Jan 9, 2017

WELL...DUH!

All this time I thought I was just being lazy.

Turns out, my hemoglobin has dropped again, so my lack of motivation to do anything beyond the Happy Chair was physical and not completely mental (like it usually is).

Please don't worry, my dears.  This is part and parcel of being me, it seems, and the proper authorities are on the case.  I will be right as rain as soon as I get some tender loving care from them, a big shot of Aranesp, and maybe a little transfusion of Venofer to really put me back in the saddle!

This is what happens with my kidney disease...as I progress to the next stage things get a little interesting and we start pushing buttons and levers to keep me upright!  Many of you have asked about the particulars of my health, so...

(Betty, this is the part where you sign off because you don't want to hear my "whining and bitching" about stuff that nobody cares about.  I know you prefer the stitching stuff only, so hang in there and we'll return to it as soon as my stitchy juju corrects itself, OK dear Betty?)

I have a kidney disease called FSGS, which is focal segmented glomerular sclerosis.  This means, basically, that the tiny little filters in my kidneys are busted, and I leak both blood and protein in my urine. (I know...eeeewwwww, right?!) I was diagnosed in 2002 when my family doctor caught it after my annual checkup, and have done remarkably well, all things considered. Now, though, I am nearing the stage when I will have to start dialysis.  Next week I will meet with the surgeon to have the vein graph procedure to make a "bigger pipe" to do so, and then that will heal and I will start a new normal of sitting in a big chair several hours a week watching TeeVee, reading, and hopefully stitching.

(Wait a minute...that sounds remarkably like my day to day schedule NOW!  Who knew that all of this laying about was actually training to be a dialysis patient?)

I don't know how or why I got this, whether or not it is related to family history, my own collection of health issues like Crohn's and thyroid cancer, or the fact that I grew up a mile down wind of one of the largest petrochemical refinery areas in the world...let's just say it is what it is and now we must move ever forward.

Thanks for indulging me there, kids.  I promise to return to our regular programming just as soon as I get needle and thread back in my hands this afternoon.  I have been so inspired by all of your new projects...methinks it's just what I needed to start poking about in the old stitchy basket once again!

Here's hoping that your Monday is off to a rip roaring start!

Onward!

45 comments:

  1. Coni, you are in my thoughts and prayers. Hope the TLC along with the meds jump start your hemoglobin and give it the boost it needs.

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  2. Lack of haemoglobin is definitely not likely to make you feel full of the joys.Glad your medics are on the case.

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  3. We are all thinking good thoughts for you. Hugs to you.

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  4. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Take care of yourself and be as progressive, as you have been, in taking care of your health and wellbeing. Can Bosco come visit you for a while? I think fur baby cuddles will encourage you. Love to you Ms. Connie.

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  5. Thinking of you as you mend and get back on your feet; hugs coming your way. Hope you can stitch and enjoy.................

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  6. Well now, the practice you have had at home in the big girl chair will serve you well for sitting in the medical chair. I will look forward, I think, to the first reports to be posted. You are strong and can handle this and we are all here to listen and send hugs.

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  7. Hi Coni,
    Guess I missed something somewhere along the line. I don't mean to be rude, but--------- who in the hell is this Betty person? I mean, this is YOUR blog and you can 'whine and bitch' about any. single. thing. you feel a mind to!! I'd like to add that I think your recent personal woes are most certainly 'whine worthy', and if it helps you in any way to talk about them, keep on keeping on! If Miss Betty finds that distasteful, there's a simple solution--- troll elsewhere. For now, please know that this crazy little person is thinking of you and hoping that all will be back to normal in no time at all. I'm hugging you in absentia!!

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  8. We are all sisters at heart - so stitch news is great but also knowing what's up is too. We can pray and think happy thoughts. Maybe you will start a new revolution in dialysis - stitching circles - I know sounds crazy but you never know!!! Be well and we are here to listen and cheer you on.

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  9. Hi Coni, I'm sorry to hear about your medical troubles. dont think of it as dialysis. Go buy yourself
    some new blouses, a bottle of nail polish and some lipstick. Then think of it as somewhere to wear your new clothes. You'll be the best looking dialysis patient ever!

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  10. We enjoy seeing your work, we enjoy reading your posts, but we also care about you. You, good bad up down sideways.

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  11. Coni, I will be think of you frequently and now that I know my thought can be specific. It sounds like you have great medical care. I I did come a little late to the blog so I would also like to know who this mean Betty is.

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  12. Sending you much love and hugs from Oxford xx

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  13. F#@& kidney disease. And f#@& Betty, too.

    {{{Coni}}}

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  14. LOL - Sheravery sounds like Sugavery (sassy) and I ditto her, Kristen and the others 100 percent. We are all in this together with you and a love circle of stitchery on med chair days sounds like a great idea, CR. Intensifying
    prayers for the most skilled medical care out there for
    you. That halo of yours is shimmering today.....love you.


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  15. I have written your name in my prayer journal and will pray most devotedly for you every day all year long because I love you! My think that you are a star and your attitude and outlook wonderful...many would be wallowing and you choose to acknowledge and march on, I admire you. 😘

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  16. As a retired RN I know how healing it can be to talk about one's struggles. You are doing all the right things. And hey, there, you will be the star of the dialysis unit when they see your beautiful stitching. I wish I could come to make a cup of tea and a chocolate brownie to spoil you a little. (((HUGS)))

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  17. Prayer and hugs headed your way!
    Rose

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  18. Well, unlike Betty, I am glad you are willing to share openly the health issues that you are dealing with so I am able to pray for you and send thoughts and good wishes your way. It is important for people to be able to talk about their struggles, fears and concerns and I wouldn't want to meet the person who would categorize that as whining. Please continue to share and know there are a legion of people praying for you.

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  19. Betty can go get stuffed! I wish you all the best.

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  20. I find sharing personal stuff, on my very own personal blog, quite cathartic and reading the personal stuff on your blog, and anyone's blog is what helps connect us as humans. I am so terribly sorry for your troubles and pray that dialysis goes well and that your medical team takes really good care of you.

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  21. Thank you for sharing. There is no one that escapes medical problems, pain and hardships. Rest, relax and stitch. Thinking and praying for you always. Donna

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  22. Reading your blog posts and your columns in Needlepoint Now are highlights of my days! I just love your outlook on life and your warm spirit. Prayers and hugs are coming your way from Texas.

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  23. Coni dearest~If you are not familiar with SSD, please e-mail me. jennkeran at gmail dot com.

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  24. I admire your positive attitude. I think attitude is half the battle. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers. As for Betty, I second sheravery and Alice's comments. Coni, keep doing what you do. You're the best.

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  25. Coni, I look forward to reading your blog everyday. I admire your wit & positive attitude. I am undergoing chemo & my stitchy friends have been a great support to me. Most days too tired to stitch & my precious dogs seem to know when Mom needs extra snuggles. Ok, I have been holding back throwing out this bait but here goes.... have you pondered being a foster Mom for a rescue??? Hint, hint. You could even be a "failed foster." I have days when I do not want to get out of bed but my pups let me know it is breakfast time & I stumble around taking care of my trio. My 93 year old Dad has more energy than I do most days. Your blog is a lot more than just sharing a love of stitching!!! Let those stitchy snobs hang out on another blog!!! Hugs from Texas

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  26. At least now you know what it was that was making you "lazy".
    LMBO at Betty! :)
    I hope they get you back to normal so that we can see more of your great stitching projects.
    Take care.
    Marilyn

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  27. glad to hear that you are ok (ish ) ..lol and your blog is for you to share what you want ... and it is nice to know that there are others out there that can help with hints and tips to help you on your journey with your kidney problems .. good luck with everything and hope the shots get you back up and more with it soon :) love mouse xxxxx

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  29. oh Coni! Imagine yourself in the middle of a circle of all of us coming in for a HUGE hug! We love you! Never apologize for sharing on YOUR blog. If someone doesn't like it, they can go elsewhere. All your stitchy friends would come visit and take care of you in a minute. Prayers for you, dear lady. Feel the love!!!!

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  30. Coni, Glad you felt comfortable sharing a bit of what you're going through. Hope you add my voice to the many cheering you on from cyberland. I

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  31. Coni, thanks for explaining. At some point you will need one of us to donate a kidney? I have two in perfect working condition though the are 60 years old. Glad you are living in the 21st century where these things are manageable. Laughed at the Anonymous post above. Change to "men" (foreign and domestic) and you get a more accurate statement. I got the last good one!

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  32. Your attitude about everything is so great! If only the world had more people like you in it :)

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  33. Marly and Kristen said it best! Will you be placed on a transplant list? Betty obviously doesn't actually read your blog or she would see how many people in your life care for you.

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  34. I admire your grit, determination, and "move forward" attitude. All major health issues suck and I'm with you all the way. You go, Girl!

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  35. YOu sound amazingly positive my friend. I had Hodgkin's Disease 16 years ago, I still have complication from the treatment, decreased hearing, hypothyroidism and adrenal fatigue, but I am happy I am here. And I grew up down river from Ford Motor Company and the factories in Michigan.

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  36. Bless you, and I know you will come through this fine. Life can be tough, but you sound like you will take it into stride! I'm glad you have your stitching! It will certainly help to pass that time!

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  37. Thinking of you!! My son has FSGS too it's rough. Wishing you well, happiness, and lots of stitching!

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  38. I continue to stand in awe of your wonderful strength and positive attitude. You never lose your sense of humor and I love it! Liz

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  39. You are one courageous lady. Thank you for sharing what you live with on a daily basis. You never whine; no "why me's?", just a show of strength and determination. I admire you and pray for your safety and good, healing treatment. We are all with you in spirit and you continue to be a very bright light to so many.

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  40. I think it is very courageous to put yourself out here in blog land and to share any aspect of your life. I couldn't do it. So you put whatever the heck you want on YOUR blog. Continued prayers for you my friend.

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  41. I'm copying and pasting this from above as it's exactly my sentiment too:

    "F#@& kidney disease. And f#@& Betty, too."

    I also like the imagery of all of us encircling you in a giant group hug.

    I love reading your blog (although I've missed a bit lately during the holidays and aftermath) and keep you in my prayers.

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  42. I'm so sorry to hear about your medical issues. I do understand. MY youngest son was diagnosed with MPGN - membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis - a kidney disease - 8 years ago when he turned 15. It's been hard and even though he seems fine to everyone and no one would know, or even thinks about him being sick - I do -and I pray every day they find a cure for all these kidney diseases. It too, can lead to dialysis. I'll add your name to my prayers each night. Thinking of you and I love reading your blog!

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  43. Hugs and prayers to you. Take good care dear friend.

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