Update and Grout Repair

First, I received information today that my mammogram was clear.  However, I have denseness which they have told me before which is why I did the 3D this time.  Maybe I will get more information about that, we will see.  Otherwise, I am feeling better with the ulcers but still watching what I eat and drinking lots of water.  I have lost 17 pounds to this point.  The most fun is having pants that I could not put on a couple of months ago now fall off of me.

We are gradually making changes to our house.  We recently had some lighting changed in our kitchen, living room and Erynn's room.  Today, we finally got the grout in our kitchen repaired.  Back when we bought the house in 2007, it was new and they finished the kitchen floor a day or so before we closed.  I think they rushed it and did not do it properly.  Since then we have had grout dislodge and come up everytime we clean the floor.  So below is a picture of how it turned out.  I did not realize how bad it was until it was fixed.  Up next, a new bed frame for our bed which is starting to squeak!!!!  We should see it soon also.  I have a lot more on the list.  Just keep trying to wittle it away.

Mammograms

I feel like I have spent a lot of time at doctors and tests recently.  However, today was time for my annual mammogram.  It is one test that I do not mind.  Sure it can be painful for a few brief seconds but it may end up being worth that.  One of my aunts several years ago dealt with breast cancer and has been clear since but due to her I try to be sure to do this one test a year.  I encourage all of you out there to be tested also.  Testing keeps you ahead of the game.

Today I had a horrible pain in my neck.  Slept wrong I guess.  However, after the pain I have had recently it was nothing.  The pain in my knees is nothing.  The neuropathy pain that seeps through sometimes is nothing.  I am alive and here to hug my daughter and kiss my husband.  That is something!

Be brave!

Not An Infection

Got the letter today that the ulcers were not caused by an infection.  So I just need to keep doing what I am doing. They state that it could be taking too much NSAIDs (Aleve/Advil).  I don't take them all the time so not sure about that.  Anyway using the heating pad for my back and Deep Relief Essential oils for knees instead of taking anything.  I do think my body is trying to get over the stress I have had the last few years.  Maybe it will be clearer soon!  Continuing to be brave!  Appreciate all the support. 

Losing weight

So far due to the joy of ulcers I have lost 12 pounds.  This is mainly due to the fact that I am eating better.  I do not eat or drink the following:

Anything with caffeine including my beloved tea

Anything carbonated

No desserts-chocolate hurts

Limited salt-meaning pork and steak are out

No bread

No cheese-this one is rough

Nothing fried

So what do I eat?  Healthy things-fruits, vegetables, grilled meats.  Also I drink for the most part water all the time.  All of this is helping with the weight loss.  I am still having some pain.  I hope to hear back soon on the biopsies to see if I will get an antibiotic.  

I have decided that I needed this to help me.  Sometimes the worst things are really for the best.  

Endoscopy

Overcame my fears and completed the endoscopy today. It took awhile but most of that was waiting. My big fear of being awake did not happen and we have finally gotten something that was not normal. I have three uIcers. I would give them the names for who created them but that would not be nice!  Anyway, I am now on medication to help them heal and will be continuing my healthy eating hopefully into the future.  I would like to thank my sister for taking me and dealing with the cleanup of her car after my lunch did not remain where it should have.  Luckily, we did not cause each other to be sick. Having soup tonight and looking toward better days.  Thanks for all of your uplifting thoughts.  

Easter Weekend

Spent Saturday with my family.  Erynn received an Easter bucket that she decorated.  I limited it to one thing of candy and the rest was a movie and a Lego toy. She had a great time hiding eggs for the old people to find.  We also went to see the movie Home which we both enjoyed.  During this I had another migraine but pushed through.  Getting geared up for the scope tomorrow.  Trying not to stress about it.  Last time I had one I woke up during it.  Really hope not to do that again! Thanks again to my sister for taking me.

More Pain

Last night was not good and a bit scary.  I had some wonderful tea and then ate a small waffle fry as I went home.  That fry did not swallow well so the rest of the evening I had pain in chest and shoulders.  Also had numbness in hands and feet which scared me.  Better today but this stuff starts to get disturbing after awhile.  I am not looking forward to the scope on Monday but it appears that I need it.  Breathing deeply and drinking the water!

Next Steps

Returned from the beach yesterday.  While there and right while I was getting us set up for putt putt golf, I get a call from my doctor.  The CT scan was negative so nothing wrong that they found.  Good news but nothing like still not knowing what is wrong.  I felt better while we were away and am ok now with some intermittent issues.  Anyway, the CT scan now heads to the Gastroenterologist and we get the lovely scope done on Monday.  Thanks to my sister who will be going with me as I am not allowed to drive after the procedure.  Not sure what we will do next if they find nothing there. However, the new diet with mostly water and limited caffeine, sugar and fried foods appears to work. Even had ice cream while at the beach and no problems from that.  Miss the ocean already!