Merry Christmas!!

Well......

Finally got through the first boring stretch at work...Everyone shuts down during the Christmas and New Years week. Very Boring not much going on...

Also got through a week of shopping and more shopping!! Not too bad this year as we down sized the gift giving...SORT OF!! Even blew off shopping last Saturday for Happy Hour!!! Great way to start the Holiday Cheer.

Hips have been OK with all the walking and shopping. I have done zero PT which a very bad idea. Both hips are stiff and getting sore. I need to get moving on swimming and bike riding.

2 months until I go back for my Blood Work re-check. I have been wondering whats going on. Is it still normal or has it started heading south. We will see in February. I am still having fatigue issues and I am working through it. I think the more exercise I get the better I will feel.

Glad the weather is not as rough this year but I do miss the snow!!

Have a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

Seattle Visit

Well, I met with my Ortho Surgeon yesterday in Seattle. By the way, very long and boring drive!

Anyway, he took pictures of my hips and the results were good. My left hip is totally healed and you cant even tell it was pieced backed together, except for the screws!!
He said I am totally healed and have no restrictions!! Makes me very happy but not unexpected at all. I have not been having any issues at all with my left hip for a long time.

I did however, discuss my right hip pain with him. It really has been bugging me off an on since I saw him in September. He told me that it really is up to me based on the pain. If it gets really bad he wants me to make an appointment and he will schedule an MRI and go from there.

So I would say it was a good visit but I am still faced with a very sore right hip that I need watch and hope the pain goes away. I am not been rehabbing like I should so I need to step it up.

I know that is going to be the key. Otherwise I am faced with another crappy surgery that was no fun at all!!

I would say that the results were great just a crappy journey!!

Talk to you later.....

Busy Weekend

It was a very very busy weekend! This was the weekend we did our Christmas Tree lot for Aaron's Scout Troop. It was sponsored by Trees for Troops. It is a great program to help get Christmas trees to our troops stationed all over the US and out of the country.

We did OK. Spent half the day Saturday selling trees. It was fun. Aaron did a great job. It was very very cold!!!!

Saturday night I went with Theresa to her works Christmas Party at El Gaucho. The food was great, the wine was great and the beer was great. Nothing bad about at all.

Sunday morning came too quickly. I was tired and very very sore. I was limping pretty bad and in a grumpy mood. I need to work on that. I can't let my sore hips spill over into how I treat everyone.

Anyway, it was busy but a fun weekend! No I did not put up my Christmas lights. Try to do it this weekend. Need to set up my tree too.

Today, both my hips are on fire. I was limping like crazy all day long. I have to be honest, I did not expect to be still feeling crappy. I know I sound like a broken record, but by this time I really was expecting to be telling the world how great I feel and everything is back to normal.. STILL WAITING.

I rode the bike today instead of swimming. I have not been doing anything since before Thanksgiving, so I hope this helps.

Well that was my RANT for the day.

Oh by the way..THE DUCKS ARE SMELLING ROSES!!!

All I need now are tickets.Great football season for the Oregon Ducks! One for the Ages!!!

Happy Thanksgiving

I hope everyone had a great Turkey Day! It has been awhile ,which made it even more special, to be with all my brothers and sister at Mom and Dads.

It was great tot catch up with everyone and see my nieces. Food was great too. I really didn't have any issues to speak of. My leg felt good and I have been having more energy lately.

Got home at about 10:30 pm, caught up on all the games on Espn and went to bed.

Yesterday we cleaned up around the house a bit then went on a fun hike at a new Wildlife Reserve. It was good exercise.


I handled the hike fairly well and it felt good to get out and walk. It was about a 1 mile hike I think. The weather was Awesome also.

After that everyone came over to my house for another family get together. It was fun!

Today I am trying decide if I should put up my Christmas lights or do it tomorrow. I am still nervous about getting on a ladder. I need to also go through my lights and get news ones if needed. I tossed a bunch last year. We shall see....

Anyway, watching the Florida vs Florida State and ASU vs Arizona.. Good rivalry games today.

Have a great weekend!!!

Lazy Sunday

Had fairly busy weekend after a tough week. I have been very tired all week and on again off again hip pain. Its weird. Went to the pool Monday and Thursday. I am so far I am keeping it up.

I went to a poker game Friday night with guys from college. It was fun.

Saturday night I went over to a friends house and watched a very good Duck Game. Got to love double over time!!

Today, I have the heating pad on my right hip again! Taking it easy. Getting some work done around the house too. Looking forward to seeing everyone at Thanksgiving. I am crossing my fingers I have good day on Thursday. I really don't want to be limping around at Thanksgiving.

Getting as much sleep as I can but I still can't shake the fatigue? As I have said before, I guess its just one of those things.

It has also been very stormy this weekend. The wind was howling like crazy last night. Woke me up. I always have visions of a tree crashing down on us. IT WOULD JUST BE MY LUCK!!!

No worries.. Enjoying some good Football today then movie night with the rest of the Family.

Take it easy.

Another Monday!!

Not really happy to start the work week again but I had a great weekend. Went to the Duck vs ASU Football game. My fraternity organized a re-union Tailgate. It was fantastic. I saw people I have not seen in over 22 years.

The game wasn't bad either. We kicked the hell out of ASU. Two more games then Rose Bowl bound, cross your fingers.

Feeling OK. I don't seem to have the issues I had the last time I went to a game. I hope its because I am getting better and the swimming is helping!!

I have been faithful, at least 2 days a week. Trying to make a habit of it. I still can only go for 20 minutes or but at least I am doing it. My hips seem to be feeling better each time I go. Keep your fingers crossed.

I am also hoping that my fatigue gets better as I work out more and more. Getting my energy back would be fantastic. I just have to be patient.

Back to Monday Football. Take it easy...

Late Update

I have been a bit behind in my updates, sorry!

I actually have not been feeling up to it. The most activity I have had was the USC Game!! Over a week ago!

My legs have been very sore. Particularly my right side. The pain is a deeper ache. Like the bone pains I used to have before my surgeries.

To try to get better I am back to doing my PT and I finally started swimming again, 2 times!!

I am desperate to keep this up. I don't really have a choice. Not only are my legs very sore but I am gaining weight, which is a NO NO!!

I am going to swim Monday and Wednesday. Then do my exercises in between. I will also try to get a swim in on a Saturday if possible.

I am in very bad shape! I can only swim for about 20 minutes before I give up, which is a joke. If I keep it up I should get stronger fairly quickly.

I also hope this helps with my fatigue. It still has not gotten better but I am managing it fairly well. We shall see as the weeks go by how this works. Cross your fingers.

I am going to a Re-union party this weekend and the Duck vs ASU game! Its going to be another long day but it should be fun. I am looking forward to it. I hope my legs feel good as I do not want be limping around at the game in front of old friends!

Well that is about it for now. Its another busy, stress filled work week!!

Take care.

Great Weekend!

Had a fantastic weekend so far. Went to the Duck Football game last night and watched the Ducks beat USC in dominating fashion! I have Never been to a game like this ever!!

It was close to 60,000 fans which is a record at Autzen Stadium

Aaron's soccer team finally scored yesterday which was Awesome!!

I have no voice today from SCREAMING at the top of my lungs! It was nice to have a full day and make it thru without any issues!!

I am paying for it of course today but I can manage. I slept in an extra hour thanks to rolling back the clocks!

Heading out shortly to go see a presentation with Cameron about the University of Chicago. Very good school and they have a lot to offer him.

After that it is home to rest.

I hope very soon I can have a full day or weekend of activities and have zero pain and not be so tired afterwords. I guess that comes with time!

By the way, I got another CBC last week and my counts are now normal? My white count jumped all the way back to 6.0, my platelets are 229,000 and my ANC is back to 4,500??

Its great but not sure what to make of the dip? My counts have NEVER bounced to that extreme since my Chemo. I am concerned but will not re test until my appointment in Feb. There really is no point. I hope my fatigue goes away and things even out. We shall see.

Take easy!!

Dealing

That is about all I can say...I am getting up in the morning going to work and trying to get through the day.

I am trying not to stress or worry but I can not help it. Not sure how to feel or what to do. I have been thinking about everything I went through last year. From all the tests to the chemo, the emergency room ,the Oncology ward and the trips everyday for an IV at the doctors office. Not a fun place to be.

It was fine the first time around and we all got through it pretty well. Yet, I really don't think I can do it again. I really don't want to put the family through it.

I am not sure how I can wait for 4 MONTHS!! before I see the doctor again and know for sure!! I guess I have to.

I am probably going to go in two weeks to the lab and get another test. Just to see what may have changed. At least I am doing something..

That's it for a Wednesday...

Treatment Options - Hairy Cell Leukemia(Review)

Hairy Cell Leukemia (HCL)
(from OncologyChannel)

In the recent past, HCL patients who were symptom-free typically did not receive any treatment for the disease. However, they did undergo routine follow-up exams every few months to monitor leukemia progression and identify any new symptoms.

Not a Good Start to the Weekend!

I had my HCL check with my Hemo today. Last visit was April 09. The results are below:

As you can see, my White Counts and My ANC took a DIVE!!! Not very encouraging. Needless to say this not the result I was looking for.

Unfortunately , my doctor now wants to see me in 4 months vs 1 year. If my counts don't rebound by February he will want to do another bone marrow biopsy.

As you know I have been yelling as loud as can about never doing another BMB. It sucked the last time. Yet here I am a year and 1/2 later staring down the barrel of large needle looming in my future! HAPPY 2010!!!

To bring things back in perspective, I am still far with in healthy limits. My risk is very low for infection and I am asymptomatic. No need to panic at all yet. My palms are just getting sweaty and the butterflies are growing in my stomach......

You know I will be Obsessing over this for the next 4 months until I get checked again. Who wouldn't!!

I am thinking the hip surgery and everything I have been through had some effect. Yet, I had a transfusion in the hospital, 2 units. I should be at the same high levels (6.0) because of that, right??

Unfortunately, only time will tell....and that's what sucks about HCL...It is slow and makes you think about it....

Have good weekend!!!

Finally Mid Week!

I am very glad it is Wednesday. It has been a long week. I have a lot going on. Cam is back to school after being sick all weekend. Theresa has been sick too. Its been a rough week for both.

I am praying I am not going to get it. The last thing I want is the flu. It wont surprise me however.
Everyone at work is hacking and coughing. People are even coming to work with a fever!!

Whatever!!

I have my HCL check up tomorrow. I will post my blood test results. It will be interesting as I have been having fatigue issues for the last month and half. I know it has something to do with my surgery but I can't help but think about my HCL. Do I have that bad of luck!!!


My left side is feeling better and better. I wish I could report the same for the right side but at least it has not gotten worse. I did walk a mile around the track before Aaron's Sunday Soccer Game. It whipped me out but I did it. I was also sore for two days. I need to do more stuff like that if I am to get better.

I get to go to Aaron's school conference tomorrow. I miss doing this stuff. I have been laid up so much I missed most of the conferences last year and this is my first one solo!

NO surprises..I know he has been working hard.

Looking forward to the weekend and more soccer games!!

Go Ducks!!!(its a bye week so a for sure win!!)

Happy Sunday

Just a short update today. I went to the Duck game yesterday. It was great.

Once again, I am paying for it today. However, its my right side not my left that is tell me I told you so. It really hurts today. I am on the couch trying to rest. I got some work done around the house this morning but I am done!

It is becoming very frustrating. If this keeps up I really don't think I can deal with it I will continue to ignore it as much as I can and try to live my life.

One week away from HCL check up. I am sure everything is fine but I am going to tell my doctor about my energy level and how I have been feeling for nearly a month now.

Talk to you later and Go Ducks!!

Sunny Weekend

It has been a very productive weekend! Cameron passed his driver test and is now a Licensed Driver! He just went on his first solo trip to Sonic... I told not to hit anyone!

Aaron had two soccer games one in Corvallis, I did not go. They lost. The other one today was early in the morning. They played hard but lost again.

I just woke up from a 2 hour nap. I did not sleep a wink again last night. I need to cut out the naps. I think that is affecting my night sleep.

The Tylenol PM was a big help but I am now taking Diclofenac SOD 50mg tablets twice a day. It is a stronger anti inflammatory to help with the continued leg pain, both sides.

I don't think I can mix anything with this and I don't want to get hooked on taking sleep aids. It could screw up my sleep more.

I think things will get better as time goes on. It is just a wait and see.

On a good note, the Oregon Ducks beat Cal 43 to 0!! Awesome day of Football yesterday.

See ya.

Hairy cell leukemias with unmutated IGHV genes define the minor subset refractory to single agent cladribine and with more aggressive behavior

Blood First Edition Paper, prepublished online August 10, 2009; DOI 10.1182/blood-2009-03-212449.

Hairy cell leukemia (HCL) is generally responsive to single-agent Cladribine and only a minority of patients are refractory and with poor prognosis. HCL generally express mutated (M) and, in a minority, unmutated (UM) immunoglobulin-heavy-chain-variable-region-genes (IGHV). In a multicenter clinical trial in newly diagnosed HCL, we prospectively investigated clinical and molecular parameters predicting response and event-free survival (EFS) after single-agent Cladribine. Of 58 HCL, 6 expressed UM-IGHV (UM-HCL) and 52 M-IGHV (M-HCL). Beneficial responses were obtained in 53/58 patients (91%), while treatment failures were observed in 5/58 (9%) patients. Failures associated significantly with UM-IGHV (5/5 failures vs 1/53 beneficial responses had UM-IGHV, p<.0001), leucocytosis (3/5 vs 3/53, p=.006), and bulky spleen (4/5 vs 4/53, p=.0008). The UM-HCL not benefiting from Cladribine characteristically had bulky spleen (4/5, 80%), leukocytosis (3/5, 60%) and TP53 defects (2/5, 40% vs 0/53 UM/M-HCL benefiting from Cladribine, p=.006), and progressed rapidly after first treatment (median EFS 7.5 months). Our data suggest that UM-HCL identify the minor subgroup failing Cladribine treatment and with more aggressive disease. High incidence of TP53 disfunction indicates a potential mechanism of resistance to Cladribine in the UM-HCL group. Overall, our data provide new molecular elements relevant for treatment concerns in HCL.

Back from Doctors Office

Just got back from Seattle. Long Drive and painful as well. My right side was bugging me the entire trip!!

Good news. Doctor says not to use my Cane!!!

That THING is going back in my closet never to be seen again!! Thank God!!

He says my hip pain is just inflammation from favoring my left side for 4 months. He wants me to try to walk normal if possible and continue to do bike exercises or swim as long as no pain.

He gave a stronger anti-inflammatory and told me to use it for about 2 months. Then come back and visit him in 3 months. Or sooner if pain gets worse.

There is no plan to do a PAO on my right side as my doctor thinks I have been through enough. I of course agree totally!!!

Enjoying Monday Night Football and I am totally dead after driving 6 hours for a 25 minute appointment.

See ya.

Almost the Weekend!!

As great as last weekend WAS, this week has been a big challenge.

My hips have been on fire!! My left side is very very stiff and throbbing most of the day. The right side is a deep bone pain when I bend my leg away from my body. It also throbs off and on all day as well. This was exactly like the left side before my PAO surgery.

I have not been sleeping very well so I got some Tylenol PM, which has been working. Unfortunately, I am still waking up about 4am and can't go back to sleep. Its better than nothing.

Went to the gym yesterday and used the bike. It seemed to help but today its back to pain as usual.

I have about a week and half until my next doctor visit. I am crossing my fingers things get better than they are right now.

No matter what, I have to live with it as I will not be able to go through the surgery again. I have too much going on and I will not jeopardize my job as I have Zero time off. Next year I need all my vacation time for Aaron's big Boyscout Trip to Florida in late June. It is all becoming all to familiar again. I guess life does go in circles!!

Anyway, its all good. Two soccer games to watch.. Looking forward to it.

Great Weekend

Had great weekend so far. Very lazy day as I am taking it easy after a busy Saturday.

We had another Boy Scout bottle drive again. I helped out more this time than in the past. I had to take a nap for about 2 hours after however, I was dead.

Next I took Cam to the Oregon Ducks vs Purdue football game.

It was the first home game for the Ducks.

We had Fantastic seats. They were a birthday present from Theresa and the kids!

The game was very intense and we had a great time together.

PLUS THE DUCKS WON IN A NAIL BITTER!!

The stairs were quite a challenge as we were so close to the field. I got very winded surprisingly going up and down those stairs to and from my seat. However, I made it through the game!

Even though it rained it was a lot of fun!! As the boys get older there are less and less opportunities to do things together.


Unfortunately, I am paying for it today, which sucks! Both my hips are very sore. Instead of ice I am using a flax seed hot pad which seems to be doing the trick.

I hope one day, I can be active enjoy fun events and not have to be on the couch all the next day.

All last week I was very stressed about what this activity would do to me or if I would make it through the entire game. I am glad I did. Not matter what the cost.

I am glad to being going back to my doctor in a few weeks. I want to know what is up with my right side. It seems to be continuing to get more painful and less flexible.

Its just a wait and see game right now.

Talk to you soon.

Happy Labor Day

Watching my favorite show "Band of Brothers" and just made the best dinner ever, Seafood Pallea.

I have been wanting to make it for about a year but finally took the plung. It was awesome. I am not very good at cooking rice but Theresa helped with that. I love Spanish cooking and this takes the cake.

That was the best part of my weekend! Unfortunately, I over did it cleaning on Saturday and today I can hardly move.

Both my hips hurt like hell! I needed to get out and go shopping just to try and get things moving. It is turning out that my right side is become more painful than my surgical repaired left side.

I will need to work harder and keep up my exercises which I am not doing every day.

I finally started reading my book again. After two boring chapters its getting good, "Terror" by Dan Simmons.

Going to eat cake now.

See ya

Back from a Short Trip

Just got back from a presentation at my customers factory. I think it went very well. It is nice to get out of the office finally! I enjoy getting face to face with my customer and talking new business.

The challenge today was getting around and staying on my feet all day. I did alright but felt like a third wheel at set up and tear down. I cant lift anything and move stuff around!

By the end of the day I could hardly walk even with my cane. I was glad everyone left before I really started feeling it. The scary thing is that it is not just my left hip but my right. As I have been saying I don't know what to make of it.

I am icing down my hips now. I am sure it will get easier but I am honestly sick of this. I need to be able to get out and move around. I just need to keep trying to get back to normal.

I have been having a very difficult time sleeping over the last week. I can't lay on my side for very long and I have been rolling back and forth ALL NIGHT EVERY NIGHT!!

I will find some way to make it through this no matter what.

I did have a great Anniversary Dinner with Theresa on Sunday. We went to Ringside and it was fantastic. The best Prime Rib I have ever had. It was nice to get out together for a nice meal to celebrate. I wish we could of done more like walk around by the water but I guess I have to be patient.

Dead on my feet so I am going to sign off.....

Flying Solo Again

This time everyone is gone for the week. The family went to Eagle Crest in Bend, Or. Very nice place and I am very jealous!!

They will have a great time. Its the last bit of fun before school starts.

I put my crutches in the closet for good! Started using my cane on Saturday. So far so good. It hurt the first couple of days but I think its getting better.

I am also working hard to get to the gym as much as possible. Only been a few days but I will keep it up!

Very stiff however. I am worried about it getting worse if I don't keep up the PT.

The days I don't go to the gym I am doing my exercises. Wish me luck. I am praying it settles down my right side which is very sore and it makes me nervous but I need to stay focused on working out and healing before I get all freaked out!

I have one more month before my next CBC I will be very interested to see how I am doing. I can't tell because of the chronic pain. It whips me out so I am always tired. Plus I don't think my stamina is back up to par either.

Again, unfortunately only time will tell.

Take it easy....

Flying Solo All Weekend

Theresa is in San Diego for work. Left Thursday and wont be home until late tonight.

The boys and I have been flying solo for 4 days. Doing good. We had chicken wings on Friday. Went to a movie on Saturday, it was interesting (District 9). A tad bit intense for Aaron but he said he liked it. We went to the gym today.

I got a bunch of work done around the house. Trying to keep it clean and get all the laundry done.

My hips been sore this weekend but managing. I also went and rode the bike for about 20 minutes today. It did not bother me during the workout. However, its a bit stiff and sore now. I need to work on keeping up the activity level. I don't want to have scare tissue stiffen up my hip and make it more difficult for me to come back all the way.

I am still very sore on the right side as well. I think it will be fine.

I am very anxious to throw away my crutches and start using the cane but I have one more week. I think I could do it now but I don't want to risk it. I told myself when I started this I would, for once, follow the doctors directions. I have not been perfect but I am doing better than in the past.

Still no feeling in my thigh! I cant find any info on when it will no longer come back. Cross your fingers that does not happen it would suck for sure.

Overall, things are getting better I just need to be patient.

Time for more PRE-SEASON FOOTBALL..THE REAL SPORT IS BACK.........YEAH!!!

Seattle Trip

I am back from my monthly trek to Seattle for my PAO followup. I spend three hours driving just to have a 20 minute check up and then three hours home. Oh well, it is what it is.

My hip has completely re-modeled very nicely. Everything looks good and stable. I told the doctor about the pain I have been experiencing over the last week and half. It turns out that my "hip flexor" is still healing.

Picture Below:

When they did the procedure they had to completely release that muscle from my hip and them stitch it back in place. It takes about 10 to 11 weeks for that to completely heal. It is usually the last thing to stop hurting. I still have pain when you push in the area of the incision and that was explained to me as a small piece of bone still healing in that spot.

No further explanation regarding my numbness but I will keep bringing it up.

I have two more weeks on crutches then I can go to my cane. When I add more weight the doctor also wants me to scale down my activities for a week in order to allow my leg to adjust. That also may be why I am sore. I am just doing too much.

I voiced my concern about my right side beginning to flare up and I need to wait and reserve any judgement. It is nearly impossible with all that is going on that I can make any assessment about my other side. My right leg is working over time and my body needs time to adjust to the new alignment in my left side.

I will just keep logging here when it hurts and how much. I am not going through that surgery again. I don't think I can handle it and I know it would be too rough on the family... NOT AGAIN.

So far so good..

Hump Day

Its Hump Day and we are Kid less!! Boys are at Boyscout camp. They went to Camp Pioneer which is a smaller camp but it is beautiful!

Its nice to be alone for awhile but I do miss them. I also miss being at the camp. It is one of the things I enjoy the most and miss a great deal! I enjoy, being with the boys and helping them finish all the merit badges they sign up for. I also enjoy hanging out with other dads. They are a lot of fun.

I am running out of summer camps with Cam so it is even more upsetting that I am missing it. I think I get one more camp out of him before he graduates!!

Work has been fine but sitting all day this week has been a challenge. I don't know what it is but I am getting up a lot more than normal.

My hip today hurts quite a bit more than earlier this week. I am not sure what the issue is. Maybe the swimming I did on Monday was to much? I don't know but it is not feeling well at all. I have an ice pack on my hip right now. I did however, do my PT exercises but it hurt like hell (specific pain level isn't it)..... I am going to try to take weight off of it the rest of the week and hope it helps.

My right side has been bugging me also. Its not bad but it does bother me driving in to work and going home. I think its just over use. Until I get off my crutches and start walking normally I am going to have some pain...

I go to the Doctor on Monday so I will know more then.

Took my dog to the vet yesterday. He has been limping for awhile. Turns out he has Arthritis in every joint! Put him on low dose of pain meds for two weeks. Unfortunately, age is starting to catch up with him and I think this is just an example of what is to come. He is 10 years old and honestly I have been expecting him to start showing his age.

Good news is the medication is working as he is happy today and seems to feel better.

Keep your fingers crossed on a good doctors visit. I think I am traveling solo Monday..

See ya....

Hot Saturday

Temperature is on the rise! Not the best part of the summer to me. But the evenings are nice. My wife loves to be outside listening to the radio in the back yard. Me too. A beer or two is also nice.

Well, I am can now put 50% of my weight on my foot. I trying to decide if I should use my cane or both crutches? I think after a week or so I will decide. I go back to the doctors August 10th. I hope by then he tells me to throw the crutches and the cane away for good.

Swimming has been great. I would suggest it to everyone. It has been a very very big help. I am also continuing my PT exercises. My left leg is getting stronger and the pain during the exercises is also less. Progress even very small is adding confidence and giving me a more positive outlook. I want it to continue. Cross your fingers.

My birthday was great. Turning 44 is good now that I feel better and ALL of my health issues are in the rear view mirror. This will be a much better year.

I got tickets to Oregon VS Purdue in September. That was a good match up last year so should be a great game to see in Eugene. I cant wait. I love going to see the Ducks its a blast. I was worried I wouldn't be able to.

I wish the best for everyone and don't forget to stop by Facebook.

Busy Weekend!!

It has been a very busy weekend. Aaron had 4 soccer games, 2 on Friday and two on Sunday.

Unfortunately, they got there butts kicked in all 4 games. Aaron played great even though he broke his wrist on the first game!!

Just a small fracture no big deal. He ended up playing all the games just not as Keeper. Very proud of him as he played hard and didn't let his sore wrist get in the way.

I think as they play more games together they will improve very quickly as team.

He and Theresa left for Lake Shasta this morning! Aaron has been looking forward to this for a long time and I am glad he did not end up with a cast and miss his trip.

My hip has been feeling much better this weekend. Even with the increased weight and activity.

It makes me feel like I truly am on the downside of this "issue"...I just cant wait to finally get all the benefits of the surgery and have ZERO PAIN!!! Otherwise what was the point...

As you can see I joined the rest of the world and signed up for Facebook. We shall see how it goes.

I really cant think of anything else to write so I will see you later....

UP TO SEATTLE

I was up in Seattle Sunday and Monday. I took my son Cam with me. He is interested in going to the University of Washington because of the Medical School. So went up early to tour the school.

It is a very nice campus, but very very hilly!!

We had a blast. I had to take him around using the car but we got a good feel for the campus. We parked and walked about a mile on Monday morning. It was nice to get out of the car and look around. It was tough but I enjoyed it.

We had a great dinner on Sunday too.

My doctors appointment on Monday went very well. My hip is healing well. As a result he said I can start putting 25% of my weight on the hip for two weeks. Then 50% after that for two weeks.

I then go back for another check up. I did explain the pain I have been having and the trouble sleeping. He told me that the pain is from the soft tissue still healing and to continue using over the counter pain relief. The healing should begin to accelerate as well.

I also told him about my thigh being numb. He told me that he has never had anyone stay numb this long but not to be concerned. I am though. I read a white paper the other day that said most people should expect to have significant numbness in the outside portion of the thigh after a PAO procedure. We shall see...

I still would do it again!! I know it will be worth it. I JUST WANT THE PAIN TO GO AWAY FOR GOOD!!

He also told me to swim as much as possible as it will accelerate the healing process.

Despite all of the complaining and frustration over the last 6 weeks, I am happy to have done this. I know it is worth it. Just to be off the pain medication and to finally begin to plug back into the family.

Thank God its Wednesday

I will be very brief. I am dragging so far this week. My leg is really bothering me. It hurts to sit at work so I get up and move around. It hurts to drive to and from work. More so on the way home.

It is very sore at home also. Right now I have ice on my hip and seems to help. Not sure why the pain has flared up?? I hope its just from all the increase in activity. I felt much better last week??

I see the doc on Monday so we will see.

I am tired so that's enough today......

Happy 4th of July

Had a great 4th yesterday. Did not do much during the day but we went as a family to the Portland Beavers Baseball game and fireworks show.

I enjoy going to PGE Park and it was nice to finally do a family outing. I had a long walk to the stadium but made there and back OK on my crutches.

I sat most of the game with not much pain or difficulty. The fireworks were nice.

I started going to the gym on Friday. I did 30 minutes of biking. I paid for it Saturday, which is why I did not do much all day Saturday. I was resting up of the baseball game.

I am going to try and go to the gym at least 3 days a week. Over time I know it is going to help my leg feel better.

I meet the doctor in about a week. I hope by then I can put more weight on it. I am still having numbness in my thigh which is the biggest concern of mine. Is it going to come all the way back or not? If it doesn't was all this worth it. It feels weird..

Anyway, nothing major going on... I hope everyone had a safe and fun 4th of July.

Monday, Monday................

Well its the beginning of another week. I am glad its a short week. I am trying to go longer at work.

Today I made it to 2pm! I crashed hard when I got home at 3:00 but it is worth it to get back to a normal schedule!!

We had the plant auction on Saturday. I think it went really well. I did what I could which amounted to sitting around under a pop up and saying HI to the people that came to buy plants. I sold a few things but I couldn't get up to help them so I felt like a third wheel.

I did stay all day which was great. I also went to the after party. It was nice to see all my friends. Theresa said she saw some of "the old Greg" which made me feel good.

The more time that passes the closer I get to a full recovery.

Some great news by the way, at the Silent Auction (we have a great silent auction at the troop plant sale) I won a 3 month membership to a gym. Awesome, now I don't need to buy a recumbent bike. They also have an outdoor pool so I can swim on the weekends. Its also about 1 mile from the house. Now I just need to go!!!

I am sleeping better at night, my leg still hurts but if stay off of it the pain is not that bad. Still waiting for the feeling in my thigh to come back but I guess it is what it is.

Only a couple of weeks away from my next doctor visit. I am hoping he will let me start walking on my leg. I am sick of my crutches and that damn walker. Can you believe it has been almost 5 weeks I have pushing that stupid thing around the house!!!

Well, take it easy!!

Already Wednesday

I am very proud of myself. I set a goal to get back to work by Monday and I did it! I started going back to work part time. So far I have been able to make it.

Getting up in the morning and getting dressed is difficult and by the time I get in the car to start my commute my leg is very sore. Its not too bad during the drive. I was very stressed my leg pain would go through the roof but so far it has not. Don't get me wrong, it hurts but I can deal with it.

During the day, I have been able to make it work also. It hurts to sit in my chair and by Noon I am totally ready to go home but its good to get back into a routine. I am very happy to be back to work.

When I get home I am dead!! I crash on the couch and then sleep through the night. This is great because for several weeks I have not been able to sleep at all!

We start the Boy Scout plant auction this week so we are going to have a very very busy end of the week. I hope I can do my part this weekend and pitch in.

Overall, I am just happy to finally be making progress in the right direction! I just hope to keep it up... I started doing my PT exercises today and I want to continue I think it will help get rid of my "crazy legs" at night. We shall see.

I think that is it for now. Take it easy....

Finally Back on Track

It has been awhile but I am finally getting back on track. So much so that I am going to try to get back to work, part time on Monday.

About a week ago Wednesday I started getting very very sick. Turns out I put myself into de-tox. I ran out of all my pain meds that Wednesday and had to go to the doctors in order to get a re-fill. I was very anxious and I started to panic. By the end of the day I was in tears and feeling very sick to my stomach.

By Wednesday night I started throwing up. From that time on I was throwing up every 20 minutes violently. I did not stop doing this for about 36 hours. My Nausea did not go away for another 3 days after that. So by last Sunday I was almost out of the woods. I ran low grade fevers most of this week and since Thursday of this week I have been doing really well. My diet is getting back to normal as well. I lost a ton of weight!

Now that I am off my pain meds its funny because my leg does not really hurt as bad as thought. I wonder if my pain receptors were all screwed up? The only issues I have left now are "crazy legs" at night. This is a common side effect and I hope wont last to much longer. It is very difficult getting to sleep as I can not lay still and get comfortable. I am determined to work on getting my self to sleep without a sleep aide of any kind. I am done with medication!!!


I am thinking about trying to get into the pool this weekend and see how I do. Because of my De-Tox problems I have not done any rehabing at all. The only thing I have been doing is limping to and from the bathroom and up the stairs to take a shower and to go to bed. I need to get more exercise.

All I can say about my experience is BE VERY CAREFUL WITH HEAVY PAIN MEDICATION. I did everything correctly and followed my doctors orders. Yet I was smack dab in the middle of hell on earth for a week. I don't wish this experience on my worst enemy. NO it is not like a hang over. Its much much worse. It also scared the crap out of me. There were times I considered going to emergency room.

If it was not for Theresa I don't think I would have made it through.

By the way I am never doing anything like this again. I don't care if my right leg is fixed or not. I CANT DO THIS AGAIN!! NO MORE SURGERY!!

I go back to see my Doctor in July and I hope by then I can put more weight on it. I have been using the walker and crutches and its tough getting around but I think I am doing very well.

I have been able to drive a couple of places this week as well which was great since I have been very anxious to get out of the house and get of the couch.

I cant believe I have been sitting, sleeping and laying on this damn thing for a month!!!

Well enough is enough...I hope everyone has a great weekend!!

Sorry for no updates!!!

Sorry for not posting but I have been a bit under the weather...

I should be back posting later this week.....

I will say it has not been a fun week!!!!!

See ya,

Follow up

Doctors appointment went great. He was very pleased with his work! So much so he had to show us the xrays.

He put 3 screws in which he will NOT remove. This is surprising to me but he said there is no point and the head of screws are buried deep.

Looking at the xray, the bone is knitting together very well and fairly quickly. He said the osteotomy is filling in well. He wants me to start putting weight on just my toes. As much weight until I feel pain. I am also looking for a recumbent bike to use for PT. He wants me to start with o resistance and not push knees up very high.

I am working on using crutches as well as the walker. I am also practicing on going up and down the stairs.

I will say, I over did it yesterday and my tail bone for some reason is still sore as heck. I need to watch it and find a happy medium or I could get myself in trouble.

I am also working on cutting my down on my long lasting medications. I only take those at night after I get done working for the day.

I finally took a shower the other day as well. Very very wonderful. It felt good and I don't feel or look quite as scroungy as was!!

I ALSO FINISHED MY NEW BOOK!! It wasn't as good as I had hoped but it was alright. I am going to start another Dan Simmons book "The Terror". Its about a failed Alaskan expedition in the 1800's.

Take it easy and I will talk to you soon.

My New Best Friend

Below is the instrument of my humility!

I don't like it but it is helping me get around very efficiently.

Happy Sunday.

One Week and Counting

It has been a little over a week and things are getting better and better every day!

My bruise is getting smaller and smaller. Instead of beinga deep dark purple my side is now turning a weird yellow color. My incision is looking good as well. I don't notice any infection or redness. It also looks gross but I think it is healing nicely.

There is still swelling in my left leg. I still keep ice on it all day and it is helping. The pain from the swelling is not as bad as it was. I still have numbness in my upper thigh and I am sure that is due to the swelling. I am hoping that goes away soon as it is a bit irritating.

Overall, the pain is getting better. I am still taking all my pain meds per the doctors instructions but during the day I am taking my long acting pain meds. Theresa suggested I try Ibuprofen during the day to control the break through pain. Since I am working I think that is good idea. It is a bit difficult and honestly, I am still taking one fast acting pain pill every 4 hours. My goal is to only take the fast acting pills (Narco) at night. Long term I think it will make getting totally off these easier if I start now.

By 5pm my leg still really hurts. Night time is the worst but it is not surprising.

I am trying to do as much as I can on my own. However, at night when I am getting up my walker makes a lot of noise. I am bumping it into the wall and the door of the bathroom every time I go into it. I think the walker is a tab bit wider than the doorway so I have angle it to get in. After this is over I think I am going to need to re-paint the door and the door jam. I am scratching it. I also make a lot of noise moving up and down the hallway.

I am having a great time giving myself sponge baths in the kitchen sink. Kind of gross if you think about it but its the only place I can wash my hair. I can not wait until I can take a real shower. I feel disgusting...

Theresa brought home a very cool cold pack that her boss got from PT. It is re-freezable and it is big enough cover my incision and my swollen thigh. It feels better than the ice packs the hospital gave me and does not leak. I would suggest getting a couple of these as they are fantastic!

My fever is gone. I am running a very low grade fever "99.6" but as of today my temp has been normal! I am very happy about this. Having a fever this long has been no fun at all.

I have my first follow up appointment Monday at 2:30. I am anxious to see the x-rays of the repair and verify my blood counts have bounced back. Based on how I feel, I am assuming everything is fine.

Not to be accused of passing on too much information but I have been having the worst constipation in the world. I have never in my life had this much trouble. I about passed out last night and I was sweating like a pig. I felt like I was going to die!! I am finally doing what I should have done, take stool softeners!! I am an idiot sometimes.


Anyway, enough of that!!

It has only been a week but I can tell you I am going to go nuts! Living on this couch sucks big time. I also am feeling guilty about needing help. I know it has been going on for a long time, even before the surgery but I just want to be less of burden to everyone.

Having said that, I need to be aware that if I push myself to hard I could end up causing damage and add more re-hab time or worse screw up my hip further.

I just need to keep thinking this is the home stretch!!! IT IS ALMOST OVER FOR EVERYONE!

Now its time for lunch....

Nasty Bruise!!

A Picture is worth a thousand words:



YES IT HURTS!!!!

Finally Home

Sorry for lack of updates but it been a tad rough.

Below are pictures of my room Wednesday morning:


This was a decent morning but still have pain control issues. My Doctors PA had told me the procedure went well which echo'd my doctors comments on Tuesday afternoon in recovery

Below is shot of my incision:


It is fairly large incision but had no weeping or additional bleeding at the site which is good.

About this time, I started having some additional challenges that my doctors did not expect. This made my stay in the hospital go from 3 days to 6 days.

I started having a fever of 101 consistently, growing nausea which caused me to throw up twice. Turns out my blood counts were dropping specifically my hemocrits. They were unable to rebound on there own so they decided to give me a blood transfusion. The next day my color started coming back and my counts had leveled out somewhat. They took a blood test before I left on Sunday but they did not bounce back like they had hoped. However, I do feel better and less dizzy.

My PT says I have good muscle control of my leg and I have been able move fairly well with a walker. It is very hard to move around putting no weight on my left leg but I am getting better at it. I still need help to move my leg off the couch so I can roll over to get up but I think in a few days it will get even easier.

The biggest concern right now is swelling and making sure my fever goes away. To control my swelling, I have two bags of ice on my leg all day. I am taking ibuprofen for the fever. So far my temp today is normal.

I took my shirt off last night and I have the largest and nastiest bruise on my side I ever seen. It is a tad bit frightening. My doctor was surprised how bad the bruise is and the amount of swelling. It took them about 4 days but they figured out that I had a small vein still bleeding somewhere. That bleeder accounts for the crashing blood counts, the bruising, the swelling and the fever.

He said he has only seen this happen once several years ago and it was a male patient about my age. Just my luck right!!

I go back to see my doctor early next week for my first followup. They expect my recovery to still be about 6 weeks with a walker and then several weeks adding more weight each week.

I have more to tell but I am getting a bit tired. I knew this was going to be rough but this past week has been very very difficult and bit scary for me. I know everyone has been on edge as well waiting for me to finally get out the hospital.

When I got home it was great to see everyone. Cam was very very helpful. He made me dinner, got me water helped get up and down. He also told me to call him from upstairs if I need anything. He was awesome!

I will touch base later today.

The Night Before

Well

I made to Seattle and had my pre-surgical appointment. It is going to be a 2 hour procedure and 1 hour of recovery time. Not as long as thought it would be. Suppose to start at 9:30am.

The nurse says that I will also be seen by the physical therapist tomorrow late afternoon or early evening. So it sounds like they will get me up and around fairly quickly. Also, she explained to me that for the first 24 hours I will be hooked up to a pain pump. It administers a dose on demand every 10 minutes. I am to keep my pain level no higher than 5 or it wont work.

I did have a concern about the medication not working well due to my Vicodin use. However, she said that even at the dosage I have been taking I would not have any tolerance issues. If I do the nurse can get the dosage set higher. The key is to stay ahead of the pain and "don't be macho".....ME NEVER....I AM A LIGHT WEIGHT....JUST ASK MY WIFE!!!


Finally before I go to bed the nurse wanted me to take a shower with a 4% Chlorhexidine Gluconate solution. Then in the morning do it again.

i just finished and this is the cleanest I have ever been in my life!! They also took a nose swab of all things as there is a Staff infection issue in the city of Seattle.

It was a very easy appointment and nothing special except they were training a new lab tech. She stuck 3 times in both arms before getting enough blood. She also made my had swell at the injection site. She must of poked through the vein. Not a big deal, I have gotten use to giving blood. I just hope the IV nurse is better. I do not want another repeat performance of the ER nurse and the agony I went through with that crappy IV line.

Well, I think will try to read a little before bed. I am very grateful my mom was able to take me to get this done. It makes things very easy for the rest of the family..

GOOD JOB AARON FOR MAKING THE SOCCER TEAM!!! I AM VERY PROUD OF YOU...

One last thing. My laptop died. Cam and his friend re-imaged my hard drive. THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR DOING IT, CAM!!!

Hope everything works out OK as I really really like my laptop (so does Theresa) it would be hard to live with out it.

Take it easy and I will post probably when I get home... I don't want to post under the influence as it makes for very very bad writing!!!

Why a PAO vs Replacement-??

The below article gets right to the issue of why a PAO is warranted in my case: (from hipandpelvis.com- Joel M. Matta, M.D. Inc., Robert E. Klenck, M.D. Inc. ) First a definition: Periacetabular Osteotomy is a hip preserving procedure performed to correct a congenital deficiency of the acetabulum: acetabular dysplasia.

During the past 15 years there has been a renewed and growing interest in adult hip osteotomy. Osteotomy was used more frequently as a treatment for adult hip problems before the advent of Charnley's low friction arthroplasty (the first successful artificial hip joint) in the 1960's. The encouraging early good results regarding function and pain relief after Charnley total hip replacement in young patients led many surgeons to abandon osteotomy. Osteotomy was considered to be difficult and have results that were less predictable and less satisfactory to the patient. Despite the good initial results of total hip replacement, the long-term follow up of these patients has shown increasing problems, especially in the young active population. Osteolysis (bone loss) associated with loosening of the bone to hip prosthesis (artificial hip) bond plagues those patients who outlive the longevity of their artificial hip. Hip revision surgery for the failed total hip can present significant problems particularly for the patient with osteolysis. These failures of Charnley’s hip prosthesis have stimulated the production of hundreds of new hip prosthesis designs to solve the problems of loosening and osteolysis. Unfortunately, the overwhelming majority of new designs have not performed as well as the original Charnley prosthesis, and none have been proven better in long term follow of young patients. Therefore, despite that the modern hip replacement has been used for more than 30 years, its problems for active young to middle aged adults have underscored the importance of preserving the hip rather than replacing it. Osteotomy should not be thought of as an inferior second choice to total hip replacement that the young patient with early arthritis must undergo because he or she is too young for total hip replacement. The results after PAO, which preserves the patient's own hip, justify its use and the long term results can be better than what the patient could have obtained from a hip replacement. The patient's own hip is a living tissue with self-maintenance capabilities, whereas deterioration with time is inevitable for an artificial part. The sensory capabilities of the joint are preserved and the patient can continue to remain as active as symptoms or their lack of permits. The patient with a total hip replacement, however, always must be cautioned regarding possible hip dislocation and be restricted from vigorous activity Results of Periacetabular Osteotomy From 1987 through 2006 Dr. Matta performed 135 periacetabular osteotomies. Final follow-up of these patients has shown the results of examination to be: The majority of patients with poor results did not have an immediate poor result but were benefited by the PAO for a variable period (up to 12 years) before requiring further surgery. For patients who develop a poor result some time after their PAO surgery the cause is typically advancing hip arthritis. These patients are almost always best treated by total hip replacement surgery. For these patients the previous PAO has typically enhanced the acetabular bone with the increased femoral head coverage. Enhancement of a dysplastic acetabulum contributes to the success of a later total hip replacement by making the stability of the prosthetic acetabulum more reliable Pictures before: Hemi-pelvis with dysplastic acetabulum and femur. After surgery: Right after procedure // After healing & screw removal There you have it. As I said before I should have full function and no restrictions for many years to come!!! Keep your fingers crossed. This will more than likely be my last post until I get home on Friday.....

Weekend before D-Day!!

Well:

I buttoned up work this week and hopefully everything will run smoothly next week while I am gone. I cant believe today was the last day I will step foot in that plant for 6 weeks!! It scares the hell out of me!

Everyone wished me good luck and made me promise I would send a note after the surgery. They want to know that everything went well. It made me feel good!

The boys left for Camporee tonight! I am very very bummed I am not going! I remember last year I was well enough post chemo to go. It was the best camp out. Even though Cam got heat stroke, the three of us had a great time. This is just another reminder that my life has NOT gotten back to normal yet!

Tuesday will be the beginning of a new life not just for me but for the whole family!!

Theresa and I went out to dinner after we dropped the boys off. Then she got me a great SURPRISE! She bought me a new flat screen. She said its for my convalescing

I leave for Seattle on Monday for a 4pm pre-surgical appointment. I will take pictures while in the hospital and post as often as I can.

D-day is approaching

One week and counting.. I have been waiting for this for months and now I am getting very nervous. My leg is awful today so I am going to keep it short.

Getting things at work wrapped up and trying to figure out how I am going to work through this recovery at home. I still have not worked out the logistics.

Again Mom Happy Mothers Day.

Take it easy.

Say a Prayer

My neighbor's son past away from Leukemia Friday. I hope everyone is thankful for what you HAVE it can be taken away so fast.

Like I said before, sometimes life is not fair!!

LIFE IS NOT FAIR

I just got news regarding a neighbor who has been very sick for a long time with Leukemia. He and his family were told today that he will not live and he will only last for two weeks.

I tell you this because I have been spending time telling you how bad I have been feeling. I have been frustrated and unable to enjoy anything over the last few months.

Well, I am not going to die. I will get better and move on. As I think about how this person has handeled himself and his family has dealt with this situation over the years, I am amazed. I could not be so noble or as strong.

Everyone should hug your loved ones and be thankful you are OK. I have been told since I was a kid that everything happens for a reason. Lately, I really don't know if I believe that. I do know that life can very unfair and very cruel at times. This is one of those times......

Take care,

Where is the sun!!

I think we are being teased! We had great weather on Thursday and now its back to the rain! I cannot wait for summer!!

Well, the week went about the same as last week. A lot of pain driving to work. More than usual. Going home is still just as bad. But I guess it is what it is.

I am now two weeks away from the surgery! Maybe that's why my pain is worse? Some of it could be anticipation.

The boys are helping out a fellow Scout on his Eagle Project today. It is a great cause! To bad it is so rainy however.

Cam, Aaron and I are thinking about going to the new Wolverine Movie! I cant wait to see it but not sure if I can make it through the movie! We shall see. I miss going to movies for sure! Next week is the new Star Trek Movie.. I will see that no matter what!!

Getting work done around the house this morning and so far so good.

Not much else to say except it sucks that the BLAZERS GOT BLOWN AWAY IN GAME 6!! Oh well they had a great year and things are looking up for the future!!

I changed the picture again at the bottom page!

Talk to you later!

CAN AND BOTTLE DRIVE SATURDAY

Spent all day helping on Aaron's Boyscout can and bottle drive. We did OK about the same as last month. Weather was good and I was able to stay out all day and help.

Had a good time. But..............I am already paying for it. Its worth it. I enjoy doing stuff with the kids and its a rare thing these days.

Very tired..trying to watch TV then bed.

GO BLAZERS GAME 2!!

Just kicking back and watching game two of the playoffs. Theresa and Cam won a bid on two tickets to tonights game! Great game to be at!! I am sure they are having an awesome time. Its a great game!!!


I wish I was a better writer....As I try to document my thoughts, feelings and PAIN. I find myself saying the same things over and over again. IT HURTS LIKE HELL AND ITS GETTING WORSE. For the last two days it has felt like someone hit me across the left hip with a baseball bat and it wont stop! The only relief is the medication. I am mixing in Ibuprofen with Vicodin and it helps.

I don't know what to do. I have a very long way to go. I feel I am at mile 20 in a marathon and my shoe broke and I am trying to tough it out for the last 6 miles. I HAVE HIT THE WALL..

My drives to work are getting harder and harder. When the day is over I don't want to get in the car. I am doing the best I can. But it sucks, sucks bad.. (Very Descriptive isn't it).

I set my pre-surgical appointment for the day before my surgery. I am going up the day before so it works out fine. I do not have to make a special trip up.

Well, half time is over and its almost bed time...CROSS YOUR FINGERS...RISE UP AND RIP CITY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

What is up

Again, very lazy with posting!!

I have been feeling like crap this week (SURPRISE,SURPRISE)...Both legs have been constantly sore as hell!! I tried to do my exercises last night but it didn't help. It is very frustrating. I had a very rough drive in today. Almost broke down before I got to Oregon City. I collected myself and made it through the day just fine but it was not very easy.

I can not wait for May 19th to come. I am having a harder and harder time getting through each day. To top it all off I am getting more short tempered each day at home. I am no fun to be around. But the worst of it is all that I am missing. There is a camp out this weekend at one of my favorite spots and I am not going. I wish I could. I cant count the number of camp outs I have missed this past year. The times with my Boys are short and I am thinking about it more and more as they get older. Considering Cam is talking colleges all the time it just makes me think how little time I truly have with him and Aaron. This last year has been a disaster... I also worry about all the extra work and stress I put on Theresa, its not fair to her at all. I miss spending time with her as well and being more than just a roommate and PATIENT!! I am trying but I am not doing very well.

Not to mention my quality of life sucks. I get up, go to work, come home, take my pain meds, eat dinner, check out totally, go to bed and read then fall asleep. GREAT LIFE HUH!!!

I pray everyday this will all be over soon.

On a positive note , I got my doctor to send me a prescription for a handicap permit. It part of the coping process I guess. I have no clue how I feel about it but I hope it helps me get through this.

Well, Now that I have cheered you all up I think I will watch more TV. My meds are kicking in so its hard to keep writing (and make sense) so its time to sign off for today....

See ya!!!

Good Friday

I am so glad it is Friday! It has been a very long and tough week. I have not been feeling good at all this entire week. I have not slept well either. I had my final PT session on Tuesday. I was there only 1/2 and hour because I could not do anything! My therapist did same strength and movement tests she did my first day and I was worse. I had less mobility after a month of PT??

She suggested I do "electro-therapy" for pain manangement. Not sure, need to look it up. Sounds painful to me. Not sure about shocking myself to feel better???

I also get in trouble for not doing more swimming but as I have been saying I HAVE NOT BEEN FEELING UP TO IT! I am going to make myself do it tomorrow. I know I feel good once I get in the water.

Enough about this week expect (SHOUT OUT TO DAWN-HANG IN THERE!!!)

I had my check up at my Hemo doctor today. Everything is great. Counts are normal. I will post the graphs tomorrow. Too tired to do it tonight.

We are having everyone over at my house for Easter but Mom is bringing the food. Thanks MOM! It should be a lot of fun. I hope it doesn't rain however, forecast calls for rain!!

I posted a new picture at the bottom page of the blog. Very cool Jelly Fish I took when we were in Monteray, CA.

Time to watch the rest of the Blazer Game... Good Night!

Sunny Saturday

Thank goodness the sun is finally out! Its time to get out in the back yard and get yard and deck back in shape for summer! I going to try to help out as much as I can. We need to pressure wash the back deck and do some trimming. I wish I could do more. I really want to get the yard in shape this year.

At least the grass is growing better. It has been nice having the lawn service but I think I need to re-seed the yard as too much moss has taken over back there. I was hoping all my issues would be over before summer but it looks like that's not going to happen.

I set my surgery for May 19th. I am just waiting for the scheduler to call me back and confirm. It will be on a Tuesday.

As I said Wednesday, this has been a tough , tough week! I have been standing at my desk more than actually sitting. I had to cut back on my PT to about half. Theresa thinks my pain receptors are messed up because I was taken more Vicodin on Vacation than I am now. I may of also over did it. I don't know. I just hope things start calming down. As soon as one leg feels better the other one starts in. As a result I keep switching the cane from one side to the other. That may be part of the problem. I don't know, I am just trying to get through the day.

The pain has changed also. I now get shooting pains through both hips particularly on my left side. It increases as the day goes on. I am not sure what else to do. I have about 7 weeks until my surgery I just need to focus on that and take it one day at a time. I dont take the stairs at work anymore. I use the elevator. That seems to help as I am going up stairs a lot.

I started a new book this week also. Its the sequel to The Somnambulist. Its called The Domino Men. It is a really good book. Very entertaining!! The reading at night seems to help me. Its a good distraction.

We all went shopping early this afternoon. Aaron got himself a new Airsoft Gun! He is now playing airsoft wars with his cousin. I am a tad bit uncomfortable with shooting each other but at least they cant hurt anything since they don't hit very hard. Not like Paint Ball.

Well, we have to get ready for church now. I will post a few more pictures of our trip particularly the Pebble Beach shots. They turned out very well. I also figured out how to put together a panorama. I did a cool one of the city.

Bye for Now!

HELLO TO ALL

I finally get a chance to give a quick update.

We had a fantastic trip. We did everything we had planned and spent some solid quality time with my brothers and my family!!!

We spent 2 days in SF, then 2 1/2 days in Monteray and the rest of the trip back in SF.

The best time I had was our trip to Monteray. We did the Aquarium which was fantastic and we looked around in Cannery Row. I wish we could of spent more time going through the shops.

There was a Bubba Gump Shrimp Co restaurant (based on the Forest Gump Movie) it was great. Food was awesome with great atmosphere:

Next was the 17 mile drive which takes you through PEBBLE BEACH GOLF COURSE!!!





Biggest issue with whole trip was the walking up and down stairs and hills but surprisingly I managed it very well. I was good about my medication and it helped.

I will add more about the trip later but it was great fun and great weather!!!

Made it

Got up before the chickens this morning for 7:15 am flight to SFO! Kind of busy for Monday but it is Spring Break. My Luggage was to heavy by 7 pounds!! They wanted to charge me $125!! Stuffed 7 lbs of stuff in Cams backpack.

We got to security and Cam got searched because he had toothpaste!! Oh well, at least I didn't get charged the extra cash. Flight was very very full! I had a guy sitting next to me that at first seemed like a Meth head. He was sweating and nervous. Turns out he was afraid to fly. Drank two whiskeys at 8:00am!!

Other than that it was fairly quite and we got in no problem. Met my brother who flew in Boston at the same time and now we are crashed out in his house!

It is a very nice day. My leg hurts but what ever. At least we are out doing something and kids are happy to be hear.

Check in later......

Hump Day THANK GOD!!

So far I am getting through my PT. Except yesterday, I missed because my legs hurt too bad and I was driving the boys around to activities.

Based on my issues I would imagine its normal but it hurts like hell every exercise I do. Particularly when I put all my weight on my left leg. It aches real bad which I am guessing shows how weak it is. My right hurts also but my left is the worst.

I know its early and I don't want to be negative but it is not doing anything. I have been having to take my vicodin before I do my PT exercises just to get through them.

Sorry for not posting the exercises yet but I will. Like I said they are Grandpa exercises!!! I never thought I would break a sweat with such "low impact" movements. However, it is the hardest work out I have had in a very long time. I would much rather be running 10 miles. I hate doing them and quite frankly it scares me every time I have to do them.

I know if I don't, its only going to get worse and be harder for me to recover after the surgery.
I just have to bear down, suck it up and get through them every single day!!! (TWICE A DAY)

We are less than a week from going to San Francisco! The kids are very excited. They deserve a fun vacation. They don't get the opportunity to go anywhere so it will be a fun change.

There is a lot we want to do. I am determined to not slow everyone down no matter what. I think I will be fine but I get worried every time I go somewhere. I am afraid of getting stuck somewhere and my legs freak out. I don't want to have a public display of emotion if I can help it.

Trying to focus on the positive and not think about what may happen. It will be great to see my brothers again and spend sometime with them.

Hopefully the weather will be nice. NO RAIN!!!PLEASE!!! I want sunshine!!!

Finally Started PT

I started PT yesterday. I have 6 exercises to do twice a day. I am thinking I will do them first thing the morning and then after dinner. It takes about 30 to 45 minutes to do them all.

They are fairly easy but somewhat painful. I will post the workout sheet I was given to follow. They are a leg lifts, hip lifts and resistance exercises. Interestingly, after I am all done my left hip which has not had surgery is the one that hurts the most. As you may recall, that's the side the doctor wants to reconstruct first.

I need to force myself to keep this up EVERY DAY!! Long term I think it will help me prepare for surgery and hopefully recover quicker. I don't think it will keep me from having surgery however you never know.

I got my pre-authorization approved and it is good for 90 days. That gives me time to see how successful the PT program will be.

As far as daily pain management, I started taking 1/2 a vicodin at 8am and another 1/2 at noon. It is helping me better manage my day and I am able to sit for longer periods of time. The last few days the drive home has not been quite as bad. It is also allowing me to cut down on the amount of Ibuprofen which was a huge concern of doctor.

Going on vacation a week from this Monday. I am looking forward to a fun week in SF. Keep your fingers crossed my painis more manageable. I don't want to ruin every ones time as we don't have very many opportunities as a family to go on vacations. Its important to me everyone has a good time.

We got a great deal on a Resort in Monteray. The second night is 1/2 price. The only bonus to a bad economy!!!

Also, Happy Birthday to Aaron turned 13 on Friday the 13th!!!

Off to get a haircut and lunch....