Nickel Allergy?!?!?!?

I'm trying really hard to remain upbeat about all that is going on with my health. I really, really am. However, at some point the level of exhaustion just takes its toll and it is all I can do to function on a daily basis. I've now had three doctors tell me I should be in a wheelchair and at home unable to complete the basic chores required of a mother and employee. Yeah...o...k....like that is an option.

I went in for my 2nd iv iron infusion yesterday and it did not go well. It is truly too long of a story and one that I will not bore you with. However, the short version is that I did not get any pain medication and it hurt. H.U.R.T. The whole process was a drag and yes, I know it could've been worse.

During the infusion I received a call from my doctor that my surgery scheduled for May 13 had to be postponed because they believe I have a nickel allergy. Why does this matter? Apparently, one of the surgeries uses a 'device' with nickel properties. If I have a nickel allergy (unknowingly) I could go into cardiac arrest. Lovely, eh? So, when I went to my pre-op this week they asked if I had a nickel allergy. Not that I am aware of I replied. Do you have any reactions to rings, bracelets etc.? Um, does my platinum wedding set count? Um, yes, it does.

For those of you around me a lot, you have seen how awful my ring finger can get if I wear my platinum set for more than 3 days in a roll. That is why I alternate between my gold and platinum wedding ring sets. I always thought of it as an inconvenience but it turns out it may be more than that!

Believe it or not, there are only 2 doctors in all of Nashville who conduct nickel allergy testing. So, I have an appt on June 1 to get tested. IF the result is positive we will have to develop a Plan B for surgery which will be much more invasive with a much longer recovery time. I am praying the result is negative and we can move forward with Plan A which is a much faster recovery.

It really upset me yesterday because I am really, really wanting this surgery so that I can move forward in feeling better. I cannot explain how poorly I feel and I often feel like a failure or a weak person for having no energy. I'm not a "fun" mom, wife or friend at the moment. I'm probably not a very fun co-worker right now either. I don't like to draw attention to myself so even putting into words all of these emotions is tough for me.

I know that my health could be a lot worse right now. I do realize that, honestly I do. I don't want to complain; I just want to feel normal again. The doctors told me this health issue has been hovering and impacting my life for probably 2-3 years now. I believe it.

I'll keep everyone posted as to the results of the nickel allergy and new surgery dates. Thanks for the continued emails, cards and phone calls of support.