Mood:  not sure

One thing I have learned years into my Idiopathic Gastroparesis diagnosis is you can't force people to accept and understand our condition. You also can't allow yourself to stress from people refusing to accept and understand our condition.

One hour me and my friend-Caregiver are up then the next minute we are down. This is NUTS! The stress is off the charts and I am not sure how much more house drama I can take nor others adding to my stress. Surely I just need to learn to hit the ignore button and walk away from additional stress brought on by others. For now there are far more important things to worry about such as where to move, if I can move and whether or not my body will allow for a move. My friend's buddy at work has family who owns a construction company that has offered their heart, time and resources in trying to fix some of the home water damage issues from all the excessive rain we have endured the past few months. What we really need isn't a few people to help. What we need is a "TEAM!"

The time has been going by so fast that I can't figure out what day we are on anymore. My poor hair is maxed out in between my medical condition, treatments and now this relentless stress. Next month I might need to finally say goodbye to what hair I have left on my head. The strange bruising which as of two months ago has a rhyme and reason due to my lymph nodes in fight mode is once again flaring up not that anyone should be surprised. Especially me. Can I do this huge move? Will it be safe? What if we stay at the house during repairs? Will it put me at further risk due to the hidden mold? Question after question after question have been filling my days along with the physical stress of constantly having to be on the go. Where is help when you need it? Too busy to care and too busy to lend a hand. That's where. Negative attitude? Sure. Who wouldn't with the situation going on? Not everyone can be a great actress and if so I guess you won't be seeing me on any soap operas or block buster movies anytime soon. Hahahahaha! I see my Gastroenterologist tomorrow and boy! do we have a lot to talk about. Maybe he can give me some insight on the boundaries that will need to be set being sick while trying to get past this unfortunate house situation. Amen. In the meantime if "help" can find us we are only a phone call away...

"Normal healthy people obsess over shoes, shopping, what to eat, make up, TV shows, whatever. Don’t get me wrong… I enjoy all of those things too. I just can’t obsess, because I quite simply do not have the energy or time, or dependable pain free day to count on. I have no choice, I have to live my life different from everyone else around me. I have to think about just getting up out of bed. I need to think about my medication. Do I need to stand for long periods of time? Where is good for me to eat, transportation etc…. Just so many little things that people do not put much thought into at all. I have thought about these things so many times, it is like living in a different world, with different issues, different priorities, and an entirely different language that I can only speak." 

-Christine Miserandino

Posted by GastroparesisAwarenessCampaignOrg. at 11:11 PM EDT

Updated: May 18, 2012 5:35 AM EDT

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Mood:  energetic

There is no rest for the weary...Same with sleeping in. With so much going on I now have to set my cell phone alarms in order to remind myself to take in fluids. I am also taking in extra vitamins. Now whether or not they are absorbing I assume only my body knows but with the end of this house nightmare yet in sight any little bit might help!

Today we woke up with another list of things to do including four call backs regarding potential rental properties to get us far, far away from all this mold due to extensive water damage. The sooner the better once I spoke to a restoration certified technician who clearly said, "There is a lot of damage to the foundation inside and out from not just the excessive rain but since the house is 102 years old it has shifted. Your best bet is to move because the air isn't safe and this won't be a quick fix." I pretty much figured such so thank goodness I jumped ahead looking for a temporary place to stay for a year. This of course hasn't been easy. With the economy still in bad shape you have some folks who "BELIEVE" they can flip houses meaning they buy foreclosures then fix them up to rent/lease but do not have a clue what they are doing. We have seen our fair share of horror fixer uppers. Some I had to bite my lip in order not to scream and others were just down right funny. Clearly one gentleman never watched Jeff Foxworthy because this house flipper thought his property was a few days from being ready. I wanted to turn around and say, "HERE'S YOUR SIGN!" Hahahahaha. Ready? NO WAY! I would rather sleep in my car than in this house which was worth about $300 a month/lease instead of his asking price of $1,000. Like I said, "It been a very interesting past few weeks.

Since my kidneys and intestines have yet to calm down my Gastroenterologist wants to see me later this week. I am sure I am in for a good sit down talk after canceling my list of tests for my kidneys ordered by the Nephrologist I saw last month. Besides the fact I need a break, I really do NEED A BREAK! With the last round of labs showing continued declining with my kidneys anything is possible however I live for today not tomorrow. I can deal with medical problems like a pro however I don't deal with sheer ignorance lately from people. I guess in my opinion I didn't ask to be sick nor could anyone had predicted my future of Idiopathic Gastroparesis and connected problems however what I have seen over the years from human ignorance can be controlled. No excuses in my book so I am more than prepared to face the sound of medical music later this week.

After one heck of a month and more madness to follow I decided this evening to treat myself to a much needed pedicure and massage. Not only was it a great idea but I had the entire salon to myself! Sooooo worth it!! Now my feet are once again happy and if they could talk I bet they said, "THANK GOD! I NEEDED THAT!" Hahahahaha! My friend-Caregiver decided to stay at home and start mowing the grass because he knew I needed a huge break. When I got back home it was once again time to get back on my feet. It was also time to do another round of injections. Once I finish up this last box at least I can tell my Gastroenterologist I tried the entire prescription. Even the defective needles like tonight. YIKES! The needle fairy must had once again been looking out for me before I injected it into my stomach. Its just been another one of those days but not to fear eventually the end of stress will be here.

"When life knocks you down, you have 2 choices. To use the little strength you have left to fight your way back up, not knowing when or why you could be knocked back down again, or just stay down. I guess that is why we call it courage, the courage to stand back up when life gives you hundreds of reasons to stay down."

Posted by GastroparesisAwarenessCampaignOrg. at 11:21 PM EDT

Updated: May 18, 2012 5:35 AM EDT

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Mood:  not sure

The fun never ends. Honestly I just need a mental and physical break! They said it takes a full year to overcome extreme hardship and I couldn't agree more. I don't have time for anything but digging myself out of this nightmare house and water damage/mold situation. Just when we think things can't get any worse they do! S I G H...One minute we are up then the next minute we are back down. I can't even remember the last time I took in fluids and my poor immune system is finally showing signs of stress. This evening I noticed lots of bruising all over my body. Like I said and I will say it again, "This can't be good on someone normal and I can't imagine what its doing internally to my tired body."

So where is everyone when you need the help? Some are too busy planning beach vacations, shopping, going to soccer games, attending to a few drinks at the local pub, etc. Seems if you want something done in this lifetime one word of advice, "Do it yourself." This experience can surely make you re-think the way you think about people. Back to living in the wrong decade because I was meant for the 40's not the "Its all about me" 2012. Looks like this adventure will continue with the key players called, "Me, myself and I along with my friend-Caregiver by my side." Its not just frustrating me watching people just stand back and not even offering just a few hours to help but its also infuriating my poor friend too! I told him once its time for the big move prepare for it to be done solo-just us. Never have expectations of others because you are only going to be let down and disappointed. Sadly we don't live in that type of society anymore. This stress along with every day constantly mentally and physically going, going and going might just be my demise. If so I guess I have plenty of bystanders to watch the ship sink.

So after another extremely long day getting no where fast and more than a million things to do on a full plate with a tired body I am lucky to had finally sat down to rest by 3am. If anything good to come out of this day was a huge air purifier system, three cans of Lysol and the will to survive. AMEN!

"When your forced to stand alone, you realize what you have in you."  

-Uma Thurman

Posted by GastroparesisAwarenessCampaignOrg. at 11:59 PM EDT

Updated: May 15, 2012 6:05 AM EDT

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Mood:  amorous

Wow! What a weekend and thank goodness its the start of a new week in less than 24 hours. WOOHOA!

I had planned on getting lots of rest however my cell phone started ringing around 10:45am. With the house issues, mold, repairs, etc me and my friend-Caregiver have decided we need to keep our options open and possibly find a temporary short term lease rental until the house is repaired. We are hoping the mold issues can also be resolved but until the air quality company comes out next week and runs their own tests we won't know so its touch and go. The stress lately could knock any healthy person off their feet so its a good thing Gastroparesis has made me one heck of a strong woman! Its also been mentally and physically exhausting.

Since making quite a few phone calls and emails yesterday we had five properties to go through today. Of course this is Mother's Day and I might as well forget doing any celebrating because this will be another busy day. Add to the mix some additional clean ups in the basement after missing a few spots where we forgot to put down mold killer.

Cuddles kitty got sick a few times through out the night and still hasn't been feeling good. The Veterinarian called back with some of the lab results that showed elevated levels with her liver but he doesn't feel that is whats causing her heart murmur. Age is a huge factor and one I must remember since Cuddles is 14 years old. The other test results won't be back until tomorrow. For now he has us keeping a close eye on things and if she still hasn't started eating or drinking by Monday afternoon we will need to take her back to get rehydrated. Her siblings have been taking turns sleeping next to her in between us doing our checks making sure she is ok.

Its been one heck of a rain filled Mother's Day especially traveling to the various rental properties so by the time we got back home I was already beat! Try doing what I am being "normal" then try it on little to no food. Luckily with two of us it means less time finishing up the rest of the list filled with things to do. When I finally got the chance to sit down it was 9pm. I opened my Mother's Day cards and beautiful white gold and diamond key with lock necklace from the gang. Thank you also to my dear friends for your Mother's Day wishes and cards. Happy Mother's Day to my Mom who had a nice time at the spa getting pedi's and manicures with the Stegmans and Roesels girls/woman this afternoon. A very Happy Mother's Day to Nell & Arline who are like second Mom's to me. Thank you for all your kind words of support through out the years.

I am hoping to get a well earned "ME" day later this month. Hopefully by then things will wind down. If you think its tough being sick just imagine tackling the other life issues with the house and finding a place. Harder doing it with just the two of us since most of my friends live out of state. Those who do live in state are busy between work and their own lives. Through life's challenges you truly realize who are there for you. Thank you to those who never let me down and show me what love truly means.

Posted by GastroparesisAwarenessCampaignOrg. at 11:11 PM EDT

Updated: May 14, 2012 2:18 AM EDT

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Mood:  hug me

When it rains it pours. Then comes MOLD! AHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!

I got white mold, gray mold, blue mold, orange mold-odd & scarier is GREEN MOLD! YIKES!!!

What a start to another long and exhausting day...Good thing my Idiopathic Gastroparesis does better with me constantly moving around because it wasn't until around 11:50pm before I could finally sit my tired body down and take a breather! So much for the petri dishes not showing much change because by this afternoon it was just the opposite. This now has me and my friend-Caregiver officially very, very nervous and rightfully so! There is no doubt in my mind this can't be good and that "potential" big move is now inevitable. S I G H...Nothing quite like an unpredictable major move because where you live is making you literally sick. It makes me sick just thinking about the stressful move. The poor fur kids are also in no position to be moving. Minus Littleblue the rest of the fur gang are all 14 years old and any move can be stressful to older kids. Lately I am just as stressed...

In between the constant cleaning, sanitizing and outside repairs things just don't seem to stop. I don't see any relief in sight unless some sort of miracle happens and the mold fairies make this nightmare stop. AMEN! My friend has also been watching the rapid changes now going on inside the petri test dishes. His comment today, "How depressing." More like, "How stressing!" We might all be better off and far safer living in that huge tent outside because the air actually might be safer than what is inside this house. Now I must wear a mask even inside my own house. Better safe than sorry until things are further checked out with the air by professionals next week. In between a million things to do mentally and physically I am also still enduring the Drano bounce back which hasn't been easy. I don't know how I do it but I just do.

Me and my friend have noticed Cuddles kitty hasn't been herself the past few days. She started getting worse by this evening. When I went to pet her she just laid there meowing. My gut says something is really wrong because she usually is pretty active and she hasn't been eating or drinking. I decided while I finish the wash and mopping I would have my friend take her up to the emergency vet down the street. Thank goodness! It seems not only is Cuddles not feeling like herself but the veterinarian said, "Cuddles has a very loud heart murmur and is dehydrated. We need to keep her for a few hours to run some tests and give her IV fluids." Its no wonder my Cuddles kitty hasn't been feeling well and I am so glad we decided to take her to the vet. There is no price or limit when it comes to taking care of a sick fur kid. To me they are my family and my kids. 14 years is a very long time and I am hoping they will be able to find out what is going on with Cuddles. The blood work and a few other lab tests won't be back until tomorrow afternoon. For now they released her to go back home to be with her other siblings. So far she has been doing nothing but resting. She has no appetite but it might be due to not feeling well. Just another sad and depressing situation playing the waiting game. Only time will tell but praying Cuddles has plenty of time on her side.

Posted by GastroparesisAwarenessCampaignOrg. at 11:59 PM EDT

Updated: May 13, 2012 4:56 AM EDT

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Mood:  not sure

Patients with severe idiopathic bowel dysmotility have severe upper gastrointestinal symptoms such as bloating, abdominal discomfort and vomiting after meals. In addition these symptoms are common to continue in patients even after subtotal colectomy. Recent studies have shown other various connected gastro abnormalities including esophageal disturbed upper and lower sphincter problems.

-Digestive Diseases and Science

Ahhhhhhhhhh......So this is what they like to call having to endure Drano aka Hell-In-A-Jug on a weekly basis or what other patients instead are enduring which is the magic glass bottle aka Magnesium Citrate? Maybe all these doctors and scientists who conduct years of research and data for the government need to just say its called, "Gastroparesis" then maybe our conditions would be taken a bit more seriously. Amen. The problem by not giving the various symptoms its proper name is the same problem why those who don't live with Gastroparesis but live around it are so darn confused. In turn it makes those of us who are Gastroparesis patients frustrated because society fails to understand what we have to go through on a daily basis due to lack of education...

I got my wake up call around 11am. Seems my lab work came back stat in less than 24 hours. It showed more blood than expected in my urine due to failing kidneys which is caused by connected dysmotility problems called, "Gastroparesis." My doctor asked how I was feeling in which I replied, "The same, not any better but not any worse." His response was a bit different, "It has gotten worse because your labs this time are showing things progressing and the medicine we have been trying isn't showing signs of working. You will need to see your Gastroenterologist next week and he will need to figure out the next course of action." Knowing my luck it will most likely mean adding one more specialist to the team of 17 or worse the dreaded word, "Dialysis." Sure, my attitude stinks today and who could blame me? I just woke up with bad news on top of dealing with bad Drano all night into the morning and early afternoon hours. I have a hangover from Drano hell going on with tremors and a nasty headache. At least I can say the toxic poison finally started working 8 hours later and I finally got some relief. WHEW!

Once I forced my tired body to get up and moving I checked the mold kit petri dishes for any changes. Guess what? WE HAVE MOLD FOLKS! DANG IT!! Seems out of the four spots we tested two are now showing mold growth inside the petri dishes. Of course they are from the basement wall downstairs where the water has been a huge issue and upstairs in the crawl space where the third bedroom is located. YIKES! Seems sleeping in the living room over the past four years which is located in the opposite side of the house where we are having all the water problems might had been the safest place to sleep. The mold is just now starting to grow so its white in color but once again only time will tell how bad things are going to get. My friend-Caregiver suggested we just might need to once again keep our options and eyes wide open when it comes to looking for a new place. Not that my full plate isn't already too full just imagine adding the 50% possibility of having to do a major move. This sure can't be good nor healthy for someone in my unique medical situation. Times like these I question where is Ty and is he going to move that bus so I won't have to deal with more stress? MOVE THAT BUS!

S I G H...

Yes, I always said, "Things could be worse." I better stop saying that because every time I do things literally do get worse! Whats next? A rare Egyption python snake is going to escape from Egypt and land in a FedEx flight and find its way on my front porch? Is Jack in the beanstock going to jump out of my peach tree in the backyard? I know! Maybe the land of make believe really isn't make believe after all and this is just some kind of joke and Tom Cruise is going to run into my house and scream, "YOU JUST GOT PUNKED!" Hahahahahahahaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!

CHEERS TO BETTER DAYS AHEAD!

"A strong person is one who is quiet and sheds tears for a moment, and then picks up their sword to battle another day."  -Sweet Misery

Posted by GastroparesisAwarenessCampaignOrg. at 11:48 PM EDT

Updated: May 12, 2012 4:33 AM EDT

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Mood:  chillin'

Today is the last round of water damage cleanup around the house. THANK GOODNESS! At least we all got plenty of sleep and the fur kids didn't wake us up until 2pm. I was out like a light and slept into the early afternoon hours without having to get up one time. WOOHOA! I sure won't be saying those same words tomorrow since this is Drano aka Hell-In-A-Jug treatment day.

I checked the petri dishes to see if there were any changes detecting various types of mold but so far the only one showing anything is the one from the basement. GO FIGURE! We all had a hunch if there was any mold inside the house it would be confined to only the basement. Thankfully the other three tests have yet to show any mold growth. It does take up to 72 hours for mold to start growing so for now we will just have to play the waiting game. My friend-Caregiver had the final job cleaning up the basement from the mold cleaner and then put a clear seal caulk around the doors, walls and under the basement bar tile. We thought it would be a lengthy job however it only took him a few hours. Less than expected! I think we are both glad to see the final clean up come to an end and hopefully very soon the same will hold true for the house repairs.

The weather did a rewind today and once again its fall. We are loving it! The fur kids especially enjoy the cooler temperatures because it means more time playing outside in the backyard. Even Pumpkin kitty enjoys laying on the porch when we are outside. He won't go out unless someone is with him because he gets startled easily. While I started the ole Drano treatment my friend played frisbee with Littleblue outside while Oreo ran around the yard. They should be extremely tired later this evening once we all wind down to watch TV. This is of course after hours of walking around while enduring treatment. By the time I am done I should also be ready to sleep later this evening. Since I am back to the generic brand of Drano it should be less harsh. Name brand drugs might be better than generic but not when it comes to Drano treatments. WHEW! I would much rather deal with a less harsh taste than the straight up foul salt taste with the name brand jug.

"FUNNY HOW ONE CAN START TO COMPARE GENERIC DRANO TO NAME BRAND DRANO. CLEARLY I HAVE CONSUMED WAY TOO MUCH DRANO! HAHAHAHAHA!"

Walgreen's called to let me know the rest of my Drano jugs were finally in today. They have also been dealing with the great Drano caper seeing instead of getting my prescription for eight jugs from the manufacturer they received split shipments. Two arrived one day then one the other day then another two yesterday. TALKING ABOUT FRUSTRATED! This time of course it wasn't me but instead the Walgreen's pharmacy staff. My friend went to get the broken prescription while I stayed home to finish up my treatment. When he came home empty handed I figured they were still dealing with lost Drano jugs at the pharmacy. He even said the entire staff was so curious to find out what I had medically that they began to ask him numerous questions. Thank goodness my friend has been around me long enough to master the method behind the Drano madness and he is very educated about Gastroparesis. He did me proud! Hee,hee,hee,hee...He said, "Once I got done explaining what you go through and why you have to consume this once in a lifetime medication on a weekly basis the only words you could hear from everyone behind the pharmacy counter was WOWWWW!" Once again the key to a cure will always be awareness. Gastroparesis Awareness!

After consuming my last glass of liquid dynamite I found enough things around the house to keep me moving however once again ole Drano is going to take its sweet time working. GEES! I was hoping by going back to the generic prescription I would get faster relief but the only thing I got was less bitter salt and chlorine taste. Forget about any rest tonight or catching up on my favorite shows because this might be a very longggg DRANO night...

Posted by GastroparesisAwarenessCampaignOrg. at 11:51 PM EDT

Updated: May 11, 2012 1:05 AM EDT

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Mood:  incredulous

It was hard to wake up and although my mind was ready to seize the day my body clearly wasn't. Make that a "DITTO" for the fur kids too! Oreo was so relaxed I literally had to get his bag of treats out to get him off his big comfy bed. Hahahahaha!

This was suppose to be treatment day however things took a bit of a turn by later in the afternoon. Once we finally started getting motivated our first stop was to my doctors office to have my urine checked by their lab. I wasn't expecting any great Houdini moves and POOF! my kidneys are back to normal but I guess I wasn't expecting things to be far worse either. By the time I walked out of the room they already were checking my urine in which they quickly detected more blood and red cells than the prior few visits. GEES! The nurse told me the doctor needed to check into a few other things and would give me a call back in a few hours however by the time me and my friend-Caregiver left the office it was only 20 minutes later before they called me back. Seems things with my kidneys haven't left nor did they suddenly correct themselves. Sounds like the rest of my great GP caper right? Right! My doctor has to send my urine back out to another lab to see what the next step will be because this can't keep going on. My worst fear would be having to go on dialysis sitting through a 4-5 hour treatment. YIKES! For now until they get things back from the lab next week I was put on medication to take at home but if my body can't absorb it I will need to have my medication given to me via outpatient through IV. We are crossing our fingers the oral medication will somehow find its way through my paralyzed organs instead of having to sit in a hospital.

Question to my doctor and lab tech: Could this be a figment of my imagine or all in my head? Their reply with a few chuckles, "Only in the land of make believe."

OK. I did pinch myself so guess this is real and really going on. Hahahaha!

So...After getting some GP news which wasn't too surprising because Gastroparesis is a progressive condition it still shocks me how fast a good day can quickly turn bad. Its no wonder the water issues due to all the excessive rain has yet to break my patience. I have far bigger and more important things to worry about.

"My health."

Me and my friend had spoken to a Realtor yesterday evening regarding a townhouse 15 minutes away our home. We are keeping our options open in fear that the air quality tests next week might show hazardous mold. Black mold is still the deal breaker and although we hope for the best we still must remember we could be facing the worst. Once we got to the property memories starting coming back fresh in my mind because this same area was where I used to live. The townhouse I lived in over 9 years ago was actually right down the street from this property. We even stopped by my old home and I took a few photos. Ahhhh...Life before GP...The townhouse we looked at is actually in a different community and resembles a German village. They were all very nice and the property was located right next to a bike trail and large park. Things "looked" great until closer inspection. The two upstairs windows had broken seals so once again there would be a moisture problem in the house. Second was the front screen door that needed to be replaced. However the big deal breaker was the foundation cracks in front of the property that would clearly cause basement problems with water coming into the house.

YIKES! Thanks, but NO THANKS!

We didn't even make it into the townhouse because the outside was enough. Looks like we might as well start the basement cleanup at our own home because so far we are having no luck looking for a new place. Its also very stressful and I am not sure if my health would allow another move. We don't have much help either in the area and so far we are doing things solo. Thankfully before we left earlier this afternoon the repairs with the gutters on the left side of the house were under way and we were told the new glass block windows would be in by Monday. A few other people were also going to be over Monday to go into the basement crawl space outside to see if they could find the source of the foundation and water issues. It won't come without an additional cost of living that will start hitting us the first of July. At this point we both came to a quick agreement to proceed ahead with the house repairs, added costs and air quality check that if it does show excessive levels of toxic mold we will do our best to come to a remedy to fix the situation. If its too toxic and we can't occupy the house then we will cross that bridge when we get to it. Amen.

This evening I decided since I was already mentally tired between the doctors appointment, townhouse search and getting mold cleaning supplies I would just do my treatment tomorrow. We did find the Mold test kits and cleaning products at Home Depot. My friend did the basement cleaning as I took on the CSI role. Hahahahaha! Hey, it wasn't only interesting but also fun! Now we must wait 48 hours to let the petri dish grow mold, if there is mold present in the house to grow. My friend had to deal with the super potent mold killer and cleaner which even a face mask couldn't 100% block out. Thank goodness it was a much cooler day outside and we could open the basement door and turn on the fans. We both gave the mold cleaner products a HIGH FIVE! I won't know about the mold test kit results until Friday so only time will tell...

Posted by GastroparesisAwarenessCampaignOrg. at 11:59 PM EDT

Updated: May 10, 2012 4:08 AM EDT

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Mood:  d'oh

Do you think by the photo taken this afternoon that we need anymore rain?...

The past 8 days have been stressful and its no wonder my GP is still in an uproar. I woke up inflamed as all heck and laid down just the same. Even while doing my best to increase physical activity still doesn't help. Looks like the only last resort of hope will be the ole Drano treatment tomorrow to force my GP back into remission. I was always told over the past eight years from my specialists that stress is fuel to the GP fire. DITTO TIMES 1,000,000,000 but darn am I doing my best not to panic in a very bad situation! My friend...well his patience jar might take months to refill. I am also finding myself once again grinding my teeth. Luckily I catch myself and stop because my teeth have already taken a big enough beating from the weekly intestinal treatments.

Today was post-flood inspection day. I like to call it, "Dread-Day." After that inspection I am surprised I didn't grind my teeth all the way down to the gums, hahahahaha! Thankfully the garage drain decided to open this morning and the standing water receded however there is mud once again in the back of the garage to clean up. There was a hole near the drain on the left side of the house that was patched which hopefully is the cause to the water coming into the side door. There are some roof shingles that need replaced, two glass block windows in the basement to be installed next week, new gutters on the left side of the house, gravel to be put down around the house foundation and lastly after one wall was cut into there appeared to be no mold "HOWEVER" they need to climb into a few other crawl spaces outside to find out the extent of water damage to the other basement wall which is bowing. WHEW! On top of the not so great news an Air Quality company needs to come out within a week to test the air inside the house for mold-black mold. Since there has been so much water damage inside and around the foundation the city inspector has concern of his own that there might be black mold growing. This of course isn't always visible by the naked eye. Today no one was able to find the mold smell culprit but thats not to say it isn't there.

I did find online this evening a do it yourself mold testing kit at a local Home Depot store and indoor mold cleaning products. You know what tomorrow has in store for us right? R I G H T!!...More like-for my friend seeing its not safe for me to be in the basement nor around the mold once it gets a good cleaning and sanitizing. Luckily they are predicting cooler weather with no rain and plenty of sunshine for the next four days so it will be a great time to get the mold cleaning started. At least we have plenty of fans now to circulate the air to go outside the basement door to help quickly dry things out.

Desperate times call for desperate measures...

I have dealt first hand with black mold almost nine years ago when I lived into a three level townhome that picked up the mold via a joining air duct from my elderly neighbors home. My neighbor was very, very sick and was suffering from Crohn's disease and kidney failure so she had no idea there was black mold in her air ducts which was picked up by my furnace until the air conditioner got serviced and POOF! it was found! Needless to say it was a very quick evacuation and all contents had to be sanitized by a professional cleaning company and hazmat crews. We are just praying this isn't going to be another townhouse mold situation. S I G H...I am expecting the worst but hoping for the best however it might be inevitable that a move is in our very near future seeing the last thing I need is to live in hazardous air again. Maybe I need to start playing the lottery? AMEN!!!! Or maybe I just need to get that new three room tent, queen size air mattress, large sleeping bag and comforter out that I bought before my GP took a nasty turn and put it all to good use! Like making it my new outdoor home. Hahahahahaha! If the air tests show black mold that tent might just be my new home starting next week-YIKES!

After a long and stressful day me and my friend decided to head up to the local park. Walking is not just great for Gastroparesis but also for stress. Too bad it didn't walk my flair up back down but there is always Drano hope tomorrow. The way things are going I might not have to worry about cutting the rest of my hair next month. The house stress just might do it for me. Hair today. Gone tomorrow...

Posted by GastroparesisAwarenessCampaignOrg. at 11:59 PM EDT

Updated: May 9, 2012 1:48 AM EDT

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Mood:  lyrical

It was the start of a better and drier day "however" seems rain, rain and more rain is once AGAIN on its way....

By the time we got up it was a mad dash for my friend-Caregiver to get the lawn mowed, clean out the side gutters and finish clearing the garage pipe out. I had to run a few errands trying to catch up on mailings, bank deposits, picking up prescriptions then getting some groceries. This was course after a doc visit and tests for my kidneys. WHEW! What a day! If I could drink regular coffee with my GP I would had hit Starbucks with a double latte on the way back home just for energy! By the time I pulled into the garage my friend has just finished up the last of his list as well cutting the grass. We got the leashes together and walked the fur kids just in time for the monsoon rain to hit again. We both were a nervous wreck to see if the temporary repairs over the weekend would hold up the basement wall, side gutters, window well and garage pipe/drain.

10 Minutes Later...

Need we go there? A G A I N...The side door seemed to be leaking worse since clearing out the gutters however the make shift moat was at least keeping the basement window dry. HOWEVER the garage was a different story. My poor friend who spent almost four hours cleaning up the last great flood didn't want to see what was going on once I opened the garage door. EEK!! The only positive out of a negative was finding the culprit which was of course the garage drain that was cleaned out just yesterday that once again had water overflowing on the garage floor. Outside wasn't any better either. Much like my intestines, "FOLKS! WE CLEARLY HAVE A PLUMBING/DRAIN PROBLEM!" Hahahahaha! Yes, I did make a joke out of it in front of my friend and we both laughed seeing it was better than screaming. I told him, "There are far worse things that can happen in life and I have been through my fair share." He has been there during some of those hellish times so he totally agreed. Tomorrow we have a few people coming over to start "doing" instead of 'thinking' of how to repair everything. At this point I am more than ready to move out west!

Not that this wasn't a bad enough day I went to use my medication this evening and came across a bad needle. Thank goodness the needle broke off in the medicine vial and not in my stomach. YIKES! It had me so paranoid I almost skipped today's dose but luckily the next needle wasn't a faulty one. The only one who was clearly smiling about the situation was my next Hell-In-A-Jug treatment. Maybe he set me up? Hahahahaha! Since my GP is still in a flair I settled for a limited liquid diet today which consisted of juiced veggies/fruits, decaf coffee-GI mix, watered down Slimfast and a diet IBC root beer. Hey, its better than just drinking low sodium chicken broth. AMEN!

We must keep reminding ourselves that tomorrow is a new and hopefully better day! Sure hope so because after today my friend's patience jar ran out and so did his energy...

Posted by GastroparesisAwarenessCampaignOrg. at 11:59 PM EDT

Updated: May 8, 2012 3:08 AM EDT

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