The Mayo Clinic

 I know so many of you have been thinking and praying for me as I have dealt with my health issues throughout my life, but especially in the past year and a half. I am so thankful to my cousin Jessica for recommending I reach out to the Mayo Clinic to request an appointment, because I didn't even know you could do that. ;) I also am so thankful to her father for pulling the strings to get me in after I was initially denied (that was heartbreaking). I couldn't have done it all without your support, my rock of a husband and my Heavenly Father and Savior Jesus Christ. Thank you all. <3 

 The Mayo Clinic was a whirlwind of a week. I went in expecting to be busy with appointments, but I was not prepared for how exhausting it would be. I also went in with the expectation of getting life-altering answers that would require a lifetime of medications and treatment. I have been so horribly sick that I could only imagine the worst, so when I didn't get that... I was almost disappointed. But how can you be disappointed when everything is an easy fix? It took a good couple of days to accept the simplicity of the answers that I received, and now I couldn't be more grateful. 

 I have the details of the specialists I saw, the tests I did and my treatment plan below, but here's the sum of it all. I have what is called an evacuation disorder. Basically, I had to do this horrible test called an anorectal manometry... google it if you dare... which showed that my pelvic floor is too tight for me to have normal bowel movements. I have had issues with constipation since I was an infant, and I am floored that it took this long to figure something this simple out! Because of that I get backed up from the bottom up. It causes stomach pain and bloating, bacterial imbalances, acid reflux, a loss of appetite, weight loss, etc. So I will go to physical therapy for the next 3-6 months and that will be FIXED! 

 I have been diagnosed with Generalized Anxiety Disorder, which comes as no surprise. ;) I have been hesitant to start another anti-depressant because of how horrible my previous experiences have been. But I need that support in my life right now, and my doctor prescribed me mirtazapine... which causes an increase of appetite and weight gain, which I need... and also helps anxiety, so that's nice! lol After I graduate with my masters degree I will look more into Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) to help my anxiety. 

 I have low platelets from my nausea medication which I can't live without yet, so we're working on a solution for that. I have low vitamin B12 and zinc, so we are finding good supplements for those levels. I have high vitamin D which was surprising, so I'm taking a break from my current supplement and will start taking a lower dose next month. I am also attempting to eat 1800 calories a day... so wish me luck. ;) 

 I have a microadenoma pituitary tumor/prolactinoma which causes high levels of the hormone prolactin. I have known about this for about 2 years, and it is a fairly normal tumor, nothing too scary. This is contributing to an array of odd issues, but the worst is the breast pain and discharge, and I would not be able to get pregnant without taking medication. I have chosen to get this tumor removed. I experience uncomfortable side effects from the medication that I would have to take for the rest of my life, and right now just seems like the right time. I am double covered with insurance and both deductibles have been met! What a blessing! 

 We are doing more testing to look into worms, which could also be contributing to my stomach issues. I will have to take 3 stool samples a week for the next 3 weeks... so that'll be fun... ;) I will also be getting an ultrasound on my liver, where a small lesion was found. Those are common and often do not cause problems, but we want to be sure it is not an issue. 

 I do NOT have... dysautonomia, celiac disease, gastroparesis, irritable bowel disease, SIBO, lupus, fibromyalgia, nutcracker syndrome, and even more odd things my symptoms lined up with. 

 Thank you all again for your love and support throughout this journey. If you are struggling with your health, please know that you are not alone. It can be discouraging, frustrating and debilitating at times. If you are like me and haven't found any answers, Mayo Clinic is worth the shot!! All you have to do is call and request an appointment, it's about a 30 minutes phone call. I am so thankful that I had the courage to continue to fight for my health even when I was certain there was nothing more to fight for. 

Mayo Clinic - Rochester, MN (main campus) - 507-284-1101

Mayo Clinic - Scottsdale/Phoenix, AZ - 480-301-8240

Mayo Clinic - Jacksonville, FL - 904-953-1002

Mayo Clinic Children's Center - Rochester, MN - 855-629-6543

Specialists

    -Internal Medicine: Gail Boriel, M.B.B.S., M.P.H. 

    -Gastroenterology: Michael Camilleri, M.D.

    -Dermatology: Diana Vork, M.D. 

    -Nutrition: Bethaney Wescott, APRN, C.P.N., M.S.

    -Nutrition: Lindsey Parrill, M.S., RDN, LD

    -Endocrinology: Irina Bancos, M.D. 

    -Neurology: Brian Weinshenker, M.D. 

    -Nephrology and Hypertension: John Lieske, M.D.

    -Psychiatry and Psychology: Marin Veldic, M.D. 

    -Neurologic Surgery: Jamie Van Gompel, M.D. 

    -Obstetrics and Gynecology: Gayle Fosterling-Pearson 

Tests

    -30 vials of blood drawn

    -Overnight oximetry

    -Anorectal Manometry

    -Stool test

    -Urine test

    -GI Transit Scan 

    -Mammogram/Breast Ultrasound 

    -Liver Ultrasound (next month)

    -Endoscopy and Colonoscopy 

    -Autonomic Reflex Screen 

    -Brain MRI 

    -Prolactinoma Surgery (next month)

    -Worm stool samples (next 3 weeks)

Treatment Plan 

    -Pelvic floor physical therapy

    -Anti-depressant (for anxiety) - Mirtazapine (Remeron)

    -Supplements for zinc and vitamin B12

    -Treatment for worms (most likely)

    -Removal of microadenoma pituitary tumor/prolactinoma (6/15) 

    -6 month follow up of benign masses in my left breast 

    -Liver ultrasound to get a closer look at a small liver lesion