A Day With the Wife ... Sorta

 Today I have a pretty easy schedule. Both are at Mayo in Scottsdale: a blood draw for some tests, and an ultra-sound to take a look at the stent from the TIPS. This is just a routine follow-up to be sure nothing has "come loose" or gone wrong. Both are in the 9 o'clock hour time frame, so I am thinking lunch somewhere with the Wife. She took today off work to drive me since the Youngest is out of town for a couple more days. After that, I see myself playing video games.

I think I am doing pretty good with my time I set aside each morning to do my praying, etc. It's the evenings I don't make time for review of the day and did I do anyone wrong, etc. I just do those in the morning. RM has mentioned she keeps a prayer journal, of those she is praying for (and if they are sick, or whatever) as long as it is something that isn't overly personal. I have thought about doing one as well, just to remember daily who to pray for, since my memory is still not the greatest. I might go to Dollar Tree and get a cheap notebook to try it out for awhile. IF it works for me, then I could upgrade the notebook. Or not.

I am probably about three chapters from finishing the book "Restore" that I have been trying to read a chapter per day in. I think it is an okay read. There are a few sections that actually seem to have some idea(s) that I was looking for. But I think most of it should be directed to an alcoholic, like in the AA program. There is quite a bit I wish I knew about (re)starting my relationship with God in AA than I did. This would be a good fill in for explanations of addictions with some stories as well. I think it will be a book I pass along to like my Home group when we meet in person sometimes.

Speaking of that, I guess we are doing a "private party" event Saturday. There is a speaker sharing their story this Saturday about noon at a church not too far from my house, about 35th Ave and Northern. I think it is someone the ones in my group know from over the years. Then afterwards going to lunch together at Wildflower at 7th St and Bethany Home. I don't know if I want to really go to Wildflower, it's not my kind of restaurant, but I will take a look at the menu before deciding. Then I need to decide if I want to drive that much. But I was invited to the grouping ... which was nice.

No true idea on how I feel today. With the recent TIPS, and doing the prep clean-out for the colonoscopy, I am not quite sure where I sit with just my regular meds and all. I'm not feeling bad, just not 100% myself.

And with that, I am out of here. I need to wake the Wife and we will head out in about 45 minutes.

PeacE

Talk About Not Wanting To Drink

 I am on Day 5 of the week countdown before the colonoscopy. You know what that means ... things are about to get really busy here soon. I have been drinking the Miralax stuff the past couple of days (stool softener) and yesterday when I had my regular BM, I thought I was done, but a whole 'nother round came out of equal amount. Surely the tubes are clean! I know they are not, completely. But here I am am whining to you, and drinking this morning's cocktail. At least it is unflavored - even if two years ago I liked the lightly flavored orange (I think it was) version.

Met the new PCP yesterday. I think I like this guy. I gave them an update medication and dosage spreadsheet I have, so they could update their file. I explained Mayo is pretty much in charge right now. He agreed to step back and let them go. He took a lot of notes while asking me questions. After about 10 minutes, he looked me in the eye, says you are more informed about your situation and what is going to happen than any patient I have seen in quite awhile. How about we go 6 months and touch base then? I was like Sure! And I was done. I do go back 10/19 for the last two vaccine shots still though.

After that it was finding something for breakfast low-fiber, and soft. I opted for a couple burritos from a 'Berto Bros. - what? Chorizo, egg, potatoes, and cheese is soft! I barely ate one. I have the other to eat half of for breakfast (more like lunch) today. Have my drug screening labs to do today. Hoping for test results by end of week, to see if that Nicotine is Negative... Followed with a paracentesis next door at 9am. I think they'll drain 5-7 L today. New doc's orders to be turned in as well.

Okay, I have to do my quiet time and then leave. Y'all have a good 'un, ya hear?

PeacE

... and So I Beat Them Up.

 I really did. I beat both the Youngest and the Wife up from bed this morning. Not hard when one seems to sleep most of the day, and the other doesn't need to be up for work this early. I woke at 4:30am, right on the money. I laid there, trying to go back to sleep, to no avail. Got to thinking about what appointments I have this week, etc. and decided I might as well get up and shower, then get the day started.

Only have an early PCP visit today. Some new doctor that NOAH has assigned to me. Evidently they think I need to update them on what's going on. I'm taking in a list of my current medications and dosages, then telling them if they want lab results, to contact Mayo. I made it so my PCP has access to my file. I don't want to do lab/blood/urine workups twice a month for the same things. Plus, there isn't much my PCP is able to do at this point. I do have an appointment in October to get the third and final vaccine shots for Hep A & B. I think I should go to Walgreens here soon and get the flu shot as well.

The VFW Riders. Sigh. I was told last month that there were to be elections this month. And that was it. No clue-in, nothing. So we started out with that last night. Our President needs to step down due to online schooling he has going on until December, and possibly next semester as well. Okay - so the Vice moves up, and we elect a new Vice Pres. No, because someone holding a position now, may want a position we elect. So our Sargent-At-Arms became our President, the Pres. leaving office moved to Vice, and we had a new Rider join up that got the Treasurer position. With the new bylaws and procedures, we also needed to elect an Auditor, that quarterly goes over the accounts with the Treasure, plus will travel to another Chapter to check their records. Similar to a Trustee. Well, no one jumped at it, so they wanted to leave it blank with a future election to come when we have someone that wants it. No, I said. I'll do. I'm a Trustee for the Aux, so am learning how to do all this anyways. Plus, it prevents problems later, and if nothing else, has me as a place-holder until someone takes it over. The Treasurer and I are going to learn the Treasurer position together, as National gets things going...or when they do. So I now have yet another title. Sigh.

I received a message yesterday about some lab work being needed for Mayo. This is the monthly drug screening basically. I looked at the Doctor orders and see that the usual one for alcohol is on there. Then, written in gold filigree, was the word, NICOTINE. So we finally get a test of it, and hopefully it will come back Negative so we are able to move on. The lab is tomorrow, so will be end of week before I see results.

And that's all I got today.

PeacE

There Was A Time ...

 ... when all that is going on in my life would have put me on a different stage than the one I am on now. I may not have quit drinking. I may not have sought medical treatment. I never rekindled my relationship with God, got support from others. I would have been a bear to live with so I probably would have lost my Wife and my family. Ugh! It's like sticky slime sticking to me just wasting the time to think about it.

But I didn't make those choices or many others that could have negative impacts on my life. I'm happy (inside more than out) to expand the relationships I took for granted, and return the love given. I'm slowly getting better - even pre-transplant - and we know that is important. I'm doing my baby-walk with God, again, as I re-learn how to follow Him.

Not much to share today. I had an episode about midday yesterday where I suddenly got the shills, sweats, nausea and "shakes". I immediately went to food, and just a small bit got rid of the nausea, but the other signs were there. I went to the bedroom and left the Wife know what I was feeling. Then I laid down. Ended up napping for a couple hours versus just resting. I did feel much better though. After thoughts are the worst, but we did check my BP, which was way low (After my nap) so we attached that that was probably the issue that started things. Next time I need to remember to check the BP and Glucose.

Today starts my "Shit Week", in other words, colonoscopy preparation. I've had the meds for about a month now. I sat down yesterday and went through the instructions - Whew! They have like five or six different ones based on what meds you can take, can't take, etc. Mine seems quite regular (regular ... ha ha). Colonoscopy is next Monday. Have the Ultrasound on Friday to check the TIPS area, and some bloodwork.

I have the Riders meeting tonight. I need to get the Agenda out today. I admit, I have not touched it at all, mostly because there are some things going on I don't have the info for. Supposed election for a new Director because ours is stepping down? Sigh. This group is becoming more of a problem than I thought it would two years ago.

Alright, I got to get something actually done.

PeacE

What I Want versus What Really Happens

 Sunday Morning Comin' Down .... oh, now I got to post a music vid....

Okay, I hope that earworm is gone for the day. But it is Sunday, and I woke early, but I feel pretty well rested. I did nothing yesterday but play games on the computer, then lay down for awhile (not sleeping), and repeat. Today is my pillbox refill for the week, and there are some fairly big changes. I went through it all, and updated my spreadsheet so I can print it out for the new PC I see on Tuesday. I'd rather not, as he is getting nothing but an update. But it is a "new doctor" at the location I go to, so it is what it is.

So seeing how this is kind of the first day of making sure my dosages are right with the changes that were done, will need to watch how I feel. Of course, everyone is supposed to watch me signs of HE (Encephalopathy) as it is possible to increase after the TIPS. General signs are confusion, lack of focus, altered character ... just to name a few. Supposed to watch for jaundice as well, but that has been watched for since day one.

Though I feel mentally fresh and awake, inside I still feel a bit fatigued - not sure why. Could be the body adjusting to the changes. If not gone in a couple days I will contact Mayo to check about it. 

For all of you that read here (all two of you) thanks for the prayers and support. Keep them coming until this whole transplant thing is done.

I'm off to do my quiet time.

PeacE

Well, Mark That Off the To-Do List

 It is Saturday and I am home. I actually came home yesterday, after the one night of observation as planned, I was just too tired to do much. I put my phone on do not disturb and had some naps, a little computer time, more naps, dinner, then bed. Slept good being in my own bed/pillows, and no waking up every couple of hours for BP check or whatever. Doctors said the procedure went very well, and was able to be done without any complications. The results of the procedure will take longer to see, as it has to do with the ascites build-up in the abdomen. They did drain 7L while I was under anesthesia, so am "starting dry". Two days is a bit early to tell if it is building up again as fast as before... I do have new Dr. orders to be able to get a para when I need one. 

It is just one of my characteristics that probably needs to change, but I am getting irritated at the Wife. A little. The seemingly constant question "Are you feeling ok?" or "Do you need anything?" is driving me nuts. I have restrictions - not to lift more than 10 pounds for 2-4 weeks, but no others that I know of. I'm not invalid. And I don't mind her asking, but it seems more frequent than it needs to be. Like I said, it's probably just me.

So that being said, I am going to be napping a bit this weekend, to rest up. Monday I start the cleansing procedure for a colonoscopy. I may need a good dinner this weekend. Where would I choose? Hmmmm....

No joke today...I'm too tired.

PeacE

T-Minus 24-Hours

 At this time tomorrow morning, I should be called back beyond those doors that block off the waiting area and lead into the workings of the hospital. Nothing I haven't done before (going through the door) for blood draws, CTs, MRIs, consults, and on and on. But this one is a little more involved. I am sure it will be wheelchair to a room, change into a gown, and from then on I am in a bed. Who doesn't want to lay in bed all day? Me ...

The first part of the procedure is going to be a normal routine for me. They will do a paracentesis to drain any excess abdominal ascites prior to the procedure. At some point after that, not sure of the timing, I'll be wheeled into an OR and knocked out. Then they insert a catheter through a vein in my neck, and guide it to the liver. They will create a channel between the Hepatic and Portal veins, with a mesh stent to keep it open. If things go fine, that's generally about it. 24-48 hours observation, then home. Average time of procedure: 2-3 hours. Once home I am on restrictions for lifting. I also have to watch out for further signs of Hepatic Encephalopathy, skin turning yellow (jaundice) and swollen legs. Since I have HE already, the medication I am on may cause it to not worsen.

So, sounds easy-peasy, right? I would think anyone gets a bit nervous though when they have to have a medical procedure done. I know I "accepted" whatever comes with this whole transplant process, and to do my best to meet demands of healthcare staff. But I can feel some anxiety starting already this morning. There will be lots of little prayers today, I am sure.

RM & PT are headed out of town today, through the weekend. With RM's birthday this past Sunday, and their anniversary coming up the 14th, PT *ALWAYS* wants to go somewhere out of town, just to do basically the same thing they do at home. My opinion, and not too far off mark, I am sure. I pray for their safe travels. Rm has asked at least twice about pushing their trip date off to another time, so she is able to be at Mayo for my procedure, and both times I told her no, to go. I do expect her at the actual transplant though.

My Older Sister called me yesterday. She wanted to apologize for not being able to make it for the procedure (she is in NM). I wasn't even expecting that ... even said so. She stated she will be here for my transplant though. She offered up prayers, which I gladly asked her to continue.

RM sent a BIM package home with my Wife yesterday. BIM is Because I'm Mom. She had mentioned something about it in her blog, but I had no idea what to expect. The jar of salsa was for the Youngest. But RM sent a box of some beef jerky (mmmm) and another box. I instantly went on alert. What would she send me that needs to be in a box? Well, I was busy when I got home last night (had Aux meeting) and forgot to even look in the box until this  morning. Now I believe it was last week, RM had sent me home with a study bible to help me work on my getting into the scripture and studying. It was one she had used before, but was not her favorite choice. I honestly have not had a chance to use it. Well, in this box she sent, it has a brand new, leather Jerimiah Study Bible. This one is her current favorite to use. As I read the daily devotional (she had sent that home last week as well) I followed up the verse in this study bible, just to see what it offers. I am impressed! I think this will be a great tool in my walk with God, and I am able to still use the other if I need clarification or something. Of course, RM included a personal, hand-written note, which made me tear up (but not cry!). Thanks Mom!

Well, today will be a bit busier than usual for me. I am getting a haircut, need to fuel up the car, need to wash said car (in and out), and have lunch. I think I am going to go to JTs Gyros over on 35th Ave & Greenway. I love their shwarma. Other than that, I'll just be grabbing a few things to put in a backpack to take. Tablet, phone, chargers, medical journal, note journal. Think I will forego the bibles for this trip.

And that's it...

I'm looking into essential oils. Which one is it that calms other people down? Chloroform? It's Chloroform isn't it?

PeacE