Friday, February 1, 2013

Shower Curtains: 3 more & Counting

I realized I haven't updated the latest on my shower curtain compulsions.  I took down Christmas and didn't even take pictures.  I purchased a new one for the upstairs bathroom and have to admit I didn't like it.  The snowmen looked bald - yes I know snowmen don't have hair - they were missing hats!  I tried to google it and can't find it. I will add pictures later...

I had given MS a nice shower curtain as a house warming gift.  I spent more on it than I would for myself :)  Well since MS did a complete bathroom demolition in October and the shower curtain no longer matches, I recently asked if I could have it.  Wait now, before you pass judgment, I did give him one of my other curtains that matches his new bathroom! :)

I also managed to find another shower curtain deal for the basement bathroom.  I bought some new light green moss rugs to go with the curtain. Even though I seldom use that bathroom, I really like this ensemble!  Since the bathroom is small, it is hard to get a picture, but I will make do.

It is also time to hang up the Valentine's Day shower curtain!  Love is in the air!

Do you have any crazy compulsions or obsessions?  If not, do you have any Valentine's plans?  

Health Update: Annual & First Mammogram

It is that time of year...my annual physical which renders me with what seems like 7000 follow up appointments and feeling older by the moment.  I have to admit that times have changed from my previous physical posts - much to my chagrin - I no longer needed to pee in a cup and have the cup fall in the toilet (here) like in 2009!

I really seem to be struggling with my weight and hunger.  I am gaining uncontrollably and seem to have an insatiable appetite.  I was referred to Weight Watchers.  The doctor also checked my throat and paused during the exam.  I informed her that years ago she found a nodule that was monitored for a while by ultrasounds and I no longer require appointments as there was no change over a few years.  She referred me for another ultrasound as well as blood work to test my thyroid levels and cholesterol.  I realized after I had blood drawn this morning since it was an inadvertent 12 hour fast, that it probably wasn't the best day to do it, since last night I went out after work and had two drinks and nachos.  Oh well...my blood pressure was also extremely elevated, twice, until the girl decided to use a different cuff that fit and found that it was just fine.  Sigh...

As I am quickly approaching forty, it is inevitable that the discussion of a mammogram would arise, especially since my mom is a breast cancer survivor (GO MOM!). When normal mammograms would be in the 40's, due to my mother's cancer, I was asked if I wanted one early.  Of course with everything I have heard about a vice-grip contortionism of the breast, how could I refuse???

Tonight, I had my mammogram.  The lady assured me that it would be better than I thought.  Well hell, since I thought the worst, I was pretty sure she was right.  Not that I like pain or anything when it comes to intimacy, and given what I thought was my high pain tolerance, I figured it would be a piece of cake.  I was wrong.

I have never been one for public displays of my body.  I have posted about whether or not I am a prude, somewhere (sorry to lazy to link).  I really just imagined it would be a vice-smash photo and done.  I wasn't prepared for the four photos on one breast and three on the other. I wasn't prepared for the different stances and pushing, prodding, pinching and flattening.  At one point I actually bellowed in pain.

Not trying to be comforting at all, but matter of fact, the lady then says to me, "Your exam is much more painful than most."  So I say, "Oh, because I have small breasts?"  I mean really, I get it - I am not well endowed by any means.  But to my surprise she says, "NO.  Your breasts are firm.  They are solid.  They are not squishy at all.  So I am literally pinching your muscle trying to get the entire breast."

Then as if in consolation, she says something along the lines of, "Don't worry.  You will have something to look forward to.  Having sagging, squishy breasts that will be less painful for mammograms."

I tried to make a joke...but seriously?  Is that really something to look forward to?  I think I will just handle the pain and rejoice in having firm, non-squishy/saggy boobies for the time being.  Onward and upward :)

Do you have any mammogram stories you want to share?  Feel free...I would love to hear them.  

Especially given the fact that I was assured I will likely be receiving a call that I will need to have them re-examined, which is nothing to be concerned about, but they have nothing to compare them to.  Well that is reassuring.  

Health Update: Knee

I decided it was time to get serious about my fitness last fall.  MS and I joined the nearby gym, paying three times more than Planet Fitness for the location and convenience factor.  I jumped right back into my favorite Body Pump class and immediately realized my knee wasn't recovering the way it used to.

Over 12 years ago, I had reconstructive ACL knee surgery.  The doctor told me I would likely need reconstructive knee surgery at some point.  I decided to look up my doctor and get a check up to see if everything was fine, which of course I knew it wasn't.  I went in November.  The doctor was shocked at how well I was walking given the sight of my x-rays.  While the ACL is fine, I have more damage and long-story-short, bone on bone.  He advised that I shouldn't be doing lunges or squats and I should understand I can't do things like others my age.  Well duh, I should be doing more! :)  He gave me an anti-inflammatory and suggested I grin and bear it, and admitted he hoped I wouldn't need reconstructive surgery so young.

Fast forward to January 2013...my knee is getting worse.  I am taking the as needed anti-inflammatory pills more and more and the pain is not subsiding.  I decided to call the doctor's office on Wednesday to inquire about getting a note for the ability to wear tennis shoes at work if needed and to see if I could be prescribed something else that may be more effective.  I told the girl on the phone I was prescribed the generic of Voltaren.  She called back to question what I was on, thinking I said something else.  She then called and left a message to call her back.  I called this morning and spoke with someone else.  My file was pulled and I was told that I needed to come in to see the doctor again because it had been so long.  Long?  It was mid-November, but whatever.  I left a message for the first girl to call me back.

Tonight I checked my messages on the home phone (despite giving my cell number) and there was a message from the Orthopedic office to call to schedule an appointment with my doctor next week as he wants to see me before refilling my prescription.  WTH?  Of course he would if that is what I called about!  I was given a month prescription (60 pills/2x per day) to use as needed with five refills.  If the message was conveyed that I needed a refill/new prescription since mid-November, O.M.G.  I haven't even used half of my first bottle.  They aren't effective.  When I take them, all I want to do is take multiple pills and I beg to take ibuprofen or anything else to subside the pain.  I just wonder, doesn't anyone listen anymore?

So I will call again and maybe go in for another appointment. I can't wait to see what comes of it all...stay tuned...maybe I will update next year! ;)

2013: Life As I Know It

I can't even believe that my last post was 9/11/12.  That seems like forever ago...so much has happened since then...and yet things are still the same.  While I decided to blog about my health, I'll do a quick update:

*  My step-dad is doing well.  The liver transplant was a success although he suffered complications that have impacted his vision and memory.  The change has been a major adjustment to his and my mother's way of life; but, they are adjusting.  He is alive and we are all blessed for the small miracles.

*  We spent Thanksgiving with my brother's wife's family.  It was great to see my brother and his family.  This was the first real outing since my step-dad's surgery and both he and my mom looked well.  Despite our short visit with family, I was so blessed to be with family on the holiday.

*  After Christmas T and I drove a second vehicle down to Florida with mom and step-dad.  The drive down was long and challenging and included a run-away u-haul trailer that crossed the median a car in front of us on I75!  I was just glad that T didn't want to log anymore permit practice hours.

*  T and I spent a week with my parents in Florida lounging around and being blessed to have family and our youth ;)  I read four books during the week!  T and I went to Epcot where I became the worst mom ever - navigating crowds and leaving him behind!

*  Many changes at work which have lead to significant transition.  I even applied for a supervisor position that I still believe I maintain I don't ever want. But it is the year of 13 and maybe a year of change.  So who knows.

*  As a parent I am struggling with T turning 16 in a few months and whether or not he should get his license.  The thought of purchasing a new car for myself with a car payment and insurance for him makes me want to hurl.  Since he is only a sophomore and unemployed, I am leaning toward keeping him permitted to avoid having to pay for insurance for the time being.

*  MS and I are still dating.  As I was in Florida for the New Year, I hoped it would be better to start the year off apart and not repeat our previous New Year.  Unfortunately, this year I had some serious deep thoughts and it didn't lead to good times on the relationship front.  Whether it was commitment related, reality related or just stagnation; nevertheless, all is continuing, status quo.

*  I went and saw Flashdance on Broadway!  AG gave me two free tickets!  I was super excited to be back in the theater and loved every minute of the show!

*  It has been two years since MS and I planned a Spring Break together.  We didn't end up going last time. I wonder if this time will have better results.  I can guarantee they will be different.  We shall see.  Again planning on a last minute vacation opportunity with MS and I and two 16 year old boys on a road trip across America.  What fun, right?  Ummm....I'll get back to you on that one.

So I think that basically sums up the past few months.  I can't believe it is officially February 1, 2013.  How time seems to fly.

Tuesday, September 11, 2012

Post Transplant

A few weeks ago my step-dad had a liver transplant.  I wasn't there for the surgery.  I wasn't even there for almost a week after the surgery.  I was there in mind and spirit, but I wasn't there.  It bothered me that I wasn't there, but I knew there wasn't anything that I could do and with school starting for T and work, I really couldn't manage going over sooner, although my mom said she didn't want or need me there. 

Things seemed to be progressing well, from afar.  Reports from my mom were positive and later I learned, vague.  I had planned to spend a couple of days at the hospital with my step-dad and mom and to relieve my mom in anyway possible, especially since she had been practically living at the hospital. Two days before I went, my mom called to let me know how he was doing.  She gave the positives and then she said..."he is blind".  She told me not to cry and that it would be OK and she hung up to avoid the fact that we were both sobbing uncontrollably.

I still tear up recalling that phone call.  Of the sobs that coursed through my body immediately after I hung up.  The whys.  The hows.  And after about ten minutes of crying, I stopped.  I couldn't feel sorry for him, for me, for my mom.  While we weren't prepared that he may be blind, he was alive.  He received a "beautiful liver" that would give him a new lease on life.  Different.  New.  About an hour later, my mom called back and we were both collected and she said someone wanted to say HI.  I was able to talk to my step dad.  I was able to hear him.  To laugh and recognize that he was still the same, despite things that would be different.  Everything can't remain the same.  With change, we shall grow and live and embrace.  I have to accept that we will never be given more than we can handle and we are so very blessed that he has been given the opportunity for a transplant and a long life.

I spent over two days in the hospital.  I never left.  I have to admit I was rather disappointed that I didn't lose any weight during my hospital stay, but I suppose I have to be the patient for that to happen!  My step dad looked good.  He made significant progress while I was there.  His blood pressure was stabilizing with medication.  He was beginning to see objects and movement.  He was thankful for the new liver.  He wasn't always sure where he was, but he was appreciative of my mom, myself, family and friends.  I helped him with eating and he was able to stand and walk to the bathroom.  The catheter was removed.  His spirits were high and his attitude was pleasant.  Then, it was time for me to come home.

I am not sure exactly what has happened since I left.  I feel like for my sake, my mom wants to guard and protect me from the reality of what is happening or maybe if she doesn't verbalize it, it isn't real.  They believe that he suffered a massive air embolism during the transplant which is causing the blindness.  They also believe he may have suffered one or several mini strokes which has resulted in his reduced strength on one side.  He may have also had a lack of blood flow and elevated blood pressure during surgery that caused additional issues.  Actually, no one is exactly sure what happened or why.  What I do know is that the longer he stayed in the hospital ICU the more irritated, agitated and frustrated he became.  Doctors reported that he may have a full recovery.  My mom reported that he doesn't understand why he is there, why he has to take medication and why he needs physical therapy.  The plan was to discharge him to rehabilitation; however, a bed was not available where he was.  My mom was told to check out nursing homes.  Fortunately the hospital located a rehabilitation hospital and he was transferred. 

Within days of being transferred to the acute rehabilitation center, he returned back to the hospital where the transplant occurred.  The liver is reportedly doing well; it is the anxiety and pain that is not.  He is being elevated to a higher level of care than when he was initially discharged.  I just received a text from my mom that he will move to that floor after an operation and I have absolutely no idea what the operation is for.  His white blood cells are elevated and his pain medication has been greatly increased.  It is so difficult to be away from the situation waiting on information and updates.  I wish that I could do more.  All I can do is pray and be thankful for my step dad's transplant.  Baby steps.  One foot in front of the other.  One day at a time.