The Trouble with Reality

The trouble with reality is it tends to kick you in the ass especially when you are down. I've decided to take my blog in a couple directions. If you are subscribed to it and start finding what I say or think iffy, unsub. I'm tired of saying everything that everyone expects.

First of all, small update. Gene had his 10th knee surgery yesterday, 5th on his left knee. Had to catch up to the right knee after all. As it was the 10th knee surgery, I somehow felt that I should throw a party but I digress.

As for me and why I'm starting to redirect my blog is that I've gone through about 2 1/2 years now of testing trying to figure out what the hell is wrong with me. We've managed to rule out Lupus, Thyroid, Lyme Disease, and a multitude of others. So...as a diagnosis of exclusion, we've started with Fibromyalgia. I have always thought that this was a disease/syndrome that was bogus. I've learned differently. While I still believe that it's symptoms can be "faked" by those that just want pain pills or an excuse not to work or get on disability (which with Fibro it's hard as hell), I have found that it's a nasty little thing if you do really have it. We still haven't completely given up the testing for MS but since you can have Fibro and CFS with MS, it's still possible.

I have joined and quit more Fibro support groups than I can count. I am tired of people that just sit around and whine. My doctor said to watch out for depression since the meds I am on and the limits I have on my activities cause a drop in serotonin in the brain thus causing depression. I am at a point where I'm not depressed, I'm pissed off. I'm frustrated, upset, annoyed and pissed off. However, I do have days where I get so frustrated that I do get moody, but it's usually because I don't get the help I need to get things done. I'd probably be frustrated and upset about those items if I didn't have Fibro.

So, the doc's also think I have some type of immune deficiency. It's a long hard process and I'm smack in the middle of it.

I hate it. Period. It has been a really rough day and I have a feeling there are going to be a lot more... Reality bites.

Christmas Pic of the kids

I am hoping that the picture is imbedded in this...:) never really works the way I want it to. But I am putting in the Christmas pic of the kids since a bunch of cards (all mailed at the same place) seem to have not arrived. So, here it is...I have to say that I think this one is one of my favorites. Genuine smiles - no poses....of course, it took Alexa's boyfriend, Jaymes, giving me rabbit ears to get it, but I'll take what I can get.

Sorry, All, been busy....

Okay, Let's see...

Gene has been doing well, the third and fourth days out were bad and the muscles and tissues are hurting still. Incision is healing very well, doc is very pleased.

The pain from before the surgery is going away down his arms and the strength is coming back little by little, it is still early, so we will see what happens. The numbness is still there and the doc says that this is normal and it may go away a bit or it may never go away. I figure numb is one thing, just make him stop hurting.

His neck is still very painful and when we saw the doc yesterday, he asked Gene, "It feels like someone has hit you with a baseball bat, yes?" Yep, that was exactly how Gene was describing it at home. Doc says this is normal due to the things they had to do during surgery to the muscles and such. Please don't ask me to describe it. It makes me shiver and I wasn't the one having it done. When they use words like scrap and ratchet, well, you see my point. Anyway, the doc says that this will last for a couple more weeks while the muscles, tendons, and tissues heal.

He will continue to be in the collar for 3 to 4 months, but the doc is pleased with how he is healing. Said the previous surgical area looked good and healed when he went in and that was a very good thing. Gene is doing well.

Other news, made it through Gene's birthday with the sore throat. He managed a bit, but mashed potatoes are still a hit.

Chi went back to school last week and is going well. Alexa started her second semester of college today so she will be out and about. Good thing is she has a TV course Mondays and Wednesdays in the afternoon so she will be in class but at home.

Love you all...I will try to keep everyone posted more as his healing progresses and this will go back to being a regular blog but feel free to come and visit.

Home

Well, we just got the word that they are kicking us out of here this morning. LOL.

Gene's incision looks good. His neck is swollen a bit, but we were warned that it would be. He seems to be talking okay, but gets tired talking after a while.

He is eating well too. Something I am glad of - means that I don't have to adjust his diet too much.

Now it is just about getting him home to where he will be more comfy.

So, we are waiting for the paperwork and we will be heading home. We should be home and settled after noon.

Rooms

Well, this time went much better than last. He is awake and ... talking. Go figure. Color is good and he falls asleep here and there but okay. He is also eating soft foods....already.

Not to mention, they already have him in a room. So, there it is. He is sore and even though he is talking, it isn't comfy, so we will keep talking to a minimum today and see how it goes.

So, off to find myself something for lunch and chill out for a while. My cell is on and our emails are up so if you want to communicate with him you can.

Surgery Done

Okay, I just met with the Doc and he said the surgery went really well. He was pleased by the bone structure to support the screws. So, I am waiting for them to let me know when I can go into recovery to stay with him until they get him into a room.

As soon as I have a room number, I will let everyone know here.

Off to the recovery room.......

D-Day

Or should I say S-Day...

Well, we have been here since 6 a.m. Ugh! Everything went smoothly and he was wheeled in at 8:20. Not too bad. I have gotten two different versions of the length of surgery from 2-3 hours to 4-5 hours, so I figure, I will see him when I see him.

Took me a bit to get hooked up to the WiFi here at the hospital but I think I have it now.

As soon as I have anymore information, I will post it.

Thanks to everyone that sent texts and messages this morning. It was nice to see.

You'll be hearing from me soon.