Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
The years appear to fly by faster and faster with each coming new year. It's already Winter and we've had a few storms already. A Nor' Easter is predicted for Christmas Day. Let's hope it's not as bad as they say....ya right.
December had three visits to doctors. The first, with Dr. Moore coincided with my yearly mammogram at the Holy Family Breast Cancer Care Unit. Seems like just yesterday I was there, fortunately for me this time I knew what to do, and not to do, so my discomfort level was manageable. Luckily for me the doctor arranged to be on premise for my follow-up. The wait for the imaging wasn't too long and Dr. Moore saw me prior to the mammogram and 'copped a feel'. After his sign of approval he said he would come in and discuss the results of the imaging.
The mammogram went quickly. This time there was no mechanical malfunctions or computer issues. The technician indicated that things appeared normal, but the doctor would discuss the results. I waited for a longer period of time and watched many woman brought into the imaging room and eventually walk out. I was concerned that I may have been forgotten. The nurse noticed I was still waiting and I overheard her mention my name to the doctor. He soon came in and said the results were normal and provided some paperwork for the front office to schedule next year's mammogram and follow. I thanked him and proceeded to the front office. Unfortunately, I was told that I had to contact Dr. Moore's office to schedule that. Odd!
On the way out I decided to update my insurance information at the Dana Farber Unit while I was there. I then drove to Dr. Moore's office in North Andover and was able to make the appointment for next December. I was also able to update my insurance information now that I'm Medicare.
The next week I had my 6 month check up with Dr. Mehta at the Dana Farber Community Cancer Care Unit at Holy Family. As usual it was quite busy, but there wasn't a very long wait. After having my vitals taken and recorded, the medical professional reviewed my chart for changes and updates. After completion, she said the doctor will be with you shortly.
After about ten minutes, Dr. Mehta arrived and seemed quite pleased with my overall health. He commented how I looked well and rested. I asked, "Now how much money did you say you wanted to borrow?" Then added, "retirement agrees with me and I highly recommend it." He said that he has too many years to go before thinking about retirement.
Dr. Mehta could see that I had a mammogram the previous week. He requested that I remove my shirt and he performed a very thorough examination of both breasts and arm pits. I'm talking deep tissue examination. He exclaimed, "Great." Then asked that I re-dress. He gave me a prescription of Tamoxifen for another year and asked that I come see him in June. I'll be back for the Summer Solstice.
Last week I had a follow-up visit with my primary care physician, Dr. Rees. He wanted to ensure that things continue to be stable following my endo-vascular repair (EVAR) of my aneurysm as well as my general health and well-being. While there I received my (second booster) shot for pneumonia. He indicated that I will receive another at our next visit. He looked at my chart and said I had a physical scheduled for January, but because Medicare doesn't cover that cost he advised that I cancel it. [Not liking Medicare.] He said he would see me next year.
A few days later I received a written confirmation that my mammogram was normal.
I'm hopeful that there will be no more issues worth reporting so I will conclude this blog at year's end.
Thanks to all for reading and for your continued support!
Sunday, December 24, 2017
Monday, November 6, 2017
Fall 2017 Update
Dealing with coffee restrictions (due to a required fast) and the residual effect of the "Fall Back' of time, I was able to make it to UMass Medical in Worcester for my follow-up with Dr. Schanzer with no issues. I had been concerned with commuting traffic, but was lucky to have not had any major delays.
Today's visit included an ultrasound and follow-up with the doctor. I was the first patient of the day and the attendant was feeling the effects of the time change too. The clock in the lab had not been changed and I was thanked for bringing it to her attention. After my lying on the table and pulling away my shirt and lowering my pants, I was happy to have 'warm' goop applied to my abdomen. I've had previous ultra sounds where I was shocked by that 'cold' feeling. Pleasantly surprised today.
While attendant did her thing, I was watching the monitor and I believe I saw the Lock Ness monster...or maybe not. I was deprived of caffeine and I was very zombie-like. But she was capturing many images and making notations on each. I was happy to hear that she said she would review the results at the conclusion.
After a spell, the continuous pressure began to bother me, but gladly she said we were finished. She wiped me up and asked that I sit up to review the pictures. I'm glad she explained things because it all looked like a mess to me. The good news is that the graft has not moved and there was no leakage. Blood was flowing normally too. [I guess despite the lack of coffee.]
From my online chart:
"Duplex ultrasonography of the patient's endovascular aneurysm repair was performed in our vascular laboratory today. They were unable to visualize the proximal fixation zone, however the aneurysm continued to measure 5.6 cm in diameter with no residual flow seen in the aneurysm sac and no obvious evidence of endoleak. These images were personally reviewed."
When I met with Dr. Schanzer he reiterated the fact that the graft was stable with no leakage. He did say that the aneurysm (sac size) has not grown and is not being supplied with blood (thus no leakage). I asked how long it would take for the sack to get smaller. He said, 'Everyone is different. Some have the sac retract over time, others have scar tissue that keeps the sac the same size. But your sac has not grown and there is no supply of blood. The repair was a success and the threat of 'burst' has been eliminated. However, it is something you will need to have monitored for the rest of your life. I'll have you scheduled for a follow-up in March, then each year after.'
I did have a question about one of the findings listed from my CT Scan. The report indicated that I had a Hiatus Hernia. He indicated that this is not within the expertise of a vascular surgeon, but if I had not symptoms: pain; heartburn; back pain; and/or vomiting, then I shouldn't be concerned. This basically what Dr. Rees said. I'll let sleeping dogs lie.
More to come!
Today's visit included an ultrasound and follow-up with the doctor. I was the first patient of the day and the attendant was feeling the effects of the time change too. The clock in the lab had not been changed and I was thanked for bringing it to her attention. After my lying on the table and pulling away my shirt and lowering my pants, I was happy to have 'warm' goop applied to my abdomen. I've had previous ultra sounds where I was shocked by that 'cold' feeling. Pleasantly surprised today.
While attendant did her thing, I was watching the monitor and I believe I saw the Lock Ness monster...or maybe not. I was deprived of caffeine and I was very zombie-like. But she was capturing many images and making notations on each. I was happy to hear that she said she would review the results at the conclusion.
After a spell, the continuous pressure began to bother me, but gladly she said we were finished. She wiped me up and asked that I sit up to review the pictures. I'm glad she explained things because it all looked like a mess to me. The good news is that the graft has not moved and there was no leakage. Blood was flowing normally too. [I guess despite the lack of coffee.]
From my online chart:
"Duplex ultrasonography of the patient's endovascular aneurysm repair was performed in our vascular laboratory today. They were unable to visualize the proximal fixation zone, however the aneurysm continued to measure 5.6 cm in diameter with no residual flow seen in the aneurysm sac and no obvious evidence of endoleak. These images were personally reviewed."
When I met with Dr. Schanzer he reiterated the fact that the graft was stable with no leakage. He did say that the aneurysm (sac size) has not grown and is not being supplied with blood (thus no leakage). I asked how long it would take for the sack to get smaller. He said, 'Everyone is different. Some have the sac retract over time, others have scar tissue that keeps the sac the same size. But your sac has not grown and there is no supply of blood. The repair was a success and the threat of 'burst' has been eliminated. However, it is something you will need to have monitored for the rest of your life. I'll have you scheduled for a follow-up in March, then each year after.'
I did have a question about one of the findings listed from my CT Scan. The report indicated that I had a Hiatus Hernia. He indicated that this is not within the expertise of a vascular surgeon, but if I had not symptoms: pain; heartburn; back pain; and/or vomiting, then I shouldn't be concerned. This basically what Dr. Rees said. I'll let sleeping dogs lie.
Continuing Side Effects
I'm still learning to deal with the long term effects of chemotherapy. Sometimes I'm unsure if it's that or my aging...or both. But I continue to soldier on despite this.- Neuropathy - Luckily I'm still able to walk daily. It doesn't appear that this condition has worsened, but I must be extremely careful of my footing and must ensure that I have protection for my feet. I had a blister develop on my big toe, but I never felt it. I was wearing 'the wrong kind of socks' that day and the weave caused too much friction. Just another thing to be mindful of. I can still stand on my toes and heals. [The Page family will understand this.] I'm still having that weird issue with my thumb and forefinger. I try the best I can to work around this. Sometimes, just changing to another guitar helps. Other times, I just need a break. Like I said - odd.
- Light-headed-ness - Between the hypertension meds and the Tamoxifen I have to be extremely careful standing up after sitting for an extended period. Although I've had a few close calls, I haven't 'blacked-out', but I have seen stars. Just another thing to be aware of.
- Raspy/Hoarse throat - Although I've stopped Atorvastatin because of this unwelcome side effect, Tamoxifen also has this listed as a possible side effect. There are certain notes in my range that I have to approach differently for the correct pitch to come out. This does keep me playing the piano and doing vocal exercises. So there's an up side.
- Charlie Horse - I guess it's the new normal. I have them just about every night. The good news is I can tell when it's beginning so I can move my legs into a position which prevents or lessens the spasm. I'm becoming an expert. I rarely have to jump out of bed and stand. I'm able to maneuver to a position while being horizontal. Still not fun.
- Hot Flashes - Ya, they are still here, but not as numerous.
More to come!
Wednesday, August 30, 2017
Summer's Almost Gone
I guess it's a good sign that I haven't had to provide updates to my blog. Summer has come and is now on the way out - unfortunately. But we knew that would happen.
Since my last update, I had a follow-up with my primary care provider, Dr. Rees. All systems are normal and nothing out of the ordinary to report. Yay!
Since I had my follow-up CT scan after my EVR (aneurysm repair), I did receive notification through my portal that the results indicated a hiatus hernia and a dissented gall bladder with no stones. I've been concerned as to what that really meant and if I needed to do anything (or not do anything) proactively.
When asked of Dr. Rees, he smiled and said, "When I do tests and results come back, I will indicate the seriousness of the findings. You don't need to be concerned with the findings unless you are having symptoms". I asked what symptoms I should be aware of. He said, "Both conditions if symptomatic, would result in chest pain or discomfort. Have you experienced that"? I said, no. He said, "Then don't worry."
I expressed concern over re-starting my daily exercises (sit-ups, stretching and bends). When allowed to resume in April, I experienced a painful abdomen. So I stopped. Dr. Rees said, " It's OK to resume, but take it slowly. It's possible that your pain was caused by the normal course of exercising a muscle. Nothing to be concerned with and no correlation to those two conditions."
So I'm resuming my exercises in addition to my continuance of my daily walks averaging about 30 miles a week.
Since my last update, I had a follow-up with my primary care provider, Dr. Rees. All systems are normal and nothing out of the ordinary to report. Yay!
Since I had my follow-up CT scan after my EVR (aneurysm repair), I did receive notification through my portal that the results indicated a hiatus hernia and a dissented gall bladder with no stones. I've been concerned as to what that really meant and if I needed to do anything (or not do anything) proactively.
When asked of Dr. Rees, he smiled and said, "When I do tests and results come back, I will indicate the seriousness of the findings. You don't need to be concerned with the findings unless you are having symptoms". I asked what symptoms I should be aware of. He said, "Both conditions if symptomatic, would result in chest pain or discomfort. Have you experienced that"? I said, no. He said, "Then don't worry."
I expressed concern over re-starting my daily exercises (sit-ups, stretching and bends). When allowed to resume in April, I experienced a painful abdomen. So I stopped. Dr. Rees said, " It's OK to resume, but take it slowly. It's possible that your pain was caused by the normal course of exercising a muscle. Nothing to be concerned with and no correlation to those two conditions."
So I'm resuming my exercises in addition to my continuance of my daily walks averaging about 30 miles a week.
Continued side effects
- Charlie horse - unfortunately these continue but mostly when I'm sleeping. A very rude awakening (literally) when I have to address these.
- Hot Flashes - although they have abated, I still get them from time to time.
- Neuropathy - conditions haven't worsened for my feet, but I do have spells where my feet feel like they are burning, especially after a very long walk. I'm still experiencing numbness in my finger and thumb, but there is still no rhyme or reason how and when this happens.
Wednesday, June 14, 2017
Mid - June Updates
Well finally...finally we are having summer-like weather. It's been so cold prior to our heat wave of the last few days. We are reminded that this is New England and weather patterns are quirky at best. The weather has changed and today is absolutely beautiful. Let's hope the nice weather sticks around for a spell.
Last week I had a follow-up nurse visit at my primary care. Dr. Rees had asked me to 'drop in' for a lipid test. Since my visit with him and as a follow-up to my Triple A repair, he was in agreement with me that I didn't need the cholesterol drug - Atorvastatin prescribed by Dr. Schanzer. So I had stopped taking it last month. Dr. Rees wanted to see what my 'numbers' looked like after a month off the drug. Good news. They are stellar. YAY - something is going right.
Today I had my 6 month follow-up with Dr. Mehta at Dana Farber, Holy Family in Methuen. I was barely finished with my check in when I was called in. After the nurse took my vitals, Dr Mehta quickly arrived. He asked me how things were going. I had mentioned that since my last visit, I had my Triple A repaired but had a tough time recovering. Also, I had a visit with Dr. Ross (Neurologist). I was told there was nothing he could do for my neuropathy. Dr. Mehta said, "I thought that may be the case, but wanted you to see him to rule out a cause by something other than chemotherapy." Dr. Mehta said again, "We discussed the risks at the time of our discussions on type of chemo." I said that it's more of nuisance, but I'm able to enjoy life despite the neuropathy in my feet.
He asked if I had been taking Tamoxifen. I said, yes. He asked about the side effects - hot flashes and I said they seemed to have abated since the late winter months. He said, "That was the expectation. You shouldn't get anymore." I did mention about the weird neuropathy in my thumb and finger and that there's no rhyme or reason for the cycles. I said, "Today is a bad day. I have noticed, but it may be circumstantial, but it seems to worsen around the full moon." He had no comment to add.
He had me remove my shirt and commented on the results of the reconstruction surgery. "This came out great. No one would even know", he said. He proceeded to check for lumps and masses. I had mentioned that I do self-examinations, but am perplexed with the lumps I find as a result of the reconstruction. Also, as nerves regenerate, there is sometimes pain in the area, but my first thoughts have been: Is it coming back? He told me that I'm fine, at a low risk and not to be concerned with numbers/percentages. I had mentioned that I did have some level of anxiety prior to today's appointment. He said, "I would too, but you are good. We'll see you in 6 months."
More to come!
Last week I had a follow-up nurse visit at my primary care. Dr. Rees had asked me to 'drop in' for a lipid test. Since my visit with him and as a follow-up to my Triple A repair, he was in agreement with me that I didn't need the cholesterol drug - Atorvastatin prescribed by Dr. Schanzer. So I had stopped taking it last month. Dr. Rees wanted to see what my 'numbers' looked like after a month off the drug. Good news. They are stellar. YAY - something is going right.
Today I had my 6 month follow-up with Dr. Mehta at Dana Farber, Holy Family in Methuen. I was barely finished with my check in when I was called in. After the nurse took my vitals, Dr Mehta quickly arrived. He asked me how things were going. I had mentioned that since my last visit, I had my Triple A repaired but had a tough time recovering. Also, I had a visit with Dr. Ross (Neurologist). I was told there was nothing he could do for my neuropathy. Dr. Mehta said, "I thought that may be the case, but wanted you to see him to rule out a cause by something other than chemotherapy." Dr. Mehta said again, "We discussed the risks at the time of our discussions on type of chemo." I said that it's more of nuisance, but I'm able to enjoy life despite the neuropathy in my feet.
He asked if I had been taking Tamoxifen. I said, yes. He asked about the side effects - hot flashes and I said they seemed to have abated since the late winter months. He said, "That was the expectation. You shouldn't get anymore." I did mention about the weird neuropathy in my thumb and finger and that there's no rhyme or reason for the cycles. I said, "Today is a bad day. I have noticed, but it may be circumstantial, but it seems to worsen around the full moon." He had no comment to add.
He had me remove my shirt and commented on the results of the reconstruction surgery. "This came out great. No one would even know", he said. He proceeded to check for lumps and masses. I had mentioned that I do self-examinations, but am perplexed with the lumps I find as a result of the reconstruction. Also, as nerves regenerate, there is sometimes pain in the area, but my first thoughts have been: Is it coming back? He told me that I'm fine, at a low risk and not to be concerned with numbers/percentages. I had mentioned that I did have some level of anxiety prior to today's appointment. He said, "I would too, but you are good. We'll see you in 6 months."
More to come!
Friday, May 12, 2017
Dr. Song follow-up and other 'lovely' updates
It's been a year since I had my cataract laser surgery and my In-Ocular-Lens (I.O.L.) implant. Today, I had my 'yearly' check -up with Dr. Song at the Waltham location for the Massachusetts Eye and Ear.
Traffic cooperated today and I arrived a half hour early to a packed waiting room. It didn't seem to take too long before I was called in for my eye test(s) and dilation. My vision continues to be very good in both eyes and I do not need corrective lenses. My cataract in my left eye hasn't changed much since my last screening (about 6 months ago). Everything checked out OK. I was asked to return to waiting room so the dilation drops could take effect.
About 15 minutes later Dr. Song called me into his examination room. He had mentioned that he was reviewing my chart/history and seemed surprised about my recent Triple A repair. He asked how things were going (for my eyes). I had mentioned that the only 'issue' I had was the halo effect I experience when I go into an area that has heavy fluorescent lighting and/or bright (LED) overheads. I mentioned that my brain assimilates after a period and I'm no longer aware of the anomaly. He reminded me that this is caused by moisture buildup between the lens and the tissue at the bottom of the 'capsule'. "This can be easily corrected," he said. "We can monitor this and if it gets worse or becomes bothersome, we can discuss performing the procedure". I agreed. He then to check my eyes. The good news is: Everything looks good and I will need to see him next year. [Yay]
I left his office and visited the receptionist for next year's appointment information. Leaving the office the sun decided to make a rare appearance and I was glad to have remembered to bring my sun glasses in with me. Between the bright sun and the dilated eyes, I'd be squinting without the glasses.
The ride home was uneventful.
It must be a law or protocol to inform the patient of the results of any type of imaging performed. Last December, I was notified that there was no cancer detected in my mammogram. Well I did get the results of the CT scan I had done at UMass Medical on May 1st.
Primarily, the results were favorable for the final placement of the stent (repair of the Triple A) and there was no endo-leak. However, there was a notation that the aneurysm was now a bit larger (6 cm.). I recall my research and Dr. Schanzer's saying that the 'sac' will begin to shrink over time. He did say that the risk of rupture (at the site) has been almost eliminated. There is no blood supply or leak that could cause this. This news is just a bit disconcerting to me. But they are the professionals and I'm scheduled to see him in December. I'm optimistic that things will be better. [Fingers crossed]
There were also two entries that surprised me. Apparently I have a Hiatus Hernia (not Hiatal) and a distended gall bladder without stones.
The report also indicated that a copy would go to my PCP. So I have some questions to ask Dr. Rees when I see him in August. As Rosanne Rosannadanna used to say: It's always something!
More to come.
Traffic cooperated today and I arrived a half hour early to a packed waiting room. It didn't seem to take too long before I was called in for my eye test(s) and dilation. My vision continues to be very good in both eyes and I do not need corrective lenses. My cataract in my left eye hasn't changed much since my last screening (about 6 months ago). Everything checked out OK. I was asked to return to waiting room so the dilation drops could take effect.
About 15 minutes later Dr. Song called me into his examination room. He had mentioned that he was reviewing my chart/history and seemed surprised about my recent Triple A repair. He asked how things were going (for my eyes). I had mentioned that the only 'issue' I had was the halo effect I experience when I go into an area that has heavy fluorescent lighting and/or bright (LED) overheads. I mentioned that my brain assimilates after a period and I'm no longer aware of the anomaly. He reminded me that this is caused by moisture buildup between the lens and the tissue at the bottom of the 'capsule'. "This can be easily corrected," he said. "We can monitor this and if it gets worse or becomes bothersome, we can discuss performing the procedure". I agreed. He then to check my eyes. The good news is: Everything looks good and I will need to see him next year. [Yay]
I left his office and visited the receptionist for next year's appointment information. Leaving the office the sun decided to make a rare appearance and I was glad to have remembered to bring my sun glasses in with me. Between the bright sun and the dilated eyes, I'd be squinting without the glasses.
The ride home was uneventful.
Other medical updates
It must be a law or protocol to inform the patient of the results of any type of imaging performed. Last December, I was notified that there was no cancer detected in my mammogram. Well I did get the results of the CT scan I had done at UMass Medical on May 1st.
Primarily, the results were favorable for the final placement of the stent (repair of the Triple A) and there was no endo-leak. However, there was a notation that the aneurysm was now a bit larger (6 cm.). I recall my research and Dr. Schanzer's saying that the 'sac' will begin to shrink over time. He did say that the risk of rupture (at the site) has been almost eliminated. There is no blood supply or leak that could cause this. This news is just a bit disconcerting to me. But they are the professionals and I'm scheduled to see him in December. I'm optimistic that things will be better. [Fingers crossed]
There were also two entries that surprised me. Apparently I have a Hiatus Hernia (not Hiatal) and a distended gall bladder without stones.
- I did some research on the hernia. The Hiatus is the end of the esophagus as it 'starts' the stomach. This condition can be caused by acid re flux (GERD) [Which I have]; straining; excessive coughing; sneezing, and some others. There are no symptoms until it gets bad. For many there are no real problems. But with my luck....
- The distended gall bladder research indicated that the cause could be a blockage of the bile duct (generally a stone) or another serious type of illness - my cancer?? Once again the symptoms mimic other maladies (heart attack being one) and manifest as the condition worsens. Treatment is exercise and proper diet or removal of the gall bladder. I currently get a good amount of exercise (walking) and I'm good about making healthy choices when it comes to eating. [Thank you, Weight Watchers] So I'll have to 'be aware' of this.
The report also indicated that a copy would go to my PCP. So I have some questions to ask Dr. Rees when I see him in August. As Rosanne Rosannadanna used to say: It's always something!
More to come.
Sunday, May 7, 2017
Follow-up with PCP - Dr. Rees
According to my instructions on my discharge paperwork that I received from UMass Medical, I had scheduled a follow-up visit with my primary care provider (PCP) - Dr. Rees. He now works part-time and I was unexpectedly surprised when he showed his face. He now 'Winters" in Florida and comes back to work in the Spring. I have history with him, so his presence made me feel that much better.
Everything is run off computers these days, so with laptop in hand, he entered the examination room. After greeting, he said that he was reading the 'file' and he has seen that I have been through a lot since our last face-to-face (August). But he expressed satisfaction in knowing it is all in the past (as I am).
He checked my vitals and reviewed my medication list and recent test results. "Things look good," he said. He asked if I had any questions or needed to talk about any 'new business'. I took the opportunity to state my case for not needing Atorvastatin. I likened it to an honor student being forced to attend summer school. My cholesterol numbers have been stellar - without medication, so having to take this was like a slap in the face. Dr. Rees agreed with me.
He said, "Just because there are pills, doesn't mean that we have to take them all. Atorvastatin is not a blood thinner and although it also used to treat heart disease, you don't have heart disease. I would stop taking it." Fine with me. He asked that I come in for a lipid (cholesterol blood test) in about a month to ensure that my numbers are at their historical levels.
I'm glad to be off Atorvastatin, but I'm sure it will take a bit before I notice any side effects diminishing. It should be interesting to see if my runny nose and hoarseness goes away...and anything else I've gotten used to.
Energy levels are improving and I'm almost to the point of wellness just prior to the procedure. I was able to work in the yard today and mow the lawn. It was a struggle toward the end, but I made it.
More to come.
Everything is run off computers these days, so with laptop in hand, he entered the examination room. After greeting, he said that he was reading the 'file' and he has seen that I have been through a lot since our last face-to-face (August). But he expressed satisfaction in knowing it is all in the past (as I am).
He checked my vitals and reviewed my medication list and recent test results. "Things look good," he said. He asked if I had any questions or needed to talk about any 'new business'. I took the opportunity to state my case for not needing Atorvastatin. I likened it to an honor student being forced to attend summer school. My cholesterol numbers have been stellar - without medication, so having to take this was like a slap in the face. Dr. Rees agreed with me.
He said, "Just because there are pills, doesn't mean that we have to take them all. Atorvastatin is not a blood thinner and although it also used to treat heart disease, you don't have heart disease. I would stop taking it." Fine with me. He asked that I come in for a lipid (cholesterol blood test) in about a month to ensure that my numbers are at their historical levels.
I'm glad to be off Atorvastatin, but I'm sure it will take a bit before I notice any side effects diminishing. It should be interesting to see if my runny nose and hoarseness goes away...and anything else I've gotten used to.
Energy levels are improving and I'm almost to the point of wellness just prior to the procedure. I was able to work in the yard today and mow the lawn. It was a struggle toward the end, but I made it.
More to come.
Monday, May 1, 2017
It's May! (Sure doesn't feel it)
Happy May 1st everyone. I guess the warm (summer-like) weather we had a few days ago just couldn't stick around long enough to greet the new month. This is New England and more rain is predicted. Drought, be gone!
I had my (little more than a) month follow-up since my Triple A repair (EVAR). I fasted four hours prior to a CT scan. But basically, when the exam is scheduled for 11:30, I had been fasting since night before. I can handle the lack of food intake, but I'm in a perpetual fog without my coffee.
Checking in at Radiology at 11, I was given my mandatory SAT to complete. Seems they are always giving me something to complete that requires my looking up answers. For example, how old ma was when she passed. I get my calculator app fired up and subtract 2001 from 1923 (year of death/year of birth). I'm good at remembering the dates, but not so much on the number of years alive. Same for dad. I finished and waited...and waited. Finally at 12:15 PM, I complained. I did have a follow-up visit with Dr. Schanzer at 1PM and I was concerned.
Don't know if it was happenstance or the squeaky wheel syndrome, but I was called in with a few minutes of my returning to my seat. I was guided down a long corridor and was instructed to enter the imaging room. There were two attendants and they were furiously working to get everything in order. I was told to lie down and pull my pants down to my knees. I was covered with a blanket while one attendant prepared my vein for the IV. Before I knew it, the saline was coursing through my veins and both technicians left the room to view me from the control room. They took about four passes. [They must have a recorded female voice that they use to provide instructions: "Take a deep breath and hold. Now exhale and breathe regularly." I saw no woman in sight.]
I heard one attendant say, "Here comes the warm feeling". At that point I could feel the "contrast" (nuclear dye??) enter my body and diffuse through my veins. It was warm, but not painful. My hot flashes seem stronger. I took a few more rides in and out of the tube and was told that we were done. I looked at the clock and the whole thing took about 15 minutes. [Do shoulder shrug here.]
I left and thankfully, there was a kiosk right outside radiology and they had Starbucks. [High Test]. I ordered a small back and a blueberry muffin. Not cheap, but convenience has its price. The coffee was wicked hot, but after a significant amount of blowing, I was able to caffeinated myself. I felt my brain waking up. [Almost heaven].
I had 15 minutes to get across the street and up to the third floor for Dr. Schanzer. Walking while sipping I got there in 5 minutes. I checked in and got another round of SAT paperwork to complete, but I was called before I finished. Angela said she'd help me out. She took my vitals and we stopped into my examination room. She looked at the paperwork and asked the questions and entered the information to their computer system. I was asked to strip down to my undershorts and was given a johnnie to cover my lap. "Dr. Schanzer will be with you shortly", Angela said.
It seemed to be about 20 minutes of waiting before a colleague of Dr. Schanzer's arrived. Apparently, Dr. Schanzer was delayed in the operating room. She [can't remember her name] said that she reviewed the CT scan results and everything looked good. She indicated that there was no leak, but they were going to monitor an artery (to the lumbar region) that will correct itself over time. She said that I'll have a follow-up ultrasound in 6 months. She said I could wait for Dr. Schanzer, but I didn't have to if I didn't want to wait any longer. I indicated that I was here, so I'll wait.
Not long after, Dr. Schanzer knocked on the door and entered. After apologizing for the wait, he reiterated what his colleague had told me. He did explain that the artery they are watching is not leaking. There is no blood source. The body makes this correction over time. [I recall some of my early research indicated that this condition is fairly common. The body is smart and will re-route veins and arteries when one is (some are) no longer functioning. There is also redundancy so there are many arteries/veins to take up the extra slack to ensure delivery of blood.]
Dr. Schanzer said I have no restrictions and he will see me in 6 months. He shook my hand and I left to schedule the follow-up.
Yet another health issue can be closed (almost). I no longer have to worry about a rupture at the most inopportune time. Only if the sun were out today. There's always tomorrow and the day after.....
More to come!
I had my (little more than a) month follow-up since my Triple A repair (EVAR). I fasted four hours prior to a CT scan. But basically, when the exam is scheduled for 11:30, I had been fasting since night before. I can handle the lack of food intake, but I'm in a perpetual fog without my coffee.
Checking in at Radiology at 11, I was given my mandatory SAT to complete. Seems they are always giving me something to complete that requires my looking up answers. For example, how old ma was when she passed. I get my calculator app fired up and subtract 2001 from 1923 (year of death/year of birth). I'm good at remembering the dates, but not so much on the number of years alive. Same for dad. I finished and waited...and waited. Finally at 12:15 PM, I complained. I did have a follow-up visit with Dr. Schanzer at 1PM and I was concerned.
Don't know if it was happenstance or the squeaky wheel syndrome, but I was called in with a few minutes of my returning to my seat. I was guided down a long corridor and was instructed to enter the imaging room. There were two attendants and they were furiously working to get everything in order. I was told to lie down and pull my pants down to my knees. I was covered with a blanket while one attendant prepared my vein for the IV. Before I knew it, the saline was coursing through my veins and both technicians left the room to view me from the control room. They took about four passes. [They must have a recorded female voice that they use to provide instructions: "Take a deep breath and hold. Now exhale and breathe regularly." I saw no woman in sight.]
I heard one attendant say, "Here comes the warm feeling". At that point I could feel the "contrast" (nuclear dye??) enter my body and diffuse through my veins. It was warm, but not painful. My hot flashes seem stronger. I took a few more rides in and out of the tube and was told that we were done. I looked at the clock and the whole thing took about 15 minutes. [Do shoulder shrug here.]
I left and thankfully, there was a kiosk right outside radiology and they had Starbucks. [High Test]. I ordered a small back and a blueberry muffin. Not cheap, but convenience has its price. The coffee was wicked hot, but after a significant amount of blowing, I was able to caffeinated myself. I felt my brain waking up. [Almost heaven].
I had 15 minutes to get across the street and up to the third floor for Dr. Schanzer. Walking while sipping I got there in 5 minutes. I checked in and got another round of SAT paperwork to complete, but I was called before I finished. Angela said she'd help me out. She took my vitals and we stopped into my examination room. She looked at the paperwork and asked the questions and entered the information to their computer system. I was asked to strip down to my undershorts and was given a johnnie to cover my lap. "Dr. Schanzer will be with you shortly", Angela said.
It seemed to be about 20 minutes of waiting before a colleague of Dr. Schanzer's arrived. Apparently, Dr. Schanzer was delayed in the operating room. She [can't remember her name] said that she reviewed the CT scan results and everything looked good. She indicated that there was no leak, but they were going to monitor an artery (to the lumbar region) that will correct itself over time. She said that I'll have a follow-up ultrasound in 6 months. She said I could wait for Dr. Schanzer, but I didn't have to if I didn't want to wait any longer. I indicated that I was here, so I'll wait.
Not long after, Dr. Schanzer knocked on the door and entered. After apologizing for the wait, he reiterated what his colleague had told me. He did explain that the artery they are watching is not leaking. There is no blood source. The body makes this correction over time. [I recall some of my early research indicated that this condition is fairly common. The body is smart and will re-route veins and arteries when one is (some are) no longer functioning. There is also redundancy so there are many arteries/veins to take up the extra slack to ensure delivery of blood.]
Dr. Schanzer said I have no restrictions and he will see me in 6 months. He shook my hand and I left to schedule the follow-up.
Yet another health issue can be closed (almost). I no longer have to worry about a rupture at the most inopportune time. Only if the sun were out today. There's always tomorrow and the day after.....
More to come!
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