Peek-a-Boo

Here I am, my wonderful OH friends!      I am so sorry to have been out of the loop all week. Stuff going on. I'll give you a run down.      It all began when doctor prescribed Lisinopril as one of my BP meds a few months ago. One of the side effects of it is a dry, annoying cough, which I developed almost immediately and had told him about it. We discussed switching my meds but first he put me on Prednisone for 2 weeks to see if it helped the cough, which it did, but as soon as I was off it the cough came back.       Well, Monday morning I had that dry cough so bad that it eventually turned into a choking fit which got so bad that I knew I had pulled a tummy muscle. I rolled over to try to get back to sleep and I felt the strangest sensation in my tummy that I can only describe as what it must feel like when a baby moves in its mommy's belly. I mean, I felt something move! Bizarre! My belly was gettng more sore all day. I laid down on the couch in the afternnon, not feeling especially well, and I felt the spot on my belly that hurt and was a bit surprised to feel a very hard mass about the size of a cantelope directly behind my belly button. (Those of you who know me know I am a "big girl" so a melon could have easily gone unnoticed. Bah!) I called the doctor and made an appointment for first thing the next morning. While showering to go to my appointment I felt something slightly protruding from my belly button. Aaahh, yes! I knew what that must be. Hernia.      Well, doctor checked me out and said he thinks I have an umbilical hernia. "Great!" I also told him what had happened and what I felt and he said that the feeling like something "moving" was probably when it tore. Yikes. But besides all that, when he was examining me, besides the hernia, he said he felt a secondary mass to the right side of where hernia would be. He sent me the next morning to The Forum for an abdominal CT scan...which, of course, I won't know the results of until atleast Tuesday, due to the lovely holiday weekend.       So, I am trying not to get too freaked out. "Secondary mass?" I mean, I never feel around my belly for anything, so I don't know if it was already there or happened with hernia. He seemed a little concerned, which concerned me, especially when he started asking more in depth questions about my cough and if I've had other discomfort in that area prior to hernia. I know. I'm probably worried about nothing, but until they tell me that it's nothing, I shall worry. That's what I do. But my belly is quite sore and sitting at my computer for any length of time has been difficult, so forgive me for being absent. I still love you all!  As for Michael...he had his foot surgery yesterday at Cape Fear Hospital. Dr. Bachman had to put a plate in his joint where big toe meets ball of foot. Absolutely no cartilage left...was grinding bone on bone. Fused it an put 2 screws in. He'll be in a hard cast for 6 - 8 weeks and completely off foot for about 3 - 4 months atleast. Today is only day 2 and he's climbing the walls, which has me climbing the walls. (Lord - give me strength!)      Anyway, folks, besides that...everything's great! LMAO I will keep you all posted as events unfold. I'd love to reply to all the posts individually, but can't sit here much longer. I expect to be back in the swing of things soon. I am feeling a bit less tender every day. Thanks for noticing I was gone. Hee. Means alot! Love ya, Mare

Mare,,, Thank you for the update, I was planning on calling this afternoon!  It's good they found the hernia.  Hopefully the results of the CT scan will prove to be nothing but tissue.  At least when it comes time for you to submit for insurance, You'll have the CT scan out of the way.  Michael is blessed to have someone as wonderful as you to take care of him, and you must be an angel to nurse him untill he gets back to work.  (Call when you need to vent) lol.  If you need anything, gimme' a hollar.  I'm only 35 mn. away nancy noodle

Thanks, Noodle. You being here means alot to me.  Love ya, my friend! xoxo Mare

So Glad to hear from you.  I was getting worried also. My thoughts are with you and I will pray that everything will work out fine.  Take it eazy and just relax. You need the strength to help your husband also. Maureen                         

Hi Maureen, Thanks for your concern. Aren't you visiting Topsail soon? Let me know. If you have the time, I'd love to meet you and your honey. xoxo Mare

Peane~
I was getting ready to send out a search party!!! Im glad Michael is home and he is so lucky to have you to take care of him... Im sorry about the *mass* and try not to let it freak you out to much.. hope everything turns out alright for you and if you need anything give me a shout!!!!

Love ya Peane~

Darc xoxoxxoxo

Thanks, honey. I miss you. Let's have a visit soon, 'kay? Love ya! Pean xoxo

Hi there Honey Bunch! Glad to hear from you here.  Tells me you are feeling at least a LITTLE better.  And  you knew I was gonna nag you til I heard SOMETHING from you! Try not to dwell on the "mass" thing.  Doctors love to use those terms.  Besides there is NOTHING you can do about it til Tuesday anyway! Sending big hugs out your way and you know you can call me if you need anything.  I am just a skip away. Love you!

Hi again, my love. I just spoke to you a bit ago, but wanted to say thanks again. You're a good friend and you mean alot to me. Thanks for "having my back." *wink* xoxo Mare

Mare, I am so sorry you are going through this!  Take it easy this weekend, we will be thinking good thoughts for your test results. Lori