I'll Take All I Can ....

 So I left you yesterday with bated breath, as I sat on hold with scheduling for my next paracentesis. Yeah, I know. About as fun as having one. Anyways, after being on hold about 15 minutes, she came back and asked if she could work on it and call me back. We verified my callback number, and I hung up, thinking 'She ain't going this far out of her way for me. They do scheduling for all their facilities in the Valley (a number of them). 'Round about this time, I get a text from Walgreens saying my diabetic pill is in, and also three others ready for refill, would I like them yo refill. Duh, yes! Then I sit there.

After a bit, I see it is about 11:30am, and I am already just done mentally for the day. I feel off-balance inside, as it has been three days since my last diabetic pill, and though my morning glucose check was only a bit higher than usual, I still feel some of the effect of not taking it. Practice run I guess, as I have to stop taking it for three days prior to the endoscopy coming up soon anyways. I decide to head down to the Post. 

A couple hours later, I get a call from that scheduler - herself. She was able to get me in on 12/4 at 11am. I am in shock. Of course I take it. When I let the Wife know, she griped it was still over two weeks away, but if they were nearly into next year, and no open slots, I'll take this one. Worst case is an ER visit (again). I am just hoping I can get through to the 3rd, for the endoscopy, without major issues breathing, as they may reschedule. Want to keep it this year, so insurance covers it.

Over the course of the afternoon, through texts, I see three of my prescriptions are ready, one being my diabetic. I decide to stop there on the way home. As I am sitting there in front of the store, re-reading the text, checking their link, I see they want to charge me $300 for the month. No, I did a 3-month discount from the manufacturer just last month. So I go into the manufacturer website, and through the text feature ( I was already signed up) I was able to get a copy of the discount code. Then I went in. Yup. As she rang up the three scrips, the one came to $300. I gave her the code, and through some long and about way, she was able to finally get it to ring-up properly at $10. I grabbed the bag, threw money and ran.

Sometimes things do work out right even after a few days of frustration. RM would say it is God at work. I don't care what it is, as long as it is in my favor.

So I get to start out today, relaxed with the para appointment set, have all my scrips current, and maybe some plans today. I had a hard time getting to sleep last night (I blame it on too much tea yesterday) and the first event today at the Post is the AZ Confederation of Motorcycle Clubs. This is the top 2 leadership in each MC in AZ that meet once a quarter on neutral ground (our Post) to work out differences, etc. Tomorrow is their 'Member Appreciation' breakfast and toy run. I like to go to these events, not because my Chapter is a member (we are not, as the VFW Riders Group is never an MC) but just to get our patch seen, and meet some of the leaders across AZ, and their chapters. But after the hard time getting to sleep, I may just sleep in a bit more.

Second event is a Celebration of Life, at the Post as well in the afternoon. I had helped a friend get the hall rental for it, as his roommate passed a few short months ago. I told him I would stay for a bit for support for him (I didn't know the roomie). Then it will be home I guess.

The Daughter sent out a list of Thanksgiving day food we had the last time we did it at their place, to our family chat earlier this week. I added she needs to add vanilla ice cream to it, and that I was going to bring a small salad (for me) just in case the food does not agree with me. This has been a daily struggle for me and eating. I can eat it one day, the next it makes me nauseous. The Sons have chipped in that one is bringing a couple desserts and some thing else. Another is bringing stuff to make truffles (I have never had them that I recall). Either way, I am anxious for Thursday just to see all the grandkids, family, and their spouses/girlfriends. 

The Daughter tell the Wife a couple days back, that their youngest (Widget - 9 months) was sick and throwing up all over (literally). After a day or two, with trying different liquids, she seemed to finally snap out of it, but not before it spread. As of last night, Daughter, SIL and even Doodad (Age 8yrs) were sick. I hope they shuck it in a couple days and Turkey Day still happens. The Wife is sure things will be fine, but I worry.

Thursday I went over the final plans with my buddy, for the Santa Run. He is booking the bus. I ordered the candy canes ... and a new pair of Santa boots. This is how these look:

Cool, right? Kinda pirate-y, yet personalized for the Christmas Cookie Monster...with bells. The reviews some stated that the bells weren't that loud, which is fine. A couple years back I had bought a pair that were the plain black, with like a 2" white trim around the top of the boot. I think they might fit the oldest Son, in case he wants to go on the Run this year. He hasn't made up his mind yet.

Welp, since my bladder and bowels woke me at 5:15am this morning, I guess you got a lengthy post from me. RM will be happy.

PeacE

I Dislike Some Things ....

 ... in this digital era. 

Yesterday I did go up to Walgreens to check on the status of my diabtetic 'script. Turns out they had cancelled it. WHAT?!? When asked why, they said they tried to contact me (no phone calls, and the "update texts" just say 'pending') and since I didn't contact them, they cancelled it. I explained I was already two days off of it, and I needed it. The closest store was 8+ miles away, so I told them to just order it in. I cannot believe they didn't pick up the damn phone and try calling before cancelling a medical prescription!!!

This morning I am on hold with scheduling, trying to set up the next paracentesis. Right now they have no openings prior to 12/22 (and maybe further out). I told he no. I needed within 2 weeks or I was using the ER again (at cost to them, thankfully). So now I have her on the line calling to bump someone else a bit or squeeze me in prior to the 8th (which is when I see the specialist). While waiting, I figure she will come back with the 3rd, which is when I have an endoscopy. Just watch....

It is Friday, and I have no plans today. I might head up to the Post, but there are a couple events going on there tomorrow I want to be there for, and not sure if I want to spend most of today up there. I did get caught up on my reviews pretty much this week. Working on the last book now, then it and another review and I am done for now.

Welp, I am still on hold, so I'll have to let you know how this drama plays out later....

PeacE

Working Another Project ....

 Yesterday was something. There was a nice rain front that moved through the Valley, and the adverse weather, plus the other medical stuff I had done earlier in the week, most of all concentrated on me. I woke around 10:45a, but only was up about an hour before I found myself asleep once again. I woke closer to 6pm, and the storm was just rolling in good, and it poured for a bit. By 7p, I was back in bed, playing a couple crosswords before off went the light, and I was out again. Explains why I am up at 6am today.

I was supposed to go up yesterday and find out, but with sleeping, I never made it. So today I need to get up to Walgreens and find out what is going on with one of my diabetic meds. They said they got the refill info, but there is a pending problem. This is the same drug I had issues with last month as well. I swear the insurance company just wants me to die so they quit spending all this money on me. In the meantime, this is day 2 of not taking the major diabetic pill. Glucose was at 135 this morning.

This afternoon I will meet up with a buddy of mine that is taking over the annual Santa Run. I have been showing him how we have done it the last several years, and whether he does it his own way next year, or whatever, I don't care. I do have the money from a couple riders, and need to confirm the list of people I contacted and the going or nots, and who has paid. Another project I am giving away.

Not much else coms to mind this morning.

PeacE

I Can't Even Quit Right ....

 I didn't get done all the things I (said) had on my plans to get done yesterday. Went to the PCP, and played the update game with her. Basically, I gave her all my discharges since I last saw her in September, brought to attention any new medications the hospital quacks added, and asked when she wants me to come in again. Literally, it was about that short. She made copies of the reports, and is requesting any lab work done at the hospital, just to go over and make sure it looks good to her (and I trust her more than those quacks at the hospital, just saying). Let he know of my upcoming Endoscopy (12/3) and of course, the long-awaited visit to the actual Liver Specialist (12/8). We spoke briefly about how many times I have had to go in for the paracentesis, and I explained the Thoracentesis issue, and why I go more often now. She concurred with me (see why I like her?) and said keep doing what I am doing.

Afterwards, I had figured I would go up to my regular watering hole, and have some cran/water and do some computer work. I purposefully took my laptop and all just for this. But of course, once there, I didn't feel like writing the reviews I needed to do. OR much of anything to be honest. I did get some reading in, and that helps.

Riders meeting went better than I expected. Sometimes, it is nice to know you are appreciated, even if it takes health issues to hear it. So I have "stepped down" as Secretary, and may end up taking it back up come February or so. I told them I needed time to see this Specialist, get on his regime for me, allow a couple months or so to acclimate to it, and then see if I am able to do the job again. Fair enough, right? And, I don't lose 'status' with removal of the Secretary patch I wear. We decided to create/vote/and appoint an Assistant Secretary position last night, who will maintain the monthly paperwork interim until I come back, then continue in that position for in case I cannot make a meeting, etc. Yeah, it was all my idea, and they ate it up. So I am still an Officer....not that it gets me anything but headaches.

Now to do that again for the House Committee in two weeks. I don't think they are going to react the same.

So what to do with my day? I think I may try to finish what I was going to do yesterday - after my appointment of course. And lunch. I am hungry today, and it will be nice to be able to eat something of quantity and quality versus just a few bites and cannot eat more.

PeacE

I'm a Quitter

 I sent out an email this morning to my Riders Chapter. Sure, it had much needed information they need (the Agenda for tonight's meeting) but it also held my resignation. I have debated internally over the last couple of weeks, regarding the two Secretary "jobs" I hold, my health issues, and, let's just put it out there, some of my extreme irritation at the Riders current Director. Finally, this morning, I just typed out the words, and it felt right, so I am going with it. I do admit, I feel let down, and a bit saddened, as I was hoping this group would be different, but I guess there are assholes everywhere (I should know, I am one).

Today should be a moderately busy one for me, if I can stay on track. It's easy to give up and go lie down for a nap, especially when I Am distended as I Am right now. One more day - the draining is tomorrow. But today, I have a PCP follow-up in about an hour. I also have three book reviews I need to get written up and posted. RM asked about my Goodreads reading goal yesterday, and I admitted, I might not make this years. These past few months with the health stuff, I just can't seem to focus on the reading like I was able to do.

So, PCP visit, book reviews...what else? Oh yeah. Riders Meeting tonight (the one I just resigned from). That shall be interesting. I guess I will gather all the paper documents I have, to give back to the Director, and email him the digital stuff I have. Tomorrow is a paracentesis, and I am guessing we are going to drain about 10.5-11.5 Liters, from the way I feel.

The Daughter sent out a list of food stuffs we did for the last Thanksgiving at her place, and asks what we want to change/add/delete. The only thing I saw to add was salad, but since I am generally the only one eating it, I'll just bring my own. Being of the health I am, this list of food just looks like waste to me, as there is no way I could even do a sampler plate of it all.

For RM, I have started the Christmas Date negotiations. Justin was open to doing Christmas the Saturday following - I still have yet to check with the boys. 

I think that this is about all I want to share this morning....

PeacE

The Weekly Weekend Recap....

... almost sounds like a parody TV show SNL or someone would do....

Friday I did end up at the Post, until about 7:30p or so. I still wasn't feeling good, even though I finally got the correct meds for the Diabetes (or die-a-beat-us as Wilford Brimley says). I was hoping over the next couple days things would be better .... but let's not jump ahead of my boring recap.

Saturday I was up at the crack of dawn (literally) as I had to pee (again). Popped the pills, waited 30 minutes, and did my readings. Normal (for me). Then I was off to the Post again to assist with the Inventory we need to complete each month. Afterwards, I headed home (about 11'ish), got the Wife up and moving, then headed to the car dealership. Wrote the check, waited about 45 minutes for them to detail/gas the new(er) car. The Wife and had a good talk just sitting there waiting, and we worked out some details about the medical bills that are starting to arrive from my stay back in September, as well as some bloodwork done after that. A few other topics got worked out - well I say worked out, as I feel I was the one trying to figure it all out myself, instead of asking for help. I truly was starting to feel overwhelmed, and that's not counting my volunteer work I do. Back home for short stop, then went up to the Post to "relax". Stayed for the Queen drawing (pot is over $2k) but didn't win anything. By then I was really starting to feel bad again - nausea, abdominal pressure, fatigue, tiredness, achiness. Home it was straight to bed.

Sunday - had to be at the Post for a Celebration of Life for the partner of one of my pals. Overall it was a nice event. They had been together for 44 years, and that was a fact I had not known. Afterwards, I stayed and embarrassingly watched Washington lose to the Cowboys. Again, I was not feeling well most of today either, and when I got home I had made a couple decisions. Even though it has hardly over a week since the last one, I am scheduling a paracentesis for Wednesday/Thursday this week. The pressure is getting bad again, and faster this time. Over the last few days I have noticed how much thinner my arms and legs are - Wife says from the pills pulling water. I am starting to look like the old man I feel I am.

So tomorrow is a To-Do list day for me. Need to get the newer vehicle on the insurance. Set the paracentesis appointment. Work on the medical bills, pay what we are able at this time. Then it is on to the dreaded volunteer stuff that I need to get done. Riders meeting is Tuesday night, and I am pretty much prepared for it, but need to go through the agenda and make sure I have any additional info/papers for the Director so I will be able to keep him on track through the meeting. Otherwise, this guy will go off on tangents that have nothing to do with our purpose. Then it will be prepping the Agenda for the House Comm, which meets the first Tuesday of November. I also need to go through the Post events calendar, my calendar, Auxiliary calendars, to compile my file on events. I tag these on each meeting I Secretary for, and try to edit out events that don't pertain to a group particularly (i.e.. Rider stuff for Riders, etc.). This helps keep everyone informed of events going on at the Post, through the Post, what needs volunteers to help, and so on.

Sounds like a busy Monday. I was going to try to knock out some of the file stuff tonight, but I felt so bad when I got home, I stripped down and just laid on the bed, as it is the most comfortable position when there is this much abdominal pressure. I even told the Wife I was being lazy and avoiding doing stuff I know needs to be done. She told me it was okay. For some reason she has been worried about me lately. I mean, that I know of, I ain't dying tomorrow...well... that's not in my control anyways.

So start your week off well ... I'll be here "supposedly working".

PeacE

Due Diligence

 Earlier this week I received Arizona's Primary Election Guide. You know, that paper pamphlet they send out that gives a short description on who is running for what platform, etc. Then a couple days later, I received the mail-in ballot. I have just under a month to determine who I feel is best for these positions, and it is a lot of information to cover. I hate politics with a passion, but I always try to vote the best informed way I am able. Why? Because 1) it is a priviledge to be able to vote and 2) I believe that if you don't vote, you shouldn't be able to bitch and moan about those that get elected.

Enough about politics.

The Wife and I recently started watching 'The Blacklist' on Netflix. I had started watching this show when it first came out on television several years ago, but lost interest because I would miss episodes. I maybe made it rhough most of season one. Either way, I decided to pick it up and do periodic beinges of episodes. Not happening. I made the mistake of starting it while the Wife was home, sitting near me on her computer. After the first episode she started asking questions about what happened, and I knew that this was going to be another one I cannot watch without her. Normally not a problem. Unfortunately, though lately the Wife's work hours have gotten a bit later (a story for another time) and it is fairly later into the evening before we can sit down to watch an episode (and that is not counting th eother shows I have to watch with her).

That being said, it was near midnight beofre I got to bed last night - just so we could watch an episode or two. Then awake at 5:24am ... makes me a somewhat unhappy camper. I did have the alarm set for 8:30, but I knew there is no falling back asleep. Oh well, best to get up and get some of the regular, mundane things out of the way. This morning's BP and Glucose were good readings. Lately, the Glucose has been a little high, and I cannot figure out why. Guess I may have some reading to do at some near point.

PeacE

What Weekend?

  Oh, how the weekend flew by. Yesterday we did get done all the things I wanted to get done. Breakfast, bank, prescription pick-up, then the afternoon of dealerships. Yes, plural. Online I had seen the Rav4 I wanted and this dealership is the only one that showed it available. So we went down there, and of course, it was gone. In fact, all of their Rav4 vehicles were out - except for pre-owned, which I wasn't really wanting. On a whim, we came back up to the one closer to us (where I had been before) and tossed the thought around of maybe upgrading to a Highlander, but I just couldn't see spending that much (over the amount I got from the insurance). Ended up getting a pre-owned Rav4 - a 2021 XLE AWD. Pretty much everything I had before, including a roof rack, lift kit (why would they put one on it) and some all-season tires. I'm guessing whoever had it before did some driving in the desert here in AZ. One onwer had owned it for 10 months, but managed 21K miles. And it is white. Not a color I like on vehicles per se, but it was this or wait until May when the next deliveries were made to dealerships. So I have a 'new' car.

I started the new meds yesterday as well. I've been feeling a little off - kind of loopy, and tired. I am sure it the body adjusting not only to the higher dosage BP med, but adding in the diabetes and cholesterol meds have probably helped in feeling this way. Hopefully it will clear up in the next couple days. I also feel more achey, particularly in my chest bones. I am sure they were bruised slightly from the accident, and the new meds kind of make me feel it more than I had been. Weird, right? This mornign I started the glucose metering, and of course, that means a log of my sugar count and BP each day. Pills in the morning, at night, with food, blah blah blah. I'm starting to feel like my grandparents. The Wife even jokingly asked if I needed her to get me a pill box, that designates the day, morn-noon-night catagories so I can fill it up for the week to be sure I am taking the meds at the right time. Needless to say, she laughed at the look I gave her.

I did go down to the VFW last night. I hadn't been there since before the accident. They had some memorial event for a motoircycle club rider, and it was packed. I read a bit, had a couple beers, then left to meet up with a friend. Had a couple more beers, then headed home. Today I pretty much lazed about in front of the computer. Played some Warcraft, watched some videos, did social media, caught up on emails. I feel like a nap now, but being near 6pm I shouldn't, otherwise I won't sleep well tonight, making getting up for work a bear. Even though I usually am a bear when I wake early.

Got things planned out to get done this week, but don't know what days I will get them done. For sure I am taking the rental back tomorrow. Cut the rental fees down, though, I'm sure whatever fees I save will go towards the windshield due to the crack, and also the deposit. Hopefully not more than that. Still need to try to get to the police station for my keys and license (if they still have them there). Also need to get the registration and my specialty plate down to DMV to get that changed over, and a refund, as I paid two years back in march on my plate, and now a year on the new vehicle.The insurance company said they were going to just put the settlement into my account, but in yesterday's mail, I received a check from them. So that means a trip to the bank some day this week. Plus regular work. I hate adulting sometimes.

The Wife is wanting me to go look at some stuff stored out in the 'garage'. Bulk trash pick up is this week, and we always try to get out more of the stuff at those times that were hoarded here, that we know Goodwill/Savers won't take. Someone will be happy, as there is quite a few metal bedrails that we are going toput out. I told the Wife it was not worth the energy/effort for us to find a place to scrap the metal, take it there, etc. Throw in some of those outdoor blinds you use on patios. They are jsut old and falling apart. I think she said there are a couple boxes of old stereo equipemnt and speakers that she is putting out as well. Why the heck did her parents keep this kind of junk? Oh well, at least it is being gotten rid of now.

PeacE