I went to the surgeon's office yesterday and saw a Physician's Assistant, Earle Grey, about my slow healing incision. He examined the horribly irritated area and said I was definitely having an allergic reaction to the adhesive in the strips used to hold the incision together. The skin under the strips was actually burned and dying - YUCK! Luckily the incision itself was closed and not infected. I simply have to treat the area with hydro-cortisone twice a day and it will clear up on it's own.
While there I also asked him about the swelling I have in my feet and now my hands too. He didn't think it was related to my surgery so I have to see my primary doctor. To add to the fun I also have a rash that started on my foot but has spread to other parts of my body now too. Yay.
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Sunday, December 21, 2008
General Update
I must say once again that it is so nice to have Nathan home again. I know he really enjoyed his time in Louisiana and it was only two weeks, but it felt much longer and I missed him terribly!
Papa left on Saturday morning; it was sad for him to leave. Nate and I really enjoyed his company and all of his help while he was here. He even rearranged our living room for us saving me and especially Nathan, a ton of work! If you read this, thank you Papa!
My incision (from my surgery to tie down my pump) is healing much slower than I'd hoped and is still incredibly painful. I'll call the surgeon's office tomorrow to make a follow-up appointment and to ask about the slow healing and severe pain. To add to the annoyance, I have a rash that covers my entire belly! Part of it is from the adhesive from the tape holding down the bandage and the rest is from the binder I have to wear until Christmas Eve. My belly is covered in red, itchy bumps - SO annoying!
I also have to contact my primary doctor tomorrow because I've managed to sprain my right ankle and injure my left ankle too. Both feet are so swollen they feel like giant bruises if I walk or simply touch them.
When I get answers from my doctors, I'll be sure to post another update.
Papa left on Saturday morning; it was sad for him to leave. Nate and I really enjoyed his company and all of his help while he was here. He even rearranged our living room for us saving me and especially Nathan, a ton of work! If you read this, thank you Papa!
My incision (from my surgery to tie down my pump) is healing much slower than I'd hoped and is still incredibly painful. I'll call the surgeon's office tomorrow to make a follow-up appointment and to ask about the slow healing and severe pain. To add to the annoyance, I have a rash that covers my entire belly! Part of it is from the adhesive from the tape holding down the bandage and the rest is from the binder I have to wear until Christmas Eve. My belly is covered in red, itchy bumps - SO annoying!
I also have to contact my primary doctor tomorrow because I've managed to sprain my right ankle and injure my left ankle too. Both feet are so swollen they feel like giant bruises if I walk or simply touch them.
When I get answers from my doctors, I'll be sure to post another update.
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Nate's Home & I Can't Sleep
I'm so happy to have my awesome hubby home! Nate had been in Louisiana for two weeks, which felt like a month to me! When he's not with me it's like my right arm is missing. (I love you babe!) I'm relieved that he made it home safe. His flight was delayed due to bad weather and about five minutes after he landed it started to sleet and we had a brief ice storm. What timing!
It's 1:47AM and I can't sleep. This is nothing new. Lately I'm able to fall asleep quickly, but can't stay asleep and tend to get up for a couple hours around this time.
I know these blogs have been relatively boring lately, but my life isn't exactly filled with excitement. I'm hoping to start making these post more interesting, but I'm not sure how I'm going to do that. Just don't give up on us!
Much love and many hugs to all!
It's 1:47AM and I can't sleep. This is nothing new. Lately I'm able to fall asleep quickly, but can't stay asleep and tend to get up for a couple hours around this time.
I know these blogs have been relatively boring lately, but my life isn't exactly filled with excitement. I'm hoping to start making these post more interesting, but I'm not sure how I'm going to do that. Just don't give up on us!
Much love and many hugs to all!
Monday, December 15, 2008
Our new information webpage!
Hello everyone!
I've finished building a one page website that contains our up-to-date...
E-mail addresses
Our MySpace profiles
Our blogs
Address & phone numbers
and more.
In the future we’ll be adding more links and more information such as other site profile pages and a photo gallery link.
Please save this page because anytime anything changes THAT'S where we will be posting the change! Thanks!
*hugs*
~Lisa
PS: You'll see this message a few times and in a few places.
I've finished building a one page website that contains our up-to-date...
E-mail addresses
Our MySpace profiles
Our blogs
Address & phone numbers
and more.
In the future we’ll be adding more links and more information such as other site profile pages and a photo gallery link.
Please save this page because anytime anything changes THAT'S where we will be posting the change! Thanks!
*hugs*
~Lisa
PS: You'll see this message a few times and in a few places.
Thursday, December 11, 2008
The Surgery Went Great!
The surgery couldn't have gone any smoother! It started and ended right on time and we left the hospital by 1:30PM! Last night was good because the numbing shots were still working, but due to the sodium IV they gave me my feet were more swollen than ever before and very painful.
This morning when I woke up the swelling in my feet had gone away but the incision hurt really bad because the area had started to swell just as the doctor expected. I took the anti-inflammatory that they prescribed and within an hour the pain was gone! YAY!
Although I'm feeling better than expected, I'm still going to take it easy today. I have a whole list of things I can work on while sitting down and relaxing.
This morning when I woke up the swelling in my feet had gone away but the incision hurt really bad because the area had started to swell just as the doctor expected. I took the anti-inflammatory that they prescribed and within an hour the pain was gone! YAY!
Although I'm feeling better than expected, I'm still going to take it easy today. I have a whole list of things I can work on while sitting down and relaxing.
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Papa's Here & My Surgery is on it's Way
My Papa arrived in Maryland on Friday, December 5th - YAY!! I love it when he visits us. I'm so grateful that he is here. He's always such a big help to me and our household. Nathan and I appreciate Papa's help everytime he visits; he really is a godsend.
As I said before, Nathan is out of town until the 16th and my surgery is tomorrow. In the morning Papa will take me to the hospital at 8AM and I'll go into surgery at 10AM. The procedure itself should only take 30-60 minutes; after that I'll recover for a short time and then go home by that afternoon.
I will try to update this blog as soon as possible post-surgery. Considering I have to wear the binder for two weeks, I'm not sure how soon I'll be able to post again. Then again, it is a very basic surgery and the recovery time isn't expected to be that long.
As I said before, Nathan is out of town until the 16th and my surgery is tomorrow. In the morning Papa will take me to the hospital at 8AM and I'll go into surgery at 10AM. The procedure itself should only take 30-60 minutes; after that I'll recover for a short time and then go home by that afternoon.
I will try to update this blog as soon as possible post-surgery. Considering I have to wear the binder for two weeks, I'm not sure how soon I'll be able to post again. Then again, it is a very basic surgery and the recovery time isn't expected to be that long.
Monday, December 1, 2008
Surgery Confirmed
My surgery was confirmed today for December 10th at 10AM. I'm supposed to arrive about an hour early and the surgery itself will only take an hour. I'm not sure about the recovery time, but I'll be able to come home that day.
Papa will be arriving on the 6th or 7th which is perfect! We'll be able to spend a couple days together before the surgery which will be really, really nice. He'll be staying until Nathan gets back on the 16th and maybe a few days longer...if we can convince him, that is!
Cards out the wah-zoo! I just sent out eight sympathy cards for the immediate family members of those that passed away last week. Now I'm working on my Christmas cards, which is a major undertaking. We have so many family members and friends on our card list that this will be a project that'll keep me busy until my surgery! To those that read this: If I have your mailing address, you'll probably get a card...LATE! hehehe
Papa will be arriving on the 6th or 7th which is perfect! We'll be able to spend a couple days together before the surgery which will be really, really nice. He'll be staying until Nathan gets back on the 16th and maybe a few days longer...if we can convince him, that is!
Cards out the wah-zoo! I just sent out eight sympathy cards for the immediate family members of those that passed away last week. Now I'm working on my Christmas cards, which is a major undertaking. We have so many family members and friends on our card list that this will be a project that'll keep me busy until my surgery! To those that read this: If I have your mailing address, you'll probably get a card...LATE! hehehe
Saturday, November 29, 2008
Surgery Delay
My surgery has been delayed from the 1st of December to the 10th due to insurance problems. That's okay though it works out better for most involved. Had the surgery remained on the 1st everyone would be rushing for various reasons. This way Papa has more time to get here and can drive at a safer, more leisurely pace. Nathan will be in Louisiana during the surgery, but will return a mere 6 days later and my father will be with me that whole time.
I'm still in disbelief about my recent losses, but I'm sure that's expected at this point. Psychologists say that each time you lose a friend or family member, it becomes more and more difficult for one to handle. It brings up all the old emotions of those you lost previously, so even though two people passed away this past week, I could be experiencing the emotions of the loss of five people instead. I hope that made sense.
Other than that, I'm doing okay. Not necessarily great, but okay.
I'm still in disbelief about my recent losses, but I'm sure that's expected at this point. Psychologists say that each time you lose a friend or family member, it becomes more and more difficult for one to handle. It brings up all the old emotions of those you lost previously, so even though two people passed away this past week, I could be experiencing the emotions of the loss of five people instead. I hope that made sense.
Other than that, I'm doing okay. Not necessarily great, but okay.
Friday, November 28, 2008
Thanksgiving Double Whammy
I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving! Nathan and I enjoyed a relaxed day together at home with a full Thanksgiving spread (precooked by a grocery store - hehehe). It was a great day for me because any day I can spend with Nathan is a wonderful one!
Unfortunately, before Thanksgiving I was notified that my Uncle Wally passed away in his home. I have so many wonderful childhood memories of this man who always had popsicles and M&Ms for all the kids.
If that wasn't enough, today I received a phone call from my Mom telling me that my cousin Matt passed away yesterday. Again, my mind is full of wonderful memories of this amazingly strong person. He had a much rarer type of Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome that affects the vascular system and this is what took his life.
Although my pain is under control, I'm still not healthy enough to travel for either of the funerals. It breaks my heart because both men were very important people in my life.
Again, Happy Thanksgiving! Wishing you all the best!
Unfortunately, before Thanksgiving I was notified that my Uncle Wally passed away in his home. I have so many wonderful childhood memories of this man who always had popsicles and M&Ms for all the kids.
If that wasn't enough, today I received a phone call from my Mom telling me that my cousin Matt passed away yesterday. Again, my mind is full of wonderful memories of this amazingly strong person. He had a much rarer type of Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome that affects the vascular system and this is what took his life.
Although my pain is under control, I'm still not healthy enough to travel for either of the funerals. It breaks my heart because both men were very important people in my life.
Again, Happy Thanksgiving! Wishing you all the best!
Friday, November 21, 2008
Surgery...Again!
Yes, another surgery. My pump that is implanted in my abdomen, delivering Dilaudid directly into my spine, has started to move. The sutures that attach the pump to the lining of my muscle have loosened, which is what is allowing the pump to move out of place. It's literally jutting out of my side by about 1"-2" and comes to a rounded point - very painful.
On December 1st the surgeon and his team will go in and reattach the pump to the lining with more stitches through the same incision as the last surgery. It will take about an hour and will be done under local anesthesia so I can go home that day.
It's a good thing I'll be able to go home that day because Nathan leaves the next day, December 2nd, for two weeks to visit his family and friends in Louisiana. He returns on the 16th.
This past Tuesday we had our first flurries of snow and today we received some more snow. We may get enough tonight to actually leave a coat on the ground till morning.
That's it for now. I'll keep this updated as my surgery approaches and afterwards as well.
On December 1st the surgeon and his team will go in and reattach the pump to the lining with more stitches through the same incision as the last surgery. It will take about an hour and will be done under local anesthesia so I can go home that day.
It's a good thing I'll be able to go home that day because Nathan leaves the next day, December 2nd, for two weeks to visit his family and friends in Louisiana. He returns on the 16th.
This past Tuesday we had our first flurries of snow and today we received some more snow. We may get enough tonight to actually leave a coat on the ground till morning.
That's it for now. I'll keep this updated as my surgery approaches and afterwards as well.
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Can't Sleep
It's now 5:00AM and I've been awake since about 2:30AM. Since I can't sleep I figured I would post another blog entry especially since Nate won't be up for another 30 minutes to an hour.
Why am I awake? I'm excited about today! A new friend will be coming over to discuss, shop for, and work on crafts including jewelry -what fun for a woman! Earlier my mind began racing about things such as what I'll be buying at Michael's Arts & Crafts, what needs to be done in the house before she comes over, etc.
I do want to mention that yesterday I went for CT scan of my pump. They got me in and out of there really quick, surprisingly! As we were leaving I glanced at the images from the test and it was obvious, even to me, that the pump is horribly out of place. Thankfully I have an appointment with the surgeon this Friday to discuss the scheduling of the surgery.
Some crappy news. While walking (yes, walking - isn't that great!) around the grocery store last week I managed to injure my right foot seriously enough that it's still in a great deal of pain now. To make matters worse I twisted my other ankle while getting in the shower yesterday so now I've got two "gimp" feet, as my step-mom would say. hehehehehe These injuries are thanks to the wonderful medical condition called Hypermobility Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome -woo hoo!
I could go on for much longer, but I won't because my blogging will turn into rambling and that's never a good thing.
Much love to all!
~Lisa
Why am I awake? I'm excited about today! A new friend will be coming over to discuss, shop for, and work on crafts including jewelry -what fun for a woman! Earlier my mind began racing about things such as what I'll be buying at Michael's Arts & Crafts, what needs to be done in the house before she comes over, etc.
I do want to mention that yesterday I went for CT scan of my pump. They got me in and out of there really quick, surprisingly! As we were leaving I glanced at the images from the test and it was obvious, even to me, that the pump is horribly out of place. Thankfully I have an appointment with the surgeon this Friday to discuss the scheduling of the surgery.
Some crappy news. While walking (yes, walking - isn't that great!) around the grocery store last week I managed to injure my right foot seriously enough that it's still in a great deal of pain now. To make matters worse I twisted my other ankle while getting in the shower yesterday so now I've got two "gimp" feet, as my step-mom would say. hehehehehe These injuries are thanks to the wonderful medical condition called Hypermobility Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome -woo hoo!
I could go on for much longer, but I won't because my blogging will turn into rambling and that's never a good thing.
Much love to all!
~Lisa
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Medical Update
In the near future I will write a post about my struggle with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome and Dysautonomia, but for today I simply want to let you know how today's doctor appointment went.
I saw Dr. Frease, my Pain Management doctor who has rescued me from a life of excruciating pain by having a MedTronic pump implanted in my abdomen that delivers Dilaudid (synthetic morphine) directly into my spinal fluid. Unfortunately the pump has begun jutting out of my side and need to be "re-tied" so it stays in place and no longer annoys me or causes me pain. This means another surgery, but a minor, one day surgery.
In the meantime, Dr. Frease will continue to increase the amount of pain medicine going into my system. Right now I have no pain while resting or remaining inactive, but when I am active in anyway I can come down with an excruciating headache and joint pain. The increases should prevent the pain caused by being active.
On a side note, we received the results of our cat's blood work. The vet said his blood work came back amazingly well for a 13 year old cat and he is in great health! Wonderful news!
I'll try to post more often.
I saw Dr. Frease, my Pain Management doctor who has rescued me from a life of excruciating pain by having a MedTronic pump implanted in my abdomen that delivers Dilaudid (synthetic morphine) directly into my spinal fluid. Unfortunately the pump has begun jutting out of my side and need to be "re-tied" so it stays in place and no longer annoys me or causes me pain. This means another surgery, but a minor, one day surgery.
In the meantime, Dr. Frease will continue to increase the amount of pain medicine going into my system. Right now I have no pain while resting or remaining inactive, but when I am active in anyway I can come down with an excruciating headache and joint pain. The increases should prevent the pain caused by being active.
On a side note, we received the results of our cat's blood work. The vet said his blood work came back amazingly well for a 13 year old cat and he is in great health! Wonderful news!
I'll try to post more often.
Saturday, November 8, 2008
First Post of a New Blog
So begins a new blog for me. As most know, MySpace was yesterday, and I haven't had the patience to start a Twitter account. I hope to find a good way to archive the old MySpace blogs for posterities sake, but not here.
In the near future a second blog will be started for my soon-to-be new company, LHH Enterprises. For now this one will do just fine as a way to keep friends and family who are interested up-to-date on Nathan, Willy the cat, and my life's events. As for now all I can say is that we're all doing much better than we were just a month ago.
I'm closing for now, but hope to update this page regularly.
Best wishes to all,
~Lisa
In the near future a second blog will be started for my soon-to-be new company, LHH Enterprises. For now this one will do just fine as a way to keep friends and family who are interested up-to-date on Nathan, Willy the cat, and my life's events. As for now all I can say is that we're all doing much better than we were just a month ago.
I'm closing for now, but hope to update this page regularly.
Best wishes to all,
~Lisa
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