Wow...I was just realizing that it has been a little over a month since I have blogged last. That goes to show that life has been a little crazy lately as I'm sure it has been for many of you. I looked at my calendar a little bit ago and came to find out that we have every weekend in December filled up with Christmas parties and get togethers...I just love the holidays and always look forward to this time of year even with all of the busyness! Anyways, there are a couple things I thought I'd update you with as to things that have been going on in our lives over the past month.
This past Thursday I had another appointment with my ENT doctor after about a sinus surgery in January and a year full of doctoring. I received some news that wasn't exactly encouraging or what I wanted to hear. The doctor once again put a scope into my sinus cavities as he does every appointment, only to find a lot of swelling, redness, infection and some polyp growth. The doctor usually has Charlie look in the scope too so that he can explain things to him that he sees. Charlie said that not this appointment but the appointment before was about only time that my sinuses looked "ok". The doctor said they looked better that time because I had just been on prednisone and augmentin. He stated that he could put me on the meds. once again if I was feeling miserable, but it would only be a temporary fix just to give me some relief. Beyond that, he once again suggested that I try irritations (although he knows and understands that they bother my ears/hearing). After the exam we had a conversation with the doctor and he explained to us that at this point there is really nothing more they can do for me and this will very likely be something I deal with daily. He said if I wished to receive a second opinion he'd be willing to refer me on to a rhinologist as I am definitely a top candidate. The closest one he could refer me to would be either in Iowa City or at Mayo in Rochester. So to put it simply...I have a mix of emotions right now, I am frustrated, confused and just unsure as to what I should do. This year has been a challenge medically for me not only physically but also emotionally and financially. I hate to think of going to another specialists and all the fees that could be involved with that in addition to the surgery we are already working on paying off. Charlie and I have decided I will pass on taking the meds. at this time as I do not have the intense pressure and headaches at this time as I do often and I don't really like how the meds. make me feel. In addition, we are going to line up an appointment with my allergist out of Sioux City and see what his thoughts are and after that we will then decide if we feel a second opinion is what would be best.
Anyways...other than that, life has been great! This Friday I left for Des Moines for a "Girls Weekend" with Mom Zomermaand and my sister-in-laws Jenifer and Angie. Charlie has an aunt and uncle that live in Des Moines, as well as some cousins, so we went up to visit, spend sometime with them, and do some Christmas shopping together. We had a lot of fun going to the different malls and stores we don't always get to and enjoyed going out for Mexican one night and the Cheesecake Factory the next day. We also had good laughs playing cards and just catching up with each other in the evenings. We left Des Moines early Sunday morning and I was able to make it back in time for our extended Calkhoven Christmas Party in Orange City that afternoon. It was great to catch up with some family members that we don't get to see quite as often as we'd like.
Sunday morning, Charlie and his brother Ryan, brother-in-law Scott and nephew Jacob headed to Minneapolis, MN to enjoy a "guys day out" watching the Broncos v. Vikings football game. Charlie and his brother and nephew are all Broncos fans and his brother-in-law Scott is a Vikings fan, so it was a perfect game for them all to watch. It sounded like they had a great time, and despite some crappy roads on the way there and back they had safe travels. And on top of it all...THE BRONCOS WON!!!
