Yo all! Wazzup?? Not much here. Shopping was awesome! I got this super cute dress, so now I have a little black dress. We'll of course take pics, and post them. By the way, the Child Life supervisor is about to have a baby boy. Can anyone think of names? I personally like the name Elliot. The middle name will be Robert, and the last name is Marti. Her hubbie wants to name him Moses, or William. I have resolved to try and talk them out of both, since Moses is pretty self explanatory, and William is a funny thing, really. It's a good name, but a common nickname is Bill, and if they named him that, well his name may become Billy Bob Marti!!! I love that fact, it amuses me to no end! Post names if you can think of them. I am even more freaked about the port, since I just now learned of a little tidbit that pleased me even less than the thought of a port-a-cath. They replace it every week! Meaning they somehow go in and change out the little disc. And you have to use special needles, and Emla to numb it every time you access it. How sucky is THAT???? Well, it seems that almost every time I post, some meal arrives! I leave you with this awesome quote: "If you live to be 100, I want to live to be 100 minus 1 day, so that I never have to live without you."
-Winnie the Pooh-

Don't you love that WINNIE THE POOH said that?!

I've got one better than getting out for the Nutcracker, I'm getting a pass tomorrow to go shopping!! Ha, my luck is turning. But I really hope this IV lasts until Friday, so I can get the port without problems. It's kinda weird how it works though, and one would think going through the skin every time to access it would be more of an infection risk than a different line. Whatevs, though. I'm trying hard not to sweat it. I need no more stress in my life than necessary. Well, I am soooo excited about the Nutcracker I can hardly stand it. Aunt Lezlee gets here Friday, so that will be cool too. Oh, and I made this awesome poem, which unfortunately I don't have w=on me at the moment (I am in the teen room on the computer, mom's got the laptop at the Ron Don). But I will post it as ASAP. I think it's one of the best I've written. It's super deep. Well, I think I'm gonna sign off on this harmless note. I'll post tomorrow after the shopping excursion, and with it I'll post the poem. Love to all, and to all a good night (I've got Christmas on my mind)!!

Hi Hi. Well, I am now lineless. Which sucks. Bad. I have an IV in my wrist, and it hurts. The docs are thinking maybe Friday we will put another line in, but whether it's another Hickman or a port they're not sure. I have another dose of Remicade on Friday (that's for the Crohn's). This is all a little too close to my plans for Saturday, though. We are supposed to go to the Nutcracker. That would totally suck if I couldn't go. See ya.

Hey, all. Just killin time while I wait for the surgeon to come in. Yes, I said surgeon. They think they might have to pull my line. They found something on the end when they did my echo today, and they think it's either a clot, or vegetation of infection. Elch. They are gonna do whatever they can to keep it. The cultures have been growing neg for 2 days or so, so that means 1 more, and I'm clear. Some other good news is they advanced me to G-2 diet. That means I get gravy with my mashed potatoes!! Woo hoo!!! No, really, there are a lot more options on the G-2. Speaking of, it's here, so I'll let you know more when I know more. Loves!!

Hello, my doves!! How are we today?? Well, you can probably tell I'm in a bit better mood than the other day, since I am back on a G-1 diet. It's amazing what food can do with endorphins! Well, they have identified what kind of Staph infection I have, and luckily (depending on how you look at it I guess) I had it back in June, so they know exactly what to treat it with. It's Vanco, not my favorite, but whatever. It's one that I have to get a trough level every day, which requires a finger prick, then about 20 minutes of milking (no joke, they have to squeeze the blood out somehow) into a tiny tube. Blech. There's also another one that I've never had before (I know, I didn't think there were any left either!). It turns my tears orange. Weird, I know. They say "better living through chemistry...." or whatever it is, but I've seen a few things around here that may say differently. Like when they hang a med that has a Highlighter yellow tag on it saying "hazardous". HHmmm. Makes you wonder.

A few other things have been on my mind. I'd have to look back and see when it was, but my 100th post blew right past me, and I didn't even remember! I feel like such a failure as a blogger. And another thing is Maggie. She's one of my buds from the confirmation/church scene who had a nasty accident awhile back. Pray she gets better quick, so that there'll be one of us!! There's one more thing, and it sucks, but y'all gotta know. My line has quit drawing..........again. And since I have the infection, they can't do anything about it until after. The infection's probably on my line anyway, not that they can know that, since it WON'T DRAW. Well, I'm off, my G-1 lunch just got here. Toodles!

Okay, gotta be quick, because I need to take a shower in my little time slot. Gobble Gobble. Yeah, chicken broth on Turkey Day. They also found another Staph infection. They think. It's some sort of bug, and they're throwing all the usual meds to counteract it. Now I'm gonna go, but I'll update when needed. Goodbyyyyyyyye.

Oh, I feel so mean! I feel like it's been ages and I've been ignoring you guys, and that makes me feel even crummier than I did when I started typing. I am on a full diet again. Not much different from any other, I just have to watch out for foods that could potentially send me into a flare. So, yay, I can eat, but poo I'll be in here for Thanksgiving. Oh well. Sissy (Kandice) is driving from the airport as we speak, so I'm doing all I can to festivate my room. Not that it needs help, my quilt is AWESOME!!! All my nurses say so. I think it's awesome. Hopefully I can get out nest week. Thanksgiving isn't a very popular discharge day, they don't seem to appreciate that. oh, GOBBLE GOBBLE!!!!

Ick. I don't feel very well right now at all, and the only way I can feel better is pain meds that make me sleepy, and sleepy meds that make me sleepy. And -blech- walking to relieve gas buildup. The have now got me on a g-2 diet, hopefully that will blow over without a sitch. But I'm pretty non-responsive as I sway back and forth in front of the computer screen. I will stick out the rest of my walk, and then see what I can do about a nap. By The looks of it, I'll need some more Adavan for my arms before it's all said and done. That, and even though i was heavily medicated, I don't feel like I slept well last night. My arms are going to drive me insane, I swwear. Screw spell check, I just want to take a nap cuz I feel like the water works are about to open full throttle, and I have no idea why! sleep. I need sleep. I think. I don't kniow, but I have to go. I love you all tomorrow! P.S., who liked my poem???

Okay, the verdict is in. I have Crohn's disease. No big, I am starting a new med today, but the transplant hasn't been derailed an inch. Still on. I'm not feeling vey hot right now, I just had three holes drilled into my stomach including in through the bellie button. And they also managed to rip that N-G tube out, and I am on a G-1 diet. That consists of Cheerios, Rice Krispies, bananas, peaches, pears, applesauce, broths, jello, plain mashed potatoes, steamed rice, plain noodles, tea, cooked veggies, white bread, bagel, English muffin, saltine crackers, Graham cracker, white dinner roll, chicken noodle and chicken and rice soup, skinless chicken, roasted turkey, hard boiled egg, tuna sandwich, ham sandwich, turkey sandwich. That's the G-1 diet. The G-2 diet is more of the same really, all the same fruits and breads, but I can also have instant oatmeal, Corn Flakes, frosted flakes, fruit loops, scrambles eggs, bacon, hash browns pancakes, french toast, pbj sandwich, hot turkey sandwich w/ gravy, grilled cheese, grilled ham and cheese, cottage cheese, mashed tater and gravy chicken strips, bakes chicken breast mac and cheese, roast turkey, and assorted condiments. Not a whole gourmet list, but hey, at least the G-2 diet let's me have a burger. Oh, and a soda pop! I can also have snacks like pretzels, vanilla wafers, rice Krispie treats, teddy grahams, Popsicles, jello, pudding, angel food cake, ice cream, sherbet shakes, sherbet, milkshakes, root beer float, and that seems about it. Well, I gotta go, they are coming into the room right now to discus the new med. The plus side of it is that it's 2 less shots a week! Some lost, some gained, I guess!

Kayla enjoying her quilt made by the Ladies of Good Shepherd Lutheran

Well all,
Kayla is a titch under the weather this evening. She has 3 new holes in her belly and a very sore throat. Surgery went well but the diagnosis was anything but good news. It seems we have a problem with Crohn's disease. Lovely addition to the list HUH? Just about floored everyone.
Docs are working on med changes and are still optimistic she'll be eating in a couple days. Transplant is still on track but delayed until........... She should be up and cruisin' in next couple of days and Kayla will post for herself .Thanks for all the thoughts and prayers!!! We would also like to ask everyone to Pray for Maggie. She had quite a terrible spill with her horse. We ask for healing prayers & prayers for her Mom & family. Thank you.
(dad) & (mom)
Kayla

Hello teardrops of my soul. Well, this has been the weirdest stay ever. things are being set in motion as we speak. I am scheduled for the procedure (I don't want to call it a surgery, since that might not be exactly what it is) at 2:00 this afternoon. They are pretty sure it is a bowel obstruction, and that this is a magic cure. meaning I will be eating Thanksgiving dinner. No promises, as usual. but whatever. Roll with the punches, go with the flow, ride the tide, ya know. Oh, and last night-and y'all may think this is pretty odd having thought of this poem during a Seahawks game (by the way they WON!)- but it had been stewing around all day, and I have a sudden urge to post it. I don't know how many of you know that I love writing poetry and stories, and have all my life. But that's besides the point. Any way, if this little ordeal goes over without glitches and the like, I should be eating by this weekend, let alone in time for Thanksgiving. Well, here it is , my masterpiece:

Thoughts
I think of all things I've not seen, And places I've not been.
I get low in the gutter, and feel I cannot win.
And then a nagging thought in mind, one I mustn't ignore,
"I have all these people around me, of whom I just adore."
Most of all my parents, they revolve around my life,
we've somehow stuck together through the worry, pain, and strife.
And all of my most closest friends, I miss them through and through,
but then I come to realize, that they may miss me too.
And of course I can't forget about my great church family,
they have a faith in Jesus, one I can hardly grasp,
It's all these things that tell me, this hell life sure won't last!

Love,
Kayla

Oh, my gosh. The weirdest thing has happened. There is a plan now made for mt stomach. Tomorrow they are going to do a laprascopic surgery. Not a big deal , though. It's similar to a gull bladder removable. Just a few different holes. I should be eating by the end of the week. I have to tend to some needs, and then I'll be back to share a poem........

Okay, third time's the charm, I swear. The long awaited pics have arrived! Just go to.......um.......http://www.picasaweb.com/tundratrees. If that doesn't work, just hit the My Photos link on my blog, right under RUTH'S BLOG (hint hint, hint hint). Well, bye fa realz now!!

Sorry, I just didn't want to seem rude and keep typing while I had a guest. Even in the hospital, a hostess is a hostess regardless. As I was saying before the oh so unexpected yet appreciated interruption.......wait, let me catch my bearings here..........ah, yes. Andy. I really would love that, more than anything right now, and I truly hope I can. Some old friends would be a welcome sight right now. Not that nobody recognizes me from way back when, I have people passing me by more often than not and waving. And don't think that I don't miss each of my little Alaskan buddies every second that passes. Well, I don't really have much else to say, other than my labs are doing their normal thing, a.k.a. not acting at all normal. As was expected, at least on my part, my lipase is trending upward. No big though. I'm not surprised. There are a couple less pleasant things to deal with. 1, I probably have a barium enima in my near if not immediate future. But on a little lighter key, I may get this stupid tube out today. I will post more later if the enima shows anything, or next time something comes up. Until then, pearls of my heart!

Oh, Andy, that sounds supurb! Ha, I am reading a book right now with a few words slightly on the traditional side. But that's besides the point, since I already like Old English anyway. I use it as often as I can, not that there are many chances in this day and age. Oh, the music guy is here! Hold on, I'll post after he leaves...................

Howdy everyone. Sorry, I've not been very talkative lately. I am back in Children's, hopefully not for long though. They are trying once again to figure out what is going on with my stomach. And what really bums me out is that I may not be able to eat Thanksgiving dinner! Just pray that I can, cuz that would so suck if I couldn't. I mean, it's not like I'm gonna go out and eat a bunch of fatty things, we'd alter it to fit my low-fat needs. That's all we can do though, is pray for the best. Anyway, not feeling to much like talking, so I'll catch ya'll later.

Upon requests of my adoring fans, I am now unable to hold off posting any longer! Well, we had fun last weekend, I'm sure most of you will already know this by talking to me. WE WENT TO RED DOG!!! Lol, it was sooooo cool! You aren't supposed to be able to go up there until you're 16, but of course my father was able to pull a few strings (heart strings, to be exact!). And he got me and mom up there to pull the winning raffle ticket. Congrats to the winner, Ron Hoyem. We got a full tour of the mine, and I got to, as I love putting it, "observe the prisoners in their natural environment". And the best best best part of it was............I got to make something blow up! They rushed and rushed to get a blast ready so that I, yes, little ol' me, could push the button! Oh, the POWER!!!! Other than dynamite, my life has been pretty uneventful. We head down this nest Sunday. Give all the details once we get there. P.S. pics are coming ASAP.