Wednesday, December 23, 2009
A visit to Dr. Cohen
Mom saw Dr. Cohen today and her heart is fine. The readout on her pacemaker is that it will last between 5.5 and 7.5 years before a new battery is needed. Mom told him about her dizziness and he asked her to describe it. There are two kinds of dizzy 1) when we get up to fast and 2) when we move our head. Mom's is in her head. So he recommends we see her neurologist. Fortunately, we already have one. Cohen, said that he wasn't an expert in this field but it sounds like Position Vertigo. This has something to do with the inner ear swishing around. His recollection is that there are training exercises that can be provided and/or medicine but reiterated...see the neurologist on this score. This explains why Mom has fallen down twice in the last month. Once going over the treadmill to close the blinds and once when she stood up from putting some papers through the shredder. Cohen also suggested that she use her cane more frequently.
Monday, December 7, 2009
Dec. 7, 2009
As indicated, Mom and I stopped at the 700 bldg. and picked up the CD imaging for her pulmonary nodule. We then went directly to Dr. Cantwell for a report on the CT and to address the problem with Mom's face - it is swollen making her look like Droopy. We think it is an allergy. He has prescribed a steroid pack if it becomes worse and an epi-pen in case something terrible should occur. He said that the bendryl tablets were the right thing and that she needn't take the steroid unless it gets worse rather than better.
On the CT scan. The report today indicates that "they" (specifically the radiologist), knew there were 2 pulmonary nodule on 8/28/2008 however, in the report of 8/28/2008, there is no indication of a nodule(s) using that particular language. It is a very comprehensive report covering her brain, intestinal system, heart and chest. Hence, I see no reason for Cantwell to have known there was a nodule present at that time. (I have the cd of these images.)
In today's report (12/7/2009) it says, " There are 3 pulmonary nodules identified, one of which is calcified. The noncalcified nodule is in the left lower lobe image 227, 3mm, and right upper lobe image 100. (I have the cd with these images). Both of these nodules were present on the previous examination of 2008 representing stability over a 1 - year period indicating a benign lesion. The previously seen inflitrates and effusions in the lung basis have resolved."
Karen and Karley wonder if we might need a second opinion. Diane - do you have an opinion. I am comfortable with the opinion we have. If we get a second opinion, it would be easy. All I have to do is give the cd to a radiologist and him/her read it.
On the CT scan. The report today indicates that "they" (specifically the radiologist), knew there were 2 pulmonary nodule on 8/28/2008 however, in the report of 8/28/2008, there is no indication of a nodule(s) using that particular language. It is a very comprehensive report covering her brain, intestinal system, heart and chest. Hence, I see no reason for Cantwell to have known there was a nodule present at that time. (I have the cd of these images.)
In today's report (12/7/2009) it says, " There are 3 pulmonary nodules identified, one of which is calcified. The noncalcified nodule is in the left lower lobe image 227, 3mm, and right upper lobe image 100. (I have the cd with these images). Both of these nodules were present on the previous examination of 2008 representing stability over a 1 - year period indicating a benign lesion. The previously seen inflitrates and effusions in the lung basis have resolved."
Karen and Karley wonder if we might need a second opinion. Diane - do you have an opinion. I am comfortable with the opinion we have. If we get a second opinion, it would be easy. All I have to do is give the cd to a radiologist and him/her read it.
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Dec. 1
Dr. Cantwell's office called to say that on the X-ray taken a week ago to diagnose Mom's bronchitis , contained a pulmonary nodule. This was found by the radiologist who has the last word on the X-ray. When I talked with Sharon, Cantwell's nurse, she said a Pulmonary Nodule is common but you definately want to check it out.
Today, Dec. 2., I got an appointment for her to have a CT Scan at Kennesaw Imaging Center (Bld 700). A CT scan appears to be the gold standard for diagnosing the benign/not benign aspect of the nodule.
So, tomorrow at 11:45am we will go for the CT and them proceed to the Dr.s building near Northside Hospital for her Boniva infusion. More news to follow.
Today, Dec. 2., I got an appointment for her to have a CT Scan at Kennesaw Imaging Center (Bld 700). A CT scan appears to be the gold standard for diagnosing the benign/not benign aspect of the nodule.
So, tomorrow at 11:45am we will go for the CT and them proceed to the Dr.s building near Northside Hospital for her Boniva infusion. More news to follow.
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Mom's pre-diabetic
I spoke with Dr. Cantwell's nurse today about Mom's elevated blood sugar levels and A1C... Mom is pre-diabetic but just only. No medication is necessary and she should moderate her sugar intake.
Saturday, September 19, 2009
Update
We visited the dentist on Thursday and were advised that Mom's tooth has to come out. He will not take her off the coumadin but will pack the tooth to stave off the bleeding. In the meantime, Mom's coumadin levels are really quite stable 2.3-2.6 which is really good. I will test her on Tuesay morning - the day of the removal - so that the doctor can make any adjustments. He was quite "impressed" that we could do it at home. He is now going to order a coumadin reader himself for the office.
Sharon, from Dr. Cantwell's office called Friday to say that the results of Mom's blood had finally arrived and they compared her creatine levels with her previous blood test. The one from Myerson was slightly elevated "had she been fasting or exercising?" She had been exercising at aqua class which might account for it. I asked if this could be an indication she isn't drinking enough fluids and she said it could be but lets run a fasting blood test. Mom's glucose level was slightly elevated as well...again, it could have been her exercising but they will run an A1C (I think that's the name) to check her glucose levels over the last 3 months. That's the test they ue for diabetics. Mom had been tested for diabetes before when her foot neuropathy began and did not have it so... I am hoping all of this was her lean-mean-exercise regime.
Ok...Tuesday - Tooth out
Thursday- Blood test
10-days after that - blood test results
Sharon, from Dr. Cantwell's office called Friday to say that the results of Mom's blood had finally arrived and they compared her creatine levels with her previous blood test. The one from Myerson was slightly elevated "had she been fasting or exercising?" She had been exercising at aqua class which might account for it. I asked if this could be an indication she isn't drinking enough fluids and she said it could be but lets run a fasting blood test. Mom's glucose level was slightly elevated as well...again, it could have been her exercising but they will run an A1C (I think that's the name) to check her glucose levels over the last 3 months. That's the test they ue for diabetics. Mom had been tested for diabetes before when her foot neuropathy began and did not have it so... I am hoping all of this was her lean-mean-exercise regime.
Ok...Tuesday - Tooth out
Thursday- Blood test
10-days after that - blood test results
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Skin doctor - A-ok
Mom's body is in good shape. She had a mole on the top of her forehead removed with a lazar, a blemish on her cheek removed, and a do-dad on her chest frozen off. None of these were anything but cosmetic.
Monday, September 14, 2009
An interesting week in September
Today, Mom and I went to the dentist. She had an absesce that manifested on Saturday. So, combined with the note from Dr. Myerson (her Rhumetoligist) that she has decreased kidney function... we have a few things to check out.
The dentist said that it appeared that the tooth is cracked and, given he tried twice to treat it (two previous gum boils), she should see a dental surgeon. So, we have an appointment for him on Thursday.
Sharon, Dr. Cantwell's nurse called me today to say they had not received the fax from Myerson last Tuesday or on any of the days inbetween. I told her I would have it sent again..and she said she would watch for it. I called Dr. Myerson andt he lady told me she would send it. I asked how I would know if it really got there. She told me she would wait for confirmation and if that didn't happen...try again. So I expect that tomorrow we should be having another conversation with Cant'well's office. I did ask Sharon if a decreased kidney function was normal with aging and she said it could be but there could be underlying causes and that they wouldn't know what until they saw the lab report. At that point, Cantwell would either see Mom or recommend a Kidney specialist. So we are waiting with patience.
Wednesday we go to the skin doctor to have an overall look at Mom .... and I am having a look as well just to be on the safe side. I will let you know what goes. Mom has a thing on her cheek that she is concerned about and so, it is good to have it looked at.
Karen is taking Lilly, the kitty, to the specialist vet tomorrow to have her checked out. She is anemic. And on Friday, Inge is having her trigger thumb operated on so she will be in better shape. Nothing like a full week of entertainment!
The dentist said that it appeared that the tooth is cracked and, given he tried twice to treat it (two previous gum boils), she should see a dental surgeon. So, we have an appointment for him on Thursday.
Sharon, Dr. Cantwell's nurse called me today to say they had not received the fax from Myerson last Tuesday or on any of the days inbetween. I told her I would have it sent again..and she said she would watch for it. I called Dr. Myerson andt he lady told me she would send it. I asked how I would know if it really got there. She told me she would wait for confirmation and if that didn't happen...try again. So I expect that tomorrow we should be having another conversation with Cant'well's office. I did ask Sharon if a decreased kidney function was normal with aging and she said it could be but there could be underlying causes and that they wouldn't know what until they saw the lab report. At that point, Cantwell would either see Mom or recommend a Kidney specialist. So we are waiting with patience.
Wednesday we go to the skin doctor to have an overall look at Mom .... and I am having a look as well just to be on the safe side. I will let you know what goes. Mom has a thing on her cheek that she is concerned about and so, it is good to have it looked at.
Karen is taking Lilly, the kitty, to the specialist vet tomorrow to have her checked out. She is anemic. And on Friday, Inge is having her trigger thumb operated on so she will be in better shape. Nothing like a full week of entertainment!
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