2016: First Quarter of January 1 through March 31, 2016

mdubbs1

Jean - your poor friend! I hope they can reattach her retina and save her sight in that eye!

It's in the 60's here today and sunny! DH thinks he's figured out why we've been getting water in the basement and he's working on sealing and tightening some things that have shifted since we got the roof/gutters/etc.

Me I'm doing chores and some billable work hopefully.

A few weeks back he saw some folks chasing down their Savannah which had gotten away from them. He said he's never seen such a big cat. A little while ago he saw it race through our backyard. I hope they get it back!

I'm watching the weather for Thursday. After the internist's scheduler made fun of me for not wanting to do an appointment yet - as I'm trying to get all my regular appointments out of "snow season" - I think it would be hilarious if we got snow on Thursday (there's apparently a possibility).

PamS53

Jean, I'm so sorry you've been stretched so thin this week. Your friend really has put her sight at risk in that eye by waiting so long, but hopefully the specialist will be able to help her. When mine detached, I saw the doctor within about four days, and even that resulted in some scolding from the doctors for not coming in sooner. I did have an excellent outcome, but I was really worried for awhile. I hope she has a good outcome as well.

I had a great day yesterday. My two friends from grad school came over. One brought homemade lasagna and salad for dinner and the other brought champagne and snacks for a fun little happy hour while we visited. I thoroughly enjoyed their visit and of course, the food and drinks were great as well.

I haven't slept well for the past three nights, so I'm feeling tired today. I've been trying to go without the hydrocodone at night as I'm not really having pain anymore. I was also taking a muscle relaxer at night with the pain pills and that combo made me sleep great, but I've run out of the muscle relaxer and didn't really want to ask for a refill on it since I'm not having the muscle spasms anymore. I tried one night without any drugs at all and didn't sleep very well. The next night I tried again but gave up around midnight and took one of the hydrocodones. Still didn't sleep, so last night I took two at bedtime like I had been doing before but without the muscle relaxer. I slept for a couple of hours, then was awake for most of the rest of the night. I think I'm just going to stop taking the hydrocodone altogether since it didn't really help. Eventually I assume I'll get so tired that I'll have to sleep, or at least I hope so!

Helene610

Jean..It's understandable why you're so tired. And we've all learned a valuable lesson from your friend's experience. I'm surprised she didn't call much sooner. I hope she didn't cause any permanent damage by waiting too long.
Pam..If Walmart has a folding walker, consider getting that type. The 2 side supports fold in. It's much easier to fit it in the back seat of a car than the ones with the fixed arms. Dh might want to share the walker with you while he's having back problems. I used MIL's in a similar situation. I'd injured my back and going from sitting or lying to standing was pretty painful. I found when I used the walker for support, I could stand up with much less pain. He wouldn't have to use it for walking; just as a support to stand up. I was on muscle relaxers as well but an OTC pain reliever would probably get him through it until he'd better.

KonaKat

You all have me thinking about getting one of those collapsible walkers. I have one that my mother used which I kept just in case. I'm getting so accident prone that I think having one of these on hand might be a good idea.

I was present when the optometrist explained the various procedures which might be used, ranging from laser to that of stitching a band or similar around the eye to force the fluid to remain where it should and to keep the retina in place. She would have to be put out for this procedure to be done. He suggested that she might want to take a bag with her. When she picked up on this and directly asked him if she would be hospitalized, he wouldn't commit himself but just said that women liked to have back ups. Obviously, the specialist will make the decision but I think it is a good idea to be prepared for any type of procedure just in case they decide to do something that day if the schedule permits.

mdubbs1

Pam - I take Benadryl and Rapid Sleep PM just about every night. The Benadryl helps with the allergies and makes me sleepy. (I also use Nasacort at bedtime.) DH takes "real" sleeping pills (currently Lunesta) but I've never had any prescription meds.

My sister had two detached retinas and I'm pretty sure she was hospitalized.

Helene610

Having the bag along sound smart. If they discover her problem can't be fixed with an out patient procedure, they can go forward with hospitalization. Did the doctor say anything about having to correct it soon? I've had the impression that if it totally detaches, you can't fix it. Leaving a folding walker in the car trunk would be smart. If you're out somewhere and need that extra stability you have it with you. It doesn't take up much space.

PamS53

When my retina detached the surgery was done at 8:30 in the evening and I went home that night. Staying overnight was never even mentioned. Of course, packing a bag is always a good idea, since you never know when you might have a complication. I think the procedure used in my case was the one where a band was stitched around it, which my doctor likened to a girdle. It was several months before my vision was fully restored, but it did come back as good as before.

I've used Benadryl as a nighttime sleep aid for years and it generally works well for me. I think right now my system doesn't know if it's coming or going after all the different drugs it's had in it over the past two months. I'd really like to get back to what I consider my "routine" meds and stop taking anything stronger than Benadryl and/or Tylenol or Aleve. I don't really need the pain meds anymore for pain and since they are a narcotic, I think the sooner I stop using them, the better. My family doctor doesn't like me taking Benadryl routinely, but I don't really see a downside to it. If it works for me, it seems like that's a better option than a prescription sleeping pill.

The folding type of walker is what I am looking for. I'm supposed to wear my orthopedic boot when I try out the walker, so I attempted to put that on this morning, with mixed results. I've been working on flexing and straightening my ankle to restore its range of motion and get my foot where I can place it flat on the floor. The boot requires just a little more flex than I'm able to do as yet, so I have more work to do in that area. I can't quite get the toes and the heel flat on the floor at the same time but I'm close.

mdubbs1

I have my walker and crutches in the CROM storage unit and the wheelchair is in the garage. I guess all are possibly subject to weather, at least humidity.

Pam - I spent a lot of time at PT working on range of motion on my right foot. They even have special machines. Also spent a lot of time working on balance as that's apparently affected by range of motion. I got a lot back but not enough to do a really good job of stretching out my Achilles' tendon on that side which leaves me vulnerable to flare-ups (to which I was already subject before everything happened).

Helene610

DH did a lot of flexing and pointing his toes when he was rehabbing his foot. He also had to rotate the ankle in each direction. He worked with a Bosu Ball to get back his balance. He did a pretty good job of it. He probably could ahve gone to another couple of sessions but we were anxious to head for FL. The therapist did stretches with him but I don't think he ever did them at home. And the therapist would ice his lower leg after therapy sessions.

If you go with your husband walker shopping, use the wheelchair to go into and around the store. When you get to the walker section, put the boot on and try the walker. That way you won't wear yourself out getting to the right department. If he goes alone, try it at home. It's probably returnable if you can't use it but he should ask first.

mdubbs1

Google's little logo is SO cute today!

KonaKat

Yesterday was fun. We made the trip to the eye doctor who confirmed a retina detachment and explained the various procedures to address it as well as success rate with each and type of recovery. As expected, we were then sent to the capital city for her to do pre-admission testing. Had they scheduled it at 6 to 7am, we would have stayed there for the night. As it is, her surgery isn't until 10am today, so I will be out the door in a half hour to make the 90 minute trip to the hospital. This is a YouTube video of the procedure she will be having done:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CJy8qjNojAc

I'll read the posts in more detail once I get back home.

KonaKat

mdubbs1

Jean - that's hilarious! (Although I admit I ranted and raved when first confronted with the fact that we all get shorter.) Best of luck to your friend!

I was planning to go to the vet today to pick up the mailing BUT it's not all back yet so I have to rejigger my schedule!

I have finished 8 weeks of eating well (well being relative of course - not sure how healthy all this diet food is) and have lost 17 pounds. I'll probably give a little back on my birthday but that will be planned. The trick will be immediately getting back on track.

Helene610

Holy cow! 17 pounds is great. It just goes to show that persistence and eating right pays off. Congratulations.

PamS53

Congrats to you Maryanne! Seventeen pounds in 8 weeks shows how hard you've worked at this, and even if you do give some back on your birthday, you'll get right back on track and continue forward. Seriously, this is an impressive loss and I hope you are proud of it!

Jean, good luck to your friend. I hope her procedure is successful and uncomplicated.

We've ordered a walker from eBay and it should be delivered by next Monday. I need to keep working on my flexibility so I can use it when it arrives. I haven't felt very good for the past two days and finally made the connection that I am suffering from withdrawal from the hydrocodone. I was only taking it at night, thinking that it was helping me sleep since it is difficult for me to get comfortable lying in bed. However, I realized that it wasn't really helping me sleep, so two nights ago I decided not to take any more. Yesterday I had a really bad headache, shakiness, and some mild nausea. Today I'm still feeling the same way, but I'm hoping if I stick it out I'll start to feel better in a day or two. It never occurred to me that I would have withdrawal symptoms because I only took it at night and didn't exceed the prescribed dosage. I researched the withdrawal symptoms on-line, and concluded that definitely is why I'm feeling this way. The recommendation is to taper off it over a week or more, but since I'm already two days into it, I'm trying to tough it out. Of course, the doctor never mentioned this when prescribing the drug!

mdubbs1

Thanks for the good wishes everyone!

Pam - i can't believe your doctor didn't have you taper off the hydrocodone. DH was on pred recently and I had to remind him about tapering it off. Some drugs you just don't quit cold turkey.

I'm having the NS burger yesterday and today. I sure will miss these when my stash is exhausted. I would have bought more if I'd know Kansas City Steaks was going to discontinue the heart healthy burgers.

mdubbs1

Costco cards will be on sale 3/3 - 3/28 if anyone cares.

PamS53

I didn't tell my doctor that I was going to discontinue the pain medication. I probably should have mentioned it to him, but as I said before, it never occurred to me that I would have withdrawal from the small amount and frequency I was taking. Today has gotten better. I didn't feel well when I first got up, but I've felt better as the day has gone by. Hopefully the worst is over for me.

KonaKat

Good morning, everyone! I am exhausted from fighting a sinus infection plus racking up over 450 miles on the last fill up by taking the friend to those eye appointments. Yesterday, she had a late morning appointment. Never have a late morning appointment; always try to get an early one as they start running late. She was finally taken back for the procedure at 1pm. It took an hour and a half during which time they discovered another problem which had to be resolved. We finally got home around 6pm; they said she was functional but she was still "stoned." She is much better this morning and her sister is taking her to the follow up appointment.

Maryanne-Congrats upon the weight loss.

Pam--Get friendly with drugs.com as it is a good source to tell you what to do with a drug. Some take time to reduce.

Helene610

Pam..I'm surprised you have withdrawal after such a short time and not taking that many. Our local newspaper has done a series on people who got hook on prescription painkillers that they were on short term. The doctors didn't warn them of what might happen. I've taken it from time to time like after my surgery bit I took very little and for the shortest time possible. It's hard to know in advance if you might be so sensitive to it that you'd have withdrawal. I'm glad you're okay.

PamS53

I'm feeling much better today. I think I'm done withdrawing from hydrocodone. Overall, it wasn't too bad, but I'm glad I stopped it when I did. I can really see how easy it is to become addicted or physiologically dependent on these types of drugs. Two days of not feeling well was worth it to get that stuff out of my system.

One of my wounds is almost closed. The other one is much larger and deeper and it is the one where you could see the bone and the hardware attached to it. Now I can still see a small part of the hardware, but as soon as the tissue grows over and completely covers it, we can discontinue the wound vac and instead use wet to dry gauze dressings. I'm really looking forward to that because I am very sensitive to adhesive tape and I'm starting to get a lot of irritation along the bottom edge of my wound from it. The wet to dry dressings use much less tape than the wound vac, plus it's rather annoying to be attached by 5 feet of tubing to a machine at all times, day and night. I can turn the machine off an hour before the nurse is due to change the dressing and that actually makes it easier to remove the old dressing. So that's typically when I take my showers and enjoy slightly more freedom to move around. But the dressing is only changed three times a week, so on the other days I usually make do with a sponge bath. I never realized how much I took for granted being able to take a shower any time I wanted one! Because DH is afraid I might fall or have problems in the shower he always stays right by the shower door, which is a bit disconcerting. I know it's for my safety, but it still feels a bit like a shower with a prison guard watching. I will be so happy when I can stand on both feet and not require so much help. I truly don't mean to sound unappreciative. My DH has been amazing throughout this whole ordeal, but I'm so ready to be back to my usual independent self.

Jean, you've had a busy few days helping your friend out while battling a sinus infection. I hope you can get some rest and get over the infection. How is your friend doing, and what is her prognosis for her eyesight?

mdubbs1

Pam - I love your descriptions! I'm glad you're making progress - it must be so hard!

DH's doctor dispensed hydrocodone like he was giving out aspirin, it seemed to me. And I have a friend who badgers her doc constantly for antibiotics. I guess there is fault on both sides of the doctor/patient equation when it comes to drugs. People shouldn't badger and doctors shouldn't cave.

Helene610

I thought I posted a message yesterday but it didn't show up when I logged on today. I was just saying that I'm very sparing about taking antibiotics. I want to be sure they'll work if I'm really sick, like when I had an infection after my gall bladder surgery. Actually, I had the infection before they operated. I have a high pain threshold so I didn't realize I was sick until I actually needed surgical intervention. It would have been an outpatient procedure except for the infection. I had to stay in the hospital for a couple of days on intravenous antibiotics. I'm amazed that some people ask for them for colds and viruses, even though the drugs don't work on those.

we went carpet shopping yesterday. We brought home some samples and someone is coming out this afternoon to measure the rooms. We still need to do an little work in those 2 bedrooms (install baseboards) but it will be a couple of weeks for the carpet to arrive and the job to be scheduled. We're waiting to view the samples in sunlight so we can decide on the coloe. Of course, it's overcast oday.

mdubbs1

I did see the nurse practitioner yesterday. Compared to the internist - who is always hours late - she was only about half an hour late so I guess that's an improvement. She refilled my prescription and offered me a pneumonia shot. Since that was on my "to do" list she saved me a trip to CVS! Went to the pharmacy today and found out they actually approved the prescription 2/20. Not that anyone ever told me. Geesh!

Talked to my dad today. He sounded good. We discussed easy things to cook among other things. Sounds like he is definitely moving back to the family home which I think is good all around. He says the stairs will not be an issue (can you believe - at age 90?) I asked him if he was going to learn to check email and got a resounding "NO WAY!"

We got snow last night. If you have to get it, that's the way - nothing on the sidewalk, driveway or road just a pretty covering everywhere else.

I've got my "to do" list written up for the weekend. Always more "to do" than there is time.

DH ordered himself a pizza for dinner so I had a NS pizza with vegetables on the side. I replace the NS cheese with FF mozzarella and add turkey pepperoni. DH made fun of it. LOL! Luckily I am not a fan of the pizza DH orders from Papa John's so I really wasn't tempted.

Helene610

I just ordered the Fit and Free pizzas that NS members used to talk about. I got the GF version and added veggies to it. The crust was really good and the flavor is better than NS. It's larger as well. Since it's frozen, it's already assembled unless you want to add more toppings.

KonaKat

Maryanne--At one time, I was uncomfortable with the idea of seeing physician's assistants or nurse practitioners in lieu of a doctor but I've been very impressed by my experiences. I haven't had an NS pizza for a long time; I eat the Lean Cuisine pizzas as they are so much better.

Helene--I've not tried the Fit and Free pizzas. I've not tried them as the only freezer I have is the one that is part of the refrigerator and I think these come in a number to large to fit.

Pam--I am glad that you are making great progress. It is true that we don't realize how much we value something until we are limited in its use...and a shower is one of those.

I'm really tired from the week's activities. I may have to undergo another stress test as I haven't had one since I was initially diagnosed. I really don't want to do it but I guess it might be a good idea. I think I am just over the hill and physically out of shape. I haven't exercised much since I had the cardiac ablation. The doctor's scales said I had dropped some since the last time I climbed on a doctor's scale.

Helene610

Jean..I think you can buy the pizzas in a six pack. I only have the top of the refrigerator freezer in FL and I was able to buy a 12 pack and fit it in. Once you take it out of the box, it's individual shrink wrapped discs that don't take a lot of stacking room. I had a bunch of dinners, bags of veggies and DH's ice cream cartons and they still fit. I think they are better than Lean Cuisines too. I bought the basic tomato sauce and cheese but they come with pepperoni too. I figured I could do basic and add my own toppings.

I've often seen Pas or NPs at the doctor's office and I've gotten very good treatment. I'm usually there with an illness or something routine and they've been more than qualified to deal with those. I'd have to wait much longer for an opening with the doctor. I saw him in the fall when I had my physical. Are you still thinking about the stress test or have you decided to do it.

PamS53

My orthopedic doctor has a great PA who works closely with him. I've seen her several times and been pleased with the care I received. When I went in for my first post-op visit after the initial,ankle surgery, she took one look at my incisions and immediately excused herself to get the doctor because my skin was breaking down badly around and inside the incisions. I appreciate that she has a clear sense of what she can handle and when to call in the doctor. In the past I have received steroid injections in different joints and of the two, I prefer for the PA to give them.

DH and I went out last night to my friends' monthly First Friday Happy Hour. It was the first one I've been able to attend in at least three months. It was really nice to be out among other people. I realized that it was the first time I've worn any clothing other than my yoga pants and a t-shirt since my injury. It felt very nice to dress up a little and take a little more time and attention for my hair and makeup. I've gotten pretty lazy about both since this happened because I seldom left the house and anyone who came over was aware of my circumstance, so it just didn't seem like it was worth the effort. I'm sure this also represents some level of depression which, hopefully, I'm coming out of now.

I always liked the NS flatbread pizzas and hated the others, but eventually I got tired of them. I'm not fond of thick crusted pizza, so that was a better choice for me. I always added onions, peppers, and turkey pepperoni to mine and sometimes a little sprinkle of reduced fat cheese. That was one of my favorite NS meals until I got burned out on all of their food. I tended to order the same things over and over because there were a lot of choices I didn't like at all, so it's no wonder I burned out after awhile. I think I ordered for about 18 months, but then they introduced the shakes as part of the "new and improved" NS. That was the deal breaker for me as I really don't like to drink my meals. At that time it was a mandatory part of the program I was on, so that made it easy for me to pull the plug. I think now the shakes are optional, which is how it should be in my opinion.

Jean, I'm not surprised you're feeling tired. You had a busy and stressful week with driving your friend to her surgery appointments while battling an infection of your own, and working some of the time as well. I hope you are able to rest up over this weekend. How is your friend doing?

PamS53

I think I mentioned that I've lost some weight over the past two months. Just to see where I would land on the BMI charts now I calculated it and I'm at 25.4! About three more pounds and I'm "normal" weight! I had been in the overweight category. I got to normal when I was on NS, but quickly regained about half of the weight I had lost when I began cooking my own meals and stopped exercising as much as I had while in weight loss mode. I certainly didn't expect to lose weight while going through this, but I'm very happy to find that I did. My belly is much smaller and getting flatter, too. We've been so blessed with delicious meals provided by our friends and neighbors, which I've enjoyed greatly, so weight loss is a very unexpected outcome. I know there were quite a few days when I wasn't feeling very well and my appetite was non-existent, but for the most part I've had a good appetite. I know I haven't been eating the same size portions as I normally would, so I guess that is where the weight loss came from. Overall, I think I have lost about 7 pounds. I'm not recommending this weight loss "plan", but if I had to go through it, at least there is some silver lining in this cloud!

KonaKat

Pam--Congrats upon the weight loss. Yes, there has been a positive aspect to your ordeal. Sometimes, our eating habits surprise us but as you said, you were not eating the same size portions. I also enjoyed the NS pizzas when I first got them but got tired of them as well as adding things to make them tasty.

Helene--I checked out the Fit and Free Pizzas again. I had forgotten how expensive they were. At $10 a pizza, they are more than twice the cost of the Lean Cuisine pizzas which come in a variety. They may not be completely fat free but the protein and calories is very acceptable at less than $4 for a very filling and tasty pizza.

I figured this would be a week of weight gain as I've been eating Burger King Whoppers with cheese, Jalapeno chicken fries and Milk shakes while on the road and at home. Instead, I lost a pound and a half. Let's not forget breakfast at IHop. Love their stuffed French toast. Makes no sense.

Today, I am back to the "healthy" routine with Quaker Weight Control oatmeal for breakfast as I am now out of the Kellogg's Special K breakfast sandwiches.