Wednesday, June 17, 2009

Consumer Report

I bought a Simplicity Rotary Cutting Machine at Joann's last night. And I'm returning it to the store tonight. It's not what I want or need. I can cut 2 and 1/2 inch strips faster and more accurate than this little waste of money can. Better to spend that money at NQA this Saturday! 'Nuff said.

No sewing last night. Because of Michael's doctor's appointment, we didn't get home until 6. We chose to go out for dinner vs fixing something at the house. Then I took Andrea to Walmart to buy the bike we wanted via Joann's (see above paragraph). I got to rest around 9.

There's good news and bad news about Michael's pulmonologist appointment. The excellent news is this new to us physician is an excellent clinician. He took more time with us in one appointment yesterday than his first pulmonologist has done in nearly two years! He asked me to contact Michael's mum and see what lung conditions his relatives have had. I suppose if it's an inherited condition, that may mean something. The bad (very bad) news is that Dr. Dortin believes Michael also has a condition called pulmonary hypertension - a complication of his fibrotic lungs. Typically with IPF, the lung illness doesn't kill people - right heart failure brought on by pulmonary hypertension is what strikes folks dead. Michael had some blood tests run yesterday - wants to rule out connective tissue disorders (something the old doctor didn't do), and scheduled him for pulse oxygen testing and an echocardiogram next week. After all this is evaluated, Michael may be referred to some clinical trials at the university. A lung transplant is out of the question due to his age and the development of pulmonary hypertension. I sincerely doubt Michael would agreed to that anyways. Dr. Dortin said Michael should not be working, so his days of bringing home a paycheck(small as it is) are coming to an end. He's not eligible for Social Security since he does not have enough credit hours accumulated.

So, please keep Michael in your prayers.

I'm going to be OK. Our God must be looking at for me since I have such a good support group at the office, my family and quilters like Jill, Linda, etc. Shudder to think how much of a basket case I'd be without them all.

Hugs,
Cathy

3 comments:

Cindy said...

We're always here when you need us. I know it looks grim right now but atleast you're finally getting some answers. Hang in there we'll all be saying those little extra prayers.

Linda said...

Thank you for the review of the Simplicity gadget. I think I'll stick with my June Tailor cutter, which I love. Cathy, you're always in my thoughts and prayers. Hugs are on the way! You are loved by many and are being lifted up in ways that you don't know.

BitnByAQuiltingBug said...

Your strength and faith are an amazing thing to behold! You are quite a woman! You and yours will be in my prayers, too!