Sketches of a Bipolar Girl: Tis the Season

 

I'm afraid I've reached the end of my tether. I go from being angry to caring about nothing. I've been yelling at the animals for no reason. I'm tired all the fucking time. It's that time. It's autumn. 

I like fall, I really do. The air is cool and crisp. There's a light breeze. I also dread it. I get depressed in the fall. It's seasonal affective disorder. I've never been diagnosed with it, but I know enough to know that the dark skies in the morning have a negative affect on me. I want to hibernate like some kind of bear. 

I cocoon myself at night, wrapped in fuzzy blankets and blotting out the light in the bedroom. My bed becomes my cave and I long to be cozy. However, I don't like waking up in the dark. It's hard to get started. I usually can't do too much in the morning during fall and winter. I wake up tired and want nothing more than to go back to bed. 

I become irritable and quick to temper. Lately, I've also had some paranoia. I keep thinking that people are talking about me. What people, I don't know. It's not like I know anybody. It's just the 3 of us. April and Erica still have their side conversations without me. When they do that, I feel angry, and I curse them in my mind. I know it's irrational because I didn't feel this way in the spring or summer time. I was pretty much upbeat all summer. Now, everything seems to get on my nerves. 

I started to talking to a guy on line, but have ignored him for about a week. I just don't care. I got tired of trying to be okay with the fact that I never talk to him on the phone. The more I thought about the more my mind convinced me he was some kind of romance scammer. I've made it a point of telling him that I am poor. I texted him today that I've been in the hospital that's why he hadn't heard from me. Quite frankly, I've compartmentalized him into a part of my mind for absurdities. I want a guy who is real and close by. Then again, I don't think I want to be with anyone at all. 

I'm 60 years old for God's sake. Entirely too old to play games. If you want me, here I am. I'm not chasing you. Actually, I don't mind being a spinster. I'll just get another cat and call it a life. I filled out a mortgage application. I don't know why. I don't know if I really want a house. I like the idea of owning a house, but who wants to deal with repairs and taxes. There's a lot that goes into the upkeep of a house. I don't even have the energy to paint one, let alone fix something. I suppose I'll buy a house if I ever win the lottery. That's the only way it will happen. 

God, I wish we could open the windows. It's so stuffy in here. I'm hot. I also want another cigarette. Yes, I started smoking again. Only 3-5 cigarettes a day. It helps me concentrate. It also relieves my anxiety. I'm anxious about school. My classes are okay. History is more interesting than my English class. She has us reading some dumb shit that's supposed to be funny or at least humorous. The stories are NOT funny to me. I think my humor is different than most people. It takes a lot to make me laugh. I chuckle from time to time, but mostly I just don't get it. As a result I'm only getting a C, and the thing is, I really don't care. I'm taking classes next semester and in the summer, but I hope that's the end of my core requirements. The state of Georgia forces you to take American history courses. Somethings have been really interesting. Mostly all it's done is make me dislike the settlers of the Americas a great deal. They came over here thinking they had the right to the land and the fortunes. The nearly destroyed the indigenous peoples that were here, hijacked there land and corrupted their cultures. 

I can see why conservatives are against teaching about race. The out and out criminal way they treated Africans with the Atlantic Slave trade was nothing less than an abomination. Africans were literally stolen people. How they can deny it is beyond me. 

I'm depressed. There, I said it. I want to go to bed. However, I keep trying to do productive things. I have it in my head that I at least have to try to live. Soon the holidays will be here. Unless, I plan carefully, there won't be any money for Christmas. I don't know what to get anyone anyway. Tis the season motherfuckers. Happy whatever. 

B   

Sketches of a Bipolar Girl: A Little Talk with Jesus

 

Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed it be Thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the kingdom, the power and the glory, forever and ever, Amen. 

Dear Lord, 

First I want to thank you for waking me up this morning, even though I was awaken by a four-legged black and white fur ball at 5: 45 AM. I was having a nightmare anyway, so I can't say I really mind. I'm having trouble sleeping this week. I'm very tense. As a result I've been smoking again. I only smoke 3 a day, but still, it's not a good thing. I'm asking You to take this stress from my heart and restore my joy in everyday things. 

I ask that you heal my body and spirit. I feel a little far from you this week. I was good for a few days. I went to Mass last Saturday morning. I felt refreshed and renewed. Then I did my budget for the next 2 weeks. I became tense and down-trodden. I don't know what to do, Lord. I need a financial blessing. I have been praying for a promotion to level 2 advocate. I have been told that I'm going to get it, but that was back in August. Still, I have not been enrolled in training classes, even though we have a new hire class going on right now. 

I ask that you look after my family. Heal my sister from her Parkinson's disease. Help Erica with her stress at work. Give her a glad heart and heal her soul. I ask that you give my brother a glad heart. I would love to see him sometime soon. Please give him some time off from work to come down for a visit. I ask that you bless him for his continued generosity towards me. He has bailed me out so many times. 

I ask you for guidance. Please lead me on the path of a life that glorifies you. Help me to be more like you. Let me approach everything I do with the love of Jesus in my heart. I thank You for letting me keep my job. I don't deserve the grace they have given me. 

Lord, I feel like everyday is a new struggle, and not just a chance to get closer to you. I pray that you continue to give me the strength to deal with each call as a compassionate person. Sometimes, I feel that I am flying by the seat of my pants. Help me be confident and do everything with kindness and empathy. 

I give all the glory to you Lord. I ask that you continue to bless me and all of my family and friends. Look after us, shine Your light upon all of us, and lead us in the direction of righteousness. Let us walk with the Lord in our hearts, and do all things through Christ. 

You are a deliverer, a healer, a strong fortress, a friend, a heavy load bearer, and confidant. I praise you, Lord, now and forever. I ask all things in Jesus holy name. Amen. 

Peace, Joy, Love - Bebe

Sketches of a Bipolar Girl: Tired of Being

 

I am sick. I don't feel well. I went to the dentist yesterday for a simple root canal. The dentist had trouble drilling out one of my roots. Anyway, it hurt. It hurt a lot. It also triggered an autoimmune response. I got a fever on 101, and my whole body hurt. I was supposed to work yesterday, and I was prepared to work, but I couldn't. I was in pain. So I called out. Mistake #1. I woke up very dizzy today, and had blood coming from my left ear. I was very dizzy and confused. I could barely speak I was so tired. So, I called out again. Mistake #2. I called the doctor and made an appointment for today. Mistake #3. Why was that a mistake, because the doctor didn't see anything, that's why. No blood, no infection, no problem with my ear. I am now sitting here questioning my sanity and seriously considering my life and where it is going. 

I am sick, but no one seems to believe me when I don't feel well. Not my family, not the doctors no one. Ok, maybe my gastroenterologist believes me as she is the one that diagnosed the sarcoidosis. But no one else. Whenever I see any other doctor, they do bloodwork and say they see nothing wrong. They make me feel like I am making it up when I say I don't feel right. I don't feel well most days, but I convince myself to just go through with the day anyway, even though I really just want to go to bed and sleep for a long time. 

I've been faking it for quite a while now. No one seems to care or notice. I don't know why I seem to care. My sister has never been one to notice if I am sick. She always looks at me and says in a very discouraging tone, what's the matter with you? As if that's going to make me open up and tell her what's wrong. If I tell her I don't know, I get the look. The look that's just saying get it together. No one seems to appreciate the fact that I just get tired of living sometimes. Like now. I'm tired of trying. I'm tired of putting on the happy face and the bright tone at work. I would like to have a job where I just didn't have to interact with people. But, I suppose everyone has to interact sometimes. 

When I try to explain what I mean to my family, they are just like, everyone is tired. Everyone feels the same way, but you just have to do it. What if I don't want to just do it? What if I just want to lay down for a while? What if I just drive off into the sun one day and tell you all to go fuck yourselves? What if I do that? Then what will you fucking do? Who you going to blame for all of your problems then if I'm not here to be my old unreliable self? FUCK FUCK FUCK FUUUUUCCCCCCKKKKK!!! 

Right now, I hate you all and I don't care if you know it. I'm tired and I'm sick. I'm not crazy either. It isn't all in my mind. I've never felt clearer. I'm just tired of being. 

Sketches of a Bipolar Girl: Time Moves on

 

Today moved very slowly. But, I had a startling thought today. I have been waiting my whole life. Waiting for what? I don't know, but I always figured I had enough time to figure it out and go for it. Well, it occurred to me today on my fifth trip to the bathroom that I am running out of time. I suppose I should say yesterday, since it's almost 3 am. Today is the 3rd of October. It's eight weeks until Thanksgiving. It may seem far away, but it seems like yesterday that I had my 60th birthday. 

Time is passing me by quickly. What have I been waiting for? I've been waiting for a romantic love. I've never truly been in love despite my attempts at it. Therefore, I've never had a long term relationship. I've been waiting for a family of my own. That's not going to happen because of the cruel biological joke on women called menopause. So, I have cat. She loves me in spite of myself. I love her madly. I've been trying to get my bachelors degree. I haven't been too stagnant about that. I am back in school for the last time. I'm waiting to do things until I have enough money, but unless I am doused with money, that's going to be a long wait. I have so many dreams, like being an actress, but I need money to start. I know I'd be great at it. But, I need help. I've tried to ask Erica, but every time I ask her a question she gets this look on her face that tells me that I am bothering her. 

I was supposed to be going to Italy this year. I made plans for it on my 55th birthday. I am still trying to get out of the state of Georgia. It will cost about $1500 and I currently have $0.57 in my savings account. I owe about $4500 in bills. Every month's rent is a question mark about paying on time. The rest of the bills are kind of pay as I have it. I do have housing instability. 2 paychecks missed and I'm on the street, well maybe a hotel, but still no permanent address. I'm due for my raise soon. It's an additional $500 per month. Maybe I can finally catch up to things. Hopefully, I will. 

The cats go to the vet on Saturday, so I have that to deal with, maybe it won't cost as much as I fear. I do have finally approval on what things are done. Zaybra has a new food, Smalls. It really help clear up her skin. She doesn't scratch as much and her poops are not toxic. The food is expensive, but it's worth it. Zelda doesn't like it. So, she has her own food, Nulo. Kyber is the only one that's not finicky. Don't get me wrong, his food is expensive too. He needs more kibble. All three of them need to get a job. 

Soon, the holidays will be upon us. I'm hoping to get some rest on my days off. I use up my PTO as fast as I earn it. There are some people at work that have 3 weeks accrued. How they can show up everyday is beyond me. I've never been able to do it. Not in my whole life. I've always taken time off at least once or twice a month, even in high school. I keep telling people I was meant to be a housewife. 

I like to think I'm independent. Maybe I was once, but I don't want to be independent. I want to be a dependent. I want someone to claim me on their taxes and expect a clean home, a pretty wife and a hot dinner ready when he comes home. I can do that. I'd be great at that. In the mean while, time waits for no one. I've got maybe 20 years before I croak. I guess I better start living and stop waiting. Before you know it the parade will have passed by and I'll be standing on the corner looking stupid. 

Peace - B

Sketches of a Bipolar Girl: Excuse me? I have What?!

 

Well, I finally got all of the results back for all my tests. I do not have fatty liver disease. I do not have NASH or MASH. I do not have cirrhosis of the liver. My liver is not failing or anything stupid like that. What I do have is autoimmune hepatitis and sarcoidosis. I have what? I have sarcoidosis which is an autoimmune disease that causes granulomas to form in mostly connective tissues in your body. For me, these granulomas have formed in my liver. They have triggered an autoimmune response causing me to form antibodies which in turn are attacking my liver. Hence, the chronic hepatitis. 

Is there a cure, well no. I can try to change my diet if I can figure out what triggers the autoimmune response. Sarcoidosis is a chronic nasty little disease that a person can have for years. It normally affects the lungs. So, I need to have a chest x-ray to take a look in my chest cavity to see if any granulomas are forming. 

Since it's an autoimmune disease, I'm seeing a rheumatologists since they deal with it a lot. I found a doctor on Zocdoc that specializes in sarcoidosis. I see her on October 21. I've also been trying to get in touch with the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, FL to see if I can get an appointment for a workup. I have a feeling some of my meds are contributing to some of my problems, and I am not sure if they are all still working for my benefit. For instance, I have been craving chocolate, but not just any chocolate, M&Ms, which do not really raise my blood sugar all that much which is surprising since I've been popping them like, well like candy.  I thinks it's the serotonin and dopamine I'm craving. 

I'm not sure of what kind of treatment I can get if any. The most common treatment is corticosteroids but I can't take steroids because they cause my blood sugar to skyrocket. Dr. Raina mentioned a medication but I couldn't find it. Anyway, she told me to follow up with my PCP or a pulmonologist. I decided to go to a rheumatologist. 

So how do I feel about it? I don't know I was very surprised when I heard the news. I guess I'm glad I don't have some dreaded liver disease, but I'm a little miffed that I have something that will cause me to suffer later on in life. I guess I should admit it. I'm depressed. I didn't do any school work last week, so I failed last weeks quizzes. I should be doing that right now, but I'm having a great deal of motivational issues. I don't really care. Right now I'm more depressed because my eyesight is going downhill. For the past 2 weeks I've had really blurry vision. I can only see if I wear my glasses. It's 2.5 magnification, and without them I can't see the screens and even watching TV is blurry. I got so bad I called my eye doctor and went in for an urgent visit. my right eye is 20/40 and my left eye is 20/70. I'm not exactly sure what that means, but it is upsetting. 

I'm turning into an old lady and I'm not ready. My joints pop, and I have mysterious aches and pains. I'm just not ready to deal with my mortality right now. I'd rather live in my bubble of make believe and keep thinking that I'm about 35 years old. Why can't I? 

Sketches of a Bipolar Girl: Come to Me My Melancholy Baby

 

It's been a little over a week since I got my diagnosis. I've had time to sit with it and reflect. What is my reaction to the whole thing? Mostly, it's What the fuck? I have looked over my life and how I have or have not taken care of myself. I think that my 6 suicide attempts and years of taking pills have caught up with me. I have ruined my body's disposal. 

The liver filters out all the toxins in your body. It would seem that I have overloaded the system and caused some liver damage. It's rather ironic, that now that I am content in my own skin and want to do something with my life, I may end up killing myself after all. 

I suppose I could say that the whole thing is bringing me down. On top of that, I haven't been able to keep my blood sugar under control. It's been in the 300s or even 500. I haven't been eating sugar or a lot of carbs, so I don't know what it's from. I'm tired all the time. I think I have a UTI. My bladder hurts, and I have to pee like 10 times a day. As a result, I'm dehydrated. I don't want to see the doctor again. I'm sick of doctors. 

My liver biopsy is scheduled for Sept. 16th. I have to admit I'm nervous. It's not as quick and easy as I thought. They take several pieces of the liver, not just one. Also, I'm going to be sedated. I didn't think it was that complicated. I guess I've been in a bit of denial. 

I keep telling myself that this won't kill me, but the I think of Grandmom and Aunt Berta. Especially Aunt Berta. She got sick so suddenly, and then she was gone. I don't want to die like that. I'd prefer to get killed by a lion. It's my spirit animal, so I feel it would be appropriate. 

I've had enough of this day already and it's on 6 am. Today is going to be a melancholy day. I wish I could take the day off. I just want to stay in bed. Oh, I met someone on Tik Tok. At least I think I've met someone. He may be a bot. I'm not quite sure. But that's another conversation. 

Peace - B

Sketches of a Bipolar Girl: Now I know

 

I had my appointment with my gastroenterologist today. It was my follow up to my lab tests and my Fibroscan that I had done on the 13th. The long and short of it. I have stage 2 liver disease. I am having a liver biopsy in a couple of weeks to determine the extent of liver damage. So, there it is. I have my answer to all this terrible aches and pains and the horrible fatigue. 

After six months of doctor visits and experiencing abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting and fever, during which time I was told countless times they didn't see anything, I finally have a diagnosis. So, I feel a great deal of relief. I am not crazy. There is something wrong with my body. Not only do I have liver disease, but my body is making antibodies that are attacking my liver cells. Which means I have an autoimmune disease. 

So let's add it all up, shall we? I have bipolar disease, anxiety disorder, insomnia, diabetes 2, irritable bowel syndrome, high blood pressure and now liver disease. I must tell you, I'm a little miffed. I'm not exactly sure what to do. Diabetics have a special diet, bowel issues have a special diet, and now liver disease has a special diet. I've been eating fruits and vegetables, but that's not too great for my diabetes because fruits have sugar, I can't eat a lot of protein because my body can't process it correctly. I'm just going to live on rice crispies and bananas. But I don't think I can do that. Maybe I'll just start smoking again! Sike!! I wouldn't do that. I really have to call the dietician so I can figure out what to eat. Right now, seems all I can manage is toast. I can't even eat butter anymore, I have to use Earth Balance spread. It's good so I'm not complaining. 

I think I'm still in shock a bit. The liver biopsy is just a routine procedure to get a better idea of the next steps in treatment. I have to wait until the hospital calls to schedule the appointment, which won't be until Tuesday or so, because it's Labor Day weekend. My sister, God Bless her, researched the procedure and sent me a video. It did ease some of my anxiety. I told April, Erica, Sean and Jerald about it. I also sent a text to or family matriarch, Aunt Delores. My brother asked for clarification, but haven't heard much from Erica or Sean. I'm going to call my Aunt Gloria tomorrow. I posted on Facebook, and all my friends are praying for me. So, that's nice. 

Oh well, so now I know. I'm glad I know, but with it came questions of my mortality. The doctor told me I'm on tracked for cirrhosis in 3.9 years which then leads to failure. However, the time table isn't exact. Anyway, I think I'll go watch something stupid on TV. Something to get me out of my head. I'm listening to music right now. Too bad it's dark outside already. I'd like to go for a walk. 

This isn't exactly what I wanted for my 60th birthday. I gotta hurry and save my coins. I need to get to Italy sooner rather than later. 

Peace, Joy, Love - Queen B  

Sketches of a Bipolar Girl: If I was a Man, It'd be a Different Story

 

So, I was sick again last week. Same old Abdominal pain and nausea. I put up with it on Monday, Tuesday and part of Wednesday. I had to take off early because I was sick and pissed off at the world. My calls were suffering. I could not have cared less about those phones if I tried. 

Thursday, I ended up in the Emergency room because I felt terrible and I had a slight fever, and my fingers were slightly yellow. Anyway, after 2.5 hours in the ER, I came home no better and more pissed off. They did a urinalysis, negative. They ran blood tests, on of my liver enzymes was elevated but other than that, negative. The did a CT scan, didn't see anything. Now, mind you I told them about my family history. But, as I was told, we didn't see anything that would be causing your pain. Okay, so I'm just some lonely, crazy old black lady. There's nothing wrong with me. Okay, so this abdominal pain is nothing, my breaking into a sweat for no apparent reason is nothing. My being extremely cold and then hot as hell is nothing. My insomnia is nothing. The fact that my mother went undiagnosed for 6 months before you found her tiny adenocarcinoma in her gut is nothing. The fact that my Aunt Berta's liver just gave up and quit on her for no apparent reason is nothing. 

I know I'm overweight. I know I have diabetes, and God knows I know I'm bipolar. But I'm not just going through menopause. There is something wrong in my gut. I'm tempted to go to the Mayo Clinic and get  work up, but I can't afford it money or time wise right now. If I get a full workup and nothing is found, then I'll just chaulk it up to me being nuts. But, right now I have acid reflux. I think I some pills around here somewhere. 

If I were a man, they would have done more for me. If I had someone with me, they might have done more. But as it stands, I'm just a hysterical female. Sexism in medical care is nothing new. It's been happening since the beginning of medicine. Women were just thought to be the weaker sex, and prone to hysteria. They really and truly used to send women to the doctor and a doctor would bring them to orgasm, and suddenly the women would be released from their emotional turmoil. Until the next appointment anyway. I try to be my own advocate. But I'm just so tired of everything. 

I don't see the gastroenterologist until the 29th. so I have to wait until then to find out the results of all my scans and tests etc. She'll probably tell me some bullshit. Lose weight, exercise, blah blah. That's all well and good, but what does that have to do with this pain? I wish someone would tell me something. Shit, tell me anything. Just don't say there's no reason for my pain. If I were a man, it would be different. If I was a man, I'd have a complete workup. If I were a man, they'd listen. 

Sketches of a Bipolar Girl: Happy Birthday, Queen

 

Enough with all my aches and pains! Today is a day for celebration. Today is my birthday. I am 60 years old at 1:20 pm. I was delivered by scheduled c-section at Parkview Hospital in Philadelphia, PA. That means something to astrologers. I know that I am a true Leo. 

So, what have I learned in my 60 years of life. Well, for one thing, I am most certainly enough. In fact, I am a lot, more than enough. I'm finally doing things that benefit me, and taking care of myself. While, I still do things for others, I am no longer the people pleaser starving for attention and love. I have learned, especially the last 5 years, that I am a caring, compassionate, loving, kind and intelligent human being. I have learned to give for my own satisfaction, no longer for expectation. I have learned that kindness, even in it's simplest expression can have a real impact on someone's day. I have ;earned to share my joys with the world through actions. Don't get me wrong, I am still a dreamer and wisher of things, but those things no longer consume me. I am grateful now. 

I didn't used to be grateful. I was angry and worried. I was angry at the world for constantly throwing obstacles in way. I would wallow in self-pity and fall into depression. My anxieties would overcome me and paralyzed with fear, I would do nothing. I blamed the world for that. My worries would take me down dark roads full of fear and mistrust. I didn't trust anyone especially not myself. I hated being alone. I was waiting for the proverbial knight on his gallant steed to gallop in and rescue me from my life. Needless to say, he never came. I had to rescue myself. 

It was a hard lesson to learn, but a necessary one. Without learning to love, honor and cherish myself, I am sure I would be dead. I say that in all seriousness. There were times that I wanted to die. I tried to snuff out my existence. I was a truly miserable person. The enemy was winning. 

However, I had to crawl out of that deep dark hole. It took everything I had. It took years of falling backward, and crawling forward to make it out, but I finally did. It was purely by the grace of God that I am alive. I acknowledge that. I know that he has some kind of purpose for my life. So, I took a vow, I would remain here on earth and try my best. God will show me what he wants me to do, and I will follow. It's quite simply a matter of faith. I never had faith before. I do now. 

I normally have a name for the year of my birth or the new year. I didn't name 2025. But I will name the remainder of 2025 for my birthday. It is The Year of Actuality. It is the year that all of my dreams and hopes will begin to take shape and I will live my life accordingly. I am, for example, not no longer wishing I had my degree, I am pursuing it. I am no longer hoping for a promotion, but am making strides to get it. I am actually writing a book, instead of dreaming about writing. Albeit, the one book is taking a long time, I recognize that I am telling my truth, and that takes time. It will get done this year, and it will great. 

I call myself a queen. It is not out of arrogance. It is a matter of necessity. I am a queen. I have no king, but that's okay. He'll come eventually. I'm ready. I ready for all kinds of adventures. I need to get my passport. I've decided to go to Italy after I graduate. It is my gift to myself. I will probably go alone. Who knows, I might meet a dashing Italian man. HA! There goes my imagination again. Oh well, at least I haven't lost the ability to dream. 

Happy birthday, Queen. Many happy returns. May the next 365 days be all that you hope and wish for. 

Peace, Joy, Love - B

Sketches of a Bipolar Girl: Do I Really Want to Know?

 

So, I went to the doctor. This was a visit to my primary care doctor, not one of my specialists. I had my visit to my gastroenterologists a week or so ago. She had prescribed Linzess as I now have irritable bowel syndrome on top of everything else. I saw my primary doctor because I got sick for  week, and I wasn't feeling to great. She ran a bunch of blood tests. 

I got the results from my enhanced liver profile that my gastroenterologist ordered. It was not good. I had a score of 11.94. Which is a number that basically means my liver function is not good. I have something called a Fibroscan on Wednesday. 

My primary doctor ordered an ultrasound of my abdomen which I had done this past Friday. It went okay except that it hurt when they pressed down on the area of my liver. It feels enlarged or something. That part of my belly sticks out. Anyway, I started looking things up and the possibilities kinda suck. I could have liver cancer, that's the worst case scenario. I definitely have fatty liver disease. However, I may have something called MASH, which is a metabolic dysfunction of the liver. It causes all of the symptoms I've been having. I have to change my diet and lose weight. So, what else is new? It may have progressed to the cirrhosis stage. I'm sure I have liver damage. The scan on Wednesday will indicate how much. Hopefully the ultrasound I had on Friday will help diagnose my illness as well. 

I am not too happy about all this because Aunt Berta wasn't sick until she was in liver failure. A month or so later she died. Grandmom died from hepatic failure as well. So, liver disease runs in my family, so I am plenty nervous. I felt pretty good today, but I still got tired just doing some run of the mill chores like my laundry. I am feeling pretty detached lately. Part of it is the fact that I am turning 60 next Sunday, but mostly I've been thinking of my mortality. 

April finds out if she definitely has Parkinson's on Monday afternoon. She has all the markers for it. I think it's just a matter of finding out what stage she is. She's probably in middle of stage 1. At least I hope so. God only know what stage of liver disease I'm in right now. 

Life is kicking our asses right now. But still I'm trying to keep my head up. I didn't get any emails or anything telling me I've been fired, and I sent my supervisor my note from the doctor. I guess I'll find out more on Monday. I want to post for the advocate class. Arlita reminded me that I took level 1 and 2 calls when I was on the ERS team. I know I can handle it. I just have to keep my ass in the desk chair everyday. I'll post on Monday. I need the money. 

Well, I guess that's all. So much is happening right now, it's kind of overwhelming. That would normally have me hiding in bed watching the Flintstones. However, I made a promise to myself and my family that I wouldn't give up. So here I am all persevering and shit. 

I am supposed to hear about my labs this week. But with all the possible outcomes, it will most likely be bad news. So,  I ask myself, do I really want to know? Not really. What I really want is to win the Powerball. That and to talk to my mom. Mostly my mom. 

Sketches of a Bipolar Girl: Something is Wrong with Me

 

There's something wrong with me. I've been sick for the past 4 days. I had these weird red spots in the back of my throat. I started gargling with warm salt water and taking ibuprofen and cold medicine, but I haven't gotten any better. Sunday, Monday and Tuesday I had a fever of 100.5. While I know that's not trip to the emergency room, I don't get fevers. I've been so cold, but sweating like a pig at the same time, especially at night. The worse thing is the body aches and the fatigue, the overwhelming, debilitating fatigue. 

I spent all of Sunday and Monday in bed trying to rest. My throat isn't scratchy, and my nose isn't running. So, it's not a cold or sinus infection. I don't know what it is. I saw my endocrinologist yesterday, and I got a prescription for a z-pack. I've been taking it, but it is giving me diarrhea. My stools are black, so I think I've got some bleeding going on. 

I see my primary care doctor tomorrow, and I made a list of all my symptoms. Incredibly, that horrible back pain I had a couple of weeks ago has gone away. I don't know why. This keeps happening to me. Whatever is going on, I'm going to find out. I want tests run. I looked up my symptoms, and leukemia came up. So, I'll have a blood test. Maybe I have chronic fatigue syndrome. I should have gone to the doctor today, but I thought I'd be able to work today, but my throat is not right. 

It doesn't matter. The gruesome twosome will be mad at me anyway. I don't get much sympathy or compassion when I am sick. My appetite is gone. I've eaten maybe once or twice a day for the past 2 weeks. 

They probably won't find anything wrong with me. They'll just pass it of as depression or something. I mean I am crazy, right? 

I'm so tired. But I can't sleep. I took my meds last night and threw up. My head feels like it weighs a thousand pounds. 

There's definitely something wrong. I wish there was a way I could go into the hospital for a few days for them to figure out what my problem is. But that would be too much like right. 

Sketches of a Bipolar Girl: And So It Begins

 

The results of my sister's tests came back. She has Parkinson's disease. So, there it is. My sister, who just turned 65 on Wednesday has been diagnosed with a cruel, debilitating disease. She sees her neurologist on Monday, so she will get more information at that time. In the meantime, I have been Googling. The information is scary. 

I must admit, however, I haven't read too much, because I'm trying to wrap my head around this news. I have a lot of questions. I want to go to the doctor with her. I want to know what stage she is in, what to expect and when to expect it. The scariest part is the hallucinations and delusions that come with the disease. Then there is the lost of motor function, which has already started. I fear that I am watching my sister decline. It's been a quick decline. Six months ago, she was fine. 

I'm not sure how all of this is going to change things. What if her health declines faster and she is no longer able to work? Will this make me the breadwinner? Will Erica have to be her mom's care giver? How will that work? Will she have to go on disability? What happens if she does start having delusions and hallucinations? 

We need to move and pronto. I don't know when or how exactly, but we have to get out of this apartment this year. I'd like to stay in Johns Creek, but at this point I don't really care. 

On top of this, Erica's boss cut her overtime hours. She now works 8:30 to 5 pm. She used to work 8 to 6pm. That hour and a half adds up on a paycheck. They are going to be posting Customer Advocate positions at Delta, which is the level 2 position I've been gunning for the past 2 years. I told my boss that I'm ready to begin training. As soon as they open the position to internal employees, I'm posting. 

I had my phone meeting with the social security admin yesterday. It was a pointless waste of time. It took all of 5 minutes. She just told me that they wouldn't waive my overpayment and I had to set up payment arrangements. Anyway, I'm going to pay back $50 monthly. They don't bill or garnish your wages, so they will deduct the money from any future benefits. So, if I go back on disability, they will deduct it. I guess when I do or if I ever am able to retire, they deduct it from that payment also. 

I now have something in my throat. I went to the dentist for my cleaning. While she was examining me, she noticed some red spots on the back of my throat. There are about 10 red dots there. I figure that it's just an infection, so I got some cold medicine and have been gargling with warm salt water. Unfortunately, they are still there. I have some left over antibiotics so I'm taking that for the next few days to see if that helps. If it doesn't I guess it's off to the ENT. It's always something. 

I have come to the conclusion that I am just one of those people who are meant to struggle. It is a constant battle just to keep going and maintain some sense of positivity. I've been adjusting my attitude at work and it does seem to be helping. My day isn't so miserable anymore. But then again, I don't look at the future much. It's not a good thing for me. 

Right now my phone is acting stupid. I keep losing my internet connection. So, it's difficult to stream. I have to constantly reset my network. Like I said it's always something.