HOME~

I'm finally home after two grueling weeks in the hospital...this stay was extremely hard. My stomach is working normally now...but I am on a full-liquid diet for about 10 more days. I return to transplant clinic next Wednesday for follow-up.

I am attempting to attend a clinical orientation class tomorrow and hopefully class and an exam on Wednesday. I'm extremely weak, so not sure how much I will be able to endure. Please pray for strength and endurance over these next few weeks.

I hope everyone is doing well. I miss blogging!

Hospital

I know this is way over do. I have been in the hospital pretty sick since last Monday-Jan. 10th. I developed a very very sudden and severe small bowel obstruction and have been fighting it since. I had an NG tube up until this past Tuesday. But after that, things turned the wrong way again, and another tube was put back in. The tube came out again this afternnon, so I'm hoping it can stay out. We are still working on resolving the obstruction. I had hoped to be home by now, but things are just moving a lot slower. Upon admission, i was extremely sick and very acidotic. i had no bicarbonate in my blood. In addition, i had been in extreme, extreme pain. Luckily the pain is better.

THey have started me on clear liquids right now. I will have to remain on a full-liquid diet for about 2 weeks before resuming a solid-food diet. THis will be hard, but know it is necesarry. Please pray the obstruction will clear itself very quickly. Pray that the NG tube can stay out. Pray for improved strength, and energy. Also, just as importantly, pray i will be able to catch up on schoool stuff. I have missed a lot of stuff.

I'll try and update again soon!
Thanks!!!

New & Improved Pancreatic Enzymes

Although pancreatic enzyme therapies have been around for decades, they are now undergoing a more rigorous review to help ensure that people with cystic fibrosis receive only the best, most effective and safest enzyme treatments.

In 2004, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) required that all pancreatic enzyme replacement therapies currently on the market be reformulated and undergo clinical testing in order to receive FDA approval.

More than 90 percent of people with cystic fibrosis take pancreatic enzyme replacements to help the body absorb essential vitamins and nutrients. In CF, thick, sticky mucus builds up in the pancreas, preventing the release of important enzymes that aid in digestion. This build-up can lead to malnutrition. Pancreatic enzymes combat this problem.

The first pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy to be evaluated and approved under this new mandate was CREON® by Solvay Pharmaceuticals, Inc. CREON received approval in May of 2009.

In September 2009, Eurand N.V. announced that the FDA approved its enzyme product, ZENPEP™ — the second enzyme therapy to be granted FDA approval.

In addition, Alnara Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is completing a Phase 3 long-term safety study of an enzyme called liprotamase. Following completion of the study, Alnara will carry out clinical and regulatory activities needed for FDA approval.

Other companies completing clinical trials for pancreatic enzyme products include Axcan Scandipharm (Ultrase® ), Digestive Care, Inc./DCI (PANCRECARB® ) and McNeil (Pancrease MT).

FDA review is an important step to ensure that people with CF are getting the maximum benefit from their pancreatic enzymes.”

Because there is a connection between better lung function and higher body weight, pancreatic enzymes are a vital part of CF care. It is important for people with CF to take pancreatic enzymes with all meals and snacks.

You can click on any of the links above for more information on a specific enzyme, or pharmaceutical company!

Going Home

I'm finally escaping Club Med tomorrow (Wed) after 14 very long and rough days. I do feel a lot better and are ready to get back into my daily routine. I'm still very tired and weak. It will take me awhile to recover from that. This infection really knocked me down, and it's going to take some time to get back to my usual self. I have a lot of weight gaining to do as well. I've lost so much weight between the gallbladder surgery and being sick. I'm "sick and tired" of being sick and didn't like starting off the new year in the hospital. Hopefully I will remain healthy and feeling good for a very LONG while before getting sick again.

I was really frustrated that I was not able to get out on home IV antibiotics so I could attend classes today. The doctor wanted me to stay the full 14 days. I will return to transplant clinic in 2 weeks, unless I need to go before. My transplant coordinator made it clear that I really need to rest and take it easy as much as possible at home. My plan right now is to attend my physiology lecture class Thursday afternoon. And then the following Tuesday, begin attending all 3 classes. I'm looking forward to resting and just being at home this weekend AND sleeping in my own bed.

My stomach is continuing to misbehave. I do feel like the distention is some better, and some of the nurses agree as well. I've had a Lortab for pain tonight and trying to tolerate it without any other pain meds. They really don't want to give me any, which I understand. And once I'm home, I won't be able to get the good, strong, narcotic IV Dilaudid. So hopefully tonight will be a good night. I've been pretty nauseous today and yesterday, so I'm taking the phenegren pretty regularly. Thankfully, I have phenegren at home I can take. The docs still feel like the cause of this is due to all of the antibiotics I've been on the last month or so (a whole lot). So I'm expecting the stomach distension and pain to resolve once the antibiotics get out of my system.

The pneumonia has cleared up on the xray. My heart rate is still pretty high (150 with exertion, walking, etc.). It is a little better at rest, hanging around 100. I know that will get better once I'm moving around more. Thank you to all of you for your prayers and good thoughts these last few weeks. I will update tomorrow when I get home or sometime soon thereafter. I hope everyone is having a great week.

P.S. I did have pneumonia this admission, and it was showing up on xray. I'm not sure why I wasn't notified of that upon admission and could have sworn that he said my xray was fine. But evidently it did show some lower lobe pneumonia. The bacteria causing the pneumonia was Pseudomonas.

Quick Sunday Update

This a brief post, but wanted to post an update like I promised.

Once again, the lungs are good and keep getting better. My energy is pretty good as well. I am still off the oxygen, and finally getting some breathing relief. The stomach is still giving me major problems. I went through so many narcotic pain meds last night, it was insane. I was in tears for several hours (and I have a HUGE HUGE pain tolerance). I finally got some relief at 2am with a dose o Dilaudid (spelling..sorry). This was after 2 does of Morhpine, oral Ultram, and IV Toradol. The Toradol took a minimal amount of pain off, but not near enough. They wanted me to try that 1st since it easier on the stomach. The Dilaudid worked like a charm, and I was finally able to get some rest. The nurses are in awe and very shocked when they see my stomach get as distended as it's been doing each night. There is still no answer...and FINALLY, my doc ordered a GI consult for tomorrow (Monday), as well as an Abdominal ultrasound and xray, in which I had performed today. I think the ultrasound may have shown some things, as she brought up the fluid that I have had around the area, and she was clicking away on pictures of my abdomen.

The same pattern presented itself today. Tummy was fine this morning and mid-day. It gradually started getting distended, and by 7pm or so, I was in extreme pain again. I got a dose of Dilaudid, and hoping i knocks the pain out for good (at least for tonight). I will update tomorrow, with hopefully some answers.

My new goal is to be discharged Tuesday morning where I can still attend my Physiology Lab Class that night. Keeping my fingers crossed.

Saturday Update

Once again, sorry for no update until now. The computer I was using sorta crashed, and I was unable to use it at all. I am borrowing Brandi's computer, and very thankful she is allowing me to borrow it. Thanks girl! Brandi just got admitted Friday, so if you haven't visited her blog yet, go ahead and let her know you are thinking and praying for her.

As for me...the lungs are doing good...much better. I am now completely off oxygen. Last night was my 2nd night off the O2, and my oxygen saturations seems to be holding ok. I've definitely got a little bit more energy and definitely feel better. I'm not completely better...but definitely on the road. My goal is to still go home Monday on home IV's, so I can attend classes on Tuesday. We will see!

I ended up getting a unit of blood yesterday (Friday). My HCT dropped 3 more points from Thursday, down to 19. So that gave me a little more energy as well.

As far as my tummy....it really sucks. It has not gotten any better, and last night was probably the worst night. It descended majorly...looking like I was pregnant with triplets. It really was uncomfortable and the morphine was helping much. I managed to tolerate it after 2 rounds of IV morphine and finally fall asleep. Of course this morning is was better. It has started to distend as of now (4pm CST), and I'm not sure what will happen. Several people (nurses, docs, etc.) were really pushing me to get an NG tube to get the air out. I've been really trying to avoid it. I can handle anything else accept for NG tubes, and was seriously traumatized by them after transplant with my bowel obstruction. I talked with my doctor this morning and he said it was entirely up to me. And he wasn't 100% sure it would cure the problem either. He said we could watch it today and see what it does. He is more than willing to give me some more pain medicine to see if that helps. And if it doesn't, he will probably order an ultrasound. The xray only shows air/gas, and I'm doing everything humanly possible to resolve it. I hate this and it's more frustrating that we don't know what is causing it to build up in my stomach. We know it's not an obstruction, because everything is functioning in that area. He has cut back on one of my oral antibiotics: Azithromycin. I usually take this M, W, and Fridays, but the doc who admitted me changed it to every day. So my doc now is changing it back to M, W, Fridays like normal. Please pray that this issue will resolve itself ASAP and it won't affect me going home. I'm still sick and not over this infection/pneumonia, but feel good enough to resume treatment at home, so I can keep up with classes.

The only other issue is my sinuses. I am still congested in my head and cannot hear out of my right ear at all. And none of this has resolved since admission. Usually the IV antibiotics help with that. So I'm not sure what we will do about this. Because a lot of the times, my sinuses are the cause of the lung infections.

I hope everyone is having a good weekend. I will update again tomorrow. Oh...and ROLL TIDE!! BAMA IS #1

Thursday Night Update/Football

As far as my lungs go...everything has stayed about the same today. I kept my oxygen off during the day. I am going to turn it down to 1 liter during the night instead of 2 liters, to see how I do. I tried to walk more today, which I think I accomplished. My heart rate is still in the 150s or above when walking, but I know that will get better.

Yesterday evening and night, my stomach started getting major (and i mean major) gas pains/cramps. I have no idea why, but I was burping and passing gas(sorry...tmi) a whole lot. My stomach kept getting bigger and bloated looking. And the pain became to much to handle...I was in tears. I got some pain medicine (IV Dilaudid..not sure how to spell that, sorry), which took the edge off. I was finally able to fall asleep with minimal cramps. This morning was better and the cramps, burping, etc., was minimal. Then all of a sudden this afternoon it began to get worse again...to the point of tears. I took multiple doses of simethocone (anti-gas med), as well as a "good bacteria" pill to see if it would help. It really didn't help, and I had to get more IV Dilaudid to relieve the pain. This is some strong stuff...seriously. It took off the edge of the pain again, but now the cramps are coming back again strong.

Everything "down below" (as far as digesting, etc.) is working fine. They did an xray of my belly tonight to check for obstruction. It didn't show any obstruction, but it did show TONS and TONS of air. How on earth does this much air get into my stomach. It looks like I'm having triplets. It's the worse gas pain I can ever recall having since my obstruction after my transplant in 2004.

I'm afraid to eat dinner, thinking the food will make it worse. I have lost so much weight and really need to start gaining. But these stomach issues won't leave me alone. I'm praying we can figure something out. I have no idea what the next step will be.

Tonight is the National Championship Football Game, in which Alabama is playing against Texas. I am an Alabama fan..so ROLL TIDE. One sweet nurse brought me some stuff to decorate my room with. I managed to decorate my door, but that was all I felt like doing today. I have some pom poms to cheer them on...GO BAMA!!!

Still no mention of when I will go home. I missed my 1st day of classes today. Our weather guys had been predicting a good bit of snow, and I was praying classes would get canceled. Most of the elementary, middle, high school, and daycare classes were closed for today and some for tomorrow. It really didn't end up doing much. It did snow and sleet, but nothing really stuck.

Evidently, I have 2 pre-lab assignments due next Tuesday (which is my 1st physiology lab class). I'm going to try and get some reading/studying time in this weekend. My goal is to go home on home IV's on Monday, so I can attend classes on Tuesday.

Sorry for the long update/post. Please pray that these stomach issues will be resolved or they will figure out what is going on. My doctor did page the surgeon who performed my gallbladder surgery to make sure nothing was going on in that department.

Oh...and we transplanted a young girl (well, about 24-25 year old) Monday evening. She needed a heart and double lungs. The transplant was a big success and she is having a very rapid and successful recovery. Please keep her in your prayers that things continue that way. I can't imagine getting your heart transplanted and your lungs at the same time...WOW. She had been listed for a long time, because you had to have the organs from the same person, and that is hard to come about sometimes.

I hope everyone is staying warm and has a great upcoming weekend.

Post-Christmas Update

Wow, it's hard to believe Christmas is over. It's also hard to believe that I haven't blogged in almost a week and didn't blog on Christmas Eve or Day..sorry! I definitely had plans to blog and actually a couple of things to share. Oh well! LONG POST AHEAD!!!!! Quite a bit of updating, and hate to split it up. Sorry!

It was crazy around our household....working until the 18th, cooking, cleaning, babysitting, parties/get-togethers,family, shopping, etc. We had a great Christmas. My mom and I went shopping the day after, and found some good deals. I really enjoyed it and it wasn't that bad, as far as the crowds and traffic went.

I am actually working this week (Monday-Wed). The place where I have been working was going to have a really small skeleton crew, and the manager asked if I wanted to come in and cover for the girl I had been working with. I jumped at the opportunity (especially since it meant earning a little more $$$). It was really slow today.

I had a transplant clinic appointment on the 16th. It went pretty well. My PFT's had gone up a pretty good bit, my 02 sats were 99% (which is the highest they have been since April or May this past year). All in all it was a good appointment. We think that some of the breathing and 02 sats have been better due to the removal of my gallbladder. My shaking has continued to be really bad, and there are setting up a consult with a neurologist, just in case something is going on.

I am still having a really difficult time gaining my weight back. I lost about 12 pounds before/during/after the surgery. I have yet to gain 1 pound back, and I am at a whopping 86.5/87 pounds, which is NOT good. I am really trying, but my stomach is really having a difficult time eating a lot at once. I'm also experiencing a lot of nausea, which is interfering as well. Hopefully this will turn around soon. I hate it...and none of my pants/jeans fit me right now. I had to go buy 2 new pairs of jeans.

I am all registered for classes this next semester. I am taking Physiology (the 2nd part to anatomy). It will consist of a lecture class and a lab class. I am also taking Nutrition, which is one of the pre-nursing electives required. I'm excited and praying this semester will be much less stressful :)

I have been off and on as far as feeling good. I have been really exhausted and not sleeping the best. I have had a really bad sinus infection for several weeks now. I started on some oral Cipro back on December 11th and are taking it for a total of 3 weeks (21 days). I only have a few days left. I am also on my month of TOBI (and are a little behind on starting it).

Today, unfortunately, I had not been feeling the best, but though it was just my sinuses and being tired. About 2:00 or so, all of a sudden, it hit me. I felt awful. I managed to stay at work until about 4:20 (our day ends at 4:30); I checked my temp in the car, because it felt like I had one. Sure enough I had a low-grade temp. I got home, unloaded and climbed in the bed, and checked my temp with a different thermometer (instead of the one that stays in my car 24/7). It was higher at 99.8 (which is high for me). Currently, my temp is 100.9 and is not going down with Tylenol. I have no idea what is going on. My chest is hurting, back aching, coughing up junk, and very sob. I hate this, especially since I was working this week. UGH!!!

I will keep you all updated. I may be making a trip to clinic or the hospital this week. Sorry again, for the long update. I hope everyone had a very blessed Christmas. And if for some reason I don't get around to posting again before Thursday...HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!

Weekend Wrap-Up

WOW! It's been forever since I blogged (or at least it seems). I apologize for that....especially to my loyal followers! It has definitely been a hectic week, good and bad!

I finished up final exams on Wednesday this past week. Grades will be posted this Wednesday, the 16th. I don't have a very good feeling about it and don't know if it was even statistically possible to pass the class with a "C" average. I really don't want to have to take it again, but it is definitely looking that way :(

Work has been crazy, so I've been doing as much overtime as possible. I did work Saturday for 1/2 a day. I did manage to decorate my room! I am working on my Christmas cards and have plans on mailing in the next few days. Here is my little Christmas tree in my room:

My stomach is much better from the gallbladder surgery. It seems that all the fluid is gone, and the pain and soreness are much much better. I'm still adjusting to eating, and can only eat small proportions. I still have not gained any of my weight back and have actually lost another 2 pounds...but i have confidence it will come back eventually :)

I have had a pretty intense sinus infection and finally got some antibiotics for it this past Thursday. I ran a fever Friday night and felt pretty crappy, but have felt somewhat better this weekend. I missed out on my Christmas Sunday School Party Friday night, which i was pretty bummed about. But have had a few other fun things this weekend. Last night I attended a local concert put on by an alumni high school (very well known) men's chorus. They chose 2 charities that would benefit from their ticket sales. And CF was one of the charities picked due to certain relationships and connections with some of the members. They raised over $10,000 for EACH charity, which was AWESOME! And this particular Men's choir was the best I had ever heard. They were so nice and generous and glad they could support such a great cause.

We had a community CF Fundraiser Saturday a week ago (the 5th). It was an auction held at a local Starbucks. It was sort of a pre-fundraiser for our upcoming "Scrap for the Cure" event next Spring. We raised about $2600 from the auction, and Starbucks has a charity program where they are going to match that...AWESOME!!!

This upcoming week is busy with work, parties, and doctor's appointments. I have a transplant clinic appointment on Wednesday. I have a CFF luncheon on Thursday. I am supposed to have my surgery follow up appt on Tuesday, but are going to reschedule it. I can't miss that much time during work this week.

Last Sunday I went with a friend of mine to Sips N Strokes. Here is a picture of what I painted...it was pretty fun! I love attending these sessions...so much fun!

It's been very COLD and rainy (misty rain) pretty much all week. But tomorrow our high is supposed to be 69 degrees F...crazy Alabama weather! I hope all of you have had a great weekend. I think I am officially in the Christmas spirit!!!!

Ultrasound Report & More

Apparently the ultrasound I had on Thursday to check out the fluid in my abdomen turned out normal. The only thing they saw was pelvic fluid. I was told by my regular GI doctor that the pelvic fluid was normal, and just sympathetic womanly fluid. I may discuss that with my GYN though just to make sure. My GI surgery nurse coordinator was going to ask my surgeon if there was anything else she wanted to check out. This was Thursday, and she never called me back. So I guess not. It's a little frustrating, because my stomach is really big, bloated and pregnant looking and very uncomfortable/painful at times. I'm praying that maybe I just need a little more recovery time and that will get better. The more frustrating part is that I can only eat very little and only certain things. I haven't gained any of my weight back yet, which can be concerning and dangerous. I have to talk with my transplant coordinator again on Monday to see what they want to do about the liver lab values being too high.

I really don't want to have to schedule more appointments or go back to my regular GI doctor right now. (at least not before Christmas). So we'll see how this next week goes, i guess.

I worked 12 hours yesterday (Friday)...work is so slammed right now and I really need the extra/overtime hours. Our boss had approved a half of day (4 hrs) for everyone to work today (Sat) and really wanted everyone to come in. I had plans on it, but just couldn't get out of bed this morning. After the stressful week and pulling 3 all-nighters, my body was aching for some sleep. So I decided to just that. We also had a CF event going on today which I was helping out at. But with not feeling that great and with it being frigidly cold outside, I decided against that too. Tomorrow I have a few fun things planned and are hoping I feel good and energized for those. I have to fit some studying in as well for my final Anatomy lecture exam this coming Wednesday, although I'm not even sure if it's possible to pass the class now. I'm so upset and stressed with that!

I hope everyone is having a great weekend! I should have time not to keep up with blogging more frequently. I'm not sure how many of you follow Brandi's blog, but we have a dear CF friend of hours who recently was transplanted. She is having some complications including 40 lbs of fluid build-up, a severe aspergillus infection and induced pneumonia from the aspergillus. They put her back on the vent last night. So if you feel led, she could definitely use your prayers. Her name is Lauren and she is a sweet heart. She has no family or friends down here with her, and her mom is in end-stage cancer, and was just turned over to hospice yesterday!

Checking IN.....

I guess my plan for blogging more frequently just didn't happen last week nor is it going to happen this week! SORRY! Studying, work and my health is taking up my time!! I have 2 Anatomy finals tonight (one make up and my lab practical final). I'm not prepared and are so worried. I definitely need the prayers and miracles. I pulled an all nighter Monday night studying. Worked about 9 hours Tuesday, then attended a anatomy lab study session last night from 6:30 to 8:30 pm. Came home, got some dinner and ended up crashing and falling asleep. NOT MY PLAN! I had planned on studying the entire night, or at least most of it. I took off work today, but didn't wake up until 10am. And i feel awful, like i've been run-overed by an 18 wheeler truck. Not sure why and hope I'm not sick! I'm finally getting a little more alert and energized, and will studying 24/7 until about 4:30 today. My anatomy lecture make up test is at 5:30 pm and my lab practical final exam is at 7:00 pm. I'm more worried about that than the lecture make-up! So if you read this today or tonight, I would greatly appreciate any prayers! I know that is not technically something to pray for, but hey, I'm on the verge of passing the class, and I'm going to ask for all I can!

My liver has decided to continue acting up post-surgery. The fluid in my abdomen has not decreased and is actually getting pretty painful and very uncomfortable. I had some lab work rechecked yesterday. Not sure if i mentioned this before or not, but I had to get some lab work done this past Friday due to lots of fluid accumulation. Some liver values were high, I was started on some lasix, and then was re-evaluated yesterday. The lasix really didn't work that much, and my lab values decided to go up a tad, to the point where the transplant team is a little concerned. I spoke to the GI surgery nurse coordinator yesterday. They have decided to do an ultrasound to make sure nothing serious is going on. So I have an ultrasound tomorrow morning. It seems like I can never get away or never get a break from all this health stuff. I have been eating better, but not that much, and really have not been able to gain any of the 8-10 pounds or so I lost. So I really need that to get better as well!

Well, that's all the time I have for blogging. I have a Christmas party to attend tomorrow night (Thursday) and a couple of things going on this weekend. I have my final/3rd Anatomy Lecture Exam next Wednesday, December 9th. I am so ready for all of this to be over with, but want a HAPPY ENDING!!!

I hope everyone is having a great week!

Post surgery/thanksgiving Update

Thankfully, I was able to spend some time with family on Thanksgiving Day. Dinner (or rather lunch) was held at my cousin's house and we had a full crew! The food was good and I was able to enjoy a little bit of it. It was really the 1st solid food I had had in days. The pain is getting better, but still there. It is more soreness than anything and LOTS of swelling.

I had forgotten to mention previously that I have 4 incisions than the normal 2 incisions when done laproscopically because I had some fluid in my abdomen and they decided to go ahead and drain it off during surgery. They sent a sample of the fluid off just to make sure it was ok. All of the cultures came back negative. I think having the 4 incisions contributes to the additional pain.
My mom told me that when the surgeon went in there to remove my gallbladder, it had already collapsed. A lot of use the gallbladder was providing me ;)

I have a lot of fluid in my stomach and some other not-so-comfortable places. I was a little concerned, because none of my discharge papers from the surgery team mentioned anything about fluid or swelling. So I called my transplant coordinator. I had also been running a low-grade fever. So my coordinator wanted me to go up to the transplant unit and get labs drawn. I did that, waited for the results. Most everything was fine except for a few liver function levels were high. So they put me on some lasix...FUN STUFF and I have to get labs redrawn on Monday...so lovely! I'm glad I called though because it could have gotten worse. I haven't taken any lasix in 5 years since my transplant. It ought to be a fun night!!

I guess I better get to studying, as I am way behind. Finals are next week and I am on the verge of passing this anatomy class. I seriously need a MIRACLE for anatomy class right now. Not good!

HOME!

After a little bit of convincing to my transplant doctor, he released me to come home tonight. I got home about 7:00 pm. He wanted to keep me a few more days. But I told him that I thought I would recover better at home. And that I could find more foods to eat at home verses the hospital. So he was perfectly fine with that. He gave me a trial run to see if I could manage the pain with just oral narcotics and not IV pain meds. So far so good. I'm taking Lortabs and Percaset(spelling?)around the clock in addition to nausea meds. I've lost about 10 pounds...not good. The pain is getting better, but is still there and I am extremely sore. I'm just glad I am home.

I'm hoping to be able to spend some time with my family tomorrow for Thanksgiving. But honestly, don't know if i will feel like it or not. I will see how i feel in the morning.

I really expected to be feeling so much better and never expected the recovery to be this tough. Most everyone who had the surgery told me it was very minor pain.

I hope everyone has a great Thanksgiving. I am thankful to be home and thankful to just be alive again to celebrate another year! May God Bless all of you!

Surgery SOON!

My surgery (to have my gallbladder removed) is Monday. I have to be in the admissions area at 6AM...EARLY!!! But hey, I'm all about EARLY as I want this done and over with NOW. This week has definitely been a struggling week: missing work, missing classes, including my final lab class before the final exam. The pain is unbearable, with some days not even being able to stand up and walk. On those days, I'm basically sleeping, taking pain meds constantly and using heating pads constantly. So, needless to say, i am SO SO ready for the surgery. I've also lost about 6-7 pounds (not good for my little petite body). I'm taking anti-nausea meds around the clock, and food just isn't getting along that great with my stomach. I did manage to work the last 2 days...trying to get in extra hours since I will be off work all of next week.

I will update Monday-hopefully-depending on how sleepy and drugged I am :) I will be admitted to the hospital right after surgery to our transplant ICU; as far as how long I will remain admitted is unsure of right now. Definitely until Tuesday; the estimate is Wednesday. Hopefully I will be able to enjoy Thanksgiving with the family and get back into the normal day-to-day routines! It just all depends on how my body tolerates the surgery and recovery. Unfortunately, I have some sort of cold, and my wheezing is out of the roof...crazy and very annoying and making it hard to breathe. I'm hoping everything is just related to sinuses; but it does make me a tad bit nervous about Monday. My blood pressure has been sky-rocketing, which is unlike me. But my transplant coordinator feels it is due to the pain; (so that's my hope too). The pre-op nurse at my surgery consult appointment last week wasn't too pleased. But I assured her it was being taken care of.

Please pray that everything goes well with the surgery and recovery!!! This weekend I will be resting, running a few errands, building a lymph node for an anatomy extra credit project, and last but not least, studying for anatomy lecture and lab finals, which are the week after Thanksgiving. I hope everyone has a great weekend!

Scheduled

So today I scheduled my gallbladder surgery for November 23rd. I'm so anxious to get it over with...the pain is TOO MUCH! They aren't sure how much of the pain is related to the gallstone/gallbladder, but we won't know until it comes out. I'll be in the hospital for a little while, just because I'm post-transplant, but hopefully not too long. I may get admitted the day before as well, not sure yet. And thankfully, I will be on our transplant unit (they are supposed to reserve a bed).Hopefully this date/schedule will work out the best with my classes and work. We don't have class that Wednesday-the 25th (in which I have my anatomy lab class), so I won't have to miss any lab classes; hopefully just 1 lecture class. The following week starts final exams...lovely. I will be studying as much as possible while in the hospital (when I'm not drugged from pain meds).

The surgeon feels pretty sure she can do it laproscopically, but there is a chance she may have to convert to an open procedure due to alot of scar tissue I have and due to previous "stomach" surgeries. But I feel pretty confident it will all work out.

Apparently, I've had "gallstones" since December of last year. I had an ultrasound in December, and then again in January of this year, due to lung issues and other stomach symptoms. But everyone told me the ultrasounds were fine (including an ER doctor, transplant surgeon, GI doctor). The chief resident had the reports from those tests today, which he said showed gallstones. I was pretty ticked off about that. Not too happy. I spent a day in January in the ER throwing up bile from the gallbladder, fever, and in lots of pain. It's apparent now that it was probably a gallstone attack. Glad nobody figured that out, until now that is :)

Oh well...I just finished my inhaled TOBI and are off to bed before work tomorrow. Hopefully I will be able to post more stuff this week, but I wanted to do a quick update on the surgery. Thank you to those who commented on the previous post regarding gallbladder surgery experiences.

Gallstones, really?????

So...here are the results from my GI tests I had done last week. Very surprising....and totally unexpected. The tests were ordered to check out the fluid around my liver to make sure it was not anything bad. I had the tests (ultrasound and Doppler of abdomen and associated organs) at our Children's hospital which was kind of nice. The technician I had actually performed some tests on me back in 2003, and he remembered me. We had some great conversations and he was the nicest person. It was kind of nice being in a "children's setting" again.

Evidently, the fluid is fine. Some of it is pelvic fluid, and is apparently just there because I'm a female. And some of the other abdominal fluid is "sympathetic" fluid and supposedly a lot of CFers have some. So no worries in the fluid department. Now, for the shocking news: I have a BIG (4.22mm to be exact) gallstone (and possibly more that are just unseen). The ultrasound made this evident, but it it is believed that it has been there for sometime because ultrasounds don't always show gallstones. Unfortunately, the stone is too big too pass. I am having surgery to remove it (and the gallbladder from my understanding) the 2nd week in December right after semester exams. My GI doc feels like it can wait til then and really wanted me to be able to finish up the school semester. I'm with him on that decision!!! I have a consult with a surgeon at UAB who will be performing the surgery probably sometime this month. My GI doc can't do the surgery, because he only has admitting privileges at the Children's hospital. In addition, because of transplant, I have to have it at UAB. I will be on transplant services, and the surgeon will just consult everyday. From what I've read and been told, the surgery isn't too big of a deal, but I will be in the hospital for a little while. I think I will feel so much better.

As I researched more on gallstones, it sounded like I've been having gallbladder trouble for awhile. Back in January I spent a whole day in the ER throwing up bile (TMI sorry) and I had several tests indicating my gallbladder was not emptying properly. It was a "bad" winter/early spring in the stomach department. But for some reason it took until NOW to figure that out. I've had multiple ultrasounds, but without contrast. And without contrast, it is difficult to see gallstones. Having gallstones can also cause fevers and mild to severe back pain. And most of us are attributing some of my severe (putting me to tears) back pain to this gallstone. So I'm ready for that to go away. My weekends and whatever time I have free, I'm usually laying down with heat on my back, and taking Ultram, Lortabs, Aleve, muscle relaxers, Tylenol, etc. I'm so tired of being in pain. The pain may not all be related to the gallbladder, but I am definitely interested to see how much of it is. I hate that I have to have the surgery. At least it won't interfere with school, but it means taking at least 1 week off work, during our busiest time of the year. But oh well, you got to do what you got to do, right?

So that is basically the gist of the results. My liver is enlarged a little due to the gallstone. I have "ascitis" of the liver. So that should go away after the gallbladder is history. I also started on Actigall to help remove other small stones and "sand" which apparently my GI doc thinks I have as well. It will also help to prevent future gallstones. I looked up ways to prevent gallstones at home, and there really isn't much you can do. It did say to make sure you eat, that starving yourself isn't good. Not that I starve myself, but I do have days when I feel sick or times when I'm in the hospital that i will go for a good while not eating or eating very minimal. It also said to avoid foods that are very high in fats. I do a pretty good job of that already. So we'll see!!!

Have any of you had your gallbladder removed? I know it is common among CFers. I would love any feedback, suggestions, etc. The surgery is laproscopic, but I haven't had any surgery, per se, in about 3 years...so a little nervous. I'm also a little worried about the whole putting to sleep thing since my lung functions are not good. I'm sure there is nothing to worry about!

November Already???

I can't believe it is NOVEMBER!!! Time Flies!! Did everyone enjoy their extra hour of sleep last night? I have always said that (in school terms) the fall semesters go by much quicker than the spring semesters. I apologize for not much blogging still. I did manage a few more posts this past week than before. This upcoming week is crazy, with something every night after work, so the blogging, once again, may be few this week.

My anatomy test last week was ok. I don't think I failed it, but neither did I ace it. I should find out tomorrow night what i made...keeping my fingers crossed that all the guesses were right :) I have another anatomy lab practical test this Wed night. This class is driving me INSANE and stressing me out big time. After this week's test, I don't have anymore until the last and second to last week of the semester (December).

I will be venturing to transplant clinic this week. I have not been feeling good at all. My throat is really sore, coughing, sob, no energy, etc. The results from my GI tests last week will be reveled in a post TOMORROW....definitely check it out, very interesting!

It's been a lazy weekend. I've been resting after a busy and hectic week. I attended my cousin's senior concert on Friday night. He is part of Auburn Singers (their university choir) and each senior is required to put on a concert with them only. He is such an awesome singer. We had a reception afterwards (my Mom helped with the food) for him, which everyone enjoyed! I didn't make it to church, once again, UGH!!! I passed out candy to the trick-or-treaters last night. My favorite was a little boy (probably about 1 or 1.5 yrs old) that was a UPS Man. ABSOLUTELY ADORABLE. Here is a picture of me, my brother, and cousin (Christopher who i mentioned above) one Halloween. I think it was around 1990, but don't know the exact year!

Oh yea: Not sure if I mentioned this last week or not, but we transplanted again last Tuesday night. The girl is doing great! But please keep her in your prayers. She is alone, has no family and no friends with her. Her Dad recently passed away and her Mom is in stage 4 cancer. One of my dear CF friends, Brandi, has been her angel, visiting her every day, multiple times a day. Her phone number is the "emergency" number left with the nurses. We've talked about trying to come up with a plan, because you can't go through the transplant recovery process alone. You need someone there to help you physically and mentally. I know the nurses will take good care of her, but it's not the same without a friend there. So please pray for this situation. She is in good spirits and doesn't regret anything. But I know deep down, she wishes she had someone to support her as well as her mother there with her.

I have a busy week! It is filled with work, doctor's appointments, class, a wedding Friday night, and much more!!! I'm praying I have the energy to make it through. I hope everyone has a great and blessed week!

GI appt results

I had a follow-up appointment with my GI doctor today! While he still doesn't know what's going on....he still seems proactive and wants to figure it out. He now thinks I have gastroparesis, which basically means my stomach isn't emptying properly. Right now there are 1 or 2 meds that can help with this, but they aren't very successful. He has ordered a gastric emptying study to be done. I had one of these about 2 1/2 years ago, but the hospital that did it screwed up the results. I dread doing this study again, as it's one of those that takes at least 2 hours....and my back is not going to be happy! The good part about it is that it shouldn't require any IV's, etc.

He also wants to get a biopsy and get a good look at my stomach next time I have a bronchoscopy for my lungs. He thinks that will be a good idea! I'm not sure at this time when that will be, but I imagine in the next few months, depending on how my lungs do.

So for now I guess I will just continue taking anti-nausea meds, and treating my symptoms. I did have a bad nausea and throwing up spell Sunday night. They come at random, and I just have to deal with it when it happens, unfortunately. While I'm glad my GI doctor is trying to be proactive, it's still extremely frustrating being nauseated every day, and throwing up at least 1-2 times a week. Yesterday morning I woke up with chest pain, really bad junky cough, and just dragging all over. Today I feel better...and are hoping it was just a 1-day thing.

I am going to get my port flushed on Thursday and eat lunch with a nurse (friend) of mine as well. And no...I haven't learned how to flush my own port neither taught my parent's how either. I prefer to do it this way.

Tomorrow I am going to volunteer at our local CFF and work on our Great Strides Walk for our area! I'm on the committee and pretty much helping coordinate all the teams...so I need to get busy!

I am enjoying my break from my internship this week, but somehow have filled it up with a good bit of stuff!!

Thanks for your prayers this morning!!

GI Appt

I have my GI appointment today at 2:15. Please pray that it goes well and that we will be able to figure what's going on! I'll update later!

Just Checking In.....

I apologize for not having posted in a few days. Things have been busy! I made it through three long days of my internship this past week. We had our Electronic Record Management System vendor (MedPlus) on site, so we were constantly in meetings all three days. (the meetings for the most part were well over my head). Yesterday we finished up a little early, thank goodness. I will be at my internship 4 days next week, off the next week, then back to 4 days the last two weeks of February. The plan for March is to go 3 days a week, including the last two days of the month. And hopefully, by that time, I will have completed the required hours and assignments. I do like my clinical preceptor and the facility, but I would like to eventually have a routine.

My stomach continues to give me major problems. The intestinal abx is still causing that horrific side effect (diarrhea--at least 6 times a day-sometime as much as 10). Only 2.5 more days of it...yay. I'm still nauseated 24/7 and are taking anti-nausea meds multiple times a day. I am not able to eat much at all, therefore, my energy level is WAY LOW. I barely have any energy...seriously, and are just so exhausted and tired of being nauseated and sick. I've managed to drink some Carnation Instant Breakfast in the mornings, and by some miracle, I can keep it down. However, I'm not able to eat any meals, and when I do eat, it's a minute amount, and only about 2 times during the day. It's extremely hard to eat...and I desperately need some energy. The odd thing is I haven't lost much weight. Which is good on one end...but a little worrisome on the other. I have a follow up GI appointment on February 10th. I had to wait until I finished the H-Pylori meds, before following back up. I know something is wrong, it's just a matter of getting it figured out and getting someone to actually pay attention and take the matter seriously. But enough complaining.....

I've got a lot of school work to complete this weekend and next week! And on another note...my birthday is this coming Wednesday!!! YAY! I'm starting to feel old :)

I'm also working on some Great Strides stuff for our local walk as well as some stuff for my personal team. It's a lot of work being a team leader, and trying to exceed the previous year's goals.

It is extremely cold here in Alabama (although I'm guessing not as cold as some places)...but cold for us. So I've been staying inside for the most part.

I'll update more later...I have a couple of posts I need to do!!