"Life is just like an old time rail journey ... delays, sidetracks, smoke, dust, cinders, and jolts, interspersed only occasionally by beautiful vistas and thrilling bursts of speed. The trick is to thank the Lord for letting you have the ride." Gordon B. Hinckley

Jan 22, 2009

What is happening to me?

I have had a lot of people wondering what is going on with me, so I decided I would update you on what I know. The problem is I don't have all the answers and I have been waiting to update you until I know everything, but at this point I am not sure I will ever know everything. :) This is what I have been told so far:

My liver function test, which is the liver blood test I have taken often is too high. My liver is not functioning normal and they don't know why. My liver went into liver failure when I had Kenna and it got better but now it is back to going bad again. This is still the problem the Doctors are trying to figure out and fast.

The cysts that I had are gone now and they were not the cause of my huge belly. The liver is making the belly big by the fluid it is putting out!

I am in a lot of pain in my whole abdomen but especially the right side. I have not noticed anything that trigors the pain and makes it worse or better. I do know that Ib profen, hot baths and heating pads are becoming good friends of mine.

I met with a liver specialist last week and he told me that the ducts to the pancreas, liver and gall bladder were blocked with stones and this was backing up the liver causing it to produce acid and toxins that were damaging the liver. They wanted to do surgery right then and remove the stones and remove my gall bladder because they said it was dead from not getting any blood supply, so they sent me to a surgeon.

The surgeon said that he wanted one more test to prove that the stones were there because he doesn't want to do surgery if he doesn't have too. He says I am high risk for surgery because I have scar tissue really bad, I make blood clots in places they shouldn't be, and my liver isn't functioning right. So he is a little concerned about operating on me. So I did what he asked and I had another test done today (I think I have done every test that I can possibly do now) I do not have the results yet the Dr. should call me tomorrow. I should have more answers then.

The Doctors told me that one of my test showed that I was full of stones that was blocking everything off, well...then the Surgeon told me they are wrong and the tests I had could not have shown that. So now I am back at square one again, I sure hope this test I had today gives them and me some answers and very soon I am not being very patient anymore.

If there aren't any stones like they said there was, then it is my liver that has problems and I am in big trouble. I hope and pray that it isn't my liver and this pain will go away very soon. I am hanging on tight and hoping for the best. I know it will work out for the best it just might not be what I want. I will keep you updated. Life is so fragile and I want to hang on to it for a lot longer, so I am trying really hard. Thank you for your love and support I have such good friends and family. I love you all.

17 comments:

Jenna said...

yikes, Natalie! I will keep you very much in my prayers night and day. I hate the waiting game with docotrs. I hope everything turns out the best was possible. Keep up the positive attitude. We are all pulling for you!

Rachel said...

Natalie, I had no idea you were so sick again. Reid did say that you were probably going to have to have your gall bladder taken out. I have been meaning to call you, I should have. I still will. I hope that you find out very soon. I am so sorry about your Grandfather, I hate cancer. I wish that they could find a cure for it. It looks like you guys had fun at Bear Lake- did you tip over any snow mobiles this year? That was so fun last year!

Anonymous said...

O sweetheart, I saw you the other day and you just aren't looking very good at all. You look so tired and worn out. And the color in your face reminds me of when I saw you after you had Makenna, I am worried about you. I am sorry about all this I know things will be okay it's just going to take some time. You have such a good family who is so wiling to help. I am thinking of you often. Love Ann

Michelle said...

Natalie,
I had no idea you were ill. That sounds scary and hard-- you really have a great attitude. Sorry that you are having difficulty-- will hope and pray for good news for you soon!

J-Babe said...

Oh Natalie! I hope you also get some answers and soon! It will be nice to actually know what is going on so they can work on fixing the problem. I will pray for you. Hang in there and never give up hope.

Amber said...

I am axious to hear how your tests went yesterday! I have been so worried about you. You have a lot of people who love you and are praying for you and I know things will work out. When this is all over you are going to look back and realize what a strong and amazing person you are to get through it.

I am so sorry about your Grandpa. I can relate to having wonderful Grandparents. It is hard to watch them age and get sick.

Chris and Monika said...

I hope things on your tests come back well. My prayers are with you and I am so sorry to hear about your Grandpa. Let me know if you need anything or just call me if you need someone to liste. Love you Nat!

Judy said...

Nan! I have been thinking about you all day. I hope and pray that it is tiny little stones! I loved your post about Grandpa. It is such a nice tribute. You are amazing. I hope you are feeling better. Let me know what you find out. I am so grateful that I have been blessed to have you in my life, (and all the Pasley's) I have learned so much from you. You are strong and faithful. You are in my prayers. Take care Kiddo!

Hanna in the Hizzzouse.. said...

I have been thinking about you a lot lately, and I was sad to read this on your blog. What more can you go through??? I hope that the test gives you the information you need to take the neccesary steps to recovery. Please, Please, Please let me know if I could help you in any way. I can make soup, watch the girls, you name it and I am there.Thank you for the update, and keep them coming. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

Camille said...

You are a very strong woman and I have no doubts that whatever this is, you will fight it and win. Thanks for the update. I have been worried about you!

Head Over Hills said...

What a scary and difficult time in your life right now. I am so sorry. I hope you get your test results quickly and that it will at least bring you some piece of mind. I'm sorry that you have to go through this. You and your family will be in my prayers.

Becky said...

I hope you get your answers soon! You're still in our prayers!

Unknown said...

hang in there and we will be praying for you to recover.

Jesse and Ashley Packer said...

Everything will be alright ;0) I have been thinking about you a lot lately! I will keep you in my prayers.

Lynn said...

Oh Natalie...I read that some women didn't even know you were ill. That just goes to show me that YOU are truly amazing. You just a so strong. You do what you can and go on living, just like you mentioned...like you are not sick at all. I was SO worried and wondering and I didn't want to bring it up each time, as I know ALL those questions just add to your frustrations of not having any answers. What a horrible "game" the doctors are playing back and forth....but I am so grateful that they are ALL trying hard to find some answers for you. Like Judy, I pray that it is just some tiny gall stones and they can remove them or they move out on their own. I pray for you every night. HAng in there! {Hugs}!!

Jay and Camille said...

Natalie, when I was reporting I did a story on foot zoneology. I learned that they can help "heal" your body by working on your feet. I know there are a couple in Idaho Falls. They might be able to make you feel better.
Several years ago my liver started to fail and they found out it was an allergic reaction to a medication I was on.
I really hope they can figure out what is happening to you. Please, keep us all posted.
LOVE YOU!

Anonymous said...

Natalie, thanks for keeping us all updated. I know everyone is wondering how you're doing but we don't want to bother you. I'm anxious to hear the results from this test. Hang in there, you're the strongest person I know. Please call me for anything.