Anyhow, on to the update of my week. Pezmaster and I took Brandon to the circus last Sunday. It was a blast. It was nothing like I had remembered it to be when I went as child. I mentioned in an earlier blog about us attending that I was dreading the smell of animal feces. Luckily, it did not stink.
Brandon as well as the rest of us had a blast. It was quite funny, Brandon was more excited about seeing all the big buildings in Charleston (which is where I grew up). In comparison to Ansted, where we live now it is quite a difference. It was made clear that Brandon loved being in the big city. That was not the only thing we learned that day. Going to the circus also taught us a few things about children that will greatly benefit us later we we go to other family oriented events. THINGS EVERY PARENT SHOULD KNOW
One, never buy a child light up toys before the show. They became a total distraction and Brandon seemed to at first be paying more attention to them than anything else. Not to mention, that altogether Pezmaster and I spent over $100 in these toys and souvenirs. That will not happen next time, but we felt since it was the first time Brandon had ever experienced something like this we should spoil him a little and that we did. Secondly, popcorn is the key to getting a child to sit and pay attention. Once the popcorn was bought, Brandon sat quietly in his seat and enjoyed the show. Although he did complain about the noise at the end, we learned that he really enjoyed certain parts of the show more than others. For example, he really enjoyed the contortionists, the tigers, and the guys and gals on motorcycles in the metal cage. We even caught him screaming and cheering them on a few times. This embarrassed Brandon quite a bit. He is a very shy little guy.
So overall, the circus was a big hit and we took lots of pictures, which of course I am going to share with you. I must warn you, though. There is tons of pictures. It might take awhile to load depending on your internet connection.
After the circus, Pezmaster and I had to return to Charleston for a few days to take care of some business. First, we had to get my brother to do some body work on our Jeep. God Bless Bondo! Also, we had to get the Jeep inspected and get a new sticker and renew our insurance policy. Secondly, we had to take care of the ticket Pezmaster had gotten the last time we were in Charleston visiting. For all of you who are unaware, I had written about this in a previous blog, but while staying at my brothers last time we went to Charleston, the State Police busted into my brothers house for no reason. Well, this led to Pezmaster getting a ticket for simple possession. Unfortunately, he was caught with a little marijuana and was honest enough to admit it as to not cause any further drama. I think it is important at this point to give my point of view on drugs. So here comes a rant...
We both see no problem in using marijuana for recreational purposes. I on the other hand, think it is very beneficial medicinally as well. Being disabled, I have had to use marijuana to ease pain at points and I will be the first to tell you that is does take care of pain as well as nausea. In fact, sometimes it works better than some of the prescription pain killers that I am on. Unfortunately, I live in the Bible belt and medicinal marijuana is illegal and using the drug in general is quite taboo in West Virginia. Although, many residents here use it on a daily basis. I only have a problem with drug use when it becomes a danger or a problem to yourself or others. I developed this ideal thanks to my parents who are meth addicts. Once you have to start stealing from those you love to support your habit, you become abusive in any form, or you lose all motivation in being a productive citizen in society, then I feel that the drug is a problem. As far as addiction is concerned, I think that is completely under your control. It is all in your mind. You can let the drug do you or you can do the drug. Yes, I think there can be dependency issues, but that is different in my opinion than addiction.
Ok, enough sounding like an after school special. During the remainder of our time in Charleston, I finally got to switch my doctors back to the area. I hated the doctors here and felt I wasn't getting the proper treatment and respect I deserved. So now I am in much better spirits and in a lot less pain. The doctors visit was not all pleasant though. 
For several months now, my doctors have been monitoring the levels of aldosterone in my body. This is the hormone secreted by your adrenal gland, which is located somewhere near your kidney. Aldosterone helps regulate sodium and potassium levels in the body. This helps control blood pressure and the balance of fluids and electrolytes in the blood. Excuse me, but I am not an anatomy expert, but as far as I know this gland is either on the top or bottom of your kidney. Anyhow, during this time period the levels of this hormone have been extremely high, which is abnormal. There can be two possible causes. One is cancer of the adrenal gland. This is not necessarily the worst thing. Although cancer in any form is not great or something someone wants. If it is cancer and is caught early enough, then most who suffer from it are treated with the removal of the adrenal gland and mostly never have any after effects. Of course, you must take supplements to replace the hormones that your body can no longer produce, but compared to the possibility of going through chemotherapy and perhaps dying, I would rather take a shot of hormone everyday. The other possibility could be a genetic disorder that causes this gland to malfunction. As of yet, my doctor in uncertain as to which of these is the cause of the problem, but he wanted a series of blood work completed and is going to refer me to some specialists. Seems simple right? Not when Jen is involved.
The following day, I was supposed to return to the doctors office to get the blood taken. Well, after being stuck four times by three different people, they could not get any blood from me. Apparently, since I had to fast for the testing, I had become dehydrated and none of my veins were open enough to give them anything. So they sent me to the hospital where they guaranteed that blood could be gotten. So Pezmaster and I headed to the local hospital in Charleston. Once here, they too could not get any blood from me. They guy who was attempting to take my blood, or who I refer to as a vampire, was honest enough to tell me that I was simply too dehydrated to receive a blood sample from and suggested that I go home and return the next day. Ultimately, they got blood from me, but barely. They had to fill six vials and when I returned the next day, one vein was open and blew shortly after filling the sixth vial. Later, I was told that all of this could have been simpilier if my family doctor would have informed that it was alright to drink water during the fasting. I was under the impression I could have no liquids or foods and therefore, this caused me to be dehydrated. It was a lesson learned a suppose.
So in a few weeks, I will return to Charleston to get both the results of my blood work, but also two referrals. One of them will concern the gland issue and the other is to focus on my Cerebral Palsy complications. Also, I will have to undergo a heart echo while I am there to ensure that my heart in good condition. After reuniting with my biological father a few weeks ago, I was informed that both my grandmother and great-grandmother died of heart attacks in their thirties. As for my father, he recently had quadruple bypass and he will be 50 next month. So just to be sure that everything in fine in my heart, the doctor order the additional test.
All in all things are improving. I have a long road of ahead of me medically. Hopefully, more good will come out it than bad. The only thing I can do is have faith that what ever happens was meant to be and to take each day in stride. I am trying not to worrying too much. Funny coming from someone who worries constantly, but I will do my best.
Before I go I wanted to mention that Pezmaster and I are getting our cell phones back this week. I am so excited. Who knows maybe now I can participate in the TTC? Sounds like it could be fun....
Until Next Time,
Jen 
Hope all of your medical tests and such come back ok And what is TTC?