Steve got to wear a 21-probe EEG this weekend, and was he ever ready to get it off on Tuesday morning!
He wore a ballcap to work on Monday, but some of the gauze on his forehead was still visible. He didn't make a big show of it, and the front desk lady at his office actually asked his assistant if he'd had a hair transplant!
Here he reluctantly poses for a picture for me. Originally, he joked about doing a video for the blog lip-synching Mr. Roboto, but the EEG got old quickly.
Still no word on the results. Thanks for everyone's good thoughts & prayers!
Wednesday, January 31, 2007
Sunday, January 28, 2007
Philly, again
I had to fly in tonight because my meeting begins so early tomorrow. I hate leaving Steve, but at least his best friend Cris is on stand-by and I'll be back tomorrow evening.
I had a great cabbie tonight from the airport. Sometimes, I want to be left in silence, but other times it's nice to chat. He said he's originally from South Carolina, and he remarked that I don't sound like I'm from Texas. I explained my dad is from England and my mom from Texas, and my accent is a mixture. He asked where I'm from. "Where am I from...?" I repeated. There's not really a good answer to that. So, I just said, "New York," which is true, I WAS born there. I just haven't lived there in 33 years or so.
The view from my hotel is great. I can see a part of the city, and the next building over has a dome like the Capitol building. And I'm happy to not be right next to the elevator. But I will miss Steve's soft snoring. I know, I'm crazy, but it lets me know he's relaxed and sleeping and makes me feel safe.
I had a great cabbie tonight from the airport. Sometimes, I want to be left in silence, but other times it's nice to chat. He said he's originally from South Carolina, and he remarked that I don't sound like I'm from Texas. I explained my dad is from England and my mom from Texas, and my accent is a mixture. He asked where I'm from. "Where am I from...?" I repeated. There's not really a good answer to that. So, I just said, "New York," which is true, I WAS born there. I just haven't lived there in 33 years or so.
The view from my hotel is great. I can see a part of the city, and the next building over has a dome like the Capitol building. And I'm happy to not be right next to the elevator. But I will miss Steve's soft snoring. I know, I'm crazy, but it lets me know he's relaxed and sleeping and makes me feel safe.
Friday, January 26, 2007
A Funny and An Update
Last weekend, Steve felt up to taking a short road trip down to Waco to visit my great aunt Sudie and my grandmother. Sudie celebrated her 92nd birthday on Friday, and I wanted to take her out for lunch on Saturday to recognize this accomplishment. There's nothing she likes better for a present than a visit.
Sudie's mind is slipping slightly -- I can now easily beat her in Scrabble, when in the past she was a force to reckon with -- but she is so happy. She laughs a lot and doesn't let things get to her. Her hearing is also not as sharp as it once was, and at one point during lunch, when the waiter didn't take her plate, she mentioned to me that she was done, too.
I said, "His hands are full," explaining why he hadn't taken her plate.
She said, "He had to cancel?"
I repeated, "No, I said, his HANDS ARE FULL."
She laughed, "Oh! I thought you said he had to cancel."
Grandma pipes in, "What? Who has a hamster?"
***********
We don't have any results back yet from Steve's tests. He stayed at the sleep clinic on Tuesday night, hooked up to dozens of electrodes. He didn't sleep well. The next day, Wednesday, he had his echocardiogram, and while the technician couldn't give him a diagnosis, he was able to point out different structures like the aorta and his heart valves that were working properly. Thursday was his carotid ultrasound, and again the technician was as helpful as possible, telling Steve he had "beautiful blood vessels." (I think maybe she was flirting with my guy.)
This weekend he's going to be hooked up to the EEG for 72 hours. Should be interesting!
Sudie's mind is slipping slightly -- I can now easily beat her in Scrabble, when in the past she was a force to reckon with -- but she is so happy. She laughs a lot and doesn't let things get to her. Her hearing is also not as sharp as it once was, and at one point during lunch, when the waiter didn't take her plate, she mentioned to me that she was done, too.
I said, "His hands are full," explaining why he hadn't taken her plate.
She said, "He had to cancel?"
I repeated, "No, I said, his HANDS ARE FULL."
She laughed, "Oh! I thought you said he had to cancel."
Grandma pipes in, "What? Who has a hamster?"
***********
We don't have any results back yet from Steve's tests. He stayed at the sleep clinic on Tuesday night, hooked up to dozens of electrodes. He didn't sleep well. The next day, Wednesday, he had his echocardiogram, and while the technician couldn't give him a diagnosis, he was able to point out different structures like the aorta and his heart valves that were working properly. Thursday was his carotid ultrasound, and again the technician was as helpful as possible, telling Steve he had "beautiful blood vessels." (I think maybe she was flirting with my guy.)
This weekend he's going to be hooked up to the EEG for 72 hours. Should be interesting!
Monday, January 22, 2007
Distracted
Several of you have posted comments regarding Steve. I wish I had some news of note to share.
We are still not sure what's going on with him. After spending another harrowing evening in the emergency room last Thursday, we are more stressed but have no more answers. His symptoms are strange and could point to a number of different conditions. Nothing quite seems to fit, though, and so far all test results (CAT scan, MRI, EKG) are negative.
He had an appointment this morning with a neurologist, and finally, it seems like someone is listening! I'm thankful that she seems to be asking the right questions and has suggested numerous other tests. He's scheduled for a "sleepover" tomorrow night for them to monitor his brainwaves, an echocardiogram on Wednesday, a carotid ultrasound on Thursday, and a portable EEG monitor starting on Saturday and running for 72 hours. I'll let you know when I know more.
It's so hard to concentrate on anything when the person you love the most isn't feeling well.
We are still not sure what's going on with him. After spending another harrowing evening in the emergency room last Thursday, we are more stressed but have no more answers. His symptoms are strange and could point to a number of different conditions. Nothing quite seems to fit, though, and so far all test results (CAT scan, MRI, EKG) are negative.
He had an appointment this morning with a neurologist, and finally, it seems like someone is listening! I'm thankful that she seems to be asking the right questions and has suggested numerous other tests. He's scheduled for a "sleepover" tomorrow night for them to monitor his brainwaves, an echocardiogram on Wednesday, a carotid ultrasound on Thursday, and a portable EEG monitor starting on Saturday and running for 72 hours. I'll let you know when I know more.
It's so hard to concentrate on anything when the person you love the most isn't feeling well.
Wednesday, January 17, 2007
Yes, it snowed in Dallas!
It snowed last night! It's very pretty, even if it's only sticking to inanimate objects. (I guess the ground is still too warm.) I tried to drive to work this morning, but it was way too slick. The snow and ice had also backed up the highway, and no one was moving. I turned it around and worked "virtually" from home.
Steve has been here all day, too, but he's not working. He doesn't have the ability to work virtually for his job, but it's good for him to have some down time. He's still not feeling great. We were supposed to get some test results back today, but the staff didn't show up at the doctor's office because of the weather. Hopefully, we'll know more tomorrow...
I think the best part about working from home is having my cat Sabrina snuggled up to my side. She's hardly left me all day, and my left leg is nice and warm from her closeness.
The worst part about working from home are the hours and hours of phone calls. I had so many meetings today that got turned into conference calls. It's much better to have those in person, when you HAVE to have meetings, that is.
I enjoyed my short trip to Philly, although I was plagued with delays both ways. I was very disappointed in how many rude people I encountered on this trip, though. From the security personnel on a power trip to the taxi dispatchers I called, the nastiness was unpleasant, ugly and not necessary!
Steve has been here all day, too, but he's not working. He doesn't have the ability to work virtually for his job, but it's good for him to have some down time. He's still not feeling great. We were supposed to get some test results back today, but the staff didn't show up at the doctor's office because of the weather. Hopefully, we'll know more tomorrow...
I think the best part about working from home is having my cat Sabrina snuggled up to my side. She's hardly left me all day, and my left leg is nice and warm from her closeness.
The worst part about working from home are the hours and hours of phone calls. I had so many meetings today that got turned into conference calls. It's much better to have those in person, when you HAVE to have meetings, that is.
I enjoyed my short trip to Philly, although I was plagued with delays both ways. I was very disappointed in how many rude people I encountered on this trip, though. From the security personnel on a power trip to the taxi dispatchers I called, the nastiness was unpleasant, ugly and not necessary!
Monday, January 15, 2007
Winter Wonderland
Dallas got a winter storm yesterday, and Steve and I decadently stayed in our pajamas all day! We kept warm with a nice fire and watched movies, played Scrabble, and ate chili. We watched the rain and noticed the icicles growing off the patio. Last night, I heard little tapping noises, and realized it was sleet hitting the skylights.
Today, I braved the icy roads to get to the airport. Although the first flight to Philly was cancelled, the second one is only delayed an hour. Driving in, all the bare trees look beautiful, decorated as they are with ice. However, I didn't enjoy the ice so much on my windshield. Thankfully, I have a great scraper from my dad, and Steve came out to help me. Even the car doors were glued shut with ice!
Today, I braved the icy roads to get to the airport. Although the first flight to Philly was cancelled, the second one is only delayed an hour. Driving in, all the bare trees look beautiful, decorated as they are with ice. However, I didn't enjoy the ice so much on my windshield. Thankfully, I have a great scraper from my dad, and Steve came out to help me. Even the car doors were glued shut with ice!
Friday, January 12, 2007
My Dog/Cat Personality
My friend Lisa had this on her blog. I love animals, and although I'm slightly allergic to dogs, I enjoy my friends' and family's dogs, so I wasn't surprised to learn my combo:
| You Are: 70% Dog, 30% Cat |
 You and dogs definitely have a lot in common. You're both goofy, happy, and content with the small things in life. However, you're definitely not as needy as the average dog. You need your down time occasionally. |
I had a dream
In a recent dream (nightmare?), for some inexplicable reason, I had to tell someone I was in a relationship with my old boyfriend. I felt forced to admit this, even though everything within me rebelled against the idea.
When I awoke, I felt so relieved that it was a dream and that I'm now in a relationship in which I truly feel appreciated. Steve recognizes my gifts and is very supportive and complimentary of them.
Health update: Steve is still having "episodes," with the new addition of a vision symptom. His eyes are slow to adjust to light or distance changes. He had another doctor's appointment this morning. More to come...
When I awoke, I felt so relieved that it was a dream and that I'm now in a relationship in which I truly feel appreciated. Steve recognizes my gifts and is very supportive and complimentary of them.
Health update: Steve is still having "episodes," with the new addition of a vision symptom. His eyes are slow to adjust to light or distance changes. He had another doctor's appointment this morning. More to come...
Tuesday, January 09, 2007
Too Much Tuna
Yesterday, Steve went to his doctor, who diagnosed his bout as scombroid poisoning. Named for the Scombridae family of fish -- mainly tuna and mackerel -- it is a type of food intoxication caused by the consumption of these fish species that have begun to spoil with the growth of particular types of food bacteria. Symptoms can occur within minutes to 2 hours of injestion. Since we did eat quite a bit of tuna at our sushi dinner on Friday, this is the likely culprit. When Steve queried why I hadn't also gotten sick, he said each person's immune system responds uniquely at different times, and I must have had a stronger immune response at that time.
While he was doing that, I was travelling for 10 hours (up and back) for a 2 hour meeting in Philly. Seems a bit much, I know, but we learned today that we won that business! Unfortunately, that means I'm due back there next Monday, and tomorrow I'm headed to Atlanta for yet another new business pitch.
While he was doing that, I was travelling for 10 hours (up and back) for a 2 hour meeting in Philly. Seems a bit much, I know, but we learned today that we won that business! Unfortunately, that means I'm due back there next Monday, and tomorrow I'm headed to Atlanta for yet another new business pitch.
Sunday, January 07, 2007
What's Been Happening
Okay, okay...I know I've been out of commission for awhile. Sorry. Here's what happened while I wasn't blogging:
We spent Christmas in Houston with my parents, Stephanie, Al and the twins. Steve was sad to not be with his kids, and his ex continues to make things difficult.
The Saturday before New Year's, we had two couples over for a nice lamb dinner and great wine. New Year's Eve itself was spent quietly at home. Neither one of us felt 100% due to a cold.
Work has started back with a bang. It seems that all my clients want to have meetings the first two weeks of January to get new projects kicked off. Unfortunately, I still have too many accounts and can't be everywhere at once! I went to NYC last Wednesday through Friday while my new employee Scott handled another client in Dallas. Tomorrow, he's headed to Cincinnati for another one, while I go to Philly for a new client meeting. I'm trying to think positively: at least I get to keep all my frequent flier miles!
While I was in NY, I couldn't get internet access! It was very frustrating because in addition to blogging, I really needed to get some work email. I finally was able to purchase a day pass at LaGuardia airport and download my email while standing by for an earlier flight. My computer was low on battery, so I plugged in to an available outlet and sat down on the floor to work. Sometimes, you gotta do what you gotta do...
Friday night, when I got back from NY (fortunately on that earlier flight, but unfortunately stuck in a middle seat between two big men for 3.5 hours), Steve and I met at a sushi restaurant for a nice dinner. Just as we were finishing, Steve had a strange episode. I'm still not sure exactly how to describe it. He said it felt like a wave coming over him from the bottom half of his body up. For a brief moment, he couldn't swallow, move or think. Then he got very flushed followed by very pale. We were close to an Emergency Room and took him there. On the way, he started to shake uncontrollably. The only thing different in his life lately has been a new medication he started on the 1st. It's an antifungal for a persistent skin infection he has on his back and legs.
After a CT scan of his head and an EKG, several blood tests and a brief neurological exam, they ruled out anything major. Steve had those shakes on and off for the first hour or so we were there. They gave him Atavan for the anxiety he was feeling, and that helped to calm him down.
Although they weren't able to give us a definitive answer to why his body was doing what it was, they were able to tell us it wasn't his heart or anything neurological. That was some relief. They are assuming it was a bad reaction to the antifungal medicine. We were discharged around midnight.
Today he's feeling better, and he plans to go to his doctor tomorrow. I'm just thankful I was here with him. He said it was my "wifely duty" to be there with him, and I reminded him there's no ring on this finger (pointing to my left hand)!
Yesterday, my grandmother called, saying she and my great aunt Sudie had gotten a ride with some volunteer group to Dallas and were coming to see their sister, my great aunt Bess, who lives in a nursing home here. I went and spent a couple hours with them, sharing pictures from my computer of Christmas and all my nieces and nephews.
Today, I have to finish taking down my Christmas decorations, do laundry, read my email (202 unread at this point), run some errands, and have dinner with my best friend and her family. Oh, and Steve would like to go see a movie.
I'm so tired, I barely dragged myself out of bed this morning at 10:30!
We spent Christmas in Houston with my parents, Stephanie, Al and the twins. Steve was sad to not be with his kids, and his ex continues to make things difficult.
The Saturday before New Year's, we had two couples over for a nice lamb dinner and great wine. New Year's Eve itself was spent quietly at home. Neither one of us felt 100% due to a cold.
Work has started back with a bang. It seems that all my clients want to have meetings the first two weeks of January to get new projects kicked off. Unfortunately, I still have too many accounts and can't be everywhere at once! I went to NYC last Wednesday through Friday while my new employee Scott handled another client in Dallas. Tomorrow, he's headed to Cincinnati for another one, while I go to Philly for a new client meeting. I'm trying to think positively: at least I get to keep all my frequent flier miles!
While I was in NY, I couldn't get internet access! It was very frustrating because in addition to blogging, I really needed to get some work email. I finally was able to purchase a day pass at LaGuardia airport and download my email while standing by for an earlier flight. My computer was low on battery, so I plugged in to an available outlet and sat down on the floor to work. Sometimes, you gotta do what you gotta do...
Friday night, when I got back from NY (fortunately on that earlier flight, but unfortunately stuck in a middle seat between two big men for 3.5 hours), Steve and I met at a sushi restaurant for a nice dinner. Just as we were finishing, Steve had a strange episode. I'm still not sure exactly how to describe it. He said it felt like a wave coming over him from the bottom half of his body up. For a brief moment, he couldn't swallow, move or think. Then he got very flushed followed by very pale. We were close to an Emergency Room and took him there. On the way, he started to shake uncontrollably. The only thing different in his life lately has been a new medication he started on the 1st. It's an antifungal for a persistent skin infection he has on his back and legs.
After a CT scan of his head and an EKG, several blood tests and a brief neurological exam, they ruled out anything major. Steve had those shakes on and off for the first hour or so we were there. They gave him Atavan for the anxiety he was feeling, and that helped to calm him down.
Although they weren't able to give us a definitive answer to why his body was doing what it was, they were able to tell us it wasn't his heart or anything neurological. That was some relief. They are assuming it was a bad reaction to the antifungal medicine. We were discharged around midnight.
Today he's feeling better, and he plans to go to his doctor tomorrow. I'm just thankful I was here with him. He said it was my "wifely duty" to be there with him, and I reminded him there's no ring on this finger (pointing to my left hand)!
Yesterday, my grandmother called, saying she and my great aunt Sudie had gotten a ride with some volunteer group to Dallas and were coming to see their sister, my great aunt Bess, who lives in a nursing home here. I went and spent a couple hours with them, sharing pictures from my computer of Christmas and all my nieces and nephews.
Today, I have to finish taking down my Christmas decorations, do laundry, read my email (202 unread at this point), run some errands, and have dinner with my best friend and her family. Oh, and Steve would like to go see a movie.
I'm so tired, I barely dragged myself out of bed this morning at 10:30!
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