Wednesday, April 18, 2012

health update

Hello. I get asked questions about my health a lot. I hate talking about my medical problems, but I appreciate everyone's concern. Truly. So here, in concise form, is an explanation of what is going on with me and my traitorous body.

I have an autoimmune disease. It's called Undifferentiated Connective Tissue Disease. Basically, it means that my immune system is attacking my body. It can strike anywhere. It causes me joint and muscle pains, fatigue, weird skin rashes, increased suceptibility to infections and all manner of weird things.

Last year I was having horrifying stomach pains. After seeing several doctors and submitting to frightening medical procedures, it turns out that I am allergic to gluten. I personally believe that this is related to my autoimmune disorder, but I'm not a doctor.

I got an allergy test after that to see if there was anything else I shouldn't be eating. I was told that blood tests for food allergies are not always accurate, but I went ahead with it anyway. I was given a list a mile long of things I shouldn't eat. As of now, I am disregarding everything on the list except wheat, gluten, and flax seeds. Flax seeds make my mouth and throat swell up - not a good sign.

Anyway, now my immune system is attacking my lungs, which is frightening. You may remember I was hospitalized for a few days back in January. It wasn't pneumonia. It was autoimmune interstitial lung disease. My doctors are doing tests - CT scans and such - to determine how to treat me. I guess there is some debate about what type of medication I should be given. While they debate, I am seeing an acupuncturist and a chiropractor to help me manage it. I seem to be getting better. In January, I couldn't even stand without excruciating pain in my lungs. How I managed to work and walk about is beyond me. My only explanation is that after years of forcing myself to keep a calm exterior while suffering through panic attacks, I naturally can keep a calm exterior when unable to breathe, so no one is the wiser. But now I'm able to do all of my basic day-to-day tasks, teach yoga, etc. I just can't do intense cardio or lift heavy things. Zumba seems to be fine; plyometrics does not.

I have resolved to do everything in my power to regain my health. I will pray. I will do whatever the doctors tell me, unless it is stupid. If I have to, I will go Lorenzo's Oil all over this shit. I plan to use force to make my body submit to my will. Because I will not have this shit. I will not have it.

Now let us never speak of it again.