Appointment Marathon!

 It's Winter/Christmas break and I was so ready for it.   My days have been filled with appts and while that is NOT fun, I'm so thankful they could get them in during break.  

It started with a dentist appt to fill a cavity, a consult with a surgeon, two appts for my daughter.  The weekend was free for Christmas and then they started back up.   This week I had a stress test, an appt with my transplant coordinator, and a surgery.

The stress test was my first.  You know the one where they make you get on a treadmill.  Yeah I can't do it that way.   I fell on one back when they didn't have the key attachment and hit the turn dial as I went down and it sped up.  Couldn't hardly walk for several days.   One day I wanted to try again and as I was about to step on I watched someone fling off of a different one.  So as you can imagine, I did not get back on one.   Is it stupid I won't try again, probably.  Is that still the case, yes.   So I did the medical one.   They put some sort of die in my system, I waited 30 minutes and they took 'pictures'.  Then they gave me more medicine and watched my heart on an EKG.  Then I was rewarded with a Dr. Pepper.  haha.   After a 30 minute wait they took pics again today.  I figured it want ok since everything went back to normal pretty quickly.   (I did find out today it was ok)

Yesterday we met with my transplant coordinator.  She is being amazing and was considering the fact that I was on break.  It was for a transplant education.   She was doing things a little out of order.   I will be presented next Wednesday the transplant committee.  They will make a decision to list me or not list me.  I'm pretty impressed with myself as I've done everything I needed to do in 3 months.

Today was the hardest thing I've done so far.  I had surgery this morning.   It makes this all more concrete. I got the tubing put in for dialysis.  My plan is to do Peritoneal dialysis.  Basically it puts sugar water in my stomach and attracts the toxins and then it's drained out.   I can do it at home (if I ever get my  house cleaned)

It can be done several times a day manually or it can be hooked up to a machine at night that does it.   It's supposed to be a better option for several reasons.  It also would allow me to keep up with my schedule some and not have to go into a building several times a week.   It also does not have as strict of a diet as the hemodialyis (where they take the blood out and clean it and put it back in).

my new part

The surgery went good.  I'll be honest though I was not ready for this step.  I'm kind of freaking out about dialysis.   I shouldn't start for at least 3 weeks though.   This is also the most painful thing so far.   My hysterectomy hurt some but not much.  The pain meds are not helping much.   Though it is kind of funny.  I can't reach, so something that is even a couple inches to far, I can't get it.   I'm trying to be positive that it will be better tomorrow.. I do have a funeral for my step/bonus grandmother tomorrow that I would like to attend.  Thankfully my parents, brother, and daughter have all been so helpful.

In non medical news, I still haven't heard from my car insurance.  It's starting to get beyond frustrating.   I've left multiple messages and emails and we are now at one month.  I returned the rental car last night and it's odd not having a car.   Hopefully that will get worked out soon.   (Again, please note any monies donated for my medical bills will not go toward the car.- I'm so blessed to have some funds to help cover my medical bills)

  I hope everyone has has some relaxing times/good parts of the holidays.   We went to a movie, so not all a bummer and I've seen several friends.  My kiddo has gotten to play with the neighbor and her best friend, so we have had positives as well..    I know there are many things going on in so many peoples lives, so I am thankful for those that have taken the moment to pray or check in on me.

The Restricted Phone call

 Lately, if I don't know the number, I won't answer.   I answered it yesterday when it said restricted.   It was my doctor...the actual doctor....She called to tell me the results of my breast biopsy and it didn't look good...not bad but more testing....Then she reread it and said "oh I read this wrong- everything is good".   

So that came out good.  I called the transplant coordinator and asked her to check to see what was left.  I felt like I've done everything but one last test.  And over break would be the best time to get everything done (especially before our insurance switches January 1st.  She called today and all that is left is the stress test I have scheduled the 27th and a conversation with the financial person.   She said the heart doctor is very fast at turning stuff over, so they will probably be able to present me to the committee right after the new year.  This is great news.   After I'm on the list the waiting starts for a donor.  People can get tested if they are interested then or I'll wait for a donor.   

This comes as good news this week, as I've also gotten the call that my nephrologist (kidney doctor) is referring me to the surgeon to get my dialysis line put in.   I'm in Stage 5 kidney failure and will need to start dialysis soon.   I'm trying to stay hopeful that overall I will continue to feel decent.  I've only had a few days where I had massive pain.  I have been more tired (but again it's the end of the semester too).  I'm also very thankful that at least for the majority of next year, I don't have to worry to much about medical items overrunning my budget.   Thank you to everyone who has made that possible.

I haven't heard anything about my car, I'm still driving a rental.  They towed it away to somewhere different, but no one will return calls or emails.  That's real frustrating.  I would like to at least know which way they are going.  And hopefully it will pay off my loan plus some if they total it.  It's been two weeks so I'm hoping to hear something soon.  I'll probably call again today.   

I hope everyone is finding some joy in the holiday season.    

Good News, Bad News

 So yesterday was my heart follow up appointment.   I thought I was so close to finishing all the testing...but nope.   However all the testing I did last week came back good.  I was most nervous for this appt as heart issues really run in my family.    I do need to do a stress test and the doctor wasn't thrilled I would not do the 'easy way' on the treadmill.   I have a huge fear of treadmills.  I fell on one in high school and did serious damage to myself.   At one point I tried to get back on one and as I'm about to step on, a person two over from me went flinging.  Needless to say, I did not get on mine.   I don't have panic attacks but it definately feels like I could have one when I think about getting on a treadmill.

I'm so happy those tests came back ok.   Huge relief.  I'm stressed all the time, so a stress test should be ok.  It's not scheduled yet though, I hope I can get it in during break before insurance changes over.

Bad news- two days ago I was in a massive 4 car accident on a major highway.  Thankfully no one was hurt bad, but 3 of the 4 cars look like horrible.  My arms hurt pretty decently, but are improving.  I'm trying to not let it get me down, but the hits do seem to keep on coming.  I haven't gotten confirmation, but insurance is pretty sure they will total it.  It was the car I always wanted and was in really good shape, I've only had it about two and a half years.   I absolutely don't want to have to look for another vehicle.  My only hope is that insurance and gap insurance will cover what I owe (though it would be nice if it was a little higher so I had a down payment).  FYI - I promise that any funds that have been donated to me for medical expenses will stay for medical expenses.   Anything I've not used for bills at this point is in a savings account for next year/the kidney transplant.   As long as the insurance covers what I owe, I've had a car payment in my budget and will keep it under that or close to.   

My kid was in the car but is fine,   a little scared.   I've always heard things come in threes so I should be set for the rest of the year at least...right?