Appointments, Appointments, Appointments

Monday I finally had my appointment with the Endocrinologist and it was very overwhelming. After waiting two hours before we came in to see me we finally discussed and checked out what possibly could be going on with me. My hormones are still off wack, I have a rattle in my left lung (no I don't smoke), and she thinks I might have a heart mummer. Great! She ordered a full hormone panel, a full metabolic panel, a 24 hour urine catch, an EKG, a chest x-ray, 3 ultraounds of my stomach, and vitamin checks again. I go in Friday for the ultra sounds, turning in my urine, and all the blood panels. I am happy she is so through but scary that some major things are going on with my body at 26 (almost 27). My b-12 and Vitamin D defficency is kicking my butt right now and I am exhausted. Not to mention I can't drink sodas or tea this whole week for my urine test. I am dying from caffenine withdrawals.




Bryan has his pre-op for work on Tuesday at Mountain Home VA. He had an EKG, chest x-ray, and blood taken. They gave him his crutches and gave him insructions not to take his anti-inflammatories a week before. We have to be at the hospital at 6 am and its two hours away so I am not going to be happy that early in the morning. At least I can eat and drink right? I also had an eye appointment on that day cause my eyes have been killing me. I blink them non-stop (even though I am afraid it is really a nevous tic from being so stressed all the time). I have astigmatism and my tear ducts are working hard enough to keep my eyes lubricated. I also need some reading glasses to help me see better while working on the computer. Tricare apparently only covers eye exams every two years and its been less than that so I owed almost 400 dollars when it was all said and done.



I got my plans finalized for a caregivers retreat that I am going on at the end of May through the Wounded Warrior Project. I am so excited about this and will need it after Bryan's surgery at the beginning of May. I get to meet Karie on the retreat but it seems like we have already met since we talk almost daily. We will be staying at the Opryland hotel getting to use the spa, and visiting the Grand Ole Opry. They are also flying in some counselors from NY and I am sure we will be addressing some tough emotional baggage. I am so excited I have lived around Nashville my whole life and have never stayed at the Opryland Hotel. I am excited to have this break and the opportunity, sometimes we wives get put on the back burner.



I was really stressing about Bryan's paycheck while being on short term diability at work but I am loving Northrup Grumman becuase he will get his normal paycheck for a month. After that he will get 75% and after 3 months 50%. This is a huge relief and makes things a lot smoother and less stressful. Now I only have to stress about another surgery!



Other than that there is still major drama at my work and I don't think it will ever change. I am working on letting things roll off my back and not worry about it.

Retired!

Bryan got his re-eval from the Army and he is still at 70% and they have decided to medically retire him. This means not more re-evals with the Army and we both have Tricare insurance for Life! One thing off our plates it feels great!

Till the Last Shots Fired

Things have been busy for me lately. My sister had a baby boy so I have been visiting my family all week. It was a nice break and even better to spend time with my family. While we were there we got to see some of Bryan's soldiers and one that was stopping through before he PCS to Ft. Rucker. It was really nice to see them again.




We are still waiting on the percentage for the re-eval for the Army and the hearing date. Not much has changed there. I am mailing off my check to the IRS for Social Security Disability Taxes and trying to get things ready for the work week.



I did hear this past week that if you download Trace Adkins Song, Till the Last Shots Fired, all the proceeds go to the Wounded Warrior Project. I didn't get to see this performance on the award show but when my sister told me about the Marine in the beginnig I knew who it was. We talked to him many times at Walter Reed and he is a true inspiration. Till The Last Shots Fired



I am a huge supporter of this organization and they have changed my husband's life so please go and download it.



Also for Mother's Day check this out:



If you are a deployed member of the United States military and want to surprise your mom on Mother's Day, just fill out the form below. Canvas On Demand will be sending 500 Canvases to Moms of deployed US troops for Mothers Day as part of Operation: Hi Mom. If more than 500 requests are made, recipients will be selected at random. Read rules. You will be notified in April. http://www.canvasondemand.com/himom/canvas-request.asp