LIFE AND HEALTH UPDATE: AUGUST 2024 

Sorry to hear you're so unwell, I hope your doctors can get to the bottom of things and set you on the road to recovery.

Awww! :(

I've transitioned to all female doctors, I feel like you that I get a better experience that way. My boyfriend had very high blood pressure, turned out it was his kidneys, he has PKD. It sounds like getting on some blood pressure meds might be something to move to the top of the list, it's pretty dangerous and can definitely make you feel like shit. I don't know if you have told us or I just missed it, but where are you at, if anywhere, on treatment for your neck injury? Or is that on the back burner while you get everything else sorted out? Hang in there, I know how much chronic illness sucks, hopefully going through all this will get you to a better place in the end 💜

The only health issue I have ever had was gallstones, which got so bad, I had to have my gallbladder removed. The attacks I would get, increased so much that it would be a minimum of 48-72 hours of pain. (Even when eating cleanly and literally only drinking filtered water. I was extremely careful with what I put into my system!) After the surgery, I was back to being pain free - the only times I get attacks now, is if I eat unhealthy/fatty/oily foods, and even then it's not everytime I choose to eat that way.

Also, regarding reflux, I have a hiatal hernia which causes bad reflux. (A CT scan can show if you have a hiatal hernia.) I take 2 Prilosec a day which keeps it pretty controlled but I have to avoid acidic foods like you mentioned - tomato and garlic are my big triggers. RIP red sauce and pizza :( Also not eating too much too close to bedtime, my flares tend to happen at night when I am trying to sleep.

The American Healthcare System should be a world leader, but it honestly seems terrible. If I had enough money, I'd hook you up with better Doctors internationally - you'd probably get an answer, if not then they could point you in the right direction at least?? Hope things will improve Phil!

Possibly a dumb question, but do you also check your blood pressure at home? Anyway, with all the tests and discussions, I hope the balance will tip and you'll start getting answers and not just more questions. All the best!