I've been quite busy lately, and I have not kept up here at all. I know - excuses excuses :)

 I just wanted to give a quick medical update on the health problems I mentioned previously since so many offered kind words, I didn't want to leave you wondering.

I'm still having some quirky symptoms and I've paid out the ass for tests and doctor's visits (one of which I regretted because the dolt just wanted to lecture me on birth control grumble grumble grumble), but they think they figured out what may be going on.

First, I have a bone spur in my foot, that I told you awhile back. I've gotten it under control and cleared up most of my mobility and pain issues, and I can tell when the tendon's getting aggravated and preemptively dose it with NSAIDs, so my movement is becoming more and more pain-free as time goes on. The pain continued in some areas though so I went to a specialist in women's health. He seems to think I had an acute occurrence of polycystic ovarian syndrome (an umbrella term for an issue with how the normal cysts around the time of ovulation dissipate). Possibly due to some insulin fluctuations. My sugar levels appear to be normal, so they think it was a subtle indicator that I will have problems in the future, especially if I don't do better at getting exercise or if I decide to have kids (I'm not planning on it, though I would like a litter of kittens lol).

Diabetes (as well as hypertension and coronary artery disease) runs in the family - as the doc said on Wednesday, my genetics are probably catching up with me because I got slowed down by my mobility and pain issues. It's not a good sign that my body was thrown off so easily, but at least we have something to work with, and towards, now. And the good news is that getting into a routine with my foot has got me moving, which cleared up most of my other problems (they found no evidence of permanent damage or long-term effects from my body's little pain party).

The only thing left are mild annoyances (like that flare in my face that comes and goes), which should dissipate with time. If not, then I'll probably just set up a tent in the doctor's office. It sure beats having to get out of bed and drive there to be poked and prodded! 

Blood tests - $400

X-ray -  $200

Ultrasound - $600

Having an answer that makes sense - priceless