19 December 2004
Falls Church, Virginia / Seven Corners, Virginia / Washington, D.C.
On 12/20/04, I meet again with Dr. James Melisi, who did the brain biopsy on me back on 12/10/04. I am again blessed to have Mom and Dad with me -- both of whom have changed their lives to help me deal with this life-changing event. As I prepare for this meeting, I want to make sure I get all my current questions answered. In no order, here are all the questions that currently come to mind:
1.) When can my stitches be removed? (I'm hoping by 12/20/04).
2.) When can I wash my hair again?
3.) When can I get a haircut? (I'm hoping on 12/21/04).
4.) What about the bruise on my right wrist? That is the place where my blood pressure was monitored during surgery. The bruise is still black and blue and sore.
5.) What about the bruise on my left arm from my IV during surgery? (The bruise extends 6 inches in either direction along my vein. Is that normal or okay?)
6.) When can I get off Decadron (anti-inflammatory)? This steroid makes me thirsty all the time and gives me a ravenous appetite. I hate taking it.
7.) What about anti-seizure medicine? Am I on this for life? If so, what are the implications? Will I never again be able to enjoy a glass of beer or wine with a meal?
8.) Peristaltic action has been terrible ever since surgery and drugs. I tried taking Senokot to help (minimal dosage) but that did not seem to help. Since 12/10/04 I have not yet had a natural bowel movement. I've been forced to have enemas. I had one after 4 days, after another 2 days, after another 2 days, and another after 1 day (4 total in 9 days). I normally go every day without a problem, so this is particularly bothersome to me.
9.) When can I start exercising again?
10.) Is there any harm from playing my French horn?
11.) What about short-term memory loss? I do note some. I find myself unable to recall events this month in the vivid pictorial "picture perfect" detail I would otherwise enjoy. 98% of the time when I struggle to recall, I can repaint the picture and it comes back for good. But there is a percentage of things I can't seem to dig out.
12.) When can we study the pathology reports?
There are more questions, but this is a solid start.
