I'm Falling Apart

[Tiramisu]

I'm turning into a big complainer: I've been hobbling around on a bad foot for almost a year, and getting the "runaround" with getting it fixed. I finally got in for my yearly exam yesterday, had the pap, and am scheduled for the mammogram, colonscopy, and then the biopsy. Wish they could just lay me out and do it all at once.

I still need to go to Louisiana and settle everything up on my Mom's estate. My Sister is handling most of it and therefore not much is getting done, but she is progressing a little. We got the headstone ordered to match my Dad's. She's working with the lawyer to get the land divided and all the last bills paid. My Mom was so sick and died and I didn't get to spend enough time with her and I miss her so much.

Thinking happy thoughts: My Hubby and children are healthy. My son is home from Iraq and employed.

[Janet]

You are not turning into a big complainer. Sometimes when things are not going as we wish or as we think they should...we need to voice it to keep from going crazy. You've been through a lot this last year, I don't think you've complained near enough my friend.

Getting the estates settled from our parents is so hard and time consuming. We just now got hubby's step-mothers estate settled and it's been almost two years. Kind of hard to get on with life when this is always hanging over you to get done.

I'm gonna try my hardest to send happy thoughts your way. Life is good!

[gja1000]

No Sandy, you are NOT a big complainer. I find that if I don't talk about things, I just become an obsessive worrier about them. If I can hear myself say them or say them to someone (like this forum) then I can process my thoughts better, and I don't worry so much. I find I can even forget about it from time to time.

So, keep talking, my friend, it helps!!!

[Tiramisu]

THANKS for your kind and happy thoughts. My internet modem went out on Monday and I just got it exchanged today, so I'm making a rare evening visit.

[gja1000]

It's really nice to see you in the evening! I have cable internet and my computer is in my office - so if I'm working or watching TV, I can check the forums.

[Marilyn]

Sandy, complain all you want!! We're here for you. You've been through a lot with your foot, the storm, the loss of your mom. Hopefully the future will be much brighter.

We're feeling a bit downtrodden here right now after the election. The rednecks are going out of their minds. Hope they settle down soon. It's getting very ugly.

[Tiramisu]

I'm hanging at home this morning because I have a pre-colonoscopy screening 20 miles to the south of my house at 9:15. Then, I'll decide if it's worth the 40 mile drive to work or if I'll have lunch with my daughter and come home.

Not being picky, but I didn't "lose my Mom". I must believe that she is in Heaven, with my Dad and all our family members and friends who have gone before. And, while my memory has never been great - I do have that. I am also of the belief that I will be with her again.

[DianaB]

I'm glad that you feel free to post how you're feeling, Sandy. I think that there are several of us about the same age that feel the same way.

It's hard to get everything settled with a loved one's estate. My Dad didn't have much to settle except a few bills and what to do with his meager possesions. My biggest problem was step-nieces and nephews that said they wanted momentos but really just wanted electronics.

You know that we're here to listen any time you need an ear!!!!

[donna1990]

We are always here for each other.
I wish you the best.
I remember years ago the DR. would put you in the hospital for a couple days and do it all, too expensive now.

[Tiramisu]

I left home at 8:30 for the 9:15 appointment to pre-screen for the colonoscopy. They scheduled me for November 19th and AT 11:30 sent me for bloodwork. I decided to see if I could do the pre-op for the foot surgery (chest xray, EKG, and more bloodwork). I sat at the hospital, sat at the imaging place, and went back to the same bloodwork place. This took me six hours, going to five different places.

I have had the same bloodwork done THREE times this week, from three different doctors. Did I ask if they could share the same results - YES - and of course - they can't.

This might be a THREE margarita night!

[Janet]

Sandy, you've mentioned margarita's before.... I'm a beer girl, but I am just going to have to try a Margarita!!

[Tiramisu]

Please try a good one! My preference (as I just had TWO) is Jose Cuervo Gold, on the rocks, no salt! I couldn't complain right now, even if I had something to complain about!

[gja1000]

Please try a good one! My preference (as I just had TWO) is Jose Cuervo Gold, on the rocks, no salt! I couldn't complain right now, even if I had something to complain about!

I just had one Margarita and I'm in a happy place right now too! But mine wasn't Jose Curevo Gold - mmmmm that is good!

[Janet]

Please try a good one! My preference (as I just had TWO) is Jose Cuervo Gold, on the rocks, no salt! I couldn't complain right now, even if I had something to complain about!

I just had one Margarita and I'm in a happy place right now too! But mine wasn't Jose Curevo Gold - mmmmm that is good!

So tell me ladies...do you just buy margaritas in a bottle or in a mix? I've been so tense lately, (so tired of my back hurting) that I'm ready to go get some.

[Tiramisu]

You can actually big it already mixed, in a bottle, ready to drink, at the liquor stores here. There are several makers. I prefer Jose Cuervo or Sauza, but ALL margaritas are good. You might try a small bottle like that first or order one out at a restaurant.

[2tiredmom]

YUMMY Margarita's . My Fav.....................................But frozen with salt on the rim.
Oh my. My mouth is watering right now. Dang. May have to take hubby out for
supper on his B-day tonight and have one.

[donna1990]

Lots of salt!!!!

[Janet]

Just saw in one of the newspaper ads that the Jose one (Golden) is on sale somewhere, may have to make a trip to town.

[judy]

This sounds like you all are going to be a little bit drunk tonight. Enjoy!!!

[Janet]

Didn't get to town last night, so stayed sober...lol. It got really cold and the wind was blowing so hard. Then it started sleeting a little bit so I stayed in where it's nice and warm.

[donna1990]

This sounds like you all are going to be a little bit drunk tonight. Enjoy!!!

Only if they can get to town.:D

[Gina]

Well girls .. who is tending the bar lol I am in need of ANY drink, especially this horrible week I have had. I must admit I should have come here and shared my fears but I was crying most of the time and couldnt think straight.

Sandy my next test will be a colonoscopy yeah I am scared but I am going to do it!! I am giving myself a little reprieve at the moment...

SO LADIES LET'S GET SLOSHED!! :cheers:

[donna1990]

Well girls .. who is tending the bar lol I am in need of ANY drink, especially this horrible week I have had. I must admit I should have come here and shared my fears but I was crying most of the time and couldnt think straight.

Sandy my next test will be a colonoscopy yeah I am scared but I am going to do it!! I am giving myself a little reprieve at the moment...

SO LADIES LET'S GET SLOSHED!! :cheers:

Please try not to worry, lots of people are praying for you.:cheers::cheers::cheers::cheers:
I will have a few for you.

[Janet]

Well girls .. who is tending the bar lol I am in need of ANY drink, especially this horrible week I have had. I must admit I should have come here and shared my fears but I was crying most of the time and couldnt think straight.

Sandy my next test will be a colonoscopy yeah I am scared but I am going to do it!! I am giving myself a little reprieve at the moment...

SO LADIES LET'S GET SLOSHED!! :cheers:


Gina...where'd your avatar go????

[Gina]

I tired to change it , but it didnt go through... duh me! lol

[Tiramisu]

Pap was normal.....yeah!

Liver enzymes are elevated.....boo.....more tests.....afraid my Rheumatoid Arthritis is coming out of remission.

Foot surgery on 11/14/08 @ 6:30a
Colonoscopy on 11/19/08 @ 11:30a
Foot surgery followup on 11/20/08 @ 2:40p
Mammogram on 11/20/08 @ 3:30p
Oral Surgeon on 12/02/08 @ 10:30a

[2tiredmom]

You are getting it at both ends. You poor thing. Your in my prayers.
Colonoscopy is a wonderful invention by the medical people. I have to have one done every year. It sucks big time. I don't mind having it done just don't like the
prep before. Good luck on everything. I hope everything comes out for the better.
:rolleyes:

[DianaB]

Pap was normal.....yeah!

Liver enzymes are elevated.....boo.....more tests.....afraid my Rheumatoid Arthritis is coming out of remission.

Foot surgery on 11/14/08 @ 6:30a
Colonoscopy on 11/19/08 @ 11:30a
Foot surgery followup on 11/20/08 @ 2:40p
Mammogram on 11/20/08 @ 3:30p
Oral Surgeon on 12/02/08 @ 10:30a

You are certainly going to be all tuned up and ready to go after all of those checkups!!!!! Sorry that you have to have all of these things done. It's no fun.

[donna1990]

Well, your month is planned out. Will there be time for Thanksgiving and Christmas?
It will feel so great to get it all over with.
Thinking of you.

[Janet]

I had to drink that stuff you have to drink to clean you out before a colonoscopy and I will never.... I MEAN NEVER ever do that again. Every bit I drank down, came right back up...so what's the point. NEVER EVER EVER!!

[Gina]

I had to drink that stuff you have to drink to clean you out before a colonoscopy and I will never.... I MEAN NEVER ever do that again. Every bit I drank down, came right back up...so what's the point. NEVER EVER EVER!!



Gee Janet thanks for the warning! I am thrilled looking forward to drinking that poision now...lol

[Gina]

Btw guys I am a big wuss when it comes to changing my bandage on toe and cant do it. So my darling son is doing it, but everytime he removes bandage I cringe in pain. Because its stuck to wound and he is not applying enough antibodic ointment... torture !! I tell ya... I just found out they sell non stick guazes.. I am buying them tomorrow...

[DianaB]

Sorry, Gina. I do know how that feels because I smashed a finger really, really bad years ago and the bandage stuck to it too. The doctor came in and just jerked it off.......well, I called him a turkey buzzard!!! He said that he'd never been called that before!!!!

[judy]

A turkey buzzard! I have to remember that for the next person who gets me annoyed!

[judy]

Pap was normal.....yeah!

Liver enzymes are elevated.....boo.....more tests.....afraid my Rheumatoid Arthritis is coming out of remission.

Foot surgery on 11/14/08 @ 6:30a
Colonoscopy on 11/19/08 @ 11:30a
Foot surgery followup on 11/20/08 @ 2:40p
Mammogram on 11/20/08 @ 3:30p
Oral Surgeon on 12/02/08 @ 10:30a

Poor Sandy! You might as well just sleep at the doctors. I'll be praying for you.

[Janet]

Sorry Gina, but that stuff is nasty!!! Didn't mean to scare you off.

I don't get to squeemish over things. My dad use to work for a heating company and installed and repaired furnaces. He was working on a gas furnace one time and it blew up on him. His face and hands were badly burned, but thank God there were no scares left. Anyway...(stay on track Janet..lol) This happened when I was a Junior in H.S. and I had to change the bandages for him and put the salve on his burns. Mom just couldn't stomach doing it all. Made me angry with her for a long time, but it's in the past. My dad meant everything to me.

[Tiramisu]

I got the yuck liquid prescription filled last night. I DO NOT look forward to going through that, especially on crutches. I sure hope everything comes out in the end!

I also got the pain meds prescription filled for after the foot surgery. I had a few left from before, but you just never known when those come in handy.

[Tiramisu]

Poor Sandy! You might as well just sleep at the doctors. I'll be praying for you.

Glad you said "at" and not "with"!

[Tiramisu]

Foot surgery went well. My bloodpressure has gone crazy. I have ALWAYS had low BP, but it got to 158/101 during surgery, so they gave me something to get it back down. I'll go back on the 1st to get the stitches out. The doc gave me the thing and screws that were in my foot.

I went to my PCP and we're watching my BP. It was 152/90 about 30 minutes ago. I have horrible bruises on my arms from all the bloodwork and surgeries. I need to figure it up, but I've easily paid $600 in co-pays, parking, and tolls this year - not to mention time off work (even though that's excused with pay).

I was so dehydrated for the colonoscopy that, after poking me 3 times, they knocked me out to get the IV in. They removed five polyps and I have minor diverticulosis. He put me on a high fiber diet which basically is a list of all the things I eat now. I should get the pathology results tomorrow.

I should get the mammogram results by Friday.

After the second round of bloodwork, my liver enzymes are still elevated. So, I go for a liver ultrasound on the 4th. And, I have the Oral Surgeon on the 3rd.

Yes, I'm tired and depressed.

[donna1990]

Oh Sandy, what can I say? Bless you and hope everything else will get better.
I don't have nearly as serious as you but I am so sick of sitting in Doctor's offices.
Take care and will keep on praying for you.

[judy]

Poor thing! I'm keeping you in my prayers.

[Gina]

Sandy you poor thing, you have been through the mill. My prayers are being sent your way.

[gja1000]

Sandy, have you been taking Tylenol for pain? That can cause liver enzymes to go up.

[Tiramisu]

No, Gayle, I'm banned from Tylenol, because of the Rheumatoid Arthritis. I did take a few Tylenol PMs, during the hurricane power outage to help me sleep, but not recently.

At the time of the first test and over the last month, I'd only taken Prilosec OTC and Aleve. For the second test, I'd had only Prilosec OTC, the antibiotics and whatever they gave me 2 days before during foot surgery.

Unfortunately, this is one of those things that doesn't go away when ignored. I'm not a health nut, but I'm worried about my liver and my heart right now!

THANKS, Gayle.

[DianaB]

Sorry that you're still having problems with your health. It's absolutely no fun getting older. I had a year that it felt like everything was falling apart too. I was in the hospital three times that year and countless times in the doctor's office. The problems that I have I refuse to let them keep me down and I don't worry about them and that's hard to do sometimes because of my anxiety problems. You'll get past all of this too. Just don't let your health problems rule your life.

[Nina]

I had to drink that stuff you have to drink to clean you out before a colonoscopy and I will never.... I MEAN NEVER ever do that again. Every bit I drank down, came right back up...so what's the point. NEVER EVER EVER!!

Oh, I HATE that stuff! I have a hard time keeping it down too. And, it makes me sick.....the stuff I drank last time was called "Go Lightly"....who makes up these names?????

Sandy, I am sorry for all that you're going through. Don't worry about talking about it here, we don't think you're a complainer. Sometimes you just have to vent about it!!

[Dobie]

I had to drink that "Go Lightly" stuff when I was in the hospital - it was the MOST disgusting thing I've ever had!!

[Janet]

I wasn't kidding....LOL

[gja1000]

I'm not a health nut, but I'm worried about my liver and my heart right now!
.

Are you worried about your heart because of the blood pressure or is there something else going on with your heart? Usually high blood pressure doesn't affect the heart - unless you have untreated high blood pressure for years and years. High blood pressure will cause a stroke - that is very serious!

Do you have an automatic blood pressure machine at home? If not, get one and monitor your own blood pressure. If it stays consistently above 120/80, call your doctor.

[Janet]

Gayle...I'm so glad you're a member of this forum. You help out here in so many ways, from helping us to stay healthy to making us laugh. So I have someone else to be thankful for this Thanksgiving.....you!

[judy]

Oh, I HATE that stuff! I have a hard time keeping it down too. And, it makes me sick.....the stuff I drank last time was called "Go Lightly"....who makes up these names?????

Sandy, I am sorry for all that you're going through. Don't worry about talking about it here, we don't think you're a complainer. Sometimes you just have to vent about it!!

You got it wrong! You're not supposed to throw it up - it's supposed to come out the other end! I get flavored Go Lightly. I think it's lime. I don't think I need to go for another 3 years. Who knows what flavors they'll have by then. I don't mind it. I just do it and get it over with. Although, I will eat or drink almost anything as long as it's not moving.

Sandy, I also have had a couple of polyps (benign), ulcers, acid reflux and slight diverticulosis. My doctor said that's they are just caused by aging as long as the polyps are benign. Don't eat peanuts. They can mess with the diverticulosis.

[gja1000]

Gayle...I'm so glad you're a member of this forum. You help out here in so many ways, from helping us to stay healthy to making us laugh. So I have someone else to be thankful for this Thanksgiving.....you!


Janet, you are too kind! :) And I am thankful for you too - and your witty sense of humor, words of wisdom, and oh yeah, the wise cracks!!! LOL!

[Tiramisu]

Are you worried about your heart because of the blood pressure or is there something else going on with your heart? Usually high blood pressure doesn't affect the heart - unless you have untreated high blood pressure for years and years. High blood pressure will cause a stroke - that is very serious!

Do you have an automatic blood pressure machine at home? If not, get one and monitor your own blood pressure. If it stays consistently above 120/80, call your doctor.

Nothing going on with my heart that I know of. The anestheologist was the one who said he needed to give me something to get the BP down and that it was damaging my heart. I probably misunderstood him.

I've been taking readings on three different machines and the readings are in the 140s/90s on a wrist cuff and arm cuff we have at home. I also go a couple times each day to one of those chairs with the arm cuff we have at the office. Of course, when I made the appointment with my PCP, it was my previously lower reading.

[Tiramisu]

I have an appointment in a couple hours to get the stitches out of my foot. OMG, I hope he lets me throw these crutches and boot away. My kids were making fun of my one tennis shoe this weekend. They want to get it bronzed like a baby shoe. It is very worn and scuffed from being worn almost everyday for FOUR MONTHS. Of course, there's a matching barely worn left shoe. This boot/brace is so dirty and worn.

[gja1000]

140s/90s is TOO HIGH! You need to get that pressure DOWN - don't wait.

[Tiramisu]

140s/90s is TOO HIGH! You need to get that pressure DOWN - don't wait.

I'm giving it until Thursday. I have the liver ultrasound and if my BPs still elevated, I'll get in to the doc AGAIN to get it regulated.

Got the stitches out and my foot looks and feels good. He thinks I've developed a hairline stress fracture, down on my foot where my toes come out, due to de-bone mineralization. So, I'm back in the walking boot for three more weeks. I can get out and walk more, being careful. It's to the point that I don't even care anymore. Bring it on!

[judy]

Sandy,

I'm so glad you can get out and walk, but PLEASE be careful with that boot on!!!

Enjoy your newfound freedom.

[Tiramisu]

Judy, THANKS. The weather is beautiful today and I actually got out at lunchtime for a short walk. It was awesome, being the most I've walked in six months or so!

[Janet]

Yay!!! The crutches are gone!!! Maybe you could plant them in your yard in place of the trees you lost....lol. Just be very careful when you're out walking. I bet you feel like a free bird again...huh?

[DianaB]

I'm so glad that you're able to get around a little better than you were. Too bad about the fracture but it will heal quickly.

[gja1000]

Hopefully, the stress fracture will heal quickly - this has been a long road for you!

[Tiramisu]

THANKS for your thoughts!

I'm ready to change the title of this post to "I'm Getting It Together Again". I do feel much better being able to get around. I go to the Oral Surgeon this morning for the "lesion" under my tongue, but I'm optimistic that it's nothing bad. Then tomorrow afternoon, I have the liver ultrasound and I feel that will be OK. And, I'm pretty sure the BP will come back to normal when I get all these medical bloops out of the way.

It will definitely be hard, but, I'm going to Louisiana on the 12th (my Mom's 78th birthday) to separate my Mom's things and see her headstone that was delivered out yesterday. We had them take my Dad's away and bring out a matching "double" headstone for the together. I need to sign the papers to transfer/divide the property (44 acres and two houses) between my Sis, Bro, and me.

[Janet]

Sandy, I know it will be a hard time for you, but sometimes, when all the 'details' are taken care of...life gets a little easier. We still miss them of course, but there is a sense of 'it's done now.' Does that make sense?

I recently went out and took a picture of my Dad's headstone. Not sure why, but felt I needed to.

[Tiramisu]

Janet, you always make sense!

The lump under my tongue is a slightly clogged, but normal sublingual puneta (salivary gland). He expressed it and I'm back to work! Of course, my BP was 142/92 while there. So, I called and left a message for my PCP to see if she wants me back in to work on that.

Contrary to the way it looks, I am not a hypochondriac!

[donna1990]

Bless you Sandy, you have a lot on your plate.
Many prayers for you.

[Tiramisu]

My daughter is going to pickup some BP sample meds from my PCP and we'll followup in two weeks. Gayle, is it true that these meds take several weeks to adjust? The only thing I've done differently, to cause my BP to jump from the 90s/60s to 140s/90s, is that I started taking Os-Cal (1200mg/d). Can calcium have anything to do with this drastic change?

[Janet]

I WISH I always made sense....LOL.

I'm anxious to see Gayle answer to this.

[Tiramisu]

Mammogram is normal, pap is normal, colon is normal, mouth lesion is normal, liver will be OK, and hopefully I only need to put this boot on five more mornings!

GOD is great!

[gja1000]

My daughter is going to pickup some BP sample meds from my PCP and we'll followup in two weeks. Gayle, is it true that these meds take several weeks to adjust? The only thing I've done differently, to cause my BP to jump from the 90s/60s to 140s/90s, is that I started taking Os-Cal (1200mg/d). Can calcium have anything to do with this drastic change?


I'm so sorry! I didn't see this question to me!!! If someone asks me something and I don't answer, please PM me and tell me to look at the question!!!

Yes, it does take BP meds several weeks to adjust! They don't work overnight. No taking calcium won't affect your blood pressure. And you definitely NEED the calcium. Have you decreased your salt intake? That can reduce your blood pressure, as will exercise (know you've been limited with the foot) and weight reduction.

[donna1990]

Mammogram is normal, pap is normal, colon is normal, mouth lesion is normal, liver will be OK, and hopefully I only need to put this boot on five more mornings!

GOD is great!


So happy to hear your good report.
Now you can have a very Merry Christmas.

[judy]

The tests came back okay! Hurray, and Thank God. That is a lot of good news.

[DianaB]

My daughter is going to pickup some BP sample meds from my PCP and we'll followup in two weeks. Gayle, is it true that these meds take several weeks to adjust? The only thing I've done differently, to cause my BP to jump from the 90s/60s to 140s/90s, is that I started taking Os-Cal (1200mg/d). Can calcium have anything to do with this drastic change?

Sandy, do you check your BP at home? Your blood pressure can go up at the doctor's office. It's called White Coat Syndrome. My husband has it. His BP can be just normal but let him go to the doctor's office and it goes up pretty high. It's important to check your BP at home.

[Tiramisu]

Sandy, do you check your BP at home? Your blood pressure can go up at the doctor's office. It's called White Coat Syndrome. My husband has it. His BP can be just normal but let him go to the doctor's office and it goes up pretty high. It's important to check your BP at home.

I've been checking it at home and at work. I'm self-diagnosing and waiting until I'm up and around more. I just think (HOPE) that it's because I've been basically immobile for 5 months. I'll start checking it again next week when I go back to work and things settle down. I have the sample pills to start, if it stays up.

[Janet]

That is so true Diana...my mother's BP is just fine at home, but take her to the Dr. and wow...really really high.

Are you ready to go back to work Sandy? I hope the BP is better by then...don't want you to stress or anything like that. Just take care of yourself.

[judy]

How are you doing Sandy? Is the BP down yet? Is the boot off?

You are a trooper, girl!