Adding Dr. Kern to the team

Well it remains true... National Jewish seems to only hire the best of the best. Last week, I had an appointment with Renal Specialist, Dr. Kern. She is another jewel in the NJ crown. She was intelligent, compassionate, and proactive.

The appointment was originally scheduled because there was apparently a concern that I could have a renal tumor. I know! What's the deal with my body mimicking such alarming symptoms? Thank goodness the news wasn't so grave. She believed the problems were being caused by one of my medications. Great news! Even better though, she noticed the lab history on my chart and began brainstorming ways she could help my ferritin/hemoglobin deficiencies. She said those were no numbers for a first grade teacher (oh yes! I'm the newest first grade teacher at Cherry Hills Village Elementary!) and was intent on finding a way to help me feel better! How exciting!

She ordered labs and consulted with Dr. Olson. Unfortunately, my ferritin & hemoglobin levels have dropped again. My iron is 4.2 & hemoglobin is 8 something. Both doctors are leaning toward IV iron infusions, but want Dr. Feiner to weigh in before they add me to the schedule. I'm all for anything that will generally improve the way I feel! So, I guess it's solid.... I have another great doctor on my team! Just waiting for the final decision.

the END of anorexia :)

Oh what a great day! I feel like I've been validated. I know I have a great relationship with my doctors and they can tell that I am honest with them. It's just been so hard knowing that this crazy weight issue has NOTHING to do with my self image and trying to get them to know that's sincere. I've watched the concern on Dr. Olson's face as she checks my weight in the computer. It's heartbreaking. I understand that she only has my health & best interest in mind. I get that. That's why I understood when she had to send me to EDC (the Eating Disorder Center of Denver). Don't get me wrong ~ I was devastated & felt like a failure, but I did understand.

That was the beginning of my victory! I met with a counselor there for about an hour. At the end of the appointment she looked me in the eyes and said she had no idea what was going on with my body, but I did NOT fit any of the criteria for an eating disorder.

Wooooooo  Hoooooooo!! Don't you know I was sooooooo relieved! Now we can FINALLY move forward and focus on problems that are actually REAL!!

All in all nothing has changed with my weight, my appetite, or interest in food in any way. The victory lies completely in the fact that I have officially been labeled NOT Anorexic!