Mood:
not sureNow Playing: Day 693-The Final Road To Survival
Nothing quite like having to take a walk at 5:30am due to achy pain and nausea. While the rest of the world is fast asleep I am just hoping to be able to catch a break! I tried sleeping but it felt as if I was laying on bricks due to the inflammation and pain. At least Oreo and Littleblue didn't mind the early morning walk but once we got back in the house they were both out like a light! My brain also won the battle once sheer exhaustion finally took over.
Today marks the last day of testing for the week and hopefully for the rest of the month. Better yet the rest of the year! I was smart to schedule my last tests for later in the week. Fridays are the best days for any hospital testing because employees are in a mad rush to get off work and head out to start the weekend. I told my friend to bring a magazine in case I am stuck in testing for a few hours. It seemed like once I was taken back to a changing room I was quickly whisked away to another room then another room then right back to the changing room. Talking about fast! I sure wish my dental appointments went that quickly but instead I am right back there again next week to finish up more repairs. Its a never ending battle with my teeth and only to be expected with the weekly treatments leaving a path of destruction. I might be finished with testing but doubt I will ever be finished seeing my dentist. I won't get my test results from today until Monday and Wednesday next week but not to worry nothing phases me anymore. My motto: Expect the unexpected then you will never be disappointed. Seems to work for me so far and when I do get good news I am actually surprised!
Since the tests went quicker than expected we decided to run some errands because I only have a few days left before my next treatment. We also only have a few days left until Daylight Savings time begins. UGGG! Now instead of waking up between 2-3pm it will be 4-5pm. Yep, looks like VAMPIREEEEEE time is here again! BOO! Less sunlight means less head issues and I am not looking forward to spring or summer and the combination migraine with seizures.
Oreo loves laying on his bed next to the new entertainment center but lately his bed has seen better days. I decided since we were out anyways why not stop by to get him a new bed. Once we got home the fur kids were happily waiting by the door. Boy! do they know when they have a surprise in the bag but this surprise wouldn't fit into a bag. I didn't realize I bought Oreo a bed that is much larger than his other one but he didn't mind a bit. In fact once we put the old bed in the washing machine and came back upstairs Oreo showed his sign of approval by laying right smack down in the middle of his new bed. The rest of the night you know what he was doing right? Yes. Lounging on his new bed! Hee,hee,hee,hee...
When faced with GP you must also face the sound of music and the hard core facts. Gastroparesis shuts down nerve function one organ at a time. Since being handed so far this year some bad but factual news it was inevitable to get my Will and Medical Dual Power of Attorney forms completed. This evening I got both finished and told my friend I would leave them all the jugs of Drano but they can't have my candy! Hahahahaha! Yes, its tough facing the unthinkable but I refuse to leave anyone in limbo regarding my final wishes or medical decisions. Trust me by saying anyone could get killed in a car wreck or some freak accident tomorrow so its important everyone is prepared. I don't hear the fat lady singing just yet and I still have things to finish up here on earth, those to help and then those to annoy. You know who you are, hahahaha! Who's laughing right? Right! *WINK *WINK!
Yep, I am still a smarty and still love to laugh. Sorry GP but you can never take that away. AMEN!
"For a gallant spirit there can never be defeat."
d'oh
Hee,hee,hee,hee...Yep, it was too good not to go there! Sometimes when faced with a ocean full of Drano you might as well find some sort of humor in it!
I am once again enduring the treatment hangover from hell! I am dragging and honestly could be just content staying on my couchbed all day but the animal gang would never have it. No such luck although Pumpkin kitty didn't have a problem just lounging on his window bed all day. Lucky isn't he?! Instead I did my best to move around hoping to gain some energy. I am still taking my daily handful of vitamins as well liquids but I honestly don't feel any different. I still have yet to get any energy but will continue taking them to make my doctors happy. 
Friday I have my last test of the week and hopefully for the month or rest of the year. It sounded good anyways! Next week I am back to the dentist to repair the last two teeth on the right side but still have to find out if there is more damage again on the left side. Maybe me and my dentist need to just move next door to each other? This way I could just walk over in between treatments and get my dental work done. Hahahaha! Pretty sad when I see my dentist more than any other of my 16 specialists. 
special
I got an email from an amazing woman named Arlene who has a daughter named Brianna who also suffers from Gastroparesis. Brianna is only three years old and was born with Idiopathic Gastroparesis. Brianna's condition is chronic and terminal. Arlene came up with an amazing idea designing a clothing line called, "Bibi Wear" as well a cute teddy bear buddy named "Bibi Bear." Arlene was picked to be in a contest sponsored by Walmart called, "Walmart Get On The Shelf." The contest is a way for people to get their ideas out of their home and onto the shelves of the large retailer. Arlene is hoping to get both the clothing line and Bibi Bear available to the public so other children can have easy access and comfortable clothing that allows for quick change of any feeding tube/line. Bibi Bear is a special bear that allows a child to take with him/her when parents are not allowed whether it be surgical procedures, testing, etc.
Oh yes! Its a full moon week and so far one heck of a strange one too!
Today was a day battling my insurance company. My Gastroenterologist has been dealing with them now since December regarding coverage for my intestinal treatment medication. Now they only want to cover one jug every three months when I need eight in a month. I was in no mood to start the day with any stress so after an hour battling my insurance company explaining the situation I was able to finally get them to approve the medical necessity medication. Of course this was after an hour explaining my medical condition and my doctor prior getting on them over three times this past month. Let's just say my treatments are rare. VERY RARE! In fact so rare the insurance company and drug manufacturer have never heard of such a thing nor having to do treatment twice weekly. This medication is only to be taken once in a life time prior to a colonoscopy or before surgical procedures. Maybe they need to use me as their research guinea pig. Heck! at least they might learn something from me. 
WHAT A START OF A VERY LONG WEEK!...
happy
I can't believe its snowing! WOOHOO! Just goes to show you the weather channels are never right. This was a great packing snow too! Although with it being 3am I tend to think if I started to have any sort of snowball fight the neighbors might think I lost my mind. Hahahaha!
Instead Littleblue got to enjoy the snow and even played in it for a bit. We both love snow! Oreo deals with it but he won't last too long outside before wanting to come back into the house so once I let him in me and Littleblue spent a few more minutes enjoying it!
This was a typical BLAH MONDAY. I was dragging all day with lack of energy and just feeling exhausted. My friend also felt drained so we decided to hit the road and head to an outlet mall that is only a 40 minute drive away. It might be a good thing it was pretty close because after only 30 minutes the spinal pain started firing up so we had to make a few stops on the way. Sadly I only lasted an hour at the outlet mall. It was a perfect driving day though and its so relaxing looking at the open road and all the untouched fields that haven't been destroyed by human hands yet. AMEN! Regardless of the pain it was a relaxing drive on the way up and back. We didn't buy anything but I just enjoy getting out of my house-jail and feeling a bit normal. Its nice blending in with the rest of society and putting Gastroparesis in the back of my mind. 
down
Boy! If only Littleblue could talk! If only she could drive! Its mornings like today that I realize sometimes Gastroparesis not only leaves you extremely vulnerable but darn helpless as heck too!
Once my Mom left to head back to her house I called my specialist and was questioned why I didn't get the blood work and tests done he ordered over two weeks ago. OOPS! I paused for a moment and honestly said, "I meant to have them done but since I have to get the scan for the cyst in my chest next week I figured I would do both at the same time." It sounded good but it didn't work and I was firmly reminded things need to be done ASAP. Sooner not later. 
cheeky
My friend walked around with their jaw on the ground seeing this mall is full of people who know the word: EXCESS! With high end retailers that scream $$$$ and endless woman with more botox and silicone that could stop any pool leak it was clear to me these people were not in the land of reality. Once we passed the Apple store one would think they were giving phones and laptops away. WOW! What I was really thinking was maybe these people need to put the phone idea to the back of their over stuffed pocket books and instead take that money and help some of the families who lost everything in yesterdays vicious storms. Amazing isn't it when your sick and you can smell snotty, rude and obnoxious folks from miles away?...I wasn't impressed by the lack of common curiosity with the over rated mall and its over rated bad taste in clothing people (not to mention is Edward Scissor Hands their hair stylist?) who walked around with their noses up in the air.
After taking a walk in another world we decided to go back to the house seeing I was still feeling off balance and this boat feeling needs to dock soon! With all the new things I am doing to see if it helps improve my health I am also back to every other day juicing. Scary enough near the good stuff is the jug of really, really bad stuff. YIKES! Its enough to scare the food out the refrigerator! Hahahaha! Two more days to go before another treatment begins. My how time flies by when you are faced with fun in a jug...
hug me
I came close to another record breaking time before finally being able to sleep! My brain finally won the fight dealing with the burning pain, nausea and vomiting around 7am. I started my new meds but of course it could take 2-3 days before I see any relief. By then I will be right back to drinking the darn liquid dynamite. It just never ends. Its like a bad replay of the movie, "Groundhog Day."
This afternoon literally turned into a weather nightmare. Later this evening those who live in the area realized just how fortunate we truly were since they estimate so far around 17 tornados in just a few hours. How we escaped I have no idea but someone must had been looking out for those in the surrounding counties. Sadly some were not so lucky. They say during the worst crisis is when you find true heroes and those who risk their lives to help others.
don't ask
I had to chuckle and was a taken back a bit looking at a young blond haired woman who was ME! WOW! This was obviously the first year of my Gastroparesis diagnosis and when we first moved into the house. My friend had to do a double take and could only say, "WOW! That's YOU?!" Yes, for me it was also the good ole days but looking back at some photos I realized just how far I have come and for the better. Funny how life works isn't it?
It was wonderful taking a glimpse back in time and I am so glad to have had such a compassionate and kind hearted neighbor. He will truly be missed but never forgotten.
I just knew since this last treatment hit me way too fast I would still be paying for it a few days later. Here I am and on top of no sleep I have the worst pain as if someone lit a torch around my stomach. FLIPPIN OUCH!
Since I can't eat I figured why not try to get my mind off the pain, nausea and waves of vomiting by cooking for others. It was a great idea to get my mind off of everything and it always helps a bit to stay busy! I opted for my mixture of fruits and vegetables I juiced from my Jack Le Lemme machine, Slimfast, SmartWater, MetroElectro Water and a 8oz bottle of non fat chocolate Nesquik. Zero solid foods seeing drinking liquids already aggravates my angry insides quite enough! At least the overload of vitamins I now have to take on a daily basis might help me a bit. So far I can't tell much if any difference but its only been three days. 
I am back on my treadmill in the evenings hoping to get some relief from the stomach and intestinal pain. Let's just say I am drawling straws here and willing to try anything to keep me out of the local emergency room. With flu season just now starting I am also back to wearing my masks when out in the public. I will have to continue through spring and summer when allergy season they are predicting will be the worst yet. My head can wait! 
I got some beautiful yellow roses today and it was exactly what I needed to brighten my day. The fur kids enjoy smelling them although one of the fur kitties decided to take a bite out of one of the roses this evening. It must not had tasted so pleasant because they left the half chewed piece on the table for me. Hahahaha!