When I went yesterday to get my test results from my doctor, I got to meet with, holy smokes!, my doctor! The PA I usually see was out sick. So Doc said, yes there was something going on with my thyroid, but he wanted a biopsy of the non-working part before putting me on medication. So that is scheduled for next week.
When I mentioned my headaches, Doc got concerned and ordered a head MRI. He wanted me to have it before a long drive to Ohio, so it was scheduled for this evening at 7. Weird, huh? But an MRI takes so long to do, I'm guessing, that is why they schedule into the evening.
Have you ever had an MRI? This was my first. I was uncertain about being stuck in a machine for 30 minutes because I do have a little claustrophobia. The technician asked if I wanted a washcloth over my eyes, and I said yes. Then she put head phones on me ( I chose pop, which was a meh choice.) then into the machine. Almost immediately I started trying to figure out how much time had passed. The noise, even with the headphones, was scary, strange, and loud. Then I started to get a little panicky. I felt trapped. I didn't think I could make it the whole 30 minutes.
That's when I got inspired to imagine I was sleeping in the back of my parents' station wagon on a long trip across Michigan, just like when we were kids. The noises, I said to myself, were the tires going across the metal plates on a long bridge, maybe the Machinac Bridge. Then I talked myself through all the steps of putting up our old fold-down camper. I continued on, remembering all the details I could about camping when we were kids. When the noise got too loud, I would picture our car stuck in traffic next to some big truck with a loud, idling motor. I was just starting to "travel" to the copper mines in the U.P. , when the whole thing was over.
Then came the kicker - my Doc would not get the results for 2 or 3 business days. So, what was the rush? I guess if there is an aneurism about to bust, my Doc would get an emergency phone call.
Thursday, July 25, 2013
Friday, July 19, 2013
Thursday, July 18, 2013
Long Hot Day
Yesterday I got up at 4, to meet Linda by 5, so I could drop off my car at the shop by 5:30, so we could get to the hospital by 6:45 for my test at 7. In the summer I am not normally up by 7, so this was a lot to have happen so early in the day. Linda was driving her husband's truck, which is a trick to climb into because it sits so high, and has no AC. Yes, the hottest day of the summer and no AC. Lucky us.
There was nobody at the hospital so early in the day. The first thing I had to do was swallow a pill with the tracer in it. Then we had six hours to kill before the actual test.
So we went to Cracker Barrel and we each had a breakfast fit for a lumberjack. (Luckily, I was given permission to eat. I had to fast before taking the pill.) It took two people with trays to bring everything for just us two of us. It was fabulous. I ate every bite.
Then we went to (cough) Wal-Mart (cough). Normally I don't shop there, because they are evil, but for back-to-school, when I have to buy so many supplies, they are the only store with truly cheap prices. I got 20 composition books for 50 cents each, and 21 notebooks for 17 cents each. I got some glue, too. I am thinking I don't have too much else to buy this year, I have quite a bit left over from last year.
I also got root beer in bottles, because it is better in bottles.
Linda picked up a few things too.
And there we were with 2 and a half more hours to kill. So we went back to the hospital with the idea that we would sit in the waiting area and read. But first we stopped by the fountain and then we started talking. As the sun moved, we moved to keep in the shade. Finally it was time for me to check back in.
The next part of the test they called "taking pictures." I joked with Linda later that they must have been using old-fashion glass plate technology, because each picture took ten minutes to take during which I had to lay perfectly still with my neck stretched out. It seems it would be easy to just lay there, but have you ever tried to hold one position for ten minutes? It's pretty hard. Plus, I was so tired by that point that, even though I was in an uncomfortable position, I kept nodding off. Just as we started the last picture, another technician came in and started to roll the machine back, so we had to start that one all over again!
After that I was taken to another room, where they pointed some sort of scanner (it looked like a telescope) at me to read the radiation.
That was it. Except, oh, yeah, didn't anyone tell you? You have to come back at 7:00 tomorrow morning for Part 3 - the 24-hour reading. See you then!
We went out to the blazing parking lot, got into an oven on wheels, and drove for an hour 'over the mountain' without AC back home. As Linda dropped me off, she said give her a call when my car was ready. As soon as she was out of sight down the road, the phone rang and my car was ready.
It was not brakes, as I thought. My mechanic used the words 'axle' and 'exploded.' I'm still not sure what happened (isn't the axle the thing that holds the wheels together? How could it explode? How could I even drive with an exploded axle?), but he told me I'd have never made it to Ohio with the car in that shape.{ok, 'axle shaft' is the term on the invoice, whatever that is} He also changed the oil, cleaned the brakes (he said they looked like new), and really went over it with a fine tooth comb. So that really relieved my worries.
So I called Linda and get her answering machine. It is a couple of hours before we go pick up the car, during which I just collapse. I am worn to a frazzle. I manage to nap a little.
Finally Linda comes, and I get back in her hot, hot truck. But soon I'm back in my own air-conditioned car with my own music playing and the car rides like a dream. Even on those back country roads, I don't think I've ever had a smoother ride in that car.
My instructions were to not add any salt to what I eat before the next test in the morning. I try to pick low-salt things to eat, but ja-ever notice how salt is in everything? I settle on baked beans and a chicken patty sandwich.
This morning I did not have to get up quite so early, since I was able to drive myself. I was the only person in the waiting room when I checked in, and was quickly taken to do the 'telescope' test again. Then I had my ultrasound test of the thyroid. I tried to look at the screen while she was doing the test, but I could make out nothing. That took maybe 10 minutes and I was done. It was not even 7:30.
Having come so far, I didn't want to waste the trip to M-burg. I wanted to buy a shower gift, look at school supplies, and pick up stuff for camping; but nothing opened until 8. So I sat in the lobby and read my book for 20 minutes.
Then I went to Kmart and Target. I got most of what I was looking for, and a few new treasures. I think I may be done with back-to-school shopping, unless I come up with something else I need.
They said the test results would be sent to my doctor in the next 2 or 3 business days, so I'll just have to wait until then to know anything.
There was nobody at the hospital so early in the day. The first thing I had to do was swallow a pill with the tracer in it. Then we had six hours to kill before the actual test.
So we went to Cracker Barrel and we each had a breakfast fit for a lumberjack. (Luckily, I was given permission to eat. I had to fast before taking the pill.) It took two people with trays to bring everything for just us two of us. It was fabulous. I ate every bite.
Then we went to (cough) Wal-Mart (cough). Normally I don't shop there, because they are evil, but for back-to-school, when I have to buy so many supplies, they are the only store with truly cheap prices. I got 20 composition books for 50 cents each, and 21 notebooks for 17 cents each. I got some glue, too. I am thinking I don't have too much else to buy this year, I have quite a bit left over from last year.
I also got root beer in bottles, because it is better in bottles.
Linda picked up a few things too.
And there we were with 2 and a half more hours to kill. So we went back to the hospital with the idea that we would sit in the waiting area and read. But first we stopped by the fountain and then we started talking. As the sun moved, we moved to keep in the shade. Finally it was time for me to check back in.
The next part of the test they called "taking pictures." I joked with Linda later that they must have been using old-fashion glass plate technology, because each picture took ten minutes to take during which I had to lay perfectly still with my neck stretched out. It seems it would be easy to just lay there, but have you ever tried to hold one position for ten minutes? It's pretty hard. Plus, I was so tired by that point that, even though I was in an uncomfortable position, I kept nodding off. Just as we started the last picture, another technician came in and started to roll the machine back, so we had to start that one all over again!
After that I was taken to another room, where they pointed some sort of scanner (it looked like a telescope) at me to read the radiation.
That was it. Except, oh, yeah, didn't anyone tell you? You have to come back at 7:00 tomorrow morning for Part 3 - the 24-hour reading. See you then!
We went out to the blazing parking lot, got into an oven on wheels, and drove for an hour 'over the mountain' without AC back home. As Linda dropped me off, she said give her a call when my car was ready. As soon as she was out of sight down the road, the phone rang and my car was ready.
It was not brakes, as I thought. My mechanic used the words 'axle' and 'exploded.' I'm still not sure what happened (isn't the axle the thing that holds the wheels together? How could it explode? How could I even drive with an exploded axle?), but he told me I'd have never made it to Ohio with the car in that shape.{ok, 'axle shaft' is the term on the invoice, whatever that is} He also changed the oil, cleaned the brakes (he said they looked like new), and really went over it with a fine tooth comb. So that really relieved my worries.
So I called Linda and get her answering machine. It is a couple of hours before we go pick up the car, during which I just collapse. I am worn to a frazzle. I manage to nap a little.
Finally Linda comes, and I get back in her hot, hot truck. But soon I'm back in my own air-conditioned car with my own music playing and the car rides like a dream. Even on those back country roads, I don't think I've ever had a smoother ride in that car.
My instructions were to not add any salt to what I eat before the next test in the morning. I try to pick low-salt things to eat, but ja-ever notice how salt is in everything? I settle on baked beans and a chicken patty sandwich.
This morning I did not have to get up quite so early, since I was able to drive myself. I was the only person in the waiting room when I checked in, and was quickly taken to do the 'telescope' test again. Then I had my ultrasound test of the thyroid. I tried to look at the screen while she was doing the test, but I could make out nothing. That took maybe 10 minutes and I was done. It was not even 7:30.
Having come so far, I didn't want to waste the trip to M-burg. I wanted to buy a shower gift, look at school supplies, and pick up stuff for camping; but nothing opened until 8. So I sat in the lobby and read my book for 20 minutes.
Then I went to Kmart and Target. I got most of what I was looking for, and a few new treasures. I think I may be done with back-to-school shopping, unless I come up with something else I need.
They said the test results would be sent to my doctor in the next 2 or 3 business days, so I'll just have to wait until then to know anything.
Go Here, Read This
Missing the 'recommend' button from Xanga. So I'll just have to post the link: http://someordinaryreaders.blogspot.com/2013/07/happy-first-birthday-baby-j.html
Tuesday, July 16, 2013
Gas Prices
I was watching the movie "Guarding Tess" the other day. They stopped at a gas station and I couldn't help noticing the gas price - $1.24. That seemed reasonable to me.
Until just now, watching "Father Knows Best." Bud got a job at a gas station. I saw the gas price sign, but really had trouble interpreting it. It just said 24. That couldn't mean 24 cents a gallon, could it? OK, I think I'll chose that instead.
I remember when I used to watch The Waltons. Sometimes John-Boy would have a 'dollar for gas.' In one episode Ike said gas was 14 cents a gallon. I guess those old cars went further on just 6 or 7 gallons of gas. But I'd be Ok with 14 cents a gallon.
I remember when gas prices hovered around 97 cents a gallon. I could fill up my old truck for under 20 dollars. I'd take those days back, too.
What gas prices have you seen recently?
Until just now, watching "Father Knows Best." Bud got a job at a gas station. I saw the gas price sign, but really had trouble interpreting it. It just said 24. That couldn't mean 24 cents a gallon, could it? OK, I think I'll chose that instead.
I remember when I used to watch The Waltons. Sometimes John-Boy would have a 'dollar for gas.' In one episode Ike said gas was 14 cents a gallon. I guess those old cars went further on just 6 or 7 gallons of gas. But I'd be Ok with 14 cents a gallon.
I remember when gas prices hovered around 97 cents a gallon. I could fill up my old truck for under 20 dollars. I'd take those days back, too.
What gas prices have you seen recently?
Monday, July 15, 2013
Select All / Copy
I got up and mowed before it got hot. Usually I don't like to mow when the grass is that wet, but it was worth it to beat the heat. Cleaned the undercarriage before I put it away - what a mess of wet clippings!
Then I called Randy and he came right away and fixed the toilet. Yay!
I also called my friend Linda. She is going to drive me to my appointment on Wednesday, so I don't have to drive with bad brakes. We are also going to drop my car off at the mechanic's that morning, so two birds with one stone. It means leaving home at 5-in-the-before-the-sun-comes-up am. And I can't eat or drink that morning. But I'll be glad to get it over with.
Taking some action on all these issues has made me feel better today.
In between the phone calls, I decided to copy all my old Xanga files to a flash drive. It took for-ev-er. I'd open a file, copy it, paste it into a word document, then save that to the flash drive. Repeat. And repeat. And repeat. The files were monthly, so guess how many I had? OK, I'll tell you. 73!! I kept getting distracted into reading some of my old posts. Some I couldn't remember posting. Like, I don't remember taking sixth graders to the ballet as a substitute teacher. Maybe it was so awful I wiped it from my brain.
The file were arranged by year, but then by month alphabetically. The posts in each file were most recent first. When I saved the files I just numbered them - Xanga1, Xanga2, Xanga47. So finding anything in particular would be a trick at this point. One day in the far distant future I'll have to go through them and put everything in order. But for now it is nice to know I have everything saved and in one spot.
BlogSpot seems to organize by month as well. If I am smart, I will start saving my monthly posts starting right now.
So the question is, am I smart?
Then I called Randy and he came right away and fixed the toilet. Yay!
I also called my friend Linda. She is going to drive me to my appointment on Wednesday, so I don't have to drive with bad brakes. We are also going to drop my car off at the mechanic's that morning, so two birds with one stone. It means leaving home at 5-in-the-before-the-sun-comes-up am. And I can't eat or drink that morning. But I'll be glad to get it over with.
Taking some action on all these issues has made me feel better today.
In between the phone calls, I decided to copy all my old Xanga files to a flash drive. It took for-ev-er. I'd open a file, copy it, paste it into a word document, then save that to the flash drive. Repeat. And repeat. And repeat. The files were monthly, so guess how many I had? OK, I'll tell you. 73!! I kept getting distracted into reading some of my old posts. Some I couldn't remember posting. Like, I don't remember taking sixth graders to the ballet as a substitute teacher. Maybe it was so awful I wiped it from my brain.
The file were arranged by year, but then by month alphabetically. The posts in each file were most recent first. When I saved the files I just numbered them - Xanga1, Xanga2, Xanga47. So finding anything in particular would be a trick at this point. One day in the far distant future I'll have to go through them and put everything in order. But for now it is nice to know I have everything saved and in one spot.
BlogSpot seems to organize by month as well. If I am smart, I will start saving my monthly posts starting right now.
So the question is, am I smart?
Sunday, July 14, 2013
Having a Horrible Time, Be Glad You're Not Here
This has been a really terrible summer. I've tried being positive when I talk to people, but the truth is, it has been a truly awful time. And it keeps getting worse.
It started with the levy not passing, meaning I'm now on the job hunt track. Not fun. In fact, pretty stressful. My original plan for the summer had been to start writing a book I've had in my head for a while, but I haven't had any time to work on that at all. I also want to complete and try to sell a supplemental text for teachers. I've only been able to work on that once.
One of the main reasons I can't get anything done is the headaches I've been dealing with. Some days it is like a pressure from the middle of my head forward. I also get a lightheaded or 'swimming' head feeling. I feel a little muddled in my thinking, and I am always just so tired. I sometimes even feel nauseous. My doctor ordered tests, which I'll finally do this week. I am hoping it is hypothyroidism, because it would be an easy fix. I'm worried that it might not be that, which would be more tests, and who knows what else.
So you can see it is hard to work on anything feeling so bad. I've pulled back on the job search. My hope is to get certified in some other states and really start looking in January.
I do not need another problem, but I now have two. My toilet has started running and running. I tried to fix it myself with no luck. So I'll have to call my landlord tomorrow. Then, leaving church this morning I heard an awful noise from my breaks. They held, but there is definitely a problem with the left rear brake.
I can't get my car in this week until at least Thursday because I'm going to need to drive to M-burg for my tests on Wed. If I don't get it in until next week, and they don't get it done, there goes the family vacation for me. If I even feel up to driving.
Not even mentioning the cost of tests and brakes.
And the stupid mower needs fixed too.
You can understand why I just keep crying today.
It started with the levy not passing, meaning I'm now on the job hunt track. Not fun. In fact, pretty stressful. My original plan for the summer had been to start writing a book I've had in my head for a while, but I haven't had any time to work on that at all. I also want to complete and try to sell a supplemental text for teachers. I've only been able to work on that once.
One of the main reasons I can't get anything done is the headaches I've been dealing with. Some days it is like a pressure from the middle of my head forward. I also get a lightheaded or 'swimming' head feeling. I feel a little muddled in my thinking, and I am always just so tired. I sometimes even feel nauseous. My doctor ordered tests, which I'll finally do this week. I am hoping it is hypothyroidism, because it would be an easy fix. I'm worried that it might not be that, which would be more tests, and who knows what else.
So you can see it is hard to work on anything feeling so bad. I've pulled back on the job search. My hope is to get certified in some other states and really start looking in January.
I do not need another problem, but I now have two. My toilet has started running and running. I tried to fix it myself with no luck. So I'll have to call my landlord tomorrow. Then, leaving church this morning I heard an awful noise from my breaks. They held, but there is definitely a problem with the left rear brake.
I can't get my car in this week until at least Thursday because I'm going to need to drive to M-burg for my tests on Wed. If I don't get it in until next week, and they don't get it done, there goes the family vacation for me. If I even feel up to driving.
Not even mentioning the cost of tests and brakes.
And the stupid mower needs fixed too.
You can understand why I just keep crying today.
Thursday, July 11, 2013
Almost No Photos
I was supposed to have my diagnostic tests today, but since I ate tuna over the Fourth, it had to be rescheduled. You can't have tuna before a thyroid test, just so you know. I'm bummed to have to wait to find out if my thyroid is the cause of my troubles. Now my tests are on the 17th.
I spent the day moving files around. This computer belongs to the school, so I want to take my files with me when I leave. I downloaded tons of pictures onto flash drives, as well as important word documents and other files. I also moved pictures into files with labels like "School" and "Family" to both reduce the number of picture files I have and so that I can find photos when I want them. Like this photo of the double rainbow I promised you:
I spent the day moving files around. This computer belongs to the school, so I want to take my files with me when I leave. I downloaded tons of pictures onto flash drives, as well as important word documents and other files. I also moved pictures into files with labels like "School" and "Family" to both reduce the number of picture files I have and so that I can find photos when I want them. Like this photo of the double rainbow I promised you:
I would add photos of Mary's visit this weekend, except I only took one, and Mary is in her pajamas, so I thought I'd be nice and not post it. She took more and has sent some to me, but I'll leave it to her to post them. I think they had fun.
I also changed out my answering machine. I had been using one that Mom and Dad had given me, and it was eating messages - but only the most important one. I discovered an old answering machine when I was cleaning, so I finally switched them. I hope this one works better (not that I get that many messages.)Thursday, July 4, 2013
There's an App for That
I'll not be going to any fireworks tonight. I could watch them on TV, but that is nothing like the real thing.
But I discovered an app on the iPad that is a pretty good imitation of fireworks. Now I can't wait for it to get dark to try it in the dark.
Pretty cool.
But I discovered an app on the iPad that is a pretty good imitation of fireworks. Now I can't wait for it to get dark to try it in the dark.
Pretty cool.
Glorious Fourth
Happy Independence Day, everyone.
My plans for the holiday got cancelled because I didn't feel we'll enough yesterday to drive three hours to visit Mary and her family. They really do The Fourth big there in B-wood, but here, eh. Not so much.
I was feeling better this morning, so I got out and mowed before it got too hot. Then I was too hot from pushing that lovely machine. I may have finished just in time, for it looks like it's clouding up. Rain, maybe?
So now I'm deciding which marathon to watch. TLC's Cake Boss doesn't seemed to fit the spirit of the day. History is running The Story of Us and History 2 is running The Revolution. SyFy has a marathon of The Twilight Zone, which is a true American Classic, I suppose. Even Animal Planet has North America. Or I could just watch the patriotic movies on TCM today. They aren't showing 1776 until midnight, however, which would be my favorite.
So many choices. And that is what America is all about, boys and girls.
My plans for the holiday got cancelled because I didn't feel we'll enough yesterday to drive three hours to visit Mary and her family. They really do The Fourth big there in B-wood, but here, eh. Not so much.
I was feeling better this morning, so I got out and mowed before it got too hot. Then I was too hot from pushing that lovely machine. I may have finished just in time, for it looks like it's clouding up. Rain, maybe?
So now I'm deciding which marathon to watch. TLC's Cake Boss doesn't seemed to fit the spirit of the day. History is running The Story of Us and History 2 is running The Revolution. SyFy has a marathon of The Twilight Zone, which is a true American Classic, I suppose. Even Animal Planet has North America. Or I could just watch the patriotic movies on TCM today. They aren't showing 1776 until midnight, however, which would be my favorite.
So many choices. And that is what America is all about, boys and girls.
Monday, July 1, 2013
Good news/bad news
The good news is I got my laptop back. They had to - - do something - - I forgot what they said. It involved downloading all my files, wiping everything, and restoring it, maybe?? Anyway, good news is my files are saved! including the last document I created, my resume. Bad news is, my settings were all gone, including all my saved passwords. I had an account on lumonsity - you know, that site to improve your brain function. Well, I can't remember my password. So much for improving my brain function.
Finally got in to the doctor's today. I've been feeling exhausted and lightheaded, with lots of headaches, which I think maybe related to thyroid problems. My numbers on that were not that bad, but he ordered tests anyway, based on my symptoms. So the "bad" news is, I don't have any answers yet. And I have a headache right now.
So I've spent the whole day running around and didn't get any cleaning done. I might just take this empty box and scrape the table and this desk into it and just go through everything later. Hey, that's a good idea! Just so don't lose any bills I gotta pay.
Still gotta clean the bathroom. Well, that's why God made tomorrow.
Finally got in to the doctor's today. I've been feeling exhausted and lightheaded, with lots of headaches, which I think maybe related to thyroid problems. My numbers on that were not that bad, but he ordered tests anyway, based on my symptoms. So the "bad" news is, I don't have any answers yet. And I have a headache right now.
So I've spent the whole day running around and didn't get any cleaning done. I might just take this empty box and scrape the table and this desk into it and just go through everything later. Hey, that's a good idea! Just so don't lose any bills I gotta pay.
Still gotta clean the bathroom. Well, that's why God made tomorrow.
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