'Never Too Old To Learn' ...

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

My tale gets a little boggling from there.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

PeacE

Does It Truly Get Better?

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

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

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

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

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

PeacE

Messed Up Sleep

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

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

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

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

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

PeacE

And The Winning Lottery Number Is ....

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

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

Welp, it's short, but here.

PeacE

Is It Summer Already?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

PeacE

I'm Messed Up

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

PeacE

PeacE

Now I Am Too Busy ...

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

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

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

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

PeacE