The following is something Ross wrote up for one of the many doctors we have seen since May.
____________________________________________________
Kenneth Ross Matheson
May 18: felt completely normal
May 19-present: no longer able to eat and following symptoms
Nausea
Constant nausea and sense of something wrong
Sudden attacks of severe nausea often to point of barely contained retching
Worst episodes seem random, but generally occurring at bedtime/overnight
Anorexia
Zero appetite, have lost sensation of hunger completely
Weight loss, ~10 lbs/month since May
Fatigue and Weakness
Stiff/sore joints, Difficulty standing up
Other concerns
Dizzy/Faint when standing
Physical exertion brings tightness and discomfort in chest, gets worse until feels like another step will kill me
Often awake to much of left side of body numb and tingly
Feeling of deadness in chest
Intense discomfort
Last solid food/meal eaten May 28
Daily intake:
2-3 Nutrition Drink Plus (350 cal, Boost, Ensure etc)
1 8oz V8 (30 cal)
Sips of fluid for taking pills and easing nausea
Maybe 12oz total of water, gatorade, ginger ale
Anything more than above or anything more solid brings terrible nausea usually 4-6 hours after last meal of the day, will most likely result in vomiting
____________________________________________
Ross wrote the above about a month ago, and if anything, things have just gotten worse. But there is some good news, I suppose.
What We Know It Is NOT:
Cancer
Addison’s Disease
Hemochromatosis
Celiac’s Disease
Digestive obstruction
Gall stones or any other Gall Bladder issue
Liver disease
Kidney disorder
Pancreas or Thyroid issue
Helicobacter pylori infection
Number of Doctors Consulted:
Six- And now on to number 7!
It’s good to know what is healthy when so much isn’t, but still our visit with the endocrinologist today was discouraging! She was very kind, but pretty much said they’ve done all they can. It’s time to consult an internal medicine doctor. They apparently specialize in the diagnosis of serious and unusual diseases- I sure wish somebody had suggested that several months ago!
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Saturday, September 26, 2009
Life Happens
This is a post for my friends whom I have ignored and neglected and who don't know what's happening in the Matheson Clan.
We have been living through a medical mystery. On May 28, Ross had his last real meal. This was the day his stomach decided to stop working- the medical diagnosis is Gastroparesis. It was such a strange thing- one day he was eating a Chipotle burrito, and then his stomach never digested it. We've done a lot of web research, and Ross's case seems extremely severe. He has excruciating nausea and distress every hour he is awake, and often it even wakes him up in the middle of the night. He has been on a completely liquid diet since May, only able to drink 3 Ensure shakes a day, a little water or ginger ale, and maybe a spoonful of Nutella to lick if he's having a good day. He has lost around 45 pounds, and is still losing about a pound a day. He was first taking a drug called Reglan which was supposed to trigger stomach movement, but had so many problems, we resorted to buying a drug called Domperidone from New Zealand because it has fewer side effects. It hasn't enabled him to eat anything, but we're hoping it's doing something to lessen the nausea.
It seems as though every test imaginable has been given to Ross, and the doctors keep coming back with the results showing nothing. We don't know what caused this (at first we were told it was diabetes, then not, then maybe it was his gallbladder, then not), we don't know what will cure the condition, and meanwhile Ross is pretty well disabled- even walking to get our mail is too painful and difficult for him. Ross goes back in to see his gastroenterologist on Monday, and we're really fasting, praying, and hoping for answers soon!
Luckily, though, life has improved some for me, so I am able to help Ross out more at home. After teaching for a year in an exceptionally difficult elementary school, I was hired and started teaching this past week at a different school only a few minutes drive from our apartment. In every single way, it is a miraculous blessing to have this position now! Prayers were definitely answered when I was given this new job. It's a wonderful school- great kids, incredibly supportive community, and a very warm and friendly collegial atmosphere among the teachers! Best of all, it is so much less stressful, that I can really let go of work when I get home - something I could never do when I worked at my previous school- and this is a real bonus in our given circumstances!
So that is life in the Matheson Clan right now. Lots of prayers are being answered to much gratitude, but we're also still praying desperately for the help Ross needs in finding the cause and cure for his condition. And now that I am home more, I will try to be a better blogger to keep all of our friends and family updated. We appreciate your love, your prayers, your support! Thank you for all your kindness and concern! It makes life easier to go through when you don't have to go through it alone!
We have been living through a medical mystery. On May 28, Ross had his last real meal. This was the day his stomach decided to stop working- the medical diagnosis is Gastroparesis. It was such a strange thing- one day he was eating a Chipotle burrito, and then his stomach never digested it. We've done a lot of web research, and Ross's case seems extremely severe. He has excruciating nausea and distress every hour he is awake, and often it even wakes him up in the middle of the night. He has been on a completely liquid diet since May, only able to drink 3 Ensure shakes a day, a little water or ginger ale, and maybe a spoonful of Nutella to lick if he's having a good day. He has lost around 45 pounds, and is still losing about a pound a day. He was first taking a drug called Reglan which was supposed to trigger stomach movement, but had so many problems, we resorted to buying a drug called Domperidone from New Zealand because it has fewer side effects. It hasn't enabled him to eat anything, but we're hoping it's doing something to lessen the nausea.
It seems as though every test imaginable has been given to Ross, and the doctors keep coming back with the results showing nothing. We don't know what caused this (at first we were told it was diabetes, then not, then maybe it was his gallbladder, then not), we don't know what will cure the condition, and meanwhile Ross is pretty well disabled- even walking to get our mail is too painful and difficult for him. Ross goes back in to see his gastroenterologist on Monday, and we're really fasting, praying, and hoping for answers soon!
Luckily, though, life has improved some for me, so I am able to help Ross out more at home. After teaching for a year in an exceptionally difficult elementary school, I was hired and started teaching this past week at a different school only a few minutes drive from our apartment. In every single way, it is a miraculous blessing to have this position now! Prayers were definitely answered when I was given this new job. It's a wonderful school- great kids, incredibly supportive community, and a very warm and friendly collegial atmosphere among the teachers! Best of all, it is so much less stressful, that I can really let go of work when I get home - something I could never do when I worked at my previous school- and this is a real bonus in our given circumstances!
So that is life in the Matheson Clan right now. Lots of prayers are being answered to much gratitude, but we're also still praying desperately for the help Ross needs in finding the cause and cure for his condition. And now that I am home more, I will try to be a better blogger to keep all of our friends and family updated. We appreciate your love, your prayers, your support! Thank you for all your kindness and concern! It makes life easier to go through when you don't have to go through it alone!
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Quick Update
I can't believe it is May!
I survived teaching and being in an opera at the same time in March and April. Being in a show is always a lot of work, and teaching is a lot of work. I'm really happy I got through having to do both back to back each night. It was a fun cast to work with, and re-inspired me to get busy with my singing. And now I'm down to only 4.5 weeks of teaching! I can't wait for it to be over!
Ross spent the last two months coughing- we both caught nasty flu bugs turned sinus infections. We're both mad we were sick in bed so long because the last two months in Texas are just about the only months anyone wants to be outside- it's dry and mild with tons of flowers and plants blooming everywhere, so it's gorgeous. Now that we're feeling like getting out, it is hot and humid and the nature show is over. So frustrating!
We're still in the planning stages of our summer vacation- but we'll keep y'all posted so you'll know when and where to find us!
You can check out some great pictures from the opera at this website: bebangco.net . And here are some silly pics from backstage:
I survived teaching and being in an opera at the same time in March and April. Being in a show is always a lot of work, and teaching is a lot of work. I'm really happy I got through having to do both back to back each night. It was a fun cast to work with, and re-inspired me to get busy with my singing. And now I'm down to only 4.5 weeks of teaching! I can't wait for it to be over!
Ross spent the last two months coughing- we both caught nasty flu bugs turned sinus infections. We're both mad we were sick in bed so long because the last two months in Texas are just about the only months anyone wants to be outside- it's dry and mild with tons of flowers and plants blooming everywhere, so it's gorgeous. Now that we're feeling like getting out, it is hot and humid and the nature show is over. So frustrating!
We're still in the planning stages of our summer vacation- but we'll keep y'all posted so you'll know when and where to find us!
You can check out some great pictures from the opera at this website: bebangco.net . And here are some silly pics from backstage:
Monday, February 16, 2009
February Update
I've been neglecting my blog, but will try and at least update it once a month. Here is the update for February:
Ross is responding pretty well to his new meds. His blood sugar went from the 600's to the 110's!! We're SUPER happy about his numbers now! He still has some discomfort and pain from the drugs, but not enough to keep him from taking it, which is also great. We have, of course, been trying to eat better and are also trying to go for regular walks when I get home, and this helps, too. He's feeling much better all around and that will make it easier to find employment. But this is now limited to positions within walking distance.
Our beloved 1986 Fiero is making us crazy! You have to try to start it, let it fail, wait 10 minutes, try again, and then it will start- maybe. It had an air intake tube break, which Ross replaced, and we hoped that would fix it for a while longer, but no luck- same old problems. We've decided to let it sit since we can't really afford to take it to a shop, and if we get desperate enough, we'll probably sell the poor devil soon. Send any enquiries our way!
I am getting better at surviving hell, I mean teaching. I would think I were a horrible teacher and hate it completely, if I weren't blessed to be working at two schools. My main school is where I feel so clueless and stressed and I come home hating kids, hating life, exhausted and stressed out. I leave the other school feeling like I obviously have much to learn, but still I already know how to teach, I like kids, I'm happy with my job, I'm good at it, I come home smiling. Night and Day. But I am learning how to let things go at the main school, how to plan early so I can come home and forget work, how to survive.
As part of that survival, Ross is helping me plan a garden for our patio- I miss growing things. I am playing the piano more often (since I am still struggling to feel well enough to sing), and I've been watching a little too much TV- but it helps me unwind.
I'm feeling a whole lot better health-wise, too. I saw the doctor last week again, and FINALLY can feel my sinus infection leaving! He has me on 3 different medicines and I feel like a walking pharmacy, but I can breath! I can speak and am no longer hoarse! I can sleep at night and not cough. It's wonderful.
And we get free tacos at our apartment office tonight. Life is good.
Ross is responding pretty well to his new meds. His blood sugar went from the 600's to the 110's!! We're SUPER happy about his numbers now! He still has some discomfort and pain from the drugs, but not enough to keep him from taking it, which is also great. We have, of course, been trying to eat better and are also trying to go for regular walks when I get home, and this helps, too. He's feeling much better all around and that will make it easier to find employment. But this is now limited to positions within walking distance.
Our beloved 1986 Fiero is making us crazy! You have to try to start it, let it fail, wait 10 minutes, try again, and then it will start- maybe. It had an air intake tube break, which Ross replaced, and we hoped that would fix it for a while longer, but no luck- same old problems. We've decided to let it sit since we can't really afford to take it to a shop, and if we get desperate enough, we'll probably sell the poor devil soon. Send any enquiries our way!
I am getting better at surviving hell, I mean teaching. I would think I were a horrible teacher and hate it completely, if I weren't blessed to be working at two schools. My main school is where I feel so clueless and stressed and I come home hating kids, hating life, exhausted and stressed out. I leave the other school feeling like I obviously have much to learn, but still I already know how to teach, I like kids, I'm happy with my job, I'm good at it, I come home smiling. Night and Day. But I am learning how to let things go at the main school, how to plan early so I can come home and forget work, how to survive.
As part of that survival, Ross is helping me plan a garden for our patio- I miss growing things. I am playing the piano more often (since I am still struggling to feel well enough to sing), and I've been watching a little too much TV- but it helps me unwind.
I'm feeling a whole lot better health-wise, too. I saw the doctor last week again, and FINALLY can feel my sinus infection leaving! He has me on 3 different medicines and I feel like a walking pharmacy, but I can breath! I can speak and am no longer hoarse! I can sleep at night and not cough. It's wonderful.
And we get free tacos at our apartment office tonight. Life is good.
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
7 more teaching days!
Not that I'm counting or anything, but I only have to teach 7 more days until Christmas vacation! I am excited for it, obviously. I am even more excited that my principal agreed to a simple sing-along instead of a concert for the holiday program. That makes my next 7 teaching days a whole lot less stressful. But I haven't been that stressed lately. I really feel like I'm making progress as far as teaching goes. Even some of my worst students are shaping up and starting to meet expectations- just in time for a 2 week break where they'll forget everything and we'll have to start back up from scratch in January. I have a whole new appreciation for the beginning of a new semester. :) Ross has been taking care of our home for us while I've been starting this new job- he's been fabulously supportive. He gets me up in the mornings, makes my lunches, often makes our dinner, cleans up, does the laundry. I couldn't function without him, but I know he is looking forward to the break also.
Ross and I are happy to be able to spend Christmas with all of his siblings and parents in Lake Charles. We really can't wait to see them all. I wish we could see all of my family and our far-flung friends this holiday, though.
We bought Christmas cards again this year- I've bought them every year for the past 3 years, thinking, This year, I'll send them out early and get them done! But they end up going under the bed in February or getting lost somehow when we move. So don't be surprised if you get a card in January or February from us, or none at all. Hopefully this year will be a successful year for getting cards mailed. Keep your fingers crossed!
Ross and I are happy to be able to spend Christmas with all of his siblings and parents in Lake Charles. We really can't wait to see them all. I wish we could see all of my family and our far-flung friends this holiday, though.
We bought Christmas cards again this year- I've bought them every year for the past 3 years, thinking, This year, I'll send them out early and get them done! But they end up going under the bed in February or getting lost somehow when we move. So don't be surprised if you get a card in January or February from us, or none at all. Hopefully this year will be a successful year for getting cards mailed. Keep your fingers crossed!
Sunday, November 9, 2008
Exciting First Week
I survived my first week teaching elementary music, and trust me, that is quite an accomplishment!
My very first day on the job, I had to fight with the after school program coordinator to be able to use my classroom for the last hour of the day. She came in at 1:30 expecting to use my room, but I have a class starting at 2:00. It was really bizarre. Then during the rest of the week, I had three fifth graders immediately leave my classroom as soon as they came in- before I had even checked the roll; I had one fifth grader in another class screaming like a lunatic for several minutes at a time just to disrupt the class; I have two second graders who forced the school to split their class in half for music time because one has a legal restraining order against the other; I couldn't go into work on Thursday at all because there was a shooting close to my school and several armed assailants were still at large in the neighborhood; and I lived through it all with a nasty cold. It was definitely a challenging week. But I'm feeling pretty optimistic because I did survive, I did manage to teach a little bit of music, and it seems to me that things will only get easier week by week! Still, please remember me in your prayers! It will get easier, but it will still be hard!
My very first day on the job, I had to fight with the after school program coordinator to be able to use my classroom for the last hour of the day. She came in at 1:30 expecting to use my room, but I have a class starting at 2:00. It was really bizarre. Then during the rest of the week, I had three fifth graders immediately leave my classroom as soon as they came in- before I had even checked the roll; I had one fifth grader in another class screaming like a lunatic for several minutes at a time just to disrupt the class; I have two second graders who forced the school to split their class in half for music time because one has a legal restraining order against the other; I couldn't go into work on Thursday at all because there was a shooting close to my school and several armed assailants were still at large in the neighborhood; and I lived through it all with a nasty cold. It was definitely a challenging week. But I'm feeling pretty optimistic because I did survive, I did manage to teach a little bit of music, and it seems to me that things will only get easier week by week! Still, please remember me in your prayers! It will get easier, but it will still be hard!
Friday, October 24, 2008
Last Day
Today was unofficially my last day of working at Austin Lyric Opera!! WOOOOTTTT!!!! Officially, my "official last day" is next Friday, when I'll be given a farewell party, which I am seriously surprised to be receiving because only last week my boss forgot my name, yet again- but I'm not coming in to work at all next week, so if you don't want to split hairs, I'm done!!!! I'm so excited! I am glad I got to work at the opera company. I've learned a lot about the real world of opera business that I would never have figured out if I hadn't. There's a lot they don't tell you in school. But I can't express enough how happy I am to be leaving! Although today, knowing I'm not coming back, feels really surreal and odd. Especially because it feels so routine and pointless. I celebrated, though, by purposefully coming in to work late, and by watching Hulu all day, and by telling anyone who called and wanted help that they'd have to call back on Monday, when I won't be here to help them! (Juliann cackles maniacally)
For those of you who randomly check this blog, I'm sorry I didn't post this earlier. But I just found out this week that I can leave ALO because I finally got a teaching job! I'll be teaching K-5 music at a couple of elementary schools in the Austin school district. I start Nov 3, and am very excited! People keep asking if I'm nervous. And I have to say, yes and no. I'm not at all nervous about the kids- I know they'll be great and I'll enjoy them- I even know I'll be able to survive turkeys and monsters, even though it will be hard and frustrating. But I'm mostly nervous about coming in mid-semester and being 10 weeks behind. I worry about creating a Christmas program in just one month when I only get to see these children once or maybe twice a week. I know I'll get through it, and be a lot better at it than some people think (the fine arts coordinator at the district office spent an hour singing all the songs to me because she didn't think I could figure out how to sing "Rain rain go away" on my own). But mostly I worry about getting to work, because this week both our cars also decided to poop out on us.
Our 1986 Fiero is spitting smoke out the exhaust and has major issues that will cost a fortune to fix. We're still waiting to hear from our mechanic what the damage is. And our new-to-us Chrysler, the lemon we are feeling so sheepishly stupid for buying, is misfiring 2 pistons, has 2 oxygen sensors out, is leaking power steering fluid, has a faulty oil pump, and is in such bad shape our mechanic told us to not even bother fixing it. He did say if it were his car, he'd just drive it until it dies, because it's not completely unsafe, and so that's what we'll do. But it is frustrating to know it can die any day. I know we'll get through this mess, too- it's just so annoying dealing with cars.
So since we're stressed out, we're going to postpone any dealing with anything this weekend and are running away on vacation- we're going to the Texas Renaissance Festival with Ross's sister, Jenny. We'll be gnawing on turkey legs while we watch jousting, listen to bagpipers, and gawk at all the weirdos (pretending we're not weird ourselves). It will be great!
For those of you who randomly check this blog, I'm sorry I didn't post this earlier. But I just found out this week that I can leave ALO because I finally got a teaching job! I'll be teaching K-5 music at a couple of elementary schools in the Austin school district. I start Nov 3, and am very excited! People keep asking if I'm nervous. And I have to say, yes and no. I'm not at all nervous about the kids- I know they'll be great and I'll enjoy them- I even know I'll be able to survive turkeys and monsters, even though it will be hard and frustrating. But I'm mostly nervous about coming in mid-semester and being 10 weeks behind. I worry about creating a Christmas program in just one month when I only get to see these children once or maybe twice a week. I know I'll get through it, and be a lot better at it than some people think (the fine arts coordinator at the district office spent an hour singing all the songs to me because she didn't think I could figure out how to sing "Rain rain go away" on my own). But mostly I worry about getting to work, because this week both our cars also decided to poop out on us.
Our 1986 Fiero is spitting smoke out the exhaust and has major issues that will cost a fortune to fix. We're still waiting to hear from our mechanic what the damage is. And our new-to-us Chrysler, the lemon we are feeling so sheepishly stupid for buying, is misfiring 2 pistons, has 2 oxygen sensors out, is leaking power steering fluid, has a faulty oil pump, and is in such bad shape our mechanic told us to not even bother fixing it. He did say if it were his car, he'd just drive it until it dies, because it's not completely unsafe, and so that's what we'll do. But it is frustrating to know it can die any day. I know we'll get through this mess, too- it's just so annoying dealing with cars.
So since we're stressed out, we're going to postpone any dealing with anything this weekend and are running away on vacation- we're going to the Texas Renaissance Festival with Ross's sister, Jenny. We'll be gnawing on turkey legs while we watch jousting, listen to bagpipers, and gawk at all the weirdos (pretending we're not weird ourselves). It will be great!
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