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! ;)
Friday, February 1, 2013
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.
* 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.
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.
New Shower Curtains
For anyone who knows me, my life is not complete without an updated shower curtain. It had been a while since I actually purchased a new shower curtain. Especially since I downsized and actually got rid of a few. I have to admit I don't really change the shower curtain in the basement bathroom very often. Don't get me wrong, I have about six curtains down there that I rotate around, I just don't do it as much since I seldom use that bathroom.
When I purchased my set of golf clubs, I received a rebate for $50 at Menards. My intention was to purchase a chain saw. I mean what better purchase than a chain saw? The last time I borrowed one, I managed to cut down a live tree, have it fall across a dozen wires and land on my garage! I could only imagine what I could do with my very own chain saw! So instead, I managed to buy two shower curtains and a bunch of other miscellaneous things instead. Of course this one, I think I may put in the basement bathroom with the orange too!
Maybe some day I will find a new hobby or passion. For now I like the instant change to the bathroom, the lack of storage room necessary to house my obsession and the low cost involved! :)
When I purchased my set of golf clubs, I received a rebate for $50 at Menards. My intention was to purchase a chain saw. I mean what better purchase than a chain saw? The last time I borrowed one, I managed to cut down a live tree, have it fall across a dozen wires and land on my garage! I could only imagine what I could do with my very own chain saw! So instead, I managed to buy two shower curtains and a bunch of other miscellaneous things instead. Of course this one, I think I may put in the basement bathroom with the orange too!
Maybe some day I will find a new hobby or passion. For now I like the instant change to the bathroom, the lack of storage room necessary to house my obsession and the low cost involved! :)
Outdoor House Updates
I finally decided to replace my garage roof. I had a feeling if I waited much longer, the roof would have caved in completely. I wasn't entirely thrilled with the price, but it was done in a day and I am glad to have it replaced!
I haven't done much to the inside of the house. I have been keeping busy painting at MS' house since he moved and really don't have much energy or desire to do much on my house. Earlier this year I discontinued our DISH and switched to AT&T Uverse. I decided I had had enough of the wires and cables in and around the house. I didn't realize exactly how much I had from the various services over the years!
I also came back from vacation and found that I had a decent size hole in the cement in the driveway. Apparently some rodent dug through the bottom of the window well and and caused the cement to cave in. MS and I were able to repair the hole as well as a big chunk of the side door step that had broken off when moving in the new washing machine.
Other than going through a refinance to lower my interest rate and reduce a couple years off the term, things on the housing front have been pretty calm (knock, knock).
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| Before |
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| After |
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| Cable/Phone Excess Wires |
Other than going through a refinance to lower my interest rate and reduce a couple years off the term, things on the housing front have been pretty calm (knock, knock).
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