The Road Of Life ~ Part 3 of 4 CLOSED

 Posted 10/25/2010 8:07 PM (GMT -6)  by dencha:

Janice♥,
Your help and support have been so appreciated. Knowing that there is a skilled surgeon at CC provides me with a definite option should my local surgeon prove an unacceptable option. Believe me, I know full well the importance of having the best possible surgical care. Having your support and advice is so comforting to me. Thank you for taking the time and effort to provide me with suggestions and information. It makes CC a real option for me. Without your firsthand experience, I'm not sure I'd have had the courage to consider a trip to Cleveland. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

As far as retirement--if you prepare yourself, and are ready for it, you will really appreciate the flexibility and time it affords you. When you need a trip to the doctor, you don't have to schedule it with your job in mind. You can relax in the evening knowing you don't have to get up at the crack of dawn for work the next day. You don't have the stress of work responsibilities on your mind constantly.

A dear friend of mine gave me a great book as a gift. It's called, "How to Retire Happy, Wild, and Free", by Ernie J. Zeliniski. It's definitely worth a read.

I retired from teaching in June. I loved my job, and didn't retire because I was burned out. I was just getting too tired to continue at the intensity I required of myself. I had very high standards, and it was just getting harder and harder to live up to them. I still enjoy teaching without the responsibilities, as I volunteer in my son's third grade class a day a week, and tutor a young learner.

Retirement requires preparation. You've got to practice for it--get your mind and body ready and willing!

Thanks, Bill and Kitt for your advice and support as well!
Janice, best wishes with your medical challenges. I'll be thinking of you.
Denise

Posted 10/28/2010 6:05 PM (GMT -6) by LdyJane

 

Hi everyone. I spoke to the GI Secretary today (we've actually become friends over the many, many times!) I should have received a letter by now; Dr. Shay was not to happy to hear that I hadn't.
Unfortunately or maybe fortunately, these biopsies all proved negative. We're now on a path of exclusion and becoming more and more sure that it's immune system; some type of immuno-defiency. I see someone there in the spring.

I really like the Director of the headache clinic, having a different take on the migraine is nice; I was having up to 7 a day for the last 3,4 6 , 8 months, I don't remember; he started me on Lithium (yep, the same stuff for bi-polar or m-d)....it's working; it's working. I'm having maybe one or 2 significantly painful headaches a day, and I can deal with them (read..I don't feel like jumping off the building anymore).

I have the MRI on my left breast Monday; hopefully the findings from the CT won't be replicated in the MRI..but hey!

Biggest news, is that I have decided to retire in this "incentive" period (trust me, it's more of a disincentive if you stay). My last day is December 31st.

I'm thinking of all of you ♥
Janice

Posted 10/28/2010 8:32 PM (GMT -6)   by dencha

 

Hi Janice,
I'm glad to hear you have some control of those headaches. I do think headaches are one of the most debilitating conditions there are--you just can't get away from a headache. I'm sorry you have ANY, but you must feel amazing relief. I can't believe what you've been through with them.

I hope they find an answer to your immune system problems. You're obviously a puzzle, but it sounds like you've got some tremendous medical firepower looking for answers.

Good luck with your MRI Monday. I hope things go well there. Keep us posted.

Retiring December 31st! I personally love retirement. I loved teaching, but I also love the freedom that retirement offers. Not as much money, but lots more time, and that's worth more than money. Kitt is right, though. It requires that you prepare yourself, and have a positive take on the change in your job title. I'm still a teacher...Kitt is still a nurse. It's just that now we can enjoy so many more things without the stress of working every day. Considering reading the book I recommended. It's got a lot of wisdom in it!

Hang in there, Joy...unfortunately those years will go by far too quickly! Enjoy each and every one.

Take care, Janice.♥
Denise

Kitt,
I'm happy to help out around here. You and others were here for me, and I intend to help others in the same way. I'm glad to hear that you had a good day, and hope it's the first of many more. I love the fall...the beauty of the trees, the crisp air, the clouds that are always changing...enjoy this lovely season! Of course, I love winter as well. I'm a snow lover, and adore the long evenings and excuses to have a fire in the fireplace. I'm trying to convince my husband to buy cross country skis. We haven't done it for years, but I know we wouldn't have trouble regaining our skills!

Barb,
Hope all is well...Thanksgiving is coming soon!
My daughter in law got pulled out of work. She's in the 37th week and has begun to have some high blood pressure. She's borderline, and they want her home and relaxing. She's going to the doc on Monday because they're keeping a close watch. Baby time is approaching! We're a little worried about the new complication (it's her first in a very positive pregnancy experience), but know that she's getting excellent care. Also, she's a PA, so can keep track of herself as well...in addition, her sister is an OR nurse, so she's also keeping a close watch. Everyone is excited about having a new little baby in the family. Wish us luck!

Hi Janice...hope you're doing well tonight.

Take care, All!
Hugs,
Denise

Ow! Ow! OW!
I'm in so much pain!
Today while walking across the playground I tripped over a little stick the size of my finger. I twisted my ankle and fell hard on my left side. My left shoulder's sprained, the back of my left arm is sprained, my back is hurting, and from the looks of it I busted a blood vessel on the back of my left knee. I've taken a Lortab, I'm resting in my chair, and I have my legs elevated with an ice pack under my left leg.
I'm just hoping I can work tomorrow with little pain. :((

Kitt,
You'll love this.... when I fell, I was immediately surrounded by about 12 little kids asking, "what happened? Are you okay?"
about six of them helped me up off the ground and walked with me very worriedly to my chair.
I've got some very caring kids.(Tears in my eyes)

 Posted Yesterday 11:00 PM (GMT -6) by Pandacrazy

Hi everyone. I spent 2.5 hours in the walk in clinic tonight. I'm having issues with my lungs. My doc couldn't see my today and so they sent me to the walk in. I'm coughing and coughed up blood today. I am now on steroids and the doc said to call back if I don't get better. The whole thing reminds me of how sick I was last year. Don't want a repeat of last year. Hope all had a good Halloween. Just the fact that I got talk to my grand daugher mad it the best day ever. She is just as excited to come about her visit for thanksgiving as we are. We actually will only have her 3 days but will pack a ton of fun into them. Have to get to bed. Take care all. Barb

 

Kitt; I was on Topomax for the migraines; it worked wonderfully; except it caused breathing problems for me; I can't take it. I have started the lithium, I'm on 3 a day...it seems to work, but..a few days after increasing, the headaches are breaking through. I did something to my back, and after a weekend of crying and living on Norco, I was able to get in first with my chiro who asked, what did I do?? (nothing!!!) and Tuesday first thing, with my pain specialist who asked the same question...fortunately I'm feeling better, but I learned that driving and excessive use of Norco don't mix..I was glad it was after rush hour on the highway.
Since stopping the norco though, the headaches are reminding me of their presence.

My breast MRI shows two areas that are listed as "probably benign", but they weren't there last May in my mammogram; I see my surgeon in 2 weeks.

Barb, try to get that breathing under control; did you ever check out National Jewish in Denver? You really should!
Denise, I hope you're feeling better with your decisions and good luck to your DIL.
Joy, seriously, have you been checked since your fall? Little did I know that the fall I took many years ago led me to a lot of the conditions I have now....be careful!
Good evening everyone.
Janice

Janice,
I'm so sad that you're struggling so. I surely hope that the headaches get under control soon. Headaches make everything else seem more unmanageable. It's an overwhelming problem, and I feel for you.

I hope you get good news from your surgeon. You've got lots of friends rooting for good outcomes. I'm so glad you stopped by to talk. We've missed you.

I am going to see the surgeon on Tuesday. Seriously, I'm not sure he's going to want to touch me. I had a barium swallow in March that showed nothing but retained barium that traveled the esophagus. Do you think retained food/drink could be affecting my lungs? It will be interesting to see what he says.

If you were going to make me a list of questions, which would be the most important to ask? I'd like everyone to weigh in on suggesting questions. I'm going to make a list, so I'm prepared for my visit.

Joy,
I agree with Janice. If you haven't seen anyone about your injuries, it would be a good thing to go to the doc and get checked out. It was a tiny stick, but not tiny injuries!

Take care Janice and Joy,
Hi everyone!
Denise
PS--My DIL has started on blood pressure meds and will be going back to the doctor on Friday for a baby stress test. Her lab work has all been good...no protein in her urine.
She's not one to want to sit at home, so I'm sure she's going stir crazy and wants to have this baby!
I'll let you know what happens next...wish us luck!

Good Morning Everyone,

Janice,  I am sorry to hear about your health problems.  You have been through so much yet you continue to come here and share your feelings and thoughts and support others.  I admire you more then you could ever know.  I am glad you are seeing your surgeon for the "probably benign" MRI results.

Please don't let my question scare you as I am just thinking ~ Have you ever had a MRI of your back ?  I had a back injury when I was working and struggled along for months with a dx of strained muscles.  Finally after a year I was sent for an MRI of my back and there was a disc herniation at L5-S1.  Not that it changed the course of my treatment at the time but at least I had a reason for the pain.

Dang headaches ~ kick them into the big lake up there.  I hope the lithium works for you.  Sorry about the problem with Topamax.  It really is to bad that the side effects of a drug that was helping you had to pop up.  Life can be so frustrating but know we are here to support and care for you.  Thinking of you with great fondness.

Joy, A little stick brought you down ~ stay out of the forest my friend.  I am sorry to hear you are so banged up and the leg is causing you problems.  I know these accidents can happen so quickly and as you are falling your mind has trouble trying to figure out what is happening.  From one that has fallen down frequently,  I understand how you are feeling. 

Sending you virtual massages.

Barb,  Aahhhh, turkey ~ love it.   Bella is sure to have wonderful memories from this years Thanksgiving celebration.  She will surely love the  nutcracker ballet.

Hope your asthma settles down and you really enjoy your holiday.

Denise,  What a great MIL you are and soon to be Grandma.  You will feel so full of love and joy when the baby gets here.  When you look into your grandchild's face for the first time you realize this child is an extension of yourself.

My 19 year old granddaughter and my 17 year old granddaughter are such terrific and beautiful young ladies that I marvel at how lucky I have been to have them in may lifes since the day they were born. Many times I have felt like my heart was going to explode from happiness as I have watched these 2 grow up. 

The 7 year old, Emma, is so beautiful and smart and the apple of her Daddy's eye.  It reminds me of the relationship I had with my own Father and I am very proud of my youngest son and his parenting skills.

So get that tissue ready as you are sure to shed some tears of joy ! 

Bill,  Hope you are ok and remember we are here for you.  

As for me,  I seem to have what possibly could be another spot that is  a skin cancer so it will be a trip back to dermatologist. I will be on a vacation  leaving next Thursday, the 11th so I will be offline for 4 days .  I did not want to have any procedures done on my hand before the trip so I will deal with this new area when I get home. 

I started a new med last Friday and it seems to be helping ~  it is one of those you have to increase very slowly but so far so good.

Happy Thursday to all and I wish you peace.

Kitt

 

Hi Joy,
You know what? It's a good thing you went to the doc...if it is a rotator cuff injury, the quicker you get it taken care of, the better the outcome. Hopefully it's just a bruise or sprain. If it's something worse, be happy that you found out quickly. I hope you find it's a false alarm.
Keep us posted!

Kitt,
Thanks for sharing the emotions of meeting your wee grandchild. I am looking forward to that moment. It may come soon, as my DIL's blood pressure remains high 172/102. She started blood pressure meds yesterday...I wonder how long it takes for them to kick in. She doesn't want to sit by and wait to develop pre-eclampsia. She'd rather be induced and have the baby. She's due in about 3 weeks. Tomorrow she sees her OB and they'll discuss the options. I think being in medicine she is more assertive...not to mention the fact that she's an extremely active person, and staying home for three weeks sounds like an eternity to her. We shall see. I'll keep you posted.

I also have had several skin cancers--a product of multiple sunburns as a child--and think I may have one on my leg. I've got an appointment with a dermatologist on the 16th...I made a surgical appointment, since I've been around the block a few times and am pretty sure it's a basal skin cancer.

Have fun on your vacation! We'll hold the fort here...

Hi Bill...we do miss you around here!
I'm going to see a surgeon on Tuesday. See what he has to say about my issues. I think I'll start a new thread asking for question ideas. I want to be well prepared.

Janice♥, we're with you in spirit! Hope all is going well.

Barb, I hope your asthma is getting better. I'll bet you're getting excited to have your granddaughter near. I know you'll have a wonderful time! I can't wait to see my tiny grandchild! It's not long now!

Take care everyone!

Denise

I've heard the SS helps alot, Bill. There's a lot of people in the chronic pain forum who have had one done.