As I mentioned a couple days ago, there was a change in the whole IV situation. The strength was increased by 200 I.U. but I only have to do it once a day instead of twice. It seems my system doesn't get rid of it like it should so they are giving me more at one sitting and I will find out tomorrow if my reading is better. The nurse took more blood samples today to be processed.
I told the nurse about calling the pharmaceutical company and speaking with the pharmacist because I just could NOT stay awake for more than an hour or two after the IV strength was changed. The pharmacist told me the reaction was normal for some people but not something to worry about. I would adjust to it and be able to resume a normal life. Normal? What the hell is THAT?
The nurse also said she had seen that same reaction in other patients like me and that it passed. She was glad I had called the company (they also do the blood processing to check on the level of the medication remaining in my system after the 24 hour period). The nurse timed her visit to draw the blood just before I had to do it once more.
Chewlee was just infatuated with the whole process. No, she didn't see the nurse take the blood. That was done through the port I have in my chest but Chewlee was engrossed in her cartoons. She was, however, nosy about the blood pressure cuff (and if it hurt me), the oxygen detector and the temperature gauge. She still has memories of the doctor using a cuff on HER and that it hurt her....but just for a little while she assured me. She wanted no part of the oxygen detector on her finger but, after seeing ME use it, then she wanted to try it. She was so smug when her count was one higher than mine was...LOL!
The Beast got home around 5:30pm. He had left Chicago around 3:30 or 4am and had expected to be home earlier but he was falling asleep behind the wheel. He pulled over into a rest area and took a short nap after he snapped awake suddenly while he was driving. After he pulled into the rest area, he called me to tell me what he was doing and why. I told him to take however long a nap he needed before getting on the road again. And that's what he did and why he arrived two hours later than expected.
In the meantime, I made a great welcome home meal for us. Baked whole chicken, stuffing, oyster dressing, mashed potatoes and gravy, green beans and hot dinner rolls. We will be eating chicken for a couple days now because the chicken has a generous amount of breast meat. I told the Beast that I will slice that up tomorrow, put it in the gravy and serve it as an open-face sandwich. Since the gravy was really tasty, the Beast said that sounded like a plan to him. Chewlee even indulged in dinner with us as long as *she could pick out what she ate*. She then took a big dinner plate and ate some chicken, green beans and two dinner rolls with butter. The rolls were hot so I buttered them for her. She wasn't happy about that even after I told her why I was doing it. She kept saying she was a *big* girl now and could do it for herself! If they hadn't JUST come out of the oven, I would have let her do it herself and told her that. As it is, the tips of my fingers on my left hand still feel a little *burnt*
Oh, and don't worry about how little Chewlee ate. In the previous two hours, she had consumed a salami sandwich, two small dill pickles and a Cup O Noodles. The kid never goes hungry here. I have this *thing* about letting a kid go hungry because I remember what that feels like from when *I* was a kid. There were times when groceries were a bit scarce when I was a kid and it seemed more important to me that the little ones were fed well than it was for me to be full. I learned to love eating macaroni and cheese because Mom always made a HUGE pot and we could pig out on it. It was tough to feed seven kids and two adults in the early 50's. But things got better. Never fear!
It's 32 degrees outside right now and supposed to go down into the 20's tonight. Our high will be around 45 they claim. We shall see. It will be whatever it chooses to be and we will brace for it. I'm tired so I am heading back to bed. I put all the food away and we will pick at it tomorrow. Right now my tummy is still full and I am content.
Love you all and remember not to drink and drive tomorrow night. Celebrate the New Year but have a designated driver or take a taxi to and from any party you might be attending. The cops will be out en masse just looking for drivers that have had too much to drink. I don't go out on New Years Eve and haven't for years. We consider it *amateur night*.....LOL! I will have a glass or two of wine and fall asleep before midnight more than likely. But I am an oldER person. **Wink**
Monday, December 30, 2013
Friday, December 27, 2013
A Change In IV Strength And Schedule
I had an early doctor's appointment today....8am. I did NOT sleep well since I had to give myself my IV at 2am. Luckily, I had taken out my IV from the fridge before I went to sleep (it's supposed to be body temperature to prevent valve failure) so I got it set up fast. I fell asleep again when I lay down to let it flow better but woke up just before the bag was empty.
When I went to see the doctor about my toe, I found out that I have to continue this IV program for six weeks. <<THUD>> The doctor apologized for thinking he had told me this. But, it is what it is and there's nothing I can do about it but accept it. Then the pharmaceutical company called me and told me I STILL had high results on the amount of the antibiotic in my system after 12 hours so they were making a change. First of all, I got the day off from taking anything. Hurrah! They also replaced the medication with a slightly higher dosage but I was only to take it once a day in the afternoon. No more worry about getting up in the early hours for an IV infusion any more. At least, I hope so. That could change. The nurse will take blood from me again this coming Monday. We will see how that goes.
I haven't told the Beast the good news yet. When he called me today, he was full of his own news about finding an Italian beef kit that seasons the meat AND makes the au jus we love for our sandwiches. He was with his sister and they sounded like they were having a good time. He's been trying to keep her occupied and he told a friend that he will probably be home either Monday or Tuesday. I'm betting it will be Monday. He misses his dog as much as the dog misses him.
One of the things the Beast wanted to accomplish was to find himself a good winter coat or jacket. When he and his sister left a famous Italian beef restaurant up there, he noticed a resale shop next door to it. Since it is located in a great suburb, he figured the quality of the resale clothing would be very good. He was right. He found a good winter leather jacket in very good condition for just $20. Then he found a suede or sueded one that looked brand new and he paid only $24. for it. He's ecstatic about his finds and I told him I was glad it worked out because you can't find a really good winter weight jacket here in the South. He expected to pay a lot more for one good, new jacket than he did for the two jackets he bought. He told me today that the one he was wearing felt great and kept him warm. So he's very content with his find.
Poor Chewlee got dropped off early today, which was unexpected but Johnnycakes had to be at a special meeting and go in early. He hadn't found this out until he left work late last night so there was no way they could let me know. The Princess had no idea that I had a doctors appointment so early. When she tried calling me, she assumed I was asleep so told Johnnycakes to just drop off Chewlee and make sure she got in the house. Chewlee got scared when she found out I wasn't there so she went over to our neighbors house (Olivia's mother). She told her that I wasn't home and Papa was in Chicago so Dianna called the Beast and he told her what was up. I arrived home where I had left my phone, saw the Beast had tried calling me multiple times and called him back. That's when I found out about Chewlee so I got in the car and drove over to Dianna's house (she lives on the other side of the circle) and picked up Chewlee. I thanked her for keeping her and explained that I didn't expect Chewlee to be dropped off until after noon. Alls well that ends well and Chewlee was even invited back in the afternoon. She was there for three hours and I took full advantage and took a nap until she got home. I knew she would wake me and wake me she did.
I made her the hot dogs she wanted for her dinner (along with a few pickles that I had picked up before I came home from my doctor's appointment). She also had a HUGE glass of milk and a couple of my peanut butter patty cookies. Then I got a call from the Princess asking me to make sure Chewlee got a bath because she was going to drop Chewlee off at her paternal grandfather's hotel (after stopping at home to pick up a few things for her) since she was spending the weekend with him. Well, actually he has to return her home on Sunday morning so she can go to church with the Princess and Johnnycakes. The Princess hates giving him access to Chewlee but she is his only grandchild and he's been good to her. The bad thing is that he indulges her to the point that she is almost unbearable afterward.
He does it only because he sees to little of her and he wants her to love him. I DID see signs that he is starting to scale back on his indulgence a bit the last time he had her. He is not automatically buying Chewlee everything she wants. At her age, she wants EVERYTHING she sees. I think he might actually be seeing what he has been doing is not really a good thing but I can't be sure. But he will only have her the one day this time so it shouldn't be too bad. I will get her again on Monday so I have a few days to get some things done that I want to accomplish while the Beast is gone, including changing the sheets on our bed. There is dog hair everywhere. Darn Baron....I can't keep him off it so the pillows and the comforter are just covered with his hairs. I thought a short hair dog wouldn't shed this much.
Tomorrow we are supposed to have an even warmer day than today. It got up to 54 here and the Beast told me that was about the temperature in Chicago, too. He said the nights weren't warm but almost bitter cold. When I told him our temp dropped into the 20's, he was surprised. But I think he likes to think I am suffering a bit....LOL! I'll be inside all day, I'm sure. I have no intention of going out and have a lot to get done indoors anyway.
Love you. Have a great weekend! **Wink**
When I went to see the doctor about my toe, I found out that I have to continue this IV program for six weeks. <<THUD>> The doctor apologized for thinking he had told me this. But, it is what it is and there's nothing I can do about it but accept it. Then the pharmaceutical company called me and told me I STILL had high results on the amount of the antibiotic in my system after 12 hours so they were making a change. First of all, I got the day off from taking anything. Hurrah! They also replaced the medication with a slightly higher dosage but I was only to take it once a day in the afternoon. No more worry about getting up in the early hours for an IV infusion any more. At least, I hope so. That could change. The nurse will take blood from me again this coming Monday. We will see how that goes.
I haven't told the Beast the good news yet. When he called me today, he was full of his own news about finding an Italian beef kit that seasons the meat AND makes the au jus we love for our sandwiches. He was with his sister and they sounded like they were having a good time. He's been trying to keep her occupied and he told a friend that he will probably be home either Monday or Tuesday. I'm betting it will be Monday. He misses his dog as much as the dog misses him.
One of the things the Beast wanted to accomplish was to find himself a good winter coat or jacket. When he and his sister left a famous Italian beef restaurant up there, he noticed a resale shop next door to it. Since it is located in a great suburb, he figured the quality of the resale clothing would be very good. He was right. He found a good winter leather jacket in very good condition for just $20. Then he found a suede or sueded one that looked brand new and he paid only $24. for it. He's ecstatic about his finds and I told him I was glad it worked out because you can't find a really good winter weight jacket here in the South. He expected to pay a lot more for one good, new jacket than he did for the two jackets he bought. He told me today that the one he was wearing felt great and kept him warm. So he's very content with his find.
Poor Chewlee got dropped off early today, which was unexpected but Johnnycakes had to be at a special meeting and go in early. He hadn't found this out until he left work late last night so there was no way they could let me know. The Princess had no idea that I had a doctors appointment so early. When she tried calling me, she assumed I was asleep so told Johnnycakes to just drop off Chewlee and make sure she got in the house. Chewlee got scared when she found out I wasn't there so she went over to our neighbors house (Olivia's mother). She told her that I wasn't home and Papa was in Chicago so Dianna called the Beast and he told her what was up. I arrived home where I had left my phone, saw the Beast had tried calling me multiple times and called him back. That's when I found out about Chewlee so I got in the car and drove over to Dianna's house (she lives on the other side of the circle) and picked up Chewlee. I thanked her for keeping her and explained that I didn't expect Chewlee to be dropped off until after noon. Alls well that ends well and Chewlee was even invited back in the afternoon. She was there for three hours and I took full advantage and took a nap until she got home. I knew she would wake me and wake me she did.
I made her the hot dogs she wanted for her dinner (along with a few pickles that I had picked up before I came home from my doctor's appointment). She also had a HUGE glass of milk and a couple of my peanut butter patty cookies. Then I got a call from the Princess asking me to make sure Chewlee got a bath because she was going to drop Chewlee off at her paternal grandfather's hotel (after stopping at home to pick up a few things for her) since she was spending the weekend with him. Well, actually he has to return her home on Sunday morning so she can go to church with the Princess and Johnnycakes. The Princess hates giving him access to Chewlee but she is his only grandchild and he's been good to her. The bad thing is that he indulges her to the point that she is almost unbearable afterward.
He does it only because he sees to little of her and he wants her to love him. I DID see signs that he is starting to scale back on his indulgence a bit the last time he had her. He is not automatically buying Chewlee everything she wants. At her age, she wants EVERYTHING she sees. I think he might actually be seeing what he has been doing is not really a good thing but I can't be sure. But he will only have her the one day this time so it shouldn't be too bad. I will get her again on Monday so I have a few days to get some things done that I want to accomplish while the Beast is gone, including changing the sheets on our bed. There is dog hair everywhere. Darn Baron....I can't keep him off it so the pillows and the comforter are just covered with his hairs. I thought a short hair dog wouldn't shed this much.
Tomorrow we are supposed to have an even warmer day than today. It got up to 54 here and the Beast told me that was about the temperature in Chicago, too. He said the nights weren't warm but almost bitter cold. When I told him our temp dropped into the 20's, he was surprised. But I think he likes to think I am suffering a bit....LOL! I'll be inside all day, I'm sure. I have no intention of going out and have a lot to get done indoors anyway.
Love you. Have a great weekend! **Wink**
The Beast Calls Me Early.....
I actually heard from the Beast today....and early! It seems he had what he felt was a horrible dream that felt so real to him that he had to call and check. He dreamed I left Baron outside all night in the cold. Can you believe it? Like I would treat him like that. Sheesh.
One good thing is that Dennis came over to take Baron for his run around the circle. The Beast told him that he could use the scooter to do it if the weather was decent and it was. Baron came home a much happier mutt than he had been since the Beast left. And Dennis threw him a treat that Baron normally gets from Dianne.....a doggie cookie that Dianne actually makes. Baron loves them. Remember how he is with a pigs ear? He gets all frantic at first and searches the house for a place to hide them. He does the same thing with the cookies. He remembers where he hides them, too. Of course, they don't stay hidden for long. Within about 10 minutes he will be seen eating the cookie in his favorite spot...the entrance to the guest room. On the rug, of course. It makes for a mess when you vacuum but how can you spoil his enjoyment. I once considered shutting the door so he couldn't make a mess but decided against it when it got shut accidentally and the poor dog was miserable.
The Beast asked how Baron was acting and he seemed happy to know that Baron was moping around the house and sleeping on his side of the bed whenever I wasn't paying attention....which happens a lot because I have other things to do.
It seems that the Beast's sister is having her husband cremated and holding a memorial type service for him next week on Friday. That allows his family, some of them traveling up from Florida and Texas, to be there. He said her house is full of people and there are lots of people dropping off food all the time. He spent the day with her today and feels she is in good hands so he will probably head home soon. I tried to tell him that the brother-in-law's family is NOT the same as her own family being there for her. The people will drop off drastically within a few days so not to be in a rush because of the dog. He and I are getting along just fine even though he misses his *man*.
Baron has enjoyed the fact that I am letting him out front instead of always in the yard. He has a couple favorite spots out there to *water*. He also likes trotting over to the neighbors and checking to see if her dogs are out in the yard. They *talk* to each other and catch up on any news that interests dogs.
Chewlee showed up in a really nice winter jacket today. It looks and feels heavy enough for any weather. It has a hood with a fur trim and a matching scarf. She also showed up with her *Hello Kitty* hat and gloves. She is all set for all the cold weather we could possibly have. She was wearing her boots and we found out that they are NOT waterproof. I had a hell of a time drying them out enough for them to be wearable and they were still damp at the heel when she went home. Now she needs a pair of boots that are waterproof. They might not be as comfortable as her current boots but she IS a kid and puddles are targets for kids. Plus, when we get snow, it will prevent her feet getting wet and chilled.
I have four pictures on my closet doors right now that she's made for me. She used the artist kit that I gave her for Christmas to draw the three pictures she made for me today. She really likes it and that makes ME happy. It's always nice to know your presents are enjoyed.
The nurse had to come by today to take my blood again since the IV strength might be a bit too strong and they may have to change the dosage. She got here a bit late and delayed my day time IV almost an hour but she had a patient before me that ended up needing a bit more attention than normal. I forgave her. One day *I* might be that patient! You just never know. She had to run the blood up to the hospital lab right away because if it still shows the same results, they must change the IV's to a lower dosage. I know this antibiotic is a very strong one and they are constantly checking to make sure I am not suffering from any of the possible side effects. I know what they are and I would be on the phone immediately if I noticed any. Trust me on that score!
Although it's supposed to drop down to 23 degrees here tonight, the forecast for tomorrow is a high of around 53 degrees. That means Baron will get his run again and that's a really great thing for him. He doesn't seem to be able to move his bowels without that kind of exercise. Thank you, Dennis!
Love you all. Have a great Friday and a fantastic weekend. **Wink**
One good thing is that Dennis came over to take Baron for his run around the circle. The Beast told him that he could use the scooter to do it if the weather was decent and it was. Baron came home a much happier mutt than he had been since the Beast left. And Dennis threw him a treat that Baron normally gets from Dianne.....a doggie cookie that Dianne actually makes. Baron loves them. Remember how he is with a pigs ear? He gets all frantic at first and searches the house for a place to hide them. He does the same thing with the cookies. He remembers where he hides them, too. Of course, they don't stay hidden for long. Within about 10 minutes he will be seen eating the cookie in his favorite spot...the entrance to the guest room. On the rug, of course. It makes for a mess when you vacuum but how can you spoil his enjoyment. I once considered shutting the door so he couldn't make a mess but decided against it when it got shut accidentally and the poor dog was miserable.
The Beast asked how Baron was acting and he seemed happy to know that Baron was moping around the house and sleeping on his side of the bed whenever I wasn't paying attention....which happens a lot because I have other things to do.
It seems that the Beast's sister is having her husband cremated and holding a memorial type service for him next week on Friday. That allows his family, some of them traveling up from Florida and Texas, to be there. He said her house is full of people and there are lots of people dropping off food all the time. He spent the day with her today and feels she is in good hands so he will probably head home soon. I tried to tell him that the brother-in-law's family is NOT the same as her own family being there for her. The people will drop off drastically within a few days so not to be in a rush because of the dog. He and I are getting along just fine even though he misses his *man*.
Baron has enjoyed the fact that I am letting him out front instead of always in the yard. He has a couple favorite spots out there to *water*. He also likes trotting over to the neighbors and checking to see if her dogs are out in the yard. They *talk* to each other and catch up on any news that interests dogs.
Chewlee showed up in a really nice winter jacket today. It looks and feels heavy enough for any weather. It has a hood with a fur trim and a matching scarf. She also showed up with her *Hello Kitty* hat and gloves. She is all set for all the cold weather we could possibly have. She was wearing her boots and we found out that they are NOT waterproof. I had a hell of a time drying them out enough for them to be wearable and they were still damp at the heel when she went home. Now she needs a pair of boots that are waterproof. They might not be as comfortable as her current boots but she IS a kid and puddles are targets for kids. Plus, when we get snow, it will prevent her feet getting wet and chilled.
I have four pictures on my closet doors right now that she's made for me. She used the artist kit that I gave her for Christmas to draw the three pictures she made for me today. She really likes it and that makes ME happy. It's always nice to know your presents are enjoyed.
The nurse had to come by today to take my blood again since the IV strength might be a bit too strong and they may have to change the dosage. She got here a bit late and delayed my day time IV almost an hour but she had a patient before me that ended up needing a bit more attention than normal. I forgave her. One day *I* might be that patient! You just never know. She had to run the blood up to the hospital lab right away because if it still shows the same results, they must change the IV's to a lower dosage. I know this antibiotic is a very strong one and they are constantly checking to make sure I am not suffering from any of the possible side effects. I know what they are and I would be on the phone immediately if I noticed any. Trust me on that score!
Although it's supposed to drop down to 23 degrees here tonight, the forecast for tomorrow is a high of around 53 degrees. That means Baron will get his run again and that's a really great thing for him. He doesn't seem to be able to move his bowels without that kind of exercise. Thank you, Dennis!
Love you all. Have a great Friday and a fantastic weekend. **Wink**
Thursday, December 26, 2013
Let Me Explain.....
The Beast left a bit early actually but felt he could pull over if he got tired. He had gone to bed early but didn't get much sleep. That sometimes happens before one of his trips but I know that he does get more sleep than he thinks he does. He was all packed up and gone by 4:30am but was barely down the road when I had to call him back to the house because he had left his Arctic hat behind. I knew he was going to need it. I went outside when I saw the headlights and gave it to him and told him once again to *be careful!!*
Then, instead of going back to sleep like I should have, I stayed up and played some games online. I was really surprised at how many people were also up, playing games. I was afraid I might actually sleep too long and I needed to get to Walgreen's. I hadn't been able to buy anything for the little ones (Chewlee and Chance) and I also needed more probiotics. I was surprised that Bratfink actually came online for a bit so early but we talked for a bit before I finally got dressed and left the house.
I did find the toys I had seen in the Walgreen's flyer to my surprise and delight so I got them for the kids but couldn't find a bag big enough for Chance's gift. Thankfully, Walgreen's has more than one size bag and I got one big enough for it. It was a big gift basket and, knowing kids, Chance wouldn't care about wrapping (he didn't!). It was full of things like crayons, chalk, an activity book, coloring book, a 12 piece puzzle and a couple other things. For Chewlee, a *Hello Kitty* bath set and an art set that included crayons, pencils, water colors and brushes plus some stickers that I know her mother didn't appreciate.
Chewlee just loved the kiddy cosmetics and the little purse that she got from Sheepie and Teach. I would have to say that was probably the hit of the day for her. I was just surprised that they went on a bit on the dark side but, oh well! It washes off easily, thank goodness!
I was surprised that I got any gifts, actually, since I told the kids I just couldn't afford to buy any this year for them. But I guess it's the giving that mattered to them. I got a pair of nice warm jammies from Tara that I couldn't wait to try on and wear. They are, indeed, nice, warm ones without being flannel. They make me feel a bit like an elf...LOL. I also got a nice pair of Joe Boxer jammies from the Princess, Johnnycakes and Chewlee. They even have a pair of short for during the summer! They are a little big but I can fix that after I wash them since I DO sew. But the hit (to me) gift from them are these warm boot-like slippers with non-slip soles. I just love them and they are in my favorite color, too (purple). I am wearing them as I speak.
Dinner was just fantastic. Ham, mashed potatoes and gravy, green bean casserole, corn casserole (a specialty of Tara's), chicken and noodles and rolls. Yum! You could tell we were all hungry. For dessert, there was a Butternut pie, I believe. I didn't eat any although it looked just delish! Lots of yummy stuff including the whipped topping. I had brought two bottles of wine (small ones because Tara and the Princess don't drink and Johnnycakes and Teach don't drink wine at all. But Sheepie had a small glass since she had finished her Mike's HARDER lemonade. She had brought one for me, even (so sweet of her to think of me but I brought it home to enjoy at another time).
After eating and opening presents, I finally left them and headed for home. Sheepie and Teach still had one more party to attend so they weren't staying much longer but I knew the Princess, Johnnycakes and Chewlee would be there for a while longer. I just needed to get home to let Baron out and then feed him his big meal of the day. Then all I wanted to do was collapse after I put on my jammies. And collapse I did. I fell asleep until it was time for my IV and it was up and running in time so I didn't screw up my schedule. The nurse is coming today to take more blood since my last test showed a bit higher than normal presence of the antibiotic. I think it was because I had screwed up my times and she agreed but we are doing the tests again to be sure. Otherwise, they might have to adjust the strength of the medication for me. Since I am more than halfway thru the 11 days, I really would hate to have to do that.
After I finished the IV last night, I went back to sleep and didn't wake up until 7am this morning. Forgive me again for not putting up another blog yesterday....but my putting my blogs up earlier than normal has me a bit confused on just when I did or didn't blog. Oh well. It is what it is, guys!
The Beast actually remembered to call me when he arrived in Chicago so I wouldn't worry. He said he would call me after he talked to his sister but my phone died on me at Tara's. I hadn't noticed it was low on bars. I plugged it in immediately when I got home but I never hear it when I am asleep. The Beast called me this morning because...as he put it.....he had a nightmare that I had left Baron outside all night. I told him that was ridiculous and I took good care of Baron when he wasn't here. Sheesh! He said to me, *Can I talk to Baron to verify that?* LOL!
It's just turned 32 degrees here (heat wave!) and is nice and sunny out. Although it's not supposed to get any warmer than 45degrees, it will be a nice day for Baron and me to spend indoors, quietly. Love you all and I sure hope you had a nice Christmas Day. I know *I* sure did. **Wink**
Then, instead of going back to sleep like I should have, I stayed up and played some games online. I was really surprised at how many people were also up, playing games. I was afraid I might actually sleep too long and I needed to get to Walgreen's. I hadn't been able to buy anything for the little ones (Chewlee and Chance) and I also needed more probiotics. I was surprised that Bratfink actually came online for a bit so early but we talked for a bit before I finally got dressed and left the house.
I did find the toys I had seen in the Walgreen's flyer to my surprise and delight so I got them for the kids but couldn't find a bag big enough for Chance's gift. Thankfully, Walgreen's has more than one size bag and I got one big enough for it. It was a big gift basket and, knowing kids, Chance wouldn't care about wrapping (he didn't!). It was full of things like crayons, chalk, an activity book, coloring book, a 12 piece puzzle and a couple other things. For Chewlee, a *Hello Kitty* bath set and an art set that included crayons, pencils, water colors and brushes plus some stickers that I know her mother didn't appreciate.
Chewlee just loved the kiddy cosmetics and the little purse that she got from Sheepie and Teach. I would have to say that was probably the hit of the day for her. I was just surprised that they went on a bit on the dark side but, oh well! It washes off easily, thank goodness!
I was surprised that I got any gifts, actually, since I told the kids I just couldn't afford to buy any this year for them. But I guess it's the giving that mattered to them. I got a pair of nice warm jammies from Tara that I couldn't wait to try on and wear. They are, indeed, nice, warm ones without being flannel. They make me feel a bit like an elf...LOL. I also got a nice pair of Joe Boxer jammies from the Princess, Johnnycakes and Chewlee. They even have a pair of short for during the summer! They are a little big but I can fix that after I wash them since I DO sew. But the hit (to me) gift from them are these warm boot-like slippers with non-slip soles. I just love them and they are in my favorite color, too (purple). I am wearing them as I speak.
Dinner was just fantastic. Ham, mashed potatoes and gravy, green bean casserole, corn casserole (a specialty of Tara's), chicken and noodles and rolls. Yum! You could tell we were all hungry. For dessert, there was a Butternut pie, I believe. I didn't eat any although it looked just delish! Lots of yummy stuff including the whipped topping. I had brought two bottles of wine (small ones because Tara and the Princess don't drink and Johnnycakes and Teach don't drink wine at all. But Sheepie had a small glass since she had finished her Mike's HARDER lemonade. She had brought one for me, even (so sweet of her to think of me but I brought it home to enjoy at another time).
After eating and opening presents, I finally left them and headed for home. Sheepie and Teach still had one more party to attend so they weren't staying much longer but I knew the Princess, Johnnycakes and Chewlee would be there for a while longer. I just needed to get home to let Baron out and then feed him his big meal of the day. Then all I wanted to do was collapse after I put on my jammies. And collapse I did. I fell asleep until it was time for my IV and it was up and running in time so I didn't screw up my schedule. The nurse is coming today to take more blood since my last test showed a bit higher than normal presence of the antibiotic. I think it was because I had screwed up my times and she agreed but we are doing the tests again to be sure. Otherwise, they might have to adjust the strength of the medication for me. Since I am more than halfway thru the 11 days, I really would hate to have to do that.
After I finished the IV last night, I went back to sleep and didn't wake up until 7am this morning. Forgive me again for not putting up another blog yesterday....but my putting my blogs up earlier than normal has me a bit confused on just when I did or didn't blog. Oh well. It is what it is, guys!
The Beast actually remembered to call me when he arrived in Chicago so I wouldn't worry. He said he would call me after he talked to his sister but my phone died on me at Tara's. I hadn't noticed it was low on bars. I plugged it in immediately when I got home but I never hear it when I am asleep. The Beast called me this morning because...as he put it.....he had a nightmare that I had left Baron outside all night. I told him that was ridiculous and I took good care of Baron when he wasn't here. Sheesh! He said to me, *Can I talk to Baron to verify that?* LOL!
It's just turned 32 degrees here (heat wave!) and is nice and sunny out. Although it's not supposed to get any warmer than 45degrees, it will be a nice day for Baron and me to spend indoors, quietly. Love you all and I sure hope you had a nice Christmas Day. I know *I* sure did. **Wink**
Tuesday, December 24, 2013
Sad news For The Beast As He Prepares To Leave.....
Sitting in my fridge right now is a lunch and snack pack that the Beast will be taking with him early in the morning. Yep, he's finally leaving for the Chicago area (suburbs) tomorrow morning around 5am or so. He went to the bank this evening to pick up some traveling money so he can get on the road without a stop. I set up the coffee and gave him instructions to wake me when he gets up so I can see him off. We got word that his sister's husband just died. It's not changing the Beast's plans on leaving, however, since he feels his sister will need him to help out with the funeral arrangements, etc. that a death requires.
The sad part is that the Beast didn't get a chance to say goodbye to his brother-in-law. We have both known him since he was a little kid. I feel badly for his sister and the whole family. They have suffered so many deaths in that family. I think more than the average family ever does. It's just so sad. The Beast had packed up his suit and a suit jacket to take with him for church. They all attend the same church community so he would have gone with them to their church while he was up there anyway. So he's prepared for the funeral and will be there as part of the immediate, mourning family.
I had asked the Beast to wake me up when he got up if I wasn't up already. I may still be up after giving myself my infusion at 1:30am. Don't ask! I slept too late one evening and screwed up my times so I am gradually having to scale it back to more reasonable times. I also found out that not having the infusion at body temperature would eventually screw up the Hickman connection on my stent, which was something no one had told me. I had to read it in the manual they left me. You would think that would be one of the first things they told you but it wasn't deemed important for some reason. Perhaps because this IS supposed to be limited to just 11-13 days as I understand it.
Anyway, tomorrow is also the day that the Brat Family, such as it is located HERE, will be getting together for our Christmas dinner. It won't be really spoiled by the news since none of the Brat family here knew the parties involved except for the Beast and his brother, Jim. His family really didn't have much truck with each other until recently. By then, the family here was involved in their own lives and WE visited THEM, not vice versa.
So I will be enjoying getting together with MY part of the Brat family (primarily mine, the Beast's only marginally). In many ways, that will be a better thing because the Beast has always been a party pooper and was Mr. Scrooge at Christmas time. The kids always knew that it was ME that bought the presents and I was used to not getting anything from Mr. Scrooge because he never believed in giving gifts except to himself. A sad statement but very, very true.
The weather will be cool but no snow, thankfully. I'm going to have a problem getting up Tara's driveway because of the pitch so I don't need snow to make it any worse....LOL. But it will be a nice evening due to the company for me. I was going to go with the Princess but am taking my own car instead. I want to get there a bit early so I can give Tara a hand getting things ready if she needs any help (and don't we all?).
Love you all. I WISH YOU ALL A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS! I hope you spend it with family and friends. **Wink**
The sad part is that the Beast didn't get a chance to say goodbye to his brother-in-law. We have both known him since he was a little kid. I feel badly for his sister and the whole family. They have suffered so many deaths in that family. I think more than the average family ever does. It's just so sad. The Beast had packed up his suit and a suit jacket to take with him for church. They all attend the same church community so he would have gone with them to their church while he was up there anyway. So he's prepared for the funeral and will be there as part of the immediate, mourning family.
I had asked the Beast to wake me up when he got up if I wasn't up already. I may still be up after giving myself my infusion at 1:30am. Don't ask! I slept too late one evening and screwed up my times so I am gradually having to scale it back to more reasonable times. I also found out that not having the infusion at body temperature would eventually screw up the Hickman connection on my stent, which was something no one had told me. I had to read it in the manual they left me. You would think that would be one of the first things they told you but it wasn't deemed important for some reason. Perhaps because this IS supposed to be limited to just 11-13 days as I understand it.
Anyway, tomorrow is also the day that the Brat Family, such as it is located HERE, will be getting together for our Christmas dinner. It won't be really spoiled by the news since none of the Brat family here knew the parties involved except for the Beast and his brother, Jim. His family really didn't have much truck with each other until recently. By then, the family here was involved in their own lives and WE visited THEM, not vice versa.
So I will be enjoying getting together with MY part of the Brat family (primarily mine, the Beast's only marginally). In many ways, that will be a better thing because the Beast has always been a party pooper and was Mr. Scrooge at Christmas time. The kids always knew that it was ME that bought the presents and I was used to not getting anything from Mr. Scrooge because he never believed in giving gifts except to himself. A sad statement but very, very true.
The weather will be cool but no snow, thankfully. I'm going to have a problem getting up Tara's driveway because of the pitch so I don't need snow to make it any worse....LOL. But it will be a nice evening due to the company for me. I was going to go with the Princess but am taking my own car instead. I want to get there a bit early so I can give Tara a hand getting things ready if she needs any help (and don't we all?).
Love you all. I WISH YOU ALL A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS! I hope you spend it with family and friends. **Wink**
Monday, December 23, 2013
My Apologies.....
I really didn't think I had skipped a day on my blog until something nagged at me today and I checked. I guess I should fill you in with what I have been dealing with the past two days.
The Beast WAS supposed to leave early this morning to arrive at his sister's around 5pm or so. However, the Beast must have slept wrong because he woke up with a severe pain from his neck down to the wing bone of his back (the muscle IS a bit swollen). He can't lift that arm and it's a real experience to get his T-shirt on and off him.
I've been using a liniment on the area and applying heat to it. He can't leave in the condition he's in because he needs help getting dressed. He can't even put his own socks and shoes on. Sigh!
So, here I am, dealing with giving myself an IV twice a day. I know that doesn't sound like a big deal but it also involves injecting saline in the shunt first (and we must remove the air bubble from the injector, don't forget) then putting the IV tubing into it. After that's finished, another injection of saline and then another one of a mild heparin solution to keep the shunt open and prevent clotting. **Sigh** It's not fun to remember to close off the tubing so I am not always having to bleed a lot of air out of it, to apply alcohol to several different areas (including myself) before starting or after the IV is finished. And let me tell you....the IV was SUPPOSED to only take an hour but it's closer to an hour and a half.
Now add the Beast and his constant need for help to the mix. I must look hysterical carrying the pole around with me while applying liniment to the Beast's shoulder area or into the bedroom to help take off or put on his T-shirt/socks/shoes. I also have to help him into his jacket when he goes outside. I was so tired of his whining that I actually told him to stop trying to *man up* and take a damn pain pill! He finally did a little while ago (HURRAH!) so I am hoping for some relief....at least for a little while, I hope.
Now, I told Chewlee she could spend the night with me when I thought the Beast would be gone and it could be just the two of us. Well, she's here regardless and we are managing so far. I've played Candy Land with her, colored with her, helped her build a *hide-out* in my computer room (which ended up covering half the room with three or four blankets and me sitting on the corners of two of them....LOL. Chewlee is the only one happy that I can't use taking a shower as an excuse to put her to bed earlier than I go. I can't get this whole shunt area wet since it would cause the bandage covering to slip off and other things that might cause me serious problems other than the feeling that my B.O. is going to cause people to faint as I walk past them....LOL. I was never fond of P.T.A. baths because I just don't feel CLEAN no matter how fastidious I am.
Anyway, now you can imagine what my life had been like for the past two days, especially since the Beast, being a MAN, is such a whiner. No one in the whole world has EVER felt as bad as HE does....*shaking head here*. I feel like screaming at times but hold my tongue. He's probably going to be *a man* and drive up to the Chicago area on Christmas Day (yes, you heard me right) IF he feels like he can take off his own T-shirts. He'll *tough it out like a MAN!* then and make the trip. Since his sister's hubby is already in Hospice, he isn't long for this world and it would be nice for the Beast to be able to see him BEFORE he dies. Oh well. We shall see what happens.
Love you all. Much colder here today by about 20 degrees so the heat is cranked up and a true jacket is required outerwear now. Not cold enough for snow but, with rain expected, I am praying our temperature doesn't take a nosedive. You take care now, especially if you are traveling to be with family. Drive carefully because the life you save may be your own. Check on the Weather Channel to see what kind of weather you will be driving into and make sure you have the appropriate clothing to deal with it. And don't forget cold weather supplies....just in case! And have a wonderful, safe Christmas holiday. **Wink**
The Beast WAS supposed to leave early this morning to arrive at his sister's around 5pm or so. However, the Beast must have slept wrong because he woke up with a severe pain from his neck down to the wing bone of his back (the muscle IS a bit swollen). He can't lift that arm and it's a real experience to get his T-shirt on and off him.
I've been using a liniment on the area and applying heat to it. He can't leave in the condition he's in because he needs help getting dressed. He can't even put his own socks and shoes on. Sigh!
So, here I am, dealing with giving myself an IV twice a day. I know that doesn't sound like a big deal but it also involves injecting saline in the shunt first (and we must remove the air bubble from the injector, don't forget) then putting the IV tubing into it. After that's finished, another injection of saline and then another one of a mild heparin solution to keep the shunt open and prevent clotting. **Sigh** It's not fun to remember to close off the tubing so I am not always having to bleed a lot of air out of it, to apply alcohol to several different areas (including myself) before starting or after the IV is finished. And let me tell you....the IV was SUPPOSED to only take an hour but it's closer to an hour and a half.
Now add the Beast and his constant need for help to the mix. I must look hysterical carrying the pole around with me while applying liniment to the Beast's shoulder area or into the bedroom to help take off or put on his T-shirt/socks/shoes. I also have to help him into his jacket when he goes outside. I was so tired of his whining that I actually told him to stop trying to *man up* and take a damn pain pill! He finally did a little while ago (HURRAH!) so I am hoping for some relief....at least for a little while, I hope.
Now, I told Chewlee she could spend the night with me when I thought the Beast would be gone and it could be just the two of us. Well, she's here regardless and we are managing so far. I've played Candy Land with her, colored with her, helped her build a *hide-out* in my computer room (which ended up covering half the room with three or four blankets and me sitting on the corners of two of them....LOL. Chewlee is the only one happy that I can't use taking a shower as an excuse to put her to bed earlier than I go. I can't get this whole shunt area wet since it would cause the bandage covering to slip off and other things that might cause me serious problems other than the feeling that my B.O. is going to cause people to faint as I walk past them....LOL. I was never fond of P.T.A. baths because I just don't feel CLEAN no matter how fastidious I am.
Anyway, now you can imagine what my life had been like for the past two days, especially since the Beast, being a MAN, is such a whiner. No one in the whole world has EVER felt as bad as HE does....*shaking head here*. I feel like screaming at times but hold my tongue. He's probably going to be *a man* and drive up to the Chicago area on Christmas Day (yes, you heard me right) IF he feels like he can take off his own T-shirts. He'll *tough it out like a MAN!* then and make the trip. Since his sister's hubby is already in Hospice, he isn't long for this world and it would be nice for the Beast to be able to see him BEFORE he dies. Oh well. We shall see what happens.
Love you all. Much colder here today by about 20 degrees so the heat is cranked up and a true jacket is required outerwear now. Not cold enough for snow but, with rain expected, I am praying our temperature doesn't take a nosedive. You take care now, especially if you are traveling to be with family. Drive carefully because the life you save may be your own. Check on the Weather Channel to see what kind of weather you will be driving into and make sure you have the appropriate clothing to deal with it. And don't forget cold weather supplies....just in case! And have a wonderful, safe Christmas holiday. **Wink**
Saturday, December 21, 2013
Good News!
When the Beast finally spoke to his sister today, he decided he is leaving to spend time up in the Chicago area to see his sister, brother-in-law that is dying and his youngest brother, Ted and his wife. He will be staying at his brother's house, however, since he's familiar with it and he's comfortable there with them. Whatever it takes! At least he will be spending most of his time during the day and probably early evening with his sister and her hubby. I truly feel bad that he is dying. Especially the way he is. I just pray that he is not suffering a lot of pain.
He plans on leaving early in the morning (around 5am) so that he will arrive at his brother's house by 5pm or a little later, depending on the traffic because of the upcoming Holiday. He went tonight to pick up dog food from Petsmart for me so I don't run out while he's gone. Like I am unable to buy any myself if needed...sheesh! But it's the thought that counts. He IS trying to make things easier for me when he's gone since I will have Chewlee more since she is out of school. I have to touch bases with the Princess to find out just when I will have her because I can do a little shopping for the kids with the Beast gone. He has always been a *bah! humbug!* person over ANY Holiday especially if it involves giving a gift to someone. He was always that way about our anniversaries, too. And forget birthdays!
I know we can't afford to buy for everyone this year because we had some unexpected bills that came due in December (mostly due to his buying the new cars) plus we had to pay our property taxes and for our license plate renewals. And new car renewals are EXPENSIVE. I shouldn't complain because most of our streets are decent and not under repair for long when they DO repave them. It's not like in Chicago or even in Florida where it seems like they barely get them done and they are under repair again, creating havoc to drive anywhere. BUT...we can buy for the kids. After all, isn't that part of the Christmas tradition? They are the important ones. Even Chewlee still believes in Santa Claus and it is sooooo cute. I will hate when she has that sad awakening and finds out the truth. Oh well! It is what it is!
But the main thing (beside my not having the Beast here to kill all MY enjoyment of the season), I feel better that there IS some of that *family* feeling there for him. He says he will read to Teddy Bear since he isn't able to read even with one good eye. Apparently, he sees double out of that eye due to something about the cancer in his spine or at least that's what his sister told him.
So, tomorrow we will get his clothes ready and put into the car so all I have to do for him is make sure he has some snacks, maybe a sandwich or two, and his thermos of coffee on Monday. I will try to make his ride up there as easy as possible for him. It's bad enough that he is going to drive for 12 solid hours without stopping except for gas and to pee. But I know that his sister always needed her big brother when she had any major problems. She hasn't been an easy person to love but that's beside the point at this time. She needs and wants him up there with her and he is going. That's good enough.
Our weather was warm today...it got to 70 degrees and, to show how acclimated I've become, I was outside with just a short sleeve shirt. When I lived in Florida and the temperature dropped down to 70, I was wearing a coat! I kid you not. LOL! But our weather will be taking a turn soon to cold and rainy from the front heading towards us from the West. Whatever will be, will be.
Love you all. Take care if you are doing last minute shopping like me. Drive carefully. Stay warm and dry. Hope all your Holiday plans are set and don't forget those *orphans* with no family or family nearby. I always kept an extra present or two for those people and tried to have them come for dinner, too. Think about it. **Wink**
He plans on leaving early in the morning (around 5am) so that he will arrive at his brother's house by 5pm or a little later, depending on the traffic because of the upcoming Holiday. He went tonight to pick up dog food from Petsmart for me so I don't run out while he's gone. Like I am unable to buy any myself if needed...sheesh! But it's the thought that counts. He IS trying to make things easier for me when he's gone since I will have Chewlee more since she is out of school. I have to touch bases with the Princess to find out just when I will have her because I can do a little shopping for the kids with the Beast gone. He has always been a *bah! humbug!* person over ANY Holiday especially if it involves giving a gift to someone. He was always that way about our anniversaries, too. And forget birthdays!
I know we can't afford to buy for everyone this year because we had some unexpected bills that came due in December (mostly due to his buying the new cars) plus we had to pay our property taxes and for our license plate renewals. And new car renewals are EXPENSIVE. I shouldn't complain because most of our streets are decent and not under repair for long when they DO repave them. It's not like in Chicago or even in Florida where it seems like they barely get them done and they are under repair again, creating havoc to drive anywhere. BUT...we can buy for the kids. After all, isn't that part of the Christmas tradition? They are the important ones. Even Chewlee still believes in Santa Claus and it is sooooo cute. I will hate when she has that sad awakening and finds out the truth. Oh well! It is what it is!
But the main thing (beside my not having the Beast here to kill all MY enjoyment of the season), I feel better that there IS some of that *family* feeling there for him. He says he will read to Teddy Bear since he isn't able to read even with one good eye. Apparently, he sees double out of that eye due to something about the cancer in his spine or at least that's what his sister told him.
So, tomorrow we will get his clothes ready and put into the car so all I have to do for him is make sure he has some snacks, maybe a sandwich or two, and his thermos of coffee on Monday. I will try to make his ride up there as easy as possible for him. It's bad enough that he is going to drive for 12 solid hours without stopping except for gas and to pee. But I know that his sister always needed her big brother when she had any major problems. She hasn't been an easy person to love but that's beside the point at this time. She needs and wants him up there with her and he is going. That's good enough.
Our weather was warm today...it got to 70 degrees and, to show how acclimated I've become, I was outside with just a short sleeve shirt. When I lived in Florida and the temperature dropped down to 70, I was wearing a coat! I kid you not. LOL! But our weather will be taking a turn soon to cold and rainy from the front heading towards us from the West. Whatever will be, will be.
Love you all. Take care if you are doing last minute shopping like me. Drive carefully. Stay warm and dry. Hope all your Holiday plans are set and don't forget those *orphans* with no family or family nearby. I always kept an extra present or two for those people and tried to have them come for dinner, too. Think about it. **Wink**
"Tis Not The Season For This.....
We got some bad news today. Actually, very sad news for the Beast. His sister's husband is dying of cancer that has spread from his groin area to his brain. He is in hospice care as I relate this news to you. Hospice only comes into play at the very end of someone's life.
His sister didn't want to intrude on her brothers lives with the news that the end came so quickly. The truly sad thing is that her hubby is only in his early 50's which is the time that cancer strikes the males in his family. The family's horrible medical history is the reason that they chose not to have any children even though it would be a comfort in many ways during this time. But, Boo's hubby and Boo had made the decision and were not going to change their minds. They didn't want to pass on the genes that would carry this terrible plague.
The Beast is torn about going up to Chicago to be with his sister. He said he would only go if he could assist his sister in some way. I mentioned that he could visit with Tee and read to him to give Boo a break. He agreed that this was probably a good idea but will think about it. Knowing the Beast, he will think about it until it's too late. His main worry for her was a financial one because they own a big house with a large mortgage and he's not sure they had insurance that would help cover it. She will probably have to sell it and find herself something more suitable for her ability to pay. She is not a rocket scientist and has no real skills for a job that would pay well. Her hubby, Tee, was a fashion designer and worked for a house that created lovely clothes for the *ample* woman. I saw some of the catalogs a few years back and the clothes were incredible and reasonably priced to my surprise.
Tee's father and uncles all died of the very malady that struck Tee. Tee's has spread to his brain and he is blind in one eye because of it. He's been unable to work for almost a year from what the Beast's youngest brother told him. My Beast is the oldest in the family and is 19 years older than his sister, the baby of the family.
I gather Teddy Bear, the youngest brother, kept much of this from the Beast thinking that he had his plate full with MY problems and with his own fight with recurring bladder cancer. Teddy Bear himself suffers from MS but that problem gets worse or better at times. He has a very upbeat attitude, however, and his whole home is set up to help out even during the worst of times. He can walk with the help of a cane right now but has been confined to a wheelchair at times. He's a very talented artist and it's so sad that this struck him down at the age of around 23 or 24. Thankfully, his wife is also talented and designs computer programs for a company that pays her well. Plus she gets bonuses every year. Their home is an incredible wonder to see. They both designed the property which is full of those tree sculptures like you see at Disney World. They even designed and built a stream bed in their yard. Fantastic to see. But I digress.
Teddy Bear and Boo have stayed close to each other mainly due to the fact that they are just a year apart in age and were like a separate family growing up. The Beast and I were married already when Boo first realized that he was her brother. I suppose my having been their babysitter helped in the confusion. But the age difference in the Beast from them hasn't made them close. His family has always been strange (to me!) because of the coldness of their relationship. I just couldn't imagine that in MY family.
But, depending on how Boo is really taking all this, the Beast may feel compelled to go to her aid. She may have been resigned to the possibility but the reality can be something else emotionally. They have been married for over 30 years and I know they enjoyed each others company, if nothing else. It has been a happy marriage and they did a lot of traveling, even if it was just for a music concert in Springfield or somewhere in Ohio. They would buy their tickets, get a hotel reservation for a room to stay in overnight OR for a 3 day weekend stay and go and enjoy whatever group it was they went to see. I said that Boo and Tee were, at heart, still teenagers. LOL!
Anyway, that's what we are dealing with now. No chance of me going with the Beast since I must do my IV's twice a day and be here for the HH nurse so she can take blood samples from me to check on what is going on. This Vancomycin can hurt my kidneys if it builds up in my system. I was told that I might be ordered to cut back to once a day or they might end up changing the antibiotic on me. I was also told that if I get ringing in my ears, I was to call the company that supplies me with the antibiotic and supplies IMMEDIATELY. Scary stuff to hear when just giving myself the IV is scary. You should see me checking the tubing and other stuff to make sure there are no bubbles present. The idea of a bubble of air going into my body scares the hell out of me.
But, enough of that for now. We had some really wonderful weather today even though it was overcast most of the day. The temperature got up into the 60's and the Beast even ran Baron around the circle on his motor scooter because Baron has been so cooped up for so long. It really helped calm Baron down.
Chewlee had a half day of school so she was here until almost 8:30pm from noon time. She would have been gone at 8pm but the Princess had to come in and eat some of the meat loaf I made. I have no idea if it was as good as my usual because I never ate any of it (I will tomorrow). I had a horrible stomach ache and indigestion after eating some of the Beast's bread pudding. It was good but it did NOT agree with me. It took all night and a Prilosec to relieve the pain. Oh, and a four hour nap!
We are supposed to have another decent day tomorrow before the rain and cold moves in. I hope we don't get the tornadoes they are predicting for some of the states to our West. Say a little prayer for all of those who may suffer with tornadoes, especially at this time of year. By that, I mean the Holiday.
Love you all. HAVE A MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE! I don't care if it's politically correct or not. **Wink**
His sister didn't want to intrude on her brothers lives with the news that the end came so quickly. The truly sad thing is that her hubby is only in his early 50's which is the time that cancer strikes the males in his family. The family's horrible medical history is the reason that they chose not to have any children even though it would be a comfort in many ways during this time. But, Boo's hubby and Boo had made the decision and were not going to change their minds. They didn't want to pass on the genes that would carry this terrible plague.
The Beast is torn about going up to Chicago to be with his sister. He said he would only go if he could assist his sister in some way. I mentioned that he could visit with Tee and read to him to give Boo a break. He agreed that this was probably a good idea but will think about it. Knowing the Beast, he will think about it until it's too late. His main worry for her was a financial one because they own a big house with a large mortgage and he's not sure they had insurance that would help cover it. She will probably have to sell it and find herself something more suitable for her ability to pay. She is not a rocket scientist and has no real skills for a job that would pay well. Her hubby, Tee, was a fashion designer and worked for a house that created lovely clothes for the *ample* woman. I saw some of the catalogs a few years back and the clothes were incredible and reasonably priced to my surprise.
Tee's father and uncles all died of the very malady that struck Tee. Tee's has spread to his brain and he is blind in one eye because of it. He's been unable to work for almost a year from what the Beast's youngest brother told him. My Beast is the oldest in the family and is 19 years older than his sister, the baby of the family.
I gather Teddy Bear, the youngest brother, kept much of this from the Beast thinking that he had his plate full with MY problems and with his own fight with recurring bladder cancer. Teddy Bear himself suffers from MS but that problem gets worse or better at times. He has a very upbeat attitude, however, and his whole home is set up to help out even during the worst of times. He can walk with the help of a cane right now but has been confined to a wheelchair at times. He's a very talented artist and it's so sad that this struck him down at the age of around 23 or 24. Thankfully, his wife is also talented and designs computer programs for a company that pays her well. Plus she gets bonuses every year. Their home is an incredible wonder to see. They both designed the property which is full of those tree sculptures like you see at Disney World. They even designed and built a stream bed in their yard. Fantastic to see. But I digress.
Teddy Bear and Boo have stayed close to each other mainly due to the fact that they are just a year apart in age and were like a separate family growing up. The Beast and I were married already when Boo first realized that he was her brother. I suppose my having been their babysitter helped in the confusion. But the age difference in the Beast from them hasn't made them close. His family has always been strange (to me!) because of the coldness of their relationship. I just couldn't imagine that in MY family.
But, depending on how Boo is really taking all this, the Beast may feel compelled to go to her aid. She may have been resigned to the possibility but the reality can be something else emotionally. They have been married for over 30 years and I know they enjoyed each others company, if nothing else. It has been a happy marriage and they did a lot of traveling, even if it was just for a music concert in Springfield or somewhere in Ohio. They would buy their tickets, get a hotel reservation for a room to stay in overnight OR for a 3 day weekend stay and go and enjoy whatever group it was they went to see. I said that Boo and Tee were, at heart, still teenagers. LOL!
Anyway, that's what we are dealing with now. No chance of me going with the Beast since I must do my IV's twice a day and be here for the HH nurse so she can take blood samples from me to check on what is going on. This Vancomycin can hurt my kidneys if it builds up in my system. I was told that I might be ordered to cut back to once a day or they might end up changing the antibiotic on me. I was also told that if I get ringing in my ears, I was to call the company that supplies me with the antibiotic and supplies IMMEDIATELY. Scary stuff to hear when just giving myself the IV is scary. You should see me checking the tubing and other stuff to make sure there are no bubbles present. The idea of a bubble of air going into my body scares the hell out of me.
But, enough of that for now. We had some really wonderful weather today even though it was overcast most of the day. The temperature got up into the 60's and the Beast even ran Baron around the circle on his motor scooter because Baron has been so cooped up for so long. It really helped calm Baron down.
Chewlee had a half day of school so she was here until almost 8:30pm from noon time. She would have been gone at 8pm but the Princess had to come in and eat some of the meat loaf I made. I have no idea if it was as good as my usual because I never ate any of it (I will tomorrow). I had a horrible stomach ache and indigestion after eating some of the Beast's bread pudding. It was good but it did NOT agree with me. It took all night and a Prilosec to relieve the pain. Oh, and a four hour nap!
We are supposed to have another decent day tomorrow before the rain and cold moves in. I hope we don't get the tornadoes they are predicting for some of the states to our West. Say a little prayer for all of those who may suffer with tornadoes, especially at this time of year. By that, I mean the Holiday.
Love you all. HAVE A MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE! I don't care if it's politically correct or not. **Wink**
Thursday, December 19, 2013
Scary Time For Me....
I didn't blog yesterday mainly because I was in a bit of a panic. I had to give myself an IV, twice a day, 12 hours apart. I am taking an antibiotic called Vancomycin. My doctor friend, Dianne, says it is a very strong antibiotic and I must be aware of any of the side effects. The one I was warned about in particular is a ringing in my ears. It's caused by a build-up of the antibiotic in my system (if it happens!). If my ears start ringing, I have to immediately call the pharmaceutical firm that supplied it on my doctors orders. The other thing she said was that I need to start taking a good probiotic because the antibiotic was going to kill off good bacteria as well as the bad. But the real reason I didn't blog was I didn't get any sleep in the hospital. It seems that every time I was about to fall into a decent sleep, some jerk would SLAM! a door. I kid you not. It was like they didn't give a damn about people trying to sleep. It was SLAM! SLAM! SLAM! I was exhausted so I fell asleep the moment I lay down.
The nurse that delivered all the supplies (you should see it!) also instructed me on how to administer the antibiotic. Just the stack of small plastic containers was formidable. Of course, they had to be refrigerated and we just looked at each other because our fridge is full of *stuff*. But the Beast recalled the small fridge that is out in the cottage and put them in there. Phew! Saved by preparations we made for power failures...LOL!
The reason I am doing this is to fight the infection in my toe bone of my left foot. The doctors believe it can be saved so I will do what I must so I can keep that toe. When I had my arteriogram, they found a couple areas that needed roto-rooting (even the doctor calls it that now...LOL) which he did then and there. He was like a little kid when he told me about it and that I had GREAT pulses in both legs now. Gotta love a man who loves good pulses....too funny.
Here's the odd thing....now that both legs have been *roto-rooted*, my feet actually are not as painful as they were before. I have no idea why but I do enjoy that benefit even if it wasn't what we were looking for.
I have this big bag of supplies sitting here and one of those poles that you hang bags of liquids (like saline or antibiotics)from....like I need more crap like that hanging around. When Chewlee saw it today, she said (in a quizzical voice), *Grandma...what is THAT?* I told her and she just shrugged. She then went on to show me what she had brought. She arrived with a big bag full of what looked like half her winter clothes plus a game and a coloring book. I have no idea what she had planned on telling me because she knew her mother would be coming for her. That meant she had to have some milk and pickles...QUICK !!!
She can be funny at times. She told me in a sad voice that she doesn't get to watch cartoons hardly at all at home. She said her mother watches her stupid programs and won't let her. I'd like to know what happened to Chewlee's TV that her other grandpa bought her. That would solve the problem and it wouldn't have to be in Chewlee's room since we know how sneaky Chewlee can be. She would be watching it when she should be sleeping. She isn't fooling anyone with her promises that she wouldn't watch it when she's put to bed. Her mother heard that before!
Love you all. Keep warm, dry and safe. Have a very Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah or any other Holiday celebrated during this time of year. **Wink**
The nurse that delivered all the supplies (you should see it!) also instructed me on how to administer the antibiotic. Just the stack of small plastic containers was formidable. Of course, they had to be refrigerated and we just looked at each other because our fridge is full of *stuff*. But the Beast recalled the small fridge that is out in the cottage and put them in there. Phew! Saved by preparations we made for power failures...LOL!
The reason I am doing this is to fight the infection in my toe bone of my left foot. The doctors believe it can be saved so I will do what I must so I can keep that toe. When I had my arteriogram, they found a couple areas that needed roto-rooting (even the doctor calls it that now...LOL) which he did then and there. He was like a little kid when he told me about it and that I had GREAT pulses in both legs now. Gotta love a man who loves good pulses....too funny.
Here's the odd thing....now that both legs have been *roto-rooted*, my feet actually are not as painful as they were before. I have no idea why but I do enjoy that benefit even if it wasn't what we were looking for.
I have this big bag of supplies sitting here and one of those poles that you hang bags of liquids (like saline or antibiotics)from....like I need more crap like that hanging around. When Chewlee saw it today, she said (in a quizzical voice), *Grandma...what is THAT?* I told her and she just shrugged. She then went on to show me what she had brought. She arrived with a big bag full of what looked like half her winter clothes plus a game and a coloring book. I have no idea what she had planned on telling me because she knew her mother would be coming for her. That meant she had to have some milk and pickles...QUICK !!!
She can be funny at times. She told me in a sad voice that she doesn't get to watch cartoons hardly at all at home. She said her mother watches her stupid programs and won't let her. I'd like to know what happened to Chewlee's TV that her other grandpa bought her. That would solve the problem and it wouldn't have to be in Chewlee's room since we know how sneaky Chewlee can be. She would be watching it when she should be sleeping. She isn't fooling anyone with her promises that she wouldn't watch it when she's put to bed. Her mother heard that before!
Love you all. Keep warm, dry and safe. Have a very Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah or any other Holiday celebrated during this time of year. **Wink**
Monday, December 16, 2013
A Surprise For Me...
Everything went as planned as far as my getting into the hospital. I was in one of the outpatient rooms where they make you strip down to your nothings and put one of those awful gown on. But I spread the blanket over me, leaned back on the pillow, found a channel I wanted to watch on the TV and just waited.
The nurses came in and did their thing with me. Put a line in my hand for the special IV needed for the angiogram, which was supposed to come first for me. Had the most unusual BP that I have ever had....142/46. I said to the nurse, *Shouldn't you be worrying that I am dying with a pressure like that?* She just laughed and said, *No, I've seen others like that more than you know.* When I asked if they lived, she just laughed. I thought the machine was broken especially when the next one that was taken showed 165/62. But, later on just before they let me go home unexpectedly, it was more normal although still a bit high for me.....140/65.
My doctor, bless his heart, when he found out the lab was backed up due to someone having a heart attack in it and then needing a coronary bypass (how that caused it to be backed up, I have no idea) but he came into my room when he found out I was still waiting. This was at 1:30pm...I had been without food or drink for 13.5 hours at this time. I was also a bit on the cranky side. He came in and offered to switch days on the things needed so I chose to get the stent/whatever installed for the IV's today and do the arteriogram tomorrow. I found out after the surgery that I could go home IF I wanted (LOL....who would chose to stay, huh?) so I called the Beast and told him to pick me up after he picked up Chewlee from gymnastics.
Now, inbetween times, the Home Health people called me THREE times. First to tell me that Medicare didn't cover the IV's but the prescription portion of my supplemental would and there would be a co-pay which they would call and find out for me what that was. THEN, they found out the doctor put the stent-thingy in today and tried to come to the house tomorrow to do their thing. I told them HELL, NO...I will be having an arteriogram done at the hospital so we need to be thinking about Wednesday for them to come at the earliest. So they said they would call me on Wednesday morning about coming over. The final phone call was to tell me the co-pay on the antibiotics would be $45. Wonderful.
I've used these HH people before but never found them so annoying as I did today. Perhaps it was because I was hungry. I don't know. I hope I do better with them on Wednesday.
The stent has become a bit painful where it is over the shoulder blade. I even hurts when I swallow. I have to ask the doctor how long this stays in and what will be required to remove it. I'm just glad I have pain pills here to help out when it gets too painful. I thought the doctor was going to call a prescription in for me but he's using my tramadol prescription that is for my feet to help with the pain from this thing he installed so I can administer the IV myself after the first time. The nurse is going to show me how to clear and clean the line afterward so we don't end up with an infection at the site.
Love you all. Hope there are no more surprises in store for us. Have a great week. **Wink**
The nurses came in and did their thing with me. Put a line in my hand for the special IV needed for the angiogram, which was supposed to come first for me. Had the most unusual BP that I have ever had....142/46. I said to the nurse, *Shouldn't you be worrying that I am dying with a pressure like that?* She just laughed and said, *No, I've seen others like that more than you know.* When I asked if they lived, she just laughed. I thought the machine was broken especially when the next one that was taken showed 165/62. But, later on just before they let me go home unexpectedly, it was more normal although still a bit high for me.....140/65.
My doctor, bless his heart, when he found out the lab was backed up due to someone having a heart attack in it and then needing a coronary bypass (how that caused it to be backed up, I have no idea) but he came into my room when he found out I was still waiting. This was at 1:30pm...I had been without food or drink for 13.5 hours at this time. I was also a bit on the cranky side. He came in and offered to switch days on the things needed so I chose to get the stent/whatever installed for the IV's today and do the arteriogram tomorrow. I found out after the surgery that I could go home IF I wanted (LOL....who would chose to stay, huh?) so I called the Beast and told him to pick me up after he picked up Chewlee from gymnastics.
Now, inbetween times, the Home Health people called me THREE times. First to tell me that Medicare didn't cover the IV's but the prescription portion of my supplemental would and there would be a co-pay which they would call and find out for me what that was. THEN, they found out the doctor put the stent-thingy in today and tried to come to the house tomorrow to do their thing. I told them HELL, NO...I will be having an arteriogram done at the hospital so we need to be thinking about Wednesday for them to come at the earliest. So they said they would call me on Wednesday morning about coming over. The final phone call was to tell me the co-pay on the antibiotics would be $45. Wonderful.
I've used these HH people before but never found them so annoying as I did today. Perhaps it was because I was hungry. I don't know. I hope I do better with them on Wednesday.
The stent has become a bit painful where it is over the shoulder blade. I even hurts when I swallow. I have to ask the doctor how long this stays in and what will be required to remove it. I'm just glad I have pain pills here to help out when it gets too painful. I thought the doctor was going to call a prescription in for me but he's using my tramadol prescription that is for my feet to help with the pain from this thing he installed so I can administer the IV myself after the first time. The nurse is going to show me how to clear and clean the line afterward so we don't end up with an infection at the site.
Love you all. Hope there are no more surprises in store for us. Have a great week. **Wink**
Sleeping Takes Over
I spent most of Sunday asleep. I was truly tired and couldn't make myself wake up. I have no idea if it was the antibiotics knocking me on my ass or what. A nurse friend told me that it could have been my body fighting the infection AND the antibiotics both working to make me sleep so they could do their work. I have no idea but I do know that when I woke up briefly last night, I was STILL very tired and that's just not normal.
But I woke up about an hour ago and took my shower and I do not feel like I can't get out of bed. I am hoping that means we are winning the infection game. I have to finish getting ready for the hospital now that I am clean. So adios for now and I will be back on Tuesday.
Be good. Love you all. **Wink**
But I woke up about an hour ago and took my shower and I do not feel like I can't get out of bed. I am hoping that means we are winning the infection game. I have to finish getting ready for the hospital now that I am clean. So adios for now and I will be back on Tuesday.
Be good. Love you all. **Wink**
Sunday, December 15, 2013
The *Children's Church*
Chewlee didn't spend the night with us tonight because she wasn't going to church with the Beast. She was going with mommy and daddy to the *Children's Church*. What it is, of course, is the special children's bible class that she goes to while the grownups listen to the minister in the main section of the church they attend. But, to her, she is going to the *Children's Church* and that makes it special to her.
The Beast is disappointed, of course. He really doesn't approve of their church but I like that she is enthused about it. She brought her dress she was going to wear to show me, along with her new shoes. The dress is new, too. At least, I've never seen it and I think she told me it was new. It was very cute and very comfortable looking.
She told me that she is learning all about Jesus at *her* church. She then proceeded to tell me the story of his birth and his mother, Mary. She likes the idea that the angels told the shepherds all about him and that he got gifts on his *birthday*. She has no idea what a Magi is and she really mangled the name *Magi* but I got her to pronounce it right. She wanted to know what myrrh was so I told her and explained why it was such a good gift since it was valuable and Jesus' parents were poor so it was a truly great gift. She shrugged her shoulders because she really didn't understand it but she accepted it because it *happened a LONG time ago*. If she had asked me if I had met Jesus, the kid would have been put into a time out. She keeps telling me I am old but I have no idea if she really understands time as it pertains to the Bible stories she hears.
She and the Beast had a major upset this evening. She went outside with them and, for some reason, the Beast told her to watch Baron. Well, it seems a car or two was actually coming down our road from one of the houses (or maybe two). It was almost totally dark outside and Baron is black and difficult to see until lights hit him. When Chewlee tried calling him, he ignored her and was headed out to the road. She went to go grab him but he thought she was playing with him and ran out into the road. One of the cars almost hit him. Well, the Beast hit the roof and spanked her...hard. I made him stop or God only knows when he would have he was so scared and mad that Baron almost *got killed* as he said.
Now I have no idea how close it really was but Chewlee said she was just trying to protect Baron since he wouldn't come when she was calling him back to her. Baron CAN be difficult and often is. I told her she should have told the Beast that Baron was running out into the road and wouldn't come back when she called him. Baron ALWAYS responds to the Beast. Even *I* have a problem with Baron at times when I call him. How he expected Chewlee to *watch* him is beyond my comprehension. Anyway, now Chewlee says she doesn't like Papa and doesn't want to talk to him any more. She COULD have changed her mind and gone to church with him but I think that decided her on going to the *Children's Church* instead. She had told me that she *might* go with Papa instead and that was why she brought her dress and shoes AND because she wanted to show them to me. She had even brought her pajamas and clothes to change into after church. He has no idea what he did when he over-reacted to what happened and didn't listen to her.
Oh well. Some lessons are hard, even for adults. Me? I thought she was too young to make the kind of decision HE expected of her. She is only six years old. To ask her to choose which church to attend? No, even God doesn't expect that at her age. I believe the *age of reason* is around 12 or so. The churches are very different also. As it is, I believe that she has a good heart and an eagerness to learn all about God. Her folks are going to the church of their choice and they are taking her with them, as they should. I'm just glad that she is enthused about it and is learning what she is. What more can people expect?
It was actually kind of nice even though it only got up to 56 degrees. But it was sunny and almost no wind so it felt warmer than it was. I had a surprise delivered to me today from a friend of mine who lives in San Francisco. She sent me a floral arrangement that is just beautiful. I am going to try to post the picture the Beast took of it if I can. Wish me luck!
Wow! I did it (again..I DID post pictures of Chewlee not that long ago). It has pussy willows and what looks like wheat sheaf up top. What you can't see because of the angle is the Christmas ornaments and how beautiful the white roses are. She told me she had considered sending me flowers at the hospital but thought I would like it better at home. I'm glad that she did if this is what she intended to send. It's HUGE. I can't even imagine it in the hospital room.....LOL. But it was so very sweet of her. She is around 10 years older than I am and is also a diabetic. She has a lot of empathy for what I am going through.
Time to get this posted and put my butt to bed. Love you all and have a wonderful Sunday. Stay warm, dry and safe, please. **Wink**
The Beast is disappointed, of course. He really doesn't approve of their church but I like that she is enthused about it. She brought her dress she was going to wear to show me, along with her new shoes. The dress is new, too. At least, I've never seen it and I think she told me it was new. It was very cute and very comfortable looking.
She told me that she is learning all about Jesus at *her* church. She then proceeded to tell me the story of his birth and his mother, Mary. She likes the idea that the angels told the shepherds all about him and that he got gifts on his *birthday*. She has no idea what a Magi is and she really mangled the name *Magi* but I got her to pronounce it right. She wanted to know what myrrh was so I told her and explained why it was such a good gift since it was valuable and Jesus' parents were poor so it was a truly great gift. She shrugged her shoulders because she really didn't understand it but she accepted it because it *happened a LONG time ago*. If she had asked me if I had met Jesus, the kid would have been put into a time out. She keeps telling me I am old but I have no idea if she really understands time as it pertains to the Bible stories she hears.
She and the Beast had a major upset this evening. She went outside with them and, for some reason, the Beast told her to watch Baron. Well, it seems a car or two was actually coming down our road from one of the houses (or maybe two). It was almost totally dark outside and Baron is black and difficult to see until lights hit him. When Chewlee tried calling him, he ignored her and was headed out to the road. She went to go grab him but he thought she was playing with him and ran out into the road. One of the cars almost hit him. Well, the Beast hit the roof and spanked her...hard. I made him stop or God only knows when he would have he was so scared and mad that Baron almost *got killed* as he said.
Now I have no idea how close it really was but Chewlee said she was just trying to protect Baron since he wouldn't come when she was calling him back to her. Baron CAN be difficult and often is. I told her she should have told the Beast that Baron was running out into the road and wouldn't come back when she called him. Baron ALWAYS responds to the Beast. Even *I* have a problem with Baron at times when I call him. How he expected Chewlee to *watch* him is beyond my comprehension. Anyway, now Chewlee says she doesn't like Papa and doesn't want to talk to him any more. She COULD have changed her mind and gone to church with him but I think that decided her on going to the *Children's Church* instead. She had told me that she *might* go with Papa instead and that was why she brought her dress and shoes AND because she wanted to show them to me. She had even brought her pajamas and clothes to change into after church. He has no idea what he did when he over-reacted to what happened and didn't listen to her.
Oh well. Some lessons are hard, even for adults. Me? I thought she was too young to make the kind of decision HE expected of her. She is only six years old. To ask her to choose which church to attend? No, even God doesn't expect that at her age. I believe the *age of reason* is around 12 or so. The churches are very different also. As it is, I believe that she has a good heart and an eagerness to learn all about God. Her folks are going to the church of their choice and they are taking her with them, as they should. I'm just glad that she is enthused about it and is learning what she is. What more can people expect?
It was actually kind of nice even though it only got up to 56 degrees. But it was sunny and almost no wind so it felt warmer than it was. I had a surprise delivered to me today from a friend of mine who lives in San Francisco. She sent me a floral arrangement that is just beautiful. I am going to try to post the picture the Beast took of it if I can. Wish me luck!
Wow! I did it (again..I DID post pictures of Chewlee not that long ago). It has pussy willows and what looks like wheat sheaf up top. What you can't see because of the angle is the Christmas ornaments and how beautiful the white roses are. She told me she had considered sending me flowers at the hospital but thought I would like it better at home. I'm glad that she did if this is what she intended to send. It's HUGE. I can't even imagine it in the hospital room.....LOL. But it was so very sweet of her. She is around 10 years older than I am and is also a diabetic. She has a lot of empathy for what I am going through.
Time to get this posted and put my butt to bed. Love you all and have a wonderful Sunday. Stay warm, dry and safe, please. **Wink**
Friday, December 13, 2013
The Results Are In On State Of Toe....
Looks like the big toe DOES have some infection in the bone. However, they believe that treating me to a six week treatment of intravenous antibiotics will clear it up. It requires that I get a kind of stent put in at my neck area for the treatments. That's a kind of mini-surgical procedure so it requires me going into the hospital on Monday. I will also get a contrast arteriogram for my left leg since the sonogram I had the other day shows a difference in the blood flow from the right leg. Why do I feel like I am falling apart inside? I wonder.....LOL!
I think the stent-thingy is what will go in first since I can't eat or drink anything after midnight on Sunday nor can I take my diabetic meds since the arteriogram dye would interact with it and it could be fatal. Yikes! You should have seen how quick I removed those from my weekly pill pack! I fix that up every week so I don't forget to take my meds AND I don't take too many of anything, either. Trust me, I will admit that my memory about such things can be crappy at times.
So I have THAT to contend with now. **Sigh** Say a little prayer for me if you pray. It can't hurt to have strangers ask for a little favor for someone. I can use all the help I can get.
Our weather, believe it or not, is supposed to be warming up quite a bit considering what it's been. They claim it will actually be in the high 50's (which means it could end up in the 60's if things go the way they usually do when the weatherman makes a prediction). Either that or it won't reach the 50's at all.....LOL!
Nothing more to say about anything while I am still trying to come to terms with what will be going on. After the stent-like thingy is put in, a nurse will come to the house every week to administer the IV antibiotic for the next six weeks. I'll be getting on on Christmas Day even from my understanding. Sucks for both of us, especially since I will be going to Tara's for Christmas dinner. But she will be coming to pick me up so no worries about driving, comfort...she doesn't even want me to make anything. We are hoping that Sheepie and Teach will join us, too. That will make a nice family get-together for us.
Love you all. Have a wonderful weekend. **Wink**
I think the stent-thingy is what will go in first since I can't eat or drink anything after midnight on Sunday nor can I take my diabetic meds since the arteriogram dye would interact with it and it could be fatal. Yikes! You should have seen how quick I removed those from my weekly pill pack! I fix that up every week so I don't forget to take my meds AND I don't take too many of anything, either. Trust me, I will admit that my memory about such things can be crappy at times.
So I have THAT to contend with now. **Sigh** Say a little prayer for me if you pray. It can't hurt to have strangers ask for a little favor for someone. I can use all the help I can get.
Our weather, believe it or not, is supposed to be warming up quite a bit considering what it's been. They claim it will actually be in the high 50's (which means it could end up in the 60's if things go the way they usually do when the weatherman makes a prediction). Either that or it won't reach the 50's at all.....LOL!
Nothing more to say about anything while I am still trying to come to terms with what will be going on. After the stent-like thingy is put in, a nurse will come to the house every week to administer the IV antibiotic for the next six weeks. I'll be getting on on Christmas Day even from my understanding. Sucks for both of us, especially since I will be going to Tara's for Christmas dinner. But she will be coming to pick me up so no worries about driving, comfort...she doesn't even want me to make anything. We are hoping that Sheepie and Teach will join us, too. That will make a nice family get-together for us.
Love you all. Have a wonderful weekend. **Wink**
Thursday, December 12, 2013
Chewlee Buys Xmas Presents....
They had the Christmas Store at Chewlee's school today. They call it Santa's Shop or some such thing. She was so excited and wanted to get just four people presents....her mommy and daddy, the Beast and me. Either that or it was all she could afford....LOL!
Of course, when she got here, she all but unwrapped my present before I could finish unwrapping it. She bought me a measuring tape in a covered container that has a button on the side that reels it back in. She went around measuring things with it, she was so excited about what she got me. She had to tell me the size of everything she could so I would know how to use it. It was cute.
She got the Beast a bungee cord, which was smart of her because he DOES use them and owns a few different sizes. She told me what she got her mother and her daddy but I really only remember what she bought her daddy. Isn't that strange? Yet, I remember thinking she put some thought into her choices because they weren't bad. I'm not saying what she got her daddy because he reads my blog on occasion and, if she puts it under the tree, I don't want to spoil the surprise for him. I have a feeling, however, that she will insist on them opening theirs, too.
Hard to believe that Christmas is almost upon us. Less than two weeks of shopping days to finish buying the presents for those you care about. I almost screamed when I saw what was left in our savings. The Beast has NOT gotten over his spendthrift ways. Our savings are almost gone! When you consider what we had in it just a few months ago, that's almost hard to believe. It isn't that he bought the new cars either. The cars he traded in for them were fairly new and we got a good trade-in for them. He just can't seem to control himself. Now I am in a position that I cannot buy Christmas presents for anyone because we had both our property taxes to pay AND the car insurance payments, too. We are incredibly broke after the Beast taking the extra money for the Genie I spoke about yesterday. **Sigh** I have to let the kids all know not to buy anything for me since I can't get them anything.
It was very cold today. I woke up to 22 degree weather and it warmed all the way up to 37 degrees. However, my Weatherbug told me it felt like 25 degrees with the humidity and wind. Yuk! I'm really not a winter person at all!
The culture the doctor at the Wound Center took last week turned out to have bacteria, I am now on Cipro..an antibiotic, for the next seven....now SIX...days. My appointment is tomorrow morning once again but at 9am instead of 8:30. Woo hoo!
Love you all. Have a fantastic Friday. **Wink**
Of course, when she got here, she all but unwrapped my present before I could finish unwrapping it. She bought me a measuring tape in a covered container that has a button on the side that reels it back in. She went around measuring things with it, she was so excited about what she got me. She had to tell me the size of everything she could so I would know how to use it. It was cute.
She got the Beast a bungee cord, which was smart of her because he DOES use them and owns a few different sizes. She told me what she got her mother and her daddy but I really only remember what she bought her daddy. Isn't that strange? Yet, I remember thinking she put some thought into her choices because they weren't bad. I'm not saying what she got her daddy because he reads my blog on occasion and, if she puts it under the tree, I don't want to spoil the surprise for him. I have a feeling, however, that she will insist on them opening theirs, too.
Hard to believe that Christmas is almost upon us. Less than two weeks of shopping days to finish buying the presents for those you care about. I almost screamed when I saw what was left in our savings. The Beast has NOT gotten over his spendthrift ways. Our savings are almost gone! When you consider what we had in it just a few months ago, that's almost hard to believe. It isn't that he bought the new cars either. The cars he traded in for them were fairly new and we got a good trade-in for them. He just can't seem to control himself. Now I am in a position that I cannot buy Christmas presents for anyone because we had both our property taxes to pay AND the car insurance payments, too. We are incredibly broke after the Beast taking the extra money for the Genie I spoke about yesterday. **Sigh** I have to let the kids all know not to buy anything for me since I can't get them anything.
It was very cold today. I woke up to 22 degree weather and it warmed all the way up to 37 degrees. However, my Weatherbug told me it felt like 25 degrees with the humidity and wind. Yuk! I'm really not a winter person at all!
The culture the doctor at the Wound Center took last week turned out to have bacteria, I am now on Cipro..an antibiotic, for the next seven....now SIX...days. My appointment is tomorrow morning once again but at 9am instead of 8:30. Woo hoo!
Love you all. Have a fantastic Friday. **Wink**
Sometimes There Is Just No News.....
I didn't do a blog last night primarily because there just wasn't any news to relay. However, thinking about it, I should have told you about the Genie.
The Genie is advertised on TV and it's a kind of slow cooker. It's actually more than that but if you are curious, check it out on Google.
The Beast, of course, saw the ads a couple times and decided it was just what we needed. Pardon me while my mouth drops to the floor. We need another *small appliance* like a hole in the head. However, this one IS different. You can use it to brown your meats, then cook it in an oven type setting or regular slow cooker setting. It also steams. You would have to read the booklet with some of the recipes that you can find in their cookbook ($95, tyvm). The Beast made two of the recipes. One was for a standing rib roast which turned out incredible! Of course, the recipe is really intended for *company* because the small roast he got cost us $35! It will last us for two more meals, which is the good thing. It was so damn tasty that even the Beast will eat it as a leftover. What was left from out first meal was very rare so heating it up a bit will make it just perfect for our tastes.
BUT....I almost had a heart attack when he finally told me he had ordered it. I rolled my eyes and asked him why in the hell does he think we need another slow cooker. That's when he told me it was more than a slow cooker and I would see that when it arrived. Well, I've seen it but it's still just a glorified slow cooker to me. The fact that it can make things like cupcakes (mini ones with the special silicone pan that came with it) does not alter the fact that it is JUST A SLOW COOKER! But, of course, it cost more than the slow cooker he bought to replace the one that got melted last week.
So, you get a kind of idea about the Beast since he's been doing some cooking. He thinks he's a chef now and is trying out all these exotic recipes, including a stew made with chicken that has a Hawaiian base. It's got a bit of coconut and lots of pineapple in it besides the veggies. It DOES sound tasty, however. We shall see. If he wants to cook, I'm going to let him. Less for me to worry about.
Love you all. It's 27 degrees now with the sun up. I hope the Princess drives carefully to work because she has a dangerous mountain road that she has to drive up and down on. I'm praying there's no ice on it. Be good. Enjoy your day! **Wink**
The Genie is advertised on TV and it's a kind of slow cooker. It's actually more than that but if you are curious, check it out on Google.
The Beast, of course, saw the ads a couple times and decided it was just what we needed. Pardon me while my mouth drops to the floor. We need another *small appliance* like a hole in the head. However, this one IS different. You can use it to brown your meats, then cook it in an oven type setting or regular slow cooker setting. It also steams. You would have to read the booklet with some of the recipes that you can find in their cookbook ($95, tyvm). The Beast made two of the recipes. One was for a standing rib roast which turned out incredible! Of course, the recipe is really intended for *company* because the small roast he got cost us $35! It will last us for two more meals, which is the good thing. It was so damn tasty that even the Beast will eat it as a leftover. What was left from out first meal was very rare so heating it up a bit will make it just perfect for our tastes.
BUT....I almost had a heart attack when he finally told me he had ordered it. I rolled my eyes and asked him why in the hell does he think we need another slow cooker. That's when he told me it was more than a slow cooker and I would see that when it arrived. Well, I've seen it but it's still just a glorified slow cooker to me. The fact that it can make things like cupcakes (mini ones with the special silicone pan that came with it) does not alter the fact that it is JUST A SLOW COOKER! But, of course, it cost more than the slow cooker he bought to replace the one that got melted last week.
So, you get a kind of idea about the Beast since he's been doing some cooking. He thinks he's a chef now and is trying out all these exotic recipes, including a stew made with chicken that has a Hawaiian base. It's got a bit of coconut and lots of pineapple in it besides the veggies. It DOES sound tasty, however. We shall see. If he wants to cook, I'm going to let him. Less for me to worry about.
Love you all. It's 27 degrees now with the sun up. I hope the Princess drives carefully to work because she has a dangerous mountain road that she has to drive up and down on. I'm praying there's no ice on it. Be good. Enjoy your day! **Wink**
Tuesday, December 10, 2013
OMG!
Forgive the change in color of print, please. But, for some unknown reason, the deep red is annoying me. I will be trying out other colors until I settle down to some more satisfying color. A small thing but important to me, however petty it may seem.
As for the *OMG!*....I wish you had been with me at the hospital for the MRI of my TOE. I was NOT prepared for what happened...or why. I get my earplugs and put them in before it all starts. My foot is encased in a special *block* that both elevates the foot from the bed and attempts to hold it securely in place. NOT! There is plenty of wiggle room and, trust me, despite the urging to *not move* the toe, the harmonics of the MRI alone was enough to want to twitch the toe. It took all my attention and determination NOT to twitch. I swear the harmonics resonated along the nerves of my foot. I had a small stack of blankets under my knee which helped me out as far as MAKING my toe stay still. But here is the kicker. I was in that damn MRI machine for almost 25 minutes!!! FOR A TOE!
The technician apologized to me afterward and said that the doctor that was on duty to read the MRI happened to have a special preference for some special directional shots, especially when it involved something like a toe. That accounted for an extra 10 minutes! By the time the MRI was over, my nerves were jangling and my whole body wanted to twitch.
What a nice difference when I went for the sonogram of my legs and the health of the vascular bypass that was done two years ago. I could hear the majority of the testing and was glad to hear the healthy sound of the leg with the bypass. I am worried, however, about the left leg. The same leg with the toe that has the *ulcer* as they call it. I won't find out any results until I go to the Wound Center on Friday morning. I really DO hate these early morning appointments. If I have to be out and about before 10 or 11 am, it's a hardship. Especially in the winter.
Chewlee was still here when I got home from the sonogram and she was upset that her mother *lied* to her. She had told her she would take her to the Christmas Parade if she got a smiley face and her mother did NOT take her because they got some *boring* company. Boring, to her, means *no kids to play with*.....LOL. She lost one tooth about two weeks ago (bottom front) and now has another loose tooth next to where it was. It's darn near ready to come out because it's causing Chewlee a lot of pain when she tries to bite or chew anything in that area. I kept telling her to use the other side of her front teeth to bite and then to chew more with the teeth in back. She gave it a try and I got a smile from her for that advice. Let's see if she remembers or ends up losing her tooth when she bites down on something....like her pickle....LOL!
We will be waking up to 25 degree weather in the morning but it's expected to hit in the lower 50's for our high. Big contrast there. The Beast is now sorry he hasn't filled the tanks we use for the fireplace (and the barbeque). That always helped take the chill out of the house. We've been using the baseboard heaters more this winter already and our electric bill is much higher than it was using the window AC units all summer. Tonight he put on the small space heaters (which I think work better and faster because of the fans in them). I turned my baseboard heater up and have a small fan in front of it to draw the heat and spread it in the room. It's nice and toasty in here now so I can turn it down after I get this posted. It will remain nice and warm all night with the baseboard heater turned to medium.
Bratfink sent me a link for Despicable Me 2 that will show the whole movie for FREE (my kind of price). I'll watch it with Chewlee tomorrow when her mother has to work until closing so Chewlee will be here later than she was today. Her mother was here to pick her up a half hour after she was dropped off by the bus. I put NickJr on my TV when I left for my sonogram because, although Chewlee knows how to change channels, she doesn't know how this TV turns on and off. You can't use the satellite remote on it so I didn't want her fumbling around. I have to show her how to do all the things necessary so I CAN shut off my TV if another day like today happens. The Beast didn't drive me to the doctors so that someone was here when Chewlee got here. I wasn't sure how long the appointment would take so I drove myself.
I have to tell you, I really enjoy driving my little Toyota Yaris. The biggest fault I find with it is that you cannot see any hood on it and you don't realize how much you depend on seeing one to judge your path on the road and even parking. THAT part I don't enjoy. BUT.....you can zip that car into small spaces with no problem at all. It's sooooo funny.
Love you all. I wish you a great Hump Day and an enjoyable rest of the week, too. **Wink**
As for the *OMG!*....I wish you had been with me at the hospital for the MRI of my TOE. I was NOT prepared for what happened...or why. I get my earplugs and put them in before it all starts. My foot is encased in a special *block* that both elevates the foot from the bed and attempts to hold it securely in place. NOT! There is plenty of wiggle room and, trust me, despite the urging to *not move* the toe, the harmonics of the MRI alone was enough to want to twitch the toe. It took all my attention and determination NOT to twitch. I swear the harmonics resonated along the nerves of my foot. I had a small stack of blankets under my knee which helped me out as far as MAKING my toe stay still. But here is the kicker. I was in that damn MRI machine for almost 25 minutes!!! FOR A TOE!
The technician apologized to me afterward and said that the doctor that was on duty to read the MRI happened to have a special preference for some special directional shots, especially when it involved something like a toe. That accounted for an extra 10 minutes! By the time the MRI was over, my nerves were jangling and my whole body wanted to twitch.
What a nice difference when I went for the sonogram of my legs and the health of the vascular bypass that was done two years ago. I could hear the majority of the testing and was glad to hear the healthy sound of the leg with the bypass. I am worried, however, about the left leg. The same leg with the toe that has the *ulcer* as they call it. I won't find out any results until I go to the Wound Center on Friday morning. I really DO hate these early morning appointments. If I have to be out and about before 10 or 11 am, it's a hardship. Especially in the winter.
Chewlee was still here when I got home from the sonogram and she was upset that her mother *lied* to her. She had told her she would take her to the Christmas Parade if she got a smiley face and her mother did NOT take her because they got some *boring* company. Boring, to her, means *no kids to play with*.....LOL. She lost one tooth about two weeks ago (bottom front) and now has another loose tooth next to where it was. It's darn near ready to come out because it's causing Chewlee a lot of pain when she tries to bite or chew anything in that area. I kept telling her to use the other side of her front teeth to bite and then to chew more with the teeth in back. She gave it a try and I got a smile from her for that advice. Let's see if she remembers or ends up losing her tooth when she bites down on something....like her pickle....LOL!
We will be waking up to 25 degree weather in the morning but it's expected to hit in the lower 50's for our high. Big contrast there. The Beast is now sorry he hasn't filled the tanks we use for the fireplace (and the barbeque). That always helped take the chill out of the house. We've been using the baseboard heaters more this winter already and our electric bill is much higher than it was using the window AC units all summer. Tonight he put on the small space heaters (which I think work better and faster because of the fans in them). I turned my baseboard heater up and have a small fan in front of it to draw the heat and spread it in the room. It's nice and toasty in here now so I can turn it down after I get this posted. It will remain nice and warm all night with the baseboard heater turned to medium.
Bratfink sent me a link for Despicable Me 2 that will show the whole movie for FREE (my kind of price). I'll watch it with Chewlee tomorrow when her mother has to work until closing so Chewlee will be here later than she was today. Her mother was here to pick her up a half hour after she was dropped off by the bus. I put NickJr on my TV when I left for my sonogram because, although Chewlee knows how to change channels, she doesn't know how this TV turns on and off. You can't use the satellite remote on it so I didn't want her fumbling around. I have to show her how to do all the things necessary so I CAN shut off my TV if another day like today happens. The Beast didn't drive me to the doctors so that someone was here when Chewlee got here. I wasn't sure how long the appointment would take so I drove myself.
I have to tell you, I really enjoy driving my little Toyota Yaris. The biggest fault I find with it is that you cannot see any hood on it and you don't realize how much you depend on seeing one to judge your path on the road and even parking. THAT part I don't enjoy. BUT.....you can zip that car into small spaces with no problem at all. It's sooooo funny.
Love you all. I wish you a great Hump Day and an enjoyable rest of the week, too. **Wink**
Monday, December 9, 2013
Some Scary News For Me....
I got a call today from my doctor's office. It seems my kidneys are leaking protein into my urine so he is referring me to a nephrologist (kidney doctor). I think he is going to send me down to the one in Gadsden and she is a female.
If you know anything about diabetics, it's said that diabetics die from the feet up. The problem is in both circulation and the excess sugar in the blood. The fight is to keep as much of your organs and body parts as possible. I've been diabetic now for over 11 years and giving it my all but my body is betraying me in little ways. The neuropathy in my feet started about four years ago because that was probably when my circulation started failing due to clogging. Then two years ago, that was detected and I had my roto-rooting on one leg and the bypass done on the other. One good thing...the bypass has done great and there is a strong pulse in it. The pulse in my other leg is a bit harder to find and it's also the reason I am having the sonogram tomorrow afternoon. I have the MRI due to the injured toe in the morning at the hospital. The sonogram on my legs will be done in the afternoon. Nothing like losing a whole day to doctors. **Sigh**
With that note, I will bring this blog to an end and get it posted. I'm hoping that, after what I know is coming (meaning the tests), that there will be something that can be done to either fix or at least keep the kidneys from any further damage.
Love you all. Say a little prayer for me, won't you? **Wink**
If you know anything about diabetics, it's said that diabetics die from the feet up. The problem is in both circulation and the excess sugar in the blood. The fight is to keep as much of your organs and body parts as possible. I've been diabetic now for over 11 years and giving it my all but my body is betraying me in little ways. The neuropathy in my feet started about four years ago because that was probably when my circulation started failing due to clogging. Then two years ago, that was detected and I had my roto-rooting on one leg and the bypass done on the other. One good thing...the bypass has done great and there is a strong pulse in it. The pulse in my other leg is a bit harder to find and it's also the reason I am having the sonogram tomorrow afternoon. I have the MRI due to the injured toe in the morning at the hospital. The sonogram on my legs will be done in the afternoon. Nothing like losing a whole day to doctors. **Sigh**
With that note, I will bring this blog to an end and get it posted. I'm hoping that, after what I know is coming (meaning the tests), that there will be something that can be done to either fix or at least keep the kidneys from any further damage.
Love you all. Say a little prayer for me, won't you? **Wink**
Ever Done This??
Last night I had another bad night of sleeping but we didn't get Chewlee so it wasn't critical at all. I got up with the Beast as he dressed for his church meeting and bid him goodbye. I then dressed and went to the store to look for something I could make us for dinner that wouldn't require much work...in other words, I was in the frozen food section. I found some nice looking shrimp scampi and also picked up some crispy breaded fish from a popular company. I picked up a couple odds and ends and headed home in a heavy fog. Not fun!
By the time I got home, it was raining. But I grabbed my three little bags and got into the house without getting too wet. After putting everything away, I played games on my computer until the Beast got home. After making fresh coffee for us, I went back and played my games for a while. I felt a bit tired then so I shut down my computer and went to my recliner to watch a movie. I don't remember a thing until I woke up around 8:45pm to find the Beast in bed. So much for dinner!
I felt terrible about that and I got online to find out that Bratfink had been on YIM and left me a message that she had dropped by. Bummer! She wasn't online then so I talked with my son and then a girlfriend out in California that had celebrated her 70th wedding anniversary today. She had a nice gathering with around 35 people at a local restaurant and said she had really enjoyed herself AND the food. LOL! She said she was sorry I couldn't be there, too. So was I.
I then played a few games with two other friends of mine who do nothing but whisper chat. What a pain in the butt but what can you do. It's not like we talk about anything that's secret. But I suppose it could be boring for others in the room.
I then got offline for a bit and was darn near asleep again when I remembered I hadn't done my blog. I just KNEW you would be on pins and needles, wondering what had happened in my exciting life. Oh, sure you would!
It's still cold and raining here so it's not fun with it affecting both my TV and my internet connections. It's been kind of radical so I had to wait to do this blog anyway. But, it's still not a solid connection so I'm going to get this posted while I can.
Love you all. Hope your week is a good one. Remember to tell those that you love that you do every day if you can. Life is just too short. **Wink**
By the time I got home, it was raining. But I grabbed my three little bags and got into the house without getting too wet. After putting everything away, I played games on my computer until the Beast got home. After making fresh coffee for us, I went back and played my games for a while. I felt a bit tired then so I shut down my computer and went to my recliner to watch a movie. I don't remember a thing until I woke up around 8:45pm to find the Beast in bed. So much for dinner!
I felt terrible about that and I got online to find out that Bratfink had been on YIM and left me a message that she had dropped by. Bummer! She wasn't online then so I talked with my son and then a girlfriend out in California that had celebrated her 70th wedding anniversary today. She had a nice gathering with around 35 people at a local restaurant and said she had really enjoyed herself AND the food. LOL! She said she was sorry I couldn't be there, too. So was I.
I then played a few games with two other friends of mine who do nothing but whisper chat. What a pain in the butt but what can you do. It's not like we talk about anything that's secret. But I suppose it could be boring for others in the room.
I then got offline for a bit and was darn near asleep again when I remembered I hadn't done my blog. I just KNEW you would be on pins and needles, wondering what had happened in my exciting life. Oh, sure you would!
It's still cold and raining here so it's not fun with it affecting both my TV and my internet connections. It's been kind of radical so I had to wait to do this blog anyway. But, it's still not a solid connection so I'm going to get this posted while I can.
Love you all. Hope your week is a good one. Remember to tell those that you love that you do every day if you can. Life is just too short. **Wink**
Saturday, December 7, 2013
Thoughts.....
I was watching a program about a comet that the United States is going to land on in November, 2014. It was all about the complexity of comets and the problems that the vehicle gave them since a comet has no gravity to help hold anything on it's surface like a space probe. Interesting program. This was the second time I had it on but I really got to listen to it this time. It's called the Rosetta Mission (not the program, that is one of the *How the Universe Works* programs on the Science Channel. If you get a chance to watch it, do so. It's interesting. Not riveting but gives you a lot to think about.
Ever talked to the people that swear the earth and man were created in 7 days and that the *day* spoken of was a thousand years? I find that incredible mainly because it does NOT explain the presence of the dinosaur at all. They kind of ignore that issue and I find fault in that. I believe in God but I don't think the prophets that wrote down the Bible were really *getting it* in their inspirations. Since time means nothing to God, I think the idea that a *day* might have been a few billion years was just beyond their scope of understanding so they wrote down what was probably a tremendous amount of time and there it stayed. Unfortunately, that has led to a lot of people not believing in the Bible due to the fact that dinosaurs DID exist. Also, there has been enough time for men to be able to measure the passage of time in the soils and ices of the world so there is another reason that the Bible comes into question with otherwise intelligent men. I doubt even the angels understand the mind of God so how could mere men?
My poor Chewlee is a bit confused by people she trusts that tell her tales. Someone (and I suspect it may be Johnnycakes) said something to her about elves being in the house. He may have said they come to watch her and report to Santa or that they help Santa out. I don't know but the idea of elves or even AN elf being in the house scares her to death. I mean it. You would think she equates it with the *monster under the bed* story. Unfortunately, few adults consider how a child might just view such stories unless you make sure that you tell them that an elf is a *GOOD* sprite, not a bad one. She wanted to stay here because I don't have an elf in my house. She couldn't stay, however, because she is going to church with her mommy and daddy tomorrow. They are going to the same church that Johnnycakes grandparents attend. That didn't make the Beast happy because he likes taking Chewlee with him and he doesn't really approve of the church she will be attending with her folks.
Chewlee also told me in no uncertain terms that there IS NO SANTA, then later she asked if Santa delivered the presents on Christmas Eve and why he didn't do it on the day Mary gave birth to Jesus. Poor kid is really confused by all the different things she hears. She believes adults tell her the truth so when she hears conflicting things from people, she doesn't know WHAT to believe. She believes me so she comes to me with her questions and I don't want to conflict her further so I asked her what SHE believes. She still believes in Santa and I told her she should go with her own feelings about such things. I tried to tell her that elves were known throughout history to be very nice and she felt a little better but wants me to make her a spray (like my monster and ghost spray) that will keep the elf out of her bedroom so she can sleep. I shrugged and told her I would see if I had all the ingredients and try to make some up for her to keep in her bedroom. I may cut down some cologne with alcohol and give that to her. I told her it would smell good to US but the elf wouldn't like it because he's not a girl and only girls like perfume. That made her feel better so I guess I have to find a small spray bottle for her to keep in her room.
Again, it was cold and my computer room got chilly. I turned up the baseboard heater and put a fan in front of it so it would blow the heat out into the room faster. It's nice and toasty in here now and making me nod off. I had to turn the heat down or I'll be falling asleep at my desk.
Love you all and have a nice Sunday. Keep warm and dry. Drive carefully, please. Don't become a statistic. **Wink**
Ever talked to the people that swear the earth and man were created in 7 days and that the *day* spoken of was a thousand years? I find that incredible mainly because it does NOT explain the presence of the dinosaur at all. They kind of ignore that issue and I find fault in that. I believe in God but I don't think the prophets that wrote down the Bible were really *getting it* in their inspirations. Since time means nothing to God, I think the idea that a *day* might have been a few billion years was just beyond their scope of understanding so they wrote down what was probably a tremendous amount of time and there it stayed. Unfortunately, that has led to a lot of people not believing in the Bible due to the fact that dinosaurs DID exist. Also, there has been enough time for men to be able to measure the passage of time in the soils and ices of the world so there is another reason that the Bible comes into question with otherwise intelligent men. I doubt even the angels understand the mind of God so how could mere men?
My poor Chewlee is a bit confused by people she trusts that tell her tales. Someone (and I suspect it may be Johnnycakes) said something to her about elves being in the house. He may have said they come to watch her and report to Santa or that they help Santa out. I don't know but the idea of elves or even AN elf being in the house scares her to death. I mean it. You would think she equates it with the *monster under the bed* story. Unfortunately, few adults consider how a child might just view such stories unless you make sure that you tell them that an elf is a *GOOD* sprite, not a bad one. She wanted to stay here because I don't have an elf in my house. She couldn't stay, however, because she is going to church with her mommy and daddy tomorrow. They are going to the same church that Johnnycakes grandparents attend. That didn't make the Beast happy because he likes taking Chewlee with him and he doesn't really approve of the church she will be attending with her folks.
Chewlee also told me in no uncertain terms that there IS NO SANTA, then later she asked if Santa delivered the presents on Christmas Eve and why he didn't do it on the day Mary gave birth to Jesus. Poor kid is really confused by all the different things she hears. She believes adults tell her the truth so when she hears conflicting things from people, she doesn't know WHAT to believe. She believes me so she comes to me with her questions and I don't want to conflict her further so I asked her what SHE believes. She still believes in Santa and I told her she should go with her own feelings about such things. I tried to tell her that elves were known throughout history to be very nice and she felt a little better but wants me to make her a spray (like my monster and ghost spray) that will keep the elf out of her bedroom so she can sleep. I shrugged and told her I would see if I had all the ingredients and try to make some up for her to keep in her bedroom. I may cut down some cologne with alcohol and give that to her. I told her it would smell good to US but the elf wouldn't like it because he's not a girl and only girls like perfume. That made her feel better so I guess I have to find a small spray bottle for her to keep in her room.
Again, it was cold and my computer room got chilly. I turned up the baseboard heater and put a fan in front of it so it would blow the heat out into the room faster. It's nice and toasty in here now and making me nod off. I had to turn the heat down or I'll be falling asleep at my desk.
Love you all and have a nice Sunday. Keep warm and dry. Drive carefully, please. Don't become a statistic. **Wink**
Friday, December 6, 2013
Back At The Wound Center....Sigh
It was an interesting experience to be back at the Wound Center once more. At least this time I got in early when I saw the wound was not healing right. It started with a stone bruise underneath my big toe (the only one I have left). That hurt but then it became a huge blood blister that burst in just two days. No matter how careful you are with those, it's a losing battle. They WILL burst open, drain and then you lose the covering skin.
Because of the way I walk since losing the big toe on my other foot, the big toe has/had a thick callous on it. So, when the blister burst, it left a rather large hole...and deep due to the callous. I guess saying BIG is a relative term but it sure seemed that way to me.
My doctor (the vascular one works at the Wound Center one day a week) regaled the new nurse with the story of the first time we met in the hospital. I was loaded for bear by the time my regular doctor came to see me, then the orthopedic doctor hit me with the news about amputating my toe so the poor vascular surgeon became my target. I was just frustrated that MOST doctors barely tell you anything no matter what questions you ask. But my vascular doctor told me if I was unhappy with him for any reason, he would find me another doctor. I calmed down then when I realized HE was not really the source of my frustration. He sat down and very thoroughly went over everything regarding my circulation in my legs, what he needed to do, the risks, etc. I have come to love this guy and he knows it. He grinned and said I had grown to love him and vice versa. I know he just threw that last one in to make me smile and it worked....LOL!
So, he looks at the wound, makes sure the nurse numbed it and then proceeds to compliment me on how *clean* it was. He DID take a sample for a culture, just to be certain there was no serious bacteria in it. He asked me what I had been doing to treat it and I told him. He said he was going to have me use Medhoney instead as he scraped the wound with a mini-scalpel. Then he gave me some Medhoney gel to use, a prescription for a special shoe I have to go pick up tomorrow. It will keep my toe pointed up away from the ground so I am not building up a callous. He said it wouldn't heal if I kept putting pressure on it. He then ordered an MRI for the foot (another one of his..just to be sure...things) AND a sonogram on both my legs to check out the surgeries and make sure the circulation is what it should be. Poor circulation in that leg won't let it heal either. **Sigh**
So next week is going to be a trail for me, especially with the special shoe. At least it's not my driving foot...LOL! Then it's back to see him next Friday to check the toe out, go over the results of my tests and I'm sure he will be scraping more stuff from the wound, too. He told me I had kept it very clean he could tell and the wound looked good (?). With the pain I've been having in that same leg from my knee up to my hip area, I AM concerned about it being some obstruction or other in the artery/arteries. We shall see what turns up.
It's cold outside. It's just an hour after midnight and the temperature is 35 degrees and still dropping. It was raining out earlier but has stopped ... for now. They say more rain tomorrow. I'll take rain. Just don't want ice and/or snow.
Love you all. I'm really tired and falling asleep on my butt right now. I was involved talking with three friends at the same time but on different IM's. I'm so glad that Yahoo Instant Messenger now tabs different conversations so you don't have IM's spread all over the place on your screen any more. The tabs light up and blink when there's fresh conversation for you to look at. Makes handling them so much easier. You just click a tab to change to another person.
Be good. Have a great weekend. Keep warm and dry, ya hear? **Wink**
Because of the way I walk since losing the big toe on my other foot, the big toe has/had a thick callous on it. So, when the blister burst, it left a rather large hole...and deep due to the callous. I guess saying BIG is a relative term but it sure seemed that way to me.
My doctor (the vascular one works at the Wound Center one day a week) regaled the new nurse with the story of the first time we met in the hospital. I was loaded for bear by the time my regular doctor came to see me, then the orthopedic doctor hit me with the news about amputating my toe so the poor vascular surgeon became my target. I was just frustrated that MOST doctors barely tell you anything no matter what questions you ask. But my vascular doctor told me if I was unhappy with him for any reason, he would find me another doctor. I calmed down then when I realized HE was not really the source of my frustration. He sat down and very thoroughly went over everything regarding my circulation in my legs, what he needed to do, the risks, etc. I have come to love this guy and he knows it. He grinned and said I had grown to love him and vice versa. I know he just threw that last one in to make me smile and it worked....LOL!
So, he looks at the wound, makes sure the nurse numbed it and then proceeds to compliment me on how *clean* it was. He DID take a sample for a culture, just to be certain there was no serious bacteria in it. He asked me what I had been doing to treat it and I told him. He said he was going to have me use Medhoney instead as he scraped the wound with a mini-scalpel. Then he gave me some Medhoney gel to use, a prescription for a special shoe I have to go pick up tomorrow. It will keep my toe pointed up away from the ground so I am not building up a callous. He said it wouldn't heal if I kept putting pressure on it. He then ordered an MRI for the foot (another one of his..just to be sure...things) AND a sonogram on both my legs to check out the surgeries and make sure the circulation is what it should be. Poor circulation in that leg won't let it heal either. **Sigh**
So next week is going to be a trail for me, especially with the special shoe. At least it's not my driving foot...LOL! Then it's back to see him next Friday to check the toe out, go over the results of my tests and I'm sure he will be scraping more stuff from the wound, too. He told me I had kept it very clean he could tell and the wound looked good (?). With the pain I've been having in that same leg from my knee up to my hip area, I AM concerned about it being some obstruction or other in the artery/arteries. We shall see what turns up.
It's cold outside. It's just an hour after midnight and the temperature is 35 degrees and still dropping. It was raining out earlier but has stopped ... for now. They say more rain tomorrow. I'll take rain. Just don't want ice and/or snow.
Love you all. I'm really tired and falling asleep on my butt right now. I was involved talking with three friends at the same time but on different IM's. I'm so glad that Yahoo Instant Messenger now tabs different conversations so you don't have IM's spread all over the place on your screen any more. The tabs light up and blink when there's fresh conversation for you to look at. Makes handling them so much easier. You just click a tab to change to another person.
Be good. Have a great weekend. Keep warm and dry, ya hear? **Wink**
No Changes....
News at the doctor's office was good. My A1C was half of what it was three months ago, which means it was down to almost 5 (which is great!). So the addition of the one other oral medication did the trick. Funny thing, it was the original medication I was on back when I was first diagnosed with diabetes, only a smaller dose since it was supplemental to the other one I am on now. Strange how things like that work.
I had the doctor look at the blister that burst on the underside of my big toe and he made an immediate appointment for me with the Wound Center since we diabetics just don't heal well. He took an X-ray of my foot to make sure there hadn't been any infection that has gotten into my bone (but admitted that an X-ray is not as good as an MRI or bone scan). I had to have him look at it because the toe was feeling kind of like it might be getting infected although, lord knows, I have been keeping it well washed, soaked and bandaged. That should teach me to walk barefoot outside the house and get a stone bruise under there. It's not like I have great feeling in the underside of my feet. BIG DUMMY HERE!
So, at 8:30am, I have to be at the Wound Center. It's close to the house here so that's not a long trip to make and, if I have to pick up any medication, I'm close to Walmart, too. I have to stop there, anyway, to pick up my pain medication that the doctor had to renew today. Lord knows, I don't abuse them as my doctor said when he looked at the amount I've used over the past two years. Heck, for the past two months, I haven't even had an active prescription but was able to live off what I haven't used previously. Since I am only prescribed two per day, just goes to show you that I manage to kind of *tough it out* a lot of the time. The doctor says you can't become addicted if you really need the medication but I prefer not to take chances, know what I mean?
Chewlee got here, as usual, and her teacher not only gave her a Smiley face yesterday (and today) but she wrote *A great day!* in the space provided. Chewlee said she is now a *team leader* in her class. I gather that means that she distributes such things as papers, snacks and other duties that the kids think are a big deal. I was glad to hear it because it's something she wanted to be for a long time. Smart teacher she has to tie it in with her good behavior. She should be learning that anyway but whatever it takes!
Chewlee got her pickles, of course and she had just grabbed a donut when her mother called to tell me to have Chewlee put her shoes on (she always takes them off when she gets here) and then send her outside because she was almost to the house. Surprise! Chewlee burst into tears! She didn't want to go home right then because she said she wouldn't be able to watch her cartoons because her mother puts on her *stupid programs*and she can't see her cartoons at all. I hugged her and wrapped her donut into a paper towel so she could hold it until she got home and she did leave albeit reluctantly. I felt kind of bad for her because she said she couldn't even watch her cartoon DVD's because they were gone now. I didn't even ask because I'm sure they got thrown out (and that is a total waste of money from MY standpoint because they are NOT cheap) when she didn't put them up. Some lessons are hard.
The Beast bought us a new slow cooker that is not as good as the one that got destroyed the other day when the cooktop came on without reason. I'm reluctant to even use that particular burner because there still doesn't seem to be a reason for that happening. The Beast went to a couple different stores trying to find us one but did the best he could. He also bought me a small little cooker to use for making my own chili con queso and spicy cheese dips. I thought that was sweet of him and then discovered it came with the slow cooker. But he was still thinking about things *I* like to make so......it still matters. I told him to go online and see if he can find us one that is more like the old one. It had a top that sealed and had better controls on it for cooking things. He'll spend the next couple days trying to find one so it's a chore that will keep him out of MY hair for a bit.
It's warm outside tonight and we had some rain here earlier. Not much but I think it was different north of us. I could hear a storm off in the distance. It's 72 outside right now but it's supposed to drop down into the mid-60's as our high tomorrow during the day. Another, bigger rainstorm is supposed to hit us early so I guess it's going to bring in the cooler weather with it. Our low will be down around 34 they say. Brrr! It was overcast all day long and poor Baron was kind of depressed from the way he acted when I took him out front early in the day. Try as he might, he could find NO sun to lay in. Poor thing. He moped in the house, too. His moping consists of being constantly changing where he is and avoiding the front door where he lays on sunny days. And they say dogs don't really show emotions!
I woke up suddenly because I realized I hadn't been online much and so hadn't even thought about my blog. Sorry. Love you all and have a great Friday. Stay warm and dry. Be careful outside. I'm hearing about a lot of road closings all over the country due to black ice and accidents. Don't be a statistic. **Wink**
I had the doctor look at the blister that burst on the underside of my big toe and he made an immediate appointment for me with the Wound Center since we diabetics just don't heal well. He took an X-ray of my foot to make sure there hadn't been any infection that has gotten into my bone (but admitted that an X-ray is not as good as an MRI or bone scan). I had to have him look at it because the toe was feeling kind of like it might be getting infected although, lord knows, I have been keeping it well washed, soaked and bandaged. That should teach me to walk barefoot outside the house and get a stone bruise under there. It's not like I have great feeling in the underside of my feet. BIG DUMMY HERE!
So, at 8:30am, I have to be at the Wound Center. It's close to the house here so that's not a long trip to make and, if I have to pick up any medication, I'm close to Walmart, too. I have to stop there, anyway, to pick up my pain medication that the doctor had to renew today. Lord knows, I don't abuse them as my doctor said when he looked at the amount I've used over the past two years. Heck, for the past two months, I haven't even had an active prescription but was able to live off what I haven't used previously. Since I am only prescribed two per day, just goes to show you that I manage to kind of *tough it out* a lot of the time. The doctor says you can't become addicted if you really need the medication but I prefer not to take chances, know what I mean?
Chewlee got here, as usual, and her teacher not only gave her a Smiley face yesterday (and today) but she wrote *A great day!* in the space provided. Chewlee said she is now a *team leader* in her class. I gather that means that she distributes such things as papers, snacks and other duties that the kids think are a big deal. I was glad to hear it because it's something she wanted to be for a long time. Smart teacher she has to tie it in with her good behavior. She should be learning that anyway but whatever it takes!
Chewlee got her pickles, of course and she had just grabbed a donut when her mother called to tell me to have Chewlee put her shoes on (she always takes them off when she gets here) and then send her outside because she was almost to the house. Surprise! Chewlee burst into tears! She didn't want to go home right then because she said she wouldn't be able to watch her cartoons because her mother puts on her *stupid programs*and she can't see her cartoons at all. I hugged her and wrapped her donut into a paper towel so she could hold it until she got home and she did leave albeit reluctantly. I felt kind of bad for her because she said she couldn't even watch her cartoon DVD's because they were gone now. I didn't even ask because I'm sure they got thrown out (and that is a total waste of money from MY standpoint because they are NOT cheap) when she didn't put them up. Some lessons are hard.
The Beast bought us a new slow cooker that is not as good as the one that got destroyed the other day when the cooktop came on without reason. I'm reluctant to even use that particular burner because there still doesn't seem to be a reason for that happening. The Beast went to a couple different stores trying to find us one but did the best he could. He also bought me a small little cooker to use for making my own chili con queso and spicy cheese dips. I thought that was sweet of him and then discovered it came with the slow cooker. But he was still thinking about things *I* like to make so......it still matters. I told him to go online and see if he can find us one that is more like the old one. It had a top that sealed and had better controls on it for cooking things. He'll spend the next couple days trying to find one so it's a chore that will keep him out of MY hair for a bit.
It's warm outside tonight and we had some rain here earlier. Not much but I think it was different north of us. I could hear a storm off in the distance. It's 72 outside right now but it's supposed to drop down into the mid-60's as our high tomorrow during the day. Another, bigger rainstorm is supposed to hit us early so I guess it's going to bring in the cooler weather with it. Our low will be down around 34 they say. Brrr! It was overcast all day long and poor Baron was kind of depressed from the way he acted when I took him out front early in the day. Try as he might, he could find NO sun to lay in. Poor thing. He moped in the house, too. His moping consists of being constantly changing where he is and avoiding the front door where he lays on sunny days. And they say dogs don't really show emotions!
I woke up suddenly because I realized I hadn't been online much and so hadn't even thought about my blog. Sorry. Love you all and have a great Friday. Stay warm and dry. Be careful outside. I'm hearing about a lot of road closings all over the country due to black ice and accidents. Don't be a statistic. **Wink**
Wednesday, December 4, 2013
A Weird But Great Day!
I say weird because it was almost 70 degrees here today and we are supposed to have another one just like it tomorrow. I pulled weeds and piled them up in a couple different areas so the Beast can chop them when he mows the yard. The *weeds* are really the remains of all the plants, like the tomatoes, the peppers, the cucumbers.....you get the idea. It's quicker than composting them and will be good for the grass next spring.
I had to make a quick trip to Walmart to pick up my prescriptions. If I hadn't been out of the two most important medications, I might not have renewed them since there's the chance my doctor will be changing them tomorrow after I see him and get my A1C test done. I may have to be changed over to an injection medication. Sigh! Oh well. We can only wait and see.
I need to get new prescriptions for the other medications while I am there, including my pain medication. I haven't had a renewal for it for two months now but I had enough to last me since I don't use what I have the medication prescription for so there was plenty left. I only use it if I really am having a lot of pain in my feet. Most of the time, I can stand it. I get enough to use two per day but don't even use one usually. It's only when I am on my feet and doing a LOT of walking that I take one at night so I can sleep without my feet hurting like crazy.
Chewlee was cute today. We did a couple of hidden object puzzles, including a new one she hadn't seen before. She really is good at them so it's fun to do them with her. When her mother finally came to get her, she was ready to go home, however. She told me her other papa is coming to visit her either tomorrow or on Friday. She kept saying that he was taking her down to Florida. I explained that she had school so he really couldn't take her without getting into trouble unless her mother said she could go. When she asked what kind of trouble, I told her he could be arrested by the police. She gasped and said, *I don't want him to get arrested!* I told her not to worry about that because I was sure he wouldn't take her to his home in Florida without her mommy saying it was okay.
She told me she really wanted to go somewhere it was warm and she could go swimming like in Florida. I told her that I feel the same way.....a lot! I would love to go for a week or so and just enjoy the sand, the sun and the water again. I really DO miss it. Funny how you take some things for granted until you suddenly can't enjoy those things. I kind of knew that I would miss the ocean when we moved here but I thought the lake would help with that. I forgot about duck weed in fresh water lakes that don't have much in the way of currents. I hate the way that feels against your legs. Oh well. You win some, you lose some.
I made a pasta tuna salad today that was really different. You have to sprinkle parmesan or romano cheese on it before you eat it but I kept tasting it while it was chilling and it was so tasty and very different. It has cut up olives and cherry tomatoes in it and a dressing of olive oil, garlic, red wine vinegar and chopped green peppers. I used small bow tie pasta and tuna in water (drained, of course). I also threw in baby spinach leaves with the pasta while it was still hot so it would be wilted. It's a recipe I have never made before but I think I will end up throwing some Italian dressing on it just to spark the taste up a bit. It would have been fine without the tuna I think. But it sure is yummy.
I sent some home with Chewlee for the Princess. I have no idea if she liked it or not since I haven't heard from her yet about it. She'll tell me.
The Beast ordered me a panini sandwich maker by DeLonghi. I thought we would end up with another George Foreman grill but I think we will like this one much better. It can also grill hamburgers and steaks, etc. but it has a special handle that will allow me to make my Cuban sandwiches which need to be pressed down hard or else there has to be a heavy top. Since panini is pressed the same way, I'm looking forward to having it. It should be here on Monday. Yum! Cuban sandwiches here we come!
Love you all. Only a couple more days until the weekend. Really cold weather coming into the states from the Pacific Northwest so bundle up, folks. Warm weather one day and then the cold will be sweeping down even to us in the Southeastern U.S. Ick! **Wink**
I had to make a quick trip to Walmart to pick up my prescriptions. If I hadn't been out of the two most important medications, I might not have renewed them since there's the chance my doctor will be changing them tomorrow after I see him and get my A1C test done. I may have to be changed over to an injection medication. Sigh! Oh well. We can only wait and see.
I need to get new prescriptions for the other medications while I am there, including my pain medication. I haven't had a renewal for it for two months now but I had enough to last me since I don't use what I have the medication prescription for so there was plenty left. I only use it if I really am having a lot of pain in my feet. Most of the time, I can stand it. I get enough to use two per day but don't even use one usually. It's only when I am on my feet and doing a LOT of walking that I take one at night so I can sleep without my feet hurting like crazy.
Chewlee was cute today. We did a couple of hidden object puzzles, including a new one she hadn't seen before. She really is good at them so it's fun to do them with her. When her mother finally came to get her, she was ready to go home, however. She told me her other papa is coming to visit her either tomorrow or on Friday. She kept saying that he was taking her down to Florida. I explained that she had school so he really couldn't take her without getting into trouble unless her mother said she could go. When she asked what kind of trouble, I told her he could be arrested by the police. She gasped and said, *I don't want him to get arrested!* I told her not to worry about that because I was sure he wouldn't take her to his home in Florida without her mommy saying it was okay.
She told me she really wanted to go somewhere it was warm and she could go swimming like in Florida. I told her that I feel the same way.....a lot! I would love to go for a week or so and just enjoy the sand, the sun and the water again. I really DO miss it. Funny how you take some things for granted until you suddenly can't enjoy those things. I kind of knew that I would miss the ocean when we moved here but I thought the lake would help with that. I forgot about duck weed in fresh water lakes that don't have much in the way of currents. I hate the way that feels against your legs. Oh well. You win some, you lose some.
I made a pasta tuna salad today that was really different. You have to sprinkle parmesan or romano cheese on it before you eat it but I kept tasting it while it was chilling and it was so tasty and very different. It has cut up olives and cherry tomatoes in it and a dressing of olive oil, garlic, red wine vinegar and chopped green peppers. I used small bow tie pasta and tuna in water (drained, of course). I also threw in baby spinach leaves with the pasta while it was still hot so it would be wilted. It's a recipe I have never made before but I think I will end up throwing some Italian dressing on it just to spark the taste up a bit. It would have been fine without the tuna I think. But it sure is yummy.
I sent some home with Chewlee for the Princess. I have no idea if she liked it or not since I haven't heard from her yet about it. She'll tell me.
The Beast ordered me a panini sandwich maker by DeLonghi. I thought we would end up with another George Foreman grill but I think we will like this one much better. It can also grill hamburgers and steaks, etc. but it has a special handle that will allow me to make my Cuban sandwiches which need to be pressed down hard or else there has to be a heavy top. Since panini is pressed the same way, I'm looking forward to having it. It should be here on Monday. Yum! Cuban sandwiches here we come!
Love you all. Only a couple more days until the weekend. Really cold weather coming into the states from the Pacific Northwest so bundle up, folks. Warm weather one day and then the cold will be sweeping down even to us in the Southeastern U.S. Ick! **Wink**
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