Health Update June 13, 2006
Posted by spacemom in : Fun with Crohn's Disease , trackbackI have had a headache for almost two weeks now. Nothing is making it go away, but I haven’t reached for the strongest stuff in my arsenal. I just hate having chronic headaches.
I’ve done research on Dr. Jay’s blood results. I am not happy. Basically, B12, folic acid, CBC (complete blood count), Fe binding and a liver enzyme level are off. The first four can be explained via crohn’s. Dr. Jay has 2 sites of crohn’s along the colon. One of these sites is where B12 is absorbed into the blood stream. The crohn’s can prevent B12 from being absorbed. This leads to lower levels of folic acid, anemia, less red blood cells and a lowered platelet count. The liver enzyme is the one that is scaring the shit out of me. This enzyme is only released into the blood stream when the liver is showing damage. This can happen during the period when cortisteroids are leaving or have left the system. It can also be a side effect of the other drug he is on.
I am seriously hoping this is yet another steroid withdrawal symptom. This really is scary stuff. I never thought about Dr. Jay as being ill, but this is the first time that I have been slapped upside the head with the reality that crohn’s is serious and hurting someone I love.
On a happier note, I will get out two nights this week! And I have someone looking at my car to buy it (sort of). Those stories and more later…
Comments»
I hope Dr. J is ok. Thinking of him and your family.
Sorry to hear about the frightening test results for Dr. J. And about the headaches — I feel your pain on that one!
Thinking of you and Dr. Jay.