Wow.

Ok, so I have Gilbert's Syndrome. I also have had a life of migraines, fatigue and abdominal pain. I never really thought of anything much until today.

R. has been sick the past two days (as I mentioned previously), and today he was VERY yellow. Now, Gilbert's Syndrome basically is a mutated gene (two genes, actually) which doesn't allow your liver to produce the enzyme that maintains the billirubin levels. These levels reduce the toxins in your liver as well as your red blood cells. I had no idea if R. had just inherited GS from me (causing him to get jaundiced while sick) or if it was his skin tone while sick (being Egyptian and all, I had no idea). I decided to google GS and Egyptians...I was shocked at what I found.

There is roughly a 5% population in caucasian people with GS. In Egypt (and parts of Africa) there is up to a 25% population with GS. That led me to read about GS more in detail at www.gilbertssyndrome.com. I don't know whether I should be astounded or maddened! GS is considered 'benign' and to not have any adverse affects. What I read was totally the opposite:

From an exhaustive study of the symptoms reported by people with Gilbert's Syndrome, here are the symptoms of Gilbert's Syndrome:

Frequently Reported: fatigue, tiredness, brain fog, headaches, poor memory, dizziness, depression, irritability, anxiety, nausea, loss of appetite, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), stomach pain & cramping, liver/gallbladder pain, abdominal pain, tremors, itchiness, jaundice

Commonly Reported: insomnia, difficulty concentrating, panic attacks, hypoglycemic reaction to foods, intolerance to carbs, food intolerances, alcohol intolerance, loose stools / diarrhea, abdominal bloating or swelling, breathlessness or labored breathing, heart palpitations, aching muscles / body ache, joint pain, numbness & tingling, weakness, chemical sensitivity, weight loss, lump in the throat, feeling constantly sick

Sometimes Reported: difficulty finding the right words, feeling drunk, vomiting, intolerance to fatty foods, strong hangovers, acid reflux, excessive thirst, chest pain, muscle twitches, cold hands and feet, environmental allergies, swollen lymph nodes, toxic feeling, bitter or metallic taste in the mouth, eye pain

Occasionally Reported: waking panic attack, mood swings, feeling antisocial, intolerance to drugs, constipation, pale stools, indigestion, back pain, dry skin, feeling cold, low body temperature, pale skin, low weight, night sweats, excessive sweating, poor immune system, sore or dry throat, light sensitivity, bloodshot eyes

OMG! You have to be kidding me!!! Those of you that know me well know that I have suffered for the longest time with massive migraines (like 3 a week), fatigue and abdominal pain...not to mention that I am ALWAYS sick!! This is like a freaking epiphany for me...I'm not joking. My mom had GS as well and she suffered from a lot of these same things. What makes me really angry is the scientific community turning a blind eye to this. There is obviously a LOT of us with the same symptoms!! And is it any wonder that everything I have tried with different doctors HAS NOT WORKED?? Look at this quote from the site...I feel like I could have written it myself:

If you're like many people diagnosed with Gilbert's Syndrome, you've been on a long journey to find out what's wrong with you, visiting doctor after doctor and coming up with nothing. And then one day, a doctor tells you that you have Gilbert's Syndrome but that it's not the cause of your problems because their desk reference says that there are no symptoms. At that point, some will claim you're a hypochondriac or making it all up. Rather than listening to your symptoms and looking for an explanation, you are sent on your way without help.

Ok, good part is I finally had a major insight into WHY I feel this way. BUT, I did not like reading the HOW to start to feel better. I am a major (did I happen to mention *major*) sugar addict. That is a big no-no. Basically, since my liver is already over-taxed, anything that adds to that is going to make me feel like crap. I got a list of natural things I can both take and eliminate from my diet...though the diet thing is really going to kill me...if not be my downfall. :(

I feel ICKY.

I had a massive fever last weekend and I still feel icky, even today. R. started really feeling crappy yesterday, complete with a fever too. :( M. came home early and took him to the acute care place. I was SURE he had an ear infection, but nope. Just looks like it's sinus stuff. They gave him a cortizone something or other (I was out of it when M. told me) and he just FINALLY went to sleep. Last night and today his has whined every time I hold or look at him. He has only wanted M.?? I find that terribly odd since he is a big-time mama's boy. Wonder if he knew I was sick too?

I just hope I feel better for classes on Monday. Oh, funniest story about my Hebrew teacher! I got a call early Monday morning (this week) and it was my professor asking me where I was. I told him classes didn't start until NEXT week and he was shocked! LOL He told me he'd see me NEXT week. hehe

Whew!!

Ok, so M. has a pretty famous comedian friend of his. His wife was due right before Christmas and M. talked to him about my photography site and one thing led to another...they asked me if I would come and do some newborn shots for them. Woot!! But wait...a wee bit (ok, a LOT) nervous. LOL

So, last night his wife emails me and says she'd like some of the other three children and some with her. Ah, ok...more time, but sure. Two boys, a girl and the newborn...and the girl had an attitude on her that was larger than TEXAS. Boy, she was a toughy. I first thought I got maybe a few good ones, but I would have to proof them to know for sure. I mean, I took an almost 2 year complete hiatus from photography. This was like my push back off the diving board!

I was so excited to see some really good shots! I, of course, LOVE most the newborn's pictures, but I think I got at least a couple each of the other three kiddos. Mom was beautiful and that always makes for great shots. I even talked dad into holding him for a quick second before he ran out the door. I'm so glad because I got the most precious shot of dad and baby looking right at each other. Even M. thought that picture was heart-warming.

The one thing I really don't like is when they ask me what camera I use and what editing software I use. I know the tendency is to think that hey, if I get that exact camera, I can get pictures that good too! I wish it were that easy. LOL Maybe if they knew exactly what goes into make one picture: finding the light, set ISO, set ap., set shutter speed, and then composition...for every shot taken...then editing every shot in photoshop, then they might see how it's a very time-consuming art form. I hope I can get a few people I come across to realize this. She did give me a compliment when I showed her one on my lcd...she said she couldn't believe the clarity! :D

I haven't shown them to mom yet. I am kind of waiting to hear some other people's opinions and cc. All M. tells me is that they're all really good....blah blah blah...he loves me, loves everything I do...sort of thing. LOL

So if you are interested in telling me what you think, email me and I'll send you the link and the password. I feel like a nervous nellie. :P