It's Official - I'm On The Schedule

I was tickled to see today that I am finally back on Target's schedule. Even before the medical leave I can only work 3 hr. shifts due to an on the job injury I incurred over a year ago in a freak accident between me and a large bottle of olive oil. It got knocked over and popped the base of my right thumb and destroyed the joint. I've been getting by, so far, on cortisone shots ...which I need soon since feeling better I am doing more and using the thumb which is once again screaming with pain. IF the shot works it lasts several months. Target is paying everything and the upcoming surgery when I tell them it is time and no more shots. Also, from a bad broadside and younger injury I have permanent spinal pinching and bulging discs. I live with that ok, just can't stand in one spot over 3 hrs or the leg goes numb and buckles - not too entertaining for the customers... (at Target, we refer to them as "guests", not customers.)
I cannot give up my Saltines (Premium is the top of the list for me). No dry foods. But, ahah! Don't shudder. Every morning I have a cup of Starbuck's Ice Coffee and dunk a Saltine in until it is softened and eat it. I have never choked on one and it doesn't hurt my stomach. It goes on my list of what I can eat without trouble. Oh, this journal is going to be unique indeed.
Another lesson, I will need to purchase a bag of straws. Even at home I am more often than not choking or getting water stopped midway down my throat. A straw eliminates the problem for me.
Might go the a restaurant supply house and get them real cheap. Getting sick put us in the red real fast.

A Journal

Happy Birthday, Gregory Peck. He was an incredibly handsome, talented actor. Most renowned for his portrayal of Atticus Finch in "To Kill A Mockingbird" in 1962. One of the best books ever written was by Harper Lee. When asked why she didn't write another novel, she replied that there was no way to top what she had written. She knew its worth and mark it had made on everyone who read it.
Reading her book you could smell the dust kicking up in the street, hear the wind howl and take a breath of fear of "Boo". I could not recommend it stronger.
I've begun a journal of what I eat and if it does or does not cause me to choke or to get sick and how long after eating it takes. Hopefully, after a few weeks I can take this to my primary care doctor and see if there is enough nutrition to follow my own amateur diet.  Ha, it is interesting so far. I have learned that butter & sour cream on a baked potato isn't good. Fat, I suspect. Today I learned to even one small leaf of lettuce on a bland cheese sandwich with mustard is quick to react. I think if I'd just had a mustard sandwich I'd have been ok. So all these things I am writing down.
I still have a sense of well being. I still choke easy. I learned you need to do a "chin tuck" when you swallow as it help the epiglottis close your airway. Use a straw, don't tilt your head back when drinking. See!  I am on the path!!

A New Day

How is this for a day? I saw 3 separate accidents within seconds of their occurring. Fortunately none of the three were too serious but all involved totalled cars. Things come in threes right? I should be good for a few more days.
I was so careful on what and how i ate. Until the doctor advices me on one specific one to not injure any of the other maladies I will be set. Shopping!!
It's been a hard go and long time coming to resolution. I have faith that with the right diet and following the swallowing instructions I will be back to a better, healthier self. Darn right.
I am anxious to try the camera again. I mostly write to pictures or photos that inspire a story. It is going to be a fun adventure.
This was a good day.

Patient, Heal Thyself.

Ok, I don't have the money or insurance to do all this stuff. I have hospital insurance only and that costs me over $700 a month. Now, they want to send me to an Ear, Nose & Throat Doctor. No. Plain and simple.
I spent the past few days, eyes burning, searching the Internet for answers and I got more through on-line than anyone else has given me. I can do this now. The colonoscopy literally saved my life..the endoscopy showed my stomach muscles don't work as well as they should so I need to alter my diet to accommodate this, the swallow study showed the epiglottis working at half staff so I need also to change my diet, how I eat and tilt my head when chewing, etc. Combine those with the other dietary needs of the diabetes, triglycerides, Crohn's Disease and irritable bowel and I will come up with what works for me and my body. Onward! I am armed with information.
The trip today was so fun. I actually charged my camera, pointed and clicked and got a few good pictures. I am in the early stages of camera bonding. This is the most relaxed I have been at the end of the day in a long time and it feels good.

Just Shaking My Head

I can't wrap my words around all of this frustration. I always try to keep it simple even when it's not.I was told I had a lazy epiglottis, right? Today the nurse calls to tell me that I'd already be consulted on what to do. What? She had the report; it said I was told about the condition and that I was to eat a bite and then drink, eat a bite and then drink. (I drank Barium, I wasn't drunk..those words were never spoken.) I should eat lubricated foods.What? The nurse didn't even know what that meant. It was pure Twilight Zone. Never again will I be the first patient in the morning..over half the report was fiction. Now we are back to, well, the doctor isn't in again today but we'll call you tomorrow and straighten this all out.
I have diabetes, high cholesterol, high triglycerides, Crohn's disease, gastroparesis and an epiglottis that doesn't like to work. Each requires a special diet and most conflict with the other ailments. Help.
So, tomorrow is another day, another piece of this crazy puzzle. If we can just connect all the dots I will be smiling like a fool.
My daughter, grandkids and I are running away for a few hours tomorrow. There is a store about an hour away that has a huge candy selection at old time prices for the kids and renowned odds and end of every kind for us. It will be fun and a nice change. Smith and Edwards is the store.
Peace and Joy.