Health Issues: Facing my own personal SHTF




First, I have to THANK everyone who has contacted me to find out just where the heck I've been! For a number of months now, I been laying low a bit and for good reason: My Health.


My family and many of my friends are "in the know", but I felt that it might also be encouraging to some of my readers to share with you this information. My hope is that my experience might help some of you ladies and also for you men, who have ladies in your lives too.

Where it all Began...


Out of ...pretty much the blue, I began having a lot of pain in my lower back and stomach. Then I began having excessive bleeding (sorry guys) for a few days. I tried to remain calm and even went to work despite the situation. One day after only a couple of hours of being at work, I was in so much pain that I had to immediately leave and go to the doctor. After a few tests, the doctor walked in, sat down and told me I was having a miscarriage. My reaction? Shock! After 37 years of infertility, a miscarriage? ...I was devastated to say the least.

I was given medicine, put on bed rest for a few days and was told I needed a follow-up to make sure everything was okay. Twelve days later I went to my appointment and had to do a few tests.

A New Issue...

After completing many rounds of tests the doctor said everything looked fine, but that if any issues came up they would call within a week. Nearly a week had went by and since I hadn't heard anything, I began to feel relieved. I shouldn't have celebrated so soon because on the seventh day, I received the call. The results of my pap came back showing serious abnormalities in my cervix. I could definitely hear it in the doctors voice, she was very concerned. Apparently, this was serious....

One of the most influencing factors that concerned her, is that cancer runs through my mother's side of the family. She explained that my results showed that I have something called ASC-H, which is atypical squamous cells, that cannot exclude HSIL which is a high-grade type of squamous intraepithelial lesion. What does all this mean? Basically from what she found, I have 14 indicators that point to the possibility of having cervical cancer.

The next step is to have a procedure done called a colposcopy. They go in and take a biopsy of the cervix, and then we wait. Did I mention, I hate waiting! Due to the fact that I am one of the millions of people without insurance, I've already had to wait months to have this procedure done. Thankfully though, the company I work for was just bought out and we will now be offered insurance beginning February 1st. You already know I did not waste any time, I scheduled mine for February 3rd!

 But until then, we wait...


What I want you to do, Now....

Ladies and Gentlemen (with ladies): I can not stress to you enough the importance, of making sure you are having your womanly check-ups done regularly. Please, DO NOT be like me. I ignored having it done for ten years, ten years people! I could have dropped dead and no one would have known why. Don't do that to your family and those you love. You are loved and needed, I mean it.

Are they a bit uncomfortable? Yes.  Is it even a little embarrassing? Yes.

But more importantly, it Can SAVE your life!

I want you all to learn from my mistake and please do not wait. Get checked out. If you don't have insurance, no problem. You can be seen at your local health department, usually without any out of pocket expense. If you have young ladies in your life, daughters, granddaughters, nieces..etc, please encourage them to get examined regularly.

My Hope...


My hope, of course, is that this turns out to be simply nothing and everything is fine. However, I do know that I will never take getting regular health exams for granted again. Whatever will come, I will make it through and probably post about it for anyone interested in following along. In the meantime, please heed my warnings though and do not take your own health for granted either.


Much Love,

Sharon




13 comments:

  1. Thank you for sharing, and caring, to urge us women to take care of ourselves!

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    1. You are very welcome! Remember there is only one you, so take care of her.

      Love, Sharon

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  2. Hi Sharon,

    Thanks for sharing what must be a difficult journey. My thoughts and prayers are with you. My hope that 2016 be a blessed year for you and family.

    Michael

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    1. Thank you for your comment Micheal, yes it has been a bit worrisome for sure. But, I am hopeful everything will be okay either way. Just don't forget to encourage those ladies in your life to get checked. Early detection is the key for any issue! Much love, Sharon

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  3. Praying for you Sharon!!! Thank you for opening your heart. I will believe God for a complete healing!!!

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    1. Connie Thank you for your prayers, they are definitely appreciated! I believe also that God will watch over the situation. Love, Sharon

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  4. I kinda wondered, but figured it was something persopnal. I also hate waiting, so I can understand that. My mom is a now 7yr cancer survivor of colon cancer that would likely not have been found if I hadn't bugged about going to the doctor for her pain. Never never take for granted ladies(and gentlemen) our health because it can change in an instant. I will light a candle for you in hopes that everything turns out well. Hopefully it turns out to be nothing serious.

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    1. Jennifer, it is wonderful and encouraging that your mother is a survivor, what a blessing! I am so glad you "bugged" her into going. I think so many times, us women are so busy taking care of others that it is easy to lose sight of our own needs. We must remember that to be able to take care of them, we must first take care of us. Thank you also for lighting a candle, your prayers are truly a comfort. Love your friend, Sharon

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  5. Sharon
    Oh how sad to hear of the miscarriage for I truly can relate and understand the true scope of this pain. I so hope and pray for the best in whatever news you hear and thank you for sharing. If it's ok I'd like to share as well? Love ya lady I've known you most of our lives and you've overcome so much and become this strong smart women that amazes me all the time your mother and father would be so proud. I plain to make a trip south on a road trip and plan to see you. I'll let you know

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    1. Joyce!!! Hey girl, I definitely loved your comment and I do hope they would be proud. I would love to have you visit and yes feel free to share away! Love ya, Sharon

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  6. There is nothing more stressful than waiting for the unknown. Praying that this will all work out for you.

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    1. Thank you Shelle, yes I absolutely hate waiting! I appreciate the prayers and support very much ! ❤

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  7. So sorry to hear about this. I had noticed you weren't around on Facebook or your blog but didn't know you were dealing with something like this. I will be praying for you and your family.

    Hugs!

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