I think that every guy wants to be in a action movie. Now I'm sure that there are some exceptions: the unimaginative, the cowardly, those already living a life that is unbelievably dangerous. But I like to pass the time waiting for the bus, in lines, waiting rooms, or any other decent day dream local thinking about how I could possibly face a group of armed terrorists at this exact moment. Or maybe its more along the lines of "If I floored it right now I bet I could take out that armored car and use the money I stole to buy machine guns". Or just looking at the landscaping or furniture arrangement of a building to plan the best escape route should a bomb suddenly start to count down to zero.
So it should not be surprising that I think of my medical treatment that way sometimes. "Oh good here is my next IV...of super soldier formula, MWAHAHAHA". Medical implants, yes I have several. There are the hips(with robo cop style holster), the eye implant(for more accurate targeting), and the internal IV port(for when I need a fast hit of nano bots).
Yes my sad little brain has me in a league of awesome well above the average moral. I do have a very well defined line between what is reality and what is fiction/illusion, and I have a very good idea of what personal limitations are as well ass how NOT to limited by them. But This is an easy way to give my life a hot and spicy injection of fun, so i roll with it when ever I can
Which is why my lung transplant is getting a better, official Un-Official, name. It is now being called: Operation North Sea Storm!
I know ya'll are just thinking "Jee wizz Pete, how did you come up with such a corker of a name?" well shut your noise hole and I'll tell you! I have to travel NORTH to go to Edmonton to do boot camp and the eventual surgery. I wanted to have a word in there like breath or wind, but those all sound stupid and weak, so we go with STORM. Also I needed to bring in vikings somehow(cause they rock my socks), and storms on the North Sea are rather famous for being badass.
So if'n you ever see a facebook status up date or blog post that says "Operation North Sea Storm is a go" that means I'm going up to Edmonton for new lungs.
Finally, I don't care if its in bad taste, I'll continue to pretend to have Nam flashbacks every time the STARS helicopter lands across the street, its friggin funny.
To Victory!
Monday, 29 August 2011
Upbeat post
Well It's not all panda bears and glitter, but I am going to try to keep the blog from becoming a bitch fest about stupid crap. Like how the I almost lost it today when the doctor was explaining the nature of the throat infection I have. One of my inhalers can cause yeast to grow in your mouth and throat, and he explained the how, the where, and the difference infection sites as the pertain to gender....I almost passed the maturity test and didn't break down laugh/make a cross contamination joke...ALMOST. In my defense my mom did the same thing.
The rest of the appointment was nothing special: I got as prescription filled, was told that I am OFFICIALLY listed as status Two(2), and that they would see me in two weeks(no clinic due to the holiday on Monday). I have one class this week, just something about family support(which I have like no bodies business). That being the case we are going to get packed up Thursday night and head back down to Calgary for the long weekend on Friday afternoon.
Now I'm not going to say party at my house just yet, but...there MAY be a party at my house on Saturday. Unless you have a cold or are otherwise carrying the plague, then just send good vibes out to me through the ether of the universe. I am in town till Monday afternoon, so if you want to hangout or whatever, call me, text me, otherwise drop me a line and we can set something up.
Hail Victory!
The rest of the appointment was nothing special: I got as prescription filled, was told that I am OFFICIALLY listed as status Two(2), and that they would see me in two weeks(no clinic due to the holiday on Monday). I have one class this week, just something about family support(which I have like no bodies business). That being the case we are going to get packed up Thursday night and head back down to Calgary for the long weekend on Friday afternoon.
Now I'm not going to say party at my house just yet, but...there MAY be a party at my house on Saturday. Unless you have a cold or are otherwise carrying the plague, then just send good vibes out to me through the ether of the universe. I am in town till Monday afternoon, so if you want to hangout or whatever, call me, text me, otherwise drop me a line and we can set something up.
Hail Victory!
Sunday, 28 August 2011
New digs
On Friday my dad came up from Calgary to help us move from St. Albert into Edmonton proper, right in across the street from the hospital actual. Was very good to see him again, added something...normal to a "new and scary" situation. Not gonna lie...I was really disappointed with the apartment. It was smaller than I had visualized, and despite the word 'loft' being in the name of the building I was still pissed when I saw the bedroom wasn't walled off. The whole set up of the place makes me feel like I'm having to run a serpentine, and I'm still catching my shins on the ugly furniture.
Now before I go any farther down the brat path, I will say that I am very very lucky to have this place. Even with how small it is I still only have one roomie, not five. Despite the noise from the street and traffic, I am only a half block walk from the Physio center. And all the other problems that jumped out at me right away are dwarfed by the advantages it has compared to my other housing options. And I need to, and will, make the very best of this.
Obvious solution to this problem is to not hang out in the apartment. And with the University Campus and Whyte Ave just a short walk away it should be easy to find something to do. Lots of WiFi location to plunk down at for an hour or two, some shops to go look in (but not buy, way too much shopping already), or just sitting out front with a slurpee people watching.
The BIG issue is that I don't, and cannot get what I need hear. And that is my comfort zone, my hide hole, my dedicated space. This would be like my office back home where i have my computer and TV set, my books and couch are there, I have what a need. I did a basic recreation of this where we stayed in St. Albert, just set up my stuff in the room I had, it was quiet and cool, and I could be alone.
I am not going to get that hear, and although I have TV again (never bothered to figure out the telus tv setup they had in ST Albert) the next 4 weeks are going to be rougher than the first two.
Thus ends the bitchy post, watch soon for more up beat update
Now before I go any farther down the brat path, I will say that I am very very lucky to have this place. Even with how small it is I still only have one roomie, not five. Despite the noise from the street and traffic, I am only a half block walk from the Physio center. And all the other problems that jumped out at me right away are dwarfed by the advantages it has compared to my other housing options. And I need to, and will, make the very best of this.
Obvious solution to this problem is to not hang out in the apartment. And with the University Campus and Whyte Ave just a short walk away it should be easy to find something to do. Lots of WiFi location to plunk down at for an hour or two, some shops to go look in (but not buy, way too much shopping already), or just sitting out front with a slurpee people watching.
The BIG issue is that I don't, and cannot get what I need hear. And that is my comfort zone, my hide hole, my dedicated space. This would be like my office back home where i have my computer and TV set, my books and couch are there, I have what a need. I did a basic recreation of this where we stayed in St. Albert, just set up my stuff in the room I had, it was quiet and cool, and I could be alone.
I am not going to get that hear, and although I have TV again (never bothered to figure out the telus tv setup they had in ST Albert) the next 4 weeks are going to be rougher than the first two.
Thus ends the bitchy post, watch soon for more up beat update
Thursday, 25 August 2011
suplimental blog post
yeah, my last post was rather poor in quality of information so here is a quick extra before I go in today. The doctors on monday didn't have much new info for me, other than that I should be classified and activated in the next few days. That means that I am in the running for donor organs once the people ahead of me on the list are cleared of course. The doctor I met with this week was new, but seemed rather reasonable in terms of abiity answer my questions, and wanting to put me at ease about the process.
Bloodwork, and medication levels are all looking good, so I can continue to reduce my steroids. They want me at about a 20-15 mg/day level(at this level complications from healing are minimized). I at 35 right now, so I need to get this down without causing any GVH issues. Thats the technical side of things i left out yesterday, more later
To Victory!
Bloodwork, and medication levels are all looking good, so I can continue to reduce my steroids. They want me at about a 20-15 mg/day level(at this level complications from healing are minimized). I at 35 right now, so I need to get this down without causing any GVH issues. Thats the technical side of things i left out yesterday, more later
To Victory!
Wednesday, 24 August 2011
Boot camp: week two, electric boogaloo
wow I`m awesome for not updating, weee. So I`m not gonna lie, I`ve just been lazy about updating lately, by the time I get back home from the hospital I just want to have a snack and a nap and watch me some netflix. That being said you have pretty much been updated on what i have been doing since the last post. I attempted to venture out on the weekend, but having forgotten my map just drove around for an hour cursing the world and everything on it.
I did however make it out to whyte Ave yesterday. Very cool to see some of the shops out there, and found a huge comic store. And I am not messing around when i say huge, it had all the stuff youre little nerd heart could desire, except what nerd really need; soap(yuou think a soap maker would start doing superhero soap for these poor bastards, but no). I grab a few books and then head home. When I told the physio people today that i walked down about 5 blocks of whyte ave they all seemed so surprised. Makes me think that I am ahead of the curve health wise(or maybe just conditioning wise) then most of the people there.
Someone was even impressed that I go up and down stairs a still (I sleep downstairs at home and the place I am staying now). Yeah I stilll do stairs, a couple times a day, everyday...its not hard. Sure i rest after, and on a few occasions if I forget something downstairs and I dont really need it, I just go without. But really stair use is an achievement now(my computer has just gone sideways on me, punctuation is no out the window, apologizes)
i am progressing on the weights and walking times on the treadmill, and im still not feeling to tired or sore after the work outs. the classes they have using going to this week are fairly basic, lots of stuff i already know, but its a good review.Not much else to say, so Im just going to end it here
I did however make it out to whyte Ave yesterday. Very cool to see some of the shops out there, and found a huge comic store. And I am not messing around when i say huge, it had all the stuff youre little nerd heart could desire, except what nerd really need; soap(yuou think a soap maker would start doing superhero soap for these poor bastards, but no). I grab a few books and then head home. When I told the physio people today that i walked down about 5 blocks of whyte ave they all seemed so surprised. Makes me think that I am ahead of the curve health wise(or maybe just conditioning wise) then most of the people there.
Someone was even impressed that I go up and down stairs a still (I sleep downstairs at home and the place I am staying now). Yeah I stilll do stairs, a couple times a day, everyday...its not hard. Sure i rest after, and on a few occasions if I forget something downstairs and I dont really need it, I just go without. But really stair use is an achievement now(my computer has just gone sideways on me, punctuation is no out the window, apologizes)
i am progressing on the weights and walking times on the treadmill, and im still not feeling to tired or sore after the work outs. the classes they have using going to this week are fairly basic, lots of stuff i already know, but its a good review.Not much else to say, so Im just going to end it here
Saturday, 20 August 2011
Boot Camp: week one
So the first week has come and gone, and I survived. The work out every morning and a 6:45am rise has got me feeling a little tired, but now I two days to just relax and sleep in. Also its bullcrap that I can only sleep in till 8 after a week of getting up early. The work outs have been fairly manageable, the staff know how to get the most out of what the people have, and know that sometimes we just have to sit down and take a break.
My only worry is that I am only ever stuff after my work outs I'm not full on sore like used to get. Now granted the level of stiffness we are dealing with here is to were I have to stretch out my legs a couple times a day just to that I can un-bend my knees, but I wonder if I am using enough weight.
Talk has been goinjg a round about getting a treadmill for back in Calgary, to keep up the daily workout rutine once I am back home. A rather expensive purchase, but i can get longer sustained distance with the treadmill over just walking on the street, the set pace helps me with setting a proper cadence, and isn't subject to being cancelled due to weather.
So for now things are going well, my mornings are filled with sweat, doctors, and feel good hand hold with social workers. While the afternoons and filled with napping and watching netflix. Next week is going to be a little busier, but for the most part my afternoons, and evenings are all my own. I Need to start finding locations to visit and explore around Edmonton to fill some of the time up. Otherwise I might get halfway through this thing and come down with hardcore cabin fever.
My only worry is that I am only ever stuff after my work outs I'm not full on sore like used to get. Now granted the level of stiffness we are dealing with here is to were I have to stretch out my legs a couple times a day just to that I can un-bend my knees, but I wonder if I am using enough weight.
Talk has been goinjg a round about getting a treadmill for back in Calgary, to keep up the daily workout rutine once I am back home. A rather expensive purchase, but i can get longer sustained distance with the treadmill over just walking on the street, the set pace helps me with setting a proper cadence, and isn't subject to being cancelled due to weather.
So for now things are going well, my mornings are filled with sweat, doctors, and feel good hand hold with social workers. While the afternoons and filled with napping and watching netflix. Next week is going to be a little busier, but for the most part my afternoons, and evenings are all my own. I Need to start finding locations to visit and explore around Edmonton to fill some of the time up. Otherwise I might get halfway through this thing and come down with hardcore cabin fever.
Monday, 15 August 2011
Boot Camp: day one
I got there on time, yaayyy! And went to the wrong appointment first, thus missing the orientation. So that was the thing that went wrong today, other than that everything was aces. I did a walk test, got my time table, saw the facility I'm going to using, met the staff, and get the all important parking pass, cause parking in the far lot is for suckers.
Now I can start to breath easier about the whole thing. I now know about how long I have to be at the hospital everyday, what I should bring with(based on what activities are on the docket), and most importantly|: there are old people in my group so even with purple converse, lulu shorts(with my legs), and not shaving for nearly two months, I am still not the worst dressed there.
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday I'm there for longer. Physio in the morning first thing then something else in the later morning or afternoon. Every Monday is clinic (saw them today and they said I will likely have a change of status in the next week). Thursday/Friday seem to be wide open after physio for the most part so I am hoping to be able to go back down to Calgary for the weekends when I can. But I would think all plans of that nature depend on me keeping up with the program and feeling up for the ride.
Also here is some math for y'all to maul over|: iPad2 + Netflix = Awesome Sauce! (if you're confused remeber to do the work inside the brackets BEFORE you do the exponents. Ha math jokes)
Now I can start to breath easier about the whole thing. I now know about how long I have to be at the hospital everyday, what I should bring with(based on what activities are on the docket), and most importantly|: there are old people in my group so even with purple converse, lulu shorts(with my legs), and not shaving for nearly two months, I am still not the worst dressed there.
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday I'm there for longer. Physio in the morning first thing then something else in the later morning or afternoon. Every Monday is clinic (saw them today and they said I will likely have a change of status in the next week). Thursday/Friday seem to be wide open after physio for the most part so I am hoping to be able to go back down to Calgary for the weekends when I can. But I would think all plans of that nature depend on me keeping up with the program and feeling up for the ride.
Also here is some math for y'all to maul over|: iPad2 + Netflix = Awesome Sauce! (if you're confused remeber to do the work inside the brackets BEFORE you do the exponents. Ha math jokes)
Saturday, 13 August 2011
Made it to Edmonton
Today we loaded up the Volvos and headed north. Trip was easy enough, even if I packed 2 hours before we left and i forgot a few things, which is cool cause I may get to come home on the weekends if i understand stuff correctly. But until monday rolls around nothing is solid. More than likely what causes me the most anxiety and issues is not having solid dates, yes/no answers always be contingent on other things, and not being able to make plans for the future.
Now that I am here I know where I'm going to sleep, that my O2 is set up properly, that i have internet access. Monday I will have a proper schedule on what they doctors up here want from me time wise, and then I can start to set things in motion for the next six weeks.
Now that I am here I know where I'm going to sleep, that my O2 is set up properly, that i have internet access. Monday I will have a proper schedule on what they doctors up here want from me time wise, and then I can start to set things in motion for the next six weeks.
Monday, 8 August 2011
Saturday send off
I'll start by saying thank you to everyone who came out on Saturday to the BBQ, means a lot to have you all there. I know there are some people I forgot to tell, didn't have up to date contact info for, and couldn't make it due to illness: sorry about that, that ones on me, and I will try to see you all when I get home in September.
Additional thank are due to the overly generous people who have given me gift cards, books, games, etc(special shout out to the extended Braden clan, I was totally blown away when I got that bit of news). You didn't have to do that stuff, but I assure you that it goes a long, long way to alleviating my concern about how I will keep my sanity while I'm up north, Hurruah distractions!
And since this keeps coming up I'll cover it now. After the first week of the boot camp I should have a better idea of what my free time will be like in terms of what amount and when it occurs. Once I have that I will let everyone know. Quiet a few people have expressed interest in coming up to see me while they are passing through town, or have a spare day. A friend wished me well the other day and ended it with "To Victory!", seems rather appropriate when you have an army backing you up.
Again much love, everyone line up for hugs that last just a little bit too long to be comfortable.
Additional thank are due to the overly generous people who have given me gift cards, books, games, etc(special shout out to the extended Braden clan, I was totally blown away when I got that bit of news). You didn't have to do that stuff, but I assure you that it goes a long, long way to alleviating my concern about how I will keep my sanity while I'm up north, Hurruah distractions!
And since this keeps coming up I'll cover it now. After the first week of the boot camp I should have a better idea of what my free time will be like in terms of what amount and when it occurs. Once I have that I will let everyone know. Quiet a few people have expressed interest in coming up to see me while they are passing through town, or have a spare day. A friend wished me well the other day and ended it with "To Victory!", seems rather appropriate when you have an army backing you up.
Again much love, everyone line up for hugs that last just a little bit too long to be comfortable.
Thursday, 4 August 2011
Gearing up for Edmonton
Doing some of the final prep work for the six weeks in E-town. I have my banking and AISH stuff set up so that I don't have to be dealing with it through a third party. My mom has been shopping for "things we will need while we are up there". Got my cell phone contract renewed, and got a secondary 'bat-phone' set up for my doctors to reach me at.
The adventure plan seems to be to drive up there on the 13th, with both cars, meet the O2 supplier there and get that set up. That leaves us Sunday to do a dry run from where we are staying to the hospital/university. After the first week I should have a much clearer idea of what the day to day of boot camp is going to be like, and can figure out when I might be able to seek back down to Calgary.
For so long I have a had a good handle on what to do, and where and when to do it, with regards to the medical system and my own health. Just some hard earned bits of wisdom I have picked up over time. Now I'm wadding out into more unfamiliar territory. I have a direction I am heading, but it has non of the usual flavor I expect. This makes me less confident about some aspects of this whole thing. I trust in the doctors and their system completely, and I have no hesitation about moving forward with any of it, I may just be encountering a few more more 'brown trouser' moments than I am used to.
So to counteract this I look for consistent things in my life to ground myself with. My weekly game with friends, coffee outings, and visits to some shops that encourage my irresponsible spending are great for this while I am in Calgary. They give me something to look forward to and if nothing else they distract me from my bigger problems for a little while. Because I do not have this structure up in Edmonton, I am going to have to find or create while I am there. How easy this will be and what it will be comprised of is still an unknown, but I should look into it. Otherwise I will likely run out of(or get bored with)books to read, get tired of watching movies and TV, and generally become a sour pussy about everything. Not the mind set to be in for boot camp.
The adventure plan seems to be to drive up there on the 13th, with both cars, meet the O2 supplier there and get that set up. That leaves us Sunday to do a dry run from where we are staying to the hospital/university. After the first week I should have a much clearer idea of what the day to day of boot camp is going to be like, and can figure out when I might be able to seek back down to Calgary.
For so long I have a had a good handle on what to do, and where and when to do it, with regards to the medical system and my own health. Just some hard earned bits of wisdom I have picked up over time. Now I'm wadding out into more unfamiliar territory. I have a direction I am heading, but it has non of the usual flavor I expect. This makes me less confident about some aspects of this whole thing. I trust in the doctors and their system completely, and I have no hesitation about moving forward with any of it, I may just be encountering a few more more 'brown trouser' moments than I am used to.
So to counteract this I look for consistent things in my life to ground myself with. My weekly game with friends, coffee outings, and visits to some shops that encourage my irresponsible spending are great for this while I am in Calgary. They give me something to look forward to and if nothing else they distract me from my bigger problems for a little while. Because I do not have this structure up in Edmonton, I am going to have to find or create while I am there. How easy this will be and what it will be comprised of is still an unknown, but I should look into it. Otherwise I will likely run out of(or get bored with)books to read, get tired of watching movies and TV, and generally become a sour pussy about everything. Not the mind set to be in for boot camp.
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