Fiercely Independent Pam

Blog

  • The Trouble- Making Bladder

    Before my hysterectomy last April, I only had one episode of bladder (uti infections) issues. Now, it’s a full time job. Yesterday, I went to MUSC in Charleston to see my urologist who is great! He put me on a 7 step plan for straightening everything out.

    The most important step is to self-catherize more often. This means I have to give up the lift on my toilet and struggle to get up from it. For now, I am keeping the same catheters but if this plan fails, then I will start using a closed system that prevents infections better.

    I am also starting an estrogen cream to prevent future infections. I was told when I asked, that I shouldn’t have any symptoms from using the cream. I am all for not being on daily antibiotics!

    I was also strongly encouraged to do the Botox treatments. I hesitated last time I was scheduled mainly because I didn’t think my condition was “bad”enough. I have learned that it certainly is and the Botox will make a big difference. I am never one who is scared by needles or procedures, but the idea of 60+ injections into my bladder with only local anesthesia, doesn’t thrill me!

    I also have to go for a ct scan to accomplish two things. The first is to confirm that the kidney stone is truly gone. The second is to ensure nothing else is going on, especially with my bladder. Luckily, I can do the scan here in Myrtle Beach and I don’t have to go back to Charleston for it!

    See, a full-time job I tell you! When I am not going to an appointment, I am dealing with the various medications and/or catheters. Wish me luck!

  • A Little Setback: A Return to the ER!

    It was bound to happen! Last night I found myself in the ER after spending the day trying to urinate but barely able to even with self cathing. After about 12 hours of this, I decided that I should go get it checked out.

    It was interesting that with the bladder scan, I didn’t have a ridiculous amount of fluid in my bladder, but enough to cause pressure. The ER dr ordered some fluids to flush out any bad stuff and then we cathed again. The urine showed a bladder infection so I was put on antibiotics, given some pain medicine and sent home. All in all, it wasn’t a terrible visit, but still less than desirable!

    I am now on antibiotics for the bladder infection and they also called in some medicine that will help with the spasms. I am looking forward to seeing the urologist tomorrow to get his input on the situation.

    I am so thankful that I was able to take an Uber to the ER as opposed to needing to call an ambulance. My mobility is so much better. I appreciate how far I’ve come and know that it was because of all my hard work!

    This little setback isn’t a major deal, just frustrating! I am hoping that everything heals correctly and without any other trouble.

  • Appointment Updates: I Finally Escaped in a Car!

    So it begins… On Thursday I had my first appointment at MUSC in Charleston. This kicked off a slew of appointments for the next couple of weeks. Thursday was an appointment with ENT (sinus) and Tuesday is an appointment with urology and then Wednesday is with the “Wizard” for dysautonomia.

    Charleston is over two hours away and always full of traffic. I am blessed that for now, my niece is able to get me there and back. I love our adventures and talks in the car. Unfortunately, however, with her driving, it means that I am unable to take my wheelchair, which makes the trip an exercise as well.

    The ENT appointment wasn’t too exciting, except to actually see my hole in the septum and how angry it really is. This is causing my regular nose bleeds and sometimes sinus infections. He obviously doesn’t recommend surgery, but encouraged me to try a new gel spray to see if I can calm the irritation down some. Also, my regular use of oxygen is not helping matters, nor is my need for blood thinners.

    I am looking forward to the urology appointment on Tuesday. I am hoping to come up with a plan to address both the urgency issues I am having as well as returning to self-cathing. Unfortunately, I believe this is my reality.

    I have a surprise for the “Wizard” on Wednesday. I am going to bring my Zeen to show him how well I am doing with it. I think it’s going to be a little bit difficult to manage getting it in the car for the first time, but it will be so worth it. I also have big plans with my niece’s help, to customize my Zeen so it’s more “me.” Right now it’s plain black, but that will be corrected this week!

    I also have an endocrinology video appointment on Wednesday. I have really appreciated working with MUSC for this speciality because they are so knowledgeable and able to address my diverse needs of adrenal insufficiency, diabetes, and my growth on the pituitary gland. I could not find someone with that knowledge here in the Grand Strand.

    My week finishes off with another round of IVIG here in my apartment. I kinda look forward to it because I am able to plan to get some tasks done that require me to stay in my recliner. This week I think I am finally going to attack my shredding pile.