I’m blaming Obama–he is now officially a pain in my ass. Well, sorta, more like a pain in my tummy. Here’s the story.
I have been AWL (Absent With Leave) today and my thanks for your patience, especially on this election day. I had an appointment sent up with a GI guy (no the military type, the doctor type!) for the dreaded colonoscopy. He’s the best in Los Angeles and today, being the Super Special Election Day of course, was the only day he had open for months, so I took it. With all of the fascist shenanigans going on in Washington when it comes to our health care, this great doctor also still takes my insurance, so while I wasn’t really needing to set up a colonoscopy for several years, I figured, heck, let’s do it now and get a good baseline.
I’ve also mentioned on Tammy Radio that I had been anemic and figured it was due to my workout schedule and my (now corrected) habit of not taking supplements. But my internist wasn’t so sure. All looked good on every front in my last checkup, so he was still baffled by the anemia. Ultimately he, too, thought getting a colonoscopy would be a good idea.
So yes today, I had the procedure and all is well where the sun don’t shine! That’s the good news. Since I was going to be under, we also decided to do an Endoscopy, where they send the camera down the top part, looking at the throat and stomach. Apparently I am officially a grownup: they discovered an ulcer. Yep. And it’s been bleeding a tad, which explains the anemia. To be honest, if you’re going to hear something when coming to after the anesthesia I preferred hearing “ulcer” than “tumor” so I’m grateful. I’m also grateful that I live at a time when issues like this can be discovered.
And in all seriousness, while I will blame Obama for this, it really is, of course, my issue. I reflected on all the times I’ve urged all of you to balance your life and make sure you’re taking care of yourselves during this serious and stressful time. I’ve started taking a new regimen of supplements as many of you know, but obviously I also must weave in activites that take the edge off the politics and events we must confront.
So what will I do? I will do a hippy thing without becoming a hippy: Yoga. That’s right. Now maybe it’s because I’m in Los Angeles, I don’t know, but all the doctors (GI, GI’s assistants, and internist) and my pharmacist all said “Yoga!” They’re conservatives (I know! It’s great!) and not hippies so I think I will take that advice.
Prognosis: Excellent. In addition to checking out the yoga, I’m now on a prescription antiacid, and have been ordered to stay off Aleve (my pain drug of choice) and Pepto, both of which negatively affect some sort of stomach enzyme which protects the lining. That, combined with stress, is the culprit, but I’m told we caught it before it was really bad, and we’ll get to the healing. I’ll be having another endoscopy in 8 weeks to follow up.
It’s late here (a bit past 7pm PT) and I’m still loopy from the the meds today, but I *will* do a Special Report tonight on the elections and other happenings. One good thing about going a bit late is I’ll have some results for you, or at least a sense of what today has meant. I’ll also talk a bit more about what today was like for me. Pretty amazing stuff. The last time I was put under was when I was 19 and had my wisdom teeth out, so not a bad stretch, but a few funny things were said on the way to the precedure room. Yep, I have stories and they’ll be in the Special Report.
You are in my prayers.
Tammy, I’m truly glad to hear no polyps were found, and I’d bet you’re happy to be able to eat again. 😀 I sure was! Also, I’m glad to hear the ulcer was discovered, so you can get it taken care of.
I can relate to being loopy and saying funny things under the influence of the fabulous drug they give you while they’re performing angioplasty, like “I spent 40 years growing that and now you’re going to shave it all off???”
Can’t wait to hear your stories.
TAMs have been in the virtual waiting room all day. Thanks for the update Tammy. And yes indeed, all sounds like good news. Knowledge of the gremlin, and an attack plan too. WOOFthat. Let Syd take care of you too. It’s her job and she will want to do it!
Tammy,
A friend of mine had, not an ulcer, but several blood vessels in his stomach close to the surface that were bleeding. They went in and cauterized them but didn’t do a thorough job. One day he passed out from bleeding in his stomach and had to be rushed to the ER. Eventually the problem was fixed.
Your situation sounds simpler to cure (they say now that a type of bacteria causes ulcers and antibiotics can cure them), but keep in touch with how your body is feeling until this all clears up, so you don’t suffer any sudden surprises.
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/h-pylori/ds00958
H. pylori
Take care, Tammy.
You need to pray more. If you really want to get well fast, pray for Obama, that he and his family find all the peace and happiness you would want for yourself and your family. I guarantee it will work. Try it everyday, twice a day for 3 months. Be careful, this is very powerful. You may not like the changes that will take place in yourself, but you will be better.
Have been checking in all day to see how you are doing. Glad to know you are home safe and sound. Prayers that you heal quickly.
Tammy, glad they figured out the problem and that it’s not too serious. “Be still and know…” that lots of people are praying for you.
Happy to hear all is well where the sun don’t shine, that is always a good thing! Please take care of yourself!
i have found in particular books seem to accidentally fall into my life right at the time i need whatever it is they may have to offer. last week i found (at the thrift store) “challenging the years: yoga wisdom and modern knowledge for a healthier and longer life” by michael volin. normally i never would read such a book let alone buy it but something compelled me to take it home and i have to say it has a positive un- airy fairy not too gross new age-y message( in fact it’s far from western new age- volin was born and studied in china under an ancient system) i have need to hear for sometime.
this year has been so grotesque and stressful- waking up every freakin day to hear the newest obama outrage the most unhealthy of which was of course the assault on our right to determine and control the care of our own bodies . i have found this book most helpful and encouraging. it is out of print but can be had for a few dollars easily. i believe volin also wrote a book of yoga for people over 40.
http://amzn.com/0060144696
Well Tammy, (morecowbell’s advice notwithstanding), I am 100% sure you are already in many of the TAMs prayers, for a speedy recovery and a mending of any health issues.
And morecowbell, you don’t need to tell Tammy or anyone how to pray. That’s between her and the man upstairs. I am more than positive that her simple request to God for healing will do just fine. Bottom line-it’s none of anyone’s business what she says to him or how she says it. I don’t recall any kind of specific prescription like what you described , “every day, twice a day, for three months” being written anywhere, which means you just made it up for your own purposes.
Let us attend to our own prayer life and our own individual unction, shall we?
~GGR
This exact advice that was given to me 30 years ago at time when I was very sick, in a hospital alone for days on end and extremely resentful as a result of a relationship gone bad. Believe me, I bristled (LOL boy did I bristle) as you do now. However, pain is a great motivator and I was willing to try anything as wacky as it sounded. The advise literally saved my life. I have used it may times since (granted, alterations in time frame and frequency as needed) whenever I was angry or resentful at other people (i.e. the heading of this post). I have also passed this advice onto others over the years. The results were always positive.
I digress…
Forgive me if I sounded preachy, not my intent, my only motive was to be helpful and share my experience in as few lines as possible (I tend to be wordy). Of course if, who, how and why folks pray is up them, the choice is theirs. The formula above was passed onto me. It has worked for me and I have seen it work for others (it’s amazing how the mind and body are intertwined). It will change a person, no doubt, it is very, very cool how it works.
Morecowbell, you didn’t sound preachy at all to me. It sounded just like you intended–caring, advice that has worked for you. But, while I totally agree with GGR, I think she needs to lighten up just a bit. If you’re a praying person, you already understand the personal relationship that works between you and God. Tammy knows we all wish her nothing but the best.
Thank you
Tammy sorry to hear
I would highly recommend Glutamine VS the anti acid. I personally wouldn’t go near the anti acid, it will inhibit protein absorption causing another set of intestinal problems and it is also not good for bone tissue as it impairs the the uptake of Calcium. (However if it makes you feel better)….The Glutamine is the main fuel that the intestinal cells need for maintenance and repair, it is by far the best remedy you can do for your condition, it will take down the inflammation and it protects the lining and will help you heal quicker…just check into it. 🙂 Feel better soon
Thanks for sharing Tammy, you know we’ve got you in our prayers. We are not leaving, so do whatever you have to do, whenever you have to. We won’t be happy about relying on “best ofs”, but we aren’t about to give you added stress if you can’t always go on live. We’ve got the biggest battles ahead of us and we need you 100% and ready to go. This be the Tammy army – we know where we are going, and we plan on going there together.
Only Tammy could make me laugh when reading about a colonoscopy!
Crawling out of your sick bed to do a special report? Gosh we are lucky to have you Tammy. Your passion and integrity is incredible and inspiring. I would say take care of yourself but you are doing that right now and I know you will do the right thing because you are one right-on woman! Love and kisses and get well soon! Your listeners love you!
Tammy, We are all Praying for you at the McCloskey house. Praying that you are all healed soon and thankful that it was nothing more serious. Missed you today. Can’t wait for the Special Report and Wednesday’s show.
Don’t be shy about admitting to starting yoga, Tammy. I’ve been doing it on and off (even when I was on a military base!) for several years. The atmosphere with the mats, candles, and bare feet can be funny at first, but it’s fun to get into it (I still chuckle afterwards at some instructors though). It is a great workout for strength, flexibility, and balance in addition to stress relief. I hope you enjoy it 🙂
Also, here is the obligatory and now famous Dave Barry column on colonoscopies:
“A Journey Into My Colon”
You don’t want to know about the picture I had in my head of you today Tammy.
Hey Tammy,
At times like this, everyone chimes in with a good remedy. I am no exception : )
Cabbage juice works wonders for ulcers! I know it sounds terrible, but it does help heal ulcers faster than meds if you drink the recommended 1 cup 4 times a day. It’s very effective in combating pain. Yoga is great, too, and I have also found prayer and putting things in God’s hands does wonders to scale back the stress of life.
Hope you know that you are held in many prayers right now and surrounded with lots of love and hugs. You’re an amazing chick!
Oh, and by the way, maybe you should consider a vacation to get away from the stressors for a bit. May I suggest a trip to Arizona?
Thank goodness you will be alright. Oh, and you are braver than me. 🙂
First, may I say, thank you for not doing this as a televised event. 🙂 Second, so glad everything went smoothly (is that a good choice of word?) and third, the best remedy I have found for stress is the Happiest Place On Earth. I know you are boycotting Cali, but our place down here in Florida is so much better anyway (yes, I am biased). June 5th is family day and we would love to have you! All kidding aside, life is short and you have a wonderful sense of humor so get more humor in your life and with the TAMs and We The People shaping our future, it will get better.
So, you’re a smart ass with bloody guts! I knew that all along. All the best, Tammy!
Thanks for the update Tammy and glad you are all good, cept for the ulcer. Working out is great for stress but I also recommend walks in the woods or on the beach with nobody around. For me that helps with the balance. Take time to meditate and center yourself. But you probably already know all this 🙂
Keep up the great work and pat yourself on the back for contributing to all the Conservative wins yesterday!
If you reach out to God, I believe He will heal you, too.
Get well soon, Tam.
LOL! Buddha Kitty!
I second trevy’s (and the others) recommendation. Only the contentment faith in Christ can bring is permanent. “Underneath are the everlasting arms.” He wants us to find rest and peace in Him. He loves you Tammy and we do too.
p.s. Aleve and Pepto? Reeeeally?
Tammy, on the way back, were you asking “Why is this happening to me?” and “Is this going to be forever?” 😉
Glad everything turned out well.
i think we should all keep an eye out though for the songs of whales and andean pan pipes in the’ tunes from the show’. slippery slope and all…we don’t want the techno and glow sticks soundtrack to turn into humpbacks and smudge sticks.
I want to echo many of the above sentiments. And good for you for taking care of yourself, Tammy. Glad they found the culprit in terms of your anemia problem. You’re going to feel SO much better once you get your red count back up. Here’s to a speedy recovery. 🙂
God bless you Tammy. I am glad to hear that all will be well.
Yoga is good, Tammy. Though I would be worried if you start playing Deepak Chopra quotes during the breaks! 🙂
Wishing you a speedy recovery.
Hi Tammy, Thanks for sharing your progress with your concerned Tams… I just started yoga too, 2 hours each time. I had no idea I was so tense…and my flexibility was terrible. Just make sure you get a comfortable mat. {{ hug }} Barbara
The worst part of a colonoscopy/endoscopy is the fasting, and drinking that awful stuff they give you. The test itself is a breeze.
I know that a million people are probably giving you medical advice and information, but I wanted to share info on anemia in people of Mediterranean descent. I am Northern Italian, but my husband’s heritage is Sicilian. Some in his family have “mediterranean blood,” a form of anemia. It is more prevalent in southern Italians or Sicilians. They can’t take any iron supplements. There are two types thalassemia major or thalassemia minor [from what little I know]. It can be found with a blood test. If you have problems when you take iron, maybe you should be tested for it.
Wishing you all the best Tammy. Take care and God Bless, because we all need you!!
Glad you’re doing well and through your instincts and doctors advice it was caught before it got worse. Everyone’s offered great advice, and I learned a things or two. I’m definitely throwing away my Pepto; I was taking it like a pre-stomach ache cure-all.
Deep breathes in these trying times seem to help. Without you and you’re show I would be empty.
Tammy we need you so please take care…
AND GET WELL