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Monday check in

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straydog
Forum Moderator
Joined : Feb 2003
Posts : 18304
Posted 5/4/2015 6:08 PM (GMT -7)
Now, I have the time to put out the Monday check in thread, lol. Had a pump refill this morning so I did not have time to do it before leaving for the appt.

For our new members, this is where we check in & talk about what we did over the weekend & what we have planned for the week ahead.

If anyone has someone in need of prayers we have quite a team here that is always willing to pray for anyone. Prayers in numbers can be amazing for the person needing them. I have witnessed this twice with my own brother.

I hope everyone has a good week ahead.
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Abilene
Veteran Member
Joined : Apr 2014
Posts : 986
Posted 5/4/2015 6:59 PM (GMT -7)
May the 4th be with you! Haha I've been hearing that on TV today.

I have a new diagnosis-hyperthyroid. An incidental finding on my cervical MRI before my fusion surgery 16 months ago was nodules on my thyroid. A year ago a fine needle biopsy was done and there was no cancer!!! The endocrinologist had me come back in 6 months for an Ultrasound. The nodules had not changed so that was good. That was done again another 6 months later, plus bloodwork. The US showed the nodules were unchanged. The labwork, first time I've ever had labs for thyroid, showed my TSH was very low. The dr ordered extensive labs and I got that result last week. I have no symptoms but the numbers don't look good, so the dr wants to start me on medication. I've already jumped over to the Thyroid forum here at Healing Well and have been told a 2nd opinion is in order since I have no symptoms. So that's what I plan to do.

Susie, I certainly hope some of our missing members will respond to your messages. Praying for them.
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Angelic_Victory
Veteran Member
Joined : Sep 2012
Posts : 2138
Posted 5/4/2015 7:26 PM (GMT -7)
So glad there's no cancer! My dad has thyroid cancer but he's doing very well with his medicines and radiation treatment.

The kids loved The Avengers. We had a great weekend together. Tonight we made home made pizza together and played scrabble together. Its been a good day.

I've got a bone density scan on Wednesday and an appointment with an ortho surgeon on Thursday. I'm looking into what options I have available for my knees, the right one is now bone on bone and creates a lot of pain.

I hope everyone is doing well.
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melagain
Regular Member
Joined : Mar 2015
Posts : 194
Posted 5/4/2015 8:30 PM (GMT -7)
Nothing on the agenda --well, not planned anyways. The grandchild turns six but the party isn't until early June. Tomorrow she gets to go horseback riding (aka go in circles on a very tame pony...LOL). I'm dealing with a very chaotic work schedule and change in responsibilities, temporarily. This at the same time the doctor has me discontinuing the high dose of Lyrica and increasing my Tramadol until we decide on the next course. Soooo, I think 'hot mess' just about describes where I'm at. LOL. A day at a time, things will get different!

My prayers go out to everyone struggling in their battles.
*hugs*
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skeye
Veteran Member
Joined : Mar 2008
Posts : 3089
Posted 5/4/2015 9:02 PM (GMT -7)
On my second week of ketamine infusions (2x/wk) for depression. Seems to be making a difference. Just hope the effects last for a while. Supposed to change my meds later this week, too. So hopefully I'll get some good results between the two. But I think that depression is probably always going to be somewhat of an issue as long as I am in so much pain. Because among other things, the depression definitely feeds off of the pain.

I have noticed that the infusions actually help my pain a lot, but unfortunately, as soon as the ketamine wears off (about an hour after the 40 min infusion), the pain comes back. My doc is still trying to find someone who would be willing to treat me with ketamine for pain. But he has had no luck so far.

Hope everyone has a good week.

Skeye
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Sometimes i am me (HT)...
Elite Member
Joined : Mar 2009
Posts : 22122
Posted 5/4/2015 11:29 PM (GMT -7)
been depressed more than usual the last few days. staying in bed. am up showered, have coffee and taken rubbish out. so much going on, i guess i am a little overwhelmed. i am using coping skills. decompressing as much as i can. many healing thoughts to you all.
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Dixie6
Veteran Member
Joined : Aug 2014
Posts : 1022
Posted 5/5/2015 4:59 AM (GMT -7)
Hey Y'all...Susie, did you get your pain pump replaced yet?  Forgive me if I'm wrong, but I'm thinking I'd read a while back that you were at that point.  I hope all is well and your pain continues to be managed.  I loved the chaotic fun you described last week with birthday pizza and parties, oh my!  I'm a true believer that kids are mood elevators!

Abilene...I'm relieved certainly that nodules are benign.  A second opinion is always a good idea, as is weighing your treatment pros and cons.  Please keep us updated.

AV...Happy you had a fun weekend with the kids.  The stress at my house is palpable.  My DH swept me away to Memphis for the weekend.  We spent a beautiful day at the zoo, though exhausting.  We bought tram tickets so we could alternate riding w/walking.  We had a picnic in the park, where the dappled shade and breeze was perfect.

We returned to an onslaught of "unhappy camper" emails.  My siblings are upset that I said "NO" to hosting their plans to come here on Mothers' Day.  I explained that I remain unwell.  My nerves are fragile with SHINGLES antibodies raging, so I started 7 day Valtrex AGAIN.

Skeye...I've wondered how you're doing with the treatments, doll baby.  I remain hopeful that your doctors will find  way to help you feel better physically.  As we know, our depression would be far less severe if we were not in constant pain.

I'm still waiting for genetic testing, as this process has moved at a snail's pace.  My GP has intervened on my behalf, finally acknowledging that "sometimes doctors from different countries do not see things like we do".  No kidding!!!  The test will be ordered through QUEST labs and hopefully submitted mid-May.  Meanwhile, PM says go back to Oxycodone IR since Fent patch failed.  I pray that soon my GP will oversee my PM, once testing provides definitive answers on metabolism.

Mel...Chaos is rarely "optional" is it?  I hope the med changes don't wreak havoc on you leg pain. Take a little time for YOU to decompress at night...hot bubble bath perhaps?

HT...Sorry you're struggling, friend.  Just know you're never alone.  We're here. We care.

SO HAPPY to hear that Birder Nancy's post-op recovery is going well.  Also ELATED for Vernita's revised surgery plan!  I certanly empathize with all of our members who are facing insurmountable health issues. Prayers continue for Roccky and so many others here...Leila's family. 

I often wonder why life has to be so hard for some of us.  I also wonder why my family (beyond my DH) is not supportive...never has been.

I look for the little things to lift my spirits, whether it's Pitmom helping her friends/neighbors shop for plants OR reading of the fun times folks spend with their kids and grands.  I'm going through the motions of work and home, which is an improvement from time spent on Fentanyl.  However I feel doomed to constant pain with little reprieve, continued frustration and sadness.

~Dixie 

Post Edited (Dixie6) : 5/5/2015 8:45:04 AM (GMT-6)

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pitmom
Veteran Member
Joined : Jan 2015
Posts : 2777
Posted 5/5/2015 6:01 AM (GMT -7)
Hello friends and family! I still am without the tens unit. Must call the PM this week and find out why the delay? My thumb joint pain continues. On the bright side, this new pain distracts me from my usual ones! Ha! The fact that it's non stop has me a bit concerned. I've been resting it, not holding the handles of broom, shovels, etc. but, it persists. Sigh. The list gets longer.

On the bright side, the weather has been 'summer like' and I've been soaking up the warm sun like a sponge! Bought even more plants yesterday, the selection this year is irresistible! The only things I still have on the list to get are some cleome (spider flowers) and a thunbergia vine (clock vine/black eyed susan vine) for the arch.

That neighbor that moved, the one that gave me the bird bath and shepards hooks, left a huge flower pot behind that had coreopsis and balloon flowers in it. My friend and I loaded it into the truck, my daughter and I got it back out of the truck, I spray painted it blue to match the others, added a cordyline in the center and also added a trellis structure to it for more height. I then placed it in the dogs part of the yard, to be viewed through the arch, and to mask the 'wasteland' beyond! The entire dog yard is nothing but dust! I hung the 2 cocoa mat baskets from the mimosa tree, which has not leafed out yet, so at least there is a bit of color in that corner of the dog yard. I have 2 ornamental grasses at the end of the property, either side of the arch, which have plumes that reach the wires on the utility poles by mid summer. All in all, my whole yard becomes rather private by the end of June.

The sugar snap peas are about 4 inches now. The cucumbers and tomatoes have been planted. All that is left to do is water and weed, water and weed, water and weed! The strawberries have their flowers already so hopefully we will be munching on fresh berries by Memorial Day weekend!

The perfume of the Lilacs fill the whole end of the block, the Lily of the Valley are soon to follow! I selfishly planted a Freesia in the pot next to MY chair on the patio! Add the sound of the fountain and the wind chimes, the warmth of the sun during the day or the chiminea at night, all of the colors from the flowers and the birds, red cardinals, blue jays, gold finches, and a nice cup of tea with raw wildflower honey and I actually experience a moment or two of bliss!

I pray you all find your bliss.
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Abilene
Veteran Member
Joined : Apr 2014
Posts : 986
Posted 5/5/2015 6:13 AM (GMT -7)
Pitmom, just reading your beautiful description brings me bliss! You are a writer in addition to a gardener. The visual picture makes me want to get out and do something....well maybe just sit with you on the patio.
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Angelic_Victory
Veteran Member
Joined : Sep 2012
Posts : 2138
Posted 5/5/2015 6:18 AM (GMT -7)
Oh, I love lilacs! So beautiful and the scent is so lovely.

Dixie, you must live very near me! Memphis is a short 45 minute drive away. We go to the zoo there every year. Memphis is great for a visit but I'm always glad to get home. I'm glad you took the visit. Its good to get out and away. Don't let the family get to you. They are grown ups and should be capable of making alternate plans.
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Alcie
Veteran Member
Joined : Oct 2009
Posts : 5156
Posted 5/5/2015 7:29 AM (GMT -7)
I enjoyed reading this week's posts. Spring seems to be having an uplifting effect on us.

Summer has hit here, with no real spring, still pleasant. A couple of weeks ago we still had freezing and this week's going well into the 80s. I had to fence the front garden because the turkeys ate most of my Jack-in-the-pulpit flowers. They didn't seem to like the Narcissus, but tasted some of the tulips. I took the indoor plants out for the summer now that the big flowering pear is leafing out. The amaryllis sit on the front walk in pots in half sun, and the pencil plants, aloe, others are under the tree with a fence around them to keep the raccoons out. I got the dahlia bulbs planted at just the right time. They were just poking up tiny sprouts.

Optometrist said no eye changes since last year. I still don't need glasses, except for reading small print, at 70.

I'll see my regular ENT in a couple of days. Hoping he will at least try something for the ear congestion, sinus drainage, sore throat, ear pain, dizziness, and headache; his partner said I have Meniere's and sent me home. Looking through the archives, some posters have had relief with pseudoephedrine.

I'm having to wear my back brace again. I want to ask about a new one because I lost about 20 lbs with all my injuries of the last few years. Don't know whom to see because my pain doc doesn't want me to come in.

I think the 1/4 pill Klonapin every other day or when I've walked too much may be helping a little with leg spasms and spasticity. I can only take even that little dose at night because of the sedation. I'm wondering if there is anything that doesn't last as long or is less sedating. I can't take Flexeril because it interacts with tramadol, giving me serotonin syndrome.
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Dixie6
Veteran Member
Joined : Aug 2014
Posts : 1022
Posted 5/5/2015 7:40 AM (GMT -7)
AV...That's amazing that you live in TN.  The Memphis traffic/road construction/insane drivers made me a nervous wreck.  We'd not been to their zoo in decades, so it was a fun day.  I, too, was happy to get back to my own little 2 lane town!

Abilene, I agree.  I love Pitmom's gardening adventures.  I wish I had effective pain management so that I could be more productive.  I do try to push through because th HEAT is coming.  It drains me, so I have to do most of mine in the Spring.  I already asked Pitmom if the vacant lot next door is still available. shocked Don't get me wrong, I LOVE to visit them...just don't wanna live with them.

So happy your vision is unchanged.  Mine is wonky with the shingles changing vision daily.  I'll need glasses, but can't until virus is quieted somewhat.

Gotta grab a Ginger Snap and caffeine...breakfast of champions, right?

Post Edited (Dixie6) : 5/5/2015 8:53:35 AM (GMT-6)

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Angelic_Victory
Veteran Member
Joined : Sep 2012
Posts : 2138
Posted 5/5/2015 7:47 AM (GMT -7)
I actually live in Arkansas, just really close to the state line. The construction is just never ending! There's always something.

I'm sorry your family is like that. That's what is hard about being a giver. My ex husband used to get mad at me, saying I let others use me. I do try to not let it happen as much but I also have to do what I think is right. I definitely relate to feeling abandoned. I have my grandmother, but her health is poor. I spend most holidays by myself. I always send cards and call to wish them well but its never reciprocated. Neither of my parents ever just call me, I have to call them. They both skipped my kids birthdays last year, which really, really hurt me. I wish there was a solution but it seems that limiting contact is the only way to protect ourselves.
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Dixie6
Veteran Member
Joined : Aug 2014
Posts : 1022
Posted 5/5/2015 8:05 AM (GMT -7)
I have family in Arkansas also.  We almost moved to Springfield, MO in 1997.  Almost 20 years later, I wish it had worked out.  I think perhaps geographical distance would have been healing for me.  Both the mountainous regions of AR and MO are beautiful.

We both wish we could just pick up and move.  I KNOW that's no solution.  However, we need a new start in a new place with new people for the next phase of our lives.  It won't happen because we're rooted too deeply here.

I don't know how to start over...again.  I am in survival mode, consumed with failed pain management.  I am entrenched in physical/emotional woes.  I would love to have dialogue with others who reciprocate my need for fellowship...without the head games and drama.

AV...I'm sorry y'all are alone.  I'm sorry for your pain and struggles.  I'm here if you need to talk.

~Dixie

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Chartreux
Veteran Member
Joined : Aug 2006
Posts : 9664
Posted 5/5/2015 9:50 AM (GMT -7)
To everyone, I wish you a very blessed and well week with no new pains and an easing up of your regular pain. Life is so very short and I hope y'all can catch a break in your pain to enjoy at least a day. My wishes...

My knee pain is acting up something fierce, and I'm doing the best I can. Going to keep up with things if possible and will tell my doctor about the knee pain later this month, It'll soon be BlueBerry picking time and they grow up on tree's in Conroe, TX and I'm so looking forward to that, love those blue berries...

Take Care and blessings and well wishes to all...and Thanks to Straydog/ Susie for posting up on these threads your help in wonderful!
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Dixie6
Veteran Member
Joined : Aug 2014
Posts : 1022
Posted 5/5/2015 10:22 AM (GMT -7)
Chart...Sorry about the knees.  I get Synvisc injections in both to postpone TKRs.  Is that something that might help you?  Forgive me if I've asked before.

Blueberries...YUM and YUM...My aunt lived in Maine the last 50 years of her life.  I can remember she would bring frozen fresh picked blueberries and sweet peas each time she visited.  My mom would make "plate pies" with homemade Crisco crust on top and bottom.  Oh, mercy...my mouth waters.  The fresh sweet peas were like nothing I ever tasted...even now.

Another aunt who lives closeby has blueberry bushes/trees now.  I wasn't able to pick them for her last summer.  I won't be able to do so this year either.  The raccoons will be happy to "pick" them, along with the muscadines and pears.

We make a funny titled recipe that came from a "cowboy cookbook".  It's called "Double Barrel Shotgun Cobbler".  It's like sweet dumplings floating in a fresh fruit yumminess.  It can be used with blueberries or blackberries.  We tried it with the fresh muscadines last year.  It got 2 thumbs up!

Happy to hear hubby is home.  I know you missed him so much.  I get very insecure when my DH is away.  He's like my "binky".  He feels helpless regarding my pain.  I ask him only to "love me through IT".  That's a HUGE task, yet he does it unconditionally. My PM doctor put me back on the Oxycodone IR, which is causing chest pain (from tummy pouch).

BTW...How are wedding plans going?  Did you get your dress ordeal worked out?  I may have missed your post.

Indeed, Chart...THANK YOU to our moderators here at HW.  I realize it can seem a thankless chore at times.  It will soon be a year since I found HW.  This community has been a Godsend to me.  I truly appreciate your extensive efforts to provide a community where we can share not only our trials, but our triumphs.

 

~Dixie

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Vernita
Regular Member
Joined : Mar 2015
Posts : 143
Posted 5/5/2015 10:55 AM (GMT -7)
All is well here. Waiting for phone call to schedule my surgery with new neurosurgeon. I'll be glad to get this done, so worried my epidural will wear off before they get me in. At the moment pain is tolerable.
I really enjoy reading from everybody's stories, not that I enjoy reading you're in pain. But to read all the great input, and to know other people care.
Hoping for healing and less pain for everyone.
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JamesBW
Regular Member
Joined : Oct 2014
Posts : 137
Posted 5/5/2015 3:45 PM (GMT -7)
More of the same here, still moving into the new house, unpacking boxes and bringing a few more things from the old house. Got all the flowers planted, just need to finish edging and mulch.

Next week I have another CT scan to see if the Xalkori is still working on my cancer. It's been six months now, so far so good, but six months is when the earliest failures seem to start. The longest successes can last three or four years and still going. No way to predict how long it will work for me, but I still feel good, cancer-wise.

Some people say the (very mild) side effects of Xalkori rotate through, and that seems to be the case for me. I had dizziness a few weeks ago, then some diarrhea for a few weeks, and just lately now that the diarrhea is gone, I've noticed some weakness in my legs--all possible Xalkori side effects. None of it is terribly bad--carried 12 edging bricks two at a time around to the front yard last night even with the leg weakness--but it's funny how it rotates.

Can't tell if the shingles might be very very slightly improved, maybe... though they still hurt like heck! It wouldn't be a proper weekly check-in if I didn't complain about my shingles. turn
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Chartreux
Veteran Member
Joined : Aug 2006
Posts : 9664
Posted 5/5/2015 4:45 PM (GMT -7)
Dixie, Thanks for your reply in an arthritis magazine that came out in January 2015 said those synvisc injection don't work, that the best help for bad knee's was regular steroid injection and physical therapy. So far my last steroid injection was in 2012, this has been acting up since car accident in 2013 but my neck pain need the most work so knee will get taken care of once we get some monies in from the car accident ( we have a lawyer). The Blueberries will be ready to pick near the end of May at Moorheads blueberry farms they are open usually on weekends...fresh berries are so much more sweeter than those frozen ones... I might make and freeze my own pie...
Thank you, blessings to you..
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Sometimes i am me (HT)...
Elite Member
Joined : Mar 2009
Posts : 22122
Posted 5/6/2015 1:23 AM (GMT -7)
many healing thoughts to you all. i wish i could take away your pain.
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nvrthesame98
Veteran Member
Joined : Jun 2008
Posts : 6706
Posted 5/6/2015 2:16 AM (GMT -7)
Finally beginning to think I might make it back from this crazy stuff!! Actually stayed up almost the entire day yesterday and even managed a much needed grocery stop. For someone who has battled and won CP I was stunned to have a flu then pneumonia beat me. Finally got some blood work done after my teen came in from school and I had fallen asleep leaning on my arm and hand watching TV and my entire wrist was black and blue? She said Mom something is not right and who bruises like that? I knew she was right and called my primary. Potassium was far too close to dangerous levels as were hemoglobin and hematocrit, there actually was not one electrolyte within normal ranges. So once we got some infusions of the good old tpn and the potassium up I started to feel human again and suspected I just might live. I know that as medical professionals we are the worst when it comes to our own healthcare and I should have seen all the signs,likely just ignored them,lol.

I have been reading most days so not far out of the loop and prayers to those of you dealing with more than your share today. Just remember this day is just that,a day and tomorrow will bring a chance for better things for you.
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Sometimes i am me (HT)...
Elite Member
Joined : Mar 2009
Posts : 22122
Posted 5/6/2015 2:31 AM (GMT -7)
many healing thoughts vickie. take it easy.

and thx to everyone for there support. that's what it is all about. healing thoughts to you all. may today be a day of hope and one with less pain.
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pitmom
Veteran Member
Joined : Jan 2015
Posts : 2777
Posted 5/6/2015 5:37 AM (GMT -7)
James, thanks for sharing your journey with us. I'm glad things are going well all around! Moving is such a hassle!

Dixie, your perseverance is inspirational to me!

I'm glad to see so many others with good reports! I really appreciate that not only do we share about whatever difficulties we are having, we also share about the rest of life too! Pain is ONLY a part!

I've been watching my daughters dog the last 3 days, as he makes his way with a sore paw. Inside, he will use it, but once outside he runs around on just 3 legs! He will see the vet today. We have no idea what is causing the irritation of the large pad. Even though it obviously hurts him, he still wants to play, still wants to run! He isn't moping. He is still enjoying the parts of his life that he deems 'worth it'! We get such good lessons from our pets, from animals in general.

I continue to pray for all of those here, and those who are absent. You've all become rather important to me.
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