Long time no blog....

I am finally back here to update anyone who is still reading.

I never went back on the MAC drugs.  I got my vision back but have not gotten my hearing back.  It is a significant hearing loss.

I went to the hip doctor and found out I have 10 more years for my hips.  I did have to change pain med... to something stronger and longer lasting. I am also using a cane on bad days.  It really helps!!! We had snow last weekend and I require help walking in it.  Good non-slip shoes and a good strong arm.

No hernia fixing.  I was unable to do the CT scan due to hospital issues and blown out veins.

I did go through physical therapy and my tummy shrunk considerably.  The physical therapy did bad things to my hip but good things for the rest of my body.

Now that I have a cane I can start walking again.  I am hoping to get my lung function up by the time I see the doctor again.  We are having some insurance issues so we are not sure when that will be.

The only other icky thing is I am in perimenopause.  This means I get hot for no reason and my sleep is not the best (lovely insomnia).  Luckily, Kiddo gave him is old Ipad and when I can't sleep... I read.

Hope all of you had a wonderful Christmas.  We are enjoying Christmas break!!

Long time no post

I have been without a computer for quite some time.  A naughty doggie got a hold of my power cord and chewed it up.  Momma was NOT happy.  Neither was Daddy.

I have a few health updates to share:

I am getting my hip checked again.  I have been falling and it is causing injuries to other parts of my body.  The last time I fell I hurt my back and my foot.  Time to get this fixed!!

Next week I am going to a hernia surgeon.  I have a large abdominal hernia.  Years of coughing and a c-section have finally made me cry "uncle".

I will update here when we get a surgery date and found out what the orthopedic surgeon says about my hip.  The general doc also thinks I might have a compression fracture of the vertebrae.  It is quite painful so hoping to get that taken care of soon.

I hit 40 and started to fall apart.  Yuck!!

I have started to write another blog.  It is a frugal/thrifty blog.  We live on a super tight budget  so I thought I would share a few secrets.  My mom just recently helped me do some redecorating.  I am currently sharing some of the new stuff we did.  I will be sharing recipes and tips on how to live well but on the cheap. The blog as has a vintage spin (I love vintage things-- 30's, 40's and 50's).

The Vintage Frugal Mom

Come over and say "HI".

No surgery

Today was suppose to be surgery day.  NO surgery.  My lung #'s at my last doctor appointment were disappointing.  I decided that I needed to increase my numbers before going under anesthesia--- even though my doctors said it would be okay.   I didn't want to risk any pulmonary complications.

I am glad that I postponed the surgery.... I have a sore throat today (dry and sinus drainage). I had a cold a few weeks ago and a stuffy nose keeps hanging on.

We will try the surgery again later in the year.  Now I have time to increase my lung numbers.... even 3-5 points would be amazing!!

Almost.... almost scheduled

We finally made the decision to move forward with my first hip surgery.  I am of mixed feelings.  Sometimes I am scared out of my mind and other times I am calm and ready to begin the process of rehabilitation.  I am sure this will continue until they give knock me out for each surgery.

It will be a long road of rehab. One week recovery for the first surgery and then an initial 6 weeks to 6 months for the second surgery (depending on which one the doctor thinks I need)-- reconstruction of existing hip or total hip replacement.

I talked to the nurse today to let her know I am giving the green light to schedule surgery #1.  The next freaky moment is when we have a surgery date.  I have had tons of surgeries.... I am still having lots of anxiety.  I don't like letting go and letting people cut up my body even if the are tiny incisions.

Looks like next week we will have a surgery date (for likely next month).  We are scrambling around  this month to get all my pre-surgery check ups done so that all will go as smoothly as possible.  We need to make sure my lungs will deal with all the necessary medications necessary for surgery and pain.

I have been stumbling around here something horrible.... at least I haven't fallen in over a month.  Hubby was tempted to buy me a walker the other day.  I told him he should have gotten me a cane.  I am tempted to find a old classy cane to use for the next few month... something with character (something not metal and "medical" looking).

Will update when I have a surgery date.  Then I need to get cookin' and freezin' so that my family will have some casseroles to eat when I am recovering.

Any suggestions for casseroles that freeze  and thaw well??

MRI- Arthrogram on Hip

Yesterday I had to have a MRI-Arthrogram on my hip.

I was scared out of my mind... needles, big needles!!   They stuck a 20 gauge needle in my hip socket and put in dye contrast.  When they had me under the x-ray machine they examined the condition of my hip. I had several shots of numbing drug in my hip.... more needles.  I yelped in pain a few times and they gave me more localized numbing drugs. I was a frazzled mess by the time it was over.

I had the BEST nurses, techs and doctor. They were patient with me and very understanding that I was in pain.  My fingers tingled from holding the nurses hand so hard.

The MRI portion was pretty okay.  I freaked out a bit at first but the tech gave me a small "talking to" and I was fine.  He was kind but firm and that is what I needed at that point.  I did the 30 minutes in the "tube". The tech talked to me every 4 minutes or so.  That helped tons!!

When it was all over my hip felt like it was full of cement.  Very heavy and stiff.  I hobbled to the car with my family.

I have some residual soreness and tightness in the hip socket less then 24 hours later.  I guess this is typical. Some mild pain meds have eased most of the discomfort.  I have no bruising and the swelling seems to be going down.

I am SO GLAD for that to be over.  Now to find out if I need surgery or physical therapy. I am voting for physical therapy.