About To Live My Best Life, But First... Infusions! [PART TWO]

Part one of this post can be found here.

I saw the IBD specialist. It was a journey. Between insurance mix-ups and things not being covered, I swear I wasn't sure if it was meant to be or not. I tried to be positive and trust the process, but at times I had no more faith left in me. I was sick and to top it all of, now, without a doctor!

A new doctor opened the doors to new plans

But everything happens in its own time. I was referred to a doctor from the doctor I was originally referred to. A physician I liked a lot. As we tried treatments, I began looking at my options again. Different places to live, different things to do. Things to really re-boot my life and help me to live beyond my diagnosis and instead of for it.

My symptoms began to flare

Days passed, then weeks. As my research progressed, so did my symptoms. A flare was in full effect and I had no way of stopping it. I chose to raise my IBD white flag instead and make a quick call for help... Technically... In my case... A text.

I reached out to my doctor and let him know how I was feeling. I told him I wasn't doing very well and explained all the changes in my symptoms and body. It wasn't just regular signs of a flare. I also appeared to be having a reaction to the medicine the doctor prescribed and not a good one. I felt like crap and eventually (somehow) even managed to get Bronchitis. *As if I needed another THING in my life.*

My trip was planned. How could I stay for an infusion?

In spite of everything, I fought it. And hard. I saw my doctor again and he gave me some BIG news. Some things I honestly wasn't expecting but was prepared for. He also recommended I try a particular medication. He said he's seen good results in patients like myself, but the loading dose is an infusion. He gave me this information on a Wednesday. The following Monday I was scheduled to leave the country. I'd already booked my flight. Bags (almost) packed. How was I supposed to get an infusion and live my best life at the same time? I couldn't reschedule. Everything was already done and paid for. The cancellation policy would've cost me over half of my trip and that wasn't something I was willing to do.

I wanted to get better. I mean, who doesn't? But I was honestly torn because I can't possibly be expected to give up every single hope and dream I have for a condition I never even wanted. For a condition that's been ruining and controlling my life since day one and has yet to give me a break or even a sign of one coming ahead. I didn't want to miss out, but I did want to feel better.

I reached out to my doctor for a plan

It's typically pretty hard for me to open up. I'm good on the surface level things. I will hold a basic conversation (especially if someone else starts it). But it's hard for me to really tell people what's going on. I decided that instead of trying to be superwoman and handle everything on my own, I would talk to my doctor. See if he could help. Together maybe we could come up with a plan of action that attacked my symptoms and condition, but not my plans and dreams at a better life.

Stay tuned for part three.