Depression in Las Vegas

I guess you can tell that I haven't blogged for 5 weeks. That's because the news is so discouraging.

Paul continues to do well, except for the depression about being stuck in Las Vegas and not in Homer taking care of his toys (equipment). He needs to winterize everything.

I am doing pretty good with the depression if I continue to knit all the time and keep my mind off my problems. I did get some allergy blood tests and they showed absolutely NOTHING! So my primary care doctor sent me to an allergy specialist. He poked about 120 spots on my back and found that I'm allergic to: Navy Beans, Apples, Peaches, Peas, Spinach, Clams, Nutmeg, and Black Pepper.

"Whoa" I said to the doctor, " the blood test said I wasn't allergic to Clams" (along with whatever else the they tested). I think the blood test was bogus and the doctor was in agreement. He called the lab and retested my blood. I'm waiting another 10 days for the results of that one. That was 5 days ago.

I did get an x-ray of my low back and it looks bad. I was sent to a neurologist who did a nerve conduction on my feet (which are numb and burning all the time). The insurance denied me having an MRI 3 times, even after my doctor talked to the insurance doctor on the phone. So, I was referred to an orthopedic surgeon.

I had my appointment with Doctor Lee on last Thursday, not good. I really liked the doctor but he didn't like my x-ray or the symptoms I manifested. He said I have 5 vertebra in my low back that are damaged (deteriorating) and there is a curve in the lumbar spine. When I told him I have burning in my feet he said "That's bad, we need an MRI" and he went out of the exam room and I didn't see him again. A girl came in with a paper in a few minutes. She said "Here is your return appointment on November 18th. and as soon as we get the approval from the insurance for the MRI, we'll schedule it and give you a call".

Well, after that appointment I was supposed to go to the yarn shop and knit but I was so depressed that I went to the car and cried. I called Paul and he said to come home and he'd give me a hug. I was so depressed I couldn't even knit for 2 days, that's just not like me.

PS: My friend, Joy, called me and said I need to put a note on the blog so people don't think I'm suicidal. I'm not, I'm just discouraged at the delays and still not having a diagnosis.

Progress, slow but sure

Two more doctors appointments done. Yesterday we both saw the primary care doctor and there are still a couple items pending. She was pleased, with my blood pressure (118/82), but I was ECSTATIC!!! FINALLY, I got a good reading in the doctor's office (I have lab coat syndrome, false high blood pressure in the doctors office).

The doctor is agreeing with me that my other symptoms may be caused from allergies. I'm having blood work on Monday (Sept. 20th) for adult allergy and food allergy. It'll take a week or so to get the results, I think. Wouldn't it be nice to get rid of my problems by avoiding something simple like food?

Today I (Karen) had the nerve conduction study and proved there is nerve damage in my low back which is causing the numbness and pain in my toes and feet. We're still waiting for the approval for the MRI from the insurance company. That test will show the cause, either bone or disk and tell us what the options might be for relief. The pain has been bothering me for years but it's finally become intolerable.
I'm feeling pretty guilty about not being home taking care of my responsibilities. Every other time we've been here because of Paul's health, this is new for me and I don't like it.

Vegas Heat and Doctors

More doctors appointments done. Paul's heart doctor is pleased with his condition.

My doctors visits aren't turning out as well unfortunately. I've had swelling and high blood pressure since we arrived and I'm beginning to think it could be more serious than just the heat. I'm trying to stay cool and follow doctor's orders but I'm not improving. I have another appointment on the 16th to get further diagnosis.

Paradise to Las Vegas

Well, maybe that wasn't the best timing. Labor Day is in 5 days, and we're in Las Vegas. I'm hoping it's a quiet weekend. I think we'll just stay home and try to keep cool in the 105+ heat.

The visit with Candy was cut short because she got a new job, darn for me, good for her. I love her and missed my one-on-one time with her.

The drive from Paradise to LV took a little longer than expected. The steering stabilizer slipped and made it pull to the left. We spent the night in Bakersfield and spent the morning in repairs. It's fixed and just fine now.

More good news on the doctors visits. Paul saw the diabetes doctor and he's very pleased with the progress. Paul's A1c has improved and the doctor made NO changes in the medications. That's a big Hooray and one more hurdle done. That makes our return trip home look sooner rather than later!

Well, that's about it for now, pray for my survival in this heat. This is NOTHING like Alaska!!!

Thousand Oaks to Paradise, California

Well, Paul got a clean bill of health from the spine doctor, Hooray!!!

He had a neck x-ray, acupuncture treatment, physical therapy, etc before being released from care. We packed up the motor home and hit the road, seems like old times. He was feeling so good that he wanted to drive, and DRIVE he did. He drove almost 500 miles from Thousand Oaks to Paradise, California.

We arrived about 9pm and found a parking place at the ELKS Lodge. Tired and hot we hooked up, leveled, put out slides and satellite up before hitting the sack. This is a quiet RV park by the ELKS Lodge with pine trees, oak trees and grass. It's right in the center of town but you wouldn't know it.

Saturday we ran a couple errands and had dinner at HULA'S Mongolian Bar-B-Que, the best I've EVER had ANYWHERE!!! (We waited in line for an hour and it was worth it. I don't wait in for much of anything!)

Sunday I spent a couple hours with my brother before attending church where my dad is second counselor in the bishopric. We then had dinner at one of my daughters house to celebrate Katy-Beth's 3rd birthday. I love my family and miss them so. What a blessing to have 3 daughters and their families together today.

Doctors and Surgery

Well, the news we've all been waiting for...Paul's neck surgery was successful. Yesterday the doctor cleaned up two herniated disks and Paul can feel with his fingers again and he has improved range of motion in his neck.

Hooray for Paul and thanks to Dr. Chiu. By the way, Dr. Chiu's planning to visit Anchorage twice a year, what do you know about that?

Also yesterday, we got the call from the doctor that the referrals came for Paul to see the cardiologist and endocrinologist. I called and got appointments for Sept. 1st and 3rd. Also my appointment with the primary care doc is Sept 2nd. It's starting to look like a 'perfect world' to me.

Oh and more good news, the lab report came in Wednesday evening that said everything looked good. My thyroid was NORMAL, after not taking any for 2 weeks!!! I was right, I was being 'poisoned' by taking any at all. Life is good!

I will have 2 doctor's appointments 2 weeks apart but that sounds like it's going to be simple enough to come home to Homer sooner rather than later, time will tell.

Surgery is over

Paul has come through the surgery with flying colors. The surgeon is very pleased with the success of the proceedure. Paul said he has more mobility in his neck and more feeling in his fingertips. He is still in post-op but should be walking out in the next hour or less.

He will take it easy today, walking and resting and seeing the surgeon tomorrow. After that appointment, we'll be free to 'move about the country', lol!!!

Our next stop is Paradise California to see my dad and 4 daughters before returning to Las Vegas for further doctors appointments.

Life is Good!!!