Can't say that I've had much to say lately or that much has happened, but it seems as though I've been busy. Friday, the powers that be at work, gave us 'early out' (2 hours) for our fine work in these past few difficult months. That meant I got to go home a little after 1:00PM. And I sure did. I think I walked thru my front door at 1:20. I left at 1:15. LOL
Work has been OK. Once again, nothing stellar but considering all, I still am blessed. Two big points are the commute and the early hours I am able to choose. I have heard from one of the staff involved in the Jan 11 RIF. He was looking for Chris' phone number, in hopes of interesting him in coming on boardwith the company he is with. It's another competitor, about the same distance away, but in another direction. He told me to send my resume to him and he would pass it along. He said they desperately need help and was sure I would hear back. I am thinking about it. David commented 'it's always good to test the waters'. I guess that way one can always see what's going on out there. I do become frustrated with the lack of organization in my new position, but compared to the micro-management I was under previously, this is a picnic.
My boss had commented that my workspace seemed very cramped when he saw what I needed to store in my immediate area. He asked our facilities department if we could reconfigure my cubicle and in talking, it seemed workable. I would have been very pleased with the plan drawn up. Well......it seems as though the steel framework of the cubes would not allow the configuration we had pictured. Instead I got about 3 more feet of space. It's very big and when I finished rearranging things, it is very nice. I think it will allow me a better chance to be more efficient and at least I can breathe.
My dear friend BJ underwent her surgery on Tuesday. I visited her on Wednesday and she looked surprisingly good. Her color was good and her eyes were clear. To me, it appeared that she has already lost weight in her face. She was released to go home on Thursday and yesterday we had a nice phone conversation. She sounds like she gets winded easily but that's to be expected 4 days after a major operation. When I found out what this whole process entails I really have a newfound respect for her and her decision. Her entire life style will change as well as he shape. I wish her well and she sends thanks to all for the prayers said for her and her medical team.
Today there is a cookout as a farewell for the gal (and hubby) who was my roommate on my last trip to Russia. I'm looking forward to getting out and seeing the group of people I travelled with to Russia. I want to hear all about the last trip.
I won't be going to Russia again. The trip is just too long and hard and the accommodations, although clean, really offer no comfort. A bed (lumpy), a jon (rather archaic) and a shower (with very little hot water).
I did get my test results back from my new doctor, Dr. R. I think I will like her and be able to build a good rapport. My cholesterol is up (238) but not as high as I had expected it to be (260+). She put me back on Zocor at a higher dosage than Dr. Quack had me on. I must go back in 90 days for more blood work. She also wants me to lose some weight. She would like to see 20 lbs in a year. I can do that, if I put my mind to it. On a broad spectrum, that's less than 2 lbs a month. My problem is that my right hip and leg are giving me a lot of pain and I really can't walk farther that a little over a quarter of a mile before it starts to spasm and pain me. I am going to search SparkPeople.com for some stretching exercises. I think if I start there, I may have some luck.
Other than that, nothing is new. Life is more-or-less good and I'm fairly contented.
God bless you all.
Sunday, May 27, 2007
Tuesday, May 15, 2007
Catching Up
I've had a busy week and a half, which is good. A couple of things worth mentioning have happened.
First, I found a new doctor. I picked her from our new insurance carrier's list of participating physicians. She is located about 2 miles from my house and that's important when I want to see her during a work day. She graduated from Loma Linda Medical School in '87 which means she's experienced but not too old.
She spend about 45 minutes with me in my first visit. I appreciated that and when she asked me why I was changing doctors I hedged because I didn't fell I wanted to badmouth Dr. Quack too much. I did tell her about the last episode about the lost appointment. She said she would have been upset too.
When we started to discuss my medications she asked about the 10 mgs of cholesterol medication he had prescribed for me. I, of course, said it was because I needed to lower it. She said that the lowest dosage usually prescribed is 20 mgs and really seemed surprised with the lower dose from Dr. Quack. That had me puzzled.
The following morning I stopped by their office to have blood drawn and I am now awaiting the results. This was only last Friday, so I may hear something today. I'm curious to see what she will prescribe.
She would like me to lose 20 lbs and was pleased when I told her I was working on it. I really like her and hope that we can build a good relationship.
And speaking of health issues, David is doing very well. He is still in the trial and error phase of his insulin program. One day he's up and the next he's normal. His doctor says this is normal and to monitor it. Now that he is on the road to recovery it's amazing how bad he looked when he got sick. It happened so slowly and gradually that it wasn't noticeable. Now he looks great. He has a glow about him and his skin has lost that awful pallor. He has lost about 20 lbs and I laughed because as much as I like the trim David, I'm used to the 'round' one. I'm just happy he is getting well.
And more health issues, BJ is having surgery one week from today. She's having a gastric bypass and will be off work about 2 weeks. I was very happy to hear this because her health in general is not good. She is asthmatic, has severe thyroid problems, her knees and ankles are troublesome and of course, weight induced OB/GYN problems. I pray that this is a success and my friend can get healthy.
Other than that, work is fine. The new position seems to be OK. I'm still bored to pieces, but that beats the alternative.
God bless you all.
First, I found a new doctor. I picked her from our new insurance carrier's list of participating physicians. She is located about 2 miles from my house and that's important when I want to see her during a work day. She graduated from Loma Linda Medical School in '87 which means she's experienced but not too old.
She spend about 45 minutes with me in my first visit. I appreciated that and when she asked me why I was changing doctors I hedged because I didn't fell I wanted to badmouth Dr. Quack too much. I did tell her about the last episode about the lost appointment. She said she would have been upset too.
When we started to discuss my medications she asked about the 10 mgs of cholesterol medication he had prescribed for me. I, of course, said it was because I needed to lower it. She said that the lowest dosage usually prescribed is 20 mgs and really seemed surprised with the lower dose from Dr. Quack. That had me puzzled.
The following morning I stopped by their office to have blood drawn and I am now awaiting the results. This was only last Friday, so I may hear something today. I'm curious to see what she will prescribe.
She would like me to lose 20 lbs and was pleased when I told her I was working on it. I really like her and hope that we can build a good relationship.
And speaking of health issues, David is doing very well. He is still in the trial and error phase of his insulin program. One day he's up and the next he's normal. His doctor says this is normal and to monitor it. Now that he is on the road to recovery it's amazing how bad he looked when he got sick. It happened so slowly and gradually that it wasn't noticeable. Now he looks great. He has a glow about him and his skin has lost that awful pallor. He has lost about 20 lbs and I laughed because as much as I like the trim David, I'm used to the 'round' one. I'm just happy he is getting well.
And more health issues, BJ is having surgery one week from today. She's having a gastric bypass and will be off work about 2 weeks. I was very happy to hear this because her health in general is not good. She is asthmatic, has severe thyroid problems, her knees and ankles are troublesome and of course, weight induced OB/GYN problems. I pray that this is a success and my friend can get healthy.
Other than that, work is fine. The new position seems to be OK. I'm still bored to pieces, but that beats the alternative.
God bless you all.
Saturday, May 5, 2007
David's Diagnosis
I had mentioned a few posts ago that my dear friend David was not feeling 100%. He had a needle biopsy and is still awaiting results.
Something has made me very very angry. I guess in a nutshell it's doctors in general. David and Sharon his wife, paid dear friends a visit on Sunday. One is a nurse and he took some of the bloodwork results along for her to interpret. She read them and explained some of the readings to David and for the fun of things she took a glucose reading. His blood sugar levels were over 500!! This is close to diabetic coma readings. She had her husband take him to the emergency room immediately.
He was triaged around at 3:00PM and was released around 10:30PM. He was administered 3 bags of saline solution and had blood drawn for 3 different blood workups during that time, as well as an EKG to monitor heart function. When he was released his blood sugar was down to around 200+ which still was high, but better than earlier in the day. The hospital made an emergency appointment with his GP for 9:00AM the next day and once again his doctor looked at him, his results and couldn't come up with a diagnosis.
The hospital had also made an appointment with an endocrinologist for Wednesday. Well hallelulah!! They took a urine test and a blood test and he announced that David is diabetic. I really don't think a took a rocket scientist to see that. This doctor has put him on 4 insulin shots per day and of course a diet plan to follow. He is to return in one week to see how his body has stabilized. Then they will determine the insulin regimin he will follow.
It just amazed that all of those other doctors missed the obvious. Me - not a medical person - was able to Google 'symptoms of diabetes' and found a list of 7 things. David had 4 things on that list and in talking to him, he revealed 2 more. As the medical community was being cavalier about a diagnosis, my friend was getting sicker and sicker.
The new doctor said he feels that there will be no findings once they receive the results of the needle biopsy on his liver. David likes this doctor and is impressed that he spent over 30 minutes with him talking to him and getting to know him. I liked that too.
Through it all my prayers and those of my friends supported David and he thanks all.
So do I.
God bless you all.
Something has made me very very angry. I guess in a nutshell it's doctors in general. David and Sharon his wife, paid dear friends a visit on Sunday. One is a nurse and he took some of the bloodwork results along for her to interpret. She read them and explained some of the readings to David and for the fun of things she took a glucose reading. His blood sugar levels were over 500!! This is close to diabetic coma readings. She had her husband take him to the emergency room immediately.
He was triaged around at 3:00PM and was released around 10:30PM. He was administered 3 bags of saline solution and had blood drawn for 3 different blood workups during that time, as well as an EKG to monitor heart function. When he was released his blood sugar was down to around 200+ which still was high, but better than earlier in the day. The hospital made an emergency appointment with his GP for 9:00AM the next day and once again his doctor looked at him, his results and couldn't come up with a diagnosis.
The hospital had also made an appointment with an endocrinologist for Wednesday. Well hallelulah!! They took a urine test and a blood test and he announced that David is diabetic. I really don't think a took a rocket scientist to see that. This doctor has put him on 4 insulin shots per day and of course a diet plan to follow. He is to return in one week to see how his body has stabilized. Then they will determine the insulin regimin he will follow.
It just amazed that all of those other doctors missed the obvious. Me - not a medical person - was able to Google 'symptoms of diabetes' and found a list of 7 things. David had 4 things on that list and in talking to him, he revealed 2 more. As the medical community was being cavalier about a diagnosis, my friend was getting sicker and sicker.
The new doctor said he feels that there will be no findings once they receive the results of the needle biopsy on his liver. David likes this doctor and is impressed that he spent over 30 minutes with him talking to him and getting to know him. I liked that too.
Through it all my prayers and those of my friends supported David and he thanks all.
So do I.
God bless you all.
Wednesday, May 2, 2007
Once again - I usually don't do these :o)
My dear friend Donna comes up with the best stuff in her journal. That's why I don't miss a day reading either one of them.
Here's a fun Meme
A-Available or Single? Unfortunately Prince Charming has lost my address. I'm single.
B-Best Friend: I would have to say my late sister Dian was my best friend. I still miss her very much. But as of this point in my life, I have several that I consider dear enough to be considered the 'best'. In alpha order, BJ, David, Donna, Jim (even though he's in the slammer)and Steve.
C-Cake or Pie: Both - Death By Chocolate Cake and my Apple Pie. I've just taken to baking apple pie in the last year and found it to be very easy if I use a premade crust.
D-Drink of Choice: My morning coffee. That first sip is like ambrosia.
E-Essential Item(s): My iPod, my Avalon, my computer. Oh good grief and Makeup!!
F- Favorite Color(s): Red, blue (turquoise)
G- Gummi Bears or Worms? Both - I have a sweet tooth.
H- Hometown: Milwaukee, WI - I've only been back 3 times in over 40 years. I returned last September for my 50th high school reunion. I was so surprised to see how things have changed, but when I drove through my old childhood neighborhood, I was able to find several tender memories hiding in the new things created out of the old.
I- Indulgence: Clothes and jewelry. Having been a post depression child, I wore hand-me-downs until I was in my late teens. Once I could afford it, I built a wardrobe - and haven't stopped yet.
K- Kids: None human - the three I live with have 4 feet each.
L- Life is incomplete without: God - love
M- Marriage Date: Pending
N- Number of Siblings: 1.5 My father married my mother who had a daughter before she was married to my dad. I didn't know her at all and she surfaced after my step-mom died. My relationship with her was not stellar. She was nuts and a liar. No more need be said.
O- Oranges or Apples? Oranges for eating and apples for pie.
P- Phobias/Fears: Phobia - elevators. I have a thing that makes me want to faint if I look at the floor register. My brain tells me I'm locked in a little room and I can't get out. Fears - Heavy weather - something I can't control. We had a tornado hit nearby and I was scared to pieces because there was nothing I could to do stop it.
Q- Favorite Quote: I'm at a loss for this one. What keeps coming to mind is IS 41:13 and that's not a quote.
R- Reasons to smile: This could take awhile. Bossa nova music, sunshine, flowers, baby animals, my pets, those I love, not having to go to work.........
S- Season: Summer - at the beach
T- Tag Three: Don't know of three to tag.
U- Unknown Fact About Me: I'm afraid I'll die alone. I worry who will take care of my kitties.
V – Vegetarian or Oppressor of Animals? I guess I am a carnivore at heart. I gotta have my meat. Any kind.
W- Worst Habit(s): Being overly judgemental before I know all of the facts. I've had to eat many words.
X – X-rays or Ultrasounds? Either one, but if I have to have one it means something's wrong and that would upset me.
Y- Your Favorite Foods: Seafood although I'm not supposed to eat it because of the cholesterol count, pizza, pasta, veggies, cookies and chocolate.
Zodiac - Capricorn - all the way.
Here's a fun Meme
A-Available or Single? Unfortunately Prince Charming has lost my address. I'm single.
B-Best Friend: I would have to say my late sister Dian was my best friend. I still miss her very much. But as of this point in my life, I have several that I consider dear enough to be considered the 'best'. In alpha order, BJ, David, Donna, Jim (even though he's in the slammer)and Steve.
C-Cake or Pie: Both - Death By Chocolate Cake and my Apple Pie. I've just taken to baking apple pie in the last year and found it to be very easy if I use a premade crust.
D-Drink of Choice: My morning coffee. That first sip is like ambrosia.
E-Essential Item(s): My iPod, my Avalon, my computer. Oh good grief and Makeup!!
F- Favorite Color(s): Red, blue (turquoise)
G- Gummi Bears or Worms? Both - I have a sweet tooth.
H- Hometown: Milwaukee, WI - I've only been back 3 times in over 40 years. I returned last September for my 50th high school reunion. I was so surprised to see how things have changed, but when I drove through my old childhood neighborhood, I was able to find several tender memories hiding in the new things created out of the old.
I- Indulgence: Clothes and jewelry. Having been a post depression child, I wore hand-me-downs until I was in my late teens. Once I could afford it, I built a wardrobe - and haven't stopped yet.
K- Kids: None human - the three I live with have 4 feet each.
L- Life is incomplete without: God - love
M- Marriage Date: Pending
N- Number of Siblings: 1.5 My father married my mother who had a daughter before she was married to my dad. I didn't know her at all and she surfaced after my step-mom died. My relationship with her was not stellar. She was nuts and a liar. No more need be said.
O- Oranges or Apples? Oranges for eating and apples for pie.
P- Phobias/Fears: Phobia - elevators. I have a thing that makes me want to faint if I look at the floor register. My brain tells me I'm locked in a little room and I can't get out. Fears - Heavy weather - something I can't control. We had a tornado hit nearby and I was scared to pieces because there was nothing I could to do stop it.
Q- Favorite Quote: I'm at a loss for this one. What keeps coming to mind is IS 41:13 and that's not a quote.
R- Reasons to smile: This could take awhile. Bossa nova music, sunshine, flowers, baby animals, my pets, those I love, not having to go to work.........
S- Season: Summer - at the beach
T- Tag Three: Don't know of three to tag.
U- Unknown Fact About Me: I'm afraid I'll die alone. I worry who will take care of my kitties.
V – Vegetarian or Oppressor of Animals? I guess I am a carnivore at heart. I gotta have my meat. Any kind.
W- Worst Habit(s): Being overly judgemental before I know all of the facts. I've had to eat many words.
X – X-rays or Ultrasounds? Either one, but if I have to have one it means something's wrong and that would upset me.
Y- Your Favorite Foods: Seafood although I'm not supposed to eat it because of the cholesterol count, pizza, pasta, veggies, cookies and chocolate.
Zodiac - Capricorn - all the way.
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