I realized my doctor had never sent me a copy of the swallow studies for my files so I stopped by and picked it up. Imagine my surprise when the first line read, "Initial imaging demonstrates multilevel degenerative changes of the cervical spine."  I just thought I had a creaky neck that was a little more difficult to turn and look behind my left and right side. The right stops early and I can't look back. I crackle like gravel some days but never gave it thought. Now, I accidentally discover my cervical spine is degenerating. Beats me why neither the swallow technician or my primary care doctor thought to tell me of that little tidbit as I've since learned that caution should be exercised to avoid neurological damage or paralysis.  I will ponder this some other day. This is not the day.

I learned today that my daughter, her husband and 2 children will be moving in with us sometime this summer or early fall. They live on a horribly dangerous street. This way they can also save some money to put down on a larger home as their's was quite small. It will be a test of patience for everyone. We love each other more than I could say but quarters will be tight. The basement has 2 bedrooms, one with a bath and tub/shower. The other just a small closet but a toilet in the small laundry room. Then they'll have a long space for a gas stove, sink and some shelves and drawers. The other half will be a frontroom with the couch, chairs and tv. Their own private entrance into their living quarters. I want them to feel it is "their" place. It will help them financially and help me as I get so lonely and have missed having them here since they moved out in about 2005 or 2006. Melanie worries about my health and being alone so often. God will help us. The home will be filled with love.

Peace and Joy..

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.

Not sure what is going on but so exhausted today I spent most of the day in bed, not sleeping but keeping my eyes closed, listening to television and feeling yucky from head to toe. No fever.Maybe it all caught up to me. Not 10 minutes sleep all day but hours of rest.
Tomorrow, or I guess today, I get the new bridge in my mouth. Wow, 12 months later. I won't know what to do being able to chew on my right side. If it goes well, I may summon the courage to look for cavities and get everything done asap. In a couple of nights it will be fun for my facebook friends but I don't know about me. I had an old water pik for flossing but every single time I used it water sprayed everywhere including my eyes. So I went out and bought a better new one without a dangly cord to trip me up. In a couple of days I will give it a try.
Hoping to hear VERY soon from the doctor with a schedule for my swallowing test. It's been far too long too keep me unwell, malnourished and stressed. I am sure it won't be long now. Second week of April and I will work 2 days at Target to test my stamina and increase as I get better.
Take care. Peace and Joy.