Thursday, January 26, 2006

Good news

To all of you who kept me in your thoughts yesterday, thank you!
It worked.
The results of my blood test show that my calcium level has dropped to 10.8, from 12.7. My endocrinologist, who contacted me by e-mail, was ecstatic. I could feel her enthusiasm through the keyboard.
My calcium level now is considered on the high end of normal, perhaps slightly abnormal. These levels are pulsatory in nature, which means that a blood test tomorrow could yield a higher result, or a lower one. It's overall trends that doctors consider important, rather than any single result. But a significant dip such as the one I experienced is cause for happiness and guarded optimism. A trend in this direction would be cause for rejoicing.
I don't know if I mentioned this in a previous post, but in the past I would get so worked up over these test results that waiting for them became an almost unbearable ordeal. I would drive my doctors and their staffs crazy with my phone inquiries. I would drive myself crazy, too.
I know now what it must be like for people on trial to await word of their fate, life or death.
I recently told my doctors that I want to be informed of the results only if I need to know, so that the dosage of my medication can be adjusted accordingly, or other medication needs to be added.
If I don't hear from them, that's good news.
Today's result was unusual, hence the e-mail.
My endocrinologist doesn't want to see me again for a month.
Until then, one foot in front of the other, one moment in its time.

11 comments:

Anonymous said...

Michael, that's wonderful news. :) I am so happy for you.

Jean said...

Great news. I'm sitting here thinking that it's kind of weird, but nice, how thrilled I am for you :-)

The written word, when it comes from the heart, is a wonderful thing.

Michael said...

Hello Everyone,

Thanks for all your good wishes!
I'm unsure what caused the drop in my calcium level, and I think my doctors would be a little puzzled about it as well, if I were to ask them. I'm sure the increased dose of my existing medication had something to do with it, as did all the good wishes that were directed my way (I truly think there's something to that).
Anyway, rather than ask questions, I'm going to bask in the results, and hope things continue this way.

Michael said...

Thanks, Anu! I'm enjoying this respite. :)

Kim said...

OH MY GOD! this is GREAT news, worthy of capital letters! i am so happy to hear this. i was worried. you must feel great.

Michael said...

Hi Kim,

Thank you! Yes, I'm relieved, and a little better prepared for whatever the roller coaster may do next...

Michael said...

Thanks, crosshatched!

LBseahag said...

Awesome, Michael :)

You are truly a miracle. Thanks for letting us be part of it!

Michael said...

Hi LB,

It's only a miracle BECAUSE everyone is involved. I am truly blessed.

Lone Wolf said...

Thanks Michael. I want to start taking photos. I have to be careful not to envy you with your abilites in writing and Photography.

Michael said...

Hi Lone Wolf,

You have wonderful abilities of your own! You're very wise.