Dirt or Motor Oil???

Today was the much anticipated appointment at the hospital for traditional medicine.  Oh, it brought back such memories of when when we took Audrey An for her adoption physical 2 1/2 years ago- the sights, the smells, the "white coats", etc.  I met the director of internal medicine then was escorted to one of their oldest doctors (yes, and I mean, truly, probably the oldest doctor there).  I SO wanted to ask his age, but I refrained.  The clinic doctor (I'll call her Dr. C ) who was so gracious to meet David and me there (so she could translate for us) said he was the best- a real expert.  I sat down across from him along with a clerk and three other doctors who were there-I'm assuming being mentored by "Dr. Wise"...I call him : )  It truly was a fascinating experience.  Dr. C  relayed the history of the illness, symptoms, prescriptions, hospitalizations, etc. to him.  They all sat with a notebook and pencil writing notes as she spoke.  It was a little bit of a flashback in time.  Then Dr. Wise felt/listened to my pulse for quite awhile on both arms, asked more questions about symptoms, etc.  There was just a kindness in his face...I can't explain it.  I wonder how many patients he's seen through the years...wow.

After the appointment we went to the compounding pharmacy where there were half a dozen more white coats measuring out the prescriptions that had been sent to them from upstairs.  David had to go back downtown this afternoon to pick up my "special concoction"....made just for me.  So, all in all, it was a good appointment.  David and I feel much more comfortable about the hospital working with me and my current western medicines.  I'm not quitting any of them cold turkey.  I'm going to continue to reduce my steroid weekly and even continue on my HRT (this week at least..).  I stopped the methotrexate a month ago anyway so I'm clear of that (and YAY...I'm not losing my hair anymore!).

compounding the herbs...

4-6 oz/packet, 3x/day....I think I can, I think I can!!!! (clothespin for nose in hand, too!)

So, I just took my first "dose", and I wondered if it was a cross between packaged dirt or motor oil!  OH. MY. GOODNESS....can we say nasty tasting!?!?!  I held my breath, chugged water, and ate a peanut butter sandwich during and after, and it still took about 30 minutes to get the taste out of my mouth. I think my body is wondering what in the world I've just put in it (as my esophagus is burning!).  If this helps me, I don't care WHAT it tastes like OR what it looks like, or what it smells like.  I've got a 5 day supply and will return to "Dr. Wise" on Monday for follow up (along with Dr. C).

Okay, so I couldn't leave you with lovely images of motor oil packets!  While David and Abigail motor biked back downtown to the hospital to pick up my concoction, I took Audrey An on a MUCH needed mommy/daughter date.  Both girls adore their dates with mommy and daddy, but for AA I think it's something just extra special for her.  She gets SOOOOO excited when I surprise her with one!  She's sportin' a sassy new hair cut, too.  I love you, sweet girl!