Finally Free !

I am finally back to a normal heart rhythm ! It only took 2 CardioVersions and 2 hospital stays, but hey whatever works right?

The last 6 months have been the worst, to say the least.
September was the start of the A-Fib and multiple testing for a Watchman, only to be told I was a perfect candidate, but the Board chose not to give me one. I was referred to Mt. Sinai in New York, but the Electrophysiologist office neglected to send the records.  I discovered this in January. Unbelievably I am still waiting to hear from them. I chose to contact Shands Cardiovascular since they are only 4 hours away in Gainesville, FL. They visited me while I was hospitalized in February and did another TEE as well as a CardioVersion. I had a wonderfully normal heart rate for all of one night. The pharmacy didn't send up the meds to help it stay that way, and you guessed it I coughed the next morning... Back in A-Fib.

Another admission was scheduled for March. I was put on Sotalol for 5 doses with an EKG 2 hours after each one. Yes even at 2AM  ... grrr.. This was to make certain there were no prolonged QT waves in my heart, which could eventually be fatal. I then got another Cardioversion and have been normal (well for me) ever since.

In all this time, I lost My Boy Ozzi. Two days before my birthday. My 26 year lung transplant anniversary breezed by in a cloud along with my birthday. I'm still not ready to write about how much I miss my fella. He was my heart, my soul, and my inspiration to keep going. We were a team.
As the days went by, I recognized the need for a reason to wake up every day. Larry was away working and this house was too empty.

A friend knew I was looking - slowly- for a furry, wet nosed companion and recommended us to someone she knew. Nelson flew (literally) into our lives. I will admit 16 years out of the puppy stage, and this fella has been a joy to behold. He is into everything, explores the world via his nose and mouth ! The first commands he learned were "drop it" & "leave it".

He isn't Ozzi. Nothing will ever take his place in my heart. Nelson is pushing hard though. He's loving, tenacious, and stubborn all at the same time.

He's earned the nicknames wiggle butt, waddle butt, & low rider. He is a Skye Terrier and I honestly never thought to own another. They are difficult to come by. Owning a Skye Terrier was on my Bucket List, though I did have an Oath with Ozzi, & he promised me he'd live forever.

Now, to the latest dilemma, health wise. All these shocks to my heart plus a dermatologist visit triggered a case of Shingles. Oh yay !  Well, it also triggered what is known as Grovers Disease. Never heard of it ? You don't want to. It makes Shingles feel like a picnic in the park. Little bumps all over your torso front & back that will drive you mad with itching. I tried 2 Benadryl, Hydrocortisone cream, SSD cream & finally resorted to soaking it all with alcohol and then applying baby powder.
The Dermatologist called in a big tub of cream to help out with it all. She did offer something to help me sleep. I declined.. after all what's better than getting up every 20-30 minutes wanting to rip your skin off by scratching? It seems to be helping, but from what I read this could last up to 12 months. Seriously ?!?  It's caused by Stress, Sweat, Sun & Heat.. Great for us Southerners. 

Honestly, if this lasts 12 months- the stress of wanting it gone will guarantee it stays for another 12.

At least I no longer feel intense pain when a soft T-shirt rubs my stomach.. 

Have a great day !! Oh ! and don't stress too much- we might end up Grovers buddies  😎😎

The Grand Adventures of Oz.

Many of you already know Oz. For those who do not, Oz is the last of my 3 boys.
we lost Dibs in February 2 years ago, his brother CC in March of this year. Oz is our Skye Terrier who after being dropped off at my house at 8 weeks- rescued me.

After losing CC, a deal was made with Ozzi. He will be our only dog , as long as he promises to live forever :)

Since he is now 13 and greying, and I decided to start working on my Bucket List again. I thought , how about we check items off together !

Without further ado.... may I present Ozzi.

Oz here....
Mom & Dad are taking me everywhere ! Being the only dog has it's  advantages.  It was great having Dibs & CC around for fun and blaming each other when we dug up the yard... but like Mom says...
It's Good To Be The King!

We're off in the Motorhome, my first time without my brothers. We had mechanical issues -again- but no blown tires on the highway... yay ! We left the 1st campground in a hurry... yuck... but now are in a great place on a lake with lots of ducks!!!

Today was my 1st trip to a Flea Market. I walked with my tail high acting like I owned the place.  Mom kept telling me to slow down, but I wanted to sniff everything! I have to remember Mom can't catch her breath like when we walked 3-4 miles every morning. But this was her 1st trip to a place like this in a long time too.

Then we rode the highway looking for a place for lunch. Dad said it had to have outside seating so I could go to.. they love me soooo much. Yay for Firehouse  Subs!

Mom is always sharing her meals with me.  Don't tell Dad,but I take her to lunch when he's  working...lol. Back in the car and headed back to our motor home,I heard Mom say they wore me out !  I'm  gonna let Em think that until I get out of the car.
Tonight Gracie & Ashton will be flying in ! I really love the girls !

Tomorrow we drive out for a new grand adventure. ...

Ozzi out fur now ...