I dread going to the doctor. I am not comfortable talking to them and telling them how I am feeling. I always think that they were just enjoying sticking noses because they assume that they know everything. I know, they went to school to specialize in their fields but it is me… I do not want to go to the doctor. I used to self-medicate by taking over-the-counter pills and/or herbal. It was not until I got here in the United States that I started taking prescriptions. It was through my husband’s persuasion. Being in the medical field himself, he wanted to make sure that I stop ignoring the pains I am getting like recurring headaches or migraines. I thought that was only it. I will take all my prescriptions once my headaches start to act up.
One morning
of 2010, I noticed something peculiar.
There was a stain of blood on my shirt.
“What the… where did I get this?” I had to show my husband the blood stain and
he himself had no idea of where it came from. “OK. Let
it go. Let it go!” I convinced
myself that day, that it was nothing.
Until, I felt something moist on my shirt again. When I looked down, there was blood; a tiny
spot of blood and when I checked where it was coming from… it was scary. The blood was coming out of my breast. “How
did it happen? Did I hurt myself last
night?” Too many questions were
popping through my head. I was
embarrassed and scared at the same time that I never wanted to tell my husband,
but he must know, right? My husband made
an appointment to the doctor that same day.
I was so mad! However, I knew I
had no choice but to seek a professional advice. I am having a bloody nipple discharge, so I don't have a choice but to see a doctor.
OK. So, I am
at the doctor’s. I had to have my
mammogram earlier than it was scheduled.
I was scheduled to have an ultrasound. The doctor wanted to know if it
was something hormonal imbalances or I may be producing too much estrogen but the
results came out negative. After all the tests and with no further
explanations, the bloody discharge irritates me because it always stains my bra
and shirt, so I started using a nursing pad to avoid stains and the feeling of
irritation, so to speak. I was seen by
several doctors and to only get the same proscription. “THE RESULTS WERE
NEGATIVE. WE DID NOT FIND ANYTHING ABNORMAL.” Then the doctor would refer to
another doctor.
My husband
works for a Doctor of Radiology. The doctor suggested that what I might need is
a Ductogram. However, the way the doctor
explained in to us – me and my husband – I did not like how the procedure
goes. I am a giant chicken when it comes
to pain. I crossed-out the idea of
having a ductogram. He – the Radiologist
– suggested a different doctor and so I made an appointment. After the new
doctor pressing my breast here and there, she said “ We need an MRI. I want to
know where the discharge is coming from.”
I was not pleased at all. I said “NO!”
I am the patient and I have the right to refuse. What she did was prescribed me
some Vitamin E to take every day.
According to her, some of the patients who had the same health issues
like mine were taking Vitamin E and the bleeding stopped. So, my choice was to
try taking Vitamin E. I would say that
Vitamin E. helped. I noticed that after
I started taking it for a month my bleeding has stopped. I was so happy because I can stop using the
nursing pad. Imagine how inconvenient it
was for me. Like any other patients, I got tired of taking Vitamin E every
single day along with my other medications.
Yes, I stopped taking it. After
a couple of days, my bloody nipple discharge came back. I was so confused! If only I continued
taking that stupid Vitamin E, maybe I am not bleeding again…
So, years
passed. My husband cannot tolerate it
anymore. Imagine, I slept with my soft bra
on every night. The nursing pad has been
a part of my life and our marriage life since 2010, so I was seen by another
doctor. She said the same thing. I need an MRI. Phew!
I got tired of hearing those words.
Until I got a call from MSU Hospital telling that I need to confirm my
MRI schedule. Wait a minute. I don’t remember
setting up an appointment for an MRI. Can you connect the dot here? Yes, it was my husband who made the appointment. I was boiling. So mad. Furious. Why does he have to do that?! He knew how much I hated that idea of having
an MRI. Why he did not ask for my
permission? Why did he have to decide
for myself? Too many question in my
mind, though in the back of my head, I know he was doing it for me. But, I was
still mad. OK. I confirmed the appointment.
We went to
the hospital. Man, that tube was scary!!!
I am claustrophobic. That was the
reason why I never liked that MRI. The
experience was unpleasant. I was so
scared while lying in that tube with my face down and covered with blankets. The noise the machine makes was
unbearable. I was tempted to push the
call button I was holding that moment but I want this test to be over. Again, the results came out negative. The radiologists cannot find any malignancy
on my breast. After a couple months, the last doctor who wanted me to have an
MRI wanted me to have another MRI? Are
you kidding me! No way! I decided to stop seeing that doctor. I know, I know…. I am non-compliant. But I am not having another MRI, period!
After that
not-so-fun-adventure, I got a call from MSU Hospital again. It was a surprised because I intended not to
see any doctors anymore. I have decided
to be in this “condition” for the rest of my life. If I am sick, let it be
done. To make a story short, I was seen
by another doctor. I was not expecting
that it is a male doctor. It’s my
preference to be seen by a female doctors only. Anyways, it’s already there so
there’s nothing I can do anymore, I guess.
I am a non-compliant but I know how to handle things professionally. So,
I stayed and waited for the male doctor.
To be honest, after meeting him and hearing him explaining what my
condition was like, I started liking him as my doctor. He was so pleasant, gentleman and direct,
which I admire for any person.
Dr. Bumpers,
- my new doctor – did not ask for another test.
He only asked for my old records and test results. After he examined my affected area, he
explained to my husband that he is going to perform an operation. No ductogram was recommended but a major duct
excision. He asked if I plan to breastfeed
in the future. I don’t have any
plans. Then after explaining the
procedures to us, from pre-op to admission to the operation and the-what-to-expect,
I filed for a leave-of-absence from work.
It was stressful to me thinking that I am going to have a surgery in a
couple of weeks. I cannot take any blood
thinning medication. After work, I would
take an Ibuprofen if I feel any muscle pain.
By the way, I am a CNA by profession so I do a lot of running and
lifting and pushing.
Day of my
surgery – I was relaxed. My husband was
the one that was anxious. He kept asking
me “Are you OK?” I gave him an assurance
that I was fine and he had nothing to worry about.
Here’s what I
had been through the whole surgical process:
- 1. On the night prior to my surgery, I was NPO or did not eat nor drink after midnight.
It
was hard for someone who loves to eat and having snacks in the middle of the
night.
- 2. My surgery was at 8 AM but we had to leave at 6 AM. I got up at 5, had a shower, I used mild soap. I did not even shampoo my hair. I just decided not to. Removed my earrings, I kept my wedding band – the nurse said it was OK. Did not put any perfume, no deodorant, no make-up. Just the plain Me.
- 3. Upon arrival at Sparrow Hospital, we went to the admission and checked in, so many other patients were scheduled for surgery that day. I was an out-patient. I do not want to stay in the hospital for even a day.
- 4. After waiting for less than an hour, my name was called. My husband cannot go with me. He had to stay in the waiting area.
- 5. 1st nurse interviewed me for ID and what was my preparation prior to the surgery, checked my vital signs, explained what I need to expect and did a drug test. Then she escorted me to my bed and gave me a hospital gown and red gripper socks and a couple bags for my personal belongings.
- 6. 2nd nurse came in. Placed a warm blanket onto my left arm where she was going to put the IV on (God, I hate being poked!). She also put a leg warmer which was attached to a machine. It was to prevent my legs from edema or blood clots. Another orientation, she asked me my ID and why I was there then asked me to write the letter “S” on my affected part. She put an IV on my left hand. Unknowingly, I swore when I felt the needle was inserted to my vein. Man, that hurts
- 7. 3rd person who came in was a female doctor. Another orientation and questionings. Making sure that I know what is going on and why I was there for. She explains her role to my surgery, checked if everything was done properly.
- 8. 4th person was the anesthesiologist. He explained what he was going to do and how I would not feel anything. I would fall in a deep sleep and I would not remember anything.
- 9. Then, the last person I talked with before the operation was my surgeon/doctor. He made sure that I do not have worry. That I was in good hands.
- 10. After all the preparations, the nurses and anesthesiologist pushed my bed to the operating room. I was still relaxed. Not having any anxieties. Talking to one of the nurses was the last thing I can recall. The rest I do not remember anything.
I was woken
up by a nurse. I immediately felt
something heavy on my breast. I
remember the nurse asked if I am feeling any pain or discomfort. They called my husband right after I got back
to my senses. The nurse asked me if I
want a cup of juice. Oh, yes,
please! My husband brought me something
to eat… Oh, FOOD!!!! How I missed you!!!
I can eat anything when I am hungry.
I couldn’t be
happier when the same nurse unhooked my IV, whew! I was groggy but I have decided
that it’s time to go home. I cannot stay
for another minute at the hospital. The
operation lasted for an hour and a half and the anesthesia was still in my
system, but when I got home I did not sleep.
I was actually up the whole night and the next day. The only problem I had after the surgery was
I kept peeing. I was on the toilet every
15 minutes. It was really annoying. While it was happening to me, I have thought
of my patients. I now understand why the patients have to go to use the toilet
every 5 0r 10 minutes after they came from a hospital. It was a question I have answered
myself. The IV was the culprit.
I went back
to work after two-weeks. I thought I was
fit to work but I felt sore on my breast. It was painful so I was seen by my
surgeon yesterday and he wanted me to be off from work for another two weeks
then be on light duty. I do not want to
but it is for my own good. Right now, I
am on-leave and hoping to get better very soon.
I feel sore on my breast. As much
as I can tolerate the pain, taking pain pills is the last resort for me.
I am blessed
that I have a supportive husband and the surgery was over. Though, there are still more procedures to
get done. I know that everything is
going to be alright. I will update you
on how well I am doing and tell more about the operation and pathology results.
