Teach ME to Post Early ....

 So I did that weekend recap a bit early, because the weekend didn't end so wonderfully. Sunday afternoon the Wife was in an accident. Thankfully she was not hurt, aside from some soreness the next day. No citation was issued, as the Wife said she had a green arrow for the left turn, and the other lady said she had a green light. Very similar to my accident a few years ago. Obviously, I tend to agree with my Wife, as I have never known her to lie. So yesterday was spent getting things in order: went to the impound and cleaned out her personal belongings, contacted our insurance and started the claim and process. She received several calls from the insurance and others once I started the claim, and we are looking into a rental (only a month), but it is Enterprise (whom I personally detest doing business with) and they want a credit card to even do the rental (which is through our insurance). I'm sorry, we don't have a credit card. We like to stay out of debt. But we need to figure something out. My guess is we will go to the bank and see about how fast they can set up a bank credit card. Previously they have sent us cards, but we have never activated it. Sigh.

I played taxi for the Wife yesterday. Took the Youngest when we ran her to work, stopped at McD's for a simple breakfast, then ran by RM's for a bit as we had time to kill. Glad we did, as she had a collapsible wagon we could use to help clean out the car. And boy did it help! From there I went by Chase Bank and paid out the first half of the year's property taxes, then headed to the impound. Got the car cleaned out (in about an hour) then headed homeward. Once home, that's when I started the claim stuff. I even got ot rest for an hour before I decided to head up towards the Post around 4pm. By 6:30p I was headed to the Wife's work, and by almost 9pm, we were headed home. A quick stop at Sonic for dinner (I tried the coney dog - do not recommend).

Today the Wife is off due to low census I believe. Guess we will run to the bank to see how fast they can get us new credit cards and get it set up. I'm a tad bit sore, from climbing in/put of the Wife's car, and carrying things, but otherwise just feeling like I have all this medical crap going on that I do. Those upped dosages on the water pills are starting to get irritating, with how much I have to go now. Even a little dribble feels like I have Lake Mead in my bladder...until I actually go. TMI I know.

Welp, It's been a bit since I took the meds - need to get my readings.

PeacE

Weekend Recap (Early)

 Yeah, I know it isn't noon yet on this (so far) Sunday morning. I actually slept in until about 8:30am this morning, but woke hacking and coughing so hard, I nearly blacked out. Got some mucus I could feel while coughing, down in the lungs. So I went to do my regular pill ritual, added a mucus pill, rubbed some generics Vick's on my chest and hoping for the best. Did my BP check, and was one of the lowest I have seen... 110/68. Then went on to do my glucose check and realized I used my last test strip yesterday. 'I'll just skip today' I said to myself. But I know better. I quickly perused RM's blog (had to catch up on her past two days) and decided I needed to get stuff done. I loaded up my backpack, told the Wife Love you, and headed out.

Load my backpack? Yeah. This backpack carries my laptop, my Riders slotted folder, the other slotted folder I carry my paperwork for the House Committee, the Aux (notes and handouts), and the Entertainment committee. I really should get another slotted folder and break those three out of just the one, as I notice I need more slots for the different categories (so I am able to find the information faster if needed). I also added in my glucose test kit, and my medical journal today.

So about 9am, I headed up to Walgreens and got a new package of test strips that work on my reader. Then I was off to the Post for football games. Washington plays at 10 against Atlanta. At this point we are down by 10. Sigh. Did my glucose check (good at 111). Now am enjoying a nice iced tea while I let tis randomness drop through my fingers.

Yesterday we did our day-trip to Tucson to see the Daughter and family. My little Widget has gotten so big since I saw her last (about 4 months) even though the Daughter sends pictures of them girls frequently. She is pulling herself to standing, and will stumble around hanging onto something. Widget seems to overall (while we were there) to be a happy baby, and didn't fuss much. Doodad is a regular 8 year old. Still in that stage where she doesn't wany much to do with Papaw (even if I am the one that brings her candy, or ice cream, or let's her get ice cream when we go out to eat). The Daughter's birthday is today, so we took them out to dinner last night. Went to a place called Grumpy's ( we all had ate there before, but it had been awhile) and had a good dinner. I have never had anything there that isn't good! I had a fried chicken garden salad, and shared some green chili nachos. Yes, afterwards, Doodad got her ice cream, and Papaw got a caramel apple walnut slice of pie with a huge scoop of ice cream with caramel topping. So good! Even though I only ate half the salad, and small portion of the nachos, I was stuffed. This "stuff" going on with my health has me eating much less than I used too. I even find myself even having gone a day or two without eating. Not good, but it happens. We wrapped up our visit and headed some around 10pm.

No updates on the health scene, at least since last time. Hoping to hear from the Liver Specialist in the next couple days. Even if that appointment won't be until early December probably, at least it will be scheduled. I have to 'open call' to schedule a paracentesis at the hospital anytime I feel it needs to be done, and I debated early part of the week about scheduling one. However, with the increased dosage of the medication (water pills) the pressure in my abdomen has decreased enough that I have noticed it more and more the past few days. So I am going to wait it out, and see how things go this week.

This week is seemingly a vacation week for me. For once, I have no volunteer events at the Post and no meetings. I did wrap up the agendas for meetings later this month, and need approval for one, the other I will wait until closer to the meeting time to 'wrap up'.

Guess that is about all I have today....

PeacE

Traveling Day

 I could have slept one more hour ... if the Wife's alarms on her phone did not start going off. I have told her time and again, set your 'get up for work alarms' for Mon-Fri, noy all week. Sigh. To no avail, as I am awakened at 6:45am, and of course, cannot fall back asleep. My alarm was set for 8am, so why bother trying hard.

We will loading up and hitting the road here in about an hour and a half. I made the Wife load my car last night of all the things she was taking down to give to the Daughter and Grands. Usually she waits until I am ready to hit the road, but I forced her hand last night. Hmmm, wonder if that is why she left the alarms on?

Yesterday I ended up down at the Post. I know, I kept telling myself that I physically have no reason to be there until the 7th, but I blame the Youngest. When I got up yesterday (around 10:30am) I saw the Youngest was dressed to go out. Mind you it is raining. I asked what was up, and found out he and a friend were going to lunch. Well, I said, I was going to ask if you wanted to go to lunch with me today. So I lost. Instead I picked up my newest prescriptions, and just headed to the Post - tired of being cooped up in the house. Of course, when I left, the rain had turned into a deluge and I was soaked pretty good before I made it into my car. And another wet one going into Walgreens. Coming out? Night and bright. Welcome to Arizona Rain.

A few short minutes after making it to the Post, the deluge came again, and rain visited us off and on all afternoon in different strengths. Flash Flood Warnings out until 4:30pm I last heard. Around 5pm or so, the rain let up for the evening. I guess we still have chances of more rain over the next couple days. I know we need it, but the deluges are not good. They just cause run-off and destruction. Need that steady rain that can soak into the ground.

Welp, got nothing else to ramble about this morning....

PeacE

It's Vacation Week!

 Well, it sort of feels that way, except it really isn't a vacation. Since this past Tuesday was the last VFW related work I needed to do, I have basically until the 7th with nothing on my calendar. I mean, I know the Director of the Riders will come up with something (he contacted me four times yesterday, send this out, send that out, etc. Like I was his damn employee). And I need to finish up the House Agenda (waiting approval right now).

Tomorrow I ma headed to Tucson for the day. It feels like it has been forever since I got to see and hug my girls there. The Daughter is above wonderful by sending frequent pics of the grands, but it just isn't the same as holding them. Daughter is celebrating her birthday on Sunday, as well, so the Wife and I already decided we would take them out to dinner Saturday night - providing it isn't terribly expensive.

This morning will be somewhat boring. I need to pick up the two prescriptions the GI had increased dosages on. I need to reach out to the Liver Specialist, and see if I can get anyone on the phone today to get my appointment scheduled. I need to eat something too. I realized just now, I had not eaten at all yesterday. I fasted for the Kidney doctor appointment, in case he wanted additional labs (he did) and afterwards, I just didn't feel like eating the rest of the day. The complete opposite of Wednesday, where I treated myself to Red Robin and that bottomless side salad, with a tea....it was like, heaven. And when I Went to pay the bill, it was only $0.96 - I had a $10 off reward in my RR app. Don't worry, I tipped off the pre-discount amount. But four bowls....after hardly eating for weeks....wowza.

So I guess over the next week, there may not be much from me if I ain't doing something. Oh well, what can ya do?

PeacE

Am I One Foot in the Grave?

 The past couple days I have two doctor appointments. Let's see if I can capture the basics I learned....

Yesterday I met the GI doctor. I should specify, this a 'general GI' doctor office (almost a waste of my time). She did increase the dosage amount for a couple of the newer prescriptions. Since it seems to cirrhosis of the liver, she did a referral to a Liver Specialist, and warned me that they are probably backed up and it will be an appointment set a ways out. I gave called and left a message this morning, and am waiting to see if they call back. Otherwise I will call again tomorrow. I have an "open order" at the hospital for a paracentesis, for basically when I feel I need one (which will be soon here it seems). The pressure on my abdomen has not been terrible of late, and the past 2-3 days the pressure has actually lessened (due to water pill, and drinking less, the meds are pushing more of the water out finally). I have an endoscopy scheduled for 12/3. So didn't learn anything really as to how bad or what exactly is wrong.

Today I saw the kidney doctor. He asked if I knew why I was there, I said because the hospital referred me to him. He said it was because of the labs showing my sodium level low. My sodium level was at 124. Regular range starts at 125 - so he was surprised to see me, since one of the meds is s sodium supplement. In fact, he said my kidneys seem to be fine, and working better than his own probably. Buuuuuuut, just to make sure, they want to do a few tests to make they don't miss anything (in my words, so they can get money out of me as well since all these other doctors and places are). So had more blood drawn, and a urine sample. Repeat again in November. Again on December 22nd, followed with an actual Doctor visit on December 29th. Sure feels like he wants to make some money....sigh. Nothing else is being done by this doctor (at this time).

So, it looks like it down to this Liver Specialist to determine the stage of cirrhosis in my liver, and to make final decisions as to my treatment plan. And I don't know yet when I can see this doctor. Life is so grand, but at least it isn't my dying days....

How do I feel? Fine I would say. A little discomfort from the abdomen due to being a bit distended right now. I am peeing fine and often. No other pains (related to these issues). I am allowed to drink tea and coffee as well, which is great because i was getting so tired of just plain water. No electrolytes (skews with sodium, etc. in tests). Still need to limit my liquid intake to 50oz/day as much as possible. The extra water I drink is diluting the sodium the more I drink.

I lead such an exciting life, eh?

PeacE

Story Time

 Yesterday was a weird one. Around 8am I called the GI Dr., and FINALLY got an appointment set - for today! That was super fast! SO get to see the GI today, the kidney doc tomorrow, and then hopefully know what is going on....

I went to the Post and spent a couple hours helping sort out the school supplies, then repacking them in boxes. I know we have a few 'adopted' teachers that will get some of the supplies, the rest will probably go to a church or school that is willing to collect them. I swung by my regular watering hole, but only stayed a while, as none of my friends showed up. Had to stop at Yogi's Grill on the way home - because I was hungry, and I had to pee really bad. Their Chicken/beef/rice bowls are the best I think. Got home, ate, tinkered on the computer a bit. My feet and ankles were swollen bad, so went to lay down and play games on my tablet. The evening rolls on....

Just before midnight, I snap wide awake. For some reason, I just realized my wedding ring was not on my finger. The Wife and I were still awake, working on drifting to sleep, but that ended for me. I told her (and showed her) that it was not on my finger. She asked where did I take it off. I said I never take it off. Then remembered, I have lost enough weight, that it could easily have slid off while drying my hands or similar motions. So I started thinking back through the day as to where/when I washed my hands. Two-three times at the Post. Oh no, they are closed on Wed. so how am I going to get to the men's room trash to search through every wet/damp/dirty paper towel in the trash? Well, I would reach out to the gal that does the cleaning, on Thursday mornings, and ask her to hold that trash bag until I could search it, as I have a Dr appt that morning. Then I thought some more... I remember right before I left for the Post. I was in the bathroom, finishing styling my hair, and slapping some stinkum on. I had washed my hands, and while drying my hands, heard noise, like 'tink, tink, tink' as if something metal had fallen and was bouncing on the tile floor, and out the open door. Youngest was coming up the hallway about the same time, and he heard it as well. We took a casual look around, trying to determine what it was, but didn't see anything out of place, or on the floor in the bathroom or the hallway. So I went on.... Needless to say, I jumped out of bed at remembering this, and began looking in the corners in the bathroom, behind the toilet, into the hall. I found my ring! It had bounced across the hall and landed just right in the seam between the tile and the wall, and we had missed it earlier. But I had it back! I was relieved! I mean, when I bought this ring from Service Merchandise over 34 years ago, fo about $48 dollars, you'd think it wouldn't be so important, right?

After that, my heart was racing bad, and it was hard to actually get to sleep. Well, that and the leg/arm/side cramps I keep getting randomly throughout the day. I think it is because I am not drinking enough. I have been trying to not exceed the 1500mL limit they told me, but I know there has not been one day I actually did it. I am just too thirsty. Constantly. To the point, I haven't been eating right, and have no appetite (except yesterday, which was the first time I ate in two days).

Maybe today, I can get some of these restrictions off my drinking amounts, and resume some normality in my life. Appointment is for early afternoon. The Wife asked yesterday if I wanted her to go (and take time off work). I told her whatever she wanted to do, so she is to meet me there. Am I anxious? A little, but it is early yet (thanks leg/foot cramps) so not really thinking about it right now.

PeacE

Long, Rough Night

 It is Monday, so I waited out most of the day for the Specialist to call me (the Gastro doc) which, of course, never happened. So around 3:30p I headed to the Post to promote 'Bike Night'. I hung out there until about 8, then went home. Worked on some Agendas for the House, the Riders, sent out some emails to specific people for things. Finally went to bed about 11:30. I worked some crosswords on my tablet until about 1am, then tried to sleep.

By 2:30a, I'm still wide awake, so off to the office I go. I ended up watching a movie (hour and half) and started the next one in the series, but as it is 5:45a now, I should try to get some sleep. After all, I am due back at the Post around 10am to help sort school supplies.

I also need to call that Dr.'s office, and see if they got the referral and get me scheduled. It's starting to frustrate me greatly.

Let's hope today goes well....

PeacE

Waiting Around

 Whew, I wore myself out yesterday. I was yo at 6am, to get down to the Shamrock store to get the sausage links for the breakfast the Riders put on. From there to the Post, where I prepped by putting out cutlery, condiments, salt & pepper. I made sure there were napkins. I pulled out the serving utensils I figured would be needs, and placed near where the items would be cooked/served. Then I had to get the cashbox and the order pad. The other volunteers should up around 8:30, and stood around until 9am (when breakfast started) so there were a few people that had to wait while they got started. Overall it wasn't a bad morning, but due to lack of advertising, not many knew of it.

I pretty much sat there for two hours, taking monies as people ordered, but it wasn't that busy. Our Director showed up around 10:30 ( after being out of town camping for three days) and what is the first thing he does? No, not stop and say hi. Goes for the tip jar, starts counting money, then grabs the stack of orders completed to calculate how much money we made. He's really getting on my nerves. Then he has the gall to tell me, when we are done to bring him all the money. I flatly told him no, that I was in charge of things this morning, and I would take care of it. Why was he there anyways? He didn't even buy a breakfast! Then he tried to kiss my ass, by saying how much he appreciates all I have doing for the Riders. I just walked away from his fake platitudes, before I said something I would regret.

So I was a bit peeved by the time 11am rolled around. I put up the cashbox, and started putting things away. All the guys (the volunteers) had disappeared into the cantina since 10am as football was on. I had to constantly holler for them when someone bough a meal, so they could be served. Well, no one back there, I started cleaning up the kitchen. Did the dishes, wiped the counters, put up everything I could. I was down to one pan, that needed to soak a bit (cooked sausage on it) before I finally went and sat down. I told the other guys, they were to take care of the leftover foods (most were in crockpots they had brought anyways) and to clean the last pan. I was fatigued by this point. I hung out at the Post for the afternoon, as at 3pm, there was a birthday party I was going to at least say happy birthday for. I did, and by 4, I literally snuck out and went home. I was head-nodding and weary by the time I got home, my ankles and calves were swollen (from being on my feet so much during the day). In bed by 9:30p, and slept pretty good through the night.

Today I play the waiting game. The Gastro Doc should be calling me today for the referral sent over late Thursday, and scheduling my appointment. If not, I will be contacting my Dr.'s office to let them know. So I am just hanging at the house today, I guess.

PeacE

Really Need A Sleep Schedule

 I am up early again this morning. For doing basically nothing yesterday aside from the run to the Dr.'s for additional lab work, I was extremely tired, and was in bed by 9pm. And then wide awake at 1:30a, and still not tired. Sigh. Cannot wait until things get figured out about my health, so I can take my edibles if needed (like tonight).

In just a few short hours I will be off to the Post to help with inventory. I am introducing a new form for them to complete it on, that should assist in locating a specific item, as well as catching what might have been missed in previous checks. It will be interesting.

Nothing more to say at this time...

PeacE

Not Too Shabby ....

 Yesterday turned into a pretty good day. Started it out with a visit to my PCP, to update her on what all has been going on the past few weeks. Bottom line: she renewed 4 of the 5 prescriptions that were due to run out, cancelled the three I was told to stop, got me an 'urgent referral to the Gastro Doc, and once she had time to read through all the reports I brought her from the hospital, called me back to update me. Seems she didn't notice until going through the reports that my Calcium was reported as high, and asked me to return to the office this morning for an additional blood draw for labs, specifically for the calcium tests. No biggie. The office is only about 10 minutes from my house. Best news? My A1C is down to  from the 6 it was just over three months ago! Their referral desk even called me late in the afternoon to say they processed the referral, and to allow 24 hours for the Gastro Doc to process and they would call me to schedule.

Afterwards, I took a drive out to see RM. I still had a container that she had brought brownies in to one of the Riders dinners, and I thought I would take a look at her "blog" issues she was having when she was trying to post. Seems the window would shrink automatically down to almost nothing, and she would have to spend quite some time to expand it bit by bot just in order to see what she is typing. Weird, right? Well, I found out she uses MS Edge for her browser (I personally detest that browser), so I added in Chrome for her, and what do ya know? Her blog dashboard and posts page, etc. all came up normal. So hopefully, she won't have issues again.

Talked to the Wife on the way home via phone, and updated her on what went on at the PCP office. Then by about noon, I was just fatigued, so took a nap until the PCP called. Afterwards, I decided to actually go to the pub, and meet my buddy B up there as we hadn't met up since I was in the hospital. Shared what was going on with my health to him, and he caught me up on things going on for him. Was a good time. And I wasn't tempted once to have any alcohol. I'm surprised I was able to quit so easily. B had asked if this was temporary until we fixed what was wrong, and I told him I think it was a life decision for me. Now to work on stopping the cigarettes.

Slept decently last night (not allowed my edibles right now) but was woken a few times through the night to pee (water pill is working) or because of leg cramps I had to 'walk off'. Which brings me up to the am :hour where I decided to just get up, take my meds, and prepare to head to the PCP office (they open at at7:30am - hope the lab tech is there at that time).

Today I am calling a rest day, and will spend it here at home. Saturday I'll be at the Post for Inventory, followed by Sunday morning where I will return as the Riders are doing the breakfast. Then, for now, four days of nothing until the appointment with the Kidney Doc on Thursday (unless the Gastro sets me up prior to that).

Such an exciting time, eh?

PeacE

I Dislike Leadership With Bad Decisions

 Last night was our monthly VFW Riders Group meeting. Normally, I look forward to these, not only for the feedback, but because I am the Secretary and the positive feedback I get from members of how good my minutes, or agenda, or the calendar of events. But lately, our Director has started some "bad habits" that I do not like. The biggest one is paying receipts (especially his) from proceeds gained from things like our monthly dinners, etc. His complaint is that it takes the Quartermaster too long to reimburse him, citing it takes over a month (not true) and it is just easier and faster this way. Sounds way to shady for me, as no one sees the receipts he is claiming, so how do we know he isn't taking more? The second issue I had, was brought up at the meeting last night. Director wants to do a couple raffles, each for a handgun, and have the drawing in mid-December. Sounds fine, right? Well, he wants to buy the guns out of pocket (instead of from our account) and reimburse him the cost(s) from the proceeds of the raffles, as ticket sales come in.

Tonight, I decided I wasn't going to stand for it.

Tonight we had our Quarterly Post/Auxiliary meeting, where we basically go over our calendar of events, and give status reports for some of them, or additional information that has been brought up. Our Post Commander was there tonight (he is also the Treasurer for our Riders chapter, but do to Commander duties, is not able to make every meeting). After the meeting, I sat with him and explained I had some contention about the actions of the Riders Director. I explained the self-reimbursement from proceeds. Big no-no. As a non-profit entity (the VFW) when proceeds are collected, they need to be recorded for audit, then the reimbursements are dispersed by the Quartermaster. So the Commander was not happy. Then I brought up the issue about the raffles for the handguns. Another big no-no. We, as the Riders, Post, or Auxiliary, should never have possession of a fireman we are raffling off. Proper procedure is to place it on lay-away at whatever gun shop, use some of the raffle proceeds to make payments on it, excluding the final $1.00. Thus, the gun shop has the gun. When drawing, three tickets are drawn. the first draw is the winner, who will at agreed time, meet with our delegate at the gun shop, do their background check, and if passes, we pay the final $1, they go home with the weapon. If they don't pass, then the second ticket drawn gets to repeat the same process. We are never in possession of the weapon. Our Riders Director wants to do some kind of electronic raffle draw (online) and reimburse his own pocket, as well as have possession of the weapons.

The Commander told me "I will take care of speaking to him", and I was relieved. I am sure my name will not be mentioned but I know the Director will still find out it was me. Why? Because I completed our minutes from last night's meeting tonight, and sent to him for approval, or any corrections, prior to sending to the group. Regarding the gun raffles, I phrased it we are still looking into information about doing the raffle "as the VFWRG should not be in possession of said weapon at any point during the raffle". I am sure he is smart enough to put it together. Oh well. What he is doing goes against Rider bylaws, Post bylaws, and frankly, is just shady as all get out.

The next couple of weeks shall be interesting.

Tomorrow I have my appointment with my PCP, to catch her up on the hospital visit/stay, and was able to print off many of the reports from the hospital for her to 'add to my file'. I am not sure she will change anything at this point, as I have the Kidney specialist next Thursday. Shall be interesting. Friday I have nothing on my calendar (thank goodness). Saturday I am at the Post helping with Inventory (done monthly). Sunday the Riders are providing breakfast 9-noon, so I will be there to help with that.

Some days, I feel I am just too involved at the Post. But, at least now it gives me a better outlet than just going to the bar (though they have a canteen - and cheaper prices). And, I feel better being involved in helping reach out to the communities through events the Aux and Post put on.

Alright, it is late, and I need to get to bed to try to get some sleep (hopefully). Doctor at the hospital told me to stop taking the edibles I use to relax and sleep, at least until I see the specialists and find out what they think. Also, I'm getting tired of water - even with the electrolyte flavor packs RM gave me. Worse, being told to limit my water intake as much as possible (goal was under 1500mL - 50oz per day).

PeacE

Welp, Did What I Could

 Friday I spent a bit of time in the morning calling all the doctors I am to see. The PCP was easy to reschedule, and I'll see her on Thursday. The first specialist I called, they had not received the referral from the hospital as of yet, but set me up for an appointment - two weeks out. The second specialist, wouldn't even schedule me. They stated they wait for the referral, then call me to set it up. I told them if they haven't called by Tuesday, I was calling back, and having them contact the hospital for the referral. I can't wait forever - my condition won't allow it.

Friday night was our monthly Riders dinner, and I think it went okay. RM had made brownies, that received many compliments on how good they were. I don't think our sales were like the last two months, but we still made profit.

Saturday I spent the afternoon and evening at the Post, just hanging out. Only drank water. RM had given me some packets to flavor water, and these have electrolytes in them. The Wife said it would be good for me to have maybe a couple per day (versus every drink) to help increase my sodium (Dr said it was low). So I spaced out the two I had taken with me. The flavor was Orange Salt, and you are to mix it in like 16 oz of water. I did the packet in a small pitcher, and even then it was almost too strong for me to drink. After I was able to get able a third of the pitcher down, I had them top it off with more water to dilute it some more. But it was good. And to be honest, I didn't feel as fatigued throughout the afternoon, as I have been of late. So bonus all the way around.

Today is Sunday, and the Wife and I were up way later than we should have been last night. She had gone over to the Middle Son's place to sit with his partner and Doc (my only grandson). His partner has some post-partum depression diagnosis, and the Son called asking if his Mom could be with her a bit to help with baby and whatnot. So Wife made it home early hours, which woke me, and we had to catch up on things (we do nightly). I had to get up a couple times to pee (damn water pills) but ended up finally rising around noon.

I had told the Wife I was planning on just staying home today, but think I will be going to the Post to watch football and read. Wife has some video watching and other things to do regarding work (mandatory, but get paid for the time doing it) and I am letting her use my laptop. She brought her work one home, but forgot the charger. So she will be busy doing that, that's why I'm going to the Post.

Tomorrow is Monday, and I have no plans. Tuesday is our Riders meeting. That's what I am doing Monday! Printing out copies for the meeting!

PeacE

Phone Calls and Dinner

When I was discharged from the hospital on Wednesday, there was a lot of head nods, and "Yeah, I'll call them" going on because I just wanted out of there. I know, I know. It is for the betterment of my health to get these appointments set and actually go to see these specialists... but I haven't called yet. Yesterday was somewhat busy for me.

Tuesday, the Directors of my Riders group called me. Seemed he was without a car (but still had his motorcycle from transportation) and needed someone to pick up the hot dog/hamburger buns that were being donated from the Orowheat Store. OF course he calls me, as I am the Secretary, and seemingly the only other person responsible enough in the group. I mentioned to him I was in the hospital, and I would try to get there the next day. He was to call and let them know it may be a day or two before IO could get up there. So as the Wife prepped to leave for work, I prepped to get on the road. Yeah, it was a little trip. The store is about 10 miles from my house, but I got there and picked it all up (plus two plastic bags of powdered and chocolate covered donuts). I then headed to the Post (another little jaunt) to drop them off, as well as attend the flag raising we were doing in Remembrance of 9/11 (which went well, considering it is a work day for many).

I had brought along the laptop, so I stayed at the Post and worked on the Agenda for the Riders meeting this next week. I got the flyers for events at the Post, as well as Rider-related events sorted. I even took the time to clean up my loose files in my "VFW" folder and assign folders. I felt productive. By afternoon, I had approval to send out the Agenda - Done! Earlier in the morning, the Post Adjutant and I were talking, and he mentioned the Post had recently updated their Post Bylaws, and that since I was working on doing an amendment to the House Policy, that there was some wording/phrasing from the Bylaws that should be incorporated in to the Policy, as well as some Appendixes that they had finished. <eye roll> Great. More work. But I explained, since I am not a Post member (only Aux) I don't have access to the Post Bylaws. So he is supposed to send me everything, sometime before he leaves for vacation in the next week. Sigh. So who knows when I will get it, when I will get the House Chair to sit down with me to do the corrections/amendment(s). Sometimes this volunteer work is more of a job, and I wish I got paid for it.... Moving on. It was Thursday, and Washington was playing, so I stayed to watch the game at the Post. I did go home about 8pm in the third quarter as it didn't look like my team was going to win.

So, no. I did not call and set up appointments. But I am working on that today. I already scheduled my PCP for Tuesday. Now just waiting for the other two offices to open and see what I can do.

Yesterday I felt fatigued. I think it may be the new meds, or the restricted amount of water I am allowed (though I did go over that amount). There were a few members that asked if I was okay, as I wasn't my usual self, so some of the Aux leadership are aware of what is going on with me. I've popped my pills for the morning, and am getting ready to check the sugar and BP. Feeling pretty normal right now, but see how the day goes.

I'll be back at the Post this afternoon, as we have our monthly Riders dinner tonight (hamburgers and hot dogs, beams, chips, and brownies that RM made). The Wife has a team building workshop after work, so won't be home until late. 

PeacE

Birthdays and Life Changes

 Whew! Since this weekend, there has been quite a bit going on in my Life. I usually gripe about how boring things are for me, and how nothing exciting happens. Well, I am not saying this was exciting, but it was still a lot to take in.

My friend from Florida, My Ginny, flew in as she does every year for my birthday. At one point during her visit, someone had asked how long we had known each other, and we came up with in our calculations, that it has to have been about 25 years. Already at our Silver Anniversary (I joked to her about it). Either way, we were able to have some one on one time Friday night. Saturday arrived, and I was at the Post by about 11:30am to start the afternoon of my get-together. Overall it went well. Quite a few friends from some of the pubs I attend showed up for a bit. I was a bit more surprised at the number of Post and Aux members that showed up, just for my event. I guess I am liked at the Post more than I thought I was. I didn't get drunk, and kept all the drinks to just shots. Friday night, after a couple beers, I decided beer just wasn't tasting right and decided to get quit drinking beer for a bit. Saturday I had about 10 shots over the course of 12 hours.

Now we need to backstory a bit. Back around early July, my bellybutton decided to become an 'outie' versus his status of years as an 'innie'. It wasn't fully projecting outwards, but was making a transition was very obvious. There was no pain, and I did a quick Google search of what it could be. Obviously, an umbilical hernia, that carried the chance of one of the intestines getting clotted into the 'hole in the muscle wall, etc. For the time being I ignored it, as, well, no pain. Follow through to August, and I start noticing some abdominal pain occurring infrequently. Enough that I couldn't pin point where exactly the issue was. I decided to kind of keep watch and see what happens. By the end of August, I knew something was going on, but no clue. No pain around the bellybutton. I was having bowel issues, as in not having any BMs, except with the use of a laxative, and it was never solid. My abdomen was becoming more projected, and under pressure, literally, to the touch. By my birthday, I couldn't bend over to put on my shoes, the abdomen was so extended and tight, there was no lee way. I also started having quite a bit of pain flashes through the area.

Sunday morning I slept. When I woke, I felt like some of that pressure had lessened, and knowing I had a Dr appointment in November, I wondered if I could hold out that long to get things evaluated. Monday came. By evening, I was worse. Full pressure, shortness of breath, still no BMs, very little urine, no appetite or thirst for the past 2 days. I began to worry. The Wife looked up symptoms, and of course, liver failure was one of the major ones. I refused to believe it was that bad. She offered to take me to the ER if I felt bad enough, but I said no, come morning if it was bad still, I would get an emergency appointment with my Dr and go from there. I made it to about 7am. Woke the Wife, said let's go to the ER.

To cut out the short boring stuff, six hours in at the ER, a CT scan, and blood for labs, they agreed to do a paracentesis, as the abdomen issue was fluid build-up in my body cavity. So they inserted a tube into the side of my abdomen, and proceeded to pump out the fluid. And pump. And pump. All said and done, they removed 11.7 LITERS (that's 25.7 pounds) of fluid from the abdomen area, that was freely floating in there amongst all my organs. Then it was decided they needed to keep me over night to see a GI doctor, as well as monitor me. So, my first time EVER staying in a hospital as a patient, and now that I am home, it sucks. Never recommend. So, still Saturday, the Doctor assigned at the time to me came and explained that I have a decompressed liver. Here's and explanation:

* "Decompressed liver" refers to decompensated cirrhosis, a severe stage of cirrhosis where liver scarring is so extensive that the liver can no longer perform its vital functions properly. This advanced liver disease is marked by symptoms such as jaundice (yellow skin), ascites (abdominal fluid), confusion (hepatic encephalopathy), and bleeding from varices. Causes include viral hepatitis, alcohol-related liver disease, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Treatment focuses on managing complications, addressing the underlying cause of the liver damage, and often involves a liver transplant.

So, yeah. The liver is failing on me. I decided right then that I quit drinking. The Dr asked if I was having the shakes, since it had been about three days since my last drink, and I was like, no. I'm fine. I have been weaning the alcohol back for some time due to the diabetes anyways. Come Wednesday, another Dr assigned to me. Decided I could be discharged allowing that I contact a liver specialist and a GI doctor within the next 4-5 days, as well as my PCP. They gave me 5 new prescriptions temporarily to help, and maybe longer deciding on what these other doctors want to do. At least it cancels out a couple of the ones I currently take. I was able to eat the nasty hospital food Saturday night (first meal in like two plus days) but breakfast and lunch on Wednesday... I couldn't even swallow the first bite. They just tasted to wrong and bad. Wife was there for lunch, had her try the bacon from the BLT wrap I ordered, and she said it as fine. SO I know it was me. Finally got discharged about 4pm, grabbed my papers, stopped at the hospital pharmacy and got the meds, and headed home. Wife stopped at Arbys, as she needed something to eat. I got a regular, plain roast beef, and a vanilla milkshake, both of which went down fine. I crashed when we got home, having not slept much since Sunday morning. Which explains why I am awake at 2:30am.

So no more drinking alcohol. Nobody has modified my diet (as of yet) but I have been good about monitoring with the diabetes. I was told my sodium intake needs to increase (after years of saying to decrease it) mainly because I am on a water pill now and it will drain a lot of sodium and potassium. I think I am sticking to water for now, no tea, no soda, until the doctors are able to determine how bad things are. Who knew turning 54 would be such a life changer.

Today is 9/11 and a day of remembrance for those lost on the airline flights, and buildings the crashes were involved in. The Post is doing a flag raising at 10am I am going to try to be at. Afterwards I need to get to work on the agenda for next week Riders meeting, as well as contact the doctors to get appointments scheduled. Let's see how day one on new pills goes...

Happy, Happy, Joy, Joy

PeacE

It's Almost Here!

 Here it is the 2nd of September already, and just days away from my birthday. I still have no clue of how many will be stopping by on Saturday, as I pretty much invited all the "friends" on FB, plus several others via phone. I know most being family back in Indiana, or other places, will not be here. I know I have one out of town friend that said she will be here (as she does every year) and that's my Ginny. 

Tonight is also the 1st Tuesday of the month, so I have the Entertainment Committee meeting, the NYE Party Council, and the VFW House Committee meetings tonight. The first two aren't hard - I really don't do much, but help confirm calendar dates for conflicts (set-up, raffles, etc.) and maybe ask a question or two. The House, boy. Last night I was up at the Post, and was speaking to A, another House member, and he had a bunch of issues he wanted to bring up at the meeting. Most of which, has to do with revising/amending the House Comm. Policy. But it is all over the place, and not just specific to what I am already to work on. Sigh. I hope he doesn't get his notes in order for tonight.

Next Thursday (9/11) I am sure the Post will do a flag ceremony, and bell rings at the time of the attacks. We had discussed it last month at our House meeting, but no feedback was given. Guess I will force the issue tonight. On 9/12 is the VFWRG Monthly dinner, so we are serving the classic hamburgers/2 hot dogs, smoked baked beans, and a homemade dessert. I asked RM to make the dessert this month, as she had mentioned a couple months ago, she would be willing to help out where needed, since this is a group I am actively involved in. I also feel it gives her a goal/need to do what she does best: cook, and give. Thanks in advance Mom!

Yeah, I still have a meeting next Tuesday (Aux) and the following Tuesday (VFWRG - which I still need to create the agenda for) before the meetings are done this month. Oh, I forgot, on 9/21 (Sunday) the VFWRG is sponsoring breakfast 9a-11a, followed with 'Harley Races' at noon. Don't ask about the races. I think they said some places call them frog races. I find it boring. Other than all that above, my month is actually fairly free.

To be fair, you probably won't hear from me now until Tuesday of next week....lol. Saturday is going to be fun!

PeacE