A Tough Day Today!

[Mariel]

Hope you are not lonely today, Craig. I'm lonely too, a widow. I remember days when Irv and I traveled together.
We had a condo in Hawaii on Maui. I took my son twice to Disneyland, but that was without Irv, as he was working
and not really interested. We traveled, all three of us, to Greece and England. Once we went to New Orleans for
a convention, and were flooded even then outside our hotel. We went to Mexico and I was the only one who got
sick enough so I could not go back to teaching that next quarter. We were happiest when we were traveling. One
of our extended travel plans was after the fire here in Los Alamos, where we were renting and wondering when
FEMA would settle the insurance, which they took over. We spent a lot of time in a motel in San Diego North County,
which is my favorite spot in the world, that little old motel. I wouldn't mind living there full time, and I had a good
church there.

Yes, Craig, very lonely.

[Gabriella7]

Hope You are Better!

Craig, Hope you are better but it has been over a week since we have heard from you. We are beginning to get worried. Check in as soon as you are able.

(((((((((Hugs)))))))))))

Gabriella:angel:

[Cherie]

Ditto,
Happy birthday today

[SalpalSally]

Thanks, Cher...Happy Birthday Craig.:):)

[Gabriella7]

Yes, I just discovered it's your birthday! Happy Birthday! October 26th I finished reading your book for the first time last night and made another post for you. I do plan on reading it again the second time.

Gabriella

[NeuroNixed Craig]

Doing The Best I Can, But Not as Well as I'd Like

Hi Gabriella, Sally and Cheri and ALL!

I've been dealing with newly discovered health challenges and going, "through the process" of tests and evaluations. I'm very tired and I'm not having fun either. This week has been taken on a few hours at a time with routinely nonroutine periods of awake, semi-functioning and outright exhaustive crashing in bed. Enough of that!

Yes, Gabriella, I've been receiving via email the posts you've made and I greatly appreciate your taking the time to read the book and share your comments with me, as they mean a great deal. I really didn't have much of a "happy" birthday today, as I had totally forgotten about it initially and then spent 3/4 of the day in bed. Just can't seem to get the engine to turn over.

I had a doctor's appointment with a specialist on Monday and Joyce accompanied me, as she normally does. Then another doctor's appointment on Tuesday afternoon with my PCP. It was interesting because I was feeling terrible and he ended the session saying he would like to talk to my wife. When doctor's say that and are kind of vague with you, not that I would remember whatever he would've said, you know it's not good. He hasn't called her yet. And you know what? What more can they do to me anyway?

I can tell you all after talking with my wife and kids about the Disney World trip, everyone agreed me staying home was a solid decision. Now Joyce and I have to go through the hassle of getting all of my documentation together to file my travel insurance claim for 100% refund. One step at a time.......and make sure it's NOT on ice.

I hope all is well with you all and you are safe. Thank you for checking up on me Gabriella.

With sincere gratitude and appreciation,

[Parsi]

Birthday greetings, Craig. So sorry wasn't a good day.

Normal living when you are ill is tiring in itself. Then going "'through the process' of tests and evaluations" just multiplies that.

The best to you.

[Gabriella7]

Same Here

Hi Craig, I can relate to having more health challenges. The neuro had me get a chest c-scan to rule in or out a tumor in the chest due to my recent diagnosis of myasthenia gravis. My PCP got a copy of the scan and now I've got to go for a nuclear stress test and an echocardiogram due to calcium which showed up in the aortic valve and arteries. I didn't have a tumor that is the good news but the bad news is I have a new health issue with the heart. He increased my beta blocker to slow down the heart rate.

He also ordered a doppler scan of my carotid arteries. My sleep study was canceled because my records from the first study which showed hypoxia have been put in storage as the doctor's office moved from their old location. Medicare would not pay for the type of study my doctor ordered without documentation that I have had the first study done. That is on hold for the moment.

I still have a UTI and was back in the urologist office yesterday for another C&S test to find out which antibiotic I need to be on now. I've taken four rounds of antibiotics since this started in June.

My next infusion of IVIG is next week if the neuro gives me clearance in spite of the fact that I will probably be on an antibiotic for the UTI.

My PCP also wanted me to have a mammogram and a colonoscopy before the end of the year.

My husband is dealing with surgery for skin cancers at the moment also and we had planned to go visit our youngest son who lives in Tennessee but I don't see any time between the medical appointments to do that.

Sorry, I can't find anything funny in this scenario at the moment..... I am not whining nor seeking any sympathy....just letting my friends know what I am doing these days. I am looking for the silver lining but I haven't found it yet.

The next two months are going to be tough......Sorry to hijack your thread....I guess misery loves the company of others who understand. I'm certainly not comparing my situation with yours. Hope you feel better soon!


Blessings,
Gabriella

[NeuroNixed Craig]

Dearest Gabriella,

I can clearly feel your pain, frustration, aggravation - if not anger - at having to deal with so many health problems at one time and in addition to your husband's upcoming surgery.

No, there is nothing humorous or funny about any of this and to make it so or think it, would be grossly inappropriate. Your post represents to the readers - both members and lurkers - the reality of the situation those with chronic illness must deal with on a daily basis. This is NOT whining, bit**ing, moaning or complaining this is stating, "it is what it is!" We all do what we have to trying to get through our circumstances each day as best we can. No, we don't want sympathy or pity. Actually, we don't have time nor tolerance for the such and it only clouds our focus on coping and getting through.

I am so very sorry to read this news, yet fully understand and appreciate your courage in sharing it with the members and lurkers. Posts like this fall into a category I saw described in a post on facebook today about giving somebody a high-five across the head as well as a kick in the a**, because they don't "Get IT!" We not only "Get IT," we live it each and every day.

Gabriella, do you really believe after what you and I have shared over the last month or two on this forum that I am the least bit concerned about you "hijacking my thread?" Absolutely NOT! This thread belongs to the forum and to have a place to openly share our circumstances, feelings, thoughts and comments is paramount to any concern over thread hijacking. In my view, what you have shared with us definitely falls under the threads title, "A Tough Day Today."

Know that you are NOT alone Gabriella and you will continue to be in my thoughts and prayers.

[Parsi]

Gabriella, my thoughts are with you.

[Cherie]

Amen! Thanks for being candid and not glossing things over. So often, I think, we are not taken seriously when that is exactly what we need because we try to live the positive in all things. I find myself in a balancing act trying to live and project the positive when the negative is knocking at the door. Sometimes, I need to answer the door and deal with what's there before the positive can return.

You are safe doing that here.

[SalpalSally]

Another Amen and Thanks to both Craig and Gabriella.

[Mariel]

Gabriella, so many diseases you have! Wow.

I have quite a few too. In two weeks I have to go for radiation to Mayo Scottsdale, to cut back my platelets and red cells from
Polycythemia Vera. I have three rare blood diseases, MS (old old dx of MS) and paroxysmal atrial fibrillation. I fear the radiation because usually I have taken care of myself through natural means, without many drugs, including the Swank Diet for nearly 30 years for MS.

Craig, it won't be long until the family is home! Be blessed!

Mariel

[Gabriella7]

Swank Diet

I have thought of starting the Swank Diet. I do follow a low fat diet but think I could do better. Sorry to hear about the blood disorders. Hope you are better after your trip to Mayo. I have thought of going to Mayo in Jacksonville since my recent diagnosis of Myasthenia Gravis as there are not any specialists here to treat it. I am only my neuro's third patient with it but I don't know if there are any advantages as there are only a few treatments anyway.

Blessing,s
Gabriella:angel: