So what's been going on? well, it's that time of year when flus and colds get passed around more than a yawn at an insomniacs convention.
Carrie, Logan and I have been passing mild cold/flu bugs back and forth. And with H1N1 always in the headlines there's always some concern about that.
Last Wednesday the three of got our vaccinations done and the last week has been hell on me. All of us had the typical sore shoulder, mine is now fine. Logan and Carrie both had mild fevers. Me? I have had moderate to high fevers off and on since. As of this posting I'm with a mild one so I must be getting better.
Pinched nerve update: Physio seems to have worked it's magic. It's been close to a month with zero issues. But this coming Tuesday I still have to for an MRI.
Carrie had her MRI done 2 weeks ago yesterday. They rushed the results to our family doctor and she called us on the Monday. Carrie has a herniated disk that's bad enough to require surgery. We were lucky enough to meet with the surgeon last Tuesday. While it's considered an elective surgery Dr. Yen was visibly relieved when Carrie agreed to the procedure.
There are concerns of course. But the biggest, paralysis, isn't an issue. The location for the herniated disk is below the point where paralysis would be a possibility. There's always the possibility of nerve damage and that this may only be a temporary fix but Carrie feels the benefits outweigh the risks.
The Hospital called Friday to set the date, December 7, 2009. Carrie's happy with that as she'll be home for Christmas. Regardless, she will only be in the Hospital for a day or two barring any complications and then it's a 6 week recovery time.
I had looked the surgery up on line and normally it's a 1-1.5" incision next to the disk. Dr. Yen will be making a 4 to 5" cut, that should give you some idea of how bad this is. He's gong to have to remove a piece of bone to get at the nerves so that he can move them out of the way better. Once they are moved he'll remove the disk.
GOOD NEWS SECTION:
Aside form being sick, Kendo is going well. Hopefully I'm recovered enough to go next week.
Logan sold $1090.00 worth of popcorn for his cub pack. He missed last week due to being sick, but this week we should find out how he did compared to the rest of the troop.
Carrie is plugging away at her newest paint by number. It's starting to look really good.
Yesterday my grandmother celebrated her 88th birthday!
I think that covers everything..... If not Blame my fever for not letting me remember.
Sunday, November 08, 2009
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Yup. I'm depressed.
Went to the doctor today. I was 15 minutes late for my appointment, but considering I've got 4 days with 10:30 am appointments and today was supposed to be 10:00 am it's not surprising.
It seems I've been suffering from dysthymia for many years.
So what doesn this mean? It means that starting tomorrow I join the ranks of the medicated. She prescribed Celexa and wants me to see a councilor. Due to his schedule I may not see him until the new year. Hopefully I can get my head fixed.
In other news...
The pinched nerve is getting better. The pins and needles continue to decline in intensity and I have full sense of touch in my fingers again.
My family doctor has cleared me for all forms of physical activity but suggested I avoid headbutts, headstands and head banging.
It seems I've been suffering from dysthymia for many years.
Chronic depression, or dysthymia, is characterized by a long-term (two years or more) depressed mood. Chronic depression is less severe than major depression and typically does not disable the person. If you have dysthymia or chronic depression, you may also experience one or more episodes of major depression during your lifetime.
So what doesn this mean? It means that starting tomorrow I join the ranks of the medicated. She prescribed Celexa and wants me to see a councilor. Due to his schedule I may not see him until the new year. Hopefully I can get my head fixed.
In other news...
The pinched nerve is getting better. The pins and needles continue to decline in intensity and I have full sense of touch in my fingers again.
My family doctor has cleared me for all forms of physical activity but suggested I avoid headbutts, headstands and head banging.
Sunday, September 13, 2009
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome? Nope, but there are other problems....
My doctor scheduled me for an EMG on Sept 5. Nothing is more fun than having your hand and arm electrocuted, right? This testing lasted about 45 minutes. When the zapping stopped the specialist said it wasn't Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, it's a pinched nerve in my neck. To confirm this he took a small thing wire and inserted it into my right elbow, then the shoulder and finally the neck.
He told me it was in the C7 and that traction therapy would be my best bet and set me up with a therapist. Basically I pay someone to try and pull my head off so a nerve can go back inside the spine. He also put me in for an MRI, just to be sure it's not more sever.
Two days after I saw the specialist I get a call about therapy and I'm told I won't get in until October. JOY! at least another full month of having my arm go all pins and needles for no apparent reason. Two days later I get a call saying there's been a cancellation and asking if I'd like that spot. Sure, why not?
Last Thursday I went in. My Physiotherapist has a student with him, she from Hong Kong and isn't much bigger than my son... She was going to do the first assessment. She also tried to do some of the therapy. I know she's new at this but her touch felt more like a butterfly's wings against my skin. The he went at it. It felt like I was being hit with a hammer. My back is still sore.
On the plus side there has been a noticeable difference. I think of the pins and needles like ratio static, 0 means the radio is off, 10 is full blast. Prior to the visit it would go to ten. Now it's a 4 or 5. Hopefully with a few more visits I'll be back to my level or normal.
We've also been having some trouble with Logan. He's been stealing my cell phone and using my pay as you go time on it to access games and facebook. He's been punished for this before, talked to by both of us, yelled, grounded, privileges removed and anything else we could think of. He's completely ignored our warnings and has continued to do it. we've had grandma and various friends offer suggestion and talk to him as well with no luck.
Most recently he's had my cell for a week, Yeah, I use it a lot... He's taken it to school, showing it off and claiming it was his. Logan was warned that I'd call the police if he took it again. I argued with myself for 3 hours before I finally called them. I was sick to my stomach doing it.
In a way I was disappointed that he's only 9 because they can't arrest him but at the same time I was relieved. Constable Kenney came in on Tuesday and had a 40 minute talk with Logan. Hopefully that works.
It seems that Logan is taking my phone to try and impress this one kid in his class. We've tried to explain that this kid isn't worth having as a friend for the simple reason he's threatened to beat Logan up.
I remember being a kid and being in the same situation. No one bothered playing with that kid. Logan is overly friendly and just wants EVERYONE to be his buddy.
One of our ideas to keep him out of trouble and keep him busy was to sign him up for activities at the YMCA. Sadly all the spots were filled. So we're looking into other options.
I'm beginning to wonder if stress is the cause of the nerve pinch.....
He told me it was in the C7 and that traction therapy would be my best bet and set me up with a therapist. Basically I pay someone to try and pull my head off so a nerve can go back inside the spine. He also put me in for an MRI, just to be sure it's not more sever.
Two days after I saw the specialist I get a call about therapy and I'm told I won't get in until October. JOY! at least another full month of having my arm go all pins and needles for no apparent reason. Two days later I get a call saying there's been a cancellation and asking if I'd like that spot. Sure, why not?
Last Thursday I went in. My Physiotherapist has a student with him, she from Hong Kong and isn't much bigger than my son... She was going to do the first assessment. She also tried to do some of the therapy. I know she's new at this but her touch felt more like a butterfly's wings against my skin. The he went at it. It felt like I was being hit with a hammer. My back is still sore.
On the plus side there has been a noticeable difference. I think of the pins and needles like ratio static, 0 means the radio is off, 10 is full blast. Prior to the visit it would go to ten. Now it's a 4 or 5. Hopefully with a few more visits I'll be back to my level or normal.
We've also been having some trouble with Logan. He's been stealing my cell phone and using my pay as you go time on it to access games and facebook. He's been punished for this before, talked to by both of us, yelled, grounded, privileges removed and anything else we could think of. He's completely ignored our warnings and has continued to do it. we've had grandma and various friends offer suggestion and talk to him as well with no luck.
Most recently he's had my cell for a week, Yeah, I use it a lot... He's taken it to school, showing it off and claiming it was his. Logan was warned that I'd call the police if he took it again. I argued with myself for 3 hours before I finally called them. I was sick to my stomach doing it.
In a way I was disappointed that he's only 9 because they can't arrest him but at the same time I was relieved. Constable Kenney came in on Tuesday and had a 40 minute talk with Logan. Hopefully that works.
It seems that Logan is taking my phone to try and impress this one kid in his class. We've tried to explain that this kid isn't worth having as a friend for the simple reason he's threatened to beat Logan up.
I remember being a kid and being in the same situation. No one bothered playing with that kid. Logan is overly friendly and just wants EVERYONE to be his buddy.
One of our ideas to keep him out of trouble and keep him busy was to sign him up for activities at the YMCA. Sadly all the spots were filled. So we're looking into other options.
I'm beginning to wonder if stress is the cause of the nerve pinch.....
Wednesday, August 05, 2009
Doctor's Visit...
I had an appointment to see the doctor today. For the last couple of months I've been having problems with my right arm/hand. Discomfort in the muscles around the armpit area, shoulder, neck and shoulder blade, light numbness in the middle finger(specifically the pad) and the fingers on either side.
All me reflexes are fine and there's no loss of range of motion, my right side does show signs of muscular tightness. So there are two potential issues: pinched nerve or Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.
She poked my hand with a stick and found where the numbness is and figures it's Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. So now I'm on an anti-inflammatory. This will be a while to see if it it helps. if not I get to go for an EMG, an Electromyography. I've never had one so it should be fun. Depending on the results I may need surgery.
I also had to get a second PSA done today. Both my grandfathers had prostate cancer, one beat it the other didn't, so I have a legitimate concern. Add to that I've been having some other minor symptoms the doctor had me do a PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen) Test. the first one in March had elevated levels of whatever they look for and could be caused by a virus, so a second test is needed to confirm. If they are still up I get to go see a urologist.... Fun.Due to my age though cancer is at the very bottom of the list for causes.
Lastly, I mentioned to her about depression. I don't think I am but I've had family members express concerns often enough that I figure I should find out. But since it was at the end of the visit I have to make another appointment to find out more about it. If I am diagnosed with depression I'll more than likely end up on meds for it.
Keep your fingers crossed. Mine are.
All me reflexes are fine and there's no loss of range of motion, my right side does show signs of muscular tightness. So there are two potential issues: pinched nerve or Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.
She poked my hand with a stick and found where the numbness is and figures it's Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. So now I'm on an anti-inflammatory. This will be a while to see if it it helps. if not I get to go for an EMG, an Electromyography. I've never had one so it should be fun. Depending on the results I may need surgery.
I also had to get a second PSA done today. Both my grandfathers had prostate cancer, one beat it the other didn't, so I have a legitimate concern. Add to that I've been having some other minor symptoms the doctor had me do a PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen) Test. the first one in March had elevated levels of whatever they look for and could be caused by a virus, so a second test is needed to confirm. If they are still up I get to go see a urologist.... Fun.Due to my age though cancer is at the very bottom of the list for causes.
Lastly, I mentioned to her about depression. I don't think I am but I've had family members express concerns often enough that I figure I should find out. But since it was at the end of the visit I have to make another appointment to find out more about it. If I am diagnosed with depression I'll more than likely end up on meds for it.
Keep your fingers crossed. Mine are.
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Golf? I don't think so...
So, Monday my mother picked Carrie and I up to take me golfing over on Wolfe Island. Carrie didn't play but she had a lot of fun driving the one golf cart and generally keeping my clubs out of reach. LOL.
The course is called Alston Moor golf Links, on Wolfe Island (Yeah I know I already said it. It's a 9 hole course and to play 18 holes it's only $22.00. Mondays are 2 for 1, so $22.00 covered mom and I for the 18. Carts are pretty cheap too, according to mom. We had 2 carts for 18 holes for about $2.00 more than a single cart at a "higher end" course. Par for 18 holes is 70. Mom shot a 110. Me? I shoe 121, 51 over par. Not bad really, when you consider this was like my 3rd or 4th game in 10 years, including my first ever game!
The cool thing about the course is that Wolfe Island is home to a fairly big wind farm. I knew they were building wind generators over there but I didn't realize how many, close to 100. One of which is right on the course too. DAMN! They're big!
Carrie driving the cart.
Mom drivng her cart to the 1st tee.
Mom teeing off.
Me teeing off. I only took 3 mulligans!
Attempting to chip onto the green!
The Wind Generator, up close and personal!
About to putt and trying to find the next tee box.
Mom trying to find her ball.
We had a ton of fun. Mom was trying to get on the green for the 1st hole from the 6th hole tee off. LOL I lost a few balls in the bushes and lost my hat for a bit. Carrie spent a lot of time laughing at both of us.
Now our friend Larry is wanting to come out in August to golf with us. It should be very interesting....
The course is called Alston Moor golf Links, on Wolfe Island (Yeah I know I already said it. It's a 9 hole course and to play 18 holes it's only $22.00. Mondays are 2 for 1, so $22.00 covered mom and I for the 18. Carts are pretty cheap too, according to mom. We had 2 carts for 18 holes for about $2.00 more than a single cart at a "higher end" course. Par for 18 holes is 70. Mom shot a 110. Me? I shoe 121, 51 over par. Not bad really, when you consider this was like my 3rd or 4th game in 10 years, including my first ever game!
The cool thing about the course is that Wolfe Island is home to a fairly big wind farm. I knew they were building wind generators over there but I didn't realize how many, close to 100. One of which is right on the course too. DAMN! They're big!
Carrie driving the cart.
Mom drivng her cart to the 1st tee.
Mom teeing off.
Me teeing off. I only took 3 mulligans!
Attempting to chip onto the green!
The Wind Generator, up close and personal!
About to putt and trying to find the next tee box.
Mom trying to find her ball.
We had a ton of fun. Mom was trying to get on the green for the 1st hole from the 6th hole tee off. LOL I lost a few balls in the bushes and lost my hat for a bit. Carrie spent a lot of time laughing at both of us.
Now our friend Larry is wanting to come out in August to golf with us. It should be very interesting....
Friday, July 10, 2009
Moved...
Yup. We moved. Up to the third floor. Our friend Scott help me with the heavy stuff yesterday from 11 am to about 1:30pm. He was big help, thanks, man.
The worst thing to move was my computer desk. It barely fit through the apartment door and didn't fit at all in the computer room. So for now it's upended in the bedroom while we figure out what to do with it.
There are still a few things left in the old place, 2 closets of stuff, some other odds and ends and 2 air conditioners. I'm not looking forward to moving those tings. At least they are lighter than my stupid desk.
Logan seems to like his room better. It's got more light, is a bit larger and he has his toy box back in there. We had to paint it the night before we moved. When we looked at it during the day the paint was kind f a light purple color, not bad really, but Logan wanted blue. As we painted the old paint began to look REALLY pink.
Carrie and I love our new room. It's literally twice as big as the old one. As an added bonus it has a closet that doesn't need a steps tool to get into and is actually large enough for us to BOTH put our clothes in!
The Kitchen is somewhat smaller and the table needs to be out in the living room area but that ok.
The Kitchen is pretty much sorted out. We just have to figure out our bedroom layout, computer room layout and where to hang things on the walls. We also need to figure out where to put the 2 air conditioners...
The worst thing to move was my computer desk. It barely fit through the apartment door and didn't fit at all in the computer room. So for now it's upended in the bedroom while we figure out what to do with it.
There are still a few things left in the old place, 2 closets of stuff, some other odds and ends and 2 air conditioners. I'm not looking forward to moving those tings. At least they are lighter than my stupid desk.
Logan seems to like his room better. It's got more light, is a bit larger and he has his toy box back in there. We had to paint it the night before we moved. When we looked at it during the day the paint was kind f a light purple color, not bad really, but Logan wanted blue. As we painted the old paint began to look REALLY pink.
Carrie and I love our new room. It's literally twice as big as the old one. As an added bonus it has a closet that doesn't need a steps tool to get into and is actually large enough for us to BOTH put our clothes in!
The Kitchen is somewhat smaller and the table needs to be out in the living room area but that ok.
The Kitchen is pretty much sorted out. We just have to figure out our bedroom layout, computer room layout and where to hang things on the walls. We also need to figure out where to put the 2 air conditioners...
Friday, June 12, 2009
The park is now OPEN!
The opening was today. Thankfully the weather was nice and warm.
When we got to the park I found Jan and talked with her briefly. It turns out she found Ronald Lavallee's wife, Pat. Pat had made some calls and had Ron's sisters and their kids show up. Jan introduced Pat and I, Pat introduced me to Leo and JP. All of us chit chatted a bit before the ceremony.
Our city counsilor, Steve Garrison, made a "short" speech, Pat went up and said a few words, Jan thanked a few people and finally Mr. Garrison (no, Mr. Hat wasn't there) said it was time to open the splash pad. All the kids that were there went in, placed their hands on the "on" button, counted down and started the water.
While the kids played I chatted with some of the other Lavallees. Most were born in and around tweed but have ties back to Sorel Quebec and to Calixa Lavallée, who wrote the Canadian National Anthem. When I heard Sorel Quebec I excused myself, went home and grabbed my family tree.
I have family from Sorel Quebec. Coincidence?
When we got to the park I found Jan and talked with her briefly. It turns out she found Ronald Lavallee's wife, Pat. Pat had made some calls and had Ron's sisters and their kids show up. Jan introduced Pat and I, Pat introduced me to Leo and JP. All of us chit chatted a bit before the ceremony.
Our city counsilor, Steve Garrison, made a "short" speech, Pat went up and said a few words, Jan thanked a few people and finally Mr. Garrison (no, Mr. Hat wasn't there) said it was time to open the splash pad. All the kids that were there went in, placed their hands on the "on" button, counted down and started the water.
While the kids played I chatted with some of the other Lavallees. Most were born in and around tweed but have ties back to Sorel Quebec and to Calixa Lavallée, who wrote the Canadian National Anthem. When I heard Sorel Quebec I excused myself, went home and grabbed my family tree.
I have family from Sorel Quebec. Coincidence?
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