Third Quarter of 2016: We Can Do This!!
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Helene - in spite of all the nonsense, I'll be thinking about you and your hubby today!!0
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Helene--Prayers for DH and you. Waiting can be so difficult.
Maryanne--You certainly live a challenging life working in rescue. Pretty Boy can give Midnight some lessons on behavior at the vet.
I was to work today but the teacher decided not to take off as her appointment was changed. Looks like Midnight is stuck with me for much of the day.
I started the day with an Eggbeaters Southwestern omelet with some low fat cheese and mushrooms added.0 -
Sending positive thoughts and energy to Helene and her DH today. I hope all goes smoothly.
Maryanne, sounds like Pretty Boy is adapting to the indoor life like a champ. Is it common for Siamese cats to have crossed eyes?
Jean, enjoy your unexpected day off. I love it when a day unexpectedly frees up and I can do what ever I feel like at the time.
Today I am doing laundry and getting my nails done. I may also need to go to the grocery store for a few things to make dinner tonight. Shrimp quesadillas sound good to me, but I think I'm lacking a few of the ingredients.0 -
It's pretty common for Siamese cats - especially "pet quality" - to have crossed eyes.
Turns out he needs massive dental work. He's probably been in pain but eating anyway.
Latest twist in the cat rescue saga? My BIL - who brought us our Jessicat - left a message about another cat in their neighborhood. My guess is DH will be on his way to get it by the weekend. Don't know why they couldn't bring it here - seems like the least they could do - but what do I know. It's not like his brother works (he quit his job to help with his wife's bakery business - and he's writing a "coming of age" novel).
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Well, a neighbor adopted the kitten my BIL called about so that's one I won't have to worry about.
I had a nice, quiet day today. I got a LOT of work done. For a change. I wish I had a few more days like this every week!0 -
I had a very good day of subbing yesterday. I was called again to sub at the same school; however, I decided not to do it. I had no sleep last night with the leg pain and didn't want to play physical education teacher. The HS just called and I get to sub for the librarian and online class supervisor. That certainly beats chasing little kids around a gym and pretending I know something about physical education sports for elementary.0
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I had a very good day of subbing yesterday. I was called again to sub at the same school; however, I decided not to do it. I had no sleep last night with the leg pain and didn't want to play physical education teacher. The HS just called and I get to sub for the librarian and online class supervisor. That certainly beats chasing little kids around a gym and pretending I know something about physical education sports for elementary.
I'm sorry, but that vision gave me my first chuckle of the morning. LOL!!! Being a librarian DEFINITELY trumps being a gym teacher.0 -
Just got home from setting up for the flea market tomorrow. Dang, that's work! And standing on those cement floors is rough on my feet/ankles/knees/etc. in spite of support socks, special shoes and Aleve. But we're ready!!
Now I just want to crash but there are some chores I have to do first. Plus I'm hungry.0 -
DH is making progress from his bypass. He's still in the ICU but able to sit up, eat regular food and he had a stroll down the hall yesterday. I'm heading down there to check up on him shortly. I had my physical and we talked about all the stress I have with DH's health. My cholesterol is a bit high so she's starting me on a stain drug. I said I knew it was weight related and could I try to lost a few pounds and see if that would reduce it. She said normally she would take that approach but she didn't want me stressing over my weight while I'm dealing with DH's health issues. That was a first that a doctor told me not to worry about the weight right now. I think I'll try watching my diet a bit more anyway, while taking the stains and see what happens. I see her again in December and we can re-evaluate.
That's great that BIL's neighbor adopted the kitten. And I'd chose subbing for the librarian over PE any day.0 -
Helene - that's great news about your hubby. Continuing good thoughts for both of you! I've taken Zocor for years after first trying a year on my own. My dad is in great shape and he's on it too so I think in my case it may be hereditary.0
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Helene, that's great news about your DH! It sounds like he will soon bid adieu to the ICU. You have a very compassionate doctor to advise you to not stress over your weight right now.
I take Red Yeast Rice to control my cholesterol. It's a plant form of a statin that is available in the supplement section of the pharmacy. For me, it has worked well and keeps my cholesterol in check. My sister has been on a statin for years. When she ran out of the drug once and was off it for a couple of weeks, her cholesterol jumped almost 100 points, so she's been warned to make sure she never runs out of the drug.
I'm off to Dallas in a few minutes to meet some friends for a birthday lunch celebration. Her birthday was in early August, but this was our first opportunity to get together.0 -
After my dr. appointment, I'd called DH and found he was down in the OR having a procedure. What?? Turns out he collapsed while walking the hall. The nurses caught him and brought him back to his room. Dr had been considering a pacemaker. I didn't know about it in advance. Surprisingly, he was awake during the procedure. He improved enough overnight that he's in a regular room instead of ICU. I'm heading up for a visit.0
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Helene--So sorry about the change in DH's status. I do hope the outlook improves but it is odd that they overlooked telling you about the possibility of a pacemaker unless it was motivated by changes in health after you talked.
Pam--Enjoy the birthday lunch celebration. I do hope the Red Yeast Rice helps with your cholesterol. I take CholestOff Plus by Nature's Made.
Maryanne--Glad I gave you a chuckle. Yesterday, I "played" special ed teacher which was a great assignment.
I've been spending the weekend relaxing. I'm watching the Weather Channel right now. Hopefully Hermine will not worsen and pose a threat to those in its potential path.0 -
Helene - the confusion sounds scary! Here's hoping everything continues to go well.
Pam - I've read that the most dangerous time for folks is right after they stop taking a statin so it's important to always have enough on hand.
Jean -I'm glad you enjoyed your last assignment of the week.
I am achy and beyond exhausted but we think we set a flea market record today!0 -
The internet wire in our neighborhood is hanging three feet from the ground. Literally. DH has called Comcast several times and apparently (1) the fact that our internet isn't actually down (yet) means we aren't a high priority and (2) many of their trucks have been sent to Ocean City because of the storm (I guess having internet access during a hurricane is a top priority????). Anyway, should I seem to disappear it's just the internet!
I had a quiet day today and checked a bunch of small stuff off my "to do" list!0 -
I did zero today as I was tired and bemoaning the passing of Summer. There is something about Labor Day that seems to signal the good is rapidly coming to a close.
I got an email on the new South Beach program since NS took over. It is 3 weeks of home delivered meals built around the South Beach guidelines. Auto delivery is every 3 weeks.
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Jean - love that photo!
I'm back to work today. I got a lot done the last two days. Not nearly my whole "to do" list but a satisfactory start.
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DH's first day in rehab went well. He's in the best rehab in our area. It's very intense; 3 hours a day. They decide if a patient is a good fit for them. Last time, his need for therapy was judged not requiring their intensive services. This time (2 surgeries) and he made the cut. He had a restless first night because of chest discomfort and they surprised him by moving him to a private room after lunch. I walked into the old room and the roommate told me he'd moved down the hall. I guess they figured with all he'd been through, he deserved a restful stay there. I won't go until after 4 so he can do all his therapies without me interrupting.
He got a tour of the facility including the gym. He walked up and down the short staircase in the gym and did a bit of plain walking. He had lessons on how to get up and down into bed safely. I asked if it helped and he said he did think he was doing it smoother after the lessons. He can't use his arms to push himself up so it's just using the legs and core muscles. He should have abs of steel after this.
I had to go clothes shopping for him yesterday . He needed a couple of button down shirts and some sweatpants for therapy. He normally wears golf shirts and chinos.He can't raise his arms over his head for weeks so he can wear shirts that slip on over the head. I grabbed 2 pair of each plus 2 pair of sneakers. He didn't have any of those either. I got a half size larger because his feet are swollen. One pair has velcro and the other has laces. The lace pair looks like black Keds. It may be that neither fit but I can return them. It's hard to buy shoes for someone else when they can't try them. I'll find out today if wither pair of shoes worked for him.
Jean..Was does the SB delivery cost? Is it frozen food?0 -
Helene - three hours a day - that is intense! I'm sure at least in the beginning they will tire him out enough that he can appreciate resting much of the rest of the day. I can't imagine not being able to use my arms to get up - from a chair, a bed, anything. Must be hard to remember not to do that.
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I had my appointment with my ortho Doctor (actually his PA) this morning and we talked about scheduling the surgery to remove all of the hardware from my ankle. I'm waiting for his nurse to call me to get it on the schedule for sometime around the first of October, I think. I'll be glad to get this over with. We also talked about scar revision during this surgery and she promised they would do what they can, but warned me that they may not be able to improve it much. The one on the inside of my ankle isn't so bad, but the other one is about four inches long and at least a quarter of an inch wide. Both are dark red to purple in color, so they are quite noticeable.
I've never had to wait for more than 10-15 minutes to see the doctor, but today I had waited for more than half an hour without being called. I went to the front desk to inquire if there was an issue and was told that my chart had been picked up so I would be called soon. I went back and sat down where I could see the nurse when she came out to call the next patient and when she did I asked her how soon I could expect to be called. She mumbled something about being extra busy because it was the day after a holiday, then took the patient back. She came back very quickly after that and called my name. It turns ou that the front desk person had never checked me in, so my chart was never pulled. If I hadn't said something to the nurse they never would have seen me, I guess.
Helene, sounds like your DH will be getting a lot of therapy during his rehab stay. Hopefully he will see progress every day. Have they given you any idea how long his stay will be?0 -
I spoke to him this morning and he seemed short of breath. They had given him a breathing treatment just before he called as he woke up short of breath. He told me they were easing back on his therapy today because of the shortness of breath. He asked me to bring in a wedge pillow we have which the therapist said might help his breathing. She gave him some breathing exercises to do as well. He's supposed to be evaluated today for progress so I'll hear about it when I visit tonight. He was supposed to get lessons on using the shower but they've postponed that a day as well. I'm glad to hear they monitor him so closely and plan his day around his stamina and breathing. We'll both attend a meeting to discuss his evaluation and I think we'll probably get an estimate of how long he'll be at the rehab.
I looked at the South Beach link. It looks kind of pricey for 3 weeks. I didn't go beyond the opening page.0 -
Pam..They have some make up like products in the drug store to minimize the look of scars. Maybe something like that could make it less visible if the revision doesn't work as well as you'd like. That's terrible that they didn't discover the mistake sooner when you questioned the wait. It's lucky you spoke up. Good luck with the surgery.0
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Helene - it sounds like your hubby is where he needs to be right now but it must be so hard on both of you!
Pam - glad to hear you are getting rid of your hardware but I'm sorry they may not be able to do more about the scars. It seems like I'm the only person I know who always waits forever for doctors. Even when I get a new one - same story. I think I'm cursed.
Jean - I had "your" oatmeal for breakfast this morning!
I'm taking Jack to the regular vet today. May be a waste of time but the internist wanted it and, if nothing else, we can talk about whether we keep him on antibiotics once the ones the internist gave me are finished. Which reminds me I haven't heard from the internist - she was going to check with the surgeons to see if they thought they could do anything for him. I'll have to email her.
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When I was visiting DH yesterday, he told me the sweats and one of the shirts were too tight. I bought mediums but he's retaining a lot of fluid. It turns out he's got 20 extra pounds from the fluid. I think that's part of the difficulty breathing. So I start again today on bigger sweats and shoes. He couldn't even get his foot into the shoes because he needed a bigger width. Other than that, he's making progress. They expect him be there at least until the 16th. He's in a good place and is getting the care and therapy he needs.0
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Helene--I do hope DH's rehab goes well. It certainly sounds intense. I'm sure that the extra fluid is contributing to the breathing problems.
Pam--I know you will be relieved about the removal of the metal, etc. but hopefully the scars won't be too bad.
Maryanne--I hope you get some good news about Jack. Those visits have to be frustrating but worth it when the fur baby gets better.
I've been working and have been tired.0 -
Jean..I figured you must be subbing since you don't usually miss many days of posting. Going back after the summer must be exhausting. It's like going back after a vacation. The first week is tough and then you adjust. They're giving DH an additional medication in addition to the Lasix to try to move that fluid out. The doctor said it would take a few days to be totally effective but he should notice a difference tomorrow. Even a few pounds less would give him a bit more endurance and easier breathing. I'm off to visit a friend in a different rehab. She ended up in the hospital last week and just went to rehab yesterday. Normally we would have visited her but I've been so tied up with errands and visiting DH that I didn't make it to the hospital. The are in different towns in opposite directions. She must be bored because she's called me every day and usually manages to do it will I'm driving. I've had to pull over and tell her I'll call back. I'll be glad when both of them get home and life settles down a bit.0
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Here's my petty gripe of the day: ALL MY FAVORITE AUTHORS ARE WRITING BOOKS FASTER THAN I CAN READ THEM!!
There, got that off my chest. LOL!
Jean - I'm amazed there's that much subbing at the beginning of the year. Of course you're obviously one of their best - their "go to" so to speak. But I guess things are a lot different today. I can't imagine trying to tell my principal I needed off in September (or before Christmas for that matter). Union or no union he still had the power to make my life heck!
The vet was pretty discouraging about Jack. She did give me a different antibiotic. I sent another email to his internist who is supposed to be talking to their surgeons about options. If surgery isn't an option, or doesn't work, the regular vet and I aren't sure how long he has. Which is sort of strange if you'd see him run around here. But how long can a cat continue to enjoy life if one of his nostrils is blocked? At least he's still eating thank to the pred. And his labwork continues to be good. My alternate plan is to take him to a surgeon I trust up here for an opinion. I think he'll be straight with me. There just isn't an ENT specialty for animals apparently.0 -
There are not that many subs to go around. There have been times they could not get enough subs for the entire county system's needs on a specific day. It is not a job many want to do and subs do have to meet specific educational requirwements.
Doctors or other specialists have a nasty habit of being available only Monday through Friday. When you have to travel 50 to 75 miles or more one way, it is hard to work and be able to make an appointment. The teacher has to be absent.
Most try to do routine things in the Summer but teachers do get sick unexpectedly and have to seek medical care. Let's not forget the vehicles that suddenly need repair which involve the same travel distance. Some teachers are young women who have children who get sick. Some try to take only half days off when possible but it is not always possible.
Then there are the professional meetings they require teachers to attend in the building which are designed to educate them about things being implemented. That happens on a rotational basis about once a month. Let's not forget maternity leave. There is one teacher who is working despite the doctor recommending that she stay off her feet because of complications.
Personally, I have four appointments coming up with specialists. I'm not happy with the timing or when the tests are being done. I tried to schedule two tests on the same day and was successful until I got a phone call that one had to be rescheduled. That will take me out another day.0
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