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

I'm a Quitter

 I sent out an email this morning to my Riders Chapter. Sure, it had much needed information they need (the Agenda for tonight's meeting) but it also held my resignation. I have debated internally over the last couple of weeks, regarding the two Secretary "jobs" I hold, my health issues, and, let's just put it out there, some of my extreme irritation at the Riders current Director. Finally, this morning, I just typed out the words, and it felt right, so I am going with it. I do admit, I feel let down, and a bit saddened, as I was hoping this group would be different, but I guess there are assholes everywhere (I should know, I am one).

Today should be a moderately busy one for me, if I can stay on track. It's easy to give up and go lie down for a nap, especially when I Am distended as I Am right now. One more day - the draining is tomorrow. But today, I have a PCP follow-up in about an hour. I also have three book reviews I need to get written up and posted. RM asked about my Goodreads reading goal yesterday, and I admitted, I might not make this years. These past few months with the health stuff, I just can't seem to focus on the reading like I was able to do.

So, PCP visit, book reviews...what else? Oh yeah. Riders Meeting tonight (the one I just resigned from). That shall be interesting. I guess I will gather all the paper documents I have, to give back to the Director, and email him the digital stuff I have. Tomorrow is a paracentesis, and I am guessing we are going to drain about 10.5-11.5 Liters, from the way I feel.

The Daughter sent out a list of food stuffs we did for the last Thanksgiving at her place, and asks what we want to change/add/delete. The only thing I saw to add was salad, but since I am generally the only one eating it, I'll just bring my own. Being of the health I am, this list of food just looks like waste to me, as there is no way I could even do a sampler plate of it all.

For RM, I have started the Christmas Date negotiations. Justin was open to doing Christmas the Saturday following - I still have yet to check with the boys. 

I think that this is about all I want to share this morning....

PeacE

I got nothing

 Just me waiting for the next draining on Tuesday. Miserable.

PeacE

Sunday Morning, and Back to Bed

 Spent part of Friday up at the Post. I did not stay late, as chest was hurting, and I still was not able to draw 'deep' breathes without the flare-up. Saturday was a filled day. Veterans from the Veterans Home here in Phoenix were invited to our Post (again) for a lunch in support of Veterans Day. Our Riders chapter, and the open invite for any motorcycle riders, were providing an escort. Not I, though, since I don't "ride". But I was there to spend some time with the Vets. They were so happy to be out of the Home even if only for a couple hours, and to have someone listen to them, or even just they listen to us. I sure would not want to live in a home like this if I get that old and bad, but many do not have family to help care for them, or provide living space.

Afterwards it was a waiting game. We had Farmers Insurance and Operation BBQ Relief throwing a buffet-style dinner that evening at the Post as well. Open to the public, for Vets, First Responders, and the community. A local food place (Little Miss BBQ) provided the food and all. We have eaten at this place before, and it is extremely good! So I stuck around. C'mon, free food, BBQ at that?!? Well, no BBQ, but had some smoked turkey and pork loin. There were some sides, but nothing to write home about - no cole slaw though (pout). I did have seconds, though later I regretted it. Had to purge a bit from over-eating (stomach couldn't handle that much food). Talked to my Brother a little bit, and I was home by about 8pm.

Today is a "free" day, where I do not have anything going on in my calendar. So that means I need to catch up on my VFW reports/minutes/etc. That's the plan anyways. As of yesterday, the pain in the chest had receded quite a bit, and I was able to breather deeper, and relax more. This morning it still feels good. While at the hospital this past week, they did prescribe a new medicine, Midodrine, I believe it is to help keep my heart rate down. They gave it to me that night at the hospital, but my BP was so low, it wouldn't do anything (BP was like 90/57 and my heart rate was like 157). I hate that it is a three times/day with food, but at this point, anything to get this done with and feeling good until I see that specialist.

Tomorrow is the Marine Corps 250th birthday, and they are doing a little thing at the Post. Pot-luck dinner with a cake. My Brother mentioned a mutual friend was in town (finalizing on packing the house as they moved to Virginia) and he is planning on coming up to the Post, so I am making a visit there tomorrow. Tuesday, the Post is putting on three flag raising ceremonies, starting at 8am, but I am only going to the one at the Post (at 10am. I invited the Youngest to join me, as he has once or twice before. I suppose I will get his answer tomorrow. Wednesday is our re-scheduled General meetings (usually Tuesday - but holiday). Friday is the Riders dinner. I am not going. I sent out an email last week telling the Riders we needed volunteers to bring a side, and a dessert (one of each) and they needed to figure it out. Getting tired of feeling like I have to volunteer my time/money for every meal we do, as one wants to step up and help. Well, I am forcing their hand now. If it is a bad dinner, they'll know why. Besides, I am not big on meatball subs....

That's my upcoming week pretty much. I do have a blood draw for the Kidney Dr on Thursday I think, but no other appointments this week. Let's hope I feel as good as I do right now (or better) through the rest of the week.

PeacE

I Did Get My Ice Cream...

 Wednesday turned into a very long 2-day stint, that I am "paying for" now. Around midday, I was hurting bad. The Wife finally convinced me to go to the ER again, as I could not make it the 5 extra days for the paracentesis draining. This is the second time I have had to use the ER as they schedule me out so far. I ask for two weeks, they give me three plus... I can't win. So off to the hospital we go.

Once there, things explained, it went fairly smooth. Got the paracentesis done, felt a bit better for that. Then the ER doc wanted me to have a chest CT Scan done. I was against it, but the Wife has gotten good with her glares. That one said, do what the Doctor wants, or else. So I did. It came back with I have fluid in my chest cavity now. That lead into an overnight stay, with a Thoracentesis to be done at 8:00am. I'm still short of breath, my abdomen is 'sore' and still adjusting to the removal of 10.7 Liters of fluid. I'm in the hospital, so you know I did not get much sleep. RM did bring a McD's sweet tea (at my asking) but was unable to come up and visit that night.

Morning rolls around, and of course everything is late. I don't get to do to Ultrasound for the Thoracentesis until almost 9:30am, and let me just say, there is a HUGE difference between draining the abdomen, and draining a chest cavity. For the chest, I had to face the wall, holding a table between my frontal and the wall. Then the catheter is inserted from the back. They have to go between ribs, and the very unpleasantness of  pushing it through the chest cavity lining. I didn't yell, or cry crocodile tears, but the thoughts sure passed my mind. They drained another 2.7 Liters from there (for a hospital stay of 13.4!) and sent me back to the room.

So now I have an 'unadjusted' abdomen, a spot on my mid-left-back that feels like someone took a baseball bat to it, shortness of breath, as I cannot draw a deep one with the thoracentesis. Anyways, things came around and the doctor that day said I would be released in couple hours (by noonish). I so I called up RM, and let her know (she was thinking of bringing me lunch and an iced tea) that she shouldn't as I would be home soon. It was closer to 2pm before I got out of there, with a new prescription (sigh). We got home, and I literally, passed out in the bed. Slept until 7pm. Back in bed by 10pm, and out until 8am. Good sleep that I am sure my body needs.

My abdomen is basically back to normal today, with just some tenderness if I do something odd. The chest, well, I have never been shot with an arrow, but if I had been, it would feel like one from the back through the front of the chest, and it aches every time I move. Has to be muscle related. No large deep breaths this morning, but hopefully by tomorrow or the next day. Overall I feel much better for now. I do need to call and reschedule the paracentesis (that was to have been on Monday) to the 18th. And I am going to be an asshole about it. I can't hardly get pass the 14 day mark, without it getting bad, and now that it can slip into my chest cavity is a big no-no. So going to have to be firm about it.

Not sure what the rest of the day will bring. A nap I am sure. Though about going to the Post, but o major event tonight, and I should rest if I want to be up there tomorrow for some of the Veteran activities going on tomorrow.

But at least you are updated now....

PeacE

I'm Swamped With Stuff to Do ...

 ... but I'm bored.

Sure, I have a zillion little things that need to get done around here, at some point, on some given day. But I think that day is not today. Still got the pressure building up in the abdomen. Still have to catch my breath every seeming 20 steps or so. The Youngest and I were tentatively planning to go to the the grocery today, to get us some needed items (milk, juice) and a few unneeded items (soda, ice cream). I may just send a list with the Wife. Seems she is "flexed off" from work today. I guessing it means the same as low census - they just have too much staff and not enough patients. I just know, I could really use some soda, juice and ice cream about now.....

Huh. I ran out of things.

PeacE

It's Always the Little Things ....

 ... that make you wonder why are you even alive at times. Like, for instance, this little thing called breathing, that most people like to do. I found out I quite enjoy it, until it is taken away from me. Yeah, I have been quite short of breath the past few days. My next paracentesis isn't until Monday the 10th, so trying to hold out until then. Not wanting to do the 6-hour ER Room experience again.

So yeah, it's after Halloween and here I am playing the Stay-Puff Marshmallow man (or I feel like it). I think if I make it through to Monday, they are going to drain 13+Liters. I'm that distended. Oh, and eating? What's that? Over the past three days I have been able to get about 10-15 bites of food down at a time. I think I am mostly surviving on vanilla shakes right now. Seems to be the only thing I can get down and feel like I actually got something in my stomach.

So enough about me and my medical. 

I feel the eggshells under my feet crackle as I gingerly step around anything to do with the Post. This past weekend is going to have a few repercussions. Being Phoenix, and the last week of Nascar Racing, many of the Post members went to the race (they had campers, etc.). Needless to say, it included enough of the leadership staff, and working staff of the Canteen and Post, that some tings did not get done. The worst one being Saturday Night's Post dinner. No one showed up to cook anything, and it was not cancelled. I know the Commander is going to be livid, as this is the 2nd month in a row this has happened. Tonight is the House & Entertainment Committee meetings, and I am leery as to if the Commander will be there tonight. Normally these comms do not deal with the Post Dinner, but seeing as how many are part of the crew that helps on them.....who knows. I know I did my job(s) and I ain't in the line of fire.

Welp, ain't gonna do no one no good to sit here and gripe about it.

PeacE