Recovery and complications

I can't even describe how happy I was to be at home, in the comfort of my own bed and surrounded by my kids, it was nice. Brandon wasn’t able to stay and take care of me so being in the comfort of my own home was short lived. Brandon had to leave Thursday evening, the day after my surgery to go back to work so I stayed with my mom so she could help me with the boys. As much as I love my mom and appreciate her help and everything she does for me, I needed to go home. I was exhausted and in pain and the kids weren’t listening at all so I went home Sunday afternoon. I didn’t realize that I hadn’t peed since Saturday evening around 6 and here it was Sunday around 6pm and I still hadn’t voided and I was in excruciating pain with SHARP STABBING PAINS in my abdomen that would not go away. I talked to the on call doctor who advised me to go to the ER. Well, I was screwed because I couldn't drive and my parents had already started drinking so they couldn’t take me to the ER also. Holly was at work, Arthur was sleeping, Melissa was hung over and Brandon was in the valley so I called my dad to come get the boys. The EMT's showed up and my blood pressure was through the roof, my stomach was ridged and I was running a slight fever but because I had taken my own meds they couldn’t give me anything better to help with my discomfort L As soon as I got to the hospital the nurse did a bladder scan on me and my bladder has 722 ml of urine in it and the maximum hold is 400 to 500 ml so the put a catheter in me and ran some test. My blood work came back that there was an infection and the CT scan came back that my bladder and kidneys were inflamed, swollen or whatever you want to call it. After 5 hours in the er on pain meds I was released and sent home with the folly catheter. I went to the doctor a few days later and he took my folly out and I was able to pee, not a lot but I was definitely voiding. 2 days later I had to go back to the doctor because I stopped voiding, I thought the pain before was bad but this time it was way worse so the doc put the folly back in and that was to stay there for a week. After 5 days I was in complete discomfort so I was able to cut the folly out, yay!!!!! I have had the folly out for a week now and I am voiding on my own, not a ton but enough. I still have a kidney infection and bladder infection and I am on 8 different types of meds but I am on the right road to recovery. Hopefully this is the end of all the discomfort and pain and I can get back on with my life.

Surgery

SO, I went to the doctor on June 14, 2012 because ever since my hysterectomy I have had bad pain and nothing, not even my surgery to remove my left ovary and the remainder of my cervix took the pain away. My pain over time started getting worse and worse those ice packs, heating pads, exercising and medicine stopped working.

Intercourse was so painful that the thought of that intimate moment made me cringe so it was time that I saw the doctor about it. Dr. Connelly checked me and saw that where my uterus used to be was a lesion that kept filling up with fluid and rupturing causing a severe infection inside that was extremely painful.

The doctor also saw when he put the speculums in me that my Kidneys were lower than usual and that he shouldn’t be able to feel them when checking me so he decided right then and there that I needed exploratory surgery to find out exactly what was wrong and what was where. Dr. Connelly put me on pre op antibiotics and anti inflammatory meds so that way my risk of infection was lower than usual.

I talked to the scheduling nurse for surgeries and she was able to get me in on Wednesday June 20th at 10 am. I was nervous but at the same time relieved that hopefully the doctor would get to the bottom of my pain and problems, I was ecstatic.

Brandon and I dropped the boys off to my mom on surgery day and left for Showlow early so he could take me to dollar tree, I wanted to do a little of cheap shopping before surgery and before I wouldn’t be able to anything for a while. It was nice that Brandon was with me that day because other then my hysterectomy in 2009 Brandon has never been to any of my surgeries and I have had 3 in between my hysterectomy and the recent surgery.

When I arrived to the hospital my emotions started running heavily, I have had many surgeries but I was so scared that something wasn’t going to be done about my pain that my doctor wasn’t going to find anything wrong and I would be left with not only my everyday pain but now the pain of surgery. Doctor told Brandon that I would be in surgery anywhere from 2 hours to 5 hours depending on the severity. Poor Brandon was all I was thinking and I was the one being cut open but I know how men are and sitting and waiting isn’t there forte.

The surgery nurse came in and asked me a whole ton of questions that I have already answered a dozen times and then the anesthesiologist came in and asked me the same questions and then told me that in 10 minutes I would be wheeled into surgery. It was 11:57 when they came to get me and told me to say goodbye to Brandon. I didn’t think it was going to be so hard saying bye and kissing Brandon, it totally sucked. As soon as I left the room I started crying so the anesthesiologist gave me a very good drug named versed (ver-said) and all my worries started to fade.

I remember waking up and hearing the nurse say "cough" I didn’t want to cough, I could barely move my leg without bursting in to tears because of the pain. I was maxed out on pain meds that the recovery nurse had to call my doctor and find out what to do next. I remember her saying that she knew I was in pain because my blood pressure was 135/98 which I guess was high. I also remember crying for Brandon over and over again, all I wanted has to be held by mu husband.

I was finally able to go back to my room where Brandon was and he immediately lowered the side rails and climbed into bed with me. I loved that he was holding me so close that I could smell his deodorant, feel his skin and hear his heart beat, that to me was more soothing then pain meds. The doc finally let me go home but I had to be on complete bed rest and when I looked at the clock it was 7:16 pm. Brandon told me that I didn’t get out of surgery until 10 after 4 and then I was in recovery until 5:30.  Holy Hell, how complicated was my surgery that I was in there for 4 hours? The doctor said I was a mess inside. My endometriosis had spread to the vaginal cuff so they had to cauterize inside my vagina, which was very uncomfortable. The doc also cauterized that lesion so I would stop getting so sick.

The complicated part of the surgery is that when he got inside he found that the kidneys, right ovary, appendix, Collin and bladder were all fused together so he had to un fuse it and put it all back where it belonged and that was time consuming. The doctor used a lot of mesh and a lubricant inside so that way everything stayed moist and in place,,, He also said that was the cause for all the pain during intercourse because not only was everything tied together but it all had dropped into where my cervix was… Ouch!!!

I was glad when I was finally able to leave the hospital and so excited that my doctor had fixed me. It wasn’t all in my head, there was something seriously wrong with me and soon I will be back to normal… That was such a good feeling and all I could think about on the way home was my kids and how much I wanted to hold the, J

Sick and tired of being sick and tired and broken bones

I am so tired of being sick and tired, I want a diagnosis and I want it now. I went to the ER on the 16th of March because I passed out in the bathroom, I was weak, dizzy, light headed, nauseous and my vision was blurred and doubled. The ER did an EKG because my heat rate was 106 and that came back normal. They started in IV thinking I was dehydrated but my heart rate still stayed in the 106 to 130 range. My CO2 came back abnormal so they did an ABG ( arterial blood gas) they stuck a needle in the artery in my wrist twice and that as well came back abnormal so I now have respiratory issues. My potassium came back real low so I had to drink this gross orange drink. My blood sugar was also 168, way to high for me. They also did a cat scan that came back normal so that was great news. The doc wanted me to stay in the hospital to run more test but I didn't feel comfortable and just wanted to go home. I followed up with my doctor, DR. Bornstein who diagnosed me a type 2 diabetic. I am now taking Metformin once a day for my high blood sugar and I prick my finger once a day. My new symptoms are fatigue, difficulty swallowing, loss of balance and shaking. My PCP ordered an ultrasound of the blood flow to my brain which has yet to be done and my MRI has been approved, So hopefully that will get done soon. I have an EEG on the 10th of April and a follow up appointment on the 13th at Phoenix Neurology and Sleep Medicine on 27th ave. and Deer Valley. The doc is thinking that I have MS ( Multiple Sclerosis)but I need the MRI to officially Diagnose me with that. The treatment that they can offer me kind of scare me because 2 of the medicines can cause heart problems and a heart disease and leukaemia. The third medicine is used to treat cancer patients and the 4th and final medicine is the only oral drug for MS that was approved in 2010 but hasn't showed in improvements in taking this med. I am so anxious for a diagnosis that any diagnosis will do.

On March 24th Jared jumped the ramp he had built with his bike and ran into his dad's truck. He came into the house screaming bloody murder, his wrist all swollen and bruised. Although Aaron and Sophia said that because he was moving it and using it, it wasn't broken and the Fire Dept. confirmed that it also. Jared went all week playing outside and on his bike and using his hand in pain without complaining Until March 30th, Jared could no longer use or move his hand so Brandon took him to the ER and sure enough it was broke. We have to take Jared to the orthopedic surgeon and possibly have surgery. I feel bad that I didn't take him to the ER sooner but I figured since he was using his hand it was fine. It is what it is. Today is his appointment so we will see what they have to say.

Expecting the unexpected

Sometimes I wonder why when bad things happen why do they happen to me? I know im not the only person in this world that something bad happens to but seriously? I wish this storm would go away. It started in 2009 with my hysterectomy and then finding out that i was left with things that should no longer be and that has been a 2 year battle until I had everything fixed on November 9, 2011. I felt fine once Dr. Connolly fixed me. I a few weeks later I noticed that I was more tired then usual and then I would get light headed and dizzy, i would then get nauseated. These little episodes would happen at all hours of the day and night. I found myself getting blurred vision and on occasions i would have no vision when all these symptoms kicked in. I decided to consult with Dr. Bornstein at the Heber/ Overgaard Summit Healthcare Clinic. Thinking it may be my blood pressure or maybe my blood sugar out of wack I decided to go to my parents and check all that. My dad in the past year was diagnosed a diebetic so I used all my parents equiptment. My blood pressure was 120/ 79 and 2 minutes later is was 130/72, still completelly normal. My blood sugar was in the 70's which is also completely normal for fasting as well. I finally went to the doc once my mom convinced me to because the day prior I was driving and all these symptoms came at once like they usually do but my vision was completely gone and when I got my vision back I was in the other lane of traffic and both Jared and Tony screaming because they were so scared. The doc also checked my glucose while fasting which came back at 94, 98 and up being too high and 69 and below being too low, my A1C was 5.1 percent and the doc said anything below 6.0 was good. The doctor had some concerns for me neurologically, all the symptoms were leading symptoms to Epilepsy, Partial complex seizure disorder. I wasnt having convulsions but i am zoning out like you usually do with Partial Complex Seizures. The doctor put in an order for a Cat Scan to rule out and cancer, tumors or any other abnormalities and a referral to see Dr Anderson, head of Neuro at St. Josephs Hospital. He is the best Neurologist in AZ so my sister in law that works at Good Sam Hospital says. While waiting for my cat scan to get approved I have found what does and doesnt trigger these episodes and watching tv and driving cause them so i limit the amount of tv watching and driving I do. It has been 3 weeks since finding out all this info and now I have completely blurred vision and it is now hard to make out pictures. I have tried reading far away and up close and nothing helps. I called the Doctors office on the 7th of February and the nurse had told me that my cat scan was not approved but she would go ahead and get me in with Dr. Anderson and he will do my Cat Scan, MRI and EEG. The past few days have been really good and my vision has been somewhat ok, thats why I have decided to play catch up now. Im great at typing without looking but I cant tell how I am spelling so forgive me if my words are spelt wrong. I am really scared and nervous and really irritated because it is hard to do anything anymore but hopefully I will have some answers really soon. Well thats all for now but I will keep updating as I am able to and have information.

Happy BIG 10th Casey

Today is my First born, oldest, biggest sons 10th Birthday. I am still in Awe that I have a 10 year old for a few reason. 1. I still get asked if I am 17 and I would never have had a baby at 10 right? 2. It doesnt feel like 10 years has gone by, and 3. It really doesnt feel like i am old enough. From the day Casey was born I was in love and I new my life would never be the same. Casey was a good baby from the moment I quit nursing him, I remember having to give him an 8 ounce bottle of infant cereal just to get him to sleep all the way through the night. Casey was an independent baby, once he could get the holding tecnique down he didnt want to be held when he was eating. He played by himself real well, he started walking without us forcing him too and could even talk some sentices at the age at 1. Casey was always a dadddy's boy and it was very rare he ever wanted mommy. Today, Casey is still a daddy's boy who does almost everything bu himself. He cooks, cleans, does some laundry etc. Its nice to have some help now. Casey sure does have an additude on him and im not sure what to think about that, im not use to having a very pre-teen child so I just take it as it goes. There is a lot I can say and remember about the prior years but I would have a novel on my blog if I continued. Im throwing a birthday party for both Casey and Tony at the end of the month so I will have a whole new story and pictures to share then. Happy 10th Casey Thomas Starkes, I love you so so much and I am excited for the years to come with you.

Also, as of February 4th a new little baby entered this world and let me tell ya, he is a beautiful baby, I love being an auntie and I cant wait to meet him.

Surgery Day

Ever since Tony was hit by a truck we started noticing little things like the sleep apnea, loud snoring, restless sleeping, bloody noses ( on a daily basis) slurred speech etc. We all thought that these symptoms were just side affects from being druged on his head for 48 feet. So we when we moved back to Arizona I took Tony to the doctor for a check up and Dr. Coss had said that the symptoms weren't from his accident but because he had gross, large tonsils that were infected. This was in August that Tony had been seen by Dr. Coss, he referred Tony to Dr. Cox the Ear Nose and throat specialist but they couldn't see Tony until November 22nd, REALLY??? That was 3 and a half months away. On November 22nd we went to the ENT, the same guys who put 3 sets of tubes and took out Casey's Tonsils and took out Jared's Tonsils so I knew the doc and trusted him. When he looked in Tony's throat he said,'' Oh ya, these babies need to come out.'' Of course they will still large, gross and STILL infected. We set the date for surgery for Monday February 6th at 6:30 check in time and 7:30 surgery time. I knew Tony was gonna be alright be it was the simple fact that he had already been through so much in the past year. Tony came out of surgery kicking and screaming like I knew he would and I just curled up next to him in the bed and tried my hardest to soothe him. Thank Heavens Brandon was with me because it killed me once again to see Tony in that kind of Pain. It is now Thursday and unlike Casey and Jared ( eating solid food right after surgery) Tony is still in a ton of pain and constantly still running a fever, all he can eat is ice cream, Popsicles and soft foods. Anthony seems to be at his highest pain level in the middle of the night and the doc says that's because he has time to left everything in his mouth dry out so needless to say Tony and I do not get a ton of sleep at night. Although everyday is a little bit better the the day before, I cant wait until Tony is his little ole' self again


Not Sure what to think of this


Rock On!!!


Going into Surgery, Peace Out!!!




Daddy Trying to soothe his boy


Trying to get Tony to do his breathing treatment




The Yummy Tonsils


Going home

Happy Birthday Anthony

Febuary 2nd Anthony turned 4 years old. I cant believe my baby is already 4. As everyone already knows, Tony is my last baby. I will never have a child where i can witness their first smile, first tooth, first roll over, first crawl, first laugh, first words, first steps or a first birthday. It makes me sad to know I will never be able to witness my babies first baby things but I now get to look forward to the " first " things they do as big boys and even when they become men. Even though I am done witnessing there the first as little kids i know that time moves on. We didn't do anything special for Tony's Birthday because Brandon works late but we are going to have a Birthday party at the end of the month so i will post more then. Happy 4th Birthday my big boy. Mommy loves you tons!!!!!

Time to play catch up...

I have really been bad at blogging this past year, mainly because I only have internet on my phone and im not about to blog with a touch screen.

November: Sort of busy month for us I finally went to the doctor about all the problems i was having with my previous hysterectomy. Dr Connelly is a life saver, he removed the left ovary that was giving me grief on Novermber 9th, 2011. The doc said that my left ovary was on my right side with my right overy and all my organs were bunched together like they shouldnt be so not only did he take out what needed to be taken out he fixed and tacked up what needed to be fixed and tacked up. Brandon was gone working in Peach Springs from October 17th to end of December and came home every few weeks so I had to do everything by myself. Novermber 10th was Jareds 7th and Brandons 27th birthday. Nothing to exciting happened and since I just had surgery we only had a few friends over to celebrate. Thanksgiving was different for us, we went to Aaron and Michelles house and had mexican food for dinner and watched a movie, went home and went to bed. We went to the valley for Thanksgiving and celebrated with the Starkes on Sunday the 27th. It was nice, with Brandon and I being in Texas for 2010 Thanksgiving it was nice to be home. What else happened in November? Oh ya... I got a Tattoo done by Brandon Howard and so did Brandon... Thanks Howard :)

December: This month was not a good month. We were 2 month behind on our expedition payment due to our horrible move to AZ, we had to spend our 2 months of money for bills on getting home. I talked to our lender in Texas and he said as long we had the 2 month caught up by December 15 he wouldnt repo our vehicle... Ha, December 1st at 8:48 pm someone showed up to take our vehicle away. I was beyond pissed at this point for 2 reasons. 1. He was supposed to give us until the 15th. 2. We were sending the money out on the 2nd. Bill with Auto Mart told us that we had to pay the remainder of the loan in full in order to get our vehicle back which was 2700. With Christmas around the corner that wasnt gonna happen so we were left vehicle-less. Christmas was fun. We went to my brothers house on Christmas Eve and my Uncle Denny's house and opened presents. I was nice seeing family we havent seen in a while. On Christmas Day we went to Mike and Brandi's house for dinner and a gift exchange, it was nice. It seemed liked all the Starkes family were there ( grandma, grandpa, aunts, cousin, siblings etc.) Brian and Ginger weren't able to make it to the Valley so Christmas didnt feel complete. New Years eve we went to Mike Barr's house and had some yummy food, drinks, music and good friends. We spent the remainder of the night at home watching a movie with the boys. It was nice. Also, I almost forgot to mention that Brandon and I celebrated our 10th wedding anniversary. Brandon was working in Peach Springs so we celebrated miles apart, we still have yet to do something which will be coming soon.

Januaray: We did not do anything this month at all. Brandon is done working in Peach springs but we have some work lined up in Payson and Flagstaff.... YAY!!! So we have been without a car since December 1st and my parents have driving me and the kids all over the dang place so much to my surprise they bought us a 1999 Ford Explorer Eddie Bouer addition ( yep, they finally got tired of driving me all over the place). Its not free, we are paying them back for it which is totally fine, i wouldnt want it any other way. Later this month Brandon, the boys and I took a little trip to Payson and met with Dan, the owner of the house Brandon is building in Payson. When we were done we went to Flagstaff to meet with the Arends, whose house were building in Flagstaff. It was nice to have some more work lined up when we headed home. We also stopped at Salsa Brava ( the best Mexican food in Arizona. This place was even on Diners, Drive ins and Dives)Well That pretty much takes care of a few months. I know I need to update as the events are current but I am the master at procrastination.