Adding to my bling

Today started out with a visit to the Vascular Center. I was the youngest person in the waiting room by at least 30 years...try to contain your jealousy. I met with a cardiovascular doctor, who just happens to be the head of the department (they forgot my red carpet, but I'll let it slide just this once). The doctor took copious notes on my symptoms, did a brief examination and then sent me out for some vascular testing. The vascular techs took the blood pressure and temperature of each of my digits with a very miniature blood pressure cuff, waved an ultrasound up and down my arms to check for blood flow, stuck my hands in a heat box and then walked out of the room.  I was given strict instructions to stay put and warm up. That I can do!

So I hung out with my hands in a heat box for ten minutes, at which point the techs came back and decided that the normal amount of wait time wasn't sufficient, so I roasted for another ten minutes. Afterwards, the techs took my blood pressure and temperatures again and compared the pressures and temperatures to my "normal" body temperature. Here's a shocker, my blood doesn't flow very well!

I met with the doctor again after the tests and he has several theories. I clearly have insufficient blood flow to the extremities, exacerbated by the already present Raynaud's disease. Why? All goes back to our good friend, the mystery virus. A year and a half ago, my little darlings at school shared their Parvo Virus (Fifths Disease) with me and I was pretty darn sick (bless their hearts, they share so well). Kids just get very red cheeks, but adults get thrown to the curb. Disclaimer: 98% of adults are immune to fifths, so don't panic, unless you are also a hot mess...and work with kids...and are extra special...and likely are named Lydia. Apparently Parvo can stay in your body for a long time, and there are several studies in the works at Mayo about how Parvo can affect the vascular system.

Another theory? Bees. I'm terribly allergic to bees, wasps and hornets and have been getting bee venom therapy shots for about 5 years. Venom therapy gradually introduces your body to the allergens over time, in hopes of raising your immunity. There is a good chance that these miniature allergy attacks every few weeks have built up tissue and screwed with my blood flow even more. What a buzzzzzzkill.

So. What to do? I've already tried all of the medicine options, except for my shocker of a friend Cialis/Viagra, and based on my history...I'll probably find some rare side effect to pull out of those. Plus the likelihood of my insurance willingly paying for Cialis for a 28 year old female, are pretty slim. The doctor looked at my notes, noted my current accessories and decided that I just simply do not have enough bling! I am a celebrity after all, and I need to look my best and most accessorized at all times. Introducing, the Arterial Flow Pump. Thank goodness these doctors are great stylists.

The doctor described the pump as two blood pressure-like cuffs that you wear on your arms and squeezes the blood down into your hands every couple of minutes. People usually use this for increasing blood flow to a wound, but it is sometimes used for vaso-spastic blood flow (arteries/veins that spasm). So I'm thinking, ok, two cuffs and a little tiny machine that I stick in my pocket.

Introducing, my new bling:

And yes, my friends, that doesn't even show the cuffs. I guess this is the medical bling equivalent to the chunky necklace? My husband is such a lucky man.

A few hours later, I showed up for my pump training:
"Oh hi! Is Mrs. Buschenfeldt in the bathroom?"
"Oh, actually I'm Mrs. Buschenfeldt."
"OH MY GOSH! No way! You are my youngest patient EVER!!!!"
Score.

In other very exciting news, I have a tentative departure date! As of today it looks like I will fly home on February 4th or 5th! Keep those fingers crossed...and I'll lend you my arterial flow pump if you happen to cut off your circulation in the process.