Monday Preppin'

 I slept good last night. I was wearied out all day yesterday, and forced myself to stay awake until about 9:30p. I slept good through the alarm going off 10 minutes ago. Still feel a bit groggy - still trying to get the sleep the body needs to catch up on.

Here in about a half hour I have a Zoom call with Dr. This is a Psych Doc, but they said he is the one to ask about a sleeping aid prescription. Other than that, not sure what else he will be asking. I should be pretty much done with questionnaires and all. I am hoping it is a really short meeting, as I need to be at the Phoenix Campus for a 9am appointment, and morning rush hour is upon us.

So the Zoom meeting, then 9am the Research thingy, 10:45a Consult to go over recommendation to the transplant council and things to complete prior to, then Nutritionist at 12:45p. Shots w/PCP at 3:30p, and I think I will be really mentally drained by then.

PeacE

A Little Quiet

Oh, the joys and goodness of good sleep! I actually slept through the night, having only woken once to use the loo, and got around 8+hours of good sleep finally! Take a gummy? Other sleep aid? Nope, was just getting 2-3 interrupted hours of sleep for the past month plus. Since I had to quit taking the gummies, my sleep issues are back.

I'm nearing the end of all the tests, etc. Mayo had me doing this last week. Most of my appointments left are consults. Monday I have the first around 7:45a, and hopefully it doesn't last long. On Friday, during one of the consults, I brought (again) about my lack of being able to sleep. I was told the Dr. I do my Zoom with is the one to ask about a prescription for Ambien. That's this call - and I will be asking!!

Either way, I hope that zoom is short, as my next appointment is at the Phx campus at 8:45a (about a 15-20 minute drive with regular traffic, but at that hour may still be rush hour. This is the Research appointment. I don't recall if I mentioned here, but they had snuck in a Research Consult last week. It has to do with a clinical study about how much energy/calories we use in a restful state (non-asleep, resting). I had gotten so frustrated with this person as her English was very heavy with a Slavic accent and was hard to hear let alone understand. So by the time I realized she was asking me to join this research clinical trial, as I was a candidate that met the criteria. I was frustrated, I said fine! Whatever! I just need to get this stuff done and get better! So now I am in a research study. Monday I do a calorimetry. It is laying down with a clear canopy placed over the head and upper torso, and just lay there and breath. Yeah, I don't know how that works, but it seemed simp[le enough, and if I have to show in person, I can try to do it on days I have another appointment there hopefully.

At 10:45 I have the important meeting. This one is to go over the results of the testing, etc. done over the past week, and tell us the Team recommendation to the Transplant Council. Also will tell me any time deferred from the List, or other stuff needed done prior to surgery (cavities fixed, current on shots, etc.). The Wife is coming to this one. Then it is sit until 12:45p to meet with a Nutritionist. I'm sure I won't like that discussion either.

Done with Mayo for the day, I have a 3:30p at my PCP to get all the update shots: Flu, Pneumonia, Meningitis, start Hep A and Hep B series, update my tetanus. I also will update her on Mayo's progress. 

Another issue Mayo requires is an 8-week Intensive Outpatient Program. Basically, a detox program, since my liver disease is alcohol related. Well, the problem is, in short, I don't need it. This is for people going through detox, or having problems staying sober, etc. I never had any of that, and I have been fine for 6-months. <eye roll> Requirement. So I found a place that isn't but about 8 miles from home, and they can do a majority, if not all, of the program online as well. I am having them verify insurance to see if all is covered (should be - transplant requirement) and they are to contact me late afternoon on Monday (my timeframe with the other appts.) and right now it sounds really good. Looks like quite a bit of meeting time, but that is going to happen anywhere. I also am required to do a minimum of 3-years of AA-type meetings, once a week. They gave me a link for a local group that only takes liver transplant-alcohol related as referrals from Mayo. It would be like a double support - for the surgery and recovery, and the AA portion! But they only meet Tuesdays 7p. I have VFW meetings 3 times a month on Tuesdays at 6:30p. But maybe I can find an online, or close to home AA group for another night, and the Tuesdays I don't have a meeting, do this support group. I emailed to verify they only meet Tuesdays and am waiting to hear.

Have to wait to call dentist - business hours. But I can schedule my cleaning right now so they can get their x-rays, and a quick basic exam of my mouth. Then I will schedule to have the bad teeth removed. I'm thinking two, but might luck out with 1 extraction, and a filled cavity. Otherwise they say they want me to do crowns - too expensive!

I'm getting all my things in a row. the IOP will keep me from getting on the list for the duration. I was informed of that. Trying to get it started this week so I can get on the list in 2-months.

Whew, that was tiring typing all that out. TTYL.

PeacE

What's Going On?

 Too much is going on, it feels like at times. This week especially. I feel like a teenager on his first day of Freshman class, at a school he has never been to before, with a class schedule so packed, he wonders how he is going to get from one point to the next, etc. without being late or missing it. Yeah. That's my appointment calendar. I will admit though, after the first two days, they really do have it together and a great process for the whole preliminary test process. Even though most days are split between the two campuses (about 20 minutes apart depending on traffic), almost all of them are 'grouped together. Example, Monday. Phoenix campus - had blood draw, urine sample, and I think it was three separate consults. Blood/urine were done at one floor of building 3, the consults were on floor 6 of building 3, and they went back to back basically, with even a break between, as we finished earlier than some other consults they do. Did that make sense? In my head it did, but re-reading it, I'm not sure....

So you saw what I had done Monday. I'll add that the blood work was 31 vials taken. Literally, it was draining. I was glad the rest of appointments were consults and not tests. They weighed me in at 246lbs. Tuesday started with my first appointment at 6:45am in Scottsdale - the further campus. Without looking at the schedule for exact order I had: Bone Density Exam, CT Carotid Angiogram (supposed to last up to 2 hours - done in 40 min), 2 more vials if blood taken, Ultrasound of the Carotids, a 6-hour break, travel to the Phoenix campus for a Echocardiogram at 6:25pm (slotted for 2 hours). Though we tried to see if they could get me in earlier for the ECHO, they weren't able to, but once I was in, they were able to get me done in about 40 mins. I guess they allot more time for different complications. We made it home around 7:30pm.

Today will be easy. I only have the Paracentesis scheduled today. I am not sure what will happen. I do not feel bloated like have by this time for so many weeks. When they go to U/S the ab today, I'll ask if I even need to drain today - that's how I am "feeling" but my body could just be used to it, and I still need some draining. Will find out in a couple hours. No plans otherwise for the day. Should rest for tomorrows adventures at Mayo. Thursday starts at 6am with an MRI of the abdomen, followed by appointments for chest x-ray, dental x-ray (dreading), Surgical Consult (Wife is taking part of the day off work to attend this one), travel to the Scottsdale campus, get an ECG, do a 6-minute Walk under observation, and hopefully done by 3pm for the day.

Monday and Tuesday I woke both days feeling good (for me) and though I dealt with nausea throughout Monday, and cramps on Tuesday, today is okay so far. Some cramps in one lower leg/foot, but otherwise okay so far. I think I may hit a Goodwill or two, and start looking for shorts. Currently I am wearing a 52 waist, and I feel like one of those weight-loss ads where they are holding out the waistband of their pants... yeah. The clown with suspenders at the circus (not my peanuts, not my monkeys, not my circus). Not sure what I am down to for size, but I figured I would start with a 48 and go down as needed. *IF* I am able to find some I like. Most times they are "old man golf shorts" where I prefer cargo shorts. Anyways....

I need to get going for the day.

PeacE

I *HAVE* to ...

 ... go into public today.

Happy Friday for those that care. For the first time this week, I have woke in the morning feeling somewhat refreshed. I crashed last night about 10:30p, and slept thru until the Wife got up to get ready for work. I feel rested for the first time in quite awhile. And that needed sleep? I think it helped with some of the other stuff (symptoms) I have had recently. So no major side cramps (so far), feeling rested, and now anxiety. I hate shopping, no matter how many times I go, I still hate it. But I mentioned to the Wife I would try to figure out a recipe for the crockpot for tonight. I think I have found a nice chicken and potatoes one to try. I'll go out and get the items needed, and some the Wife said she needs more of, and let it cook all afternoon.

Went to the CoL yesterday. Aside from the circumstances, it was good to see my good friend and his family. Many others there I know, and were glad to see as well. I opted out of the reception/food after the event, as it was a bit further than I felt like driving (I had been up over 48 hours at this point, and didn't want to drive much) so I went to the Post instead - what? It was only a 1/4 mile from the cemetery.

I had a tea there, and was feeling crappy so headed home. Picked up burritos for dinner. 

Todays plans make me tired already. Shopping, then getting food started. I need to log in to the portal for Mayo and do the pre-check-in stuff for some of the appts next week (only 7 days ahead of time so can't just do them all at once).

Oh! I wanted to share! A small bit of faith in humanity was restored to me yesterday. Late last year, The Wife's Company gave us some money to help us financially (they were aware of my liver diagnosis, etc.). This is from a special fund the Company keeps and has employees from all facilities contribute a small amount to each paycheck. Something like a Wellness Relief Fund, that an employee can request funds based on situation, for another employee (as in our case). Well, the petitioner is anonymous, but the Wife found out yesterday who it was, and why. This fellow co-worker felt that the amount the Company gave us wasn't enough (depends on how you look at it) and held some kind of silent auction for an iPad or something. Yesterday she gave the Wife $570 cash she had raised raffling that off. Such a nice, and unasked for gesture. I told the Wife I will draft up a very nice thank you, and find a card to give this lady. The amounts given to us by the few people are always a tremendous help to the mountain of medical.

I've lost 90 pounds since September. Back then I was weighing in 330-333lbs. Wednesday I weighed myself (after the Para) and I am down to 241lbs. In my head, my ideal weight is 230, and maintain. But I know I need to build muscle mass back up (I am so weak now) and would be nice to get rid of the baggy flesh on the body (I know, eventually it will go). So, almost time to start clothes shopping. In fact, while dinner is cooking, I need to go through my clothes and start ridding myself of now too big/don't wear items. Wife will take the ones in decent or better shape to the facility - they always need donations of clothes for their older LTC patients with no families (note to RM? If you go through your clothes, but they need more like Tees and Sweats/shorts).

Okay, my phone has just about run through every type of notification sound it has.... I suppose I should go see what they want.

PeacE

Reading ... Sigh

 Surely I have mentioned, in fact I know I have, that in the past six months, my ability to sit and read like I used has gone away (temporarily I hope). I have been forcing myself to try to read for a minimum of an hour each day, but that is getting harder - to allot the time for it than to actually do it. Today I printed out the Liver Recipient Patient Guide from the Mayo Clinic - 76 pages of information regarding the transplant process through after-care, and beyond by explaining much of my new meds after the transplant I will now be on for life. Then there are the other factors that I have to maintain throughout the rest of my years, mainly to prevent any rejection of the liver, or other complications. Reading through just a portion of it tonight, my head is swimming at all the changes that will be made in my lifestyle: diet, exercise, being in public, even into medical issues: if this happens, if that happens, if another doctor tries to prescribe, have them contact Mayo (so as to not screw up the transplant drugs. The whole thing is just so ... massive compared to the ideals I had of it (thanks television). Lotsa big changes, and I am ready to do them.

What did I do today...? Oh yeah! I had the weekly paracentesis done. Last week only 8.6L were drained, which is good. Today, that dropped to 7.0L!! I think I will still keep my appointment for the next one on next Wednesday, but if the next drain is smaller, I'm going to try to go 2-3 weeks between. If it is draining, or not mass-producing like it has, I'm happy!

Afterwards, I swung by the Leather Shop and picked up my new vest. They are going out of business and have a 50% off sale, and I scored pretty good. Got a lighter vest to wear, and decided to make it my "fun" vest. So I picked up some patches that had humorous sayings, got my nickname badge "Ashol", all of them sewed on ... for less than the marked price on the jacket ($149). Did I mention the 50% off, plus a VFW discount? Yeah, always nice. So now I have a new vest for non-VFW events.

Came home, had a small cup (maybe a half-cup) of the broth from RM's Chicken Chili (so good!) and then I decided I did not want to sit at home all day. I'd been home most of the 5-6 days before as I was not feeling well. VFW closed today, so headed over to my pub, the Other Room. I had a small pitcher of coke, and tried to read, but couldn't stay focused on it. So I played some games. Went home and filled up my Taz Mug (holds 2 cups) of chicken chili, including a third of the glass with the solids too. I heated it up, and added a couple extra spices I like, and was so darn good! Glad RM gave me the recipe to use later on. Could be a good crockpot recipe for next week when I get home late from Mayo, dinner will be ready - and for the Wife as well! 

I decided I needed to get that Patient Guide printed, so I started it (76 pages). Then, because I was trying to save ink, I had it print in greyscale, and the other option about saving some ink - I forget what it was. And still, anything that was in a font color other than black, did not show up. SO I had to go through page by page, comparing what was printed, and what was missed. Overall it wasn't terrible, and I just copied it from the pdf to a doc, then added to the bundle with note it goes with attached page. I had already put my appointment schedule packet (another 36 pages) in a small binder, but I want it all together. So I found a large binder here at home (thanks for rat-packing!) then I had to 3-hole punch all the pages. Oh - frustrated. I only have a hand-held single punch tool. Well, I guess more than 5 pages at a time is too much, as I broke it. I asked the Youngest if he knew if there was a hole punch anywhere, and he brought me this OLD 3-hole one. It's like a ruler with the three punches. You put the pages in, align to the edge on bottom, then push this metal plate over the punches & paper, and push on it. Old-fashioned!! I kinda like it. SO I did all that, put in the bunder, did separators for Patient Guide, and Appt Schedule, Misc. (copies of my list of doctors, prescriptions), and then the after visit summaries (these I am keeping to Mayo). All the other paperwork I have from discharges, etc. from Banner I plan to work into another binder, and the Wife agrees, just to have available for the unforeseeable time frame. Never know when there might be something in there another doctor needs.

By then it was near 11pm, and I headed to the bedroom, with the binder. I showed the Wife what I had done (she thought it was a good idea), we talked about which appointments she wanted to attend next week, and I marked them, plus she has the dates to request partial days off for the two. One is the surgery consult, the other is the week after testing where they will probably go over the results with me and what they are going to take to the transplant council. Then I decided I should actually read this thing, and began to do so. Oh my. There is A.TON. OF. INFO. I quit about 1/3 of the way through. Brain overload. So many emotions even about just what the typical standard transplant pre-, during, and post-care things that happen. And Life style changes.... I'm starting to repeat myself....

Today. Thursday. I thought I would wake this morning feeling refreshed, nausea gone, able to eat some Raisin Bran even! Nope. Up all night. I would just go to bed at like 5am like many other times, but I have a funeral service to attend today, followed by the cemetery ground internment. And that starts at 9am about a 20-minute drive from home. Need to leave here about 8:15a at the latest to be sure to get parking and a seat.

Okay, I am outta here for now.

PeacE

It's Coming Up Fast

 It has been quite a stressful past few days for me. Aside from most of the past 4 days feeling quite a bit of nausea, I think I am almost back to what would be considered normal at this time, I guess. 

At 10:15am I was scheduled to have a video conference call for an Educational Visit with Mayo. I had given up and was going to use my phone (no camera on the desktop), then remembered my laptop may have one. I checked and it did. I got that set up and did the conference call. It was mostly a PowerPoint show about the Liver, how it works, types of causes of failure, types of transplants - then a Q&A session after. I was in with about 6 other patients, so we weren't to ask specific questions to our case, just about the info provided or general questions. I didn't have any, and the few I heard asked I already knew the answer to, so I ended it. I realized, that my camera doesn't like low lighting. All the rooms in our house are dim, so I needed somewhere brighter. They specifically stated not to do the appointments in public places, or somewhere with other background noise/people that can distract whom I am talking to. So I called my Mama, and RM was happy to have me come out and hook up there.

Out I go, and realize once there, the afternoon appointment is phone call only - no video needed. I didn't need to be there. Oh well. I stayed and visited a bit. Did the appointment. Then worked some emails and other VFW related. I got quite a bit done. Then stayed for just a small fraction of chicken chili soup. I was still getting over several days of nausea, but this seemed to be okay. I took the leftovers home, where Wife had a bowl last night, and I will finish off this afternoon. It is mostly broth now, and for some reason, that sounds better than solid food right now. Then evening came and I had to go. Stopped and picked up 'scripts, and milk, then home to bed.

I had my first two conferences with Mayo yesterday. The first was an Educational one, and lasted about an hour. Most of that hour was a 45-minute PowerPoint show about what the liver does, causes of failure or decay, types of transplants, etc. When I asked afterwards if it was available in PDF from our patient portal, I was told no. They felt it isn't needed, as 99% of the information within will be reiterated over and over as I go through my week of tests, procedures, and consults, that we will probably get tired of hearing it. The second one was the Finance Call. Ugh. I was dreading this one, and of course it is almost before any other thing is done. Best news ever! According to them checking with my insurance, it is confirmed deductible and out of pocket amounts have been met, so all appointments/tests/procedures, the transplant itself and all related needs/services should be covered 100% (or at least no cost to me). Whew! I was worried about with a transplant the insurance would still make me pay certain things as it it is not a normal type thing.

I had shared what is going on with my health with a number of people. Most of whom I considered close friends, but I haven't been shoving it down everyone's throats that I am sick and this happening - poor me!!. Well, yesterday I wrote the Post Commander, Auxiliary Secretary, Riders Director, and House Chair about my medical. I did not go into great detail, just that at some point in the future I need a couple months off my appointed duties, and wanted them to be aware to help find someone to take notes at meetings for me. I can still get minutes and agendas done with notes, and the rest via email or calls. Plus, I would like to retain the position, so return to it once I am able. Two have already responded to just concentrate on getting well, and we will get done what we need to get done for my notes etc. 

I also had a document I had adding to since December. It just basically explains what happened, what's going on, what the next steps are: I did this for family and friends so I don't have to type it out all the time, plus there are some I just don't communicate much with, that I felt should know. That went out yesterday. Haven't checked my email this morning - it's the next stop.

It's a Para Day! Headed out in an hour to get drained. Hoping numbers are down.

Can't think of anything else today. I did have to go back and add somethings, so there may be some repeating in this post.

PeacE

Dinners, Nominations, Election Time

 You are probably looking at that Post title and thinking I have finally lost it. The Elections aren't until November! Well, not in the world of the VFW. Our fiscal year runs June-May, and our elections are held in May for Officers in the following year. More on that later, I'm getting ahead of myself.

Tonight is our monthly Rides Dinner. Have 5five volunteers for making soups, but one backed out last night as he is unable to attend due to other reasons. Too bad, he was making the Cabbage soup that I liked last time. So I am down to a Bacon Cheeseburger, Chicken & Rice, Stew, Korean Pork & Potato, and Sinigang. I'll bring some saltines, and the Post reached out to me the other day, as they have some rolls that need to be used up. I offered to take two bags (about 24) off their hands. I'll heat those up just before the start of dinner tonight. No idea who will help with anything, Aside from the one that signed up, but that seems par for the course lately.

Elections. I am so not looking forward to this. So, last night I was talking with T, our Sr Vice of Aux, and she happened to mention that I was being sought out for the 3-year Trustee position. It's not full of duties - meet a couple times a year to go over our financial figures and make sure we are in agreement (two other trustees and myself). So I admitted I would accept the nomination when made in May. That'll make me a titled position holder in all the groups I am working with at the Post. The Riders. Oy. Over the last year, the VFWRG has been working on becoming its own group within the VFW sphere, rather than being a sub-committee for the Post. There will be many bylaw changes once we are ready to vote on this topic, which I don't forsee happening for closer to another year yet, if not longer. So I figure we are going to run with the current bylaws for now. That means I have three electable positions that need to 1) retain the seat, 2) vote in replacement, or 3) Leave empty. All three must be Comrades (Veterans) and two must actively ride cycles. With our participation numbers so low, and the current requirements, I really hope everyone just retains the seat they hold, and we fill the one open position we have. That is my hope.

So all that coming up in the next couple months. Preliminary appointments with Mayo Clinic start the 23rd of this month, and though only last about a week, I am not sure how much longer it would be to get some answers finally, like: Where am I on the list? What's the typical wait time? Should we do the TIPPS prior to since we have no clue how long it will be before a liver is available.... Things I never would have guessed myself asking 54 years ago.

Anyways, I need to get out and get some errands done before heading to the Post. My 'special prescription' should be ready for pick-up at CVS. Need to go by the bank to provide cashbox change for tonight. Need to grab something to eat. Kind of in that order, too.

PeacE

Belt or Suspenders?

 Recently, I made a purchase of a pair of suspenders - not a nice set like to go with a suit, but a practical one for fat guys - it is thick and strong. I decided to go back to wearing them, as it is just too much of a hassle all the time to walk around holding up my shorts. Seems no matter how many holes I add to the belt, it just doesn't hold them up as well. My thing about suspenders, however, is you basically have to wear them with your shirt tucked in. I don't like. Being heavy is bad, too, and I feel like to shows off my "fatness" in the abdomen. But I will suck it up, and wear them. So much better.

As happens each month, I attended our regular monthly Auxiliary meeting this past Tuesday night. Usually I walk out of these feeling like nothing pertained to me, and most times that is true. So I was only half listening when we had a verbal disturbance crop up. I'm not going into details, but I was requested to provide a witness account of the event. I typed that up prior to getting here, and I admit, I don't like doing it. I am not a fan of one of the persons involved, and I really did not like writing this report, but I did it. I also included a statement about my encephalopathy, and how it affects my short-term memories, and that I reported as best I could. I left out details that happened, that really didn't need to be in the report.

So I sent that off, and immediately received a reply from the Treasurer/Secretary thanking me and commenting it would be fine, and the bottom line is being truthful. <eyeroll>.

Tomorrow is our Rider's Dinner, and reading RM's blog this morning, I see she takes her Rider Dinner nights pretty seriously. I guess she feels she doesn't see me enough, and if this is the only way for her to have five minutes with me, so be it. Trying to make my list of what I need to bring for tomorrow: saltines, cash for cashbox, and I think that is all I need to worry about.

Yesterday was draining day, and I got a surprise. They were only able to drain about 8.6L of fluid, rather than the max of 10L and b even better than the higher amounts they were getting. Hoping it is not a fluke, and something is starting to work correctly again, but won't know. Mayo testing is in a week and a half.

Okay, cutting this short as I need to get moving. Figure a bank run and then head to the post.

PeacE

In the Last Words of Our Leader ...

 ...Naw, I got nothing.

I'm getting online here a little earlier than my usual mid-day. The Wife has been assigned a student (Again) at work, and that requires her to be at work by 8am, rather than the 8:30-9an she had been doing. So, I set my alarm to assist her getting up. Then I am awake. Usually I can roll over and go back to sleep, but figured I would have to get up in a couple hours anyways, I rose this morning.

Today is a draining day, where I have yet another paracentesis completed. I am hoping that after the week of appointments, and we know pretty much all we can about how bad the liver is, that we will have a time frame in place that I can stop these! Even if we have to do put in a TIPPS device, anything to be able to stop getting the paracentesis done. I have this area on the side of my abdomen about the size of a fifty cent piece, that is a collection of pink dots, from the punctures at these drainings. It looks ugly. And I am tired of going. Whine, Whine, Whine.

Received some interesting news yesterday. My Sissy that is about 12 years my younger, and that still lives in Indiana, sent a text out. Seems she is pregnant. No big deal? At 42? She had gone in for some spotting, and came out expecting!! So I will be an uncle again. I am so used to it just being us older siblings, with only about 2-3 years between our ages, that Lil Sissy is much younger than us. Well, I am glad for her and the boyfriend. Again, wish I lived closer to Indiana so I could visit more. Or maybe this is a sign that I need to get back and visit, for myself as well. I'd love to take a couple weeks and drive back, but I don't see that happening. I mean, it could like if someone died, but otherwise the Wife would want to be able to go with me. She gets upset when I travel and do something without her.

Dumb, little story for the day. Recently, I had ordered some little things from Temu (I am sure you have heard of them). Aside from their biggest catcher ("you only have $1.38 in your cart being shipped from Temu. Add up to $20 to get free shipping!"). Anyways, that isn't what came to mind. I had purchased a smart watch. I know, you get what you pay for, and this was pretty cheap at under $10. The purpose I bought it? To monitor my steps so I can try to stay at the same level daily, or evenly increase daily and be able to know it. Needless to say, I plugged it in to charge, and downloaded the software on my phone. Within the first hour, I was done with the watch. It took all notifications, rings, alerts, alarms, and put them to the watch, instead if the phone speaker. So the watch vibrates (no noise) and in theory, I could see the message, answer the call, etc. if I knew about it. The watch isn't on my wrist, so how am I to hear a late night call for help from one of the kids? Or reminders for certain events that I have to be somewhere at a certain time. Yeah. This is not working for me. So I now have an under $10 smart watch. All you need to do is put the software on your phone. I may look into just getting that basic pedometer for like $6. I dunno.

Welp, I shared more today than I thought I had in me! Reminder RM, the Riders Dinner is Friday!

PeacE

Starting to Panic ...

 Over the weekend I hopped into the patient portal for Mayo just to see if there was anything new I had missed a notification for. There was. And there was a flashing red dot under appointments, so I look there, and find there are 24 appointments scheduled for me. What?!? I wasn't called for any of this - oh wait. This is the week of testing I bet. Sure enough, one of the emails included a download of the Patient Schedule for the week of the 23rd.

Mayo has two campuses here in the Valley. One is about 10 miles, the other (main) is about 20-25 miles, from my house. The appts are split up between the two campuses, though only one day I have to go to both campuses. Looks like most of the easier stuff like bloodwork, consults, etc are done at the one, and the more medical like CTs, MRI, etc are at the main campus. Either way, this :pamphlet" was 50 pages printed out! But it is detailed for time, date, location, and for some appts, estimated time of appt.

It's just a lot of stuff, crammed into a short time. It's making me feel like an anxiety attack is coming on. 

After that week, I find out how bad things are, how severe the damage is to the liver, and where I will be placed at on the transplant list (assuming I am that bad). Then it's a waiting game for the an available liver that meets certain criteria. Could be months - years even. If that's the case, I have a feeling we will be looking at a TIPPS procedure in the meantime. That's the one that a device is put in that bypasses some of the blood going to the liver, to ease up the pressure it has to work under. It'd be removed with a transplant, and the thought is it would help with the fluid build-up.

Been staring at the screen for a half hour now, so I guess I should wrap it up ...

PeacE

When It Starts With A Coffee ....

 ... you know it is going to be a day. It is barely 9am and I have downed my cup of coffee this morning. Not that it is totally weird, but I don't drink coffee often, and my mug is one of those ones big enough to be 2. ...And now I see it is *really* going to be a weird day. I just did my numbers for the morning, and they are: BP 97/54, pulse 58, glucose 128. What do the numbers mean? Well, that's the lowest BP I think I have EVER had, and this one was after 4 readings. It kept coming up lower, so, even though it showed I had battery power, I replaced the batteries, and got this reading. and the glucose is about my normal range.

So the BP is a little lower than my average of 105-110/ 65'ish. Am I just that relaxed and lethargic this morning? Or is something going on? I don't know....

Things have finally slowed down a bit in the medical area of my life. With Mayo Clinic involved, and the doctors all  'stepping back', my appointments have almost disappeared. Seemed like a had a blood draw and a paracentesis and an appointment somewhere every week (I'm sure I'm exaggerating a bit). Either way, now I am doing the paracentesis once a week (this month on Wednesdays at 11am) and that's about it. Mayo has nothing for me until the 17th, when I do an online 'Zoom-type' education class about the preliminary procedures for transplant, etc. that Mayo does. After that, I'm just waiting on the list of places I need to go, and doctors I need to see, on the week of the 23rd. Liver, Kidney and PCP all backed off and I have those appointments in April (2 with bloodwork - always taking blood...). Kind of nice, but leaves quite a bit of time to think about things - and that is  sometimes a bad thing. My imagination can get pretty wild.

Got some reading done! Having forced myself to try again, I found I am able to read without the comprehension issues I was having before. I thin it may have been part of the encephalophagy, so good sign that the meds are improving that? I hope so... Either way, I got onto Goodreads last night and updated my  reading goals for the year. I thin k I mentioned I dropped it from 250 to 100 this year, since I was having the reading issue. I think it may still be hard to hit 100, as I can read and comprehend better, but still "tire" the mind fairly quick in a short time span. Gotta build up the endurance again! I know RM is happy about it, as I Am her "Reader Child", and enjoy books as she does. On a side note, RM, I found out this last week that one of my Riders is a published author! He actually came to me and was talking about it, versus me searching him out. He said he has like nine books, and gave me a list of six of them for now. So, I have a mission this weekend to locate one of the books and check it out. It'd be cool to know him, and enjoy his books! Plus, the author signatures!

I need to work on the meeting notes from this past Tuesday's House & Entertainment meeting. Shouldn't be too bad, as the House part was short, and the Entertainment was mostly confirming event issues for the upcoming 100th Birthday of the VFW Post at the end of the month. This Tuesday is our regular general meetings. Friday (3/13) is the Rider's Dinner night, and we are bringing back our Soup Night! Have several sign-ups (finally) and it is happening.

Welp, late last week, and early this week, the registration department at Banner Hospital has called me several times. The first was the usual every week call, to re-verify all my information for me, billing insurance, etc. Then they called back saying that I have reached my out of pocket with my insurance (I knew this) but still had a balance to pay at the hospital (of course I do, and I plan to pay it). They practically were demanding I do a payment plan with them, and not just a random figure, it has to be broken down over a 12- or 24-month period, so if I said $100/month, they were like no, and we arrived at a final figure of about $259/month for the time being. Their loss. Before, they were "requiring" a patient payment of $342 for each para I got (4 per month) so now they get $259/mo, instead of a $342 payment every two weeks. Huh, 250 instead of 684...hospital math?

Sigh. Seems that is all I think about nowadays is medical crap, and payments. Such has become my life at this time. It is even starting to interfere with my VFW work. And let's not even start about the job searching....

Think I covered most of what's happening around here. The Wife and I have our 35th Anniversary coming up the end of this month, and have pretty much decided that I would make plans. We are going to do a weekend in southern AZ, as I have not travelled that part of the state much. I haven't really been checking hotels in some of the larger towns like Bisbee, Tombstone, and Sierra Vista (near Ft Huachuca Army base) but need to work on it more. mostly looking at events going on at that location, or regular daily activities. Something new for the Wife and I to do. It has become sort of our goal after the Youngest graduated HS, and that is to try to get out more to social events/happenings not just in our area, but the Valley, or where we are travelling to/from. We've had some good ones, and some bad ones, but it was something we did together, and had not done before (some of them).

Welp, I need to close this off and shoot RM a text letting her know I posted something. Then I will get my stuff together and get out of the house. Have a prescription to pick up. Should run the car through the car wash. Then head to the VFW, where I will bring up my laptop and do the meeting minutes, and probably end of searching for our anniversary stuff as well.

PeacE

Resigned

 I think I have come to grips with many things over the past handful of months. There was all that uncertainty of health when all of this started. Then it was if my "affairs" were in order, and was I ready to die (yeah, that extreme). I struggled through those, and came to terms with it, no I just have to accept the transplant issue.

The two or so conversations I have had by phone with Mayo, I get the impression that I may not qualify for the transplant list, therefore, would just be treated the rest of my life for symptoms. Either that, or they sound jubilant to have another one under the knife... I jest. I know itis in their job to sound positive and upbeat about everything, including the dead horse.

Liver Doc said he is "stepping back" and letting Mayo Clinic take lead on my treatment and medications. I'm guessing they are much more trained for this than he is. I have an online 'Educational Meet' Mayo has for me on the 17th, and I am waiting them to contact me regarding dates, times, locations for the tests the week of the 23rd. I did have to designate 2 caregivers in my interview, so I picked the Wife and the Youngest, as they already live here. Youngest will have to attend a caregiver class at some point prior to the transplant (if I am getting one). He will then be in charge of driving me to all appointments, labs, etc. Hoping they have facilities/doctors affiliated on this side of town so I don't have to go to Scottsdale, but will do what I need to do.

Saw the Kidney Doc yesterday. He left it for regular three months lab workup and visit, to be sure the kidneys stay in good shape (they are now). He sounded like the transplant was already considered being done, so now I have no clue if I will qualify through my preliminary tests. So for now, Paras each week until I do the Mayo testing. Trust me, I wanted faster movement on this, too.

Still haven't heard from Disability, but it has not been 60 days min. yet. It could take longer, though my friend gave the impression it shouldn't.

Think I am off to get some hairs cut and hang at the Post. I did my Agenda today, so I accomplished something at least.

PeacE

Dive Right In

 It's Thursday. I am up early today - on purpose. I have the Liver Doc today at an early hour. Hopefully will find out if there is a game plan we are going to use, or if we are winging it.

Mayo Clinic had their phone interview on Tuesday. I will be doing some tests/appointments starting the week of 3/23 and be done within that one week. Gave me much more I am working over in my head.

With that said, you can imagine where my thoughts are this morning...

PeacE

Just Got Home ....

 ...from all the errands/appointments I had today. Well, the important ones. I still have a couple errands I could do, but I was tired and just didn't feel like being out in public. Went to the Kidney Dr's office, as I was scheduled for a blood draw at 8:30am. I was a bit concerned, as I had booked my Para today at 9a, though luckily, the hospital is literally right across the street from this doctor. But I went in early (7:40am) to see if I could get in and out faster - after all, it is just a blood draw. Well, as usual in my life, there has to be drama, or a snafu, or who knows what (I shouldn't tempt fate). The office had me for 8am instead (bonus!) so I was on time. However, the lab tech that comes in doesn't arrive until 8am, and then she has to prep her items for the day. Final verdict, I was first draw, and out the door by 8:20am and headed across the street.

Last week I had mentioned the standing doctors orders regarding my paracentesis. Ultrasound wanted clarification, as one line said drain max possible amount, followed by a line that said 10L max. So last week I took a copy to the Liver Dr's, explained what was going on, and the Doc called me late in the week. After conferring with another doctor there, they felt it best to do a 10L max drain from now on at this time. Albumin treatment to follow, based on amount drained. So the first thoughts were from the Wife and I both that the extra fluid left, would it accumulate faster, resulting in having to go more often, and possibly through the ER instead of a weekly appointment? One of the questions we have for the Liver Doc when I see him Thursday. The Wife will be going with to help me out with all the medical jargon, and to remember what to ask (if I didn't write it down somewhere). So they only drained 10L today, and I received three bottles of the albumin.

My PCP's office had called last week as well about some lab work. When at my last appointment in January, I had done one, and when my PCP called and went over the results, she asked for me to go back in and do one more, as there was one other thing she wanted to check. I wrote it as doing it like a week before my next appointment (in April) and explained that to the office. They went back to the PCP and no, she wants it sooner. So since I was fasting already, gave blood, got drained, I debated going to the PCP office, where I can just walk in for blood work. No. Not happening. I was nauseous as I needed some food. So I went to Jimmy Johns and had a regular tuna. Then off to the pub. I had a small pitcher of cola, and decided I needed to force reading back into my regime. 

Since September, I just have not been able to keep my concentration while trying to read. I found myself re-reading lines, sometimes pages, because I forgot what was going on. This from a guy that has like three books going on at a time... forgetting is not an option! But over the last week, I saw (and got) quite a few ebooks of series I have been reading, and I want to know what happens next, so I hunkered down today. I actually read about 4 chapters without any issues, before I put the book away. Only because I decided I was going to head home. I didn't feel like sitting there drinking soda for a three more hours before heading to the Post. So I just went home. But now I know I don't seem to have the same reading issues as before, it time to get back on track!

Oh! And even though they didn't drain ALL the fluid, so there is still some of that fluid weight, but I lost another pound over all....

PeacE

No Rest For The Wicked ....

 ... since I am not getting any sleep tonight. Sigh.

Here it is Thursday and I feel like I have a full day on my plate. Monday I had 13.8 liters drained, my Albumin treatment, did the bloodwork at the Liver Dr.'s office, and still made it to the Post for the Riders meeting - that only 5 of us were in attendance. Sigh. RM, so you know, 3/13 we are doing the soup night again.

Tuesday I woke (after a long night of not sleeping much) to just feeling miserable. Seems the day following a paracentesis, I always feel this way. Adjustment of the organs causes some of the discomfort and mild pain. They have to slide back into their original places since being displaced by all the fluid. So I slept a good part of the day, which I needed to catch up on. Nausea came and went throughout the day. Hardly ate. Monday I had weighed myself and I am down to 256 lbs. now. That's overall good, just not how I got there. Would love to drop another 20, and then hold fairly steady....

Wednesday, I spent the afternoon up at the pub, working on the minutes from the Riders meeting. I was already a day late getting it done (I had said I would have them the next day but didn't feel well). Got that sent to the Int. Dir. to review, he approved, and out they went to Riders tonight once I got home around 8pm. Then I started in on a project to collect Rider stats for meetings, rides, events, etc. They count as monthly activity to the District and State, and I presume Nat'l level as well. Our previous director was a Google Docs lover. Why? Does anyone really know why? I don't care for it. I have become more and more for Office, so I fixed/created our Roster/Attendance workbook into my OneDrive. Working on the sharing bit. Then we had a link that would take us into a Google Doc to answer questions about an event we are signing in for. This data is them collected and dumped into a spreadsheet, so we can easily track who does what, etc. etc. That is turning into a chore. Even using CoPilot, right now it requires much more typing and time than I want to spend on it. However, I may find another way to do it, so that is still in progress.

Thursday plans: Yesterday I set up with Kars4Kids to come get the Middle Son's car, finally. It took months to get him over here to sign the title at the DMV so we could have it notarized. Then I gave Youngest a couple weeks to get the remaining personal stuff, and mostly all the trash, out of said car. They reached out wanting to pick it up this evening, but I was not home, and the title/keys were not in the car. I'll put them in there first thing this morning and leave it unlocked for the tow. 

I have a feeling the better part of the day is going to be waiting on CVS. They are supposed to get that special prescription in at the store location near me today. The office said that the stores do not always call the people when the 'scripts come in, so I will wait until after 1pm, then head up there and see if it came in.

No other plans from that for today. I did my readings this morning (BP and Glucose) and all are in the good range. Time to take what meds I do have here. Then grab a bite of something for breakfast. I forgot to pick up milk, so I have a sticky here with that note taped to my phone, so I don't forget.

....and I am outta here!

PeacE

I'm Already Tired ...

 Today is a little more busier than most days for me. Got yet another paracentesis scheduled for this morning at 11a, The way I am feeling right now is that they are going to get quite a bit today. The pressure just feels worse than normal, or at least how it has felt that past few weeks. Will be making sure I get my albumin treatment as well. Then off to the Liver Doc's to have blood drawn for labs - appointment is the 26th. Then I have some off time before my Riders meeting at 6:30p. Yeah, I actually had calendar events today!

I just don't feel like writing today.

PeacE

Running Around

 Saturday. That's the day most people that work 9-5 jobs start in on catching up on rest, household chores, shopping, and all that. Not much different than a regular day for me, but <shrug> whatever. 

Got up about 9 - sleep at least 4 hours - and headed out solo to run "errands". Went by the car wash I have the monthly through, and they have been closed all this last week, and still today. I noticed their sign is down. Closed? Well, I went over to the only other location they have (it wasn't one of the large chains) at 5St & Union Hills and they verified that the one I go to was now closed. So I cancelled the monthly account I had with them. Then I headed back over to Cobblestone @ 35th Ave & T-bird and signed up for their basic wash monthly deal. I had to wait awhile to get assistance there, so today I got a free Platinum wash (their highest) for free, as I had to wait. No different than a regular one, but I'll take it.

Hit p the Walgreens as the Wife and I both had at least one prescription ready each. I did get an OTC anti-nausea medication that the Pharmacist should not interact with my meds, and it is aspirin-free, so should be okay for the liver. I'll check with my Liver Doc when I see him to verify 100%, but either way, right now I am using it. The last three days have been hell with the bouts of sickness, not being able to throw up but still dry heave, the discomfort of it all. I popped 4 of this OTC and within 20 minutes was feeling fine again. It says I can take up to 24 tablets a day... I'll carry some extras with me for now, but need to figure how long it lasts, or did the nausea go away?

Then it was home to drop the drugs off. That, and I really had to go pee. I set up a Home Depot account (will do one for Lowes sometime soon I am sure as well - we shop at both). The front bathroom needs a new flapper. I don't feel like walking around the store, so I made the account so I can do pick-up. Waiting now for the email saying it is ready, then I will head there to pick up. Then it will be off to Sprouts, as they have the Grillo's pickle de Gallo there. I'll get a couple tubs, and see if they have some regular salsa, non-chunky style for the Youngest. Need that to finish off the leftover eggs ol'e. BTW, RM, I forgot to actually cut up the sausage links, or to even get them out for when I made the Ol'e. So I will have to try that next time when I have more of the properly needed ingredients (read: baking powder). Then I will probably head down to the Post like most Saturdays. Not sure just yet.

Going to try to replace our hall light unit this weekend. The old one was a 'stand-alone', and the switch was a turn one on the bottom of this wall sconce-type light. No, no light switch for this one. I have the old one dangling from the wall right now, and the new one is here, I just need to unhook the old, hook up the new one, and secure to the wall. Then be done with it.

Fun Day...

PeacE

Working A Post A Day Early

 Trying to get the jump on Friday, so I am writing this post that will sit here until morning. Previous post was so chock-full of ramblings, I didn't want to add more to it. Saved it for today.

Let's bitch about prescriptions, insurance, medical facilities and doctors (again, and again, and again). 

Update: Last Friday, the gal from the Liver Doc called, I relayed the insurance company message for the office to  'send the prescription to the pharmacy'. So the gal went to CVS Special Prescription Unit (who'd ever thought this was a thing) and they called me Wednesday. Seems they got the request, and now the insurance wants me to call them before they will give the release. Sigh. Not again. Please.

I don't recall exactly what the insurance company actually needed from me, but after talking to them, they released it. CVS was supposed to call me back on Thursday, to get the information of what the insurance informed me. at 4:55pm I realized the lady from CVS had not called, so I called the number she had called from. I got to talk to a nice rep named Joe (aren't all cool guys named Joe, eh Hoosierboy?) and ... let us just say, this is a shit-show. 

So, the basics of how this works, CVS Spec. Presc. Unit (SPU) sends the prescription to my house (not like a normal pick-up in store) by UPS - which means I need to sign for it. I could set a specific day of the week between Tues-Fri for delivery, but I never know when I will be home to sign. They will now ship the prescription to the CVS near me, who will then call me and say it is ready. When I go in to the pharmacy, I'll have to sign there to say I received it. That works!! And it will occur every month (or until I am off it, whatever). He even said he shows no co-pay due on it, even though the insurance rep had given me a Manufacturer coupon to drop the cost, so even better. Now to see when I can get it next week. Only almost 4 weeks without it....

That being said, empty calendar for the weekend. Monday have a paracentesis, and also bloodwork to be drawn at the Liver Dr's office, and my Riders meeting that evening. Maybe this weekend I will post more about the new hobbies and learning opportunities I am looking at.... stay tuned!

UPDATE: The eggs ol'e went over okay. I did a couple ingredient substitutions (small curd cottage cheese instead of creamed, and I couldn't find the baking powder to buy, or at home, so left it out). So it didn't rise up in the pan as it should have. I found it quite bland to taste, so needed to add some hot sauce to it. Wife and Youngest said it was fine. I wasn't expecting it to be a super-wonderful, never-to-be-eaten again dinner, but if they at least like it, I can make it again later. I will admit, I had cut it into 'pieces' in the pan, and I only had one - before my body decided to reject it, and threw it up. I had fought with nausea all day, and still a bit this morning. My Sister and BIL are moving to New Mexico and leave this Sunday. They are doing a yard sale today and tomorrow, to get as rid as much as they don't have to take. I'll be headed that way in about an hour or so. Called Sis yesterday and said I would be by to look at tools the BIL doesn't need anymore, and have a chance to say bye. They will be gone the better part of two years, before possibly returning here.

Last night, at dinner and the rest of the night, that nausea was bad. I think I am going to stop at Walgreens on the way to Sis' to see if they recommend an OTC for nausea, brought on as a side effect of medication. At least, I'm pretty sure it is considering at least three have it listed. Anyways, I need to get off here and get a few things done before I leave.

PeacE

When Did Thursdays Get Hard?

 Man, I am beat and it is only 4:30pm'ish. I'll throw out why, and you can just call me lazy and wimpy.

Over a year ago, I started taking a edible gummy with about 10mg THC (or was it CBD?) to help relax me at night and help me fall asleep. These worked great for a long time, and because I didn't need to take one daily, it was affordable. My product was usually on sale twice a month for $18 for 2 bags (10 pieces each) so my normal order was 4 bags about every 5-7 months. Even though these seemed to work just over the satisfaction line, I did some looking for similar products that may be a bit stronger - not to "get high" or the munchies, but to put me in a deeper relaxation, or even knock me out. I found a bundle deal that these were D9 (some classification in the dispensary market) and stronger. So I bought them a couple months ago. Over the past couple weeks, I noticed I have been taking one almost every single night, late at like 12-1 in the morning, then another 1-2 hours for it to kick in... Now you see why I am up at 5am and just then trying to get some sleep - and end up sleeping most of the day away. So I have like 2 bags pretty full, and a third from the stuff from before, but I found another product to try. This one claims to be natural supplements. They only had strawberry (yuck) but it isn't strong. It says take 2 at normal bedtime routine. They also claim it is not a cure for chronic insomnia (which I am pretty sure I have some form of that). I slept last night from about 12am-8am. I still felt groggy and like I had not gotten enough sleep, but that's from days that I can't catch up on in one night. So now I have 4 cannisters of these new ones. They seem to work. Forty pieces per can, should last quite awhile.

Wow, all that to say I slept decent last night.

I did the morning rituals (pee, poop, wondered what day of the week it was) and sat at the computer. I have a morning routine I pretty much follow to the letter in regards to things I check when I sit here. If I have the time, I do emails (which can lead to other things to do) then FB real quick (try to avoid the Reels), then it depends on what I need to get done. Today, I had nothing on the calendar, so thought about what I was going to do today. Didn't feel like the Post. I know, I got RM's Eggs Ol's recipe, so I should do dinner tonight and make it. I put together a list of items that I know I needed to make it, then thought, well, I should go to Peoria Discount, too. So I did. The Discount is nice if you are able to find something you want/need, but you can't just go there like a regular grocery. After Discount, I called up RM, and went for a visit since I was on that side of town. Stayed longer than I meant to, but I was just tired, and was comfortable just sitting there. Finished my tea, and said I needed to go. Got gas, stopped at the Fry's for the food items needed. Texted the Wife, got a few more items to pick up for her (glad I remembered to text - she gets mad when I go to the store and not check with her). 

Then I went home. I unloaded most of the groceries. I have the box (Discount uses them instead of bags) with all the cold stuff out of it, that I will have Youngest bring in...whenever I see him. Not sure if he is sleeping or out of the house. Got everything for dinner, minus the baking powder. I could not find any at the store! And I WALKED THE WHOLE STORE!! Surely we have some here, as it isn't in many recipes these days. Or I'll just not add it and see what happens. I think it is to supposed to help the mixture rise better when baking, so it may be needed. Yes, I did buy snack foods for the Youngest and myself. I made sure I did not overdue it, but I had to get that bag of caramel something flavored Lay's chips, and the Cheeto's Flamin' Hot Dill Pickle flavor. They were out of my pickle de Gallo though. Thought I ordered some from Amazon, but I just looked and I did not, so need to figure something out. I got two bags of tortilla chips....

I'm worn out at this point. I just want to sit or lie down for a few hours - maybe a nap even. But, need to get stuff done. So I mowed the front yard (it needed it bad). By the time I was done, I was sneezing and dripping snot down into my beard. I guess so plant in the neighborhood near us, has some kind of  fuzzy spore and they coated a portion of the yard, then went flying into the air when mowed (like they should). Let's add in other pollens and dirt, and my allergies were to the point almost making it so I couldn't do anything. The trimming didn't get done. I was out of breath, fatigued, oozing snot, coated in dust and pollen, and sweaty (it is over 80 degrees here!). I put the cord and mower away, then got in the shower.

I never understood how people take those 30-minute or longer showers. I have always been a 'get in, get clean, rinse, get out. Today, it was different. I put it as hot as I could tolerate, did the wash/shampoo, rinse, conditioner, then I just sat there on my shower chair, letting that hot water rain down on my head, neck and back. I didn't want to get out. If I had a pool, and it was warm enough (the water) I would have just spent the rest of the daylight hours in there. That shower never felt so good.

So now I am in my PJs, doing little bits of projects I have all over the house. Some I can't move forward on until I have something, or something else needs to happen. No, I am not making excuses. I know there are some stuff here that don't fit that criteria, but it just isn't happening today. I'm off to play Warcraft and enjoy my V8 Splash Fruit Medley on ice.

PeacE

Wasted Day Pretty Much

 I didn't make it to bed until about 4:30am, and thin I finally dropped off at some point after 5:07am. Which led to me sleeping in until near noon, as my body was just beat. Tonight, I am up all night, trying to counter-act the sleep issue. If I can stay awake for most of tomorrow as well, I should get back onto the night sleeping fairly easy.

So, seeing as how I didn't get out of bed before noon, not much got done today. I ended up heading up to the pub mid-afternoon. Had a pitcher of soda, then was off to the Post for our General & Aux. meetings. A friend there, S, had gotten in mood today, and ended up cooking a load of tacos. We are talking handmade, tortilla over flame, stuff it, mold it, serve it up with rice and beans. Yeah, well, she said she brought like 60 tacos, and she wanted me to take a plate of them home for the Wife and Son - so I did. I grabbed a mix of the chicken and beef she made up. They were so good! I had like 4 just while at the Post! Wife was happy as she did not have to worry about supper fixin's. RM sent over her Eggs Ol'e recipe yesterday. I glanced at it briefly, scanned the procedure, and went on my way. This morning I should write out the list of ingredients I will need to get, as I need to check what we have here. I never know what food, seasoning, anything at times, that we have here, as I don't do the normal, regular shopping.

Tacos got me ordering from Amazon tonight. S had brought up some sauces for people to use for the tacos, and one was a brand name of "Melinda's" and was a green salsa Verde sauce. I put it on my tacos to try, and it is the bomb! I found out it is her favorite as well. Walmart carries it, but I am lazy, so looked it up on Amazon. I had some other items sitting in the cart, so figured I would just round things out and get the order in. Added some Grillo's Pickle De Gallo as well. Most of the stuff should be here before Friday. I think there was one package scheduled to arrive in about a week, but it isn't food, so doesn't matter.

Over the past few months, there have been so many physical and chemical changes going on with me, that sometimes, I just don't know what to think about it all. Not sure how they are related, but I am sure there are some common factors going on. The first thing I noticed, was my reading habits. I just could not pick up a book - ANY book - and have my attention stay focused for more than a few minutes. I find myself re-reading sections, or having to turn back to recapture what I had read, and seemingly forgot in 30 seconds. Might be the encephalopathy. I have spoken of my memory issues, so could be. My moods swing precariously. I am able to go from extreme happy and carefree to 'want-to-kill-you' angry in a half-second. This is something I think I notice more from abstaining from alcohol. I'm able to catch the urge to shift moods, and do my best to avert it. Throw in the litany of nausea, fatigue, sleeplessness, cramps, a paracentesis once a week, and some old age, and I am a walking time bomb, I swear.

After the meeting tonight, I came home and the in the mail had arrived a billing statement from my PCP. Insurance hasn't paid yet, so I am not paying, but I went ahead and entered the DOS and billed amount, patient amount, etc. into the spreadsheet I am making. I whipped out the new Excel book, and actually found some information that is helpful, and I will use. There is a bit more in there that is more advanced than my skills at the moment, but that means I have about 1/3 of the book to learn new stuff from, and make my spreadsheets nicer. That Word book was pretty worthless. That's the problem with ordering without being able to put your hands on the book and look inside it.

Welp, I am going to get out of here, and go find something else to do. Lord knows there is a list somewhere of everything I need to do, and I hope I never find it....

PeacE

Advocating For Myself

 The Wife and I were talking last night, mostly about the medical stuff going on for me. Specifically the lack of the new prescription from the Liver Dr. and the fact that when I have a scheduled paracentesis, they aren't giving me the albumin per doctor's orders. It's sad when I have to advocate for my own care. I had to point out this morning about the albumin, which they apologized for, and of course, I received three bottles of dosage today. Nothing new on the 'scrip since I last talked to the lady at the office. For once during this whole liver debacle, I would like 30-45 days where my medications are all available, require no prior authorization or special orders, and would have a chance to work on my body! The last five months the dosage(s) has changed, or added more meds, or toke off meds, or .... Sigh. Just month and some for my body to know how the chemicals are supposed to work, and the doctor would be able to get a better "reading" of what is needed. Sometimes, I just feel I can't win.

I did have the paracentesis this morning, and the total drained today was 13.2 Liters (approximately 30 lbs.) and I weighed in afterwards at 266.0 lbs. I'm down three pounds since last Monday. I know I overate quite a bit this last week, too. Had potluck dinners at the Post Friday and Saturday, and you know you don't go home hungry from them! Plus, just at regular meals, I might have an extra snack during the day, or get seconds of dinner (if available). I was surprised to see it was actually lower. So, now I need to concentrate on food portions, and types (to eat healthier) to get the weigh to keep coming off.

I'm up on an all-nighter it seems. Tried to lay down around 11pm, but the body and mind just were not having it. I passed on taking an edible, as I don't want to make my body start to rely on it each night. It is an assisting aid, not the main thing. Played some games. Watched a couple episodes. Decided to write in here to get it out of the way for the day. Have a General Aux meeting tonight, so thankfully no agenda, nor minutes, need be done by me. But I do need to work on the Riders for next Monday.

No idea for plans today. It is Tuesday. I got RM's Eggs O'le recipe yesterday, and I may go to the store and get the stuff I don't have, and try to make it tomorrow night for dinner. I have a Prime Rib in the freezer I need to use before it gets freezer-burnt, too. Need to look up a crock pot recipe or something. Thinking about actually grabbing up that book on Word and seeing if it has anything I could use and learn in it.

PeacE

'Never Too Old To Learn' ...

 ... it's what "they" say. I don't know who "they" is, but I do know I have had to learn quite a bit of new things, out of my comfort zone, in just the last handful of years. When I was doing data breaches, it was ways to learn how to use excel better, to parse out information that is clumped together, and other things, like getting proper format for SSN, or zip codes, etc. Very few formulas involved - most were just tools in the program, but I had never been taught excel, and was learning as I went. I have used the program, but most times it was only replacing information in one spot, to print out another tab for like inventory labels. I didn't have to create anything. I know RM has mentioned many, many times about her reluctance to HAVE to learn something new. I think in her case, it was dealing with how to use PowerPoint and creating slides, etc. She had never had to do it before, so why now? But, in the end, it seems we end up learning something new.

My tale gets a little boggling from there.

A couple days ago, I knew I needed to get some sort of order with the medical bills and payments. I hadn't filed taxes yet, and thought with the major costs from September through year-end, maybe it would be worth filing for the medical. So I had a pad of ledger sheets (literally, like from the '70s - it is colored from age) and I started with what paper bills/receipts I had handy. Normally throughout the year, I just pay online to my PCP, and I don't keep receipts for the prescriptions (as a rule) and then there was the slew of email receipts, balance dues, etc. I don't see a dentist regularly, and so I have no dental this last year. Wife does, but she didn't save her receipts, as we don't usually spend enough in medical to even consider using it. I guess with us getting older, we need to do better. So, I'm slogging away, mostly through emails showing payments made. Trying to guess DOS is near impossible. I have hardly gotten any EOBs to match up to any kind of DOS. My notes and columns on this ledger sheet were just all over the place. I got frustrated. What could be a better way?

Excel. This is one example of what the program was created to do, but one small problem. I don't know how to create the type of document I want, with formulas to do a running total, and a final total, headers, note areas... I know I am not going to sit through hours of searching on Google "In Excel how to ...".

A couple, maybe three, years ago I had purchased a volume on how to use Excel. It is called " Excel 2019 Bible The Comprehensive Tutorial Source" but this book was $35 of door stop. It's almost two inches thick but the content is so far over my head... This book is for the advanced, advanced user. I'm talking pivot tables, and more. It never helped me out at all. So I am leery about these 'help books'. But I found myself on Barnes&Noble.com looking at what is out there, and trying from a description of the book only, to determine if it truly is going to have what I need. That, is basically a walk-thru from newbie, then to regular user. I found something that might work for what I need. I thought, well, since I am at it, I could use the similar in Word, with all my minutes and agendas, plus policies, it could be handy to know how to do more than orient center, left, right, and underline, Italics, bold. 

The books came Friday. For $38 I got two books to teach me something new. Update maybe later  this week.

Wow, that was some drivel to work through, huh?!? It's Saturday night (actually early Sunday) and I am awake again. Edibles don't seem to be helping me get relaxed to sleep like before. Today I was foggy-minded again, and it just made things irritating. I had gone up to the Post tonight for a Celebration of Life. I noticed a couple times in conversation, I'd lose my thoughts. Often the one I notice is starting to do something, and forgetting what it was. Then I spend five minutes trying to recreate what I was doing for the thought to pop in my head again. Doesn't always work. The Wife makes fun of me when I am like this, when we are talking. I will pause and start searching my head for the word I wanted, and so I start saying things related towards what I am thinking, and eventually it comes to me. But she just giggles at me as I struggle to find the word. She knows if she were to jump in offering up words it would just frustrate and anger me. 

So the mind fog issue is a bother right now. That was the purpose of the two new prescriptions I got last month - to kill this ammonia-creating bacteria and help clear the ammonia from my system. But, as I know I said in a previous post, it's now been two weeks without one of them (the main bacteria killer from what I understand). Last week a gal from the Liver Dr.'s office called about this prescription. She was having issues with the insurance. I think I covered this previously... either way, she calls me up on Friday late afternoon, to ask me if I ever got an answer from my insurance about the issue. I explained to her I left her a voicemail last week, and I also messaged the information to the office through the patient portal. She hadn't done anything this whole last week!! Says she is going to try some other pharmacy, but I have no clue what the heck she is doing. Ins. said submit the 'scrip to the pharmacy, they will contact insurance. Sigh. More time without medication that is supposed to be helping me get better...

Speaking of getting better ... damn it, I just lost that thought. Give me a minute. Okay, so all these paracentesis procedures I get done (once a week so far this year) I found out that my doctors orders are for therapeutic purpose (for my comfort) but if more than 5 liters are drained, I am to receive a treatment of albumin, which I have NEVER received through one of my scheduled appointments. The only time I received it, was when I would go through the ER, because they saw the doctor's orders. So, albumin:

Albumin keeps the fluid part of your blood from leaking out of your blood vessels (the tubes your blood flows through) and into other tissues. If you don't have enough albumin, fluid can leak out of your blood and build up in your lungs, abdomen (belly), or other parts of your body. Albumin also helps carry important substances throughout your body. These include hormones, vitamins, and enzymes (proteins that speed up certain chemical reactions in your body).

So last week when scheduling called (again to verify all my info - really) I asked about the albumin. She confirmed it was in the orders, so I thought fine. I asked her to make sure it is noted to have that treatment ready for me. Monday: no albumin treatment. In fact, when I asked, I was told it had a not to NOT give an albumin treatment. <facepalm>. Scheduling called yesterday (for Monday's appointment) and we did the verification of info dance, we tangoed about what is my responsibility to pay as my deductible is surely met, and by my calculation, my out of pocket is almost maxed as well. Anyways, I forgot to ask about the albumin, so will need to do it when I go in Monday morning. If I can't get it this week, and the ruckus I may need to raise about a hospital being unable to follow a doctor's orders, doesn't get them to give me one, I'm going to be angry. Hope for the best D00d....

Well, my fingers are starting to cramp up again. I am getting tired of cramps all over as well. I used to drink pickle brine, and it actually works! But the doc has me on a low (or no) sodium diet. But I still drink some every now and then.

PeacE

Does It Truly Get Better?

 As I sit here at this early hour, I wonder if things truly get better. Or do things just fit into our plans the way we want, so we are happy - and sad when they don't. I don't know. I have been up all night unable to sleep. The encephalopathy is doing the mind fog stuff again, I guess. After all, the prescription I was just prescribed, given a week's worth of samples, and haven't had for over a week now.... you know, the one that is supposed to kill off the bacteria in the stomach that is creating the ammonia that is getting absorbed into the blood, and straight to my head. Wow, that was a long sentence.

After I finish here, I suppose I shall go lay down again, and see if sleep will come. I need up as the Middle Son is FINALLY coming over, so we can get the title notarized, and I can call Kars 4 Kids to come get it out out of the drive. Ugh, that will leave me with little excuse for not de-weeding that section between our drives. Before it was out of sight out of mind.

It's been a day. I started it off heading up the road to Sam's Club. I think I explained in a prior post, she is having me get the extra card on the account. I got in there, and had no issues getting it taken care of. Then, I had mixed feelings. I wanted to sort of 'walk the store' to look at what brands/items are in bulk, compare prices to what I remember seeing last I was at a regular grocery and yet, not really wanting to walk around that much. I walked. There was some of both good and bad, and the overall feeling is a CostCo with a different name. I did make mental note (oh! I should write it down now before I forget) of what pickle brands and types they had, and a few other things (see, already forgetting what they were).

From there I started down the road, and decided I would check a couple other grocery chains about the Boston creme pies for the Riders dinner. I ended up at Safeway (where I "read on the internet" they have it all the time) nothing was out on display. I asked, and they only make them if ordered. I ordered two for next Thursday (maybe). Of course, I walked around this store as well, because I was looking to see if they had the pickle salsa like my regular grocery. They didn't, but I found some spicy hot dill chips for a good price. Then had to check hot sauces (I'm on my last bottle). I grabbed a couple to try. And since I passed them, a jar of pepperoncinis ended up in a bag, too. Plus two bags of tortilla chips (already had them in hand when I found no pickle salsa).

Had the House and Entertainment meetings tonight. Went home after. Did a 'create your own' for dinner. Took an edible, but I have not felt any effects from it at all tonight. Bad piece? Doesn't mix/react with certain ingested foods/drinks? I dunno....

PeacE

Messed Up Sleep

 Sunday night I did not sleep well. Around 1am, I even took an edible, but it seemed to have no effect in helping me relax, or feel sleepy, like normal. In fact, I ended up watching TV shows until shortly after 4am, where I tried again to sleep, and finally getting there. Only to waken at 7:30a to get the day started. Needed to do the pills, measure the BP, the Glucose. And be at the hospital by 8:30a for my 9am Paracentesis. I wonder if that is the main reason I could not sleep - being uncomfortable. My abdomen was feeling more internal pressure than the past few weeks has been, and it was not comfortable rolling over, or any movement at all it seemed. This evening, I thought was planned out well - I was having trouble keeping my eyes open by 8pm. At 10pm I called it, and went to bed. I was out pretty quick. Then something woke me - suddenly, and made me wide-awake. 

I had to pee. So I get up to take care of this business, and realize just how awake I am. I go into the office, and realize it is barely 11:45pm. I slept maybe an hour? Oh, I'm feeling tired again already, but not the sleepy kind I was earlier. This is more of a 'realized fatigue' knowing my mind and body has to go through this sleep issue crap.

I have been trying to help out more around the house lately. Seems since all this medical crap started back in September, I have been doing more around the house: cooking, cleaning, yardwork. Most of it I leave to the Wife and the Boys, as I just don't have the energy (or the desire, or both). I did spend quite some time this late night perusing clips of crockpot meals. Some I want to try, so are just yucky looking, and others, I wonder why people would even make something like that.... I suppose now that I have a couple easy fix ideas, I may do a crockpot dinner again this week.

Speaking of food, I need to get to Sam's Club. RM and I were last talking about memberships, and she decided to cancel PT's card, and put me on under her account (he never uses his card anyways). So I need to get up to the one by my house and see if they can get my card issued to me, without RM being there in person. This would be nice for some of our dinner ideas and whatnot for Riders meals, as well as home stuff. The only negative towards it, is the more "bulk" items, which also means higher prices, and me with no room to put the extra "bulk" (especially if it needs to be frozen of refrigerated). Maybe I can get up there today, as I have nothing going on until my meetings tonight....

I have been trying this last week to get out into the yard to get some of the yardwork done, but have failed. Between appointments, not feeling well, and other events going on, I just haven't had the time. Maybe I can try to get out there this morning if I don't sleep in too late from being up late.

PeacE

And The Winning Lottery Number Is ....

 ... 12.2 Liters, because that was how much they drained out of me today. Roughly 27 pounds of fluid, floating around the abdomen cavity. Sigh. I weighed myself after as well, and my weight has gone up the past couple weeks. Today is 267.8 pounds. I admit, this past week, I had more days that were good ones, and I know there were more days where I wasn't so nauseous, that I could, and did, enjoy maybe a little more than I have been able to eat. But now it is back to watching the portions and foods. Having the Doctor basically put me on a low-sodium diet, has really brought out my attention to the foods we eat, and what is in them. We really need to get rid of all these chemical preservatives, colors, flavors, and whatnot... Another argument for another time ....

Not much on the calendar as of this point for the week. House/Ent. meetings tomorrow night, then this Friday is the graveside services at the VA Nat'l Cemetery for Marty R., whom I knew from the Post. I won't go for the service. But they are doing the Celebration of Life on Saturday evening at the Post, and I am planning on making an appearance, though am not sure how long I will stay. Don't care for the crowds.

Welp, it's short, but here.

PeacE

Is It Summer Already?

 This morning the Youngest and I are up at the butt-crack of dawn to take his car into the dealership. I had :called on the anti-theft package, and they are getting it done today. My drop-off appointment time was 7:15am (I wanted early in hopes of getting the car back today, as well as in case the Son had plans he needed it for). I am sure I was a sight this morning. Fat guy wearing PJ bottoms, bedroom slippers (you can tell) and fleece-type zip-up hoodie, ball cap and gloves. Yep, I said gloves. I got them before Christmas because my hands were just feeling like ice all the time. I am sure to do with my meds and all that. I didn't care. I only slept about 2 hours last night, so was planning on going back to bed once back home. No. Wide awake from the cold.

Typical plans are to head up to the Post this afternoon. At some point the car will be ready, and I'll have to get the Son and get the car. I'll probably be ready to leave the Post by then anyways. Tomorrow we are doing a Motorcycle Rodeo there, and I plan on being there pretty much all day. I'll jump in and help where I can, and otherwise just enjoy myself.

Have my Paracentesis appointments all set for February. I did find out that my standing doctor orders for this procedure state that I am to receive a treatment of Albumin after each paracentesis. They only time I got the med, was if I went through the ER. At my scheduled appointments, they are not giving it to me. So I will be making some noise this week. I know I saw my last lab work-up and my albumin was low. Bad hospital staff!! Not following doctor's orders!! What if I had gotten worse? Or even died? Losers.

Still dealing with the encephalopathy I notice. Frequently I may be sharing an anecdote to lead into something and forget where I was going with it. We all do that time to time. I also get where my mind just kinda, stops thinking and pauses for a minute. This happened the other day while I was driving and things were fine. I could function, it was just as if I couldn't form a thought though. Well, I got those two new meds to fight this, right?

Yeah... One of them I have been out of (sound familiar?) since Sunday. I did get a call from the Liver Dr's office about them trying to get the authorization for this med, but my insurance wouldn't speak to them at all? Weird. I called and was told to submit the script to Walgreens, then the pharmacy will contact the insurance, who will them do whatever about the drug. This was a "special order" they had to get from some separate facility according to the doctor, so the insurance is approving prior to them getting an auth? And now a regular pharmacy can get the drug? I'm confused. And I still don't know the cost.

Confirmation from SSA yesterday, confirming that I did a phone interview on 1/21 (just now getting the confirmation latter) and the answers I gave them. They state 200-265 days to process my claim to start disability. That over three months. And it could be longer depending n records they want and the time frame to get them, etc. I hope my friend truly knows a way to speed up the process. I'll talk to her this weekend, I think.

Okay, well, I think I have reached my share level this morning.

PeacE

I'm Messed Up

 I know many would agree to that statement, just because you know me, and have seen me do some weird stuff. Honestly, I think my body is just off-balance with all the changes in the dosage amounts, add this, stop that - I'll get there - then add in my body changing due to health, weight loss, and the meds. All I know is that last night, I realized I was a "Chatty Cathy" and just did not seem able to be quiet without blurting stuff (thoughts in my head) out loud to myself even. By the time I laid down, I felt somewhat like my body was on meth again. It's hard to explain, but just believe me. Had many, many cramps last night, but still managed around three hours. Cramps and bladder woke me at 3:30am, and I am just not tired enough to lay back down.

So some updates for you, as if my medical drama that is going on out here truly entertain you.... Yesterday was the weekly paracentesis, and 10.7 liters were drained. Was hoping this was decreasing each week, but not now. I do need to call today and set the appointments for each week in Feb. I met RM for lunch afterwards. We went to Black Bear Diner, and I had a BLT with fries, a side House salad w/Italian, and an iced tea. As usual, I really enjoyed the time with Mom one-on-one, and I know she does as well. Then on the way home, I decided I was going to make dinner using one of the crock pot recipes I had come across and saved. I swung over to Walmart to get the supplies (I didn't have all of them at home). Like most of us, I ended up spending more than I meant too, but they had long-sleeved, moisture-wicking tees marked down from $8 to $2 and wouldn't that look good on me under my Riders vest? Oh, and just some extra foods in general. The Wife needed her nutrition drinks, so that case was a bigger purchase. Looked at PS5 controllers, but at $80/each I'm not getting one for Youngest to use with the computer. Happened to walk through Jewelry walking through the store, and looked at watches. Found a nice one marked down from $23 to $11. Eventually I made the check-out, forgot to tell the clerk I had a watch up at Cust. Svc. on hold while I finished shopping so no watch. Might swing by today and try again - just for the watch. Got home, Son helped unload and I split up the spoils - that's dinner, that's other supplies I think we needed (or I know I did), here's you some soda and tea. Then I started on dinner, since it was nearing5pm or later.

The main ingredients for the dinner were summer sausages, cut  bite-sized, string hashbrowns, red peppers, green peppers, white onion then the mixers: Campbell's Cheddar Cheese, whipping cream, sour cream and shredded cheeses. I did a fiesta blend of the shredded, and also added some seasoning (basil, Italian seasoning, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, and some ground black pepper. Cooking said 2 hours high, but ended up being about 3 hours, just in time for the Wife to get home. Wife and Son said they enjoyed it, but it isn't a super wonderful food to ask for all the time.

Pickled up some Grill-o's Pickle salsa. Oh so good. I only had a bout 5 chips worth to try it, and I like it. Good - enough leftovers for a couple bowls. Might be lunch today (dinner from last night - and maybe the salsa, too). I do need to call for the weekly para appointments. Need to call Hyundai as I received an anti-theft warranty from them (for Youngest's car). Supposed to be a software update, and an ignition cylinder protector. I just need to find a dealer and time to take it in.

Hmm, seems my mind is drawing some blanks right now - or is that part of my issues with short-term memory loss, or other parts of the encephalopathy. Hopefully will get tired in the next hour and lay back down.

Other good news: PCP called about my bloodwork. Since my Rybelsus is not going to be happening according to my insurance, my PCP decided to stop the Farxiga (diabetes med). Makes sense since I am not taking any diabetic meds now, to get a better true non-medicated status of my A1C in 3 months. She also said my cholesterol was good enough that to stop taking the Atorvastatin. So now I am down to like 7 meds daily now. Talk about chemical body changes - take this, stop that. Sigh.

That's all I got for now. I am sure there was more to share, I just cannot get it to the top of the mind to write.

PeacE

PeacE

Now I Am Too Busy ...

 I thought yesterday might be a decent day. Attended the District 3 meetings that lasted until about 12:30p (counting the lunch of subs/chips. Then I headed home. The Wife had gone into work today to try to get caught up on some of here paperwork, and didn't make it home until about 2pm - with lunch from Wendy's, so yes, I ate a chicken sandwich, gave the fries to the Youngest, and put the coke in the fridge for later. I was going to try to get some more yardwork done, there's so much to do yet. But I just couldn't motivate myself. My arms hurt. One from the shingles vaccine shot, the other from ache from the weed trimmer yesterday. Instead, I lay on the bed, and played crosswords for a couple hours.

Then I decided to get on the computer. The Wife's computer had "died" a few months ago, and we have not even really taken a look at it. Mostly because it is on the Wife's desk. We are talking like, hazard zone stuff. All over the place she has old paid bills, EOBs, investment accounts mails, miscellaneous diestrus that has just gotten piled up there over time. Most of it from her, before it quit working. Rather than suffer through a martyr speech about how she suffers to have to "clean her desk" when she has so much other stuff to get done....Grrr. I just started cleaning. I am not a quarter of the way through, and have done two bags of recycled paper stuff, and a trash bag of miscellaneous debris. The goal is to clear off her desk, and take a better look at the computer. It might be just a bad power supply, and I have another unit that is about the same age, the units maybe compatible for some parts. If not, I'll run it to Data Doctors, as they did me good last time.

Cleaning her desk lead into other things. With my Wife being somewhat of a hoarder, things tend to accumulate in all areas, and pile up. The Office is one such place, though she doesn't come back here much since her computer is down. But, started in on some of the beside the desks stuff, sorting. Two boxes for Goodwill, another 2 bags of trash and recycle, and over all, a little more space. What is bad is you have to organize as you go, and have no where to put anything, until you get through everything. I worked on that until midnight.

Slept good last night. Up to the cats making noise scratching at something that sounded like paper over on the Wife's side of the room. Went ahead and got up for my meds. BP 106/62 and Glucose 113. Think today will be spent at the Post. There are playoff football games, and I don't feel like working right now. I am sure this evening I will work on it some more.

PeacE

Welp, Something Got Done ... Sorta

" I woke this morning, probably around 9:30am, and thought to myself, 'Self, what are you going to actually get done today?' and self answered, 'I got some ideas." And so it started. Came into the office and got through the emails, the FB updates, my book searches and watchlists. Then I decided to do something. I went ahead and went to Walgreens, to get the shingles shot. I knew my PCP had okayed it for me, as it won't interfere with any medications, and I found out a few days ago, it is $0.00 payment to do it (preventative). I did not know, it was a two-part vaccine. I went ahead and did the first one, and the second can be done anytime after 3/20, according to the paperwork they gave me on it. Then I am done for life with it.

I figured, well, heck. All I have this morning is my handful of pills, and a gulp of juice. Might as well run on up the freeway five miles to my PCP and go get the blood drawn she wants to do. So I did. And a urine cup. By now I am a bit hangry, and thirsty, and sore! I know they said the vaccine shot could cause some arm soreness, but this is almost all my shoulder. I wave the arm around a bit, and kind of massage where I got the shot, and it backs off for awhile. Hopefully only a couple days of it.

Seeing how now we are heading towards the 11 o'clock hour, I determined it was time to eat, and plan my afternoon. Most Fridays I go up to the Post. Today I decided to do the regular, and on the way, stop at the gyro place I did for lunch yesterday. I didn't opt for the lamb or chicken (though I still want to try those) but went for the beef shwarma again. Then off to the Post. Sat out back and ate while watching a couple members spread that garage paint/epoxy over the patio area that they had not finished yesterday. The smoking area is looking nice now! Painted tables matching each branch of service, new looking floor paint. And they have plans to have a mural done on the back wall, but I do not know what design/image they want to do.

After a couple hours, and pretty much just a bit over one tea, I decided I was done there. Barely after 2pm. I just wasn't in the mood to sit there today and listen to the talk. Nothing bad, just wasn't feeling it. So home I went. What will I do next, I wonder....

Well, I have several things in the works. I did get the trimmer line, so I went ahead and loaded up the spool on the trimmer. Went out front, and geez, my yard is crap. Wife has flowers/bushes/whatever planted up near the house (which I don't like) and the grass around them, and about 3 feet out, is like a foot high plus in areas. Rest of the yard had been last mowed maybe a month or so ago? But it needs it again. Much of the Bermuda grass that grows here, acts like that crab grass, grows out, plants again, moves on. Had quite a bit coming off the yard around the edges of the driveway, as well as the crap growing up from the cracks in the drive. I did the front walkway (trimmed the edges of the walk to the driveway) and knocked out a section of the driveway that didn't have a vehicle on it currently. Then I put on the knee pads and got down to cut/pull/scrape the grass roots from the cracks to help prevent them coming back so fast. After awhile, I got fatigued. Didn't even get a fifth of the yard done, but tomorrow afternoon maybe I can get another hour or so out there, with help from the Youngest.

Tomorrow morning I will be up for District 3 meetings at the Post. Start at 9am (instruction and audit) then meeting from 10-12, followed by a lunch my Aux puts on for the District meetings as they are held at our Post. Last quarter it was pizza - maybe do some kind of sandwiches or pinwheels this time. I don't know what was decided.

I read over at RM's blog that she took today and Monday off from work. I didn't get a chance to reach out to her today to possibly meet for lunch, but it sort of sounded like she had things she was working on getting done while off today. I should reach out and see about Monday for lunch. Gotta figure out where though. Sunday is clear for me. Monday is another paracentesis in the morning. The rest of the week has no doctor appointments, bloodwork, VFW meetings, or anything else I know of. First week since September I think, that has been that clear.

Had to go back and read a couple posts put up recently. My Rybelsus (diabetic medicine) issue with the insurance and doctor. Well, Monday we did an A1C and it was at 5.3, plus the prior one I had (think September?) it was also 5.<something>. Seems the insurance no longer wanted to cover the medication as my A1C numbers had dropped so well into the good range. My PCP wanted to keep me on it until my next appointment (3 months) and re-evaluate, possibly remove it. Well, PCP emailed me, since insurance won't pay for it, and I have been off it already for two weeks, we will just see how my numbers are at the next appointment. So one less med already....

So this insurance coverage for facility for transplant... I know what Banner called and said. I tried looking online, but could not confirm through Mayo or BCBS if they were in network. It has to a "Blue Distinction Specialty" facility, and I tried looking again just now. I see some of those types of facilities here in the Valley, but none specifically saying for liver. I guess something to talk about with my liver doc next month - maybe I could get the prelims done at St Joe's instead. I don't know. I wish you could walk into the insurance and talk to someone face to face with questions about coverage for who and where and what. Same with the SSA. Or any Government place, heck, for many places.

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

PeacE