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I cannot believe how long it has been since I posted. My life has been a bit crazy this past year and a half but I will try not to bore you with ALL the details. Let's see. Last December I was given a full-time coding position at Helena Orthopaedic Clinic and by April I was the senior coder. Over the past several months I have been learning all I can about Orthopedic coding and trying to keep things running smoothly at work. It has been a long road but I think we are finally in a good place and have a good rhythm. Right in time for ICD-10 to hit, but that is a whole other story. Tomorrow will be my 2 year anniversary at Helena Orthopaedic Clinic!
In June I had my first surgery ever. A bilateral maxillary balloon sinuplasty. Say that five times fast. Basically the nasal passages were narrow making it difficult for my sinuses to drain causing lots of pain and recurrent sinus infections. I am feeling much better since my surgery. I still occasionally have ear pain and sinus issues but not even close to what is what before my surgery.
The in August I had my second surgery ever and got my very first stitches. I had a "finger bump" on my finger for years and it never really caused any problems it was just sort of there. Well, after my sinus surgery the finger bump (which ended up being a cyst) tripled in size and became very painful. It was on the palmar side of my hand and it hurt to open doors, hold the steering wheel, open and close my mascara, etc. It has been healing very well and the scar is almost invisible. (Thank you, Dr. Bergquist!)
I started roller derby in September. The local team The Hel'z Belles had their Fresh Meat program this fall and I joined. I am not a very strong skater yet but I am improving. I love being involved with the team even if I am not a bout skater yet. Everyone has been so welcoming and very encouraging. So far it has been such a positive and warm atmosphere that makes you want to try harder and succeed. I look forward to getting to the point where I can pass my White Star test and eventually my Belles test. And especially picking out a kick ass derby name!
October 6th I got braces! Yes, I did. I have been toying with the idea of getting braces for years now and I finally decided to take the plunge. I was so worried that I would look ridiculous but I actually do not mind the look of them. They are kind of a pain in the ass as far as the maintenance but the end result will be so worth it.