July 20, 2011

I have now had my EKG which showed the heart is working how it should. One thing of interest from speaking with the heart specialist he asked me if I have ever been diagnosed with sleep apnea? I said I had just completed a test. He suggested many of my symptoms could be attributed to this. Before I get into that, I also had another liver biopsy. I don’t have a full report yet, but the radiologist who took the sample seemed to think everything looked fine.

On Monday, I got the results from the sleep apnea test and it was confirmed that I do indeed have it. The next step is to go to the sleep center and stay overnight while attached to wires and other things. This will just confirm the diagnosis. If that is confirmed they will fit me for a CPAC which looks like the mask they use to give patients oxygen. This device mixes oxygen with humidifier and keeps all your air waves open and keeps your breathing regulated. I am told it will really help get better nights sleep. As I said before the heart specialist also thought this was the root cause at least for my lack of sleep and there lack of energy and always being sleepy. I am hoping they are correct.

This should bring you up to the minute on what is happening with me. It sounds like I will live and with decent sleep may even get back to a somewhat normal routine.

Again thanks for your thoughts and prayers, I am sure they all helped.

Regards,

Mike

July 15, 2011

When we last checked in our old car, it wasn’t running great, but there was no news which could explain the symptoms we were having. Since that time I have had reports from the CAT-Scan which I had last week. The report is that there are no masses no clogs in the heart, liver or lungs and stomach. It did confirm the gastro paresis which we already knew about. The treatment for this is done by diet. I need to eat more meals in smaller quantities.

In a way, it is good news, but I really would like an explanation of what was the cause for the problems in the first place. I begin a test today for sleep apnea. With a consultation on Monday after doing some testing over the weekend, we should know if this can help explain things. I have also been asked to schedule an EKG on my heart and a liver biopsy next week. I don’t know what other tests we can still do.

Here’s hoping one of these next tests will reveal something of merit. Again, I feel your prayers and best wishes. It has been one of the really good things that have come from all of this.

Mike

July 7, 2011

I have spent yesterday and part of today doing tests. I am pleased to report that things may be looking up.

I visited the transplant center yesterday and had a chest and abdomen X-Ray. I then did a consult with a heart and lung doctor. He reported to me that the fluid I previously had in my lungs is almost all gone. If fact there is so little fluid now that he would not worry about it. That was great news. I also did a breathing test which showed nothing abnormal. Both things were a relief to hear.

The doctor also suspects that my condition may have something to do with sleep apnea. This is an inability to get good restful sleep throughout the night. He believes that lack of sleep at night has everything to do how listless I have been during the day. Of course that means another test. However, if it is something so simple, that would be great, because there are easy solutions to that problem.

This morning I went and had a cat-scan after injecting dye into my blood stream. This test should show any problems in my stomach and liver and my upper intestinal tract. I have not seen any results from that test yet. I will keep you informed.

So as it sits right now, the old car is still in the garage, but it is not leaking oil on the floor. That does not mean the old car is ready for a race, but it is still running if not at maximum speed.

Again, thanks for all your thoughts and prayers on my behalf. I look forward to reporting good things from the scan this morning. Until then, I am grateful to all of you.

Mike