Clean Up on Aisle Four

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I went Christmas shopping this past week. That’s not so unusual. But the last two years since my rupture, I’ve done the majority, if not all, my Christmas shopping online as stores just bother me too much.

I decided to take a chance and save on some shipping and time and go to two stores (Target and Barnes & Noble). I took my time and after six hours and THREE stores, I was home. I didn’t even eat lunch (bad Heidi!) I still had some issue with over-stimulation in some aisles, but once I just got into the rhythm of very deliberately looking at one item, registering it in my brain, the moving on, it went very well. I was by myself, so I didn’t feel any pressure to hurry up or move along and that was the key. I could take my sweet old time and go through one aisle as many times as I wanted to.

Going into Michael’s Craft store was a huge hurdle. The first time I went into that store after my rupture, it was awful. The aisles are very narrow and they’re packed floor to ceiling with oodles of items. I’ve been in a couple of times since and this time it wasn’t too bad. I think I went through the store four times, so getting the lay of the land, as it were, helped.

So, for those of you having problems in stores, it will get better. I rested before I went shopping and made sure I ate a good breakfast. If I try to shop after working all day, it’s usually very, very tiring and disruptive on my brain and eyes. Too much stimulation with colors, shapes and text.

I was pleased after visiting three stores and not having any lunch with how I felt when i got home. The lunch thing wasn’t good, but I was on a roll. I was VERY tired the next day, but not in pain…just dopey. I’ve always taken a day off work in December to go Christmas shopping. I actually enjoy it. Listening to carols and looking at all of the pretty decorations and buying things I know will make my family and friends smile. I still enjoy shopping online better (no parking or lousy sales people to deal with) but for Christmas this is an “outing” for me and I was glad I finally was able to get out there and do it again.

I’m reminded of my post from December, 2006 when just wrapping presents exhausted and frustrated me. I’ve come a long way baby! Merry Christmas!

Follow-Up to Angio

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The week of Thanksgiving, I was FINALLY able to spend a little bit of time with Dr. D’angelo and ask him the questions I’ve had written down for several months.

First off, we looked the the most recent angiogram and he indicated everything looked very good. So I was happy to hear what the other Dr. told me after the procedure was correct.

He also informed me I didn’t have to be check again for two years. So November of 2010, I’ll get a CTA with contrast. Then, if something of interest shows up, they’ll do an angiogram. Angiograms still carry a risk of stroke and other items as it’s a far more invasive procedure than a CTA or an MRI. I’m happy with that at this point.

Dr. D’angelo also said I was at no more of a risk of stroke than before the annie. Again, glad to hear that. I’m in good health, no blood pressure issues, I don’t smoke so those are all good things in regard to developing another annie. However, with my family history, you never know so I’ll happily get checked out every couple of years to keep myself safe.

2-Year Angiogram Results

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I had my 2-year angiogram following procedure yesterday. I have to admit I was nervous because Dr. Kwan wasn’t doing the procedure, but I was soon put at ease when I found out the Dr. that WAS doing my angio, Dr. Thomas Dykes, was the Dr. who did my first angio back on Oct. 5th, 2006 to confirm it was an annie and a rupture prior to my coiling. I felt better after I found that out.

After what occurred during my last angiogram I made sure they did not attempt to use the angio seal/plug this time. They all concurred they would not do the seal. I was glad! So what if I had to lay around for four hours, I wouldn’t have to endure the pain again.

I was exceptionally dopey after this angio though. Perhaps it was just because I was just so tired after a long, long week getting final files to the printer for the catalog. Regardless, all I wanted to do was close my eyes.

Dave, as usual, was my angel and was by my side almost the entire time. I wasn’t nearly as peppy this time, but he helped feed me again, which is tough to do when you have to lay almost flat and he took me out for an M&M McFlurry at McDonalds afterwards, which hit the spot.

The great news is that about two hours after the procedure, Dr. Dykes came and informed me the nothing had changes since the last angiogram and everything looked good!! Just what I wanted to hear. So, now I know all those little annoying headaches I continue to get are just that….annoying headaches due to not eating well, not drinking enough fluids and just overworking my poor little brain.

Even two years later, I know I’m still healing. I’m the only one who knows what I’m still having difficulty with and what I’ve gotten back to full-strength. And, yes, there are still some things.

But this was great news and I’m thrilled. And, as usual, the staff at Maine Medical Center in Portland were fantastic.

I’m still pretty sore in the groin area today, but I knew it was going to be that way and I’m taking care of myself. Taking care of myself…that’s what it’s all about now.

Angiogram Scheduled

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I was called and told my 2-year angiogram is schedule for next Friday at 10:00 at Maine Medical.

I’m still not sure why I had to have the MRI, but I guess I’ll find out. I don’t know who is going to do the procedure which is making me a tad apprehensive. I knew that Dr. Kwan had saved my life and I felt great comfort in knowing he was going my 6-month angiogram. He also had a nice bedside manner and ease about him.

I’m also concerned about getting my point across about the difficulty Dr. Kwan had in using the angio-seal the last time. I’m not sure he mentioned it in his notes. I hope he did. I’ll continue to mention it and hope they either don’t try it again, or they’ll use a new incision. Dr. Kwan felt I had a lot of scar tissue in the one they used.

So, I’ll be getting final catalog files together next week and waiting all week for this angiogram. So much for a restful week!