I love technology but sometimes I want to throw it out the window! After weeks of not having internet service and numerous calls to “customer service” we finally switched our provider! After dealing with hard drive issues and then the internet service, I am hoping my computer problems are over!
Well, my sinuses aren’t as full as they’ve been in the last couple of weeks. However, I am now dealing with a deep congested cough. I feel like my “shaking” machine and I are attached at the hip. I have been getting up early in the morning to do an extra treatment, sleeping, and repeating this process throughout the day. I have been shaking every five to six hours. My lungs are struggling more then usual. Stairs are usually an indicator for me. I normally have to pause to catch my breath when I reach the top of a flight of stairs. But recently, the stairs have become an even greater challenge. The good news is, I think I am finally at the tail end of this cold!
I was very frustrated when my less then six month old computer had a damaged hard drive. After sending it back to the manufacture to be repaired, I finally received it back a couple of weeks ago. I wanted to give an update sooner but haven’t had the energy.
Let me fill you in on my health. I am no longer taking prednisone. I am very happy about that due to all the side effects. Although, I have missed the free energy train I was on while taking the medication. I did slow down a little bit once I finally weaned off it completely.
I started to get some stomach aches after I would eat. After a few days of having some discomfort I figured I had better get it checked out. I had called my doctor and left a message on Sunday, October 21st so they would return my call the following day. When the nurse called me back the next morning, I sounded awful! I woke up with a terrible head cold. I was seen in the clinic on that Monday for some tests. Turns out, I have an ulcer. Most likely from the predinsone….side effects, ugh. The ulcer seems to be better but I have had a difficult time with this pesky head cold.
My new hat!
Twelve days later, I am still feeling crummy. I am congested and very fatigued. I am doing everything in my power to avoid being admitted into the hospital. I have been doing extra treatments, napping a lot, and forcing myself to still get on the treadmill daily. My head is starting to feel a little bit better although I still wake up stuffy. I have to concentrate on clearing the junk in my lungs.
I have been without my computer for over a month! I will fill you in with all the details in the next coming days. Have a safe and spooky Halloween!
Here is a great video from Canada’s Trillium Gift of Life Network. There are 1,500 people waiting for life-saving donations in Canada, and more than 115,000 waiting in the U.S. One organ donor can save 8 lives, and a tissue donor can give hope and healing to countless others. Register today at Donate Life America
I would like to invite you to the 2012 Celebrated Chefs Gourmet Dinner benefiting the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation on Friday, September 28, 2012. A truly culinary delight consisting of a 7-course gourmet dinner made by some of the best chefs in town, wine and beer pairings with every course, a live and silent auction, and great speakers. I know it is coming up soon but there is still plenty of room if you would like to join us. Please email me if you have any questions at: nikkisnewlungs@gmail.com. I know the cost is $150, please note $75 is tax deductible. To purchase tickets you can click on the link CF Culinary Dinner Here are the details for the evening:
A fun fall Saturday in Minnesota. We were asked to the Minnesota Gopher football game with our friend Randy and his daughter Morgan. It was a gorgeous day to be outside and the Gopher’s won!
Travis, Myself, Morgan, & Randy
After the game we came home to take a nap because our nephew, Zac, was playing his first hockey game with the Edina Lakers Junior Hockey League. It was a fast and exciting game but, unfortunately, they didn’t win. We are looking forward to many of his hockey games this season.
Zac #6
Jeff, Sue, Myself, Travis, & Rochelle
This last weekend our good friend, Sue, came in from Austin, Texas to visit. We have not seen each other since 2007. We had so much fun catching up, and I must admit we ate like kings! I think my belly is still extended from all the good food we ate. It took me until today to catch up on my rest but it was worth every minute we spent together. Not being able to travel is tough while waiting for these lungs but I am so lucky to have such great friends and family that have traveled to Minneapolis to visit us.
Jeff, Rochelle, Travis, Sue, & Myself
We had friends from Chicago, Tony & Agata, stay with us Friday and Saturday. Tony is from Ireland and Agata is from Poland but has lived in the states since 2002. We took them to the State Fair. She had never imagined anything like the Minnesota great get together! We even convinced her to go on the BIG slide. I was determined to make it to the top. Travis carried my oxygen and we stopped multiple times so I could take a breather but I made it! The slide down was well worth it. After walking around for hours my foot was throbbing that night.
On Sunday, we went to Canterbury Park. One of our friends owns a horse that was racing. Last year, he won this same race and we got our picture taken in the winners circle. There was no such luck this year as he finished in 3rd place. Afterwards we hung out in the stables for a little while.
We ended the holiday on Monday at the neighbors for a barbeque. Unfortunately, I missed a surprise birthday party for a dear friend at night because this girl was exhausted. All in all, it was a fabulous weekend!
Isabel Stenzel Byrnes, myself, & Anabel Stenzel
The documentary, The Power of Two, is coming to Minneapolis this coming Saturday, for a special screening at the National Alliance of Media Arts Center. This is an extraordinary look into the lives of twin sisters living with cystic fibrosis and their inspirational story receiving life saving lung transplants. I am looking forward to attending along with some family members. Tickets cost $15 dollars but give you all day access to other films on Saturday if you’re interested. If you would like to join us,
HERE’S THE DETAILS:
The Power of Two – Minneapolis Area Premiere
Sat. Sept. 8th – 4:00pm
The Minnehaha Room at The Hyatt Regency
300 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis, MN 55403
Here’s a link to the NAMAC Documentary Screenings Page for more info &
to purchase tickets:
http://www.namac.org/conference/evidence-leading-creatively-documentary-screening-aimee-de-luc
Also, you can watch the trailer — http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YIU4lZSGxr8
Nikki's New Lungs 