Had a little scare 2 days ago.

Okay. So it wasn't a "little" scare. I passed out in the shower. Bent over & picked up the dropped shampoo, started to wash my hair, and next thing I know- I'm laying in the tub. I was home alone. But incredibly, Greg came home for lunch after replacing a truck tire that went flat. And to the hospital we went. I am okay. I had xrays to make sure my pelvis and hip weren't fractured. Also my right shoulder that has the screw in it was killing me, but no broken bones. Had a ct scan of my neck as well. I am bruised and battered, but okay.

Spoke with my regular doc and cardiologist. My Cardiologist put me on a medicine (a steriod called Florinef- if any of you have taken this one can you let me know what your experience was?)) to keep my blood pressure from bottoming out. That is why I keep passing out. He wants me to stay on it until I have had the monitor for 30 days (which I still have NOT recieved) and the other tests (scheduled for april) and then he'll decide what he will do. I guess I will have to be patient- but you all know patience is not one of my best traits. I am extremely frustrated with the whole thing. Especially since now, I am on a dreaded steroid again.

So, I am taking this drug to help my blood pressure issue. In return, this wonderful drug will strip me of my potassium, raise my blood sugar, and lower my already compromised immune system. So, that means I have to take a potassium supplement (and this liquid  is the most vile stuff you can imagine), I have to monitor my blood sugar and take meds for it. I am not a diabetic, but steroids raise my blood sugar for some reason and I have to take meds to lower it as diet alone won't touch it. And then there's the immune system issue. That means if you have the slightest sniffle, you are banned from visiting me until you are well. I'm sorry about that, but please please PLEASE don't come over if you are sick. I won't be able to fight off the smallest thing and your little sniffle will put me in the hospital.

This also means where ever I go I will have to wear a mask. Boy I just love that. But Greg warned me- if I don't he won't take me out. and doc already said forget about grocery shopping and other non important errands. Poor Greg. Honestly, sometimes I don't know why he puts up with me. But he does. And he does it with a smile. And a kiss. He knows just what to say to bring me up and make me not give up the fight to get well. And those of you that are "sisters in illness" know what a struggle chronic illness is. But I have many things to be well for. My family, my friends, my furbabies, and then there's my newest online venture. But that's another story.  :)

Baked Potato Soup Recipe

Here's the recipe for my baked potato soup. Enjoy!

_4 large baking potatoes
_ 2/3 cup butter
_ 2/3 cup flour
_ 3/4 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
_ 1/4 teaspoon pepper
_ 6 cups milk
_ 1 cup (8 oz ) sour cream
_ 1/4 cup sliced green onions (1 bunch)
_ 10 bacon strips cooked and crumbled
_ 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Bake potatoes at 350 degrees until tender. (65-75 min). Peel and cube potatoes. In large saucepan, melt butter. Stir in flour, salt, and pepper until smooth. Gradually add milk. Bring to a boil. Cook and stir for two minutes or until thickened. Remove from heat. Wisk in sour cream. Add potatoes and green onions. Garnish with bacon and cheese. Makes 10 servings.

Note: I tweaked this recipe a bit to suit our tastes. Instead of all milk, I use 4 cups chicken broth and 2 cups whole milk. I also dice an onion and saute it til soft and and add it in. I also use a hand blender to smooth it out, but you can leave it lumpy if you like. For us, you can never have enough bacon or cheese, so if you're watching calories, you might want to skip it. But we load it on.  :)  I hope you enjoy it as much as we do!