As Told by Brandt

I haven’t blogged much lately.  It’s not for a lack of content.  I am spread thin.  To slow down and focus, here’s what’s up:

• Bariatric Surgery
  • I have been working through a change in my diet, medical diagnostic testing, and exercise to prepare myself for surgery.
  • I’ve realized that if I can do this, without surgery, I’d like to try.  Mutilating my gut is terrifying and life altering.  (Yes, in both ways)
  • Issues Found
    • Throughout the process, my numbers have generally been good except….
    • My CT scan recognized an issue with my left main vein.  My calcium score was extremely high in that one spot. 
      • I will be getting a stress test on 4/5 followed, likely, by a heart cath.  Good times but I am lucky.  Most people who’ve hurt their bodies as I have, aren’t this lucky.
• Food and Exercise
  • I’ve been consistently improving both.  The one area that I’ve fallen slightly, is logging but I’m somewhat caught up.  This is so important
  • I missed 3 days of exercise as I’m in a panic over the heart.  I was assured by my cardiologist that I may continue to exercise prior to the stress test.  To say that I’ve developed a caginess of hospitals, doctors, and the “system” is accurate. 
• Working with Taussig Cancer Center to help improve patient care
  • I have meetings over the next two weeks with the head of Taussig to discuss our experiences using CCF
  • Over the past 15 months, I’ve written multiple emails to anyone who will listen.  Dr. Abraham has been incredibly receptive
  • My goal is not to review Jacob’s file.  I want every future patient to
    • Understand the process
    • Receive complete care
    • Receive emotional and mental services
    • Much Much More
• Jacob Butze Memorial Foundation Updates
  • We received our 501(c)(3) exemption from the IRS
  • JBMF 5K and 1 Mile Run will be held June 12
    • We are going to start and finish festivities at VAD
    • The race, while we were hoping to use Van Aken and Fernway neighborhoods, looks like it will start/finish at Thornton
    • More to come!!!!
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