Many years ago when I was a new nurse and went to work on a medical/surgical unit one of the surgeon’s warned me to never put two patients who were having the same surgery in a room together; as all the rooms were dual occupancy. He said they would compare their conditions, medications and healing progress and of course, he was correct. Each of us heal and mend in our own time, have our own medications specifically selected for us and respond individually. That’s a good thing, actually. This is a memory that lives on in me as a fine example of how different we each are one from another. I also found it appalling when as a nurse manager, I would occasionally hear, some nurse or nurse’s aide bellow up the hallway, “Hey the gallbladder in room 22 wants water.” Oh dear, gallbladders sitting in beds and thirsty at that. What a thought. There are times in our lives when we must stand up for our rights and privileges as individuals. Actually, I can think of few times when it isn’t necessary. Sometimes we are intimidated by those in powerful positions but that must not deter us. If you’re not on your own side in this fight for life, than who will be?
The cookie cutter approach to medicine has always been appalling to me. Each of us is as individual as a snowflake and should be treated that way. Life is complex and complicated and appears to be getting more so however each of us is simply a mixture of what we’ve experienced, learned, rejected or had put upon us both physically and mentally. This is never more so than in the area of our health. I have never been to a doctor’s office where there is a quiga board, a crystal ball or a gypsy mind reader, have you? Therefore, it is the patients, you and I who are responsible for informing new doctors or reminding old ones of what they should know about us. I would also suggest that you keep an open mind about other fields of medicine such as chiropractic, homeopathy and acupuncture. Main street medicine is not the only game in town for many of us. Many of us have also found much relief from physical therapy and the rehab practices.
I have recently gone through a long siege at the dentist. Lest you think I don’t brush, let me reassure you I do and actually own a waterpik and have no idea why I developed so many dental problems in the same year I was diagnosed with breast cancer. Well, actually, that’s not quite true. I do have a couple of ideas. I also fractured my back by bending over and have severe osteoporosis and believe that may affect my teeth and indeed, anybody’s teeth who also share this condition of loss of bone density. I also have Sjogren’s Syndrome and for those of you who aren’t familiar with it one of its symptoms is dry mouth, dry throat and also dry eyes. However, in my case my nose runs like a big, friendly, overly enthusiastic dog’s. Dry mouth can lead to tooth decay, although I have made a point of drinking fluids all day long because I know I should and dry throat demands it.
As most of you already know I also suffer from a disease of the cartilage which has affected many parts of my body and causes me to have the most inconvenient problem of not being able to sit for long. It hurts my bum. These problems along with arthritis all up and down the spine make going to the dentist a bit of a challenge. I won’t call it a nightmare because my dentist is wonderful as are the staff who work for him. They are the friendliest office crew I have ever encountered and that does go a long way toward stemming the tide of shots of novocaine, drills whirring in your mouth and all that pick and ax routine that make you feel as though your brain will emerge at any moment. It makes shrill screaming, on the part of the patient, much more difficult when someone is behaving kindly toward you.
Each time any of us are faced with uncomfortable procedures, it’s a good idea to arrive armed to the teeth (pun), about our own condition and where our problem areas lie. You and I are responsible for our health problems being managed and when necessary to inform others when we need assistance. For instance, I can’t lean back in the dental chair without a couple of rolled up towels supporting my neck. We each have to learn how to speak up on behalf of ourselves and our own comfort and safety. Sitting for a long visit is also problematic for many of us and my trips and treatments had to be spread out a bit more perhaps than they would be for others. Ten trips to the dentist later, I am now fully armed and ready to bite the head off of anyone who irritates me.
My last visit was particularly gruesome due to the location of three cavities and the fact my mouth is only so large, in spite of what my writing might indicate. I proposed to the kind dentist that, instead of having clouds overhead, he might want to print a rating system on the ceiling, complete with expletives. He could have a list of ten complaints or curse words. That way a patient with cotton in their mouth or clamps holding their jaw open could simply point and utter, “Five and three.” I don’t expect he’ll take me up on the suggestion because he’s an extremely clean living fellow and not given to expletives himself. My last comment to him was that my last visit was definitely a “number two,” and all that that implies for those of you, like me, who have juvenile minds.
I believe each of us has an obligation to stand up for ourselves; well, maybe not literally while at the dentist, but you get the gist. In this last year since I’ve been seeing so many new physicians in the field of cancer unlike the rheumatologists and dermatologists I usually see, I have seen a look of amazement cross several faces. My list of diagnoses has dropped many a jaw. My list of medications is long and detailed. I always have an updated version in my purse to prevent any misunderstandings.
Far too often patients go to a new physician and expect him to play guessing games. This is not the time to play coy. Tell him/her what is wrong, what medications you’re taking and what your significant history is. So often you sit in the lobby and fill out fifteen pages of paperwork and the doctor doesn’t see it because it’s stuck in a file so don’t be afraid to ask if he/she has seen the library book you just wrote in the lobby. Speak up. This is your life we’re talking about and they are there because of you. Big mouths unite…speak up. I have found by being a bit more aggressive, doctors tend to remember you more easily, see you as individuals and I suspect, secretly respect you for it as long as you don’t overdo it. Be respectful, this means no swearing, spitting or biting. Control your emotions as much as possible. Those weeping conversations full of unintelligible words are frustrating for a stranger to deal with. The only thing they communicate is your level of emotional trauma and that’s not always good. The last thing you want is for the words “nut job” to go onto your computerized chart where it will live forever, even if you don’t.
I have also found my general practice doctor often becomes frustrated if I lay too many of my rheumatology problems at her feet. I just hit them lightly and move on to her areas of expertise which is usually the current problem such as the flu or my basic medications. Some of us have health histories that are overwhelming and although they draw sympathy, they take up far too much time and remember, sympathy isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. There’s a fine line between the doctor dreading to see you and the doctor helping you. Lay it out there but don’t overdo it. Keeping it light can also help. The doctors have to get through the day just as we do and the business of medicine gets mighty heavy for them sometimes, just as it does for us. Speak up, don’t throw up. Stand up, don’t fall down and always be as pleasant and respectful as you can be unless the doctor you’re seeing is a real jerk, then forget all of the above and get the heck out of there and find another one. Why do people stay with doctors that are unkind, rude or incompetent? I can only think of two reasons: insurance problems or being too inhibited to get up and leave.
Some individuals think a doctor is a doctor and one is as good as another. That is completely untrue. You and I deserve the best. A doctor’s reputation usually speaks quite loudly and now with the age of computers it’s much easier to read reviews or look up something about someone. I have often relied on my trusty family practitioner who has always kept me in touch with the best in each field of practice. I trust her knowing she has my welfare in mind. If you and I are to have the best care we must always speak up and on rare occasions, get up and walk out. Most importantly of all, for the best medical care we must let our health care providers know the facts, the details and the pertinent information about our bodies. I understand it’s not always easy. After all, I have to tell them all I have a bad bum. It’s a great “ice breaker.” Funny, but that also always evokes a smile.
Weekly Dose of Sue 
BEAUTIFUL…JUST IN TIME FOR MY NEW DR. APPOINTMENT THIS MORNING. I NEEDED TO READ THIS. WHAT TIMING!!! ITS GIVEN ME THE BOOST I NEED TO SPEAK UP AND BE PROACTIVE TODAY. THANK YOU, SUE, FOR THIS VERY RELEVANT BLOG TODAY. I HOPE YOU ARE RECOVERING FROM ALL THAT DENTAL WORK. I HAVE TMJ AND WOULD FIND ALL THAT WORK SO PAINFUL, IF NOT IMPOSSIBLE. MUST RUN TO MY APPT NOW,. BUT HAD TO LET YOU KNOW HOW MUCH YOUR BLOG HELPED ME THIS MORNING!!!!!!!!!!!!. LOVE, JO
P.S. I AM BRING ING A COPY OF YOUR BLOG WITH ME TO DR.’S OFFICE SO I CAN RE-READ IT WHILE WAITING… FOR REENFORCEMENT!!
JO….YOU KNOW I AM THINKING OF YOU…………GOD BLESS ….JEN X
Jo, okay, you go girl. Your enthusiasm is infectious. Thanks for getting what I was saying so completely. Loving ourselves has to come first right? or we have nothing else to give. Pray all goes well with the new doc. TMJ stinks doesn’t it. My jaw actually popped twice once it got locked into place so I feel your pain. Wish we didn’t all have to share the pain but since it’s there thank God we can share the experience of getting through it. Let me know how it goes, okay? Love, Sue
THIS BLOG, WHICH I THANK YOU FOR SUE, TAKES ME BACK TO MY MEDICAL DAYS……SO MANY PATIENTS WE HAD, WHO NEVER SPOKE UP AND THOUGHT THE DOCTOR WAS A BLOODY CLAIRVOYANT….UNBELIEVABLE.
WHEN I MEET WITH A NEW PHYSICIAN, I MAKE A POINT OF INTRODUCING MYSELF, SHAKING HANDS AND GIVING THEM A POTTED BUT GOOD HISTORY, AND LIVING HERE IN FRANCE, OFTEN I HAVE TAKEN A TRANSLATION….JUST IN CASE.
DENTIST…..OH LORD, DON’T EVEN GO THERE, I HAVE AN OCTOBER APPT, AND DREADING IT ONCE AGAIN, IN CASE HE SETS THINGS OFF BY PULLING THIS WAY AND THAT, SO SUE, I KNOW EXACTLY WHAT YOU MEAN. STILL LETS HOPE YOU ARE DONE WITH ALL THAT NOW, AND AT LEAST YOU CAN GET CLOSURE ON ONE THING.
IF I COULD HAVE ONE THING GO RIGHT IN THE HEALTH DEPARTMENT, I THINK IT WOULD BE TO BE RID OF THE PAIN IN MY HEAD/JAW/EARS….THINGS I CAN’T SEEM TO GET FIXED…………LOVE AND HUGS…….JENNIE XX
Jennie, I am so sorry that pain is being so persistent. It would definitely be a “do tell” to the dentist when you see him next month. Just tell him you bite if anyone hurts anything above your shoulders. Like so many of us, sometimes we can only ask for one day at a time to be relatively pain free, you know? I pray that for you dear girl. Love, Sue
HI SUE……I WILL TELL THE DENTIST FOR SURE, HAD A BAD CASE OF NEURALGIA TODAY, THIS IS ALL TOO MUCH FOR ME, ONE THING AFTER ANOTHER, WITHOUT ANY OF THE OTHER STUFF CLEARING UP. FORGIVE THE MOANING, BUT I AM SO SCARED OF WHERE THIS MIGHT BE HEADING…………LOVE YOU…JEN X
Dear Sue, I agree with Jo that this one needs to be printed out and taken with me. By moving so far (Ft. Worth area to Houston) I am going to have all new doctors and it really scares me. I have always had difficulty listing my medical problems to anyone including a doctor. It’s seems like complaining and I was taught not to do that. Thank goodness I don’t have anything rare or unusual, just so darn many things have gone wrong in the last 10 to 15 years. Anyway thanks for the post it will be big help.
13 days until I go. 3 months seemed such a long time when I first admitted I was going to have move, but it has just flown by. I now have stacks of boxes with empty shelves, cupboards and closets. My husbands stuff in his garage workshop is all gone, the emptiness out there reminds me of how much my life has changed and this is just the beginning. I could use a few prayers about now.
Seems this turned into a pity party and I didn’t mean for that to happen. Been doing too much lifting and am getting very tired and the meds aren’t helping with the pain today.
Sending prayers for all. I love you all so much. Take care. Janet
Thinking of you, Janet, and sending plenty of warm and tender hugs.
Janet dear, thirteen days, huh? Oh my but the time has gone quickly. More so for us than you as you have had SO much work to do. I can envision you surrounded by boxes as you’ve disassembled your life but sweet friend, remember there are new things, folks, friends and happenings awaiting you in Houston. Nothing like going the depth of the state in a move, huh? Will you be near the Gulf? The reality of what you’re facing dear friend is not a pity party, it is just a jarring physical and emotional change. We all hate change and it’s just plain hard. I am not a bit surprised you’re exhausted and very sore from all of that work. It seems others sometimes help but there are some things one can only do for one’s self like decisions of what to keep and what to discard. Hope you’re keeping the things that warm your heart with memories and love. Be sure to stay in touch as I know each of us have you in our thoughts and hearts. What an adventure you’re heading into. It is going to be fine but not easy. Much love, Sue
sue, I don’t know how you do it, but sometimes it seems you get right into my head and heart. Everything you said here is right where I am. I will be about 50 miles from Galveston and will probably get down there once in a while. Until I moved to Texas I had always lived close to the Pacific Ocean, grew up at the beach in California and lived close to Puget Sound when I was in Seattle. That’s the one thing I have missed here in Texas.
My prayers have been with you through all the rough times you have been through this last year and I pray they are now over. Love you dear Lady and one thing about cyber friends is they really don’t go away no matter where you go they are right there on your computer. Janet
JANET…SOUNDS LIKE YOU ARE GETTING THERE, BUT YOU NEED PRAYER….YOU GOT IT. XXX jENNIE XXX
Dear Jennie, Thank you so much. You know you have mine and your need is so much greater. I hate to think of all you are going through. I know it must be very frightening. But your faith will see you though. Much love, Janet
JANET, SAYING PRAYERS FOR YOU AS YOU ARE ABOUT TO ENTER INTO AN ALL NEW CHAPTER IN YOUR LIFE. I ADMIRE YOU FOR HOW YOU ARE HANDLING THE CHANGE. I AM TRYING TO TALK MY MOM, WHO IS 86, INTO MOVING OUT MY WAY TO AZ FROM CHICAGO NOW THAT MY FATHER HAS PASSED AWAY. MY MOM IS SO AFRAID OF CHANGE…ALWAYS HAS BEEN AS FAR BACK AS I CAN REMEMBER. I AM HOPING WE CAN GET HER TO SEE IT IS BEST FOR HER TO NOT BE ALONE. PRAYERS FOR YOU FOR A SMOOTH TRANSITION…… JO
Thank You Jo. I hope it works out for your Mother. I managed by myself for 5 years, but it is getting so I will have to quit driving and given where I live I have no choice, I have to move. I’m very lucky to have a son and DIL that seem to truly want me to live with them. Thanks again for your prayers. Love, Janet
Dear Janet, I am praying for you everyday. God will give you the strength you need, of this I am sure. Closing one door, opening another . So much going on in your life…so..:Does Ft Worth EVER cross your mind ?” (sorry I had to do it !) Love you much
Tonie
Thanks Tonie I needed the laugh. Love, Janet
Sue, such an important message. Thanks for sharing as only you can do. 🙂
Lyn, well it is about being individuals, right? Each of us certainly are unique and wonderful. Sometimes doctors need to be reminded of that fact after a long hard day of seeing patients. Love, Sue
Yea this has reinforced me for Thursday for my results of my scan with the gastro and the polyps .
Janet
As lyn says thinking of you,
Jen
One thing after another ain’t it?
Short note tired after being so busy
Chris
Chris, How’s your Dad? Still improving I hope. Thursday is it for you? In your remarks to Jen you are so right. It is always something with each of us and always shall be. Guess we ought to get used to it but hope springs eternal as it damn well should. Hang in there dear lady. Love, Sue P.S. Thinking of you on THursday.
HI CHRIS……I’LL BE THINKING OF YOU ON THURSDAY LOVE, BE SURE TO LET US KNOW YOUR RESULTS.
BAD DAY TODAY…….AGAIN…..LOVE JEN X
Hi Sue and everyone. I have written 2 different replys and lost both of them. Not trying again right now. I pray for each one of you and whatever is going on and that each need will be met. My neck and shoulder is hurting so badly. One day so hot the next feeling like fall. Makes the pain and aches worse. I am going upstairs now to bag up some things for charity. The truck comes by tomorrow. Can’t put it off any longer. I am so tired and sleepy. Please keep me in your prayers. I really need to get this done. Sue, once again a great blog. LOVE Donna
Donna, don’t worry about it. Just come back when you feel better. I know what you’re thinking about the charity stuff. Just passed a Goodwill truck this morning coming from the store and had the same thoughts. Take care of that neck and shoulder. Do you have help with ice or heat? Thinking of you dear girl. Love, Sue
DONNA……I AM SO SORRY YOU FEEL BAD WITH YOUR NECK AND SHOULDER LOVEY, I EXPECT THE UP AND DOWN TEMPERATURES AFFECT YOUR CONDITION, I DREAD WINTER AND COLD, JOINT PAIN GOES OUT OF CONTROL….DOES YOURS?? I ALWAYS KEEP YOU IN MY PRAYERS MY FRIEND……LOVE JENNIE X
Jo, How did your doctor’s appointment go? Thinking about you and it. Love, Sue
SUE, THANKS FOR ASKING. WELL, I WAS PREPARED TO SPEAK UP TODAY. I HAD A LIST OF ALL MY MEDICAL CONCERNS.WRITTEN DOWN AND A COPY OF YOUR BLOG WITH ME TO GIVE ME COURAGE! I THINK WE ALL SHOUILD CARRY IT WITH US TO OUR DR. VISITS. THE VISIT WAS A MIXED BAG….HE ONLY SPENT TEN MINUTES WITH ME, HARDLY ENOUGH TIME TO ADDRESS ALL THE THINGS I WANTED TO. BUT I MANAGEDTO ACCOMPLISH A FEW OF THE MORE IMPORTANT ITEMS. I DID GET MY PHYSICAL THERAPY SCRIPT FOR AQUA THERAPY FOR MY BACK PAIN AND FIBRO.. I DID IT LAST FALL AND IT SEEMED TO HELP SOME. I ALSO GOT SOME NEW SCRIPTS TO TRY, MANY TUBES OF BLOOD DRAWN AND A REFERRAL TO A NEUROLOGIST. HE FELT SOME OF MY PROBLEMS FALL MORE INTO NEUROLOGICAL PROBLEMS WITH MY POOR BALANCE AND DIZZINESS.. SO I FEEL I MADE SOME PROGRESS.
YOU ARE RIGHT ABOUT LOVING OURSELVES FIRST. I AM LEARNING TO PUT MYSELF FIRST FOR A CHANGE. IT IS HARD TO DO WHEN YOU HAVE BEEN ONE WAY ALL YOUR LIFE. BUT THE EVENTS OF THE LAST 9 MONTHS FROM THE SHINGLES TO MY DAD’S DEATH IN MARCH AND THREE TRIPS BACK AND FORTH TO CHICAGO TO LOOK AFTER MY MOM, MADE ME TAKE A HARD LOOK AT MYSELF AND ANALYZE WHY I ALWAYS FEEL OBLIGATED TO HELP EVERYONE. IT’S A WORK IN PROGRESS:)
I HOPE YOUR LIFE IS GETTING SOMEWHAT BACK TO YOUR NORMAL AFTER ALL YOU HAVE GONE THROUGH.AND YOUR JAW PAIN IS IMPROVING. TRY TO HAVE A RESTFUL EVENING….LOVE, JO
Jo dear, short but semi-sweet, huh? At least you got the order for water therapy and hopefully the referral will help. It’s always good to get a new perspective from another doctor even if it is a starting over with a new guy thing. You’ve had quite a year my dear and come to think of it, so have I. Whoosh. Let’s both pray the coming one is a calmer one, okay? Love the new philosophy and yes, it probably is a work in progress because all of life seems to be, don’t you think? Thanks for keeping us updated on your visit. Love ya, Sue
Jennie, sometimes we just have to literally walk away from our fears. Pick up a good book, go plant a flower, sit in the sunshine or do whatever you can to cheer up Sacha or DH. I know you have strength but all of this constant, niggling pain is getting to you and each of us understand that. Don’t borrow trouble as far as the dentist is concerned. Can your new osteopath help you at all with the pain in the neck, jaw and face? Sometimes pain wins because it is so persistent. Is it possible to get your mind off of it with something to do, read, watch? I feel so badly for you. I do understand about the constant barrage. I told Jim the other day, “Gees, it’s been one long assault after another with my health since March.” He agreed and now I pray I face a break. By the way, I took a copy of this blog over to my dentist yesterday. His assistant talked to me by phone and said he and all of them got a big hoot out of it. He’s always saying he was afraid he’d end up in one of my blogs someday.
Jen, I’m here, always and anytime. I pray for you to have a stretch of time without so much pain. Love you, Sue
Thank you x
JENNIE…..PRAYING FOR YOU AND HOPING TOMORROW IS A BETTER DAY FOR YOU….LOVE YOU, JO X
Hi all:
Good read Ms Sue, and so so so TRUE all of it. I learned after working in the hospital that Dr’s are just people, and need to be reminded of what we need each visit. We are individuals and as such deserve the treatments. I always have to tell my dentists to watch my jaws for they pop, crack and will slip out of joint as well and get stuck. My TMJ is actin up badly due to the intubing I had done during surgery. Got my stitches out today (another pair of crafting sissors and hemostats.) ALl is well, just tired from the trip. GOt the surgery notes. Had a bad tear in the humeral head bicep. Seems they used a screw in it after stitching it up. But healing nicely.
Back to work tomorrow, and FRIDAY is my disability hearing so I sure need a big prayer for that day.
Love to all
Tonie
Tonie, So glad the stitch removal went smoothly. A screw huh? You must have a very strong muscle. Glad you’re back in business, well, sort of. I think we’re all praying for your disability hearing to go your way on Friday. I know it’s been such a long haul for you thus far and hope this is the finish…in a good way, of course. Sounds like, as far as the surgical report that you need to learn to think a bit smaller when it comes to taking on tasks and chores. Can you do that? Good news to hear you’re healing well. Rest after your arduous day. Later. Much love, Sue
Hi Tonie…….Glad your stitches are out now, and you are feeling more comfortable, so long as you don’t have a screw loose??????? Yes you are right love, Doctors and Dentists are just people, and have to be reminded that’s what we are too, and there is only so much tugging and pulling we can tolerate. Keep making a good recovery my friend….love you Jennie Poo xx
Hello….Just a quickie before I head off for the treatment……another bad night, haven’t slept more than three hours in weeks, got to keep going, got responsibilities….don’t we all !! I wish there was a magic potion for all out ailments, say like a bottle of Bailey’s and ten hours deep refreshing sleep…..how about that?
Indian Summer going on here, different for poor Jo, in AZ heavy rain predicted again, feel so sorry for those poor folks flooded only a couple of weeks ago.
Well best be off, must try not to cry when my neck gets twisted…..huh !
Love you all…………….Jennie xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Jennie, Indeed, I’ve been thinking about Jo, also. Hope you’re finding my messages on FB regarding your current misery. Much love, Sue
Yes……replied and thank you………..love you…..Jen x
I’m still so busy,with getting this house sorted and haven’t done a decent shop for a while so done that.
Done all gardening and housework. My dad now home ,but soon as he’s home he’s no good..can’t wrk it out.same meds.maybe he’s tired with waiting to come home all day the ambulance was delayed.
Done his wash and took it there. And he was so good in hosp. Face smiling..but he can’t move it now and back to dribbling .think I’ll have to ring his dr
Hosp for me in the morning
Tonie
You go get em on Friday
Jen
Yea good weather here too.hope your sleeping I’m gonna try and get some 4.30 am here
Chris
Hi Chris…….hope you managed to sleep a bit better, I managed five hours last night, haven’t done that in awhile. Good weather still ongoing, but had a storm last night and a wee drop of the wet stuff, but it was needed, I am seeing things in the rivers here, that I didn’t know existed…..islands and rock formations…fascinating.
Wish the family well, and hope some relief for you and your DH is on its way……………..love Jen x
PS….what I should have added, was I am seeing these things because we haven’t had rain in weeks, and the rivers are so low, these things are now appearing………..xxxxxx
Chris dear, well…waiting to hear how it went for you. Prayers and concern. Love, Sue
Well sue
Gotta have two polyps out.6/10 ugh
At hosp 3 hrs had to get bloods done and book in for coly
Then I got cystitis had to go to drs and John had another shingles rash and had to see dr as well
So out at 10 ish and back at 6.15. Took its time with all Apps etc
So exausted now and to bed with some painkillers
Thankyou for your concern .ill be better tomorrow ??
Write more then Love chris
Chris, rest well. Well dear, now you know. What a tiring day for both of you. I empathize. Hopefully polyp removal will help some of your symptoms in the gut and hope the cystitis clears for you quickly. So much to deal with and then poor John. What a devil of a time he’s had with those shingles. Prayers and hugs to both of you as well as wishes for a long rest. Much love, Sue
Take care, Chris, and rest.
I have just spent the longest time writing, only to have the “survery” for weeklydoseof sue pop up. Lost my post all together. I’m too tired right now to do it again. but love to you all
Linda
Take care, Linda, and come back when you’re rested. 🙂
Linda, good to hear from you even briefly. Hope all is as well as can be. Love ya, Sue
Oh Linda…..don’t you just hate it when that happens….done it loads of times…bummer !! Hope you are okay love, see you on here again I hope….Love Jennie xxxx
DH ear bled last night a lot,so awake in the night and went to drs this am. Apparently he has had an infection there and it has blistered in the canal and it all burst… Hence the blood and he is on warfarin so that’s why the pillow was soaked !…so on antibiotics…he said he didn’t notice the ear as all the pain with the shingles
Feel as others do that we are just in the firing line!
No sleep,last night so back to bed now
Chris
Oh poor Chris…..and poor DH, I had the same feelings a couple of days ago didn’t I, but when you feel its never going to stop, you seem to get through it….and you will. Try to have a good weekend if you can…thinking of you love…….Jen x
Hey all”
I have been very tired this week, come home from work and just collapse ! Guess it is the afteraffects of the surgery. Everyone is in my prayers. Please pray for me this am. I have my hearing for disability at 11:30. Must get dressed and be ready when My brother gets here to drive me. I have good feelings but want to bombard the Lord with a few more requests anyway 🙂 He hasn’t brought me this far to fail me now. Fall is truely here this week with all the dreary days and cool evenings. Not looking forward to the old winter wind coming in. Take care all , will report back tonight
Love
Tonie
Tonie, Prayers and good thoughts. Love, Janet
Tonie….you are doing too much so soon after your surgery, please be careful, you don’t want to undo all the work that’s been done…………I will be praying like mad for a good result for you today…it would be wonderful if you get your disability this time round………….looking forward to successful news….God bless……..Jennie Poo xx
Tonie, I’m not surprised at all that you are so fatigued. I’m quite sure surgery is a big culprit, pending disability hearing not helping, either. But good that the judge will see you not at your best. Now, rest!
OKAY LADIES !! Can we all say a BIG “PRAISE THE LORD” ??? It is not offical on paper yet, but the disability is going thru !! PLUS I should get all 3 years of back pay as well !! I am SOOOO happy !! Thank you all for praying for me thru all this. And NOW, I am going to sleep !!
Love
Tonie
Hurray!!!!! We knew it! Sleep well 🙂
Tonie, You already know how excited I am for you. Prayers, patience and the right lawyer. All came together on your behalf. Rest well. Love, Sue
Tonie, Great news, so happy for you. Janet
Oh Tonie……I can’t begin to tell you how happy I am for you……back dated too, just shows the power of prayer doesn’t it….rest easy now dear friend, a lot of you worries are over, and its no more than you deserve……love you big….Jennie Poo xxxxxxx
So good to hear this Tonie
All the plans you can make now
I’m excited for you
Chris
Today, I had a visit from some dear friends……in this last few weeks, my faith has been sorely tested to the point where I thought I was losing it.
I was praying for all my friends and family still, but given up praying for myself as I felt I was not being listened to, so what was the point?
I felt so ill and was not getting the help I needed to deal with it, I wasn’t asking for a cure, just to have strength to bear it all…..I have gradually reached a place where I am a bit more comfortable, it sort of crept up on me, but I was unaware of it as the process was so slow, which goes to show, the Lord does work in mysterious ways……darned if I understand it, but then I guess we are not supposed to are we? Just got to trust, so I guess its time to put MY name back on the prayer list.
I owe a lot of this to the friends who came today…..like it was meant to be.
Have a good weekend everyone, I hope its a peaceful one…………….love to everyone………………JENNIE xxxxxx
Jennie, reading this entry, I’m sorry I didn’t get back to you yesterday. Quite simply, I caught the flu from my GS and have been down a couple of days feeling crappy. My dear, why would you think the Lord hears your prayers for others but not for yourself? I don’t think any of us go through long periods of time when we are not discouraged. How can you have the hammer of chronic pain banging away on you without being worn and bruised? You can’t. We just pray for better days and eventual solutions to our various problems. Many believe the answers to prayer are, YES, NO and WAIT. That last one is even harder than no in many ways. You’ve had a terrible run of symptoms and suffering this time and I can certainly identify with your discouragement and sadness. You’re only human and these are doubts, failings and lack of faith which hits each of us. How can it not? Don’t be so hard on yourself. I understand and know that days are not all sunny, faith is not always strong and life can be rough and wear us down. It’s just important to get back up…eventually. It also helps me to remember God never turns His back on us. It is we who turn our backs on Him and His teachings. His arms are large and strong. Seek solace there and you’ll always be welcome. Much love, Sue
Hi Sue,
So sorry you have had the flu, and hope you are feeling better love. I am feeling better in my self, with the help of all my friends on here, and some special French friends, I seem to have survived……I will try not to be so hard on myself, I like to think I do my best for all folks I come into contact with, as you do yourself, so I mustn’t feel guilty if I sometimes ask things just for me. We have been enjoying some late sunshine today, a real bonus, and I can now get my training shoes back on, as my foot is much better….so its not all bad, oh yes !! I forgot, I can eat what I like now, so progress indeed.
My little Sacha has not been too well, same old problem with his skin, so I did as the vet said and gave him some more of the tablets she prescribed for this problem. He had a bit of a reaction this time, he was very clingy, just wanted to be on my lap the whole time, he is not large, but bloody hell, didn’t help my back….never mind, he too is on the mend now.
Okay my friend, rest up and talk to you again, and thank you as always for listening……Love you….Jennie xx
Oh, Toni, I am soooo happy for you! I gave you a lot of advice for your hearing in the post I lost, but looks like you didn’t need it. That 3 years back pay will he nice, too, huh? With mine, I wasn’t old enough for Medicare yet, but they counted the time I had waited, so that goes into affect right away. For disability, it was 2 years back then. I told you your prayer warriors were all behind you; now you’re proof of God answering prayers. Now, every couple of years, they will “review” your case to see if anything has changed. Don’t worry about that at all, it’s a short form for your doc to fill out.
Jennie, God answers prayers in his time, not ours. So, don’t be discouraged when we don’t get results right away. I used to pray that he would let me die, but every morning I would wake up. My Crohn’s was at it’s worse, I was going to bathroom 30 times or more a day, losing a pound a day for a couple months, and in so much pain, both hemorrhoids and arthritis and abdomen. But, he didn’t let me die then, and eventually I began to get better. Sometimes just getting out of bed made me so tired I had to lay back down. But, God wasn’t though with me yet; He still had work for me to do. So keep trusting in Him. His plan is always better than ours.
Sue, this blog was great. I think most of us old nurses learned this long ago, but people need reminding. A couple years back, a friend was complaining to me about her GP. I told her to fire him and find someone she likes and trusts. She said “but I don’t want to hurt his feelings.” I asked her, if she took her car to a mechanic and he was rude to her and didn’t fix her car, what would she do? She said, well, I’d find a good mechanic! I said “is your car more precious than your body?” She found another doctor that week.
My gastro is retiring this month. I am so mad at him. I tell all my doctors they can’t retire until I die! He has a partner, but I don’t wan to go to him. I have seen him be mean to patients. One night in ER he came in to do a procedure on one of my patients. I admit the man was drunk, but this doctor was so rough and talked so mean, it upset me. Mouth that I am, I said something to him. He said “The damned old drunk won’t remember it.” I said “but I will.” I really don’t want to be unconscious with this man. The other one in town, would walked up and down the halls in the hospital scratching his balls or his butt. Not that this has a bearing on his medical skills, but it’s a big big turn off for me. My only option is to look out of town. I do have one in Richmond, but that 200 miles is too much to drive very often and just won’t do at all when something odd comes up.
I saw my internist 2 weeks ago. My INR was really low (1.5) so I had to up my coumadin. They called me the next day with lab results. My calcium level was so low I can’t take my reclast infusion now. I’ve been taking tums, but guess they’re not doing it for me. My hemoglobin was less than 8, so I have to go back for feritin levels and thyroid function tests. I had him check my abd, I’m hurting in a new area. That shows my bowel wall has thickened, so my Crohn’s has spread. I’m confused about this, I though it spread in connecting segments but this is on the opposite side of my abd. I blame express scrips for not getting my humira to me. When I called to reorder, I told them this. I got my new order 2 days later~ and no charge for express delivery! See, it does pay to be our own advocate.
I fell asleep at my computer the other night. I do that often but this time, I must have banged my head down on the desk very hard or at a bad place. My forehead had a large swollen place on it and what I thought was a cut. When the scab came off, I saw it was only a scratch. Ed and Keith have both fussed at me for sleeping here, but now they both come in very frequently, make me look them in the eye and tell them if I’m sleepy or not. That only happens when I take Benadryl and Elavil at night and don’t get to bed soon enough. I’ll take it and think I’m not sleepy yet, then it hits me and I’m out. So now, if I take them both, I just go on to bed. I stay tired anyway from the anemia. I don’t think my iron is low, I always crave liver and other iron rich foods when my iron gets low. Once, I at liver for 8 meals in one week. I always know when my potassium is low, I crave OJ, and I don’t even like OJ. I’ll drink tons of it, then I want no more.
Dear Chris, my you’re having a time. I do hope you and hubby and Dad all feel better soon. Seems that everyone is super busy right now, with moving, procedures, and illness. My prayers go out to you all.
Linda
Linda:
Thanks ! I know you were all behind me, as well as others. God listens and He does answer in His time. IT was best for it to be this long in getting approved due to all the perks that are available to me now. Be careful working at the computer when sleepy 🙂 Could be hazardous to your head !!
Linda, Glad to see you got back and didn’t lose it this time! My goodness you’re having a time of it! Kudos for being your own advocate, and another for telling that doc what you thought. How very unprofessional of him to treat a patient in that manner! Now, for heaven’s sake straight to bed after those meds. 🙂
Linda, good to hear from you but sorry to hear the Crohn’s is branching out. Nuts. Also, you seem to have so much lab work off center right now and I can see that’s much on your mind. I hate that you don’t have a good GI man close by but certainly understand about the driving to get the best care you can find. As you know, we do that. You’ll be in my thoughts as you face so much right now, first of all getting those counts up. take good care of yourself dear girl. Sue
Hi Linda…. echo what Sue just said….my thoughts are with you sweetheart, take care of yourself….Jennie xx
Hi Sue, I like the way you try not to overwhelm your internal med physician with a lot of rheumatology stuff. This is a true statement that all physicians are not alike. This comes from my working in a critical care area and have internal med physicians caring for someone that needs an ICU intensivist. It’s very frustrating for nurses when no one calls back for hours. Personally I find the same to be true for my personal physicians. There is a doctor for every organ and body part! Sue, you always make me laugh!
Brenda, laughter is always welcome, right? There is often too little of it in this old world. Indeed, nurses do see doctors differently. So you worked ICU. I feel like I did having lived with my DH who worked ICU for 20 years before going to work at the jail. Some similarities I suspect only with locks. Good to hear from you. Fondly, Sue
Morning all:
I am still trying to catch up on rest, seems that is all I have been doing ! I HAVE to work around this house some today, pick up and pack up a lot of things I won’t be using for a while.
Yesterday was a very long day. I had to teach Sunday School unexpectedly, then Judy and I had to go to a funeral for one of our cousins. He was teh next youngest to the one I lost in May. So sad. Then I had to have service at church last night, so I guess I have a right to be tired today huh ?
Chris, praying for you and dh Jennie you as well. I actually pray for you all, but just to let you know. Janet I guess you are moving soon. I know this will be difficult to transition, but I pray it makes you happy in the end of it !
Love to all
Tonie
Yes, no wonder you’re tired, Tonie. How’s that shoulder feeling?
Feeling okay Lyn, it is healing nicely. Lots of good movement and I wonder if it is because they tacked that muscle back on.
Tonie, I agree with Lyn, no wonder you’re tired. A nice, full productive day and I’m sure you’re paying for it. Rest up. Love, Sue
Tonie…….thank you for your prayers my love……such a lot going on with you, I hope you don’t overdo……yes I too have to start putting away some of the stuff I won’t need till next Spring, I hate that don’t you? It means the cold is about to descend on us once again…..ah well, can’t do owt about it can we love?? ………Jennie poo xxx
Sue, you always make me laugh! I think this is one blog we should all keep and read every now and then to remind us of your good advice! Sorry I have been away for awhile but most days it has taken all my energy for Teddi to say good night to his sweetie Bella, but I do believe my new drug is kicking in as my energy seems to be increasing. I am so sorry that after all you have been through, that you now have the flu. The little ones are such a joy in our lives, but sometimes I think they are covered with germs! You have been in my prayers as you recover from your surgery on top of your many diagnosis.
Tonie, you must be so relieved and thankful that your disability is being granted. When I got that phone call I cried so hard that DH had to complete the call for me. I was very relieved and thankful that my disability was granted, but very upset as I still thought I would improve enough to go back to work and never need it.
Linda, so sorry that your Crohns is acting up once again and hope you can get your blood work back to normal levels. Are you still taking humira? I am now taking actemra …humira just suddenly quit working for me.
Jennie, so glad you are feeling better, and I’m sure each of us with all our problems have questioned our faith at times, but I think that questioning makes our faith stronger.
I’m sure many of you have read that Teddi our Pom had major surgery with a stent being placed the entire length of his trachea for what was a life threatening condition. He was in “doggie” ICU over night with oxygen and an IV! He is at high risk for pneumonia and I have been worried about his cough (which is expected) but today he is definitely better! There have been some long nights when he couldn’t stop coughing but the dear boy has learned to use his inhalers which have helped greatly! On Wednesday his Facebook sweetie Bella along with his full brother Bailey Boo, are arriving for a week long visit. We will be at both the house and the cottage so we have been busy getting ready. Tomorrow I still have some grocery shopping to do but hopefully by Wednesday everything will be done. As I never have any girlfriends coming to stay for a visit I am getting excited! They have told me if I get fatigued to just tell them and they will go off to sight see and let me rest.
Our eldest granddolly is going to kindergarten three days a week, one week in English, the next week in French and she seems to have grown up over night. Yesterday she told me a boy named James was writing her a note and she is wondering what the note will say! Our special needs GS is loving his school program and finally has started to talk. I never thought “Nana” could sound so beautiful!!! DH is driving him to and from his special program so it is a minimum of four hours in the car each day, depending on traffic,! but we pray that it will make a difference in his life.
Must go but I do think of each of you often.
Love and Hugs ….. Pommum Brenda
Brenda…..so sorry to hear your poor little pooch needed such a procedure, and that recovery is quick. Enjoy your leisure time at your cottage, and have fun…..love Jennie x
Brenda, I’m smiling as I finish reading this. You’ve been through a difficult, stressful time, but now have so much to look forward to. Don’t make yourself crazy preparing for your guests. It sounds like they understand and I’m sure you will have a wonderful visit – humans and dogs! And what grand news about the grands! What a wonderful grandpa your DH is! I’ll bet the special program will be special indeed and make a difference. 🙂 Hugs to you and Teddi and those grands.
Brenda
I hope you have a good time and the rest you need at the cottage.i know it takes work to get there but worth it
Sue
What a blow to have the flu.i do hope you pick up quick from it .we always got colds etc from GS when he was a school
The weather has been so good here that we went for a picnic today.we are at the shed .but go back late today
Have a drs appt and to see my dad
Tonie
Still all good innit! I keep thinking about your good news
Well it’s nearly 5 am here gonna try and get back to sleep ,have IBS and swollen knee throbbing
Love to all Chris
Chris…….good luck at the docs, hope you enjoyed the picnic, I intend to do the same as soon as I am more sure of my ankle……maybe we will do it on my birthday, down at the coast……be in touch……love Jennie xx
Chris, Sounds life is a bit better. Maybe that good weather helped everyone. Hope your doctor’s appt and check on your Dad also go well. I sure wish you slept better…dear friend. Glad to hear about the picnic and enjoying the shed. Much love, Sue
A chilly good morning to you all 50′ here in the mtns this am !! BRRR ! Not ready for this yet !!
Brenda so glad that Teddi is doing well, and I am sure he and Bella will have a visit for sure 🙂 Yes I am so glad the disability went thru, you have no idea ! It is sad that we can no longer work, but so glad I was able to work all that time and pay into it so I have some retirement to speak of.
I mowed the yard yesterday and packed away some things and summer clothes, got out some fall and colder weather ones. Where does the time go ???
My Ceasar is not well. I think he is very constipated cause I see him trying to go and can’t. I have given him a little suppository, pray it helps. I think he ate to much of the soup bones I gave them. He is a real pig and will scarf stuff down to keep Brutie from getting it. He hasn’t eaten for a day but drinks a lot of water.
Well gotta run, have to pick up RX’s before going in to work today.
Love to all
Tonie
Tonie, I feel your chilly morning. I saw on the news earlier this morning that is was 40 degrees outside here and promptly decided to not rush Sadie’s walk in hopes it will warm up quite a bit more before we head out. Keep tabs on Caesar, that silly boy. Rest when you can and keep on healing! That’s great news about your shoulder.
Lyn, 40 degrees..oh my. Better keep Sadie in her jacket for those walks. We don’t have a choice with George. He whines at us when he gets cold. My flu bug is declining as it must because we have a full day tomorrow in Portland…six appts. Four are for me and two for Jim. I’ll be seeing the oncologist, dermy, radiation guy and the cancer surgeon for follow up. Jim will also see her and the dermy. Talk about a full day. I will be a zombie on Thursday, that’s for sure.
I enjoyed your recent pics of Sadie. It’s wonderful you’re getting so much enjoyment with her. Love, Sue
Tonie, Sure hope Ceasar has pooped by now. George has a tendency toward constipation and it has been helped immensely by giving him canned green beans every day with his dinner. Jake also enjoys them. I’ve also given George unsweetened apple sauce but he doesn’t seem to like it as well. So, you mowed the yard? Oh dear. Hope the shoulder is okay. Maybe it’s time to get a goat.
SOunds like fall has definitely fallen back there and look at you…on top of changing things out getting ready for winter. You put me to shame yet then again, here in Oregon we can wear sweaters all year long and clothing doesn’t change that much…we just wear more layers. Hope all is well with the pup…Love, Sue
He finally went last night Sue. Two big pieces of bone where he had eaten a chunk instead of chewing. SO I guess no more bones for him that have small bits on em. He ate some peanut butter I gave him just so he will keep energy, not touching his food yet. That suppository did the trick ! Thank God, I just knew he was lost to me. Shoulder is fine. Judy and I picked apples yesterday evening. That was something to see ! Me with one arm, her crippled up too. CLimbing in the back of the pickup, LOL ! and gettng down. But we got er dun ! Stubborn ole Southern women ! So now I have about a bushel of apples to process this weekend. Maybe just make a big batch of chili while I am at it and can it . Long days, and I am so sleepy in the am, I have overslept so not been on here. Hope you are doing well. I can’t wait to get some money to go shopping for some sweaters, a new hoodie and I need some new shoes 🙂
Love
Tonie
Dear Friends, just to clear up one point…we have three Brenda’s who write in to chat with us here on the blog. One is a sweet gal from Texas, another is a dear ICU RN from New Jersey and then there is our Canadian friend who always signs in as Pommum. I know it’s confusing but maybe if we all call our Canadian friend Pommum it would clear up some of the confusion. This week we’ve heard from her and the Brenda from New Jersey. Does that help? Sue
Pommum, So good to hear from you before all of your company ascends upon you. What a good but tiring time you’ll all have. All those poms will be quite a houseful. Glad to hear Teddi is doing well after his surgery. I know you must have gone through so much night and day with keeping him breathing. You are so dedicated and we appreciate that and understand. Thank God he is doing well.
Such good news to hear your GS is talking more and I can just imagine how thrilled you are to hear Nana called by him. It’s a sweet word whoever says it but more so in this case. His sister is getting such a good experience with the bilingual education, also. So precocious, too.
Med changes for you sound like they had to be and are good. Sure pays to get good medical care and current opinions, doesn’t it? Enjoy your company and don’t over do it…you or Teddi, okay? Much love. Sue
Pommum, glad things are going well with Teddi. I have been keeping up with all the news and conversations with him and Bella on Facebook. I know they are excited to see each other. All of you take some rest times while your friends are visiting. Have a great time! Give Teddi a hug from me. Donna
Sue, 6 appts in one day! Not to mention the trip there and back. Praying for strength and stamina for you.
Lyn, I know…one of them should be a psychiatrist, huh? Two of them are for Jim but we just wanted to get them all in, in one day, since they’re all within a block of each other and on the same computer. Thanks for the prayers. We’ll both need them but it will be good to get them behind us. Taking George so I need to give him a bath now. Must. Later, Love you, Sue
Hey Tonie, I am so glad God answered all our prayers. Going back 3 years is awesome. Because of that you will get your Medicare now. That is so awesome! I remember the day I found out. I was in NY with my son visiting my daughter. I had been waiting for a hearing date. We were at the airport coming back home when I got a call from my mother in law. She told me that my attorney had called and said I had gotten my disability and I didn’t have to go for a hearing because the judge had given it to me because of the letter my rheumatologist had written told him everything he needed to know plus it was backed by medical proof. I cried. I was like you and dreaded the hearing. They went back 4 years with me. I am so happy for you. What a load off your shoulders. Please be careful with your shoulder and all that you are doing! Mowing the grass! I can’t believe it. You are a stronger woman than I am. LOVE YOU dear. Will chat more later. Donna
Sue, I feel for you with all the appointments plus the trip there and back. I will be praying for you dear. Try and rest when you can. Praying for a safe trip there and back. I hope all the appointments you and Jim have are all normal. Chat later. LOVE , Donna
Thanks DOnna ! I was on a riding mower and did most left turns so I could just use that arm to balance. Took me a lot longer, but it wasn’t so bad. My Rheumy here messed things up, but the good Lord had better plans.
To all the rest of you wonderful ladies, I want to reply to all of you but I am so sleepy and that is when I start making mistakes. So I will chat with you all later. Donna
Hi all……just wanted to say, I haven’t had a minute to bless myself with, so like Donna, not had time to talk to everyone as I would like, and its going to be manic for the next few days……will explain later…………….love you guys…………..Jennie xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Morning all:
Fall has fallen here for sure. THe trees are starting to turn rapidly to gold, red and yellow’s. Soon my drive over the mtn will not be green but full of color. I dread it, cause then it will be bare and cold 😦
Hope this finds you all well and happy. We all have things going on, health and family wise, but under neath it all, I pray you are happy.
It must be fall cause I am eating oatmeal again 🙂
Have a blessed day all !
Love
Tonie
Yea Tonie
I love porridge
Yep autumn is setting in here too. You sound springy in yourself tho….good news I expect!
Sue
How u..I expect you are both tired thinking of you
My IBS is bad..hurts to sit down and standing up it feels like I’m dropping something it aches
Well hope all ok with all
Suzanne
How are you?
Back later
Chris
Sue I do hope all is good. Maybe you are so tired and with your flu you had as well
Chris
My Peeps, Our company is still in bed and DH is on his way to get little GS, so thought I’d take a minute to drop in and say hi! I don’t know if you have seen the picture of Teddi and Bella on FB but it is very cute … he is twice her size! Bella is such a little character, full of Pom personality and is much like our dear Kodi Bear that we lost last November. I was very tired when they arrived and was feeling the effects of my IV infusion, but I am feeling better this morning. One of our guests is a professional photographer and last night we went downtown to the top of an arched foot bridge over the Rideau Canal to take pictures at sunset with the Parliament Buildings in the background. It was a beautiful fall evening and to my surprise the bridge we chose was covered with thousands of locks that had been romantically locked for eternity over the iron handrails of the bridge, each with a date and the name of a couple, some of which had even been engraved. We returned home to watch a movie and I was shocked to look down and see a very swollen right ankle, but it was well worth the experience of the evening and my ankle is much better this morning. Today we are packing up to go to the cottage for the weekend. This is the first time in Canada for Pom Bella and her mother from California. Our other guest from Pennsylvania is talking to her husband using skype each evening, which is something I had never seen before.
Teddi’s cough is improving and all the Poms (we have five with our visitors ) are getting along great! I am still amazed how Teddi is using his inhalers and he no longer requires a highly desirable treat to motivate him! We are very relieved at the outcome of his surgery as it is considered high risk and was a difficult decision, but his surgeon was very experienced in the procedure and had been achieving good results.
Yesterday was an observation day for little grandson at his special school and since neither of his parent’s were available this time DH stayed with him and found it very interesting. The part of the morning he observed was a one on one lesson requiring Connor to request a certain object using pictures. He is using more words each day, but we are also very pleased at how happy he is. Our guests met him yesterday and remarked that he was a very happy little boy. It is our eldest Granddolly, Connor’s cousin, that attends the bilingual kindergarten, and she is loving school too!!! Her little brother is now walking and there are three little ones five years and under at her house so life is very busy there too.
I hear that one of my guests is up and about so I must go, but will try to be back soon.
Love and prayers ….. Pommum (the Canadian Brenda)
Pommum !
So happy you are having a good visit. Sounds beautiful up there ! Skype is really a great tool and free as well, I am on there, so if you download it let me know and we can Skype !!
So glad your Connor is picking up ! He will get there. My Nathan will be 18 in Nov. I am praying I get to go out there for Thanksgiving now that I am approved for the $$ ! My great grandson will be born next month so it will be a good time all around. Take care and have a great weekend okay ??
Love
Tonie
Pommum,
It sounds like you are having a terrific visit so far! I did see the pic with Teddi and Bella – she is a tiny one! So glad all are getting along and everyone is having fun! Yes, lately I often look down or just feel swelling in my ankles from activity during the day. Strange feeling here since ankles are a new area for me. Good news of your dear grands, too. 😉 Seems all is going swimmingly there right now. Enjoy your time at the cottage! I am certain you will. 🙂
Lyn, my ankles don’t swell so much (unless on my feet too long) but the hurt and my FEET !! WOwsers they ache and hurt !
Pommum, I have watched the visit and wedding on facebook. Such beautiful dogs, all. I know you’re having a grand time with them and their pawrents! I’m so happy about your grandson; I can only imagine how happy you are! Aren’t schools wonderful nowadays, as in comparison to when I was growing up. Rosa was put in the first learning disabled class in this area. She hated it, most of the kids were severely retarded and they frightened her. One of the girls insisted on showing her private parts, which just about embarrassed Rosa to death. She was so much higher functioning than the others in the class, and I don’t think she got much out of it. I think she was the only one who could read and write, do the teachers spent more time with the others and watching out for behavioral problems. There were just so few options for her back then. Mom took her out of that and put her in a ‘training” school, where she learned to make pot holders, boil eggs, and do cross stitch. She stuck with that for a few years although she didn’t like it. I’m so glad so much has changed. Love you, take care, Linda
Good morning all:
I just had a phone call from our Sue. She has done something to her back and suspects it is broken. In a lot of pain, so please please pray hard for her. She can’t get around enough to get in the car to go to ER so may be getting the ambulance to pick her up later or tomorrow. She said she will be back on as soon as she is able.
Love to you all
Tonie
Oh no!! Praying, Sue!
Oh no..just saw this. I am praying for you, Sue. I hope you have been able to get to the hospital and get checked over….
Oh poor sue..I had a feeling something was wrong as she hasn’t posted
Hopefully it will be ok ,certainly prayers.
So much to deal with for sue
Chris
Morning all:
Wow, it is the end of September already ! Can’t believe it has gone so fast. Janet , when are you moving dear ? I was thinking it was around this time ? Prayers for a smooth journey. (or as we used to say as kids “Smooth Move Ex-Lax” 🙂
It is foggy and cool this am. Can’t get myself going. Having my coffee and have put some beans in the cooker that I soaked last night. Gonna make a BIG batch of chili beans and can them. And I have th apples to contend with. I figured if I peel them a bit at a time, then freeze them as I go, I can make an easier go of it.
I had my bone density test done yesterday. And while I was done that way I stopped in a modular home office and talked to a salesman. Just seeing what I can do once the money comes in. I am excited !
Take care all, have a wonderful weekend.
Sue many prayers for you from us all
Love
TOnie
Dear Tonie, Yes today is moving day. The trailer is full and I am waiting for my sons. We have two vans and my car that need to be filled up, then we are off. My dog and 2 cats are aware we are doing something and they are really upset.
I am so worried about Sue. I know part of her problems are related to her bones. something more than osteoporosis. i doubt if she is reading any of this, much less being able to respond. I know you communicate with her by other means and really appreciate any info you can come up with. If you do talk with her let her know how much we love her and are praying for her. she has really had more trouble than a human being should have to put up with. Not that a a lot us have had an easy year, but hers seems particularly horrendous.
I am so happy for you finally getting your disability. You take care now, Love, Janet
Janet, God bless, let us know how your move goes. I know your pets will be upset for a little while, but will settle in along with their mom ! I will let Sue know. I plan to touch base with her and see how things are going. Prayers I know will be appreciated.
Love ya
Tonie
Tonie
Any news on sue
Been thinking about her all day
Chris
No Chris, I haven;t heard. I will try to find out something tomorrow
Sue, you are in my thoughts and prayers ❤
And mine…….be back soon…..love you all xxxx Jen xxxx
Mornin Peeps:
“Rainy Days and Mondays”. Well, I guess it is a good day to peel apples and finish the baby’s quilt. Made some pumpkin muffins yesterday for breakfast food. Just threw a bunch of stuff together, pumpkin, oats,raisins, and walnuts with spices and they turned out yummy. Listening to the rain, I am thinking another cup of coffee and a nap are in order 🙂
Have a marvelous day all !
Love
Tonie
Anybody have news about how Sue is doing??? Concerned we haven’t heard any updates on her back. Prayers for Sue…
Hey ya’all:
Just had a call from Sue. She is still not improving, so she is going to the Dr today soon as Jim can get away. She will have to go by ambulance as she cannot walk very far. Prayers are appreciated she said, for it is really all that can be done. She said she would get word to me when she has some sort of a prognosis. So i will let you know as I find out anything. She sends her love to you all
Tonie
Thankyou Tonie,I do hope sue gets sorted and it’s all not as bad as it looks now
A long time over the w.end waiting in pain
Your muffins sound good I could eat one now…but without the raisins and walnuts (IBS)
It’s been raining here this pm too
At the shed but gotta go back soon for hosp apps etc,prob. tomorrow night
I’ll check in later to see if you heard from sue after drs
Chris
DEAR FRIENDS, JUST A BRIEF UPDATE. WENT INTO ER LAST NIGHT BY AMBULANCE. I DO HAVE A FRACTURED VERTEBRAE AND IT IS MISERABLE. THE RIDE IN WAS SO BUMPY I CAME HOME IN THE CAR…BETTER RIDE. THEY ASKED ME IF I WANTED TO STAY IN THE HOSPITAL A COUPLE OF DAYS BUT I DIDN’T WANT TO. I’M FAR MORE COMFORTABLE IN MY OWN ENVIRONS HERE AT HOME WITH JIM, GEORGE AND JAKIE. NOT COMFORTABLE ANYWHERE QUITE HONESTLY. PAIN PILLS BARELY TOUCHING THE PAIN. THEY GAVE ME AN INJECTION LAST NIGHT THAT HAD ME VOMITING ALL NIGHT. LIFE STINKS RIGHT NOW. I DID THIS SIMPLY BY LOOKING INTO THE TRUNK OF THE CAR FOR GEORGE’S WATER BOWL WHEN WE WERE IN PORTLAND LAST WED. DID GET MY FIRST INJECTION OF ZOMETA AFTER THE TRUNK EPISODE…THEY AREN’T RELATED OF COURSE, JUST AWFUL TIMING. I LVE AND MISS EACH OF YOU. ALL LOVE AND PRAYERS APPRECIATED SO MUCH. LOVE, SUE
OH SUE, MY HEART GOES OUT TO YOU. I FEEL SO BAD YOU ARE GOING THROUGH THIS AGAIN. I AM PRAYING FOR YOU AND FOR LESS PAIN AND QUICK HEALING. SPINAL PROBLEMS ARE SO UNCOMFORTABLE. WHAT DO THEY DO FOR FRACTURES? I AM RELIEVED, THOUGH, YOU ARE AT LEAST IN THE COMFORTS OF YOUR OWN HOME AND BED WITH YOUR LOVED ONES AROUND. My CONTINUAL PRAYERS…LOVE, JO
Sue
I really don’t know what to say, all this is certainly horrendous.
But good to know ,as Jo says, that you are where you want to be
You know what to do to look after you so I won’t go down that road,but sleep would be good ,if you are able to
let Jim look after and spoil you
Let us know how you are in a few days if you can
Love and prayers Chrisx
Dear Sue, so good to hear from you, just sad that the news is bad. All the love and prayers you could ever want are coming from all over. Get lots of rest. From Houston Texas. Janet
Oh, Sue, I am so sorry. Gentle hugs, thoughts, and prayers for you.
Oh Sue, how cruel life is treating you and Jim right now. You know you have my prayers and love. Linda
DITTO……………………Jennie xxxxx
Hope you had a better nite at home sue
Chris
My dear peeps !!
I have wonderful news and sad news. My great grandson has arrived !! He was born on the 29th at 7 lbs and 21 in ! His name is Kayden Edward. He is beautiful !! 🙂 I just wish I could hold him ! Maybe soon huh ??
Now the bad. My SIL has a mass on his brain. He has been refered to one of the top neurosurgeons in Scottsdale Az so he is in good hands, but I rather that he be in God’s hands, please help me pray. Those kids have been thru so much in their short lives. THis would explain a lot of his behavior changes. His name is Kevin. If you would call it out to the Lord, I would be grateful !
I also got my results back from my bone density . My bone mass has gone down considerably in the last 3 years. I was good then. NOw I am classified as Osteopenia. That hit me hard for some reason. I haven’t been taking my calcium for a few months either.
Life is just hard you know ? But then there are the nice little perks such as the gift of babies huh ??
God bless you all
Tonie
Congrats and prayers, Tonie.
Tonie, Congrats to you and prayers for Kevin. janet
Yea good news and not so good,they do sometimes travel hand in hand
I certainly pray you have received some hope there for Kevin it must be devastating
Well your future with the award will be something to look forward to and maybe you will see Kayden…congrats great granny!
Does this mean you will be on some form of treatment for your bones now?
How did the search on a new home go?
Chris
Sue, so sorry for yet another challenge and yes, life is not fair for some of us! I have been there several times and the pain will gradually become less severe and the advice I was given was to respect my pain so I gradually increased my activity as pain allowed and I’m sure you are more comfortable at home in your own bed. When you feel up to it take a look on Facebook at Teddi Bear’s wedding and honeymoon pictures, and I hope they bring a smile to your face. I really didn’t know if I was up to a week of company but they did all the cooking and clean up and said they hoped their visit would be a rest for DH and me too. They left amid tears and plans
for a second “honeymoon” next fall, so they must have enjoyed their time with us!
You are in my prayers drear friend…
Love and Hugs … Pommum Brenda
Glad all went so well, Pommum. 🙂