Worry

[E_is_for_Elissa]

Worry is something that I know everyone has trouble with, it is a vicious emotion. I certainly struggle with it!

Right now my particular worry is about how unwell I am. I have had a sore throat for 24 weeks, nearly 25 (As my fiancé pointed out that is nearly 6 months!). I have been to the doctors 3 different times. I saw a doctor when I had the sore throat for 8 weeks; he prescribed me some antibiotics and also gave me a very expensive nasal spray. He is convinced that I have a post nasal drip, considering that I also get sinus infections. The Antibiotics didn't work, and the nasal spray only worked for my sinus infections. I had no improvement in my sore throat at all. I decided to try some natural remedies... swallowing spoonfuls of honey, honey and lemon drink, gargling salt water, gargling baking soda, and drinking a tea spoon of Olive Leaf Extract daily. Nothing worked. So I went back to the doctor at 11 weeks with my sore throat, and he decided to do a throat swab test and a blood test. He also prescribed me some stronger antibiotics. A week later I found out that the results for the tests came back clear. The tests ruled out Glandular Fever, Tonsillitis, and pretty much every throat problem he could think of. The Antibiotics also had done nothing at all. By this time I was pretty fed up, however I waited another week or two before I went back to the doctors; although this time I decided to try a different doctor. This doctor was useless... he gave me mouth drops for Oral thrush.... and although it was surprisingly tasty, it didn't do anything! I also asked him to give me a referral to an Ear Nose and Throat specialist. He decided to give me 5 different numbers to ring up... once I find the right one, I was told to ring my doctor back, and he will then refer me to them. I never really got around to ringing anyone up. I don't particularly enjoy talking to people on the phone, and I also know that the first visit to any ENT is going to be around $150 AUD. I am a bit hesitant on spending my money on what could be a waste of time!
So here I am sick. My throat doesn't always hurt the same, but it always hurts. I also have a cold that pretty much never goes. My sinus infections are terrible! Something that is really frustrating me, is that I keep getting sick in the stomach. I'm not usually one to get a sick stomach, but it has gotten to the point where I am scared of going out because I don't want to be sick. Part of my sinus infection is to do with dairy consumption, and I'm wondering if I have become allergic to something that is making my stomach sick. People have even suggested that it could be an allergy that is causing my sore throat. I have noticed my increase in allergies lately, so these theories are possible. My immune system is the lowest it has ever been, and it is frightening!
I have prayed all the way through this, and my church family has prayed… I get the feeling that God either doesn’t want my throat healed, or he wants me to do something more about it. I REALLY want to get better, and I am worried, but on the other hand… my sickness has been masking emotional troubles. Recently I have been really scared to go to work. I am only a Casual Childcare Group Leader, so it means that I don’t actually have to accept work if a childcare centre rings me up. For some reason I just can’t bring myself to be motivated to work… I’m scared of work, and I am scared of not being accepted by the staff. It helps to be sick, because it is an excuse not to work. I know it means that I don’t get money, but it stops my Dad from forcing me into it!
As you can see, I’m in a bit of a mess.. . I don’t know what’s worse… my sickness, or my not being motivated to work?

Got any ideas! Lol... sorry for the SA!

[Zinnia]

Elissa, I replied to you other post so I won't repeat myself. It looks like you know the answers, you just have to put them into practice. I would go with the dairy allergy. Cut out all milk, cheese, etc and see if it doesn't clear it up. If the allergy has gotten worse, the dairy will make your stomach hurt. Also, if you have a lot of drainage from your sinuses going into your stomach, it will also make it hurt. Give it a try and let me know how it goes.

As far as your job, I can see that it would be hard going to a different place each time. Can you get hired full time at one place so you can get to know the kids and other workers? Then they will see you are awesome and you will be under less stress.

~K

[deepwaters]

My first thought was some kind of allergy. Zinnia gave great advice, check the food angle. Also, try some heavy duty cleaning. Replace air filters, vaccum out ducts as far as your vaccum can reach. Hit ceiling fans etc. Do you have pets? I have allergies to cat dander and yes we have a cat. But my cat takes baths, and I also use "cat wipes" for in between. Are you in a city? High pollution maybe? Just some suggestions. I am so sorry you are suffering like this:( you are in my prayers for resolution! Hang in there! One last crazy thought...any dental issues?

[E_is_for_Elissa]

Hmm yeah, I think my Sinus infections are to do with an allergy to dairy, but I don't know if it has anything to do with my sore throat. It is a confusing problem!
My skin gets itchy and bumpy when I have contact with dogs, but my brother took his dog when he moved out. I own a bird, but I doubt that it gives me allergies!
I don't live in the city, I live in the suburbs. I live in Australia which is barely polluted anyway. My house is a bit of a mess, but cleaning it doesn't do too much. I nearly always have hay fever!
And no I don't have dental issues! My teeth a quite fine.

Lol I'm a hopeless case! Hehe.

[Zinnia]

Elissa, The sore throat can certainly be from the allergies! If you have constant drainage going down the back of your throat, it will cause it to be sore! For sure!! Give the dairy free diet a chance for 2 weeks and see if you notice a difference.

When Jesus was asked by a invalid to heal him, the first thing Jesus asked him was "do you want to be made whole?" The man's first words back to Jesus were an excuse. He said "I have no one to help me into the pool." Just asking, is it easier to be sick and not have to go to work than to face the issues that are causing you to stay at home? Sometimes it's easier to stay "un-whole" than it is to make the effort to become "whole."

Is there anyone at your church that you can talk to about your trouble with going to work? Do they have counselors or maybe the pastor or an elder? You are in the best years of your life and I really hate to see you losing it by being sick and by not being able to get out of bed. Please, never say you are hopeless, even in a joke. It's up to you to make the decision if you are willing to make the effort to become "whole." Will you do it?

~K

[dantyriverside]

Elissa I had the same sore throat sinus issues. I had to have sinus surgury but I only found this out after seeing a ENT Dr first. I went from being staying sick from sinus infections and allergies to hardly ever getting sick. As far as the fear from work.... first day of work fear is common for everybody I cant imagine having to go thru it everyday. I think Zinnia is right talking to a counselor will allow you to build up the confidence within yourself to "own it" and you wont feel that fear. I am sure part of your fear and anxioty has not been helped by the fact that you have been sick. I will keep you in my prayers.



loves danty

[E_is_for_Elissa]

Yeah admitadly being sick feels easier than going to work. My mentor is one of our pastors wives, and she is a retired councellor. Unfortunatly we haven't talked in a while because she is busy. I was seeing a councellor last year for some other issues, but her work closed down. My Pastor Kane and I used to talk, but I soon discovered that he can't really councle me, he can only offer advice, and because of an inccodent that occured we don't talk at all.

Anyways, I went to the doctor again today... and she said that I could be a Celiac, because I keep getting stomach sickness. Celiacs also tend to have a low immune system. So I went and got a blood test today, and my doctor will ring me back with the results if there is something there.... if she doesn't ring in about a week then I'm not a Celiac. She gave me a referral to an ENT, and I'm to make an appointment if the test results come back clear.

I appreciate yur ideas and advice. I would really love some prayer right now.

[Listening heart]

Keep asking our Heavenly Father and keep listening to Him. He is interested in sharing all of our lives. Remember too, that the Holy Spirit is our counsellor. I have often found in my own medical situations that the world's 'answers' get you running round in ever decreasing circles, trying one thing after another and getting worn out and frustrated.
I'm NOT saying don't seek medical solutions - only suggesting that you keep referring to and listening to that still small voice and don't act until you sense his peace in the situation

Sending up a prayer for you

[dantyriverside]

Elissa I am glad you saw a doctor that took you serious. I am not sure what Celiac is but if you have it then I am glad you have a diagnosis. I will keep you in my prayers.


loves danty

[E_is_for_Elissa]

A Celiac is someone who can't eat anything with Gluten in it.
My blood tests haven't come back yet, I don't think I will know until Monday... but it is quite possible that I'm not a Celiac, it could be something different, that is why they did tests.
So yeah, I still don't really know what it is, and even if I find out that I am a Celiac, it might not be what is causing my Sinus infections and sore throat. I need a lot of prayer that the doctors will know what is going on.