Eek team eek. I am the type of person who likes having answers, not in a day, a month or later- I like them now. I also don’t like to disappoint people. You know the classic people please, Type A mentality. The GI doctor heard my symptoms, saw the rash, felt my stomach and left me with… only more questions. The next month includes various blood tests, a dreaded colonoscopy (I had to schedule it for later rather than sooner this month because I can’t keep missing work) and various other tests. I need to work on patience. They have this new feature though so I can see my blood test results. However, this is also a bad thing. Looking at it – I have no idea what I see but I see tons of red bolded ‘abnormal’. Apparently, I have low MCHC (hemoglobin), low RBC (red blood count), high RDW- CV (something about blood distribution), low Hgb (something to do with an infection), and low Hct (another blood one). Seriously no idea what this means.
So who wants to trade?
I would trade… the ridiculous commute it takes to get to the GI doctor for an accessible one (or a car). They told me this would be convenient, aka an hour long walk because there is no metro is not convenient. Luckily, my dad was still in town so drove me at 730 am but getting to my work after took over an hour of walking, busing and metroing. Let’s not mention the minor tears I may I have shed in the process. I don’t handle stress well. Period.
I would trade… the humidity returning in full force for those nice cooler mornings we had last week. Holy freaking humidity was my run a sweaty mess this morning. My body felt great actually, it was a speedy run but boy did I sweat a river. Don’t mind me new hot young male neighbor as I force you to stand in the elevator with me in this disgusting state. I make great first impression.
I would trade… this jam packed short week for a (don’t kill me) a normal four day work week. The fact that I have to fit five days of work into three because of the holiday and wedding this Friday is making these three days a stress ball mess. I need to somehow in the next two days visit three schools before 10 am on both days, give a presentation to LivingSocial, stay late for Incubator training, and oh the casual still recruit over 20 mentors. (pulls hair out…)
I would trade… hunger rumbles for some contentment in my stomach. Nothing is sitting well so I feel even more hungry despite eating. The doctor said this was normal and is probably just because I am not digesting food properly. Oh, so normal. Welp.
I would trade…my friend unable to come visit me anymore this month for a much needed reunion. She sadly has a test so I hope we can reschedule for next month. Fingers crossed.
I would trade… my feeling that I am disappointing my work for some positive feedback. It is not that they are saying I am doing bad or doing anything wrong but it is the fact that I FEEL bad for coming in late for doctor’s appointments, missing days, having to plan more doctor’s appointments… Just makes me really uncomfortable doing in a job that is so new. Makes me stress even more.
I would trade… a text from someone I stopped talking to that just baffled me for some genuine emotions. This person hates my guts but I got this text out of the blue all, hey hope everything is going well, mode. A what? I don’t do fakeness. Not one bit. I even had another person in the same sort of, we are not friends boat, that sent me a message earlier on this summer. Hello, I don’t do bull crap.
Today I have learned a lot of things about myself. I am a complainer, a whiner, a worrier but also someone who is willing to work with what she has. I got to work (yes two hours late…) but started to write up a to do list, update my schedule and get right at it. I won’t let a time crunch or physical pain keep me from the Alex that is responsible, hard-working and always ready to be on the move.
So, today I WOULD NOT trade….
- The FREE Dunkin Donuts iced coffee. Hello, gift card.
- The 9.4 mile run that I jumped out of bed for at 530 am.
- A GI doctor that is really wanting to give me answers even if it may take time.
- An apartment that felt awesome to be in last night.
- A planning mindset that keeps me one step ahead.
- And a mom who will listen to me cry my eyes out.
- My sarcasm. It keeps me grounded.
Those are some lovely points. Bring it on Wednesday.
Questions: What would you trade up today? What would you not trade?
I would trade into the humidity too! But I wouldn’t trade my two trail runs from the last two days. I’m feeling pretty lucky that I got to do that two days in a row because I mostly have to run indoors because of childcare.
I hope you get some answers from your doctor. That is great that he’s willing to take the time to figure things out.
I miss trail running, haven’t done any since moving to the city. Ugh indoor running is never fun.
I always feel guilty when I come in late to work from doctor’s appointments, etc too. Everyone does it at one time or another though, so I just try to remind myself of that. I would trade being tired tonight and not getting what I wanted done with another few hours of awakeness and energy….all I want to do is crawl into bed right now and my to-do list is still way too long. blah
It is just my personality to be really hard on myself and want to please everyone. I am trying to keep up my commitment by asking if I can do anything anyone needs, at least that makes me feel a bit better.
Oh man I’m s sorry about your GI Doctor! I was really hoping you would get this stuff sorted out soon. The next month must suck for you
buy you’re right, always be sarcastic! Sarcasm is the best thing ever. 
Sarcasm keeps me going for sure.
Hope your GI Doctor can sort you out- can only imagine how uncomfortable you must be feeling! I love the addition to Trade ‘Em Up Tuesdays. Today I would NOT trade up an amazing lower body workout, the overnight oats I had for breakfast or the amount I managed to get done at work yesterday…sure makes my morning today a heck of a lot calmer!
Those are a lot of great things as well, I hope he can too.
I would feel the exact same way as you whenever Id have to schedule an appointment during work. Just try to remember though girl that your human, and things happen. If you were perfect in every way possible, what would be the fun of that? It’s okay to whine, it’s okay to cry, it’s okay to be stressed, but it’s also okay to be happy A. I feel like sometimes you forget that, and wish you would just see how amazing of a person you are.. and how even though things may not always go the way you want them, or the way they should.. that there are other things in your life worth smiling about.
Gosh you just me beam, that is so sweet of you to say. Really! I appreciate that a lot. I need to always bring myself down rather than get worked up. Leads me to no where.
It sure doesn’t hunnie, so just try to remember that
Okay — 1. Remind me via email to chat about your bloodwork. It’s 4am and I’m terrified that I’ll forget.
I honestly cannot decide which is my favourite.
2. 9.4 miles first thing in the morning?! Dang, girl!!
3. Being patient isn’t easy, and being a suffering patient is never easy. But patients being asked to be patient ..? That’s just cruel and unusual punishment. What I do know is that you’re one tough chick — you’re made of tougher stuff than your stomach (obviously), hang in there.
4. Power through your week, let me kick some fake-friend booty for you (I’m scrappy, promise, especially when it comes to defending friends. I get fierce. And not Tyra-Banks-fierce either. I’m legit.)
5. Focus on your non-tradables. Hold those babies close. Like you would hold vintage, signed, mint baseball cards close. Or like you would hold … actual babies close. Let them hold you up when you’re having trouble holding yourself up.
6. If you ever need to vent, don’t you dare hesitate. You know where to find me.
7. Love the pictures. They made my morning.
You are so sweet, i am a morning person so that is a normal day for me! Ha, I love my mornings. I could never do the night thing. I know it is tough to have that patience, working on it for sure. I wish you could kick some butt for me. Would be super helpsful, ha!
Oh Alex,I hope you’ll find a solution for your stomach problems really soon. I know it sucks not to know what’s going on with your body,but keep hanging in there,you’ll make it through,I know that for sure!
P.S. I love that picture of the swimming piggies,it’s SO cute!
They made me smile, I just had to include them!
It sounds like you have iron deficiency anemia with all those blood results. I had it a few years ago and still struggle. But I’d wait to hear from your doctor on what to take or do for it, because I know GI issues can cause deficiencies due to malabsorption, so that could be it. Don’t feel bad about work for going the doctor… taking care of your health is going to make you a better worker in the long term and the job should realize that!
Ya, I think it is just due to the malabsorption because of all the ahem stomach issues but I am waiting to hear what he says about it.
Ug…. stomach issues are the WORST – I was so hoping that you would have some answers, or at least a way to get some relief/eat food!! So here’s hoping that you’re on your way to recovery… I find being patient is nearly impossible when you feel so yucky!! Good for you for being able to find some positives in your life … I have trouble doing that when I am overwhlemed and stressed! But, I would not trade my time in Cape Cod, making my boyfriend a birthday cake, my amazing morning coffee this AM, and puppy love from my dog. Have a great day Alex!!
Oh my gosh cape cod, so jealous! I would never trade that either. I wish I had answers too, now it is time to practice my patience. EEk!
I am so glad to hear your GI doctor is committed to finding answers and getting you healthy! I am like you with feeling overwhelmed and not having the time in the day to get it all done. And then I remind myself that that is everyone, and it will get done if I breathe, take a step back, and go into it calm and ready! I love your sarcasm by the way!
You are so right, I am glad he is that committed because I sure want some answers.
Haha love your sarcasm! Got to keep laughing!!! It is good your GI Dr is taking the time to investigate, you’ll get to the truth behind it all!
Agree, laughing helps anything. I think he is at least willing to take the time which means a lot!
Aww I hope you feel better soon! I’m so sorry about all the tests, but hopefully that means they will figure out exactly what you need! Love the things you wouldn’t trade — congrats on the awesome run!
I am glad I have a doctor that is willing to keep working with me, helps a whole lot
I love your things that you wouldn’t trade
You should do those every week too!
I kind of think I should. Good practice for me.
this post made my day because of the swimming piggies! Pigs are my favorite animal thats why I dont eat them, but this picture is super cute! I am glad you are incorporating things you wouldn’t trade into your posts, i think it helps to see the good things that are going on in ur life rather then looking at the negative things all the time! Hope your GI doctor brings you lots of answers!
Me too, those pigs just caught my eye! You know something is wrong when I don’t even crave watermelon… just wrong!
Seriously the more I read from your blog, the more I realize how similar we are. Sometimes I think everything stresses me out! Honestly though, it’s not worth it. Sometimes you just have to take a step back and try to focus on what’s going well as opposed to what’s going bad (harder said than done). I’m going to suggest that you find something outside of running that you can use a stress release. Maybe journaling, reading, crafting. Find an activity that will help keep you sane. For example when I regularly craft (beading, sewing, or art journaling) I am 10000 times less stressed out. You have an apartment to decorate, so focus on creating your ideal space without any timelines or expectations.
I’m going to give you a huge internet hug and remind you that you’re a pretty awesome young lady who doesn’t need to stress away her life. And if you ever need to rant to someone, feel free to email me.
You are so freaking sweat and we are very much alike. Your posts have hit home for me. I think crafting is my new goal, I used to be so into it. Time to put on my creative hat and jump on it again.
It seems that several of my distance running friends have had GI problems lately. I wonder if there is a relation between endurance running and GI distress. Several years ago when I was still running marathons, I experienced bleeding after running and the colonscopy discovered I was producing microtears in my lower colon during long runs. Unfortunate but once I shortened my distances, the GI distress and bleeding stopped. I hope you find your answer soon too!
Well that is a little scary, I just have no idea what they will find! Thanks for the info. I will bring it up with him.
Even if it is inconvenient, I’m glad you have a doc you like! Hope you get it all sorted out sooner rather than later. I wouldn’t worry about the job, I feel like employees are always much harder on themselves than bosses! People understand health issues/life issues come up, and rarely judge because of it. Wishing you all the best! And some more of that free DD coffee. Mmm, I’d trade where I live for living somewhere with a Dunkin Donuts!
Oh gosh I am sorry you don’t have a DD near you. My favorite, I am not a STarbucks girl. It is true, this is the first time I have had a doctor that actually kind of cares. Crazy!
I’m not a fan of SB either, but it’s pretty much the only option around here. Needless to say, if I want coffee, I usually have to make my own. And it’s still not nearly as delicious as the stuff from DD. I visited some friends in NYC earlier this summer, and was made fun of the whole time because I was more excited about DD access than most anything else ;D
I make my own DD coffee to save money, do they even sell it near you. If not, you need to get your hands on some to purchase. Best decision ever!
I’ll trade our cold mornings for your humidity :p haha I hope your stomach is feeling better… I actually found a tea that helps mine if you’re interested
I would love the name of it, I am always looking for something.
yea def.. I’ll email it to you because it has an embarrassing name haha
giggle, can’t wait!
Sorry to hear about your GI stuff. Hope it gets better soon! And great job on your run you running rockstar you!
Aw thanks, I mean your running impresses me like no other!
If you have to keep going back to the GI doctor, you should look into a car sharing program like Zipcar (http://www.zipcar.com). I know they have them in D.C., and there might be others in your area as well. I’ve never needed to use Zipcar myself, but I’ve talked to people who have, and they’ve all said great things about it. Basically, you’re able to rent a car for just the amount of time you need it for a pretty reasonable price. Gas and insurance are included, and there’s no extra charge for being under 25 like with big car rental companies, so as long as you’ve got a driver’s license you’re good to go.
I hope you get answers soon, though. Waiting is never fun, and waiting for answers about something that’s making you feel so lousy is ten million times less fun
Ya, zip cars are expensive though to actually subscribe. I was thinking about it but just may not be worth it. I hope I don’t have to go back that often and things can be done remotely. Boo about waiting.
Oh gosh I am so sorry to hear that… I am the same personality actually and HATE not having answers, I was the same when dad was in hospital, no one would give me answers it got so frustrating, I don’t think there is anything worse. Although in saying that I have now learnt that sometimes things just don’t have answers but that’s a different context. I really hope the drs get to the bottom of it all… I hope it’s not serious. Do you take iron tablets. vitamin c etc? Have you thought of perhaps trying alternative medicine? I know sounds nuts but they told my mum that she had a slim rate of surving breast cancer and yet she did as she also took supplementary herbs etc… although not proven we think it played a big part, I always like to look at various things that can help… *Fingers crossed* that things get better for you! Btw LOVE your appartment, stunning!!!
I had a nutrtionist who was all into the alternative medicine and honestly it helped me the past year keep my symptoms at bay. I just have yet to find one near me. Thanks for the apartment love, I relaly enjoy it. Like a lot!
I would trade the stress I went through this morning with my bike on the way to work. I’m in a pretty bad mood now because of it … but must make the most out of my day and snap out of it!!
Ugh sounds terrible, I hope your day gets better. Commuting can really set me off the wrong foot too!
Hooray for sarcasm and a mother you can cry with! It’s what’s kept me going (and still keeps me going) too
And Alex… OMG your place looks so warm , cosy and just very nice to live!!! XO
Thank you! I seriously love it and love my mom as well.