The First Steps

Last night I took the first steps on a journey. Since my overall health is starting to get worse and with my doctor's advise I took the first steps to learning about bariatric surgery. Dr. Bateman says that medication has done all it is going to do to control my high blood pressure. Also my blood sugars are high. For the second time in a row my A1c was 7 or higher. My kidneys are starting to pay the price. Most of the level are off the charts for my kidneys and it is only a matter of time before they start to shut down. Dr. Bateman says he thinks I'm a good candidate for bariatric surgery and recommended Dr. Oakley at St Luke's Bariatric Surgery Unit.

Caroline and I went to St. Luke's Meridian last night and attended a seminar on the surgery. Dr. Valentine was the speaker and he was very knowledgeable and interesting to listen to. He discussed and showed videos of the different procedures. He covered the pros and the cons for each and answered any and all questions. I have to admit that I don't like the idea of cutting up and rearranging my stomach and intestines but his explanations did help. We turned in the paperwork for the next step which is checking all the insurances and then getting an appointment to see the surgeon.

While this is for me, Caroline also turned in the paperwork. She is overweight and would benefit from the procedure before she has any big health issues. She does have high cholesterol but so far no other issues that we know of. She really needs to see the doctor for a real physical and blood work. As for me, I need to do something before my kidneys fail or I start to have heart or stroke issues from the high sugars and blood pressures.

Its Been Awhile

Its has been awhile since I wrote anything here. I seem to have lost my voice. There have been things I wanted to write about but the words just don't want to come.

 My health has been an issue. My blood pressure has been high. Even with 5 different medications, it is high. Same with my blood sugars. That one is more my fault than the blood pressure. Eating has always been my comfort and my downfall as far as keeping my blood sugars and my weight down. Things are to the point that my doctor has suggested that I see a bariatric surgeon. Seems there is nothing else that medication can do for me. Losing weight is the only option and that has always been very difficult for me. So I'm going to check into it.

I rather like being retired and have had no desire to go back to work. I have never defined myself by the work I did. I liked being a 911 dispatcher and I did enjoy helping people. I just never needed work to define or justify my life. Caroline is still working for the City of Boise and that is the single biggest reason I can stay home. Without her insurance coverage none of this would be possible. She can retire in a few months but says she wants to continue working for awhile. I have told her that her working is helpful and we would be better off if she continued but I also said that she shouldn't stay a minute longer than she wants too. We will get by and we do have some money for insurance until we are old enough for Medicare.

Well, this was a little easier than I thought it would be. Maybe I will try and write some more tomorrow or Monday.