Chronicles of a Late Bloomer

I admit to feeling a little smug when I found out that my referral for an endoscopy was denied. Apparently, the insurance doctors couldn’t find a good cause or medical necessity for the procedure, based on my symptoms.

So, I called my doctor today and badgered him for the results of the CAT scan that I underwent on Monday morning. He wanted to wait for my insurance to reverse the denial of endoscopy coverage before we discussed the results, because he’s convinced that I have indigestion, or an ulcer. However, because I believed that my pain was a result of gall bladder issues and not stomach issues, I felt that the CAT scan would be just as informative as the endoscopy, if not more.

Well, it took some convincing but he finally looked at the results and read them to me over the phone. Indeed, the CAT scan technician had found multiple gall stones, thickening of gall bladder walls, and severely contracted gall bladder, “which would likely account for the patient’s symptoms.” Now I await referral for a surgical consult and will probably never have to deal with this particular GI specialist again.

But, I will have to have surgery.

At least we are finally getting something done. I read this article about listening to your body earlier, and I think it’s a good reminder for us all.

Remember The Belt? I had bought it while living in Israel when I became friends with a leather artisan. I selected the leather strap, the buckle, and the spacing of the holes; he assembled it to my specifications. I hoped that choosing the longest strap available, the sturdiest buckle, and the smallest hole spacing wouldn’t result in a belt that was too small for my girth. But, it was.

Now that I’ve lost some weight, and the Problem of Pants is becoming much more troublesome, I’m working to stitch and alter my clothes until I can afford new ones. Re-enter The Belt. A year and a half ago, I declared the belt as a progress goal — hoping that I could someday buckle it, even just to the first hole. Well, a few weeks ago, feeling utterly frustrated by the Problem of Pants, I pulled the belt out and cinched it up. To my surprise, it not only buckled, it buckled at the fifth hole.

Before picture here.

After: