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

*yawn* Hey. Mornin' ...

 ... has come, and I forced my butt out of bed. The Wife is off from work today, so when my alarm went off at 7am, I was going to just 'nap until' it was time for my first appointment today. But no. I argued myself out of bed to get the day started. Have several things I Want to accomplish today.

First up, I have a 9:15am Zoom meeting with the psychologist on my transplant team. It shouldn't last more than 30-45 minutes I think.

At noon I have a 1-on-one with the Group Lead for my IOP. This will be my last personal meeting with her as I finish up the program on Tuesday. That one will last an hour.... she always gets me talking!

Those are the only things on my calendar, but there is more I want to accomplish today. I need to look up a couple crockpot recipes I had saved to try, figure what ingredients we have here at home and go to the store for the ones we don't. I am going to do dinner tonight probably.

Need to pick up prescriptions. I have been out of a couple all this week so far, so "my meds are messed up". I have notice that 3 are ready for pick up. 

I need to schedule a dental appointment regarding this tooth pain. It faded (finally! around 6:30p yesterday, and is only slightly bothering me this morning. Need to get the deep cleanings scheduled as well.

I paid current the balance I had at Mayo Clinic yesterday. Now to start working on my Banner balance and yet leave some monies free to help cover the dental work I need right now.

At some point by Monday I need to get out to the 'one-day' bread store out near RM's. We are doing hot dogs and hamburgers for the Riders meal NEXT Friday and we need buns. We have used this store before and they were ecstatic to help us out and donated what we needed. I am hoping it goes as smoothly as then, as I was not the person that "landed" this place for bread donations. Need to get an email out to the Riders who has signed up for what, and see if anyone will step up.

By tomorrow evening, I need to get the minutes completed and sent from the House/Entertainment committee meeting last night.

So ... busy day for me even though I know probably not all of it will get done. Appointments, dental, medications, then everything else is my priority order. I'll add in I may do an AA meeting today as well. That will be at 11am if I do it. Will see if I am busy at that time and plan accordingly.

I read this morning that my Brother has all five of his grandkids for a couple days. I am debating hooking up and going there to visit them. Everybody loves Uncle Ralph! Some I have not seen in awhile as they live far enough out of town I am not driving 4 hours just to visit someone else's grandkid! Well, depending on the circumstances, but to visit ... no.

The Wife has some things she wants to get done today, like planting some new rose bushes out front. I don't know if we just have some bad soil, they aren't properly cared for (watering, sun exposure), or what, but they newer plants seem to keep dying - no matted the time of year. I know she plants them in fresh potting soil, but other than that, I have no idea what she does, except water them. Maybe she just needs to add some rose plant food. I dunno. 

I am sure the Wife would love to do a lunch date with me today, but I just don't know. I have that appt. at noon for an hour, then I need to get meds, food, running around done before returning home to start on dinner. Sometimes when she gets an occasional day off it is hard to plan anything as she doesn't even know until the day before.

I miss my grandkids. I got to have lunch (Papaw's treat) with the Wife, Middle Son, his partner, and Doc - my only grandSON at this time. It wasn't much, but it was still good - even if the almost one year old wouldn't have anything but a stare for me the whole time. Cried whenever I would reach for him. Sigh. This to shall pass. I think it about time to go to Tucson for a day, or see when they are coming up this way , so I will be able to see the Daughter and family. Doodad is out of school for the summer, and Widget ... some of the antics we hear about her are just wonderful! She's going to end up sassy like her mother.

I am sure there is more I could write about, but I would have to sit and think about what. So on that note (B Flat) I am going to end this for the day with a funny.

 - I used to say "Have a wonderful day!" to everyone I met or interacted with. But now I decided to change it to "Have the day you deserve!". Let Karma sort that stuff out.

PeacE

Only The Gray Ones ...

 ... are the ones I want to get cut. That means a full haircut these days. I have an IOP session this morning, then nothing until evening time for a House Comm. meeting. I did get the Agenda done on Sunday and sent out. Then yesterday, the Chair sends an email out of two more items to be discussed. Seems some calls came in yesterday (after I sent the Agenda). Sigh. I didn't revise. It's all new business so I will just add to the Minutes as such.

IOP - we are down to one week left. The 9th is my last session, and I 'graduate'. Once I get the letter and certificate, I will forward on to Mayo Clinic, and have them review things to be sure all the items that were deferred before are completed. The ones under my control, I have marked off my copy of the list (8-week IOP, AA meetings, vaccinations). The vaccinations they said could actually be done while I am on the waiting list, and I probably should get the meningitis done, but the couple Walgreens near me are out of it, and so is my PCP's office. I am mixed about completing this IOP. I actually have learned quite a bit that has helped me change my outlook on Life, and how to be more self-aware. But I don't want to pay more money to extend the time. Besides, I don't think there is much more they cover that hasn't been done this past 7 weeks.

I am getting a haircut today. I have been saying that for a week now, but when I have the time to do it, I forget to go. I don't schedule my haircuts at a salon, but just use Great Clips services. I plan to do it this afternoon.

I have been having a toothache off and on for the past couple months - since the last appointment I had with the dentist. It isn't his fault. He had me start using a water pik, and I think it did so well, that when I use it between certain teeth, it found the sore spot. So it will flare up for several hours to a day, then fade away for multiple days at a time - always when I need to schedule the deep cleaning he wants to do, and a couple extractions - the one that hurts was a later on down the line one. I had been waiting to hear about the disability getting approved so I can pay for the work being done, and now it is here, I need to get things scheduled. The dentist has some unconventional hours, and are not open until Wednesday (they are open on Saturdays though), so that will be a call first thing tomorrow.

Welp, I guess that's all I have today. I need to call and cancel my paracentesis that is scheduled for Wednesday, and move it to the end of June to keep my "rolling appointment" until I need it.

PeacE

The Morning Went Where?

 This morning went by pretty fast. Of course sleeping in does that. Two or three nights ago I was up most of the night ( I Think I mentioned it earlier) and for at the past couple days I have been trying to make up for some of that sleeplessness. Last night was the night evidently, as I slept through until about 9:30 this morning. I woke at one point and turned off the alarm (7am) and dozed back off, evidently. Spent some cuddle-time with the Wife, and was able to go attend a Zoom meeting with my AA home group.

It's into the early afternoon now, and I suppose we should figure out what to have for lunch. I did snack a little on some pickle de Gallo I picked up yesterday. That stuff is soooo good! Really now big plans today. I friend is having a birthday party, but I don't much feel like going as now. I am not even sure I want to head to the Post for the afternoon/evening.

No major plans this week. Friday I am having another MRI of my abdomen completed. It's at 5:45pm, so will have to deal with rush hour traffic to Mayo, but most of it should be done by the time I am done (probably about an hour). I have a Zoom meeting with the Mayo psychologist on my team. It may last an hour on Wednesday. IOP for the regular three days, and the two Zooms with the counselor and my team lead. This is my last full week of IOP, as I finish the program on the 9th. That's 11 hours extra each week I will regain. Now, how to productively use that...

With IOP finished, and the MRI, that should clear all the deferments that Mayo required me to complete prior to a decision if I make the list. so in about 2-3 weeks, my case should be going to the Council for a decision. I know many have been praying for good health and recovery for me, so as to hopefully NOT have the transplant. I have mixed feelings about that. I think it would be great if I had some healing, but at the same time, I want the transplant (and other related things with it) versus a healing. I don't know. It's a weird thing. I figured see if I make the list, and if I don't, just roll with the punches and the changes to my regime.

And that is all I have for you today. Tomorrow will be iffy about getting a post from me ...

PeacE