Daily Chats and Encouragements
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That's me for sure, Bren. I would love to find a corner and just zonk out! The sedative they gave us to help mom sleep at night works for about four hours! I called today to see what could be done. At least we are getting that! Still working on finding a place that will take good care of her. The one we would like sounded a bit iffy, she may be too far along for them; hoping the other place will find she has enough needs for them to accept her! It is only by the grace of God and His strength that we are making it through this. We're old! Taking care of an older person is for the young! LOL!0
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Kim - we are still praying that you find the right place! When we had to make that decision about Bill's Mom, we didn't even consider but one place. There was a waiting list, but we we got by as best as we could until they got her in. Bill and I had done the music for the church services in that facility for years. During that time, they built a beautiful new campus and we knew the staff well. It was also a place that we went to often. We did that ministry for about 20 years....of course a lot of it was after his mom was gone. We had to give it up because they needed to change the time and it would have been a conflict with church (where he was worship leader and I was organist).0
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I'm hoping we won't have to wait very long. Mom seems to be fading more day by day. Yesterday I'm not sure she had a coherent moment. She is very restless and as we were watching TV she kept making comments or responding as if what was happening there was real. We were watching the live feed of a bird feeder and a squirrel was in the box feeder and she told me to shoo it off! I had to keep reminding her that it was on TV and it wasn't real. We are taking things one day at a time and working to keep her as safe as we can. She doesn't understand, but we have to do it anyway.0
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@Restfinder - know that I am praying for you and understand what you are going through. We had to do that for my mom - we got her into a very good place and one minute she would tell us that she needed to contact a real estate person so she could buy a new home and the next minute she would say 'that's silly, I am to old and can't live alone anymore.' Was really hard to watch. But she kept it together pretty well (she lost her sight and couldn't hear well so her quality of life was not good - but she passed away at the age of 93 which is a good age). Know that God is in control and will give you the strength to handle what you are dealing with - your love for your mom will not go unnoticed by our Lord and Savior. And I remember people telling me that and my thought was 'you don't really understand' - but honestly we do and the only thing we can do for you is to pray for you - which we are doing.
Have not been doing well with 'weight issues' - not far off plan but far enough to not release any weight and to feel the pain of the weight I am caring around. So I have made a committment to get back on plan today - have committed to my Lord and Savior my food for the day and that I would work this plan with my Lord beside me - and I know that when we make a committment to the Lord and then don't follow through that His wrath could come down on me for breaking a commitment (vow) to the Lord
Hebrews 12:2-3
Fix your eyes on Jesus...so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.
Be blessed ladies0 -
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I wish you could safely zonk out somewhere and get some deep, blessed, much needed rest, Kim! I get enough for 3 people and treasure it.
My recent "injuries" have healed so that's a blessing. I'll be more careful how I move, lift and do things hopefully, in the future.
I'll go get labs done tomorrow, then see my endo doc Monday and the kidney doc on Tuesday...then run free and wild until March/April when I see my PCP and cardio guy. Hooya. My kidney doc's nurse called to add 2-3 things to my lab orders. I hope for decent results tho my "work" doesn't promise much.
I skidded into the ditch and have been camping there for 3 weeks now...not feeling well nor behaving my best. I will be seeking a course correction today.0 -
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Oh, Marilyn , I can so relate to Snoopy!0
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Me as well, Connie. I have hearing issues and still hear things I shouldn't.0
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Oh my, that was such a wonderful laugh, thanks, Marilyn! I don't hear chocolate chip cookies, but I'm sure I heard a donut one night!
Marilyn, thank you so much for your encouraging words, your prayers are very much appreciated. This is far harder than we every imagined when we reassured Mom we could keep her with us as long as we were able - we are no longer able and hoping that one of the two places we are looking at can take her. She planned and prepared ahead for this, so that is a huge blessing!
Bren, so glad you are doing better. Yes, please be careful with yourself, falls are no small thing when we get to be our age! It's a miracle Mom has survived as many as she has. Whenever she moves from one place to another now there are two of us with her to make sure she doesn't go down, and on the days where she won't carry her weight that is really hard.
Caring for Mom is our life right now so not much else going on with me. We were expecting some bad weather but it doesn't appear to have come and it is still above freezing right now, so it's not likely we will get the icy mix they were predicting. Yippee! Praise the Lord!
Hope y'all stay well!0 -
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Yesterday was a trial by fire....went to get labs done. I always pray I can "go" when I need to and that they get in and out as quickly as possible and hurt me as little....as possible. Got that... but....my reach is so limited with the shoulder pain that none got in the cup. I had to drink more water, wait 20 minutes and try again with a nifty wand cup holder. Hooya.
Results: not good....A1C up to 8.2 from 7.2, Ca/Phosphate abnormal, UR MALB/CR ratio was 326.8 in August...is now 5330.6...normal is below 30, red blood cells are low at 3.54. I was in so much pain I could barely get in the seat. My back raged a lot all day. I was ragged y'all. BUT....I needed to see my damages and get a wake up call I suppose. My Doctors will not be happy with me. I am not happy with me.
So...back to the drawing board today...need a low carb, low protein, low sodium, low potassium diet plan. Please pray for me. Thanks...
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Boy, that soup looks really good!!! With those restrictions I'm not sure what you can eat - eek! Oh, Bren, I'm so sorry that those numbers are looking so bad. Your doctor should have a suggestion for a diet that would help you. That UR Malb/cr number is stunning. Does that mean that you are in full kidney disease and will need dialysis? Oh dear, I hope not. You are in my prayers, sister!
The cold doesn't help with pain either. Praise the Lord just one SI joint is hurting more than normal, all my other arthritis is just a dull ache.
Mom had a visit from a nurse from one of the nursing facilities we are looking at. She is going to recommend that they take her but she wasn't sure how much her recommendation would mean. She will share what she found and we can hope and pray they see not just Mom's need but our need for help as well. Please be praying that they will be able to take her because it's getting almost impossible for us to move her from one place to another and I'm sure that if she doesn't find a way to help us she is going to be bedfast!
Love y'all. Stay warm and safe.0 -
Havent posted much but have been reading the messages - lots of things happening to everyone
@Bren5535 - know that I will continue to pray for you as those numbers don't sound good. Making healthy changes is what is needed and I sure understand how hard that is. I have a group (small one) where the members are going no sugar / no flour - so if that is something you would like to look into or try please let me know as you might benefit being on a group that is making that type of change - lots of support. At any rate I am routing for you.
Have had my toenails professionaly clipped (by a nurse) and found that the one big toe has a bit of a hangnail which has caused some inflamation - so am working on keeping it soaked and clean - will be talking with the doctor on Tuesday as to whether just epson salts will work to pull out the infection or if I need a prescription - once the toe is feeling better I am going to have her put on what is called a brace - goes onto the nail and makes the nail lay flat and not cause this problem I am having - but right now it is sore and not sure if I would like the pain of her putting it on - but it worked on my other big toe so am hopeful that it will on this one.
Doing better with the food and much better with the walking - taking it one day at a time. Getting rid of cravings can be done and is hard - but really we are the ones that make it hard - I do believer we either have to seriously do what is best for our health by eliminating that which is causing us to crave foods or just submit to it and continue on the journey of being unhealthy. Not meaning to be negative - what I am trying to say is we have a choice - eat health or eat unhealthy - our choice. So guess it comes down to what we want or are willing to do - are we willing to make changes or are we going to continue to struggle with each change because we really don't want to give up something that for however long has given us pleasure - and bad healthy. That is what I have had to deal with - what about the rest of you?
Be blessed - stay safe - know that you are loved
Daniel 1:8
But Daniel resolved that he would not defile himself with the king's food, or with the wine that he drank. Therefore he asked the chief of the eunuchs to allow him not to defile himself. And God gave Daniel favor and compassion in the sight of the chief of the eunuchs, and the chief of the eunuchs said to Daniel, 'I fear my lord the king, who assigned your food and your drink; for why should he see that you were in worse condition than the youths who are of your own age? So you would endanger my head with the king.' Then Daniel said to the steward whom the chief of the eunuchs had assigned over Daniel, Hanania, Mishael and Azariah, 'Test your servants for ten days; let us be given vegetables to eat and water to drink. Then let our appearance and the appearance of the youths who eat the king's food be observed by you, and deal with your servants according to what you see.' So he listened to them in this matter, and tested them for ten days. At the end of ten days it was seen that they were better in appearance and fatter in flesh than all the youths who ate the king's food. So the steward took away their food and the wine they were to drink and gave them vegetables.
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Thank you ladies!
I'll look at the kidney diet further. For that big a change in such a short time is not good at all. I too, pray I never have to deal with dialysis. I definitely need to set goals and do my work. So...I'll have labs done again in 3 months and will see what I can do in that time to improve those numbers.
Kim, I am praying with you that she is approved for this location. God knows the need, all the details and has you in His care.
My bedroom looks like an attack took place in here so I am praying for the strength and will to reclaim my spaces and restore much needed order.
I needed 2 bulbs changed in here and asked for God's help to do them as it was so dim I was distressed. It was hard and painful...but I got it done. I couldn't have without His strength and stability. I have the 2 step stool thing but am so thankful I only had to do the bottom step as the top one terrifies me, after that fall into the kitchen years back, trying to change a bulb over the table. I normally would just put in a maintenance request but as I said...I was distressed and needed some light!
I gave away my extra walker yesterday. I was glad someone could use it. Tomorrow and Tuesday, I have my appointments and plan to do more laundry on Wednesday. I want to clear the bedroom, clean the kitchen and do some decluttering today.
I baked a couple of salmon filets and gold potatoes yesterday. It was really good, except I didn't season the salmon. I think I'll do it in the air fryer or try it in my nifty microwave steamer basket next time. I have 6 more filets to play with and some lovely tilapia as well. I did miss a green thing with that dinner and will add spinach or green beans to the container I did for today.
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Oh Bren, I am so sorry for your bad tests, and the pain you are having. I am sure that the pain causes problems with the blood counts, and blood counts being off can cause pain... a never ending cycle.
We have had to make so many changes in our diet for Bill. His last tests are what the doctor called "stable". They were a bit better in a couple of things, and nothing seriously worse...just a few points. He is still stage 3b CKF, 6.0 AIC. Those are the two that we are really watching.
Bren - I don't know if any of your kidney issues are due to Uric acid, but be aware that seafood (including salmon) can raise uric acid. It is something that we have to keep a watch for on Bill. Also any type of red-meat.1 -
Thanks Connie.
As far as I know, I haven't had issues with uric acid. It's never been mentioned...yet! I have been told to not eat red meat or beans (potassium) and I love beans...even more than red meat! My kidney Dr. said I can have chicken, eggs and fish as my protein and this girl has been into hot dogs, bologna and smoked sausage much too often the past 4 months. What protein they possess is not of good quality and the sodium is crazy. Thankfully, I am still at stage 3...but need to pay attention and get out of the salt mine. I need to remember those shakes I have in there and use them.
I got more things sorted today, dishwasher run again, will pack up another box of plastics to give away tomorrow. I'll be glad to get my appointments out of the way...and carry on.0 -
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Well, my one appointment is down and done. He didn't fuss at me but he should have perhaps.Since I am taking over 200 units of insulin daily, he wanted me to try the Humulin R500 concentrated insulin but it's $307 a month with my insurance...then he tried Tresiba...that's $400 for 45 days and both are out of reach.
What do folks without insurance do? I told him I'd just refilled my Levemir at $615 for a 90 day supply. He said that was way too much. I agree. Until my deductible is paid,I can't even try anything new....except...alter my food and activity. So that's the plan.
I see my kidney Dr. today and will get her input and get on the wagon as it swings back around. I'll google some things today, see if I can find a pedometer. My initial steps will be pitiful but some is better than none and will improve stability, balance and strength. A couple of nights ago I did some Leslie Sansone type steps when I'd get up...holding onto the sink and door in the bathroom for 15 steps in place. That's a start.
Prayers for us all in this new day.
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Hi, I just joined the group today. I was on Spark People and FP but had a stroke and had to quit everything as I wasn't able to concentrate on written words nor tv. I am back now, used to be Wyndyc. I have about 150 pounds to lose. My highest was 311 and am now 253. Having lots of difficulty getting down to 250 but with Gods help I will get there soon and be off this plateau. Just have to figure out what God is trying to teach me other than quit being impatient. I haven't figured out how to put the newest message up first but I will. 😁0
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Hey ladies! Bren, I know that you can do what needs to be done - you've done it in the past. One day at a time, sister!
I did lose 2 pounds. I didn't eat a lot yesterday while in the ER with Mom. They admitted her and are going to keep her until they can get her to the level she was at when she was having a "good day". That wasn't that long ago - about a week - then she got sick with what we thought was a UTI, but now the doctor says that may not be what she had. Sigh. They are going to try and help us find a place for her right from the hospital. That would be wonderful. I called the place that we are most likely to get her into and left him a message hoping he could get in touch with their care coordinator, or I could ask that person to get in touch with him. He has most of the information that he needs, so it should go quickly. I think this is really what he needed to be able to take her. Please be praying for us during this transition, and for Mom too.0 -
Hello Lywyn! Welcome aboard.
Thanks Kim! I had another "good" appointment yesterday. My kidney Dr. wanted me to come off that pantoprazole stuff...she told me 6 months back to try to do without it and I promptly forgot. I'm so used to taking it AM with my thyroid pill...so now have the bottle tucked in a drawer out of sight...after taking one. It has something negative to do with my BP and kidney function.
She faxed in a new order for my Amlodopine that I've tried to get for over 2 weeks. It's ready and I asked them to mail it to me.
She was more concerned with my BP than my cardiologist has been it seems....as that has a lot to do with my kidney numbers. I miss so much...the face to face conversations of old, where I could read lips and not have to ask for repeats of things that double the time they have to spend with me.
Oh Kim! I didn't know Mom was back in the hospital! Praying they can place her and get things settled quickly for her...and you guys. I can't imagine the complex and difficult task this all has been. My heart goes out to you all.
I started my food journal Monday ...I'll do up a chart to use. I'll miss the access to a copier some days but I'll work around it. Maybe take things I need a copy of to the office when Sharon is there and have a wee visit?....after all the Covid thing is done? Lonnie is in the hospital, in bad shape. His wife had it first and is better, she can't see him in the Hospital. The new lady brought this in and Chris has been out for a full week too. I was so very thankful I only worked with her for 2 days before she got sick.
I was so glad to see NO ice, snow or bitter cold this morning. It's 28 but dry. We have another cold front coming with snow/ice expected but I am thankful for each day we don't get it...and even more thankful to be at home, safe and comfy...if we do get it! No more of this....praise God!
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Lywyn - so good to have you join us. Hopefully you are recuperating well from the stroke.
Bren- sounding like your doctor is trying to get to the bottom of your issues. Also, if the doctor puts you on something you can't afford, they can usually get with the manufacturer and get you discounts that are cheaper than insurance. They have done that with my step-daughter on a couple drugs, and with my Dad.0 -
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Hi, just a quick note to say I posted a pic of my front yard in the picture category. 🤣0
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Lywyn, welcome! Plateau's are no fun! I've been on one for a couple of years! LOL! I go down two I go up two, kind of makes me sea sick! You have done awesome so far and to get from 311 to 250's is great! You will lose those two or three pounds to get to 250 before you know it. Switch something up in your diet, like taking in a bit more protein and a little bit less carbs. It just sounds like your body needs a shake up to get it moving again. If you are like many of us you have to stay away from some stuff and eat other stuff and it's hard to make changes, but even if it is a small change, it's enough to get your body rethinking.
Mom is doing better since being in the hospital. They still aren't sure what was causing the bloody urine, but there is bacteria showing up now, so it really may be a UTI. They have found other things wrong and we are still waiting for MRI results that could be the catalyst to get her into one of the places that we are wanting to get her into. I've left a couple of messages there but haven't heard back - the waiting to know something is hard. Thank you so much for your prayers, they are being heard. Mom appreciates them very much too. I told her the other day lots of people were praying for her and she said, "Lots of prayers going up for me." She understood!
It is soooo cold! Have I ever told you, I hate being cold!
Oh yeah, me no likey!!! (I stole that from you, Bren).
Be strong, stay on track, and trust God in everything! He loves you!0 -
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