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.
Saturday, May 31, 2008
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!
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