Here we go again… ugh!!

So I have been suffering with another bout of the same gastric issue I had last month. At that time my rheumatologist gave me a referral for the nurses to call the Professor in Gastroenterology (stomach issues) when I went in for my neck procedure. I felt fine and decided to forego calling him.

A month later and here I am with the same problem! I can’t eat. I always feel full. I have extreme nausea and stomach cramps. Worst of all my stomach is so distended I look like I’m going to give birth to a baby rhino! Nothing shocks Irfaan anymore but this did! He literally screamed in horror “what is that??” Its our baby rhino honey! Duh. He wanted to go to ER and I said hell no. I wanted to see the doc my rheumatologist referred me to at Donald Gordon. I didn’t want to go to Milpark.

So today when my rheumatologist saw that I wanted the referral again he asked me to come in immediately. Bare in mind that he is an awesome Prof and it can take weeks or even months to get an appointment with him. I’m one of his MVPs (most valued patients 😂). So I went immediately.

Although I try and hide it you can see I look preggo. I explain my symptoms to him and he seems concerned. He then examines me. Oh God. Oh God. Pressing all over my abdomen. “Is this sore? Is this sore?” Duuude can we just establish that its ALL SORE! Stop bloody pressing its sore dammit! Next he checks my shins. I’ve been experiencing pain like shin splints and come now.. we all know I don’t run. The fastest I go is a brisk walk. Its not inflamed so he says it must be the bone and he is going to run a blood test for it.

I sit up properly. Out of nowhere my body is on fire! Arms, legs, abdomen, even my damn face!! I feel like someone has injected me with gasoline. I’m red. I don’t mince my words as now I’m ready to start jumping around like a crazy woman.

Maybe set off the smoke detectors and get cooled down that way. “What is going on??? Why am I on fire!!??” I ask with my face twisted in pain. He says its because he had irritated that area by pressing it. Oh Lord. Is this what hell is going to feel like? I’m sitting there holding my abdomen with my face all contorted. He turns to Irfaan. The calm one 😂

Over the 4 years we have been with him we have developed a great relationship. He is quiet and soft spoken but cannot hold back his laughter at the banter Irfaan and I have. He knows I’m the crazy one and Irfaan is the calm, rational one so he really ends up calling Irfaan with results or ways forward etc.

Anyway back to the issue at hand. He consults at 2 hospitals. He decides that for my case he needs a special specialist to see me. He contacts the Professor in Gastroenterology but leaves a message because he is in theatre for the day.

He is now going to call Irfaan with details on me seeing this Professor and getting booked in for tests. He is also arranging for the cardio to see me while Im in hospital. Again. A specialist cardiologist who deals with cardio patients with my symptoms. Blackouts etc. So now it’s a matter of co-coordinating everything.

So grateful for my rheumatologist. He is not messing around. He is not referring me to just any doctor. He is hauling out the big guns so that I get thoroughly tested. He is taking no chances. This is why Irfaan and I appreciate him so much.

Not many doctors are so in touch with their patients anymore. It’s just a job for them . So many doctors and even anaesthetists have said “oh Professor Solomon? Yes he is really good!”. He has an amazing reputation with his patients and peers and yet remains humble. The fact that gives me the level of care he does and even checks with Irfaan about my mental wellbeing speaks volumes. We really need more doctors like him. I consider myself blessed.

So yes, bringing out the big guns. Let’s see what happens in the next few days. I will keep you updated. Luckily I don’t feel like I’m on fire anymore but I need a good nap. I’m exhausted. My body is like whoa! Gimme a damn break! Sleeping is an important part of rejuvenation. So let me rather say I’m gonna go rejuvenate! Look for updates as the week progresses!

Ciao Bellas!