Let's See What Happens ....

 I last updated this past Saturday morning. Saturday itself wasn't a bad day, but at 12:15am that night, it started me on a ride I did not care for. I woke the Wife (who had just fallen asleep) and informed her we needed to go to the ER. Once again, the pressure on the abdomen was just too much, plus this time, I was actually getting some pain spikes throughout. My next normal appointment for paracentesis is on the 4th - five days away, and still over two weeks from the last one.

Spent most of Sunday in a room in the ER. They did perform a paracentesis and drained approximate 14.4 Liters of fluid (the highest yet from me, though that may not be an EXACT amount). Chest x-rays followed as per the norm, and sure enough, fluid in the lung cavity again as well. That meant an overnight stay, as they refuse to do two procedures on a patient (unless life/death threatening). I'm still not happy.

They switch me up to a room under observation, and my thoracentesis is going to be scheduled sometime the next day. Sure enough, 8:15am, I am off to get it done! I'm happy, thinking, like last time, there will be a couple hours observation afterwards, and they send me home. Nope. Here's a grenade, go lay on it over there and see what happens. For 2/3 of the day I am arguing with nurses and other staff as to why they are not releasing me - sodium too low, this isn't right, that isn't right, potassium is low. I told them half of that is because when they bring around your prescriptions you are to take, they gave me only 3 of the 8 I take, potassium being one of them. I was ready to scream for am AMA to leave, but the Wife talked me out of it. I finally gave up. Let the hospital keep me forever and kill me.

I am moved again to an actual inpatient room, where I spent the night (again awake all night). I saw Hospital Doctors on call, Nephrologists, Pulmonologists, too many nurses, over the course of my stay, and some would say I was good to go, then someone else would countermand that. Finally, Tuesday late morning, the Hospital Doctor discharged me. Longest hospital stay of my life with a bunch of what I feel were incompetents. I went home and crashed for a couple hours, and still made it to the House Comm meeting at the Post.

Wednesday I had to return to the hospital for the endoscopy. Aside from them running a little behind, it went fine. Glad they knock me out. I did get the report from it, and everything seems fine on that front, and I have the report for the Live Dr on Monday. Which is my next big appointment. This is the moment I have been waiting over three months for - to finally get some real answers as to what is going on, how bad is it, what are we going to do. Basically, what could very well be a life-changing moment.

The docs in the hospital did ask me to drop my fluid intakes to 40oz/day (down from 60oz, which a rarely was able to do) and I just shook my head and said sure. I know I need to, it is just hard.

Welp, I feel the need to release some bowel pressure, so need to go....

PeacE

Counting Down the Days ....

 Thanksgiving was a nice day. I was awake off and on the whole night before, anxiously awaiting the time to get up and moving so I could get down there to see my kids, and of course, the Grands. I cared not for the thoughts of glorious foods, desserts and ice cream. I just wanted some cuddle time with the little ones, and the joy it brings me to see all the grown kids together, joking around and whatnot, as if they had never left home.

Well, I finally just gave up around 7am I think it was, and with my "noises" I was making throughout the house, the Wife didn't get to sleep in to 8am. We were on the road by 8:45am. Youngest had left way early that morning, driving himself down. His first solo trip there, as well as the longest solo trip I think he has made since learning to drive.

We arrived, and only were waiting on the Oldest Son to get there. Unfortunately, his girlfriend could not make it. Their cat has been sick and requires timed medication I guess. The gal they had asked to take care of the cat for the day, wanted to take the cat over to her house, of which they were promptly like No. So she had to stay home and care for it. Food prep started, and I sat out of the way at the table, taking turns holding the two smaller Grands, and catching up with the kids as I could.

Dinner was extravagant. The SIL smoked a turkey, as well as deep-fried one. His skills are honed in now, and both turned out wonderfully juicy all the way through.. and the taste! Mmm-mmm good. I was able to get a few things on my plate that didn't make me nauseous, and was able to get them down. Mostly a little turkey, mashed potatoes, corn, deviled eggs, and some giblet gravy that the Daughter did for me from RM's recipe. OF course, this one is different, as they used drippings from the smoked turkey in it as well, so had that smoky taste to it, which I rather liked.

All the older kids had brought/made desserts, so there were plenty. I skipped on making my Cherry Delight (which they did gripe about) as there was going to be so much. I even had to bring some of a couple desserts home as I could not eat them there. We finally headed home around 8pm, the Oldest Son following. Youngest stayed the night, and the Middle Son and family had already headed back as he had to work that night. All made it home safe, except for the Youngest. As of last night, he seems to have caught the "bug" Daughter and family had earlier in the week. Lots of vomiting and sit-down time in the reading room. Hopefully he will feel well enough to travel home today.

Saturday is here, and this last week has been wonderful as my calendar has had nothing of importance on it, and is clear now through Tuesday night (VFW House meeting). Wednesday is my Endoscopy. Thursday is another paracentesis. And FINALLY, on the 8th is the Specialist appointment. Right now I am just over two weeks without being drained, and though the pressure is definitely there, yesterday, and so far today, I actually feel somewhat normal still. Keep it going for 5 more days....

Candy Canes came in for the Santa Run on the 13th. As did my new boots for my outfit. I also pretty much completed "my" shopping for everyone (Thank you Amazon) and am only down to gift cards now. Waiting for Fry's/Kroger to do their 4x fuel points (or 2x if at all) before I get them. RM and I joked a bit the other day about Christmas shopping and how Amazon is our friend, and keeps us out of the brick and mortar stores. I dislike crowds so much....

And I think that about does it for today. I have a couple things to adjust on the Agenda for Tuesday's meeting and send that out, then I am probably going to the Post later. I know, exciting, right? Oh, and RM.... next Riders dinner is 12/12 doing lasagna, garlic bread, and salad - $10/plate, usual time. Off to check the BP and Glucose....

PeacE

Happy Turkey Day

 Nothing like being woken up at 4:30am by the bladder.

I still have 4 hours until I told the Wife I wanted to be on the road.

I am not tired to lay back down.

I am over-excited as I get to see all the kids today.

PeacE

I'll Take All I Can ....

 So I left you yesterday with bated breath, as I sat on hold with scheduling for my next paracentesis. Yeah, I know. About as fun as having one. Anyways, after being on hold about 15 minutes, she came back and asked if she could work on it and call me back. We verified my callback number, and I hung up, thinking 'She ain't going this far out of her way for me. They do scheduling for all their facilities in the Valley (a number of them). 'Round about this time, I get a text from Walgreens saying my diabetic pill is in, and also three others ready for refill, would I like them yo refill. Duh, yes! Then I sit there.

After a bit, I see it is about 11:30am, and I am already just done mentally for the day. I feel off-balance inside, as it has been three days since my last diabetic pill, and though my morning glucose check was only a bit higher than usual, I still feel some of the effect of not taking it. Practice run I guess, as I have to stop taking it for three days prior to the endoscopy coming up soon anyways. I decide to head down to the Post. 

A couple hours later, I get a call from that scheduler - herself. She was able to get me in on 12/4 at 11am. I am in shock. Of course I take it. When I let the Wife know, she griped it was still over two weeks away, but if they were nearly into next year, and no open slots, I'll take this one. Worst case is an ER visit (again). I am just hoping I can get through to the 3rd, for the endoscopy, without major issues breathing, as they may reschedule. Want to keep it this year, so insurance covers it.

Over the course of the afternoon, through texts, I see three of my prescriptions are ready, one being my diabetic. I decide to stop there on the way home. As I am sitting there in front of the store, re-reading the text, checking their link, I see they want to charge me $300 for the month. No, I did a 3-month discount from the manufacturer just last month. So I go into the manufacturer website, and through the text feature ( I was already signed up) I was able to get a copy of the discount code. Then I went in. Yup. As she rang up the three scrips, the one came to $300. I gave her the code, and through some long and about way, she was able to finally get it to ring-up properly at $10. I grabbed the bag, threw money and ran.

Sometimes things do work out right even after a few days of frustration. RM would say it is God at work. I don't care what it is, as long as it is in my favor.

So I get to start out today, relaxed with the para appointment set, have all my scrips current, and maybe some plans today. I had a hard time getting to sleep last night (I blame it on too much tea yesterday) and the first event today at the Post is the AZ Confederation of Motorcycle Clubs. This is the top 2 leadership in each MC in AZ that meet once a quarter on neutral ground (our Post) to work out differences, etc. Tomorrow is their 'Member Appreciation' breakfast and toy run. I like to go to these events, not because my Chapter is a member (we are not, as the VFW Riders Group is never an MC) but just to get our patch seen, and meet some of the leaders across AZ, and their chapters. But after the hard time getting to sleep, I may just sleep in a bit more.

Second event is a Celebration of Life, at the Post as well in the afternoon. I had helped a friend get the hall rental for it, as his roommate passed a few short months ago. I told him I would stay for a bit for support for him (I didn't know the roomie). Then it will be home I guess.

The Daughter sent out a list of Thanksgiving day food we had the last time we did it at their place, to our family chat earlier this week. I added she needs to add vanilla ice cream to it, and that I was going to bring a small salad (for me) just in case the food does not agree with me. This has been a daily struggle for me and eating. I can eat it one day, the next it makes me nauseous. The Sons have chipped in that one is bringing a couple desserts and some thing else. Another is bringing stuff to make truffles (I have never had them that I recall). Either way, I am anxious for Thursday just to see all the grandkids, family, and their spouses/girlfriends. 

The Daughter tell the Wife a couple days back, that their youngest (Widget - 9 months) was sick and throwing up all over (literally). After a day or two, with trying different liquids, she seemed to finally snap out of it, but not before it spread. As of last night, Daughter, SIL and even Doodad (Age 8yrs) were sick. I hope they shuck it in a couple days and Turkey Day still happens. The Wife is sure things will be fine, but I worry.

Thursday I went over the final plans with my buddy, for the Santa Run. He is booking the bus. I ordered the candy canes ... and a new pair of Santa boots. This is how these look:

Cool, right? Kinda pirate-y, yet personalized for the Christmas Cookie Monster...with bells. The reviews some stated that the bells weren't that loud, which is fine. A couple years back I had bought a pair that were the plain black, with like a 2" white trim around the top of the boot. I think they might fit the oldest Son, in case he wants to go on the Run this year. He hasn't made up his mind yet.

Welp, since my bladder and bowels woke me at 5:15am this morning, I guess you got a lengthy post from me. RM will be happy.

PeacE

I Dislike Some Things ....

 ... in this digital era. 

Yesterday I did go up to Walgreens to check on the status of my diabtetic 'script. Turns out they had cancelled it. WHAT?!? When asked why, they said they tried to contact me (no phone calls, and the "update texts" just say 'pending') and since I didn't contact them, they cancelled it. I explained I was already two days off of it, and I needed it. The closest store was 8+ miles away, so I told them to just order it in. I cannot believe they didn't pick up the damn phone and try calling before cancelling a medical prescription!!!

This morning I am on hold with scheduling, trying to set up the next paracentesis. Right now they have no openings prior to 12/22 (and maybe further out). I told he no. I needed within 2 weeks or I was using the ER again (at cost to them, thankfully). So now I have her on the line calling to bump someone else a bit or squeeze me in prior to the 8th (which is when I see the specialist). While waiting, I figure she will come back with the 3rd, which is when I have an endoscopy. Just watch....

It is Friday, and I have no plans today. I might head up to the Post, but there are a couple events going on there tomorrow I want to be there for, and not sure if I want to spend most of today up there. I did get caught up on my reviews pretty much this week. Working on the last book now, then it and another review and I am done for now.

Welp, I am still on hold, so I'll have to let you know how this drama plays out later....

PeacE

Working Another Project ....

 Yesterday was something. There was a nice rain front that moved through the Valley, and the adverse weather, plus the other medical stuff I had done earlier in the week, most of all concentrated on me. I woke around 10:45a, but only was up about an hour before I found myself asleep once again. I woke closer to 6pm, and the storm was just rolling in good, and it poured for a bit. By 7p, I was back in bed, playing a couple crosswords before off went the light, and I was out again. Explains why I am up at 6am today.

I was supposed to go up yesterday and find out, but with sleeping, I never made it. So today I need to get up to Walgreens and find out what is going on with one of my diabetic meds. They said they got the refill info, but there is a pending problem. This is the same drug I had issues with last month as well. I swear the insurance company just wants me to die so they quit spending all this money on me. In the meantime, this is day 2 of not taking the major diabetic pill. Glucose was at 135 this morning.

This afternoon I will meet up with a buddy of mine that is taking over the annual Santa Run. I have been showing him how we have done it the last several years, and whether he does it his own way next year, or whatever, I don't care. I do have the money from a couple riders, and need to confirm the list of people I contacted and the going or nots, and who has paid. Another project I am giving away.

Not much else coms to mind this morning.

PeacE

I Can't Even Quit Right ....

 I didn't get done all the things I (said) had on my plans to get done yesterday. Went to the PCP, and played the update game with her. Basically, I gave her all my discharges since I last saw her in September, brought to attention any new medications the hospital quacks added, and asked when she wants me to come in again. Literally, it was about that short. She made copies of the reports, and is requesting any lab work done at the hospital, just to go over and make sure it looks good to her (and I trust her more than those quacks at the hospital, just saying). Let he know of my upcoming Endoscopy (12/3) and of course, the long-awaited visit to the actual Liver Specialist (12/8). We spoke briefly about how many times I have had to go in for the paracentesis, and I explained the Thoracentesis issue, and why I go more often now. She concurred with me (see why I like her?) and said keep doing what I am doing.

Afterwards, I had figured I would go up to my regular watering hole, and have some cran/water and do some computer work. I purposefully took my laptop and all just for this. But of course, once there, I didn't feel like writing the reviews I needed to do. OR much of anything to be honest. I did get some reading in, and that helps.

Riders meeting went better than I expected. Sometimes, it is nice to know you are appreciated, even if it takes health issues to hear it. So I have "stepped down" as Secretary, and may end up taking it back up come February or so. I told them I needed time to see this Specialist, get on his regime for me, allow a couple months or so to acclimate to it, and then see if I am able to do the job again. Fair enough, right? And, I don't lose 'status' with removal of the Secretary patch I wear. We decided to create/vote/and appoint an Assistant Secretary position last night, who will maintain the monthly paperwork interim until I come back, then continue in that position for in case I cannot make a meeting, etc. Yeah, it was all my idea, and they ate it up. So I am still an Officer....not that it gets me anything but headaches.

Now to do that again for the House Committee in two weeks. I don't think they are going to react the same.

So what to do with my day? I think I may try to finish what I was going to do yesterday - after my appointment of course. And lunch. I am hungry today, and it will be nice to be able to eat something of quantity and quality versus just a few bites and cannot eat more.

PeacE