Sunday, March 11th, 2018 Richmond, Virginia Health updateWhen we last left off, the plan was to:
Since then, it's been decided that it doesn't matter much where I am bleeding because the next step would be the same regardless of the actual source (e.g. esophageal varices, gastropathy, anorectal varices): relieve my portal hypertension (high blood pressure in the veins leading into the liver). The current standard of care for my condition is the installation of a transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS). Despite the intimidating name, the procedure is simple in concept.
It's all in the nameBreaking down that mouthful (transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt) explains how the procedure is performed:
When and where?All of that explains why I need the procedure. As for when and where, the procedure will be done this Wednesday (March 14th) by the Interventional Radiology staff at Johns Hopkins. I will be monitored for a day or two and then sent home, barring any complications from the procedure. That all sounds easy enough, right? MusicMy latest musical discovery is a group called Postmodern Jukebox (PMJ). They aren't so much a band as a rotating collection of entertainers: singers, musicians and tap dancers. The brainchild of pianist and arranger Scott Bradlee, PMJ has carved out a very entertaining niche for themselves performing modern pop music (e.g. Rihanna, Beyoncé) in the style of classic American genres (e.g. swing, jazz, soul, funk and such). Below are the videos for three songs that represent their style:
BirthdaysA slew of family birthdays have already been celebrated this year. Here are a few of them. Click any of them for more pictures. PhotosHere are some photos that we've either taken or collected recently. Tidbit
16 Comments
Cousin Hyman
3/12/2018 06:18:41 pm
Love, prayers and best wishes! In the 20th Century (remember that?) there was always a question as to who had done more for public health and longevity - doctors or plumbers? Glad to see the skills of BOTH will be brought to bear! : )
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Dolly Shumate
3/12/2018 06:42:50 pm
Sending love and prayers to both you and Alison for good results ❤️
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Beth
3/12/2018 06:47:10 pm
Compared to what you have been through thus far, this seems like a piece of cake....but with all medical procedures there are inherent dangers! Harry and I will keep you and Alison and your health team in our thoughts and prayers!! Perhaps you will be eating (and tolerating) all that is high on the hog very soon!
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Janet McBride
3/12/2018 06:59:02 pm
Josh and Alison, we continue to have you in our prayers. We pray today that Wednesday’s procedure is the answer to all our prayers. You both are inspirational and walk with great humility.
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Adele & David and Deborah
3/12/2018 07:20:51 pm
Sending all of our best and lots of love!
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John Chappell
3/12/2018 11:27:07 pm
Hope you all are well.
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Ronda Ingersoll
3/12/2018 07:42:40 pm
Josh! Well wishes and hugs for the procedure on Wed. I will never look at a Brita filter the same way. Thank you too for sharing the family story and love in pictures. xxooxxoo
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Ruth Ann Scott
3/12/2018 10:10:36 pm
Wow! That's a lot of information. Thanks again for sharing your story. We are always ready to hear how things are going. Loving all of the wonderful pictures! We're in your corner! Best wishes for a great result from this surgery! Charles and Ruth Ann
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Suzanne
3/12/2018 10:32:45 pm
Excellent Brita explanation -- makes sense. Appreciate the music ... and Happy Birthday to all! Sending you all the best for Wednesday!
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John Simmons Chappell
3/12/2018 11:25:56 pm
Please add a large LIKE button so I can express about each of the pictures. All the memories flood back when the faces shine so in all the pictures. Looking good Josh. Good luck Wednesday. We’ll be checking up from Seattle.
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Stacey Sheetz
3/13/2018 08:33:41 am
I second John's request for a LIKE button! :) So good to hear the latest update. Hope the procedure goes well tomorrow. We'll be thinking of you and will check in later this week. Regarding music, are you familiar with Puddles Pity Party? If not, here he is with your new favorite band: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VBmCJEehYtU. Enjoy!
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Maria Parker
3/13/2018 10:02:56 am
I'm learning so much from your posts Josh about medical procedures, but mostly about how to manage a difficult illness with grace, humor and love. Looking forward to hearing that this procedure brings some good health.
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Dick & Mary Bailey
3/13/2018 11:44:36 am
You are amazing, Josh. We'll be thinking of you and Alison and praying for a good result. Our Love!! Dick & Mary
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Jo Lewis
3/13/2018 02:51:39 pm
Hi Alison and Josh!
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Gloria S Burnette
4/1/2018 07:31:22 pm
My heart and prayers are with you and Allison.
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