2016: First Quarter of January 1 through March 31, 2016
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Maryanne, I'm sorry for your loss. I hope your dad is able to work out a transition to a new home easily. Perhaps assisted living might be an option? Was this the family member you mentioned a while ago who was refusing treatment?
My nail lady came today instead of yesterday, as she wasn't feeling well yesterday. She's had a lot going on in her life that we talked about, and I filled her in on my recent hospital stay, etc. We agreed that so far 2016 has not been good to either of us! She refuses to do feet, so I'm still in dire need of a pedicure, but that must wait until I can get my foot wet.
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Pam--It is good that the nail lady was able to come today and you were able to share experiences. I am sure that you will be able to get the pedicure at some point. I've never had a professional pedicure myself but I do know people enjoy them.
I have a podiatrist appointment tomorrow so I may not be posting until tomorrow evening. I haven't eaten out since January 13, so I might indulge tomorrow. I had a friend to call me late this afternoon, a call that lasted over four hours. I just finished my food for the day and came in at around 1000 calories. Had I eaten dinner at the normal time, I probably could have eaten a snack later. As it is, I am very full now from a super late dinner and cannot eat 3 hours before going to bed.0 -
Yes, it was my stepmother who refused treatment. She even refused to see an oncologist to find out what treatment might be.
When dad married her he basically took a few of his clothes and left. The family home is still sitting there, sort of like a time capsule. Last time I was there one of mom's half burned candles was still sitting in the bathroom. My one brother has been living there but he hasn't felt comfortable changing much of anything because it's not his house. So dad could return there and he and my brother could help each other (my brother is working only part-time and not old enough for social security; my sister has offered to have him come to live with her). They might need to put in a chair lift because the bathroom and kitchen are on different floors. Or selling the house and moving into an assisted living apartment would be possible. I don't know what dad will decide. I know after mom died he complained he had no friends. He may well decide to stay in his new city although I doubt stepmother's children will let him go on living in her house. For the last 10 years stepmother has kept him away from us so he knows her family pretty well but has been out of touch with us.0 -
Maryanne, So sorry for your loss. Did your dad get along with any stepchildren? I hope they don't make him move. That would be quite a blow on top of being widowed. I would thing he'd have some time if he has to move. They couldn't sell the house before a will is submitted to Probate unless the house was in their names.
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I had the impression he got along with her family but since the families never mixed (ever) that's just an impression. The one and only time I laid eyes on her children was at the wedding.0
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My menu today is going well:
Breakfast - wonderslim pancakes
Lunch - big salad with turkey
Dinner - NS BBQ beans with rice (I still have a bunch of those) and green beans
This evening I'll have a salty and a sweet snack along with fruit.
I lost a pound and a half last week. I'm coming up on 50 days in a row of sticking to my plan.
Of course I'm also already mentally planning what "cheats" I'm going to have for my birthday in March. LOL!0 -
Maryanne--Congrats upon the continued weight loss and the approaching 50 days of being on plan.
I went to the city today for the podiatrist appointment, get my nails done, do some grocery shopping and the first eating out since January 13. I had a quick lunch of soup and salad at the Outback. I have to go back to the podiatrist in three weeks. With the increase in co-payments this year, this is getting to be expensive.0 -
I'm trying to move as many of my doctor and vet appointments out of winter as I can. My next to useless internist is refusing to refill my cholesterol meds because I haven't seen her since November 2014. Apparently there's a rule now that she has to see me once a calendar year. They just make this zhit up. I HATE being at her mercy for the one and only prescription drug that I take. They offered me an appointment with her nurse practitioner for early March and I took it. Maybe she'll be a little more useful. I've tried for ages to get them to write me a prescription for Nasacort so that I can buy it at the drugstore but run it through my flexible spending account. I always give up. I tried to get a written prescription for the cholesterol meds so I could do mail order. Gave up. Last time I was there the nurse tried to get me to say I was there for "an annual physical". I got stubborn and refused. What they do in no way rises to the level of "an annual physical". They do an EKG, listen to my heart and order blood work (which they never contact me about; I go somewhere with an online portal so I can look at it myself). I went online to look for internists that take medicare anywhere near me and didn't find anyone who looked promising so maybe this nurse practitioner will suffice. It's not like I rely on the internist for anything important. I have every specialist under the sun.
Okay, enough whining! On to my day!
I have my food laid out for the day and my spreadsheet printed. Off to my wonderslim pancakes for breakfast!0 -
I believe Medicare covers a wellness visit once a year. I think it's more than taking vital signs and less than a full physical. Look online at Medicare and see what that consists of. And talk to the NP about doing that instead of a physical. Explain to her about the flexible spending plan and see if she'll write the prescriptions Nasacort and cholesterol. Tell her you want to do mail order and need the written prescription and see what she says. Tell her finances are an issue and you need to save on the co-pay. Who wouldn't understand that. Congratulations on 50 days. I'm getting close to 20 and that's a lot for me these days. I'd been over 100 when my seasonal plan kicked in and my WiFi went down. I found it harder to get motivated after that.
Anybody watch TBL last night? I was sure Steven was going to win. He looked a little gaunt. I was surprised at how well most of the people did at home.0 -
Biggest Loser. I think the finale is incredibly boring. For some reason when Luis (which I can't believe he pronounces Lewis) won the at home prize I just KNEW that Roberto won the big prize. I'm glad Colby took the money since it was clear he didn't win.
A&E is getting on the weight loss show bandwagon with a show called Fat Chance. Apparently it's people who want to lose weight and then reveal their feelings to a long time crush. Could be really cheezy, who knows?
My brother tells me dad has the right to stay in the house in Lancaster. I really hope he doesn't. No way his one step daughter who lives in Lancaster is going to want to take care of him and no way I'm driving to Lancaster routinely (it's like a two hour drive each way) when he owns a perfectly good house in Adams County. He was miserable living alone after mom died. He should either go home where my brother can help him out and keep him company (my brother cooks - well - and my dad moving home would help my brother's money troubles) OR go to assisted living where there would be people around and he could get his meals.
My sister, BIL and cats are settled in Sedona. They are hoping their house in New Jersey sells quickly. The photos they have up of the New Jersey house are gorgeous - I can't even imagine living like that. http://www.trulia.com/property/3223992284-35-E-Centennial-Dr-Medford-NJ-08055 They are having an architect draw up plans to completely redo the Sedona house. They plan to move into the in-law apartment while construction goes on.
I'm planning a frozen food day today. Starting with a Smart Ones breakfast and ending with a Smart Ones slider (those are really good; if you're craving a burger it's a 190 calorie alternative).0 -
Helene--I am one who l liked The Biggest Loser finale and this season; far less of the gimmicky things and far less time spent on stuff it doesn't take rocket science to figure out. Steven didn't look healthy to me; yes, he was very gaunt looking but he also didn't radiate happiness with himself.
Maryanne--Your father may have the right to stay in the house but it has been my experience that relatives can make that stay less than pleasant. It might be good to be checking out alternatives. A nurse practitioner can be as effective as the qualified doctor in dealing with your concerns, especially if they have training in the area of specialization...cardiac, etc. They do fine for the routine follow-ups and for writing prescriptions.
I am trying to get hold of my podiatrist to see if I can reschedule an appointment to the same day I have a cardiology appointment which is during Spring break. I hate to lose another employment opportunity.
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That's a beautiful house your sister is selling. The kitchen is amazing and the lake views are so pretty. I'm guessing they moved for a better climate. I hope it sells quickly. It should show well when spring arrives.
Jaen..I hope the podiatrist can schedule the same day as the cardiologist. When they hear how far you have to travel, I hope they'll accommodate you. I didn't think Steven looked that healthy either. He was so thin, I thought for sure he'd win. In fact, I thought he might take the $50,000 since he looked like he had 3 pounds to spare. Roberto started about 30 pounds heavier and ended up more muscular than Steven so I can see how he could win but look heavier. And I'm glad Colby took the money. Whoever picked Hope's dress made a bad choice. She looked good in her weigh in clothes but the dress was so unflattering.0 -
I nuked my diet dinner diet and said to myself "the wrong dinner was in this box". Thought that was a first. But no, I grabbed the wrong box! When you mind is set on sesame chicken and you find yourself with marinara sauce it's a shock. LOL!
Jean - you are right that his stepchildren could make it very difficult on him and certainly the one who lives there isn't going to take care of him (nor should she). Heck, I'd be fine moving him to assisted living down here so I could take care of him. I can't imagine he'd consider that. I need to put my head together with my sister. She's the nurturing one (not to mention retired) and if she were still here she'd be spearheading this. I need to find out what she thinks about when/how I should approach him.
Helene, my sister's house is beautiful. They just did that kitchen a couple years ago. It's completely personalized. E.g. there is a cabinet for her notebooks of recipes that they exactly fit. There are cabinets for different size pans/appliances, for various recycling, etc. They moved for allergies and "open spaces".
Here's the house they are moving to: http://www.zillow.com/homedetails/265-Sky-Line-Dr-Sedona-AZ-86336/8782919_zpid/ They are planning a major remodel for some reason.
Me, I'd rather look at water than red rocks. She said everything's covered in red dust. I wonder how that can be good for allergies?
Other than eating the wrong dinner, the day's going fine! It's grey and rainy and I'm losing the battle I'm waging with the squirrels but o/w fine.
Sammy seems to finally be slowing a little on the frantic desire for food. Can I hope he finally realizes there is always food?
I was thinking about what to wear to the funeral Friday and suddenly remembered the stepmother went to my FIL's funeral in white capri pants and sandals (I think she was signalling her resentment over dad making her go). Don't think I'll obsess over clothing, just be comfortable for the drive.0 -
I had this absolutely marvelous NS entrée for dinner. Please note the sarcasm. It was some type of shredded BBQ chicken which was to be served with a bun. I don't feel as if I ate anything. Low on chicken; high on watery sauce.
Maryanne--People don't dress up much for funerals or anything much anymore. A comfortable pair of dress pants and top with jacket would be fine.0 -
Maryanne, I second what Jean said about dressing for a funeral. People just don't dress up for any occasion any more, except possibly their own wedding, lol.
I looked at both of those houses. Wow! The kitchens impressed me. I would love to have that amount of storage and work surfaces. I would not enjoy cleaning it, however. I visited Sedona several years ago. The climate is very dry, so that does help most people who suffer from allergies. I don't find that type of scenery to be pretty, but I know a lot of people do. It's not far to the Grand Canyon, and I have yet to visit that area. I would like to do it someday.
Tomorrow I have an appointment with my ortho doc. They plan to remove the wound vac and do x-rays and I'm hoping I get good news. I would really like to begin the physical therapy and start putting some weight on it. I know it will hurt, but I'm so tired of being so dependent on others for every little thing. Both of my wounds are looking much better. One is almost closed and the other, bigger one, is showing much improvement.0 -
Jean - that NS dinner is the pits. I know which one you're talking about.
Pam - I hope you get good news at the doctor and can start physical therapy. Weird though it sounds I enjoyed physical therapy.
I've got to get the grocery shopping done today!
I'm having "packet day" today.0 -
Good report from the ortho Doctor. The bones are healing well, and he was pleased with the way the wounds look. I have permission to begin trying to bear weight on it, with the help of my boot and a walker, which will greatly improve my mobility. After the appointment we went to a nearby Mexican restaurant for lunch, which was the first time I've been in a restaurant since before my injury. I really enjoyed the outing!0
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Pam - YEAH!!!!
I did good at the grocery store. They had chinese food on the hot food bar which I walked right past. AND I walked past the display of Mary Sue Easter eggs. I think it's a local company; only the regional grocery store chain sells them. But they have always been a downfall of mine. But I walked fight by those.0 -
Maryanne..Your sister's new house is massive. It's nice but I like the home she sold better. Maybe when she redoes everything it will be as nice as what she had. It stikes me as a bit too beige right now. The scenery is striking but I'm with you for with a preference of being near the water. At the Cape and in FL, the ocean is about 10 minutes away and I like it that way.
Pam..That's exciting that you're making good progress. How long is it since the accident? I know DH had to wait 8 weeks before he could start PT after breaking his heel. And he didn't have the complications you've had. In fact, he was able to avoid surgery all together because the bones had started to heal in the 2 weeks he had to wait for the swelling to go down. The doctor felt he'd have complications if he operated and the gain would have been on an extra 5% with surgery. The doctor and DH felt they made the right decision. He has a limp when he gets tired but that's probably more from arthritis than the heel.
I'm trying to use up the backlog of NS I had before I canceled. I had the loaded baked potato with a pork chop and brussel sprouts for dinner. I think I have some of the pork that Jean mentioned.0 -
Helene, last Sunday was 8 weeks from the accident, but about 6 weeks from the surgery to place the pins, screws and plate. I'll have to see if I can tolerate the boot over my wound vac and other dressing. If it's too painful I will wait until the wound vac is off, which will likely be another week or two. The doctor also said I will be on the IV antibiotic for another two weeks then switch to an oral version. That will be nice for DH because he has to stay pretty close to home in order to be available to administer the drug three times a day. The morning dose is particularly problematic because he has to get up around 5:00 am to get a dose out of the refrigerator because the instructions say it has to be at room temperature before it can be administered. He has never complained about it, but I know it messes up his sleep because he's always worried that he'll oversleep and not get it out of the fridge in time. The three doses are supposed to be administered 8 hours apart, 3 times per day. We can "fudge" an hour either way, but if we get a late start in the morning it messes up the rest of the doses for that day.
A good friend of mine has a walker that she will bring over tomorrow, so I won't have to buy one. That's a nice break since we've had so many other expenses related to this injury.0 -
Pam - it's so good that you're on your way toward rehab. Great news!
Helene - I like the old house better too but BIL was pushing for a move west so that's what they did. I limp sometimes too. I think I rehabbed pretty well after the broken heel (I didn't need surgery either) but there is a degree of permanent disability. Small but when you add to arthritis it magnifies it.
I'm off to the funeral today! Here's hoping I don't get lost.0 -
My friend's walker was not the right type for my needs at this time. Hers had four wheels and a seat, while I'm in need of a more basic model with no more than two wheels and no seat. Hopefully, we can get one of those over the weekend and I can try it out. I used one while in the hospital, but I was not allowed to put weight on my foot, so all I could do was hop while using it.
I'm looking forward to tomorrow. Some of my friends from grad school are bringing dinner for us and plan to stay and visit with me for awhile. It will be so nice to see them as we aren't able to get together very often. We have been thoroughly spoiled with all the meals that our friends and neighbors have brought us. We have one more that we know of next week, then we may be forced to start fending for ourselves again. Another reason I need to get back on my feet soon! DH cooks some, but it's pretty basic. However, I was able to weigh myself this morning, and despite all the wonderful food we've been gifted, I have lost more than 5 pounds since before the accident. I don't recommend this as a diet plan, but I'll take a loss anyway I can get it!
Maryanne, I hope you were able to find the funeral successfully. I'm sure it was a sad day for your dad, but hopefully you were able to spend some time with him.
Last night was my first night without pain meds. I haven't really been having pain at night, but I do have difficulty getting comfortable, so I've been taking the hydrocodone at night with a muscle relaxer. It was a great combo as far as helping me sleep, but I didn't want to become dependent on it. I had run out of the muscle relaxer, so I decided to give up both of them. I slept, but not well. I'm hoping for a better night's sleep tonight. One of my wounds is almost closed, but the other one will still take awhile. I apologize for going to so much detail about my injuries, etc., but that's about all I have going on in my life right now. I really need to get a life!0 -
Pam - a walker does work a lot better when you can put weight on both feet. My physical therapist - Pete - got to the point where he was trying to get me to give it up. My sister came to visit and ended up accidentally taking it home to New Jersey in her trunk. Pete was thrilled. I moved completely to two crutches at that point and eventually to one crutch. I still occasionally use a cane. Have you looked into getting a temporary disability permit for the car?
The funeral trip did not turn out as planned. The "visitation" (whatever that is) was at 10; the service at 11; then something about lunch but I wasn't clear whether I was invited to that (which sounds odd but is no odder than anything else that's happened in the last 12 years with the dad situation). I left here at 8 am. Seemed a little early but I figured the earlier I got there the better parking would be. WELL a tractor trailer loaded with used tires caught fire and closed I 83 north for 7 hours. About 9:45 I was still sitting in that backup. No possible way out until the traffic inched its way to wherever they were diverting traffic. I called dad at that point. He said "I hate to say this but...." it was obvious to both of us that I wasn't going to get there. He also said there were no parking places and I should turn around and go home. So when the traffic eventually was diverted off onto a side road I did. You'll notice he didn't say "well maybe you can make it in time for lunch and to spend some time".
I hadn't done a spreadsheet for the day since I didn't think I'd be home so I did that and ended up with a day that was pretty much on track.
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Pam...I echo applying for the temporary handicapped parking permit. Do it now as when DH needed it, it took the Registry almost a month to process it. I hope TX is more efficient than MA. I called after waiting a couple of weeks and was told it had just gone upstairs from the laminating dept. Your doctor will have to sign a form. Look over the form before you give it to the doctor. Our doctor was on vacation and his associated filled it out and checked that DH was not fit to drive. within days, he got a letter from the Registry revoking his license. We had to go back to that same doctor a month later to get him to fill out a new form saying DH could drive again. If our doctor had filled out the form, I would have said that'd I'd be doing the driving until DH recovered (I usually drive us anyway) and I don't think he would have checked the box that triggered DH losing his license. It was very upsetting to both of us when he got that letter. If you have any thrift stores in your area, I've seen walkers of the type you need for sale there.0
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Maryanne..Going to the funeral sounds like a nightmare! It was good you turned around. Maybe your dad didn't mention coming up later and staying for lunch because he knew how long you'd already been on the road and you'd have a long drive back after such a short visit. Perhaps you can go up for a visit in a few weeks. The weather will be better and hopefully you don't get caught in another nightmare traffic situation.0
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I could have renewed my disabled tag indefinitely as after the first renewal (which the doctor had to sign) it's apparently automatic but I couldn't justify it any more after a certain point. Now if I have to walk a little ways I figure it's good exercise!
I was attacked several times (even while still using crutches) for not being "disabled enough" for disabled parking. So prepare yourself for that possibility.
What I did notice was that many handicapped spaces/entrances assume you're in a wheelchair. They can be amazingly far away from the front door for someone with crutches/walker.
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I've noticed that as well. I guess they try to put them near a ramped area which is many times quite a ways from the door. DH's renewal wasn't automatic. He had to reapply each time. He got one extension because we were driving to FL and we needed a decent parking space in the rest stops. Pretty much forget about using it in FL. Too much of the popular is seniors with ssome kind of reason for needing one. We consider ourselves lucky not to need one anymore but I wouldn't hesitate to apply if we had a real condision that made one necessary.
Pam..don't worry about telling us about your recovery. You need to vent and this is a good group to do it with. Most of us have been there, done that in some form or other. We're happy to hear of your progress.0 -
We actually got a handicapped parking tag immediately after the injury. I think it is good for six months before we would need to renew it. The process was actually pretty quick here in Texas. Hopefully, in six months I won't need it.
Believe it or not, our local WalMart has the type of walker I need for under $30.00, so DH will just go down there and get one the next time he leaves the house. I had expected that I wouldn't need one of those for another ten or fifteen years, but I was wrong, lol! Unfortunately, he strained a muscle in his back yesterday and he's very uncomfortable today, especially when he needs to get up from a chair or sofa. He's done this before and it usually takes a week or two for it to work itself out. And he refuses to go to the doctor for it, so he will be miserable for the next few days.
Maryanne, I'm sorry your attempt to attend the funeral didn't work out. At least your dad knows you tried. Like Helene said, perhaps in a few weeks you can try again to visit him.
Jean, where are you? I hope you're not sick again. You weren't having a procedure done this week were you?0 -
I'm hoping for a "normal" Sunday with respect to chores, food and treadmill. Hopefully all the drama is over, at least for the moment!
I've got my spreadsheet set up for today.0 -
It has been a very busy week so today will be a great day to relax. I was preparing to post early yesterday when I got a phone call from a friend. Basically, she was having vision problems in one eye which has been increasing for three weeks. Yesterday, she could see little in one eye. Her optometrist in the city could work her in so off we went.
She got the lecture of why she waited so long as she has a detached retina. They tried to work her in with a specialist on Saturday but with no luck. She now has an 8am appointnent in the city on Monday, with instructions to lie flat as much as possible until then. I'll be taking her to that appointment in the city also.
I have an appointment on Thursday with what I call the "super cardiologist," the one that specializes in a specific type of heart condition. I also have one at the end of March with the regular cardiologist as well as the bladder and kidney scope procedures to see if the cancer has returned. I've just been exhausted fron work and various appointments, so I've just been missing in action.
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