Most of you know that I have had some interesting medical hurdles in the last few months. Despite the constant testing and doctors appointments, I still count my blessings that I am suffering from relatively minor problems compared to so many other people in this world. I need the reminder to keep grounded but I am still going to vent.
SO...the most recent problem...my hearing. I had a random ear infection back in March of 2011...it's been 20 years since my last infection. Two weeks after the infection and medication completed I still was not hearing normal and I had this awful ringing noise that just would not go away. I went back to the doctor and they assured my that I just still had fluid and it would subside after my sinus surgery a couple days later. I went in for my surgery and was not able to focus on my hearing because my nose hurt...bad. After recovering from my surgery I went to my ENT and told her I still was not hearing very well and the ringing...good god the ringing (two months at this point). Concerned she sent me immediately to a hearing test. Wouldn't you know I couldnt hearing very well out of my left ear. She told me it was more than likely nerve damage resulting from the infection and there wasn't much they could do. She offered steroids but gave me very little hope. I went home that day (the day before we left for Arizona) and took a pregnancy test (even though I was on birth control I had this feeling) because I didn't want to take steroids just in case. Sure enough and even more random...I was pregnant. Anyway, you all know how that ended.
Slip forward a couple months...I went back to an ENT here in Phoenix because I was told I needed an MRI to rule out a tumor. I took the MRI and no tumor...white spots on my brain (I will explain that later) but no tumor. Last week I took another hearing test to see if there was any change...NOPE. The decision...I will be sporting a lovely hearing aid on my left ear.
The hearing aid is not a huge deal. In fact, it comes with bluetooth technology, it's water proof, and it comes with an ipod. I get fitted on the 29th and will be wearing it for the rest of my life. So I am actually excited about being able to hear everything again though the loss really isn't that severe and I would survive fine without it.
THE PROBLEM: My career. I knew there was a chance that I would not be allowed to work doing the job I want with the recent development. I was slapped in the face when I saw for my own eyes that I do not meet the hearing qualifications. I am at a major fork in the road and have been more stressed than ever. I am still pursuing my dream job, but I am awaiting word from the employer as to whether or not they would waive my hearing. I really am pretty close to the cutoff so I cant just give up. If I get the dreaded NO then I have to find a new career path. I am struggling with that possibility as I have been preparing for my dream job since I was 17. My heart is broken. As of right now I am tossing around the idea of going to nursing school and I love the support I have from my family and friends. However...TWO more years of school (at the minimum). I really will be a student for life!
As for all the other medical problems...miscarriages, MRI white spots, headaches, etc. I am still awaiting lab results and a sleep study. I will post on those as soon as I know more. I am happy to report that I am feeling much better now than I have in a long time. I love crossfit and I think it was completely changed my lifestyle. I have thrown out all the junk food in our house (except for Trevor's stuff) and replaced it with only fresh fruit, veggies, and meat/fish. I have finally started to lose weight the right way...no crazy diet or starvation here. I workout all the time and I feel myself getting stronger and stronger. I feel more like the old me (5 years ago) and I couldn't be happier about it. Anyway...stay tuned!
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