I STILL have my 4mm kidney stone that has taken up residence in my right kidney, which has been going on at least 6 months now.I also have a cyst in my right kidney.And for all I know,the stone may have grown to a larger size.The pain is so intense and the free clinic I go to does not prescribe pain pills.

I also have GERD (acid reflux).I found this out when I had my upper GI and bowel series. I am on 40 mg of PROTONIX a day for that.They also found inflammation and fold thickening in my duodenal bulb (this is where your stomach and small intestines meet).I will be having an Endoscopy and Colonoscopy done once my referrals get approved. Hopefully, that should be in the next few weeks.They will do both procedures at the same time.

I am still trying my best to care for my Mom.For those of you that don't know already: she has Alzheimer's
and lives in a hospital bed at home (she will never walk again).She wears diapers and has a feeding tube in her stomach.It's physically and emotionally draining.My sister who lives with my parents, is my Moms other caregiver.She(my sister) is having problems with her heart and has to wear a heart monitor 24/7 for a month.My 82 year old Dad helps too.


Mom has been out of the nursing home and in our total care for 16 months now. Besides her dementia she is in better health than the rest of our immediate family.At times we think she will outlive all of us.We worry who will take care of her.We already did the nursing home thing for 3 months and that was a terrible experience.Mom was lucky to get a diaper change ever 12 hours. There are NO good nursing homes in our area. Besides the cost is over 8 thousand a month.Yes,I said THOUSAND !!! And yes,I did report the nursing home.They got written up and given so many days to get their act together.

I have been given so many tests that I can't keep count.The wait times at the free clinic averages 5-7 hours to be seen by a doctor. I spent 11 hours there one day. I guess I can't complain because it is free.

Well this is why I have not been blogging and probably won't be back until I am better.I miss everyone at mybloggers and hope everyone is healthy and happy (especially little Kayleigh). I will try to update you on my test results.

If anyone would like to write to me personally my e-mail address is lauriefallon56@aol.com. I will try my best to write you back.

XOXO Laurie