Starting To Get Frustrated ...

 ... at Safelite Auto Glass. True, they had the cheapest price I could find for the replacement. True, they got it completed earlier than the estimated time. True, they messed up my Pre-Collision System (PCS) somehow. I received four emails from them: 1) car is being worked on; 2) windshield has been re-calibrated successfully; 3) Notice that the PCS system may malfunction due to their reset when  replacing the windshield, and to turn all features back on to fix the warning; 4) my receipt. Well yesterday before going out shopping I sat in the car for a good half hour, manually turning back on things like lane assist, etc. Then I went and set it so the PCS was "ON". No change. I shut it off and restarted a couple times, with no change. What is the big deal about the PCS? Well, for starters, it wipes my digital display in the dash, and though I can send it away, it's only for a few seconds and it returns and sits there telling me to see dealer.

So this morning I spent some time looking up some DIY to try to fix the issue. I did get a couple ideas that I will try tomorrow when I have the time to get my hands dirty. One deals with removing the battery cables and let sit for three hours, or hold the two disconnected cable ends metal to metal for about 15 secs. It drain the "juice from the system and when hooked back up, resets the system. I can easily deal putting the stations on preset, and my favorite phone numbers. The second option is to check the fuses. No idea how many for the PCS system (or components) so pretty much have to test most of them. If that doesn't work, then it a call to Safelite. In one video I watched, the place forgot to actually connect one of the connectors back up, up in the compartment by your windshield mirror. I may check that too.

Did my IOP this morning. We have been working through "Anger" this week, and I learned a few things about how to be self-aware of it better, and solutions. Lately, I haven't been angry that often (irritated, yes, angry, no) so haven't had a chance to try any coping mechanisms, or thought processing. It was good to learn of the triggers for Anger, and a better definition of Anger and the Causes of.

Tonight is the Riders Dinner at the Post. I went out yesterday afternoon to Sam's Club and was disappointed with my location. I mainly needed some produce (shredded lettuce, tomatoes, onions, jalapenos) and their produce section was very small. No tomatoes at all, so I ended up with cans of diced tomatoes. Got the big jar of jalapenos for any that want to add. Chips, big bag o0f cheese for queso, and a couple other things. Spent too much (just over $60) so I will be asking reimbursement this time around. Then I had to go to Fry's for the rest, plus some stuff for home. I think I got it all, and went to the Post. I dropped off most of the stuff, including the cheese I wanted to bring home to make the queso before I go... So now I need to go earlier and start that up.

Sigh. And to top it off, my diuretics are kicking in full swing today - more than usual. Like every 30-45 mins doing a trip to the bathroom. I know, prolly TMI...

PeacE

I'm Tired Already ...

 ... thinking about what I need to get done today. I have my IOP this morning. After that I need to head to Sam's Club for some of the dinner items for the Riders Dinner tomorrow. I may have to stop at the regular grocery to make sure I have everything. I only signed up for chips and queso, but am getting all the veggies/cheese for toppings. After I think I have everything (because you know, even with a list I will miss something) I'll run most of it out to the Post and put in the fridge. I have mixed feelings about the Dinner. At the House Comm. meeting on Tuesday, the Jr Vice was saying he wants to invite Motero Life, a motorcycle group that supports Vets, etc. The  last event they came, bringing about 100 + people, and we just have not done a dinner for that many people. I am not sure we will have enough food. I guess earlier out is earlier done.

Not much for the rest of the week: IOP tomorrow morning, then the day is clear. I'll be at the Post early to help get set up for the Dinner. Saturday is an Aux Dist/Dept President training. It is in Mesa from like 10a-12p... or maybe it is 1p. It is open to any one that wants to attend, and I am debating. I think the training is more about leadership and reports, but at the different levels and who are responsible for them. But what do I know. I am not sure I am going, yet.

Well, I feel my body saying it is time to go to the Reading Room, so I'll talk atcha later ...

PeacE

Another "Nothing" Day

 It's Wednesday, and I cancelled the paracentesis I had previously scheduled for this morning. I do have some fluid build up, but it isn't overly uncomfortable yet. I think I'll go next week, that'll be another three weeks I went without draining. For the most part, the medications are handling my symptoms well. Encephalology has 'cleared' somewhat, though I still am having short-term memory issues, and at times, lose track/focus. With all the weight loss, the knees/hips/back feel slightly less pain, butt still requires me to use a cane for walking.

Yesterday ended well. I had my IOP in the morning, followed by a trip to Safelite for a windshield replacement. Afterwards, my car now tells me it has pre-collision 'something-or-other' and SEE DEALER. It won't shut off the message or the dash light. I figured maybe a few starts and stops would take care of it (like new air sensors with tires). After I got home, and had time to check my emails, I saw one from Safelite that explained the new issue - that if the settings for certain anti-collision features had been turned off, they will need to be reset, as the 'camera in the windshield' they had to reset the factory defaults when they calibrated it. They could have told me in person.... I headed to the VFW for the House/Entertainment meeting, and we finished early enough, I rushed home to get into the Zoom meeting for my AA/Support Liver group. I was only 5 minutes late, but the weekly meeting is done.

With the Para cancelled this morning, I do not have anything until 2pm with my group leader for a short personal check-in. I should work on the minutes from the meeting, but I don't think so today.

... and now I am off to do something...

The Weekend is Over ...

 ... and I am back to the routine. Well, for the most part. This morning I have to run out to Mayo for a psych consult. Shouldn't be longer than an hour, and then back home. I think I am clear until my 1pm zoom meeting with the counselor from my IOP. I know that will last all of 15 minutes. She just wants to make sure I am reaching goals, and doing well. I haven't checked my calendar yet this morning, so I am running off of memory for now.

Weekend was fine. Did some grocery shopping on Saturday. Yesterday we went to church. I met a couple of guys (Andy and Mike, if I remember correctly) that are in the men's bible study group that PT is in. They were happy to put a face with a name for me, because evidently PT has them praying for the transplant. In fact, I was a bit miffed at church. People there I have known for years were coming up to me and saying things like, " Glad to see you able to get up and about", or "Hope everything goes okay". I looked at the Wife and asked her "Does everyone here know about this?". She just kinda shrugged her shoulders. Well, what's done is done.

Picked up some Chino Bandito for lunch. It was perfect for the day. It just tasted so good, that even the Wife was commenting that it really hit the spot. I spent the afternoon playing around on the computer mostly.

Oh, I need to call the DMV today. Seems the registration for the Youngest's car (still in my name) came last week with the new sticker. Well Saturday, I received another one. I need to compare the two, and if they have different sticker numbers, or something, I should call to make sure the correct one is one the vehicle. I also need to get ahold of National Archives. I have ordered a copy of my Dad's DD-214 twice now. They said it was completed and sent, allow 5-7 business days. First time I waited a month, then ordered it again. It has now been almost another month, and the second order they said was completed 4/13. I *KNOW* the address to deliver to was correct, as I made sure of it the second time.

Welp, I need to get my meds down the hatch, and get ready for my appointment this morning. Y'all have a good 'un.

PeacE

Oh My, It Got Busy!

 Today is a "busy day for me. I have a 7:20am with my PCP for the next couple shots in the Hep series vaccine. Followed by my regular 3 hr IOP session at 9am. Then a zoom consult with one of the Psych docs at Mayo at 1:45pm. And lastly an event at the Post tonight I thought I would go check out. So today is short and sweet.

And I got nothing. 

My morning numbers are good (BP and Glucose). I think the PCP is going to do an A1C test this morning, but not sure since Mayo is doing my monthly blood work. I did do a drug test a bit ago, and the results came back negative (of course) though I could not tell from the report if the THC was out of my system yet. They need it cleared out prior to the transplant for sure.

Alright, I am out of here I guess....

PeacE

Another Spin of the Earth ...

 ... I don't think I have anything for you avid readers today. My drivel is dried up. My whining and complaining is done (psych!). Nothing much has been happening the past couple days. IOP session this morning, then nothing really planned for the day. I need to get back up to Walgreens for the next 2 prescriptions they now have filled (literally, 30 minutes after I left there the last time).

May starts tomorrow. We have a couple birthdays this month, though they are ones I generally don't get anything for (Oldest Son and SIL). I have a couple psyche consults with Mayo early in the month. IOP goes on all month pretty much. In yesterday's personal session, we determined I'm at about the halfway mark. So there was a 32-question assessment I had to do, which we compared to my intake results. Most of the intake results were "No Difficulty" but a few changed to "a little" this time round. I believe it is because I have learned to look for certain signs. I'm talking in dealing with anger issues, or personal communication, or whatnot. Because I am working on those (and other) factors, I tend to think there is more to learn - to know about how to improve even more than I have. Even though I am required by Mayo to complete this course, I find myself enjoying it, and never would have the insights I do now.

Welp, the Wife just left for work, so I need to call everyone over to party!

PeacE

*Yawn* Oh, It's Monday ...

 ... and I am awake at 5:30am this morning. I'd explain why, but I don't think the Wife would be happy about about me sharing. Either way, I am wide awake and figured I might as well get up and be productive. Heh. Like that'll happen.

The Youngest is needing to get his car through emissions for registration. He has never been before, so doesn't have any clue. I should just send him up there and let him figure it out, but I said I would go with and "teach him the ropes". Thankfully the Emission Check is only about a half mile up the road, and if extremely busy, we could always come back a little later.

I have a personal session today with a counselor I have slotted for an hour, but we usually are done in about 15 minutes. She just checks I am working on goals (positive ones).

Welp, I ain't got anything else on my mind to share right now....

PeacE

Sunday Down Time

 I'm up at the usual time today. Slept pretty good last night, but still have the yawns going this morning. Today holds no major plans for me. The day is actually clear on my calendar! This week doesn't hold much, just time-consuming things: IOP on Tues, Thurs, Fri at 3 hours a session. then I allow an hour each for personal session - one on  Mondays, the other on Wednesdays. No VFW meetings this week, but I do need to work on the Agenda for the House/Entertainment committee.

Yesterday was nice. I had District 3 meetings in the morning, but made it home around 1:30pm. I even checked in with the Wife if they had had lunch (no) so I stopped at Whataburger and brought lunch home. Killed the afternoon playing some games or surfing the web. Around 6pm the Youngest and I went to meet our Guild leader from Warcraft, who is in town working and flying out today. He had ate supper with the work crew, so we just went to a Denny's, I ordered a full-size nachos appetizer and drinks. We visited for a good hour and a half before he was ready to head back to his room.

If there is one thing I truly dislike, is driving in an area where a major event is going on. For those familiar with the Valley, State Farm stadium is in Glendale, around the 101 Loop and Glendale Avenue. The Denny's we were at is on Camelback and 99th Avenue (about 3 miles south of the stadium, and on the other side of the Loop 101). Leaving Denny's, I could not make a left to get back to the 101, so figured I would go a mile up 99th Ave and turn to the freeway. Nope. No Right Turns. Same at Bethany Home, and Glendale Aves. Finally at Northern Ave I was able to turn right. But as I went to get on the Freeway entrance ramp, traffic was at a near standstill. After about 20 minutes (and 5 exits) I finally got off and used side-streets to get back to his hotel. Seems there was a Monster Truck Jam going on at the stadium. Who knew there were that many rednecks out here that love to watch this stuff.

So a clear schedule leaves me wondering what I will do today. Probably end up playing some Warcraft, maybe a movie, maybe I can talk the Wife into getting Chino Bandito and bringing it home for lunch. Welp, I am off to have some breakfast (oh yay. Raisin Bran).

PeacE

Up Early Today ...

 ... and actually on purpose. Today we have a longer than usual District 3 meeting(s) for the VFW. Mostly longer because of elections. I am up early so I can get through my morning medical routine (done) and to arrive at the Post round 8-8:30am.

Post stuff will take up most of the morning, then the Youngest and I are meeting our Guild Leader from Warcraft. He is in town from out of state for work, and we plan to meet up for dinner near where he is staying. It's nice sometimes to be able to put a face and a name together of online friends.

This is heading into the last week of April, and that means some Mayo appointments coming up in early May. I have a Psych consult by Zoom, an in person psych visit (different person) and a blood draw all pretty much the first week. I should check my results from last week, and see if they found any trace of THC still in my system....

With that, I am outta here.

PeacE

Brain Fog Attack!!!

 This morning was the final IOP group session I have this week. I'm around the 2 week mark of the 8 week program. Normally I tend to like doing group sessions. The Group Lead has some great guides about Stress, anxiety, coping mechanisms, etc. and usually I request a copy of that lesson. That way, I can get more details from the reading, than just the memory of someone reading it aloud, and only able to get notes done about main points. Some of them have self-assessments, and I will go back after the program and go through them, twice, to compare what I remember about my drinking days, and comparing them to how I feel now. Anyways, no more group until Tuesday.

My point about Group today (see, I am easily led off topic by my own thoughts-SQUIRREL!) is that I just could not get into the study today. The 'Brain Fog' I get from the encephalopathy was stronger today, and I could not stay focused. Instead, while the discussions were going on, I paid some bills, got some snail mail ready and stamped to go. Made sure refills for about four medications were to be refilled (hopefully by Monday or Tuesday). The only errand I have to get out of the house for today is drop the mail off at the Post Office (mine is just a 1/2 mile up the road). I haven't decided about going to the Post as usual. I know I am going to be there a good portion of the day tomorrow for our District meetings/elections. This past year the President for the District Aux, is the Secretary for our Post Aux. I went over the Agenda for tomorrow, and seeing the positions to be voted on - there is a n Asst. Secretary listed as well. If she is elected President again, or Secretary, I am sure she is going to ask me to help there as well. Will find out tomorrow.

That reminds me I need to update my email signature line.

I did get the Riders meeting minutes finished yesterday and sent out. Also two applications for membership. Finally! Some new members that actually show up to meetings and events, and help volunteer on Dinner nights.

Just checked - the Mail has not been delivered yet today, so I am going to just put the outgoing in the box. Now I don't have to leave home at all. I think I will spend the afternoon playing some Warcraft.

PeacE

My To-Do List For Today ....

 ... feels quite full. I have the Group IOP session this morning. Then nothing on the calendar (appointments) so need to get the meeting minutes done and sent out for the Riders (and applications for two new members). Also, I had went to the store yesterday and picked up some supplies for pickling. They had tomatillos on sale, so I got a couple bags. One of the guys I know at the pub makes his pickles on occasion, and he always does a few quarts of spicy hot pickle-ness with tomatillo pieces, some jalapenos, garlic, and usually throws in a small ghost pepper. But I just love those quarts, so I am going to try one. I also am going to make another quart of the Zesty Italian flavored ones as I really like them. Depending how many cucumber slices I get, I may do a second Zesty quart, or a half quart, to share at the Post.

I need to get on a windshield repair. Last Saturday, as we are just getting on the highway, a pick-up truck in front of me tossed a rock that caught the drivers-side edge of the windshield, and the crack spread across half the glass. Plus it is almost directly across my view - enough to be somewhat distracting. Safelite is the best quote I have gotten so far and it is $750 for a replacement (there ain't no "fixing a crack"). I'm going to mull it over for a few days and see if can't find cheaper, but out of four other places, this is still cheapest - and I can do 4 payments versus the whole amount up front.

Between medical bills and Life things (like windshields) it feels like all I do are make payments. Sigh.

Yesterday was PT's 89th birthday. The Wife and I had stopped by last Sunday and brought him a couple presents (a 'Gibbs' Rules T-shirt, and a book on Snowden) and he chose to open them that day instead of waiting for today. My Sis flew into town yesterday as well, as she, RM, a niece and grand-niece are doing their 'Jailbreak' vacation the girls do each year. Well, RM had mentioned the possibility of doing dinner at Black Bear for them, and in the afternoon she messaged me asking if we could make it. The Wife was able to get off early, and we met RM and gang at the restaurant. There were 8 of us, had a nice dinner (I had a Taco Salad, which was good, and plentiful). PT loved being the center of attention (as usual) and I am going to stop there before I voice my opinion about things. As RM says... (erase, erase).

It was nice seeing my Sis, though she has only been gone a few short months, over one state into New Mexico. I may swing out Monday to RM's and visit with her more on Monday prior to her flying back home on Tuesday. Will have to check the calendar in a few and see what is scheduled.

I had a personal session with my Group Lead in the IOP. Usually each week it lasts about 10-15 minutes, but yesterday I yakked for an hour - and didn't realize it. Most of it was griping about PT. We had hit that topic after talking about how I am trying to throw memories and stories together for my kids of my younger days, which lead to telling about my Dad, his passing, and moving to AZ - which brought us to Tom and his conception of "raising kids". For there, it was more than venting. I realized that my viewpoints of PT are so full of anger for how I was treated growing through my teenage years. Then led into how he has been the last several years, from back when I asked him to give up his car keys (he still hasn't) and the advancement of the dementia that many older people get. All I do now is tolerate his questions that are not on topic, his desire to feel wanted and needed (he made his own choices) and in general, just put up with it to prevent a Family Squabble (though most of the family agrees with me to a large degree, in my opinion). Enough! I'm getting worked up (anger) just thinking about this....

With that I need to get off here. IOP in about an hour.

PeacE

I Tried to Take Her Out ...

 I woke in a hurry this morning, for some reason thinking I was late to my paracentesis I have scheduled at 9am. It was 6am ... and in my semi-sleep/waking state, I went to 'fling' the sheet back to rush and get dressed and to the hospital. Well, I missed grabbing the sheet, and my flung out - straight into the Wife's forehead (imagine her waking to that). Of course, that startled her awake and brought out a litany of I'm sorrys. Being it was only an hour from the going off, I decided to just get up. I don't want to miss my appointment - it has been three weeks since I was last drained.

So I have the Para at 9am, then nothing until 2pm, for a zoom meet with the IOP Group Lead for a
"personal session". Just to male sure I am following goals and how am I coping with cravings, etc. Only I don't have any, so we end up just talking about whatever (for me it is usually the Grandkids). She only takes up about 20 minutes, but I have to do these for the IOP. After that, no more appointments today.

Today is PT's 89th birthday. I will wait until a bit later this morning to text him, even though I am sure he is up right now. 

Mayo Clinic had reached out to my in my message portal on Monday. They gave me until today to get a drug test done at the lab. I guess they want it done immediately, as they stated failure to comply in the two days is a strike against me from getting on the Wait List. So of course I scheduled an appointment with Sonora Quest real fast -it was yesterday. I goofed and forgot the printed sheet with the Dr.'s orders. So when I got called back (20 minutes early mind you) the gal asked me for them. I had forgot them, so I went to find it in my Mayo portal, was having some difficulty navigating where it is located, but found it. I showed her and was told it has to be on paper. So she wanted me to email her work address with the orders. I go back through, find the doc (I thought) download to my phone, share it out via email ... and five minutes later, she has it. Only problem? It was for a different procedure - I had somehow downloaded the wrong doc. So I've wasted 10 minutes trying to find this document and save and email... I admit defeat to them, and say I will just have to re-schedule and make sure I have the orders 'in hand'. But then I sat in the Lobby for about five minutes, found the document, and re-checked in (it was still my scheduled appointment time) and got in. Emailed it to the lady (same one as before) and all was good. A lot of effort for a urine sample and one vial of blood.

Welp, I guess that's all I got to say about that, so I am out of here.

PeacE

Traveling Today

 This morning we are preparing to head down to Tucson for the day. We are celebrating the oldest granddaughter's (Doodad) birthday a day early. Since my morning routine is getting up at 7am, I let the Wife sleep in a little bit more, before I wake her to get ready. She says all she has to grab is some stuff for Doodad, but who knows with her. Sometimes we take bags of clothes, and come back with the same clothes. Wife's reason: I needed the Daughter's opinion on some items. At least it is stuff from Goodwill, and not some pricey stuff. I was smart and ordered my gifts online and shipped to their house.

Not much to write about today. The Daughter has taken in her nephew for a few days, so today all three of the grands will be together, with their Papaw. My heart is swelling at the thought, though I am sure I will be worn out tonight.

PeacE

Mission Accomplished

 My Middle Son and I went out yesterday afternoon and found him a vehicle. He is driving a 2017 Jeep Patriot, which is going to be roomy enough for them. I think it was a good deal for the money. And there is a little left over from the financial gift he received so he can put it in the bank or catch up on some bills. But better than that, we got to spend some time together and "catch-up" on each others lives. He even said as he was headed home that he enjoyed the time together today, and wants to check our schedules for a time he and I are able to get together. Damn kids making their dad tear up. 

Feeling a bit lethargic this morning. My friend, the bladder, woke me about 3am screaming something. I could understand the need to go though, so I went, and was wide awake. So I sat at the computer and watched the season finale of season 2 of "The Pitt", and then stupid facebook reels for about an hour. Went and laid back down just before 5a, and slept to the alarm, and then some. So I'm feeling tired, got the yawns, and just don't want to feel motivated to do anything.

Only thing on my schedule today is the IOP session. I might go up to the Post, not sure. I do need to take my meds this morning and grab some breakfast before the session, so ...

PeacE

The Results Are In ...

 Last night at our regular Auxiliary meeting, it was time to elect new officers for the next year (runs June-May). I knew I was going to be nominated for 3rd Year Trustee, and when that position came up for vote, no one ran against me so I was voted in unanimously. The last position that came up was Asst. Secretary. Now our current (and re-elected) Secretary is a past Department President (over the state of AZ) and has been doing this for years. She threw my name out for nomination, No one else wanted it (I know because I'm a secretary in other things). I agreed to be an Assistant, so "won" that position as well. On my exit after the meeting, S pulled me aside and said thank you for doing the Asst Secretary position. Not only will it help her workload, but I'll be learning more as well. S admitted she is "grooming me" for the Secretary position. Oh, boy. I don't know I actually want to do that, but who knows.

My regular scheduled Paracentesis is cancelled. I called it in yesterday, and also placed two more appointments on Wednesdays. I'm a little uncomfortable in the abdomen, but feel I will be able to make another week easily. No appointments with Mayo until May 1st, so this month I am concentrating on completing the IOP, and getting in my weekly AA meeting. Overall, I have been feeling better as my symptoms are responding well to medication. I started doing band exercises (with one of those colored bands that stretch) and am trying to walk more. Still fatigue somewhat easily, and by evening I am worn out.

Saturday we are doing a day trip to Tucson. My Doodad's birthday is Sunday, and we will go celebrate a day early with her. I already have her gifts sent to their house - a couple large sketch pads, and stack of smaller ones. She asked for drawing pads...Papaw got drawing pads. That, and RM keeps nagging me about picking up her Girl Scout cookies when I am there next since I forgot last time (kidding Mom).

The Middle Son and a Car Saga. Tomorrow I hope is the end of this story. We are going car shopping and I am determined to have him driving something home. Let's dive right into a story ... An Uncle had sent some money (a fairly large sum) via Western Union to me. Due to appointments and meetings, I couldn't get to the store until later in the evening, at which time the Fry's person said she is not the regular person that mans the WU, and she didn't think they could give me the full amount. In the end, the money is there, but they have an untrained person manning the counter. <insert eyeroll>. I go home slightly frustrated. I go to the WU site, create an account, and go to set up to transfer the monies to my debit card. Couldn't do it. Kept saying some error. Wednesday morning I downloaded the WU app, thinking it would help. Nope. Cannot transfer that way. So I head back to Fry's. There she said they wouldn't be able to do the full amount, but I could pull a bit off it from several stores. But now there is a hold on it again. Sender needs to call and verify something. So I text my Uncle what is going on, he called, then told me everything should be good. It took awhile, and I was headed to my VFW meeting, so I stopped at a different Fry's. There I am told they can only send or release up to $999.99 per federal guidelines. I asked if that was a store policy or a WE one. I also stated that, what, I have to go to 8 different stores to get my money that is sitting there ready? She couldn't answer. I got angry. I left. I sat in the car and called WU. Got that guy in India. Sigh. After 10 minutes of increasing frustration I found out that since Sender sent it to be picked up in person, they cannot change how I receive the monies. Also I would have to go to different locations for WU (there's quite a few) and each place will disburse what they can (allegedly). I am beyond frustrated now and took the expressway to being pissed off. I continue on to my meeting. I'm just blocks from the Post and remember there is a Walmart right close, so I went there. They weren't sure if they had enough cash on hand for the full amount, but in the end, they did. So God Bless Walmart for helping me out and not having to do a bunch of driving today. I do have to go to the bank though, as they gave it to me in cash.

Welp, that should keep you entertained today....

PeacE

Random Stuff

 I don't have anything of extreme noteworthiness to share today. So I am going to just ramble.

I have a Para scheduled tomorrow. Today I need to decide if I need to use it or not. If not, I need to call and cancel the appointment, and schedule another one into May. I'm only slightly uncomfortable with the build-up, but feel I could go another week. Guess I will decide this afternoon.

IOP this morning. This is a nice program if you are struggling with substance abuse with the support and sharing. Learning different ways to work around your addiction and better yourself are good things, but I was a fortunate one, I guess. I never had cravings after I quit drinking. Granted it has only been just over 6 months, But overall this class does nothing for me, except check a box for Mayo. Same with the weekly AA meetings.

Hoping Walgreens gets in a couple of my prescriptions in. I have two I ran out of while filling my pillbox for this week. I went up Friday and checked status on four of them, and so far have gotten 1 filled, 1 partially filled, and waiting on two (the two I need to complete the week out). Supposed to be in by tomorrow they said last time I checked (Monday).

The General and Auxiliary meetings for the month are tonight, and it is the time of year for nominations/voting for leadership. I already know I am going to be nominated for 3rd Year Trustee in the Aux. I have decided to accept. The duties I would need to do only happen once per quarter as we go over the figures as an audit to be sure all is accounted for. This is a 3-year term, so shouldn't be asked to run for anything else for the next few years.

Riders meeting this Monday. I need to put together the Agenda. Nominations... Ugh. No idea how this is going to go. I've checked that our Treasurer is willing to resume duties for the new term. The Interim Director has not said one way or the other. And a Vice Director position needs filled as well. At times I feel like I am the only one wanting to expand and grow, and everyone seems content to just "wear the patch". Well, July may bring some changes as the VFWRG splits from the Post, and becomes their own like the Auxiliary. New voting, new bylaws, maybe new patch.

No appointments with Mayo until May 1st as of right now. I have a couple consults next month, a blood/urine sample given, and that is pretty much it. Same going into July, where I hope to have all the deferments done, and will get on the Waiting List finally.

Well, I guess that's more of my griping than you want to hear...

PeacE

No Title Today

 I couldn't think of a post title today. I also don't have much to say. My day is fairly clear until 1pm, I have a 'personal session' with a counselor at the place I am doing the IOP. I can't imagine it taking more than a  half hour, as I don't have any issues to go crying on about.

I got a chance to look at some vehicles this weekend online. A used car place I have bought from before had quite a number of vehicles available within the price range. Thank goodness for family, as RM And an Uncle have helped financially since most of my money is gone to medical. I reached out the the Middle Son last night, and the best time for us to go is on Thursday afternoon. Gives me time to gather all the funds.

I am just waiting now for the pharmacy to open, then will run up and pick up some meds that are ready.

Told you not much today.

PeacE

Sunday Rest Day

 I wore myself out yesterday, but it was a good thing. Went to the dentist for my 8am, and walked out after the exam with a very expensive list of things to get completed. Of course, this is all the things they think I need done. I'm all for extractions, but will have to see which teeth in particular need to be removed. 

Then it was off to Walgreens. They had one partial prescription in, and it didn't complete my pillbox for this week. Rest due in this week. As well as my others ones I needed. Plus the dentist called in a fluoride toothpaste he wants me to use. From there I grabbed some breakfast sandwiches, dropped the SSA Disability questionnaires in the mail, and headed home. Found an AA group that may be a second group I attend, and did a meeting. I folded and put away my laundry, and cleaned up my side of the room a bit. Got so exerted my hands were shaking. The Wife had me stop and sit for a bit. I decided I was done for the day with getting things done. Then up to the Post for a couple hours. Came home to a nice pork loin dinner.

Late getting to sleep last night, but I didn't want to take a pill. So I am a bit groggy this morning. Not sure what is on the agenda for today - other than finishing the minutes from Tuesday's meeting.

PeacE

Friday Afternoon Off

 After my 3-hour IOP this morning, I am free for the rest of the day. Plans were for the Youngest and I to head out to Peoria Discount and see what they have this time around for snacks and lunches for us. I dislike picking things out for him when he is not with, as I only know some of his likes. What if wants to try something new? So I told him I was free after noon, and he is yet still in bed. He's an adult. we talked about Discount last night, so he knew what time to get up and be ready. It's 2pm... I don't think we are going today. 

I may have mentioned before, but I did get the taxes filed online. I stopped at CVS and picked up my "special" medicine. Stopped at Walgreens. Explained I had heard from them in a week for prescriptions, so had her run through about 4 of them I know are ready for refill, or close, and one past that I need for next week. Today, they have one filled, two delayed, and I think it said it is too early for the 4th one. Of course the one I need for next week is a delayed one. Sigh. Insurance had "fought" the pharmacy on it, but finally okayed, they just don't have in stock.

Normally tonight would be the Riders Dinner at the Post, but we cancelled as this Bike Week AZ. In place they have the M.O.C. doing a spaghetti dinner. I don't think I will be up there at all today.

Tomorrow morning I have a dental cleaning and exam. I know I have at least two cavities, on molars, and rather than root canals and crowns, I'm just going to have them pulled. But that will be another appointment. I did look at the dental panoramic x-ray Mayo did, and it noted no gum disease and that it is noted dental work has been done before. Nothing about cavities being an infectious thing. SO do I need to have it done? Maybe not, but it is just going to start hurting at some point, and rather get it done now before the transplant.

In the mail today I received a letter from Mayo about the items the Transplant Council wanted completed prior to being on the Wait List. An MRI-Abdomen in June, treatment for Strongyloides (threadworm) and Cocci series, complete psychiatric and psychological consults in about 6 weeks, random drug testing until negative (from THC edibles I stopped in February),complete an IOP, Weekly AA meeting, and CT cardiac imaging to be reviewed by cardiologist. The Cocci and Strongyloides treatments I have already completed. I am in the IOP that should end early in June. Appointments made for the Psych consults. Drug testing is done monthly when I do blood work. I've been attending AA meetings, in fact, I need to do one probably today for the week. The CT cardio has been reviewed and at this time are not doing anything. I have a high calcium score, and some calcium build-up in the arteries. Deferment is for 3 months to get all this done (more than halfway there) then will re-evaluate with the Council.

Social Security Disability contacted me the other day and sent me some forms they need information on. One set was job history, the other was functional ability. Those are filled out and ready to go to the box at the P.O. 

Oh, and RM ... I got the two packages in for PT's birthday. I got him a book I thought he would enjoy (teach him to buy me a book) and a T-shirt that has Gibb's Rules listed from NCIS. I think I got a large, so not sure how it will fit. All their sizes tend to run on the lower side of a size.

Welp, I think I covered quite a bit today. How bored are you now?

PeacE

What Have I Got Today?

 I'm still waking up a bit. I have been setting my alarm for 7am each day to get in the habit of rising from bed at that hour. Another tactic to try with my sleeping issues. To try setting a more regular wake/sleep times. Last night I was asleep by 10:30p and slept through the night wonderfully. So good, I'm a bit sluggish right now.

Nothing major in plans today. I have my 3-hour IOP at 9am. Afterwards I need to get over to Walmart as the Wife asked me to pick up cat food. Seems she stopped at a Frys (RM - over at 83rd Ave & Union Hills) last night after work. Well, she was wrapping up some shopping, had some really good deals on meat, plus some marked down specials (part of which was going to be supper), when over the speakers they asked everyone to evacuate the store. I mean, leave your groceries where they are, and git. So she had to leave the cart. Seems there was some sort of situation in the Deli area, no idea what, but the Wife saw the Fire Dept go in with some guys carrying fire extinguishers. Needless to say, she was tired and done shopping at that point and came home empty-handed - So we had to 'create our own' for dinner last night. Sigh.

I might head up to the Post after shopping. Not sure. I need to work on the minutes from Tuesday's meeting, and get those turned in before the meeting next week. Sigh. 

Welp, I am going to head out - got some things to do prior to my meeting.

PeacE

Oh Happy Hump Day

 Wednesday has arrived. Like the boring day it is, I am sure today will bring no excitement.

The Youngest has to do his Zoom meeting re: Caregiving, this morning about 9am. I got it all set up for him, and just need to tweak a couple final details when he gets up. Yesterday in my IOP, for some reason my camera was only doing close-ups, as sitting at the desk it was zoomed in so much, you could only see half my face. I think I fixed that to a wider view - at least I hope so.

At 2pm, I have a 30-minute weekly check-in with the gal running my IOP sessions. She does it each week with each of her attendees, to see how they are doing, and talk on a more personal level if we are having problems, etc. Boring crap, I am sure. But I must do it, so I shall. I also need to find an AA online meeting for this week - oh joy.

The rest of the day is mine! And I'll probably end up playing games on my tablet. So exciting.

PeacE

Busy Tuesday

 Today I have done nothing pretty much except sit on my butt in my office chair at the computer. But it is a productive butt-sitting!!

Had my IOP session from 9-12, and it went fine. Then I decided I needed to clear clutter from my desk, and see what it all is. I grabbed an accordion file from our "supply" cabinet, and got to work. Most of it is medical bills, EOBs, and miscellaneous medical. So I grouped mine together, transferred notes from the envelope of when I last paid, amount, etc. onto the bill (showing which ones are PIF). Then it was the medical EOBs, then Dental EOBs. We had transferred my medical from 2025 to a card through Banner. and it has it's own section. So now easier to locate if needed for taxes next year. I added in some extra stuff I had in the clutter: my IRA, my Stock Ownership from Spencer's, and Property Tax/Valuation notices. As I went through them, there were a couple that were ready to pay (Insurance already had) and I paid them off, or got on a short-term payment plan.

I completed our taxes. I tried Itemized (with all that medical) and filled in what I could based on what information I had (Property Tax, Charitable Donations, etc.). Did a comparison between Itemized and Standard, and my Itemization was way less than the given standard, so went Standard. We are getting some money back from Fed and State, as we should with all the medical that went on just for me last year alone. I'll go over the figures with the Wife tonight and eFile tomorrow.

I updated my Google Calendar with more appointments/meetings. Still nothing but two appointments with Mayo in May are my next ones. One is a video call, the other in person. Added in my IOP sessions, IOP Personal sessions, and One-on-one sessions. Cancelled the Paracentesis for tomorrow - I feel pretty good - no sloshing, no pressure. I do feel a small build up of fluid, but should easily go to next week for sure. I also scheduled a Para for 4/29. 

Youngest has the Caretaker video meeting tomorrow morning. I'll probably sit in on it, just to hear what they go over. Most will be the importance of their caregiving, and into my after-care, I am sure.

Today all I have left is a meeting at the Post. I did the Agenda and sent it out yesterday.

So, productive day? Even though I sat on my butt, I feel much got done, organized, and/or paid. That's counts as I see it. I see a bowl of ice cream as an award.

PeacE

Mayo Appointments For April - COMPLETED

 This morning I had a blood draw done, and since they scheduled it, and my preferences are for mornings, it was at 7:30am. That means leave my house by 7am. I didn't get to bed last night until after midnight. so I am  bit tired today.

According to my scheduling with Mayo, this morning is the last appointment I have in April. I do have two "sessions" scheduled in early May. I know they also re scheduling in June another MR of the abdomen. Which is all fine by me. Gives me time to complete my IOP and not have to worry about conflicts in the schedule.

The Wife and I went to Sierra Vista this weekend as a late celebration of our anniversary. We stopped in Tucson Saturday enroute to visit the Daughter and family. We haven't seen them since Christmas-time. The 1 yr old is saying/repeating some words, and is so cute as she can blow kisses and wave. She's about 15 months. She got lots of Papaw loves, because her Sister wasn't as huggy with me. She did give me hugs without complaining though all this weekend.

Went on down to Sierra Vista, and checked into the Comfort Inn. I have stayed at this chain before, and have had a nice stay. But Saturday night...ugh! Someone had some screaming toddler out in the hallway for at least 1/2 an hour just letting them throw their tantrum. What was so bad about that? It was after 11pm. Then around midnight, one of the two rooms across from us had people (I assume it was plural) knocking on the doors with the knocker, so it is loud in our room, with the door shut. Needless to say, I think it was after 2am before I was able to fall asleep.

Sunday our plans changed 'on the fly' all morning. We were going to go back to Benson and look at the painted murals they have all over. They have a guidebook for $5 that gives a background for each mural, artist info, and the murals contain a hidden item in the picture. The list is in the book, but doesn't say what thing to to what picture. Well, after the hot breakfast at Comfort Inn, I wasn't feeling up to walking that much, so we changed to going to Tombstone. As we drove through there, they don't have the 'old-fashioned' shops on the main road, and we didn't see any signs guiding us to the location. I admit, I did not research it very well, it was spur of the moment. So then we headed to Benson (had to to get back on the interstate) and stopped at the Visitor Center to get a guidebook. They are closed. We go online and see 4 other places in town that sell the book. One across the street (closed) an art gallery, and a feed store we had passed coming into town. It's Easter, and a Sunday, so no idea if these places are closed every Sunday, or just Easter, or both. So that was a bust. We started back towards Tucson, and I even stopped at a random Goodwill to cheer the Wife up. I found a nice T for $3, and she got a couple small things. As we left she said she was disappointed in the selection, as in there wasn't much. I dunno, so I only shrugged. Stopped at the Daughter's and stayed through to Easter Dinner. It was so good!

Got home a little after 11pm, and unloaded. Then it was into bed for me. I went out fast as I was just worn out from all the activity and driving. So that was my weekend. Today I got errands to run (sorry RM, none out that way). Another prescription to pick up, need to clean all the bug crap off my window and trash out of the car. Probably get a haircut, then head up to the Post around 4 - it is Bike Night (well, trying to get it started) and I'll work on my House Agenda there to send out tonight - meeting tomorrow.

That's all I got, as I gotta get going....

PeacE

I Got the Call, Well, a Call Anyways

 Update from yesterday... My car appointment is for 5/26, not 5/2. Not that you care, but RM might.

Yesterday I did do a paracentesis. Drained 6L (two weeks accumulation - almost 13lbs). I am going to try to start going longer periods if I can, since I seem to not be producing the ascites as much as before. I still set my appointments for every week - just cancel a day or so before if I don't need.

Did the payment (all up front of course) for the IOP, and scheduled a virtual (online) Intake at 12pm today. I have already emailed them asking for my link to the appointment, and if I needed to download something more than Teams or Zoom. 8:30a and still not heard yet. I'll start calling at 10 if no email reply.

The camera I ordered came in yesterday evening. Took a bit to get working right, but according to my tests, the mic and picture are good, and I have the backdrop in program to "hide" the view behind me. I am ready for all my online stuff now (I hope). Since I am doing so much online, I spent a nice dollar on it. This morning I ordered a pill box/case. I know I needed a bigger one than the one I have here, as the after surgery meds will be numerous. This one is a week long, but each day is only split into 2 halves, is removable to carry if needed. I think it will work fine.

Still looking for a car. Never heard back from the best offer I have seen/heard yet. I wonder if it was sold already. Wife's co-worker is the one she has to go through to find out.

Til next time....

PeacE

Its Para Day!

 For me, today is Para day - the time for the weekly drainage of ascites from my abdomen. Last week there was only about a liter of fluid, and we all agreed no need to drain. But this week, I know we are doing some. I have felt the pressure slowly building the past 2-3 days, and can feel it slosh around every now and then. Hopefully won't be a full 10 Liters, and then leaving some as that is the max darin amount per the Doctor.

I had received a safety recall on my Rav4 a few days ago. Yesterday I looked it up. A sensor in the front passenger seat had many of them improperly made, and they may not work correctly in detecting a passenger weight, thus causing an airbag to fail to deploy. Eh. Kind of important I guess. I went to to an online scheduling of an appointment for a dealership out near RM's. Set it up for tomorrow at 7am, have RM pick me up, spend part of the day there until they call, get dropped off, and home we go. Well, Toyota called back. They have to order the part in, and the earliest I could get it in for the replacement is May 2. So the appointment was changed to that date at 7am. I'm sure RM is up to the same arrangement as long as I remind her.

I signed documents and paid too much to get the IOP program started. I have to do a video intake tomorrow. It is a three-hour session, and being done 'virtually' - as will ALL the sessions I have to do (about 3 hours/day, 3 days/week for 8 weeks). It will be fun scheduling things around this big block of time during the week, but I will make it happen.

I attended an online AA meeting last night. It is the Twice Gifted group that consists of people that have gone/are going to Mayo for a Liver transplant due to alcoholism. A double-support group if you will. It was a great meeting that lasted about an hour. In talking to the one of the lead people, he mentioned my video picture was pretty choppy looking, and the camera kept going out of focus if I were to move more than an inch. Lastly that the mic just wasn't good at picking up my voice - it cut in and out and was very faint. I explained I was on a cheap laptop, but would resolve the situation.

So, I went shopping. Online. Amazon. Found a nice camera/mic setup for the PC/Laptop, with good picture rating and sound quality - trust me, I read PLENTY of reviews on these things last night. The new one is to arrive here late this morning, while I am at Para most likely. I will set it up tonight for my Intake tomorrow. This camera rig was a bit pricey (to me) at $50, versus the $15 models I started looking at. But I figured it I was doing AA meeting virtually, support groups, Dr. appointments, plus this 8-week IOP course - ALL ONLINE - it is a good investment.

Alrighty, I guess I need to get some other stuff done prior to heading to the hospital. I am almost done with our taxes - trying to calculate medical last year is a BITCH! I'm hoping to be like RM, in that I write the info down as it happens, and I have started doing that a couple months ago - so I don't get lost in all the receipts and mess. Excel is becoming a good friend, and I am starting to learn more and more about it as I test if it can do what I want in format, etc. Shout out to Hoosierboy (Joe) at 'Fat in Indiana' for the tip on the emails from Miss Excel. I have read a couple, and just those little tidbits she shares in the mail have helped!! Thank you good sir! Shameless plug: Joe has a couple books for you to get and read!! Here they are: "

Hoosier Flats: A Novel of the Greatest Generation and 

Suburban Moon: The Autobiography of Sam Wyatt (Hoosier Flats Book 2) 

Well, I think that does it for me.

PeacE

Gotta Get It Done ....

 Today I have no appointments. Well, not really. Waiting to hear back from a place I am doing the IOP. I may have to do their Intake Admission in person, but thought she said we are able to do most of it over the phone or Zoom calls - including my sessions. For what the insurance isn't covering, I should get a steak dinner in there somewhere, too. Either way, that will get started today. Oh! I checked my calendar (thank goodness!) and I see there is a Group Zoom meeting tonight at 7pm that counts for AA and support. I'm going to try to do my meetings with them on my weeks I do not have VFW meetings. Those nights I still need to locate an online/in-person site to pick one. Have several in mind.

Tomorrow is my Para. I feel we will be draining some amount, as I am starting to feel the build-up of fluid. What a joke, right? Get it, April Fools Day? Thursday is another day with no appointments except a possible Zoom liver transplant support group from 12p-1p if I want to - not required. So I set up a service appointment with Toyota. I got a safety recall regarding the OCS sensors in the passenger front seat. Seems some were made improperly and can short out, causing it to reflect incorrect weight and possibly cause the airbag to NOT deploy. I set it for 7am. Trying to reach out to RM now, and see if she could pick me up from the dealership ( a couple miles from her) and I could go visit until it was ready, then get a ride back.

Today I am going to be hating Life. I MUST/NEED to get the medical finished calculated (plus mileage) and read up on how much medical we can claim, and get the taxes done and filed! I have had paperwork strewn all over my desk for the past few weeks as I try to piece together 2025 medical, and get 2026 recorded so I don't have this mess again. Adulting is getting harder.

Talked to RM, looks like I will be visiting with them on Thursday. Waiting this morning for the call for the IOP. And working papers for taxes. Joy.

PeacE

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