This morning, Adam dropped me and the kids of with my parents for daycare. I was able to help get the kids ready a bit this morning, but was so exhausted. I seem to do better with a nightly shower. I think if I can get the strength to dry my hair in the evening, I may just transition to night showers for a while. It's easier in the morning for sure, especially dealing with the meds on top of my balance and helping where I can. I put on makeup for the first time in weeks, which while not great, looked better than I had.
When we got to Mom and Dad's, Drew wanted me to give him a bottle, then we sat at the kitchen table and I had a juice box while everyone ate. Afterwards, I was so exhausted, I had to go back to bed. I slept for a good 2 hours, then got up and came downstairs to have another juice box and gatorade. I helped with the kids at bit, read some emails, and sat down with Drew and Lucy and my parents for lunch. Another one that smelled good and looked nice, but I had no desire to eat. Downed a 3rd juice box. Then I gave Lucy a bath in the kitchen sink, and packed up the diaper bag and juice boxes. Mom and I left with Lucy for the cardiologist. I sat in the back with Lucy, as she still doesn't like the car seat rides. She did fine with some entertainment though, and I was definitely thin enough to easily fit between the two big car seats. :)
When we got to the doctors office in aurora, I held Lucy for a bit while she slept on my shoulder. It was a nice feeling to just sit with her and hold her. I was called back for the EKG, and they went to get my mom in the waiting room. Mom was snoring, with Lucy sleeping on her. All the nurses were talking about them, and how cute a picture that was. I've seen my cardiologist since I was in college, so I'm by far one of their longest and youngest patients. Coming in with a 5-month old, talkative, happy baby also helps get good service.
I laughed when the EKG nurse said how amazingly thin I looked for having a 5 month old. It was a 10 minute test, so I gave her the rundown. I think she felt bad; it's not her fault, but I knew that would come up eventually. (Hearing people complain about weight when they are so thin has always been a pet peeve of mine; I'm just uber sensitive that I lost it without trying - not exactly what I was aiming for. It's sad how we focus so much on some things in live that are of so little consequence. Just being in the grocery store with my Aunt Kathy the other day, one of our nice neighbors saw us and asked how I was. I said each day was improving, and I appreciated the thoughts; I asked how she was, and she complained about all the baby weight from her 6 weeks old baby - it was hard to listen to; she's incredibly beautiful - model gorgeous - but is nursing and still recovering from the baby. The weight will come off, but you can't be rail thin that soon - it's just not even healthy. You just want to tell people to be grateful for their health and to be the with baby. The daily walks and time with the kids will take it off soon enough). Ok, anyways - I derailed there.
After the EKG, my Mom and Lucy were called back in so Mom could hear what Dr. Gordon had to say. I hugged her when she came in. It's been a really long 7 weeks, and in just a few days, she's been such a highlight. I remember when I had funny pacemaker feelings back last fall, and told her I was either anxious or pregnant. She was the one that ordered my blood work, and called me late on a Friday night to tell me I was pregnant. She was thrilled to do that as a cardiologist. She's that kind of lady; I am so grateful to have her as a friend and doctor.
She said she read the original Echo, and wasn't even sure where the 25-30 refraction rates came from. She really was interested in speaking to the cardiologist who called with the report on Thursday night. She also said the allergist, Dr. Saltoun, had called, and confirmed it was ok to speak with her. She said she would ask her about the Flu Shot and the best time to do (she's like me - we want to do it, but don't want anything else in my body right now).
She only wished I had called her sooner (I don't take the call the doctor on the cell phone thing lightly, but am glad I got confirmation I did the right thing). She said with the diet, she was amazed I had no swelling and looked/sounded great. The Mugga test showed a 65 refreaction rate, which is an exact measurement. She wanted me off the beta blockers ASAP today; no sense in being on more than I needed. She asked if I felt unusually tired (I had thought that even with 3 good nights sleep), and when I confirmed, she said this beta blocker did that, so it might make the mornings better. Yea! She asked about the palpitations, and I mentioned I really only noticed them when I had 4 nights/days of literally no sleep, and at times in the mornings when I would take the prednisone. She said both would cause it and it wasn't anything to be concerned with. It'll probably get better as I come down of the prednisone. We talked about a lot of things. She said should would keep a standing order for Zanax and Ambien in my chart, and renew it yearly, in case this ever happens again so I don't have the hassles (or her being out of town whenever I have an emergency - never fails). She went through and updated my MyChart information (it's an online program + iPhone app that keeps track of all my medical records, test results, etc), she ordered a weekly blood lab (I've been trying to get someone to do that for weeks) as she wanted to be sure my nutrients were in order for magnesium and potassium and she ordered it for at least 8 months to get through the food trials. She added in regular blood, plus the eosinophil counts, and she would monitor it for me. What a relief to have someone take some responsibility. I would see her again in 2-3 months, unless any of the blood work came back and she would need to notify me. What a relief. All was OK. She also mentioned that her daughter Hannah turned 13 and was training to be a babysitter. Dr. Gordon live literally 5 minutes from me, and since she has 2 daughters, it might work out great. Just having an extra hand on the weekends is great for Adam and I to do projects - Christmas Lights, yardwork, etc. Eventually, when the kids get familiar with someone, I'll feel even better to get out and go on a datenight. What a blessing to here more help is around.
After meeting with Dr. Gordon, we did a pacemaker test, and again, everything looked like normal. Ventricle paced at 100%; Atrium at 20%. Battery live 2.5 years left remaining, until I get the super cool upgrade that has a wireless connection to the doctor to send pacemaker checks in nightly (I have one that has a phone dial-in now, and it's a pain with VOIP and finding a dang phone that has an old ear and mouthpiece). Another normal test, and all was confirmed good.
We then went to the lab do get the blood work done, and left. We got home after 4:30. Lucy was fussy the way home, as she hadn't slept almost all day. I fed her, and "pillowtop" Grandpa rocked her to sleep. Mom went up to sleep, and Drew and Grandpa are now watching YouTube videos and drinking milk downstairs. Drew/Lucy/Adam all are sick with colds, so it's nice having Mom and Dad around to care for the kids and ensure they are ok. I think Dad may have brought something home from their North Carolina trip. Thankfully, I've been feeling good (but I've been washing my hands and avoiding touching my fast like the plague - I don't want anything else to happen).
Adam should be here in a few minutes to pick up us "kids" from daycare and bring us home. It's been a long day; these doctor visits and moving so much is exhausting for me, but I can tell I regain strength every day. Kathleen took Reeses today for a doggy play date, and will drop him off later this evening. Everyone is well cared for. It was a tiring, but all in all good day. I'm drinking my 6th juice box now. My goal is 7 for today.
Thank God for good spouces, parents, friends and one amazing doctor.
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