Mood:
brightNow Playing: Day 737-The Final Road To Survival
"Not trying to solve things is sometimes the best way to solve things. The highest form of listening is to just stand back, look the person in the eye and not say anything at all." -Penn
Its been nothing but peace, quiet and zero stress lately. I have been tip toeing around waiting for the winds of change but so far so good. When you stand back and come to realize what might be causing you stress the results might come as a shock. Sometimes it can be very humbling and sad. Other times you might find yourself chuckling and saying, "GEES! Why didn't I stop things before letting them escalate?" Regardless life is far too short and if you can't create a bit of serenity in your life then you are clearly not living. Life is meant to enjoy not walking around on eggshells or grinding your teeth down to the gums. Its the littlest things in life that money can't buy that are the most enjoyable. Its the hardest lessons in life that bring you the most wisdom.
With rocky roads comes solid ground and I am hoping to continue paving the way to a better life. One day at a time. Some say it will take a year to be back on track with life and if so I will learn the patience needed to get there. I can't change tomorrow. I can only live for today.
I came across two totally different stories this past week. Funny how the news can tell plenty of negative and sad stories then have one amazing story. To me both run parallel of each other but each have a valuable lesson for everyone to learn.
"We can't help everyone, but everyone can help someone." Tiger Woods Won't Help Half-Siblings?
Tiger Wood's half-siblings say their calls for help from the golf superstar have fallen on deaf ears.
Woods' older half-sibling Kevin Woods has been battling multiple sclerosis and is now confined to a wheelchair. He needs a caretaker and is in danger of losing his San Jose home. Kevin's brother Earl Woods Jr. told ESPN's Rick Reilly that calls to their famous sibling have gone unreturned.
"I leave messages. I leave updates on Kevin, but for whatever reason I don't get a response. … Kevin loves Tiger. A call from Tiger would really pump Kevin up. When he doesn't call, it just makes him feel worse," Earl Woods Jr. said.
Woods' rep did not immediately respond to ABCNews.com's request for comment.
Earl Woods Jr., Kevin Woods, and their sister Royce, share the same father, Earl Woods, as Tiger. They are the offspring of Earl Woods' first marriage to Barbara Gary.
The Woods siblings remained close with their half-brother until he turned "about 15 or 16," and his star started to rise, Earl Woods Jr. said. Since their father's death in 2006, the half-siblings have been unable to contact Woods at all. No one seems to know the reason for the rift.
Now Kevin Woods needs his famous brother's help, Earl Woods Jr. says.
"Nobody's asking for money here, but [a caregiver] really would be nice for Kevin. It would make Kevin comfortable. He wouldn't have to leave his house. … But we'd at least like to be able to find out how Tiger is, to find out if he's OK, and to let him know if we're OK," Earl Woods Jr. told Reilly.
Barbara Gary Woods, Earl Woods' first wife, told Reilly, "I'm very disappointed in Tiger. Before he got all famous, they were in touch a lot."
Earl Woods Jr. was more vehement.
"I'd like to [slap] Tiger, wake him up. I'd like to say, 'Don't come knocking on the door when you need a bone-marrow transplant.' To see this is the response we get? Maybe when you see the world like he does, you don't see what other people are going through. But, seriously? You've got problems with your knee? That's nothing compared to what Kevin is going through. Nothing," he said.
Heroic Man Dies Saving Child from Powerful Riptide
A heroic 65-year-old man jumped directly into a powerful Florida riptide and rescued a little girl before suffering a "cardiac event" in the water that led to his death.
Alan Hall went to Honeymoon Island, Fla. Sunday to spend the day relaxing with his wife and daughter, but the day quickly took a dramatic turn.
While taking a walk with his wife, Eileen, to collect seashells, the couple spotted three children playing near the shoreline as a powerful current began to build.
"[My dad] said, 'I hope somebody's watching them. That's a pretty strong current,'" Julie Hall recounted.
Seconds later, the children started screaming for help. Their parents rushed into the water and were each able to pull a child to safety, but a third child, a little girl, was still in harms way in the rough water. Alan Hall jumped into the tide without hesitating, Julie Hall said.
"My dad was able to push Ruby out of the way and towards the shore, where it was safe," said Julie Hall.
Riptides, also known as rip currents, are extremely dangerous channels of discolored water that can form unexpectedly and pull swimmers away from the beach.
After pushing the child to safety, Alan Hall's heart stopped. Nearby boaters managed to get him back to shore, where a crowd was gathering.
His wife began performing CPR immediately but Alan Hall was not breathing and did not have a pulse.
"My mom said one of the things she remembers so strongly is the circle of people around him that all started praying for him," Julie Hall said. "That's something that has stuck with her."
Emergency medics arrived and attempted to resuscitate Hall, but they were unsuccessful. He was transported to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead.
Medical examiners have not yet released a cause of death, but Julie Hall said her father suffered from a "cardiac event."
A spokeswoman from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection said that no lifeguards were on the section of the beach because it is not a designated swimming area. Other parts of Honeymoon Island State Park are open for swimming but only have seasonal lifeguards on duty from Memorial Day to Labor Day.
Five-year-old Ruby, the child Alan Hall saved, traveled to the hospital with her parents and siblings to thank the Halls. The family had been on vacation in Florida, visiting from Ohio.
"They were so distraught and they were so guilty," Julie Hall said. "We told them not to feel guilty because if my dad had known the outcome, he would have done it anyway. That's how he lived his life. He would have done it regardless. He was one of those people that actually lived what he preached."
Hall said her recently-retired parents moved to the Land O'Lakes area of Florida from Connecticut not long ago. Her mother is a retired nurse and Alan Hall most recently worked in sales for Frito Lay.
The couple was getting ready to celebrate their 42nd wedding anniversary. Hall said her mother is doing "as good as can be expected."
"I think because she's still in shock, she's okay right now," Hall said. "She's strong. She's tough."
Hall said her family is extremely proud of her father, and hopes the example he set will move others to perform acts of kindness and caring for strangers.
"He wouldn't have done it to be a hero, but he's probably grinning somewhere," Hall said.
don't ask
Its one of those days...Add Drano aka Hell-In-A-Jug to the mix and double whammy! Sara, can you print out each page over the past two years that I have consumed Drano? Hmmm...If you do can you please let me know how many jugs I am up to now so I don't have to keep guessing anymore? Hee,hee,hee,hee...The wonderful part of being a tech/computer geek is knowing how to utilize IP addresses from the web or when you get anonymous messages sent to your cell phone but luckily my illness never took away from my IQ. 
By early evening I was BEAT but one must keep moving. Littleblue had so much outdoor time in between playing in the backyard and taking walks she was out early for the count! Bear kitty is in this picture snuggling by her head but tends to blend in with the couch, hahahahaha! My friend-Caregiver kept busy relocating the plum tree in the backyard. Its a good thing we decided to move it now seeing the roots were almost impossible to dig up and replant but after an hour the tree finally has a new home located next to the peach tree. Maybe if I get a few more fruit trees I can just go in the backyard and pick my own fruits to juice. Nah, I tend to agree by saying the only ones who might end up enjoying the fruit in a few months will be the wildlife. I can only imagine the deer in the backyard come early June when the plums and peaches will be ready to pick. At least I will be able to catch some great photo opportunities!
happy
This coming week is the first in a long time I can say, "No doctor appointments or tests" WOOHOA! Finally I get a much needed break! How long will it take before my Gastroparesis strikes my organs again who knows but for the time being I am going to enjoy life! AMEN!! The fruit trees that got planted three years ago will finally be producing fruit in a few months. One of the trees will need to be replanted since it is not getting enough sunlight but the other tree already has tons of fruit buds. I assume that is because it is in direct sunlight so looks like we have a small project on our hands replanting the other tree this coming week. The animal gang at least got to run a bit in the backyard today since the past few days its been too muddy. Littleblue's new coat is almost fully grown back and she looks three times the size of Oreo. One would think Oreo is the puppy and Littleblue is the Mommy. Hahahahaha! We have to take Oreo to the vet sometime in the next few weeks since he started having problems hearing. Oreo will be 14 years old this year so since he is an older dog his hearing can start being affected by age. Oreo still keeps up with Littleblue who is only 3 years old. Hes still a puppy at heart!
special
The old me would have hit the fan once I stepped into my car to only realize the key would turn but the engine would not. Ahhhh...the good ole days when you were young and dumb throwing a hissy fit over the littlest of things. Now much older and wiser than in my hay-day 20's after realizing my car wouldn't start I decided instead of hitting the fan to say, "Oh well. Its just a car. It happens."
lucky
Another week quickly comes and quickly goes...Today marks my last of many appointments this week with my specialists. I went to sleep earlier than usual this morning. 4am is early for me compared to my typical time between 6-7am. I have a few additional days of medication to finish up since they have me down from two to just one pill a day. If there was any slight sign of infection anywhere in my body it is surely gone by now however all the blood work so far has come back negative. I assume they still want me to finish everything as a precaution.
They gave me directions to the doctors office earlier this week however once we got off the exit they took us the wrong way. Thank goodness we were running a bit ahead of schedule and the work traffic wasn't bad yet. The office was very large and roomy. It reminded me of an open floor plan and since I have seen my fair share of doctors offices this one was white, bright and cheerful. Nice for a change! The office staff wasn't the unorganized group that was on the phone earlier this week as I found out that was the central scheduling office. No wonder they had me running circles to get into a new patient appointment and it all finally made perfect sense! I filled out some typical medical and insurance forms then within five minutes my doctors assistant called me back into a room. My other specialists had already faxed over all the test results and reports to the new Nephrologist. 
After finishing up the remainder of my examination which included going over tests, office reports and lab work I got asked, "Have you ever traveled or visited any Latin countries?" I answered, "Yes, Panama when I was in my 20's." My doctor explained there is an insect known in the Latin countries that can cause central nervous system damaged upon being bit by the insect. He further said, "The symptoms can come on years later although I am not trying to scare you but since your Gastroparesis is Idiopathic and you clearly suffer from severe nerve damage this could be an avenue to further investigate." Wow! I wasn't scared at all but very impressed however it also seems my Oncologist/Hematologist was already one step ahead going down the same avenue two years ago when he ran extensive blood work looking into the same theory. Results from those tests? Negative. With one Grandparent who has kidney cancer the genetic factor does pose me with a risk of also developing kidney cancer however this isn't the case right now. Instead once again I was told things are happening due to a mechanical problem with nerves that control my organs. Not only is my Idiopathic Gastroparesis progressing but now taking with it my kidney function leaving other nerves severely damaged. Just how damaged? My kidneys are not emptying properly. My Nephrologist took a pen and piece of paper out then started explaining what was going on. The path from my kidneys all the way down to the final process of fluid elimination is disturbed due to severe nerve damage. My urine today continues to show red cells and blood although it doesn't mean I have an infection but it also has my lymph nodes in an uproar. I already have one lymph node monster my Oncologist/Hematologist is dealing with so it was a blessing to hear no connected problems/cancer with my kidneys however they are not functioning properly. They did suggest I have a few tests repeated and another blood profile done but in the end my doctor said he can not fix the problem with my kidneys and GI tract. He also said, "The extensive damage is done. Your condition has and will continue to progress. There is no treatment that will help in your unique situation. I don't foresee the cultures changing however your kidneys are not getting the proper nerve firing needed to function." 
Hmmmm....Didn't me and my friend-Caregiver already figure out the end conclusion? I personally hit it right on the nail! I already know with Gastroparesis as well Parkinson's and other conditions caused by nerve damage there is no cure nor answers. Only temporary relief if even that is possible. Is that possible with my kidney situation? No. The entire path from my kidneys to the last step of filtering urine out of my body is permanently damaged. It is as he said, "One more annoying thing to deal with." AMEN! So after shaking hands and taking hospital orders for further testing I thanked my new doctor for a very insightful visit and reconfirming what I had already known. On the way out the nurse wished us both a great weekend and said, "If you need anything in the meantime please don't hesitate to call." My doctor also walked back out, handed me his card and said, "If you need to get in touch with me or have any problems with fever, rash, vomiting or extreme abdominal pain please contact me on my cell phone." Next time I get the same rash on my stomach I have been experiencing over the past year he wants me to take a photo and send it to the office. In his eyes it might hold a key to a few more answers to my great Idiopathic Gastroparesis mystery. I sure hope so because not only can it potentially help myself but many other GP patients with their great medical mysteries! Amen. 
Today I have one of two specialist appointments for the week. I made sure to schedule them once again towards the end of the week because most people would rather have a jump start on their weekend and not spend Friday in a doctors office. Not me though. I have Drano weekend to look forward to so the later in the week the better. Someone today made a comment to my friend-Caregiver that its crazy how someone can sleep until 3pm. Obviously the person who made that comment either A-Never experienced being truly sick B-Never knew what it was like to work third shift or C-Lived under a rock most of their lives. Hahahahaha! Seriously, who makes those type of comments even after reading my blog and who knows how many other blogs? I also was once again told that someone in my condition shouldn't be allowed to have children over my house. One word: HA! Are you serious and what type of person says such a thing? I tend to believe they needed a reality check and should had instead saved the side show comments and went with me to my Oncologist/Hematologist appointment this afternoon. They would had been awakened by the reality of one word: Life. There were many of those going through chemo today with their children by their side. I didn't see anyone saying they shouldn't have kids because they are sick or have to seek treatment. Instead it was a beautiful site called, "Caring."
I walked out of that office today being thankful for the time I have here on Earth but also being more aware of my surroundings. I will fight for stress-free days because they are important with my condition. I vowed to my friend-Caregiver to be a happier person and to wear a smile more often no matter how cruel life or society can become. I must be more kind to me. Now is the time to find things in life that make me truly happy because we aren't promised tomorrow but those who are lucky enough like myself are proud to say I will fight another day. 
What a cute site waking up to seeing Pumpkin kitty sharing the recliner with Cuddles kitty. His other sibling Precious kitty will be turning 14 years old this week. In fact all of the fur kids will turn 14 this year except for Littleblue who will be 4 years old next month. WOW! Time does fly by and she has turned out to be such a smart but big girl! Speaking of Littleblue...Since she finally finished shedding her winter coat today is her salon day at the groomers. The new place we take her has gotten so busy since they first opened November last year that we must call a week in advance to get her in to see them. She walks in looking like a fluff ball and comes out looking like a HUGE COTTON BALL! Hahahahaha! Lately she has been a bit on the not so good side begging for my Greek frozen yogurt. I let her have a tiny bite the other day and I didn't think she would like the taste of it but I was sure wrong! She loves it!!
I have received some very touching emails and letters the past few weeks which has inspired myself to get busy spreading Gastroparesis Awareness. The Gastroparesis Awareness Campaign team has come up with some amazing and new ideas to help raise GP Awareness this year. Today I decided its time to take the first steps in achieving our goals for 2012. There has been so many accomplishments over the past 6 years with the team that sometimes I need to be reminded that I have a purpose in life. Maybe it was never the intent that my life be cut short by this horrible GI dysmotility disorder but instead to continue being an example for others who are on the same GP journey.
spacey
My attitude has changed the past few weeks. Its not that I don't care about my health or new problems due to my Gastroparesis progressing its just that I am tired of doctors, tests and finding out the fire in my organs-nerves are becoming further damaged. So far I have nailed the exact diagnosis on every single new symptom and problem. I honestly believe I missed my calling as a doctor years ago. Today once again I was only reaffirmed what I already suspected so in my opinion whats the sense of going through more tests and doctor visits to find out what I already know?...My friend-Caregiver brought it my attention today that he has noticed my attitude changing and feels I am losing my fight. He is a bit nervous that I might not attend my appointments so I made sure we were on the same page and in that I would go but I already know the answers. It has nothing to do with losing the fight because my boxing gloves are still on and laced tight. The fact is sometimes I get beyond frustrated with the Gastroparesis life. 
This afternoon in order to give us both a mental break we went outside to finish a few more yard work projects. I felt like the beach came to my house as my friend-Caregiver picked all the seashells I have collected over the years from Florida that were hidden under the new wheelchair ramp. When they built the ramp last year they didn't remove the shells that were landscaped around the front porch. Today I was determined to have my friend-Caregiver pick them up and place them into a tote bag this way they can be replaced around the tree in my front yard next month. I ordered a huge truck load of mulch from the city that is suppose to arrive in three weeks and the seashells will look great in their new location! Once again I will be able to enjoy the seashells and know part of the ocean will always be with me. I miss going on vacations and listening to the waves hit the sand. I am not sure if I will ever be able to visit the ocean and seagulls again but its a sad fact I must face.
I only know of two friends and fellow GP'ers who contacted me that had family gatherings. Wow! I bet if Facebook comes up with "Holiday Family Facebook Cookouts" everyone would attend! Hahahaha! No need to buy gas since prices are still going up, just log online and everyone can bring a cyber dish or dessert. 
d'oh
The last phone call was the largest Nephrologist group in the city however large doesn't always mean organized. Honestly after four hours playing phone tag with four different office workers at three different locations I wasn't even sure if this was such a great idea. If the office isn't organized it had me questioning if the doctors would be as well disorganized?...Hmmm?..I called my Gastroenterologist's office and left a message to see if they knew of any other Nephrologist's in the area but sadly there are not a lot of them. This must be a hidden specialist society-Nephrology. Hahahahaha!
Since I was too busy once I got up dealing with doctor offices my friend-Caregiver decided to jump ahead on a list of yard work projects for this week. The backyard fire pit hasn't been cleaned up in over a year and needs some serious TLC! There are tons of branches and small pieces of wood laying around the fire pit. When the time comes to enjoy it there could be instead a fire hazard going on. YIKES! Sorry, but that happened a few years ago when "someone" put a huge pile of fresh cut wood right next to the fire pit after it was lit and didn't extinguish it when they were done. I woke up at 1am looking outside in the backyard that appeared to be lit with red Xmas lights only to realize the back of the garage and grass was on fire. It only took a few hot coals from the wood to crackle and jump into the huge pile of fresh cut wood but thank goodness for my instinct to look outside and a nearby garden hose! Surely we don't need that to replay again so better safe than sorry. After two hours my friend-Caregiver not only cleaned up the entire area but also placed the extra wood near the street for the city to pick up and help turn into free mulch for the residents.
We were going to do our best to attend church service yesterday evening but I was too mentally exhausted. That makes both of us! I had the wrong time wrote down for services today so sadly we missed Easter church service but welcomed a new tradition of our own at dinner here at the house saying our blessings. It was nice and something as a child I always felt made holidays seem more sincere by saying Grace at the table. Once we got up at 2pm I wasn't quite sure how the day would turn out having the first Easter in 40 years at home. The weather at least was picture perfect! I wish it would stay this exact temperature year round. Our new neighbors were even outside enjoying the weather and doing some landscaping and yard work. I haven't been feeling too well long enough to formally meet them but this afternoon we all finally met. They are the nicest couple and have such a funny sense of humor and glowing personality. In fact it seems not only our new neighbors but the ones on the other side of their house were also celebrating Easter at home. I also had quite a few friends and GP'ers who sent me holiday phone greetings from home as they decided to do things a bit different this year and celebrate at their own houses. 
Even though we celebrated Easter at home I had a list of things to do. Since it was so nice outside my friend-Caregiver played frisbee with Littleblue while Oreo enjoyed some back yard time. We took a few short walks at the park and later this afternoon went up to the cemetery to place some flowers on those who have passed onto Heaven.
Of course Easter wouldn't be Easter without the traditional basket hunt. The fur kids found theirs right away although Oreo cheated and already found his last night. The Easter bunny must had made an early stop! Hahahahaha! Funny enough I also found some empty Reese cup wrappers in the garbage once I got up but my friend-Caregiver pled the fifth. Hmmmm...The fur kids got lots of new treats and Littleblue even got a new blue frisbee.
Once they were situated me and my friend-Caregiver went to go find our own baskets. I got candy and a new Clay Aiken CD. Since my blood sugar tends to run low now its important I always keep candy around me. Sadly I can only handle two different candies and although I am tired of miniature plain Hershey bars but at least I found the new Hershey nuggets to also do fairly well. Since sugar dissolves there is less digestion needed but its still not enough to keep my sugar up so I also now use glucose tablets and gel. This is a very common symptom and problem for Gastroparesis patients. 
I had two small bites of mac & cheese and chicken. I haven't had much of an appetite lately and a few small bites was enough for me then I reached for my watered down Slimfast and frozen Greek yogurt. My friend-Caregiver enjoyed all the food and even helped clean up. The fur kids took a break from playing basket guards long enough to have their own small plate of food.
How did we end our evening? Well OF COURSE! A walk to help my friend-Caregiver work down all the food and candy treats then we got the living room couchbed and recliner together and finished up our "Ghost Adventures" marathon. CHEERS TO A HAPPY EASTER! WOOHOA!!