I took today off from work for my follow-up appointment. I'm pretty glad I did-I had a migraine yesterday, and this way I actually get to enjoy my day off. Well, for the most part at least--I was still rather nervous this morning and spent pretty much the entire time reading Harry Potter fanfic and avoiding getting ready. I finally dragged myself off the couch and headed off to the Heart and Lung Institute.
It caught me off guard when the nurse checking me in asked why I hadn't had an EKG at my last appointment. Not knowing I should have had, I said as much, at which point I learned that that was the procedure for people with a history of bradycardia (slow heart rate, the reason this whole shebang got started in the first place). About ten minutes and one EKG later, I was visited by Dr. Kenwood's PA, who told me that my MRI was completely normal. Yay! I didn't exactly jump for joy, but the feeling of relief, while somewhat more gradual than expected, crept over me. A few minutes later Dr. Kenwood himself came in and spoke with me for a bit. As the PFO hasn't led to any mini-strokes or any such thing (I got the impression that MRI's rarely came back clean to their office), he recommended that I talk to my doctor before I make a decision on whether or not to close it, which I plan on doing next Wednesday. I'll have a follow-up in two months with Dr. Kenwood.
Dad asked me if it was kindof like being a kid--when the other kids have a cast or something, and while you don't exactly want a broken limb, you want the attention that goes with it. I have to confess that perhaps a small part of me does feel that way. Fortunately, it's a very, very small part. While that small part has perhaps enjoyed the drama of the last couple of weeks, I'm definitely excited to stop losing sleep over it. To have a worry I can cross off my list. I've always secretly worried that I've had a tumor or something that caused so many migraines for so many years, and the last week especially added fuel to the fire, but now there is proof out there that I have a perfectly normal brain (lol well, healthy at least, even I wouldn't say I'm perfectly normal).
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Dr. Horrible! Yay!
So for those of you who don't already know, I'm a huge fan of Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog, which was made during the writer's strike. It stars Neil Patrick Harris, Nathan Fillion, and Felicia Day and is about a villian (NPH) striving to get in to the Evil League of Evil. In the meantime, he falls in love with Penny (FD), who he met at the laundromat. While stealing some Wonderflonium for his freeze ray, Captain Hammer (NF) barges in and 'saves the day', getting credit for saving Penny when he is the one who actually put her in danger in the first place.
Neil Patrick Harris hosted the 2009 Emmy's, during which there was a very cool Dr. Horrible bit. They start by having the accountants come out to explain the Emmy selection process, which suddenly gets interrupted:
HAPPY DAY!!
I actually caught very little of the Emmys, but was most definitely happy that this was part of it. Owing to my continued excitement, I figured I'd spread the joy :)
Neil Patrick Harris hosted the 2009 Emmy's, during which there was a very cool Dr. Horrible bit. They start by having the accountants come out to explain the Emmy selection process, which suddenly gets interrupted:
HAPPY DAY!!
I actually caught very little of the Emmys, but was most definitely happy that this was part of it. Owing to my continued excitement, I figured I'd spread the joy :)
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Babies, Books and Brains
It's been an eventful three days. You've already read about Uncle Darren's departure, so I'll forge ahead with yesterday's big occasion: Megan Leigh Wampler was born at 4:02 pm, weighing 7 lbs 2 oz, 19 1/2 inches long. She's such a cutie!!
While the newest addition to the Wampler clan adjusts to 'life on the outside', her sister Jane is visiting us here in Salt Lake for a while. Here's a pic of some quality time with her and my brother Michael, who is most certainly one of Jane's favorite people:
And so on from Babies to Books: I swung by Barnes and Noble yesterday to pick up a highly anticipated book: The Squire's Quest by Gerald Morris. I've been reading the series for a few years now, and this most recent addition features the original main character, Terence, who at the beginning of the series becomes squire to Sir Gawain, named a knight in King Arthur's court early in the book. Characters throughout the series include Terence, Sir Gawain, Sir Tor, King Arthur (of course), Sir Kai, Sir Bedivere, Sir Dinadan, Sir Lancelot, Tristan and Iseult, Sir Palomides, and soo many more classic characters of Arthurian legend. Finding it hard to go to sleep last night, I ended up finishing the book in the wee hours of the morning.
Now along to Brains--as to why I found sleep slow to arrive (despite the fact I was really truly yawningly tired early in the evening), on Monday I had scheduled my MRI for today at noon. I had to convince myself that reading Harry's Future really wouldn't prepare me for the MRI and hauled myself out the door ten minutes before my appointment. Three minutes later I walked into the office and filled out the paperwork. Fortunately I didn't have to wear a gown for the MRI, and so was able to remain comfortable in my own clothing for the test. I was also able to listen to the radio during the test, though I think they need to get Bose to take a look at quality headphones that wouldn't interfere with the imaging. I was slid into the snug machine after being told to remain completely still, which oddly enough wasn't that difficult. The headphones fit comfortably and helped keep my head stable in the machine. I didn't care for the contraption they put over my head and snug over my chest, but the air was well circulated so I didn't end up feeling particularly claustrophobic once I'd gotten used to the noises of the machine itself. I was a bit dizzy and fuzzy afterwards, but made it home safely. I'm glad I have the day off to just sit back and do whatever the heck I want to do :)
I'm not sure how long it'll take before I get the results. They'll send them to my cardiologist once the radiologist has a chance to look them over, at which point I'll also be able to request a copy of the results. I'm a little nervous of the unknown, but at the same time until something is known I'm trying not to stress about it. Time, and the results, will tell. Again, until then, there are lessons I am learning in this process, and I know that I will be able to use whatever information I gain now in the future, for any number of experiences to come.
UPDATE: I'll be meeting with the cardiologist for the follow up next Thursday afternoon.
While the newest addition to the Wampler clan adjusts to 'life on the outside', her sister Jane is visiting us here in Salt Lake for a while. Here's a pic of some quality time with her and my brother Michael, who is most certainly one of Jane's favorite people:
And so on from Babies to Books: I swung by Barnes and Noble yesterday to pick up a highly anticipated book: The Squire's Quest by Gerald Morris. I've been reading the series for a few years now, and this most recent addition features the original main character, Terence, who at the beginning of the series becomes squire to Sir Gawain, named a knight in King Arthur's court early in the book. Characters throughout the series include Terence, Sir Gawain, Sir Tor, King Arthur (of course), Sir Kai, Sir Bedivere, Sir Dinadan, Sir Lancelot, Tristan and Iseult, Sir Palomides, and soo many more classic characters of Arthurian legend. Finding it hard to go to sleep last night, I ended up finishing the book in the wee hours of the morning.
Now along to Brains--as to why I found sleep slow to arrive (despite the fact I was really truly yawningly tired early in the evening), on Monday I had scheduled my MRI for today at noon. I had to convince myself that reading Harry's Future really wouldn't prepare me for the MRI and hauled myself out the door ten minutes before my appointment. Three minutes later I walked into the office and filled out the paperwork. Fortunately I didn't have to wear a gown for the MRI, and so was able to remain comfortable in my own clothing for the test. I was also able to listen to the radio during the test, though I think they need to get Bose to take a look at quality headphones that wouldn't interfere with the imaging. I was slid into the snug machine after being told to remain completely still, which oddly enough wasn't that difficult. The headphones fit comfortably and helped keep my head stable in the machine. I didn't care for the contraption they put over my head and snug over my chest, but the air was well circulated so I didn't end up feeling particularly claustrophobic once I'd gotten used to the noises of the machine itself. I was a bit dizzy and fuzzy afterwards, but made it home safely. I'm glad I have the day off to just sit back and do whatever the heck I want to do :)
I'm not sure how long it'll take before I get the results. They'll send them to my cardiologist once the radiologist has a chance to look them over, at which point I'll also be able to request a copy of the results. I'm a little nervous of the unknown, but at the same time until something is known I'm trying not to stress about it. Time, and the results, will tell. Again, until then, there are lessons I am learning in this process, and I know that I will be able to use whatever information I gain now in the future, for any number of experiences to come.
UPDATE: I'll be meeting with the cardiologist for the follow up next Thursday afternoon.
Monday, October 5, 2009
Thank You Uncle Darren
I was very grateful to have today off, as I was then able to go out to see my Uncle Darren off. He was deployed along with 44 other National Guard members to Iraq. This will be his second tour there. The departure ceremony started at 10:00 this morning, with Uncle Darren standing out in front of his platoon. Yep, that's him, in the center (this picture is from ksl I believe--several tv crews were there and our family made it on several of their cameras):
And here is a view from my seat amidst the friends and family of the soldiers:
After the initial ceremony we all gathered around our loved ones. Here's a quick picture of Darren, Karsen, Ethan and Joey:
Though it was certainly chilly, we soon made our way out to the Black Hawk helicopters. As the leader, Darren had signed for them, so we of course appreciated the fact that they were all "his" ;) We spent the next hour or so around the helicopter that he would be leaving in-taking pictures, talking in general, striving not to cry (some of us were more successful than others), and chasing Michael and Ethan around. Karsen also got a piggy-back ride from me, and then we helped keep each other warm.
I was able to get several videos, but as they are on my cell phone I won't subject you to each of them. I did want to offer this one at least. I wanted to get all four helicopters with their blades going, but my angle was wrong to have them all in one shot. The main focus is on his craft, though I warn you, turn down/off your computer volume before hitting play-it's loud, and my cell phone mic isn't exactly the best:
It was quite the sight, watching those 45 men and women take off in formation to serve our country (actually 21 left today, the rest will be leaving tomorrow). My thanks to all those who stand for our freedom, and my special thanks to you, Uncle Darren, for your great example. We all love you.
And here is a view from my seat amidst the friends and family of the soldiers:
After the initial ceremony we all gathered around our loved ones. Here's a quick picture of Darren, Karsen, Ethan and Joey:
Though it was certainly chilly, we soon made our way out to the Black Hawk helicopters. As the leader, Darren had signed for them, so we of course appreciated the fact that they were all "his" ;) We spent the next hour or so around the helicopter that he would be leaving in-taking pictures, talking in general, striving not to cry (some of us were more successful than others), and chasing Michael and Ethan around. Karsen also got a piggy-back ride from me, and then we helped keep each other warm.
I was able to get several videos, but as they are on my cell phone I won't subject you to each of them. I did want to offer this one at least. I wanted to get all four helicopters with their blades going, but my angle was wrong to have them all in one shot. The main focus is on his craft, though I warn you, turn down/off your computer volume before hitting play-it's loud, and my cell phone mic isn't exactly the best:
It was quite the sight, watching those 45 men and women take off in formation to serve our country (actually 21 left today, the rest will be leaving tomorrow). My thanks to all those who stand for our freedom, and my special thanks to you, Uncle Darren, for your great example. We all love you.
Friday, October 2, 2009
Boys Named after Prisons...or is it vice versa?
Actually, it's the boy's ancestors that have prisons named after them, just as he was also named after them. But more of that later. (To those familiar with the series, insert internal chuckle here).
It's been quite the week. Mike has been out of the office on a "stay-cation", leaving me to cover both my usual duties and pick up any slack. Frankly, some things have gone undone, but I'd like to think that we've managed quite well, thank you very much. I am confessedly tired, but on one line of thought I haven't had a break this week (I don't count my day off, as I spent it in bed with a migraine and then only got about half an hour to an hour of not so restful sleep before working a 9.5 hour day). Ah well. I must admit somewhat selfishly that I have enjoyed having the office largely to myself. It definitely makes for a more focused work environment. At least when I had the chance to use it.
There are two rather pointed events this week, though, one definitely positive, one part of an ongoing process. As to the latter, I had my follow-up appointment at the Heart and Lung Institute today. Not as informative as I would have liked it to be, as I met with a PA instead of the Dr. and he hadn't been able to get all the information beforehand. I do however have a referral to get an MRI done of my brain. As mentioned before, PFO's increase the likelihood of strokes. People can actually have strokes without knowing it. Some studies are linking migraines to brain lesions. I have also heard of those whose migraines have actually caused brain damage. Considering the incredible physical strain I've experienced in my own migraines, I suppose I'm not particularly surprised. I don't know that I'll have had any such issues, but considering I was pretty sure I didn't have a hole my heart I think I'll just wait for the results.
On a happier note, the former event of the week involves a very good author, Brandon Sanderson, releasing the third book of a rather hilarious series: The Alcatraz books. Alcatraz vs. the Knights of Crystallia was released yesterday. I was able to make it to the bookstore to pick it up before returning home to crash for the night an hour later. While sad that I couldn't keep myself awake long enough to finish it, it certainly put a smile on my face as I read it during lunch (before my dr appt), during dinner (on break after being called back into work), and then after I got home, where I read the final two-thirds in approximately 2 to 3 hours. Not the longest book, but definitely a worthy addition to the collection!! Alcatraz is a boy raised here in the United States, deep within the "Hushlands," the Evil Librarian-controlled world that we know of. What we don't know about are the Free Lands of Nalhalla, Mokia, and one or two others that I confess due to the late hour I've forgotten. Because the Librarian cults are evil, they name famous prisons after freelander leaders, and majestic mountains after themselves. Alcatraz, one of the most infamous prisons ever, is named after our young hero's ancestor, Alcatraz the First, a notoriously powerful leader who's "Talent" was breaking things. He even broke his people's language, disguising their most powerful secrets for generations. He also broke time, leaving his tomb suspended and protected from the ravages of time in the heart of the Library of Alexandria.
On a final note, I've created another blog. Why? Because I was in the mood. There are also things that for whatever reason I've felt self-concious posting on this one. Hence, for a much more random strain of my thoughts (perhaps more closely reflecting the reality of my personal habits of flickering from serious or mundane to rather silly and off-the-wall) feel free to check out the new blog at amusedchameleon.blogspot.com.
It's been quite the week. Mike has been out of the office on a "stay-cation", leaving me to cover both my usual duties and pick up any slack. Frankly, some things have gone undone, but I'd like to think that we've managed quite well, thank you very much. I am confessedly tired, but on one line of thought I haven't had a break this week (I don't count my day off, as I spent it in bed with a migraine and then only got about half an hour to an hour of not so restful sleep before working a 9.5 hour day). Ah well. I must admit somewhat selfishly that I have enjoyed having the office largely to myself. It definitely makes for a more focused work environment. At least when I had the chance to use it.
There are two rather pointed events this week, though, one definitely positive, one part of an ongoing process. As to the latter, I had my follow-up appointment at the Heart and Lung Institute today. Not as informative as I would have liked it to be, as I met with a PA instead of the Dr. and he hadn't been able to get all the information beforehand. I do however have a referral to get an MRI done of my brain. As mentioned before, PFO's increase the likelihood of strokes. People can actually have strokes without knowing it. Some studies are linking migraines to brain lesions. I have also heard of those whose migraines have actually caused brain damage. Considering the incredible physical strain I've experienced in my own migraines, I suppose I'm not particularly surprised. I don't know that I'll have had any such issues, but considering I was pretty sure I didn't have a hole my heart I think I'll just wait for the results.
On a happier note, the former event of the week involves a very good author, Brandon Sanderson, releasing the third book of a rather hilarious series: The Alcatraz books. Alcatraz vs. the Knights of Crystallia was released yesterday. I was able to make it to the bookstore to pick it up before returning home to crash for the night an hour later. While sad that I couldn't keep myself awake long enough to finish it, it certainly put a smile on my face as I read it during lunch (before my dr appt), during dinner (on break after being called back into work), and then after I got home, where I read the final two-thirds in approximately 2 to 3 hours. Not the longest book, but definitely a worthy addition to the collection!! Alcatraz is a boy raised here in the United States, deep within the "Hushlands," the Evil Librarian-controlled world that we know of. What we don't know about are the Free Lands of Nalhalla, Mokia, and one or two others that I confess due to the late hour I've forgotten. Because the Librarian cults are evil, they name famous prisons after freelander leaders, and majestic mountains after themselves. Alcatraz, one of the most infamous prisons ever, is named after our young hero's ancestor, Alcatraz the First, a notoriously powerful leader who's "Talent" was breaking things. He even broke his people's language, disguising their most powerful secrets for generations. He also broke time, leaving his tomb suspended and protected from the ravages of time in the heart of the Library of Alexandria.
On a final note, I've created another blog. Why? Because I was in the mood. There are also things that for whatever reason I've felt self-concious posting on this one. Hence, for a much more random strain of my thoughts (perhaps more closely reflecting the reality of my personal habits of flickering from serious or mundane to rather silly and off-the-wall) feel free to check out the new blog at amusedchameleon.blogspot.com.
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