It's a Tuesday...

Tuesday, October 31
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HAPPY BIRTHDAY BIG KEV!!!
A truer brother I could never find. I love you brother, I always will. God blessed me and my family 20-some-odd years ago when I threw the perfect water-balloon at someone else but NAILED you. :-o)
uh...peace, love and forgiveness, remember...?
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So yesterday was back at work at last. It was a long day and maybe not the smartest of things for me to do, in that having been off all last week recovering, to jump in with both feet and have a long day was tougher than most. I was exhausted when I finally got home and thus I didn't update yesterday.
I sorry.

Saw the primary doc yesterday, which incidentally, was the first day of driving since a week ago yesterday. We made some good progress, though one of the main reasons for going in was that I had had a stretch of days with pretty low blood pressure (79-90/ 40-60) and I'm hypertensive, so that's been weird and, of course, I get into the doctor's office and my BP is 120/82.
Once again, I'm a human experiment gone pathetically wrong.
Grrr.

Anyway, the results of the appointment are:

• We are being referred to a nutritionist to help us with managing our diet (CC and I are the same bloof type and are changing our diet to stay in line with our blood type. So far, I’ve lost 30 lbs (woohoo!).
• My pain medicine has been changed to methadone which has actually worked in the last 24 hours. All the other pain medicine didn't touch the pain. I had methadone back when I was in pain management for my recovery from my back surgery in '96/'97 and it worked then too, so I'm hopeful I can finally get in front of the pain instead of always being behind it.
• We are going to do a CT scan of the adrenal glands to see if there is a visible cyst or tumor that can be identified.

My primary doc is going to consult with my nephrologist (kidney/hypertension specialist) to discuss the BP medicine so they are both on the same page.

It was "highly suggested" that I buy a Medic Alert bracelet (which is something we have already researched and will purchase when the money's there to do so. I think that's it from the appointment. Oh yeah, yesterday was also my first time in the minimally re-modeled Worship Center at work and it looks beautiful for the most part. Some things were not finished which is annoying and the original electrical power to the booth got cut so anything non-audio has no power. Essentially what that means is when we remodeled the sound system 2 years ago, we brought in some dedicated power for audio and video use only to minimize any ground loops or buzzes and such in the system and we kept the old original power to power up the CD duplicators, cassette duplicators, refrigerator etc. They will have to come back and fix it but for now it's an inconvenience and is annoying. The room has been re-carpeted, re-tiled and a pergo flooring installed to replace the once carpeted chancel floor. I'm afraid that they went with the pergo instead of a legit hardwood and lacquer flooring (like a gym floor) for budgetary reasons only and will shortly regret their decision.

This topics is done, more or less ~

CC helped the kids pick out their costumes for tonight and Josh will be a Storm Trooper and Missy will be a "sassy pirate".

It will be a Kodak night, I'm sure. I'll add more when I think of more...

Peace

- w
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Okay…I thought of more…

Tonight was the Trunk and Treat evening at church.
Essentially, a Trunk and Treat event is similar to trick or treating except you go to a parking area (our main church lot) and folks park their cars nose first into the parking place and then decorate their trunks or hatch-backs to be fun and fill them full of candy and treats so the kids who visit can have a very safe controlled environment without the normal trappings of neighborhood walks and the standard catch phrase. It is not uncommon to have the trunks involve some kind of game with candy reward and such. Many times folks bring extra car batteries to power additional trunk lighting and special effects and such. They can get very creative and it's a lot of fun for the kids.

I do think there's a difference between playing a game and winning some candy versus going to someone's home and asking them for a treat to keep from being given a trick. I'll avoid the soapbox for now, but I feel very strongly about halloween and what it represents in my eyes. It's a tempting topic, but I'm tired.
So, on to the evening's activities...

We did indeed have a beautiful sassy pirate and a rather short, but cute storm trooper, including mask. They had a great time, scored a silly amount of candy (some by the jar full!) and our storm trooper even got to go up on stage and be interviewed by our Pastor of Junior High Nick Rose, in front of those watching, Seriously cool of Nicko to do.

I made it most of the way through and when the heaviness/pain in the legs kicked in, I bailed for home and got horizontal which usually helps quite a bit.
CC and the kids closed it down then came home.
It's time to call it a night, so I'll see what tomorrow holds.
God is Good.
peace-

w

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Monday's meals:
B=3 eggs, 2 whole grain toast w/butter
L=Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad from Chili's, iced tea
D=Rice pasta with meat sauce, water

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Tuesday's meals:
B=3 eggs
L=3 TJ chicken breasts, water
D=Orange Chicken, whole grain rice

Sunday on the way to Monday

Wow, what a day and what a freakin' week!

I forgot to mention yesterday that I got to speak to the beloved Pastor Margaret who is convalescing and rehabbing from a viscous attack of cancer. It totally brought my spirits up jus hearing her voice. What an incredible woman of God. I'm so blessed just to know her. If you are a pray-er, please be in prayer for her complete recovery and smooth transition to Tennessee.

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Today we slept in, kinda, and had a mellow morning for the most part. The kids didn't get their homework done before this morning, so it was a homework morning.

We went to my brother and sister-in-laws house in Shingle Springs for the afternoon and evening; again kick back and mellow paced. We took Annie our dog with us since they live on an acre which is completely fenced in and she seemed to freak at the space and the flight of stairs from the porch to the lower back yard. It took a number of tries and several minutes to get the big chicken down and up the stairs. That have 2 dachshund who Annie learned to get along with, albeit with some snarling on the 2 other dog's parts and Annie just stepping on the main snarler, holding it at bay by stepping on him...She never tried to use her teeth or bite (which is a good thing) but when push came to shove, it was literally push/shove and then hold via paw by Annie. Crazy-

We had a really relaxed time and kicked back. very cool-

I plan to drive tomorrow if God provides; something I haven't been able to do since last Monday morning. You lose a lot of your independence with this thing (HKPP).
There's a doc appt. tomorrow morning and I plan to address quite a few issues. I'll let y'all know were we stand after the appointment tomorrow.

While I'm typing, I'm enjoying the sounds of G3 from 2005: "G3 Live in Tokyo (Petrucci, Vai, and Satriani). I have the MPEG of the entire concert and it leaves me speechless contemplating never picking up a guitar again...They are more than incredible. Last two songs were played by all three: "Foxy Lady" by Hendrix, "La Grange" by ZZ Top and now playing "Smoke On the Water
by Deep Purple. Worth noting is that Vai's bass player for this show was none other than Billy Sheehan. It kinda just makes you sick..in a good way...

Anyway, there you go for today and tonight.
I hope that check back as often as you wish. I don't plan to self indulge via emails much anymore since this makes sharing much easier and doesn't bog down your email accounts with messages you may not to read anyway...so now you can catch up with me via this site if you wish.

peace all-
w

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B=2 eggs, 2 whole grain toast w/butter
L=?
D=grilled steak, scampi prawns grilled, 7 or 8 spinich tortolini

So what happened this week?

Okay, so it's been 25 days since I updated the Blog...Hope you weren't holding your breath...
:-o)

Monday:
Monday, Oct. 23, just before 1:00 PM, I was kneeling beside a newly bought tool chest, which was on its back on the ground, installing casters on it, when all of a sudden I became very, very scared. Not knowing why, I looked around the gym I was in and saw nobody and then realized I was sweating profusely and thought something's wrong with me and I'm completely alone; no one will know. Seconds later, I collapsed and was seeing myself crawling towards a door and not making it. Out of nowhere appeared a co-worker then my wife. Somewhere between looking around and crawling, I apparently called CC (my wife) and then a co-worker. They called 911 and another ER visit was on its way. This attack was more severe and advanced than others and gave me little clue it was coming. By the time she was there, I was having a difficult time responding to questions and couldn't move my feet, legs or left arm. After the EMT's arrived, CC said she explained to the MT's not to use saline and why, and they listened! Very cool. [Saline is a trigger and/or exacerbating contributor for Hypokalemic Periodic Paralysis. If I'm given saline it will further the paralysis and increase the pain.]

Arriving at the hospital, I had lost use of my left arm and legs and now to my hips. Numb and tingling paralysis was progressing. My first two nurses were unkind and rude and we just stayed in the room waiting forever. It was almost as if they were controlling the situation from the nurse's desk. A couple hours later the shift change happened and we got an excellent nurse and we actually got to see a doctor. My wife explained the disease to the nurse and he even let her use one of the computers to bring up a website on HKPP for doctors so they could see how to administer IV potassium correctly for my condition. A few nurses got in her face, literally, and the nurse who let her use the computer actually told them to back off. He printed the directions for the IV and put it into a file for me. By the time I was given the oral potassium I couldn't see anymore and was having a hard time talking (my jaw was beginning to lock up and become stiff. After receiving oral potassium I came back around and the numbness receded and I got feeling and control back in my legs and left arm and then the only thing left was to continue to battle the pain which they were treating AFTER the new nurse got involved. They released me Monday night and gave me pain meds and a prescription for oral potassium. My wife said the doctor commented on how quickly the oral potassium worked and how we should have it at home. So feeling motivated to write and share with the number of folks whose calls I have not been able to take, I am writing from my couch, feeling less as though I've been run over by a train (Monday) and more like it was a beefed up VW Bug. Muscle spasms are still all over, sporadically, but the ribs are less sore, legs still weak but more stable.

This disease disables me physically, completely when it hits and has become harder to anticipate. The good news, I guess, is that I'm learning so much about nutrition, fast foods, "normal groceries" and restaurants nutritional guides. It is AMAZING how much food is out there that I shouldn't or cannot have due to dietary restrictions.

After I was released from the hospital, CC took me to a near-by pharmacy where my meds had been sent for filling. Still in a state of "just shoot me" I was sitting in the front seat of the van when the driver's door opened and out of the corner of my blurry eye, I realize that it is NOT my wife getting back into the van and I turn in brief panic to see...Dr. Chris Alford (the Worship Pastor from my work and subsequently my boss) sitting down in the driver's seat. I believe I shared with him some vocabulary I had learned while in High School. If I didn't share it, I can assure you I thought it. He took great advantage of my mental state and told me he was there "to have his way with me" and I apparently replied with my not having much of a choice that that time. Have you gouged out your mind's eye yet?
He then shared his concern for me and was far more the friend I needed in the moment. CC came back to the van to find him in it and she was just as surprised as I had been, but less shocked I would think.
Shortly thereafter, Chris left and we left and headed home where my Aunt and Uncle were waiting for us to arrive so that they could help get me inside. I can't walk well after an attack and being 235 and 6'2" makes it difficult for anyone helping me, especially my 12 year old daughter.
[My Aunt was at the hospital as soon as she got word I was down, as she has done far too many times before, helping CC and me to get the care needed and to give CC the opportunity to make calls or interact with medical personnel. We are so blessed to have them (my Aunt and Uncle) so close to where we live and have them as advocates for us when I have been down.]

Tuesday:
I woke up wondering which train had hit me and run me over but soon realized that the previous day had clearly been a very long one for my family and me.
The goals for the day were just to be able to walk and move in as little pain as possible.
Tuesday night I suffered another smaller attack of low potassium and this time CC has the oral potassium to use and, though I couldn't walk by myself back to our bedroom, I was able to get horizontal pretty quick and the symptoms were cut short by the potassium.

Wednesday:
I was feeling better morning-wise than I normally do after an attack and was able to function slowly.
Wedensday brought another smaller attack which was treated the same way, but the progress I was making in mobility seemed to have been lost and I was back to square one or two. I had seriously hoped to be back at work by today, if not tomorrow, but those hopes were unattainable.

Thursday:
No more attacks today, praise God! Normal day of recovery, as normal as normal can be anyway.

Friday:
Today, I watched "V is for Vendetta" which was very good. It was a nice escape from the morning's and week's realities of muscle issues and assorted pain.
After lunch time, CC suggested I go with her to pick up the kids from school so I could get out of the house. I actually got dressed in regular clothes and we went and got them from school and got some errands done and then went to try my legs out by walking through an antique shop in Roseville. It was so good to be out with my family, but I was completely wiped out when we were leaving the antique shop. Dinner and bed were next.

Saturday:
I feel better today than yesterday and almost walk "normal", but the right thigh pain is still very present. Many phone calls today, a fair amount of accomplishments as well. Hopefully it will feel like a productive day, today.

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In General:

The questions we were asking after Monday were what triggers did I miss or mess up on? Did I eat something within 72 hours of Monday morning that would have brought it on?
Turns out, "yes".
On Friday, Sunday, as well as Monday morning, I bought a grande Chai Creme Frappaccino which, incidentally, I had not checked out nutritionally. Turns out that for a Grande serving Size they are:

Amt Per Serving
Calories 510
Fat Calories 130
Total Fat (g) 15
Saturated Fat (g) 9
Trans Fat (g) 0
Cholesterol (mg) 60
Sodium (mg) 340
Total Carbs (g) 82
Fiber (g) 0
Sugars (g) 68
Protein (g) 12
Vitamin A 6%
Vitamin C 0%
Calcium 40%
Iron 2%

When I eat or DRINK something with a ratio like that, where the carbs are almost 7x the protein, I have pushed my luck. Having done it twice in 72 hours of the attacks points directly to it.
So, does that mean I cannot have a Chai Creme Frappaccino again?
...Yep, pretty much. Too risky unless I have some silly amount of protein with the drink, but even then, having that many carbs puts me at risk.

*sigh*

I was REALLY hoping that I wouldn't be down for a week like times past, but times past are the norm, unfortunately, and it is Saturday and I was just able to walk "normally" for the most part, this morning. Because of attacks this year, I have exhausted my sick time and vacation time. What an incredible hit. No one's fault, but very difficult to embrace. In particular, your prayers regarding that reality are seriously coveted.
Who would have thought this would ever happen?

More later-
peace
w

The Audio Pilot's First entry

hi all-
I will strive to keep this updated on my life's drama at this point, so everyone can read, if they wish to, what has been going on with the Odums in Sacramento.

Let me begin by stating that I am a believer in Jesus Christ and the Trinity. I know without question that I have been saved by His Grace and Mercy alone. I am a sinner who has a Heavenly Father who loves me in spite of me and calls me His own.
Make no mistake about this. I KNOW I'm not mistaken.

Okay...

At the forefront of my life: my wife of 17 years and 2 children (12 & 7) who define what human-based love is for me.

I'm the most blessed husband and father, bar none. Honestly.

We have a sweetheart of a 2 year old, 85 lb. Doberman/Hound mix and we have our two cats, Shadow and Jazz.

As life moves forward, I will try to bring more aspects of the Odum family life to this forum so that friends and family can learn more about what is happening and what has been happening in our lives, but for now, this Blog will be a sort of "news desk" for me and my life currently; Victories, trials and current state.

Moving forward...

Currently in the hopper, we are progressing through my diagnosis of Hypokalemic Periodic Paralysis which has changed our lives from ground zero up.

Add Hyperaldosteronism a.k.a. Primary Aldosteronism: Excess aldosterone in the human body causes sodium retention, which in turn attracts and holds excess water, increasing your blood volume and blood pressure. This is caused by the adrenal glands working erratically and sporadically and not regulating as they should. It causes a loss of potassium, sodium retention and very high blood pressure. Sodium and potassium normally work together to help maintain the right balance of fluids in your body, transmit nerve impulses, and contract and relax your muscles.

Combine those and you have Wade's attention as well as his medical life currently.

Next blog will bring you more of a daily write if I can get my act together...um...Don't hold your breath, k?

peace
w