Exams and Tests of a different kind

The downside to going to other countries is that my body is not going to be immune to a lot of the common illnesses of the area. I have been sick with he "common cold" more times in the last 8 months than I have in my entire life.

Approximately two months ago I went to a clinic due to experiencing a lot of pain in my neck area on the right side. The doctor examined my neck and found no abnormalities but recommended that I have my thyroid checked. Fortunately, the tests came back negative. The doctor also stated that I had probably just pulled a muscle and I just needed to take these pills and it will go away. I was not convinced due to the type of pain I was feeling was not in an area of my neck that would logically get "strained".

I proceded to get a second opinion. This was against the recommendation of some of my close friends and family due to cost. After I met my new doctor that was recommended to me by a fellow teacher I was immediately happier. She stated that she could see the "lump" in my throat without even having to touch me. Immediately, she recommended every test and exam that she could possibly think of.

I couldn't really afford all of tests and exams at the same time so I had to spread them out a bit. The first one that I took was the x-ray of my neck which, I think, didn't allow the doctor to conclude anything. The second was the sonogram that gave a bit more definition to the "lump". The doctor(he was more like a technician in my opinion) that had completed that sonogram indicated to me that there were no serious problems and I had nothing to worry about (not for one second did I really believe in that). The third was the long list of blood tests such as mono, ppd (tuberculosis), etc (I don't know the name of the rest). The fourth was the most expensive of them all, the CAT scan. As soon as the results of the final test were available we rushed over to my doctor's office and got there just in time to see her leaving. She was nice enough to take us into an available room and look over everything. She stated that I had tested positive for the PPD test which is the Tuberculosis test and also stated that now there is not only one "lump" but tens of lumps all around my neck. I had previously been prescribed antibiotics from the first day that she saw me and they had no effect on the original "lump" which is why she proceded to state that even though I had tested positive for Tuberculosis that most likely I don't have it (since antibiotics are the treatment/cure). This leaves my doctor still unsure as to what the cause of the "lumps" are but sure as to where they are. She has recommended that I get a biopsy of one of the lumps so that she can have a better idea as to what the cause is and what the treatment should be. She mentioned a few things that I wasn't fast enough to commit to memory. The only thing I did remember was the term Lymphoma. I am trying to not work myself up into a frenzy to the point where I am so depressed that I don't even want to get out of bed. The pain and lethargy are the most debilitating issues, especially with all the school work that I have and exam week is in full swing.




I don't want to die alone and in this third world country!