Just a quick update on the medical front…

After feeling like complete crap since around October 2016, finally discovered I have hypothyroidism. My primary care doc has started me on Levothyroxipine (0.075) for an initial six (6) weeks to see how I fair. I would say that it’s helping a little…but I’m still needing to take a large amount of pain medications.
While dealing with this thyroid issue, I’ve also put on an extra twenty (20) pounds of weight. This is not helping my heart as I’m getting some edema in my feet & ankles. I’m also more short of breath with mild exertion.
My hope is that these last two (2) issues resolve themselves as the thyroid therapy progresses.

My scheduled check-up with the transplant team is May 16th…which is quite convenient. I would ask for prayers that these issues are minor and can be resolved as I recover my ability to move (exercise) more (or rather…again).

The alternatives are not pleasant to think about…but my mind does it anyways. Trying to keep a old tune in my head… “stay on the sunny side.”

So, as i was choking down my twent pills tonight…I said to mysef, “I’m so tired of this taking all these pills.”
Then it immeditely occurred to me there many families out the saying, “I’m so tired of my loved one not being with us anymore.”

Two things have changed today.  The first, I changed the blog name (rather subtly) to “Insights – Journal Of Life“.  This small change is made as I welcome three new contributors (item number two).  Not only will you continue to have my stories, testimonies and such to read…but you’ll soon be greeted with articles by our new contributors:

• Lauren Turner
• Amanda Brickler
• Anthony Henes

Welcome aboard…and I can’t wait to read your inspiring writings.

It occurred to me when one of my cousins recently reconnected with me.  Many of my friends (and even family members) don’t know how I got where I am.  I am speaking of both medical, physical, and spiritual.  Therefore, I am going to try and post an article (or series of articles) that explain the transition(s) that I have experienced over almost 50 years here on planet Earth.

As I tried to explain to my good friend Chris, “Who many lives ago did that happen?”

It’s my hope by the time I finish, all of my readers will understand that question.

But for tonight, or rather morning…I bid you a good night sleep and may you rest comfortably.

 

God Bless.

No, I am not talking about the Red Cross variety…however I always encourage anyone and everyone who can donate blood to do so.

What I am talking about is my upcoming appointment at my Doc’s office. It happens to be one of those, “ask and ye shall receive” type situations. A couple days ago, I sent a request to my primary care doctor asking if he would consider drawing a few extra tests while I was there for my routine (tacrolimus, CBC, BMP, glucose, etc.) blood tests. I was pleasantly surprised with a “yes” answer…across the board…for every lab test I requested. So, if there is anything detectable in these tests that can explain the pain I have been experiencing…I should know about it early next week (the vampires does not strike until Thursday morning). The “yes” answer might also validate the research I performed before posing the requests. It is nice to have medical professionals who respect you and do not treat you like a hypochondriac. Additional, it is possible the “yes” indicates that my doctor and I are wanting to test and exclude or verify the same diagnosis. In simpler terms, “We’re on the same page.”

For the medical geeks reading this, here is the list of tests that are being performed:

1) Tacrolimus
2) CBC & BMP
3) Vitamin B?
4) Testosterone
5) CMV & EBV
6) PSA
7) TSH

Common battery of tests to screen for ______ ______.   (Which medical geek can fill in the blanks the fastest? It’s not a difficult one.)

8) CPR (C-Reactive Protein)
9) ESR (erythrocyte sedimentation rate)
10) RF (rheumatoid factor)
11) CBC (complete blood count)
12) anti-CCP (anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide)
13) ANA (antinuclear antibodies)

Almost forgot…

14) A1C
15) Urine test

I’ll let everyone know about the results as soon as they’re received. You all know that’s not going to happen…but I will post the results as soon as I can get to them.
I haven’t accomplished much of anything the last couple months. Your prayers for “an answer” and “how to treat whatever the ailment is” are what I’m asking for at this time.

Thanks you…and may God bless you all.