Friday. I have no plans for the weekend except for grocery shopping with Michael. It has been a very busy week so I want to focus on reading, a bit of exercise and recovering. Sounds rather dull but I am so looking forward to it.
I focused a few hours yesterday on household tasks I have been meaning to address. It felt great to finally organize things like my shoes, makeup, bathroom drawers as well as washing some of my more delicate clothing and sheets. Fresh sheets! Always a treat.
While remaking the bed, I did need oxygen but still was able to do the rest of the chores without support. Liquid oxygen is delivered every two weeks to our house. I am able to fill a container then use it in a backpack to do yard work or to take a walk. It is clean and I love using it though my oxygen company is now refusing to supply it to new customers. They are trying to get rid of it completely as the tech who fills it has to be certified. Sometimes, he is sick or the truck is broken down and they can't make my appointment. That happened last week. The truck was broken but they were supposed to fill it yesterday, a week late.
The large holding tank is close to empty. It has not been used since last week since I have a large concentrator as backup, which I have been using around the house and at night. My electric bill is going to hurt! We hope our favorite oxygen guy comes by to fill the large holding tank today. If not, it's another week of the concentrator at night and I will not be able to do yard work or take a walk. Fingers crossed.
Friday, September 28, 2018
Thursday, September 27, 2018
Full Room
In a way, it was fabulous to sit at a table and watch all the people come through the door to the 10th Annual Patient Appreciation Luncheon at my university hospital. Doctors, staff, nurses, administrators, patients all together in one room. I was invited as a founding member of the Interstitial Lung Disease Support Group whose leader recently retired but is volunteering to continue leading the group. She sat with us but was often pulled away to say something to the group or to see some people. It was good to have her there. She is greatly missed.
In another way, it was rather terrifying as I realized that all but a very few of the patients I have met through the last 10 years of meetings were gone. There were only two present, and they joined the support group about five years ago.
Again, as with my rehab class, I am feeling like I am top of the list. Last person standing. Rather daunting.
I was thrilled to be able to chat with two of the transplant doctors, whom I had met with as well as the head of the ILD Clinic. We have been friends for a long time. We met just before my lung biopsy in 2005 when he asked if they could save a piece of the biopsy for research. Yes, of course. He had three little kids back then and I was so happy to hear the oldest one was just dropped off to college! Time flies.
He used to have a co-head of the clinic, whom I adored. She had a baby at 40-years old but I haven't seen her in about three years. We used to bump into each other in the hallways and cafeteria so I worried she was working elsewhere. He confirmed that she was still working in the clinic but was getting an additional advanced degree. I looked at him and said, "Raising a young child, doctor, researcher, professor AND getting yet another degree? Somehow, I'm not surprised." He laughed and nodded. I'll continue to keep an eye out for her.
Michael enjoyed the event, especially the food. He chatted with people and I think we were almost the last to leave. A lovely day..
In another way, it was rather terrifying as I realized that all but a very few of the patients I have met through the last 10 years of meetings were gone. There were only two present, and they joined the support group about five years ago.
Again, as with my rehab class, I am feeling like I am top of the list. Last person standing. Rather daunting.
I was thrilled to be able to chat with two of the transplant doctors, whom I had met with as well as the head of the ILD Clinic. We have been friends for a long time. We met just before my lung biopsy in 2005 when he asked if they could save a piece of the biopsy for research. Yes, of course. He had three little kids back then and I was so happy to hear the oldest one was just dropped off to college! Time flies.
He used to have a co-head of the clinic, whom I adored. She had a baby at 40-years old but I haven't seen her in about three years. We used to bump into each other in the hallways and cafeteria so I worried she was working elsewhere. He confirmed that she was still working in the clinic but was getting an additional advanced degree. I looked at him and said, "Raising a young child, doctor, researcher, professor AND getting yet another degree? Somehow, I'm not surprised." He laughed and nodded. I'll continue to keep an eye out for her.
Michael enjoyed the event, especially the food. He chatted with people and I think we were almost the last to leave. A lovely day..
Wednesday, September 26, 2018
...And Then We Played
Test day! I drove into the city exceptionally early as I needed blood work for Dr. K. and the sonogram of my leg. Often, there is a long wait time for the blood draw due to all the transplant people. Planning an hour of wait time, it was a nice surprise to find myself alone waiting for my number to be called. I was finished within minutes. Thankfully, I brought a book with me and read until heading upstairs to the vascular clinic.
I did get the results of the blood tests later in the day. The numbers are not good and I expect to hear from Dr. K. who will send me to yet another specialist. My immune system needs boosting.
Onto the vascular clinic for a sonogram of my leg. I arrived 45-minutes early, she took me right in and I was gone before my 10:00 appointment. It was really a very simple test, I could hear the blood flowing as part of the test. It will be interesting to see what is going on with that leg.
My poor leg. The bruise has grown tremendously but I was able to move around a whole lot easier yesterday. The only pain happened when I tried to pivot or step down a stair on the good leg, which somehow hurt my bad knee. I was even able to walk around the clinics building without pain.
To add to a fun day, I had a rehearsal with the Irish Fiddling group last night. It was fun to play some great music with six other musicians. Perfect ending to the day.
I did get the results of the blood tests later in the day. The numbers are not good and I expect to hear from Dr. K. who will send me to yet another specialist. My immune system needs boosting.
Onto the vascular clinic for a sonogram of my leg. I arrived 45-minutes early, she took me right in and I was gone before my 10:00 appointment. It was really a very simple test, I could hear the blood flowing as part of the test. It will be interesting to see what is going on with that leg.
My poor leg. The bruise has grown tremendously but I was able to move around a whole lot easier yesterday. The only pain happened when I tried to pivot or step down a stair on the good leg, which somehow hurt my bad knee. I was even able to walk around the clinics building without pain.
To add to a fun day, I had a rehearsal with the Irish Fiddling group last night. It was fun to play some great music with six other musicians. Perfect ending to the day.
Monday, September 24, 2018
BOOM! Again
Saturday, I commented to Michael that I was expecting the third shoe to drop, so to speak. Facebook announced someone broke into my account, the new medications kicked me into the Medicare donut hole and I was waiting for the third thing to happen. Bad things always seem to happen thirds.It happened yesterday at 4PM.
I had just announced that a fantastic dinner of cauliflower, chicken, green onions and low-fat cheese was ready and just out of the oven! While walking from the kitchen wooden floors to the family room, where Michael was sitting, my Sketchers grabbed onto the wooden floor and stopped me short. I was propelled forward and landed on my formally fractured knee onto the family room 9x12 rug. It hurt. It really hurt.
When I was able to move, I crawled crab-like back to the cough and lifted myself onto it. No hip fracture. No arm or hand problems. Time to test to see if I could put weight on the knee. Standing and...yes! It was not fractured! Yes! But, there was a problem.It immediately began to swell while we watched. I thought maybe we dodged a bullet until I noticed a huge bruise that felt like a large cord under my skin. I thought that maybe I severed something. That was when we made the decision to make the long Sunday night drive into the city to my university hospital.
Michael grabbed some ice and we headed north. The ER was not too crowded, they checked me in and we sat in a separate area for immunosuppressed patients. We waited about an hour before we were taken to the lesser ER area, where I had been seen with my fractured knee 17-month earlier. They were fantastic. After three X-rays, it was determined that I had NO damage! The large bruise was exactly that, a bruise. Yes, a large and very deep contusion but, nevertheless, just a bruise.
THANK GOODNESS!
They sent us home with ice packs and with the knowledge that I was seeing the vascular people for testing on Tuesday. They said it was exactly what was needed.
A side note: I was very touched when the doctor told me that she would never have suspected that I have been on prednisone for so many years. I neither looked or acted like it. I mentioned that I am on a very strict diet but she said it was how I looked. My face and body did not show the common effects from the drug. It made me feel pretty good!
Sunday, September 23, 2018
Bump is Still Here
Nope. Didn't happen! It turns out that I need to stop some medications before surgery on my finger bump, which has been scheduled in a couple of weeks. I so wanted it gone! I did learn that it will be an approximate 6-week recovery, healing time before I can play my bass.
On the phone with my online pharmacy, I discovered that the pseudo gout medication pushed me into the Medicare donut hole! The first time ever! I am so careful of managing my drugs and this came out of nowhere. It was $815.00 (billed only $175.00 to me!) and along with three drugs I bought in August threw me into the hole. It is going to cost me a lot of money through the end of the year. All out-of-pocket-costs will be 35% for brand name and 45% for generic drugs. Gonna hurt!
Yesterday, I actually worked about three hours in the gardens, the most time spent out there in a long time. It felt fantastic. I did some major trimming, then cleaned all the mess up and hauled it to the big container. Good exercise. I can feel it a bit this morning. Everything needs to be watered later today but first...
I am heading over the pass with Michael. We will do a bit of shopping then have some lunch. It is totally foggy and cool here on the coast and the 49ers are playing this morning so traffic shouldn't be too awful!
On a funny note: As we were leaving the scheduler for my finger surgery, I commented, "Elvis is leaving my finger!" then heard some laughing. It was my surgeon! "That's funny! Are you going to tell jokes during the surgery?" I smiled, "It worked for the liver biopsy surgeon! Had him laughing the entire time!"
On the phone with my online pharmacy, I discovered that the pseudo gout medication pushed me into the Medicare donut hole! The first time ever! I am so careful of managing my drugs and this came out of nowhere. It was $815.00 (billed only $175.00 to me!) and along with three drugs I bought in August threw me into the hole. It is going to cost me a lot of money through the end of the year. All out-of-pocket-costs will be 35% for brand name and 45% for generic drugs. Gonna hurt!
Yesterday, I actually worked about three hours in the gardens, the most time spent out there in a long time. It felt fantastic. I did some major trimming, then cleaned all the mess up and hauled it to the big container. Good exercise. I can feel it a bit this morning. Everything needs to be watered later today but first...
I am heading over the pass with Michael. We will do a bit of shopping then have some lunch. It is totally foggy and cool here on the coast and the 49ers are playing this morning so traffic shouldn't be too awful!
On a funny note: As we were leaving the scheduler for my finger surgery, I commented, "Elvis is leaving my finger!" then heard some laughing. It was my surgeon! "That's funny! Are you going to tell jokes during the surgery?" I smiled, "It worked for the liver biopsy surgeon! Had him laughing the entire time!"
Friday, September 21, 2018
Cyst Be Gone
As we will be in British Don's old neighborhood, we might swing by his friend's restaurant for an early lunch. In my purse, I have our grocery shopping lists with the goal to drive down the Peninsula to the butcher's and Trader Joe's while on that side of the pass. Killing many birds with one stone today. (What a horrible way of putting that!)
The best part is that we will be together all day.
Thursday, September 20, 2018
Two Doctors
It all went well yesterday. My glaucoma doctor said I was stable then we talked about his new part-time position teaching about treating glaucoma as a professor at my university hospital. He didn't know that Michael and I sit on a patient advisor board in charge of the clinics. Well, that brought on a whole different conversation. He was sharing some issues he was trying to deal with, nothing different then what we had heard from other clinics, so I was able to offer him the steps that are being put into place to address those specific issues. It made him feel better.
From there, I made the drive into the city without a problem. While eating lunch, I was able to complete the paperwork for the vascular doctor in two weeks. Dr. K. was in a good mood, we chatted about the latest diagnosis of pseudo gout, my vascular issues and Friday's surgery to remove the bump on my finger.
Flu shot advice: She said to not take the vaccine until mid-October or I would need a booster early next year.
I am doing so well that we have agreed to see each other in 6-months. I did warn her that I was mostly worried about getting sick beginning now but it seems I have been ill in February or March the past couple of years. My goal is to stay well this winter.
She did ask for a blood test to see what my immune system is doing. Two years ago, it was still in a decent range but she wanted to check it again. If lower, she will send me to another clinic to have it boosted.
This morning, Jeannie and I will drive to rehab class together. It is going to be 80 degrees over the pass, very warm for us Coastside people!
From there, I made the drive into the city without a problem. While eating lunch, I was able to complete the paperwork for the vascular doctor in two weeks. Dr. K. was in a good mood, we chatted about the latest diagnosis of pseudo gout, my vascular issues and Friday's surgery to remove the bump on my finger.
Flu shot advice: She said to not take the vaccine until mid-October or I would need a booster early next year.
I am doing so well that we have agreed to see each other in 6-months. I did warn her that I was mostly worried about getting sick beginning now but it seems I have been ill in February or March the past couple of years. My goal is to stay well this winter.
She did ask for a blood test to see what my immune system is doing. Two years ago, it was still in a decent range but she wanted to check it again. If lower, she will send me to another clinic to have it boosted.
This morning, Jeannie and I will drive to rehab class together. It is going to be 80 degrees over the pass, very warm for us Coastside people!
Wednesday, September 19, 2018
Medical Documents
I've been banned from the treadmill in rehab until I see the vascular doctor. They don't want to add any stress to my formally fractured knee and that leg until it has been cleared by the doctor. While waiting for both doctor appointments today, I am going to tackle the stack of papers I got in the mail yesterday from the vascular clinic.
Some advice: I keep a medication document, a document of my hospitalizations and my family's medical history going back to my great-grandparents. The doctors love all three documents. I carry them with me so when I fell in Palm Springs a couple of years ago and was able to give this information to the emergency staff, they were so impressed! Very helpful! When I am filling out paperwork for a new clinic and all of the above information is requested, I write, "See attached." They love it as well.
It is going to be a long day. Glaucoma doctor first up followed by a long drive into the city and an afternoon meeting with Dr. K. Should be interesting!
Some advice: I keep a medication document, a document of my hospitalizations and my family's medical history going back to my great-grandparents. The doctors love all three documents. I carry them with me so when I fell in Palm Springs a couple of years ago and was able to give this information to the emergency staff, they were so impressed! Very helpful! When I am filling out paperwork for a new clinic and all of the above information is requested, I write, "See attached." They love it as well.
It is going to be a long day. Glaucoma doctor first up followed by a long drive into the city and an afternoon meeting with Dr. K. Should be interesting!
Tuesday, September 18, 2018
Rehab
I've been sleeping so well that I almost feel like it is a gift. Hours and hours of lovely sleep, so different from my recent normal. It has brought my energy level back to where I am able to fit more into my days. Hopefully, it will continue.
Rehab class is today, which out Jeannie, so I am heading over early to run a few errands and to grab a light lunch. Tomorrow is going to be a bit of a challenge as I have a 9:30 glaucoma doctor appointment over the pass then, after a long drive into the city, Dr. K. and I will be meeting at 1:00. We will be going over my new diagnosis of pseudogout and will discuss my upcoming appointment with the vascular clinic. I always image her as my main doctor, captain of the ship. As such, I run everything by her.
My focus is to work out hard today, cook a great dinner of Shrimp and Broccoli tonight, go to the Irish Fiddling rehearsal then sleep well in preparation for tomorrow. It is going to be a full day.
Rehab class is today, which out Jeannie, so I am heading over early to run a few errands and to grab a light lunch. Tomorrow is going to be a bit of a challenge as I have a 9:30 glaucoma doctor appointment over the pass then, after a long drive into the city, Dr. K. and I will be meeting at 1:00. We will be going over my new diagnosis of pseudogout and will discuss my upcoming appointment with the vascular clinic. I always image her as my main doctor, captain of the ship. As such, I run everything by her.
My focus is to work out hard today, cook a great dinner of Shrimp and Broccoli tonight, go to the Irish Fiddling rehearsal then sleep well in preparation for tomorrow. It is going to be a full day.
Monday, September 17, 2018
New Diagnosis
Made it through the weekend! Two doctor's this week: Lung doctor and Orthopedic Hand surgeon. Plus, there will be two rehab classes and two days with mom. A full week.
It is amazing that I am feeling so good and filled with energy. Pushing myself so hard this weekend actually was a good thing! I remember what mom's doctors keep telling her: Don't slow down or stop. If she does, she will not be able to keep doing it.
What a difference there is after changing my statin drug from 20 mgs of Lipitor to 5 mgs of Crestor. Holy smokes, my short-term memory is back! Names! Titles of books and movies! Lists! I realize that it may just be a change in the amount of the drug that made the difference but it is marvelous. I have a feeling the dosage will be increased so I am enjoying it as long as possible.
I have been formally diagnosed with Pseudogout. Not gout but pseudogout! It is like gout, treated like gout but the large crystal deposits in the joint are caused by calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate while regular gout is caused by sodium urate crystals. It can resemble Osteoarthritis. Sooo, a new drug has been ordered and I should be receiving it soon.
Today, mom and I will be together in Costco visiting her hearing aid people. Michael and I have been eating very lightly all week so I am looking forward to a nice lunch together. A nice start to a busy week.
It is amazing that I am feeling so good and filled with energy. Pushing myself so hard this weekend actually was a good thing! I remember what mom's doctors keep telling her: Don't slow down or stop. If she does, she will not be able to keep doing it.
What a difference there is after changing my statin drug from 20 mgs of Lipitor to 5 mgs of Crestor. Holy smokes, my short-term memory is back! Names! Titles of books and movies! Lists! I realize that it may just be a change in the amount of the drug that made the difference but it is marvelous. I have a feeling the dosage will be increased so I am enjoying it as long as possible.
I have been formally diagnosed with Pseudogout. Not gout but pseudogout! It is like gout, treated like gout but the large crystal deposits in the joint are caused by calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate while regular gout is caused by sodium urate crystals. It can resemble Osteoarthritis. Sooo, a new drug has been ordered and I should be receiving it soon.
Today, mom and I will be together in Costco visiting her hearing aid people. Michael and I have been eating very lightly all week so I am looking forward to a nice lunch together. A nice start to a busy week.
Sunday, September 16, 2018
Two Days of Fun
Our Friday night with Dave and Lori lasted until 10:30, way past my bedtime but we were having such a nice chat! Our Marinated Prawns and 7-Layer Taco Dip were hits. Lori served Cuban sliders, which were absolutely delicious! We promised to do it all again for our birthdays in November.
While driving to Dave and Lori's, my cell phone rang. It was the Vascular Clinic calling to make an appointment for tests later this month and an appointment with a doctor in early October. This is regarding the video I posted with the bump appearing and disappearing as I flex my foot. My primary doctor felt I have circulation issues in that leg.
Yesterday was a crazy day. The seven members of the Irish Fiddling Group arrived at my house at 10:30 for a quick photo shoot in my garden. We only had minutes as the others had to set up for our gig in town beginning at noon. What I didn't realize was that we were playing outside! As the sun moved, it got quite hot! As my roadie husband was busy, I had to haul the bass out of the house into the car to the gig then haul it out. It was a lot of work, I had my oxygen with me and really needed it. But, in the end, I was rather pleased with myself. I must admit I had the help of two angels. As I was unpacking, one gentleman asked if he could help me. He saved me. While I was trying to pack the bass back into the car, another gentleman asked if he could help. He put it in with ease! I thanked them both and was extremely touched.
After a getting home, I made some dinner and promptly fell asleep on the couch at 5PM. Michael put me to bed at 5:30 and I slept until 5AM without even a bathroom break during the night. I had been exhausted from Friday night and the worked of playing a two-hour gig outside added to my exhaustion.
This morning, I am feeling fantastic as we watch the F1 race from Singapore.
Friday, September 14, 2018
Fun Friday
Our friend Christien in the Raleigh, NC area was preparing for the storm when we contacted her yesterday. She lives a couple of hours inland but they are expecting a lot of rain and winds. Watching the news, she is getting hit right now. We will be keeping in touch with her, when she has power!
It was such a surprise that the workout in rehab class yesterday felt fantastic and my numbers were excellent. Amazing what a run of antibiotics will do to the lungs! My aerobika has not been bringing anything up in the mornings and there was no wheezing or coughing at night. I'm in a sweet spot!
Michael and I had a ball making one of the appetizers for tonight - Marinated Prawns. He did find the Tarragon Vinegar, we made the marinade and the shrimp have been soaking up flavor all night. It will be drained off, leaving only pieces of onion with hints of Dijon and German mustards, horseradish and tarragon. We will make the old-fashioned 7-Layer Taco Dip right before we head to Dave and Lori's this evening. So looking forward to seeing these dear friends.
Mom and I are heading to her university hospital this morning for her Prolia shot. It is our rare third time we will be together this week! I bet that we will still talk non-stop!
It was such a surprise that the workout in rehab class yesterday felt fantastic and my numbers were excellent. Amazing what a run of antibiotics will do to the lungs! My aerobika has not been bringing anything up in the mornings and there was no wheezing or coughing at night. I'm in a sweet spot!
Michael and I had a ball making one of the appetizers for tonight - Marinated Prawns. He did find the Tarragon Vinegar, we made the marinade and the shrimp have been soaking up flavor all night. It will be drained off, leaving only pieces of onion with hints of Dijon and German mustards, horseradish and tarragon. We will make the old-fashioned 7-Layer Taco Dip right before we head to Dave and Lori's this evening. So looking forward to seeing these dear friends.
Mom and I are heading to her university hospital this morning for her Prolia shot. It is our rare third time we will be together this week! I bet that we will still talk non-stop!
Thursday, September 13, 2018
Long Day
Sorry about yesterday! I had to be showered and out the door by 7:30 and just ran out of time. When I bought groceries on Tuesday, the refrigerator unit holding yogurt and sour cream, among other items, had malfunctioned and the entire inventory was inaccessible. I was desperate for yogurt as it is a staple in Michael's diet. It helps control his low blood sugar issue and he makes sure to have one container every morning as part of his breakfast. The only other store in town does not carry the brands he likes so...I went over the pass early to a larger Safeway. They had everything I needed plus flavors I have never seen in our smaller store.
From there, I went to mom's then we headed back home to drop off the groceries. We had pedicure appointments and thought that would be a nice day. But Tuesday evening, her endocrine department left a message on my phone that she needed blood work before her Prolia shot on Friday. After our pedicures, we hustled over the pass to her university clinic site and their lab. It took all of five minutes to draw the blood. She was ready for the appointment on Friday.
It all fell into place beautifully. With help from Michael, we made a really good, vegetable-rich Low Carb Jambalaya for dinner. The recipe is HERE .
The antibiotics have ended, I am back to rehab class today and rather looking forward to it.
From there, I went to mom's then we headed back home to drop off the groceries. We had pedicure appointments and thought that would be a nice day. But Tuesday evening, her endocrine department left a message on my phone that she needed blood work before her Prolia shot on Friday. After our pedicures, we hustled over the pass to her university clinic site and their lab. It took all of five minutes to draw the blood. She was ready for the appointment on Friday.
It all fell into place beautifully. With help from Michael, we made a really good, vegetable-rich Low Carb Jambalaya for dinner. The recipe is HERE .
The antibiotics have ended, I am back to rehab class today and rather looking forward to it.
Tuesday, September 11, 2018
Mantra
Still not 100%, I am struggling with shortness of breath. Mom and I were over the pass and the smell of smoke from fires was lightly in the air. That may be the cause of this problem but I worry it may be something else. Dr. K. and I have a meeting next week. Her opinion means so much to me as she see things clearly while other doctors stumble.
Staying positive keeps me moving and I am looking forward to two events. Friday, we are having cocktails with Dave and Lori. We have known Dave since 1975 and Lori became our friend when they married. Dear friends. The next day, the organic market in town is celebrating a big anniversary with events all day and my Irish Fiddling group is playing from 12-2. It should be lots of fun. There is a rehearsal tonight to review some new material so we are ready.
This morning, it is all about grocery shopping, which is always harder than it sounds. The hauling to the car then into the house is a challenge. Wipes me out. If there is anything left in my tank, I want to trim a few things in the yards and do some weeding. We will see.
Adjust for the disease, keep moving forward. My mantra.
Staying positive keeps me moving and I am looking forward to two events. Friday, we are having cocktails with Dave and Lori. We have known Dave since 1975 and Lori became our friend when they married. Dear friends. The next day, the organic market in town is celebrating a big anniversary with events all day and my Irish Fiddling group is playing from 12-2. It should be lots of fun. There is a rehearsal tonight to review some new material so we are ready.
This morning, it is all about grocery shopping, which is always harder than it sounds. The hauling to the car then into the house is a challenge. Wipes me out. If there is anything left in my tank, I want to trim a few things in the yards and do some weeding. We will see.
Adjust for the disease, keep moving forward. My mantra.
Monday, September 10, 2018
Feeling So Much Better
I feel so much better! Taking the antibiotic with breakfast yesterday was the answer to my stomach problems. We had a nice day together, I was able spend the morning over the pass with Michael, bought the 2019 Moleskin date book for my purse and a book - Crazy Rich Asians! As I am banned from movies, or anywhere there are lots of people close together, I so wanted to find out what this was all about. It was a shock to discover that it was actually book one of a trilogy! So Crazy Good!
Because of the antibiotics, I am banned from rehab class until Thursday so instead of the class, I will be grocery shopping tomorrow. Michael says he feels the need for lots of salads and vegetables. Who is this man? He has so changed! My menu for the week will be light and filled with vegetables, per his request.
Today, mom and I have no plans but I am sure we will find errands to run and a great lunch somewhere.
Because of the antibiotics, I am banned from rehab class until Thursday so instead of the class, I will be grocery shopping tomorrow. Michael says he feels the need for lots of salads and vegetables. Who is this man? He has so changed! My menu for the week will be light and filled with vegetables, per his request.
Today, mom and I have no plans but I am sure we will find errands to run and a great lunch somewhere.
Sunday, September 9, 2018
Antibiotics
Well, it wasn't what I thought that was causing my upset stomach. It was the antibiotic itself. How did I figure it out? Yesterday at 3AM, I took the antibiotic right on time and sat up instead of lying down, thinking that was the problem. I was sick as a dog within an hour. Vomiting. Feeling sick all day.
Settling down, I slept until 10AM then I had to face taking my morning meds. That took a bit and I made it, with the help of some toast. Throughout the day, I kept falling asleep. Finally, I fell into bed last night at 7PM and slept through the night.
I am changing the way I am taking the last few days of the antibiotic. Eating before and right after taking the pill seems to help, though I understand it won't work full strength.
Today, I hope to get back to life, hang out with Michael, buy the 2019 appointment diary for my purse and maybe some lunch. Hopefully, there even might be some sunshine!
Settling down, I slept until 10AM then I had to face taking my morning meds. That took a bit and I made it, with the help of some toast. Throughout the day, I kept falling asleep. Finally, I fell into bed last night at 7PM and slept through the night.
I am changing the way I am taking the last few days of the antibiotic. Eating before and right after taking the pill seems to help, though I understand it won't work full strength.
Today, I hope to get back to life, hang out with Michael, buy the 2019 appointment diary for my purse and maybe some lunch. Hopefully, there even might be some sunshine!
Friday, September 7, 2018
Antibiotic Upset
I made a bad mistake this morning. I have been taking the antibiotics every twelve hours at 3AM/3PM. It worked well so it didn't interfere with my first thing in the morning thyroid pill on an empty stomach and the need to wait an hour before any food. Wake around 3:00AM, bathroom break, take the antibiotic and head back to bed. It worked great yesterday. This morning...not so good!
Waking a bit early, I was waited in bed before I got up to use the bathroom then jumped back into bed. It was then when I started coughing and wheezing. Drat! I needed to leave the room, find my inhaler in my purse and hang out in the living room.
Good news! Wheezing and coughing stopped! Great! Time for the antibiotic! Done!
It was cold and I put my head down on a pillow for about 10-minutes when I remembered that the brochure mentioned not to lay down right after taking the pill. It could cause an upset stomach. I guess I remembered it a bit too late.
I am dealing with nausea, burping and feeling miserable. It is all I can do not to vomit. Even ads on TV involving food are making me turn green.
Mom has the shot in her eye this morning and needs me to drive her home afterward. I can't cancel. I must be well enough to be with her all day. I've got a few hours before I have to leave home so hopefully, I can get some food in to calm the nausea.
Memo to self: Sit up after taking antibiotic.
Waking a bit early, I was waited in bed before I got up to use the bathroom then jumped back into bed. It was then when I started coughing and wheezing. Drat! I needed to leave the room, find my inhaler in my purse and hang out in the living room.
Good news! Wheezing and coughing stopped! Great! Time for the antibiotic! Done!
It was cold and I put my head down on a pillow for about 10-minutes when I remembered that the brochure mentioned not to lay down right after taking the pill. It could cause an upset stomach. I guess I remembered it a bit too late.
I am dealing with nausea, burping and feeling miserable. It is all I can do not to vomit. Even ads on TV involving food are making me turn green.
Mom has the shot in her eye this morning and needs me to drive her home afterward. I can't cancel. I must be well enough to be with her all day. I've got a few hours before I have to leave home so hopefully, I can get some food in to calm the nausea.
Memo to self: Sit up after taking antibiotic.
Thursday, September 6, 2018
Video and Pizza!
All is right with the world.
Well, not quite. I never like to workout the first couple of days after beginning antibiotics. I want my body to accept it well. For today's rehab class, I know Jeannie is expecting me and has no other way to get to the class, so I am going to drive her there then get a good bowl of soup for lunch. To protect her, I will wear my oxygen and a mask in the car.Food. I was at Safeway yesterday and found this pizza that my nutritionist told me about. It was absolutely delicious! If you have issues with processing sugars (carbs, fruit...), this is the best pizza with a cauliflower crust I have ever tasted! Highly recommend it!
Wednesday, September 5, 2018
Conversation Before Rehab Class
I met a very young woman who just graduated from the 8-week program of pulmonary rehab and will now begin maintenance. Because of her age, I so wanted to know her story. Before my rehab class yesterday and 30-minutes into the class, she and I were able to connect in the lobby.
What a story.
She had a very rare lung disease of "disappearing lung," I think. The lungs just stopped working. No one knows why. No one know how to fix them. She had less than 50% of her lung capacity and had difficulty exhaling. The rehab program greatly improved her quality of life and she was committed to continuing the bi-weekly workouts. She was being seen at my mom's university hospital and very unhappy about it. Her pulmonologist moved to another hospital group and she was assigned to a resident who will be overseen by a doctor. That, my friends, was how I got into so much trouble until Dr. K. arrived on the scene.
As we spoke, she had been wanting to transfer to my university hospital so I gave her some names and helpful hints on how to transfer. Dr. K. would know which doctor would be best for her issue. I have a feeling we will be seeing each other down the road.
I am finally seeing my primary doctor this afternoon after being strongly encouraged by the rehab RN to have her check out the disappearing/appearing bump on my leg featured on the video I recently posted. My bet is that it is a fat bump. But this morning, I am meeting my biologist/musician friend for a chat and coffee after her trip to Boston to visit a friend.
A nice day ahead.
What a story.
She had a very rare lung disease of "disappearing lung," I think. The lungs just stopped working. No one knows why. No one know how to fix them. She had less than 50% of her lung capacity and had difficulty exhaling. The rehab program greatly improved her quality of life and she was committed to continuing the bi-weekly workouts. She was being seen at my mom's university hospital and very unhappy about it. Her pulmonologist moved to another hospital group and she was assigned to a resident who will be overseen by a doctor. That, my friends, was how I got into so much trouble until Dr. K. arrived on the scene.
As we spoke, she had been wanting to transfer to my university hospital so I gave her some names and helpful hints on how to transfer. Dr. K. would know which doctor would be best for her issue. I have a feeling we will be seeing each other down the road.
I am finally seeing my primary doctor this afternoon after being strongly encouraged by the rehab RN to have her check out the disappearing/appearing bump on my leg featured on the video I recently posted. My bet is that it is a fat bump. But this morning, I am meeting my biologist/musician friend for a chat and coffee after her trip to Boston to visit a friend.
A nice day ahead.
Tuesday, September 4, 2018
Michael's Birthday
We did swing by my mom's yesterday to drop off a piece of birthday cake. She loves when we just drop in. Since we celebrated grandly for our anniversary, Michael wanted a simple lunch from In-N-Out burgers. We enjoyed the sunshine and chatted about our lives together. The tourists were not out in full bloom so we were able to get over the pass to be out in the garden for more sunshine and conversations.
Chip and Betty sent a birthday gift to "Farmer Michael." It was farmer overalls with seeds for his winter crop and a poem about being a farmer. Hilarious. It was a homage to his first ever successful vegetable garden.William phoned later in the day to wish his dad a happy birthday. He was in rehearsals in Nashville in preparation of a final concert with the group he has been traveling with the past two years. After the concert, they are throwing a big party. He has hired two of his crew to go with him on his next project beginning next week!
Bon Voyage, Barbara and John!
Monday, September 3, 2018
Michael's Big Day
Today is his 66th birthday! Michael is celebration this special day beginning with opening cards and a present along with coffee this morning. He may even have his first piece of cake! It took three hours to make this authentic German Chocolate Cake. His request. We are going to run a piece of it over to my mom's later this morning then find something for lunch.
A low-key day together, just the way we like it.
We had a lovely evening with Rick, Natalie and Melanie with nice nibbles and a sweet celebration of our anniversary and Michael's birthday. Such nice friends who also happen to be our neighbors! After we left them, we went by Wayne and Jill's hours for a couple of hours of conversation. It was really fun.
Last night, I slept through the entire night, which is a very rare event. I think I am still going to need a nap this morning.
Sunday, September 2, 2018
45 Years Together
Yesterday, Michael and I celebrated our 45th Anniversary. That's a long time. The world has changed so much since we got married and we have grown up together into who we are today. Sometime I worry that the current young couples not committing to a partner until they are in their 30s somehow miss this time of growing together. It was what we returned to after William left us for college and his life. We were not "mom and dad" everyday. We were just the two of us again and that did take a bit of a readjustment.
They are known for their Fried Chicken but the waiter pointed out that I didn't have to order the entire half of chicken but could order two small pieces along with another item on the menu. Bingo! Perfect portions of chicken breasts! The other item was their Truffle Polenta Fries. OMG! Filled with small bits of truffles! We took two of them home and split them for dinner. Michael had the best Washington oysters then Steak Tartare. We were both served as many brioche popover rolls as we wanted, two were also packed for home. Wait for dessert...Donuts with a coconut sauce and creme fraiche. We ate just a few bites of food for dinner. Did I mention that when we expected the bill to arrive, it had been paid? British Don had arranged it from Oklahoma City! What a guy!
The drive to and from the city was beautiful and it was so cool outside, few tourists were out on the road along the coast. We were able to get home with minimal problems.
This morning, I am making Michael's request - Homemade German Chocolate Cake. It is his birthday tomorrow. But, this evening we are invited to Rick and Natalie's for a celebratory toast before going to Jill and Wayne's for dinner. As a thank you, we are bringing half of the cake to Rick and Natalie and a fantastic bottle of wine to Jill and Wayne's house.
This all reminds me of our actual wedding weekend. We were married on a Saturday night at 7PM, hung out on Sunday then took off for the Honeymoon from Hell on Labor Day, as he turned 21 that day and the car would be covered by insurance. Ah, memories!
Saturday, September 1, 2018
Finger
The finger. After running around with mom yesterday, I contacted my dermatologist to ask if she would be able to remove the cyst from my finger. Since I also had sent a photo of the bump, she replied that it was a digital myxoid cyst and that it needed to be removed by the orthopedic clinic. It is a very difficult process. She also suggested that a sterile needle could remove the fluid but it would return. Nope. I want it gone.
Having been seen in that clinic for my fractured knee, I was able to contact that doctor to ask if he could remove the cyst. He replied that it needed to be removed by the hand specialists, I phoned them and made an appointment on September 21 for its removal! Goodbye! Thank goodness!
I am seeing new blood and X-ray results and it appears that the rheumatologist feels I have rheumatoid arthritis. That's not good but I really am not surprised. It would explain a lot.
There was a bit of giggling as I read the X-ray results to Michael as I swear I did not understand one word! When I speak with the doctor, I may ask if she could translate it from Medical to English.
Today is a big day. I will take photos and explain it all soon.
Having been seen in that clinic for my fractured knee, I was able to contact that doctor to ask if he could remove the cyst. He replied that it needed to be removed by the hand specialists, I phoned them and made an appointment on September 21 for its removal! Goodbye! Thank goodness!
I am seeing new blood and X-ray results and it appears that the rheumatologist feels I have rheumatoid arthritis. That's not good but I really am not surprised. It would explain a lot.
There was a bit of giggling as I read the X-ray results to Michael as I swear I did not understand one word! When I speak with the doctor, I may ask if she could translate it from Medical to English.
Today is a big day. I will take photos and explain it all soon.
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