A Day of Nothing

 As part of my morning routine, I check my calendar for any appointments, events, etc. Today is the first weekday in quite awhile that it is blank. No IOP. No personal session. No appointment at Mayo. It feels a bit weird not having anything I HAVE to do.

Yesterday, at the completion of the IOP session, I received my certificate of completion, which I promptly forwarded to Mayo. This was the last deferment item that I was in control of completing, in order to get on the waiting list. The Transplant Council meets today, and I am hoping my case is up for review. I did receive two separate phone calls from Mayo yesterday afternoon. One was to schedule Bloodwork/Nurse/doctor visit (24th) and a Zoom meeting with the head psychologist (17th), so they did move those appointments up sooner. I am hoping they are able to put me on the list, and just have these two items to be completed then. I just don't know, so I am a bit ... anxious? apprehensive? nervous? ... as I wait to hear what is going on. It could be that it doesn't go to Council today, and instead have to wait until after these appointments. I just don't know. I am going off of what my Team Psyche doctor told me last week about it going to council today. Either way, fingers crossed.

I am a bit groggy this morning. I took one of my sleeping pills last night, and slept through until the alarm went off (7am) and then I rolled over and slept until about 8am. I think it is a side effect of the pill, but it is clearing up pretty fast.

VFW Riders dinner this Friday. I ended up asking my brother to come and help by doing the grilling. I never learned the "art" of it, and don't trust myself. I never made it out to the bread store, so figure I will just pick up the cheap brand at the store. It will cost versus being donated, but at this point I just don't care. The whole Riders chapter is on my crap list right now.

I suppose I should go finish my morning routine and see if RM has something up.

PeacE

It Is Finished ...

 No, not the bible quote, but my IOP I had to attend. After 2 months, 11 hours per week, this step in my journey is over. In some ways I compare it to a video game where I have just finished my 'Apprenticeship' and now may roam the world better equipped in mind and body. I've mentioned before that I really did enjoy this course and I did. I learned more about my triggers, ways to cope with things and over all how to be more self-aware. But that ends today. My Group Lead should have my completion paperwork ready for when session is over today, which I will promptly forward over to Mayo. More on that in a minute.

Last Wednesday during my 'personal' session with the Group Lead, we did the ending self-exam. That gal said she was going to miss me and that I was one of the most fun people they have had in sessions in awhile. They had even allotted me like a couple minutes after each session to share a joke - I need to find a good one for today.

So once I get the completion paperwork, and promptly get it over to Mayo, it concludes my part of the deferments that I am in control of. The psychologist I meet once a month, and last week, said it should go to the Transplant Council this week (they meet on Wednesdays) and I could have an answer this week about making the Waiting List, or if other issues came up that need to be addressed beforehand.

Yesterday I went and did lab work (1 vial of blood) and then headed to Walgreens. I did not "lose it". I did not yell and scream. I explained what happened, and the lady went to check my records on the computer. She says,"Well, the prescription is available for the full amount as of 6/4. I looked at her, and said, "Today's the 8th. Fill it, now. I never got the refill notice from Walgreens, otherwise this would not be happening." I didn't want to wait around there for 30-45 minutes (they are only like 5 minutes from home) so I went home. Come afternoon after I got the text it was ready, I thought I should go up and get it, plus the one for my Wife, but I couldn't. My mind was ... messed up. I didn't feel right driving (that's HUGE coming from me). I thought the Youngest would be out of bed soon, and he could drive us up, hit the drive-thru, and back home in 10 minutes. Only he didn't get up. The Wife texted, asking if I got hers, and briefly in text said no, don't feel good. They are open until 9pm. Get mine too. And she did.

So I took some last night, and am able to already tell a difference from not taking this for a week. I was up three additional times last night to drain the bladder. I'm still waking up, so will as the day goes how my head feels. I do have an Auxiliary meeting tonight.

Alright. So there may be some really good news within the next couple days. I'm off to find a good joke.

PeacE

Some Days ...

 ... it is hard to be positive about things. Now, I have been pretty much a pessimist for years. Always seeing the bad side of things. Well, I have been trying to turn that around these past few weeks, and have mad moderate success. It's a job to change a habit. This week is feeling like a bad one, even with all the good stuff happening.

I didn't make it to Walgreens yesterday. The Wife needed to run into work and finish some reports that are due on Mondays. Seems the other PT was out last week on vacation, and the Wife didn't want to leave a pile of stuff for her to wade through and do. So, I stayed home. I only left to get a pick-up from Fry's for a couple items I needed for my chili. First time I have used the pick-up option, and it was so easy, and convenient, I would pay the nominal fee that they charge for it. I was earlier than the time allotted, and it still took less than 5 minutes. Speaking of, I thought the chili turned out really well. The Wife said it had some spiciness to it (she can't handle that) and I admitted that one of the cans of beans said it had jalapenos in it ... but I didn't notice that until it was open and I was dumping it in. The other can was regular. I blame someone in the store for putting that jalapeno one with the regular... The Youngest even had two bowls! To me that is a good sign. I even have leftovers for today ... or tomorrow.

Have a blood draw for lab work scheduled today at 9am. Afterwards, I am head to Sun City to a day-old bread store that have donated for the Riders before. I am hoping they will donate some hamburger and hot dog buns, that I can pick up Thursday for Friday's dinner. I'm still trying to find someone to grill the meat, and may end up using my brother. He said he would know Tuesday, as he has to work around a sitter (
one of his kids) for his granddaughter. 

Since I am less than a mile away from RM's at that point, I said I may stop by and visit a short while. I do have a 1pm Zoom meeting that I would prefer to do at home, versus from my phone, so probably won't stay overly long. Reminds me I need to get the jar from her salsa and the bag she sent them in back to her. Let's see if I forget or not.

Having gone a whole week without that one prescription has made a difference. I am distended a bit, nay a lot, more than usual. It is a diuretic, and without it, I'm not getting enough fluid out of my system. I have been good about keeping an appointment for paracentesis each week, and calling to cancel if I don't need it, but this week got lost in the shuffle I guess, as I don't have one scheduled for this week. Going to try to make it to next Wednesday. I think it is harder since it has started to warm up so much here, and even though I am on a fluid restriction, I think I tend to drink a bit more water due to the heat. Shrug. If I have time, I'll stop at Walgreens on the way home.

And now it is just after 4:30am. I am awake and bored.

PeacE

Good Cop, Bad Cop

 I imagine that is how it will go at the pharmacy at some point today. One of my prescriptions has gotten messed up between the doctor, the pharmacy, and my insurance ... and a little bit by me. My fault in it is that I should have caught it before ...

What am I talking about? This one prescription is one of diuretics, which means it is a blood pressure pill as well. I started these back in December, I think - maybe January) and it was prescribed for two 100mg tablets a day. This was the 'liver doctor' that took three months to see back int he beginning. Anyways, Mayo decided to increase it to three pills/day. The prescription was sent in to Walgreens and life went on with me taking the dosage amount.

I Should have looked at the label (aside from verifying which med it was) and noticed, it still said 2/day. Two weeks ago, I noticed that oddly enough, I was running out. I filled my weekly pill boxes, and yes, I ran out. I happened to check the label and notice it was the old prescription. Well, I contacted Mayo and explained what was going on, they checked again with the doctor, confirmed it is 3/day. I said I need a new prescription sent over then, as well as one to give me an additional 30 pills so I can 'hold out' until it is time to refill. New prescription went over. My insurance put a hold on it because it hasn't been long enough from the last refill. I ran out about mid-week.

So, today I am taking the Wife with me, and going to Walgreens, to see if they can just get the pills to last me until the refill time and I'll pay out of pocket or whatever. My problem is that I start to get very frustrated and angry that even after things were explained, everyone seems like 'Okay. Well, your refill is due...' The Wife is going to keep me from raising my voice and be the voice of reason. I hope. And I hope to resolve this today. Last night I started feeling weird. It's hard to describe, so I won't waste your time describing it, but I believe it is because I haven't been taking this medication for several days. I cannot verify that. This morning I feel slightly better, but not 100%. Lord, please make this happen....

I am making dinner tonight. I figured I will crockpot a batch of chili. I got most of the fixings Wednesday, but realized last night I forgot something, and also picked up the wrong kind of beans. Sigh. What was I thinking? I picked up pinto beans, when I wanted ranch style/kidney beans. I don't even like pinto beans... So I see a grocery stop today as well.

I ordered some things from amazon a few days ago. A new S-pen for my tablet. A can tip that "spreads out" four legs. Not so much needed for balance and all, but because  the cane I am using currently is a walking can, straight, no hook. So when I sit down, it has to be propped just right to keep it from clattering to the ground. This new end-piece will make it "stand on its own" so that I don't need to worry about it sliding down the floor so much. Also got a new tablet protector case that meets my desires - my old one has been abused so much, several clips have broken, and the tablet falls out of it when carried a certain way. I've had that case since I bought the tablet several years ago. Well, the first two were to be arriving on Friday, the tablet protector on Saturday. Friday I get an email there was a "problem with the delivery" and that they would try again. I'm guessing it was marked to go out, and missed the truck or something like that. No biggee - it'll be here in a couple extra days. The cover arrived yesterday with no problem. No other package. I went online to see if there was more information about this error, but it all just stays the same. So, I figure it must be an error on their part somewhere in the process. Hope it comes Monday. OR better yet, today.

Tomorrow, I shall recount the adventures of today, and hope that there are good things to report ... or at least humorous one.

PeacE

Celebrate Good TImes, Come On!

 Today is a day of celebration! Well, everyday is as it says we should rejoice in the Lord daily, but I'm trying to keep the religious out of the conversation for now.

Today marks nine months of sobriety for me. No relapses. I am turning into a better person with not drinking, as well as all the stuff I am learning how to 're-do' in life: being more empathetic, a better listener, nicer. It's hard for an old asshole like me to make these changes ... but here I am doing it.

Short and sweet today. I have two meetings I want to do today. First the 12 & 12 study with my AA/transplant support group, followed by my regular AA home group. And yes, I'm going to enjoy the short minute where everyone claps and says "Good Job!" on my nine months. Then I am going to the bar and having a shot - just kidding! Probably will be at the Post tonight.

Y'all have a good 'un...

PeacE

School is Almost ...

 ... over. Completed. Finished. The. End. My last day of IOP is Tuesday and in some aspects, that is a terrific thing. Once done I should have my case reviewed by the Council for consideration to add to the Waiting List. Aside from completing the IOP, they wanted another MRI of the abdomen, which I am having done at 5:45pm today. Hopefully rush hour will be easy on us, and we will be going against the rush...will have to see.

I'm up early today because ... well, it's because ... Heck. I don't know why, I just am. Nothing to really share today. I have been over the topic of wrapping up all the deferments, and talking about that, that not much else has been on my mind.

Yesterday I was pretty sore. All in a good way. When I had spent the better part of the afternoon doing errands and a little grocery shopping, it was quite a bit of exertion. After that, the Wife (who was off work that day) said I should have hollered for her to come help unload the bags. I gave her a blank look and asked why? I felt good enough to do it, and without help I did bring it all in in two trips. There were some heavier items: 2-liters, gallon of milk, couple 1-gal jugs of Arizona Tea for Youngest, etc. Oh I started to feel it after I was able to sit down for a minute. Yesterday, my calves, knees and hip were quite vehement about being abused the day before. Today not so bad ... still sore a bit, but overall good.

My crockpot recipe I made Wednesday night went over well, so I have added it to my repertoire. It was a really good four ingredient deal for the crockpot, and it cooked about 3.5 hours. I did make a couple mental adjustments to the recipe for next time, though I don't know when that will be, so I hope I remember it then. Sunday I am making some chili for dinner.

Welp, I think I will get out of here for the day. Y'all have a great Friday!

Oh! Just for you ...

Isn't it ironic that the colors red, white and blue stand for freedom ... unless they are flashing behind you.

PeacE

A Little Bit of Good News ...

 ... goes a long way! This morning I had the Zoom meeting with the psychologist on my team. She was thrilled to see how I have changed - even in just the last 30 days. I let her know my IOP is done Tuesday and that was the last deferment item within my control. Was there anything more the hospital needed to complete (with or without me). The only outstanding item she saw, was another MRI of the Abdomen, which I explained is scheduled for Friday at 5:45pm. She said all she needs is the completion paper to show I completed the IOP, and my case will go to the Council again. There they will determine if I make the list or not, or if they want to add some more procedures/tests for whatever reason. She said if I can get the paper to her Tuesday afternoon, it could go in front of the Council on Wednesday next week. In my head, that feels quick, but everything else IS done. Hoping for good news next week.

Today was busy for me and physically tiring. I had my two Zoom appointments, and did a Zoom AA meeting in between. At 1pm I loaded up to go get stuff done out of the house. Went to the dentist office (less than a mile from my house) to get my appointment set. I had called earlier and got their AI bot answering service. I did notice to call me to schedule an appointment, in the afternoon. No text. No call. And when I pulled into the office, I saw why. Despite the phone recording saying open on Wed, Fri and Sat, but the security gate was down over the doors, and no cars were in the lot. This is at approximately 1:15p. Sigh.

Next on my list was the drugs ... *ahem* ... I mean the prescriptions. I barely made it to the window before their lunch break at Walgreens, and picked up 4 of them. Next was CVS less than a mile on T-bird from Walgreens. They had in the "special order" pills I take to help with the encephalopathy. Picked up - check.

I was a couple miles from my car wash, which was also on the way to the grocery (Frys/Kroger) so I ran the car through. I did a couple new window stickers. One is smaller and has a picture of like an AR-15 with the words "the second protects the first". The other I have had for a couple years, and just never knew where it was for my first new car (which never had stickers/decals on it) but I found it about a month ago whilst going through some older paperwork in my desk. It is from the company of the same name, that does beard products, called 'Live Bearded'. It is a head shot with only the hair silhouette showing of a beard male. Looks cool now.

Got to the grocery and spent too much time walking through the store. But I needed to get a few items for the crockpot dinner I was making tonight, and for the dinner I am making on Sunday. Of course, because I was there in person, I picked some others things we could use, and maybe want somewhat (Sodas, etc.). Got milk. Then headed home. I unloaded the car myself! There were about 10 or so bags, and they weren't exactly light - well, to me. I know I have lost some muscle mass, but today I saw I definitely need to work my arms/chest as they were tired with two loads of multiple plastic bags.

I started dinner. It was a video I had found on social media, and looked good. It has only four ingredients into a crockpot for about 3.5 - 4 hours. It's a winner! Both the Wife and Youngest said it was pretty good! Saving for future dinner reference! 

Now I am ready for bed. I did take the trash out (pick up is tomorrow morning, before I get up). I'm going to try to talk Youngest into putting away the remaining part of supper, put the crockpot thingy in the sink and fill with water - I Will wash tomorrow. Also take out the recycle for us. Our cans are not full, in case he "forgets" or just doesn't do it ... but he BETTER put up the leftovers.

And with that, I am out of here. I wrote this one tonight so RM will have something to read in the morning.

PeacE