Happy 2009

Good Morning. I'm sorry I didn't post yesterday. I didn't really have anything new or exciting to report and I'd hate to be a bore.

The most oustanding issue is that MOM WENT HOME. This is a mixed blessing, of course. It was a very difficult parting for both of us. As you know, Mom has been staying with me 24/7 since this entire ordeal began. Sleeping on a sleeper sofa in the hospital for almost 5 weeks and then staying here in the house. Taking care of me like the Mommy she is. Of course, I need to try to get stronger and do more and more for myself. This goes against her instincts. She really just wants to do everything for me. So, although it's probably better for me in regaining some independence, it hurts me that she may feel like she's no longer needed. OF COURSE she's needed...just on a different scale now. In addition, a few weeks before I went into the hospital, Mom had carpal tunnel release surgery. She was scheduled for a follow up appointment while I was in the hospital and so, obviously skipped her appointment to stay with me. Now, she's having trouble with the hand and needs extensive PT to get it back into fine working order. Her doc said, "Now it's time to take care of you". Gotta agree with that. Also, I know how difficult it is for her to be alone in her apartment. I hate to think of her there alone. I think I gotta get her to move in here permanently...All important things to consider.

My sleep schedule is still out of whack. Last night, I took Ambien-CR at 10PM, hoping to be asleep by 11. At a still awake 1AM, I took a Klonopin. I'm not sure how long that took to kick in, but it must've eventually. Of course, the kids were out celebrating with friends, which isn't exactly condusive to a good night's sleep. But I did sleep some and got out of bed around 8:30.

According to doctor's orders, I've restarted taking my Tacrolimus this morning at a slightly reduced dosage. Instead of 1.5mg twice daily, I'm now taking 1.0mg twice daily. I'm expecting (but hoping not to experience) the jitteriness again.

The visiting nurse was here yesterday and changed my chatheter dressing and flushed the lines. She'll be back again on Friday but I think I may have some trouble soon as my insurance doesn't really want to continue paying for home care. May have to start an appeal process. I think I have until 1/15 to deal with it.

My next appointment with the doc is on Tuesday at 9AM. He's scheduled me to get 2 units blood transfused and I think platelets too. So, I am prepared to spend a good part of the day there.

I'm hoping everyone enjoyed a safe New Years Eve celebration and and wishing you all a happy, healthy, and peaceful New Year.