Ventured to UMass Medical in Worcester today for my rescheduled appointment with Dr. Schanzer. He is my second opinion for my abdominal aortic aneurysm (Triple A).
Although my appointment was mid-day, and there was no snow to deal with, it was still quite tricky getting there. Of course GPS had me take a road that was closed for bridge reconstruction, but I was able to traverse by blazing through an alternative route.
The UMass Medical Campus is HUGE. I finally got to the parking garage and arrived at the doctor's reception/check in area more than the half hour prior to the appointment as they requested. Of course I had to fill out the obligatory paperwork and complete the multitude of questionnaires focusing on my current and past health issues. However, I completed those in time for my scheduled appointment, but I guess they weren't ready for me. I hate waiting, but I had to endure a two and a half hour wait. This unto itself was unpleasant, but the icing on the cake was having to hear my 'neighbors' watch endless You tube/Facebook animal videos WITH THE SOUND ON. I had all I could do to not say anything. Others in the area shared the rolling of the eyes, but not one person asked them to turn the phone volume down. I finally had to get up and find another area to sit. [I used to laugh at the sheep singing Whitney Houston songs, but WTF?]
Finally I was called in. I was so happy to see fresh faces and be away from the LOUD family. The medical professional started taking my vitals and led me to an examination room, where she entered information (from my work sheets) onto their system. She was pleasant - and quick. She had me disrobe and had me on the examination table when she realized how big I am. She said, "They don't make these tables for people your size." I said, "I get that a lot" as I chuckled.
I waited for some time before Dr Schanzer arrived. Once seated, I caught him up on my back story and he proceeded to tell me that he reviewed my CT scan results. "According to my calculations on what I could see, your aneurysm is 5.6 cm. Generally we don't do anything until it's 5.5 cm, so you are there. I wouldn't put it off, but you are at a 5% rupture rate if you wait much longer. The risk factors for the stint are 3%, so the benefits do outweigh the risks. Those risks are the same for most types of surgery: heart attack; internal bleeding due to damage to a vessel, and others."
He continued, "There are two ways to approach this. One being open surgery, where we go in and fix the area of the aneurysm. However, given your anatomy, I recommend EVAR (endovascular insertion of a stint). The procedure takes about 2 hours and requires an overnight stay (for most) with a follow-up in a week, then a month, then three, then six - for the rest of your life. An ultrasound will indicate if there is any slippage or endo-leaks, but most can be treated as outpatient procedures."
He looked at his calendar and said he could schedule something for March 28th. I raised my eyebrows. Thought a moment and said, "That makes sense to get it out of the way since it's been weighing on my mind since it was discovered." I asked what the recovery period was and if I would have to come back within a few days for a check on the femoral artery incision. Dr Schanzer pointed to my gut and said, "We'll go in through here, so there will be only two small entry holes. So there's no major pain. You'll probably feel 'beaten up' for about a week, but able to resume life shortly after." I asked if I would have any physical limitations. He said, "I wouldn't go to the gym or do any heavy lifting for about a week, but after - no problem."
So I agreed to have him pencil in the 28th. He asked if I had any further questions, but I told him I may after, but not right now. He gave me his card (contact info) and told me to call if I did. He added that his office will be contacting me and that I would need to come in for a visit with the anesthesiologist as part of the pre-op.
Upon leaving the campus, I needed to visit the parking cashier. The line was outside and around the corner. Apparently, their computer systems and self service kiosks were down. I felt sorry for the one attendant. When I got here attention, she told me to just leave and hit the 'help' button at the gate and I could get out. [Really?] I thanked her and left. Apparently everyone leaving had this inside knowledge and the gates were being raised almost automatically. [Why do I get the feeling that I won't hear the end of this?]
So I killed much of the day traveling, waiting and skipping out without having to pay for parking. At least when I left it was still sunny and I was traveling East, so I had no problems with solar slowdowns. I'll take it.
So it looks like this become real as I embark on a health side trip.
More to come!
Monday, February 27, 2017
Sunday, February 26, 2017
Tattoo Time
Mother Nature slammed us with a number of storms and more than 2 feet of heavy wet snow. All in just a few weeks. But par for the course, we've had unseasonably warm weather (like late Spring) and now all the snow is gone. Can anyone say climate change?
I had my appointment with Dr.Chatson for my aureola tattoo this week. I was a bit anxious since I've never had a tattoo and the fear of the unknown had taken over. While at the doctor's office, I was assured that there would be very little pain and the whole procedure would be quick.
Andrea, the tattoo artist did most of the work with Dr. Chatson reviewing the progress of her work throughout the session. Andrea was quite capable, however, she had some difficulty with the tattoo needle. Apparently, there was a short in the cord and each time she started to use it, the machine would cut out. There was quite the commotion in trying to determine what the cause was and how to remedy it. I had already received numerous injections of local anesthesia, so I was hoping that they would get it figured out, as I didn't feel like coming back another day. Finally (after about a half hour of fussing) things were working properly. Being a tall guy, most examination tables are too short for me. Because of this, I don't 'fit' right and after time, my back begins to bother me. While they were working on a remedy I had asked to stand for a bit. I'm glad I was able to.
Once Andrea proceeded with the tattoo, things began to go quickly. Yes, there was no pain, only the weird sensation of something thumping repeatedly on my chest. Once she was done, the doctor gave his approval and she asked me to look at her work. They did mention that the color would be darker because pigment is lost over time. I did look down but thought afterwards that I should have been given a mirror so I could see it head on. Oh well.
I was bandaged up and instructed to not shower (or get the area wet) until Saturday. I was given a follow up appointment in April and I went on my merry way. Most of the day I was still numb, but as the evening approached I began to feel some discomfort. I did not sleep well that night due to the fact that I'm a side sleeper and was unable to find a comfortable position. Luckily night two was much better.
On Saturday I was able to remove the bandages and take a shower. However, the blood had dried into the bandage and I was unable to remove portions of it fearing that I would lift the scab. I cut away most of the bandage and soaked the remainder in the shower until I was able to delicately remove the rest. I did get a good look at the finished product and did see how the color was a bit stronger than my other nipple, but unless you knew or were really looking, you couldn't tell. He/she did a good job. Now the healing.
I had my appointment with Dr.Chatson for my aureola tattoo this week. I was a bit anxious since I've never had a tattoo and the fear of the unknown had taken over. While at the doctor's office, I was assured that there would be very little pain and the whole procedure would be quick.
Andrea, the tattoo artist did most of the work with Dr. Chatson reviewing the progress of her work throughout the session. Andrea was quite capable, however, she had some difficulty with the tattoo needle. Apparently, there was a short in the cord and each time she started to use it, the machine would cut out. There was quite the commotion in trying to determine what the cause was and how to remedy it. I had already received numerous injections of local anesthesia, so I was hoping that they would get it figured out, as I didn't feel like coming back another day. Finally (after about a half hour of fussing) things were working properly. Being a tall guy, most examination tables are too short for me. Because of this, I don't 'fit' right and after time, my back begins to bother me. While they were working on a remedy I had asked to stand for a bit. I'm glad I was able to.
Once Andrea proceeded with the tattoo, things began to go quickly. Yes, there was no pain, only the weird sensation of something thumping repeatedly on my chest. Once she was done, the doctor gave his approval and she asked me to look at her work. They did mention that the color would be darker because pigment is lost over time. I did look down but thought afterwards that I should have been given a mirror so I could see it head on. Oh well.
I was bandaged up and instructed to not shower (or get the area wet) until Saturday. I was given a follow up appointment in April and I went on my merry way. Most of the day I was still numb, but as the evening approached I began to feel some discomfort. I did not sleep well that night due to the fact that I'm a side sleeper and was unable to find a comfortable position. Luckily night two was much better.
On Saturday I was able to remove the bandages and take a shower. However, the blood had dried into the bandage and I was unable to remove portions of it fearing that I would lift the scab. I cut away most of the bandage and soaked the remainder in the shower until I was able to delicately remove the rest. I did get a good look at the finished product and did see how the color was a bit stronger than my other nipple, but unless you knew or were really looking, you couldn't tell. He/she did a good job. Now the healing.
Other health issues
- Because of the storms, I needed to reschedule my Triple A consultation at UMass Medical until later in the month.
- I've been able to start walking again. I had worked up to three miles a day, but decided to take the weekend off since my foot was 'acting' up.
Thursday, February 2, 2017
Ground Hog Day - Update
Well it appears that Punxsutawney Phil has seen his shadow and scampered into his den, thus signaling 6 more weeks of Winter. Apparently his counterpart, Staten Island Chuck has signaled Spring right around the corner. Clearly one is dealing with alternative facts. Time will tell.
I had my appointment with Dr. Jonathan Ross of New England Neurological in Lawrence this morning. I was referred to him by my Oncologist, Dr. Mehta as a result of my 'gradual' worsening of the neuropathy in my feet (balls of feet and toes on each foot). After finding the office and filling out the obligatory patient paperwork, I was called into Dr. Ross's office for patient interview to gather history and a subsequent examination.
After telling my 'story', Dr. Ross asked me to remove my pants and socks. He had me stand on each foot with my eyes closed; on my tip toes; and on my heels. He seemed pleased that I could pass the 'field sobriety test' and had me sit on the examination table. He looked into my eyes and had me verify some of his hand movements. [Not sure why he was checking eyes, but I did tell him I had cataract surgery last May.]
He checked my reflexes then moved a cold-to-the-touch, implement at various points on my legs and feet. I was surprised how I couldn't feel any coolness on my lower feet. To some extent, I had a lesser sense of the temperature all the way up my calves before I could feel how cold the implement really was. That was an eye opener for me.
Dr. Ross then asked me to close my eyes and tell me when I could feel a pin. I had no sensation until he got to my ankles. As he went up the calf, I could feel the discomfort. Another eye opener.
After all the testing, Dr Ross stated that he agreed the neuropathy was a side effect of the chemo and most likely won't get worse or improve. He said, "Unfortunately there is no cure and your being tall is not helping you. The regeneration cells/nutrients have far to travel in your body, so your lower extremities are exhibiting the various degrees of neuropathy. You may, over time have some improvement, but all you can do is wait and see if it worsens before having neurological tests performed."
Well I can't say I expected any more or less. It is what it is. I'd gladly take this amount of neuropathy over a second round of cancer. As long as I'm still able to enjoy life and be mobile without nerve pain, I'm happy to monitor its progression.
I did mention to Dr. Ross that Charcot Marie Tooth disease (CMT) runs in my family. He thought that this wasn't that, but recommended a test if it progresses. He did ask if I knew which gene my siblings had. Apparently there are many genes capable of causing CMT so I'll ask.
So it appears that there is nothing he can do for me or my condition. He did mention again to contact the office if things change (worsen). If this does happen he wants to give me some tests.
More to come!
I had my appointment with Dr. Jonathan Ross of New England Neurological in Lawrence this morning. I was referred to him by my Oncologist, Dr. Mehta as a result of my 'gradual' worsening of the neuropathy in my feet (balls of feet and toes on each foot). After finding the office and filling out the obligatory patient paperwork, I was called into Dr. Ross's office for patient interview to gather history and a subsequent examination.
After telling my 'story', Dr. Ross asked me to remove my pants and socks. He had me stand on each foot with my eyes closed; on my tip toes; and on my heels. He seemed pleased that I could pass the 'field sobriety test' and had me sit on the examination table. He looked into my eyes and had me verify some of his hand movements. [Not sure why he was checking eyes, but I did tell him I had cataract surgery last May.]
He checked my reflexes then moved a cold-to-the-touch, implement at various points on my legs and feet. I was surprised how I couldn't feel any coolness on my lower feet. To some extent, I had a lesser sense of the temperature all the way up my calves before I could feel how cold the implement really was. That was an eye opener for me.
Dr. Ross then asked me to close my eyes and tell me when I could feel a pin. I had no sensation until he got to my ankles. As he went up the calf, I could feel the discomfort. Another eye opener.
After all the testing, Dr Ross stated that he agreed the neuropathy was a side effect of the chemo and most likely won't get worse or improve. He said, "Unfortunately there is no cure and your being tall is not helping you. The regeneration cells/nutrients have far to travel in your body, so your lower extremities are exhibiting the various degrees of neuropathy. You may, over time have some improvement, but all you can do is wait and see if it worsens before having neurological tests performed."
Well I can't say I expected any more or less. It is what it is. I'd gladly take this amount of neuropathy over a second round of cancer. As long as I'm still able to enjoy life and be mobile without nerve pain, I'm happy to monitor its progression.
I did mention to Dr. Ross that Charcot Marie Tooth disease (CMT) runs in my family. He thought that this wasn't that, but recommended a test if it progresses. He did ask if I knew which gene my siblings had. Apparently there are many genes capable of causing CMT so I'll ask.
So it appears that there is nothing he can do for me or my condition. He did mention again to contact the office if things change (worsen). If this does happen he wants to give me some tests.
Updates on other health issues
- Triple A - After some research, I decided to go with the current traditional endo-vascular repar (EVAR) approach. I have an appointment at UMass Medical in Worcester in a few weeks.
- My sore foot - After two months of being unable to take my daily walks due to an unexplained pain in my left foot, I'm happy to report that I was able to take a 1 mile walk yesterday. The foot is not 100% yet, but I'm hoping to build the muscle back so I can resume my regimen of 2-5 miles per day. Baby steps!
- Reconstruction - I have an appointment in a few weeks for my aureola tattoo. This should be interesting.
More to come!
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