Well, At Least Someone Cares ....

 ... about my butthole. Aside from RM, another reader commented on yesterday's post. And yes, today I feel much better. Of course, I have not had a BM yet today, so no reason I shouldn't be feeling fine. But taking the laxative yesterday morning was a good thing through the day. I have an appointment with my PCP next week. If I am still having issues, I'll think about mentioning it. I sure as hell don't want anyone poking around my anus again.

I slept in late today - almost noon! Of course, last night I was out with a buddy I hadn't seen in awhile, and ended up not getting home until the wee hours of the morning. I had not been out that late in a long, long time, and do not want a repeat of it for even longer.

Youngest has a basketball the Band is playing at tonight, so he is staying after school today. Another friend wants to 'hang out' tonight - we usually do Thursdays, but he wants tonight. Don't know if I will make it. Though I have nothing on my agenda.

Still waiting for the Company to contact me for a project. Earlier this week I had emails from them to complete a "re-hire" test/exam regarding cybersecurity, which I did yesterday, even though I have not worked since last December. Weird.

Anyways, I am out of here...

PeacE

Tuesday It Is ...

 ... I did not do anything that made me feel like I accomplished anything yesterday. Well, I did go to the pub, and finished another book. So there, I did accomplish something.

Yesterday, I also took a crap. And my anus hurts. I know you really don't want to hear about my butt hurting, but it is a severe distraction. Since I had that colonoscopy, my anus hurts whenever I "make poopies". Most of the time, it is not severe, and usually dissipates after a couple hours of minor discomfort. Yesterday, not so much. The pain persevered even after drinking (sitting on very low-padded seat) so I took a stool softener and a few hours of sleep. In other words, I woke around 4:30am and was in pain!! I had no need to go, but tried without straining. With no success in that department, I wiped, then cleaned, the area, hoping for any relief. That all seemed to fail, so since I was awake, I jumped on the good ol' medical doctor (read as Google) and tried to diagnose after-effects and anal pain from colonoscopy, with no luck. Seems it is a condition that should only last a few days (some sites), not at all (other sites), and means there is something seriously wrong (I hurt so that must be it).

As I sat here and read through all the sites, well, at least the ones that mentioned/seemed to be about the symptoms I was experiencing, the pain gradually has faded. Just as if I had 'pooped' and that pain would fade over a few hours. Sigh. I am headed back to bed, as I am beat.

But before I go, I understand the importance of having a colonoscopy. Even though this time (my first) the doctor says I need to do it again in a year, because his 'cleansing regime' didn't "clean me out as well", I don't think I am doing it again unless there is a valid reason. Age just doesn't cut it. I'm hoping ina  year, this anal pain after every bowel movement has gone away.

Enough shit talking... go enjoy your day.

PeacE

Exciting Weekend - Not!

 This past weekend was just *so* exciting. I really didn't do much. Saturday, the Wife and I went and tried a new place out for breakfast. It is over at about 3rd St/Bell and was called Biscuits Cafe. It wasn't terrible. The prices are similar to Ronnie's (my favorite place) and the taste was fine. Staff was good, and luckily we got there shortly after 9am, because when we went to leave about 10, there was a line out the door. From there we did some "errands". We both needed to pick up prescriptions at Walgreen's, then headed west to the Discount grocery we like to shop at. This weekend they were doing a 'liquidation sale" in the parking lot. I strolled down the $2 aisle, and saw the typical "junk" and I found someplace to sit down. The Wife strolled the whole thing (took and hour) and thankfully didn't buy any junk to waste space at home. Maybe a couple Disney books and a small item from the shape of the bag. Then we proceeded to shop in the store (another hour). I was pretty beat by the time we were done and home. I rested for about an hour or so then headed to the VFW. That night the drawing was over $12,200 and no one won, so it rolls again.

Sunday we slept in a bit. Wife went to pick some Yogi's Grill for lunch (rice/meat platters) and I basically spent the afternoon playing around on the computer, or watching movies/shows. Finally into bed around midnight, and slept good. Up at 7am ready to get the day started, except that the Youngest missed his bus, and not sure if the Wife will drop him off on her way to work or if I need to get dressed and take him.

Today I definitely do not have much planned. No contact from the Company, so if something comes in the email today, it won't start before tomorrow (here's hoping). The main thing is to occupy myself so I don't sit here and snack on foods all day. Since the week of the colonoscopy, I'm guessing I'm down 7-10 pounds. I have been trying to force smaller portions, less snacking and more healthier ones if I do have any. Plus, I've cut back on the amount of drinking of alcohol. Didn't say stopped, just limiting myself. I've lost enough weight that my shirts are starting to feel a little bit big on me, and I need to put another hole in the belt, as my shorts like to start falling whenever I am walking or even just standing. Which reminds me I need to call and set up a doctors appointment for March.

Well, the Wife just left for work, and is dropping the Youngest at the school on her way, so no need for me to get dressed just yet (for public that is). I may surf a couple sites and go to bed for a nap.

PeacE

What Am I ABbe To Find ....

 ... to drag out of the dusty corners of my head to entertain you today. Right now, I pretty much have nothing. Last night I went to bed a little early, for me. The Middle Son did not show up, or call, that he had a change of plans I waited until about 7pm, then figured something else came up. You know how it is when you are young. But I was in bed by about 8:30pm, and slept until about 1am. Then up for a couple hours before being able to lie back down and fall asleep.

Welp, it is almost 9am, and I have a strong feeling I won't hear from the Company today. I might go down to the Post later. I don't know.

PeacE

Company is a Tease!

 Tuesday afternoon I received an email from the Company, informing of project slated to start on Wednesday. Of course I immediately replied that I was available for said project, and awaited the confirmation and information email they tend to send. Instead, Wednesday morning, another email from the Company arrived, stating the project was cancelled. No idea why. So they stated everyone selected were being put on Available status for the next upcoming project. Sigh, so no news there....

Aside from that circus, I have nothing else of interest going on in my life currently. This afternoon/evening, the Middle Son asked if I wanted to hang out with him. His words were something like 'I need some father/son time' so I am not complaining. I have no idea what his thoughts are: if he wants to grab some food or a soda, or a couple beers (he is legal age now).

Guess I should get over to the other blog and get a review written up for an ARC I finished reading a efw days ago...

PeacE

Whoops!

 Last week I had received an email from the HR department of the Company. Since I was hired back during the 'covid outbreak' back in 2020, they required only pictures of my identification to support the I-9 requirement of employment in the US. Since that time, the Government has changed the ruling to now require employers to verify the identification via physical inspection, or video call. So HR set up a meeting via Teams to verify my SS card and DL, for 9am this morning. I forgot all about it, and ended up waking around 9:30am. Whoops! I did send back a reply, explaining my lack of planning for the time of the meeting, and asked they set up another at their leisure. I see it all as a hassle, but if it let's me work, then get it done.

Nothing special happening today. The weather is cloudy with chances of rain, though it hasn't yet at least around my neighborhood. Supposed to continue into tomorrow as well. Youngest stayed home from school with headaches issues. He is like his mother, and for some reason (the barometric pressure?) they have bad headaches on overcast days. The Wife is prone to migraines, and I would not be surprised if that is an issue for the Youngest as well. The Wife called around 1pm, asking if I would be able/willing to pick up Youngest's girlfriend after her theater practice at school, and run her home. Mind, her mom is a teacher at the HS, and unfortunately was out sick today, so she has no ride home, which is around 10-15 miles from the school. So here in about an hour, the Youngest and I will go pick her up and run her home, fighting some rush hour traffic both ways I am sure. Yee. Haw. If the Wife hadn't asked it as a favor, I probably would not have done it.

No big plans for the week, just waiting for the Company to get me on a project.

PeacE

Last Words on the Subject

 Well, here it is two days later, and my stink hole doesn't hurt as much. SO we know things are healing are returning to their natural state. Sister texted me yesterday asking how the procedure went. we messaged a bit, then she looked up her last one, and realized it has been 5 years for her and that she is due this year for one. Talking to my brother last night, he thinks he had his done about the same time as sister, and will have to check if he is due for his. I'm going to wait for the test results, then decided if I even want to bother with it all again in a year.

We did get out to Ronnie's yesterday with the Youngest. Followed by a trip to Lowes to get the supplies I needed to fix the drain issue. Around noon they left to do their afternoon thing, and I realized the Wife had not told where the dremel drill was, so I didn't work on the shower. I need to get to it today, and looking at it last night, I really don't want to do this. I'm dreading getting halfway into it, and realizing the problem is much bigger than expected, and professionals need to be called in. Stress and worry. Maybe I'll blow it off another day....

The Wife and I made it down to the VFW last night. It was steak night and neither of us could finish our plates, so leftovers for today. Didn't win the raffle draw (up to $11, 835 now) so we headed back home.

Not much else to write about today.

PeacE

I Shit You Not ...

 ... Yesterday sucked. There is no other way to really describe it, than that phrase. I slept in until about 8:30am, got up, took only the BP meds (per doctors orders). I wasn't allowed to have anything else until after the procedure. I was scheduled for 12:30pm, so I knew I had to show up an hour before (according to what I was told last month before the reschedule). I was wrong. SO the Wife and I ended up there an hour earlier than needed...totally my fault. When they told me 12:30, it included the prior hour for prep. Sigh.

So I finally get called back. It turns out I am the last patient of the day. The nurse can't find a vein in my wrist for the IV (oh joy). It didn't hurt terribly, but it wasn't pleasant. Another nurse had to set the IV. Then I laid there for 20 minutes. Finally the anesthesiologist comes and wheels the bed back to the room. They have me lay on my side, position my arms such and such way, then he says "Nighty-Night", and that's it.

I wake up in recovery, immediately I can feel I was violated. My butthole is tender, and each time (even this morning) I "pucker" it, I can feel how I was violated. The doctor comes by, explains they removed 6 polyps (doesn't sound bad) and they will contact me in a week if the are benign or whatnot (reasonable). Then he mentions that the cleansing wasn't as good as it should have been (not my fault - I followed directions) and he wants me to repeat the colonoscopy in a year, at which time they want to double the dose of the cleansing drink. WTF?!? My sister had 13 polyps and she got a 5 year pass... now I have to do this in a year, and with more of the kool-aid?!? I'm not happy.

I dress and they rush me out the door, I had not even farted yet. Of course I was hungry, so we ended up at Subway to grab sandwiches to take home. I devoured mine - I mean, it was gone in moments. I wasn't supposed to drink alcohol for at least 24 hours, but after how the day went, I did go out to the pub for about 4 beers last night. Got some reading done.

Overall experience, the colonoscopy wasn't terrible. I think the doctor is a quack, and I am going to ask for a referral to another doctor. There is no reason to have to do another one in a year. Heck, I just may ignore it all and wait until I am ready. Did that before. Guess I should wait for the results in a week before I decide on a final answer....

Taking the Wife (and maybe Youngest) to Ronnie's this morning. The Wife and Youngest are then spending the afternoon and sometime with his girlfriend. I'm stuck fixing a leaking drain issue in our shower (I hope fixing is the right word).

PeacE

CdaC: The Final Countdown

 Today is the actual procedure. I'm a bit nervous about it, as I, in general, don't care for medical facilities, and just hate the thought of anything being done to my body while I am unconscious. Weird, right? Anyways, today's final instructions were to take ONLY my blood pressure meds, with just a sip of water, then nothing to eat/drink until after the procedure (which is at 12:30pm).

Yesterday wasn't as bad as I feared it could have been. Did the tablets at noon, started drinking the special kool-aid at 4, and the last couple tablets about 8. Yes, there were several trips to the bathroom, but it wasn't as explosive, and all consuming of my time, like I imagined. I did have a hard time getting to sleep, between a couple trips late at night, and the fact I was actually starting to feel pretty hungry. This morning, I slept in to try to avoid as much of the hunger pangs as I can, but already they have started. I'm thinking the Chinese buffet for lunch.... or Subway ... or salad somewhere. I don't know, so much sounds so good right now.

I've got about 2 1/2 hours to kill before I need to be there. I'm going to go try to occupy my mind that I am not thinking about food.

PeacE

CdaC: Part III (Or T-Minus One Day)

 Today's instructions from the doctor regarding the procedure, are the longest ones of all.

1. Begin a CLEAR, LIQUID Diet, NO SOLID FOOD all day. Drink at least  8 glasses of water to not dehydrate.

2. At 12 noon, take 4 Dulcolax tablets. Mix 64 oz. of liquid with 8.3 oz Miralax and refrigerate (do not add ice).

3. Between 4 and 5 pm, drink an 8 oz glass of the mixture. Every 15 minutes, drink an 8 oz glass until the mixture is gone.

4. At 7:30pm, take 2 more Dulcolax tablets.

I paraphrased that, as the way it reads it is much longer and speaks of possible side effects of drinking the mixture (feet may get cold). Then the reading goes on to say what is considered a 'clear liquid' and what is not. Mostly I cannot have red/purple drink, alcohol, dairy products (no ice cream, damn),noodles or vegetables in soup, pulp in juices, and liquid I cannot see through. I can have Gatorade (or similar, carbonated drinks (I got soda yesterday),coffee/tea (though I can't see through it?),strained juices (no pulp) Jell-o (no red/purple), and clear broth/bouillon.

They make so many specific things one can/cannot have, then contradict themselves in a way... No liquids you cannot see through, yet can have sodas, and tea/coffee. Ok to have broth (like beef) but does one 'see through' it? I dunno. Either way, it's what I have for today. The fun times start after the 4 tablets at noon, I am guessing, except they are about 6 1/2 hours late. I woke about 5:30 this morning, already making a beeline for the bathroom. So far, the only injury is a bit of my pride when I admit I am down one pair of underwear for the day already....

The hardest part will be tomorrow. Once I awake, I can only have a sip of water to wash down my BP meds (no other meds) and then absolutely nothing until after the procedure (scheduled for 12:30 pm). I'm already thinking of what I want to eat afterwards (Subway? Salad? Ice Cream?). After lunch will be a stop at Lowe's for some supplies. The stand-up shower in our back bathroom developed a leak from the side of the tub basin. After some extensive research yesterday, I figured out it is regarding the drain - either the seal or the washer seal. I'll replace both, as it looks fairly simple - maybe 30 minutes to complete. Then will leaves towels down on the floor to soak up seepage for a day before re-caulking the edge between basin and floor. Hopefully that will al go smooth and be able to shower in there again by Sunday (allowing dry-time).

The Middle Son decided to get his horizontal license (showing he is not under 21 years) and had told me about two weeks ago to expect it in the mail. It cam the other day, so I let him know. Yesterday he :messaged that he would stop by this morning after his work (about 7:30am) to get it, and asked if I would like to go out and have breakfast with him. I groaned. The one time he asks Dad to go out to eat, I am on a liquid diet. I explained to him, and he offered for another time then. But he is still coming by and we can visit for a bit at least.

Well, I guess that is all I have for today. Maybe tomorrow's update prior to the procedure will have some funny tale(s) about mishaps of not making the bathroom in time, or some other thing happening.

PeacE

CdaC: Two Days Prior

 There are no instructions specific to this day. I'm guessing the instructions from yesterday carry over to today. So no nuts, seeds, etc - and no red meat. I ended up having the leftover mashed potatoes, and nibbled on some tortilla chips for supper. I really wasn't hungry for much more than that. Of course, I drank probably about 4-5 quarts of water throughout the day as well, so that may have contributed to not being as hungry. Thursday will be the fun day - that's when I take all the pills/mixtures and spend the day near a toilet. Not looking forward to that day, but it will be here in 24 hours.

Later this morning when stores open, I am going to run up to the closest Dollar Tree and see if I can find some juice to mix in with the Miralax (per instructions). Supposed to mix the junk with 64 ounces of fluid (non-red/purple) and I am thinking maybe apple juice, though the thought of a Gatorade/Powerade type drink might be better for all the fluids/solids I will be crapping out. Not sure what I am going to do, except maybe some price comparison and see if they are close in cost or not.

Other than that, no plans today.

PeacE

CdaC: Countdown to a Clean Colon (Part II)

 I'm writing this one late the night before, just so RM can catch up on what is going on, and also because I am awake. I have been tired much of the day (not related to eating habits, etc) mostly from the lack of sleep the night prior. So I was in bed by 7'ish this evening, but then awake again around 9:30, and I know it will be at least a couple hours before I should try to sleep again. So, let's move on to the next step for Tuesday.... Edit: I laid back down about 11, but no sleep, so back up at 1am. It's now 4am, and I going to try for at least a 2-3 hour nap....

Three (3) days before your colonoscopy: Begin a light diet. Stop eating all nuts, seeds, popcorn, and red meat. Oh geez, this one is a bad one. No major problem with any of the things to stop eating - except the red meat. I'm going to cheat first thing in the morning though. Edit: I did eat it int he morning...about 2am. I always have to eat something when I take my meds, so I'm finishing off the meatloaf (Edit: Nope. Probably be the mashed potatoes) then I'll stop red meat. I saved the mashed potatoes from the other night, so I would have some soft food (other than Ramen and broth) so that will be lunch. This period is actually covering two (2) days of time, as the next instruction will be for the day prior.

Let's see if I can get through Tuesday....

PeacE

Pre-Sleep Rambling Thoughts ...

 ... about today's post kept me awake part of the night. Well, maybe it wasn't *just* post thoughts, as my mind was running hamster wheel circuits at 100 mph it seemed like, and my neck muscles kept tensing up every time I thought about anything. So yeah, it was the early hours of the morning before I was able to get some sleep. One of those nights where a shot of Jack Daniels would have helped 'knock me out' would have been very welcome.

This week brings on the biggest medical 'procedure' I have had to have completed, in a very long time. The wonderful colonoscopy is scheduled for Friday (second time around). First time I came down with something ... but the day before, I was still running a fever so called in to re-schedule. And here we are. So today starts the format they outlined for me, to cleanse the colon of anything, and probably everything, prior to the procedure. I'm calling it, Cleaning da Colon (CdaC) and we have a countdown!

Four (4) days prior to your procedure, stop taking these medications. The list isn't long: aspirin, blood thinners (specific 'scrips listed), iron meds/supplements including vitamins. So today is this step one, and it really doesn't affect me much. Sounds like I can't take Ibuprofen/Acetaminophen for any daily aches/pains, and I guess quit taking the Centrum Silver (for men over 50) as I am sure there is some kind of iron in the vitamin. I like those though, as they are in a "gummy bear-type" format. So all my regular prescriptions I am taking today. The best part, is the food restrictions do not start today...

Yesterday, I decided that the Wife and I were going out to lunch. The Youngest had gone to a "sleep-over" at a friend's on Saturday, and wouldn't be home until Sunday afternoon. So I said I would go to church with the Wife (OMG! Did you see that lightning blast that came out of the sky and almost hit me that morning?!?!) then we were going over to Chino Banditos for lunch. This place has, I don't know how to describe it, but like a mix of Mexican and Chinese foods. I enjoy the Jerk Chicken, Apollo Diablo, jerked rice, and black beans combo - probably the hottest mix you can get. Afterwards we hit the Winco next to it, grabbed some sodas, milk and a couple other things needed. Back home we just relaxed the rest of the day pretty much. The Wife asked if I had any requests for dinner (I didn't) and yet she still ended up making meatloaf, since the red meat is off the diet in the next day or so. But today, I am eating the leftovers for lunch (I got bread...maybe meatloaf sandwiches!).

Alrighty, then. I'm off to see what else is going to happen today...

PeacE

Saturday Do-Nothings

 I got up just before 7am today, just to start at the right time in the game I play where we have an all-day 4-way battle. I died pretty quick, and while resurrecting, went back to bed until 10. I have been back on and did what I could before dying, and will be doing this most of the day.

The Wife went off for her eye exam this morning. She had somehow broken the ear protection off her current pair, needed a new exam anyways. She always puts it off until she HAS TO, which I do with doctors as well, but still.... Hoping she will pick up some lunch on her way home.

No plans for the weekend. Thought about seeing if I can get the Wife to go up to the Post with me tonight, but remembered there is no dinner there tonight. Next week is steak night.

Monday starts my cleansing of the colon. Easy foods the first three days, then on day four the meds to crap all day. Friday will be the appointment, and I am already wishing this was over.

PeacE

Well, That Didn't Work....

 I believe it was the Saturday prior to New Years, that I contact the Wounded Paws organization via their website, in regards donating my old Dodge Charger (not running) to get it out of the driveway. Thanks to some A-hole reporting to the City that we have an 'inoperable vehicle on the property', I had no choice. Even though it was perfectly parked on the driveway... other nosy people. Anyways, It has been over a week and I have not been contacted in any form from Wounded Paws. I was a bit surprised, as having used this organization before, we had what I considered good, quick service. Well, I don't have much choice due to the City probably sending me another notice, so I went to the old stand-by, KArs4Kids.org. Not even five minutes after completing the info on the website, I had two emails telling me the name of the tow company that would be calling within 24 hours. Efficient!

Youngest is finishing up the time off from school for the holidays. They are calling today an In-Service day for teachers, and he returns to regular schedule tomorrow.

Wow, just got a text from the tow company. Pick up scheduled for tomorrow, as long as I send them front/back copies of title. Nice! And confirmation scans were received, and on track for pick up tomorrow morning. One good thing happening this year....

Last Thursday I had fallen (lost my balance I guess) and ended up slicing a nickel-sized piece of the outside big toe on the right foot. I think my foot kicked up as I fell, and caught the underside of the wheel-base of one of the office chairs - not sure though. I have had it bandaged the past couple days, and it is quite sore. Today is the first day I am going without a bandage, though the new skin patch is sensitive. I'll be limping funnier than usual for a few days I am sure.

The Wife and I had a nice lunch out yesterday. It wasn't for anything special. Youngest and his girlfriend went out to a movie, so we went to Chili's (nothing fancy). I did my usual fajitas, and I was craving the chips and salsa (no idea why). Afterwards, we were going to go to Dollar Tree to see if they had tortilla chips, for my salsa at home, but the BM boss said no, and I had to rush home to use the facilities. TMI, right?

Nothing more to add now....

PeacE

Debating Good or Bad Starts

 Welcome to 4am on January 3rd o the new year of 2024. I've been up a couple hours, and I see no going back to sleep in the next few hours. Maybe a late morning nap, but who knows with the calls I need to make today.

Has this year started off as 'good' or 'bad' I am not quite sure if I can make that determination yet. Day One was good, I thought. had a nice lunch with RM, PT, my Sister and the BIL. Went to the pub after that, and got some reading time completed (finished book 1 of the year). Day Two goes into the bad column. I woke when the Wife got up, and just felt BLEH. Not sick, just ... empty? Fuzzy? Disconnected? I ended up back in bed, and slept until about 11am. Felt a little hungry so had some leftover cole slaw from the day before. That didn't sit right and came back up. A couple hours I ate a rib from the day before and felt okay. Afternoon nap. In bed by 8pm (was falling asleep sitting at the computer). Totally explains being up at 2am today.

Today is Day Three, and I need to call the City regarding the notice they sent. I need more time than the ten days from date of the letter (12/22). I have gotten all the documentation needed, and the information given to the donation agency, just awaiting their call to confirm and schedule pick-up. They didn't call yesterday, and with the holidays just finishing taking place, I don't know how long it will be ( a day? a few days?) before they get caught up and call. But I don't want fined from the City whilst waiting. 

Nothing heard from the Company, but I also did not send my weekly email about being available. I may wait a couple more weeks, since the colonoscopy will be then.

Hmmm, just remembered I need to call the Doctor's at some point here soon to set up an appointment for March (if I can). I don't understand how a doctor's office cannot set an appointment 4 months out, just because of the new year. That's what happened here. Something about the new software system they were implementing wouldn't allow them to set an appt after December 31st. Weird.

Welp, I managed to kill about 15 minutes writing here. Going to be a long day I think....

PeacE

Hey 2024 - Resolutions, Restarts, and That's Just Dumb

 Well, this year started off with a small kiss with the Wife as midnight hit, then it was off to bed. The Wife's 1st alarm had me awake at 6am, and not being able to go back to sleep, I find myself at the computer. So it is Day One of this new calendar year, and we all know folks that are starting a New Year Resolution. I don't care what it is - quit some bad habit, start a good habit, whatever - it is a retarded idea. I know in years past I have voiced my opinion about resolutions and restarts. Want to change something, do it now. It doesn't have to be on a certain date.

I did go out to the pub yesterday. I stayed until 10pm, then started home. I went through McD's drive-thru to get supper, and spent the next 35 minutes slowly creeping up to the window, only to get a Dr Pepper (yuck) instead of coke. They got the food order right. So now, I don't know why, but I am craving cola this morning. Ice cold Coke just is so mouth watering... I may have to get dressed and run up to QT for one.

Lunch today at my Sister's. No idea if my Brother is going to go. I planned to pick up-drop off but he texted yesterday he was not feeling well. I kind of hopes he doesn't go, as I don't really want to do the extra driving. Will find out later this morning.

Welp, I may try to get some more sleep.

PeacE