Boy, what a trip it's been the last few days. I don't know how much I told you about my getting fatigued all the time and the cramping in my legs (top of the thighs) when I walk, but I had blood work done, and it all came out fine. I went to the doctor on Thursday to see what else he could figure out as to why this has been happening. He asked me a few questions and then checked my abdominal area He sent me for a Doppler... he was afraid I might have an aortic aneurysm. He was also going to do a Doppler of my legs. I was going to go right from his office for the test, but there was no tech on duty, and I had to work on Friday, so (because of the holiday) I made an appointment for Tuesday.

One of the dumbest things I have ever done was to Google Aortic Aneurysm. I mean... I know what and where the aorta is, and my Mom died from a brain aneurysm, so I knew what that was too... but I Googled it anyway. I was ok until I started watching a video of one bursting.... then I had to shut it off... couldn't watch it anymore. I called the doctor's office and had them set up an appointment for me on Friday and called my boss and told her I wouldn't be in until later in the afternoon. I tell ya what... I'm not afraid of dying, and I know if I had one and it burst that it would be instant death, so I wouldn't feel anything, but the dumbest thoughts kept jumping in to my mind. My son is coming to visit on the 3rd... I was thinking that I wouldn't get the house cleaned up and the carpet cleaned (smells like dogs in here.. especially when the doors are closed for awhile)... I was thinking about who would take care of Gidget when I was in the hospital (I know Karol would come over but I wouldn't want her to do it for free... and I have no money to offer her).... I was wondering about who would take care of me when I got home. I'll tell ya... most people worry about the diagnosis... I'm concerned about the little stuff. The only big thing that I was pissed off about was... I lost track at 32 surgeries, and I REALLY don't want another one.

So, Friday I went for the Doppler. The tech, of course, is not allowed to tell you what they see... but thank God, this tech was so sweet. She said, "Since it's a holiday weekend, I know you probably won't hear from your doctor until at least Tuesday, and I don't want you to be worried about this all weekend. I'll tell you... I don't see an aneurysm." All I could say was... "Praise God!! Thank You Jesus!!". She told me to act surprised when he told me. Of course I would.. I sure wouldn't want to get her in trouble.

When she did the Doppler on the legs though, she said she did see plaque in the arteries there which was probably causing the leg cramps. She didn't tell me how bad they were, so I'm not sure what the next step is. I won't know until I talk with him. I'm praying it's something that can be cleared up with medication, so I don't have to go through another surgery. As of yesterday though, my legs have gotten worse. I'm not going to church today because just walking from the parking lot to the church is too much for them. I took my aunt to the grocery store yesterday and waited in the car for her. When I got her home and helped her get her things in the house, they cramped up almost immediately just for the short time I was moving. This is NOT good.... BUT... THERE'S NO ANEURYSM!!!!! (Hoorrrayyyy and clapping my hands).

Miss Gidget is doing well. She just loves being outside. We've been going out everyday to just enjoy this beautiful weather for at least an hour or so. I told Joanne about how bad she was at the park. She gave me a Gentle Leader to try on her. I was going to try it yesterday while walking in the back yard, but she wouldn't let me get near her with it. I probably (with a little patience) could have gotten it on her, but the kids next door came running over when they saw her, so that ended that. We'll try it again maybe later or at least tomorrow.

Oh... by the way... I talked to Joanne about Mikey and the "HCE"... seems it's HGE.. meaning Hemoragic Gastroenteritis... long name for "bloody diarrhea". BUT... the next day... my brother took a stool to the vet, and they said he had "hook worms". Hummmm... now why would they not have done a fecal first???? Joanne said they should have been doing fecals all along since they got him... especially since they got him at PetLand, and those dogs are not known to be the healthiest. She also said they could be Whip Worms instead, and if they were, they could have been in his system since he was born and just now coming to adulthood where they'd be noticeable. She said they don't lay eggs often, and dogs should be treated regularly with Panacur to stop the eggs from growing. I haven't talked to Joe and Marilyn about this yet, but I'll see them today and tell them.

Ok... enough for now. I hope everyone has a happy and healthy Memorial Day!!!

Love & Blessings
Joanna, Angel Mike and Gidget