Getting Caught Up

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Joefnh
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Getting Caught Up

Post by Joefnh »

It's been a crazy few weeks and I feel I am finally back to 'normal' and just wanted to give a quick update

As most of your know I had an interesting few weeks after the trip to Auastralia in late April. After returning I had to have reconstructive surgery on my jaw and then just a couple of weeks later I ended up in the ER with peritonitis from a fistula that had burst form the Crohns disease. I ended up having 20cm of my small intestine removed which should reduce the affects of the disease for a while.

During the scans for the fistulas they did note a 2cm mass on my right kidney which fortunately the results from a followup MRI did come out as a benign simple cyst that requires no followup. That's good as Im not sure I was ready for one more thing.

I had asked my doctor why the Crohns was still active and this apparently was an area of fistulas that had been forming prior to starting any treatment with the Imuran for both the Crohns and the CC last October. The fistula acted like a diverticula which if bacteria is trapped in can get infected and burst.

What was encouraging is that when my blood was checked the evening I went into the hospital my immune system had no problem rallying to fight the infection even while taking the immune suppressant Imuran. Both my overall white blood cell count and neutrophil counts were quite high and actively dealing with the infection.

I was surprised at how much the symptoms of fatigue, joint pain and D returned as I had to significanly reduce the Imuran dosage over the past few weeks during the recovery time from the surgery. I was able to late last week begin taking the higher dose of the Imuran and within just a few days the pain fatigue and D started to improve dramatically.

Regarding the upcoming move to Australia, that will be delayed somewhat while I recieve my release from the DOD in relation to the type of work that I do. In 6 weeks time there will be arbitration meetings in relation to my case. Overall this should not impact my new job as long as it does not drag out too long. This probably works out quite well as I doubt I would have been up to the house hunting trip this week.

I have been trying to catch up with everyones posts and would like to say thanks again to everyone here for your support.

Time to return to my PP ambassador duties :grin:

Joe
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tex
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Post by tex »

Joe,

That's certainly good news on the cyst, at least - it's high time you got a break.

Thanks for the update, and good luck with the hearing.

Tex
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MBombardier
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Post by MBombardier »

:iagree: I have a friend in in his early 40's who is a pilot for Alaska Airlines. He recently got re-certified to fly after a traumatic bout with throat cancer. And he's about as healthy as anyone I know--gluten-free, athletic, and everything. This came totally out of the blue. I know how excited he was to get the okay to do his work, and I know you will be too, Joe. I hope everything goes well. :grin:
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Gloria
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Post by Gloria »

Joe wrote:What was encouraging is that when my blood was checked the evening I went into the hospital my immune system had no problem rallying to fight the infection even while taking the immune suppressant Imuran. Both my overall white blood cell count and neutrophil counts were quite high and actively dealing with the infection.
That is encouraging news. I'm sure you're feeling a bit more confident about using Imuran after hearing that.

I'm glad you're feeling better.

Gloria
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TooManyHats
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Post by TooManyHats »

I'm so glad to hear that things are looking up for you, Joe. You've certainly had your share lately.
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Post by harma »

Joe I am so glad to read you are doing well again. That was quite a lot you have been through the last months. I am sure your positive attitude helped a lot in recovering so soon. I hope things will stay quiet now (mc and Crohn) and "australia here he come!!!" (in six weeks).
"As the sense of identity shifts from the imaginary person to your real being as presence awareness, the life of suffering dissolves like mist before the rising sun"
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Post by MaggieRedwings »

So happy to see such a positive update Joe. Do hope the DOD does not dwadle too much and you still get to OZ before you have to initially start your new position.

Keep on the wellness road.

Love, Maggie
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barbaranoela
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Post by barbaranoela »

Joe-----what a terrible Xperience---but happy to C that U are back to being JOE!!!!!!
Take care of yourself---as I know U do--

Will be seeing Deb in another week or so---she is Xcited to have all our small family together but---*yup* U guessed it---cant wait for the post cards~~~~ :smile:

wellness :bigbighug:

Barbara
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sarkin
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Post by sarkin »

Joe,

I'm so glad to hear this positive news. It sounds as though the Imuran is the right dose in the right amount, and will keep you on track from here on in, now that you've "lost" the part of your body that was most affected from your pre-treatment time of Crohn's/CC.


Wishing you smooth sailing toward Oz from now on!

Love,
Sara
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Post by Deb »

Welcome back, Sara. I hope the trip went well. You were missed!
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Post by sarkin »

Thanks, Deb (and thanks, Joe, for letting me sidetrack your topic here... I owe everyone a 'catching up' note myself)!

I missed you all, too!

Love,
Sara
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Joefnh
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Post by Joefnh »

Sara no such thing as a sidetrack here... Actually if that had not been brought up, I was going to ask the same question.

I can't wait to hear about your trip


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mbeezie
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Post by mbeezie »

Joe,

Glad your starting to feel better. Hopefully it will be smooth sailing until your departure.


Sara,

Welcome back - looking forward to trip details.

Mary Beth
"If you believe it will work out, you'll see opportunities. If you believe it won't you will see obstacles." - Dr. Wayne Dyer
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Post by Gabby »

Text
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Joefnh
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Post by Joefnh »

Hi gabby, I would like to think my next trip is the move to Australia, but I have to get through the DOD hearings first which are going to take most of the summer. Beyond that I'm not sure where my next trip is.... That crab was pretty good, I'll to find something to top that I suppose.

I'm open to suggestions as I feel I'm back on the clock as the 'PP ambassador'

Joe
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