Saturday, March 8, 2014

GERD? Yahoo!

After nearly two months of feeling like the medical bubble has all but consumed me, yesterday the doorway to freedom opened.  GERD.  Gastroesophageal reflux disease.  A little look down the esophagus proved to the gastro doc that all of this pressure, burning, shortness of breath, all of it, has been caused by acid coming up into my esophagus and causing little burns.  

Before you go and start thinking I've been crazy, consider this:  Nearly 50% of all people who enter the ER or undergo cardiac care thinking it is cardiac related, are actually experiencing symptoms of GERD.  The running?  Turns out it especially annoys GERD.  The beta blockers?  Turns out they can quiet down the esophagus.  


It all makes sense now.  Along the way I have found that I also have an abnormal electrical pattern in my heart, and a unique left atrium.  Looks like these two findings are merely coincidental, and thank goodness.  You haven't ever met a girl more happy to be diagnosed with GERD.  


As of right now, I am taking a high dosage of Proton Pump Inhibitors to keep the acid down and let the esophagus heal up.  Today I made it into the gym to release some endorphins.  Running and I haven't had a date yet, the burning makes it pretty uncomfortable.  I feel better than I have in a long time, mentally and physically.  


Now accepting GERD acronyms.




Sunday, March 2, 2014

Happy 5th Birthday Carter

Name:  Carter Bradley Isbell
What is your favorite thing to do?  Play baseball
Who is your best friend?  Aidan
Favorite Color?  Red
Favorite Toy?  Batman Sword
Favorite Food?  Pizza
Favorite Drink?  Milk and Chocolate Milk
Perfect Day?  Christmas
What do you want to be when you grow up?  Construction Worker
What will you miss about being four?  Going to Eileen's
What are you looking forward to about being five?  T-ball, practicing real baseball, going to Kindergarten
What are you really good at?  Playing baseball without a tee, coloring, writing my name, sword fighting
farting, helping my dad, getting myself dressed, mini-Legos
What are your chores?  Helping with the chickens, feeding Rocky the horse, moving clothes from washer to dryer, bringing in kindling,
Favorite thing to watch?  The new Lone Ranger

Carter's 5th birthday was relatively quiet compared to some of the past celebrations, but he did assure us a few times during the day that "This is the highlight of my life!".  Friday he enjoyed baseball cupcakes at Eileen's with his friends.  That evening we enjoyed more cupcakes with his cousins at Mema's house.

Saturday was spent in Medford with Nene and Auntie Nessie.  We enjoyed watching the new LEGO movie in 3-D, racing Go-Karts, driving bumper boats, and playing arcade games.  The day was topped off with pizza, and you guessed it - more cupcakes.  We feel truly blessed to call this little boy our son, and can't believe he is five years old.  He's probably one of the most responsible kids I know, and like his daddy an "old soul".  Cheers to five Carter!