Gallbladder Labor Day

This past Thursday 8/28/08 I went in to have my Gallbladder Removed. The surgery was setup be 1:10pm, and I was supposed to go in around 11am. I got a phone call around 10am from the hospital, and I was thinking they would be telling me that the surgeon was running late, but it was just the opposite, they asked me to come in “right away”. We got to the hospital around 10:15, and spent until around 11:15 getting “prepped”. Mom’s Pastor stopped by and spent a little time talking and praying with us. It was nice. They cam and got me around 11:50 or 12. I remember being rolled down the hall to the operating room, and that’s all I remember till around 1:20 or so. It was 2-3 times harder to “wake up” this time than it was last week. I really never woke up all the way, at the hospital, I was just groggy. I think we got home around 2:15-2:30. I kind of floated up to the bed, and crashed till 4:30 or so. Got up and was hungry (hadn’t eaten since 9pm last night). It's been a rough afternoon with the meds making me feel like crud, but the Dr said everything went well, no complications, or problems. Just have to be very careful of what I eat and do for the next 4 weeks. Not allowed to lift anything more that’s 15lbs, lol that means my laptop bag is out.. it's about 30 HAHAH.

Its been a tough few days, trying to sleep has been next to impossible. I do not sleep well on my back, I'm used to being on my side (both sides actually, i move around a LOT at night) and so I think i have ended up with about 2-3 hrs of sleep each night. Last night I managed to get about 4hrs and it feels great. Been taking my pain meds when i should, but they don't seem to do a lot for me, except make me light headed (yeah i know I'm already pretty light headed now.. lol). The holes hurt a lot when i try and stand up, so i end up walking like the hunchback of romanda.

I am on a VERY strict 20 grams of Fat a day diet, I'm not allowed to eat a whole lot of things, and to be honest i don't want anything more than a few bites of anything.
Because of this, i have managed to drop about 5 more pounds in the past week. I'm now down almost 15 lbs since the beginning of July. Again, not the diet i would suggest to anyone. I have been hurting non-stop across my "bare" no longer BEAR chest.. lol Thats another thing thats taking me time to adjust to, have not seen my clean shaven (or hairless) stomach since i was about 16.

I appreciate everyone's prayers, emails, phone calls, and comments. Its great to know i have so many people who love me.. or at least pretend to.. LOL

I was tempted to post a photo of the hairless gorilla but i figured i didn't want to make everyone sick. i thought this one gave you the idea:

A Not-So-Great Way to lose weight.

Ok, So in the past month I have lost a little over 13 lbs. YEAH ME, or not. Since the way I have lost weight is not a way I would recommend to anyone.

Lets start the way-back machine to July 10, I was working in TN with my good buddy Jack. We had a pretty good week, got as much work done as we could and it was after a very small dinner. Got back to the hotel and felt really bad, had not felt that great all day, but this was something really bad. I tried to sleep but my body was having none of this, and around 9pm it hit me pretty hard, spent from 9pm - 9am in the bathroom, i couldnt leave the room, I was either sitting or praying (lol). I am not one that "allows" myself to throw up. I just hate it, for me its not like you see in the movies and tv were people just lean over and all this crud comes out; for me its a battle, my body doesnt want to do it, and my mind hates it, so its about a 4 min battle each time. So by the time it all stopped and i was able to drive home i hurt like i had been in a major fight.
The next week i felt bad, didnt want to eat, and when i did my body hurt, especially my lower right back. I thought maybe it was gas bubbles or something, no idea. So, like everything else i just ignored it. A little over a week later i had another bout with the same type stomach thing, it wasnt as bad but it was still not good.
I had to go to Houston for work the week of July 28th. It was so hot, and i was working in a place that was outside in the heat. I felt cruddy most of the week, just not THAT bad. Went to dinner with my friend Zubaz (not his REAL name lol) and his wonderful wife. I think the calzone that i had set off the stomach issue again, because that whole night (again back in another hotel room) I was fighting the same crud, stomach fighting me big time. I had to get up EARLY to fly home, and i was not feeling well at all, cold sweats, nausea, etc. Flying when your sick SUCKS.
I got home, and my wife, and mom told me i had to go to the doctor to see whats causing this. The pain in my back was really getting worse, and when i ate anything i would feel like garbage for hours. The doctor didnt know what was going on, but he wanted me to give them a urine sample, and so i did, and he was concerned when it showed a "large amount" of blood. This kind of freaked me out a little. So, they scheduled me for a CT Scan (thinking it was a kidney stone). Had that on Friday the 8th. Didnt get the results from that till Monday. They said i didnt have a kidney stone or gallstones, but they did see a small cyst on my liver. The blood was still an issue so they scheduled me for a apt with a Urologist to see if they can find anything. They did the normal checkup, bend over elbows on the table.. lol all that GOOD stuff. Didnt seem to find anything, but he did tell me they wanted to do a cystoscopy. He also made a comment on a Cyst on one of my testicles. It was about 1/2" in diameter, and about the same in height. It had been growing for a very long time, and had not really bothered me, just a slight itch now and then.

The procedure was set for Monday the 18th. Went in at 7am, they knocked me out, stuck the camrea up my.. and then cut off the cyst, and stitched it up, the cut was about 3/4" long. not something you want to have cut EVER!
They didnt find anything in my bladder or kidneys, so we still dont know where the blood is coming from. I have been recovering from this this week. My throat was killing me from the tube the put down it to help me breath, and the other end hurt like made from the camera being inserted in it. Burned like crazy when i had to go to the bathroom. My arms and one leg hurt as well, i assume it was from the way they had me laying on the operating room table, or maybe from the anesthesia. The stitches didnt help the pain, or the discomfort.

--UPDATE 8/21/08 --
Well met with the surgeon today, my gallbladder is inflamed, and I do have a large number of stones. Of course the suggestion is to remove it. The surgery is scheduled for this coming Thursday (8/28/08) Not sure of a time. They will go in thru my belly button, with 4 small incisions.

Will see how this goes, they will have me on VERY limited duty for a week then LIGHT duty for a month.

Keep you posted.
Thanks for reading

Illness

Hey all (is there anyone out there reading this?)

I have not been feeling all that great for the past month or so. Started with getting what I think was food poisoning in TN June 10th. Man that was bad, lost about 4-5 lbs in a few days. The hard part was getting well enough to get HOME, being sick in a hotel just plain sucks.
After this mess, i have been noticing some pains in the right-side of my back. Its been like a pulled muscle or something, and with all the crap i have moved (office mezzanine) in the past month, it could easily be. I have had 2 more boughs of this stomach bug in the past 3 weeks. The last one was when I was in Houston last week. Again, it sucks being sick out of town, it sucks more when you have to get on a plane and fly back when you feel like curling up in a ball and hiding from the world instead.
My wife and mom pushed me to go get this mess looked at because the pain in my back has been worse all week. The Dr didnt really know what was going on, but wanted me to do the usual test, blood, urine, etc. They found "large blood" (whatever that means) in my urine, and this made them schedule a CT Scan for my kidney tomorrow.

Just HATE being sick, My wife and mom leave for NY with my sisters on friday (while im getting poked and prodded) and hopefully i will be ok next week alone with just my 12 year old. I would hate to wake up needing to go to the hospital or something without anyone there to help.

Anyway, was a little board, have a great one all!
David
Pilsung!

Cho Dan (1st Degree Black Belt)

Wow, how do I even start this one. If you have read any of my other blog posts you know all about the fact I have been taking Tae Kwon Do for over 6 years now. Well, this past weekend I took, and passed my Cho Dan physical testing. I had passed my 200 question written test about a month ago. I have been trying to figure out how to put this achievement into words that could possibly describe what this means to me.

If you want to know the history of how I got involved in TKD please check the post "How TKD has changed me" its all in there.

About 2 years ago a few of the people in my class were getting ready for their Black Belt testing, and they had asked me to help them out and since I had not really been involved with that high of a level I jumped at the idea. Shane and I worked a lot on his testing, with things like knife defenses, armed vs unarmed scenarios and more.

I was at Blue belt I believe at that time, and to be honest I don't think I was ever thinking along the lines that I was headed toward a black belt, it was more just something I was doing each week for my health, to learn how to defend myself, and to give me something in common with my son.

I remember being there for Shane and Dustin's testing and working as Shane's 2nd (being tossed around, beat up, and more) and thinking at that time, "you know, I think I can do all this". There were around 12 people testing, and the test lasted around 7 hrs, it was insane. I just wasn't sure I could do the testing because of all the physical elements involved. I'm not in the best of shape, and my knees are a total disaster.

I tested for my Red Belt in Dec of 2006, and I had hopped to test for my Black Belt in October of 2007, but due to not testing for my Black Stripe till mid summer, and being out of town a ton, it just didn't work out. I have been struggling with this for most of this year, I have wanted to test and it just seemed like every time I went to take my written test, it got bumped or something happened. As it turns out I don't think I was ready for the test till I actually took it. And even then there were things I was not ready for. But as I'm learning that is all part of the system, being prepared for anything. After passing my written test, I had to head out of town for a few weeks, and when I came back it was determined that I would test on April 26th. At the time I left for FL the testing was going to just be me, and this scared the living crap out of me. The idea of a room full of people all watching every move I made and having the testing board solely looking at me and not distracted by anyone else.. wow.. not something I wanted to think about.

I came back and found out that there would be about 12 of us testing, and this was so great, all the pressure was lifted off me, and I felt so much better about things. There would be 5 of us testing for 1st Degree, 6 for 2nd and 1 for 3rd. The best part about this was the idea there would be other, more advanced students there as well, taking even more pressure off me. I began to prepare for the bat/knife defenses, and all the throws, and more. I was headed to the Wednesday night class (a week and 1/2 before testing) and got a call from Miss Kim telling me that our Black Belts would not be in in time for testing. I could choose to continue to test and just receive a blank Black Belt or I could wait for another month and test with the rest of the 1st degree's. I so wanted to test and felt I was as ready as I would ever be, so I told her I would go for it. Back to being the only person testing for 1st Degree put a lot more pressure back on me as here I am with all these upper ranks that are much younger, in better shape, and just plain better at all this than I am, and just me.

The amazing part was (and if you know me this is truly the lord's intervention in my life) I was so calm and at ease. I went to my last class as a non-black belt, this past Friday and it was so awesome, It was like being someone else. Miss Kim had us line up to go thru forms, and the pointed out that the best part of having a candidate for testing in the class was that they had someone (me) to answer all the questions on the forms. Anyone that knows me knows I get nervous and doubt myself a LOT. But this was just NOT the case, she would ask me what the next form was, what it meant, how many moves, etc. and it all just flowed out from me like I had known it my whole life. I was so at peace with all of this, it was an amazing feeling.

I woke up Saturday morning and this feeling was still there, normally I would have been a royal mess, but it was so amazingly cool. It was like knowing that I had already passed my test and all I had to do was show up. I got to testing and was just kind of hanging out before hand, stretching out, getting ready. I went thru my forms and things in my mind, and was really just enjoying the whole process.

Testing began with what I like to call "Master Tim Says" lol. He ran us thru our punches, kicks, and more. We did all the normal punches, kicks, and then moved into the Flying and Jumping kicks (things that normally kill my knees) and since I was only testing for 1st Degree, I didn't have to so as many as the 2nd and 3rd degree's had to. Even though I had to do a few of them he wanted me to try. The only problem I had was after these kicks my legs were having spasms and it was freaking me out a little. I had Alex run to the car and get me some Alive and it worked GREAT! (Product endorsement time?)

We went thru all our forms, and I got quizzed a little on several of them, and had no problems answering. Wasn't nervous at ALL. Again, this was just amazing to me. I think I did pretty well on my forms, but the group as a whole was all over the place. I tried to follow the Sr. Student (Timothy) but everyone else was just all over speed wise. Master Tim was not happy with this, and had us do a few forms over. I was so dang sore when I was done, and hot as crap. Luckily I was able to sit for a little while the rest of the group went thru the forms I didn't have to know (YET). SO I watered-up.. hehe

We moved on to self defense grabs and things. We split up into groups of 2 all over the floor, this was cool because we ALL did things at the same time. Then Master Tim pulled us 2 at a time out to the middle of the room to go thru a few things. Then we moved onto One-Step Sparring. We had to do 1st degree, and more. Back in the groups, we did this for about 5-10 mins. He then pulled us 2 at a time out to do 3 step sparring, (3) punches, punch, kick, punch, then (3) kicks. They all went really well, I loved the Kicks, on the last one I tossed Shane across the room when his foot came up to kick.. hehe Loved it!

Everyone else got to rest a little while I did my 1 on 1 and 2 on 1 sparring. The 1 on 1 went good, the 2 on 1 was not the best. I was exhausted and that floor (the nice spongy one) made moving around a LOT harder. I took a kick to the back of my left leg and it went numb pretty quick. I was stumbling and I think Master Tim saw this and yelled out "only 5 more seconds Mr Roman". That gave me the drive to finish it. After we stopped I realized I had blood all over my uniform. It turns out that Shane ripped his thumbnail about 1/2 off when beating the crap out of me. LOL He streaked blood over all over, it was great, looked like I had been in one heck of a fight.

The bad part was I had to jump right into my Armed defenses. This went pretty well, There were a few times Master Tim had me do things a little different, Love his instruction style, just wish I could do everything he asks the first time.. LOL

The Scenarios did not go so well. Had been told that I needed to have a 1 on 1 unarmed, a 1 on 1 armed and a 2 on 1 armed. When I got up there it turned out (after a lot of confusion) that I needed (3) 2 on 1 Scenarios, one un armed, the other 2 armed. I had been practicing (2) 2 on 1 armed and they went over really well. The last one where I had to describe what I was doing was really funny. After it was over, and I have killed both attackers, Master Tim asked me what I should do next. I told him I'd call the police, he was so great telling me I was making a "Rookie mistake" and that I needed to wipe the blood on one of the bad guys and make sure I wiped off my fingerprints, and put the knife in the hand of the fist guy. This got a big laugh, and made me so much more at ease. The other great line was when I was about to do my Bat Defense and Master Tim told Mr Brim to "Beat him like a baby seal" LOL. Too good.

I got to rest a little while the others did their ground and disadvantaged position one-steps. I needed a rest BAD.

We then moved on to board breaking, this was just awesome. Breaking boards is one of the things my (BIG) Body was designed for. I have the mASS to put into my kicks and power. I had to do a "speed break" which means holding the board in one hand and punching it or hitting it (with your hand) as fast as possible. This broke no problem, it was great. I got to break first, and set the tone. The 2nd Degree's did really well. One girl broke a toe but kept on going and didn't really let anyone else know.

We moved outside to do my (5) Board Break and the 2nd Degree's Concrete break. I got to break my boards first. As you see in the pic that is a LOT of wood. It was strapped to the holder (love that thing its soo cool). I stepped up, measure 2 times, and then SLAMMMMM and went right thru all the boards!

All the 2nd Degree's had to break their concrete and a few of the little kids tried to break a board or two as well. LOVE board breaking!

We moved back into the room, lined back up, to receive our certificates and Belts (I'm the only one that received a belt, since the 2nd degree's had theirs already). I was lowest rank and normally that would have meant I got mine first, but Master Tim made me wait till LAST. As we were waiting for something right before this, he had everyone come to attention, turn and face ME and then he had them take Fighting Stance. So it was me vs 7 2nd and 3rd degree black belts. He goes "Ok Mr Roman, you ready". I said "Yep", and I looked at the guy next to me and I said "I'm throwing you at them.. ". everyone laughed, and he turned us back to face front.

He called me up to the front to receive my belt and certificate. I was so emotional, and was trying not to cry. This has been an amazing journey for me. Master Tim made it 10x worse when he goes "If there ever was a person who personifies the word Perseverance its the man standing in front of me". How do you respond to that without letting lose. I Looked at Miss Kim and she goes "ooooh no you don't, don't make me cry!". He handed me my belt and certificate and then shook my hand, I moved to shake Miss Kim's hand and she goes "no way.. you get a hug!" and she gives me this big hug, and whispers in my ear that she is proud of me. Wow, amazing day. I go thru the testing board. Mr Cabana, Mr Caulfield, then to Miss Heather, she gave me another big hug. I guess I am just a big teddy bear.

I moved back into place and he bowed us out of testing.

Wow.. man.. there is no words that I know of that could describe how I felt and still feel.

I would like to take this time to show the following people how much they mean to me. IN NO PERTICULAR ORDER!!

Mr Brim - Thanks so much for the help as my 3rd for testing, letting me toss you around, and beat you up. Your great! Your testing will come soon I'm sure, and I hope I can return the favor.

Shane - Dude, how do I thank you enough. You came back to class with your dad for the sole purpose of helping me out with testing. You bleed for me, you allowed me to beat you up, over and thru.. LOL You are an amazing guy!

Miss Erica - You kept me going when I thought I should quit. You have trained me longer than anyone, and I owe you so much. You are one tough teacher, and that made me much stronger than ever!

Miss Kim - You have been an amazing teacher, you pushed me and made me stronger than I thought I could be. Your outside is so tough, but its the inside that shines thru!

Heather - You are the best, absolutely they best. You will make the best PO. You have shown me what inner strength is all about. You come to class when you are sick, when you are barely able to move sometimes, and you push thru it. You will make an amazing mom one day. LOVE YA!!

Mr. Aldridge - You have always been the standard by which I measure my forms and one-steps. Your precision is just amazing. Class is just not the same without you and Shane!

Master Tim - I have already told you privately thank you. You are an awesome teacher, the world would be so much better off with more like you. Your amazing ability as well as selflessness make you one of a kind. You saw in me something that I had never seen. THANK YOU!

Nancy (Silver!) - you know you have been my Silver best friend for years. You listen to me bitch and moan (daily) and you have always pushed me to do better. Even when others looked at me like I was strange for taking TKD at my age and size, you never made me feel it was stupid. You were there all the times I needed to study .. PILSUNG!!

Alex - You have grown so much over the past 6 years (1/2 of your life!), you are my heart and my soul. I see in you so much, and have such high hopes for your future. You are my Monkey and I love ya!

Thank you all for letting me share this part of my life with you. Its been a great ride, and the best part is, its just starting!

Testing ... SOON

I took my Black Belt (Written) test about 3 weeks ago, passing it with a 93 1/2 (lol). I was afraid i would be out of town for too long to be able to get ready for the Physical test. I found out 3 weeks ago that I would be testing on the 26th of April. I am really excited about testing, I am REALLY ready for it, this journey has been going on for over 6 years now.
The testing was going to be just me and when i got back from being out of town a few weeks, I found out that there will be a total of 12 people testing. This is really good for me, it takes all the pressure off. Im there to do my best, and I will do my best, and God willing I will be a Cho Dan in less then 3 weeks!!! Explaining what this means to me is next to impossible. See my other post on How TKD has changed me . Its been a long year so far, already have over 40 nights being out of town, and its only 1/3rd of the way thru the year.

I will post when the test is over, im sure ill be flying high for weeks on that one.