My Poor Hubby

My husband had surgery on Wednesday for what we thought was going to be a fairly simple procedure but it turned out to be not so simple after all. During this past summer, Howard noticed what he thought was a boil on the back of his neck. In the meantime, months passed and all was forgotten until I caught a glimpse of his profile about a month ago. Oh my goodness, it stopped me in my tracks. He obviously knew it had gotten bigger but had done a good job of wearing things with collars and was really good at hiding it from people. That small boil had grown to about the size of an orange!

After much arguing (why do men not want to take care of themselves and go see doctors!?!), he finally went to my doctor and was referred to a surgeon. In addition to finding out he now has high blood pressure, the surgeon scheduled surgery to remove what he thought was a benign tumor. Once he got in there though he found out it wasn't a tumor at all, it was an abscess. Howard had a hugh abscess and is really lucky the bacteria didn't spread to his bloodstream. He could have gone septic at any time.

As soon as the surgeon and anesthesiologist saw the abscess they immediately agreed that Howard is a diabetic, which was total news to us. It makes sense though. It may have started with a little boil but if you are diabetic, you don't heal properly and it looks like that was the case. He will be having blood work done next week to confirm the diagnosis.

They also noticed a heart arrhythmia during the surgery but an EKG done yesterday showed that he had converted back to sinus rhythm, thank goodness, but he'll be seeing a cardiologist soon too.

So now my husband who never took any medication at all takes blood pressure medication, heart medication, aspirin, vitamins, pain meds for the incision from surgery, and may be starting insulin soon. Poor thing, but he's handling it all pretty well considering it means a complete lifestyle change for him.

So as you can see, we've been pretty busy around here with the surgery and many many doctor appointments but I'll keep you posted on his progress. So many friends and relatives have called, dropped by, and sent texts wondering how he's doing. He's a lucky guy to have so much support.

A sweet friend dropped off these beautiful tulips Wednesday night for Howard. Aren't they pretty and spring like!

I'm On The Mend

I'm happy to report that my back is feeling much better today, and surprisingly so, considering I had to work yesterday, 12+ hours mind you. It's not like me to call in sick. I've worked at my job for almost 7 years and have only called in sick twice. Once last October when Jake had his emergency surgery and then once last year when I got a bad case of the flu.

Unfortunately, others don't share the same work ethic. One of my nurses called in sick yesterday, upset stomach or something. Ya right! It was a Saturday, on a three day weekend no less. That left me not only to be in charge of the unit, but to work the floor all day too which is back breaking work itself.

I only got teary eyed once, then survival mode kicked in.

As I came hobbling in at 4:45am yesterday morning (tell me again why I became a nurse!), a co-worker asked me what was wrong. I said "I'm fine...as long as I'm not walking, sitting, standing, or bending!"

I survived and luckily a good night's rest has helped. I can't do jumping jacks yet but I'm certainly on the mend.


Thank you for your well wishes!

It's That Time Of Year Again

I got my flu shot yesterday. Getting a flu shot won't prevent you from getting the flu, but if you do, the results won't be as severe. I also plan on getting the H1N1 (Swine Flu) injection too.

The viruses in the flu shot are killed (inactivated), so you cannot get the flu from a flu shot. Some minor side effects that could occur are:

•Soreness, redness, or swelling where the shot was given
•Fever (low grade)
•Aches

Each winter our hospitals are full of really sick patients. I try my best to not be one of them. Take your vitamins regularly and be proactive and get your flu shot. It just may save you a hospital visit.

It Was That Time Again...

For my yearly GYN visit.

Believe it or not, I was anxious to go this time. I know, I must be sick or something! But really and truly, I wanted to go. I know I'm right smack in the middle of menopause and I've got questions and concerns that I wanted to discuss with my doctor.

Everything checked out fine and she says I'm healthy as a horse!

And much to my surprise, I had only gained 2 pounds from my last year's weight. The only reason I was only up 2 pounds was because I've lost 5 over the last 2 weeks! I told you guys I was SERIOUSLY on a diet. I haven't had a regular Pepsi, well except for the Pepsi that the drive-thru girl gave me when I actually ordered diet. This is huge people! I love my Pepsi something fierce but I've found out that I can live without it...something I never thought possible!

I asked the doctor to send me to get some lab work done, and she did. I wanted my Thyroid checked as well as my hormone levels. I've been sluggish over the last year and had put on weight so was thinking Hypothyroidism may have been the cause, along with drops in my Estrogen level.

Well, first thing this morning the doctor's office called and confirmed that I am indeed "menopausal." The thing that surprised me was when they said my Thyroid level was high, not low! The usual T3 should be 4-12. Mine was 12.1. I do have some of the signs and symptoms of Hyperthyroidism, such as fatigue and insomnia, but the major sign of Hyperthyroidism is weight loss. Nope, I haven't experienced that one, just the opposite. Anyways, they want me to get it rechecked in 6 months and we'll go from there.

I'm not wanting to take synthetic Estrogen so she suggested Black Cohosh/Red Clover/Soy. I already have the Black Cohosh but she mentioned that I can buy Black Cohosh and Red Clover in combination at a health food or vitamin store. This will help with the hot flashes that seem to have increased over the last month. So today I'll be visiting my local health food store. I'll let you know what I come home with.

I've been wanting my blood work done for awhile now so I was glad to get that accomplished. Soon, I'll be going for my yearly mammogram and also will have a bone density scan done. I've always liked to keep on top of things as far as my health goes...I don't know, maybe it's because I'm a nurse...but for whatever the reason, it's sure paid off.