basically lost 20 pounds and eat way healthier than I ever have before in my life. Which are all good changes, but I am making what feel like painful sacrifices in the interest of my long term health, and there are days when I don't like it at all.

As always, I was told to please call them if I need anything (I know my doctor and his staff have always been awesome, but since discussing the mental health issues with him, they have all been extra kind and sweet to me) It helps me feel less annoying (I hate bugging them so often) when they are so nice to me. After the last visit (the one with the melt down) I got a very nice email from them and I seriously have to wonder how people with less awesome physicians deal with major life changes. I know if all of this had been going down with any of my previous doctors, I would have been completely out of luck, they would prescribe drugs and send me on my way, but would not have gone out of their way to make sure I am getting the level of care that this doctor is ensuring I get. It's just another sign that God has my back, even when I am oblivious.

I then met up with my love for dinner and we had a lovely time. I ate my chicken and it is still sitting pretty well. I was a little nervous about how I was going to handle my carb nemeses (nemesi?)  Chips and tortillas, but I let myself have a couple (seriously like 3 chips) and asked the waitress not to bring tortillas. Problem solved. I had my yummy chicken, some grilled onions, salad and my carb of the meal was beans. mmmmm. It was tasty and seems to be sitting okay. I hope it stays sitting nicely because I got a text from my supervisor while I was walking to the restaurant.

He wanted to check on me because I headed out of work so quickly this afternoon because I felt so awful. I had originally asked if I could not work tomorrow because of how I have been feeling. But I told him that I thought I had a solution to the problem and that I could come in for parcels in the morning but if that changed, I would let him know by 7 am. I really like having enough money to do things and pay bills so I am hoping that the plan for me to go in sticks.

Food:
Breakfast: As much standard breakfast as I could stomach (not much)
Lunch: Chicken soup and water (26 g)
Dinner: Chicken, Onions, salad and frijoles, sour cream and guac. 3 chips  Iced tea (unknown but not stressing it) (also my stomach seems to be happier already maybe it really wanted guacamole?)

And that's all for today. I am heading to bed shortly, even though it is early yet.