Yucky Side Effects

Since so few people read me, I can discuss my yucky stuff that people have asked about, but I've avoided answering at times. As most of you know, I had a hysterectomy nearly a year ago. When you go in for surgery, the docs like to list the gazillion things that could go wrong or conditions that could develop post-op. It's always a joy. What's more fun, is when you actually do develop three out of the gazillion possible conditions. This is what happened to me two months into my recovery. One of the conditions (UB) really doesn't effect me, whereas another one (VB) can flare up and cause some problems periodically. At my last treatment, I was 90% healed. Yes, not only do I get to suffer the conditions, but also their "fun" treatments. The treatment for VB is rather unpleasant and I'm hoping to be 100% cured quickly.

The final condition, we'll call UI. It has been the bane of my existence. Apparently some women just develop this condition, which can readily be treated with meds. So I tried med #1, which was supposed to be the best on the market. It takes three months for the med to kick in, but I immediately developed an uncomfortable side effect. The meds never fully worked and the side effect got so bad I was taking OTC meds daily for the side effect. Then the meds gave out and I was fully symptomatic, plus I was wretchedly sick from the side effect that even OTC medicine no longer helped.

Now we're on med # 2. Some of the same side effects, but they haven't escalated yet, but I've developed some new ones as well, such as hot flashes. Joy! I would like to experience menopause when the time is right, which isn't now. But, wait for it, my condition still hasn't abated.

Now, how bad is the UI? Is it worth all this trouble? Yes! The UI effects my daily life and stress can increase my symptoms. I enjoy the vicious cycle of having a flare up, getting stressed over the flare up, and then getting worse with no reprieve in sight. My favorite aspect of my job is giving tours or presentations, but I go fully symptomatic due to the stress involved in these activities. I've learned to plan and revolve my life, as best as I can, around the UI, but obviously it still dominates my life.

So at this point, I have an evaluation in May to see where we're at, which is no where in my opinion. I think we need to try another medication, which means another round of side effects. I no longer chuckle when I see those commercials that list the hundreds of possible side effects to a prescription drug, since I'm now one of those experiencing the pain of it.

P.S. To add to this discussion, we have two groups in today and we've been running 3-4 deep in line at the desk. I've struggled with what to do. When I'm in the middle of a question and can't retract, plus there are people waiting, but I have to leave the desk to "take care of personal things," I end up staying at the desk which physically hurts me along with causing an "episode." I'm not sure how to best handle the situation. It's hard to walk away in these situations much less pull away from the customer. Today's example, I was literally trapped at the desk for 1.5 hours, so there was no way I could wait it out. And this is the beginning of group season where this situation will keep happening. And I wonder why I'm frustrated.