My Doctor paged me at work. I thought this was kind. He was not bothered that I had read the reports already. He wants be to have the largest nodule explored with a Fine Needle Biopsy. Ok. He says it is just because of my family history. I agree and am scheduled for next Wednesday in the morning. After speaking to him I went to the US and Radiology department to scope out the schedule and see if any of the nurses had strong feelings for or against who should do the biopsy. They were fairly neutral with one or two "no way" - mostly due to personality issues.
I worked really hard today. I think we had 13 PICC orders...so I am tired...kids went to bed crying about various injustices. The good news is that I am off until for 8 or 9 days. Cool.
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Thyroid Nodules..AGE- 36 is inching up on me..
Two days ago I went for my yearly physical. I go to the Mayo Clinic because I work here and because the exams are always the most thorough. Also, everything is electronic so it is easy to see trends and changes over time. This is my third year as a patient. I have never had any issues but once did have a US and Mammogram after a very small breast lump was found (it was just a small cyst and eventually went away).
This time my Doctor was able to palpate (feel) my thyroid on examination. Usually you are not able to palpate it. My oldest sister (half-sister, same Mom) had Thyroid Cancer and then a few years later had Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma (note: she is good now..). I also have an Aunt on my Dad's side who had Thyroid cancer. My other sister (half-sister, same Mom) has been hypothyroid for a few years as well.
So, based on examination he said he would usually just follow up the thyroid in 6 months or a year but because of family history he wanted me to have an Ultrasound. Ok, I can do that. So yesterday I had the neck ultrasound. I was enjoying the cool gel and probe sliding on my neck (like a mini massage) so it did not stress me. I felt and feel grateful that he took the time to actually check my thyroid ...I have had many, many physicals (not at Mayo) that have never checked the thyroid the old fashioned way. He also ordered my usual lab tests and, as always, included a TSH level. TSH levels vary within a range. Abnormal results can indicate Hypothyroidism (high TSH levels) or Hyperthyroidism (low TSH levels). Interesting that one sister is HYPOthyroid...but the other presented as HYPERthyroid when she has thyroid cancer.
Today I am at work. Electronic records can haunt you when they are at your fingertips. Of course I looked up my results. I know that I am not allowed to look up any one Else's results, not even my spouses, and I have and would never do that. But, these are MINE. So--labs look pretty good...everything normal. I did note, however, that my TSH is trending up- but it is still normal. The Ultrasound results were also written up. There are three nodules on my thyroid..all under a centimeter in size. From what I can pull from the report they are probably benign cysts of some sort. The good thing is my actual thyroid (made of two lobes) is symmetrical and considered normal.
I have been waiting to today for a call from my doctor to see what he thinks about the two tests. He may consider a fine needle aspiration of one of the nodules (if it is a cyst) to send part of it to the lab to see the the cells are like. Or, he may use this as a baseline exam and simply follow it up in 6 months or a year.
I, of course, am now trying to understand what my thyroid is telling me. Maybe it does not like cookie dough? Lord knows I have had my share of cookie dough this year. Maybe it wants my husband to come home from Iraq (he will come home in about ..oh..SEVEN more months). Maybe my thyroid is telling me that although buying new running shoes, heart rate monitors, and lap timers is fun...they really work best if you RUN in them. I think it is telling me that. Maybe my thyroid is irritated that it has been ignored for almost 36 years--OK..OK..I hear you...I will give you some love.
"Dear thyroid: - I do appreciate your subtle powers and the essential roles you play in my health. I promise I will be more conscious and treat you better. Your human, Nicole"
Thank you to my doctor one again for providing a top of the line physical assessment!
This time my Doctor was able to palpate (feel) my thyroid on examination. Usually you are not able to palpate it. My oldest sister (half-sister, same Mom) had Thyroid Cancer and then a few years later had Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma (note: she is good now..). I also have an Aunt on my Dad's side who had Thyroid cancer. My other sister (half-sister, same Mom) has been hypothyroid for a few years as well.
So, based on examination he said he would usually just follow up the thyroid in 6 months or a year but because of family history he wanted me to have an Ultrasound. Ok, I can do that. So yesterday I had the neck ultrasound. I was enjoying the cool gel and probe sliding on my neck (like a mini massage) so it did not stress me. I felt and feel grateful that he took the time to actually check my thyroid ...I have had many, many physicals (not at Mayo) that have never checked the thyroid the old fashioned way. He also ordered my usual lab tests and, as always, included a TSH level. TSH levels vary within a range. Abnormal results can indicate Hypothyroidism (high TSH levels) or Hyperthyroidism (low TSH levels). Interesting that one sister is HYPOthyroid...but the other presented as HYPERthyroid when she has thyroid cancer.
Today I am at work. Electronic records can haunt you when they are at your fingertips. Of course I looked up my results. I know that I am not allowed to look up any one Else's results, not even my spouses, and I have and would never do that. But, these are MINE. So--labs look pretty good...everything normal. I did note, however, that my TSH is trending up- but it is still normal. The Ultrasound results were also written up. There are three nodules on my thyroid..all under a centimeter in size. From what I can pull from the report they are probably benign cysts of some sort. The good thing is my actual thyroid (made of two lobes) is symmetrical and considered normal.
I have been waiting to today for a call from my doctor to see what he thinks about the two tests. He may consider a fine needle aspiration of one of the nodules (if it is a cyst) to send part of it to the lab to see the the cells are like. Or, he may use this as a baseline exam and simply follow it up in 6 months or a year.
I, of course, am now trying to understand what my thyroid is telling me. Maybe it does not like cookie dough? Lord knows I have had my share of cookie dough this year. Maybe it wants my husband to come home from Iraq (he will come home in about ..oh..SEVEN more months). Maybe my thyroid is telling me that although buying new running shoes, heart rate monitors, and lap timers is fun...they really work best if you RUN in them. I think it is telling me that. Maybe my thyroid is irritated that it has been ignored for almost 36 years--OK..OK..I hear you...I will give you some love.
"Dear thyroid: - I do appreciate your subtle powers and the essential roles you play in my health. I promise I will be more conscious and treat you better. Your human, Nicole"
Thank you to my doctor one again for providing a top of the line physical assessment!
Saturday, February 21, 2009
Cryptic communications and sitters who play piano
There is no glory here--only patience and understanding. I find that my position requires skills that I do not have and must acquire, quickly. If I cannot forgive, then my path of injury will be compounded. At least, this is how I see it. The funny thing is, I came here with innocent notions of life and love and two spoons that fit very easily.
I know that this is all very cryptic to the outsider. There are some things that are not worthy of the public but I hope to share this time in some way with those who care about me. Those that care about me and Lee. Maybe these are the people that were at our wedding. Possibly the onlookers who saw us climb into the carriage that night, trailing sound of bagpipes at out back. Maybe the reader who barely knows me now. The reader that recalls knowing me and is relieved to hear that other people in this world (namely, Lee and I) are also thrown to the vices of the world. We have been fed to the dogs.
Lee has been gone for 5 months. This is approaching the longest separation. Although I think basic training was seven months and fewer available lines of communication. This is really difficult. Have I mentioned how I wish I could grab Lee...and this marriage...and stick it in my pocket. It could be a piece of lint, or a lost coin. I would really like that.
So, today was good. More dog training with Ace. Walked the dogs to the park and invited the chaos of a public park. We took the dogs through tunnels and down the slides and exposed them to many experiences to remind them that I AM THE ALPHA. I am trying very hard...and we are making some progress.
The kids both had late nights last night and play dates this afternoon--so Hazel is curled up on the couch reading "Are you there God it's me Margaret" and Liam is playing in the bath with his Lego. I love it that this boy still plays in the bath.
I am really tired. I have had two of the most difficult days. I have a feeling that it is not over yet. My kind neighbors fixed my flag that had fallen in a storm and I was able to spend a couple hours at the book store tonight, curled up in a corner, reading. Thank you to my babysitter--I appreciate her energy with the kids and the piano tonight.
I know that this is all very cryptic to the outsider. There are some things that are not worthy of the public but I hope to share this time in some way with those who care about me. Those that care about me and Lee. Maybe these are the people that were at our wedding. Possibly the onlookers who saw us climb into the carriage that night, trailing sound of bagpipes at out back. Maybe the reader who barely knows me now. The reader that recalls knowing me and is relieved to hear that other people in this world (namely, Lee and I) are also thrown to the vices of the world. We have been fed to the dogs.
Lee has been gone for 5 months. This is approaching the longest separation. Although I think basic training was seven months and fewer available lines of communication. This is really difficult. Have I mentioned how I wish I could grab Lee...and this marriage...and stick it in my pocket. It could be a piece of lint, or a lost coin. I would really like that.
So, today was good. More dog training with Ace. Walked the dogs to the park and invited the chaos of a public park. We took the dogs through tunnels and down the slides and exposed them to many experiences to remind them that I AM THE ALPHA. I am trying very hard...and we are making some progress.
The kids both had late nights last night and play dates this afternoon--so Hazel is curled up on the couch reading "Are you there God it's me Margaret" and Liam is playing in the bath with his Lego. I love it that this boy still plays in the bath.
I am really tired. I have had two of the most difficult days. I have a feeling that it is not over yet. My kind neighbors fixed my flag that had fallen in a storm and I was able to spend a couple hours at the book store tonight, curled up in a corner, reading. Thank you to my babysitter--I appreciate her energy with the kids and the piano tonight.
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Thunder dog and bad morning outfits
Our Dog Maggie is terrified of rain with thunder and lightening. This is why I was greeted with chaos this morning. She freaks out...pants and tries to go to strange "high" places to be safe. Today she was jumping up on the kitchen counter then running behind toilets. The stress causes her hair to fall out and she sheds uncontrollably. So, there I was, trying get her outside to pee. I have on sock on (to cover the callous treatment I am doing on my right foot...) and a knee length striped nightgown (ugly). I threw on a black, front zip, hooded sweatshirt and a rain coat. Shoes...I slipped into my white nursing clogs and began trying to get her outside. She strategically kept slipping out of her collar. I finally got her out into the pelting rain and pulled her threw puddles to a grass patch. Did she pee...NO! She just kept freaking out with her tail between her legs. So I was soaked...I mean....really...really wet and I took her back to the front door and let her in. I did not have a towel with me she was running around and shaking and shedding on the tile. I had to laugh. What a mess. The sad thing is I still had to repeat this with the little dog (who is not scared, thank God, but wet and curious so takes to long). I took the kids to school in the dog walking outfit and prayed the entire way that I did not get in a car accident. The one sock with heel jelly would be really embarrassing to explain on the side of the road.
So, today is Thursday. I work again Friday. Then--on to the weekend. And time goes by.
So, today is Thursday. I work again Friday. Then--on to the weekend. And time goes by.
Friday, February 13, 2009
Valentine's day, Sasquatch hunting and more Vitiligo care
It is Friday and I really need to go to bed. I have been running all day. We had an early Mayo Clinic appointment for Liam. His light therapy for the Vitiligo is working. He is getting really good results despite the fact the these higher levels keep burning in his face. We are working on the dosage. I was told "no" to the home unit at this time due to variations in dosage. So, our schedule will continue to include the three times a week visit to the Mayo after school. Disappointing.
I went to the Orange Park Beauty School to help my friend with one of her clinicals. She has to do a total of 5 lash extensions to pass that section--I was a willing candidate. My lashes and brows continue to make me wonder what I will look like in 20 years. Every year I get older they get blonder and thinner. I mean REALLY....I am going to have to resort to the make-up tattoo method of brow application because not being able to leave the house until I "put my brows on" is to crazy to come to terms with. The lash extensions look WONDERFUL. However, if I did it on my own it would run me about $150 every 6 to 8 weeks. That is something I can not add to my life. My friend did a great job though and I will certainly enjoy these ladies while I have them.
Back to school to pick up Liam and Rachel's boy Ben. Ben has been discussing a lot of Big Foot type theories and hunting methods lately so I took the boys to the UNF "forest" to go Sasquatch hunting. They had tools like hydro detectors and magnifiers and foot print collection tools.....Liam kept throwing pine cones into the forest when no one was looking and poor Ben would jump about 10 feet expecting come face to face with the wild monster man himself. I finally told Liam "enough" and we enjoyed the rest of our hike reading about native plants and sapsuckers. Cool. Left the forest and met Rachel with her other boy for dinner.
I went and picked up Hazel from a Valentine's party--she planned a sleepover that she threw on me so I said okay and headed home to pack for her and Liam. I have to work one weekend a month at the hospital and with Lee gone it gets complicated. Tonight Liam is at Nana's but she has a Wedding Shower she is hosting tomorrow evening and is REALLY busy tomorrow. I arranged for Liam to go to Lacrosse match with some of our friends...the same that Hazel is sleeping over at...HOWEVER I received a call 10 minutes ago that her friend has a fever--the flu is relentless down here over the past few weeks. So Nana is driving to get her, it is 9:30 pm and we have asked Lee's Dad if he could be available to be with them for a few hours tomorrow. I think he agreed but I am going to make some early am calls from work to see if I can find a sitter.
Walked the dogs and put together Valentine Baskets for Lynda and the kids...dropped those off as well. Did a load of laundry and took out the trash. I am tired and wish I could have a full day or two with NOTHING to do and no one to entertain. --But I am blessed and my kids are well and I can't complain because I did dye a nice section of my hair PURPLE yesterday and my lashes are awesome. So who says my life isn't any fun?
Happy Valentine's--I have a book for Lee that did not get in the mail so I am going to call him in a moment and read it to him. Then I will settle back and enjoy the Electra lounge on NPR as I close the night down.
I went to the Orange Park Beauty School to help my friend with one of her clinicals. She has to do a total of 5 lash extensions to pass that section--I was a willing candidate. My lashes and brows continue to make me wonder what I will look like in 20 years. Every year I get older they get blonder and thinner. I mean REALLY....I am going to have to resort to the make-up tattoo method of brow application because not being able to leave the house until I "put my brows on" is to crazy to come to terms with. The lash extensions look WONDERFUL. However, if I did it on my own it would run me about $150 every 6 to 8 weeks. That is something I can not add to my life. My friend did a great job though and I will certainly enjoy these ladies while I have them.
Back to school to pick up Liam and Rachel's boy Ben. Ben has been discussing a lot of Big Foot type theories and hunting methods lately so I took the boys to the UNF "forest" to go Sasquatch hunting. They had tools like hydro detectors and magnifiers and foot print collection tools.....Liam kept throwing pine cones into the forest when no one was looking and poor Ben would jump about 10 feet expecting come face to face with the wild monster man himself. I finally told Liam "enough" and we enjoyed the rest of our hike reading about native plants and sapsuckers. Cool. Left the forest and met Rachel with her other boy for dinner.
I went and picked up Hazel from a Valentine's party--she planned a sleepover that she threw on me so I said okay and headed home to pack for her and Liam. I have to work one weekend a month at the hospital and with Lee gone it gets complicated. Tonight Liam is at Nana's but she has a Wedding Shower she is hosting tomorrow evening and is REALLY busy tomorrow. I arranged for Liam to go to Lacrosse match with some of our friends...the same that Hazel is sleeping over at...HOWEVER I received a call 10 minutes ago that her friend has a fever--the flu is relentless down here over the past few weeks. So Nana is driving to get her, it is 9:30 pm and we have asked Lee's Dad if he could be available to be with them for a few hours tomorrow. I think he agreed but I am going to make some early am calls from work to see if I can find a sitter.
Walked the dogs and put together Valentine Baskets for Lynda and the kids...dropped those off as well. Did a load of laundry and took out the trash. I am tired and wish I could have a full day or two with NOTHING to do and no one to entertain. --But I am blessed and my kids are well and I can't complain because I did dye a nice section of my hair PURPLE yesterday and my lashes are awesome. So who says my life isn't any fun?
Happy Valentine's--I have a book for Lee that did not get in the mail so I am going to call him in a moment and read it to him. Then I will settle back and enjoy the Electra lounge on NPR as I close the night down.
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Thinking of Irene at the close of the day
Tonight I miss my Grandmother. I don't know why I am missing her tonight. The thought of her not being with me anymore is carefully bringing me to tears. I am just going to post a couple of pictures of her here --because these are the pics I have been looking at tonight.
She was a devoted Grandmother. Tons of love and appreciation. Big, huge heart and an unfailing willingness to try to see the best in people. She loved bragging about Lee and how he is from South Africa. She really liked how Lee and I ran the Boise Marathon together. She liked more than she liked my resistance to traditional female roles!
I feel like flying home and walking through the door to find her in her familiar chair. I want to see her face light up with absolute joy and a confused giggle. Delight. I am very fortunate that Irene was my Grandmother. -- Thanks Grandma Irene - I miss you.
Monday, February 9, 2009
Regular things...on February 9th, 2009
Tomorrow is Hazel's 11th birthday. Lynda and I are heading to Orlando to go to Ikea after I drop the kids at school. I am going to upgrade Hazel to a pre-teen bed....platform..modern...and full size. I slept in a twin bed until I was in my 3rd year in college.....but I swear she looks like she needs a bigger bed. So a bigger bed is what she is getting. She wants the bedroom to be lime green, dark purple and dark blue. So it will be....
Liam is still sleepy...but back to school today. He was so tired after school and light therapy that he fell asleep in the truck---this is very RARE --poor boy still needs sleep.
I got my dog training/Nicci training walks in today. We are doing better. A good brisk walk keeps me and the dogs focused enough to get our groove on......that is what we are doing...grooving...
Lee....got some rest...most of you have read that he dreaming---kind of embarrassing really...public dreams of Lee's memory of us actually getting a smooch ---ahhh well.....the soldier is suffering. Could be worse I suppose.
On to the rest of the week....having someone measure the upstairs for carpet....the variations in carpet fibers and pad options is mind blowing.
By the by...weather here is WONDERFUL. This is when Florida is okay. Mid 70's. Cool mornings. Love it.
Liam is still sleepy...but back to school today. He was so tired after school and light therapy that he fell asleep in the truck---this is very RARE --poor boy still needs sleep.
I got my dog training/Nicci training walks in today. We are doing better. A good brisk walk keeps me and the dogs focused enough to get our groove on......that is what we are doing...grooving...
Lee....got some rest...most of you have read that he dreaming---kind of embarrassing really...public dreams of Lee's memory of us actually getting a smooch ---ahhh well.....the soldier is suffering. Could be worse I suppose.
On to the rest of the week....having someone measure the upstairs for carpet....the variations in carpet fibers and pad options is mind blowing.
By the by...weather here is WONDERFUL. This is when Florida is okay. Mid 70's. Cool mornings. Love it.
Saturday, February 7, 2009
"Dad says to stop whining..."and dogs, kids and great mother-in-law
Just finished 2 hours with Ace the dog trainer/human trainer. I think the dogs are "getting it" better than I am. Maybe I should have just had children....because my "Mom" look communicates well to children but my "I am the alpha...stance" well....it needs some work. The whole thing made me tired....but the dogs did great and Ace was patient.
A lot of people read this blog--some I do know and some I know not so well. I recently had a critique from my DAD! He told me that I am a whiner and basically need to take Happy Pills ( I already do) and "suck it up"--that there are a lot of people in this world that have it harder than I do. Wow...what a blow. ----I know he feels this way and I try not to let it bother me. Yes, I do wish he had empathy and understanding about what my life and the kid's life is and leave room for my perception of the situation. However, like many people...I married my father in many ways. My Dad identifies with Lee and his choices and sees this situation through those common eyes. This is not a criticism, just a fact. So, although I have made a pact with myself to apologize less and stop feeling guilty about every move I make-------(maybe tomorrow) I do apologize if I ever come across as unsupportive of the Military or what my soldier is going through. I understand the loneliness and the risks involved and I think it is a great sacrifice he has made. The fact is, however, this is a volunteer service. He volunteered. So it is what it is.
When there was a draft it was not the choice of the soldier and the level of empathy should have been ever greater, if possible. If my husband does not did not want to put himself in the line of fire...then he has had more than one chance to make that happen. If he did not want to live alone in a small Box, freezing, away from family with the daily fear of being mortared or killed.....well...he can make that choice. He makes his own choices. That is what I want my Dad to understand. Everything happening to Lee is his choice (and he is comfortable with his choice, misses us but enjoys what he is doing). In my opinion, part of his job (as an officer and soldier) is to understand what the family goes through at home. I should not have to shield him from what is happening here...he chose to be married and have kids and being part of that is also a choice.
I gripe at times because this situation was and is not my choice and it is not going away. I do, however, offer daily support and an open ear for Lee (whether I like it or not). I do speak highly of him to the kids and they have pride in his service. Better yet, I have put anything that I might want on hold to accommodate deployment and I am actually okay with it because doing what I need to do is my choice. I choose it every day. OK....blah..blah...blah...sorry Dad if I offend or make your more angry. I wish you did not think I was a "whiner" and I wish you did not continue to tell me to get an "attitude adjustment". These are hurtful things that children should not have to hear.
On a better note...
Hazel had a massive sleep over last night. My Mother-in-law and I worked very hard to feed, entertain and tolerate 11 girls for the 11th Birthday Celebration. We did a great job. I think fun was had by all. Although she is probably at home digging through trash for 4 of her forks that are unaccounted for.......and there are lots of muddy white socks in the laundry---it was a good party. There is a new specialty cupcake shop in Jacksonville called Cami Cakes. This is my little plug. This place is so divine. Cami Cakes were a big hit at the party.
Liam, well he is having a tough time. He has been out of school for a week with the flu and felt left out and annoyed at his sister's party. The little dog in training just ate one of his favorite toys and he has been crying about Lee today because he has no one to wrestle. He has hot me twice and threw a huge crying tantrum. These behaviors are very unlike Liam. This times try me--I take on every emotion he has. So, hopefully Lee will call Liam and they can actually have some sort of connection or play chess online. But, Lee was up all night with work in Iraq and will probably be irritated with this blog...so the likelihood of this happening is slim. Hmmm...maybe I should go to church in the morning.
A lot of people read this blog--some I do know and some I know not so well. I recently had a critique from my DAD! He told me that I am a whiner and basically need to take Happy Pills ( I already do) and "suck it up"--that there are a lot of people in this world that have it harder than I do. Wow...what a blow. ----I know he feels this way and I try not to let it bother me. Yes, I do wish he had empathy and understanding about what my life and the kid's life is and leave room for my perception of the situation. However, like many people...I married my father in many ways. My Dad identifies with Lee and his choices and sees this situation through those common eyes. This is not a criticism, just a fact. So, although I have made a pact with myself to apologize less and stop feeling guilty about every move I make-------(maybe tomorrow) I do apologize if I ever come across as unsupportive of the Military or what my soldier is going through. I understand the loneliness and the risks involved and I think it is a great sacrifice he has made. The fact is, however, this is a volunteer service. He volunteered. So it is what it is.
When there was a draft it was not the choice of the soldier and the level of empathy should have been ever greater, if possible. If my husband does not did not want to put himself in the line of fire...then he has had more than one chance to make that happen. If he did not want to live alone in a small Box, freezing, away from family with the daily fear of being mortared or killed.....well...he can make that choice. He makes his own choices. That is what I want my Dad to understand. Everything happening to Lee is his choice (and he is comfortable with his choice, misses us but enjoys what he is doing). In my opinion, part of his job (as an officer and soldier) is to understand what the family goes through at home. I should not have to shield him from what is happening here...he chose to be married and have kids and being part of that is also a choice.
I gripe at times because this situation was and is not my choice and it is not going away. I do, however, offer daily support and an open ear for Lee (whether I like it or not). I do speak highly of him to the kids and they have pride in his service. Better yet, I have put anything that I might want on hold to accommodate deployment and I am actually okay with it because doing what I need to do is my choice. I choose it every day. OK....blah..blah...blah...sorry Dad if I offend or make your more angry. I wish you did not think I was a "whiner" and I wish you did not continue to tell me to get an "attitude adjustment". These are hurtful things that children should not have to hear.
On a better note...
Hazel had a massive sleep over last night. My Mother-in-law and I worked very hard to feed, entertain and tolerate 11 girls for the 11th Birthday Celebration. We did a great job. I think fun was had by all. Although she is probably at home digging through trash for 4 of her forks that are unaccounted for.......and there are lots of muddy white socks in the laundry---it was a good party. There is a new specialty cupcake shop in Jacksonville called Cami Cakes. This is my little plug. This place is so divine. Cami Cakes were a big hit at the party.
Liam, well he is having a tough time. He has been out of school for a week with the flu and felt left out and annoyed at his sister's party. The little dog in training just ate one of his favorite toys and he has been crying about Lee today because he has no one to wrestle. He has hot me twice and threw a huge crying tantrum. These behaviors are very unlike Liam. This times try me--I take on every emotion he has. So, hopefully Lee will call Liam and they can actually have some sort of connection or play chess online. But, Lee was up all night with work in Iraq and will probably be irritated with this blog...so the likelihood of this happening is slim. Hmmm...maybe I should go to church in the morning.
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Influenza B and the latest in the Odell house
Liam has had a fever since Saturday.
Day four is when I head to the doctor, although if I am convinced of one of my own diagnoses earlier I will go earlier. This one threw me though. No previous cold, no sore throat, no vomiting, just a severe headache and a fever that has hovered around 101.4. Tired, yes, but improving. The severe headache on day one and two had me very worried. I was thinking about brain bleeds, encephalitis, retinal detachment and other uncommon things. I was asking the poor kid about double vision, pain scales and alleviating factors. After 8 years of being my son he is used to these weird questions and it does not phase him. He just wants to sleep next to me, or shall I say sleep laying on me with all 74 of his precious pounds.
Things were improving today when he was fever free in the morning. Then we went to the grocery store and ran into a child from his class who had strep throat. Then I received a call from his good friend who he is also in class with, he too was ill and was being treated for possible strep. So, off to the clinic. Strep negative. Fever back. So, we ran the Influenza tests and low and behold.....Influenza B. In all my life I have never had the actual test for the flu...or had my kids tested. It was almost frightening to be told that he had the real flu. Not because I thought he was in danger. He is a healthy kid and I know he will be okay, it will just take longer than anticipated. What concerns me and has freaked me out all day is the health of others and my responsibility to their health. So here it goes. I get my flu shot because I am a nurse and HAVE to at the hospital. I do it willingly knowing that the population I deal with is fragile and the idea of "do no harm" includes hand washing and getting my fly shot. But my kids...well I have always thought that the mandatory vaccines are good but that the kids need to build some of their own immunity. Kids get sick...as they get older...they get sick less. Life lesson number..what...4050. But today I felt really bad thinking about who MY SON could have exposed to the flu. There are more pregnant teachers at the school right now than I can count.....I hope they don't get it. Statistically, in a school of 1300 there must be at least one child that is immune compromised.....getting chemo...has CF. Oh, I hope we have not exposed one of these kids.
So, I called the people I knew he had contact with and let them know. Then I went to the school to inform the school (they looked at me a little strange and said "thank you" but I really do not think they will pass the information around". Then I came home and made sure my mother-in-law has had her flu shot (she has) and then I e-mailed his teachers to let them know the diagnosis and request that they make a HUGE pack of homework for him because he will be out the rest of the week. Apparently, the flu is contagious for up to five days in healthy adults. But in kids, even healthy kids, it can be contagious for 7 days or more from the first sign of symptoms. This puts Liam in a bubble until Saturday. He is thrilled...making us play board games and getting his share of the Wii. I think he will be bored soon.
I, on the other hand, am scheduled to work tomorrow and Thursday. Not the best timing, but, at least I was with Liam is his most uncomfortable days. My dedicated Mother-in-law is on for the next couple days. If I did not have her, I do not know what I would do. I have very little PTO now that I am Part-time. I guess I would take unpaid leave, that would be okay, things would be tight but we would be okay. In terms of my patients, they should be fine because I am a crazy hand washer and I wear a mask for PICC procedures and will wear one when I am working in the Infusion Center as well.
Hazel, well she is trooping along after her teeth pulling expereince last Friday. The next two extractions (pre-braces) will be at the oral surgeon. Friday was....tough. She did great...but she needs gas so I can pretend that I have the gas to make it through the procedure. Then, last night she had me up until about 11 pm helping her fininsh her 18 page report on Kazakhstan. Today she had running after school, picked her up for a quick snack and then off to take her and her friends to the pre-season soccer clinic. Once again, thank you mother-in-law for coming to stay with Liam while I carpooled the ladies around Jacksonville.
In between these exciting matters of the day I searched online for vacation properties in the Florida Keys. A trip over spring break with my college friends Denise and Kelly joining us might actually happen! I love this idea! Beach bikes, snorkels and peaceful sunsets. I am going to sleep with the windows open!
So, off to work for a couple days. Friday night I have Hazel's birthday sleep over with a total of TEN girls. I am taking them all to Cami Cakes for cup cakes in their pajamas. We are making t-shirts and then just running around like crazy I think. Wish me luck. I know Hazel will miss having her Dad's humor around while she entertains her friends. I know Lee will miss watching the girls and realizing that he has no idea what the next few years are going to be like. He is moving into uncharted territory---the teen years....
Day four is when I head to the doctor, although if I am convinced of one of my own diagnoses earlier I will go earlier. This one threw me though. No previous cold, no sore throat, no vomiting, just a severe headache and a fever that has hovered around 101.4. Tired, yes, but improving. The severe headache on day one and two had me very worried. I was thinking about brain bleeds, encephalitis, retinal detachment and other uncommon things. I was asking the poor kid about double vision, pain scales and alleviating factors. After 8 years of being my son he is used to these weird questions and it does not phase him. He just wants to sleep next to me, or shall I say sleep laying on me with all 74 of his precious pounds.
Things were improving today when he was fever free in the morning. Then we went to the grocery store and ran into a child from his class who had strep throat. Then I received a call from his good friend who he is also in class with, he too was ill and was being treated for possible strep. So, off to the clinic. Strep negative. Fever back. So, we ran the Influenza tests and low and behold.....Influenza B. In all my life I have never had the actual test for the flu...or had my kids tested. It was almost frightening to be told that he had the real flu. Not because I thought he was in danger. He is a healthy kid and I know he will be okay, it will just take longer than anticipated. What concerns me and has freaked me out all day is the health of others and my responsibility to their health. So here it goes. I get my flu shot because I am a nurse and HAVE to at the hospital. I do it willingly knowing that the population I deal with is fragile and the idea of "do no harm" includes hand washing and getting my fly shot. But my kids...well I have always thought that the mandatory vaccines are good but that the kids need to build some of their own immunity. Kids get sick...as they get older...they get sick less. Life lesson number..what...4050. But today I felt really bad thinking about who MY SON could have exposed to the flu. There are more pregnant teachers at the school right now than I can count.....I hope they don't get it. Statistically, in a school of 1300 there must be at least one child that is immune compromised.....getting chemo...has CF. Oh, I hope we have not exposed one of these kids.
So, I called the people I knew he had contact with and let them know. Then I went to the school to inform the school (they looked at me a little strange and said "thank you" but I really do not think they will pass the information around". Then I came home and made sure my mother-in-law has had her flu shot (she has) and then I e-mailed his teachers to let them know the diagnosis and request that they make a HUGE pack of homework for him because he will be out the rest of the week. Apparently, the flu is contagious for up to five days in healthy adults. But in kids, even healthy kids, it can be contagious for 7 days or more from the first sign of symptoms. This puts Liam in a bubble until Saturday. He is thrilled...making us play board games and getting his share of the Wii. I think he will be bored soon.
I, on the other hand, am scheduled to work tomorrow and Thursday. Not the best timing, but, at least I was with Liam is his most uncomfortable days. My dedicated Mother-in-law is on for the next couple days. If I did not have her, I do not know what I would do. I have very little PTO now that I am Part-time. I guess I would take unpaid leave, that would be okay, things would be tight but we would be okay. In terms of my patients, they should be fine because I am a crazy hand washer and I wear a mask for PICC procedures and will wear one when I am working in the Infusion Center as well.
Hazel, well she is trooping along after her teeth pulling expereince last Friday. The next two extractions (pre-braces) will be at the oral surgeon. Friday was....tough. She did great...but she needs gas so I can pretend that I have the gas to make it through the procedure. Then, last night she had me up until about 11 pm helping her fininsh her 18 page report on Kazakhstan. Today she had running after school, picked her up for a quick snack and then off to take her and her friends to the pre-season soccer clinic. Once again, thank you mother-in-law for coming to stay with Liam while I carpooled the ladies around Jacksonville.
In between these exciting matters of the day I searched online for vacation properties in the Florida Keys. A trip over spring break with my college friends Denise and Kelly joining us might actually happen! I love this idea! Beach bikes, snorkels and peaceful sunsets. I am going to sleep with the windows open!
So, off to work for a couple days. Friday night I have Hazel's birthday sleep over with a total of TEN girls. I am taking them all to Cami Cakes for cup cakes in their pajamas. We are making t-shirts and then just running around like crazy I think. Wish me luck. I know Hazel will miss having her Dad's humor around while she entertains her friends. I know Lee will miss watching the girls and realizing that he has no idea what the next few years are going to be like. He is moving into uncharted territory---the teen years....
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