What I do know is that I picked the right hospital when I went to the ER. The doctors at Scripps on the whole listen much more intently than the clinic doctors. They are a teaching hospital, and the attending Dr. Seda is a great guy. When I go to Monday’s appointment I plan to see if they have any primary care physicians in the vicinity of the hospital who are in network.
The clinic has been great for dental, mental health, therapy, and social services assistance, but I feel the docs in the medical services wing don’t listen closely.
Edit: Also, I know I’ve not been around much lately due to the fatigue, but if anyone has WhatsApp and needs to get a hold of me quickly you can find me at +1 619 679 6525. Please be identifiable or give me a heads up, or I might wind up blocking your number.
@knoxblox I am so sorry you are going through so much, and right on the heels of losing your father too. Glad you are back at Elsewhere, and sending lots of restorative energy your way, also something more tangible via PayPal.
I’m trying to figure out a way to set up an apparatus for painting where I can keep the cats off of the desk and off myself in my tired state. Maybe my neighbor Marcelo can help me figure something out.
I have to say, besides being tired out and having painful joints, one thing I did not expect was to lose my appetite. It’s half servings of everything now, even only half sandwiches.
I have the cravings, but it’s so hard to fill up unless I go with something like a one pint fruit and yogurt smoothie. I’ve drinking Boost once a day to make sure I get more calories.
Actually, Saborico brand yogurt beverage is even more yummy, but Boost is less expensive per ounce and has a more rounded set of vitamins and minerals. Still, I haven’t ordered a new case of Boost since my SNAP was recharged yesterday, so for the next three days it’s going to be Saborico.
My brother has been drinking meal replacement drinks since he got MAC a year ago and has been taking antibiotics long term. His opinion of Ensure is that it’s chalky.
If you want some additional alternatives you can look into powdered versions of meal replacement shakes.
I’ve used Soylent the longest, their powdered versions are affordable but they’ve had consistent sourcing issues for the last 2-3 years. This week I got tired of not being able to get their cocoa flavored powder so I cancelled my subscription on Amazon. I just went back to using Huel, I don’t like it as much because they use an alternative sweetener and I can taste it, but the other brand alternatives cost more than i’m willing to spend. Huel unfortunately doesn’t take SNAP on their website but they have some versions of the powdered product on Amazon and i believe you can buy through them with SNAP/EBT.
I just ordered another 24 pack of Boost from Amazon, which should arrive on Tuesday, so for now I’m ok. That’s one good thing about lacking appetite, my SNAP credits are accumulating.
The most difficult thing about this right now is getting groceries across the border. I didn’t bring my folding cart today, and I loaded up my backpack. The only heavy things I bought were a quart of Naked’s Blue Machine, half that amount of liquid yogurt drink, a can of Arizona green tea, and a can of Bush’s baked beans. It felt like I was hauling gold bars.
I don’t know what happened to me in the hospital, but I’ve become sensitive to high fructose corn syrup sweetener, and so many things I was okay with before taste awful now. I managed to find a “baby” Mexican Coke today, and it was the most glorious thing I have tasted in a while.
I bit the bullet yesterday, and went to talk to the Humane Society about surrendering most of the cats. Of course, I’ve always been trying to find homes for Dulce and Charlie, and Mama Kitty and Tony, but I think it’s in everyone’s best interest to let go of Ruby and Gremlin too. As things become worse, it’s becoming more of a financial burden and I think sticking with only one cat is the practical move. The cat I have the strongest bond with is Pastel, so I intend to keep only her.
The humane society will only allow me to give up two at a time, so it will be three appointments, at thirty bucks an appointment. I will try to see if my friend Tomás can drive me there.
I’m particularly going to miss Gremlin and Tony, but Gremlin needs someone who can deal with her strength and weight, and Tony would really get along with kids.
