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Heather
Member
Username: Heather

Post Number: 2300
Registered: 05-2003
Posted on Sunday, May 17, 2009 - 01:10 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

Well, I have never done one of these and I am sure it won't be too exciting but thought I would try it. I have been posting in the living donor forum about my attempt at becoming healthier and losing weight. I want to copy and paste a few of my posts from there to here although I am not sure they would make sense unless I moved it all here...anyway...I will begin posting later today about my progress.

Don't be surprised if you see random posts about other stuff..like my pics and things....haha.
Heather

Forum Leader - Living Organ Donation
EC Illinois, USA
Kidney donor to dad 12/1/99
Rush-Presbyterian-St. Lukes, Chicago

DONATE LIFE
Heather
Member
Username: Heather

Post Number: 2301
Registered: 05-2003
Posted on Sunday, May 17, 2009 - 01:55 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

April 9th


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Well I hopped on the DeChunk train on the 29th of March and so far have lost 12.2 pounds. I do believe the first 5 that came off was water weight but I am still thrilled with 7.2 in ..I think 12 days. I am eating LOTS of leafy greens. Salad for lunch and supper..I do eat thin sliced swiss cheese..usually one slice if I want it..with my salad and at times add a little grilled chicken breast to it. I cut up celery and put it in little containers ahead of time so when I get to wanting to munch on something..it is ready to go. I also do that with my sf jello. I can just grab it instead of looking through all the food in the frig..I did learn that tip from Biggest loser. Putting it in little 100 cal. size containers (or however many cal. are in that food..haha) I also have a poached egg white for breakfast on occasion. I have yet to figure out what to eat for breakfast that is low carb, low cal, low fat and low sodium. I am also doing very light weights on our machine...so I am sitting up with a back support and that is important for me with my back issues. Also using resistance bands...now those will make your muscles burn. Anyhoo..when I realized how many carbs are in popcorn..I did away with that snack. So that is what I am doing and how I am progressing. I feel better physically..I mean..I am still overweight of course..but I am not so sluggish and wanting a nap in the afternoon all the time...I just feel better not having all that other junk in me I guess. So 12 down...25 to go...I PRAY I make it.



-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------



I hate plateaus and do not look forward to when I hit one. My daughter in law has lost about 17 on ww and has hit one also..for weeks she cannot lose..but at least she is not gaining.

I washed a pair of my jeans I have been wearing (one of the 2 pair I could wear) and put those on today to run some errands..and I had some butt saggage ..COOL. My problem is really my middle. My waist is awful. Thank God for mid rise jeans..but then there comes the muffin top. haha.

Just finished a salad with 2.5 oz of boneless chicken breast and 2 slices of swiss cheese. I am quite full. will have some sf jello in a while. Did my exercises but think I will do more with the resistance bands later on.

Today is rainy, dreary and boring. I am seriously gonna take a nap for once..maybe.
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Posted on Saturday, April 11, 2009 - 08:02 am:

Cass..I am far from a svelte babe...FAR from it..haha.

Today when I weighed I am at 13.7 pounds. YEA. Think I am gonna take a day off from exercise. My neck is hurting the past few days and I don't know why. Don't know if it is from some exercise I am doing or what the deal
is.
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Posted on Friday, April 17, 2009 - 02:24 pm:

I do love to exercise also..I do some leg extensions on our machine and also some arm work and then mess with the resistance bands.. but am not able to do as much as I would need to to lose weight without doing what I am doing..did that make sense? So for now..this is what is working for me. I am not hungry anymore and that is nice. I do eat...just not hungry and don't eat much.

I have lost 16.5 pounds now. The past 3 days I have not lost as much but I think I have been incorporating more protein..now I am backing off again a little. I still get protein..just not as much. I take my vitamins, drink some protein water and eat some cheese and will eat some fish tonight. I thought the same thing, Cass. Very sweet words for Lady Di.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------

April 19th

Well I have been dechunkifying for 3 weeks now and as of today I have lost 18 pounds. I am THRILLED and already feel better. I am doing some upper body exercises..what I can..and some leg work. Still working with the resistance bands also. Eating the same and just plugging away. I hope I do not hit a plateau (sp?) for awhile. So about 20 pounds to my BIG goal. I can do it. Just need to keep my mind focused. I really should own stock in the romaine and spinach industry...much as I eat it. I have not yet grown big ears or a fluffy white tail..............
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April 27


..... Well I am still dechunking. Being very good about not straying off my healthy foods. Danny grilled up a bunch of burgers and dogs the other day..THAT was hard. just the smell was delicious.

I am still working my legs and upper body. Gotta find a way to get this mid section toned without messing with my back. Trying to be as active as I can.

I weighed my self today and I have lost 19.1 pounds in almost a month. Hope to make it to 20 in 30 days.

I actually like to weigh myself every day. If I get on there and have not lost more than a few tenths or none at all it spurs me on to work a little harder that day..if I have lost a pound or so since the day before..THAT also spurs me on to keep going..perhaps I am weird..well not perhaps..I have been told that once or twice in my life.

So my dechunk is going well. I just keep plugging away at it. I am determined..I have a goal and I am going to attain it this time.


correction...I have lost 19.3 pounds.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------


Posted on Sunday, May 03, 2009 - 03:26 pm:

Well I finally made it to 20 pounds. 20.1 to be exact..

This morning I had 2 poached eggs and about half a cup of pineapple. For lunch green bean, broccoli and cauliflower stirfry seasoned only with Mrs. Dash and garlic powder. I had some stir fried boneless chicken breast in there also. Tonight..salad. I tell ya. I bought the frozen chicken breast instead of the fresh..and now that I add no salt to anything...I can tell how loaded with sodium those things are. They were VERY salty. And for me to say something is too salty..it has to be salty. I love salt. But have learned to eat without adding more. I use Mrs. Dash, garlic and fresh cracked pepper to season...and other herbs and spices.

Anyhoo..I am half way there and it is definitely slowing down. But that is ok..I am also doing more exercise than I was before I started all this. As long as I can reach my goal I am ok with it. I am ecstatic I have lost what I have. I have to stay focused and I am ok....but I tell ya....I wish my husband cared about his health/weight. He is overweight and is not concerned. oh well.
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Posted on Sunday, May 10, 2009 - 08:32 pm:

Well the weight loss is slowing down for sure..but I am still losing. I have now lost 22.1 pounds since the end of March. woo hoo. I am still exercising..and bought a ball today...wore me out just pumping it up...no kidding. I can now fit into my jeans that I could not even get over my hips..so that is a great feeling. Things are moving slowly along and that is fine with me...as long as it keeps coming off.
----------------------------------------------------------------

Lost another 1.4 pounds. I think it is from working out in the yard and I have also been doing my weights and stuff more. I don't do it all at once..I will do some sets, then come back later in the day and do a few more, and maybe another time. It is what works for me. I don't want to injure myself and be right back where I was when I hurt my back..unable to move and do anything. So I take it easy and am very cautious.

Last night I had my salad with 2 hard boiled eggs cut up, 3 oz. of grilled chicken breast chopped, celery and cauliflower chopped in it..and my italian spritzer. It was mighty tasty

Ok..off to start my day. Another gorgeous day here.


------------------------------------------------------------------------------

May 14


I am down 25.5 pounds. I would like to lose about 10-15 more and that is my goal. I need to work on my outer thighs more but that is a touchy area with my hip issues...I have to be careful because right now they are feeling much better than they have in a long time.

I want donors who may read this to know that I am not doing this to get thin. I am doing it to get healthy. As kidney donors, we should keep ourselves as healthy as possible and keep ourselves at a healthy weight. We are more prone to developing high blood pressure and diabetes due to having one kidney. I have let myself go health wise the past several years and decided now is the time to change that. So this is not just me wanting to be thinner and look better. It is for my health.

So the journey continues.....
Heather

Forum Leader - Living Organ Donation
EC Illinois, USA
Kidney donor to dad 12/1/99
Rush-Presbyterian-St. Lukes, Chicago

DONATE LIFE
Heather
Member
Username: Heather

Post Number: 2302
Registered: 05-2003
Posted on Sunday, May 17, 2009 - 02:01 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

Ok so that brings me up to today. I am ADDICTED to weighing my self every single day. I know you are not supposed to but I just HAVE to..I have always been like that when I am trying to lose weight. Call me weird.

So as of today my weight loss is at 26.1.

Yesterday I worked out in the yard moving my brick edging around to make a flower bed smaller. Also did some crunches with my resistance band along with my leg extensions, butterflys, seated bench press, and my various free weight exercises.

Today I have only done a few of my exercises. Had church this morning but I will fit it into the day. Had 3 oz. of fish and some stir fried greenbeans for lunch..will be having some frozen raspberries in a second.

Plan on going out to get some pics of anything that strikes me as interesting..haha. At least things are very GREEN now...the rivers are very high and almost over some of our bridges. I am so darn happy that the forcast is NO rain for at least 4 days..but of course that could change. Hope not.
Heather

Forum Leader - Living Organ Donation
EC Illinois, USA
Kidney donor to dad 12/1/99
Rush-Presbyterian-St. Lukes, Chicago

DONATE LIFE
Hostess Risa
Board Administrator
Username: Risa

Post Number: 9139
Registered: 05-2003
Posted on Sunday, May 17, 2009 - 05:20 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

Welcome to the blog world Heather:-) Glad to see you are going to blog.

Congratulations on your weight loss!! WOW! what a BIg Accomplishment.
Risa@transplantbuddies.org
CF- diagnosed at 2 years old
Florida, USA
1st Tx - 96 LUMC
2nd double lung tx-05 JMH

Visit Transplant Buddies on FaceBook and Myspace

TransplantBuddies Sponsors
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Heather
Member
Username: Heather

Post Number: 2303
Registered: 05-2003
Posted on Sunday, May 17, 2009 - 10:43 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

Thanks, Risa.

I have been trying to get some pics on here..nothing wrong with the site or me..it is our computers. I post on mine and they come up as attachments..so I put them on a jump drive..or leave them on the card and do it with my husbands computer..I tell ya...it would not recognize either device today...and then he put one of his cards in and it was fine..so I gave up for today..haha. Will try again tomorrow.
Heather

Forum Leader - Living Organ Donation
EC Illinois, USA
Kidney donor to dad 12/1/99
Rush-Presbyterian-St. Lukes, Chicago

DONATE LIFE
Hostess Risa
Board Administrator
Username: Risa

Post Number: 9147
Registered: 05-2003
Posted on Monday, May 18, 2009 - 10:40 am:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

Hi Heather

I will ask John what he thinks could be the problem.

Anyhoo, keep on posting your information.
Risa@transplantbuddies.org
CF- diagnosed at 2 years old
Florida, USA
1st Tx - 96 LUMC
2nd double lung tx-05 JMH

Visit Transplant Buddies on FaceBook and Myspace

TransplantBuddies Sponsors
http://www.transplantbuddies.org/html/thanks.php
Heather
Member
Username: Heather

Post Number: 2304
Registered: 05-2003
Posted on Monday, May 18, 2009 - 11:55 am:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

Thurs. this past week I went over to my elderly neighbors house armed with my garden tools. He is 91 and was in his flower bed pulling weeds. So I said now listen..you go sit with your wife and let me do this. So he did after a few min. So I weeded for about 2 hours..taking out plants and stuff he no longer wanted also. On Sat. I woke up and my right arm felt like I have little scrapes on it. I put aloe on it....as the day went on...I saw a rash...and by Sun. it was UGLY red welts and bumps, etc. Did not really itch alot or anything..just ugly and spread around my arm. So this morning I called and got in to the doc. He said it is NOT shingles (a fear I have had since my other neighbor has had them for months)..and since it was only on one arm. But I am right handed and did most of the pulling with my right hand...which had a glove on it..so from my wrist to my elbow is the rash thing. He said I definitely came into contact with something in the weeding most likely. He said it does not look like poison ivy or oak either. SO Got a script for that..some cream. It if gets worse I am to call him.

And while I had him cornered...haha..they are hard to get an appt. with...I brought up my back issues again and told him all my problems I have been having..and that I wanted it revisited and asked for xrays to start with. He agreed and set me up for this afternoon for an xray of my thoracic spine and another of my lower spine...we will go from there.

THEN...I told him of my dieting and weight loss and asked if I could be harming myself. He said slow is better and if you lose a lot very fast you can lose organ mass and muscle mass. So I asked for blood work for kidney function and other stuff to make sure I was ok. So got that drawn and they will mail the results.

So that was my morning. I did a few exercises this morning and will do more this afternoon. I am going to try eating more very small meals throughout the day now..consisting of a about a ounce of meat at 3 of them..and some veggies and a little raspberries (frozen..awesome.) and other fruit. I am still going to stay away from the breads, pastas, etc. I dearly miss my natural peanut butter..so I had a teaspoon last night..boy that was great...but salty.

Ok. that is it for me right now. I am still going to try to post some pics here.



RISA...thanks for asking John. When I try it from my laptop..it always posts as an attachment you have to open instead of the picture just being there. hope he has an answer. Maybe i just have a setting wrong.
Heather

Forum Leader - Living Organ Donation
EC Illinois, USA
Kidney donor to dad 12/1/99
Rush-Presbyterian-St. Lukes, Chicago

DONATE LIFE
Hostess Risa
Board Administrator
Username: Risa

Post Number: 9155
Registered: 05-2003
Posted on Monday, May 18, 2009 - 12:08 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

Hi Heather

I sure hope you feel better. How can you prevent that rash from appearing again?

Glad to hear you are feeling better.
Risa@transplantbuddies.org
CF- diagnosed at 2 years old
Florida, USA
1st Tx - 96 LUMC
2nd double lung tx-05 JMH

Visit Transplant Buddies on FaceBook and Myspace

TransplantBuddies Sponsors
http://www.transplantbuddies.org/html/thanks.php
CiscoKidney07
Member
Username: Gregg

Post Number: 2118
Registered: 03-2008
Posted on Monday, May 18, 2009 - 03:38 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

Excuse me would you? I did not even pay attention enough to see that you had started to do this. Nice to see you putting forth as much effort as you are. I did notice that you had acknowledged that you should not weigh yourself every day. If nothing else, it will keep you from getting discouraged. I have to weigh myself daily, or I would not. Good luck in your quest. You have all ready come a long way. Congrats!!
I am not out there sweating three hours a day just to see what sweating three hours a day is like
Heather
Member
Username: Heather

Post Number: 2306
Registered: 05-2003
Posted on Monday, May 18, 2009 - 05:27 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

Risa...I can prevent the rash by staying away from the neighbors flowerbed I guess. It did start itching today...after I told the doctor it had not been. Oh well. Hope the cream works.

Cisco..Thanks..and you are excused...I only started this last night. I just copy and pasted from the living donor forum..the posts I had posted there. So you did not miss it.. And yes I know I should not weigh myself. Oh well. Habits are hard to break. The bad thing is..when I went to the doc. their scale weighed me almost 5 pounds heavier...jeez. ...but at any rate..according to MY scale...I have lost what I have...and my clothes fit better and I feel better..haha. That was depressing for a moment though.

Went for my xrays this afternoon..man alive if you did not have back issues when you went in..you would when you left. She had me all twisted on that table..here I thought they would take them standing up. hmm.

may try posting some pics again.
Heather

Forum Leader - Living Organ Donation
EC Illinois, USA
Kidney donor to dad 12/1/99
Rush-Presbyterian-St. Lukes, Chicago

DONATE LIFE
Heather
Member
Username: Heather

Post Number: 2307
Registered: 05-2003
Posted on Monday, May 18, 2009 - 06:14 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post







well the water is not a river..it is farm land. We have had WAY too much rain.

Kelli...there is a nice blue sky for you to look at my spots.
Heather

Forum Leader - Living Organ Donation
EC Illinois, USA
Kidney donor to dad 12/1/99
Rush-Presbyterian-St. Lukes, Chicago

DONATE LIFE
CiscoKidney07
Member
Username: Gregg

Post Number: 2120
Registered: 03-2008
Posted on Monday, May 18, 2009 - 08:01 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

Heather, the fact that you weighed five more pounds on their scale can be a difference in the scale, but if you are going to weigh yourself everyday, you should weigh around the same time. For example, I weigh myself every morning, not necessarily at the same time, but right after I get up. I don't bother weighing myself on other scales. Also, this is the reason to stay away from salt. I retain water if I eat too much. Also, if you eat slow digesting carbs, that can be a reason that you might weigh more.
I am not out there sweating three hours a day just to see what sweating three hours a day is like
Heather
Member
Username: Heather

Post Number: 2309
Registered: 05-2003
Posted on Monday, May 18, 2009 - 09:13 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

I think it was the scale...or the difference in the two just as you said.. I always weigh right after I get up and go to the bathroom..before I drink any coffee. If I had my way..no one else in the world would weigh me..haha.
Heather

Forum Leader - Living Organ Donation
EC Illinois, USA
Kidney donor to dad 12/1/99
Rush-Presbyterian-St. Lukes, Chicago

DONATE LIFE
eccoblue
Member
Username: Eccoblue

Post Number: 763
Registered: 05-2008
Posted on Tuesday, May 19, 2009 - 10:22 am:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

Great shots Heather, but you're right, those spots are a pain in the a--!
I can't imagine how you got so many and you may have to have your sensor professionally cleaned. I get just one or two and luckily the bulb air gets them off. I live in the desert with lots of wind and dust, too. Go figure! Maybe the particles from your area are more "sticky" then the dust in my area? I can imagine how frustrated you must be. After cleaning, you'll need to figure out how to prevent it from happening again, hopefully, it won't. Geez! Yeah, you can always photoshop the spots away, but that's another pain in the a-- especially if you have tons of shots.

Good luck,
Kelli
Heart and Liver Tx at Cedars-Sinai on 02/01/2007
eccoblue@gmail.com
http://rjaunsen.blogspot.com/

Fall seven times, stand up eight - Japanese proverb
Behold, I have refined thee, but not with silver; I have chosen thee in the furnace of affliction. Isaiah 48:10
Heather
Member
Username: Heather

Post Number: 2310
Registered: 05-2003
Posted on Tuesday, May 19, 2009 - 11:06 am:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

Well I have been putting off getting it cleaned...I don't want to part with the camera for a month in the summer..haha. So I may just deal with it and mess with them in photoshop for now..til there is less to shoot around here. Those shots actually show more spots than before. I cannot for the life of me figure it out. It must be sticky cause I blew it out quite a few times. bums me out.
Heather

Forum Leader - Living Organ Donation
EC Illinois, USA
Kidney donor to dad 12/1/99
Rush-Presbyterian-St. Lukes, Chicago

DONATE LIFE
LadyDi
Member
Username: Ladydi

Post Number: 1673
Registered: 03-2008
Posted on Tuesday, May 19, 2009 - 08:44 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

Great blog, Heather! I am not motivated enough to do my own, so it is such a pleasure to be able to read someone else's!
I just love your photos. We just have one of the little kodak digitals - enough to do the job, but I like the color, clarity and close-ups you can get with yours.
Kidney Donor to Husband 10/30/07
Forum Leader-Living Organ Donation
Barnes Jewish Hospital St. Louis, Mo

I walk slowly, but I never walk backward - Abraham Lincoln
Heather
Member
Username: Heather

Post Number: 2311
Registered: 05-2003
Posted on Tuesday, May 19, 2009 - 09:48 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

Diane...thanks..and the spots are nice too..aren't they? My camera has a sensor and it has dust or something on it..and it has to be professionally cleaned...I have been putting it off..but those spots can sure ruin a picture.
Heather

Forum Leader - Living Organ Donation
EC Illinois, USA
Kidney donor to dad 12/1/99
Rush-Presbyterian-St. Lukes, Chicago

DONATE LIFE
Happy2Bhere
Member
Username: Happy2bhere

Post Number: 2263
Registered: 02-2008
Posted on Tuesday, May 19, 2009 - 09:54 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

Beautiful close-up pic of that hummingbird, Heather.

Ol' Bob
Texas Bob
http://www.cafepress.com/Happy2Bhere_2
Heart Transplant
performed Jan 28th 1991
http://www.heartandcoeur.com/story/bob_story.php
Heather
Member
Username: Heather

Post Number: 2313
Registered: 05-2003
Posted on Wednesday, May 20, 2009 - 07:49 am:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

Thanks, Bob. I am going to try to get some more today. They have fresh food out there. When I took that one, my dad and I were just sitting on the porch messing around with our cameras when this guy flew up..I just happened to get a good shot..it was a quick one...I love these little guys.
Heather

Forum Leader - Living Organ Donation
EC Illinois, USA
Kidney donor to dad 12/1/99
Rush-Presbyterian-St. Lukes, Chicago

DONATE LIFE
Heather
Member
Username: Heather

Post Number: 2317
Registered: 05-2003
Posted on Friday, May 22, 2009 - 01:02 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

Have not done any exercise yet today. Will get that in later in the afternoon.

I got my xray results back on my spine and all it said was mild arthritic changes. I am inclined to believe there is more than that going on. So we will see what the next step is..whether it is an MRI or a back specialist..I do not want someone who is just interested in pain management which is one of the routes my doc suggested...I don't just want to take drugs to mask the problem. So really...not much help, those xrays.

Planning on going out to our Wetlands/Boardwalk to see if anything is going on out there. Perhaps I will see an eagle....and get a pic.
Heather

Forum Leader - Living Organ Donation
EC Illinois, USA
Kidney donor to dad 12/1/99
Rush-Presbyterian-St. Lukes, Chicago

DONATE LIFE
CiscoKidney07
Member
Username: Gregg

Post Number: 2134
Registered: 03-2008
Posted on Friday, May 22, 2009 - 02:01 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

Heather, I know that you understand what kind of a serious situation this is, but I would make sure that you get guarantees from the doctor who says that they want to operate on your back that you don't end up worse because of it. Just my thoughts on the situation.
I am not out there sweating three hours a day just to see what sweating three hours a day is like
Heather
Member
Username: Heather

Post Number: 2318
Registered: 05-2003
Posted on Friday, May 22, 2009 - 04:05 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

whoa...no way would I consider having surgery on my back...at least not at this point. I just want to make sure there are no herniated discs or something that can be help with PT or something. Or if I have to..if it gets so bad..have injections...I don't know I have not talked at length about that to any doctors. Actually my doctor told me that back surgery is not done nearly as often as it has been in the past..they are not as willing to do this anymore (so he says) because..yes..you can wind up in worse pain. So trust me..I am overly cautious really..when it comes to anyone messing with me..haha..

Ok..so that said...I got my lab work results in the mail just now. I had asked for them since I am limiting some many things from my diet and had been losing weight pretty quickly..I wanted to make sure all my levels were not screwed up. So they all came back just fine. Creatnine was 1.1 which is the lowest it has been since donation (last year it was this also..at my nephrologist annual exam). Glucose was fine, liver numbers fine, etc. There was a TSH on there..am I right in thinking that is the test on the thyroid? I don't know. Will look that up. My GFR is normal also..I have never seen that on any of my labs before and always wondered what mine was. So there ya have it. So I am going to continue eating as I am to lose the remainder of my weight.

Just found some Hummus at Big Lots that is quite wonderful actually. Put a bit on my whole wheat chapati bread I make (whole wheat flour, water, olive oil and Mrs. Dash Chipolte seasoning). It was good.

No great and exciting pictures. Nothing was stirring today. It is hot..87 is what it says out there. Not much breeze..but I will take it over snow any day.

Thanks for the warning and concern, Gregg. I appreciate it.
Heather

Forum Leader - Living Organ Donation
EC Illinois, USA
Kidney donor to dad 12/1/99
Rush-Presbyterian-St. Lukes, Chicago

DONATE LIFE
Hostess Risa
Board Administrator
Username: Risa

Post Number: 9230
Registered: 05-2003
Posted on Friday, May 22, 2009 - 04:21 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

Hi Heather

Just be careful if you go for physical therapy they do not push or move you in any funny ways. You are not alone in the back pain world.

Just curious, when you walk do you hold your tummy in? This helps me big time. If I do not hold in my tummy muscles, my back aches.

I hope you feel better:-)
Risa@transplantbuddies.org
CF- diagnosed at 2 years old
Florida, USA
1st Tx - 96 LUMC
2nd double lung tx-05 JMH

Visit Transplant Buddies on FaceBook and Myspace

TransplantBuddies Sponsors
http://www.transplantbuddies.org/html/thanks.php
Heather
Member
Username: Heather

Post Number: 2319
Registered: 05-2003
Posted on Friday, May 22, 2009 - 08:47 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

Risa..I will be careful. I did not have a good experience when they were messing with my hip...

No I do not knowingly hold in my stomach..unless I am walking by some good looking man..haha. Just kidding. I will try to make an effort to try this. Worth a try. I am glad my hips are better since I have been doing leg extensions.

The weight loss is really slowing down..but continues to come off. Gosh..today I did not get ANY exercise in. I guess one day off is ok. The day just got full of stuff...did not even get to eat my supper til almost 8 pm..bad bad.
Heather

Forum Leader - Living Organ Donation
EC Illinois, USA
Kidney donor to dad 12/1/99
Rush-Presbyterian-St. Lukes, Chicago

DONATE LIFE
Heather
Member
Username: Heather

Post Number: 2325
Registered: 05-2003
Posted on Sunday, May 24, 2009 - 07:40 am:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

Well gained almost a pound back yesterday. I know why though..so it does not bother me. I did not bother weighing myself today...can you believe that???? I will wait a few days..it will come off.

I have not been so gung ho on the exercise for a few days. I need to get going again. Just watching my back right now.
Heather

Forum Leader - Living Organ Donation
EC Illinois, USA
Kidney donor to dad 12/1/99
Rush-Presbyterian-St. Lukes, Chicago

DONATE LIFE
Heather
Member
Username: Heather

Post Number: 2329
Registered: 05-2003
Posted on Wednesday, May 27, 2009 - 11:10 am:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

Well woke up to pouring rain here so decided to go down and clean my basement. That is something I put off and put off and put off....til it is quite a mess. I got that pretty much done except I want to paint a wall down there. So off to Menards I go. I have gotten some exercise doing the basement already.....will do my normal exercises later on.

Lost part of that darned pound I gained...hopefully by the end of the week I will be down a pound or at least to where I was...before I gained one.

Hot and humid and cloudy and nasty looking here. I think we have storms coming. hope not.
Heather

Forum Leader - Living Organ Donation
EC Illinois, USA
Kidney donor to dad 12/1/99
Rush-Presbyterian-St. Lukes, Chicago

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Heather
Member
Username: Heather

Post Number: 2331
Registered: 05-2003
Posted on Friday, May 29, 2009 - 02:35 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

Well a gorgeous day today. I went with my dad to take pictures. Still have not looked at them. I came home from that and decided to mow the lawn..only intended to do our front yard as I did the back the other day. But I ended up doing the front and our big side lot...the yanked all the weeds and little trees from the other side of our fence that the landlord over there won't take care of. I am so tired and sore...no exercise for me unless I feel better tonight.....I better have lost SOME weight. So hoping I have some good pics share.
Heather

Forum Leader - Living Organ Donation
EC Illinois, USA
Kidney donor to dad 12/1/99
Rush-Presbyterian-St. Lukes, Chicago

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CiscoKidney07
Member
Username: Gregg

Post Number: 2171
Registered: 03-2008
Posted on Friday, May 29, 2009 - 04:29 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

I dunno if I would allow myself to say that. Obviously, you have been working hard. As we had discussed before, hard work does not necessarily translate into weight loss. I always took the position that I worked hard and if I lost weight, great. If not, I will try harder next time. You can drive yourself outta your tree if you BETTER have done anything. Just my opinion, but I AM on your side and wish you luck on your continued weight loss. I just don't want you to be too hard on yourself.
Just do what the directions tell you. Take two tylenol and keep away from children
Heather
Member
Username: Heather

Post Number: 2333
Registered: 05-2003
Posted on Sunday, May 31, 2009 - 09:24 am:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

Well this morning I did lose and am now on my way again..haha. I am at 27.3 at the moment. Finally got past the 25-26 mark. Did not do much at all yesterday except go flower shopping with my mom..and clean my house in the morning..I guess I did get some exercise. Need to get back to the exercise routine again. I was having pain in my neck from one of my exercises on the machine so I laid off those for awhile. I try not to be too hard on myself. I just want so much to get to my goal and stay within a certain weight range from there.

I know you are on my side, Cisco..and I am on yours also. I hope we both make our goals this year!!

Gorgeous day here in Illinois. 70s and sunny. YEAH. Had some downpours yesterday..only for short periods..then sun off and on. Glad I did not have to water any plants yesterday.
Heather

Forum Leader - Living Organ Donation
EC Illinois, USA
Kidney donor to dad 12/1/99
Rush-Presbyterian-St. Lukes, Chicago

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dee
Member
Username: Deelite

Post Number: 13
Registered: 05-2009
Posted on Sunday, May 31, 2009 - 08:34 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

Congrats Heather on your continued weight loss. I envy you. How did you start? I've always loved to exercise but when something happens in my life I stop and have a hard time starting again. Like you, it's not about getting thin but staying healthy. Besides, I remember loving the feeling every day after you work out. Exercise and eating right go together. I worked for 32 years doing computer work at an office until the business was sold. I would walk on my lunch hours and get up early to go to Anytime Fitness for 45 minutes. I did great but then just quit after a few bumps entered my life. My personal joke right now is I'm working at a gym and have the use of the facility and can't get started. How do you get going again. The older I get the harder it is. And I know the more important it is for me now as I age. Help................!
Deelite
Kidney Transplant 1990
Cancer Survivor 2009
Each day a Blessing to be savored!!
Heather
Member
Username: Heather

Post Number: 2336
Registered: 05-2003
Posted on Sunday, May 31, 2009 - 10:54 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

Hi Dee. Remember..I am a donor..not a recipient so please don't cut calories and carbs like I did..always check with your doctor before you do anything drastic!! I just knew I was so overweight and feeling so awful physically..and feeling bad about how I had let myself go. I just set my mind to it and have stuck very much to it. I LOVE to exercise and sweat and run. Right now I can only do certain things due to my back and a problem with one of my feet. But I do all I can. I just DO it. Set your mind to it and tell yourself..you are not going to let crisis or stress or situations stop you. You deserve to be healthy and don't let people or things change your mind. I had to really stay focused the first few weeks on my diet...but after that it was really not hard. It is not really a diet but a new way of eating. I eat so many oz. of fish or chicken a day. Lots of leafy greens, some veggies, a little fruit each day (not the recommended amount) I do allow poached or boiled eggs on my salad or for breakfast. I do not eat pastas, breads, sweets or food with added salt ( if I can help it) I really limited my carbs the first month or so but am not quite so strict about it. I also eat some cheese and drink plenty of water. I love almonds but think it is a downfall..I cannot stop at just a few. I could sit and eat the whole can. so that basically sums it up.

Yes..it is so much harder to lose the older you get...so you young ones out there...GET THE WEIGHT OFF NOW ...and you won't have such a hard time later!! haha. I used to love bread with Miracle Whip on it..nothing else...my dad warned me that would catch up with me some day. He was right...

Oh..I also chew lots of sugar free gum in the evening when I want to snack.

I hope you are able to start exercising again. It is good for you and DOES make you feel better. Perhaps you should begin a fitness blog and check in every day and write your progress..maybe that would help keep you on track??
Heather

Forum Leader - Living Organ Donation
EC Illinois, USA
Kidney donor to dad 12/1/99
Rush-Presbyterian-St. Lukes, Chicago

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Heather
Member
Username: Heather

Post Number: 2337
Registered: 05-2003
Posted on Sunday, May 31, 2009 - 10:57 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

Well today Danny and I decided to go to one of our state parks here. We got there and decided to walk for awhile. I did get a nice walk in..without hurting too bad. That felt good. Did some leg extensions and seated bench press. Also some curls with the dumbells and some stuff with the exercise bands. I am tired tonight..I did not sleep well at all last night.

Hoping to talk my husband into taking me to Whole Foods tomorrow...in Indianapolis..I don't want to get lost alone..hahahaha.
Heather

Forum Leader - Living Organ Donation
EC Illinois, USA
Kidney donor to dad 12/1/99
Rush-Presbyterian-St. Lukes, Chicago

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Heather
Member
Username: Heather

Post Number: 2338
Registered: 05-2003
Posted on Monday, June 01, 2009 - 01:07 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

Well a while ago Trisha had ordered some Miracle noodles online and said she really liked them. 0 everything as it is pure fiber...(0 everything but fiber that is). I debated on running clear to Indy for a few packages of Shiratake noodles and wasting gas and time. I decided to call my local health food store and see if they could order them somehow. They looked them up...and alas...they are orderable. These are not the miracle noodles but only have 1 gram carb per 4 oz serv. so I am going to try them. zero everything else. At Whole Foods they are 2.69...at this local health food store they are 1.89 for 8 oz. package. However..I had to buy a case since it is a special order....but since I had to buy a case..they gave me 10 percent off. So with tax and everything I am paying 1.71 per package. I think that is a good deal..no shipping..just tax...and that is tax included. So for 12 packs I am paying 20 and some change. Will let you know how I like them. Hope so with 12 packages. I think I will..am looking forward to having them with some garlic, chicken and olive oil...YUM. I also love Mrs. Dash Southwest Chipotle on everything..so that also sounds yummy.
Heather

Forum Leader - Living Organ Donation
EC Illinois, USA
Kidney donor to dad 12/1/99
Rush-Presbyterian-St. Lukes, Chicago

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Heather
Member
Username: Heather

Post Number: 2341
Registered: 05-2003
Posted on Wednesday, June 03, 2009 - 12:05 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

Well my noodles came in the next day after I ordered them..cool. That was yesterday. I picked them up yesterday around noon. Drained them, rinsed them and boiled them. Then I added them to the garlic and olive oil, added more garlic powder and tomato and basil seasoning and sauteed that for a while. I then put it in the frig....but I could not wait til supper to at least try the things..so I took a small bite. They were rubbery....but ok. So last night I added some chicken. THey were not bad at all...no kidding. Today I ate the other half of it for lunch. I REALLY do like these. I added some fresh mushrooms and a little tomato. YUM. I am sure I will be buying more of these. I just boiled some more and have them drying..so I can get them marinating in something for tomorrow.

Today when I weighed myself I am 7/10 lb away from losing 30 lbs.
I am excited to hit that mark. I did not get to walk yesterday and it is raining like crazy today but plan on getting out again when I can. I think that has helped get the weight loss going again.
Heather

Forum Leader - Living Organ Donation
EC Illinois, USA
Kidney donor to dad 12/1/99
Rush-Presbyterian-St. Lukes, Chicago

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Heather
Member
Username: Heather

Post Number: 2342
Registered: 05-2003
Posted on Wednesday, June 03, 2009 - 03:52 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

just some random pics. We went for a ride right before a storm and got some neat sky pics...and also stopped at the Wetlands outside of town the other day.





Heather

Forum Leader - Living Organ Donation
EC Illinois, USA
Kidney donor to dad 12/1/99
Rush-Presbyterian-St. Lukes, Chicago

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Happy2Bhere
Member
Username: Happy2bhere

Post Number: 2365
Registered: 02-2008
Posted on Wednesday, June 03, 2009 - 04:48 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

"Well, I have never done one of these and I am sure it won't be too exciting but thought I would try it."

Heather, you seem to be doing quite well at this Blogging. Git-R-Done !!


Ol' Bob
Texas Bob
http://www.cafepress.com/Happy2Bhere_2
Heart Transplant
performed Jan 28th 1991
http://www.heartandcoeur.com/story/bob_story.php
Heather
Member
Username: Heather

Post Number: 2343
Registered: 05-2003
Posted on Wednesday, June 03, 2009 - 05:39 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

LOL...thanks Bob. Probably not too exciting to most..haha.
Heather

Forum Leader - Living Organ Donation
EC Illinois, USA
Kidney donor to dad 12/1/99
Rush-Presbyterian-St. Lukes, Chicago

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Happy2Bhere
Member
Username: Happy2bhere

Post Number: 2367
Registered: 02-2008
Posted on Wednesday, June 03, 2009 - 09:38 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

"Probably not too exciting to most."

Heather, I am well pleased with your posts. I truly enjoy poppin' in on your Blog from time to time.


Ol' Bob
Texas Bob
http://www.cafepress.com/Happy2Bhere_2
Heart Transplant
performed Jan 28th 1991
http://www.heartandcoeur.com/story/bob_story.php
Heather
Member
Username: Heather

Post Number: 2344
Registered: 05-2003
Posted on Wednesday, June 03, 2009 - 10:41 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

Too funny..was just looking back over some of my posts...and almost all of them start with the word Well...haha. I was just telling a friend about how I use So too much in my emails. hmmmm.

WELL, SO.....had a salad and some noodles with fresh garlic, mushrooms, olive oil, chicken marinated in Mrs. Dash marinade...it was really good..no kidding.

The rain finally stopped today and the sun came out just long enough to set. It has been pretty hot..high 80s here this week til today. I think it may have hit 66 or so. I think 70s are the forcast for the rest of the week. That will be nice.

We have a cemetery that has a pond with gold fish and swans. The swans have 4 eggs laid...so I am waiting patiently for them to hatch so I can get pictures of the babies..they are adorable.
Heather

Forum Leader - Living Organ Donation
EC Illinois, USA
Kidney donor to dad 12/1/99
Rush-Presbyterian-St. Lukes, Chicago

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Heather
Member
Username: Heather

Post Number: 2350
Registered: 05-2003
Posted on Saturday, June 06, 2009 - 12:47 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

Yesterday and today I went out to one of our parks and walked..a mile and a half about..each day. That is good for me...and enough. It was not that I did not have the energy but just my hip started hurting and I did not want to over do it. It is still a little tired now. I am now resting in my Zero Gravity chair..pretty comfortable I must say. Good on my back so far. Anyone else tried one of these? I know for certain..I could lay back and snooze on the patio in it. Got a great deal on them at Menards..went back and got one for my hubby for Fathers day. He said not to buy him anything..but oh well.

Did my butterflies,leg extensions, and seated bench press today along with my dumbell exercises. Will do some more this afternoon. I am SOOOO close to my 30 pound mark..SOO close. I want to make it this weekend...if not ..it's ok..but it is my goal.

Can't remember if I mentioned it..but now that Danny has seen my lose weight..he is now exercising again..I am so happy. He still is eating crappy..but at least he is exercising..and eating a little less overall.

Yesterday was a busy day for me..I went and sat with my elderly neighbor while her husband went to the doctor. I went over at 9 am. Thinking an hour or so. ..try 4 1/2 hours..I could not believe it. This man is 93..no reason to keep a man that old waiting that long. Anyway..while I was there, I dusted the house, cleaned off the front porch, washed a few windows, and cleaned a little in the kitchen. Rest of the time I sat and visited. From the time I left it was run run run..I never expected to be there that long. But that's ok. I love doing things for them. Got a little exercise out of the deal also..haha.

Well, time to lay back and read some more of The Shack.
Heather

Forum Leader - Living Organ Donation
EC Illinois, USA
Kidney donor to dad 12/1/99
Rush-Presbyterian-St. Lukes, Chicago

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Heather
Member
Username: Heather

Post Number: 2351
Registered: 05-2003
Posted on Sunday, June 07, 2009 - 10:02 am:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

Woke up this morning about 4:30am...sick to my stomach. Great. Don't know what today will bring.
Heather

Forum Leader - Living Organ Donation
EC Illinois, USA
Kidney donor to dad 12/1/99
Rush-Presbyterian-St. Lukes, Chicago

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Heather
Member
Username: Heather

Post Number: 2353
Registered: 05-2003
Posted on Monday, June 08, 2009 - 01:09 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

Could have sworn I posted this morning...hmmm.

Anyhoo. I am feeling fine today. I hopped on the scale and YIPPEEEEE... I have now lost 31.3 pounds. I really think the little bit of walking I have been doing is really helping me. It is raining here today so I can't get out there but will in the morning if it is not raining then.

Think I will make some noodles for tonight to go with my lettuce, chicken and swiss wraps. I will have that and noodles instead of my regular salad.
Heather

Forum Leader - Living Organ Donation
EC Illinois, USA
Kidney donor to dad 12/1/99
Rush-Presbyterian-St. Lukes, Chicago

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LadyDi
Member
Username: Ladydi

Post Number: 1694
Registered: 03-2008
Posted on Monday, June 08, 2009 - 04:26 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

Congratulations on the weight loss, Heather! Hope you are feeling better. Stomach aches are the pits! Weather is kind of off and on rain here. Supposedly we are yet to get some storms.
Kidney Donor to Husband 10/30/07
Forum Leader-Living Organ Donation
Barnes Jewish Hospital St. Louis, Mo

I walk slowly, but I never walk backward - Abraham Lincoln
Heather
Member
Username: Heather

Post Number: 2354
Registered: 05-2003
Posted on Monday, June 08, 2009 - 05:58 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

Thanks, Diane. It looks like it could storm at any minute here..hope not. I was hoping to go walking when Danny got home..we'll see.

what's new with you???
Heather

Forum Leader - Living Organ Donation
EC Illinois, USA
Kidney donor to dad 12/1/99
Rush-Presbyterian-St. Lukes, Chicago

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LadyDi
Member
Username: Ladydi

Post Number: 1698
Registered: 03-2008
Posted on Tuesday, June 09, 2009 - 07:47 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

Not much here, Heather. Work has been busy - seems to eat up a lot more time than I would like it to! Have been trying myself to make a big push this summer to get more exercise and eat properly.
They started a walking club at work as part of the wellness program. They gave us free pedometers and we form "teams" to walk and combine our steps. It has been fun and very motivating to walk and get those steps in!
Just got back from a bike ride with Gregg and working on laundry. Nice to hear you have Danny in the spirit of exercising!
Kidney Donor to Husband 10/30/07
Forum Leader-Living Organ Donation
Barnes Jewish Hospital St. Louis, Mo

I walk slowly, but I never walk backward - Abraham Lincoln
Janet
Member
Username: Jan

Post Number: 440
Registered: 05-2003
Posted on Thursday, June 11, 2009 - 09:26 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

Heather, I have a zero gravity lounge chair and I LOVE IT....got it a couple of years ago when my knees were so bad that I needed to prop them up often, just to keep from being miserable.....and that is a great idea...I will get one for my hubby if I can still find one, for Father's Day, since he is always stealing mine from me.
Hugs, Janet
Mom to Joe, who was an organ donor
6-1-80 / 8-21-94
kidneys, heart, and liver, plus lungs for research
www.joesmemorybears.com Cuddly bears made from your loved ones clothing
http://www.childreninheaven.netfirms.com/joekeller.htm Joe's Story

Dover, Pennsylvania
South Central PA
Heather
Member
Username: Heather

Post Number: 2371
Registered: 05-2003
Posted on Thursday, June 11, 2009 - 10:37 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

They are GREAT. They make them for your home also...but that is BIG money. Big stuffed leather ones. My outdoor one is just fine. Sometimes I think it is more comfortable than our recliners...and I think about bringing it inside..haha. No kidding. My back does not hurt while lying in this. I do love it. Glad you like yours, too, Janet. I still have not seen one as cheap as what I got it for at Menards. I saw them at Aldi's and they were 10 dollar more there.


A walking club sounds fun, Diane. I'm glad you are part of one. Does not sound like you have a lot of free time on your hands!! (and I know keeping Gregg in line can't be all that easy either!! haha.) just kidding.
Heather

Forum Leader - Living Organ Donation
EC Illinois, USA
Kidney donor to dad 12/1/99
Rush-Presbyterian-St. Lukes, Chicago

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CiscoKidney07
Member
Username: Gregg

Post Number: 2231
Registered: 03-2008
Posted on Friday, June 12, 2009 - 05:31 am:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

Heather, believe me, she does have her hands full and then some. I am not kidding.LOL!!
Just do what the directions tell you. Take two tylenol and keep away from children
Heather
Member
Username: Heather

Post Number: 2373
Registered: 05-2003
Posted on Friday, June 12, 2009 - 12:22 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

Gregg...I DO believe you ...haha.

Just got home from cleaning my neighbors house and getting them some lunch. Not a big cleaning..just dusting and then worked on the cobwebs on their back porch and wiped the walls down. Had to come home to my dusty house and rest.

Think I will take my camera out today and see what I can see. Then have to get some things together to take to a friends for a garage sale tomorrow. Funny how in the winter you have all this stuff you want to put in a garage sale..then when it is time...you don't want to part with anything. What's up with that?
Heather

Forum Leader - Living Organ Donation
EC Illinois, USA
Kidney donor to dad 12/1/99
Rush-Presbyterian-St. Lukes, Chicago

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Heather
Member
Username: Heather

Post Number: 2380
Registered: 05-2003
Posted on Tuesday, June 16, 2009 - 10:27 am:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

Well I found plenty to take to the garage sale once I ventured up into the attic. Forgot I had all that stuff up there. We did not do that great. We only did it the one day and not on Fri. I guess Fri. was really a good day for everyone. Oh well. I did get rid of some stuff though. It was a lot of lifting and hauling..especially after cleaning...then Sun I went shopping for about 3 hours with a girlfriend. I have been laying off the exercise a bit for a few days. The other night...I think it was last Wed...I went for a walk with Danny and after the walk when I bent down to get in the car, I felt the top front of my left thigh kinda ..I don't know..just hurt all of the sudden and then later I had a small knot in there that hurt. So I did not do my leg extensions or walk much other than normal walking for several days. It still hurts a little some times. Then yesterday my right shoulder was giving me fits.it is a muscle inside that when I lift my arm or move it a certain way..it hurts..then I can keep lifting it past a certain point and it is ok. I have had it before and it usually goes away in a day or 2. So no shoulder work for a few days either. I may have just over done it this weekend with the sale. Who knows.

So I am basically holding my weightloss at 30-32 depending what day you ask me. I will slowly make it down to my goal. I am almost there. I am sure I will gain a few this week..and lose it next week. This morning I had 1/4 cup of All Bran with 2% milk and a poached egg for breakfast. Thinking about 3 oz chick breast, salad and mixed veggies for supper. Frozen raspberries for a snack....bought some frozen blueberries..don't like them at all. Had never tried just blueberries without them being baked in something. Guess I don't like them. will stick with my raspberries and cantaloupe.

I asked my dad to find some pics of me before I lost my weight..I know he has them..he is always snapping pics around corners in the house at family gatherings cause no one likes to have their pic taken. I am always behind the camera so I don't have any of me...not that I want to share anyway. I took some specifically to put on my frig but NO one will see those but me...they were not flattering. haha. Anyhoo. hopefully I can post some soon.

I am looking for a simple weight bench with a leg extension/curl attachment on it. I will look at some rummage sales. We got rid of mine and my iron weight set about 8 years ago. I could kick myself now. Oh well. I will find one. I really need to work my hamstrings...my legs are looking skinny...I want the bench to do some of my dumbell exercises on and also for my legs. Not really wanting to lift weights with a bar..so am not looking for the weights.
Heather

Forum Leader - Living Organ Donation
EC Illinois, USA
Kidney donor to dad 12/1/99
Rush-Presbyterian-St. Lukes, Chicago

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CiscoKidney07
Member
Username: Gregg

Post Number: 2242
Registered: 03-2008
Posted on Tuesday, June 16, 2009 - 10:36 am:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

Have you thought about a ball? You can do many exercises with one of those, and they don't cost what a bench does. You can do bench presses, inclined bench presses, plus if you want to do something for your hamstrings, lay on your back with your feet or a foot on the ball. Use your foot to pull the ball back toward you. At the same time, pull your butt of the floor. It was a little awkward to do at first, but they are getting easier. I am sure that there are other exercises you can do for your legs with a ball.
Just do what the directions tell you. Take two tylenol and keep away from children
Heather
Member
Username: Heather

Post Number: 2381
Registered: 05-2003
Posted on Thursday, June 18, 2009 - 09:39 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

I do have the ball. But really want a bench. There are some exercises I want to do on there as well as the legs. I used to love my bench with the leg attachment.

I am holding my weight about the same right now. Hoping next week I will drop a few more. Don't know if I mentioned it already but my yearly physical was rescheduled til July...funny..the surgery was in Dec...over the last 9 years, slowly it got moved here and there and now it is in the middle of the year. That's ok. As long as it gets done.

It has been very hot and humid here the past few days. Lots of storms popping up and doing damage but not here thank God. We are still in the line of storms for tonight and tomorrow. Then a nice weekend I think. Going to my stepson's house in Brownsburg, IN for Father's Day. His wife has to work, and my step daughters husband and their kids will be over here in Decatur..so it will be just 5 of us and I am thinking that is a good thing..for them to spend time together without everyone else there. One granddaughter will be there. I plan on spending the following Sun with my dad ..making him, my mom and grandma dinner.

I am having to buy new shirts and I NEED new jeans..only 2 pair sort of fit me now.. Nice feeling but don't like walking around in baggy pants haha
Well I better go grab some frozen raspberries. Gosh..love those. Tried the blue berries and black berries..don't even come close. I have a few packages of my noodles I got at the health food store left..so I will be ordering those on Mon. and pick them up on Tues. I really like them. It really is amazing how much better I feel now that I have lost 30 pounds. Trisha said one time to me when I hit the 27 pound mark...my gosh Heather..you have lost a small toddler off your body...kinda wild to think about.
Heather

Forum Leader - Living Organ Donation
EC Illinois, USA
Kidney donor to dad 12/1/99
Rush-Presbyterian-St. Lukes, Chicago

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CiscoKidney07
Member
Username: Gregg

Post Number: 2263
Registered: 03-2008
Posted on Saturday, June 20, 2009 - 06:07 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

Great Heather. I Have had to buy new stuff too. Right now, I am looking at getting a sports dietician to help answer some of my questions regarding my diet and how I can improve it. I eat well, but I am looking at tweaking my diet and exercise program so that I can get the maximum amount of good from it. Good luck on your continued weight loss.
Just do what the directions tell you. Take two tylenol and keep away from children
Heather
Member
Username: Heather

Post Number: 2387
Registered: 05-2003
Posted on Saturday, June 20, 2009 - 08:19 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

Thanks Gregg. I am so glad I have been able to lose this weight. I was very thin all my life til around 27. Then I quit smoking..and gained about 15 pounds...which was ok because I was thin to begin with. But then after I got married..whoa. I was able to lose 18 at one point of my marriage but gained it back. This time..I do NOT want that to happen. I can handle a few pounds ..then lose it..but not to just keep on gaining. I feel so much better now...and it is NICE to go look for clothes and have someone say...surely you don't wear an XL.? (I was looking at a shirt in L but it looked small..so went to the XL rack ) Someone told me that the other day and that made my day.

Anyhoo. I hope you get your diet tweaked to where you feel it will benefit you the most. I really don't see myself changing my diet much..maybe just eating more veggies than I do...and fruit. I don't want to go back to junk...and get this...today my husband said I would like to change my diet to chicken and mostly veggies and fruits..but still want my sherbert...haha. I said are you SERIOUS? YOU? He said yes..but I am not going to eat like you...maybe during the week eat healthy and on weekends..not so much. Well..I guess it is a start!! So hoping he will stick to that. I think I am rubbing off on him..or having an influence on him.

Well...all the grandkids and everyone but Nick's wife will be there at the cookout tomorrow. I think storms are forcast..hope it does not happen.
I am taking sugar free angel food cake (ssssssssshhhhhhhhh) not telling anyone that. I took the label off..and strawberries, raw veggies and dip and salad. Got myself taken care of..haha. I won't be having cake but will have some strawberries, salad and veggies. I think they are having burgers and dogs and probably chips and stuff. Then next week..ribeyes for my dad and husband (and mom) Chicken for me and grandma.

Today was hot..but there was a breeze. Yesterday was beyond muggy and hot. we are looking at getting a new air conditioner. Anyone have a portable? we were wondering how well they work. We have an old wall unit but it is not at all efficient and costs alot to run.

That's it for now!
Heather

Forum Leader - Living Organ Donation
EC Illinois, USA
Kidney donor to dad 12/1/99
Rush-Presbyterian-St. Lukes, Chicago

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Heather
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Username: Heather

Post Number: 2388
Registered: 05-2003
Posted on Sunday, June 21, 2009 - 08:15 am:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

Well...plans have changed. Danny did something to his back yesterday. He said he could tell it was tight during the afternoon and then last night he could hardly walk. Took him a long time to get from one place to the other. This morning he is still hurting very badly. We had to cancel our plans to go to Indy. I don't know if we are going to the ER for xrays or what...he is more stubborn than I am when it comes to that stuff....but I cannot do all kinds of things for him because of my own problems....so he is not having a happy fathers day so far.
Heather

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CiscoKidney07
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Username: Gregg

Post Number: 2266
Registered: 03-2008
Posted on Sunday, June 21, 2009 - 08:38 am:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

Sorry to hear that. Hope he feels better soon.
Just do what the directions tell you. Take two tylenol and keep away from children
Hostess Risa
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Username: Risa

Post Number: 9430
Registered: 05-2003
Posted on Sunday, June 21, 2009 - 01:45 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

Hi Heather
You lost so much weight. You look wonderful !
Keep up the great work.

I hope your Husband back feels better soon.
Risa@transplantbuddies.org
CF- diagnosed at 2 years old
Florida, USA
1st Tx - 96 LUMC
2nd double lung tx-05 JMH

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Heather
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Username: Heather

Post Number: 2391
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Posted on Sunday, June 21, 2009 - 04:52 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

Thanks..I hope it feels better soon also. It is still very painful for him to move. Kinda scarey..I know I was like that and it was quite a while before I could do much.

Thanks on the compliment. I don't have too far to go now. I guess I should wait til I hit my goal to buy new jeans...that might be smart.

I will post a before and after of me..my face that is..quite a difference.
Heather

Forum Leader - Living Organ Donation
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LadyDi
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Username: Ladydi

Post Number: 1715
Registered: 03-2008
Posted on Wednesday, June 24, 2009 - 10:06 am:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

How are you guys doing, Heather? Sorry to hear Danny is having problems - backs are so painful! Hope he is doing better.
Kidney Donor to Husband 10/30/07
Forum Leader-Living Organ Donation
Barnes Jewish Hospital St. Louis, Mo

I walk slowly, but I never walk backward - Abraham Lincoln
Heather
Member
Username: Heather

Post Number: 2398
Registered: 05-2003
Posted on Thursday, June 25, 2009 - 05:30 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

Gosh I did not realize I had not written anything for a few days. I am fine. Dannys back is better.

I have been walking about a mile 3 days this week so far. Glad I am able to do that. It has been hot but it was not too bad. Did my arm and leg exercises and also mowed the back yard. Got some grocery shopping done. I am tired.

Tomorrow I will walk and exercise and also am doing a quick cleaning at my neighbors house. Danny will be on vacation next week so we plan on going to the Indy Zoo.

Oh..I also found someone who will clean the sensor on my digital SLR camera..yeah!!! There is dust or something on it and so I have spots in all my pics. I thought I was going to have to send it somewhere and pay big bucks. My dad knows a guy who is a photographer for a news paper here and he said either he could do it or the guy he used to work for at a camera shop could. SO that is good news. I will not do it. If you mess the sensor up it can cost more than I paid for the camera (several hundred) to fix it. I can't wait.
Heather

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eccoblue
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Username: Eccoblue

Post Number: 851
Registered: 05-2008
Posted on Thursday, June 25, 2009 - 08:37 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

I'm happy that you found someone who can clean your sensor. I hope you don't have that problem anymore. Looking forward to seeing more of your shots! Have you thought about shooting candids of people like a photojournalist? That can be fun to capture facial expressions, etc. of people who aren't posing.
Heart and Liver Tx at Cedars-Sinai on 02/01/2007
eccoblue@gmail.com
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Behold, I have refined thee, but not with silver; I have chosen thee in the furnace of affliction. Isaiah 48:10
Heather
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Username: Heather

Post Number: 2399
Registered: 05-2003
Posted on Thursday, June 25, 2009 - 08:56 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

HI Kelli..I am excited about being able to take a pic again without spots all over. This guy told my dad that you should never blow air on the sensor as it makes it worse. Well..I can vouch for that. I have many more spots now than before I tried the air.

I look forward to posting some more pics as soon as I can get some good ones without spots. I took some hummer pics tonight. Have not looked at them yet.
Heather

Forum Leader - Living Organ Donation
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Kidney donor to dad 12/1/99
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Heather
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Username: Heather

Post Number: 2401
Registered: 05-2003
Posted on Friday, June 26, 2009 - 03:19 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

Got out and watered things early today. I have not had to water too much because it has always been raining..but now it is dry and hot, hot, hot. So I gave them all a good drink.

Went over to my neighbors and dusted the house and cleaned the bathroom and the kitchen. After that I went to one of our State parks and took my mile walk. It is so peaceful there..no dogs, no traffic...but the horseflies are awful. They drive me crazy. Anyhow..got the walk in. I am so thankful I can do that again. I still need to do my exercises so I better get off here and get to it or I won't do it.

Looking forward to going to the Indy zoo. We may go a few times as we have grandparent passes..so we can take the grandkids and kids and 2 guests as many times as we want. I would like to go just Danny and I first so we can get some picture taking in. ..without a bunch of interruptions and running after children...Hope I can get my camera worked on before we do go.
Heather

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Heather
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Username: Heather

Post Number: 2403
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Posted on Saturday, June 27, 2009 - 01:52 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

Today Danny and I went to Kennekuk park and walked 2 miles..yippee. I survived. We did 1.4 then decided to go another .7 actually so a little over 2. I was hot but not winded..loving it. Came home, was talking to a neighbor and we have a big green house about 4 blocks behind us..she said she had been there and they had a huge sale..so of course I had to go. I did come away with 2 monsterous hanging baskets and 5 free geraniums for 15 dollars. The one basket is HUGE. Anyway...so now I need to decide where I want them hanging. May have to move a shepherds hook more into the sun.

Danny has some sort of soup boil to go to for a mens thing at our church tonight. Sounds gross to me..but sure they will have fun. Everyone is supposed to bring something to throw in this big caldron over a fire (sounds hot too) ..hobo soup it is called. No thanks. I will be happy with my chicken and salad.

So that is my exciting day so far.

Oh also have a guy we know who took a plane apart and rebuilt the engine and put it all back together..I mean..the entire plane..right now it is back out at the airport in a hangar but the wings are not on and he needs the final inspection on it then he will be taking it up. he told us we could go up any time..can you believe I have never flown in any plane? so it will be fun. I will for sure get tons of pics.....
Heather

Forum Leader - Living Organ Donation
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Kidney donor to dad 12/1/99
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Heather
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Username: Heather

Post Number: 2405
Registered: 05-2003
Posted on Sunday, June 28, 2009 - 08:02 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

Full day today. This morning, church. Then came home and grabbed what I had made for Dads fathers day dinner...we could not do it last week. I took the food over cause it was easier on my grandma..who is 100! We took steaks and chicken over and grilled them there. I took green beans with garlic and olive oil, salad, dessert and garlic bread. Potatoes were done there. It was good. Played some Yahtzee with mom then came home. Danny and I went to the park and walked 1.6+ miles. Felt like about 5 to me..haha..the later in the day it is the harder it is for me. We went around 4 30. Came home and ate some supper and then sat out on the porch and relaxed for awhile. I am beat. We are trying to decide when to go to the zoo. Maybe tomorrow?? I think we are going twice.
Heather

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Heather
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Username: Heather

Post Number: 2408
Registered: 05-2003
Posted on Monday, June 29, 2009 - 05:23 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

Well we did go to the Indy Zoo today. I was disappointed. There is so much construction in and around the zoo that some of the animals were not there. The ones that were there..many were just sleeping or in their caves or not visible. I saw no Polar bear which was supposed to be there...no Tiger, no Lion. The Zebras and the Cheetahs were 2 that were not there due to the construction. It was incredibly crowded also for a Monday I thought. Maybe because it is a little cooler now and everyone wanted to get out. Anyhoo..I came home, took my card out of my camera, went into a few rooms..and now cannot find where I laid down my card. That is typical of me. So when I do find it..I will see if any pics turned out and post a few.

Also stopped at a Goodwill Store on the way home and got a great buy on a GOOD weight bench with the leg attachment. The one I bought at a garage sale is much smaller and although it works, it is not really made for tall people. This one is much heavier duty and longer. It is nice. SO I will give the other one away to someone. We had to have the guys take off the bottom and the leg attachment in order to fit it in our car! But we got 'r done. Now we are both too tired (our backs) to get it out of the car..haha.

So that is my day so far. Got a lot of walking in..that's for sure.

I am now at 34 pounds weight loss. About 5 more pounds and I can start looking for some new jeans.
Heather

Forum Leader - Living Organ Donation
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Kidney donor to dad 12/1/99
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Heather
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Username: Heather

Post Number: 2413
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Posted on Wednesday, July 01, 2009 - 03:57 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

Today was a weird one. Last night my kitchen sink would not drain. So I plunged that til it would. Then, this morning one of our toilets had to be plunged every time you flushed it. Oh great. I abhor toilet and sewer problems. Trust me..we have had big ones. Anyway..Danny finally plunged enough that it now flushes again. I poured some drain stuff down the sink twice. It drains. I also had him call the guy who comes out and cleans our sewer line since our neighbors maples have roots growing in there. So he did that before we had major issues again. I hate this stuff and it just upsets me.

Went shopping in Champaign..came home with nothing. But I guess at least I got my walk in. I am tired.

I am really liking my new weight bench. It is so much better than the other. When I do my leg curls, the foam pads actually stay put instead of rolling all the way up my calf. I am sure glad we bought it. So I did my leg curls and extensions, my seated bench presses, and my butterlies. I still need to do my other arm exercises with the dumbells.

Did my 24 hour urine collection yesterday..finished it this morning. I took it in and they drew my blood and weighed me. I weighed 4 pounds heavier on their scale..which is normal..I expected 5 or more. Monday I have my physical so hoping he has my lab results by then. This is for my annual post donation check up.

Well good day to wrap up in a blanket and take a nap.
Heather

Forum Leader - Living Organ Donation
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Kidney donor to dad 12/1/99
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Heather
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Username: Heather

Post Number: 2414
Registered: 05-2003
Posted on Wednesday, July 01, 2009 - 04:37 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

pictures from the zoo.










Heather

Forum Leader - Living Organ Donation
EC Illinois, USA
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Rush-Presbyterian-St. Lukes, Chicago

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Hostess Risa
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Username: Risa

Post Number: 9484
Registered: 05-2003
Posted on Wednesday, July 01, 2009 - 04:48 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

Beautiful Pictures Heather! You are a talented photographer.
Risa@transplantbuddies.org
CF- diagnosed at 2 years old
Florida, USA
1st Tx - 96 LUMC
2nd double lung tx-05 JMH

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Heather
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Username: Heather

Post Number: 2415
Registered: 05-2003
Posted on Wednesday, July 01, 2009 - 04:54 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

Thank you, Risa. I love the bears best of all. They have such gentle looking faces..they were so cute playing in the water.
Heather

Forum Leader - Living Organ Donation
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Kidney donor to dad 12/1/99
Rush-Presbyterian-St. Lukes, Chicago

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Hostess Risa
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Username: Risa

Post Number: 9486
Registered: 05-2003
Posted on Wednesday, July 01, 2009 - 05:22 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

I love the bears the best as well. Do you frame any of these beauties?
Risa@transplantbuddies.org
CF- diagnosed at 2 years old
Florida, USA
1st Tx - 96 LUMC
2nd double lung tx-05 JMH

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John
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Username: John

Post Number: 815
Registered: 05-2003
Posted on Thursday, July 02, 2009 - 09:52 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

test test test asd dfg wer
Karen R.
Member
Username: Relivkaren

Post Number: 3194
Registered: 07-2007
Posted on Thursday, July 02, 2009 - 10:22 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

Heather:

Those are great pictures of the animals!! I really enjoyed looking at them!!

Thanks!

God Bless!
Karen
Dx: BOOP - May 2006. Rediagnosed with Bronchiolitis Obliterans Nov. 2006
Listed Feb 2008 - Waiting on double lung transplant at Cleveland Clinic

Ohio, USA

Be kinder than necessary because everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle.
Hostess Risa
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Username: Risa

Post Number: 9512
Registered: 05-2003
Posted on Friday, July 03, 2009 - 10:25 am:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

I love the "love bears"

They are so CUTE!

If Frank saw these pictures, he would be so proud of you.
Risa@transplantbuddies.org
CF- diagnosed at 2 years old
Florida, USA
1st Tx - 96 LUMC
2nd double lung tx-05 JMH

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eccoblue
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Username: Eccoblue

Post Number: 858
Registered: 05-2008
Posted on Friday, July 03, 2009 - 12:40 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

Heather,
My favorite shots are also the bears and the seal in the water. Animals in action make great shots. You R a pro! Soon you will do anything to get your shots, like crawl through mud or sneak over fences, etc. Keep shooting!
Love,
Kelli
Heart and Liver Tx at Cedars-Sinai on 02/01/2007
eccoblue@gmail.com
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http://rjaunsen.blogspot.com/
http://www.trioweb.org/communications/BookReviewofNotSoBrave.pdf
Fall seven times, stand up eight - Japanese proverb
Behold, I have refined thee, but not with silver; I have chosen thee in the furnace of affliction. Isaiah 48:10
Heather
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Username: Heather

Post Number: 2420
Registered: 05-2003
Posted on Friday, July 03, 2009 - 03:02 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

OH HAPPY DAY!!! First of all...Thank you for the compliments. Second...I was out getting ready to go look for something to shoot..and my dad called. He said where are you? I said well in the car..why? He said well that guy I told you could clean your sensor on your camera is down here now and can do it for you now if you can come down..I said..OHHH be right there. So I went down there and it is a guy who used to work in a professional camera place here in town. But the guy who had the sensor cleaning kit was a photographer from our newspaper. He was there also. So this other guy cleans my sensor..then he looks at it and there is a hair on it. He could not get it off and said he did not want to keep messing with it. SO I said I think I can get it with a mag. glass, light and tweezers...I said how much do I owe you> He said...if you owe anything it is to Matt (the newspaper photographer) . He shook his head and said you don't owe me a thing. I said oh, come on...if I had sent that in I would have paid plenty..but he would not let me pay him. So I came home and worked and worked and FINALLY got that hair off..it was stuck under the part around the sensor itself. But now I can take a pic hopefully ..with not all those horrid spots...I have taken one but not looked at it yet. Ok...

Also I have mentioned before that I have a friend who rebuilt a plane..took it all apart, and rebuilt it. He is about 3 days from taking it up!!! I am excited. My dad and I volunteered to be his first people to go up..guess no one else is brave???? He must go up with the inspector first, of course. So we went out to see his plane yesterday. Then he took us inside where I guess planes from all over the country come here to be rebuilt and restored..war planes. He had to talk to some people but he did get the ok for us to go in and take as many shots as we liked..just don't touch anything. They have stuff in all stages of restoration...so I thought I would share some pics. He said they usually do not let anyone back there...so we were blessed! Turns out I knew one of the guys working back there. He inspects and takes apart components and reassembles them. So here are a few of my pics. The lighting was not the best and I did not have tons of time to mess with my settings....










The one with the symbols on it..I guess those represent when they would shoot down different things. The broom thing is for sweeps they would do, locomotives..for trains they took out, etc. I can't remember all of it..my head was reeling with history facts when I left...haha. anyway I guess each time they would take out something..they would paint it on this panel. There is another pic of some symbols actually on the plane.
Heather

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Heather
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Username: Heather

Post Number: 2421
Registered: 05-2003
Posted on Friday, July 03, 2009 - 03:28 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

Oh so also..I did my leg exercises, my dumb bell exercises and also my seated bench press and butterflies. Then Danny and I went to the park and put in 2.3 miles. I was beat..but now a few hours later I feel like I could go another mile. Don't think I want to push my luck though. I want to be able to go tomorrow...haha. Danny got up and walked 5 miles early this morning..so he walked over 7. Wow. Going to watch Flightplan tonight. I have not seen it yet. I love Jodi Foster. Don't think we have any other big plans..other than maybe me taking my camera out for a spin..
Heather

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Heather
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Username: Heather

Post Number: 2426
Registered: 05-2003
Posted on Monday, July 06, 2009 - 07:35 am:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

Saturday was a nasty day here. Rain and gloom all day long. It never stopped for more than a few minutes. Nothing exciting happened that day..haha. I did exercise but no walking. Went shopping for a little bit but even with my umbrella, got way too wet.

Sunday we had our picnic at church. It was a good time. Lots of food. I stuck to veggies and fruit. It was a gorgeous day. Around 78 and mostly sunny. They had a dunk tank, a huge slip and slide thing..I mean HUGE... and a few other blow up things..the thing you go in and jump around..and another the little kids could slide down in the water. They had a good time.
My dog was acting quite odd all day and is still not quite right. She acts like she is hurting somewhere..she never hesitates to jump on the couch or up on her bench by the window but yesterday she would not do it without me putting something else there as a step so she could sorta walk up it instead of jump. She does not act like her leg hurts..so I am assuming it is something going on inside. I don't know. I get all upset when stuff goes wrong with pets..they can't tell you what it is ..and the vet bill is astronomical. She has an appt. this morning anyway..to get her yearly shots so that worked good..I don't know if she will get them or not until they see what is going on with her first. This morning she is getting up on her bench without a step..but even barking is not so loud..weird. I hope it is nothing serious. She's my spoiled baby girl.
Then at 2 or so (he is never running on time in the afternoon) I have my physical with the neph. Will be glad to have that over with. I did the 24 hour urine last week so we will probably have the results today. I hope they did my cholesterol..I forgot to ask to have it done..and sometimes they do it ..sometimes they don't. It was ok last time.

Ok that is it for now. Gotta get ready to go to the vet.
Heather

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Username: Risa

Post Number: 9531
Registered: 05-2003
Posted on Monday, July 06, 2009 - 09:39 am:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

Great Story and photos Heather! You are really loving your picture taking. Enjoy!
Risa@transplantbuddies.org
CF- diagnosed at 2 years old
Florida, USA
1st Tx - 96 LUMC
2nd double lung tx-05 JMH

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Heather
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Username: Heather

Post Number: 2428
Registered: 05-2003
Posted on Monday, July 06, 2009 - 10:07 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

Today I took Baylie to the vet for her shots. He felt her all over and did various things and could feel nothing out of the norm so he said to watch her a few more days and her urinary habits to see if they change. If she still is acting odd and not wanting to jump..or climb..he would check her urine to make sure nothing to do with the kidneys was going on.

Then I had MY physical..haha. I guess when I took in my urine last week and they drew blood..they only did the creatinine clearance..no other labs. Brother. So had to have it drawn again and will let ya know how those come out. My CC was 70 which he said was good for 1 kidney. It was 75 last year..he said not to worry about it . Sometimes I do drink more on purpose when I have to do the 24 hour urine..this time I just couldn't..I had too many places to go and had to make sure I was home to use the restroom..haha.

I also asked him if he knew of a good Vein Clinic I could look into for the huge varicose vein on my leg. He said yes.and gave me the name of a clinic in Carmel, Indiana. Right outside of Indianapolis...that's good. We are somewhat familiar with the Indy area. I just have to see if my insurance will cover it.
Heather

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Kidney donor to dad 12/1/99
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Heather
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Username: Heather

Post Number: 2438
Registered: 05-2003
Posted on Thursday, July 09, 2009 - 07:33 am:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

I got a walk in on Monday but have not been able to walk the past 2 days. Rain, rain, rain. Tues was not bad but I was so busy I never got a chance.
Maintaining my weight. Went shopping for some slacks on Tues. Ended up finding a pair of Levis in the style I wear..for 14 dollars on the clearance rack..in size 8...hmmm. I thought..well clothes are so weird....a size 8 in one brand can be a size 10 in another..so I tried them on..woo hoo..they fit. I was so excited..and they were not the stretch kind..lol. I had found a pair a while back that said size 8 and they fit but were the stretch so they were tight looking..a little too much so...and I went to the store and tried on another 8 in the same style and could not get them buttoned..or zipped..haha. Anyhoo..I took those back because I felt once I washed them they may be too short..so really this pair I bought the other day is my first pair of 8 I have worn in...well I don't know. I don't recall. Honestly. I bet I have not been in an 8 in the 13 years I have been married.

That was quite a ramble about nothing...haha.

I am going to start a thread within this one I think..with just random pics I have taken.

IT is another gloomy looking day. The forcast this weekend is not good either. Seems we have had our share of rain this year.
Heather

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Heather
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Username: Heather

Post Number: 2445
Registered: 05-2003
Posted on Friday, July 10, 2009 - 02:43 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

Danny and I walked yesterday when he got off work..around 7. We went to the National Cemetery again..so peaceful and pretty and no traffic. We did about 1.6 miles. That is enough for me by evening. I do much better about midday.

Did a lot of running this morning..library, walmart, vet, neighbors house to check up on them twice..traffic was awful and I was glad to get home and stay home. It is muggy here. Very humid. Supposed to rain but so far has not. I guess rain is in the forecast for the next 6 days or so..except for Sunday.

Wish I would hear on my labs I had done on Mon. I should call...but then again..they will mail them. I think I will call anyway..and have them mail last years also.

well that's it for me so far.
Heather

Forum Leader - Living Organ Donation
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Heather
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Username: Heather

Post Number: 2450
Registered: 05-2003
Posted on Saturday, July 11, 2009 - 05:09 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

Today was another rain, rain go away day. We sure do have a lot of it this year. Rained til about an hour ago. Now it is hot and muggy but at least the sun is shining.

Went to resale shop..not clothes..but just everything..antiques, books, furniture, etc. I am looking for a real wood bookcase..cheap. Found all kinds of things (consignment shop is what it was...) that merchandise was displayed on that I wanted..haha. But he would not sell them. Walked out empty handed. I love used furniture stores. That is where the WELL made furniture is. Real wood..well made. I love to redo old things. It is a lot of work and sometimes I just leave them old and distressed looking..I don't think I could do a big piece right now.

I need to get out and take some pics of my flowers. I made all my beds smaller..and this spring I yanked a bunch and just tossed them in the garbage..now my beds don't look as nice. I will have to fill in next spring I guess. Gardening is something I thoroughly enjoy. That and photography. Speaking of which..the sun is out..I need to grab my camera and head somewhere..see if anything is stirring. Has to be animal life around here as there is nothing exciting to take pics of in my town.
Heather

Forum Leader - Living Organ Donation
EC Illinois, USA
Kidney donor to dad 12/1/99
Rush-Presbyterian-St. Lukes, Chicago

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LadyDi
Member
Username: Ladydi

Post Number: 1744
Registered: 03-2008
Posted on Sunday, July 12, 2009 - 04:16 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

Just checking in on you, Heather. We didn't get any rain at all yesterday!
Hope you are having a good day. I just kind of messed around today - canned a few jars of dilled green beans, cleaned, etc.
Kidney Donor to Husband 10/30/07
Forum Leader-Living Organ Donation
Barnes Jewish Hospital St. Louis, Mo

I walk slowly, but I never walk backward - Abraham Lincoln
Heather
Member
Username: Heather

Post Number: 2452
Registered: 05-2003
Posted on Sunday, July 12, 2009 - 05:30 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

Hey Diane. I am fine. Glad you did not get any rain. We got it all. Today has been nice..warm but sunny. Hoping for a few more of those. I have not done much at all. Church, then ate a little lunch, read a little, sat out with Danny while he grilled burgers and chick. breasts. now here I am . I am again thinking of taking my camera out..but in my yard for now. I need some flower pics.

I am at 35 pounds I have lost. I am concentrating on my middle right now. That is still my problem. We have an Ab Doer and I did that some today also some leg lifts on our weight station thing..jeez that kills my shoulders to hold myself up though. Can't do many of those. Did a few sit ups..hoping to get rid of the fat around the middle.

Will be helping my best friend wash down her kitchen walls tomorrow and hopefully she will get to prime in a few days...she is re doing the entire thing..painting the walls and the cabinets. I will try to remember to take pics. She is going with tan walls, black cabinets and some bright red...It is an old kitchen and high ceilings. She can pull it off..I couldn't..it would be too dark in my small kitchen. I think it will warm hers up. The paint chips held together are very pretty.
I have been hanging out quite a bit with her this summer since we never seemed to get to during the school year..(she is a special needs teacher). So we vowed to hang this summer.

my life is not too exciting...which is good. I like quiet, undrama filled days...haha.

Oh I went for my physical last Mon. Then I called on Thurs to have them mail me my labs from last year when the mail the ones they just did..then I found a message on my ans. machine on Fri. at 5 pm..of course..for me to call someone back. It was not the receptionist..so I hope my labs were ok.
Heather

Forum Leader - Living Organ Donation
EC Illinois, USA
Kidney donor to dad 12/1/99
Rush-Presbyterian-St. Lukes, Chicago

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Heather
Member
Username: Heather

Post Number: 2463
Registered: 05-2003
Posted on Friday, July 17, 2009 - 05:17 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

Today was a gorgeous day. I spent the day running all over...and I had wanted to just stay home and putt around doing this and that...no running. Went to walmart for some more rubber mulch..day late and a dollar short..they just sold the last 20 bags of red. Figures. I will have to wait til next year because there is no way I will pay 10- 12 bucks a bag at Menards and Lowes. Walmart was 6 and change. Then I went to a nursing home to visit someone we know..and she was just leaving as I was going in...she was going shopping with a friend. So I just gave her a hug and talked for a few, then left. Then I went to the boardwalk/Wetlands and walked through there. Did not see much but it was so nice out!! Got a call from a friend..we decided to meet in one of our state parks later on.. so in the mean time..went to my next door neighbors to see how their garage sale was going..not so great. Then out to the park. Sat and talked with my friend for about an hour and walked a bit...she got transferred out of the area. bummer. Came home, repotted some flowers and got supper going and here I am. It is so cool out now..it is windy and cool..feels like a fall day and almost cool enough for a sweatshirt I am thinking. Hoping I am in for the night..unless my other neighbor does not come home from the hospital...then I will go up and see her later after supper.
Heather

Forum Leader - Living Organ Donation
EC Illinois, USA
Kidney donor to dad 12/1/99
Rush-Presbyterian-St. Lukes, Chicago

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Heather
Member
Username: Heather

Post Number: 2470
Registered: 05-2003
Posted on Friday, July 24, 2009 - 08:53 am:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

I have been slightly MIA this week. Busy week for me. One of my friends is re painting her kitchen and is a teacher and also has some other things that she is doing (IVF) so she is on a tight schedule to get stuff done before school starts and other things hopefully happen. So I have been going over there all week helping prep and finally we got the second coat of wall paint on (2 colors plus a primer and another color for cabinets..which she is doing the actual cabinet today..and the doors another day). So I have been physically tired and my body hurting..haha. Then the normal stuff..my neighbor ended up in the hosp. again the day after she came home...

Then yesterday I got a call from my husband telling me his son who works construction or concrete work..was working about 2 hours from home this week and yesterday developed a high fever and all of the sudden he could not think right and could not speak right. He was stuttering..so long story sort of short...he ended up going home to an Indianapolis hospital and was in the ER for 12 hours getting tests run and bloodwork done. MRI, CT, xrays..showed nothing significant..so they did a spinal tap which he was not happy about. All they could find was a slightly elevated wbc. So he is now home sleeping. Last night his speech was better. They did rule out a stroke. He is 28 years old. We don't know what happened. So that was a draining situation...
Today I will go by my girlfriends house after I do NOTHING this morning..and see the 3rd color she is painting in her kitchen..then I am sitting with my grandma while my parents go see my brother in Peoria. I think I get my repeat labs done in a week. My hemoglobin was slightly low when I had my physical. Due to my diet I presume. I have been incorporating red meat into my diet once a week..as well as eating some other things I had not been...like raisins. I am not so strict anymore but still am very concious of what I am eating and how much. I am holding at right around 37 pounds lost. I would like to lose another 5 over time. That would put me where I have a little cushion.
Ok thats it for now.
Heather

Forum Leader - Living Organ Donation
EC Illinois, USA
Kidney donor to dad 12/1/99
Rush-Presbyterian-St. Lukes, Chicago

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Heather
Member
Username: Heather

Post Number: 2473
Registered: 05-2003
Posted on Tuesday, July 28, 2009 - 12:28 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

Weather has been great lately. Not too hot and not too much rain. The last 2 days have been much warmer though. Sun. I had to leave church early as I felt sick enough I did not know if I would make it til it was over..got home and all I ate was saltines and 7 up til supper time..then of all things..I wanted something bland so I ate some left over liver. Nothing on it..just liver cooked in olive oil. Weird? probably. haha. Monday over to my friends painting cabinets. THe more we painted the more we kept saying how brown it looked (she wanted black) and kept telling ourselves it was just how the light was hitting it. She could not help yesterday because she had a procedure done..so I did the second coat. This morning she calls me...so what would you do? would you just keep the brown black or should I go get black black? I told her to just get the black cause she would not be happy with the brownish black. ..when black is what she had envisioned with the other 2 colors. So she did..and wow what a difference. I stopped by to see and the black is much better..and you could definitely tell a difference. So we are almost done with that.

Went last night to the National cemetery and walked about a mile and a half. Evenings are not good for walking. I am already tired. Then this morning I decided to go to the State park not far from us and walked 2 there. so peaceful...but HOT. whew. I was glad to get done with that. So other than picking up my noodles at the health food store and getting my hair trimmed..nothing on the agenda today other than spreading my straw on my beds that have no mulch yet. Walmart ran out of the red rubber mulch I am using so I am using my straw for this year on the beds that did not get done.

So that is my exciting life right now.}
Heather

Forum Leader - Living Organ Donation
EC Illinois, USA
Kidney donor to dad 12/1/99
Rush-Presbyterian-St. Lukes, Chicago

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Hostess Rise'
Board Administrator
Username: Risa

Post Number: 9893
Registered: 05-2003
Posted on Tuesday, July 28, 2009 - 04:03 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

Hi Heather

How are you feeling now? Need to see pictures of the cabinets.

Congrats on your weight loss. way to go!!! you are amazing lady!
Founder of TransplantBuddies

Contact transplantbuddies@gmail.com

History-
Cystic Fibrosis- diagnosed at 2 years old
Florida, USA
1st Tx - 96 LUMC
2nd double lung tx-05 JMH

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Heather
Member
Username: Heather

Post Number: 2474
Registered: 05-2003
Posted on Tuesday, July 28, 2009 - 06:15 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

I am feeling fine now. Yesterday I was still a little queasy but I am back to normal now. Thanks..I am feeling so much better having lost the weight. My foot that I could barely walk on at times..I mean I can now walk normally for 2 miles and it hurts a little but not at all how it did before. Yes my hips and back get tired but I am so thankful to be walking THAT far. I think I am at 37 or 38 now..I can't remember what I was last time I blogged.

Picked up my shiritake noodles and got them going for supper with chicken, mushrooms and garlic in olive oil...along with my salad.
Heather

Forum Leader - Living Organ Donation
EC Illinois, USA
Kidney donor to dad 12/1/99
Rush-Presbyterian-St. Lukes, Chicago

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Hostess Rise'
Board Administrator
Username: Risa

Post Number: 9900
Registered: 05-2003
Posted on Wednesday, July 29, 2009 - 10:56 am:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

Good for you. I am learning Qi gong and it is great to learn because you are taught to release muscle pain and tightness. It is very interesting way of thinking how the body and mind works.

Sounds like a delicious dinner.
Founder of TransplantBuddies

Contact transplantbuddies@gmail.com

History-
Cystic Fibrosis- diagnosed at 2 years old
Florida, USA
1st Tx - 96 LUMC
2nd double lung tx-05 JMH

Visit Transplant Buddies on FaceBook
http://facebook.com/transplant.buddies

Please visit our Sponsors
http://www.transplantbuddies.org/html/thanks.php
Heather
Member
Username: Heather

Post Number: 2477
Registered: 05-2003
Posted on Friday, July 31, 2009 - 07:39 am:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

Well today is the end of my 4 months of weight loss. In April..the first month I lost 19.7 pounds. I think some of that was water...since I love salt. In May..7.6. In June 7. and in July 3.2. I have lost 37.5 pounds. I want to lose 4 more and that will be my goal. I will reach that this month. I have eaten more things this month. I ate some liver, a sirloin burger, cereal and raisins, more veggies. I am not a fruit person..I will eat it if it is at a meal but to buy and just eat..just not into it. I need to force myself to eat some more of it..it is not that I don't like it..just like savory better I guess. I love salt and have not had any in 4 months. If I can do that anyone can..
I read about Papa Dash and how so many people liked it..then when I went looking for it..found they stopped production..then started again but you can only buy it by the case..24 dollars plus shipping for 12 I think. That is a lot to pay if you don't know if you like it. I bought Morton salt sub. and think it is awful. So bitter.
Any suggestions on that? I don't want to use added salt (real salt) cause I know I will go back to using it like I did before.

With all the painting and stuff I have been doing, I have gotten away from my exercise..still do it a little here and there..but not like I should. Gotta focus on that more.
Have been tearing up the straw bales I attempted to grow my veggies in this year. Maybe I did not give them enough time..but they did not look as big as they should be so I put them in pots. Now I have 4 bales I am tearing down and using for mulch as I mentioned earlier. Have been spreading that all over to dry out...looks real nice and am sure my neighbors love seeing that all over my patio and yard. It is not there for long though. I only have one or 2 more beds to put it on and then also I need to sow some grass seed so I will put it over that as well.

Boy I lead an exciting life.
Heather

Forum Leader - Living Organ Donation
EC Illinois, USA
Kidney donor to dad 12/1/99
Rush-Presbyterian-St. Lukes, Chicago

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Heather
Member
Username: Heather

Post Number: 2486
Registered: 05-2003
Posted on Thursday, August 06, 2009 - 01:39 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

Have been busy working in the yard, dead heading flowers, tearing my straw bales apart and mulching with it (still). This week I feel like I have run all over doing this and that and my days are gone..but what did I accomplish? I don't know. Went to the park and walked by myself..gosh I love the quiet and the sounds of nature as I walk. I just love it. I don't like a lot of noise..I love it at night when everyone else is in bed..it is sooo quiet.
Anyhoo. I am maintaining my weight. Not really losing right now. I am now getting back into my exercise routine again and need to do it more often again. I did not feel like driving to the park today so I dusted off the old treadmill and got on that...very slowly and only for 12 minutes. Did my arm exercises after that. Did leg lifts and extensions this morning. I need to do my bands and dumbells too.
Making chicken tacos on whole wheat tortillas for my hubby for supper. I will stick with some chicken and salad with some sort of veggie and my whole wheat Chapati bread. Have not had bread of any other kind for 4 months. I really like it. Danny hates it.

Sure wish the Indianapolis zoo was not tore up and missing a lot of the animals. We bought a memebership this year and it is not worth going really. We went once and were not at all impressed. We may have to journey down to St. Louis. I hear that one is free..is that correct? Even if not..if it is a good one..it is worth it.

I am having such a hard time getting out with my camera and finding something to take pics of that I haven't already. The wetlands I go to has really been a disappointment this year. It usually has blue herons, white egrets, swans, geese, beavers, etc. all over. I am lucky to see a blue heron or even a frog anymore. Don't know what is up with that. Not too much else to take pics of around here.

Our friend who rebuilt that plane..now has about half his hours in with the inspector flying...so soon I may be getting up there in the wild blue yonder with my camera...but the windows don't open..so don't know how great that will be. It will still be fun...considering I have never flown in ANY plane in my life.
That is all in my exciting little world.
Heather

Forum Leader - Living Organ Donation
EC Illinois, USA
Kidney donor to dad 12/1/99
Rush-Presbyterian-St. Lukes, Chicago

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Hostess Rise'
Board Administrator
Username: Risa

Post Number: 10021
Registered: 05-2003
Posted on Thursday, August 06, 2009 - 01:44 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

Hi Heather

Sounds like you are keeping busy. Good things!

I had an idea- please email me.
Founder of TransplantBuddies

Contact transplantbuddies@gmail.com

History-
Cystic Fibrosis- diagnosed at 2 years old
Florida, USA
1st Tx - 96 LUMC
2nd double lung tx-05 JMH

Visit Transplant Buddies on FaceBook
http://facebook.com/transplant.buddies

New To Shaklee
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Heather
Member
Username: Heather

Post Number: 2503
Registered: 05-2003
Posted on Thursday, August 20, 2009 - 07:58 am:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

Rainy week here for sure. Lots of bad weather. Little sunshine. WIll be glad for the weekend.
Been a slower week for me..finally. No painting or projects..other than downloading stuff onto my MP3 player my husband bought me for my upcoming birthday. I love that thing. Also messing in the flower beds, deadheading..etc. Got all the straw where I want it except one third of a bale that I still have a pepper plant in. None of my veggies did well this year. My neighbors say the same thing but I think theirs did much better than mine. oh well. Next year.

I am back in to my exercise routine now. Still doing my leg work on my bench, butterflies and seated bench press, regular bench with bar only...band exercises and also did a mile on my treadmill at around 2.9 mph..not wanting to go fast or run like I used to. Just am glad I am doing it again. Also trying to whip that eliptical machine I HATE IT....it just burns my legs..I can't do much of it at all..I mean..like a minute at most. Crazy. Talk about getting my heart rate up..that does it. I also do my dumbells.
I have now lost 38.5 pounds. I went through my closet and took out the stuff I knew would not fit me anymore..put it in a garbage bag..for now..and up in the attic. I am going to take it somewhere..a charity or womens shelter and get it out of my house..that way..I have no clothes I can fit into in case I do start gaining..but I am not going to let that happen again. I just cannot go there again.

My bloodwork came back in July with my hemoglobin low 11.6, my hematicrit low and my red blood count low at 3.97
My repeat labs last week were..my hematacrit was normal, hemoglobin 11.7 and RBC 4.01. Not much improvement but improvement. I know it is because of my diet. I will continue to take my iron and vit. C. along with my mulit vit, calcium, fish oil and super B complex.

Danny is working out like a mad dog..big time..and eating pretty much healthy all the time...he took a friends advice and ate normally and a lot of carbs and stuff..to get his weight loss going again..he has been stuck..well...did not work for him....he gained 2 and has not got it off. This guy is a very serious weight trainer..and I have heard Trish say this works for her also..but not for everyone...obviously.

thats about all I have to report. more of my ever exciting life.
Heather

Forum Leader - Living Organ Donation
EC Illinois, USA
Kidney donor to dad 12/1/99
Rush-Presbyterian-St. Lukes, Chicago

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Heather
Member
Username: Heather

Post Number: 723
Registered: 05-2003
Posted on Saturday, September 05, 2009 - 09:34 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

MIA again here. I have been busy outside more than I had been. My garden did not do well at all so last week I pulled everything up and cleaned up and got it out of here.

have really been spending some time on my treadmill. As I mentioned in Ciscos blog..my treadmill belt bit the dust after 11 years. So I was wondering if I should replace the belt for 90 bucks or look at used treadmills. I went to Sears..not really looking at equipment..but at clothes. Happened to see a treadmill (crosswalk) for 149.99!! It was a display and they no longer sold them. It was a 500 dollar machine. I know it is not the big one with all the fancy stuff..but it has all the readouts, auto incline and has programs for both treadmill and the crosswalk. So I bought it. I love it. I spend close to an hour on it.
As of this morning I hit the 40 pound mark. 40.1 to be exact..haha.
I have been drinking Lipton green tea with mango something or other flavor..that you add to a bottled water..love that stuff. I drink a few a day.

have made a few trips to Indianapolis to help my step daughter get into her new apt. She is going through a divorce and has 3 kids. I was there yesterday. She came back here today to go to a family reunion on Dannys side..which she had not been to for ..oh..20 years? I think she enjoyed that we were all laid back...no drama.

So my exercise and healthy eating continue and hopefully I will never ever gain my weight back..NEVER.
Heather

Forum Leader - Living Organ Donation
EC Illinois, USA
Kidney donor to dad 12/1/99
Rush-Presbyterian-St. Lukes, Chicago

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Heather
Forum Leader
Username: Heather

Post Number: 2553
Registered: 05-2003
Posted on Tuesday, September 08, 2009 - 07:18 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

Well here I sit with my heating pad on my back. It has hurt for 2 days now. I don't know what the heck I did...over do it on my treadmill? I don't know. So I am not moving so good today..and since I have to walk so carefully..my hips are hurting..from that and squatting to pick stuff up. So treadmill is on hold...for a while. Still will do my upper body if possible. Ticks me off. This is exactly what I did NOT want to happen. I do not want to start gaining my weight back.

Nothing else new here.
Heather

Forum Leader - Living Organ Donation
EC Illinois, USA
Kidney donor to dad 12/1/99
Rush-Presbyterian-St. Lukes, Chicago

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LadyDi
Forum Leader
Username: Ladydi

Post Number: 1855
Registered: 03-2008
Posted on Tuesday, September 08, 2009 - 08:05 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

Oh Heather! So sorry you hurt your back! Do you think maybe it was all the work you did outside? Hope it gets better for you soon.
Kidney Donor to Husband 10/30/07
Forum Leader-Living Organ Donation
Barnes Jewish Hospital St. Louis, Mo

I walk slowly, but I never walk backward - Abraham Lincoln
Karen R.
Forum Leader
Username: Relivkaren

Post Number: 3510
Registered: 07-2007
Posted on Tuesday, September 08, 2009 - 08:43 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

Heather:

I am sorry to hear that you hurt your back. I think back pain is the worst. The heating pad usually helps mine. Do you know if it is muscular or spinal pain? I know it 's a bummer that you can't work out the way you want to, but building muscle will still keep you in good shape.

I hope you feel better soon.

God Bless!
Karen
Dx: BOOP - May 2006. Rediagnosed with Bronchiolitis Obliterans Nov. 2006
Listed Feb 2008 - Waiting on double lung transplant at Cleveland Clinic

Ohio, USA

Be kinder than necessary because everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle.
Hostess Rise'
Forum Leader
Username: Risa

Post Number: 10265
Registered: 05-2003
Posted on Wednesday, September 09, 2009 - 03:05 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

Hi Heather

Bummer! I am sorry to hear this news. Did you sneeze or cough hard? That sometimes can throw you off alignment. You will not gain weight unless you eat junky. It is all up to you to keep your goals on target.
Founder of TransplantBuddies

Contact transplantbuddies@gmail.com

History-
Cystic Fibrosis- diagnosed at 2 years old
Florida, USA
1st Tx - 96 LUMC
2nd double lung tx-05 JMH

Visit Transplant Buddies on FaceBook
http://facebook.com/transplant.buddies

New To Shaklee
http://www.shaklee.net/preciouslife
Heather
Forum Leader
Username: Heather

Post Number: 2554
Registered: 05-2003
Posted on Wednesday, September 09, 2009 - 05:58 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

Thanks guys. This too shall pass..some time..haha.
I have not eaten anything unhealthy in 6 months. NOTHING. The most exciting thing I have had is my VIactive calcium and multi vitamins..chocolate..MMMMM.

I can just move wrong and my back goes out or whatever is going on. I don't know if it is muscle or not. I go to the chiro on Mon.
Heather

Forum Leader - Living Organ Donation
EC Illinois, USA
Kidney donor to dad 12/1/99
Rush-Presbyterian-St. Lukes, Chicago

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CiscoKidney07
Forum Leader
Username: Gregg

Post Number: 2553
Registered: 03-2008
Posted on Wednesday, September 09, 2009 - 07:37 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

Just got back on the treadmill my damn self, and it feels good!! Don't you let that back of yours keep you down too long. Hope you get to feeling better right away! Take the time you need to heal up. I know I was chomping at the bit to get back on the treadmill.
Just do what the directions tell you. Take two tylenol and keep away from children
Heather
Forum Leader
Username: Heather

Post Number: 2559
Registered: 05-2003
Posted on Friday, September 11, 2009 - 10:10 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

Good for you, Cisco. I am still not ready...mentally I am ...my body says no. You take care of that foot now..and don't reinjure it!!
Heather

Forum Leader - Living Organ Donation
EC Illinois, USA
Kidney donor to dad 12/1/99
Rush-Presbyterian-St. Lukes, Chicago

DONATE LIFE
Heather
Forum Leader
Username: Heather

Post Number: 2568
Registered: 05-2003
Posted on Thursday, September 17, 2009 - 10:16 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

Still have not been on the treadmill. I am feeling better but not ready to test the mill out again yet. I am wondering if the incline is what set me back a bit. When I do get back on..I will leave it flat for awhile and see how things go. Trying not to gain weight back...which I know I will do if I am not exercising as I was. My metabolism must be very very slow.

Weather has been gorgeous here. warm fall weather..too soon..but here nonetheless. Trees are turning already and leaves have been falling.

Not much else to report.
Heather

Forum Leader - Living Organ Donation
EC Illinois, USA
Kidney donor to dad 12/1/99
Rush-Presbyterian-St. Lukes, Chicago

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Kate/Jeremy's Mom
Member
Username: Dixieluvinchik

Post Number: 55
Registered: 06-2009
Posted on Friday, September 18, 2009 - 03:49 am:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

Hey Heather,
OOOhhhhh I've been there with my back, even when I was young! It was probably the yard, I dug A hole a week & a half ago while I was weeding the flowers. My ginger is blooming but my blooming back and left side of my neck have been talking to me real mean!
I can just now pick the grandson, Gabriel up. For the Pop-pop has been picking Him up for me. Yesterday I was able to pick him up without screaming like a girl.HA!
Love, Kate
Heather
Forum Leader
Username: Heather

Post Number: 2569
Registered: 05-2003
Posted on Friday, September 18, 2009 - 06:52 am:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

Oh I am sorry you are struggling with your back, Kate. It is no fun at all. Kinda limits everything you do for awhile. Glad you are getting better though and able to pick up that grandson!!! I am sure much of mine over the years has been my passion for gardening and my lack of asking for help..wanting to do it myself.
Heather

Forum Leader - Living Organ Donation
EC Illinois, USA
Kidney donor to dad 12/1/99
Rush-Presbyterian-St. Lukes, Chicago

DONATE LIFE
CiscoKidney07
Forum Leader
Username: Gregg

Post Number: 2619
Registered: 03-2008
Posted on Wednesday, October 07, 2009 - 06:39 am:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

So, how about it? Are you back at it again, or are you still having back troubles? It has been awhile, and I just thought that maybe you were exercising again. If not, I wish you all the luck!! It's hard when you are used to a routine, to just stop, but sometimes, you have to. Been there, done that, many times.
There are not too many things in life worth working my butt off for, but my health is one of them
LadyDi
Forum Leader
Username: Ladydi

Post Number: 1918
Registered: 03-2008
Posted on Tuesday, October 13, 2009 - 09:07 am:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

Hey Heather! Are you doing okay? Haven't seen you around much, so I hope all is fine with you and hubby.
Kidney Donor to Husband 10/30/07
Forum Leader-Living Organ Donation
Barnes Jewish Hospital St. Louis, Mo

I walk slowly, but I never walk backward - Abraham Lincoln
Heather
Forum Leader
Username: Heather

Post Number: 2615
Registered: 05-2003
Posted on Friday, October 16, 2009 - 10:53 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

Hi. I am ok. No, no treadmill. I am disgusted about it too. I dont know if I mentioned it on here or not but I did get back on the treadmill...very slowly for just a couple..and I mean COUPLE of minutes..very slow. Stepped off, took a few steps and I had such a sharp pain in the arch of my left foot I could hardly stand it. That was a few weeks ago. I still have problems with it off and on. I am also disgusted at myself that I have not been doing any exercise for about a week. Why? I don't know. Thinking I am too busy? not really. One thing did happen..on our weight machine, the cable snapped on the side I use..naturally..so Danny "fixed" it. and now when I do butterflys or seated bench press it is not smooth..it catches and is hard sometimes and too easy others...so I quit using it. I need to get my bands and dumb bells going again at least. Will plan on starting those back up tomorrow.

Been trying to get my fall garden stuff done..not much this year..nothing extra getting done for sure..just stuff cut back and hauled away and stuff stored. Can't even get that little bit done with all the rainy yucky weather we are having.

So there ya have it. I am still here, still post here and there..still read..just not posting as much right now. Thanks for checking on me.
Heather

Forum Leader - Living Organ Donation
EC Illinois, USA
Kidney donor to dad 12/1/99
Rush-Presbyterian-St. Lukes, Chicago

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Hostess Rise'
Forum Leader
Username: Risa

Post Number: 10668
Registered: 05-2003
Posted on Saturday, October 17, 2009 - 08:31 am:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

Hi Heather

I had this strange feeling you were not exercising. Can you do wall pushups? They are easy to do. The closer you stand to the wall the easier they are. I just do this for a warm up and after a few minutes, you feel raring to go. Everything else will flow.

sorry you hurt your foot. I remember you talking about this. Did you see a doctor? Hoping your foot heals quickly.

I would not use a machine or bench unless it was working properly. You do not want to upset your balance and push the wrong way. You can really hurt yourself.
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LadyDi
Forum Leader
Username: Ladydi

Post Number: 1928
Registered: 03-2008
Posted on Saturday, October 17, 2009 - 07:59 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

Boy, when it rains it pours! Sorry you have been having such bad luck with stuff! Cisco has some of the bands and really likes using those. It is amazing the number of exercises you can do with them! Do you think you stretched the tissue in your foot when you stepped down? Ice might help a bit. Hope it gets better for you.
I am just glad you are okay. We've had a few things going on and I haven't been on the last few days, but I told Gregg this morning maybe we should email and be sure you are alright, so it's nice to see you here.
Kidney Donor to Husband 10/30/07
Forum Leader-Living Organ Donation
Barnes Jewish Hospital St. Louis, Mo

I walk slowly, but I never walk backward - Abraham Lincoln
Heather
Forum Leader
Username: Heather

Post Number: 2623
Registered: 05-2003
Posted on Saturday, October 17, 2009 - 08:52 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

Thanks Diane. I don't know what is up with my foot. some days it feels ok..then al lof the sudden..it hurts like heck again to the point I feel like I can't take another step. I do not want to go back to the podiatrist..neither do I want to go to the regular doc if I can help it..too many sick people there.

On top of my health issues..my step daughter is going through a divorce and has 3 young girls. They live in Indy. I think a nasty custody battle is on the horizon. ugh. There are just lots of things going on...

Oh and I forgot to mention the large can of soup that rolled out of the grocery cart onto my BAD foot..hit me right where the big toe bends..and of course it had to be the sharp edge..not the side of the can. THAT still hurts also.

I could go on and on..but wont..lol
Thank you for worrying about me. That is nice.
Heather

Forum Leader - Living Organ Donation
EC Illinois, USA
Kidney donor to dad 12/1/99
Rush-Presbyterian-St. Lukes, Chicago

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CiscoKidney07
Forum Leader
Username: Gregg

Post Number: 2650
Registered: 03-2008
Posted on Saturday, October 17, 2009 - 09:26 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

Wow, sounds like you are a walking disaster at this point. I was wondering why you had not posted anything to your blog in awhile. Sorry to hear your bad news. It was nice to talk with you on chat. Also, I had not seen Trish on there, and had not seen that she had posted in a long time. What's up with that? Here is wishing you luck in getting started again with no pain.

Peace,
Cisco
There are not too many things in life worth working my butt off for, but my health is one of them
Heather
Forum Leader
Username: Heather

Post Number: 2627
Registered: 05-2003
Posted on Saturday, October 17, 2009 - 10:38 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

Well Trish is super busy with work and her kids right now. I don't hear from her too often other than seeing her on FB at times. She also mentioned the Fibromyalgia today. I did not know she was suffering with that. I have a friend who has it and she is in horrible pain a lot of the time...to the point she can't get out of bed.

Yeah..I am a walking disaster. My back hurts to some extend all the time..just sometimes worse than others. But I could walk and stuff with it at this point..it is my foot that is keeping me from that. At some point I am going to have to give in and get it xrayed. My guess? Nothing will show up...story of my life.

I have maintained my weightloss...which is good. I do not want to gain it back..ever. Had to go buy a new winter coat today..all my others are too big.

thanks for the well wishes.
Heather

Forum Leader - Living Organ Donation
EC Illinois, USA
Kidney donor to dad 12/1/99
Rush-Presbyterian-St. Lukes, Chicago

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Heather
Forum Leader
Username: Heather

Post Number: 2645
Registered: 05-2003
Posted on Thursday, October 29, 2009 - 11:35 am:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

Sure wishing we had had a nice Fall. Sitting here wondering if that foggy bright spot in the sky could possibly be the sun? We have had so much rain and cool temps ..the weather has been truly odd this year. It has been kinda depressing actually..all the dark, gloomy days..it gets to me after a while. Then we will have a day of sunshine..followed by a week of rain..

Managed to get all my plants cut back for the winter. Won't be raking leaves. That is up to my husband now. THe leaves are really falling with all the rain we have had. Supposed to be real windy now for a few days..that will drop them even faster.

My weight loss is at 43 pounds. Although my exercise has gone by the wayside due to a few issues I am dealing with...I am trying to maintain my weight loss. as I said above..I do NOT want to gain it back.

My husband is working out like a maniac. Harder than when he was young I guess...hope he does not hurt himself. He is focused and not going to stop til he makes it to his weight goal. He lifts and also does the elliptical machine and at times the treadmill. He also has a speed bag he uses and the weight machine. There is a lot of grunting and other noise coming from the basement when he is down there..haha. His weight loss is very slow but I can tell he is losing inches ..and weight..even if the scales are not so kind.

Nothing too exciting happening in my life right now. Dreading the shopping season ahead. I am not a shopper..I can take it for an hour or 2 then that is enough for me.

That's it for me.
Heather

Forum Leader - Living Organ Donation
EC Illinois, USA
Kidney donor to dad 12/1/99
Rush-Presbyterian-St. Lukes, Chicago

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Hostess Rise'
Forum Leader
Username: Risa

Post Number: 10895
Registered: 05-2003
Posted on Thursday, October 29, 2009 - 05:02 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

Hi Heather

Sounds like you are holding your own well. Good for you! As far as shopping, let your fingers do the walking.
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Heather
Forum Leader
Username: Heather

Post Number: 2646
Registered: 05-2003
Posted on Thursday, October 29, 2009 - 06:07 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

I did a lot of finger walking last year. Just might this year also....a lot safer health wise..huh?

I am making meals for the grown kids (married with kids..haha)..and am just buying for the grandkids this year. I am making meals that can they can just take out of the freezer and into the oven. I know both families are busy with their kids and jobs. I hope they appreciate it. If not..oh well. I know I would. One meal is pork bbq, and I will throw in some chips and buns, chili with crackers, taco meat with shells and cheese..up to them to get the rest..haha..and meatloaf with I am not sure yet.

Well. two to three inches of rain in our forcast tonight...UGH. Flooding possible. Poor farmers. Prices will be up I am sure.
Heather

Forum Leader - Living Organ Donation
EC Illinois, USA
Kidney donor to dad 12/1/99
Rush-Presbyterian-St. Lukes, Chicago

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Heather
Forum Leader
Username: Heather

Post Number: 2657
Registered: 05-2003
Posted on Thursday, November 05, 2009 - 11:17 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

well went up in my friends plane for the second time today. Again..awesome. I love it. Wish the seats were more comfy on the back though...
So I got to steer the plane on the ground while we were taxiing down the runway..that is with your feet. Then for maybe 7-10 min. he let me fly it..I did not do much except keep the nose where it should be and the the wings level..guess that IS important..haha. I think we were up about an hour and 15 min.

THe weather has been very nice finally. No rain for 4 days or more..woo hoo..this weekend in the 70s???? wow. Danny works on the weekends mulching the leaves. Should be done with that in a few weeks..the trees are pretty bare and not so pretty..just brown. I guess winter is coming whether I want it to or not.

Nothing else much going on here.
Heather

Forum Leader - Living Organ Donation
EC Illinois, USA
Kidney donor to dad 12/1/99
Rush-Presbyterian-St. Lukes, Chicago

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Heather
Forum Leader
Username: Heather

Post Number: 2660
Registered: 05-2003
Posted on Saturday, November 07, 2009 - 12:33 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

wow it is gorgeous today. Can go with a t shirt and no jacket..yeah!! I am getting ready to go to my parent's house to celebrate my grandma's 101st birthday. My uncle and his wife and Danny will also be there. Her birthday is not til Mon..so she will be confused..again..last year my uncles wife wanted to do it in July..HUH?
So maybe go picture taking if my back holds up..it has been just awful and I am rethinking what I should do about it. I honestly don't know. Chiro does not seem to be helping anymore..I hurt more now than when I first started going to him...3 years ago. I have had xrays, mris, etc..showing nothing wrong. story of my life.
Heather

Forum Leader - Living Organ Donation
EC Illinois, USA
Kidney donor to dad 12/1/99
Rush-Presbyterian-St. Lukes, Chicago

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LadyDi
Forum Leader
Username: Ladydi

Post Number: 1972
Registered: 03-2008
Posted on Saturday, November 07, 2009 - 01:05 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

Beautiful here too, Heather! Have been planting bulbs, washing windows and doing some yard work.
Sorry to hear your back is no better. Have you tried an osteopath? My mom had no luck with chiropractors, but did with the osteopath.
Kidney Donor to Husband 10/30/07
Forum Leader-Living Organ Donation
Barnes Jewish Hospital St. Louis, Mo

I walk slowly, but I never walk backward - Abraham Lincoln
Heather
Forum Leader
Username: Heather

Post Number: 2731
Registered: 05-2003
Posted on Saturday, January 16, 2010 - 04:44 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

Well a few months have gone by and lots has been going on. Not all great. We had 3 Christmases..got those done on NY day...that felt good. Got all the decor down right after Christmas..except the stuff outside on the porch. Been too cold here to worry about the garland and lights. Guess I could do it now..but it's too foggy..haha. Just don't feel like it.

My dad is looking at aortic valve surgery in the next few months I think. They have to decide which surgery he wants..and where to have it done. Mayo does not take new medicare patients now..so that is out. Cleveland Clinic or Indy I guess. So yet another thing to worry about.

I have not been feeling too great myself. For about a month now I have been having some weird things going on and went to the doc right before Christmas and he thought I was having some allergic reaction to a food. I think he is off...so I took Zyrtec for 5 days to see if it helped. It didn't. In the meantime, my hear would race and beat hard in my chest..this happened for a good couple weeks I would say..so I went back to the doctor and he did an EKG and did a blood workup. Few days after that my heart calmed down. The other problems are still there but not quite as bad and come at random times..nothing I can pinpoint. So I had a follow up with the doc the other day...he went over my blood work. and my thyroid function was in the normal range and so was my estradiol (sp?)..it was 99..is that normal? I don't know. i should look it up. My protein was a little high and so was my glucose. He said we should watch that..but never told me when to ha ve it checked again..So guess I have to call and ask in a month or two. During this visit the doc just looked at me at the end and said I have no answers for you. I don't know what is going on so if you want to pursue this I can refer you to a neurologist. So I go there in Feb. I guess it is a place to start.
My sis in law divorced my brother and that was final in Dec...so he is having a hard time..it was not his choice at all.

On a happy note my best friend who is 41 did invitro fertilization and is 4 1/2 months pregnant with twins...woo hoo. Since I never had children of my own..it is fun going through this with her..as these are her first. She actually asked me if I would want to be in the delivery room if her mom could not make it (her husband would be there also of course). I said well YES!! I would love to. I wonder though at her age if they will allow her to have them normally or by c section. I am so happy for her.

I am happy the deep freeze is over for now. Gosh it was so darn cold here for ..how many weeks? several.

Thats about it for me.
Heather

Forum Leader - Living Organ Donation
EC Illinois, USA
Kidney donor to dad 12/1/99
Rush-Presbyterian-St. Lukes, Chicago

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Heather
Forum Leader
Username: Heather

Post Number: 2732
Registered: 05-2003
Posted on Saturday, January 16, 2010 - 05:36 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

Got some more lab results today. They checked my sed rate and it was slightly elevated according to their chart but onine it is in the normal range. It was 18.

My rhuematoid factor was negative ..yeah...that was to check for rhuematoid arthritis. My ANA is not back yet. That is to check for Lupus. I expect that to come back negative also.
Heather

Forum Leader - Living Organ Donation
EC Illinois, USA
Kidney donor to dad 12/1/99
Rush-Presbyterian-St. Lukes, Chicago

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Hostess Rise'
Forum Leader
Username: Risa

Post Number: 12107
Registered: 05-2003
Posted on Saturday, January 16, 2010 - 07:21 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

Hi Heather

Thank you for writing in. Glad to hear about your best friend becoming pregnant and oh what an honor it will be for you to be there for her.

Your Father must be worried and I feel for you all. I hope you are taking good care of yourself.
Cystic Fibrosis- dx at 2yrs. -2nd double lung tx-05 JMH
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DAP1122
Forum Leader
Username: Dap1122

Post Number: 1375
Registered: 05-2008
Posted on Sunday, January 17, 2010 - 08:37 am:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

Heather,

I sure hope you start to feel better soon.

Congrats on the twins. My niece had twins in October and that made Christmas fun and interesting as we passed them around like little footballs.

If your dad has a choice on his surgery, I will say (with TOTAL bias) that Cleveland Clinic is the number heart center in the world for a reason ... THEY ARE EXCELLENT! (And, if he does go there let me know if you need anything)

DAP
New blog/web page - http://My2ndHeartBeat.wordpress.com
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Heart Tx - 5/11/2007
DAP
Ohio, USA

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CiscoKidney07
Forum Leader
Username: Gregg

Post Number: 3035
Registered: 03-2008
Posted on Sunday, January 17, 2010 - 09:30 am:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

Heather, I was beginning to worry about you. I know that you have been busy with your father, and now, evidently, other things. Yes, you're right, it has been bitter cold. It was like that for about three weeks here. Thought LadyDi was going to get frozen into an icicle. All we can say at this point is that we are praying for your father and that we will put in a good word for you, too. Take care.
There are not too many things in life worth working my butt off for, but my health is one of them
Heather
Forum Leader
Username: Heather

Post Number: 2733
Registered: 05-2003
Posted on Monday, January 18, 2010 - 07:47 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

Thanks, Rise, Don and Cisco. I got a call today from my doctor with the results of my ANA test. It is not good. They told me that the normal high end is a ratio of 1:80...mine was no where near that..NOWHERE. It was very high. SO now I have an appt. with a rhuematologist on Feb. 9. THe nurse said it was an indicator of an inflammatory process going on in my body..they just are not sure what. I guess that is what the Rhuem. (spelll?) will try to find out.

I have not been real busy with my dad..I just have not felt like talking or posting. I do read once in awhile but I don't feel like getting online much either.

Does it ever just rain..and not pour?


Dap...I will tell my dad your comment on CC. The docs seem confident they can do it in Indy but have never done it on someone immunosuppressed for 10 years..or with all his issues..including the kidney tx....they will make the right decision. One problem is my grandma who is 101, lives with them. They do not want to leave her in a nursing home..and I could help some..but I want to be there when my dad has the surgery. So they need to figure out who could stay with grandma or who she could stay with..easier for them to stay with her. I know it is a lot for them to think about ...now they have me to worry about.
Heather

Forum Leader - Living Organ Donation
EC Illinois, USA
Kidney donor to dad 12/1/99
Rush-Presbyterian-St. Lukes, Chicago

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LadyDi
Forum Leader
Username: Ladydi

Post Number: 2114
Registered: 03-2008
Posted on Thursday, January 21, 2010 - 12:17 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

Heather, I am glad to see you post. I was beginning to worry about you. What does ANA stand for? ARe they saying you might have rheumatoid arthritis or what? Do you think it might be related to your back problems? So sorry you have to start out the year this way both with yourself and your Dad. We'll be praying for you.
Please keep us informed as to what's happening with you both.
Kidney Donor to Husband 10/30/07
Forum Leader-Living Organ Donation
Barnes Jewish Hospital St. Louis, Mo

I walk slowly, but I never walk backward - Abraham Lincoln
Heather
Forum Leader
Username: Heather

Post Number: 2744
Registered: 05-2003
Posted on Thursday, January 21, 2010 - 07:23 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

Hi Diane. ANA stands for Antinuclear antibodies...it is a test they do to see if you have Lupus or RA or other inflammatory diseases. My dad has Lupus even though after tx he has had no symptoms..could be from the immunosuppressants. I don't think my back issues have anything to do with it but I could be wrong. My SED rate was elevated also which is another indicator of inflammation going on..that test came back and that is why the doc ordered the ANA...
Thanks for your prayers.
Heather

Forum Leader - Living Organ Donation
EC Illinois, USA
Kidney donor to dad 12/1/99
Rush-Presbyterian-St. Lukes, Chicago

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Hostess Rise'
Forum Leader
Username: Risa

Post Number: 12148
Registered: 05-2003
Posted on Friday, January 22, 2010 - 06:25 am:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

Hi Heather

I am sorry to hear this news. I sure hope this is only stress causing this within your system and once you destress you will be fine. Make sure you get another opinion if you have to take any treatments.

I will be thinking and Praying for you
xoxo
Cystic Fibrosis- dx at 2yrs. -2nd double lung tx-05 JMH
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Meagan
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Username: Newheart14

Post Number: 766
Registered: 01-2009
Posted on Friday, January 22, 2010 - 09:55 am:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

Hi Heather,

Sorry you have been under the weather and that your dad needs heart surgery. Best of luck to you with your appointment and everything.

Sending my prayers for you and your family.

Hugs, Meagan
First Combined Heart-Liver Transplant
Performed at Toronto General Hospital, Toronto, Canada
February 14, 2008
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Heather
Forum Leader
Username: Heather

Post Number: 2755
Registered: 05-2003
Posted on Monday, February 08, 2010 - 06:54 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

Well tomorrow we go to Champaign..about an hour drive to where I am going on the other side of the city...but with 3-6 inches of snow..um maybe longer???? ugh. I have to try..this is the appt. with the rhuematologist that was set up a month ago due to my high sed rate and high ANA titer. So I want to get it over with and not have to wait another month or two if I reschedule. I have to be there at 8 am..nice early ride. Will post what I find out..am assuming not much ..maybe more bloodwork or tests? I don't know.
Heather

Forum Leader - Living Organ Donation
EC Illinois, USA
Kidney donor to dad 12/1/99
Rush-Presbyterian-St. Lukes, Chicago

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LadyDi
Forum Leader
Username: Ladydi

Post Number: 2142
Registered: 03-2008
Posted on Monday, February 08, 2010 - 08:26 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

Good luck and drive carefully, Heather.
Kidney Donor to Husband 10/30/07
Forum Leader-Living Organ Donation
Barnes Jewish Hospital St. Louis, Mo

I walk slowly, but I never walk backward - Abraham Lincoln
Heather
Forum Leader
Username: Heather

Post Number: 2759
Registered: 05-2003
Posted on Tuesday, February 09, 2010 - 11:16 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

Well I really liked the new doctor I met today. He took everything I said seriously and wrote down almost everything I said. Asked MANY questions and did an exam...spent over an hour with me. Long story short...he does not think I have Lupus, RA, Fybromyalgia, polymycystitis? or ...darn can't think of the other one...but said with my ANA being as high as it was..very high in his opinion there is definitley something going on that needs to be found. So he sent me for an xray of my lumbar spine and to the lab..where they pulled out about 12 test tubes..even the lady drawing it commented on how many he ordered. ..so nice to know he does not suspect Lupus or RA....and that all the labs were ordered to get a better look at things. he did order a magnesium level as he said if you are low on that it can do all kinds of weird things to your body..and 2 years ago mine was low..I guess. I go to another specialist on Thurs. and the 2 know each other I believe..he was pleased I was going to see this one..so that is good. It was nice to go to a doctor who listened and took me seriously..
Will possibly know some lab results this week but probably next week.


Thanks, Di. The roads were not great this morning..better when we went home..but they were driveable. You drive safe also..I am tired of the snow..for sure.
Heather

Forum Leader - Living Organ Donation
EC Illinois, USA
Kidney donor to dad 12/1/99
Rush-Presbyterian-St. Lukes, Chicago

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Karen R.
Forum Leader
Username: Relivkaren

Post Number: 4065
Registered: 07-2007
Posted on Wednesday, February 10, 2010 - 08:02 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

Heather:

I am sorry that I have not kept up with all your health issues. I just read your blog and I am sorry that you are still having a lot of trouble.

I am a walking autoimmune nightmare. I have Crohn's disease, Sjogren's syndrome, Grave's disease, and Interstitial cystitis along with the lung disease that I no longer have - Praise God!! I know all about high ANA and sed rate. Did they do a C-reactive protein. That's a better indication of inflammation than sed rate now. 12 vials of blood will surely give them some idea of what's going on. I am glad to hear that you liked your doctor and he does not suspect some of the more intense autoimmune diseases. I agree that you definitely need to find out what's going on. The sooner you catch these inflammatory autoimmune diseases and get treatment the less likely they are to cause permanent damage.

I am sorry that you had to trudge through all that snowy, slippery weather. I am glad that you made it to and from safely. Thank God for those Angel bumpers!!!

Please keep us up to date on your test results.

God Bless!
Karen
Dx: BOOP - May 2006. Rediagnosed with Bronchiolitis Obliterans Nov. 2006
Double lung transplant on Dec. 1st, 2009
Cleveland Clinic

Ohio, USA

Be kinder than necessary because everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle.
Heather
Forum Leader
Username: Heather

Post Number: 2761
Registered: 05-2003
Posted on Wednesday, February 10, 2010 - 11:49 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

Thanks, Karen. I had no idea you had all that going on!! So what exactly is Sjogrens? I don't think it is what is going on with me but who knows. About the C reactive protein...it most likely is one of the many blood tests they are doing...yeah..the 12 vials was kinda intimidating...good thing I don't freak out at needles. I usually watch them draw it.

On another note..depending on what my dad decides on HIS surgery.. one day soon I may be in the Cleveland area..the clinic to be exact..haha.

I am so happy you are doing all the things you could not do before..and things most of us take for granted!!

My ex sis in law had interstitial cystitis and ended up having a hysterectomy because her pain was so bad. Hope yours is not like that.
Heather

Forum Leader - Living Organ Donation
EC Illinois, USA
Kidney donor to dad 12/1/99
Rush-Presbyterian-St. Lukes, Chicago

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LadyDi
Forum Leader
Username: Ladydi

Post Number: 2148
Registered: 03-2008
Posted on Thursday, February 11, 2010 - 07:56 am:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

Glad to hear that you don't have the "biggies' of lupus or RA - whew! Hope they find out it is something minor that can be easily corrected.

I thought of you on Tuesday, as I had go out in this stuff also to go to Decatur for work - one lane all the way and about 45 miles an hour. I wasn't driving, but that imaginary brake of mine on the passenger side of the car sure got a work out that day!
Kidney Donor to Husband 10/30/07
Forum Leader-Living Organ Donation
Barnes Jewish Hospital St. Louis, Mo

I walk slowly, but I never walk backward - Abraham Lincoln
Heather
Forum Leader
Username: Heather

Post Number: 2762
Registered: 05-2003
Posted on Friday, February 12, 2010 - 10:13 am:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

I was wrong about my appt. with the neurologist. It was not yesterday..it is today in a couple hours. Snow flurries forcast..haha.

I am hoping he is right I have none of the BIGGIES..wonder what my blood work had to say? No looking forward to yet another new Dr. I just hate going through all my history of junk and trying to tell them how something feels..when it is hard to do so... I am glad they xrayed my back again. I don't trust the places in our city as far as medical stuff. The hospital..no way. Maybe someone can read an xray better?

Anyhoo. I still have the strange burning going on and the feeling of being warmer on one side than the other..but yet the whole face is warrm..not just one side. And at times both thighs..just plain weird. My house is not warm by any means..but I had to put on a tank top and take my covers off last night for a few hours. The comforter just traps the heat or something and makes it worse.
Ramble ramble..gotta go .
Heather

Forum Leader - Living Organ Donation
EC Illinois, USA
Kidney donor to dad 12/1/99
Rush-Presbyterian-St. Lukes, Chicago

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nana
Member
Username: Nana

Post Number: 12
Registered: 12-2008
Posted on Friday, February 12, 2010 - 11:50 am:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

Hi Heather,
my prayers are with you and know that you are not alone. When I struggled through my sickness on dailysis before I received the Gift of LIfe, there were no support groups and I did not have any family support so one thing that I see you have is SUPPORT and with that in mind, whatever the situation it may be and we are all praying for good health, keep your head up and cherish This Day.
Lisa, known as nana
To my donor, may God bless your soul
Hostess Rise'
Forum Leader
Username: Risa

Post Number: 12313
Registered: 05-2003
Posted on Friday, February 12, 2010 - 12:02 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

Hi Heather

I have been thinking about you. Glad to hear nothing serious is happening. Are you able to stretch at all without discomfort?

Write back and update soon.

I saw a picture with your hair long. WOW you have gorgeous hair.
Cystic Fibrosis- dx at 2yrs. -2nd double lung tx-05 JMH

If you have any questions about this website contact Transplantbuddies@gmail.com

Our sister site
http://transplantfriends.net
FaceBook
http://txbuddies.com

Heather
Forum Leader
Username: Heather

Post Number: 2763
Registered: 05-2003
Posted on Friday, February 12, 2010 - 05:36 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

Thank you Nana. I know I have friends here.


Risa..that pic on Facebook is when I was a Jr. in high school. I did have a head of hair, didn't I? Lately it is not so thick for some reason..another thing happening to me.

So update. Went to my appt. with the neurologist. It was not too encouraging..as he was not sure what was going on either. He looked back..YEARS at my blood work..and saw some things that should have been repeated and so he ordered MORE bloodwork which I must wait til Mon. to do because the LDL one has to be fasting I think. He also ordered an MRI of my back (YEAH) and an MRI of my brain and an MRA..of what I am not sure if that is my whole body or just my brain also. And some test where I put a thing on my finger when I go to bed and take it off when I get up..to measure the oxygen when I sleep I think. I never feel rested when I get up..but I don't think I have sleep apnea..but then I guess you don't know if you do? He mentioned some things that he would be looking for..and wanted my MRI's from the past brought to his office in 6 weeks when I go back..
He was not at all worried about my SED rate..he said it was fine. But the ANA is high..and he also saw 2 years ago my LDL was high..I was never informed of that. I eat much better now..so hopefully that will come back ok. My iron level was slightly low..some labs taken on Tues were not back yet. SO that is basically my day. This doc actually had a little black bag..like they used to carry..quite worn.

Other than the burning I am doing ok. It is not all the time and just random.

I did go to the dentist and have him look at the place in my mouth that the other doc wanted checked. He said it wa nothing to worry about.
Heather

Forum Leader - Living Organ Donation
EC Illinois, USA
Kidney donor to dad 12/1/99
Rush-Presbyterian-St. Lukes, Chicago

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Meagan
Forum Leader
Username: Newheart14

Post Number: 846
Registered: 01-2009
Posted on Saturday, February 13, 2010 - 09:39 am:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

Hi Heather,

I hope the neurologist can find some answers for you.

All the best,
Meagan
First Combined Heart-Liver Transplant
Performed at Toronto General Hospital, Toronto, Canada
February 14, 2008
Diagnosed with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy 1991

"Most of the immportant things in the world have been accomplished by people who have kept trying when there seemed to be no hope at all" - Dale Carnegie
Heather
Forum Leader
Username: Heather

Post Number: 2765
Registered: 05-2003
Posted on Saturday, February 13, 2010 - 03:02 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

Me, too, Meagan. Thank you. I hope the dye from the MRI (if they are using it) is the kind that does not burn..last one I had with dye about did me in...and with the burning stuff going on..don't know how much of that I could take.
Heather

Forum Leader - Living Organ Donation
EC Illinois, USA
Kidney donor to dad 12/1/99
Rush-Presbyterian-St. Lukes, Chicago

DONATE LIFE
Heather
Forum Leader
Username: Heather

Post Number: 2770
Registered: 05-2003
Posted on Monday, February 15, 2010 - 11:03 am:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

Well just got back from my labwork. I had to fast for some of them. The lady said..didn't I just draw a bunch of labs on you a few weeks ago? I said..yes and since then, I was in Champaign last Tues and they drew 12 vials then...she looked at me and said well, we are drawing more than that today...she put like 16 vials down on the table. Again..good thing I don't mind getting it taken,..but seriously..I think I may need a transfusion if they keep this up. She said you better go eat breakfast after this..so I did. Now I have to go sometime this week to get some sort of Oximetery thing.
Heather

Forum Leader - Living Organ Donation
EC Illinois, USA
Kidney donor to dad 12/1/99
Rush-Presbyterian-St. Lukes, Chicago

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Karen R.
Forum Leader
Username: Relivkaren

Post Number: 4084
Registered: 07-2007
Posted on Tuesday, February 16, 2010 - 01:43 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

Heather:

Sorry it's taken me so long to get back to you. I had a busy weekend and now I have Sammy home from school for the last two days due to snow. I am sure tired of all this snow!!

Goodness! You have been through a lot of test or going to go through a lot of tests. I sure hope they can find out what's going on. You do have some really weird symptoms. I do know that autoimmune diseases are really hard to diagnose sometimes because symptoms can be really whacky.

To answer your question - Sjogren's is dry eyes, dry mouth, joint pain. It attacks the mucus membranes in your body. It makes everything dry. My main symptoms are dry eyes, dry mouth, loss of enamel on teeth. Many people have trouble with cavities and severe joint pain. It's a weird disease. It can primary or secondary to lupus or rheumatoid arthritis.

I am sure you have had your thyroid checked, but some of your symptoms sound thyroid related or parathyroid related. Just a guess. I am sure in all that blood work they checked your thyroid and parathyroid.

I am keeping you in my prayers. There is nothing more frustrating than not being able to get a diagnosis. I hope you feel better soon!

God Bless!
Karen
Dx: BOOP - May 2006. Rediagnosed with Bronchiolitis Obliterans Nov. 2006
Double lung transplant on Dec. 1st, 2009
Cleveland Clinic

Ohio, USA

Be kinder than necessary because everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle.
Hostess Rise'
Forum Leader
Username: Risa

Post Number: 12334
Registered: 05-2003
Posted on Tuesday, February 16, 2010 - 02:20 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

Hi Heather

Thinking of you dear. Please keep us updated.
Cystic Fibrosis- dx at 2yrs. -2nd double lung tx-05 JMH

If you have any questions about this website contact Transplantbuddies@gmail.com

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http://transplantfriends.net
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Heather
Forum Leader
Username: Heather

Post Number: 2771
Registered: 05-2003
Posted on Tuesday, February 16, 2010 - 04:30 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

Karen my primary doc did check my thyroid and siad it was ok..that was my first thought and I asked to have it checked...that and my hormones. Just basic blood work on those..I think. I will let you all know when I hear anything. I think they did a Lupus panel and RA factor last week but the Lupus panel ..needed redone..not enough blood or something. I have no idea what all they checked. When I have it done here in town at my docs office I usually get results in the mail...so I should get those next week I would think...or later this week some of them.
Not looking forward to the MRI's and MRA. I need to call about the contrast dye....just remind the doc of only 1 kidney..at the risk of insulting him.



Thanks, Rise. I appreciate that.
Heather

Forum Leader - Living Organ Donation
EC Illinois, USA
Kidney donor to dad 12/1/99
Rush-Presbyterian-St. Lukes, Chicago

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LadyDi
Forum Leader
Username: Ladydi

Post Number: 2156
Registered: 03-2008
Posted on Tuesday, February 16, 2010 - 08:39 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

Just dropping in to check on you Heather. I was thinking about you and hoping you found out something concrete about what is going on. The waiting must be frustrating for you.
Kidney Donor to Husband 10/30/07
Forum Leader-Living Organ Donation
Barnes Jewish Hospital St. Louis, Mo
My donation story:
http://www.transplantbuddies.org/tbx/messages/28633/34433.html?1256168874

I walk slowly, but I never walk backward - Abraham Lincoln
Heather
Forum Leader
Username: Heather

Post Number: 2772
Registered: 05-2003
Posted on Tuesday, February 16, 2010 - 11:59 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

Diane..really right now I am just going with the flow...nothing I can do to speed it up. Trying not to worry...I think about it but don't dwell on it. Try to stay as busy as my back will allow..that helps. Danny is headed your way in the morning. He has union classes he has to go to. ...wish he wasn't..cause he sure could stay home and FIX THE NEW SINK HE PUT IN AND IT LEAKS FROM BOTH DRAINS AND THE SPRAYER...in other words...a sink I cannot use. (kitchen that is.) grrrrrrr.
Heather

Forum Leader - Living Organ Donation
EC Illinois, USA
Kidney donor to dad 12/1/99
Rush-Presbyterian-St. Lukes, Chicago

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Heather
Forum Leader
Username: Heather

Post Number: 2777
Registered: 05-2003
Posted on Thursday, February 18, 2010 - 04:57 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

ok so now we have a new FAUCET and new SINK...one side still leaks..but not telling him now since he is home sick with the flu..it can wait..I hae a bucket under the sink......
Heather

Forum Leader - Living Organ Donation
EC Illinois, USA
Kidney donor to dad 12/1/99
Rush-Presbyterian-St. Lukes, Chicago

DONATE LIFE
Hostess Rise'
Forum Leader
Username: Risa

Post Number: 12370
Registered: 05-2003
Posted on Thursday, February 18, 2010 - 05:11 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

Sorry to hear this frustrating news Heather.
Cystic Fibrosis- dx at 2yrs. -2nd double lung tx-05 JMH

If you have any questions about this website contact Transplantbuddies@gmail.com

Our sister site
http://transplantfriends.net
FaceBook
http://txbuddies.com

Heather
Forum Leader
Username: Heather

Post Number: 2778
Registered: 05-2003
Posted on Thursday, February 18, 2010 - 07:13 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

the worst of the sink fiasco is over..I like the sink and the faucet..

The MRI without contrast is my spine. The MRI and MRA with is of my brain and carotids. Should be tons of fun. Hope the pills knock me out...
Heather

Forum Leader - Living Organ Donation
EC Illinois, USA
Kidney donor to dad 12/1/99
Rush-Presbyterian-St. Lukes, Chicago

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Heather
Forum Leader
Username: Heather

Post Number: 2779
Registered: 05-2003
Posted on Friday, February 19, 2010 - 07:49 am:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

Well in a few hours I will be waiting to go in for my tests. I am just not at all looking forward to lying still on my back for 1.25 hours..hope they have pillows for under my knees or there will be a problem....I can't lie flat like that for very long. Not sure how long it will be for the doc to get back to me about these tests. I am supposed to get my old MRI's from my local hospital and take them over there to the doc I saw last week..will have to do that next week.

WOW supposed to get up to 38 today. Heat wave, indeed!!..and SUNSHINE??? WOW...then more snow this weekend. ugh.
Heather

Forum Leader - Living Organ Donation
EC Illinois, USA
Kidney donor to dad 12/1/99
Rush-Presbyterian-St. Lukes, Chicago

DONATE LIFE
DAP1122
Forum Leader
Username: Dap1122

Post Number: 1473
Registered: 05-2008
Posted on Friday, February 19, 2010 - 08:24 am:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

Heather,

I will say an extra prayer for you today and keep you in my thoughts.

God Bless!
New blog/web page - http://My2ndHeartBeat.wordpress.com
DAP1122@Gmail.com
Heart Tx - 5/11/2007
DAP
Ohio, USA

Link to the Transplant Buddies Calendar - http://www.my.calendars.net/2ndHeartBeat
Heather
Forum Leader
Username: Heather

Post Number: 2780
Registered: 05-2003
Posted on Friday, February 19, 2010 - 08:57 am:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

Thank you, Don.
Heather

Forum Leader - Living Organ Donation
EC Illinois, USA
Kidney donor to dad 12/1/99
Rush-Presbyterian-St. Lukes, Chicago

DONATE LIFE
Meagan
Forum Leader
Username: Newheart14

Post Number: 860
Registered: 01-2009
Posted on Friday, February 19, 2010 - 09:33 am:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

Good luck Heather. I hear you about lying flat on your back for a long period. Hope you get good results.
First Combined Heart-Liver Transplant
Performed at Toronto General Hospital, Toronto, Canada
February 14, 2008
Diagnosed with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy 1991

"Most of the immportant things in the world have been accomplished by people who have kept trying when there seemed to be no hope at all" - Dale Carnegie
Heather
Forum Leader
Username: Heather

Post Number: 2781
Registered: 05-2003
Posted on Friday, February 19, 2010 - 04:00 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

Well I survived. The back was not bad..they put a bolster under my knees for me. But when they did the head..and put me in that helmet thing..that was very uncomfortable on my neck all the way down my back. needed a pillow but that was not an option. It is over. I will give them a week to call me. Then I will bug them.
Heather

Forum Leader - Living Organ Donation
EC Illinois, USA
Kidney donor to dad 12/1/99
Rush-Presbyterian-St. Lukes, Chicago

DONATE LIFE
LadyDi
Forum Leader
Username: Ladydi

Post Number: 2168
Registered: 03-2008
Posted on Saturday, February 20, 2010 - 05:44 am:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

Glad to hear that is over and done with for you. Hope they get you your results soon.
Are you preparing for our weekly Central Illinois snow? I am really getting tired of it snowing every weekend! Spring better be here soon!
Kidney Donor to Husband 10/30/07
Forum Leader-Living Organ Donation
Barnes Jewish Hospital St. Louis, Mo
My donation story:
http://www.transplantbuddies.org/tbx/messages/28633/34433.html?1256168874

I walk slowly, but I never walk backward - Abraham Lincoln
Heather
Forum Leader
Username: Heather

Post Number: 2782
Registered: 05-2003
Posted on Saturday, February 20, 2010 - 12:55 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

I have heard all kinds of different forcasts. THe post office actually called Danny in early for MONDAY..to snow blow..the maintenance guy is off for a while...so we must be getting more...ugh. I heard 7-10 last time..what is yours?
Heather

Forum Leader - Living Organ Donation
EC Illinois, USA
Kidney donor to dad 12/1/99
Rush-Presbyterian-St. Lukes, Chicago

DONATE LIFE
Heather
Forum Leader
Username: Heather

Post Number: 2784
Registered: 05-2003
Posted on Monday, February 22, 2010 - 09:04 am:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

Well Diane..nothing here in the way of winter storms. More like a spring rains...no sunshine but plenty of rain. It is melting the snow we do have so that if we do get that one last biggie..there won't be so much on the ground.

I had the flu Sat. and Sun. Feeling much better today. Very thankful I did not get it like so many are..for weeks. 2 days is plenty for that stuff..

This week is calling my docs I have had appts. with and bloodwork from..and getting results. no one has called me on any of the labs I have had done. Also have to go pick up an overnight Oximetery and do that tonight. Pick up my old MRI's from this hosp. take them over to Champaign to those docs, and go to the dentist also..always fun..but thankfully this time it is just to repair a few fillings.

One more week and it is March...woo hoo..spring is on it's way.
Heather

Forum Leader - Living Organ Donation
EC Illinois, USA
Kidney donor to dad 12/1/99
Rush-Presbyterian-St. Lukes, Chicago

DONATE LIFE
Heather
Forum Leader
Username: Heather

Post Number: 2786
Registered: 05-2003
Posted on Monday, February 22, 2010 - 06:51 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

Well I called the rhuematologist ( do I EVER spell that right? I don't know) and from the labs that are back..everything seems fine except a very slight elevation in my cardiolipin antibody..the IgG. the IgM is normal. My iron is a little low..well duh..lower now after taking another 16 vials..
Uric acid was ok
cbc normal
magnesium normal
D normal
muscle enzymes normal
HLA B27 (ankylosis spondilitis sp?)..not detected
no diabetic issues
rhuem. factor-6 normal
Lupus panel normal

Neurologist

ordered repeats of R factor and lupus panel those are pending as well as many others.

What I got from his nurse was my cholesterol is high at 220. hmm..his recommendation..diet, exercise and lose weight. The last is not gonna happen. I am as low as I want to go. Exercise I will try to do more of..and diet..hmm I have been eating healthy for a year now..with the exception of this past month..I have gone on a few sugar ( cookies and creme horn) binges..and eaten things I don't normally eat but for the most part I eat very healthy. So I guess I will TRY to force oatmeal down my throat for a while and see if that helps. I have never liked it the 2 times I tried it..hate the slimey texture of it. I do not eat much fruit at all so I will start doing that as well.

None of this answers what is going on though. sigh. story of my life. Perhaps some of the pending tests will have something to say. I must say I am happy about the R factor and Lupus test..don't like they were redone though..guess he wants to be sure?
Heather

Forum Leader - Living Organ Donation
EC Illinois, USA
Kidney donor to dad 12/1/99
Rush-Presbyterian-St. Lukes, Chicago

DONATE LIFE
LadyDi
Forum Leader
Username: Ladydi

Post Number: 2173
Registered: 03-2008
Posted on Monday, February 22, 2010 - 07:18 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

No snow here, Heather - not even a flurry. It was all rain. I think I helped - I left the snow shovel and broom out on the front porch so they would be handy. If I had taken them back to the garage I know we would have had a foot of snow!
Boy have you had a tough time! All of these tests and being sick over the weekend too!
I am glad to see there is nothing seriously wrong. When do you find out about the MRI?
Kidney Donor to Husband 10/30/07
Forum Leader-Living Organ Donation
Barnes Jewish Hospital St. Louis, Mo
My donation story:
http://www.transplantbuddies.org/tbx/messages/28633/34433.html?1256168874

I walk slowly, but I never walk backward - Abraham Lincoln
Heather
Forum Leader
Username: Heather

Post Number: 2799
Registered: 05-2003
Posted on Tuesday, March 02, 2010 - 09:07 am:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

Well I am getting pretty annoyed at the 2 specialists I have seen. I saw one on 2-9 and one on 2-12. Neither has called me about lab results or test results. I had to call them beginning of last week..I think..and got SOME results from the nurse but not near all. I don't feel I should have to call. The local doc here who is affiliated with the health care system the others are...always at least send the results in the mail and if something is out of range they call. I am assuming if something was terribly wrong they would have called.....will call again this week I suppose.

Today is again dreary, chilly with no sunshine. I am so ready for spring.
Heather

Forum Leader - Living Organ Donation
EC Illinois, USA
Kidney donor to dad 12/1/99
Rush-Presbyterian-St. Lukes, Chicago

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Karen R.
Forum Leader
Username: Relivkaren

Post Number: 4164
Registered: 07-2007
Posted on Sunday, March 07, 2010 - 07:55 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

Heather:

I am sorry that you are frustrated. I know just how you feel. I have had trouble lately getting results and copies of tests from doctors. Shoot - I have had trouble just getting in to see doctors. I just keep calling. I know the front desk people must think I am looney (or something like that), but I just keep calling until I get my answers. Like the saying goes, "the squeeky wheel gets the grease." It eventually works. I either get a phone call or something in the mail.

Let us know when you get more test results.

God Bless!
Karen
Dx: BOOP - May 2006. Rediagnosed with Bronchiolitis Obliterans Nov. 2006
Double lung transplant on Dec. 1st, 2009
Cleveland Clinic

Ohio, USA

Be kinder than necessary because everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle.
Heather
Forum Leader
Username: Heather

Post Number: 2804
Registered: 05-2003
Posted on Monday, March 08, 2010 - 12:11 am:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

I actually got some lab results in the mail the other day..the ones I requested even though the doctor did not have them all back yet. All that was written on it was what they told me over the phone..that my cholesterol was high and I should see my regular doc, watch my diet, exercise, lose weight..not gonna happen...the weight thing. Also on there was that I should see him about being put on a Statin drug. So now yet another trip to the doctor.

There were some other labs on that paper that were abnormal or out of range..but he did not comment on them on the paper...they are ones I am not sure what they are.. so that has me wondering.
Still nothing on the MRI's and MRA...so help me if there is something terribly wrong and no one is contacting me...I will be very upset.
Heather

Forum Leader - Living Organ Donation
EC Illinois, USA
Kidney donor to dad 12/1/99
Rush-Presbyterian-St. Lukes, Chicago

DONATE LIFE
Heather
Forum Leader
Username: Heather

Post Number: 2806
Registered: 05-2003
Posted on Tuesday, March 09, 2010 - 04:40 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

Well got a call from the lab where I got my blood drawn a few weeks ago. Seems there is something interfering with the Lupus panel they have now done twice on me. It comes back unable to obtain due to an interfering substance. I asked..was this weird or is it common? She said it is weird. Only you and one other lady are having problems. SO I guess I have to go back again this week sometime and have it drawn again and this time they are doing what they call an EIA. I am having an anit SM, anti RNT, anti SSA and anti SSB done. Why can't anything be easy or straightforward with me?????? I never seem to fit any profiles or symptoms of specific things...sigh.
Heather

Forum Leader - Living Organ Donation
EC Illinois, USA
Kidney donor to dad 12/1/99
Rush-Presbyterian-St. Lukes, Chicago

DONATE LIFE
Heather
Forum Leader
Username: Heather

Post Number: 2807
Registered: 05-2003
Posted on Wednesday, March 10, 2010 - 01:41 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

Got back from having my blood drawn..only 4 vials..woo hoo. I asked what was up with my Lupus panel and she said it was hard to explain and she had a hard time understanding it when the pathologist was telling her. But simply put..the Lupus panel, done the normal way..cannot be done on my blood. So they are doing the same tests just using a different method and they will be sent to a specialty lab to be done.

On a more upbeat note..it is mid 60's here already and the sun is poking through the clouds now and then. Mostly cloudy but some sun. I am soooo ready for this weather to stick around. I have crocus up. Pretty yellow. My tulip leaves and daff leaves are coming up also. Am not taking the leaves off my beds til I know the cold is over...so dont know what is popping up in those.
Heather

Forum Leader - Living Organ Donation
EC Illinois, USA
Kidney donor to dad 12/1/99
Rush-Presbyterian-St. Lukes, Chicago

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CiscoKidney07
Forum Leader
Username: Gregg

Post Number: 3248
Registered: 03-2008
Posted on Wednesday, March 10, 2010 - 02:37 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

Just thought I might post to your blog. I get a visitor now and then, but not often. We have some purple crocuses and some snowdrops up which have been up for almost a week. I hope they get things figured out, Heather and that you have some good news regarding your health. hang in there!
There are not too many things in life worth working my butt off for, but my health is one of them
Heather
Forum Leader
Username: Heather

Post Number: 2808
Registered: 05-2003
Posted on Wednesday, March 10, 2010 - 06:11 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

Thanks, Gregg. I do read your blog ..not every day..but I do..I just don't post much.
It is so gorgeous out today. I hate to see the rain they say is coming...better than snow.
Heather

Forum Leader - Living Organ Donation
EC Illinois, USA
Kidney donor to dad 12/1/99
Rush-Presbyterian-St. Lukes, Chicago

DONATE LIFE
Heather
Forum Leader
Username: Heather

Post Number: 2834
Registered: 05-2003
Posted on Saturday, April 03, 2010 - 11:29 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

I will be posting a more detailed update for those reading this..but suffice it to say..I went to the neurologist again and went over all my tests and labs..and I am headed back to the rheumatologist and possibly to Indianapolis...there were some things off..but most of the biggies came back neg..lupus, sjogrens, MS, and a few others.

I am tired and will post more tomorrow.
Heather

Forum Leader - Living Organ Donation
EC Illinois, USA
Kidney donor to dad 12/1/99
Rush-Presbyterian-St. Lukes, Chicago

DONATE LIFE
LadyDi
Forum Leader
Username: Ladydi

Post Number: 2221
Registered: 03-2008
Posted on Sunday, April 04, 2010 - 08:19 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

I was wondering how you were doing Heather. Sure is taking them a long time to figure out what is going on!
Kidney Donor to Husband 10/30/07
Forum Leader-Living Organ Donation
Barnes Jewish Hospital St. Louis, Mo
My donation story:
http://www.transplantbuddies.org/tbx/messages/28633/34433.html?1256168874

I walk slowly, but I never walk backward - Abraham Lincoln
Heather
Forum Leader
Username: Heather

Post Number: 2835
Registered: 05-2003
Posted on Monday, April 05, 2010 - 05:01 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

Ok so here I go. Went back to the neurologist last Fri. He said both my brain MRA, MRI and my MRI of my lumbar spine were fine. Glad about the brain part and the arteries..but why the heck does my back hurt 24/7? Ok so...then on to the labs. Many were drawn..for sure.
smooth muscle antibody
sjogren's anti SSA, SSB
Anti DNA (ds) AB
RNP antibody
Methylmalonic Acid, S
HGB A1C
Basic metabolic panel
Lipid profile...cholesterol 220..flagged
Anti CCP
RBC Folate
Vitamin B 12
Ferritin, Serum
Cardiolipin AB (IGG)-elevated
Cardiolipin AB (IGM)
total protein
albumin
alpha-1 Globulin
Alpha-2 Globulin
Beta Globulin
Gamma Globulin
Abnormal protein
B2 Glycoprotein IGG AB
B2 glycoprotein IGM AB-elevated (equivical)
B2 Glycoprotein IGA AB
Histone
Rheumatoid factor

so that is the labs done. The first 4 were checking for Lupus..they drew for a Lupus panel twice and for some reason my blood would not allow the test to be done..so they had to do the testing in a different method at a specialty lab.

He is very concerned about my cholesterol and told me to take baby aspirin every day and go on a statin drug. He is also kinda baffled by the results so I am going back to the rheumatologist sometime and most likely to Indianapolis for a second opinion. I am going to my gynecologist also to see if there are more labs that can be drawn to see if my hormones are whacked out ..my general phys. did a few normal tests but maybe there are some more that can be done.

and so I wait............................
Heather

Forum Leader - Living Organ Donation
EC Illinois, USA
Kidney donor to dad 12/1/99
Rush-Presbyterian-St. Lukes, Chicago

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Karen R.
Forum Leader
Username: Relivkaren

Post Number: 4298
Registered: 07-2007
Posted on Monday, April 05, 2010 - 10:25 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

Heather:

I have been thinking of you and wondering if you have found any answers to your medical mystery. I now know that you are still waiting. That has to be so frustrating. I am sorry that you are going through all of this. It sounds like they have run every test imaginable. I think they might have taken all of your blood. Goodness that's a lot blood tests. You would think they could figure it out. Maybe you need "House" to figure it out - hee! hee! Oh - I know - you could go on Mystery Diagnosis. You know I am just kidding. I am just trying to make you smile a bit. :-)

I hope you find out something soon. I am still praying!!

God Bless!
Karen
Dx: BOOP - May 2006. Rediagnosed with Bronchiolitis Obliterans Nov. 2006
Double lung transplant on Dec. 1st, 2009
Cleveland Clinic

Ohio, USA

Be kinder than necessary because everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle.
Heather
Forum Leader
Username: Heather

Post Number: 2836
Registered: 05-2003
Posted on Monday, April 05, 2010 - 10:56 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

Karen..do you really think I have not thought that already???? Especially when I watch House..think...gosh maybe I need him..although I don't know if I could handle his bedside manner or lack thereof...haha. It is frustrating..but nothing compared to what all the people who are waiting for or have had..transplants must go through. I am always the weirdo that has the symptoms that never quite fit into any category.

Thanks for your continued prayers. They are appreciated.

On another note. My dad is supposed to have his heart surgery on Apr. 20. However..today he told me he may have to postpone it because of some drug he is on..and getting a tooth pulled. He was told he had to get anything with his teeth taken care of before they would do surgery..cleaning, xrays, exam..and they said he needed one pulled..and I am confused whether the oral surgeon wants to or does not want to pull it and what role Fosomax plays in it all. Someone said he would have to wait 2 months because he was taking that? Anyone know what that is all about?
Heather

Forum Leader - Living Organ Donation
EC Illinois, USA
Kidney donor to dad 12/1/99
Rush-Presbyterian-St. Lukes, Chicago

DONATE LIFE
Karen R.
Forum Leader
Username: Relivkaren

Post Number: 4300
Registered: 07-2007
Posted on Tuesday, April 06, 2010 - 09:49 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

Heather:

I am confused to about the Fosamax. I was on Fosamax when I had my transplant. They didn't say anything about stopping it. Maybe there are some other drugs that interact with Fosamax and that is why they want him off of it. I would definitely ask.

Yeah - House has no beside manner at all, but at least he figures out the real tough ones. LOL!!! I know someone will figures out what's going on eventually. Just keep going until you have some answers even though it's a total pain in the you know what to keep going to different doctors. It's better to know than to constantly be thinking about it.

God Bless!
Karen
Dx: BOOP - May 2006. Rediagnosed with Bronchiolitis Obliterans Nov. 2006
Double lung transplant on Dec. 1st, 2009
Cleveland Clinic

Ohio, USA

Be kinder than necessary because everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle.
Heather
Forum Leader
Username: Heather

Post Number: 2838
Registered: 05-2003
Posted on Tuesday, April 06, 2010 - 11:13 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

I am still not sure how the Fossomax plays in..but he had the tooth pulled today and will go back to the oral surgeon next week to see if he is cleared to have his heart surgery. THey are worried about him getting an infection in the heart when they open it up to put the valve in. so as far as we know..if there is no infection present..the surgery is still a go.


Going from doc to doc is a pain. I called for another appt. with the rheum. today and I cannot get in til June. So I may just have the neurologist call Indy and get me in there. Unless he can get me in sooner to the one at thier own clinic.
Heather

Forum Leader - Living Organ Donation
EC Illinois, USA
Kidney donor to dad 12/1/99
Rush-Presbyterian-St. Lukes, Chicago

DONATE LIFE
Heather
Forum Leader
Username: Heather

Post Number: 2845
Registered: 05-2003
Posted on Monday, April 12, 2010 - 10:09 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

In the meantime....my bestest friend who is 41 and was pregnant with her first babies..(twins..boy and girl) lost her little twin boy this past week. It is so sad. She is handling it well and knows she must stay strong and stress free for her little baby girl. She is in Preeclampsia and is still in the hosp on bedrest right now. I have been up hanging out with her there. Before going to the hosp. she was on bedrest at home..but that is not really bedrest, ya know. I helped her out the most I could because 2 weeks before her bedrest started at home..her husband pulled something and could not hardly walk or get out of a chair..nice pair. So anyway..she is in the hosp. in Champaign and we are all praying that the baby waits til very close to her due date which is not til June 21.

Don't think I am going to do much gardening this year. My back just won't allow it. not sure how the sun is going to affect my other problems either.

Dad's heart surgery keeps creeping closer. The closer it gets the more nervous I am getting. Praying that all goes well.
Heather

Forum Leader - Living Organ Donation
EC Illinois, USA
Kidney donor to dad 12/1/99
Rush-Presbyterian-St. Lukes, Chicago

DONATE LIFE
Diane
Forum Leader
Username: Mary_diane

Post Number: 501
Registered: 02-2009
Posted on Tuesday, April 13, 2010 - 01:16 am:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

Heather,

You sure have been going through a difficult time lately. It is hard to have something going wrong and to have no idea what you are dealing with, not to mention dealing with the pain and fatigue.

I hope you will have some answers soon, and better yet some resolution. Also that your Dad's heart surgery can move ahead safely soon.

Take good care
Diane
Liver Transplant Nov 20, 2008
Vancouver General, BC

“Sometimes our light goes out but is blown again into flame by an encounter with another human being. Each of us owes the deepest thanks to those who have rekindled this inner light.”

Albert Schweitzer
Karen R.
Forum Leader
Username: Relivkaren

Post Number: 4347
Registered: 07-2007
Posted on Tuesday, April 13, 2010 - 07:38 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

Heather:

I am so sorry to hear about your friend losing one of her twins. That has to be so hard. She is blessed to have a friend like you that is helping her out.

I will be lifting your Dad up in prayer as his surgery gets closer.

God Bless!
Karen
Dx: BOOP - May 2006. Rediagnosed with Bronchiolitis Obliterans Nov. 2006
Double lung transplant on Dec. 1st, 2009
Cleveland Clinic

Ohio, USA

Be kinder than necessary because everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle.
Heather
Forum Leader
Username: Heather

Post Number: 2942
Registered: 05-2003
Posted on Friday, June 04, 2010 - 08:06 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post



Heather

Forum Leader - Living Organ Donation
EC Illinois, USA
Kidney donor to dad 12/1/99
Rush-Presbyterian-St. Lukes, Chicago

DONATE LIFE
Hostess Rise'
Board Administrator
Username: Rise

Post Number: 13339
Registered: 05-2003
Posted on Friday, June 04, 2010 - 08:20 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

Hi Heather

Love your pictures!

I am very sorry to hear about your friends baby. How sad. Glad to hear she is handling this well especially at this time.

Keep us posted on your Dad. Stay healthy and well
Love
Rise'
Cystic Fibrosis- dx at 2yrs. -2nd double lung tx-05 JMH

Sharing Knowledge is an Invaluable Experience

Transplant Friends.com

Questions- Contactl Hostess Rise'
Heather
Forum Leader
Username: Heather

Post Number: 2944
Registered: 05-2003
Posted on Friday, June 04, 2010 - 10:32 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

Rise...she is doing well. Look on my Random pics and you can see her baby. She came home from the NICU on Thurs. She is SUCH a sweetie..a tiny little perfect baby!!
Heather

Forum Leader - Living Organ Donation
EC Illinois, USA
Kidney donor to dad 12/1/99
Rush-Presbyterian-St. Lukes, Chicago

DONATE LIFE

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