Walk-In Ultrasound Today

I couldn't take the pain today.  Instead of going to the ER I tried to call my RE first.  No human voice just the answering service.

We ended up driving over to the RE's office and I spoke to a nurse there.  Not my favorite nurse but a nurse nonetheless, Nurse Mi, has no sympathetic bone in her body.  She kept speaking over me while asking me what the problem was.  How was I to tell her what was wrong if she wouldn't come up for air?  I was really wishing my favorite nurse, Nurse Ma was available.

Finally I got to speak and it was brief.  She decided to pull my chart and have a look at the last instructions.  There was nothing in my chart at all about the phone call I made two weeks ago.  My least favorite nurse, Nurse J,  didn't document the call or the problem.  Nothing listed about the pain or bleeding I was having at mid cycle.  Nothing listed about what I was told to do and not to do.  Someone is in trouble.

Nurse Mi finally gets the idea that I might need a doctor.  She decides to go speak with Dr. C and he wants me in the exam room immediately for an ultrasound.  Sure enough I have two ovarian cysts on my left ovary.  DUH!  He said if it was just one cyst I probably wouldn't feel the pain all that much but with two on one ovary its definitely an issue.   He gave me directions to not do anything that would cause me added pain and only to do things that feel okay.  IE: if you try it and it hurts don't do it again.  Dr. C explained to my husband about the corpus luteal cysts and their function.  I already knew and explained to him earlier in the week but he liked to hear it from the doctor.  Oh and my blood pressure was up to 153/94.  Might have been because of the pain or because I was cranky from what J said to me earlier.  I've been closely watching my sodium and trying to avoid stress.  Not that easy with a soldier who has his mind on the upcoming mission.  Soldier + Mission= cranky guy.

Next stop was the lab.  I had the pregnancy test blood draw and a progesterone level blood draw.  In a little over an hour I'll find out the results of both.  Or at the very least one.  I don't hold out hope for a positive HCG.  I'm feeling like its going to be negative.

Later this afternoon we are headed out to look at a set of golf clubs and see if they are what I want.  I'd like to get the chance to use them a bit this summer.  Still it looks as though I might yet get to Mount St. Helen's before the end of the week.  That is if my RE gives me some decent news.  For now I have to be careful to not do anything that might cause ovarian torsion as I don't want to lose an ovary.

Celebrating The Fourth Of July

Let Freedom Ring!

Today with any luck I'll be stopping by the freedom fest here on JBLM.  It started just over an hour ago but I figure I still have plenty of time to get there.  Its open to the public and I detest crowds.

I'm proud to be an American.  I'm proud to say that my ancestors helped form the nation that I so love.  My ancestor Oliver Wolcott signed the Declaration of Independence.  My husband serves in the US Army, so did my dad.

Now on a different note....Its CD23, 13 dpo, and 1 day till I test.  I broke down and tested early and not with the first morning urine, hard to hold a full bladder when it seems to be always full with the pressure from the ovarian cyst.  It was negative of course.  Breasts hurt, I'm drooling, I'm tired, I'm cranky, my nose is stuffy, my pelvis hurts, and I'm bloated.  I really hate PMS.  What is even worse is that I'm developing issues with chocolate again.  Every time I eat it I get sick.  My throat will burn, my teeth ache and then the stomach upset starts.  I guess I'll have to give up chocolate, at least for a while.  I had 1/4 of an English Muffin yesterday morning and the taste of it just turned my stomach.  I love English muffins.  I'm guessing my hormones are causing issues with my stomach.  I've been eating a lot less and well I got on the scale this morning only to see that I've gained 0.8 lbs.  It looks like I've gained 10 pounds.

All that dilemma aside I think I'll head outside soon and see if J wants to go somewhere today.  Even if its just for a walk.  We need to start planning a few day trips.  If I'm not pregnant it means we need to plan the rest of our vacation around the last cycle of infertility treatments.  I'm not sure if this will be the last cycle ever or just for a while.  Not sure how much more I can take of these ovarian cysts.  I'm making the best of a crappy situation and sucking up the pain so that we can both enjoy the vacation.

I hope everyone enjoys themselves today.  Just don't drink and drive.

Second Day Of Vacation

View of our beds.

My blog posts are now a day behind.  Its actually the end of our third day of vacation as I post this but I thought I'd write a bit about what I did yesterday and add on some photos for those of you that would like to see what there is to do in Leavenworth, WA.

Yesterday was the second day of our vacation.  We stayed in room 203 for two nights and had the buffet breakfast on the fourth floor.  Each morning the owner walks out onto the balcony with his alp-horn and ascends to the railing to serenade the town and his guests.  Breakfast was quite filling and very delicious. 

  After breakfast we headed out to the Championship Putting Course across the street.  I've never golfed before and really found it to be a fun sport.  I might just have to go out and buy some clubs.  I'm not a competitive person so I didn't mind not scoring par on all 18 holes.  Just one hole did I make par and I was still pleased with myself.

Soon it was time for another sport, shopping.  Shopping in a tourist town should be considered a contact sport.  The streets were getting crowded at only 1000 hrs.  Of course I think some of the crowd was do in part to the Freedom Fest celebrating the Fourth Of July.  Funny how many holidays have turned into festivals of shopping.

Today we headed home.  I have plenty more pictures of our adventures but not enough room to share them here.  I can honestly say I'll be missing that hot tub tonight.  Two nights in a row of using a blissful hot tub on sore, aching muscles and tonight I have to make do with a bathtub instead.  Well I guess I should be thankful that I have hot water.

CD 22, 12dpo, 2 days till I test.  I'm cranky.  I'm having my doubts.

Now its on to planning the Mount St. Helen's trip.

First Day Of Vacation

We hadn't yet to leave the house when the phone rang.  It was J's work place calling to ask for help.  He's on leave.  We get to Leavenworth and his cell phone rings, its another co-worker asking for J and I politely tell the man that we are now in Leavenworth on vacation.  He tells me okay and hangs up.  Can't they do without him for three weeks?  While its good for J's ego to know that he is a valued member of his team it would be nice if they'd remember that its called R&R for a reason. 

In the photo you'll see me on the right and my husband on the left.  The photo was taken at the very end of the ride and I'm slouching from the pain.  Thank you fibromyalgia.  Yes I over did it yesterday but it was worth it.  I haven't been on a horse in over 20 years.  Usually I rode bare back and I can honestly tell you that the saddle wears on the butt more than riding without one.  Sure having the stirrups are a plus to make sure when going down the mountain you don't fall off but still I think I'd rather not have a saddle.

We spent yesterday afternoon at the Eagle Creek Ranch.  Lovely place with chickens running about and fairly friendly at that which in my experience is unusual for that particular bird.  Susan and Bryan were the ones that helped us with the horses in the mounting and dismount.  Bryan was our trail guide. 

We rode up the side of a mountain and back down a 6 mile ride in all and taking about 2.25 hours with stops for photos.  J took the photos this trip out and I guess its my turn to take photos when we go golfing.

Did I mention my butt hurts?  LOL  Yup I bruised the bone.  J is also complaining about a sore bottom as well so I don't feel as bad since he is the more experienced rider.

I was thinking that today we might go white water rafting but since I didn't reserve it in advance and its a holiday weekend we might just be out of luck on that one event.  Still we have the 18 holes of putting green to accomplish and many hours of shopping.

One thing is for sure, we are going to be exhausted when we get back home tomorrow.  More pictures of the trip to follow when I'm back on my own computer at home.

Hurry Up Already

I'm so very anxious for tomorrow to get here.  I know its still officially 13 hours away and more like 20 hours until we hit the road.  I can't wait to start our vacation together.

We need this vacation.  I need this vacation.

I need to leave behind my cares, my worries, my responsibilities for a weekend.  I need time to just play and relax.  I know J needs the same.  Time together as a couple to discuss where we are headed on our next leg of the journey.  I've got three whole weeks with him and I plan on doing everything possible.  Ocean, Volcano, mountains, and foreign country are all on the agenda.

Last night I asked J to do a photo dump of his camera to his laptop so that he has more space for all the photos he will take.  He still has pictures from last year on the camera that he has yet to upload!  And no he didn't do it last night, maybe tonight he'll get it done.  Me, I keep my camera a blank slate and upload it often.

I'm bringing my camera with me on the trail ride and to the 18 hole championship putting course.  I'm thinking its sort of like mini putt but I'll know more when I get there.  I've only played mini putt once and lost my ball on the first whack. The ball went way over the fence and landed in Gaslight Village.  I'm way too strong on my swing to putt and need to learn how to golf.  I was the same with tennis and I'd lodge the ball in the chain link fence behind my opponent.  Okay same problem with volleyball as I'd knock out the ceiling tiles in the gym.  I need to learn to go easy and use a lighter touch.  This is going to be a challenge for me and I'm ready.

I have to say that I am a bit scared of the horseback riding.  Last time I was around a horse was last year and that was to groom and bathe one.  Riding, eh its been a long time.  I don't like thinking about taking a fall off a horse, did that the first time I ever rode.

The bags are packed, house sitter is confirmed, I'm ready to go. 

Back In The Saddle Again

J agreed to the horseback riding and we set the date and time for this particular event.  We are going to the Eagle Creek Ranch, (photo from their website) before we even check into the Enzian Inn. 

Several phone calls were made back and forth between us and the ranch to schedule a private ride.  Its a holiday weekend and they were pretty booked up already when we made our call. 

I haven't ridden a horse since I was 16 and J hasn't ridden in about 8 years.  Its not like we don't know how but it is more like we are rusty.

I rarely road with a saddle folks.  I rode bareback with reins.  I'm not sure about being able to handle the feel of a saddle under my butt.  J told the lady that I'd need a couch type horse.  Gee thanks J.  He meant it in a good way.  I need a sturdy, easy going, wide butted mount.  Because I'm prone to back troubles and last night it started up again I'll be needing that gentle mount.

Eagle Creek does have weight limits for its riders.  Rather daunting though I did get on the scale today and I'm still way under the max weight of 240 lbs, I'm not yet my ID card weight, though not far from it, and it scares me.  What if they take one look at me and say I'm too fat for their horses?  The lady we talked to said that if I look to be overweight they'll deny me a ride or cut short the private ride.  What if I'm not my 5'7" when I get there?  If my back is bothering me overly much then I do have a tendency to shrink up to 1.5 inches.  That would put in close to the other borderline weight for a person under 5'6".  Yes they have weight and height imposed limits, not just weight alone.  So its possible, though doubtful, that I just might get denied a mount.  Like I said I'm not that fat and unless I binge eat in the next two days I don't think I'll get denied.  Still.....

Look I realize that a saddle and tack weighs about 40 pounds but seriously I'm not that fat and I know horses can carry two people at a time for a few miles without blinking an eye.  Even J was scratching his head on that one.  He can't figure out why they'd set the weight limit so low either.  Maybe its their insurance?

"What are the age and weight limits for horseback riding?

Age six is the youngest we can take on a trail ride (our insurance doesn‘t allow double riding, nor do we consider it safe). If you’re over 18, we don’t ask your age! For most riders, our weight limit is 240#, although that should be adjusted down and up according to height/weight proportions. For persons under 5 foot six inches tall, the weight limit is 200#, to accommodate their horse height and saddle size requirements. About 10 pounds per inch of height added is a good guideline for what will work well above and below those limits.  For those about 6 feet in height or taller, we can sometimes extend the upper limit to 250#. If that still sounds limited, consider the U.S. cavalry used to have a weight limit of 140#!"

Friday we'll be on horseback by early afternoon for a 6 mile ride at a walking pace, I hope.  Gee I really hope he doesn't expect me to break into anything like a gallop.  Its been way too long for that sort of stuff.  At least they provide helmets in case I feel the need for one.  With my crummy balance I might need one and a pillow tied to my butt too so that when I land it hurts less.

Reservations

I was up late last night searching the internet for a better place to stay while in Leavenworth.  I had made reservations at one motel that J really liked because it was cheap.  I don't mean cheap in a good way either.

No the reviews of the place were mostly about how horrible the place was, including broken window latches, dirty sheets, dirty towels balled up in the bathroom.  Reviewers complained about the supposed breakfast buffet that was nothing more than one waffle iron, cold cereal and stale danish.  They also complained about the motel staff that was rude, inefficient and that no one was working at night.  I had to cancel that reservation, it was making my stomach burn with anxiety thinking about it being such a dump.  So I called them up this morning and canceled.  I just couldn't picture myself sleeping for two nights in a motel that potentially had rats and bed bugs.

J learned to be cheap.  I'm not talking frugal.  I'm frugal.  J is cheap.  Of course he isn't cheap when he wants something.  J thinks that buying in bulk, think products from China, is a good deal rather than buying a quality USA made item that costs a bit more but comes with a warranty.  It really is the most irritating trait he has.  Because its a learned behaviour its not like its going to change without a lot of help.  That is where I come in.  I was taught by my frugal paternal grandmother that you need to buy quality goods and services or you'll waste your money on shoddy goods by having them break easily.

Last night I was up until 0200 hrs reading reviews on the web for other places to stay in Leavenworth.  Thankfully I found a place. With the holiday weekend being the weekend we start our vacation and Leavenworth celebrating the Kinderfest this weekend finding a place to stay was tricky.  The place I made the new reservations at was my first choice all along.  This place has a hot breakfast, omelets made to order, fresh danish and other breads, sausage and other meats, all of which is included in your stay.  This place has two pools, one indoor and one outdoor with a jacuzzi too.  For $60 more per night than the should be condemned  motel we are getting a big room with two queen sized beds, the single queen bed room was $5 less per night so I opted for the bigger room.  Oh and the stay also comes with complimentary use of the putting green.  I come from a family of golfers and its a darn shame that I never got to play the game.   I really look forward to staying at the Enzian Inn.

"Enzian guests are invited to enjoy our indoor and outdoor pools and hot tubs, table-tennis room, racquetball / basketball / wally-ball court, and fitness room.
A complimentary round of golf at Enzian Falls Championship Putting Course is also available for each guest. The course is open mid April through October and provides an entertaining challenge for the golfer and non-golfer alike. Equipment is provided."
 

I haven't read one bad review for the Enzian Inn.  Its close to down town which will be ideal for us since we plan on shopping.  Maybe I can get cheapskate, I mean J, to kick in for some horseback riding over the weekend too.

I do love my husband.  I just want him to realize that sometimes if you want to enjoy life you need to pay for quality time outside of the home.  I know he'll get a better night's sleep in the hotel I chose versus the one he chose.  I know I'd sleep a lot better with the knowledge that the door and window locks actually work and that no bugs will be crawling over me in my sleep.

The Enzian Inn is also on Facebook.  Check out the photos of the place for yourself. 

Maybe we'll even get the chance to do some horse back riding.  I've found a place with good prices meant for the inexperienced like me and the experienced like J.  So I'll try to talk him into it tonight.

On a really happy note, they are now putting down the sod on my lawn.  Finally I might see that hideous wire fence be removed from my back yard and the wooden one put back in place.  Its been torn up since Easter Monday.