The Paparazzi

Bob and I were able to worship together at our home church today. In so many ways, it felt like we were finally home after too long of a break. How comforting to have so many people greet us afterwards with thoughts of love and concern. We were surrounded with the warm love of our Christian family that shielded our hearts, cushioned our falls and strengthened our minds. Now, I’m not claiming the popularity of the paparazzi for no cameras were noticeable, but I almost felt like Angelina and Brad. You could feel the tightly woven support of a congregation genuinely concerned about us. That illusion cracked when I saw Bob grasp his walking stick while my vision had people spinning. Although our church is known for its strong musical program, I doubt that the congregation practiced a May pole dance as they left the worship service.

The communion bread and wine filled my soul with a reminder that love is still there. I bravely swallowed the wafer without even checking it for natural flavoring or coloring. Those items are strictly forbidden with my new dietary restrictions. Who knew that all that natural stuff was filled with MSG? Try looking for items that don’t include those forbidden three letters that now govern what goes in my ever-moving mouth.

I was truly amazed at the number of people commenting on these goofy posts. Although there is a counter at the bottom of this site, I just imagined those numbers swirling with no apparent reason much the same as my head. You silly folk don’t post comments but send encouragement via my email. Post some comments if you feel so inclined or just shake your head in wonder of my household.

One could still see their surprise at my wiggly route and shaky hands. Although Mayo provided us with new hope, there was no magical cure or promised paradise at the end our stay. It’s disheartening to still cringe with certain sounds, bounce off surrounding walls, and answer phones not ringing. The drop off Great Expectation Cliff generally creates a crash echoing for days on end. How blessed to have our congregation there to stop the downward spin.

With that I will end my ramblings for the day. Let me know if you find any good grub that prefers the unnatural route. I can also eat leeks and chard, but I don’t know those weird green things. Apricots are ok if they aren’t overripe. I’ve always despised overripe fruit, so I am content with that.

Advantage of The Mighty Three:

• There’s the feel of the paparazzi while you bounce off the walls.

The Triple Lutz and Double Axel

We came to a small mental breakdown today that immediately occurred following a major physical breakdown. Basically, Bob and I had both reached a point that not only broke the camel’s back but there will be a funeral for seventeen of those creatures tomorrow at noon. Sorry, no food will be served following the ceremony because we haven’t figured out exactly what I can eat. I will discuss the whole food catastrophe on a future date.

My faithful followers know that our first floor is considered unfit for habitation at this time. We can uncomfortably deal with that. Our problem was how to get to the upstairs level. The floor tile was laid, but we couldn’t walk on it. To get to the stairs from the front door one must perform a triple lutz jump immediately after a double axel. The ice skating terms are related to the winter weather that complicates the process. Try doing that while taking off dripping winter boots prior to landing on the stairs. Bob and I attempted these moves with little success. We gave our best efforts with a death spiral when Einstein was persuaded to go out in the cold. All I can say is, “Not a pretty sight!”

The contractor was advised of our concerns and thankfully, some changes were made. Some of the plastic covering the doorways and stairwell were removed. (I forgot to mention that plastic was taped sealing the hallway from a small portion of the dust now flying freely through the air.) I don’t know whether I gasped more from lack of oxygen due to my allergy to dust or from the exertion extended from my less than Olympian body.

I’ll leave it there for now. Stay tuned for my reflections on this yummy migraine diet and updates on my vertigo visual desensitization exercises. You can comment on your predictions about those matters. I would love to hear your ideas.

Advantage of The Mighty Three:

• You don’t have to worry about getting a fifth Olympic gold medal. You just have to find the couch.

·

Catch That Food

Wow! We have been back since Friday night and are still trying to adjust to life after Mayo. Part of the confusion is due to the fact that our first floor is under renovation. It’s amazing how dust can cover every square inch of our home, maybe even Roselle, or Illinois. If your house is getting dusty, you can blame it on our construction. At least I did learn that the doctors were correct when they discovered that I was allergic to dust and mold. Wow! I shouldn’t have had to take that portion of the allergy test. Just open up your front door and hear me hacking away. Despite extra covers for our vents, plastic covering doorways and me being home as little as possible, I know we won’t be undergoing something like this again for the next 326 years.

I bought the golf umbrella for some of my visual desensitization exercises. It’s striped. I twirl the umbrella and stare at it to then record how long my vertigo has me going in circles. I’ve got a huge timer on my laptop to record the time. That works well as long as I can find the computer. Don’t they know it is bad luck to open up an umbrella inside the house?

I’ve tried to be a good girl with this new migraine diet. I thought I could order the salad during lunch, but after examining the menu, I knew this was not going to be my meal. The lettuce was fine, but not the cheese, nuts, mandarin oranges, raisins or dressing. I can’t have bread that was baked that day so forget Subway. I am still crying so hard at my lack of chocolate, my tears soften the older bread.

We received our first bill from Mayo. Thank goodness for insurance. Tell me why a MRI should cost over $5,000. When you realize this didn’t cover our hotel or food (before I knew that chocolate was stricken from my sight), I know we will only be having bread and water for the next 37 months. Wait! I can’t have fresh bread. Houston, I have a problem.

Thanks for all of your encouraging words. I was amazed that some people actually called to let me know that they missed my daily blogs. I will try to be more faithful, but with me coughing with this dust, it might take me awhile. Meanwhile, I am looking for a clapper to locate my computer. With this vertigo, it is flying all over the place.

Advantage of The Mighty Three:

• The dizziness prevents me from overeating too much. I can’t catch the food let alone keep it on silverware. I should really be filmed.

Thump from the 700 Club

We’re back in our own home after a very full week and a half at Mayo. Upon opening the door, we immediately came to the conclusion that a winter tornado had somehow roared through the inside of home sweet home, leaving chaos behind it. Then the realization that the workmen are remodeling our downstairs to make it easier for our old, achy bodies slithered into our shrunken brains. Basically the whole downstairs, including the garage, is either torn apart due to this undertaking or storing the wide assortment of items that went in the kitchen, bathroom, utility room, eating area and hall closet. After 22 years, my amazing housekeeping skills had shoved many items into tight spaces. In other words, we had, or rather have, a lot of junk! The kitchen will be wonderful in another two weeks. Then it will take another 14.5 years to shove everything back. Some of the things might be replaced quickly since our main television is hidden somewhere behind some of the many boxes decorating our home. (Can I claim that it is the newest feng shui design?) Plus, we have to locate the many menus we have accumulated due to my lack of culinary skills. I used to also blame my lack of time, but since I am home on disability all day, the clock is not the blame.

Even though I am somewhat accustomed to people’s confusion when trying to understand me, the trip up north has heightened their unusual reactions. Many people have endured my long wait for Mayo. They’ve encouraged the trip and even have read this silly blog for minute details. Now that I have arrived back home, they are not so sure how to act. They want visible results! I smile at those individuals who gawk over my healthier appearance or rave at my stronger voice. They applaud my fixed body, but don’t comment about my continued befuddled brain.

I hate to tell them that I did not get a magical thump on my head from the 700 Club. I still stutter and hear ringing. It sounds like that awful pitch that many of us heard at the end of the television-broadcasting day. (If you are too young to recall the buzz, you should be doing something far more exciting than reading the blog of ditzy platinum.) I walk with a tipsy gait and don’t like loud noises. However, now I have a plan.

I have begun the new diet restrictions. You just can’t see the teardrops on your computer screen. I do the “Let’s See Janet Fall on Her Face” exercises assigned for my visual desensitization. My medications are being modified as I write. Besides all of that, Mayo has provided us with new hope for this deformed frame.

An upcoming post will describe some of my plans for the future. Mayo hasn’t seen the last of me yet. I figured this current blog would at least catch you up to the latest and greatest news. Don’t feel confused when I still bounce off the walls when walking or examine the threads on the carpeting. It’s me. I’m convinced that I will get there, but the tortoise and the hare will lap me 26 times.

Stay warm.

My latest advantage of The Might Three:

• People assume you have a reason to lack patience and have a hazy brain as long as you resemble a ping-pong ball when you walk. The movements, color AND shape of that sphere look just like me!

It Should Have Been Forty-One

Two doctor appointments took place today. My first was with a doctor to go over my many prescriptions. There had been a redundancy in medications. This doctor offered ideas that I can later discuss with my doctors at home. I agreed with his choices except for the pills that are a pretty green. Most of my others are boring white. I need a little jazz in that handful of pills that I down each day.

My second appointment was with my “advisor” who works with patients with The Mighty Three. He went over all the reports from other doctors along with their recommendations. He also suggested that I see another team at one of the hospitals associated with the clinic.

Bob and I headed back to the hotel. Our bags were all packed, so all we needed to do was pile everything in the car before we headed back to Chicagoland. Bob was grateful that we were getting out ahead of the cold front heading this way. Then, there was “the call”. There was an opening tomorrow for the appointment I needed. Would I be interested in that?

So, plans can and do get changed. How great to avoid a special trip up here just for this visit. Once these testing measurements are attained, they can get me into the two-week pain clinic earlier than expected. Back the luggage away from the door! (Make that “beep – beep – beep” sound made by large trucks when they back up. This is called Do It Yourself Sound Effects. It keeps the price of the blog lower!) We’re here one more night.

Yesterday, I wrote about my nineteen-hour reprieve from my new diet restrictions. Stephanie feels this is all just a plot to allow more chocolate to flow through my bloodstream. The title yesterday should have been “Forty One More Hours”.

PLUS, a heat wave is coming through. The temperatures tonight were forecast to drop to twenty below. Yep, that doesn’t even include the wind chill. The newest meteorologist is now predicting nineteen below. Yippee! Bob and I are obviously not out hitting the bars tonight. I’ve assumed my position for the evening – sitting up in bed with the bedspread pulled up to my armpits.

So, I think we will head out of Rochester tomorrow. My appointment is at 9:45 AM. This time we will pack the car beforehand.

Bob is amused. There is a service that provides meals delivered from many of the local restaurants. There is a huge variety – everything from a nice steak restaurant to Subway. When he just made our dinner “reservations” the woman who answered the call recognized Bob’s voice. Is that a sign that we have been here for a long time?

I have to go get ready for dinner. That involves straightening the bedspread and sitting up a little taller. It’s a shame that there is no chocolate in Chinese. We have to get up early, but many of you realize that I’m known for my love of early morning.

Advantage of The Mighty Three

• You learn to deal with changes in schedules. Flexibility is the key word! We have to be flexible in our thoughts because our bodies sure don’t bend anymore!

Nineteen More

The countdown begins. My first time at Mayo is quickly coming to a close. I highly recommend this facility to others, but I might suggest slightly warmer months. Tomorrow morning is supposed to be -15 degrees, and that doesn’t include the wind chill. Brrrrr. That’s just plain cold!

Yesterday and today were rather slow days. My body checked out my mattress yesterday. It finally said enough of this – sleep. So, I did. Today, we took turns pushing each other in a wheelchair. (The excitement continues!) I’ve mentioned the wonderful artwork throughout the Mayo complex. We checked out a recorder that allows a self-guided tour. Much of the work relates to people in pain, fighting obstacles, being isolated and encouraging others. You can sit down throughout the facilities and hear people at pianos. All of the musicians are patients, guests or volunteers. It’s fun to have others slow for a few minutes and slip into the soul of music. You can almost see any tension or stress slowly melt off tired shoulders.

Appointments were rearranged to allow us to depart a day early. I only have an 8:15 visit with some doctors who will give advise on possible medication changes. I had to ask for this appointment. Mayo does not want to step on any toes, but I would love to reduce the number of pills I’m forced to daily swallow. I have a Monday appointment with my pain doctor at home where I will take the suggestions to heart.

My other appointment is with the lucky doctor who was assigned my case. He has been studying all test results, will clarify any questions, state any concerns and then share all the news with Bob and I. I’ve read a great deal of the information that he has provided. It should be a very interesting meeting.

Then we head home, twenty-four hours earlier than we originally planned. But, where does that nineteen come from that is emphasized in today’s title. I have about nineteen hours left for this trip to Mayo. (I’ll be back in two months!) In one of the books suggested to me is a list of foods to be avoided. Wouldn’t you know that they are many of the things I adore? I have to say goodbye to foods made with yeast and caffeine. There won’t be any more processed foods, dairy products or many fruits. I’m determined to give it a try as I fight off these migraines and vertigo. BUT, I will fully adjust after I leave Rochester. That leaves me nineteen more hours to eat to my hearts delight. I just finished a yummy chocolate cupcake. That will be cancelled out later with yeast and chocolate.

So, I better start typing and get more of the stuffing underway. There probably won’t be another posting until Saturday. We want to head out after my doctor appointments. We’re curious what our house is like. The contractor said they would turn the water and heat back on when they leave. So join me in the next “19”. It’s time the eating begins.

The Mighty Three Advantage:

• You get sympathy points when you show strangers the list of foods to avoid. Can you imagine no chocolate, caffeine or yeast? Be still my heart!

The Dizzy Platinum

I’m feeling like I’m in somewhat of a routine here at Mayo. I got up and got dressed, had a hotel doughnut, then off I went via subway to my first appointment. I know the gal behind the desk on the 12^th floor and almost feel like I should have brought a doughnut to share with her.

My time waiting and first two appointments were largely comprised of completing various questionnaires dealing with everything from my grandmother’s neighbor’s maiden name to the size of my high school graduating class. Silly me did the first 83 pages in blue ink before noticing the microscopic directions requiring black ink in order for the computer to quickly scan my responses.

It’s funny how computers really rule our lives. My second doctor took notes on his PC once he located the correct screen of my growing file. All of my doctor reports were already online. The reports from doctors that I submitted prior to coming could be easily seen with the push of a button, as long as you knew which button to push. I was ready for a jpeg of the underwear I wore last Thursday to be displayed next.

Toward the end of appointment number two, the doctor pushed back his chair and decided to talk. He was unsure about one of my medications, and he admitted it. (Shockers I know. How many doctors do you know who have a humble trait?) He got up and walked to the office of a peer to find out more about those colored capsules that have barraged my medicine cabinet. Despite the advantages of our technological era, Mayo seems to know when to turn from the computer and talk.

That’s one of the beauties of Mayo. They talk. PLUS, they listen. They also want to insure that there are others outside of city limits that will listen once I leave Rochester. (I brought up the topic of Stephen Ministers. The doctor’s parents are both Stephen Ministers in their congregation! Imagine!)

I’m blessed to have many people in that category. Friends and family are keeping track of Bob and I. They are even reading my goofy blog. Although many have noticed the length of these posts, some brave souls have suggested that I use my blogs and newsletter articles to write a book. Do any of you wonderful folks own a publishing company desperate for the thoughts of a “dizzy platinum”? (I admit that I can no longer be considered a dizzy blond.) I love the idea, but how in the world could my thoughts become a book? Can anyone help?

Since I still am a member of the Mighty Three and not recognized as an author, today’s Might Three advantage is:

• With multiple doctors and a gift of gab, you find out interesting trivia from your doctors. My second doctor today grew up playing high school basketball against the same towns described on Little House on the Prairie. The comfort of sharing works both ways!

Dr. God

As many of you know, I have accumulated quite a collection of children’s books. I am drawn to them as I travel across the city, state or country. I look for books to describe people, places and personalities. I used to claim these volumes were to be used with my students, but I enjoy the writings just as much. This week, I purchased Dr. Jack: The Helping Dog. I admittedly cried as I read about this popular canine found throughout the halls of Mayo assisting the young and old alike.

Today, I was blessed to be able to worship nearby where my cousin serves as senior pastor. What a wonderful opportunity to see him utilize the many blessings given to him. His church is friendly and inviting, welcoming all in Christ’s name. I have never before been fortunate enough to see my cousin John “in action”. After today’s inspirational service, I pray that it will not be the last time. With multiple appointments scheduled in the future at Mayo, the likelihood continues to grow.

Many of you are starting to wonder why I depicted two very different topics. (For friends from our congregation, I won’t now lead these paragraphs into an analogy with Stephen Ministry. I may remind you of my beloved role as a grandmother though!)

Let’s return to the children’s book mentioned at the start. Dr. Jack, a miniature pinscher, performs multiple tasks throughout the halls of Mayo. He comforts seniors, loves children, and is available to “visit” at a moment’s notice. He loves to tell stories of the past while encouraging others to have hope for the future. He brings smiles to all but understands the tears of others. He loves to be quietly nearby but can keep up with the children in pediatrics. Dr. Jack believes in teamwork and supports the triune belief of Mayo. The serenity of art and nature helps patients feel better as Dr. Jack often reminds. He’ll talk with you IF you listen and provides hope to all he meets.

While contemplating how I could use today’s sermon, Dr. Jack came to mind. I became conscious of the similarity between Dr. Jack and “Dr. God”. You see, He also walks those Mayo halls ready to help anyone. He helps all ages of patients feel better as he works with entire families. You just need to ask, and He will be there. He knows the importance of teamwork. Through “Dr. God”, hope is revitalized. Nature’s creations plead to recognize the value of all. Just listen. He’s there.

The weekend accomplished what it was supposed to do. I head across the street tomorrow morning for new tests and more appointments. I feel revitalized! While waiting to be called, I’ll listen for the “clicky-clicky-clicky” noises of Dr. Jack in the hall while I also pause to hear the voice of Dr. God.

Today’s benefit of The Mighty Three:

• Communion cups look really cool when you have vertigo. They catch the light of the sun as they spin in celebration.

Wait, Wait and Wait Some More

I had no scheduled appointments or tests today. Since cereal was staying down, I decided to show my courage and still head over to Mayo. Staff told me on Wednesday that I could try to get earlier appointments since I had a gap in my schedule. That way, I might get home to Einstein sooner than expected. Patients just go to the desired department and place their name on a waiting list. If there is any additional time or patients do not show up, there is a chance you might get called. You can’t leave the spaces surrounding the desk though or you lose you spot in line. The waiting areas are beautiful, so why not? Bob was really feeling cruddy today, so off I headed.

I informed the staff on Floor 12 – West Desk that I was ready to hang out with them for the day. I got good vibes going in because at the time, the children’s TV had on Handy Manny, one of Teddy’s favorites. So down I plopped, ready to wait.

So I waited. And waited. And waited some more. I felt that I should be on a maternity floor instead of the psychology department. I waited some more. It was warm where I was sitting, so I changed seats. Then I waited. And waited some more.

By now, I was used to seeing some of the same patients and their family members. I could recognize the 26 year old from Nebraska, the cancer patient from Northern Minnesota and a high school girl from Iowa suffering from grand mal seizures. Somehow, a bond is sewn and a close kinship is woven while waiting. People found out I had vertigo (I wonder how they figured that out), had a hubby with a sprained ankle, Naval officer son-in-law serving on a sub, clever daughter, spoiled dog and the two most fabulous grandsons in the whole world. (Did you know I was a grandma?)

Mayo has worked hard to create serene waiting areas. There are comfortable chairs in cozy groups, lots of paperbacks and magazines, educational movies, fantastic artwork and more. Scattered throughout the rooms are jigsaw puzzles on round tabletops. You can check out music. Books with various puzzles are readily accessible.

I smiled as I listened to a gray haired gent working a crossword puzzle with his daughter while his wife was receiving treatment. I was impressed by his quick recall of words that would fit perfectly in each space. His daughter praised his skill and a quiet tear slowly crept down his cheek. “I never was any good at these darn things. Your mama has just been here too long. You start to hear the same clues after awhile.”

Two middle-aged parents quietly sat across from me, sharing a complimentary newspaper. Their eyes just glanced over pages, never really focusing on the printed words. Hours later, a pale daughter joined them. She had become a new comrade of mine, often-sharing bathroom floors. I’ve noticed that each day, she has less hair framing her thin face. I passed on a magazine given to me by a mom from Kansas.

Then there was the cutest three-year old girl with an 11-month old brother. Dad tried to keep them off the floor and within 32 miles while waiting for Mom. Other patients took turns chasing their energetic bodies. I gathered one on my lap for story time about Elmo visiting a friend with cancer. I don’t think she noticed the lump in my throat as I read certain pages.

Many people read books or use various e-reading devices. We compare Kindle with IPads, passing technology hand to hand. Bob made a friend who was eating popcorn. She quickly informed him of the closest spot to get this tasty treat. A woman in the corner quietly sleeps. As her magazine slides to the floor, a teenager walking by places it by her side. She keeps talking to her friend, not missing a beat in the conversation. I help a high school student with some algebra homework. (Judy, you would be proud that I could still find the value of y!) Then there are the crafty people who knit, sew, embroider and sketch. People “aah” and “oooh” over their work. (I’m the aaher, not the crafter. I do start people pondering about who says “oooh”, “aaah” or “that’s beautiful.” We start guessing responses and laugh at our accuracy.) Laptop games are popular. That darn hubby of mine is ahead of me by one single point in Word Twist. I’ve got to catch him. (I’m not too competitive am I? It’s just a coincidence that I start up a conversation when I see his score quickly climbing!)

So we wait. People of all sizes, ages and nationalities wait together. We have become a sacred community. The silent support and quiet prayers interrupt the “tick, tick, tick” of the clock. Although never formally introduced, we’ve built a bond that won’t be taken for granted. Tonight, I will add new names to my prayers and I sense my name on lips across the city. You see, we waited together. And we will continue to wait as long as is needed.

Good night new friends. Godspeed.

The newest advantage of people with The Mighty Three (check earlier posts if this doesn’t make sense):

• You make new friends while waiting in doctor offices (and sitting on washroom floors!)

My Kind of Home Exercise

Thanks for the kind thoughts about our Mayo Mission. Lots of you sent words of encouragement via email but were chicken to make comments here on the blog page. (Now all the rest of you are laughing saying, “Sure Janet. People actually read your skewed thoughts?”)

Today was hardly as jam packed with amazing appointments and tantalizing tests. I did arrive at 7:45 AM all set for fun with a vestibular physical therapist. (I am really starting to cringe when I hear the “V word”.) Maybe I felt too cocky since a mini muffin was still safely sitting in the stomach after sixty minutes. The idea behind this session was to make me dizzy (easy) and then teach me ways to cope with that dizziness (not as easy). Instead of staying for my two-hour session, the PT strongly suggested that I needed to stop after a mere twenty minutes. He had also come to the educated decision that starting my dizziness was far easier than stopping it.

I left with my idea of aerobics and a home exercise program. My homework was to try to slowly turn my head to the sides until the vertigo worsened to moderate. Then stop. I need to try that four times per day. He said don’t be upset if this took months before I could slowly turn side to side five times.

After I visited one more Mayo restroom to check out the tile and porcelain goddess, I headed back to the hotel. We decided to change hotels to one that was directly on the subway/skyway. I then could walk underground in a heated walkway instead of a longer journey by shuttle or Bob. Despite the new snow, we made it safe and sound to a new hotel located just blocks from Mayo. I got to try out the comfort of our new beds for the rest of the day. (Boy, Bob didn’t know the exciting wife that he had chosen.)

Of course, he is not exactly a barrel of fun himself. His sprained ankle is still mighty swollen and despite his gruff exterior, he now agrees to wear a heavy coat when going out in that balmy Minnesota weather I described yesterday.

The best thing about today was my short excursion to the Mayo bookstore (conveniently located near a comfortable and clean restroom). When checking out, I had some fine motor problems removing my credit card from my wallet. Then, my signature more closely resembled what Ollie would write if he were standing next to me. Yet, the cashier took it in stride. She gently touched my hand, smiled and then asked me about my family. She was ready to stand and wait as long as I needed. A handsome young gent insured a wheelchair was handy IF I needed it. It was at a discreet distance, but nearby if necessary. They understood me. I was not this weird lady who couldn’t walk straight, but someone just wanting to purchase a book. I wore a green shirt, I was buying a book, and oh yeah, I had vertigo. What a blanket of calm gently wrapped around me! They understood!

Quite a difference from when my fabulous friend Dorie took me to the Container Store some months ago. The cashier was frightened that I was drunk and probably alarmed that my cart could careen off course. I laughed at the time. You have to learn to enjoy the moment, but that sense of peace was surely missing.

Well, as you can see, I’m thrilled with the strong patient belief system here at Mayo. The artwork and music is phenomenal. There is a strong sense of surrounding yourself with serene beauty to aid the healing process. (As long as I don’t look in the mirror, I’m fine!)

I’ve decided to end each blog entry with a benefit from having The Mighty Three. Yesterday’s positive was:

• When you fall outside in balmy Minnesota, staff can easily locate you with your rosy cheeks.

Today please add:

• Vestibular physical therapy exercises can make you look like an athlete in under a minute per day.

Keep the prayers and good thoughts coming. Happy exercising!

Greetings from Balmy Minnesota

I promised many of you that I would try to stay in touch during our vacation in Rochester. A few of you lucky ones got hear an abridged version of yesterday describing the fun trip here. All you missed was that migraines, vertigo, tinnitus and good old NAUSEA decided to come with on the ride. That marvelous info and the fact that I mailed it out at 2 AM from our bathroom really states it all. (The good news is that I have dropped 15 pounds since Christmas. The bad news is that I still am fatter than Santa!)

Today began with an early shuttle ride to Mayo with MANY other people cramped in the vehicle. (The bad news - too many people in a hot van. The good news - there were so many people that when my vertigo got worse and I fell, I just fell into people and not to the floor A youngin' saw my plight and then quickly offered me a seat.)

When I got off the van, the vertigo really hit again so my body once again decided to closely examine the pavement. Boy, those wheelchairs come fast when people fall. Then off to 8th floor for doctor appointment one.

We both were very impressed with the detail and time spent by my coordinating doctor, Dr Egger. He actually specializes in people with migraines, vertigo and tinnitus (hereafter named The Mighty Three. You have to have ALL three in order to see him. Wow! Although he looks only slightly older than my grandson Teddy, he examined, explained, tortured, filmed and questioned me for about 2 hours. Bob particularly liked the fancy goggles I wore. It was totally dark for me, but my eyes appeared huge for people watching my fun.

Note - One thing I learned was that if you didn't have pretty bad motion sickness as a kid and can now read in the car, you very strongly won't have tinnitus.

Basically, my day was packed with appointments. I had an audiological exam, balance testing and MRI all right in a row. That had me finishing up around 6 PM. The balance testing has lots of fun torture devices that will hopefully help me and others with the mighty three conditions. One of my favorites was being placed in a big chair like a Disney ride. I was strapped in, given special goggles, fitted with clothing protective gear (for when your tummy gets mad at you as the test guarantees) and then hermetically sealed in a huge cylinder. The fun begins as the chair "bent to create a variety of vertigo induced positions" for about 3 years. The test was probably much shorter, but I dare you to question me for accuracy.

I ended my day with an MRI with contrast where I challenged multiple staff to find a vein for an IV to get back at them for all that balance fun earlier inflicted upon my poor body.

Well yippee! My four pretzels and sips of pop have stayed down while I filled you in on an adventure packed day. I'm back there tomorrow morning at 7:45 AM to continue the process. I start with more balance testing. Life is Good.

All kidding aside, thanks for all of your concern and prayers. Many of you asked for an update, so a mass email seemed the best. My last appointment is Friday, January 21st.

Well guys, at this rate, I should return home weighing 92 pounds. Appointments continue through next Tuesday. I get a two day reprieve for staff to write reports and gather with Dr. Egger in hopes of figuring me out. All kidding aside, I am truly blessed to be able to come to Mayo. The professional care and dedicated staff are definitely gifts from God. We could not be treated any nicer. Although I wish the film of me walking down the hall could be submitted to Funniest Home Videos, I'm grateful for a chance to help others ease The Mighty Three.