April Fools

So....the last time I went to my Headache doctor, he said he was really sorry he didn't help me, and even more sorry he had run out of ideas or ways to help me.  He is convinced there is a reason I have daily headaches, and that someone would know the answer.  Trouble is, who would that be?  He didn't know.  He couldn't begin to guess, but his top choices would be a rheumatologist, an endocrinologist, a hematologist, an infectious disease specialist, a cardiologist, a vascular specialist, or an otolaryngologist--to name a few.  Sounds fun, right?

He suggested I start looking around for these specialists, and begin making appointments to investigate.  He was fully aware of the headache (pun intended, he said) that looking into all of these doctors and appointments could be, so suggested I head to the Mayo Clinic or the Cleveland Clinic instead.  That way, I, and my records, stay in one place, and all of these doctors come to me.  Which does sound a bit easier, but still overwhelming (in the logistics, financial, and physical kinds of ways). 

I put off the making of the appointment.  I have a friend who keeps badgering me to make the appointment already (and offered to help with some of that financial stuff).  I have an aunt and uncle who offered me a ride.  I have a husband who is incredibly supportive and would like for me to feel better.  And I finally called.  The first time I talked to neurology, and they thought maybe they could get me in by June or July.  Then someone else said sometime in the fall.  And then when I kept feeling like I needed to call for more information again one day, I got an appointment for April 1st.

My friend is meeting me there (and taking care of the hotel, flight, food, car, and fun--thanks!) for the first half of my appointment (I'll be there for 4-14 business days) and I will stay with another dear friend the second half of my appointment.  It will be good.  In some ways I am dreading it, in others I am looking forward to it.  I think I have run the gamut of emotions.  My main thought: 'Really?  The Mayo Clinic?  Me?  Weird.'  That, and: 'How can it be possible to fill out this many forms for one stinking appointment?'   

Snow White said, "Won't it be funny if you get there and they say, 'You don't really have an appointment--April Fool's!'?"

But, I don't think that would be funny.  At all.  I think it will be funny if I get there and they say, 'You are a fool.  Just stop wearing jeans and your headache will go away.  Now, Happy April, enjoy your foolish day!'  Or something equally ridiculous and simple.  I'm not holding my breath for that, though.  But, it will be nice if they can figure something out.  Anything.  Let's pray they can!