Teach ME to Post Early ....

 So I did that weekend recap a bit early, because the weekend didn't end so wonderfully. Sunday afternoon the Wife was in an accident. Thankfully she was not hurt, aside from some soreness the next day. No citation was issued, as the Wife said she had a green arrow for the left turn, and the other lady said she had a green light. Very similar to my accident a few years ago. Obviously, I tend to agree with my Wife, as I have never known her to lie. So yesterday was spent getting things in order: went to the impound and cleaned out her personal belongings, contacted our insurance and started the claim and process. She received several calls from the insurance and others once I started the claim, and we are looking into a rental (only a month), but it is Enterprise (whom I personally detest doing business with) and they want a credit card to even do the rental (which is through our insurance). I'm sorry, we don't have a credit card. We like to stay out of debt. But we need to figure something out. My guess is we will go to the bank and see about how fast they can set up a bank credit card. Previously they have sent us cards, but we have never activated it. Sigh.

I played taxi for the Wife yesterday. Took the Youngest when we ran her to work, stopped at McD's for a simple breakfast, then ran by RM's for a bit as we had time to kill. Glad we did, as she had a collapsible wagon we could use to help clean out the car. And boy did it help! From there I went by Chase Bank and paid out the first half of the year's property taxes, then headed to the impound. Got the car cleaned out (in about an hour) then headed homeward. Once home, that's when I started the claim stuff. I even got ot rest for an hour before I decided to head up towards the Post around 4pm. By 6:30p I was headed to the Wife's work, and by almost 9pm, we were headed home. A quick stop at Sonic for dinner (I tried the coney dog - do not recommend).

Today the Wife is off due to low census I believe. Guess we will run to the bank to see how fast they can get us new credit cards and get it set up. I'm a tad bit sore, from climbing in/put of the Wife's car, and carrying things, but otherwise just feeling like I have all this medical crap going on that I do. Those upped dosages on the water pills are starting to get irritating, with how much I have to go now. Even a little dribble feels like I have Lake Mead in my bladder...until I actually go. TMI I know.

Welp, It's been a bit since I took the meds - need to get my readings.

PeacE

Weekend Recap (Early)

 Yeah, I know it isn't noon yet on this (so far) Sunday morning. I actually slept in until about 8:30am this morning, but woke hacking and coughing so hard, I nearly blacked out. Got some mucus I could feel while coughing, down in the lungs. So I went to do my regular pill ritual, added a mucus pill, rubbed some generics Vick's on my chest and hoping for the best. Did my BP check, and was one of the lowest I have seen... 110/68. Then went on to do my glucose check and realized I used my last test strip yesterday. 'I'll just skip today' I said to myself. But I know better. I quickly perused RM's blog (had to catch up on her past two days) and decided I needed to get stuff done. I loaded up my backpack, told the Wife Love you, and headed out.

Load my backpack? Yeah. This backpack carries my laptop, my Riders slotted folder, the other slotted folder I carry my paperwork for the House Committee, the Aux (notes and handouts), and the Entertainment committee. I really should get another slotted folder and break those three out of just the one, as I notice I need more slots for the different categories (so I am able to find the information faster if needed). I also added in my glucose test kit, and my medical journal today.

So about 9am, I headed up to Walgreens and got a new package of test strips that work on my reader. Then I was off to the Post for football games. Washington plays at 10 against Atlanta. At this point we are down by 10. Sigh. Did my glucose check (good at 111). Now am enjoying a nice iced tea while I let tis randomness drop through my fingers.

Yesterday we did our day-trip to Tucson to see the Daughter and family. My little Widget has gotten so big since I saw her last (about 4 months) even though the Daughter sends pictures of them girls frequently. She is pulling herself to standing, and will stumble around hanging onto something. Widget seems to overall (while we were there) to be a happy baby, and didn't fuss much. Doodad is a regular 8 year old. Still in that stage where she doesn't wany much to do with Papaw (even if I am the one that brings her candy, or ice cream, or let's her get ice cream when we go out to eat). The Daughter's birthday is today, so we took them out to dinner last night. Went to a place called Grumpy's ( we all had ate there before, but it had been awhile) and had a good dinner. I have never had anything there that isn't good! I had a fried chicken garden salad, and shared some green chili nachos. Yes, afterwards, Doodad got her ice cream, and Papaw got a caramel apple walnut slice of pie with a huge scoop of ice cream with caramel topping. So good! Even though I only ate half the salad, and small portion of the nachos, I was stuffed. This "stuff" going on with my health has me eating much less than I used too. I even find myself even having gone a day or two without eating. Not good, but it happens. We wrapped up our visit and headed some around 10pm.

No updates on the health scene, at least since last time. Hoping to hear from the Liver Specialist in the next couple days. Even if that appointment won't be until early December probably, at least it will be scheduled. I have to 'open call' to schedule a paracentesis at the hospital anytime I feel it needs to be done, and I debated early part of the week about scheduling one. However, with the increased dosage of the medication (water pills) the pressure in my abdomen has decreased enough that I have noticed it more and more the past few days. So I am going to wait it out, and see how things go this week.

This week is seemingly a vacation week for me. For once, I have no volunteer events at the Post and no meetings. I did wrap up the agendas for meetings later this month, and need approval for one, the other I will wait until closer to the meeting time to 'wrap up'.

Guess that is about all I have today....

PeacE

Traveling Day

 I could have slept one more hour ... if the Wife's alarms on her phone did not start going off. I have told her time and again, set your 'get up for work alarms' for Mon-Fri, noy all week. Sigh. To no avail, as I am awakened at 6:45am, and of course, cannot fall back asleep. My alarm was set for 8am, so why bother trying hard.

We will loading up and hitting the road here in about an hour and a half. I made the Wife load my car last night of all the things she was taking down to give to the Daughter and Grands. Usually she waits until I am ready to hit the road, but I forced her hand last night. Hmmm, wonder if that is why she left the alarms on?

Yesterday I ended up down at the Post. I know, I kept telling myself that I physically have no reason to be there until the 7th, but I blame the Youngest. When I got up yesterday (around 10:30am) I saw the Youngest was dressed to go out. Mind you it is raining. I asked what was up, and found out he and a friend were going to lunch. Well, I said, I was going to ask if you wanted to go to lunch with me today. So I lost. Instead I picked up my newest prescriptions, and just headed to the Post - tired of being cooped up in the house. Of course, when I left, the rain had turned into a deluge and I was soaked pretty good before I made it into my car. And another wet one going into Walgreens. Coming out? Night and bright. Welcome to Arizona Rain.

A few short minutes after making it to the Post, the deluge came again, and rain visited us off and on all afternoon in different strengths. Flash Flood Warnings out until 4:30pm I last heard. Around 5pm or so, the rain let up for the evening. I guess we still have chances of more rain over the next couple days. I know we need it, but the deluges are not good. They just cause run-off and destruction. Need that steady rain that can soak into the ground.

Welp, got nothing else to ramble about this morning....

PeacE

It's Vacation Week!

 Well, it sort of feels that way, except it really isn't a vacation. Since this past Tuesday was the last VFW related work I needed to do, I have basically until the 7th with nothing on my calendar. I mean, I know the Director of the Riders will come up with something (he contacted me four times yesterday, send this out, send that out, etc. Like I was his damn employee). And I need to finish up the House Agenda (waiting approval right now).

Tomorrow I ma headed to Tucson for the day. It feels like it has been forever since I got to see and hug my girls there. The Daughter is above wonderful by sending frequent pics of the grands, but it just isn't the same as holding them. Daughter is celebrating her birthday on Sunday, as well, so the Wife and I already decided we would take them out to dinner Saturday night - providing it isn't terribly expensive.

This morning will be somewhat boring. I need to pick up the two prescriptions the GI had increased dosages on. I need to reach out to the Liver Specialist, and see if I can get anyone on the phone today to get my appointment scheduled. I need to eat something too. I realized just now, I had not eaten at all yesterday. I fasted for the Kidney doctor appointment, in case he wanted additional labs (he did) and afterwards, I just didn't feel like eating the rest of the day. The complete opposite of Wednesday, where I treated myself to Red Robin and that bottomless side salad, with a tea....it was like, heaven. And when I Went to pay the bill, it was only $0.96 - I had a $10 off reward in my RR app. Don't worry, I tipped off the pre-discount amount. But four bowls....after hardly eating for weeks....wowza.

So I guess over the next week, there may not be much from me if I ain't doing something. Oh well, what can ya do?

PeacE

Am I One Foot in the Grave?

 The past couple days I have two doctor appointments. Let's see if I can capture the basics I learned....

Yesterday I met the GI doctor. I should specify, this a 'general GI' doctor office (almost a waste of my time). She did increase the dosage amount for a couple of the newer prescriptions. Since it seems to cirrhosis of the liver, she did a referral to a Liver Specialist, and warned me that they are probably backed up and it will be an appointment set a ways out. I gave called and left a message this morning, and am waiting to see if they call back. Otherwise I will call again tomorrow. I have an "open order" at the hospital for a paracentesis, for basically when I feel I need one (which will be soon here it seems). The pressure on my abdomen has not been terrible of late, and the past 2-3 days the pressure has actually lessened (due to water pill, and drinking less, the meds are pushing more of the water out finally). I have an endoscopy scheduled for 12/3. So didn't learn anything really as to how bad or what exactly is wrong.

Today I saw the kidney doctor. He asked if I knew why I was there, I said because the hospital referred me to him. He said it was because of the labs showing my sodium level low. My sodium level was at 124. Regular range starts at 125 - so he was surprised to see me, since one of the meds is s sodium supplement. In fact, he said my kidneys seem to be fine, and working better than his own probably. Buuuuuuut, just to make sure, they want to do a few tests to make they don't miss anything (in my words, so they can get money out of me as well since all these other doctors and places are). So had more blood drawn, and a urine sample. Repeat again in November. Again on December 22nd, followed with an actual Doctor visit on December 29th. Sure feels like he wants to make some money....sigh. Nothing else is being done by this doctor (at this time).

So, it looks like it down to this Liver Specialist to determine the stage of cirrhosis in my liver, and to make final decisions as to my treatment plan. And I don't know yet when I can see this doctor. Life is so grand, but at least it isn't my dying days....

How do I feel? Fine I would say. A little discomfort from the abdomen due to being a bit distended right now. I am peeing fine and often. No other pains (related to these issues). I am allowed to drink tea and coffee as well, which is great because i was getting so tired of just plain water. No electrolytes (skews with sodium, etc. in tests). Still need to limit my liquid intake to 50oz/day as much as possible. The extra water I drink is diluting the sodium the more I drink.

I lead such an exciting life, eh?

PeacE

Story Time

 Yesterday was a weird one. Around 8am I called the GI Dr., and FINALLY got an appointment set - for today! That was super fast! SO get to see the GI today, the kidney doc tomorrow, and then hopefully know what is going on....

I went to the Post and spent a couple hours helping sort out the school supplies, then repacking them in boxes. I know we have a few 'adopted' teachers that will get some of the supplies, the rest will probably go to a church or school that is willing to collect them. I swung by my regular watering hole, but only stayed a while, as none of my friends showed up. Had to stop at Yogi's Grill on the way home - because I was hungry, and I had to pee really bad. Their Chicken/beef/rice bowls are the best I think. Got home, ate, tinkered on the computer a bit. My feet and ankles were swollen bad, so went to lay down and play games on my tablet. The evening rolls on....

Just before midnight, I snap wide awake. For some reason, I just realized my wedding ring was not on my finger. The Wife and I were still awake, working on drifting to sleep, but that ended for me. I told her (and showed her) that it was not on my finger. She asked where did I take it off. I said I never take it off. Then remembered, I have lost enough weight, that it could easily have slid off while drying my hands or similar motions. So I started thinking back through the day as to where/when I washed my hands. Two-three times at the Post. Oh no, they are closed on Wed. so how am I going to get to the men's room trash to search through every wet/damp/dirty paper towel in the trash? Well, I would reach out to the gal that does the cleaning, on Thursday mornings, and ask her to hold that trash bag until I could search it, as I have a Dr appt that morning. Then I thought some more... I remember right before I left for the Post. I was in the bathroom, finishing styling my hair, and slapping some stinkum on. I had washed my hands, and while drying my hands, heard noise, like 'tink, tink, tink' as if something metal had fallen and was bouncing on the tile floor, and out the open door. Youngest was coming up the hallway about the same time, and he heard it as well. We took a casual look around, trying to determine what it was, but didn't see anything out of place, or on the floor in the bathroom or the hallway. So I went on.... Needless to say, I jumped out of bed at remembering this, and began looking in the corners in the bathroom, behind the toilet, into the hall. I found my ring! It had bounced across the hall and landed just right in the seam between the tile and the wall, and we had missed it earlier. But I had it back! I was relieved! I mean, when I bought this ring from Service Merchandise over 34 years ago, fo about $48 dollars, you'd think it wouldn't be so important, right?

After that, my heart was racing bad, and it was hard to actually get to sleep. Well, that and the leg/arm/side cramps I keep getting randomly throughout the day. I think it is because I am not drinking enough. I have been trying to not exceed the 1500mL limit they told me, but I know there has not been one day I actually did it. I am just too thirsty. Constantly. To the point, I haven't been eating right, and have no appetite (except yesterday, which was the first time I ate in two days).

Maybe today, I can get some of these restrictions off my drinking amounts, and resume some normality in my life. Appointment is for early afternoon. The Wife asked yesterday if I wanted her to go (and take time off work). I told her whatever she wanted to do, so she is to meet me there. Am I anxious? A little, but it is early yet (thanks leg/foot cramps) so not really thinking about it right now.

PeacE

Long, Rough Night

 It is Monday, so I waited out most of the day for the Specialist to call me (the Gastro doc) which, of course, never happened. So around 3:30p I headed to the Post to promote 'Bike Night'. I hung out there until about 8, then went home. Worked on some Agendas for the House, the Riders, sent out some emails to specific people for things. Finally went to bed about 11:30. I worked some crosswords on my tablet until about 1am, then tried to sleep.

By 2:30a, I'm still wide awake, so off to the office I go. I ended up watching a movie (hour and half) and started the next one in the series, but as it is 5:45a now, I should try to get some sleep. After all, I am due back at the Post around 10am to help sort school supplies.

I also need to call that Dr.'s office, and see if they got the referral and get me scheduled. It's starting to frustrate me greatly.

Let's hope today goes well....

PeacE