More Test Results and Questions

My two calcium tests are now finished. The test schedules were drawn out, because the hospital lost my first samples. I finally finished them on Monday.

These tests were to complete the testing to see if I have a problem with my Parathyroid. An earlier test showed high PTH, so that was a worry. The last test was a 24 hour calcium urine test. Unfortunately, this test was abnormally high.

Now, I wait to see what the endocrinologist wants to do next. I don't know, but my searches suggest that I will need some type of scan to see if one or more PTH glands are enlarged. Then, a surgery could be next.

More questions - more surgeries?

Because I'm still waiting to have my Talus surgery, I would really like to have it before January 1st. We've met our deductible quite a while ago, and want to use insurance to cover most of the surgery.

It's getting chaotic at our house. We're trying to order all of our gifts for Christmas. There are boxes all over the living room, waiting to be sent. Even though I'm making lists of it all, I have made many major mistakes.

We're gifting one of the grandchildren a ride-on jeep. I kept looking for the one that will suit them best. I actually ordered two that wouldn't work. One purchase was made with no memory. My poor son had to return one, while Fed-Ex came back and picked up the other.

I don't know what is causing all of this. I read that Hyperparathyroidism can cause many symptoms, including confusion and depression. If I am diagnosed with this, it will make a lot more sense.

I'm still waiting for an appointment with the Lupus/Sjogren's specialist. If the rheumatologist PA is right, I may be diagnosed with Mixed Connective Tissue Disease or Overlap Syndrome.

I have a lot of questions about the term, "Overlap Syndrome." Lupus is a systemic disease and Sjogren's has also been reclassified as a systemic disease. These are both diseases with some overlapping symptoms. I have a lot to learn.

The Christmas season is not the time when I want to be focused on new diseases, and all the tests that may be needed. But, Chronic Illness doesn't take a break or a holiday. It's with me 24/7.

Are you having a rough time with your health and being able to prepare for Christmas? I have a little help, but Hubby has been really tired. His Stage 4 Prostate Cancer has let him keep going well the last three years. He's been on hormone therapy, which causes fatigue.

We pace ourselves more than ever. This is the first year that I've wrapped presents sitting at a table. Because of my hypermobile Ehlers Danlos Syndrome, sitting on the floor was always easy and comfortable. But now, getting up from the floor feels almost impossible.

And the Word became flesh and took up residence among us, and we saw his glory, glory as of the one and only from the Father, full of grace and truth.  John 1:14

Are you having new symptoms or worse symptoms during busy holiday preparations? I'll pray that you can get it all done and still feel the Christmas spirit. Sometime it is hard to remember the "Reason for the Season", but I try to remind myself often the reason is my Savior's birth.

I'm so thankful for Christmas!

@2025, copyright Lisa Ehrman

Disclaimer: I'm not a medical expert. This post contains my experiences and opinions and is not meant to be taken as medical advice. If you have a medical concern, please consult your personal physician.