DH Health Issues... How do you cope?

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Originally Posted by Haudlady

#2... I was hugging him last night, and found myself imagining him all happy and healthy inside (it seems a bit silly, maybe, but it can't hurt... and it might even help).

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I do think this works. I tried it with my dear fur kid yogi when he was fighting cancer. I would massage him and cuddle with him and picture his healthy cells getting more robust and happy. Whether it helped him or not, I can't say, but I know he lived a lot longer than was expected; and I'm sure it helped me as it made me feel like I was actually doing something to help him.

If my DH was going through a health issue I would do the same in an instant.

And as for who to talk to, seriously we are here for you. If you'd rather PM than keep it out in the open, send me something. I haven't had the test yet, but have already been diagnosed (through another test) with Crohn's. I have a bit of an idea of what you DH might be going through, as do others on this board.

And I know how it is about needing to talk, too. I would seriously explode. Seriously.

Keep talking, keep hugging, and keep those positive thoughts going!

Hugs and butterflies,
~T~

DH's 'consultation' is this afternoon at 3:00. I'm very nervous! I really wish I could talk freely about this, but I understand why DH wants to keep it private for now.

I hope we can get the colonoscopy scheduled soon! It's awful, LBTC, that you have to wait so long.

I just re-read the thread, and want to thank you all again for your support and advice. I have a (long) list of questions for the doctor, and plan to take notes! The doctor, I'm sure, will be shaking his head :rolleyes: when he walks away from me.

Sending loads of butterflies to you and your DH today Haudlady. Make sure you write down all of those questions you need to ask!

Hugs and butterflies,
~T~

The doctor won't be shaking his head, trust me! He'll be glad you're writing things down and asking questions.

Be firm with your doc today, mine is under such time restraints that she's trying to walk out the door before I'm through with my questions...I've learned to position myself between her and the door. ;)

Best of...

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Haudlady

DH's 'consultation' is this afternoon at 3:00. I'm very nervous! I really wish I could talk freely about this, but I understand why DH wants to keep it private for now.

I hope we can get the colonoscopy scheduled soon! It's awful, LBTC, that you have to wait so long.

I just re-read the thread, and want to thank you all again for your support and advice. I have a (long) list of questions for the doctor, and plan to take notes! The doctor, I'm sure, will be shaking his head :rolleyes: when he walks away from me.

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No he won't. He'll be nodding to himself and saying "That guy's wife sure is on the ball."

Just wanted to say best of luck to you today at the doctor, although there's been no testing yet. Please know that all of us are in that room with you, holding your hand in spirit, and wishing the best.

If you are going to think of "what if's" make them all very positive! I have had a few recent medical issues with my DH. During it all, I kept my normal "everything is just fine until I hear something different". This is always my attitude. Sometimes my DH thinks that means I don't care, but I explain to him that it is much better to think positive (he tends to run the other type scenarios thru his head). He's also in the Military and has been deployed to unsavory locations and shot at with a variety of arsenal. If I chose to think of the "worst" scenarios, I would be in the looney bin by now. Much better to think positive. It's worked for me so far!!!

As for your thyroid issue, don't forget about it. I had some thyroid issues. Didn't realize how much it was affecting me until I got everything fixed!!!

Haudlady, How did the consult go? Did the doc answer your questions? Do you know when the tests will be? How are you feeling after this?

Here's hoping it went well and you have some good thoughts to focus on.

Hugs and butterflies,
~T~

Thanks, everyone, for sticking with me on this!!!

The consultation (and exam) went well enough. DH and I both really liked the doctor, and he is the same one who will be performing the colonoscopy. You were right... he didn't think I was crazy. Even DH didn't mind all my many many questions. We were there for a little more than an hour. The doctor didn't rush us at all, and was very patient for all of my questions.

I guess we have a while longer to wait, though - DH's test isn't scheduled until March 26th! Here's the kicker - we could have scheduled it for March 1st (my preference), but DH doesn't want to take two days off of work, and the 26th was the first available Monday. DH keeps saying "well, if it does turn out to be cancer, I don't want to use up all my sick days early." I suppose that's rational - but I am trying to stay positive!

Plus, this means I have to wait six weeks before getting results! Not to mention... six more weeks of being worried but not able to talk about it! Deep breath, deep breath. Patience is a virtue. Phew.

You may try asking the doctor's office to call if they have a Monday come open earlier. We did that with my DH's colonoscopy.

I am confused with the 6 weeks part? My dad had colon cancer and they could tell from the colonscopy that he had a mass and it was probably cancer. They had a biopsy by the end of the week. Or is it because it is 6 weeks to the colonoscopy?

(((HUGS)))

Haudlady, thank you for the update. I'm so glad you have a patient doctor (sounds like an oxymoron, no?), and that you like him. I agree with Amanda, phone and be sure he's on a cancellation list to get in earlier if possible.

You will be surprised at how fast the 6 weeks goes past, though. Your best bet is to keep busy with life, spend time together as much as possible, cuddling, hugging, talking about other things, and try to devote only a small portion of each day discussing the health issue. And when I say discuss the health issue, focus on making notes of any changes in his condition, writing down any further questions that you have about symptoms, diet, the next test, when you'll follow up with the doctor after the test, etc. Make your notes, have your discussion, then go back to talking about your day, your dreams, your plans for the weekend.

And, as always, please post when you're worried and have no one else to talk to.....or PM me anytime.

You'll both get through this!

Hugs and butterflies,
~T~