GERD and other crap

 Far Guy is being released from the hospital today and we will begin the trek back to our home in the woods. He needs to work at getting stronger…which means lots of walking!

I had a procedure called a EGD/EUS or a Esophagogastroduodenscopy with Endoscopic Ultrasound on June 17th.

I have GERD and some stomach ulcers and something on my pancreas...everything was biopsied and we are waiting on those test results.   They found the “something else”on my pancreas quite by accident on the MRI that I had for my back problem.  The Gastroenterologist's impression is that I should have MRI's every three months depending on the biopsy results.  He also said it is possible that my RA has gone nuts and attacked my pancreas. 

In the meantime my back problem has been diagnosed yet again ( facet joints and nerves are inflamed)..I am having test injections for a Medial Branch Block in late July and late August...thirty days apart for Medicare purposes. If it works then the real procedure may take place sometime in the Fall. 

  My Primary Care Doctors thinks I may have some other Autoimmune Disease....and he would not venture a guess as to which one.  I have an appointment with a Neurologist in September and I am on the wait list.

 Far Guy took really good care of me.  I am still recovering from the procedure. I was having lots of stomach/pancreas pain.  I could not sleep through that pain.  Everyday gets a bit better but I now have new pain (upper between the shoulder blades pain) that joins my lower back pain.

Biopsy results are taking a really long time. 

Finally got biopsy results this week it is a SD IPMN or side duct intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm and I should come back in three months for an MRI or sooner if new symptoms develop.

Clouds in June.

Far Side

Health Happenings

 Our appointments UP North happened last week.  

Far Guy had a Pet Scan and blood work.   His Oncology Doctor said "My beautiful friend your breast cancer is cured!"   The thyroid nodule that is benign they are watching and it has not grown in size since the last Pet Scan.  Far Guy is to follow up with his Endocrinologist  in October.  So that was all great news!  We were truly blessed with an excellent Cancer Doctor and good treatment to have the breast cancer cured within a year!!

Meanwhile...I had a procedure with the Gastroenterologist.  Waiting on the results. 

Far Side

Ah poop

 Poop heads anyways.  

Yesterday I went into the Clinic to get my two Cimzia shots in my belly as I am supposed to have them every 28 days for my many forms of arthritis.  After reading my Doctors notes from the last injection the nurse called a Dr..he said call the prescribing Dr ( she has moved to the great city of Bismarck, ND...good luck to all who she touches there) then the nurse  attempted to call the Rheumatologist...who was busy with patients...SO...

The nurse felt that I had a significant reaction to the last injections and I should see the Doctor in Fargo.  Good thing I have an appointment with him next week. 

I was hoping to get these injections behind me as they made me really short of breath and tired for three days. I had meals prepared and laundry done up...so the three days would be easier.  

 Well so much for having my poop in a pile. 

...other people like Doctors who had 27 days to prepare and come up with a plan...do not have their poop in a pile. 

Buggers anyways. 

My Pain was worse yesterday...might be weather related as our high was -3F or -19C.  I had to run errands in town, in and out of the car multiple times.  We were in town for four hours. ( I had a list a mile long to accomplish) 

I took two Tylenol and a gummy and had a long nap after we got home so the Christmas Card count remains at 117. 

Far Side

I drew you all a pile of poop...only the last plop is a happy plop. 

Gone to the dogs

 Little Elvis and Sadie were very happy to see us!  Little Elvis took his sleeping spot at the foot of my bed on his special dog bed.  Sadie was a frequent visitor in the evening and in the early morning.  What can I say ...she loves us.  

Here she is sharing the sexy red bra she was carrying around.  Far Guy is one of her bestest friends! 

She is all retriever!  It is her job. 

Far Guy and I both had Doctor appointments.  

The Cardiologist said Far Guy is doing good and he should come back in six months. 

My Doctor is reducing one of my blood pressure meds in hopes that I regain some lost kidney function.  He will run more blood tests in a month.   He wants me to follow up with Orthopedics to discuss injections in my knee and hip before thinking about surgery.  He was not well versed in Rheumatology to offer an opinion on RA meds.  Pain meds would probably have the bad side effects like the Cymbalta.  ( I never want to do that withdrawl again.) He suggested an alternative to pain meds...and since we live in Minnesota where more options are legal I will give that a try. 

Far Side

Away

 Gone to see this dog and go to a Dr appointment about my low Potassium.

Far Side

Sunliner and visits

 I think you have to have a little strappy sundress, huge sunglasses and a scarf that flaps in the wind in order to drive this convertible.

Ford Sunliner most likely a 1956...back when a car was a car.

Friday I saw my Dermatologist for my whole body exam...all clear for another year! 

I had a rough night after my third booster...finally got up and put ice on my arm.  Far Guy is headachy and feeling tired.  Seems like I am always tired and I joined him with the headache.  

Our oldest daughter Trica brought her beau for a visit Friday afternoon.  Good to see her and to meet her beau.  Also met their dogs Chase and Lexi ( Golden Labs) who had a fun time racing around the yard. 

Far Side

Frustration Day

 Thursday was Infusion Day or Frustration Day...needless to say many people are not doing their jobs.  What is wrong with people...it seems as if everyone within the Health Care system has lost touch with the patient and what the patient needs.  Like an Infusion...a certain number of mg's over a certain length of time,  Doctor's orders, appointments cancelled and new Doctor's appointments made without consulting the patient...Frustration so bad that Far Guy just wants to give up...and I don't blame him. 

Of course I will try my best to encourage him to stay the course, to be patient...maybe the new Doctor taking over his care will be just the ticket.  Time will tell. 

Far Side