Hello and I've missed you allHi

     Hi Shelly!

Good to hear from you. We've missed you too.

Carol

Shelly, you have been greatly missed, so it made my day for you to take the time to post.  I understand RL getting in the way of posting, at times.  Aside from the ongoing saga of my post-op drain problems, I'm doing well.  Hope you are, too.  Are your books fiction or nonfiction?

Hugs,

Connie

Shelly, any relation to Upton Sinclair, the writer?  Of course, that may not be his real name.  Your "safe cleaning" book sounds like something people really could use and would be interested in, now that everyone is interested in "going green" and saving money!  I have tried using vinegar on a few things, and haven't been sufficiently satisfied with the results.

At any rate, good luck with your books!  It's good to get your mind on other things.  Just don't be such a stranger.

Hugs,

Connie

JoAnn, you are welcome to come over to my place anytime--mop and vacuum cleaner will be supplied.  LOL!

Hugs,

Connie

Hi Shelly,

Regarding your question: I think that I'm doing well. Thanks for asking. Since I am alone most of the time, I don't have much feedback on encephalopathy except when I'm out visiting, and my friends don't seem too freaked out, so all is well. I am up about 40% of each day although most days sleep is only available from about 4:30am to 9:30am. I do need a lot of down time so I started a blog -- I did 2 posts yesterday.

Tomorrow I meet with the head of the Transplant Clinic, bringing a friend to remember and pass on information regarding the post-transplant 60 day needs.

I'm glad to hear about your writing. To me, writing is very important. It is wonderful that you have some books in you waiting to get out. Have you read Stephen King's "On Writing"? It's wonderful to read about how others go about their writing.

As you do the Sinclairs, please let me know if you run across my friend, Maestro James Sinclair, born in Washington DC, now of New Haven. He comes from the US Sinclairs of Dubuque, Iowa, I think.

I wish you the best in your writing! I'm ready to buy the non-toxic cleaning book. Can I get that signed?

Be well, John

Shelly

Welcome back We all missed you and Good Luck on your book.

Lucy

John, I read Stephen King's On Writing and loved it...particularly the insight into his early life.  I still have the book.  I was a huge SK fan for years, but then he seemed to become a hack writer.  I still think his early work is his best: Pet Sematary, Four Seasons, It, etc.

I'd also be interested in reading your blog, if it's available to us.

Glad you are doing well.  Since you haven't used overnight bags as shoes yet, I think your encephalopathy (if you have it) is minimal.  Let us know how your visit goes!!

Hugs,

Connie

Hi Carol and Connie,

Regarding the blog, you need to understand that for me it's a way for me to rant without forcing anyone to actually listen to me. If people voluntarily read it, that's their burden that they've picked up and not one that I've forced on them. I can be most strident and boring. And I have far too many stories and opinions.

That being said, my blog (only 2 posts) is at IndiscreetSage.wordpress.com. Starting a blog while affected by encephalopathy is probably not a very bright thing to do, but what the hey.

You can start your own free blog at wordpress.com simply by signing up. My daughter is very successful with her blogs -- she knows the ins and outs of promoting them (I don't have a clue, so please don't ask). Unless you actively promote your blog, it becomes a personal exercise as opposed to a communication vehicle or income producer. For me, it's the exercise, and if it becomes read, great.

I met with the transplant clinic head today. I brought my friend Lydia so that I would have someone who would actually remember shat was said. She also will be my post-transplant coordinator of John-watchers for the 60 days after surgery. She also will call my mom in AZ to explain what was said, knowing that all I would report is, "The doctor said to stay off 30 foot ladders for at least a month after surgery."

The Dr. was refreshingly frank in discussing the options and dangers. My MELD has only gone up one point to 14 so it will still be a while before we start seriously looking for livers. In this region, 18 to 20 seems to be the starting number with the transplants typically occurring around the high 20's to mid 30's. With the shortage of livers, they lose a lot of patients who are waiting. This clinic has a very low infection incidence level, which is good for me. I have been on most antibiotics, including Cipro, so there aren't many antibiotics of last resort for me.

I trust that you, my extended forum family, will let me know when I am sounding too mind-fogged. As you know, I spend most of my time alone and I'm on best behavior when I am out and about, so I question whether I'll recognize when I become too bizarre. Thanks for watching my back!!

Be well, John

John, thanks for the blog info.  Are you under the same name there?

Hugs,

Connie