Two very positive things to talk about today! Mom's latest liver appointment update AND register to walk with or sponsor TEAM KATHY at the San Diego Zoo! Let's get straight to it, because I have blankets to knit.
Mom saw her liver doctor last Thursday. I wasn't able to post about it because I was prepping about the weekend show, but rest assured that I took her and it was marvelous. He is awesome squared! I love having a doctor actually *care* about my mom and actually *listen* to what she says. She is so terrified of everything right now, and he was so very patient and understanding with her. We changed up the dosing of her kristalose a little bit. Things aren't moving as they should, so we're alternating kristalose with miralax and looking for more movement throughout the day. He is concerned about her constantly feeling full and her throat feeling raw and sore. He thinks she may have an infection in her throat and may have undigested/partially digested food stuck in her stomach. Basically, her stomach might not be emptying properly, which would explain the nausea and the "full" feeling while she's still hungry. It might also explain where she would get an infection in her throat. These things are treatable, so he's pushing for an endoscopy to see what's going on down there. He wants to do it at his hospital under monitored anesthesia. I have utter faith in him that he can convince the insurance company to allow him to perform the endoscopy at his hospital. He prescribed an anti-nausea medication that the insurance didn't want to pay for - and he had it done the next morning. Just plain awesome to have a doctor in your corner! He is such a blessing for her! He also gave me advice on what to say to the neurologist when she sees him this Wednesday. HE is such a mystery that he can't be completely positive that some of her symptoms aren't neurological. Overall, it was a great appointment, I think. We're on our way to figuring out how to help Mom feel better and though it's slow-going, it's going. And with this doctor, I think Mom has a very good chance at having a quality life.
In other fabulous news, I've started communication with the Pacific Coast Division of the American Liver Foundation. I'll be volunteering my time at the Carlsbad Marathon, representing ALF. AND - are you ready for this? I've started my own team for the Liver Life Walk at the San Diego Zoo! Now you can really join Team Kathy! It takes place on May 11th, 2013. We'll walk a 5K pre-determined course through the zoo, or a 1.5K flat-earth walk for people who need a lighter walk. The park will be open only to participants and we'll be there when they're feeding and bathing the animals. We'll also get a wristband that will allow us re-entry into the zoo for the rest of the day. If you register to join us before the end of the year, it's FREE! After January 1st, registration fees go up to about $30 for adults and $15 for kids ages 3-11.
To register with TEAM KATHY, click here: Join Team Kathy!
Remember that the point of these types of events are to raise awareness of liver disease and to raise money for research. Set your personal sponsor goal high and see how much you can raise! If you'd rather sponsor me, that's great, too! Simply click the link and then on my name at the bottom (I'm team captain, denoted by a star). Any amount - even $1 - helps! You'd be surprised how fast it adds up! This is a GREAT cause and everyone can help! Spread the word! Share everywhere! This is going to be so much fun! Can you tell I'm excited?! =D
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