Gift of RA

Thank You for the lovely flowers Candy.   Ellen’s photo is at the end

It has been 3 1/2 weeks since I had the first 2 surgeries for the Basel Cell on my nose – one for MOHS to remove it, the second to create a new nose.  Tomorrow the pedicle (skin flap from my forehead) will be removed and things will be in the right place.  I am hoping I can wear my glasses better – it has been annoying not to be able to see very well for this long.  The following Wednesday afternoon, sutures will come out.  I have no idea how soon I will have to do the right temple – I would like a bit of a respite before doing another round.

This time the surgery is in the middle of the afternoon, that makes eating and drinking a bit more tricky.  I can have a light breakfast – no food after 6:30 a.m. and clear liquids until 10:30.  Check in time is 2:30, surgery at 3:30, finished by 4:30 and recovery by 5:30.  Last time Eddie went walking around but didn’t like the area, so he is planning to take his book and read.

I have gotten better at doing a bandage for my face – some days it goes really well, other days it is a mess.  The surgery and pedicle look much better now – it’s my frustration level of not being independent and free to come and go as I please that bugs me.  I am feeling better, some more energy and I find I am sleeping better.  Now that could be the extra prednisone or I am really doing better.  We’ll see when I am back to my usual dose.

I am due to see my new rheumatologist on Tuesday – it is a short get acquainted visit, I won’t be getting Orencia at that time, just make an appointment for it.  I have been off it and Methotrexate for several weeks to help the surgery heal – I will have to start in again very soon.  From what I understand, she won’t require seeing me every time I do an infusion but will make sure she knows what is happening.

Other news, I went to wound care last Wednesday and they declared me healed of the ulcer on my leg.  I ordered some compression socks that I need to wear to help prevent anything else happening – they are on their way.  I have a waterproof bandage on and they said if there is any oozing, call them right away.  I have to change it today and I am hoping there is no oozing.  They gave me a slight compression knit thing to wear until I have my socks – I can take it off to shower.  I can now have a proper shower and wash my hair – I am enjoying it because I didn’t feel properly clean before.  I won’t be able to get my new incisions wet for 10 day – that means ugly hair for 10 days.

Yesterday I put together Eddie’s blog to send out today.  Our editor didn’t respond when we sent to him for proofing – it worries us because he has been sick and we wonder if he is much worse.  Eddie tried his cell phone – can’t find his home number.  He such a great guy and always enjoyed doing the blog post for us.  Update:  I looked him up on the internet and I think I found his home number.  When Eddie gets back from the Museum of Flight, I will see if the number looks right.  Too bad I didn’t think of it sooner.

I haven’t put any pictures or photos in my blog posts lately – my sisters both send me lovely ones and it is fun to share them with all of you.  I also have to say a huge Thank You to my friend Charlotte because she came to visit a couple of weeks ago when I most needed a lift.  Not only that, she brought lunch – our infusion of salt, fat and caffeine.  Most importantly she brought herself and we had a good time, eating, laughing and talking. She was such a breath of fresh air and sunshine – even though it was a cloudy day.  In some ways I feel as if the world is passing me by.  I only go out for medical appointments and Eddie has to take me.  I really depend on him and I am sure this has gotten so very old for him.

I haven’t made a decision about the shoulder surgery, I am cleared for a second opinion.  I have someone in mind and as soon as I am out and about again, I will make an appointment with her.  I also have to do a mammogram and eye check up as well.  My business has gone to pot since all of this started, it is time to regroup and decide what direction I want to go.

That about covers it for the moment, not sure it is a very interesting or entertaining blog post – there is something about writing it down that really helps me deal with it.  I hope it has something positive you can use in your life.  That is the whole purpose of the blog, to be of use to people dealing with a difficult situation. There is a gift in it – not sure right now what my gifts are yet from all the things from the past 4 years.

I feel as if I am on the rock watching the water myself.  I am a big water watcher.

This entry was posted on March 20, 2016 at 9:58 am and is filed under Musings. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.