Medical First

A month after reducing my immunosuppressant, I noticed problems swallowing my pills.  After every meal, I would cough a lot and have to clear my throat for a couple of hours.  The swallowing test showed nothing.  Back to Dr. Ahmed who scheduled an endoscopy to take a closer look.  While there, he stretched my esophagus; but, it didn’t work.  He told me that most people only have a slightly sore throat afterwards.  Well, not this “mystery” patient, I couldn’t talk for two days and it hurt to drink water for a week.

Early October, I went to Dr. Pandit  (Rheumatologist), who ordered blood tests and CT scans, to look at my hip joints.  They found Arthritis in my left and Bursitis in my right so back to physical therapy I go.

My old dentist retired.  So I had the first of many meetings with my new dentist, Dr. Mashni, to discuss the plan to fix my disgusting mouth.  He is young and very knowledgeable about GVHD.  I liked him right away.  To be continued…

Physical therapy started with Liz in November.  She is part of the McLaren Cancer Center and works with weak individuals like me.  As the months flew by, I got stronger again and the pain in my hips seemed to dissipate.

As all of you know, I always fear late fall and winter.  For some reason, my body seems to break down.  Well, this was just the beginning.

Cottage and Fun Times

September was not a great weather month but the next two fall months were beautiful.  It had been years since we got to enjoy the outdoors while we put everything away.  Greg & Malisa joined us the second weekend in October to help, rake and burn, and play Euchre.  We took the last boat ride of the season and I took a lot of colorful pictures.

We had more raking and burning to do so Greg & Malisa came up again the second weekend of November to close up.  We actually sat out by the fire for a little while; but, had to play cards inside.  That was the last weekend up there until March, 2021.

2020 Holidays were worse than 2019.  To be safe, no one got together for Thanksgiving or Christmas.  Steve cooked a nice dinner for the four of us and a great Christmas dinner for just him & me.  I hope we can do better at celebrating this year.