Wednesday, May 25, 2011
Rambling
It is amazing that I don't write more often considering how sick I am some days and the fact that I'm a BS'r. Have a coumadin appointment today - 2 weeks ago I was at 2.2 which is considered good. Bowel movements, since taking the codeine sulphate, have mostly normalized which in turn has caused my blood thinner to stabilize. Normalized means I'm not going to the bathroom every 60 minutes and is now stretched out to every 3 or 4 hours. Hopefully it will keep getting better over time and soon I will be able to ride my beloved Heritage Springer once again.
Thursday, May 12, 2011
Thursday the 12th of May
Not much to say. Saw the coumadin doc yesterday and had a reading of 2.2. Good enough so that I don't have to see her for another two weeks. Have a GI doc appointment tomorrow.
Will try and see if I can do any yard work today but I might not. Having some stomach pain but it seems to be going away..
Will try and see if I can do any yard work today but I might not. Having some stomach pain but it seems to be going away..
Friday, May 6, 2011
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
Tuesday the 3rd of May
weighed 142.6 lbs (10.21 stone, 64.8 kilo) this AM.
Brother and his wife stayed with us on Sunday night as a layover on the way to Ohio. After 20 years in Phoenix they are moving back home so that they might be around the grandkids. Envy them.
I just wonder if it will be the last time I ever see them. I hope not but I did shed a few tears when they left. Just being a Donny Downer...
Watched the movie "Machete" this morning... Ho Hum.
Potted around outside, sprayed for weeds and few other things.
Brother and his wife stayed with us on Sunday night as a layover on the way to Ohio. After 20 years in Phoenix they are moving back home so that they might be around the grandkids. Envy them.
I just wonder if it will be the last time I ever see them. I hope not but I did shed a few tears when they left. Just being a Donny Downer...
Watched the movie "Machete" this morning... Ho Hum.
Potted around outside, sprayed for weeds and few other things.
Thursday, April 28, 2011
Lots to say but:
Really don't feel like saying much. Found an old friend on FaceBook. Coumadin was at 3.4 level yesterday.....tad high.
Trying to do the yard work. what would take me 2-3 hours now takes me 2 days without any beer. Which reminds me... I have not had any alcohol since 09 July 2010 the day I fell down and played dead. Hopefully, when I truly get stabalized, I can have me a few Coronas.
Trying to do the yard work. what would take me 2-3 hours now takes me 2 days without any beer. Which reminds me... I have not had any alcohol since 09 July 2010 the day I fell down and played dead. Hopefully, when I truly get stabalized, I can have me a few Coronas.
Friday, April 22, 2011
Monday, April 11, 2011
Been a week
Been a week or so since last posting but last week had a a pretty nice day. Took the dog to the groomer and once I picked him up decided to (just for the heck of it) take him to a doggy park several miles from the house. I don't know if it was more fun for him or myself but he was kinda afraid of some of the smaller larger dogs. Probably need to take him more than once n a while for the socialization aspects of it. Besides a bottle of water I took the Kindle also but never did get a chance to start reading. Met a lady with 2 standard schnauzers an boy were they full of pep and zest. Supposedly there is another dog park in Rio Rancho but have not checked it out. Tomorrow I have to get blood drawn again but am not going to do it at the cancer center. Ran it thorough the blood docs nurse, after telling her I would never get my blood drawn at her facility ever again, so she ensured I am in the system and can get it drawn in the Pres facility in Rio rancho.
Felt like an adult saturday night. Had friends over for dinner and ended up a nice evening.
Felt like an adult saturday night. Had friends over for dinner and ended up a nice evening.
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
5 April
Yesterday had an echo done on heart. Today to get the results. Small bit of info. On the first part of October last year my ejection fraction was at 35% but on the latter part of October last year, after being in the emergency room for low electrolytes, my ejection fraction sank to 20%. Hopefully today the heart doc will say it is a little higher. The higher it gets the better chance they will work on the unblocking the femoral caused but the last operation for the short bowel.
Also had blood drawn today and damned if I did not get the same butcher as before and darned if she did not whack me again. It will be the last time I get my blood drawn at the cancer center.
Also had blood drawn today and damned if I did not get the same butcher as before and darned if she did not whack me again. It will be the last time I get my blood drawn at the cancer center.
Sunday, April 3, 2011
3 April
Day started off fairly well. Got out and went to Sam's club to pick up items including my beloved mexican coke. Also pick up a pair of shorts with a 32" waist. Far cry from the 36"-38" waists I used to wear.
As a treat before heading home stopped in Subway and got a cold cut 6" sandwich. Had mayo and pickle on it and ended up with a reaction. Made the reaction worse by attempting to spread fertilizer on the yards and I must have twisted or stressed my insides. Diarrhea came back. Ok this morning.
As a treat before heading home stopped in Subway and got a cold cut 6" sandwich. Had mayo and pickle on it and ended up with a reaction. Made the reaction worse by attempting to spread fertilizer on the yards and I must have twisted or stressed my insides. Diarrhea came back. Ok this morning.
Friday, April 1, 2011
April Fools day
Nothing special to talk about with one exception. For breakfast I had cereal which means I had 1% milk with it. Will see how my body reacts to it. If a reaction then I will take a lactaid pill or two and try it again. Am actually hoping I don't have an adverse reaction to the milk.
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Good/bad day? - 31 Mar 11
Yesterday was an unusual day for me. Finally was able to attend my own gong away/retirement luncheon. Held at Kelly's Bar in Nob Hill I was surprised at the amount of folks that showed up. Practically the whole directorate. Without any sarcasm it was heartwarming.
But then, my wife has me drive her to my coumadin appointment. I passed the driving test and am now allowed to drive a vehicle once again. We will leave it there.
Coumadin was at 3.1 so doc decided not to change anything and see what it will be in 2 weeks. Small victory.
But then, my wife has me drive her to my coumadin appointment. I passed the driving test and am now allowed to drive a vehicle once again. We will leave it there.
Coumadin was at 3.1 so doc decided not to change anything and see what it will be in 2 weeks. Small victory.
Monday, March 28, 2011
Sunday, March 27, 2011
GI Doc...
Been too lazy to post. Went to GI doc on Friday. Still the same bedside manner but no big deal. Changed the type of probiotic I'm using. He emphatically stated what I was using was worthless. Good enough for me.
Told him that I have had 6 out of 9 days in where I have went to the bathroom 5 times or less during the day, he seemed to like that. All due to the change of narcotic (codeine Sulfate) and Lomotril. Picked up an iron supplement at Pharmica (Culturelle)on his suggestion, hopefully it will digest and be absorbed much quicker into my system.
He will now see me in two months. Which is OK. Since, once again, it will be another year and a half before I approach some resemblance of normality.
Ended up going to the mall and bought 2 new shirts and a pair of Levis. Funny but a 32" waist is now my size, instead of 36-38" prior to the operations. In reality I think a small would be OK for the shirts but the wife said the medium looked good.
Then ended the day up by going to Subway and having a soda and some kind of cold cut sandwhich, which by the way was heavenly. Had olives on my side of the 12 incher and sure enough 3.5 hours later they went right though me. Still did not detract form being able to somewhat normal for a while.
Enough for now.
Told him that I have had 6 out of 9 days in where I have went to the bathroom 5 times or less during the day, he seemed to like that. All due to the change of narcotic (codeine Sulfate) and Lomotril. Picked up an iron supplement at Pharmica (Culturelle)on his suggestion, hopefully it will digest and be absorbed much quicker into my system.
He will now see me in two months. Which is OK. Since, once again, it will be another year and a half before I approach some resemblance of normality.
Ended up going to the mall and bought 2 new shirts and a pair of Levis. Funny but a 32" waist is now my size, instead of 36-38" prior to the operations. In reality I think a small would be OK for the shirts but the wife said the medium looked good.
Then ended the day up by going to Subway and having a soda and some kind of cold cut sandwhich, which by the way was heavenly. Had olives on my side of the 12 incher and sure enough 3.5 hours later they went right though me. Still did not detract form being able to somewhat normal for a while.
Enough for now.
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Not a happy camper today
Damn sure not in a good mood today. Again up most of the with gurgling intestines then dealing with a butcher this am draing blood and then on top of that I find out that I am going to have to have an iron infusion....... This crap never ends.
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Tuesday the 22nd
Had a decent night, up and in the bathroom at 1:30 AM. Since starting the Lomotil and a different narcotic the bowel movements have drastically changed. Am starting to become more secure in knowing that I have time to get to the bathroom once the pressure starts. Instead of going to the bathroom 12 to 15 times a day I'm now down to 5 or 6, a major improvement on just a month ago.
A picture of my buddy (who is now sitting on my lap as I type this.)
A picture of my buddy (who is now sitting on my lap as I type this.)
Monday, March 21, 2011
Miserable Sunday night
Once again had a rotten night. Woke up about 2:15 AM, sour stomach, intestines gurgling beyond belief, finally went to the bathroom at 2:30 and tried to eliminate as much as possible. Damn near threw up. Didn't work. Took a Zantac 150, didn't help. Ended up just sitting up in bed until around 4:30. Slept until 6:30. Now 8:05 and stomach/intestines still gurgling like mad. Tried to research on the 'net but to no avail. Screw Web MD and all the other sites. Unless you have a "popular" disease or problem you are screwed. Gonna try and take a nap.
Sunday, March 20, 2011
Sunday-not much to say
Spent yesterday, Saturday, trying to see if I can still do yard work. Flat wore my butt out. Did de-thatching, running the lawn mower, hooking up water, etc etc. Now this stuff sounds easy but when one goes from a big strapping guy to a walking corpse in less than 6 months it does present a problem.
Lost a smidgen over 70 pounds and damn near all my muscle.
Slept for almost 10 hours....sheesh.
Lost a smidgen over 70 pounds and damn near all my muscle.
Slept for almost 10 hours....sheesh.
Friday, March 18, 2011
Chicken Fried steak
Well, the primary care doctor's appointment went off well. We discussed the low iron and she will speak with the blood doc once again and let me know if I really need to go see him. (See bottom)
On the way home stopped at the Village Inn for dinner. My wife, as typical, had a salad. I, on the other hand, had Chicken Fried Steak, Tomato/basil soup and mashed potatoes. This might have contributed to the horrible night I had because of the dairy products involved.
Went to bed at 9PM, out like a log, and woke up at 11:15 PM with my intestines gurgling beyond belief, pressure so bad I did not think I was going to make it to the bathroom. I did but it was all water. Went back to bed and fell asleep immediately.
Woke up once again at 2:15 AM with the same symptoms. But the pressure would come and go. I tried to out last it but had to go to the bathroom at 2:30 AM., then could not go back to sleep until almost 3 AM. Intestines continued to gurgle so loud at times I'm surprised my wife didn't hear it in the next room.
Oh yeah, I forgot to mention but after coming home from the hospital we found out that if she was going to get any type of quality of sleep she would have to sleep in another bedroom so that is happening. Been married for 36+ years and always slept together. Kinda sucks but I get it and to be honest am getting used to it.
Woke up a little before 7 AM and a 7:30 AM had breakfast of Chicken noodle soup. Did not go to the bathroom again until 10:45 which is kind of a long time since the last one [2:30 am]. Still tired.
Damn... just got off the phone with the PCP nurse. They went ahead and are setting me up for an IV transfusion for the low iron. Damn... Damn.. They say it will give me more energy.. why the hell do I need more energy to sit on my ass and do nothing. Called the wife since she has the appointment book and dumped it on her to call and make the appt.
On the way home stopped at the Village Inn for dinner. My wife, as typical, had a salad. I, on the other hand, had Chicken Fried Steak, Tomato/basil soup and mashed potatoes. This might have contributed to the horrible night I had because of the dairy products involved.
Went to bed at 9PM, out like a log, and woke up at 11:15 PM with my intestines gurgling beyond belief, pressure so bad I did not think I was going to make it to the bathroom. I did but it was all water. Went back to bed and fell asleep immediately.
Woke up once again at 2:15 AM with the same symptoms. But the pressure would come and go. I tried to out last it but had to go to the bathroom at 2:30 AM., then could not go back to sleep until almost 3 AM. Intestines continued to gurgle so loud at times I'm surprised my wife didn't hear it in the next room.
Oh yeah, I forgot to mention but after coming home from the hospital we found out that if she was going to get any type of quality of sleep she would have to sleep in another bedroom so that is happening. Been married for 36+ years and always slept together. Kinda sucks but I get it and to be honest am getting used to it.
Woke up a little before 7 AM and a 7:30 AM had breakfast of Chicken noodle soup. Did not go to the bathroom again until 10:45 which is kind of a long time since the last one [2:30 am]. Still tired.
Damn... just got off the phone with the PCP nurse. They went ahead and are setting me up for an IV transfusion for the low iron. Damn... Damn.. They say it will give me more energy.. why the hell do I need more energy to sit on my ass and do nothing. Called the wife since she has the appointment book and dumped it on her to call and make the appt.
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Coumadin clinic and other thoughts
Went to coumadin doc yesterday. For the second week in a row I have been at 2.5......A minor miracle. Now stretching it out to 2 week period and see what happens.
This afternoon have to see my primary care doc... she is allotted 40 minutes to talk to me and make whatever decisions she needs to make. I have the un-pleasure of telling her I've cancelled the hematologists appointment and see what develops. My iron levels are low, nothing new there, but with this last blood test I must have dipped a little lower than normal. I'm gonna see if I can't correct it with a further change in diet.
Thinking about my stuff yesterday I realized that I went to sleep on July 9th, 2010 and did not wake up until almost 3 weeks and 3 operations later. Have no idea, other than what has been relayed to me by my family, of what happened. I can't imagine the grief my wife went through during that time, let alone the rest of the family. What I do know is that they prepped for my death based upon the doctor's prognosis. When I finally came home my home was not my home. Some of the items accomplished I am grateful for since I still don't have my strength totally back and not able to do. Some stuff like totally redecorating in preparation for the sale of the house just sucked. We still have not returned the house to as it was before me falling down and playing dead.
Today started on Codeine Sulfate and Creon. Stopped using Vicodin which I had been using to slow down bowel motility. Crapping ones brains out is no fun at all.
This afternoon have to see my primary care doc... she is allotted 40 minutes to talk to me and make whatever decisions she needs to make. I have the un-pleasure of telling her I've cancelled the hematologists appointment and see what develops. My iron levels are low, nothing new there, but with this last blood test I must have dipped a little lower than normal. I'm gonna see if I can't correct it with a further change in diet.
Thinking about my stuff yesterday I realized that I went to sleep on July 9th, 2010 and did not wake up until almost 3 weeks and 3 operations later. Have no idea, other than what has been relayed to me by my family, of what happened. I can't imagine the grief my wife went through during that time, let alone the rest of the family. What I do know is that they prepped for my death based upon the doctor's prognosis. When I finally came home my home was not my home. Some of the items accomplished I am grateful for since I still don't have my strength totally back and not able to do. Some stuff like totally redecorating in preparation for the sale of the house just sucked. We still have not returned the house to as it was before me falling down and playing dead.
Today started on Codeine Sulfate and Creon. Stopped using Vicodin which I had been using to slow down bowel motility. Crapping ones brains out is no fun at all.
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