Saturday, Splatter Day

 I awoke to rain this morning. The Youngest Son said it had been pouring in the earlier hours of the morning. Maybe it has released enough that the rest of the day the showers will be scattered... One may hope. The drive to Tucson should be fine road-wise, but I cannot speak for the idiot drivers that cannot drive in rain, or wet road conditions. But I would journey through Hell to see my granddaughters!

Not much to write about today. I did a Walmart pick up yesterday, having to go way over to 67th Ave/Peoria. They were the only place that had the Little Debbie's Christmas Cake Coffee Creamer - you know you have to try it! I haven't yet had the chance. Maybe I will get a coffee for the road and bring a bottle to Tucson. I also got a couple small boxed of the Christmas Cakes, the cherry pies, the apple pies and the cookies and cream brownies.

Welp, I need to do some quiet time, then I am going to try to squeeze a meeting in at 8am before we head down.

PeacE

After the Climax

 Excitement and the desire to tell the world about my making the Waiting List has passed, as I knew it would. I did share with my AA group yesterday - many that knew what I was going through cheered. I also shared it at the weekly Transplant Support group meeting Mayo does, and received more resounding cheers. Then I decided I was done. Previously I had shared via email and text to friends/family and had received many positive replies back (like who would send a negative, when it is is easier to just not write back.

So things are dropping back into normal. I was checking my patient portal for Mayo yesterday, and paying a bill, when I noticed that they had snuck in an appointment no one had told me about for today around 10a. It's with Dr. C, whom I have met with before for consults. When I got the call about making the list, it was discussed and I agreed to a doctor meeting for nutrition/diet to keep the weight down (or lose more) and staying healthier with the newer liver. I know that was going to be Dr. C. But I was under the impression it would AFTER the transplant, because doesn't help much prior to (nausea to certain foods, etc.). Where they usually have a brief description of what the appointment is for, there is nothing. So today will be a surprise. I am hoping it is something to do with the timeline, or procedural stuff, etc. regarding the transplant.

I still need to get out and pick up the Vitamin E they said I should start taking. Maybe we will stop by Walgreens today and see if they have what the nurse suggested. AT this point in time, what's one more pill?

I made it up to the Post yesterday, but there was hardly anyone there, so after a tea, I came back home. I had been hoping to see some people I knew better, but maybe it was just too early on a Thursday - it was around 3p. No idea when I will make it up there again. I did hear (rumor vine) that someone had been talking about finding and getting someone to do my job while I was out. For which Committee    or group I do not know.

Saturday we are planning the trip to Tucson for Halloween. The Wife wants to go trick or treating with the granddaughters around the neighborhood. I just want to see them as it has been awhile. Youngest Son said he would ride with us as well. We will come back home afterwards later in the night.

I can't think of anything else right now, so shall let you go do whatever.

PeacE

The List

 We all have lists: to-do list, grocery list, just to name a couple. We may not write it down, but we know we use one. We experience being on others' lists: shit list, patient list, order list. I never considered a list to be a big thing until just a few short months ago. The one called a Waiting List. Now there are several different kinds of WL. There's the one that you are one waiting to see your PCP in the afternoon. Waiting for you car to be fixed at the garage. Being in line at the store to check-out. My big one lately has been the one for a transplant for a liver.

I started with Mayo back early this year. There was quite a bit of testing to see basically how my whole body is doing. I was deferred from the wait list until I completed some requirements for their program: an IOP (8-weeks long) and start attending AA meetings (ongoing). Only because the liver damage was alcohol related, though I had not had urges to drink at all since September. They wanted me to have vaccinations up to date. That had me quit taking the THC gummies (to help me sleep) back in February on their first call to me. Completed, I waited them to review my case. I was deferred again as they wanted a cardiologist to look at the status of my veins for calcium build-up that could complicate surgery. A month later, I was deferred again and told I had to quit smoking. I quit within days (though I still have urges at times). Then it was a lab result figure that kept me from the list for a couple months.

Tuesday I had another set of labs done (been monthly since day one). Tuesday afternoon I got the call, the result they had been not liking was good now, and I was going to the Selection Comm. on Wednesday to decide if I made the list. The next 24 hours, I was mentally going bonkers. Anxiety, hope, disappointment, fear - all flashed through my mind. What if I make it? What if I don't? Late afternoon on Wednesday I got a call. I had made the List!! I would not be considered Active, so would not be considered for a liver though until they were able to verify with the insurance of coverage for the transplant, and authorizations. That generally takes about a week, plus/minus. Once that is approved, I am officially on the Waiting List and literally, waiting for a liver that meets the criteria for me. I had been told an estimate back in the beginning that with my blood type and body size, it could be as little as 3-5 months waiting. In my transplant support zoom group though, there has been several transplants completed (by/at Mayo Phx) for guys that have been on the list only a couple weeks. So ... who knows? Well, aside from God.

So, I sit and wait for the insurance verification process. I'll sit and wait while on the Waiting List. At this time there is nothing more I can do but try to keep my health from worsening (if possible) until the transplant. And that does not bother me, because at least now, the Wait time is towards a goal.

God and I spent quite a bit of time last night off and on, talking. Well, I talked, he listened. I praised and thanked Him over and over for getting me to and on the Wait List. I asked to calm my emotions, at least until I am officially Active. Earlier in the evening I spent time sending updates to friends and family of the great news, the next step, etc. I asked for prayers that I make it this far be re-directed to finding a liver for me and that the transplant goes well.

And that brings me to this morning. I think you could understand why I am tired and wanting a nap.

PeacE

Banker's Hours

 In this 'online era' we don't hear this phrase as much. Everything has gone to 24/7 access with the internet. But it was phrase I heard a bit when I was young. I always thought it mean having easy hours, 9a-5p versus having a job that was earlier or later starting/ending. Also for when it came to holidays, as the bank kept Federal holidays as well, so more days off.

I'm starting to feel, with it being that time of year, the the doctors get the same 'banker's hours'. I was on the phone yesterday trying to schedule my paracentesis appointments for November. Two weeks in the middle of the month I couldn't get my Wednesday (huh?) and actually had to use an earlier or later day. I did one each direction. The last week was fine, as was the first week. Thanksgiving and time off for the tech and u/s people...sigh. Not saying they don't deserve it, and I understand not working full staff, unless it comes to my care. Sigh. Even Mayo wants me to schedule a Zoom meeting with the psychologist for Dec. 22, which is not going to happen. I'll be lucky to get anything scheduled before mid-January.

An hour after my labs were drawn, I'm getting notes that some results are ready. I looked. Not the ones that matter. I will be watching this all day.

So now you know how boring today will be for me ....

PeacE

I'm Pickled (in a good way)

 Saturday night I took 15 minutes and made a jar of pickles. Nothing special. Just some Italian Seasoned ones, like my first attempt many months ago. They are chilling in the fridge and permeating the brine. It was two packages of the tiny cukes that RM had sent home. I haven't looked to see how many packages are left of what she sent, but I also do not want the fridge over-flowing with pickles right now (just now, otherwise it is fine). I'm anxious to try one, but will wait a couple more days. I did prep another jar a bit smaller for another batch. Maybe throw in some of the peppers and use one package of cukes. Been going through some of the pickle recipes I have saved to see if some flavor stands out I want to try. I haven't picked up any jalapenos, and I don't think I will. I do have a jar of pepperoncini maybe I'll add some of them to the mix, to warm it up a little. Ideas ....

Saturday night, all the grandkids went out to trunk or treats. The girls did in Tucson, and Doc did up here. I have pictures, but am not posting here. RM, I'll send over a few this morning, to be sure you got to see them. I guess the girls are going out Saturday for the actual holiday, but just in their neighborhood. The Wife mentioned about going down for Saturday, and coming back up later. I only have a District Aux meeting scheduled that day, and I can get out of it, so we may end up going to Tucson Saturday. Noy 100% sure just yet.

Tomorrow is an important day. I go at like 7am to Mayo to do blood and urine labs. Hopefully the numbers they are looking at have gone down, and I will make the review council on Wednesday, pass and be on the waiting list. This is all out of my hands at this point. After being told about this a few weeks ago, I reverted my diet back to what it was before to see if it was a mixture of food that caused it. Which means I haven't been doing my protein shakes in the morning (but will resume them after the test results come in). There were some other changes, too. Just trying to get the numbers back to where they were. No idea if it will help/hurt. Also, it is unusual that I do not have a Nurse or Doctor consult following the lab work as I usually do. They avoiding me? Did they screw up? Oh my mind is going 20-million different directions (my overthinking) and I need to drop it and let God handle it.

I have a paracentesis still scheduled for Wednesday. If I can get the number down to 4 or less, I'll go to every two weeks, etc. last week was 6.4L and doubling that...no. No way to go two weeks. In fact I need to schedule some more appointments today.

Now it is time to move on to the next item of the morning routine....

PeacE

No Food Shopping For A Month ...

 ... is what I told myself as we left Peoria Discount yesterday. Let's get you caught up in my drama.

Friday, as you read, my plans were changed unexpectedly. Well, the Wife and I did make it to the Discount Grocery yesterday, spent WAY too much money. As I was leaving I was telling my self that we shouldn't need any food for at least a month (aside from necessities like milk, soda, etc.) as we had all this, plus everything at home. They were good deals, though, and I left happily with many options for lunches and snacks. And juice. By the time we made it home though, I was a walking sore muscle. I hurt everywhere from mid-back and down. Too much walking I think.

I had not slept well the night before, and I really wanted to nap, but wanted to sleep last night, so stayed up. At one point, Middle Son 's partner said they were doing a trunk or treat at her work, or her church...? One of them. And had invited us along to hang out and have some time with Doc. I couldn't. I could barely walk to the bathroom. But the Wife went and got some photos. Doc was cute in his skeleton outfit. I made it to about 8:30p before I had to sleep and I feel I slept decently. Must be why I am awake at 5am.

I did use up two packs of the mini-cukes RM had sent and made a jar of pickles. Now, I don't make it to store in the pantry, so generally I make what I'm making and put in the fridge for a few days. Comes out pretty good. This batch I took them and made spears by cutting them in half (they so little). I did my Italian seasoned recipe and it smelled good before I put in the fridge. a couple three more days and they will be ready. I'm going to go through all the pickling recipes I saved and see what else sounds good to make, to use up some more of the cukes quickly.

Not sure if I will make church today. I am not hurting as bad as I thought I might (muscles). I will start my quiet time when I post this. I haven't been to any of my meetings online since earlier this week - just have not felt good enough, or was sleeping. I should try to do that if I am not going to church, so they know I am okay.

RM, you mentioned Tuesday evening you were going to have 2 more mystery boxes, and maybe I could swing out there and take some of it home as well (depending what all it is). I kind of doubt it. Driving t night by myself is something I avoid. Daytime is one thing... I would still plan on Friday, and if if there is more to send home for us, you could just get it to the Wife.

We did not go to the steak fry last night. The main purpose I had wanted to go was for Youngest to meet people, and see how some monies from the Aux is spent (and have a good steak dinner) but he decided he didn't feel like going (typical). So I told the Wife we didn't need to go since he didn't want to. Neither did she really. So we all just 'create your own' for dinner last night. If the Wife goes to church, I am going to try to get her to do Subway for lunch - heck, even if she doesn't go to church I'll try. I even wrote out what I wanted all ready for her.

And now I am off for some quiet time.

PeacE

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