Fiercely Independent Pam

Category: Updates

  • 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.

  • Mission Accomplished! One Goal Achieved Thanks to the Zeen!

    I DID IT!!! 1/4 mile around the building a week before my deadline! My Zeen is awesome! Not only did I manage to make the full loop, I felt better in the Zeen than ever! I think I finally managed to find the “sweet spot” for the seat and my legs.

    In addition to being more comfortable, I successfully used the cup holder and managed to find places for my keys, phone, oxygen, and even a flyer that was handed to me as I went out the door! The Zeen is just so perfectly organized.

    I love to set goals, and this week is a big week for those goals. I accomplished a big one today. Wednesday, I am going to make sure I can get in and out of my niece’s car in preparation for our adventure to Charleston to see the ENT at MUSC for my sinuses on Thursday. I have decided to bring my walker and not the Zeen as figuring out the Zeen in the car for the first time and the first time I am getting in a car myself might just be too tricky. I do plan to bring it the following week for my appointment with the Dysautonomia specialist so he can see how well I am doing with it!

    I am so proud of myself for making the 1/4 mile loop with the Zeen today. I need to remember that my body works in its own time frame and that needs to be ok. Rehab specialist, therapists, and even friends and family mean well, but I hold the key and knowledge for when my body is going to cooperate!

    For now, I will continue to use the Zeen and getting my legs stronger. I hope to get on the NuStep soon as well (pending being able to get on and off of it).

    I included some pictures I took on my Zeen adventure today!