Thursday, August 20, 2009

The Case of the Curious Cough

When we saw the gasteroenterologist on Tuesday, he had a hard time understanding why we'd come to see him about Michael's cough. We explained that our GP had surmised that maybe Michael's cough/asthma was a result of acid reflux getting into his lungs and making him cough. Although skeptical, he decided to play along with us (thank goodness), and ordered an upper GI which Michael had done today.

Turns out that the doctor overseeing the procedure today confirmed that Michael most definitely has acid reflux. So, perhaps this nasty cough isn't related to the cancer after all. We'll get back to see Dr. D a week from Monday and see what he has to say then.

I was able to get Michael's CT scan, brain scan, and full-body bone scans scheduled for next week. We still need final approval on those referrals to the cardiologist and pulmonologist before we can make those appointments though. I think we'll call the medical group tomorrow and see what's up. In the meantime, he will have some blood work done tomorrow morning. All this in preparation for the HDIL-2 treatment.

I'm convinced the timing of the treatment is going to happen the week school starts. I could be wrong, but it just seems likely to me. I am trying very hard to get everything in my classroom ready for that possibility. Today I spent about 3 1/2 hours arranging furniture, moving class sets of textbooks from another classroom, and organizing my things. There's still so much to do. I'm sure it will get done, but it's overwhelming.

No matter. Monday I'm going to the spa! It's time for some much needed pampering. My neck and shoulders are so tight. All my stress has congregated there. Sigh...

5 comments:

Anonymous said...

Oh, I wish I lived closer to you. I miss setting up my classroom. I'd love to come and help you get yours ready. Seriously. Know that I am praying for you and your boobies, esp. the left one. :D
SO glad to hear that Mike's cough may have found its end! May you sleep peacefully, friend.

Shelley said...

Good for you!! You need a little pampering!

I'm not sure why I didn't connect the dots but I have to share that both my Mom and I suffer from acid reflux ...that causes us to cough during the night. Rich did too. My Mom and Rich take Protonix because the OTC stuff - Prilosec and Zantac don't work.

I take Prilosec but will be consulting with my GP when I go in for my check up in a couple of weeks. Cuz it ain't doing the trick all the time.

I am surprised at the gasteronenterologist's difficulty with understanding this. From what I hear, it's not that uncommon anymore.

Key for you guys ...eat at least 3 hours before bedtime. And don't let Michael sleep flat. Elevate the head and chest, if possible. And of course, watch foods that cause reflux. It'll make a big difference.

xo,

Shell

Shelley said...

BTW, my Mom's reflux was so bad, that her vocal chords had been burned from stomach acid.

We mistakenly thought she had a bad, hard to tackle lung infection. She was horse and coughing severely for months, and sometimes had no voice at all. And she never was able to sleep through the night because she coughed so hard and so often.

Once she got on the AR meds, the horseness disappeared. And eventually, she got her voice back. Now she has no problems at all.

Calico Sky said...

Joannah, I've just caught up. I'm so sorry that things were so hard with Michael's lack of energy and I'm glad you've been able to walk/cycle and have some better times. I'll be praying about your mammogram, most certainly a stress you really don't need.

(((hugs)))

Kayce said...

That curious cough was here in our house for over a year as well until Mike's dr. said it's from his acid reflux. Crazy the way the body works! We never put those two things together or ever would have thought to. Since he was treated for it, the cough is GONE!! Thank goodness! Sending you both some prayer filled hugs.