I’m a wife and mom of two daughters. My daughters are 12 years apart so that keeps me quite busy and a little crazy at times. My life is a jumble of mixed up mishaps, but it’s always centered around my family.
The S Word
July 1st, 2008 by Connie Roberts
Yesterday the Kidney Specialist said the “S” Word. Hubby and I were shocked and surprised. We weren’t happy in the least either but it was said and we had to deal with it. The doctor thinks that I have either Gitelman or Bartter Syndrome. “Syndrome” being the “S” word in question.
Another syndrome? Another chronic condition to add to my list? Can I handle another one? The short answer is yes. I know that I can and I will. The long answer is that it’s going to take me time to get over the shock, go through some anger, depression and maybe some more anger. Then I’ll get to learn all I can about whatever I have and how to live with it.
The good news is that the doctor believes that with medication I’ll be feeling stronger soon. I do have blood work, and a 24 hour urine screening to go through. I actually have two of them to do because he ordered two tests. One requires a preservative and one doesn’t. He’ll get the results in 10 days and I’ll see him the end of this month. In the mean time I’ll have 3 blood test done so he can monitor the Potassium, Magnesium and Sodium levels.
I started to read about these syndromes but stopped myself because it’s just too much to take in right now. I don’t know for sure if I have either so I’d rather just wait and see and pray.
July 2nd, 2008 at 8:43 am
Hi Connie,
Don’t sweat the kidney disorder. If you’re being diagnosed as an adult, then it must be a pretty mild case. My daughter was diagnosed at 7 weeks after weeks of failing to thrive and projectile vomiting. She’s 3.5 now. Other than having a g-tube, she’s leading a pretty normal life. You’ll have to take a bunch of horse pills, but you should feel a lot better. No more headaches, muscle cramps etc.
There is a Bartter’s Syndrome Yahoogroup you can join too.
Jennifer
July 2nd, 2008 at 6:03 pm
Sorry to hear you going through so much lately my friend. Praying that this newest situation is mild and God puts a healing hand on you.
July 2nd, 2008 at 8:51 pm
You’ll do fine! You can fight it! Keeping my fingers crossed for you!
Katja @skimbacos last blog post..I think I’ll live
July 2nd, 2008 at 9:41 pm
Thanks for the love and prayers!
@ Jennifer, thank you for the information. You calmed my fears. Once I have a dx I’ll look into the group. So sorry to hear about your daughter. It puts it all into perspective for me.
July 3rd, 2008 at 5:09 pm
If the ‘up’ side to this is that you are able to start feeling better then even though the doctor said that dreaded “S” word, it will be worth it. Even though diagnosis’s can be downright depressing, I’ve got to think that not knowing what’s wrong is even worse. Still, I’ve got my fingers crossed that it’s not what your doctor thinks it is. Hang in there!
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