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I seem to be maintaining quite well lately. During my appointment at the private clinic this past Monday, my weight was 156 lbs. Considering that I was fully clothed and in the late afternoon, that was quite impressive.
Unfortunately, my blood pressure was just as high (slightly higher even) as it is at my family doctor's office. Same for my pulse. I don't understand how my body can be in "fight or flight" mode whenever a blood pressure monitor is being strapped to my arm, despite feeling calm. I think I could take 5 different BP drugs (I take 2 now) and my body would still react the same. This is why I worry about my debt not going down fast enough because I am afraid that I will die before getting rid of it!
I was able to see the gynecologist very quickly, but the appointment ended up being more expensive than I was told because the consultation lasted about 40 minutes. It was infomative in a way. However, the gynecologist did not recommend a uterine fibroid embolization (UFE) based on an April 2019 ultrasound. I do not have lots of options in my specific situation, aside from a hysterectomy, but I don't feel ready for that! She recommended that I see the Ottawa doctor who operated on me a few years ago to discuss. Problem is, Quebec patients are not allowed anymore to be referred to medical specialists from other provinces (it used to be possible, but I guess this is a loophole that got closed, which is understandable). I was hoping that this gynecologist would refer me to a radiologist who would then check if I am a good candidate for UFE -- then I would go for hysterectomy if this doesn't work -- but this is not going to happen.
My options are:
1) Wait for the call from the Gatineau, QC gynecologist and discuss options. My family doctor told me that the average wait time is about a year (earliest would be around May or June 2020), but this can be longer. If I am stuck getting a hysterectomy, I would like a minimally invasive one. However, I don't think this can be done in the Gatineau area. I know some hospitals in Montreal (2-hour trip) can do it and also do UFEs, but my options will depend on when I get the appointment because fibroids can grow fast.
2) Get transferred to Montreal by my employer, then move there. Montreal wait times for medical specialists are shorter than Gatineau's and cost of living is similar (gas and rentals are slightly higher; more choice in everything; but more traffic and longer commute to work). I would also be closer to my mother. However, getting a new family doctor, should it be necessary, is just as long as anywhere else in Quebec. And getting transferred by my employer is highly unlikely.
3) Move to Ottawa. Same medical options as in Montreal, but much shorter wait times (both for family doctor and specialist). No need to change jobs and easier to find a new one should it become necessary. However, very high cost of living in each and every aspect of life and the tax savings do not even begin to offset the cost of living increase, even if I live in the small towns surrounding Ottawa. It would be possible if I win the lottery and get rid of my debts.
So the more likely feasible option would be the first one. At least I have a vague resemblance to an option. Some women have it much harder than I do. This is still a first-world problem compared to other problems.
My period is still annoyingly there... it's been almost two weeks in and the scenario from the previous cycle is still repeating itself, which means more or less significant brownish discharge between actual periods and no actual break. I know I am getting "old" (44 in a few months), but still.
And the good news is... despite the non-official winter that just started this week, it's going to be sunny for the weekend! Woohoo!
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70.2 kg
Lost so far: 8.7 kg.
Still to go: 0 kg.
Diet followed: Reasonably Well.
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Losing 0.1 kg a Week
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