Sorry, Not Sorry ...

Obviously I never made it back to finish the post yesterday. I did go in for the paracentesis and  liters were drained. I had a Zoom meeting scheduled for 2pm with my Group Lead of my IOP - a personal session each week to see how I am doing overall with everything. We had agree to move it to noon, so I was a bit rushed getting home in time. Things took longer at the hospital because of the amount drained, I had to receive an extra dose of albumin I had not time-factored into the day (about - minutes). So I made my meeting with about 10 minutes to spare.

Tuesday was such a great day for me. Dropped the car off to have the safety recall fixed on it. Something about a sensor in the passenger seat that improperly detects someone sitting there or not when an airbag is deployed. While that was being done, RM picked me up and we went back to her place. I set up my laptop and did my 3-hour IOP, then RM and I went to get my vehicle, followed up with lunch at Red Robin.

All I can say is ... wow. We ended sitting there and chatting after lunch until nearly 3:30pm, and it was such a great conversation! I felt I shared too much about things going on in my life, but I felt I needed to. I usually keep things so close to my chest until after, and on my way home, I realized that RM had also opened up and shared a lot with me about how things are in her life. I don't think we have been so open with each other before and shared so much. It was ... just fantastic! Oh, and the endless side salads were good, too. RM sent me home with a pint of her salsa for the Youngest (which only has about a third in it now) and had even made a quart of chunky for me (which is now gone).

I arrived home and saw that mail had come so I grabbed it. On top of everything is a check. You know how you can tell a Government check - their style of check peeking behind my address. I got excited! I rushed back to mt desk, and the second piece of mail was from SS Disability. I opened that one first to find I have been approved! The check that had come, well, it was for "backpay" from March to current. So an unexpected bonus ... and the amount I am to receive each month is higher than I was at least hoping for! So now I have some income coming in to help with all the medical. I hope to have all my balances current and at/near a zero balance in the next few months. At least right now I can address the ones that are overdue.

That evening, since I had no meetings at the VFW this Tuesday, I attended my TG group, and had a good discussion on 'Have you ever felt in control enough that you didn't need AA'. When my turn came up, I shared that I could NOT do it without AA. Though I went 5 months sober without any additional learning of the program, or the IOP, but I don't think I could stand here and honestly say I could have relapsed at anytime, and now that I am in the program, just the support keeps me going, let alone working on the steps.

Tuesday was awesome! So yesterday, I was in very good spirits when I had my one on one, and shared why. There's a nice big chunk of mental stress and worry off my mind now that the disability is coming in.

Today? Hmmmm. I have my IOP this morning, and nothing planned for the day. I may go get my hair cut, as the sides and back are getting shaggy. I know tomorrow after IOP the Youngest and I are headed to Discount Grocery to get drink, snacks, and any other good deals we find. No major weekend plans. We were invited to a "pool party" for one of the Post members who I consider a good acquaintance, but have not decided if I will go. I am sure the Wife won't go, but I am going to try to get her mind changed, at least to go for a little bit. I want her around more of the people I know and like/trust. Saga to be continued....

And with that, I need to get on with my day. My numbers are good this morning, and I am feeling better with the abdominal pressure off. I think I'll have some tuna salad for lunch today.

PeacE

To Drain, Or Not To Drain ...

 Don't worry everyone ... I have not disappeared just yet. I am headed out the door for a paracentesis (draining) so I'll have to finish this when I get back .... See ya in about three hours.

Memorial Day 2026

 No post today. Spend time with family remembering some gave all for you to be able to.

PeacE

Awww, Crap! I Gotta Work ...

 I need to get the minutes done from my Riders meeting. I have been putting it off most of the week, and today is payday. Technically, I don't need to do it until next week, but sooner did, sooner done.

I didn't go the the Flag Drop today. I'm just not feeling it - the walking around and all in the heat. This afternoon is a friend's granddaughter's birthday party at the Post. Since it is one of my good friends, I need to go and hang out for a bit. She also has to work this evening as the volunteer barmaid, and asked if I would stick around for that. I said I would until I couldn't. To me that sounds like about 8pm.

This friend is my "insider at Disability. We talked yesterday briefly, and it looks like I am approved, but she could not access for how much allowance each month. No letter yesterday. Today I hope.

I need to get things done so this is short this morning.

PeacE

Does The Alarm Even Work?

 I am up early today. Woke at least three times through the night with bladder calls, decided to finally get out of bed, and it was barely 6:30am. I feel well rested, but I haven't heard my alarm go off in days now. Seems I am up before it is time quite a bit. It's only 20 minutes, and I try to be productive still, but every once in awhile, it would be nice to sleep in until it went off.

IOP this morning. Yesterday's was interesting. It was on PAWS (Post Acute Withdrawal Syndrome) that deals with symptoms several months (or years) after one quits drinking. Talked about the 'plateau' you hit, and start to backslide. I know she picked that specifically for me, because of our Wednesday session. Here I am at 7 months sober, and though I am not struggling currently, there is always a possibility.

My calendar is free after that. Tomorrow, I have been invited to a friend's granddaughter's birthday party that is being held at the Post. It's sort of invite only, so that is nice. I need to get a card and I'll throw $20 in it. I think she is about 10'ish. Then may stay for the Queen of Hearts drawing. I haven't stayed past 7pm on a Saturday at the Post in several weeks. I should make an 'appearance' for the karaoke crowd.

RM and I set plans for lunch on Tuesday. She took the day off work (not for me) and with the car drop-off, it works out well. Looks like we are going to Red Robin (endless side salads) after my IOP that morning. I was debating bringing my headset when I go to RM's, to make it so passer-bys cannot hear what is being said, but PT is hard enough of hearing, I don't think it will matter, as long as he knows he can't interrupt me with questions during my session. 

Disability. I have a friend on the "inside" regarding my Disability filing. She called me yesterday and asked have I gotten the letter yet. I knew to what she was referring, and said no. She said they sent a letter, and was all she could share. But in her voice, she sounded happy, so I am thinking I got approved the first time through, and those payments will start soon. It'll be nice to have the extra income since I cannot work currently, and to help with the medical bills. Didn't come yesterday... maybe today.

Bio's are okay this morning. BP is a little low, glucose is where it has been resting for a few months. 

Welp, I am outta thoughts this morning.

PeacE

Running Late ...

 ... this morning since I guess my body decided it needed just one more hour of sleep. I did sleep well last night, so that "extra" hour - I dunno, but it just set back my routing for the morning. My IOP starts here shortly.

I texted RM yesterday to "remind" her it's about time for our lunch date again. I say remind in that way, as I know she doesn't forget it, she looks forward to our one-on-one time, as do I. Since my weekends are fairly clear for the foreseeable future, I let her pick the date. I'm supposed to find a place. I wanted to find a place I, at least, have not been to before, but it's kind of hard to find one. I should clarify, hard to find a place where RM doesn't have to drive terribly far from home. I'm not saying she has issues driving (like PT) but I do it to try to make it easier. Best would be for me to pick-up/drop-off at her house, but sometimes that is a bit further. Maybe I'll start giving her the option to meet, or for me to pick her up ... let it be her decision. But still haven't found a place yet. Almost everywhere has a House Salad and Italian dressing so I'm good with whatever we decide.

I had my weekly personal session with my Group Leader yesterday. I yakked for a good 40 minutes. After the beginning "small talk" of how are you feeling and are you still working your goals, it merged into my medical and she was asking quite a few questions about the transplant process, estimated times, etc. Then we brought up my end date. June 9th is my last IOP class. Which, once I send a copy (JPG/GIF/PDF) of my completion certificate, that is the last thing on my deferment list, from what I received back in late March/early April. If Mayo has completed the things on their end, my case will go to the Transplant Council within a week for consideration again. That's when I make the List, or learn of other deferments that may have arisen since the last meeting. Getting closer to the goal!

Overall health today is good. Still kind of waking up. Bio figures are fine. I feel pretty good and ready for my IOP (in 20 minutes). I guess I should get off here and take care of the bathroom issues before the meeting....

PeacE

Morning Libations

 I slept good last night. After the previous two nights, I guess the body decided to correct itself, and I drifted off to sleep within moments of laying down. Only recall waking twice (bathroom calls) yet still woke 30 minutes before my alarm. Sigh. What can one do?

It dawned on me just a few minutes ago, I'm turning into (I don't know how else to say it, so no offense) an "old" person. I get up early (for me), I do my morning routine - you know, bathroom, get dressed, check blood pressure (been running a little low lately - today is 104/60) then check glucose (97 today). 'Turn on' the computer, check my calendar for what today holds. And the routine drops into place. I almost feel like going outside and yelling at someone walking by to "Get off my lawn" except it is way to hot out, and not many walk by the house.

How am I doing medically? I'm holding on - no. That sounds like I'm near death (which I am not). Medications are the paracentesis every now and then are holding my symptoms at bay. I have about 3 weeks to go in my IOP, at which point I believe I have completed everything on the list regarding the deferment. Which means soon my case will go up to the transplant council to determine making the Waiting List. Am I getting 'antsy' about it? Nah. Nothing I can do at this time except finish the IOP and maintain my meetings. Side note: Last night with my transplant support/AA meeting, we had a great topic about "Giving Without Strings" based off the AA Daily Affirmation of the day. Not in the biblical, sermon-type way. Moreso about helping other alcoholics recover, and support.

This weekend is Memorial Day weekend, and though the Post has a few events going on, I am not sure how many I will help with. Saturday they do the 'flag drop' at the cemetery near the Post (placing flags at each Veteran's stone) followed by a breakfast at the Post. Monday they are doing three flag raisings that morning, the final one being at the Post around 10:30am, I probably will make that one. Tuesday is their FOD walk, where the flags are picked back up, bundled, and returned to the Post for next year. This is usually done by the high school ROTC groups (about 4-5 of them this year) but open to any that want to help. Maybe I will check with the Youngest and see if he would like to do the flag drop again. He did go with me a couple years ago, and said he actually enjoyed it. Amazing what giving some time for a good thing is ale to make a person feel! I figure he won't do it this year, but I'll ask.

Well, this morning's drink of choice is Canada Dry ginger ale. No, not feeling nausea, just out of other soda and I wanted some carbonation. It'll be tea afterwards I am sure. Side thought: too much tea causing the sleeplessness? Too much caffeine? Nah.

One thing on the calendar for today, and it isn't until 2pm, so I got time to pick up a prescription this morning after 9am. I should work on the minutes from the Riders meeting, but I am pushing that off today. 

Okay, I'm outta here....

PeacE