First, let me say to those of you who have answered my previous blog, good job!
I just got back from my sleep apnea/pulmonary doctor. I was not expecting anything but a routine check on how I am doing with my machine. Was I wrong!!!
TO start with, my BP was high again - 171/84.
The doctor was disappointed that the medical supplier had replaced my broken mask with the same cheap one instead of the high quality mask he prescribed.
He went over my xray and CT scan results and asked me yet again, if I ever smoked or had TB. He said he needs them to send him the films so he can see for himself what is going on there. He cannot figure out how I got granulomotus disease. He still wants me to have a breathing test done. One thing he was pleased about, I was not wheezing today.
He next discussed how I am a perfect candidate for surgery - I thought he meant for obstructive sleep apnea. But upon questioning him, he meant for weight loss. I assured him that with the dietitian he had sent me to I have lost 50 pounds. I do not think he believed me because he marched me right over to the scale in the receptionist area and weighed me.
Next he went over my sleep test results again. He shocked me by telling me I should go in the record books as the worst case of sleep apnea in history. He reiterated that I had stopped breathing almost 600 times in 6 hours and no other patient he has ever seen or read about even comes close.
He then pointed out how my oxygen levels drop into heart attack country.
But what he was really concerned about, he said, was that even using the machine I stopped breathing 120 times in 6 hours and my oxygen level continue to be dangerously low under 80%. He is worried I will have a heart attack, even using the machine.
The result is I have to have another sleep study done on December 11th (if insurance approves) using a machine that gives higher pressure to see if they can correct the stoppage of breathing better. IF that machine does not do it, they will put me on a different type of machine that is more like a ventilator, it will control my breathing more, rather than just assist it. He also said they will add oxygen into the mix if my level continue to be so low during the study.
Depending on the results of the study, he thinks I need a new machine - one that costs over $8000. He said he knows the insurance will reject it and he will have to write a ten page letter justifying my need of it.
So here I am again, trying not to be discouraged. The sleep apnea was one area I thought was under control with the machine. I appreciate your prayers for my continuing health issues.
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Monday, November 10, 2008
Getting to know me...
How well do you know me? Here is a little quiz. Post your answers as a comment replying to the blog. In one week I will reveal all.
1. When and where was I born?
2. From what college did I graduate and what year?
3. What was my first car? (year, make, model)
4. When and where was I married?
5. What is my favorite color?
6. Who is my favorite author?
7. Who is my favorite worship leader/singer?
8. Which is my favorite choir?
9. What are my favorite mountains?
10. What is my favorite hobby?
11. What type of computer do I have?
12. What is my favorite technology "toy"?
13. What is my favorite Bible verse(s)?
14. What is my favorite TV show?
(Bonus question how old am I in the blog picture?)
Answer as many as you can and when I give the answers I will announce who got the most right. Have fun.
1. When and where was I born?
2. From what college did I graduate and what year?
3. What was my first car? (year, make, model)
4. When and where was I married?
5. What is my favorite color?
6. Who is my favorite author?
7. Who is my favorite worship leader/singer?
8. Which is my favorite choir?
9. What are my favorite mountains?
10. What is my favorite hobby?
11. What type of computer do I have?
12. What is my favorite technology "toy"?
13. What is my favorite Bible verse(s)?
14. What is my favorite TV show?
(Bonus question how old am I in the blog picture?)
Answer as many as you can and when I give the answers I will announce who got the most right. Have fun.
Sunday, November 9, 2008
Missional Living
Pastor has been preaching the last few weeks on the four foundational values of Christian Life Center. These are:
1. Loving God
2. Loving others (These two always remind me of the Gaither song, "Loving God, loving each other, making music with my friends")
3. Missional living
4. Spiritual formation
He states in his blog, "Missional living at its best is being God's hand reaching out to others."
This reminded me of something.
It was about 3:00pm on the first day of school. At a pharmacy in Brooklyn a young African American boy was at the checkout counter with various school supplies. The cashier had rung up the purchase and he was carefully unfolding one dollar bills that had been crammed into his pocket. He was dressed in what looked like a school uniform. As he unfolded the last dollar he had, and counted it was not enough. He had to decide what to leave behind - first came the package of pens, then a notebook. The man behind him in line, dressed in jeans, witnessed what was happening. He picked up the package of pens, took out his wallet and paid for them, returning them to the boy's pile.
As the man was exiting the store, he saw an older model car, being driven by an elderly gentleman, pick up the young boy and drive him away.
This is missional living.
(This is a true story)
1. Loving God
2. Loving others (These two always remind me of the Gaither song, "Loving God, loving each other, making music with my friends")
3. Missional living
4. Spiritual formation
He states in his blog, "Missional living at its best is being God's hand reaching out to others."
This reminded me of something.
It was about 3:00pm on the first day of school. At a pharmacy in Brooklyn a young African American boy was at the checkout counter with various school supplies. The cashier had rung up the purchase and he was carefully unfolding one dollar bills that had been crammed into his pocket. He was dressed in what looked like a school uniform. As he unfolded the last dollar he had, and counted it was not enough. He had to decide what to leave behind - first came the package of pens, then a notebook. The man behind him in line, dressed in jeans, witnessed what was happening. He picked up the package of pens, took out his wallet and paid for them, returning them to the boy's pile.
As the man was exiting the store, he saw an older model car, being driven by an elderly gentleman, pick up the young boy and drive him away.
This is missional living.
(This is a true story)
Saturday, November 8, 2008
Following my mind trail
My grandson called me the other day to tell me he had four loose teeth. When they came out, he said he was going to hide them from the tooth fairy. I explained maybe he should not hide them too much because if the fairy could not find them, perhaps he would not get a prize.
That conversation got me thinking about cute things kids say. I recalled when Zack's mother was in preschool, I noticed, especially when she was tired, she would put a hand over one eye when she looked at things. I took her to the eye doctor to check it out. When we got home, her daddy asked her where she had been. She told him the eye doctor. He asked, why did she go there. Her answer, "He wanted to see if I was good looking." Adorable.
I then began to think about her as a child. She had this favorite possession, which she got as an infant. It was a pink bunny blanket. It had the head of a bunny and sort of a puppet body made out of blanket. She could not be without it. I had to buy a second one and let it get worn equally to the original, so I could wash it once in a while. She cuddled it when she slept and rubbed its softness against her face.
When she was older, she continued to sleep cuddling this "Booie".
At some point she got one of those clip on reading lamps, which she clipped to her headboard. One morning when I awoke I smelled something burning. I looked all around the house, but found nothing, until I went into her room. The lamp was leaning on her pillow and it was smoldering, so close to her precious face. What saved her, keeping her from being burned, was her Booie". It was charred, almost beyond recognition, but our sweetheart was not harmed in any way. (The lamp was thrown away).
To this day, she keeps that charred remains inside of the other Booie. It is much loved still.
It made me think of what Jesus has done for us. He has taken our place and saved us. He has kept us from the punishment we deserve. His love drew Him to die for us. And I love Him with all my heart for it. Just like that Booie saved my girl and she continues to love and cuddle it.
That conversation got me thinking about cute things kids say. I recalled when Zack's mother was in preschool, I noticed, especially when she was tired, she would put a hand over one eye when she looked at things. I took her to the eye doctor to check it out. When we got home, her daddy asked her where she had been. She told him the eye doctor. He asked, why did she go there. Her answer, "He wanted to see if I was good looking." Adorable.
I then began to think about her as a child. She had this favorite possession, which she got as an infant. It was a pink bunny blanket. It had the head of a bunny and sort of a puppet body made out of blanket. She could not be without it. I had to buy a second one and let it get worn equally to the original, so I could wash it once in a while. She cuddled it when she slept and rubbed its softness against her face.
When she was older, she continued to sleep cuddling this "Booie".
At some point she got one of those clip on reading lamps, which she clipped to her headboard. One morning when I awoke I smelled something burning. I looked all around the house, but found nothing, until I went into her room. The lamp was leaning on her pillow and it was smoldering, so close to her precious face. What saved her, keeping her from being burned, was her Booie". It was charred, almost beyond recognition, but our sweetheart was not harmed in any way. (The lamp was thrown away).
To this day, she keeps that charred remains inside of the other Booie. It is much loved still.
It made me think of what Jesus has done for us. He has taken our place and saved us. He has kept us from the punishment we deserve. His love drew Him to die for us. And I love Him with all my heart for it. Just like that Booie saved my girl and she continues to love and cuddle it.
Friday, November 7, 2008
And the doctor says...
I just returned from the doctor, where I had to go for a lung and congestion check.
My BP was 156/68 - top number not too good.
The nurse came in before the doctor and asked me if I had an arm preference. I was confused and asked for what. She wanted to give me a flu shot, but I told her I already had one. She then realized she was in the wrong room. OOPS
The doctor listened to my chest and lungs. I am still wheezing and coughing. Whenever I do any activity at all I go into a coughing spasm. Just breathing in and out for him I went into a coughing spasm.
Now I am much improved since a week ago, but not completely better.
He says the infection is under control and to finish taking the antibiotic. He also told me instead of using the inhaler when I feel I need it, to use it regularly every four hours. He also gave me Advair again and told me I need to use it for the next month or two. What is still present in the inflammation of my bronchial tubes and breathing passages. The inhaler and Advair will give relief to that and help control the coughing.
In the meantime, nothing strenuous to trigger coughing. No crowds to keep from getting re-infected.
I asked if the medication is killing my appetite and he said it can. He wants to check me again in ten days.
Although I am improved, I still have a ways to go. I appreciate your continued prayers for my health.
My BP was 156/68 - top number not too good.
The nurse came in before the doctor and asked me if I had an arm preference. I was confused and asked for what. She wanted to give me a flu shot, but I told her I already had one. She then realized she was in the wrong room. OOPS
The doctor listened to my chest and lungs. I am still wheezing and coughing. Whenever I do any activity at all I go into a coughing spasm. Just breathing in and out for him I went into a coughing spasm.
Now I am much improved since a week ago, but not completely better.
He says the infection is under control and to finish taking the antibiotic. He also told me instead of using the inhaler when I feel I need it, to use it regularly every four hours. He also gave me Advair again and told me I need to use it for the next month or two. What is still present in the inflammation of my bronchial tubes and breathing passages. The inhaler and Advair will give relief to that and help control the coughing.
In the meantime, nothing strenuous to trigger coughing. No crowds to keep from getting re-infected.
I asked if the medication is killing my appetite and he said it can. He wants to check me again in ten days.
Although I am improved, I still have a ways to go. I appreciate your continued prayers for my health.
Thursday, November 6, 2008
Forgotten
The older I get, the more I forget. I forget where I put things. I forget people's names. I forget more than I want to admit. So I do not begrudge anyone who forgets stuff.
One thing I never forgot was my mother's birthday. Even the year it was on the day before my wedding and I had a million other things on my mind.
I had my first and only birthday party when I was fifty years old. My daughter and my husband surprised me. It was a thrilling occasion for so many reasons - just one is that some dear friends who had moved to Tennessee, were at the party.
This year I call the forgotten birthday.
I have three brothers, the oldest of whom is known for his always remembering and sending birthday cards -he did not send me a card this year. (The other two did remember and send cards)
In his own way, my husband John did remember, because he had bought me a gift. That morning it just took him about an hour to get awake and aware enough to remember what day it was and bring out the gift and birthday greetings.
My youngest son got up, and left for college classes without a mention of birthday. By the time he returned from class a couple of hours later, he remembered and wished me a happy birthday.
John and Mike took me out for a nice dinner at a local restaurant to celebrate.
My older son, who also lives with us, got up and went to work. He returned after work and got ready to leave again. He called me at about 9:00pm finally remembering and wishing me a Happy Birthday.
That weekend, John, John III and I went up to my daughter's and we went to eat at a local seafood place to celebrate again.
At first I felt bad that they forgot their mother's birthday. I began to get into that mindset of "you are not worth it", "you are not important", "you are not loved". But I quickly overcame those messages by remembering how my birthday started.
The phone rang. It was my precious little grandson saying Happy Birthday, Grammy; and then singing me the Happy Birthday song. It just doesn't get any better than that.
One thing I never forgot was my mother's birthday. Even the year it was on the day before my wedding and I had a million other things on my mind.
I had my first and only birthday party when I was fifty years old. My daughter and my husband surprised me. It was a thrilling occasion for so many reasons - just one is that some dear friends who had moved to Tennessee, were at the party.
This year I call the forgotten birthday.
I have three brothers, the oldest of whom is known for his always remembering and sending birthday cards -he did not send me a card this year. (The other two did remember and send cards)
In his own way, my husband John did remember, because he had bought me a gift. That morning it just took him about an hour to get awake and aware enough to remember what day it was and bring out the gift and birthday greetings.
My youngest son got up, and left for college classes without a mention of birthday. By the time he returned from class a couple of hours later, he remembered and wished me a happy birthday.
John and Mike took me out for a nice dinner at a local restaurant to celebrate.
My older son, who also lives with us, got up and went to work. He returned after work and got ready to leave again. He called me at about 9:00pm finally remembering and wishing me a Happy Birthday.
That weekend, John, John III and I went up to my daughter's and we went to eat at a local seafood place to celebrate again.
At first I felt bad that they forgot their mother's birthday. I began to get into that mindset of "you are not worth it", "you are not important", "you are not loved". But I quickly overcame those messages by remembering how my birthday started.
The phone rang. It was my precious little grandson saying Happy Birthday, Grammy; and then singing me the Happy Birthday song. It just doesn't get any better than that.
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
This and That
For those who have asked, my congestion is getting a little better every day. I am still coughing, but not as thick and hard. I have been very thankful for my sleep apnea machine. It has a built in humidifier which can be adjusted. I cranked it all the way up and have been able to sleep without too much coughing. Since being sick, I have had no appetite and have been living on "Ruthiemade" high protein shakes. I add tofu, dried egg white powder, fruit, Fage nonfat yogurt, almonds, flaxseed meal and protein powder to nonfat milk in order to get lots of protein, to help the body heal.
I saw the dietitian today and am another four pounds lighter. I am beginning to notice changes. Like I can now wear my anniversary ring John gave me for our 25th on the proper finger again. I have been wearing it on my pinkie. And the other day when I needed a warm coat to go out, I decided to try a favorite purple puffy one I haven't been able to wear for several years. It is two sizes smaller than what I had been wearing. Guess what??? It zipped right up! Small little victories but they help spur me on.
I was feeling kind of down about the election - but then read blogs by two pastors that helped me refocus . God is still on the throne no matter who the president is. It is HE in Whom I put my trust.
Finally I am going out to dinner with a friend tonight. We are meeting at Chevy's, where I am looking forward to some excellent guacamole.
So all in all it has been a good day and hopefully by the time I see the doctor again on Friday all the sickness will be gone.
I saw the dietitian today and am another four pounds lighter. I am beginning to notice changes. Like I can now wear my anniversary ring John gave me for our 25th on the proper finger again. I have been wearing it on my pinkie. And the other day when I needed a warm coat to go out, I decided to try a favorite purple puffy one I haven't been able to wear for several years. It is two sizes smaller than what I had been wearing. Guess what??? It zipped right up! Small little victories but they help spur me on.
I was feeling kind of down about the election - but then read blogs by two pastors that helped me refocus . God is still on the throne no matter who the president is. It is HE in Whom I put my trust.
Finally I am going out to dinner with a friend tonight. We are meeting at Chevy's, where I am looking forward to some excellent guacamole.
So all in all it has been a good day and hopefully by the time I see the doctor again on Friday all the sickness will be gone.
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