Things that go well in a broken body

My period was due this week (I always give or take 3 days when I'm estimating, but that has passed now). I'm really feeling optimistic that the birth control just might be doing the trick. I also haven't had my pesky monthly migraine that goes with it. I did have a headache today, but there were a lot of factors adding up that triggered it, and it most definitely felt more like a random headache than my hormone migraine.

I know that since I started the pills halfway through my cycle and only being the first month on them means that I will likely get some kind of period/spotting before I get enough hormones in me to really regulate things, but I'm prepared for that and I know that it will be nothing compared to how I was before.

So bonus points for that one. (half a point taken away for the pill being new/name brand and costing $85/month, so we'll have to make absolutely sure my insurance is going to play nice when I get the actual prescription - on sample packs for 3 months to see if it's what I need)

Had my upper endoscopy (EGD) yesterday. Went really well. Last time I had it done, about 3 years ago, it went well, but the anesthesia left something to be desired (I was given Versed, conscious sedation). I was groggy the rest of the day, and had amnesia for several hours (both normal). Though I didn't know that this could actually be improved upon until I had Propofol this time around. It wears off immediately so that you can actually walk and have a conversation and all that fun stuff. But you're out cold, rather than conscious but out and not caring about the things going on with your body. I was told to turn on my side, a bite guard was put in my mouth (I hate things around my mouth because I have gotten a bit obsessive-compulsive about my teeth and lips and the constant reflux taste in my mouth), and I was told to just relax while they started the Propofol. I nodded to say I could feel it, I blinked, then woke up in recovery. It was a pretty great nap :P

The scope showed good things. There's very little erosion in my esophagus (because I'm refluxing more neutral stomach contents rather than acid), stomach and duodenum looked to be in good shape (though still sluggish). Took several cold biopsies. One bleeder needed to be clamped off (I should expect a silver clip in my poo in a few days :P ) and everything else was good. My throat HURT and my voice was all gravely until this morning (now it's just a twinge), and the bite guard made a hefty blister on my bottom lip (which felt more like hell this morning after it had time to become more irritated - seriously, the whole right side of my bottom lip is cut up and blistery and puffy...I hate EDS skin).

The whole team was excellent and everything was fast and easy. Glad it went well. Once the results from the biopsies come in (there's no reason to believe they won't be normal, just routine) I'm going to get a referral to a small specialist group at another hospital. 3 female docs who specifically study GI disorders in women. My GI doc thinks they might have some useful input for me. And he just wants to make sure that he's covered everything before we go for the feeding tube.

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Something wonderful I found this week: I was craving cake. I found a quick and easy recipe I was able to modify for my diet and still taste incredibly yummy. And because it's hot here, it's microwavable, so no need to heat up the house with the oven. It's about 2-4 servings and takes all of 5 minutes to make.

1/4 cup white sugar

1 egg (or egg substitute - I'm going to start using this more because it's less fat, translating to less pain, especially when I have an egg for breakfast before work)

3 Tablespoons of butter/oil (I use plain, no sugar added applesauce from a jar or homemade, and everything in the same proportions...3 T of butter = 3 T of applesauce)

1/4 cup milk (I use almond milk - plain or flavored - or rice milk, both are amazing)

1/2 cup white flour (or flour of choice...I usually use white flour, but I've used almond flour in my baking too, just no cornmeal/corn flour, that one is harder for me to digest)

1/4 - 1/2 tsp baking powder

pinch of salt

2 Tablespoons cocoa powder (I leave this out sometimes or use less as chocolate irritates my gut)

Do it just like regular cake. Mix the dry ingredients in one bowl. Wet ingredients (including sugar) in another ( a coffee mug is plenty big for this part). Pour them together, and mix until all the flour is wet. Spray a medium microwave safe dish with fat free cooking spray. Pour and microwave (loosely covered) on high for 2-2 1/2 minutes. Turn out onto plate. AND ENJOY!

I've made this 3 times (share it with my dad) in the last week and it's wonderful because my EDS can't complain about time spent slaving in the kitchen over it. It's so freaking simple and wonderful.

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Not so great thing: about once a month, I get really irritated with not being able to eat anything I like. I miss food, I'm a great cook, I enjoy food. So just about every 3-4 weeks, I'll eat something that's not on my diet, full knowing that it's going to make me feel like hell. Today was that day. I had a coney and fries. There's nothing about that that is good for me at all. But something I love very much. That was at noon, and I still feel sharp pain and pressure - it's 9pm here (and I think that also contributed partly to the headache). But, it is what it is. I really enjoy and savor foods so much more when I do this because I know how little I can realistically do it.

All in all, it was worth it to enjoy real food again. And now that I'm reaping the repercussions of it, I'll be able to hold off again just fine for several more weeks.

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I think perhaps that's all for now. I'm gonna surf through tumblr for 5 minutes and see if anything good has popped up since I was on last a few days ago. It's nice little pick-me-ups :)

Hope all is well with everybody!!! Much love!