My parathyroids won't slow down so we had to take (almost) all of them out. 3 1/2 of 4 small glands in the neck, near the thyroid gland, like 1 cm polka dots on the four corners of a bow tie. They overproduced when I had progressive kidney failure and were supposed to cut down activity after my transplant nearly 6 years ago. I had already planned most of my trip when my Nephrologist referred my to an Endocrine surgeon, the highly recommended Dr. Saha. A last minute cancellation allowed me to proceed today, so after testing, imaging and a plan I took a shower last night, slept in newly washed sheets and pajamas, brushed my teeth and gargled and Joyce and I drove 10 minutes to the University hospital. There I brushed my teeth and gargled again, bathed again with sani-wipes. Folks, I am now at the pinnacle of cleanliness as I begin my journey into the wilderness!
The same day surgery department runs like a clock. I saw at least 10 personnel checking on everything. Dr. Saha closely inspected my neck to pick out the perfect wrinkle from the among the many she could choose to hide my scar.
It took a tiny bit longer because over the years my polka dots drifted like drops of melted ice cream lower off the bow tie by a centimeter or so, but she found and removed all but 1/2 of one and the blood test showed the expected decrease in parathyroid hormone (PTH) that was causing my osteoporosis. I'll take extra calcium for the next two weeks to protect against a too rapid drop in calcium, and then start on an osteoporosis medication in 3 months. Or did she say weeks?--even doctors struggle to retain all the information on our conditions!
My throat is moderately sore but I can eat, and my next is a bit swollen and sore but I can move it around as predicted by my doctor. I took my clinic day tomorrow off because I didn't want to see patients if I didn't feel well. Thus, my last in person visits were last Thursday at least until Late October.
There is an astounding amount of preparation for my planned trip. In some ways the planning and anticipation are part of the excitement. In addition to my own body, I brought the airstream into the LazyDays RV service department for inspection last week and found a recall on the hubs. Hopefully they can get the parts in and I can start packing (and cleaning) it as planned! I wanted to start off strong. The truck is going in tomorrow.
We are going to my British niece's wedding in Leeds and will be in UK for 2 weeks, so hopefully all the essentials will be done by Launch day June 14! Will the clock run out?
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