Christmas was great! My lungs, Thomas and Mack are doing wonderful! I have 98% lung function the last time I went to the doctor.
I'm no longer taking Lovenox injections (blood tinners) because I'm taking Coumadin (pills) that I swallow instead. Which means no more giving myself those painful injections! Sometimes they feel like a wasp sting, other times I don't feel a thing. But last time I had my blood work done, it showed that my blood was too thin, so I had to stop taking the blood thinners for a few days, then when I started taking them again, I had to decrease my dosage by 1mg.
My kidney function is still declining, so the doctor decreased my Prograf, my big anti-rejection medicine, to 1mg twice a day. He said that Coumadin can cause the level to be decreased. And my Prograf level was low when I had my blood checked, but he didn't change the dosage. I guess he is hoping that the decrease in Coumadin will increase the level of my Prograf. And is trying to save my kidneys since all the anit-rejection meds are hard on your kidneys.
And so now, everytime I'm home, I stay hooked up to my feeding pump. I do feedings during night and during the day I increase the drip rate and do water all day. When I want to go outside or go somewhere, I just unhook from my feeding pump and do what I want to.
Only thing is that my PEJ tube (feeding tube) hurts all the time still. He doctors say that some people's bodies just can't tolerate the tube and are more sensitive to it and have to get it changed more often, and I'm apparently one of them. I just had it replced about 2 1/2 to 3 weeks ago. When it gets to painful to bare, I'll go back and have it changed again.
Bugs Bunny (my female black and white regular rabbit) and Rex (my black and white male mini rex) had a litter of kits (bunnies)! There are 7 all together. Some of them are rare colors! They have all their hair and opened eyes. I bet in a few days they will be hopping out of the hutch into the main part of the cage. They will be ready to go to new homes the first couple weeks of Feburuary. Bugs had 2 blacks, 1 seal brown that is very friendly and nosey, 1 brown and white, 1 tortise and white, 1 tortise, and 1 orange and white.
Been trying to get a hold of the farrier so he can come out and trim some horses hooves for me so I can ride. Well, so I can ride as soon as the ground gets better, right now its standing water and mud everywhere!
We had snow during the very first weeks in December! I even made a snow-cowgirl, LOL, she had a big belt buckle on and everything and 2 horses, lol, albeit plastic, hehe. Her eyes were made from skittles and of course the traditional carrot nose. She melted very fast and was gone the next day, as was all the snow. We never get snow way down here in South Texas on the Gulf! We ended up getting 1 1/2 inches I think. My brother lives in an apartment in Beaumont and they got 3 inches. Houston got 5 inches! And there is a town in Laouisana thats not far from me that got 8 inches! Crazy weather!! I mean, we have got snow before, but not this early in the year. Usually its like Christmas Eve or Day or around New Year's Eve/Day. And never this much! Last time we had snow like this was in 2004, I got to make a small snowman then too, lol.
Buzz wasn't sure about the snow. He is my Mom's 4-5yo Parson Jack Russel Terrier. He kept jumping in the air trying to catch all the snow flakes before they hit the ground. And while walking in the snow he was looking at the snow before each step he took and would then look at his paw to see what the weird stuff was, LOL. Harley, my little chihuahua mutt dog, didn't get to see the snow. I let her outside, but all she wanted to do was come back inside and never even noticed the "white stuff". I even had a cute little doggy sweater on her. Me, I was in my barefeet and PJs, LOL. I didn't stay out there very long either, lol. But, it was like 4am too, I was sleepy!
Our Christmas Tree is coming this weekend Mom says.
For Christmas we had deep fired turkeys, Dad fried them outside! Yummy! We got one and gave one to our brother to take home.
I made Mom a picture frame of Buzz. I painted paw prints and dog bones on it and glued a small wooden dog in the top corner and painted his name at the bottom, and put a picture of Buzz in it. I also made her a blanket, one of those polar fleece blankets with the tie-ends. Her blanket has dogs on it with brown bottom. She also got the DVD's One Missed Call, The Dark Knight, and 1 or 2 other DVDs as well. She also got a new hair dryer and kitchen stuff.
Dad, I got him a camo baseball cap, jigsaw puzzle that has 2 doe's and a buck in it, and I made him one of those tie-end blankets as well. His blanket had John Deere Tractors on it with a browon bottom. He got some hunting stuff and some more guy stuff, lol.
For my brother, I got him a new Fujifilm green camera, axle/bod body spray, tuperware set, and I made him a tie-end blanket as well. His was blue striped with grey bottom. He also got some colthes, and he made it into the 4 year RN nursing program at Lamar, so Mom bought him a lot of school supplies and put it in a box and wrapped it.
I also made my Mom's boss a blanket, his is Reversible, it has UT Longhorns on both sides, but different designs on each side.
I also got some material to make my own, lol. Its pink cameo and the bottom will just be hot pink. LOL.
And I got material to do my best friend one next year for Christmas. I would have waited, but you never know, they maight not have this material in this design next year. I also plan on doing one for both my Aunt's next year for Christmas too, and it shouldn't be hard to find them a design/color that they will like.
My bathroom still isn't done yet. But hopefully soon! I want to do it in cowgirl/western theme, but not having much luck finding stuff to match it. My bed room is lavendar and the main back wall is lavender and ragged with regular purple color and country white celing. The bathroom will be a light beige color with country white or off white celieng, so that anything will match if I decide to pain my room again. So far I have all purple towels and wash clothes and hand towels and I got 2 lavender purple rugs for the floor. And I have a western mirrow. The frame is wood and it has brands going all around the frame. I need to find a western toliet paper holder, western towel holder, and western toothbrush holder. And a shower curtain. I saw a clear shower curtain with a barrel racer on it in black, that I wanted, but I can't find it now! And I need to pick out curtains for the small window. And if I find a western/horse decorated cover for the light switch, that would be cool, if not I'll just put a regular white one from the store on it.
But I also have a lot of butterfly pictures and stuff that would look great in there.
At the same time, I don't want it to look to childish either, lol, cause I'm an adult, lol. Not some bouncy teen.
And I had to buy a new sheet set for my queen sized bed. I only had one sheet set for it so far because its fairly new. I just got a new bed, my old bed was full sized, so everything I had was for a full sized bed and they didn't fit the queen sized bed or the deep pockets of it either. Well, so I only have a lavender sheet set for me bed. Well, my feeding tube came apart from my PEJ tube and all the tube feeding went all over my bed and stained my sheets. So I washed them and most of the stains came out. Then the very next night, my PEJ tube insersation site leaked a lot and left a small stain on it. So I again had to wash my sheets. So I was looking foever for a set of lavender sheet set for a queen sized bed with deep pockets (17-20 inches) between 300-700 thread count and couldn't find anything but statin sheets. So I looked at my comforter and it has an olive color in it and so does my decorative pillows and curtains and my bed skirt is an olive green color. So I stared looking for a sheet set in Olive green. Well nothing said Olive green on it. Except for some waterbed sheets that I did end up buying for my parents waterbed as they were on sale, along with a sand colored waterbed sheet set for them. Finally I came across 3 sheet sets, one said Dark Moss, one said Sage, and one said Pale Willow. I picked the Sage sheet set. I hope it matches the green thats on my bed and curtains!
Then someone sent me message saying that she found a lavender sheet set on Ebay and bought them and is sending them to me! I think they are 1200 threard count. How sweet! I told her not to, that it was okay, but she insisted and did it anyway!
Then I got a box from FedEx and thought it was my weekly shipment of medical stuff for my port-a-cath. Turned out to be a very pretty butterfly purple quilt! On the bottom is horses in different colors. It was made by a group of 9 people from horsecity.com and sent to me when it was finished. I had no idea about this until I got it in the mail!
For Christmas, I got a puple proclein piggy bank! I told my brother to get me one, I didn't think he would find one though! I didn't want a plastic one. He got it, then painted flowers and butterflies on it and on its right hip he wrote "hope". So I named her "Hope". Dad put a clear coat of something on her yesterday to keep the paint from chipping off. I love it!
My parents also got me a new laptop! But it was a lemon, so we had to send it back. Mine was custom made, so they have to start another one from scratch and with the holidays won't be able to start on it until Jan. 8th and said when its finished they will over-night it to me at no charge. They are going to put in a faster modem and a Blu Ray DVD player in it this time though!! Yay! So I'll be getting a better laptop than the orignail I got for Christmas!
I also got a LOT of other things. I'm very spoiled. I got the DVD's Wall-E and Horton Hears A Who.
I got Harley and the other dogs all a rawhide pig ear for Christmas, lol. Got Harley and Buzz each a new squeaky toy. Regular beef puperoni and chicken puperoni. And my brother got those pre-made plastic stockings for animals at walmart, one for the dogs to share and one for my Cat, Molly. And I got the horses a 4lb sack of Dumor's oatmeal, honey, and molasses horse treats. And the rabbits got some carrots and horse treats and a mineral and salt block. The dogs and cat seemed to like the horse treats as well, lol. Harley also got a new dog bed, because Buzz messed her dog bed up, so her old dog bed is outside. Was going to go in the trash, but now my cat Molly thinks that its her bed and loves the thing, so I guess its hers. I also made Harley her own blanket and I even crothed (stitched) her name into the bottom corner of the blanket. She is spoiled. And she got a new sweater to keep her warm. I even read the dogs the book by Dr. Suess How the Grinch Stole Christmas, and Buzz actually paid attention. Harely didn't give a care, lol. Buzz though, he even looked at the pictures, I guess because its a kids book and onlyhas a few senteces on the pages and has big pictures to look at.
Oh, and Mom also got me a GPS, a Garmin 200 nuvi, its in color. so hopefully I won't get lost as much, hahahaha. Which means I won't call my parents crying saying I'm lost and have no idea where I'm at, LOL. Or hopefully decrease those happenings, hehe. I used the GPS the first time, its easy to use, but on the way there it didn't talk to me, but on the way home, I must have pushed something becuase now its a woman's voice talks to me and tells me where to turn, lol. Scared me when it first started talking, lol. I need to read the insturuction booklet.
Last time I went to the lung doctor he said becase of the nausea and Gastropareisis and nothing working, that there was one option that I might consider. Its a surgery that would remove part of my stomach and stomach nerves, sorta like a gastric bypass. So I saw my regular GI doctor and the GI surgeon. Now I have to go back to my lung doctor to hear what the results are and what they think, what options I have if any, and what the plan is if they have one. I hope they at least have a suggestion on something I can try to make the PEJ tube more bearable and not bother me as much as it does. Hopefully something. It will be disappointing if I have to drive all the way there and back (making between 4 1/2-6hr) driving time total depending on traffic, construction, weather, if its rush hour or not, etc... and they don't have anything to offer me.
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Sunday, October 26, 2008
I have a visitor!
His name is Igor (pronouned eeee-gore). LOL, isn't he freaky?! He is life sized too. He stands 5 feet and 7 inches. He is staying at my house until he is repaired, lol. Igor belongs to family friend, Dr. Nick, his house was damaged from Hurricane Ike and Igor got broke. My dog Harley is going nuts and refuses to go in the kitchen. Some protection she is, LOL. Igor's owner has had him for years and keeps him in his house all year round, not just at Halloween, haha.
Harley wants to take a nap, she is curled up but keeping a very close eye on the creep in the kitchen and is fighting going to sleep. Well, thats it. Mom just made it move and Harley is freaking out and says "thats it I'm never sleeping again"
My j-tube is still causing problems. It hurts and it keeps getting hard to use. So hopefully when I see the doctor Tuesday in Houston it will get fixed or something.
Mom just finished washing my truck. It hasn't been washed in a long time and had a lot of dirt on it. So its all clean now for the trip to Houston. It will rain now of course. You know every time you wash a car it rains. And its supposed be a high chance of rain Tuesday too.
Winter is coming and the time is changing. Its getting darker earlier and the nights and mornings are crisp. The horses are starting to get their winter hair and starting to "fluff" up. The horses are really enjoying the cooler weather, they are bucking and running and snorting.
Thursday, October 16, 2008
I'm 25yo!
My 25th birthday was Oct.6th! YAY! It was great too!
We are finally done with hay season! Our hay barn is full of wonderful smelling hay!
My Dad disc'd up my riding spot, it still needs more work. The grass is already starting to grow back. But its been raining the last 2 days. So now its a lot of standing water and too wet to disc it now.
Also been messing around with Alleyway. She got exercised the last 2 days. But I'm not sure if I'll mess with her today its so muddy out and still a light sprinkle. The mosquitoes are coming out in full force it seems because of the rain.
I've been shopping, messing with horses, playing with new kitten Molly, going to movies, etc..
Molly is a mess! She is about 3 months old now. She is very playful kitty. She would rather play than be held and cuddled on. She plays non-stop with my dog Harley. Its funny watching them play. Harley thinks that Molly is her pet cat. They are comical.
I'm doing great! There was a mistake with the insurance company, but its all fixed now. My J-tube is bothering me again. And my right lung has been feeling plugged up and "rattle-ly" and sometimes when its like that, in that area I can feel where the gunk is and have a little bit of lung pain there. So I'm doing breathing treatments. Hopefully it will work.
My brother is seeing the cardiologist Monday. To get his heart checked out for defects and stuff since cadio problems run high in our family and he was born with a chest deformity. His left side of the rib cage sticks out farther than the right side. Its only noticalbe to others if its pointed out to them.
We are finally done with hay season! Our hay barn is full of wonderful smelling hay!
My Dad disc'd up my riding spot, it still needs more work. The grass is already starting to grow back. But its been raining the last 2 days. So now its a lot of standing water and too wet to disc it now.
Also been messing around with Alleyway. She got exercised the last 2 days. But I'm not sure if I'll mess with her today its so muddy out and still a light sprinkle. The mosquitoes are coming out in full force it seems because of the rain.
I've been shopping, messing with horses, playing with new kitten Molly, going to movies, etc..
Molly is a mess! She is about 3 months old now. She is very playful kitty. She would rather play than be held and cuddled on. She plays non-stop with my dog Harley. Its funny watching them play. Harley thinks that Molly is her pet cat. They are comical.
I'm doing great! There was a mistake with the insurance company, but its all fixed now. My J-tube is bothering me again. And my right lung has been feeling plugged up and "rattle-ly" and sometimes when its like that, in that area I can feel where the gunk is and have a little bit of lung pain there. So I'm doing breathing treatments. Hopefully it will work.
My brother is seeing the cardiologist Monday. To get his heart checked out for defects and stuff since cadio problems run high in our family and he was born with a chest deformity. His left side of the rib cage sticks out farther than the right side. Its only noticalbe to others if its pointed out to them.
Saturday, October 4, 2008
Post Hurricane Ike update
Hi all!
I've been very busy so haven't got to update in a while. So this will be a little long.
We have had a lot of storms lately. Gustov and Ike. Ike damaged a lot of things. Mom and evacuated from Gustov but we all stayed home for Ike. Didn't have a place to go with all the horses and Sioux was sick.
Some how Sioux also got a cut during the Hurricane. Shortly after the storm passed our vet came out to my house and laid Sioux to sleep. She is now buried and resting forever peacefully in our hayfield.
Sioux is very missed by my family and myself. She was 23yo and was with us for 14yrs. She gave me MANY wonderful memories and 3 babies. I still have 2 of her colts.
My cousin had an accident while playing and fractured his head and hurt his shoulder and leg. After giving everyone a good scare, looks like he will be just fine and not need any surgery. They are still waiting on more tests to determine if he will need surgery to stabilize the fracture in his head.
Hurricane Ike really hit hard here. Lots of people lost their homes. The curfew here was just lifted today, almost a month later! The surrounding towns still have a curfew.
I went to McDonald's the past Saturday and all they had was french fries, coke, and hambugers with nothing one them. It just came with meat and bread, lol, no special sauce. No pickells, no mayo, mustard, or ketchup. Nada. So I went to Sonic instead and got a hamburger, tater tots, and Dr. Pepper and slit it with my Mom. Which ended with me only eating one bite and getting nauseated so my Mom ate it.
We have been cutting and baling hay for almost 2 weeks now! I hope we get enough hay to get us through to next hay season. But it looks like we will have to buy some hay.
My brother's car he was buying. It caught fire yesterday while it was parked in the parking lot of a hair solon place. It had some kind of leak. The engine and battery and other things in it melted. So they had to load it onto a trailer and haul it to the owners. Which, normally is just about a 2hr drive one way. Well, it turned into a 5hr drive the way there and the normal 2hr drive back. I think they had problems getting it loaded and then had to drive slow and I think they had to stop 1-2 times to fix it or something.
Also Bugs and Rex aren't both male bunnies like I was told. Pretty sure Bugs is going to be a momma soon. So I got another cage and have seperated them. Should find out anytime or up to 2 more weeks to see if Bugs has babies. I also got her a nesting box, for just in case she is pregnant.
I got a kitten! We aren't sure if its male or female. But we think its a girl. So I named her Molly. She will be fixed once she is old enough. Molly is very playful and likes to play rough. And jumps all over Buzz, the dog. They play until Buzz gets tired of her. She doesn't know to run away from dogs or horses, so I have to keep an eye on her.
Last weekend I gave PacMan a bath. It was hot and I gave him the bath in his paddock, so I didn't tie him up to dry afterwards. Just turned him loose, so of course he rolled and got all dirty. I was hot, so I didn't get the knot out of his mane. I think I will get it out tomorrow. Its a small one so won't be hard to get out.
After we are done getting the hay up, Dad is going disc up and drag my sand so that I can start riding again!
I've been very busy so haven't got to update in a while. So this will be a little long.
We have had a lot of storms lately. Gustov and Ike. Ike damaged a lot of things. Mom and evacuated from Gustov but we all stayed home for Ike. Didn't have a place to go with all the horses and Sioux was sick.
Some how Sioux also got a cut during the Hurricane. Shortly after the storm passed our vet came out to my house and laid Sioux to sleep. She is now buried and resting forever peacefully in our hayfield.
Sioux is very missed by my family and myself. She was 23yo and was with us for 14yrs. She gave me MANY wonderful memories and 3 babies. I still have 2 of her colts.
My cousin had an accident while playing and fractured his head and hurt his shoulder and leg. After giving everyone a good scare, looks like he will be just fine and not need any surgery. They are still waiting on more tests to determine if he will need surgery to stabilize the fracture in his head.
Hurricane Ike really hit hard here. Lots of people lost their homes. The curfew here was just lifted today, almost a month later! The surrounding towns still have a curfew.
I went to McDonald's the past Saturday and all they had was french fries, coke, and hambugers with nothing one them. It just came with meat and bread, lol, no special sauce. No pickells, no mayo, mustard, or ketchup. Nada. So I went to Sonic instead and got a hamburger, tater tots, and Dr. Pepper and slit it with my Mom. Which ended with me only eating one bite and getting nauseated so my Mom ate it.
We have been cutting and baling hay for almost 2 weeks now! I hope we get enough hay to get us through to next hay season. But it looks like we will have to buy some hay.
My brother's car he was buying. It caught fire yesterday while it was parked in the parking lot of a hair solon place. It had some kind of leak. The engine and battery and other things in it melted. So they had to load it onto a trailer and haul it to the owners. Which, normally is just about a 2hr drive one way. Well, it turned into a 5hr drive the way there and the normal 2hr drive back. I think they had problems getting it loaded and then had to drive slow and I think they had to stop 1-2 times to fix it or something.
Also Bugs and Rex aren't both male bunnies like I was told. Pretty sure Bugs is going to be a momma soon. So I got another cage and have seperated them. Should find out anytime or up to 2 more weeks to see if Bugs has babies. I also got her a nesting box, for just in case she is pregnant.
I got a kitten! We aren't sure if its male or female. But we think its a girl. So I named her Molly. She will be fixed once she is old enough. Molly is very playful and likes to play rough. And jumps all over Buzz, the dog. They play until Buzz gets tired of her. She doesn't know to run away from dogs or horses, so I have to keep an eye on her.
Last weekend I gave PacMan a bath. It was hot and I gave him the bath in his paddock, so I didn't tie him up to dry afterwards. Just turned him loose, so of course he rolled and got all dirty. I was hot, so I didn't get the knot out of his mane. I think I will get it out tomorrow. Its a small one so won't be hard to get out.
After we are done getting the hay up, Dad is going disc up and drag my sand so that I can start riding again!
Monday, August 18, 2008
Forgot to add this
Little update~ The Critical Care Solutions main office in Houston just called. They just got the orders faxed to them from my transplant coordinator. Ramona, my nurse will be coming Monday to draw blood from my port. Ramona is my home health nurse, she is a RN. So I won't have to worry about getting blood drawn. I just have to get the x-ray and PFT scheduled. I was just told by nurse in my local doctor's office, that I don't have to schedule the xray, I can just show up any time that the radiology outpatient department is open and give them the orders then. I have to have the PFT scheduled in advance though.
And I forgot to tell you about this.
Last Thursday, Mr. Curley McCarey passed away. I found out when I got home from transplant clinic. He was 92yo and a great horseman, he gave me lots of good pointers and advice! I used to ride my horses down to his house and he and his wife, Mrs. Shirley, let me use their arena to practice and exercise in. His funeral was Sunday, 2pm, at Claybar in Orange. My parents went, I didn't go as I was having nausea and dry heaves yesterday.
After everything was over yesterday. Dad went back to Pat and Debbie McCarey's house (they live next door to Mr. and Mrs. McCarey). Mr. Curley is Pat's father. And Debbie is my NBHA's disctrict Tx 26 Director. She had some gifts for me that were sent from other of our Tx26 members for Christmas for me. One was a breast collar, with cowhide and crystals and barrel racer conchos, it was purchased at the benefit auction and playday they held for me and the lady that ended up getting in the auction gave it to me. Another member handmade a sign, like a welcome sign but it says "Alleyway" on it, the name of my paint mare, its made out of wood and paint and is really pretty with the bible verse: Phil 4:13 in the bottom right corner. And Pat and Debbie for Christmas went on a vaccation to Las Vegas to the NFR, they watched a few rounds of the NFR and got me a t-shirt from there that says NFR Thomas & Mack (I named my lungs Thomas & Mack after this NFR arena). Debbie was just now able to get them to me, as they have been dealing with health issues their selves and with Mr. & Mrs. McCarey, and then I had my own health issues going on.
My digatal camera is on its last legs, it doesn't work more than half the time I use it. So not sure if I will get pictures, but I'm going to try to and will post them. I will be getting a new digatal camera from my parents for either my b-day or Christmas this year, thats what my Dad told me.
And I forgot to tell you about this.
Last Thursday, Mr. Curley McCarey passed away. I found out when I got home from transplant clinic. He was 92yo and a great horseman, he gave me lots of good pointers and advice! I used to ride my horses down to his house and he and his wife, Mrs. Shirley, let me use their arena to practice and exercise in. His funeral was Sunday, 2pm, at Claybar in Orange. My parents went, I didn't go as I was having nausea and dry heaves yesterday.
After everything was over yesterday. Dad went back to Pat and Debbie McCarey's house (they live next door to Mr. and Mrs. McCarey). Mr. Curley is Pat's father. And Debbie is my NBHA's disctrict Tx 26 Director. She had some gifts for me that were sent from other of our Tx26 members for Christmas for me. One was a breast collar, with cowhide and crystals and barrel racer conchos, it was purchased at the benefit auction and playday they held for me and the lady that ended up getting in the auction gave it to me. Another member handmade a sign, like a welcome sign but it says "Alleyway" on it, the name of my paint mare, its made out of wood and paint and is really pretty with the bible verse: Phil 4:13 in the bottom right corner. And Pat and Debbie for Christmas went on a vaccation to Las Vegas to the NFR, they watched a few rounds of the NFR and got me a t-shirt from there that says NFR Thomas & Mack (I named my lungs Thomas & Mack after this NFR arena). Debbie was just now able to get them to me, as they have been dealing with health issues their selves and with Mr. & Mrs. McCarey, and then I had my own health issues going on.
My digatal camera is on its last legs, it doesn't work more than half the time I use it. So not sure if I will get pictures, but I'm going to try to and will post them. I will be getting a new digatal camera from my parents for either my b-day or Christmas this year, thats what my Dad told me.
Update
Sorry for not posting in a while. I've been busy and posting here got pushed aside. So this one will be long, sorry.
I went to Beaumont a few weekends ago. Went to Target and got a few books and a DVD and a few gifts. Didn't stay long and look at everything I wanted to though. I was having dizziness problems which made me nauseated. I felt like the room was spinning and wanted to black out once, but didn't thankfully.
I have stopped taking the experimental shot. And since then, the dizziness has stopped, so I'm thinking it was a side effect of the shot, but who knows.
All 13 of the horses were de-wormed and recieved their WNV (west nile virus) vaccine. That is all of them except Nacho that is. He is warry of Dad (all the horses associate him as the "bad man" cause he gives them shots, trims their hooves, etc.. he never catches them to pet them or give them a treat), so he knows something was up and refused to be caught. I'm going to try to catch him this afternoon, keep your fingers crossed! After he has been chased around by Dad, I'm sure he is going to be leery of me and hard for me to catch. Usually I can catch him easy.
Nacho, by the way looks fantastic! He is in a really good stage right now, just his head/neck look a little off. But his shoulder, hip, and underline look awesome! He is going to be stocky when he is grown! Right now it looks like he could use some exercise though, he is a little over weight. I'm not to concerened with his weight though as I know as soon as he hits another growth spurt he will lose a little bit.
I had transplant clinic last Thursday. Blood work was normal. Prograf level was a little low, so the dosage was increased to 1.5mg twice a day. Lung function was 94%. The 6-minute walk, I walked over 1400ft. My heart rate while walking got faster than I would like to see. It got up to 148 bpm (beats per minute).
Dr. Harish said that I could try a major surgery to fix my nausea. But I'm not totally convinced on this idea yet. I know my body can't take a major surgery like this one so soon yet from my last big surgery. I'm not sure of the name of the surgery, but its sorta like a gastric bypass surgery. They will remove the part of the stomach that controls the nerves to the stomach. And was told that then I wouldn't have any nausea, would be able to eat, and eventually have the feeding tube removed. But this brings about many questions. Its not a quarentee it will work. Recover will be hard. I'll have that horrible NG tube down my nose (I hate NG tubes with a passion).
I'm not sure how it works, because people that have gastric bypass surgery get gastroparesis from gastric bypass surgery. But he said that since they remove the nerves that I wouldn't get it. I still don't understand that.
I know I don't want gastroparesis when it was bad like I had right after transplant and for up to 4 months after the transplant before it let up enough so I could go home, I don't want that again! So I'm cautious with any surgery that pretains to the stomach, worry that it will mess with my gastroparesis or make it worse.
I have lots of research to do before I say no or yes to this surgery. And I need to talk to my gastro doctor, as Dr. Harish doesn't know all the specifics about this surgery since he is a lung doctor.
This coming Monday I have to have more labs drawn, PFT, and chest x-ray done locally. This ought to be interesting, haha. I'm not sure how the lung transplant center is going to set it all up locally when they are in Houston and don't have priviliges to any of my local hospitals, unless they fax/mail me the orders, but then I would still have to secdule the appointments for xray and PFT. And I'm not sure where they do it locally to draw from a port, they don't draw from ports at the local draw site. I think I'm just going to go to my local general doctor and have him give me orders and his nurse set up the tests, I think that would be easier. Then get the results faxed to the transplant center.
I have to see the transplant clinic in 3 months. As long as I don't have any lung problems, I don't have to have another bronch until next year, sometime between May-July.
The horses are doing well for the most part. A few of them I think get a kick out of making me worry, lol.
Harley is well, Harley. Which means she is a pest as usual. She is a rat terrier/chihuahua mix and is full grown, she weighs about 7-10lbs. She thinks she is the biggest badest dog ever. So I have to pay close attention when there is something she can reach. She eats everything and eats it like she is starved! Last night I put a banana peel in the trash, she knocked it over and then ate half of the peel before I could get it away from her. She also will try to eat non-edible things. She stole and ate my multi-vitamin and calcium medicine once, and another time she swallowed my nexuim capsule. I can't leave anything in her reach, everything has to be high off the ground and where she can't get to it as she will jump on things. Like once to get on the table a kitchen chair wasn't pushed under the table, so she jumped on the chair and then onto the table. In the living room she gets in the recliners and then on the end tables to search for food, as well as getting on the coffee table. I think I'm always saying "Harley, no!, Harley stop!, Harley, drop it! and Harley!" She will stop doing what I don't want her doing, but when she thinks I'm not looking or she will forget that I got onto her, she will go right back to doing what she isn't supposed to do.
LOL, but she does keep me entertained. When she wants to explore around the house, she brings me her favorite squeaky toy and drops it in my lap and if she has a rawhide chew stick, she will put that in my lap as well. Then she goes exploring. She thinks if she leaves her things on me that Buzz won't get them and I will protect or watch over her things and not let the other dogs get them. Its so funny. And she will come to me every now and then and make sure I'm still holding her stuff for her. If I have thrown them back on the floor, she gathers them up and puts them on me again. Or if I let Buzz get her stuff, she pouts and mopes around until I get them back for her.
I went to Beaumont a few weekends ago. Went to Target and got a few books and a DVD and a few gifts. Didn't stay long and look at everything I wanted to though. I was having dizziness problems which made me nauseated. I felt like the room was spinning and wanted to black out once, but didn't thankfully.
I have stopped taking the experimental shot. And since then, the dizziness has stopped, so I'm thinking it was a side effect of the shot, but who knows.
All 13 of the horses were de-wormed and recieved their WNV (west nile virus) vaccine. That is all of them except Nacho that is. He is warry of Dad (all the horses associate him as the "bad man" cause he gives them shots, trims their hooves, etc.. he never catches them to pet them or give them a treat), so he knows something was up and refused to be caught. I'm going to try to catch him this afternoon, keep your fingers crossed! After he has been chased around by Dad, I'm sure he is going to be leery of me and hard for me to catch. Usually I can catch him easy.
Nacho, by the way looks fantastic! He is in a really good stage right now, just his head/neck look a little off. But his shoulder, hip, and underline look awesome! He is going to be stocky when he is grown! Right now it looks like he could use some exercise though, he is a little over weight. I'm not to concerened with his weight though as I know as soon as he hits another growth spurt he will lose a little bit.
I had transplant clinic last Thursday. Blood work was normal. Prograf level was a little low, so the dosage was increased to 1.5mg twice a day. Lung function was 94%. The 6-minute walk, I walked over 1400ft. My heart rate while walking got faster than I would like to see. It got up to 148 bpm (beats per minute).
Dr. Harish said that I could try a major surgery to fix my nausea. But I'm not totally convinced on this idea yet. I know my body can't take a major surgery like this one so soon yet from my last big surgery. I'm not sure of the name of the surgery, but its sorta like a gastric bypass surgery. They will remove the part of the stomach that controls the nerves to the stomach. And was told that then I wouldn't have any nausea, would be able to eat, and eventually have the feeding tube removed. But this brings about many questions. Its not a quarentee it will work. Recover will be hard. I'll have that horrible NG tube down my nose (I hate NG tubes with a passion).
I'm not sure how it works, because people that have gastric bypass surgery get gastroparesis from gastric bypass surgery. But he said that since they remove the nerves that I wouldn't get it. I still don't understand that.
I know I don't want gastroparesis when it was bad like I had right after transplant and for up to 4 months after the transplant before it let up enough so I could go home, I don't want that again! So I'm cautious with any surgery that pretains to the stomach, worry that it will mess with my gastroparesis or make it worse.
I have lots of research to do before I say no or yes to this surgery. And I need to talk to my gastro doctor, as Dr. Harish doesn't know all the specifics about this surgery since he is a lung doctor.
This coming Monday I have to have more labs drawn, PFT, and chest x-ray done locally. This ought to be interesting, haha. I'm not sure how the lung transplant center is going to set it all up locally when they are in Houston and don't have priviliges to any of my local hospitals, unless they fax/mail me the orders, but then I would still have to secdule the appointments for xray and PFT. And I'm not sure where they do it locally to draw from a port, they don't draw from ports at the local draw site. I think I'm just going to go to my local general doctor and have him give me orders and his nurse set up the tests, I think that would be easier. Then get the results faxed to the transplant center.
I have to see the transplant clinic in 3 months. As long as I don't have any lung problems, I don't have to have another bronch until next year, sometime between May-July.
The horses are doing well for the most part. A few of them I think get a kick out of making me worry, lol.
Harley is well, Harley. Which means she is a pest as usual. She is a rat terrier/chihuahua mix and is full grown, she weighs about 7-10lbs. She thinks she is the biggest badest dog ever. So I have to pay close attention when there is something she can reach. She eats everything and eats it like she is starved! Last night I put a banana peel in the trash, she knocked it over and then ate half of the peel before I could get it away from her. She also will try to eat non-edible things. She stole and ate my multi-vitamin and calcium medicine once, and another time she swallowed my nexuim capsule. I can't leave anything in her reach, everything has to be high off the ground and where she can't get to it as she will jump on things. Like once to get on the table a kitchen chair wasn't pushed under the table, so she jumped on the chair and then onto the table. In the living room she gets in the recliners and then on the end tables to search for food, as well as getting on the coffee table. I think I'm always saying "Harley, no!, Harley stop!, Harley, drop it! and Harley!" She will stop doing what I don't want her doing, but when she thinks I'm not looking or she will forget that I got onto her, she will go right back to doing what she isn't supposed to do.
LOL, but she does keep me entertained. When she wants to explore around the house, she brings me her favorite squeaky toy and drops it in my lap and if she has a rawhide chew stick, she will put that in my lap as well. Then she goes exploring. She thinks if she leaves her things on me that Buzz won't get them and I will protect or watch over her things and not let the other dogs get them. Its so funny. And she will come to me every now and then and make sure I'm still holding her stuff for her. If I have thrown them back on the floor, she gathers them up and puts them on me again. Or if I let Buzz get her stuff, she pouts and mopes around until I get them back for her.
Monday, August 4, 2008
Edouard - tropical storm/hurricane
Right now we are under a hurricane watch/warning. So far its a tropical storm but they are saying it has a good chance to become a hurricane one. And have to watch out for tornadoes.
So we have horses moved around. And anything that might "fly" we put in the horse trailer, like trash cans and such. The outside dog, Sparky, will come inside and go in the washroom and will sleep on some bath towels and rugs in there. He is scarred of bad weather.
I emailed my coordinator today, they still haven't gotten my blood lab results from last Monday, to see what my Prograf level is and check on my renal function. I still have some hard feelings with my doctor. He apolozied and I accepted, but the things he said was very hurtful. And one thing he said crossed the line. I guess I will just take it slow each time I have to go in and see the doctors, and I'm sure our relationship will be repaired slowly. Thats all I'll say on that matter.
I'm glad that I have my friends and Mom, since I feel that I can tell them anything.
Mom and I went to Wal-Mart today, I got 3 new books. That should keep me busy tonight since I'm sure I'll be up all night babysitting the horses making sure they are okay.
The weather channel is saying that we might get up to 8" of rain now, between tonight and in the morning.
So, to all my family and friends in the path of Edouard, take care and let me know your safe after the storm passes. Becareful of the tornadoes, as you know we live in tornado alley!
Candi
So we have horses moved around. And anything that might "fly" we put in the horse trailer, like trash cans and such. The outside dog, Sparky, will come inside and go in the washroom and will sleep on some bath towels and rugs in there. He is scarred of bad weather.
I emailed my coordinator today, they still haven't gotten my blood lab results from last Monday, to see what my Prograf level is and check on my renal function. I still have some hard feelings with my doctor. He apolozied and I accepted, but the things he said was very hurtful. And one thing he said crossed the line. I guess I will just take it slow each time I have to go in and see the doctors, and I'm sure our relationship will be repaired slowly. Thats all I'll say on that matter.
I'm glad that I have my friends and Mom, since I feel that I can tell them anything.
Mom and I went to Wal-Mart today, I got 3 new books. That should keep me busy tonight since I'm sure I'll be up all night babysitting the horses making sure they are okay.
The weather channel is saying that we might get up to 8" of rain now, between tonight and in the morning.
So, to all my family and friends in the path of Edouard, take care and let me know your safe after the storm passes. Becareful of the tornadoes, as you know we live in tornado alley!
Candi
Friday, August 1, 2008
Finally an update!
A lot has gone on since my last post. But I should be back to posting regular updates now.
I recovered from the hysterectomy very well! No more of having to deal with those issues! Although I was informed that I did have endometeosis on 3 places and they left both of my ovaries in place. The doctor said years down the road that I could get endometerosis on the ovaries. But I will worry about that if that should happen down the road.
I ended up back in the hospital about a week after the hysterectomy with the stomach issues (gastroparesis) and having a lot of feeding tube pain. So since I'm always getting poked and my veins are used up the doctors put a port-a-cath below my left collar bone. They can give me medicine through it and draw blood out from it for lab work. Now I won't have to get my veins poked and give them a chance to heal up. I can have the port in for up to 10yrs before it needs to be replaced or just taken out entirely.
Then a few days later they changed out my feeding tube, to a new one. Its the same kind/type, the old one they say was still in good working order but they can cause some issues with pain and stuff when sediment from medicine and/or tube feeding stuff. The interventional radiologist was really nice and I trust him, he is very compasionate and caring of his patients. He said that I need to have my feeding tube changed out every 4-6 months, and if I don't then that will cause the pain and issues that I was having. I was orignaly told by my doctor that it would only need to be once a year to once every other year. So hopefully by going by Dr. Weiner suggestion and having it changed out every 4-6 months, I will no longer have feeding tube issues!
Then I went home. And the next week 4 of my horses had procedures done.
Cherokee~ regular standing gelding, coggins, teeth floated
Charlie~ gelded under general anesthesia, wolf teeth pulled (only had 1 so have to wait for the other to come in so it can get pulled out), and coggins.
Nacho~ regular standing gelding, coggins, wolf teeth pulled
Scooter Bug~ Cryptorchid gelding (under general anesthesia), coggins, wolf teeth pulled.
So had to nurse to them, give them their medicines, make sure they were moving/walking around enough to keep swelling down, watching for drainage/infection, and give them pain medicine.
The day after they went to the vet I went back to the hospital with nausea, retching, and a migriane. I stayed in the hospital for 7 days. I had first went to the local hospital, all they did was give a dose of nausea meds and sent me home while I was still dry heaving into a nausea pan. I didn't want to go to Houston, so I toughed it out that night and dry heaved all night and into the next day. Mom said thats was it, and she forced me to go to Houston Methodist hospital.
I was admitted, and not happy about it. I don't like going there because its so stressful to be there. Worring about my horses getting taking care of properly. Then have to worry about the nurse taking care of me, that she is doing her job right and giving me my medicines correctly. Having to tell every single fellow/resident that comes in the whole story of whats going on. Then when the doctor comes I have to say the whole story again. Whats the point of telling the fellow if I'm going to have to tell the doc anyway? And then sometimes when the fellow does speak out and say whats going on, they usually only get half of it right. Then I have to make sure the nurses give me my medicines on time and draw my blood in the morning on time.
Dr.S doesn't know what to do to help me get better and is tired of me. So he made accusactions that were wrong and he went about asking questions and saying things the wrong way. There is a right way and a wrong way to go about things. A few things he should not have said at all. He talked to my Mom the next day and she set him straight and he appoligized. But damage has been done. I can forgive, but not forget. All this did was stress me more.
After talking to a few of the nurses and the PA and the NP, I felt a lot better. And a lot of stress was relieved.
I had a new doctor come see me, he wants me to try this shot out that isn't FDA approved, so its experimental. Yeah! I'm a gunia pig again! Its a shot that I take just under the skin every 2 days. He wants me to try it out for at least a month and see if it helps with the nausea. Hopefully it works. It has some not so good side effects though. Like nausea, headache, seizures, and diahhrrea. Grrreeeeaaaattttt, LOL. But so far, no bad side effects happening!
They did xrays of my lungs and sinuses all were normal!
My lungs are doing great!
Ginger, Eno, and Dolly went to new homes almost 2 weeks ago. Ginger went to a little girl to use for a 4H project for halter and pleasure classes. Dolly and Eno will be pasture pets and stay together. I miss Ginger very much.
Dad gave me Turbo. And when I save enough money up, I'm going to send him to a trainer. He has to have his coggins, teeth floated, and get freeze branded before he can go too. And Mom gave me Nacho, I guess because he is Sioux's last colt and Sioux means the world to me and she won't be here much longer. And Nacho seems to like me best, I can handle him very easy, whereas sometimes it takes Dad forever to catch him, hehe.
So my personal horses are now: Turbo, Toast, PacMan, Charlie, Nacho.
And I can do anything I want with any of the others. Perks, Scooter, Shady, Alleyway. I'm going to finish Cherokee on barrels and Mom says she wants to start riding and barrel racing again and wants to on Cherokee. So after I finish him, she will take Cherokee over. It will be fun.
After I have paid for Turbo's training, and getting everyone the vet care yearly stuff they need, like wolf teeth pulled and teeth floated and coggins and freeze branding. I'm hoping to save up for my own 28ft gooseneck aluminin stock trailer, with a nose cone for saddles to go in and 2 center slam gates, with the rubber floor planks. No wood flooring for me! I'm excited, its going to take forever to get it though. But I can dream, hehe.
I'm doing good. I've been reading books lately. Mom and I have been passing them around. This weekend might go to a movie. One day I want to spend messing with the horses, can't do much with them still though as they are still recovering from their surgeries, but they can get a bath or get brushed. Depends on the weather, if it rains or not.
Well, see ya later. My new BLING headstalls just arrived! I can't wait to open the box! Its Cherokee's, Turbo's, and PacMan's gorgeous alligator and crystal headstalls. You can see them on www.trickedoutpony.com I got the red one, lime green one, and the purple one. The red one is for Cherokee, purple for Turbo, and lime green for Pacman. I might put up pictures later.
Candi
I recovered from the hysterectomy very well! No more of having to deal with those issues! Although I was informed that I did have endometeosis on 3 places and they left both of my ovaries in place. The doctor said years down the road that I could get endometerosis on the ovaries. But I will worry about that if that should happen down the road.
I ended up back in the hospital about a week after the hysterectomy with the stomach issues (gastroparesis) and having a lot of feeding tube pain. So since I'm always getting poked and my veins are used up the doctors put a port-a-cath below my left collar bone. They can give me medicine through it and draw blood out from it for lab work. Now I won't have to get my veins poked and give them a chance to heal up. I can have the port in for up to 10yrs before it needs to be replaced or just taken out entirely.
Then a few days later they changed out my feeding tube, to a new one. Its the same kind/type, the old one they say was still in good working order but they can cause some issues with pain and stuff when sediment from medicine and/or tube feeding stuff. The interventional radiologist was really nice and I trust him, he is very compasionate and caring of his patients. He said that I need to have my feeding tube changed out every 4-6 months, and if I don't then that will cause the pain and issues that I was having. I was orignaly told by my doctor that it would only need to be once a year to once every other year. So hopefully by going by Dr. Weiner suggestion and having it changed out every 4-6 months, I will no longer have feeding tube issues!
Then I went home. And the next week 4 of my horses had procedures done.
Cherokee~ regular standing gelding, coggins, teeth floated
Charlie~ gelded under general anesthesia, wolf teeth pulled (only had 1 so have to wait for the other to come in so it can get pulled out), and coggins.
Nacho~ regular standing gelding, coggins, wolf teeth pulled
Scooter Bug~ Cryptorchid gelding (under general anesthesia), coggins, wolf teeth pulled.
So had to nurse to them, give them their medicines, make sure they were moving/walking around enough to keep swelling down, watching for drainage/infection, and give them pain medicine.
The day after they went to the vet I went back to the hospital with nausea, retching, and a migriane. I stayed in the hospital for 7 days. I had first went to the local hospital, all they did was give a dose of nausea meds and sent me home while I was still dry heaving into a nausea pan. I didn't want to go to Houston, so I toughed it out that night and dry heaved all night and into the next day. Mom said thats was it, and she forced me to go to Houston Methodist hospital.
I was admitted, and not happy about it. I don't like going there because its so stressful to be there. Worring about my horses getting taking care of properly. Then have to worry about the nurse taking care of me, that she is doing her job right and giving me my medicines correctly. Having to tell every single fellow/resident that comes in the whole story of whats going on. Then when the doctor comes I have to say the whole story again. Whats the point of telling the fellow if I'm going to have to tell the doc anyway? And then sometimes when the fellow does speak out and say whats going on, they usually only get half of it right. Then I have to make sure the nurses give me my medicines on time and draw my blood in the morning on time.
Dr.S doesn't know what to do to help me get better and is tired of me. So he made accusactions that were wrong and he went about asking questions and saying things the wrong way. There is a right way and a wrong way to go about things. A few things he should not have said at all. He talked to my Mom the next day and she set him straight and he appoligized. But damage has been done. I can forgive, but not forget. All this did was stress me more.
After talking to a few of the nurses and the PA and the NP, I felt a lot better. And a lot of stress was relieved.
I had a new doctor come see me, he wants me to try this shot out that isn't FDA approved, so its experimental. Yeah! I'm a gunia pig again! Its a shot that I take just under the skin every 2 days. He wants me to try it out for at least a month and see if it helps with the nausea. Hopefully it works. It has some not so good side effects though. Like nausea, headache, seizures, and diahhrrea. Grrreeeeaaaattttt, LOL. But so far, no bad side effects happening!
They did xrays of my lungs and sinuses all were normal!
My lungs are doing great!
Ginger, Eno, and Dolly went to new homes almost 2 weeks ago. Ginger went to a little girl to use for a 4H project for halter and pleasure classes. Dolly and Eno will be pasture pets and stay together. I miss Ginger very much.
Dad gave me Turbo. And when I save enough money up, I'm going to send him to a trainer. He has to have his coggins, teeth floated, and get freeze branded before he can go too. And Mom gave me Nacho, I guess because he is Sioux's last colt and Sioux means the world to me and she won't be here much longer. And Nacho seems to like me best, I can handle him very easy, whereas sometimes it takes Dad forever to catch him, hehe.
So my personal horses are now: Turbo, Toast, PacMan, Charlie, Nacho.
And I can do anything I want with any of the others. Perks, Scooter, Shady, Alleyway. I'm going to finish Cherokee on barrels and Mom says she wants to start riding and barrel racing again and wants to on Cherokee. So after I finish him, she will take Cherokee over. It will be fun.
After I have paid for Turbo's training, and getting everyone the vet care yearly stuff they need, like wolf teeth pulled and teeth floated and coggins and freeze branding. I'm hoping to save up for my own 28ft gooseneck aluminin stock trailer, with a nose cone for saddles to go in and 2 center slam gates, with the rubber floor planks. No wood flooring for me! I'm excited, its going to take forever to get it though. But I can dream, hehe.
I'm doing good. I've been reading books lately. Mom and I have been passing them around. This weekend might go to a movie. One day I want to spend messing with the horses, can't do much with them still though as they are still recovering from their surgeries, but they can get a bath or get brushed. Depends on the weather, if it rains or not.
Well, see ya later. My new BLING headstalls just arrived! I can't wait to open the box! Its Cherokee's, Turbo's, and PacMan's gorgeous alligator and crystal headstalls. You can see them on www.trickedoutpony.com I got the red one, lime green one, and the purple one. The red one is for Cherokee, purple for Turbo, and lime green for Pacman. I might put up pictures later.
Candi
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Surgery is done
Hey All!
My total abdominal hysterectomy surgery was done June 9 at 8am by Dr. Hunt and her fellow, and the anesthesiologist Dr. Carter. Surgery went well they said. Said they found 3 areas that had endometeriosis, and it was a good thing I got it all removed now when I did. Or if I had the surgery done in the future the endometeriosis would have spread and been harder to remove.
The first day was bad, they were scared to give me to much pain medication. Even though we already had a discussion that I have a high tolerance to pain meds and it takes a lot of it to help ease pain.
Then I was on the Woman's floor because the Transplant floor was full. The nurses there were good, but I still prefer my transplant nurses.
I had one pyscho nurse. She broke down crying and cussing because she crushed up one of my medicines that you can't crush it up or break in half because its enteric coated and won't work if you do that to it. And I told her that before she did it. And her being a nurse, she should have known that in the first place and I shouldn't have had to tell her. So she had to throw it away and start over.
Then later that day the same nurse was changing my IV out and moving it to another site because it had blown and I need to get a bag of IV fluids. Well my one of my transplant doctors were there and she didn't have anything ready. Just whipped out my IV out of my hand and blood stars gushing all over the place. She had no gloves on. She smashed her hand on top of mine. The doctor was appalled. He told her to put gauze on it. She goes, oh I don't use that we just use napkins out of the bathroom and goes and gets some thats sitting on the sink and puts them on my hand. The doctor eyes were huge and he rolled them then told his fellow to go get some gauze. Then said that I needed to be transferred to the transplant floor STAT so that I'm cared my nurses that know what they are doing. So she almost broke down crying again. My doc was worried that with her putting her hand on mine without any gloves is that I would catch a germ from her through the open spot on my hand where the IV was.
Then later when I had a visitor she came to give me my meds and couldn't do anything right and I had to keep correcting her. Then my feeding tube got plugged up and instead of trying to help me, she gets upset and almost starts to cry again. Then finally just walks out the room without saying anything.
The night nurse said I wouldn't have her again during my stay and that they would talk to her after I left.
Then I had bad gas pain! I had to get 3 suppositories. And did a LOT of walking.
The next day I felt better so Mom and I went to the deli and got a sandwich. Then they day after that we went to a hamburger joint thats in the hospital and ummm it was so good. I only took a few bites of Moms food though.
Later that afternoon a nurse took out my staples and put steri strips on top of the incision. Well, the glue that was left un covered. Ended up sticking to my underwear. So the next time I had to pee, I was glued to my undies! And I had to pee badly so it was not a time to be stuck in your panties!
Saturday, I'm to be discharged. And guess what? the psycho nurse is back! She did her job and didn't mess with me and check on me very much, so I was glad for that. I think she knew I didn't really like her cause she wasn't as friendly as she was before. I was discharged and just waiting on Dad to come pick Mom and I up. So he got there right at 9pm and we got home a little after 11pm. I also took one of the hospital pillows home with me. I needed it for support to hold on top of my incision on the ride home. Ooopps. Didn't want to just take it, but I needed it. I'm still using it to hold on my incision for support too.
The ride home made me sore! Then Sunday I was really sick with nausea. And had dry heaves, so every time I started having dry heaves I cried cause it felt like my incision was going to rip apart and my insides were going to come outside! Later Sunday night when I started to feel better, Mom and I watch "Juno" and "The Golden Compass". Both are good movies.
Monday I had my blood drawn. CBC, BMP, and Prograf level. Also got my lung clinic follow up appt for June 24. And my GYN follow up for July 21.
I'm hoping that my renal function is back to normal because during the hospital it went really high and they said over 40% of my kidneys weren't working. So gave me lots of IV fluids and got it down but on the higher end of normal side. They may lower my dosage of Prograf again depending on if its still high or not. The drugs I have to take to keep me alive are hard on the kidneys and they say some people eventually have kidney failure and will need to have a kidney transplant.
Also Monday. I went and ran some errands with Dad. Went to the feed store for horse feed. Got Pacman and new lime green halter. (now I need to find him a lime green matching lead rope). And 2 pecan pies for Mom. Then went to post office to mail some foal halters to Lexi and get some stamps. Then to pharmacy to pick up my medicine. Then went to hot dog stand so Dad could get something to eat. Then went to TSC where I got a Jolly Ball, blue bubble gum scent/flavored for the 3 2yos to play with, some EZ ALL foamer and gallon of shampoo for it to wash the horses with.
When got home gave the colts the Jolly Ball and they love it! They roll it around and pick it up by the handle and swing it around and hit each other with it. I need to get another one for Shady and Scooter Bug to play with. I know that they will love playing with one!
Also the new floral painted headstall and noseband that I got for Ginger came in while I was in the hospital. Its really pretty, I like it! Now I need to save up so I can buy the matching breastcollar for it too! The new Legacy Classic Equine boots came as well, they are purple, got a set for her front feet and set for her rear legs. I also got her a new rope halter with attached lead rope. Its light blue, pink, and a little bit of black in it.
I also told Hannah last night that she can have one of my Carrie Underwood tickets and come to the concert with me! So I'm excited about that! I know we will have a LOT of fun! Its this Saturday.
I also won some barrel racing training videos from winningruns, I can't wait to start watching them! There are 13 DVDs in all to watch! I'm going to learn a LOT from those!
I'm still excited about getting Pacman all his new tack! I finally picked his color to be lime green. And it helps that Mom got me lime green with purple straps Professional Choice Elites boots and some lime green over reach boots. So now I have a halter. And now I need a lead rope and reins and lime green water and grain buckets for him and a hay net/bag. Also need to get him a canvas duck blanket, but I have never seen them in lime green.
My lungs are doing wonderful! And the incision pain isn't that bad anymore unless I over do it, hit my abdomen on something, or pick up something thats to heavy. I'm supposed to stay off the horses for 6-8 weeks. And no driving until I'm cleared by the doctor.
While in the hospital. I think it was my 2nd day post-op I got a visit from a fellow Tx 26 barrel racer Karen. It was so great to meet her! She is a sheriffs Deputy. So gets to carry a hand gun, taser, and hand cuffs, along with some other neat gadgets I presume as well. She is such a nice person. I wish I could meet more people like her! She has been faced with illness as well and she is pushing through it so well. I wish her the best on her first barrel race back, its on the July 4th weekend! I hope she does well! I'm so happy for her! She brought me a gift, a couple books and a card all in a gorgeous looking bag. She is so sweet!
And finally, I'm glad to be home. To sleep in my own bed!
My total abdominal hysterectomy surgery was done June 9 at 8am by Dr. Hunt and her fellow, and the anesthesiologist Dr. Carter. Surgery went well they said. Said they found 3 areas that had endometeriosis, and it was a good thing I got it all removed now when I did. Or if I had the surgery done in the future the endometeriosis would have spread and been harder to remove.
The first day was bad, they were scared to give me to much pain medication. Even though we already had a discussion that I have a high tolerance to pain meds and it takes a lot of it to help ease pain.
Then I was on the Woman's floor because the Transplant floor was full. The nurses there were good, but I still prefer my transplant nurses.
I had one pyscho nurse. She broke down crying and cussing because she crushed up one of my medicines that you can't crush it up or break in half because its enteric coated and won't work if you do that to it. And I told her that before she did it. And her being a nurse, she should have known that in the first place and I shouldn't have had to tell her. So she had to throw it away and start over.
Then later that day the same nurse was changing my IV out and moving it to another site because it had blown and I need to get a bag of IV fluids. Well my one of my transplant doctors were there and she didn't have anything ready. Just whipped out my IV out of my hand and blood stars gushing all over the place. She had no gloves on. She smashed her hand on top of mine. The doctor was appalled. He told her to put gauze on it. She goes, oh I don't use that we just use napkins out of the bathroom and goes and gets some thats sitting on the sink and puts them on my hand. The doctor eyes were huge and he rolled them then told his fellow to go get some gauze. Then said that I needed to be transferred to the transplant floor STAT so that I'm cared my nurses that know what they are doing. So she almost broke down crying again. My doc was worried that with her putting her hand on mine without any gloves is that I would catch a germ from her through the open spot on my hand where the IV was.
Then later when I had a visitor she came to give me my meds and couldn't do anything right and I had to keep correcting her. Then my feeding tube got plugged up and instead of trying to help me, she gets upset and almost starts to cry again. Then finally just walks out the room without saying anything.
The night nurse said I wouldn't have her again during my stay and that they would talk to her after I left.
Then I had bad gas pain! I had to get 3 suppositories. And did a LOT of walking.
The next day I felt better so Mom and I went to the deli and got a sandwich. Then they day after that we went to a hamburger joint thats in the hospital and ummm it was so good. I only took a few bites of Moms food though.
Later that afternoon a nurse took out my staples and put steri strips on top of the incision. Well, the glue that was left un covered. Ended up sticking to my underwear. So the next time I had to pee, I was glued to my undies! And I had to pee badly so it was not a time to be stuck in your panties!
Saturday, I'm to be discharged. And guess what? the psycho nurse is back! She did her job and didn't mess with me and check on me very much, so I was glad for that. I think she knew I didn't really like her cause she wasn't as friendly as she was before. I was discharged and just waiting on Dad to come pick Mom and I up. So he got there right at 9pm and we got home a little after 11pm. I also took one of the hospital pillows home with me. I needed it for support to hold on top of my incision on the ride home. Ooopps. Didn't want to just take it, but I needed it. I'm still using it to hold on my incision for support too.
The ride home made me sore! Then Sunday I was really sick with nausea. And had dry heaves, so every time I started having dry heaves I cried cause it felt like my incision was going to rip apart and my insides were going to come outside! Later Sunday night when I started to feel better, Mom and I watch "Juno" and "The Golden Compass". Both are good movies.
Monday I had my blood drawn. CBC, BMP, and Prograf level. Also got my lung clinic follow up appt for June 24. And my GYN follow up for July 21.
I'm hoping that my renal function is back to normal because during the hospital it went really high and they said over 40% of my kidneys weren't working. So gave me lots of IV fluids and got it down but on the higher end of normal side. They may lower my dosage of Prograf again depending on if its still high or not. The drugs I have to take to keep me alive are hard on the kidneys and they say some people eventually have kidney failure and will need to have a kidney transplant.
Also Monday. I went and ran some errands with Dad. Went to the feed store for horse feed. Got Pacman and new lime green halter. (now I need to find him a lime green matching lead rope). And 2 pecan pies for Mom. Then went to post office to mail some foal halters to Lexi and get some stamps. Then to pharmacy to pick up my medicine. Then went to hot dog stand so Dad could get something to eat. Then went to TSC where I got a Jolly Ball, blue bubble gum scent/flavored for the 3 2yos to play with, some EZ ALL foamer and gallon of shampoo for it to wash the horses with.
When got home gave the colts the Jolly Ball and they love it! They roll it around and pick it up by the handle and swing it around and hit each other with it. I need to get another one for Shady and Scooter Bug to play with. I know that they will love playing with one!
Also the new floral painted headstall and noseband that I got for Ginger came in while I was in the hospital. Its really pretty, I like it! Now I need to save up so I can buy the matching breastcollar for it too! The new Legacy Classic Equine boots came as well, they are purple, got a set for her front feet and set for her rear legs. I also got her a new rope halter with attached lead rope. Its light blue, pink, and a little bit of black in it.
I also told Hannah last night that she can have one of my Carrie Underwood tickets and come to the concert with me! So I'm excited about that! I know we will have a LOT of fun! Its this Saturday.
I also won some barrel racing training videos from winningruns, I can't wait to start watching them! There are 13 DVDs in all to watch! I'm going to learn a LOT from those!
I'm still excited about getting Pacman all his new tack! I finally picked his color to be lime green. And it helps that Mom got me lime green with purple straps Professional Choice Elites boots and some lime green over reach boots. So now I have a halter. And now I need a lead rope and reins and lime green water and grain buckets for him and a hay net/bag. Also need to get him a canvas duck blanket, but I have never seen them in lime green.
My lungs are doing wonderful! And the incision pain isn't that bad anymore unless I over do it, hit my abdomen on something, or pick up something thats to heavy. I'm supposed to stay off the horses for 6-8 weeks. And no driving until I'm cleared by the doctor.
While in the hospital. I think it was my 2nd day post-op I got a visit from a fellow Tx 26 barrel racer Karen. It was so great to meet her! She is a sheriffs Deputy. So gets to carry a hand gun, taser, and hand cuffs, along with some other neat gadgets I presume as well. She is such a nice person. I wish I could meet more people like her! She has been faced with illness as well and she is pushing through it so well. I wish her the best on her first barrel race back, its on the July 4th weekend! I hope she does well! I'm so happy for her! She brought me a gift, a couple books and a card all in a gorgeous looking bag. She is so sweet!
And finally, I'm glad to be home. To sleep in my own bed!
Sunday, June 8, 2008
Surgery tomorrow
What a day, what a day!
Didn't get much sleep last night because of the menstrual cramps and along with that the same unbearable pain I've had before by my feeding tube is back. Not sure if its a kidney stone or what. But it started to hit me at 2am. I'm taking pain medicine every 3 hours and all it does is makes it tolerable. If I turn a certain way or take a deep or fast breath is has a shooting sharp pain run through my left side. Ugh. I can't wait for tomorrow to hurry up and get here. Hopefully get this new side pain fixed and say bye-bye to horrible periods!
Last night Mom and I walked 2 miles around the track. I wanted to keep walking some more but Mom's knees and feet were hurting her. The bottom of my feet were burning too, but I still wanted to keep walking. It was fun, we talked about so many things. I wanted to keep walking so that we could keep talking and enjoying the afternoon. But, we had to get back home so I could take my medicines and get the horses taken care of and tucked into bed. We did stop by WalMart on the way home and got some last minute stuff to bring to hospital. I got 2 DVDs for Mom and I to watch.
I finished packing for the hospital stay today. This afternoon will put my bags in the truck.
Yesterday watched the Belmont Stakes, hoping to see Big Brown win, hoping he would so that I would get to see my first Triple Crown winner. It was a disappointing finish, Big Brown placed last, he was pulled up by his jockey. His jockey felt that he had no horse under him and he wasn't running his game or being his self and he was almost kicked from being to close behind another horse, so was pulled up. Da'Tara won the Belmont Stakes. So this year marks 30 years since the last Triple Crown winner. Maybe next year there will be an awesome colt to break it! To be a Triple Crown winner, you must win the Kentucky Derby, a few weeks later win the Preakness Stakes, and lastly another more weeks and win the Belmont Stakes.
Today I've kept myself hooked up to feeding tube stuff. Normally I only run it at night while I'm sleeping with 3 cans of tube feeding nutrition and about 200ml of water. Well, I did that last night. And then this morning I put in 1 can of the nutrition and the rest, about 900ml of water. I did this to keep my hydrated and because at midnight I have to go NPO (nothing to eat or drink) so I'm doing it during the day so that when I go to bed I don't have to worry about it or have to wake up at midnight to turn it off. Its easier this way for me.
Tonight, my last meal is going to be chicken stir fry with carrots, broccoli, onions, squash, water chestnuts, mushrooms, radish, and sliced up garlic clove. Served over rice and of course with soy sauce and Worcestershire sauce, YUMMY! For dessert I will have a piece of cake most likely.
We are getting up at 2am. Leaving the house at 3:30am. Check in at 6am on Main 6 NW, I think this is the woman's floor. Surgery is scheduled for 8am. Its at The Methodist Hospital. After surgery I should go to the transplant floor on Dunn4 as long as there is a bed available.
I'm excited for surgery to hurry up and get it done and over with! No more pain! (Once I'm healed anyway, lol). Then I have a LOT of plans to do with the horses! I don't think I'm going to get much sleep tonight at all!
Oh, can't believe I almost forgot! I ordered new horse stuff today! I LOVE getting new tack/horse stuff! I got front and rear pair of Legacy Classic Equine purple boots for Ginger, she needs new ones badly! Her old pair of purple Professional Choice SMB lls are 13yrs old! I also got her a new floral painted browband headstall and matching tie down (nose band). Also ordered horse de-wormers for the everyone. I'm guessing it will get delivered while I'm still at the hospital. Oh, well, Dad will be here.
Also have to have Dad ship off the package to Lexi, its foal halters for her newborn foal Remedy! I hope she can use them and they fit Remedy Ann!
And I have finished another book today. Its titled "Riding Lessons". Its about a woman and her daughter move back to her parents farm as her father is dying. So she buys a rescue horse who happens to be a full brother to her horse from her childhood. The twist to the story is the horse she bought, was supposed to be dead, died in a fiery trailer accident so the owner could collect insurance monies on him because he found out the horse has a joint disease and he also lost his left eye. But the horse got away somehow, so the owners "re-created" the horrific accident and burned another horse to death so that the autopsy person couldn't' tell that it wasn't the correct horse. And AnnieMarie figured out the plot. In the end she ends back with her horse named Hurrah, full brother to her childhood horse named Harry. Harry had died in an accident and supposedly Harry and Hurrah are very rare color of chestnut brindled horses. So AnnieMarie also gets her daughter Eva a horse, an yearling Arabian filly named Flicka who had a dislocated shoulder and was found in the kill pen who was abused by horse tripping. (people get horse running as fast as they can, then rope their legs, and knock them down) At the very end of the book AnnieMarie is getting up the courage to ride Hurrah. She gets her tack ready and is getting Hurrah ready and thats the end. So you can speculate that she rides him. AnnieMarie hasn't rode since the riding accident with Harry, she was jumping him in an event and he broke his neck and afterwards she never rode again... until now? Also AnnieMarie is newly divorced. Her husband already has a girlfriend, named Sonja. And AnnieMarie and Dan, the vet and founder of the horse rescue, start dating.
I'm hoping to read the next book called "Flying Changes" to find out if she rides Hurrah and what becomes of Eva and Flicka. And if the relationship between Dan and AnnieMarie goes anywhere. Unless this is the book I should have read first that lead up to everything I read in "Riding Lessons"! I hope its the continued book of Riding Lessons though so I can see what happens! Plan on taking it to the hospital with me to read. That and another book called "Lost Souls".
Hopefully next post I'll be recovering from surgery and doing well!
Didn't get much sleep last night because of the menstrual cramps and along with that the same unbearable pain I've had before by my feeding tube is back. Not sure if its a kidney stone or what. But it started to hit me at 2am. I'm taking pain medicine every 3 hours and all it does is makes it tolerable. If I turn a certain way or take a deep or fast breath is has a shooting sharp pain run through my left side. Ugh. I can't wait for tomorrow to hurry up and get here. Hopefully get this new side pain fixed and say bye-bye to horrible periods!
Last night Mom and I walked 2 miles around the track. I wanted to keep walking some more but Mom's knees and feet were hurting her. The bottom of my feet were burning too, but I still wanted to keep walking. It was fun, we talked about so many things. I wanted to keep walking so that we could keep talking and enjoying the afternoon. But, we had to get back home so I could take my medicines and get the horses taken care of and tucked into bed. We did stop by WalMart on the way home and got some last minute stuff to bring to hospital. I got 2 DVDs for Mom and I to watch.
I finished packing for the hospital stay today. This afternoon will put my bags in the truck.
Yesterday watched the Belmont Stakes, hoping to see Big Brown win, hoping he would so that I would get to see my first Triple Crown winner. It was a disappointing finish, Big Brown placed last, he was pulled up by his jockey. His jockey felt that he had no horse under him and he wasn't running his game or being his self and he was almost kicked from being to close behind another horse, so was pulled up. Da'Tara won the Belmont Stakes. So this year marks 30 years since the last Triple Crown winner. Maybe next year there will be an awesome colt to break it! To be a Triple Crown winner, you must win the Kentucky Derby, a few weeks later win the Preakness Stakes, and lastly another more weeks and win the Belmont Stakes.
Today I've kept myself hooked up to feeding tube stuff. Normally I only run it at night while I'm sleeping with 3 cans of tube feeding nutrition and about 200ml of water. Well, I did that last night. And then this morning I put in 1 can of the nutrition and the rest, about 900ml of water. I did this to keep my hydrated and because at midnight I have to go NPO (nothing to eat or drink) so I'm doing it during the day so that when I go to bed I don't have to worry about it or have to wake up at midnight to turn it off. Its easier this way for me.
Tonight, my last meal is going to be chicken stir fry with carrots, broccoli, onions, squash, water chestnuts, mushrooms, radish, and sliced up garlic clove. Served over rice and of course with soy sauce and Worcestershire sauce, YUMMY! For dessert I will have a piece of cake most likely.
We are getting up at 2am. Leaving the house at 3:30am. Check in at 6am on Main 6 NW, I think this is the woman's floor. Surgery is scheduled for 8am. Its at The Methodist Hospital. After surgery I should go to the transplant floor on Dunn4 as long as there is a bed available.
I'm excited for surgery to hurry up and get it done and over with! No more pain! (Once I'm healed anyway, lol). Then I have a LOT of plans to do with the horses! I don't think I'm going to get much sleep tonight at all!
Oh, can't believe I almost forgot! I ordered new horse stuff today! I LOVE getting new tack/horse stuff! I got front and rear pair of Legacy Classic Equine purple boots for Ginger, she needs new ones badly! Her old pair of purple Professional Choice SMB lls are 13yrs old! I also got her a new floral painted browband headstall and matching tie down (nose band). Also ordered horse de-wormers for the everyone. I'm guessing it will get delivered while I'm still at the hospital. Oh, well, Dad will be here.
Also have to have Dad ship off the package to Lexi, its foal halters for her newborn foal Remedy! I hope she can use them and they fit Remedy Ann!
And I have finished another book today. Its titled "Riding Lessons". Its about a woman and her daughter move back to her parents farm as her father is dying. So she buys a rescue horse who happens to be a full brother to her horse from her childhood. The twist to the story is the horse she bought, was supposed to be dead, died in a fiery trailer accident so the owner could collect insurance monies on him because he found out the horse has a joint disease and he also lost his left eye. But the horse got away somehow, so the owners "re-created" the horrific accident and burned another horse to death so that the autopsy person couldn't' tell that it wasn't the correct horse. And AnnieMarie figured out the plot. In the end she ends back with her horse named Hurrah, full brother to her childhood horse named Harry. Harry had died in an accident and supposedly Harry and Hurrah are very rare color of chestnut brindled horses. So AnnieMarie also gets her daughter Eva a horse, an yearling Arabian filly named Flicka who had a dislocated shoulder and was found in the kill pen who was abused by horse tripping. (people get horse running as fast as they can, then rope their legs, and knock them down) At the very end of the book AnnieMarie is getting up the courage to ride Hurrah. She gets her tack ready and is getting Hurrah ready and thats the end. So you can speculate that she rides him. AnnieMarie hasn't rode since the riding accident with Harry, she was jumping him in an event and he broke his neck and afterwards she never rode again... until now? Also AnnieMarie is newly divorced. Her husband already has a girlfriend, named Sonja. And AnnieMarie and Dan, the vet and founder of the horse rescue, start dating.
I'm hoping to read the next book called "Flying Changes" to find out if she rides Hurrah and what becomes of Eva and Flicka. And if the relationship between Dan and AnnieMarie goes anywhere. Unless this is the book I should have read first that lead up to everything I read in "Riding Lessons"! I hope its the continued book of Riding Lessons though so I can see what happens! Plan on taking it to the hospital with me to read. That and another book called "Lost Souls".
Hopefully next post I'll be recovering from surgery and doing well!
Friday, June 6, 2008
I feel good
Hello all!
I've still been walking at the track. Yesterday I even jogged one lap and walked the last three. (4 laps equals a mile).
I've been feeling really good the last couple days except for cramping. I woke up and took some pain medicine then almost 2 hours later I was still in a lot of pain to the point of crying so Mom gave me some morphine. It helped make the pain more bearable, still didn't get rid of it totally though. But I was able to go back to sleep.
This afternoon Mom and I walked at the track then went to walmart. I got a few things like shampoo, toothbrush, 2 DVDs to bring to the hospital.
Got home and packed up a few foal size halters to give to a friend in Oklahoma for her newborn filly Remedy. Will have that sent to her soon.
I've decided that I'm going to try and breed Ginger this year. Not sure if she will get in foal. I don't even know where she is at in her heat cycle. I figure by the time she has the foal and foal is weaned or almost weaned, she should be ready to ride again. I'm excited at the thought of having another foal from Ginger, but trying to not get my hopes up. She is hard to get in foal.
Chase, my brother, came to visit tonight. I made him carry me piggy-back across the yard to where our Mom was at. I love spending time with my brother!
I've finished reading 2 books already this week. I've read "Mistaken Identity" and "The Ruins".
And my nausea isn't bothering me much today! Mom bought Little Ceaser's pizza home for dinner and I ate a whole slice. Also ate a few pieces of left over cake from my 1 year anniversary and a plum. That plum was soooo sweet and juicy!
My 1 year transplant anniversary was Wednesday, June 4th!!!!! Thomas and Mack have been with me a whole year now! I've come a long way since then! Dad took me to Books A Million and bought me some books. Mom bought a cake. And Dad set off a couple of fireworks outside and I accidentally set one off inside the kitchen, oopps!
I've been thinking about horses a LOT lately and I can't wait to get back to riding, but especially barrel racing!
My plan is after I recover from surgery to get Cherokee going and enter him when I think he can catch the 4D, then as he learns and is ready for more push him a little more until he is eventually finished and I hope he ends up being at least a 2D horse. And get Alleyway going to. Then after I have those 2 going well, start messing with the others on ground work, roundpen, ground driving, and the sort.
My hysterectomy surgery is Monday. This afternoon while I was in the shower Dr. Hunt called me and left message on my cell. Just checking on me and seeing if I had any last minute questions and that she would see me Monday. What an awesome doctor she is! I can't wait for surgery to be done with and I'm recovered so I can get back to riding!
Oh, and I need to keep my eyes out of the Jeffers Equine catalog because I saw a headstall and a loping hackamore that I want! And some other things too, like new purple sport boots for Ginger! And some polo wraps, all kinds of colors I want!
I've still been walking at the track. Yesterday I even jogged one lap and walked the last three. (4 laps equals a mile).
I've been feeling really good the last couple days except for cramping. I woke up and took some pain medicine then almost 2 hours later I was still in a lot of pain to the point of crying so Mom gave me some morphine. It helped make the pain more bearable, still didn't get rid of it totally though. But I was able to go back to sleep.
This afternoon Mom and I walked at the track then went to walmart. I got a few things like shampoo, toothbrush, 2 DVDs to bring to the hospital.
Got home and packed up a few foal size halters to give to a friend in Oklahoma for her newborn filly Remedy. Will have that sent to her soon.
I've decided that I'm going to try and breed Ginger this year. Not sure if she will get in foal. I don't even know where she is at in her heat cycle. I figure by the time she has the foal and foal is weaned or almost weaned, she should be ready to ride again. I'm excited at the thought of having another foal from Ginger, but trying to not get my hopes up. She is hard to get in foal.
Chase, my brother, came to visit tonight. I made him carry me piggy-back across the yard to where our Mom was at. I love spending time with my brother!
I've finished reading 2 books already this week. I've read "Mistaken Identity" and "The Ruins".
And my nausea isn't bothering me much today! Mom bought Little Ceaser's pizza home for dinner and I ate a whole slice. Also ate a few pieces of left over cake from my 1 year anniversary and a plum. That plum was soooo sweet and juicy!
My 1 year transplant anniversary was Wednesday, June 4th!!!!! Thomas and Mack have been with me a whole year now! I've come a long way since then! Dad took me to Books A Million and bought me some books. Mom bought a cake. And Dad set off a couple of fireworks outside and I accidentally set one off inside the kitchen, oopps!
I've been thinking about horses a LOT lately and I can't wait to get back to riding, but especially barrel racing!
My plan is after I recover from surgery to get Cherokee going and enter him when I think he can catch the 4D, then as he learns and is ready for more push him a little more until he is eventually finished and I hope he ends up being at least a 2D horse. And get Alleyway going to. Then after I have those 2 going well, start messing with the others on ground work, roundpen, ground driving, and the sort.
My hysterectomy surgery is Monday. This afternoon while I was in the shower Dr. Hunt called me and left message on my cell. Just checking on me and seeing if I had any last minute questions and that she would see me Monday. What an awesome doctor she is! I can't wait for surgery to be done with and I'm recovered so I can get back to riding!
Oh, and I need to keep my eyes out of the Jeffers Equine catalog because I saw a headstall and a loping hackamore that I want! And some other things too, like new purple sport boots for Ginger! And some polo wraps, all kinds of colors I want!
Saturday, May 31, 2008
Concerts and movies
I had a very productive day today. Got up got ready and went out. Mom and I went to Academy where I got a few new t-shirts (as opposed to old?, LOL) for me to wear in the hospital and a new baseball cap. Then we went to Tinseltown and met up with Ashley, Hannah, and her boyfriend Lee and watched Narnia: Prince Caspian. It was really good and I enjoyed it. Afterwards Mom and I went to JC Penny where we got a few more sets of clothes. Then headed home.
This morning I bought 3 tickets to the Carrie Underwood concert thats at Ford Park June 21st. Its going to be cutting it close after having my surgery (June 9th) so I hope I will feel well enough to attend since I already paid for the tickets and because I really really want to go to it! Got pretty good seats too, in the upper bowl, and if your facing the stage its to the left of the stage.
I'm tired now and it felt so good to get out and about.
This morning I bought 3 tickets to the Carrie Underwood concert thats at Ford Park June 21st. Its going to be cutting it close after having my surgery (June 9th) so I hope I will feel well enough to attend since I already paid for the tickets and because I really really want to go to it! Got pretty good seats too, in the upper bowl, and if your facing the stage its to the left of the stage.
I'm tired now and it felt so good to get out and about.
Thursday, May 29, 2008
Exercise
This morning I took a shower, got ready, and went exercising!
Took my Ipod and cell and put on some tennis shoes and comfortable clothes. I hadn't done much since May 10th as thats when the nausea started flaring up and getting bad. I started feeling better and not having as many problems with the nausea so back to work I go.
I went to the local intermediate school, they have a red gravel track. I walked a mile.
The first lap, hmm, not to bad.
Second lap, hmmmm, its starting to burn in the calves.
Third lap, hmmm, should I really be doing this?! Its HOT!
Fourth lap, omg, I'm going to MELT and I burn all over ribs down!
The last lap I was competing against myself. It was actually hard to leave the track.. I just wanted to keep going, and going, and going. Just round and round that red gravel. It was like it had some kind of power over me and I just had to keep going. My mind wasn't thinking about anything, just focused on keep walking. Apparently, I made it off the track, LOL.
Then made it to my truck and collapsed into the drivers seat. I had to sit there a few minutes in the air conditioner before driving off.
Went to Wendy's got my Mom and I a bite to eat, dropped Mom's food off to her at work. And now I'm home.
Oh. My. Gosh. My muscles now feel like j-e-l-l-o.
I made a few mental notes too. Need to get up earlier to exercise on the track with this Texas heat and humidity. Wear a baseball cap because my head is going to sunburn since I have so much hair loss. Bring water to drink!
Just a side note. The GYN clinic called me yesterday just to let me know that the TAH (total abdominal hysterectomy) is going to be covered 100% by Cigna since I have already met my deductible for this year.
And my lungs are doing great. My home spiro's are staying around FEV1 2.72 range. Not sure what % of lung function that translates too.
Candi
Took my Ipod and cell and put on some tennis shoes and comfortable clothes. I hadn't done much since May 10th as thats when the nausea started flaring up and getting bad. I started feeling better and not having as many problems with the nausea so back to work I go.
I went to the local intermediate school, they have a red gravel track. I walked a mile.
The first lap, hmm, not to bad.
Second lap, hmmmm, its starting to burn in the calves.
Third lap, hmmm, should I really be doing this?! Its HOT!
Fourth lap, omg, I'm going to MELT and I burn all over ribs down!
The last lap I was competing against myself. It was actually hard to leave the track.. I just wanted to keep going, and going, and going. Just round and round that red gravel. It was like it had some kind of power over me and I just had to keep going. My mind wasn't thinking about anything, just focused on keep walking. Apparently, I made it off the track, LOL.
Then made it to my truck and collapsed into the drivers seat. I had to sit there a few minutes in the air conditioner before driving off.
Went to Wendy's got my Mom and I a bite to eat, dropped Mom's food off to her at work. And now I'm home.
Oh. My. Gosh. My muscles now feel like j-e-l-l-o.
I made a few mental notes too. Need to get up earlier to exercise on the track with this Texas heat and humidity. Wear a baseball cap because my head is going to sunburn since I have so much hair loss. Bring water to drink!
Just a side note. The GYN clinic called me yesterday just to let me know that the TAH (total abdominal hysterectomy) is going to be covered 100% by Cigna since I have already met my deductible for this year.
And my lungs are doing great. My home spiro's are staying around FEV1 2.72 range. Not sure what % of lung function that translates too.
Candi
New blog
If you hadn't noticed that all of the previous blogs got posted today. Thats because I set up this new blog and deleted the other. I think the name of this one is more fitting. So the original date of each blog is written at the top of each topic. Hope you enjoy this new one I set up!
Candi
Candi
Keep Holding On
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Keep Holding On
I'm a little crushed. I just learned that a man that had his double lung transplant a little over a year ago is facing chronic rejection. He is married and has a son that he and his wife adopted. Please keep them in your prayers as they go through this bump in the road.
It makes me very aware that each day is precious and a true gift. Not to take anything for granted. And that the little things are just that LITTLE and not anything to complain about. Someone out there always has it rougher or worse than you.
This song says it.
Keep Holding On by Avril Lavigne:
You're not alone
Together we stand
I'll be by your side, you know I'll take your hand
When it gets cold
And it feels like the end
There's no place to go
You know I won't give in
No I won't give in
Keep holding on
'Cause you know we'll make it through, we'll make it through
Just stay strong
'Cause you know I'm here for you, I'm here for you
There's nothing you could say
Nothing you could do
There's no other way when it comes to the truth
So keep holding on
'Cause you know we'll make it through, we'll make it through
So far away
I wish you were here
Before it's too late, this could all disappear
Before the doors close
And it comes to an end
With you by my side I will fight and defend
I'll fight and defend
Yeah, yeah
Keep holding on
'Cause you know we'll make it through, we'll make it through
Just stay strong
'Cause you know I'm here for you, I'm here for you
There's nothing you could say
Nothing you could do
There's no other way when it comes to the truth
So keep holding on
'Cause you know we'll make it through, we'll make it through
Hear me when I say, when I say I believe
Nothing's gonna change, nothing's gonna change destiny
Whatever's meant to be will work out perfectly
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah
La da da da
La da da da
La da da da da da da da da
Keep holding on
'Cause you know we'll make it through, we'll make it through
Just stay strong
'Cause you know I'm here for you, I'm here for you
There's nothing you could say
Nothing you could do
There's no other way when it comes to the truth
So keep holding on
'Cause you know we'll make it through, we'll make it through
Keep holding on
Keep holding on
There's nothing you could say
Nothing you could do
There's no other way when it comes to the truth
So keep holding on
'Cause you know we'll make it through, we'll make it through
Keep Holding On
I'm a little crushed. I just learned that a man that had his double lung transplant a little over a year ago is facing chronic rejection. He is married and has a son that he and his wife adopted. Please keep them in your prayers as they go through this bump in the road.
It makes me very aware that each day is precious and a true gift. Not to take anything for granted. And that the little things are just that LITTLE and not anything to complain about. Someone out there always has it rougher or worse than you.
This song says it.
Keep Holding On by Avril Lavigne:
You're not alone
Together we stand
I'll be by your side, you know I'll take your hand
When it gets cold
And it feels like the end
There's no place to go
You know I won't give in
No I won't give in
Keep holding on
'Cause you know we'll make it through, we'll make it through
Just stay strong
'Cause you know I'm here for you, I'm here for you
There's nothing you could say
Nothing you could do
There's no other way when it comes to the truth
So keep holding on
'Cause you know we'll make it through, we'll make it through
So far away
I wish you were here
Before it's too late, this could all disappear
Before the doors close
And it comes to an end
With you by my side I will fight and defend
I'll fight and defend
Yeah, yeah
Keep holding on
'Cause you know we'll make it through, we'll make it through
Just stay strong
'Cause you know I'm here for you, I'm here for you
There's nothing you could say
Nothing you could do
There's no other way when it comes to the truth
So keep holding on
'Cause you know we'll make it through, we'll make it through
Hear me when I say, when I say I believe
Nothing's gonna change, nothing's gonna change destiny
Whatever's meant to be will work out perfectly
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah
La da da da
La da da da
La da da da da da da da da
Keep holding on
'Cause you know we'll make it through, we'll make it through
Just stay strong
'Cause you know I'm here for you, I'm here for you
There's nothing you could say
Nothing you could do
There's no other way when it comes to the truth
So keep holding on
'Cause you know we'll make it through, we'll make it through
Keep holding on
Keep holding on
There's nothing you could say
Nothing you could do
There's no other way when it comes to the truth
So keep holding on
'Cause you know we'll make it through, we'll make it through
New doctor
Sunday, May 25, 2008
New doctor! :)
Hope everyone has a wonderful Memorial Day weekend!
Nothing like mowing grass, hanging up the American Flag, BBQ'ing, watching the Indy 500, and just hanging out and having a good time.
My nausea is still flared up. I ended up taking phenergan, zofran, then phenergan, then zofran with Ativan again in a little over 3 hours. I don't know why the nausea is flared up. But I don't like it!
Friday, May 23rd. I had my appointment with Dr. Allison Hunt, at 2pm in Houston at Methodist's Smith Tower.
We said "hi" and shake hands. Then I straight out told her that I was wanting a hysterectomy. Her reaction was "whoa". LOL. Guess she wasn't expecting that.
So I told her about my medical history. Talked about all the options out there and why they wouldn't work for me. Said getting a hysterectomy is really my only option unless I want to keep living with the issues I'm having and dealing with it.
So I'll be getting a total abdominal hysterectomy. I'll have a new incision, this one is called a bikini cut, as it will run horizontal right where the bikini line is at.
I'm not sure how long this surgery usually takes. I'll get getting a central line put in, thankfully!
Dr. Hunt doesn't have a problem working with my cardiologist and lung transplant doctor either, so thats great. I might even have to request my GI doctor to come see me as well, depending how my gastroparesis/nausea does.
Dr. Hunt also said that she would be calling me herself 1-2 between now and surgery date to make sure I'm doing okay, not sick, and to confirm her plan or if its going to change. I think she is going to phone Dr. Franklin and Dr. Harish to talk to them about my case between now and then as well.
Sounds like she wants to make sure everything is in order before surgery. I really like this doctor! She doesn't seem intimidated by my health issues either. She is willing to work with my other doctors. I get the feeling from her that she truly wants to help me. That, wanting to really help me, really means the most to me.
Since I live in Orange and not Houston. She said she wanted to get most of the stuff done today so that I didn't have to come back. So I had blood drawn, filled out papers, signed consents, talked to anesthesiologist, ultrasound on the outside of my abdomen to look at uterus/ovaries, pelvic exam and pap smear. I also already got surgical clearance from Dr. Franklin and Dr. Harish.
She said the day of surgery, I will report to the womans floor (main 6 NW) to check in, then go to pre-op holding area, then surgery, then either PACU or ICU (most likely PACU for a few hours, then to the transplant floor as long as there is a bed open there. Or after surgery, I may go straight to the transplant floor. If no beds on transplant floor, I think I will either go to the heart floor or the womans floor.
Not sure how long she expects me to stay in the hospital. We didn't discuss it. But I'm sure I'll stay longer than the normal hysterectomy patient.
Surgery date is June 9th at 8am at Methodist in Houston. I have to be there at 6am. Which means I have to get up at 2am to get there on time!
My transplant nurse also left me a message on my cell. Said that she got me an appointment to see a GYN (a different one from the one they told me to see to begin with) for June 9th at 2pm. Weird, its the same date as my surgery. Anyway, so I had to tell her to cancel that since I have a different doctor and will have surgery that date.
New doctor! :)
Hope everyone has a wonderful Memorial Day weekend!
Nothing like mowing grass, hanging up the American Flag, BBQ'ing, watching the Indy 500, and just hanging out and having a good time.
My nausea is still flared up. I ended up taking phenergan, zofran, then phenergan, then zofran with Ativan again in a little over 3 hours. I don't know why the nausea is flared up. But I don't like it!
Friday, May 23rd. I had my appointment with Dr. Allison Hunt, at 2pm in Houston at Methodist's Smith Tower.
We said "hi" and shake hands. Then I straight out told her that I was wanting a hysterectomy. Her reaction was "whoa". LOL. Guess she wasn't expecting that.
So I told her about my medical history. Talked about all the options out there and why they wouldn't work for me. Said getting a hysterectomy is really my only option unless I want to keep living with the issues I'm having and dealing with it.
So I'll be getting a total abdominal hysterectomy. I'll have a new incision, this one is called a bikini cut, as it will run horizontal right where the bikini line is at.
I'm not sure how long this surgery usually takes. I'll get getting a central line put in, thankfully!
Dr. Hunt doesn't have a problem working with my cardiologist and lung transplant doctor either, so thats great. I might even have to request my GI doctor to come see me as well, depending how my gastroparesis/nausea does.
Dr. Hunt also said that she would be calling me herself 1-2 between now and surgery date to make sure I'm doing okay, not sick, and to confirm her plan or if its going to change. I think she is going to phone Dr. Franklin and Dr. Harish to talk to them about my case between now and then as well.
Sounds like she wants to make sure everything is in order before surgery. I really like this doctor! She doesn't seem intimidated by my health issues either. She is willing to work with my other doctors. I get the feeling from her that she truly wants to help me. That, wanting to really help me, really means the most to me.
Since I live in Orange and not Houston. She said she wanted to get most of the stuff done today so that I didn't have to come back. So I had blood drawn, filled out papers, signed consents, talked to anesthesiologist, ultrasound on the outside of my abdomen to look at uterus/ovaries, pelvic exam and pap smear. I also already got surgical clearance from Dr. Franklin and Dr. Harish.
She said the day of surgery, I will report to the womans floor (main 6 NW) to check in, then go to pre-op holding area, then surgery, then either PACU or ICU (most likely PACU for a few hours, then to the transplant floor as long as there is a bed open there. Or after surgery, I may go straight to the transplant floor. If no beds on transplant floor, I think I will either go to the heart floor or the womans floor.
Not sure how long she expects me to stay in the hospital. We didn't discuss it. But I'm sure I'll stay longer than the normal hysterectomy patient.
Surgery date is June 9th at 8am at Methodist in Houston. I have to be there at 6am. Which means I have to get up at 2am to get there on time!
My transplant nurse also left me a message on my cell. Said that she got me an appointment to see a GYN (a different one from the one they told me to see to begin with) for June 9th at 2pm. Weird, its the same date as my surgery. Anyway, so I had to tell her to cancel that since I have a different doctor and will have surgery that date.
Finally got appointment!
Thursday, May 22, 2008
Finally got appointment!
I'm almost afraid if by posting this I will jinx it!
But whatever happens, happens.
I've been working at getting a dang GYN appointment for right at 2 1/2 weeks now.
Apparently nobody sees patients that have 2 insurances, specially if your secondary insurance is Medicaid. My primary is Cigna. So I've learned more than I ever wanted to about insurances lately. I guess I'm working at being a medical dictionary. I'm starting to think I should get paid for this! I got a lotta knowledge up there in my pea brain!
After going through a LONG list of doctors. I finally found one that will see me, at least. While on the phone with a nice nurse (so far, she is nice) I was trying to get an appointment with another doctor, but she said he wouldn't see me cause of the insurance. Then she said, but there is another doctor in this practice that was hired by that doctor that will see you. So after explaining to her my situation with being a lung transplant patient and the advice to get hysterectomy by both my lung and heart doctor and other issues/reasons. Exchange of insurance and other information, finally have a doctor.
I finally have an appointment tomorrow at 2pm in Houston. I only got the appointment so soon because someone canceled. I'm very happy to get the appointment, specially since it took so long to get and has been nothing but stress and headache. But its supposed to be raining tomorrow on the drive there and back. Wonderful.
My lung doctor had told me of a doctor, but they (the GYN clinic he gave me the name of) wouldn't let me set up appointment and I've been having a hard time getting my nurse's assistant to give the referral and straighten everything out. Been after them for over a week. So I just said heck with them and took care of it myself. So I don't know anything about the doctor, and she is new to this practice, but I'm told she is nice and that I will like her from the nurse I talked to today. And no, I haven't told my nurse that I took care of it myself yet.
I'm hoping that this doctor will be good and I like her and will do the hysterectomy for me. As I really don't want to go through trying to find another doctor again. It was heck finding this one.
Not sure why it has to be so complicated sometimes. I'm just glad that I have a clue! Because it looks like if you don't, your pretty much up the creek without a paddle! You really do have to be your own advocate concerning your medical care.
Finally got appointment!
I'm almost afraid if by posting this I will jinx it!
But whatever happens, happens.
I've been working at getting a dang GYN appointment for right at 2 1/2 weeks now.
Apparently nobody sees patients that have 2 insurances, specially if your secondary insurance is Medicaid. My primary is Cigna. So I've learned more than I ever wanted to about insurances lately. I guess I'm working at being a medical dictionary. I'm starting to think I should get paid for this! I got a lotta knowledge up there in my pea brain!
After going through a LONG list of doctors. I finally found one that will see me, at least. While on the phone with a nice nurse (so far, she is nice) I was trying to get an appointment with another doctor, but she said he wouldn't see me cause of the insurance. Then she said, but there is another doctor in this practice that was hired by that doctor that will see you. So after explaining to her my situation with being a lung transplant patient and the advice to get hysterectomy by both my lung and heart doctor and other issues/reasons. Exchange of insurance and other information, finally have a doctor.
I finally have an appointment tomorrow at 2pm in Houston. I only got the appointment so soon because someone canceled. I'm very happy to get the appointment, specially since it took so long to get and has been nothing but stress and headache. But its supposed to be raining tomorrow on the drive there and back. Wonderful.
My lung doctor had told me of a doctor, but they (the GYN clinic he gave me the name of) wouldn't let me set up appointment and I've been having a hard time getting my nurse's assistant to give the referral and straighten everything out. Been after them for over a week. So I just said heck with them and took care of it myself. So I don't know anything about the doctor, and she is new to this practice, but I'm told she is nice and that I will like her from the nurse I talked to today. And no, I haven't told my nurse that I took care of it myself yet.
I'm hoping that this doctor will be good and I like her and will do the hysterectomy for me. As I really don't want to go through trying to find another doctor again. It was heck finding this one.
Not sure why it has to be so complicated sometimes. I'm just glad that I have a clue! Because it looks like if you don't, your pretty much up the creek without a paddle! You really do have to be your own advocate concerning your medical care.
First Barrel Race!
Monday, May 19, 2008
1st Barrel Race!
5/17/2008 I went to a NBHA barrel race in Silsbee. I had a blast! Both my parents went with me along with Buzz, Mom's JRT. I brought Alleyway to ride around on and Ginger to keep Alleyway calm while tied to the trailer. I hadn't been to a barrel race since 2006! Alley did okay. She spooked a lot, but thats expected as she hadn't been rode much in 2 years and before that when she was rode, she didn't get hauled very much. So she spooked at a yellow rope on the ground, 4 wheeler, a shetland pony, a calf roping dummy, water puddle, red plastic solo cup on the ground, the bathrooms, people, and a horse when it was going past her. LOL. But at least she didn't buck me off, she did however buck Dad off, HA!
I got to visit with my horse-y friends. And watched Hannah run her mare Jazz and win the Open 4D. Also got to meet new people. Like Brooke and her daughter Sarah. A couple nice girls named Ashley and Bayleigh too.
I must say, Hannah is a true friend. She knew I was nervous of riding Alleyway of her pulling a stunt. So Hannah switched horses with me for a while and let me ride Jazz while she rode Alleyway. Not many people will let you ride their horse, specially at a barrel race before they ever make their run.
My Dad washed the horse trailer and Mom gave Alley a bath the day before. Now if only I can straighten out my tack are in the trailer, lol.
Also Hannah came over last week and worked on cleaning Ginger's stall out. It was hard work what she accomplished.
And finally today I was given the name of a GYN, Dr. Law, with The Methodist. Tomorrow I have to ask my coordinator Rebecka to get me a referral and set up the apt. for me. Hopefully I will be accepted. And we can get everything straightened out and get the hysterectomy done and over with so I don't have to suffer with that anymore.
Since Saturday afternoon though I have had extra nausea and a bad headache that won't go away. I've been dry heaving a lot and my head feels as if it will explode at times. Its one of those throbbing headaches that just nag nag nag and seem to get worse by the minute. Temperature is normal, and my FEV1 is staying in its normal range. I weighed 109.6 lbs today, so I lost a little bit of weight.
I did get results from my bronch. No signs of infection or rejection! YAY!
I also got calls about the Ginger and Dolly sell ads. I've decided not to sell Ginger unless I absolutely can't afford to care for her. Hopefully next year she will be sound and can run barrels again. But if not, no big deal. I just have to get Cherokee and Alleyway going, it will just take time and patience.
On the way home from the barrel race, we stopped at a fresh fish market and got 5lb of blue catfish. So Sunday we had fried fish, it was good, although I only had a pinch of catfish since I've been extra nauseated and dry heaving. Saturday night we had left over chicken spaghetti with garlic french bread.
Currently I'm updating the blog. Mom is watching Little People on the TLC channel. Dad is at Walmart getting a few things and getting me some Blow Pops, the suckers with gum in the middle, yummy. And maybe some of the Caramel Pops, the suckers that are apple flavored with caramel over the top of it. Buzz is sleeping on the floor and Harley is trying to get attention or into trouble, lol.
Other than being sick starting Saturday afternoon while leaving the barrel race, and still being sick today, Monday. I had a great day at the NBHA! Now I really can't wait to run barrels again!
1st Barrel Race!
5/17/2008 I went to a NBHA barrel race in Silsbee. I had a blast! Both my parents went with me along with Buzz, Mom's JRT. I brought Alleyway to ride around on and Ginger to keep Alleyway calm while tied to the trailer. I hadn't been to a barrel race since 2006! Alley did okay. She spooked a lot, but thats expected as she hadn't been rode much in 2 years and before that when she was rode, she didn't get hauled very much. So she spooked at a yellow rope on the ground, 4 wheeler, a shetland pony, a calf roping dummy, water puddle, red plastic solo cup on the ground, the bathrooms, people, and a horse when it was going past her. LOL. But at least she didn't buck me off, she did however buck Dad off, HA!
I got to visit with my horse-y friends. And watched Hannah run her mare Jazz and win the Open 4D. Also got to meet new people. Like Brooke and her daughter Sarah. A couple nice girls named Ashley and Bayleigh too.
I must say, Hannah is a true friend. She knew I was nervous of riding Alleyway of her pulling a stunt. So Hannah switched horses with me for a while and let me ride Jazz while she rode Alleyway. Not many people will let you ride their horse, specially at a barrel race before they ever make their run.
My Dad washed the horse trailer and Mom gave Alley a bath the day before. Now if only I can straighten out my tack are in the trailer, lol.
Also Hannah came over last week and worked on cleaning Ginger's stall out. It was hard work what she accomplished.
And finally today I was given the name of a GYN, Dr. Law, with The Methodist. Tomorrow I have to ask my coordinator Rebecka to get me a referral and set up the apt. for me. Hopefully I will be accepted. And we can get everything straightened out and get the hysterectomy done and over with so I don't have to suffer with that anymore.
Since Saturday afternoon though I have had extra nausea and a bad headache that won't go away. I've been dry heaving a lot and my head feels as if it will explode at times. Its one of those throbbing headaches that just nag nag nag and seem to get worse by the minute. Temperature is normal, and my FEV1 is staying in its normal range. I weighed 109.6 lbs today, so I lost a little bit of weight.
I did get results from my bronch. No signs of infection or rejection! YAY!
I also got calls about the Ginger and Dolly sell ads. I've decided not to sell Ginger unless I absolutely can't afford to care for her. Hopefully next year she will be sound and can run barrels again. But if not, no big deal. I just have to get Cherokee and Alleyway going, it will just take time and patience.
On the way home from the barrel race, we stopped at a fresh fish market and got 5lb of blue catfish. So Sunday we had fried fish, it was good, although I only had a pinch of catfish since I've been extra nauseated and dry heaving. Saturday night we had left over chicken spaghetti with garlic french bread.
Currently I'm updating the blog. Mom is watching Little People on the TLC channel. Dad is at Walmart getting a few things and getting me some Blow Pops, the suckers with gum in the middle, yummy. And maybe some of the Caramel Pops, the suckers that are apple flavored with caramel over the top of it. Buzz is sleeping on the floor and Harley is trying to get attention or into trouble, lol.
Other than being sick starting Saturday afternoon while leaving the barrel race, and still being sick today, Monday. I had a great day at the NBHA! Now I really can't wait to run barrels again!
1st deep tissue massage
Monday, May 12, 2008
1st deep tissue massage
I went and got a deep tissue massage today! OMG it felt so great!
The doctor that did it was a massage therapist first and is now a chiropractor. First he put a heating pad on my back to warm up the muscles to loosen them up and make them easier to work with. Then he did the massage and made a few adjustments to my back, shoulder, and hip. Said my lower back was stiff and by the time he finished it wasn't as stiff and felt soooo good. He said I could come back once a week or once every two weeks! After the massage I got to lay on this table and underneath your back area it has a roller that goes up and down your back "massaging" it as it goes. That thing was cool and felt great! I wanted to take a nap while it was going.
Rebecka, my nurse, was out of the office today but hopefully she will start setting me up with a GYN so I can get the hysterectomy done asap! And give me the results of my fluid sample and biopsy the doctor took of my lungs.
I've got a lot of hits on Ginger's and Dolly's for sell ads today. Hopefully its people with good homes for them.
1st deep tissue massage
I went and got a deep tissue massage today! OMG it felt so great!
The doctor that did it was a massage therapist first and is now a chiropractor. First he put a heating pad on my back to warm up the muscles to loosen them up and make them easier to work with. Then he did the massage and made a few adjustments to my back, shoulder, and hip. Said my lower back was stiff and by the time he finished it wasn't as stiff and felt soooo good. He said I could come back once a week or once every two weeks! After the massage I got to lay on this table and underneath your back area it has a roller that goes up and down your back "massaging" it as it goes. That thing was cool and felt great! I wanted to take a nap while it was going.
Rebecka, my nurse, was out of the office today but hopefully she will start setting me up with a GYN so I can get the hysterectomy done asap! And give me the results of my fluid sample and biopsy the doctor took of my lungs.
I've got a lot of hits on Ginger's and Dolly's for sell ads today. Hopefully its people with good homes for them.
Update from bronch and weekend
Sunday, May 11, 2008
Update from bronch and weekend
My bronchoscopy last Thursday went well. The IV starter guy came and I found him a good vein in my right hand to stick. It popped up really nicely for him. He dropped a ml of lidocaine on the skin and rubbed it in to help numb it up. Then stuck it and injected the lidocaine. Waited a minute or two and then inserted the IV. Got it on the first try! And didn't feel a thing! All I felt was a little sting when the lidocaine was injected. Then a small sting when he was adjusting the IV line to encourage blood to come out. He drew 3 vials of blood. Then they started up my antibiotic drip.
Before they put me on the bronch table the IV starter guy, Mark, came back. He said that my nurse failed to put the labels on the tubes of blood when she sent them off so the lab wouldn't run them even though they were in a bag together with a paper that had my name and information on it. So he drew blood from my left arm below the bend in the elbow. He did the same routine to draw the blood that he did to put in my IV so it didn't hurt and I was just glad that the vein he got gave all the blood he needed. Because the week before that same vein collapsed and they didn't get enough blood and had to stick me in another vein to get the rest.
Then I was placed on the bronch table. Covered with a sheet and a towel over my chest area to keep from getting wet when they do the lavage (flush out the lungs with sterile saline). The respiratory nurse first gave me 5mg versed and 100 of fentanyl. Ha! This only gave me the "relaxed" feeling and I was still very much wide awake. The doctor then said to give me 5mg more of versed. Then I started to drift off. They ended up giving me 15mg versed (sedation med) and 450 of fentanyl (pain med), to keep me sedated. I'm always very hard to sedate! Since they had to give me so much, in recovery I had to have a bed by the nurse's station with my curtain open so the nurses could watch me closely. Nurse said I was taking 9-12 breaths a minute and normal is 20-25 breaths a minute. I also woke up very nauseated and dry heaving so they had to give me both phenergan and zofran to stop that.
I didn't get a chance to talk to Dr. Harish about hysterectomy. But my Mom did and he said that he would find me a GYN and get back to me. So looks likes are lights are "go" to get that done. I'll be so glad once its over with!
Dr. Harish took fluid samples from the flushing and a biopsy from the right lung. I should find out results soon. He said that the left lung, where the stent was at. There is scar tissue closing off part of the air way but didn't want to do anything to it at this time as its not effecting my breathing yet and my PFT (lung function) numbers are still the highest they have been. He also thinks that it could heal up on its own in time. Will just monitor and watch it for now.
About 15min after I was awake I drank a sip of Sprite, dressed, and Mom and I were on our way home. We stopped at Burger King and ate.
Once we got back into town. I begged Mom to take me to TSC. We looked around and I got a purple halter with a purple multi-colored matching lead rope. Later we went to Walmart to pick up a few things. I got 3 books to read. I've already started reading one. I love to read.
Saturday Mom took me to Sams Western Store so I could get some Electro Dex for the horses. I also got a new bit for Alleyway, I hope it works for her! She needs her teeth floated first though. And got her a new halter. Its a ty-dyed halter with matching lead rope. Mom also cooked a brisket on the BBQ pit to eat for Mothers Day.
My right hand, where the IV was at. Is all swollen twice its normal size! It has phlebitis I guess. Can't wait for the swelling to be gone!
Sunday I gave mom a card and cookbook. Chase gave her a vase of pretty day lilies. Dad got her a carrot cake.
Mom has done so much for me! I'm so thankful for her being my Mom! She put everything on hold for herself so that she could care for me.
Hopefully this week I'll get some word about getting a GYN and get the ball rolling on that.
And hope I get to get that free 30min relaxation massage! Oooo!
Update from bronch and weekend
My bronchoscopy last Thursday went well. The IV starter guy came and I found him a good vein in my right hand to stick. It popped up really nicely for him. He dropped a ml of lidocaine on the skin and rubbed it in to help numb it up. Then stuck it and injected the lidocaine. Waited a minute or two and then inserted the IV. Got it on the first try! And didn't feel a thing! All I felt was a little sting when the lidocaine was injected. Then a small sting when he was adjusting the IV line to encourage blood to come out. He drew 3 vials of blood. Then they started up my antibiotic drip.
Before they put me on the bronch table the IV starter guy, Mark, came back. He said that my nurse failed to put the labels on the tubes of blood when she sent them off so the lab wouldn't run them even though they were in a bag together with a paper that had my name and information on it. So he drew blood from my left arm below the bend in the elbow. He did the same routine to draw the blood that he did to put in my IV so it didn't hurt and I was just glad that the vein he got gave all the blood he needed. Because the week before that same vein collapsed and they didn't get enough blood and had to stick me in another vein to get the rest.
Then I was placed on the bronch table. Covered with a sheet and a towel over my chest area to keep from getting wet when they do the lavage (flush out the lungs with sterile saline). The respiratory nurse first gave me 5mg versed and 100 of fentanyl. Ha! This only gave me the "relaxed" feeling and I was still very much wide awake. The doctor then said to give me 5mg more of versed. Then I started to drift off. They ended up giving me 15mg versed (sedation med) and 450 of fentanyl (pain med), to keep me sedated. I'm always very hard to sedate! Since they had to give me so much, in recovery I had to have a bed by the nurse's station with my curtain open so the nurses could watch me closely. Nurse said I was taking 9-12 breaths a minute and normal is 20-25 breaths a minute. I also woke up very nauseated and dry heaving so they had to give me both phenergan and zofran to stop that.
I didn't get a chance to talk to Dr. Harish about hysterectomy. But my Mom did and he said that he would find me a GYN and get back to me. So looks likes are lights are "go" to get that done. I'll be so glad once its over with!
Dr. Harish took fluid samples from the flushing and a biopsy from the right lung. I should find out results soon. He said that the left lung, where the stent was at. There is scar tissue closing off part of the air way but didn't want to do anything to it at this time as its not effecting my breathing yet and my PFT (lung function) numbers are still the highest they have been. He also thinks that it could heal up on its own in time. Will just monitor and watch it for now.
About 15min after I was awake I drank a sip of Sprite, dressed, and Mom and I were on our way home. We stopped at Burger King and ate.
Once we got back into town. I begged Mom to take me to TSC. We looked around and I got a purple halter with a purple multi-colored matching lead rope. Later we went to Walmart to pick up a few things. I got 3 books to read. I've already started reading one. I love to read.
Saturday Mom took me to Sams Western Store so I could get some Electro Dex for the horses. I also got a new bit for Alleyway, I hope it works for her! She needs her teeth floated first though. And got her a new halter. Its a ty-dyed halter with matching lead rope. Mom also cooked a brisket on the BBQ pit to eat for Mothers Day.
My right hand, where the IV was at. Is all swollen twice its normal size! It has phlebitis I guess. Can't wait for the swelling to be gone!
Sunday I gave mom a card and cookbook. Chase gave her a vase of pretty day lilies. Dad got her a carrot cake.
Mom has done so much for me! I'm so thankful for her being my Mom! She put everything on hold for herself so that she could care for me.
Hopefully this week I'll get some word about getting a GYN and get the ball rolling on that.
And hope I get to get that free 30min relaxation massage! Oooo!
Update from cardiologist, bronchoscopy is Thursday, and another surgery soon!
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
Update from cardiologist, Bronchoscopy is Thursday, and another surgery soon!
I went to the cardiologist today, at Baylor in Houston. Cardiologist did EKG and it looked great, just showed that I had some tachycardia. Heart rate was 103. Told him that the heart medicine wasn't lasting 24hrs like its supposed to. He told me to take the 100mg like I have been in the morning then 12hrs later take 50mg. And give it 1-2 weeks to see if it will work for me. And to see him in 6 months for check up. He was very pleased with how things are going.
I showed him my lump thats on my right lower side. He thinks that it is from the Lovenox injections and should heal up and go away. Said to show my lung transplant doctor Thursday when I see him for my bronchoscopy.
I also talked to him about getting a hysterectomy. I told him I don't have a doctor/surgeon yet for it and that I'm getting it done as soon as the lung transplant doctor says I can. He said that he would talk to my transplant doctor to see if it will be done at Methodist or St. Lukes (Both in Houston's medical center) and they will decide who will the the surgeon/doctor/OBGYN for me for that. Cardiologist says I could have it done in a month or two he thinks, as long as my bronchoscopy has good results and everything is going well. And when I get it done he wants to know about it and be on my case as he wants to be there for me to monitor my heart and overall health. And my transplant doctor will be there as well for my lungs.
I guess I'll find out more on Thursday when I go for my bronchoscopy. It will be at 10am, but I have to be there at 8am! Which means I have to get up really early! They will be looking and taking a biopsy. When I got home from the cardiologist the transplant nurse had left me a message on my answering machine, so I called her back and got the bronch scheduled.
Oh, and my Mom is a nurse and works for a doctor. The doctor's son is also a doctor but was first a licensed massage therapist, and he said he would give me 30min relaxation massage for free! I can't wait to get the massage! Its going to feel so good! I'm really really excited about it.
After seeing the cardiologist Mom and I ate at Luby's. MMmm, it was so good! I had fish, spanish rice, mac n cheese, roasted red skin potatoes, roll, and carrot cake for dessert. I wasn't able to eat the majority of it, as I can only eat a few bites of food at a time. So I took it home in a to-go box along with the pinto beans that Mom didn't eat, lol. I'll be eating on this meal for the next couple of days, haha.
My back is healing up, it still hurts but not as bad. I just have to stay off the horses and take it easy until it no longer hurts.
This has been a busy week for me! I went to transplant clinic this past Friday, then today the heart doctor, and Thursday I'm getting a bronch! I don't know what day I'm getting the massage, it was going to be tomorrow or Friday, but I think I'll get it done next week now, after all the apts are over so I can just relax.
Those that missed it, I have an update somewhere on here an update from when I went to transplant clinic. Lungs are doing great! 95% lung function! Only thing they were concerned about was the creatinine(sp) was at the higher end of normal. Its a kidney test. They are hoping I was just a little dehydrated and thats why its up. They gave me a Rx for something that I can take for the migraines and menstrual cramps on the worst 2 days. Can't take it more than that because he said its either too hard on the kidneys or the liver with the anti-rejection medicines I'm on.
So, I'll be having another surgery soon, its a MUCH needed one. I've been having issues with my cycles since I was 16yo. But they put me on birth control which made all the bad issues I was having stop. Then I got blood clots and can't go back on birth control so the problems started up again shortly after transplant. I just had so many other things going on that we all ignored the cycle problems. Now I'm better and the issues are causing major problems. And I'm tired of dealing with it all so am finally ready to be done with it and get it taken care of so I can really enjoy my life and get back to doing things.
I weighed 114 lbs today . And the cardiologist said I look really good, the best he has ever seen me he says!
Update from cardiologist, Bronchoscopy is Thursday, and another surgery soon!
I went to the cardiologist today, at Baylor in Houston. Cardiologist did EKG and it looked great, just showed that I had some tachycardia. Heart rate was 103. Told him that the heart medicine wasn't lasting 24hrs like its supposed to. He told me to take the 100mg like I have been in the morning then 12hrs later take 50mg. And give it 1-2 weeks to see if it will work for me. And to see him in 6 months for check up. He was very pleased with how things are going.
I showed him my lump thats on my right lower side. He thinks that it is from the Lovenox injections and should heal up and go away. Said to show my lung transplant doctor Thursday when I see him for my bronchoscopy.
I also talked to him about getting a hysterectomy. I told him I don't have a doctor/surgeon yet for it and that I'm getting it done as soon as the lung transplant doctor says I can. He said that he would talk to my transplant doctor to see if it will be done at Methodist or St. Lukes (Both in Houston's medical center) and they will decide who will the the surgeon/doctor/OBGYN for me for that. Cardiologist says I could have it done in a month or two he thinks, as long as my bronchoscopy has good results and everything is going well. And when I get it done he wants to know about it and be on my case as he wants to be there for me to monitor my heart and overall health. And my transplant doctor will be there as well for my lungs.
I guess I'll find out more on Thursday when I go for my bronchoscopy. It will be at 10am, but I have to be there at 8am! Which means I have to get up really early! They will be looking and taking a biopsy. When I got home from the cardiologist the transplant nurse had left me a message on my answering machine, so I called her back and got the bronch scheduled.
Oh, and my Mom is a nurse and works for a doctor. The doctor's son is also a doctor but was first a licensed massage therapist, and he said he would give me 30min relaxation massage for free! I can't wait to get the massage! Its going to feel so good! I'm really really excited about it.
After seeing the cardiologist Mom and I ate at Luby's. MMmm, it was so good! I had fish, spanish rice, mac n cheese, roasted red skin potatoes, roll, and carrot cake for dessert. I wasn't able to eat the majority of it, as I can only eat a few bites of food at a time. So I took it home in a to-go box along with the pinto beans that Mom didn't eat, lol. I'll be eating on this meal for the next couple of days, haha.
My back is healing up, it still hurts but not as bad. I just have to stay off the horses and take it easy until it no longer hurts.
This has been a busy week for me! I went to transplant clinic this past Friday, then today the heart doctor, and Thursday I'm getting a bronch! I don't know what day I'm getting the massage, it was going to be tomorrow or Friday, but I think I'll get it done next week now, after all the apts are over so I can just relax.
Those that missed it, I have an update somewhere on here an update from when I went to transplant clinic. Lungs are doing great! 95% lung function! Only thing they were concerned about was the creatinine(sp) was at the higher end of normal. Its a kidney test. They are hoping I was just a little dehydrated and thats why its up. They gave me a Rx for something that I can take for the migraines and menstrual cramps on the worst 2 days. Can't take it more than that because he said its either too hard on the kidneys or the liver with the anti-rejection medicines I'm on.
So, I'll be having another surgery soon, its a MUCH needed one. I've been having issues with my cycles since I was 16yo. But they put me on birth control which made all the bad issues I was having stop. Then I got blood clots and can't go back on birth control so the problems started up again shortly after transplant. I just had so many other things going on that we all ignored the cycle problems. Now I'm better and the issues are causing major problems. And I'm tired of dealing with it all so am finally ready to be done with it and get it taken care of so I can really enjoy my life and get back to doing things.
I weighed 114 lbs today . And the cardiologist said I look really good, the best he has ever seen me he says!
Lung transplant clinic is over!
Saturday, May 3, 2008
Lung transplant clinic is over!
And what a long day it was! I got up at 5:30am. Left the house at 6:10am. Got into a lot of traffic on the way.
Started out with blood work on 5th floor of Smith Tower. They stuck me the first time on my right arm at the bend of the elbow. It gave some, then shut down. So a different lady came and poked me on my left arm in the bend of the elbow. A really slow stream came out. She had to use a syringe to pull the blood out and it still came out slow, but steady. Finally got enough for all the test tubes to be filled.
Next, I went to 5th floor on Scurlock Tower to get my chest xray. This took about 15min and we got out of there and headed to the main Methodist building in the hospital. Went to 9th floor for the pulmonary testing. I did the lung function test and it showed my FEV1 is 3.05, which meant I have 95% lung function. I opted not to do the 6 minute walk as my back still hurts from when I hurt it riding Alleyway.
Since it was 10am we had time to head on down to the caferteria and I got a lemonade and BBQ baked lays chips and Mom got a drink and apple pie. Ate our snacks then headed back to Smith Tower to the transplant clinic at 10:40am
Finally got pulled back into a room after 1pm. They took my vitals. Blood pressure was 137/84, heart rate was 120, O2 saturation was 99%.
Talked to Rebecka, post-transplant coordinator, and the Fellow. Then talked to Dr. Kesavan. Everything looks good. My creatinin(sp) was a little elevated so they are going to watch that. And he wants to do a bronchoscopy on me to just take a look-see. They also gave me a Rx for antibiotic to get my teeth cleaned, and one to take during my menstrual cycles when I get the dang migraines. As soon as I'm strong enough and doctors agree, I'll be getting a hysterectomy. They hadn't got back my Prograf results yet, but doctor thought it might be a little bit high. Said someone would call if I need to change anything.
On the way home Mom and I went to Luby's in Houston. I had Chicken fried chicken, mac n cheese, mashed potatoes with brown gravy and a roll. And of course carrot cake for dessert. Mom had liver and mushrooms/onions on top, mashed potatoes with brown gravy, roll, and butter beans. Of course I can only eat a few bites so took majority of mine home and ate on it for snack, dinner, and breakfast for today, lol. Yum-o!
Tuesday I see the cardiologist. I'm sure Dr. Franklin will adjust my medicine dosage around a bit.
Today is Kentucky Derby day! So watching that! I wonder if this year will be a Triple Crown winner? The names I'm liking for the Derby are Pyro, Court Vision, Colonel John, Geyego, Eight Belles (have to root for the filly!), and a few others. I also like Big Brown but not sure he will be a Triple Crown winner with his hoof problems. Then there is Big Truck, Z Humor, Z Fortune, Tale Of Ekati, and others.
All my friends are in DeRidder, La. and the TLBRA (Texas-Louisiana Barrel Racing Assoc.), I think its a $10,000 added barrel race. Its a 3-day barrel race. Hannah is going to be a barrel setter for $8/hr. I heard that she won some money on Jazz last night in one of the incentives. Rachael had a nice run so is planning on running today. Haven't heard how anyone else is doing yet.
Lung transplant clinic is over!
And what a long day it was! I got up at 5:30am. Left the house at 6:10am. Got into a lot of traffic on the way.
Started out with blood work on 5th floor of Smith Tower. They stuck me the first time on my right arm at the bend of the elbow. It gave some, then shut down. So a different lady came and poked me on my left arm in the bend of the elbow. A really slow stream came out. She had to use a syringe to pull the blood out and it still came out slow, but steady. Finally got enough for all the test tubes to be filled.
Next, I went to 5th floor on Scurlock Tower to get my chest xray. This took about 15min and we got out of there and headed to the main Methodist building in the hospital. Went to 9th floor for the pulmonary testing. I did the lung function test and it showed my FEV1 is 3.05, which meant I have 95% lung function. I opted not to do the 6 minute walk as my back still hurts from when I hurt it riding Alleyway.
Since it was 10am we had time to head on down to the caferteria and I got a lemonade and BBQ baked lays chips and Mom got a drink and apple pie. Ate our snacks then headed back to Smith Tower to the transplant clinic at 10:40am
Finally got pulled back into a room after 1pm. They took my vitals. Blood pressure was 137/84, heart rate was 120, O2 saturation was 99%.
Talked to Rebecka, post-transplant coordinator, and the Fellow. Then talked to Dr. Kesavan. Everything looks good. My creatinin(sp) was a little elevated so they are going to watch that. And he wants to do a bronchoscopy on me to just take a look-see. They also gave me a Rx for antibiotic to get my teeth cleaned, and one to take during my menstrual cycles when I get the dang migraines. As soon as I'm strong enough and doctors agree, I'll be getting a hysterectomy. They hadn't got back my Prograf results yet, but doctor thought it might be a little bit high. Said someone would call if I need to change anything.
On the way home Mom and I went to Luby's in Houston. I had Chicken fried chicken, mac n cheese, mashed potatoes with brown gravy and a roll. And of course carrot cake for dessert. Mom had liver and mushrooms/onions on top, mashed potatoes with brown gravy, roll, and butter beans. Of course I can only eat a few bites so took majority of mine home and ate on it for snack, dinner, and breakfast for today, lol. Yum-o!
Tuesday I see the cardiologist. I'm sure Dr. Franklin will adjust my medicine dosage around a bit.
Today is Kentucky Derby day! So watching that! I wonder if this year will be a Triple Crown winner? The names I'm liking for the Derby are Pyro, Court Vision, Colonel John, Geyego, Eight Belles (have to root for the filly!), and a few others. I also like Big Brown but not sure he will be a Triple Crown winner with his hoof problems. Then there is Big Truck, Z Humor, Z Fortune, Tale Of Ekati, and others.
All my friends are in DeRidder, La. and the TLBRA (Texas-Louisiana Barrel Racing Assoc.), I think its a $10,000 added barrel race. Its a 3-day barrel race. Hannah is going to be a barrel setter for $8/hr. I heard that she won some money on Jazz last night in one of the incentives. Rachael had a nice run so is planning on running today. Haven't heard how anyone else is doing yet.
Lung transplant clinic schedule
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Lung transplant clinic schedule
I got an email back from Jackie. Here is my schedule for Friday, May 2, when I go to Houston to see my pulmonary transplant doctor at The Methodist Hospital.
9am- Blood work. Smith Tower.
9:30am- Chest x-ray. Scurlock Tower.
10am- Pulmonary function test and 6 minute walk. Main building.
11am- See Doctor. Smith Tower.
Lung transplant clinic schedule
I got an email back from Jackie. Here is my schedule for Friday, May 2, when I go to Houston to see my pulmonary transplant doctor at The Methodist Hospital.
9am- Blood work. Smith Tower.
9:30am- Chest x-ray. Scurlock Tower.
10am- Pulmonary function test and 6 minute walk. Main building.
11am- See Doctor. Smith Tower.
Bits, bits, bits
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Bits, bits, bits
Above are a few pictures of me riding Alleyway from a few weeks ago! No using my pictures for anything without my permission, thank you.
Which bit should I try first?
I have Alley in a Little S hackamore. She does good in it, but I'm not getting the exact results that I want/looking for. I'm thinking I'll use the Little S for the house while exercising her and something else for barrel work. I need something with a little more lift and a tad more whoa than the Little S.
These are the bits that I have:
Martha Josey Start to Finish, with chain mouth piece, it has a rope nose. (looks very similar to a Hodges Futurity bit)
Jr. Cow Horse, smooth snaffle mouth piece
Jr. Cow Horse, twisted wire with dog bone mouth piece.
Sweet Six rope nose combo with twisted wire and dog bone mouth piece.
Sherry Cervi Short Shank Diamond Lifter with twisted wire and dog bone mouth piece
Martha Josey Million Dollar bit (short shank rope nose combo with twisted wire and dog bone mouth piece)
O-ring, smooth snaffle mouth piece
D-ring, smooth snaffle mouth piece
Full Check snaffle - smooth snaffle mouth piece
Short Shank Lifter with twisted wire mouth piece
I have a draw bit too, off hand I can't remember if its a smooth snaffle mouth piece or twisted wire.
Short shank and long shank Mechinal hackamore. Have rope noses.
Long Shank rope nose combo with twisted wire and dog bone mouth piece.
Lynn McKenzie rawhide rope nose combo with twisted wire mouth piece, I think its long shank.
Fast Stop
"Breaking" hackamore
Side pull, can't remember if its with a smooth snaffle bit or if its without a bit or if I have both, lol.
and finally:
O-ring rope nose combo with twisted wire and dog bone mouth piece.
In case you haven't noticed, I'm stuck on the dog bone mouth pieces ROFL. Hannah knows!
I've also thought about a Hodges Futurity bit ( can't decide on either chain mouth piece, twisted wire, or twisted wire and dog bone mouth piece) and a Tender Touch with lifesaver mouth piece and a Touch Plus (not sure what mouth piece) I don't have either one of these bits, but they will be my next bits to buy, lol.
Anyway, of course that opens a whole new can of worms. Alley is retarded! Grrr. She thinks her tongue is supposed to go OVER the bit instead of under. I've tried just turning her out in roundpen with a o-ring and had it tight to where there were lots of wrinkles in her lip thinking that the higher it was in her mouth she wouldn't be able to get her tongue over it and would do that for a while until she got used to carrying the bit right then loosen it where it should go and start back to riding her. That didn't work, she still got tongue over bit. She seriously thinks her tongue is supposed to go over the bit. When you put a bit in her mouth she even picks her tongue up so that the bit will go under it. Thats one of the reasons I use a Little S on her, nothing to go in the mouth. I guess I'll put a o-ring on her and then tie it up to where the bit is up against the roof of her mouth with hay string and let her pack it like that and see if she will get used to it, I saw it in a training book once. Obviously you don't ride them while the bit is tied up in the mouth like that. Any other ideas?
And I can't ride again anyways until my back is healed up.
Bits, bits, bits
Above are a few pictures of me riding Alleyway from a few weeks ago! No using my pictures for anything without my permission, thank you.
Which bit should I try first?
I have Alley in a Little S hackamore. She does good in it, but I'm not getting the exact results that I want/looking for. I'm thinking I'll use the Little S for the house while exercising her and something else for barrel work. I need something with a little more lift and a tad more whoa than the Little S.
These are the bits that I have:
Martha Josey Start to Finish, with chain mouth piece, it has a rope nose. (looks very similar to a Hodges Futurity bit)
Jr. Cow Horse, smooth snaffle mouth piece
Jr. Cow Horse, twisted wire with dog bone mouth piece.
Sweet Six rope nose combo with twisted wire and dog bone mouth piece.
Sherry Cervi Short Shank Diamond Lifter with twisted wire and dog bone mouth piece
Martha Josey Million Dollar bit (short shank rope nose combo with twisted wire and dog bone mouth piece)
O-ring, smooth snaffle mouth piece
D-ring, smooth snaffle mouth piece
Full Check snaffle - smooth snaffle mouth piece
Short Shank Lifter with twisted wire mouth piece
I have a draw bit too, off hand I can't remember if its a smooth snaffle mouth piece or twisted wire.
Short shank and long shank Mechinal hackamore. Have rope noses.
Long Shank rope nose combo with twisted wire and dog bone mouth piece.
Lynn McKenzie rawhide rope nose combo with twisted wire mouth piece, I think its long shank.
Fast Stop
"Breaking" hackamore
Side pull, can't remember if its with a smooth snaffle bit or if its without a bit or if I have both, lol.
and finally:
O-ring rope nose combo with twisted wire and dog bone mouth piece.
In case you haven't noticed, I'm stuck on the dog bone mouth pieces ROFL. Hannah knows!
I've also thought about a Hodges Futurity bit ( can't decide on either chain mouth piece, twisted wire, or twisted wire and dog bone mouth piece) and a Tender Touch with lifesaver mouth piece and a Touch Plus (not sure what mouth piece) I don't have either one of these bits, but they will be my next bits to buy, lol.
Anyway, of course that opens a whole new can of worms. Alley is retarded! Grrr. She thinks her tongue is supposed to go OVER the bit instead of under. I've tried just turning her out in roundpen with a o-ring and had it tight to where there were lots of wrinkles in her lip thinking that the higher it was in her mouth she wouldn't be able to get her tongue over it and would do that for a while until she got used to carrying the bit right then loosen it where it should go and start back to riding her. That didn't work, she still got tongue over bit. She seriously thinks her tongue is supposed to go over the bit. When you put a bit in her mouth she even picks her tongue up so that the bit will go under it. Thats one of the reasons I use a Little S on her, nothing to go in the mouth. I guess I'll put a o-ring on her and then tie it up to where the bit is up against the roof of her mouth with hay string and let her pack it like that and see if she will get used to it, I saw it in a training book once. Obviously you don't ride them while the bit is tied up in the mouth like that. Any other ideas?
And I can't ride again anyways until my back is healed up.
Hurt back
April 29
Hurt back
Thats right. I hurt my back yesterday afternoon. Ugh.
I was feeling good so decided to ride Alleyway. She was doing so well and so focused for me! Specially as it was feeding time and all the other ponies were getting fed and eating while she was working. After walking and trotting her though the barrel pattern several times I decided to slow lope her through the pattern. First time through we did okay, but could have done a lot better. Second time. She was doing perfect! Was picking up the correct leads, nice sized pockets, and was rating in the correct places. Then on the back side of the 2nd barrel I popped up out of the saddle and when I came back down into the saddle it jammed my back. It hurt. I had to then pull up Alley and get off of her. Had to have my Mom un-saddle her, turn her out, and give her dinner. Alleyway was confused as to why we didn't finish the pattern but didn't care much as she much prefers eating over working, ROFL.
Normally that wouldn't cause an injury. But my bones are weak from my medicines, mainly Prednisone, and my muscles are weak and out of shape as well. Guess I'll add this to my list of things to discuss with the doctor this Friday.
I still have yet to get my clinic schedule in the mail. So emailed Jackie, the transplant assistant, asking for the time I need to have blood drawn, xray, PFT, and what time to see the doctor. Hopefully will hear something from her soon. If not I'll have to give her a ring.
Hurt back
Thats right. I hurt my back yesterday afternoon. Ugh.
I was feeling good so decided to ride Alleyway. She was doing so well and so focused for me! Specially as it was feeding time and all the other ponies were getting fed and eating while she was working. After walking and trotting her though the barrel pattern several times I decided to slow lope her through the pattern. First time through we did okay, but could have done a lot better. Second time. She was doing perfect! Was picking up the correct leads, nice sized pockets, and was rating in the correct places. Then on the back side of the 2nd barrel I popped up out of the saddle and when I came back down into the saddle it jammed my back. It hurt. I had to then pull up Alley and get off of her. Had to have my Mom un-saddle her, turn her out, and give her dinner. Alleyway was confused as to why we didn't finish the pattern but didn't care much as she much prefers eating over working, ROFL.
Normally that wouldn't cause an injury. But my bones are weak from my medicines, mainly Prednisone, and my muscles are weak and out of shape as well. Guess I'll add this to my list of things to discuss with the doctor this Friday.
I still have yet to get my clinic schedule in the mail. So emailed Jackie, the transplant assistant, asking for the time I need to have blood drawn, xray, PFT, and what time to see the doctor. Hopefully will hear something from her soon. If not I'll have to give her a ring.
Hooray its Friday
Friday, April 25, 2008
Hooray its friday!
Finally friday, what a day!
When Mom got off work this afternoon we went to Walmart. I got some new shampoo, Mom got some other things. Then we headed over to Goody's and I got some really cute shirts, a couple shorts, a nice blue polka dot towel robe, and cute Skechers sandals to go with one shirt I got and some tennis shoes. Mom got some really cute Skechers flip flops. I also got some really cute hoop black butterfly earrings.
Then went to Sonic and got a chocolate shake.
Yesterday I gave Pacman a bath. Both Charlie and Nacho were trying to get in on the water part! They love being hosed down in the spring/summer! Afterwards I tied Pacman up to a tree, only to go check on him 10min. later to find that the halter and lead rope were still tied to the tree and Pacman was happily standing in his lean-to shed. I don't know how he sliped his halter off as he has almost out grown it! Got him haltered and brushed off then took a picture of him wearing his halter that his previous owner made for him. Its a yearling sized bronc halter that has a lime green star in the center with "Spoiled Rotten" written across it in lime crystals. Sent a picture to his previous owner.
Hooray its friday!
Finally friday, what a day!
When Mom got off work this afternoon we went to Walmart. I got some new shampoo, Mom got some other things. Then we headed over to Goody's and I got some really cute shirts, a couple shorts, a nice blue polka dot towel robe, and cute Skechers sandals to go with one shirt I got and some tennis shoes. Mom got some really cute Skechers flip flops. I also got some really cute hoop black butterfly earrings.
Then went to Sonic and got a chocolate shake.
Yesterday I gave Pacman a bath. Both Charlie and Nacho were trying to get in on the water part! They love being hosed down in the spring/summer! Afterwards I tied Pacman up to a tree, only to go check on him 10min. later to find that the halter and lead rope were still tied to the tree and Pacman was happily standing in his lean-to shed. I don't know how he sliped his halter off as he has almost out grown it! Got him haltered and brushed off then took a picture of him wearing his halter that his previous owner made for him. Its a yearling sized bronc halter that has a lime green star in the center with "Spoiled Rotten" written across it in lime crystals. Sent a picture to his previous owner.
Time for shots
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Time for shots day begins!
I received the shots for the dogs and horses today.
Harley, Buzz, Sparky, Buck, Sandy, Lilo, and Pooh all got their DA2PP.
Scooter Bug, Shady, Pacman, Charlie, and Nacho got their Triple EFT.
Later this afternoon I will most likely give Sioux and Eno their Triple EFT.
I had the halter on Nacho and of course Charlie was interested in the shots I had laying on a barrel nearby and as I was trying to give Nacho his shot Charlie grabbed one of the shots and took off running with it. So had to let go of Nacho and chase and holler at Charlie to drop it. Then Nacho realized he was loose but had this "monster" attached to him (halter and lead rope) so took off running and bucking and Charlie joined in. Pacman watched them while giving them the look of "stupid". Once Nacho and Charlie settled down, got Nacho gave him his shot then got Charlie and gave him his.
Surprisingly Scooter and Shady were easy to catch.
Time for shots day begins!
I received the shots for the dogs and horses today.
Harley, Buzz, Sparky, Buck, Sandy, Lilo, and Pooh all got their DA2PP.
Scooter Bug, Shady, Pacman, Charlie, and Nacho got their Triple EFT.
Later this afternoon I will most likely give Sioux and Eno their Triple EFT.
I had the halter on Nacho and of course Charlie was interested in the shots I had laying on a barrel nearby and as I was trying to give Nacho his shot Charlie grabbed one of the shots and took off running with it. So had to let go of Nacho and chase and holler at Charlie to drop it. Then Nacho realized he was loose but had this "monster" attached to him (halter and lead rope) so took off running and bucking and Charlie joined in. Pacman watched them while giving them the look of "stupid". Once Nacho and Charlie settled down, got Nacho gave him his shot then got Charlie and gave him his.
Surprisingly Scooter and Shady were easy to catch.
April 22, 2008
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
April 22 2008, Tuesday
I went to Farmers Mercantile, feed store, today. Had to get a load of grain and sack of dog food. On the way there I got nauseated, but it eased up once I got into some air conditioner of Mom's work. Then changed out trucks with hers and got mine to pick the grain up in.
Its 91 degrees today! Gah, hot humid summer days and nights are a coming!
Got home and called the TACH clinic (Texas Adult Congenital Heart, its inside Baylor) to schedule an appointment with Dr. Franklin. The earliest they could fit me in is May 6th if I didn't get that date it would be middle of July before I could get in. So I see Dr. Franklin May 6th at 11am. Then I called to reschedule my transplant clinic appointment. Its set for May 2nd. Jackie will be mailing me the details of the appointment, it will be an all day thing I'm sure.
Other details for today. Buzz (JRT) found a dead skunk...great. I don't think he rolled on it though, as he doesn't smell. And Harley is still being a brave girl and following me around outside.
April 22 2008, Tuesday
I went to Farmers Mercantile, feed store, today. Had to get a load of grain and sack of dog food. On the way there I got nauseated, but it eased up once I got into some air conditioner of Mom's work. Then changed out trucks with hers and got mine to pick the grain up in.
Its 91 degrees today! Gah, hot humid summer days and nights are a coming!
Got home and called the TACH clinic (Texas Adult Congenital Heart, its inside Baylor) to schedule an appointment with Dr. Franklin. The earliest they could fit me in is May 6th if I didn't get that date it would be middle of July before I could get in. So I see Dr. Franklin May 6th at 11am. Then I called to reschedule my transplant clinic appointment. Its set for May 2nd. Jackie will be mailing me the details of the appointment, it will be an all day thing I'm sure.
Other details for today. Buzz (JRT) found a dead skunk...great. I don't think he rolled on it though, as he doesn't smell. And Harley is still being a brave girl and following me around outside.
:(
Monday, April 21, 2008
:(
I finally got a hold of the lung transplant coordinator assistant to get my appointment scheduled. Its going to be May 6th, Jackie will mail me the details. Took me so long to contact her that I emailed her and Rebecka, my post lung coordinator. Rebecka emailed me back saying that they are having a change of positions and she is now going to be an in-patient coordinator. So I'll be getting a new post lung coordinator. -sighs- I liked the way it was. I hope the new post coordinator will be a good one, one that I can get along with.
Also just ordered horse and dogs vaccines. There went $204 really fast. Eh. Still have to get WNV (West Nile Virus) vaccines, rabies shots for dogs, heart guard for the dogs, get some colts gelded, and some horses freeze branded. Nope, haven't totaled that up yet to see the grand amount..
:(
I finally got a hold of the lung transplant coordinator assistant to get my appointment scheduled. Its going to be May 6th, Jackie will mail me the details. Took me so long to contact her that I emailed her and Rebecka, my post lung coordinator. Rebecka emailed me back saying that they are having a change of positions and she is now going to be an in-patient coordinator. So I'll be getting a new post lung coordinator. -sighs- I liked the way it was. I hope the new post coordinator will be a good one, one that I can get along with.
Also just ordered horse and dogs vaccines. There went $204 really fast. Eh. Still have to get WNV (West Nile Virus) vaccines, rabies shots for dogs, heart guard for the dogs, get some colts gelded, and some horses freeze branded. Nope, haven't totaled that up yet to see the grand amount..
What a weeken
Monday April 21, 2008
what a weekend
Saturday went to Beaumont and went to Academy, got a new pair of shoes there. Then went to Petsmart and got Harley and Buzz some pig rawhide chewies that has stuffing in the center of it. And a new water bottle for the bunnies, Rex and Bugs. Then went to TSC and got a bag of Calf Manna for Ginger. Afterwards went to mall and got Mom new pair of shoes and couple shirts for each of us. Got a lemonade to drink.
Also visited my Aunt and Uncle as they got a new RV and its really cool! Has a lot of space and lots of ceiling room, and has the slide out sides for more room! Really neat. They are taking it to their lake place and will stay in that while they are building their lake house. Aunt will soon be retiring and they want to have a nice place to get away too when the weather is nice.
Today I'm waiting on the transplant center to call me back so I can make appointment.
I'm hoping to do something outside today too while the weather in nice. Supposed to rain later this week.
Oh and Harley is such a brave little girl now! Before she when I let her outside she is really scared and will stay on the porch or very close to the porch and if something scares her she will run to the door and want back inside. Well Saturday she changed, like a snap of the fingers! It was weird, I thought it would be a slow process. I walked to the rabbit hutch and looked down and there she was right by my side! I said "good girl" and gave her a pet on the head, didn't want to make too much of a fuss over it thinking if I did she would run back to the house. Then I went on about my business walking to the water tank in the big pasture then to the barn and Harley followed me everywhere staying right next to me. Then Sunday, I thought it was just a fluke and she wouldn't come out in the yard with me. Well, she proved me wrong. She followed me all over the yard and even ventured off a ways from me but still close to me at the same time. She looks funny running around outside cause she is so small. Before to get her to walk away from the house I would have to put a leash on her. Now I have to just watch her good when we are outside so that she stays out of the pastures and away from horses as she doesn't know about them yet.
what a weekend
Saturday went to Beaumont and went to Academy, got a new pair of shoes there. Then went to Petsmart and got Harley and Buzz some pig rawhide chewies that has stuffing in the center of it. And a new water bottle for the bunnies, Rex and Bugs. Then went to TSC and got a bag of Calf Manna for Ginger. Afterwards went to mall and got Mom new pair of shoes and couple shirts for each of us. Got a lemonade to drink.
Also visited my Aunt and Uncle as they got a new RV and its really cool! Has a lot of space and lots of ceiling room, and has the slide out sides for more room! Really neat. They are taking it to their lake place and will stay in that while they are building their lake house. Aunt will soon be retiring and they want to have a nice place to get away too when the weather is nice.
Today I'm waiting on the transplant center to call me back so I can make appointment.
I'm hoping to do something outside today too while the weather in nice. Supposed to rain later this week.
Oh and Harley is such a brave little girl now! Before she when I let her outside she is really scared and will stay on the porch or very close to the porch and if something scares her she will run to the door and want back inside. Well Saturday she changed, like a snap of the fingers! It was weird, I thought it would be a slow process. I walked to the rabbit hutch and looked down and there she was right by my side! I said "good girl" and gave her a pet on the head, didn't want to make too much of a fuss over it thinking if I did she would run back to the house. Then I went on about my business walking to the water tank in the big pasture then to the barn and Harley followed me everywhere staying right next to me. Then Sunday, I thought it was just a fluke and she wouldn't come out in the yard with me. Well, she proved me wrong. She followed me all over the yard and even ventured off a ways from me but still close to me at the same time. She looks funny running around outside cause she is so small. Before to get her to walk away from the house I would have to put a leash on her. Now I have to just watch her good when we are outside so that she stays out of the pastures and away from horses as she doesn't know about them yet.
Dinner on me
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
Dinner on me
Tonight I made dinner...So far we are all still living, lol. If you know me, you know I can't cook!
I made a turkey breast cooked in an oven bag. I put tony's seasoning on it, couple strips of bacon, sprinkled parsley on top for looks. Cut up celery and a yellow onion and put around turkey. Then mixed in a little garlic powder with the one can of chicken broth. And added a half bag of baby carrots. Yum! For sides I made the instant stove top cornbread dressing, sweet potatoes with butter, brown sugar, and marshmallows. Also made purple hull peas with yellow onion and cut up bacon, salt, pepper, and garlic powder for taste. Then had a small can of sliced pineapple for dessert. The turkey came out tender, juicy, and oh so yummy!
Yesterday I messed with the three 2yos. I put a halter on Pacman (my appaloosa) and tied him to a tree and brushed him. He had a couple of wind knots in his mane. I even took the hand held cordless clippers and trimmed his whiskers, under his jaw, and his bridle path! He didn't even flinch! Charlie (my breeding stock paint) let me clip the whiskers on his top lip between his nostrils. And Nacho (paint) sniffed the clippers while they were turned on and let me brush me.
I called and left a message with the transplant coordinator assistant to call me back to see when I need to see doctor again and to schedule appointment, but so far haven't heard back from her. Guess I'll have to call again tomorrow.
Well, guess I'd better get off laptop and go put leftovers in the fridge, turn off tv, and get to bed.
Until next time,
Candi
Dinner on me
Tonight I made dinner...So far we are all still living, lol. If you know me, you know I can't cook!
I made a turkey breast cooked in an oven bag. I put tony's seasoning on it, couple strips of bacon, sprinkled parsley on top for looks. Cut up celery and a yellow onion and put around turkey. Then mixed in a little garlic powder with the one can of chicken broth. And added a half bag of baby carrots. Yum! For sides I made the instant stove top cornbread dressing, sweet potatoes with butter, brown sugar, and marshmallows. Also made purple hull peas with yellow onion and cut up bacon, salt, pepper, and garlic powder for taste. Then had a small can of sliced pineapple for dessert. The turkey came out tender, juicy, and oh so yummy!
Yesterday I messed with the three 2yos. I put a halter on Pacman (my appaloosa) and tied him to a tree and brushed him. He had a couple of wind knots in his mane. I even took the hand held cordless clippers and trimmed his whiskers, under his jaw, and his bridle path! He didn't even flinch! Charlie (my breeding stock paint) let me clip the whiskers on his top lip between his nostrils. And Nacho (paint) sniffed the clippers while they were turned on and let me brush me.
I called and left a message with the transplant coordinator assistant to call me back to see when I need to see doctor again and to schedule appointment, but so far haven't heard back from her. Guess I'll have to call again tomorrow.
Well, guess I'd better get off laptop and go put leftovers in the fridge, turn off tv, and get to bed.
Until next time,
Candi
Good Weekend
Monday April 14, 2008
good weekend
I had a great weekend! Watched movies and messed with the horses! My new bunnies are growing up fast! I've named them Rex and Bugs Bunny! They seem to love their hutch outside and eating grass and getting the occasional treat of a saltine cracker. Harley seems to enjoy going outside with me. Alleyway is still over weight, working on that by watching her diet and giving her exercise. I didn't get to ride today, but hoping to ride sometime soon. I really need to mess with Charlie, Nacho, Pacman, Toast, and Taco. Charlie's wound is healing up really good.
good weekend
I had a great weekend! Watched movies and messed with the horses! My new bunnies are growing up fast! I've named them Rex and Bugs Bunny! They seem to love their hutch outside and eating grass and getting the occasional treat of a saltine cracker. Harley seems to enjoy going outside with me. Alleyway is still over weight, working on that by watching her diet and giving her exercise. I didn't get to ride today, but hoping to ride sometime soon. I really need to mess with Charlie, Nacho, Pacman, Toast, and Taco. Charlie's wound is healing up really good.
Background
Monday April 14, 2008
background
I guess I'll start at the beginning and give some background information. I'll try to make it short, but its still going to be long!
I've been riding horses since I was little. I still have my first horse High Chief. I got him when I was 3yo and he was 2yo. I played soccer, did ballet and tap dancing, rode horses and competed in rodeos and barrel races. Also do fishing, canoing, 4 wheelers, biking, going to movies, out to eat, and love to shop for new horse stuff, lol.
I graduated high school in May 2002. The following Monday I started college, majoring in nursing and working towards my BSN. I also had a part time job at a doctor's office. And in summers I worked in the hay fields and hay barns to store hay for the winter for my horses.
I've always been in tip top shape and able to do anything I wanted. Then in Feb. 2006 I started having problems breathing. At first it wasn't that bad. I thought I just had a respiratory cold that was going around. Took some antibiotics and went on with life. A few weeks later it wasn't getting better. So I decided that I was just getting out of shape. Being a college student and not playing soccer anymore, I thought this was the problem. So at graining time, instead of walking from pasture to pasture, barn to barn, and what not, I started jogging. This didn't help.
Then slowly things that use to be very easy I noticed were getting harder. Walking from the hay barn to horse barn left me breathing hard. In May 2006 I went to a barrel race in Buna. I made my run on Ginger, had a 16.7 second run, but hit the 2nd barrel. When I came out of the arena I couldn't catch my breath and was so depleted of air that I had to be lead on my mare back to my horse trailer. I had to have my Dad un-saddle and cool out my horse while I sat on the ground gasping for breath.
That Monday I was taken to the doctor. He thought it was asthma, put me on a medrol dose pack and reffered me to an asthma/allergy specialist. I went to the asthma doctor 2 weeks later for my appointment. He immediately put me in the hospital for 3 days on steroids and around the clock breathing treatments.
During the summer I was placed on all types of inhalers and high doses of prednisone to try to help my breathing and stop the wheezing. Nothing helped. I did allergy skin and blood testing, that came up empty handed. I was then sent to a pulmonologist that wouldn't even order a chest xray or CT scan. This whole time I just knew it wasn't asthma and breathing was getting worse.
I went back to my local doctor and he sent me to see a pulmonologist in Houston. This doctor told me that he didn't know what was wrong but that he would find out what was wrong. That same day I had a chest xray, blood work, and chest CT done. I got a call the next day saying that they found something on the CT scan and for me to pack a bag that I would be admitted to the hospital. It was a blood clot in my lung and they noticed something not right with my heart. I was placed on blood thinners and had EKGs and a echocardiogram done. This was in July 2006. The doctor said he thought all the breathing problems were related to the blood clot in my lung and that I needed to see a cardiologist about my heart asap and would be moved from Herman Memorial SouthWest to St. Luke's to see a cardiologist that had experience with my type of heart defect. With further testing before I was transferred they found that I had a blood clot behind my right knee and one in my left ankle. I was moved to St. Lukes. Since I had to change hospitals, I had to get a new pulmonologist as well. I had lots more tests done. And it was determined that I had a congenital heart defect known as partial anomalous pulmonary venous return to the superior vena cava. Which is rare and made even rarer by the fact that I didn't have any holes. I had 2 anomalous veins that were as big as the vena cava and they needed to clamp one off and re-route the other to my left atruim. I was re-circulating 90% of my blood instead of it getting pumped out to the body. And was told that if I didn't have surgery to correct it, it would cause more problems and would eventually leave me in a wheel chair as I wouldn't be able to breathe to walk across the room to turn on a light switch. So heart surgery was scheduled for Dec. 21 after I was done with the college semester.
My breathing kept going down hill. Around Thanksgiving I could no longer keep up with the nurses during my clinical rotations and couldn't concentrate during lectures to write notes. My heart rate was really fast as well. Mom picked me up and took me to St. Luke's. I was admitted and put in ICU. They put me on an IV drip to control my heart rate. I had a toilet next to the bed and every time I got out of bed to use it my heart rate would go up to 180 beats a minute and at rest if was 125 beats a minute. I only had 2 weeks left of the college semester, but I couldn't finish. Finally December came and I was admitted a couple days before the day of my heart surgery was to take place. My breathing was so bad that they were afraid to put me under anesthesia that once they put me on a breathing machine they wouldn't be able to wean me off of it. My cardiologist and heart surgeon got together and decided that I did not have asthma. So the cardiologist had another pulmonologist see me, Dr. Seethamraju, but he really didn't get to do much as the surgeon moved me to Texas Children's so that a pulmonologist that he worked with and trusted could see me. Dr. Moore confirmed that I didn't have asthma and did more testing on me. He also put me on oxygen 24/7. He didn't want to diagnose me until he talked my case over with his co-worker so sent me home for the holiday.
Jan. 3, 2007 I went back to see Dr. Moore. He told me I had a very rare lung disease called Bronchiolitis Obliterans. Its common for someone to have this post lung transplant, and is also known as chronic rejection in lung transplant patients. It is very rare to have in your own lungs, and especially so at my age of 22yo, at this time I was 23yo. I was told that I would need a lung transplant and that there was no cure for this lung disease. I was then sent back to Dr. Seethamraju. He said that my lung function was currently 28%. He wanted to get me evaluated for transplant and placed on the waiting list asap and then try other things to help my breathing. So a week later I did all the evaluation test and then was started on experimental treatment of IVIG. I had to get IVIG 4 days in a row once a month. Feb. 15, 2007 I was officially listed on the transplant waiting list for double lung. My lung function then was 14%. With the help of IVIG the progression of the BO was slowed down. By this time I was bed ridden. I also used a Bi-Pap machine to help me breathe.
The end of May I was admitted to The Methodist Hospital with kidney stones. Dr. Harish (Seethamraju), said that I would be discharged home the next day. Then on June 4, 2007 at 3:15am the on-call lung coordinator called me and said they had a set of lungs for me! I went into surgery at 1:45pm and was out of surgery at 7pm. The lungs looked wonderful and I'm told were a perfect match for me! The donor is a male, around my age, a little taller than me, and weighed more than I did. I also had my heart surgery and they also removed the 3rd lung that I had. It was about the size of a grape fruit.
Recovery was hard as I developed Gastroparesis from the transplant surgery. Which means my stomach nerve was damaged during surgery and left me unable to digest things correctly. So I had a Nissen Fundoplication and Plyoroplasty done to help with this. Later I had a feeding tube placed to help me get nutrition as I couldn't eat much without getting sick and had lost a lot of weight and got down to 89 lbs. Then I had gall bladder problems and had to have it removed. I had 2 drains from this surgery and when the 2nd one was removed it tore a hole in my common duct bile and leaked bile into my abdomen and caused peritonitis. So I had to have 2 biliary stents placed. Later in Dec. 2007 I had them removed. Also about August 2007 the anastomosis site where the donor lung attached to my bronchial tube on the left side, totally collapsed and left me breathing with just my right lung. I went into surgery where the doctor couldn't help me. So I was woke up and moved to another OR with my lung transplant doctor and surgeon where they found a small opening with a wire and inflated the lung and placed a stent in it. I then had to get a bronchoscopy every couple of weeks to get the stent and lungs cleaned out. I've also had a fungal infection, called Rhizopus, which was taken care of with fungal medication. And have also dealt with double pneumonia.
In Feb. 2008 I had to have my feeding tube changed out as it was causing a lot of pain. Then in March 2008 I finally was able to have the pulmonary stent removed from my left bronchial tube. Currently I have 97% lung function and my new lungs are doing very well! I take about 40 pills a day, luckily I can crush them and put them down my J-tube (feeding tube) so I don't have to swallow them all. And my gastroparesis is getting better. I had a gastric empty study done a few months ago and it showed that my stomach is working normally now. But I will most likely always have some digesting problems and need to eat foods that are easily digested. I still see doctors frequently and have blood work and pulmonary function test done to monitor my lungs and other things.
I bought a yearling appaloosa gelding around September 2007 while I was still in the hospital. And my dog Tinkerbell died a few months after my surgery. I have since got a new dog, Harley, a rat terrier/chihuahua mix. And Ginger, my finished barrel horse got hurt in Feb. running in the mud in the pasture.
I've been riding Alleyway and Cherokee quite a bit lately. And was so happy when I was finally cleared in middle Jan. this year to ride faster than a walk and he also said that I can run barrels again! Now I just have to get a horse going on barrels and get them and myself in shape!
I can ride the horses. But my parents feed and hay them and clean their stalls so that I don't get the dust or pick up a fungus in my lungs.
I have named my lungs Thomas and Mack from the famous NFR arena in Las Vegas. I've also got myself and my donor's family a butterfly necklace to honor him and his wonderful gift to me. A butterfly sorta looks like a set of lungs and also represents a beautiful change.
Right now things are going well and I can't wait to get back to running at barrel races! I feel good and am getting more and more check ups as outpatients rather than inpatients.
background
I guess I'll start at the beginning and give some background information. I'll try to make it short, but its still going to be long!
I've been riding horses since I was little. I still have my first horse High Chief. I got him when I was 3yo and he was 2yo. I played soccer, did ballet and tap dancing, rode horses and competed in rodeos and barrel races. Also do fishing, canoing, 4 wheelers, biking, going to movies, out to eat, and love to shop for new horse stuff, lol.
I graduated high school in May 2002. The following Monday I started college, majoring in nursing and working towards my BSN. I also had a part time job at a doctor's office. And in summers I worked in the hay fields and hay barns to store hay for the winter for my horses.
I've always been in tip top shape and able to do anything I wanted. Then in Feb. 2006 I started having problems breathing. At first it wasn't that bad. I thought I just had a respiratory cold that was going around. Took some antibiotics and went on with life. A few weeks later it wasn't getting better. So I decided that I was just getting out of shape. Being a college student and not playing soccer anymore, I thought this was the problem. So at graining time, instead of walking from pasture to pasture, barn to barn, and what not, I started jogging. This didn't help.
Then slowly things that use to be very easy I noticed were getting harder. Walking from the hay barn to horse barn left me breathing hard. In May 2006 I went to a barrel race in Buna. I made my run on Ginger, had a 16.7 second run, but hit the 2nd barrel. When I came out of the arena I couldn't catch my breath and was so depleted of air that I had to be lead on my mare back to my horse trailer. I had to have my Dad un-saddle and cool out my horse while I sat on the ground gasping for breath.
That Monday I was taken to the doctor. He thought it was asthma, put me on a medrol dose pack and reffered me to an asthma/allergy specialist. I went to the asthma doctor 2 weeks later for my appointment. He immediately put me in the hospital for 3 days on steroids and around the clock breathing treatments.
During the summer I was placed on all types of inhalers and high doses of prednisone to try to help my breathing and stop the wheezing. Nothing helped. I did allergy skin and blood testing, that came up empty handed. I was then sent to a pulmonologist that wouldn't even order a chest xray or CT scan. This whole time I just knew it wasn't asthma and breathing was getting worse.
I went back to my local doctor and he sent me to see a pulmonologist in Houston. This doctor told me that he didn't know what was wrong but that he would find out what was wrong. That same day I had a chest xray, blood work, and chest CT done. I got a call the next day saying that they found something on the CT scan and for me to pack a bag that I would be admitted to the hospital. It was a blood clot in my lung and they noticed something not right with my heart. I was placed on blood thinners and had EKGs and a echocardiogram done. This was in July 2006. The doctor said he thought all the breathing problems were related to the blood clot in my lung and that I needed to see a cardiologist about my heart asap and would be moved from Herman Memorial SouthWest to St. Luke's to see a cardiologist that had experience with my type of heart defect. With further testing before I was transferred they found that I had a blood clot behind my right knee and one in my left ankle. I was moved to St. Lukes. Since I had to change hospitals, I had to get a new pulmonologist as well. I had lots more tests done. And it was determined that I had a congenital heart defect known as partial anomalous pulmonary venous return to the superior vena cava. Which is rare and made even rarer by the fact that I didn't have any holes. I had 2 anomalous veins that were as big as the vena cava and they needed to clamp one off and re-route the other to my left atruim. I was re-circulating 90% of my blood instead of it getting pumped out to the body. And was told that if I didn't have surgery to correct it, it would cause more problems and would eventually leave me in a wheel chair as I wouldn't be able to breathe to walk across the room to turn on a light switch. So heart surgery was scheduled for Dec. 21 after I was done with the college semester.
My breathing kept going down hill. Around Thanksgiving I could no longer keep up with the nurses during my clinical rotations and couldn't concentrate during lectures to write notes. My heart rate was really fast as well. Mom picked me up and took me to St. Luke's. I was admitted and put in ICU. They put me on an IV drip to control my heart rate. I had a toilet next to the bed and every time I got out of bed to use it my heart rate would go up to 180 beats a minute and at rest if was 125 beats a minute. I only had 2 weeks left of the college semester, but I couldn't finish. Finally December came and I was admitted a couple days before the day of my heart surgery was to take place. My breathing was so bad that they were afraid to put me under anesthesia that once they put me on a breathing machine they wouldn't be able to wean me off of it. My cardiologist and heart surgeon got together and decided that I did not have asthma. So the cardiologist had another pulmonologist see me, Dr. Seethamraju, but he really didn't get to do much as the surgeon moved me to Texas Children's so that a pulmonologist that he worked with and trusted could see me. Dr. Moore confirmed that I didn't have asthma and did more testing on me. He also put me on oxygen 24/7. He didn't want to diagnose me until he talked my case over with his co-worker so sent me home for the holiday.
Jan. 3, 2007 I went back to see Dr. Moore. He told me I had a very rare lung disease called Bronchiolitis Obliterans. Its common for someone to have this post lung transplant, and is also known as chronic rejection in lung transplant patients. It is very rare to have in your own lungs, and especially so at my age of 22yo, at this time I was 23yo. I was told that I would need a lung transplant and that there was no cure for this lung disease. I was then sent back to Dr. Seethamraju. He said that my lung function was currently 28%. He wanted to get me evaluated for transplant and placed on the waiting list asap and then try other things to help my breathing. So a week later I did all the evaluation test and then was started on experimental treatment of IVIG. I had to get IVIG 4 days in a row once a month. Feb. 15, 2007 I was officially listed on the transplant waiting list for double lung. My lung function then was 14%. With the help of IVIG the progression of the BO was slowed down. By this time I was bed ridden. I also used a Bi-Pap machine to help me breathe.
The end of May I was admitted to The Methodist Hospital with kidney stones. Dr. Harish (Seethamraju), said that I would be discharged home the next day. Then on June 4, 2007 at 3:15am the on-call lung coordinator called me and said they had a set of lungs for me! I went into surgery at 1:45pm and was out of surgery at 7pm. The lungs looked wonderful and I'm told were a perfect match for me! The donor is a male, around my age, a little taller than me, and weighed more than I did. I also had my heart surgery and they also removed the 3rd lung that I had. It was about the size of a grape fruit.
Recovery was hard as I developed Gastroparesis from the transplant surgery. Which means my stomach nerve was damaged during surgery and left me unable to digest things correctly. So I had a Nissen Fundoplication and Plyoroplasty done to help with this. Later I had a feeding tube placed to help me get nutrition as I couldn't eat much without getting sick and had lost a lot of weight and got down to 89 lbs. Then I had gall bladder problems and had to have it removed. I had 2 drains from this surgery and when the 2nd one was removed it tore a hole in my common duct bile and leaked bile into my abdomen and caused peritonitis. So I had to have 2 biliary stents placed. Later in Dec. 2007 I had them removed. Also about August 2007 the anastomosis site where the donor lung attached to my bronchial tube on the left side, totally collapsed and left me breathing with just my right lung. I went into surgery where the doctor couldn't help me. So I was woke up and moved to another OR with my lung transplant doctor and surgeon where they found a small opening with a wire and inflated the lung and placed a stent in it. I then had to get a bronchoscopy every couple of weeks to get the stent and lungs cleaned out. I've also had a fungal infection, called Rhizopus, which was taken care of with fungal medication. And have also dealt with double pneumonia.
In Feb. 2008 I had to have my feeding tube changed out as it was causing a lot of pain. Then in March 2008 I finally was able to have the pulmonary stent removed from my left bronchial tube. Currently I have 97% lung function and my new lungs are doing very well! I take about 40 pills a day, luckily I can crush them and put them down my J-tube (feeding tube) so I don't have to swallow them all. And my gastroparesis is getting better. I had a gastric empty study done a few months ago and it showed that my stomach is working normally now. But I will most likely always have some digesting problems and need to eat foods that are easily digested. I still see doctors frequently and have blood work and pulmonary function test done to monitor my lungs and other things.
I bought a yearling appaloosa gelding around September 2007 while I was still in the hospital. And my dog Tinkerbell died a few months after my surgery. I have since got a new dog, Harley, a rat terrier/chihuahua mix. And Ginger, my finished barrel horse got hurt in Feb. running in the mud in the pasture.
I've been riding Alleyway and Cherokee quite a bit lately. And was so happy when I was finally cleared in middle Jan. this year to ride faster than a walk and he also said that I can run barrels again! Now I just have to get a horse going on barrels and get them and myself in shape!
I can ride the horses. But my parents feed and hay them and clean their stalls so that I don't get the dust or pick up a fungus in my lungs.
I have named my lungs Thomas and Mack from the famous NFR arena in Las Vegas. I've also got myself and my donor's family a butterfly necklace to honor him and his wonderful gift to me. A butterfly sorta looks like a set of lungs and also represents a beautiful change.
Right now things are going well and I can't wait to get back to running at barrel races! I feel good and am getting more and more check ups as outpatients rather than inpatients.
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