I'm holding the big yellow balloon for you. All hugs and warm fuzzies from me and Alan.

By the way, what is bowel testing????

Melody

The folks I was less than impressed with at Mayo were the rheumatologists. They were just unkind to me. Well, I shojuldn'at say "they", it was just one.

But there was a guy whose field is Sjogren's. Did you get him? What is he saying about IVIG rather than the stuff you've been geting?

Aw, tell us later, maybe over the weekend, when you get to wind down a bit. Maybe rent some videos from the front desk of the hotel.

I know you must be totally wiped out. The sweat test they do is bizarre, to say the least, but it does prove autonomic neuropathy qutie well.

What to say? Treat yourself to something nice. There's a woman who works in the Russian store in the basement mall who gave me a good therapeutic massage. Turned out she did an "exorcism". It was Passover, and I'm Jewish, and she kept saying she was alarmed that she kept pulling worms out of my head. She said there's something I won't let go of. I suggested my ex. We focussed on my letting go of him, and shejumped back in surprise--No, I'm wrong, she shouted. It's not that you won't let him go, it's that he won't let YOU go. She had me picture him, on a cross, and then paint the cross gold and red. This on Passover. I thought it was rather bizarre, but I did picture him. And suddenly, the image became vacuumed out of myimaginary image, anda big wind pulled him, then opened my mouth, wide and wider. As my mouth opened more than I'd imagine, and I was making odd sounds, my jaw cracked.

And 15 years of TMJ which started with marriage were cured. Never to return again. So, I'm probably the only straight-laced Jewish lady from Brooklyn who had a christian exorcism on Passover in the Mayo Clinic, only to be cured of her TMJ!

Though I must say, as a massage it was rather mediocre!

a deep turquoise blue ballon? A combo of the color of a warm, clear sky and/or deep perfect tropical waters. I don't mind in the least if you leave me by 'the door' for certain tests. I'd feel the same way.
I know I for one want to know what ALL the tests you are having...partly curiousity, partly jealousy, partly concern for you and last part to see what all they can DO to see what all CAN be done..
That they are 'keeping' you thru next week IS an indication that they are seeing the aspects of lots of somethings going on...You've probably gotten their interest.
I just am hoping beyond reasonable hopes that in the hocking of the farm, that heavy 'mortgage' on your life and overall well-being will be a good bit lighter. A sort of 'medical SANTA' present?
Keep all that spunk and show them what a REAL SILVERLADY is made of!!!

Super warm hugs and a scoche of extra energy coming to you over the wires - j

truly is just about THE BEST bizarre experience I've ever heard of!
WOW! - j

Billye - You must be getting pretty worn out by now with the long trip all those tests your having, 2 extra days of testing so far sounds like they are trying their very best to help you, i really hope they can.
best wishes
Brian

THAT YOU ARE OK?

Please? - j

just struggling...

Had EMG yesterday, a repeat mouth biopsy for the Sjogrens,sensory testing. Today doing upper endoscopy today, had to see a diet specialist because I'm losing too much weight too fast. Learned a lot. I'll give you more details of everything when I'm home and not so stressed. Oh...Had the amyloid test yesterday, I've been picked, punched, shocked, name it...

The digestive tract has just shut down due to all the fasting, mouth biopsy causing difficulty eating, and the usual travel problems.

Mel, can't remember what you asked, but it means check out the way you digest and get rid of body waste, (pooping!!)

Gotta stop. Thanks for all the support,

Billye

Good to hear from you - sounds very grueling and tiring - but that you are getting a very thorough workup.....

Hopefully they will give you the weekend off to relax - treat yourself!

Take care,

THOSE TURKEYS KNOW WHAT A SILVERLADY IS MADE OF!!! I believe it's either gold or rubies!

I believe you are hurting, tired and beyond now. I have faith that your pure GRACE will get them to the right place.

More soft hugs? and heaps of 'em! - j

Thanks for posting. I was figuring you for too exhausted yesterday, but the amount they got done in a day is unbelievable.

XO