Cutting out spare parts

Several months ago, my primary care physician became concerned about the chronic neutropenia(low white bloods cell count)I have experienced over the last few years with fever and night sweats. He referred me to a hematologist who ordered several blood test as well as a CAT scan to rule out lymphoma. Thankfully, I was given the wonderful news that my CAT scan was clear, and I don't have lymphoma. However, the question remains...why are my white blood cells so low?

I have been told it can be due to infection, cancer or something inhibiting the bone marrow from producing enough white blood cells. The hematologist seems to think it is likely due to infection. So, the quest is on to eliminate infection, and see if this will help. One known infection is lyme disease. The other suspects....my tonsils and gallbladder.

Along with my jaw and teeth issues, I have battled tonsillitis. If they could cut off my head, I would be fine!! About a year ago, Dr.Z warned me that I might need a tonsillectomy. Even though a tonsillectomy isn't a major surgery, I was recovering from two oral surgeries, and I wasn't thrilled about the idea of someone cutting "anything" out of my mouth. I hoped that more treatment would spare my tonsils.

Well, after many rounds of antibiotics and infected tonsils, I finally relented and had a tonsillectomy yesterday. The ENT warned me that the surgery is more painful for adults than for children. I am here to tell you...percocet is my new best friend! Swallowing isn't my favorite thing to do, but a necessary evil. If this entry is not coherent, it's the percocet talking! The other strange discomfort is my tongue. Last night I noticed it was swelling and numb. At first, I was concerned I might be having an allergic reaction to something (Imagine that! 'Me,' having an allergic reaction). I made a midnight phone call to the doc. The doc said they put my tongue in a vice during surgery, and it is not an uncommon reaction for the tongue to swell or be numb. Forget my tonsils; my poor tongue must have taken a beating!

As far as the gallbladder, I had a HIDA scan (a nuclear medicine study that tests the function of the gallbladder), and it showed that my gallbladder is not working very well. My GI Doctor said this can cause a backup of bile and inflammation or infection. My digestion has been pretty pitiful for three years, and I knew I had gallbladder issues, but the HIDA scan made it clear that my gallbladder is one of the likely culprit to my digestive issues. It appears that it needs to be taken out as well! I have an appointment with my surgeon next week to discuss a cholecystectomy as soon as possible.

Maybe I will be new person after getting rid to these spare parts! Dr. Z is ordering biopsies from a special lab to find out what microbes might be living in my tonsils and gallbladder. Infact, I took a special biopsy kit when I had my tonsillectomy, and I brought home one of my tonsils...It is in my frig awaiting a FED EX delivery on Monday! I'll let you know if they find anything!

Happy Valentines Day!
Ronda