A Hole In My Plans

 I went out to the car about 7:45a to head to RM's. I had made sure I had everything I needed at least three times, didn't feel like I was forgetting anything. A quick frown at the new dents in the body work thanks to the hail storm we had a few days ago, but thankful no vehicles windows were broken. They get expensive. Got into the car, and started to back up out of the drive. Something didn't feel quite right with the car. The low air indicator was on, but it had dropped in temperature the night before, so I was guessing it was just a minute adjustment, and would go away once I drove a bit.

Backed out of the drive, turned the steering and realized something was wrong. As I pulled back into the drive, I had a feeling I had a flat on the front end. Sure enough. Dead flat passenger front. It was so flat, I didn't even want to try try to air it up just to drive to Discount Tire. The Wife teased me about forgetting something (common for me) until I told her what was up. 

So I called RM and let her know I had to cancel and the why. We agreed to try perhaps this next week. There is no way I could change the tire - I am just too weak - so waited for Youngest to wake up. By noon, I realized I was going to have to wake him, but I needed a nap. So I napped for about 45 minutes, then woke him. Together we changed the tire. Nice Father/Son moment. He got a refresher on how to do it, and I got it done. I did jump in a bit to help raise the jack, and my back is reminding me today I am too old to be doing that kind of stuff.

Drove up to Discount. They couldn't find a puncture, so if that was the problem, it had gone in and came back out. Which did turn out to be the case. Yea! Free to fix! But, it was Friday afternoon 2pm, and though I knew I would need to wait at least and hour plus, it was more like 2.5 hours. But I was home by 4:30pm with a fixed tire.

I guess RM had purchased a couple 'mystery boxes' from a Farmer's market place, and ended up with quite a haul. I know I got about 7 packages of the little cukes. I have no idea what all the Wife said she ended up with, as RM just met her at her work and dropped stuff off. I think she said she got some of the broccoli, and peppers. We will go through the box today after we get home from Discount Grocery, which we are doing this morning.

Tonight is the last steak fry the Auxiliary is putting on for the year. Nov. and Dec. have too much going on, plus the Post offers meals for both of those holidays. I almost have Youngest talked into going (he's never been to the steak fry) and the Wife as well. That starts at 5pm and I will be there right at. It's first come first served until they run out of steaks.

My Brother must be desperate. His Middle Son (my Nephew) had joined the military and has his graduation at Ft. Benning, GA. So my Brother wants to be there (understandable) but he is driving, leaving next Saturday. He asked if I wanted to go. I shook my head at his text and told him I couldn't due to my medical going on. He said he figured, but would check. Desperate for sure for someone to go with him. He needs to realize that people have their lives and can't just drop what they are doing to do a road trip with him. Sigh.

Okay, I think that is enough of my drama today...

PeacE

How About a Shorty?

 Going to keep this short as I need to leave in just a bit. I am headed over to RM's to visit and do an "important backup" of PT's computer to a flash drive. Then off to the Discount store...

For the past 3 weeks and some, I have been trying to do exactly what I had been doing 2 months ago - that goes as to the foods I was eating regularly and exercising routines. I am sure there are a few other things, but I don't have time to think of what they are. Either way, I am trying to mimic so the one test they are looking at will hopefully go lower again. The Wife and I debated quite a bit about where the changes came from, and even one major one was having to do with fat cells. Being opened up, it could be getting the D8/D9 from stored fat, meaning how long ago was it stored? Theory, but the more exercise, the more I burn.

So I did less exercising, and still lose weight. Sigh. I know many would love to have that going on for them, but trust me, you don't want it this way!

Welp, I need to get my reading done, and my prayer time I will do on the way to RM's.

PeacE

Whole Lotta Praying Going On!

 Yesterday was supposed to be a nice day. The Valley expected rain in the forecast off/on throughout the day, and we know the desert loves to get its water! We also got a surprise with the rain though I don't know if I should call it a present from God or not. I am sure in some ways it is - I just haven't thought it.

It hailed. No, not that little pea-sized teaser that melts within moments of touch earth. I mean IT HAILED. The Youngest and I were back in our office room, my window faces west, and at first I heard some little bits of hail - off the tin roof of the shed, then off the glass. Then it was like kids throwing rocks at windows. I truly worried about my window breaking due to the amount of hail hitting, and the sound of the force it was hitting it with.

I stepped across the house to the front door (faces east) and through the screen saw a large amount of hail just larger than golf balls, slamming everything. You could hear it hitting the metal of cars across the street! I quickly put on video to send to the Wife. After about 10 minutes, it slowly abated; hailstones growing smaller until it was just rain. From the front door I could see the front of my car and the window looked fine, as did the driver side ones. The Son's car on the street I could see the back window and passenger side, and it looked okay.

It was like, "Whew! got through that one!".

The evening rolls on, nothing eventful. Went to bed about 10:30, played a game or two, then was trying to sleep. Lucious, my black cat, was very interested in the window about our bed (odd for him). After several minutes of him tapping the glass, etc. The Wife got up to look out and see what was going on, thinking there was another cat in the side yard. As she looked, she saw a tail, actually on the outer windowsill, realizing there WAS a cat - wait. What? It was Lucious! There was a 5-6 inch hole in the glass he was going through....and another larger on higher up. Youngest and Wife got it taped and covered with cardboard, and found another window that had a hole in it, another that was cracked. Ugh. Wife had already noticed when she came that there were dents all over my and Son's car, but windows were fine. The Son's antenna cover (the little thing on the roof) had the plastic busted off.

So our worse damage is the windows. This is an older home. They were single-pane windows. For the time being, we discussed last night about using an all-weather plexiglass until we are able to afford a regular window company to come out (and do double pane at least). Wife texted Oldest Son (working night-shift at Home Depot) for ideas, etc, so will go over those this weekend.

First thing after the bathroom this morning I headed straight into my quiet time, and skipped my regular routine and went straight to prayer. Letting go of my anger, it's something I cannot change immediately, prayers for others that may have had worse damages that prevent them for work, or living conditions. 

So yeah. I like the rain. Not what it brings sometimes.

PeacE

Up Early Again ...

 ... but this time by choice. The alarm went off at 6am (as planned) and I shut it off. Then I laid there a moment, and dozed back off. I suddenly snapped awake and checked the time. 6:10a - I didn't over sleep. I had the next alarm at 7am, but I wanted time to get my measurements, etc. this morning before the Para. Getting up at 7 I would have to skip all that, and basically, dress then leave. I hate to rush.

Yesterday I went rounds with my buddies nausea, and tiredness. I did take a late nap, was up at 5pm, but still just dragged tiredly through the evening. Nausea was there off and on throughout the day. He's already awake this morning as well. I sure hope he doesn't stop by on Thanksgiving!

Numbers are good this morning. Now to get the Para drain number and see if today will be a better one or not. No other medical until Tuesday, which I am trying to keep off my mind. I have quite a few things invested in results for Tuesday, and I just don't want to get hopes up or down. I have been doing my best to let God deal with it, but I still find myself throughout the day thinking about it. Then remind myself - God's got this.

With that I am going to close out. I need to finish a couple things before I leave.

PeacE

I Got Up For This?

 Not much to drop in here today.

PCP visit went fine. Updated him on prescriptions (though he doesn't order them) and where I am in the transplant process. They did do an A1C and it was 4.8 - my lowest ever! I thought about calling my Sister and bragging, but knew that was the wrong reason to do it.

Headed home I was hungry, and was trying to decide on a place to get breakfast and take home. I finally settled on Jack in the Box, as it was close to home. But as I was coming down the freeway, I missed my exit (off in la-la land) so my exit was next, and there aren't any fast foods there without going back or up the road a mile. Except a QT. Now I loved their dogs, especially when I was working driving the truck all over the West Valley years ago. Plus many mornings we gassed up the car and got breakfast there as we started a trip to Tucson. But yesterday? Oh my. I bought a couple tacquitos, a couple jalapeno/cheese hot dogs, and a Mtn Dew ( I know ... sodium and sugar overload). I got home and started eating and messing on the computer. I couldn't eat the first tacquito. It was just "wrong" tasting. The hot dogs went down fine. I tried a different tacquito I had gotten. It seemed okay, until I finished it. Then it was a quick jog to the bathroom to lose all of it. The rest of the day was spent sipping juice. I could not eat anything and nothing sounded enticing. I skipped the Riders meeting because I was so tired and nauseous, didn't feel up to driving.

So that was my day. Today I am hoping for a better day. I feel an appetite starting to wake up, so maybe there is something I will be able to et this morning. Have my meeting at 11a, and I scheduled a Fry's food pick-up for 1-2 pm. Figured between 12-1 I could get ready and go get my hair cut.

Spoke to RM yesterday morning, and it was decided that she will host, and my family will attend, Thanksgiving at her place. The Daughter and family have the in-laws they need to be with this year, but hoping the older two boys and partners... and DOC! will be able to make it. Next up I need to talk to the Wife and see what we would want to do as a menu. I didn't mention it to RM, but I figured we'd come out early, cook most of the stuff (she can help - she's awesome in the kitchen). I think the two things I could do without are stuffing and the can of cranberry-whatever. I like cranberries, but that gel-like stuff that makes a sucking sound as you shake the can to get it out....<shudder>. And I have never really been big on stuffing. I know the others will want, and that is fine.

And I think I rambled enough....

PeacE

Resting Better

 Since I decided a few days back that I am going to nap when my body says to do so, in addition to regular night sleeping, I have been feeling somewhat better. I hear in the Support group that many pre-transplants start feeling tired all the time, so it is not unusual. Even if it is to just rest for 30-60 minutes and I play games on the tablet...it works.

This morning I have a PCP visit. Nothing major. I am getting the final shots for Hep A & B. I need to update/verify my prescription list with him. Then it will be basically an update where we are in the transplant process. Shouldn't take more than about 15 minutes once I see the doctor - it's that waiting time that kills. That's why I always try for morning appointments, plus if it is something I have to fast for, I'm ready. Also, it really frees up the rest of the day without being an interruption.

Still have a slight cough, but this morning have not noticed it much. My nose needs blown just as much as before (allergies) but could do without the cough and mucus.

Think I shall give RM a text this morning and have her call me ....

PeacE

Wasted Days and Wasted Nights

 Let's start you out with some background music while you waste your time reading today, and it goes with today's post title.

So yesterday was spent pretty much doing nothing. Played some video games. Briefly talked with Daughter and oldest Grand later in the evening. Didn't go anywhere. Normally I might have gone to the Post if I felt up to it, but I knew many of those I hang out with are out at the track for NASCAR weekend here, so wouldn't be there.

Today, with half the daylight gone already, I feel it is going to be much the same.

So with that, finish the song, and enjoy your day.

PeacE

I'm Trapping It Today!

 I haven't seen this side of 4am in awhile. Which was nice. It's not because it is ugly or anything, just means that I am not sleeping enough (to me). It was the third call for the restroom though, and for some reason it made me 'snap' awake. Not sure what to do with all the extra time. I think RM would say to stay and pray! So, maybe I will read a bit more of the Bible, or the book I am reading ('The Circle Maker') or just stay in prayer longer. I decide when I get there, I guess.

As far as I know, we have nothing planned this weekend, and my calendar is truly void of anything until Monday. That kind of irritates me. a few short weeks ago, it seemed I had a medical or VFW thing going on almost every day. True, it did wear on me and I was tired more, but I felt like something was being accomplished. Now I sit and twiddle my thumbs, waiting the next thing. RM pushes for me to write something: some novellas or even a recap of my whole transplant experience that maybe my kids would want to read someday. I feel I need to be 'in the mood' to do either, so I have no idea where anything will take me.

With that being said, I suppose I should close this off. Maybe watch dumb videos for a half-hour then try to go back to sleep.

PeacE

While We Are Replacing Things ...

 I have an Uncle that for the past few years has talked about getting his knees replaced. He was big, as I was, drinks, walks with a cane. Could be me in about 20+ years. But each time he would get in to get evaluated for the knee surgery, some other more important medical condition would pop it seems. Or he had to wait for something, then something else happen. He was going through the VA I believe. Anyways, to this day, he has not gotten the knees done.

When (and somedays I feel it is more IF) they replace my liver, they are going to make an attempt to 'patch' the umbilical hernia I have as well while I am 'open'. This is based solely on how the surgery goes, time, etc. I have been saying I need new knees for years, with the amount of pain they gave me. Of course, I was 350 lbs. and not eating right or taking good care of myself. Never even got the doctors to look at them. Could I get those while doing the Liver? Ha!

Today I really want to replace them. about 7am, I am dozing in bed, making the decision to sleep in until 8am. Dozing off I started dreaming,  and at one time in the dream, I am kicking out Kung Fu style at someone's head, and I am suddenly awake, on my knees, beside (not in) the bed. The Pain rushing up from the knees tells me I landed on them. I took off my CPAP mask and said the Wife's name, maybe twice, and woke her to help get me up. I just could not raise myself from a kneeling position on my knees, even with the support of the bed on the right and the end table towards the left. Oh yeah, the knees got landed on. I can walk, it just hurts the kneecap area. Think I will rub on some tiger balm and see if that helps.

But I did go back to bed until 8am.

It's a Thursday. The Wife has 'flexed' off from work today. She says that I hate it when she is home all day with me, and I laughed at her. I said I love it when she is here, because then I have someone to talk to throughout the day since the Youngest is usually catching up on his sleep from being up most of the night. 

The effects of the Para this week were less than even last week. Fewer cramps, and today I feel pretty normal, like everything has settled back into place.

I guess that is all I got.

PeacE

Edit: The cold I think I got from RM, well not so sure now.. The coughing is done to almost nothing, and I have no other symptoms. Either I only caught a tiny bit of it (makes no sense) or I actually got it from sone one else with a different strain.

Just a Shorty Today

 I'm cutting it short in here today. I slept in a little, and I need to get to my quiet time. I have a couple issues that I am having a hard time holding back my anger on and I know will help me calm down, and take those problems from me. I just have to get there and ask.

Nothing special today. Auxiliary meeting at the Post that Youngest and I will be attending.

Other than that... another wonderful day (feel that sarcasm?) to get through.

PeacE

Doomsday (no affiliation to the Marvel Universe)

 I mentioned briefly in the tidbit I send out each day, that our society has changed to thought of Monday into a negative thing. Comics showing hung-over people dreading going to the office, or just bad things happening - because it is Monday. I'm no exception, and I have no problem with it. Throw that challenge at me! All I am able to do is my best ... whether it is good enough or not.

First thing this morning we took the Youngest's vehicle down to the repair shop we use. A few weeks ago, he had noticed it dropping power while at idle, or low speed like in Reverse. We ran it up to Autozone and had them run their OBD on it. Came back with cylinder 3 misfiring. I told youngest, when he was ready we could take it up to the shop, but I only would go on certain days (not Friday, because you could be without your car all weekend, and Mondays are generally busy as they catch up from the weekend). It is a Monday, true, but a holiday (Columbus Day for those that don't know) so made exception to my rule. We planned it last Friday. Took it in, and just waiting the call that tells me how much I am boosting the economy. At least I am using a Mom & Pop place and not a corporation. I'm guessing $1500, but will see.

After dropping the car off, we headed to Walgreens to pick up a 'script for me. We were about 10 minutes early so sat there in the parking lot. Mayo calls. It was one of the nurses. I had had labs down on the 6th (last week) and one doctor had wanted  retest on the THC count (the long one, not regular drug one). She said it has increased from the previous one. So she was calling is there any chance I had used prior to the 6th. I told her absolutely not. Haven't touched any form of it since February, and have not been around any secondhand smoke that I am aware. She said Ok, and that was it. But now I get to thinking... so the used the same urine sample for the re-test. It had sitting for at least 2-3 days. Could it sort of change, like a fermentation process? All I know is now I am starting to chomp at the bit (need to get in my prayer time) if they use this to defer me longer from getting on the list.

So, see? Even a "bad" Monday can happen to me...though, nothing bad has really happened. The car was planned. I don't have enough info regarding the Mayo incident. 

... and that is it all started Officer.

PeacE

How You Spend Time on a Sunday

 Everyone I know tends to use a Sunday to finish off the tasks they could/did not complete on Saturday. Many attend a church service of some kind, at some time usually convenient for them. Me? I do both. When I feel up to it, I try to make it to church. If not, or afterwards, I usually play games or watch a movie. Kinda like I will probably end up doing today. Except, I just remembered I need to do the minutes for the House Comm.

The Wife left just a short bit go for church. Most Sundays, she will pick something up somewhere for lunch when she comes homes. I gave her my best puppy dog eyes this morning, and asked for Chino Bandito's for lunch. It's not that the place is far, it's just east of our regular driving routes that we don't get there often. But, oh... the food is so good.

I have been sitting here for about ten minutes now, and nothing else comes to mind to write about, so enjoy your Sunday!

PeacE

A Few Random Words Before the Meeting

 Welcome to another Saturday and Ralphd00d edition of ...I ain't got nothing to write about.

VFW Riders dinner actually came off pretty good last night. More people brought in soups, that had not signed up or notified anyone, so there was a good variety. RM went out of her way by making some brownies and some cherry cobbler. Oh! And the cornbread, which disappeared rapidly. The Youngest didn't get multitude of compliments on his soup, but still heard a few say it was extremely good. After RM had left, I had heard several people talking about her Chicken Chili, as they had wanted more, but she had already gone (close to being over).

Last night was a reminder of my strength. I carried a full crockpot about 75 feet at the Post, nearly dropping it twice. When I was packing up to go, even with 1/2 - 2/3 gone, I still had a hard time carrying it to my car. My arm muscles have atrophied quite a bit from all the weight loss, and other medical. I had the Wife bring it in from my car because I was worried about dropping it.

The last 2-3 days have been busy with quite a bite of fluid release. After the 7.4L drain on Wednesday, the TIPS procedure might be kicking in finally. I have been urinating frequently, and even having to sit down a lot, releasing more fluid. I have a Para scheduled Wednesday, and will see how I feel come Tuesday.

And I think that is all I have today.

PeacE

F is for Friday and Frustration

 It is Friday, and to most people that work M-F it is their "celebratory" day to announce the end of their work week. To me, it usually isn't much, unless I am planning to visit RM. Today, it includes the VFW Riders soup dinner night. Due to low number of volunteers, and those that were doing it all the time, we had voted from once a month to once per quarter, and this is the first one. I have three (yes, only 3) people that are in the Riders group offer to help with anything (making soup). Not. One. More. I had to reach out to my Son and RM to at least have 5 different types of soup. 

Well, I overslept this morning. The alarm went off at 7am, and I thought, 'I'll just stay in bed until the Wife's goes off at about 8'. Well, somewhere down the line, that got messed up. The Wife jumped up out of bed this morning, started rushing around. I checked my phone and realized it was just after 9am...she was late, and I overslept. I had a pick-up at Fry's to do between 9-10am, so I needed to get up and moving as well.

Got the Wife off to work. I finished getting ready and headed up to the store. Came home, Youngest was still up and helped carry in the bags. I had carried 4 bags, not much in them, but one did have 4-2L bottles, and I can still feel the strain on my muscle, particularly the pecs. I hate being so weak.

Youngest is frying up his bacon for the soup, and we will crockpot it for about 3-4 hours. I already checked RM's blog and she remembered I had asked her to make something.

Debating doing my meeting this morning - just feeling like it. But that's when you should go they say, so I have about 30 minutes to decide.

I think that is all I have today to comment about.

PeacE

Feeling Let-Down and Also A Bit Angry

 The beginning of this month has been somewhat exciting for me. Mayo called. Wanted to move my appointments to the 6th so my case could go to the Selection Committee on the 7th, instead of being later in the month. But yesterday came and went, no call giving me a yes or no answer. I checked the patient portal, and found some clinical notes from yesterday, basically saying something like my SC was relocated to 10/14. Which to read my case review with Selection Committee was moved from the 7th to the 14th. Too many cases? Not enough time? I don't know the reason. I messaged the nurse to verify I was reading it correctly. 

So that leaves me sitting here feeling let-down that another week will have to go by that I am not eligible for a liver every doctor there has said I need replaced. I'm also angry that I have to wait another week.

I haven't had my quiet time this morning, as I slept in an extra hour. That day after being drained (7.4 liters by the way) is tiring usually for me, though not nearly as bad today due to the lower amount I think. Maybe that TIPS procedure is finally starting to work? But I need to get  my quiet time in, to talk to God and let him take control of the whole review thing.

Fairly slow day today. AA Meeting at 11, Mayo Transplant Support at 12, and nothing on the afternoon except to schedule a Fry's pick-up for tomorrow for the Youngest's food supply for making his soup. Tomorrow is the Rider Soup Dinner. We are not talking about it... I already gave that to God.

So enjoy your day!

PeacE

Sleeping. Not Sleeping. Anxiety. Nervousness.

 Just a few things I have experienced over the past couple days. Sunday night, my mind was racing about the consults on Tuesday, and the Case Review on Wednesday. I really hope I make the List this time. Well, between all that running through the headspace, everything was beginning to hurt more than usual: the back, the knees, the pressure on the abdomen, my sides if I laid on either one... I am sure there are other things I could add to that list, but continuing the story.... I decided to take on of my sleeping pills - faster to sleep, and kinda sleep through the pain. I took it later than I should have. I woke at 1pm'ish on Monday. Yeah, nothing else was waking me. I had plans to try to get out to RM's as my Sister was in town, as well as her son and his family. The first text I saw was Sis asking if I was coming for lunch.

Well, I was groggy as usual after a night of taking the pill, so I was just going to cancel. I began to type out a text that I wasn't feeling good enough to drive over there. Then I felt like a slap on the back of the head. I re-thought it real quick. I deleted the text and called Sis. I told her give me about 30 mins and I will be there. I still didn't really want to go, but I now had committed. So threw on some clothes and headed to RM's.

I got to spend some time talking with Sis, her son and wife. S, Sis's husband, was napping with the baby. Of course PT was there (erase, erase). Sis and Hubby had to leave for an appt, and the Nephew was going to go do something with his family. That left it down to RM, PT and myself. I thought, just for a while longer. That turned into everyone going to Dennys for supper. I called the Wife, but she had too much paperwork to do and couldn't make it, but I did go. We had a nice supper, then everyone kind of went their own way. The Niece that lives here and her family were at dinner, as the nephew's family were still out doing whatever. I headed home with half my desert (apple crips with a scoop of vanilla and caramel dribbled over it) that I gave to the Wife. She couldn't believe I brought it home for her.

After that, the night was long and quiet. The soft squeak of the bedsprings ringing loudly int he quiet as I tossed and turned ALL NIGHT LONG! I think I slept in so late, it screwed up my sleep cycle. So today I am going to try to get through the whole day with no naps. I should good tonight then. I do have labs, a nurse, and a doctor consult this afternoon. I've been praying the past several days that nothing odd catches their eye, and the lab report doesn't show anything that would make them consider holding from the list again. I keep telling my self I put it in God's hands, but I can't help myself. It's a major life thing.

One thing that was extremely surprising, and very heartfelt, was Sis she had a present for me. I tried and couldn't imagine what shoe would be bring from NM for me. It was an afghan that she had made herself. The story she told went something like, when she started it, some people would ask her who it was for. She would answer  'I don't know. God hasn't told me yet.' Well, when she reached a certain part (was it about halfway?) my name kept repeating as she praying and working on the afghan. So she decided it was for me. As she handed it to me, she mentioned that hospitals get cold and chilly and I was to use it. It's almost a lap blanket than a full size, so it should cover my feet and come up to about mid-chest - perfect for after the transplant.

And that is how my week has been...

PeacE

Self Re-evaulation

 The Wife and I had a good talk last night. We talked about the upcoming chance to be on the Wait List, and how it will proceed from there. We talked about her viewpoint of the whole liver thing, and my wonderful Wife is so supportive. I have several mixed feelings about the whole thing, and fear is not one of them. Right now I feel more frustrated and out-of-control than anything. Mayo controls what happens. They are the ones that have made all these requirements for me to meet, and I have as fast as I could. These past couple months, just have been disappointing to me. Cannot tell if the TIPS procedure is working properly. I know they said it could take a few short months to see a major difference, but I'm still draining 9+ liters a week. To me, that sounds like it isn't making a difference.

So I have been a sheep these past couple months. Take my meds, do a paracentesis each week, come in for labs when they want me to. All this time doesn't count towards any end goal, except to get approved for the list. I understand there was a procedure, they changed up meds, they need to monitor with labwork for a couple months to make sure nothing goes wrong. But it is frustrating to sit here and do nothing basically.

Giving it all to God, and letting him handle has worked for the earlier part of things, but now, I feel like I want control back, to tell/make them do what I think is in my best interest, though it be or not be. God and I talked about that this morning, and again, I relinquished the situation. I'm calmer now, but still a jumble of emotions.

Enough of that.... I went up to the Post yesterday. I thought it'd be nice to see some of the guys since I have only been there mostly for meetings lately. I sat there from 1pm-3pm, and there was only two of us at the bar. So I left.I spent the rest of the evening playing games.

Today I will be completing the minutes and agenda I have been putting off. And that's all I have planned.

PeacE

Ugh. Work.

 I'm playing the procrastination card knowingly and openly. I am in no big hurry to do the minutes and Agenda I need to get done. Both are extremely short this time around, but I just don't feel like doing them. I am avoiding them this morning by attending a couple meetings online. This afternoon ... well, I do need a couple things from the store. Maybe I'll do the walk-in rather than the pick-up.

Been having headaches the past few days. Most of it is in the back of the skull area, so I am thinking muscles related. I have done some stretches, but they don't seem to really help. I broke down and took 2 ibuprofen the other say, and the headache has not returned as of yet. 

The paracentesis I had this week did not leak at all. They had sent me home with some bandages, too, that seal around the gauze, but have not had to use them. I was a bit worried considering last week it leaked until Sunday, one drip at a time, but it got fluid out!

Alrighty, I need to go. It is almost time for the first meeting.

PeacE

Hot Diggity Dog!

 What a Happy Friday I am having for a short while! With all the stuff going on with Mayo, and dealing with the edema and continued large drain amounts, even with the TIPS, I have been feeling out in 'Limbo'. There's nothing I can do, but what they tell me, and who knows when I will get reviewed for the list, and then sit in limbo more, but at least towards a goal. I've felt ... indifferent. I'm tired of what feels like a run-around by Mayo, it seems I'm never going to make the list as each time there is "something" that has to be done. Why didn't they schedule it earlier if they knew it was going to be an issue? Frustrating for me, and I was reaching the end of my rope. I was starting to just not care anymore.

Yesterday Mayo called me (oh great). I had labs, nurse consult and doctor consult for Thursday (8th) supposedly to be followed by a case review for the List on the 14th, and they wanted to reschedule things, to the 6th - because they wanted my case to be reviewed on the 7th instead! Proactive! Of course my schedule was open, and we did it. So now I hope within less than a week to find out if I made the list.

Prayer does work!

So I am getting excited again for this to happen, though I know it could be months on the List as well, but at least it is towards a goal, not just working on covering symptoms. My quiet time had a lot of praise and thankfulness in it this morning! Which fit right in with my Bible reading in Psalms! 

Nothing on the calendar really until Tuesday now. I need to get Riders minutes done and the Agenda for the House committee at some point this weekend. 

And with that, I think I'll close up today.

PeacE

Filling the Hole

 I had a Paracentesis yesterday morning. One thing I really like about being the first appointment at 9am, is sometimes, they start early. So yesterday They had me back there and on the bed by 8:30am. I guessed that it would be less than 10L drained - thinking more like 6-7. Ended up draining 9.4 L. Received three bags of albumin, and was out the door by 10:30. I had lunch plans running through my mind, and had already decided what I wanted, so I went to JT's Gyro's and got my usual. By this time RM had texted worried about me, and asking if I was okay. I got home and let her know I just got home and would post an update soon. Turns out, the Life360 app we use did not record me leaving or going to my appointment, etc. so she had no idea if I made it, or overslept and was concerned. After checking my phone, I realized it was because Mobile data was turned off.

I weighed in prior to going to the hospital in the morning. Came in at 296 lbs. Ugh! Well after draining, and I got home, I weighed in at 276 lbs. Better, but not my actual weight just yet. The Edema in my legs and such is probably another 20 lbs. and that would drop me to near 250, which I can deal with. Nothing exciting happened at the appointment or with lunch. I ate it, and it was good.

This morning I have done my bio readings, took my meds, drank my vanilla protein shake, and am ready to get things started. I think I am going to skip the AA meeting today (maybe) and just go to the Transplant one. Depends on how I feel. Last evening, my head started hurting like I had slipped on ice and cracked the back of my head. I hadn't fallen or bumped my head in anyway, so was confused about it. I even probed with my fingers, expecting to feel a bump. Nope. Just a headache that is sitting in the back of the head. Generally I cannot take anything for situations like this. Acetaminophen is not good for the liver, and neither is Ibuprofen, but it is the better of the two. I do have a bottle here that I save for extreme pain, regardless what the doctors say. I had 2 pills last night, and this morning I still feel some residual pain. Muscle related? Too Tense? I did some stretches of the upper back and shoulders this morning, so let's see if that helps.

The first half of  the year property taxes are due starting today. I see it has gone up 3.7% (about $40) from last year. Since the house has been free and clear for many years, we have to pay it, as we don't have an escrow account. I could pay to set one up, but I don't think it is worth it. Also have the Wife's registration due. Two years for her car is more than 1.2 year's taxes, for now.

I think that is all I got to say about that.

PeacE