I finally feel human again after fighting this bug for weeks. Managed to get everything done for Christmas, even a little extra project for my SIL. Tomorrow, we're off to Ventura County for the long holiday weekend. Thankfully, our wild Southern California weather has returned to normal after six extremely wet days. I can't remember ever having rain this intense for such a long period.
We'll have our traditional spaghetti dinner Christmas Eve at our daughter's house with most of the family. I imagine the two oldest grandchildren will be beside themselves with anticipation and excitement!
Christmas morning, we'll again be at DD's house to exchange gifts and enjoy Flo's Serbian Eggs. My favorite boss, Sylvia, shared this recipe with me years ago and it has become a family favorite. We usually serve it with sausage, croissants, and fresh fruit. For Christmas, there will also be mimosas!
FLO'S SERBIAN EGGS
6 eggs -- beaten
1 pound Jack cheese -- shredded
1 pound cottage cheese
1 cup Biscuit mix
1 cup milk
1/4 cup butter or margarine -- melted
1 teaspoon dried onions
1 teaspoon dried parsley
1/4 teaspoon salt
Mix together. Pour into a buttered 9 x 13 pyrex dish. Bake 40 minutes at 350 degrees.
My sister is hosting Christmas dinner - roast beef, mashed potatoes, green beans - yummy! There will, of course, be cookies everywhere we go!
Does it sound as though Christmas in our family is all about the food? Well, food plays a big role but it is really about being together and celebrating this most festive time of year.
My very best wishes to all of you for a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Showing posts with label health. Show all posts
Showing posts with label health. Show all posts
Thursday, December 23, 2010
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
"Oma" and the terrible horrible no good very bad day
Those of you of a certain age will understand the reference to the fabulous book by Judith Viorst. You probably should read it to your kids -- or your grandkids. Well, I had a day that could rival any of Alexander's. If you are among those who think that health care in this country is just hunkie-dorry, read no further. You will not like what I have to say.
Yesterday, I visited my new doctor for a blood pressure check. My health history is not important here. I am a pretty healthy 65-year-old who has a family history of high blood pressure. My high BP has been treated for about 20 years. My new doc decided he wanted to try a different med since my pressure (in his office) registered 167/84. Not good.
Doc said let's try the new med for 30 days and then see how it goes. Sounds good to me. Normally, my meds are ordered over the Internet for a 90-day supply. With by BP so high, I wanted to start on the new med as quickly as possible. So, off I went with a brand new prescription for Lotrel, a pretty common BP med, to a VERY mainstream discount pharmacy. Dropped off the prescription. Pharmacy called me two hours later to say that they could not get approval from my insurance company for the prescription. As best that I can reconstruct the circumstances, here is my take:
Trusting that my representative would help me out, I did nothing until 11 a.m. today. At that time, I contacted my "provider" by telephone and went through a 20-minute phone conversation the end result of which was confirmation that I was (1) fully enrolled and (2) entitled to receive pharmacy benefits and (3) this prescription should cost me $7.
I determined that perhaps the pharmacy was at fault. I drove to the pharmacy and took possession of the doctor's script and drove to another pharmacy that had never seen me before! Guess what? Same thing happened. They could not get the prescription approved through the computer system. After spending at least 15 minutes on the phone with my "provider", they came to a dead end. The pharmacy was told that they were inputting the correct information but still my prescription would not go through as approved. My "provider" suggested that the problem was with the pharmacy's software. Hmmmm .... two different pharmacies, two different software systems, and still the same problem? Doubt it...
I paid the $56.07 in order to start on the new medication.
I came home and placed another call to my field representative. At this point, she has not called me back.
So, I believe I am the victim of some kind of computer glitch. I know this will work out, but should I have to go through this? What if my condition were more severe? What if I were less able to deal with these frustrations? What if I didn't understand the Internet? What if I didn't know how to use online systems? What if I were 90 instead of 65?
I won't name names today --- but I will if this is not resolved.
You think my blood pressure was under control today? Not likely.
Yesterday, I visited my new doctor for a blood pressure check. My health history is not important here. I am a pretty healthy 65-year-old who has a family history of high blood pressure. My high BP has been treated for about 20 years. My new doc decided he wanted to try a different med since my pressure (in his office) registered 167/84. Not good.
Doc said let's try the new med for 30 days and then see how it goes. Sounds good to me. Normally, my meds are ordered over the Internet for a 90-day supply. With by BP so high, I wanted to start on the new med as quickly as possible. So, off I went with a brand new prescription for Lotrel, a pretty common BP med, to a VERY mainstream discount pharmacy. Dropped off the prescription. Pharmacy called me two hours later to say that they could not get approval from my insurance company for the prescription. As best that I can reconstruct the circumstances, here is my take:
- I was covered by this same insurance company under my retirement benefit until I was eligible for Medicare.
- I was eligible for Medicare on 9/1/10.
- I elected to stay with the same provider.
- I have processed doctor benefits under my new plan.
- I have received 90-day drug benefits under my new plan through their mail order pharmacy.
- Through some kind of computer glitch, on-site pharmacy requests are being rejected.
- My online profile shows that I am under two plans: my new Medicare plan and my old "retirement" benefit plan (which I am really not eligible for any more) --- THIS IS PROBABLY THE PROBLEM.
Trusting that my representative would help me out, I did nothing until 11 a.m. today. At that time, I contacted my "provider" by telephone and went through a 20-minute phone conversation the end result of which was confirmation that I was (1) fully enrolled and (2) entitled to receive pharmacy benefits and (3) this prescription should cost me $7.
I determined that perhaps the pharmacy was at fault. I drove to the pharmacy and took possession of the doctor's script and drove to another pharmacy that had never seen me before! Guess what? Same thing happened. They could not get the prescription approved through the computer system. After spending at least 15 minutes on the phone with my "provider", they came to a dead end. The pharmacy was told that they were inputting the correct information but still my prescription would not go through as approved. My "provider" suggested that the problem was with the pharmacy's software. Hmmmm .... two different pharmacies, two different software systems, and still the same problem? Doubt it...
I paid the $56.07 in order to start on the new medication.
I came home and placed another call to my field representative. At this point, she has not called me back.
So, I believe I am the victim of some kind of computer glitch. I know this will work out, but should I have to go through this? What if my condition were more severe? What if I were less able to deal with these frustrations? What if I didn't understand the Internet? What if I didn't know how to use online systems? What if I were 90 instead of 65?
I won't name names today --- but I will if this is not resolved.
You think my blood pressure was under control today? Not likely.
Thursday, September 16, 2010
Taking the Road Less Traveled
We tried to check out early at our hotel today, but the server was down. They could not process our bill on Mastercard. Fortunately, an ATM a few doors down spit out 6 crisp new $100 franc notes and off we were to the train station. I don't know how the Swiss can afford to live in Switzerland!
Once our train was in the Bahnhof (station), we looke for our reserved seats in Coach 4. We were separated for about five minutes with me standing on the platform securing the luggage and Doug on the train looking for our seats. I was getting nervous as it got closer and closer to departure time; these trains wait for no one. We are so reliant on cellphones to communicate! We even call one another in department stores to find out where the other one is. I did not like feeling alone and abandoned at all ....
Fortunately, Doug found our seats, we boarded the train, and sped our way from St. Gallen to Bern along the beautiful, green countryside of Switzerland. This train was a double-decker, so our views were spectacular. We should not have spent the extra fee for reservations since the train was only about 25% full. How do you know?
We arrived in Bern and made our way to the Hotel La Pergola. Unfortunately, the street we chose did not have a sidewalk -- we ended up dragging our bags down steps and over dirt pathways through a park. I don't think rolling luggage was designed for this type of "travel." I need to be more forceful with DH when he comes up with these schemes. I ended up with several big, bad, ugly blue bruises from the luggage banging into my leg. Of course, if we had been more patient (or, heaven forbid, asked directions!), we could have avoided this route to the hotel. This is a read-between-the-lines message to friends and family who will know exactly what happened!
The hotel is back off the street a few blocks from the Old City so it is nice and quiet. We checked in and wandered through the streets of Bern. As the capital of Switzerland, it is the largest city we have visited since Amsterdam. Lots of traffic, both foot, bike, scooter, bus, tram, and car. Even the intermittent rain did not stop us from walking through the seemingly endless arcades of shopping.
The most delightful aspect of travel is the unexpected. We heard live music coming from a square adjacent to the shopping area. A military band was playing! We stayed and listened for a few minutes enjoying the music. Fun, fun, fun!
The fountains of Bern are quite interesting. We ran across several today; we will try to see all 11 of them in the Old City before we leave.
We slowly made our way back towards the hotel and came across what looked like the American Embassy. Three soldiers stood outside, with one female soldier holding an automatic weapon. DH tried to take a picture of the building, and a soldier shouted at us not to take pictures! We tend to follow instructions when there are weapons involved .....
There's a first time for everything department: we can't get ice at this hotel! So, my favorite bartender served our bottle of red wine unchilled. We ate dinner at a cozy Italian restaurant across the street owned by a Spaniard -- delicious spaghetti a la carbonara for DH and cannelloni for me. Weather permitting, tomorrow we walk 'til we drop!
Once our train was in the Bahnhof (station), we looke for our reserved seats in Coach 4. We were separated for about five minutes with me standing on the platform securing the luggage and Doug on the train looking for our seats. I was getting nervous as it got closer and closer to departure time; these trains wait for no one. We are so reliant on cellphones to communicate! We even call one another in department stores to find out where the other one is. I did not like feeling alone and abandoned at all ....
Fortunately, Doug found our seats, we boarded the train, and sped our way from St. Gallen to Bern along the beautiful, green countryside of Switzerland. This train was a double-decker, so our views were spectacular. We should not have spent the extra fee for reservations since the train was only about 25% full. How do you know?
 |
| Bern architecture |
 |
| A small section of Bern's shopping arcade |
The most delightful aspect of travel is the unexpected. We heard live music coming from a square adjacent to the shopping area. A military band was playing! We stayed and listened for a few minutes enjoying the music. Fun, fun, fun!
 |
| Toddler enjoying fountain spray! |
We slowly made our way back towards the hotel and came across what looked like the American Embassy. Three soldiers stood outside, with one female soldier holding an automatic weapon. DH tried to take a picture of the building, and a soldier shouted at us not to take pictures! We tend to follow instructions when there are weapons involved .....
There's a first time for everything department: we can't get ice at this hotel! So, my favorite bartender served our bottle of red wine unchilled. We ate dinner at a cozy Italian restaurant across the street owned by a Spaniard -- delicious spaghetti a la carbonara for DH and cannelloni for me. Weather permitting, tomorrow we walk 'til we drop!
Friday, August 13, 2010
Darci's Dress Up Quilt - Doll #11 (Finally)
I've noticed over the last few days that my energy is returning. Hip, hip hooray! Life was getting to be a bit boring, I must say. I think spending the weekend with family celebrating our daughter's 33rd birthday and playing with the three kidlets - who have an endless supply of energy - forced me into recovery mode. Lunching with some dear friends helped lift my spirits, too. Or maybe it was just the passage of time. Today marks four weeks since the surgery. I am now free to go swimming, have a tub bath, soak in the spa - and remove the last remnants of tape covering my boo-boos. Normalcy! Can't be beat.
I finished up another dress block this week. At a recent quilt show, I purchased two small hand-crocheted red hearts. I intended to use one of them on the bodice of a dress, but the scale didn't seem right to me. So, they became pockets. The mini-rickrack also seemed a better scale.
Four more to go. I already have an idea for the next dress with a fabric that is not quite pink, but not quite salmon either.
I'm still crazy about the Nook e-reader that Doug bought for me. I'm halfway through Emma by Jane Austen. This was my favorite Jane Austen book as a teenager, and I'm thoroughly enjoying it the second time around. Barnes and Noble sends me an e-mail once a week offering about a half dozen of their classic editions for free download. So, I loaded Howie (that's the name I gave my Nook - guess why?) with a few of the titles on my "Books I Should Read Before I Die" list: Women in Love, Uncle Tom's Cabin, Sons and Lovers, Anna Karenina, Madame Bovary, Three Musketeers, Dracula.
Now the problem is to find time to read all these wonderful classics and still keep up with the bestsellers that I enjoy. And sew. And play. And see the family. And travel. And visit with friends. And sleep. And blog!
Four more to go. I already have an idea for the next dress with a fabric that is not quite pink, but not quite salmon either.
I'm still crazy about the Nook e-reader that Doug bought for me. I'm halfway through Emma by Jane Austen. This was my favorite Jane Austen book as a teenager, and I'm thoroughly enjoying it the second time around. Barnes and Noble sends me an e-mail once a week offering about a half dozen of their classic editions for free download. So, I loaded Howie (that's the name I gave my Nook - guess why?) with a few of the titles on my "Books I Should Read Before I Die" list: Women in Love, Uncle Tom's Cabin, Sons and Lovers, Anna Karenina, Madame Bovary, Three Musketeers, Dracula.
Now the problem is to find time to read all these wonderful classics and still keep up with the bestsellers that I enjoy. And sew. And play. And see the family. And travel. And visit with friends. And sleep. And blog!
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
Ahhhhhh .... this is it!
If I was destined to have an appendicitis attack and subsequent surgery, I can think of no better time of year for it to have happened. No one wants to be sick around the holidays, birthdays, wedding anniversary or - horror of horrors - right before our BIG vacation to Europe next month! But July? Well, that's a horse of a different color in our household.
NFL summer camps start in July, you see. Around the second week of July, daily news stories crop up in the paper. How many millions will it take for that first round draft choice to make it to camp? Is that off-season surgery really going to work? How many players are going to be late to camp because they (1) are still fulfilling their probation requirements, (2) haven't managed to lose that extra 45 pounds, or (3) failed the random drug test? Is the new coach a miracle worker? Has Al Davis' money run out or will this be the year he finally buys his dream team? Is Brett Favre retiring? Thinking about retiring? Talking about retiring? Texting about retiring? Ahhhhh ..... gotta love the NFL.
My Raiders cut JaMarcus Russell so shouldn't be bothered by his recent arrest for possession of a controlled substance (cocaine syrup, whatever the heck that is). Mommas - don't let your babies grow up to be NFL quarterbacks. They have way too much money and way too little common sense, it seems.
By the third week of July, summer camps are underway, the news gets even juicier, and my blood pressure and sense of excitement start to climb. Can't be too long now until the first exhibition game in August. This is also about the time that the subject of football creeps into my conversations and eyes roll. I am sure my family starts to think, "Here she goes again."
So, if I have to be sore, fatigued, and totally lacking in motivation, I can still read about my sport. I can get Howie Long's book down from the shelf ("Football for Dummies") and once again try to learn the intricacies of this game. I can ask someone to buy a $5 bet for me on the Raiders to win the Super Bowl. Don't laugh. Real fans are ever hopeful. I can wonder what an NFL season would be like without Brett Favre. Not a nice thought.
NFL summer camps start in July, you see. Around the second week of July, daily news stories crop up in the paper. How many millions will it take for that first round draft choice to make it to camp? Is that off-season surgery really going to work? How many players are going to be late to camp because they (1) are still fulfilling their probation requirements, (2) haven't managed to lose that extra 45 pounds, or (3) failed the random drug test? Is the new coach a miracle worker? Has Al Davis' money run out or will this be the year he finally buys his dream team? Is Brett Favre retiring? Thinking about retiring? Talking about retiring? Texting about retiring? Ahhhhh ..... gotta love the NFL.
My Raiders cut JaMarcus Russell so shouldn't be bothered by his recent arrest for possession of a controlled substance (cocaine syrup, whatever the heck that is). Mommas - don't let your babies grow up to be NFL quarterbacks. They have way too much money and way too little common sense, it seems.
By the third week of July, summer camps are underway, the news gets even juicier, and my blood pressure and sense of excitement start to climb. Can't be too long now until the first exhibition game in August. This is also about the time that the subject of football creeps into my conversations and eyes roll. I am sure my family starts to think, "Here she goes again."
So, if I have to be sore, fatigued, and totally lacking in motivation, I can still read about my sport. I can get Howie Long's book down from the shelf ("Football for Dummies") and once again try to learn the intricacies of this game. I can ask someone to buy a $5 bet for me on the Raiders to win the Super Bowl. Don't laugh. Real fans are ever hopeful. I can wonder what an NFL season would be like without Brett Favre. Not a nice thought.
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Post Op Benefits - Chapter 2
In my quest to find things to occupy my time and keep me awake during daylight hours, I decided to tackle a cleanout of our business files -- a long overdue task! I don't have to do much lifting, the cleanout can be done sitting down, and I get to do one of my favorite things - toss out junk! I'm a master at organizing and cleaning out, you see.
DH, on the other hand, is a pack rat. He agreed to be more proactive this time and not keep things "just in case." The shredder is getting quite a workout, and the recycling can is almost full.
I'm also going through my clothes and making piles of things to give away. Groan. Trying on clothes is bad enough. Trying them on while still keeping my tummy out of harm's way takes some doing. The good news is that the few pounds I lost due to the surgery is actually making this fun. I look slightly less dumpy and matronly than I did two weeks ago. Let's see if I can manage to keep the 5 pounds off!
I haven't really gotten back to sewing, yet, which surprises me since I enjoy it so much. Plus, it's definitely a sedentary activity which causes no abdominal strain! I did finish a little puffy pouch for my sister from the Pink Penguin tutorial, but the flex frames I ordered are too small (4"). Ordered the 5" variety online last night, so will have to wait for them to arrive to finish the project. I found another tutorial for a coin purse using the smaller frame and hope to finish up one of those this afternoon. I promised myself that I will then get back to the doll dress quilt - I now have 5 pieces of fabric! Yikes! I need to find 5 more creative ideas. Time to surf the Internet to find an idea to steal.
I find myself spending more hours of the day sitting on our patio, which I usually don't take the time to enjoy. Being in "recovery mode" forced me into this. I definitely should sit and watch the flowers grow more often. I can't do anything about the weeds or the trimming for a few more weeks which is definitely a post-op benefit.
DH bought me The Nook, the e-reader from Barnes and Noble, as a get well gift. I'm loving it! I thought I might miss the feel of a book in my hands. So far, that is not the case. I know that I'll still get my bestsellers from the library, cheapo that I am, but I downloaded about a half dozen classics for free that I've always meant to read. I'm halfway through "War of the Worlds" by Wells. Great read for a lazy summer day. Which reminds me -- my patio is waiting!
DH, on the other hand, is a pack rat. He agreed to be more proactive this time and not keep things "just in case." The shredder is getting quite a workout, and the recycling can is almost full.
I'm also going through my clothes and making piles of things to give away. Groan. Trying on clothes is bad enough. Trying them on while still keeping my tummy out of harm's way takes some doing. The good news is that the few pounds I lost due to the surgery is actually making this fun. I look slightly less dumpy and matronly than I did two weeks ago. Let's see if I can manage to keep the 5 pounds off!
I haven't really gotten back to sewing, yet, which surprises me since I enjoy it so much. Plus, it's definitely a sedentary activity which causes no abdominal strain! I did finish a little puffy pouch for my sister from the Pink Penguin tutorial, but the flex frames I ordered are too small (4"). Ordered the 5" variety online last night, so will have to wait for them to arrive to finish the project. I found another tutorial for a coin purse using the smaller frame and hope to finish up one of those this afternoon. I promised myself that I will then get back to the doll dress quilt - I now have 5 pieces of fabric! Yikes! I need to find 5 more creative ideas. Time to surf the Internet to find an idea to steal.
I find myself spending more hours of the day sitting on our patio, which I usually don't take the time to enjoy. Being in "recovery mode" forced me into this. I definitely should sit and watch the flowers grow more often. I can't do anything about the weeds or the trimming for a few more weeks which is definitely a post-op benefit.
DH bought me The Nook, the e-reader from Barnes and Noble, as a get well gift. I'm loving it! I thought I might miss the feel of a book in my hands. So far, that is not the case. I know that I'll still get my bestsellers from the library, cheapo that I am, but I downloaded about a half dozen classics for free that I've always meant to read. I'm halfway through "War of the Worlds" by Wells. Great read for a lazy summer day. Which reminds me -- my patio is waiting!
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Post-Op Benefits - Chapter 1
Two days ago, DH asked if I thought I should call the doctor to tell him that I am very tired and still in need of an afternoon nap. My response was that I'm 64 years old and not going to bounce back as quickly as I did the last time I had surgery - in 1989! Considering that I was pretty sick for two days prior to the surgery and had my body beaten up during the surgery, I think I'm doing quite well. Patience, dear man, patience. I don't think hubbies do well when spouses are under the weather.
Anyway, I've been looking for some positives to dwell on while I recover. Being able to take afternoon naps without guilt is at the top of the list. Getting regular phone calls from baby sister, daughter, and son is a blessing. My daughter and I talk pretty regularly, and my sister and I talk at least once a week. But our son is one who only calls when he really has something to say. It's been nice to have him check up on me.
Reading. Ah, reading. I'm a lifelong avid reader. Growing up, my bedroom was upstairs. I had the second floor all to myself. I was permitted to read until Mom called up "lights out." Being a kid, I learned how to put pillows over the bedlamp and continue reading until I decided it was time for lights out! Remember the bedlamps that hung over the headboard? I marvel that I never set the house on fire ....
With my physical activity restricted, I've spent a lot of time over the last two weeks reading. Finished "The Help" by Kathryn Stockett. I highly recommend this book especially for those of you who grew up during the 50s and 60s and remember the civil rights movement. I could not put this book down. Since my genre of choice is modern mysteries or crime novels, this was a bit different for me. I'm still thinking about it a week after reading the final chapter. That's a good book.
Today, I will finish "The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo." Wow! I don't often read two books in a row that keep me turning pages fast and furiously. No wonder this book has been on the bestseller lists for months. I can hardly wait to read the remaining two books in the trilogy
John Sandford's new book, "Storm Prey," is waiting for me at the library. Hmmmm ... can we make this three in a row?
Anyway, I've been looking for some positives to dwell on while I recover. Being able to take afternoon naps without guilt is at the top of the list. Getting regular phone calls from baby sister, daughter, and son is a blessing. My daughter and I talk pretty regularly, and my sister and I talk at least once a week. But our son is one who only calls when he really has something to say. It's been nice to have him check up on me.
Reading. Ah, reading. I'm a lifelong avid reader. Growing up, my bedroom was upstairs. I had the second floor all to myself. I was permitted to read until Mom called up "lights out." Being a kid, I learned how to put pillows over the bedlamp and continue reading until I decided it was time for lights out! Remember the bedlamps that hung over the headboard? I marvel that I never set the house on fire ....
With my physical activity restricted, I've spent a lot of time over the last two weeks reading. Finished "The Help" by Kathryn Stockett. I highly recommend this book especially for those of you who grew up during the 50s and 60s and remember the civil rights movement. I could not put this book down. Since my genre of choice is modern mysteries or crime novels, this was a bit different for me. I'm still thinking about it a week after reading the final chapter. That's a good book.
Today, I will finish "The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo." Wow! I don't often read two books in a row that keep me turning pages fast and furiously. No wonder this book has been on the bestseller lists for months. I can hardly wait to read the remaining two books in the trilogy
John Sandford's new book, "Storm Prey," is waiting for me at the library. Hmmmm ... can we make this three in a row?
Sunday, July 25, 2010
Random thoughts on life in the hospital ....
How does anyone manage to get better while in the hospital? I'm a rational person of some intelligence, so I understand that procedures are in place to protect the patient and care for them. However, must they wake you at regular intervals preventing you from sleeping for more than 90 minutes at a time? Blood pressure check, meds, change the battery in the heart monitor, stick me for more blood samples, empty this tube, fill up the other tube - what level is your pain now, Mrs. G?
Ice chips on the third morning .... nothing without taste has ever tasted better.
A surprise visit from a quilting friend who knows enough to stay 10 minutes and not a second longer. Thank you, Ann.
A longer visit from our daughter brought joy to my heart - and the realization that my stoicism might have cost me the chance to see her, hug her, love her again. Once in awhile, I guess we need a smack in the face to remind us how fragile life really is.
My doctor knocking the socks off me as he described what they had to do in the operating room in order to "flush out" my abdomen of the nasty pus stuff. A reminder of how tough our bodies are as long as we keep them in pretty good running order.
Losing one tube per day - priceless! First, the oxygen. Then the naso-gastric tube. Then the catheter. The drain. Finally, the IV and the heart monitor! Freedom, blessed freedom.
Walking - shuffling? - along the hospital corridor with DH pushing the IV and me trying to hold onto the wall and the drain tube at the same time. No photos, please.
Phone calls from our son, Matt, every day. I'm so glad I had kids!
Having a 4th IV inserted since the first 3 worked their way out of my thinning veins. This time, I asked for a board to keep my elbow straight to prevent being stuck again. This is the sound of an angry woman - I will not be stuck again.
Get well drawings from the grandkids. Trying to figure out how Tasha's blue eagle is going to help me get better. Soar like an eagle?
Trying to eat jello with my left hand. Hmmmm .... Dougie, can you please cut up my jello?
Meeting nurses from the Congo, the Phillipines, Ghana. A worldwide tour without leaving my hospital room.
Sticking tissue in my ears to keep the nighttime noises down. Trying to sleep on my back.
Needing help from DH to take a sponge bath and manuever in the bathroom. For better or worse, in sickness and in health. He did great 40 years after reciting those vows.
Coming home. There's no place like home, there's no place like home - there really is no place like home!
Ice chips on the third morning .... nothing without taste has ever tasted better.
A surprise visit from a quilting friend who knows enough to stay 10 minutes and not a second longer. Thank you, Ann.
A longer visit from our daughter brought joy to my heart - and the realization that my stoicism might have cost me the chance to see her, hug her, love her again. Once in awhile, I guess we need a smack in the face to remind us how fragile life really is.
My doctor knocking the socks off me as he described what they had to do in the operating room in order to "flush out" my abdomen of the nasty pus stuff. A reminder of how tough our bodies are as long as we keep them in pretty good running order.
Losing one tube per day - priceless! First, the oxygen. Then the naso-gastric tube. Then the catheter. The drain. Finally, the IV and the heart monitor! Freedom, blessed freedom.
Walking - shuffling? - along the hospital corridor with DH pushing the IV and me trying to hold onto the wall and the drain tube at the same time. No photos, please.
Phone calls from our son, Matt, every day. I'm so glad I had kids!
Having a 4th IV inserted since the first 3 worked their way out of my thinning veins. This time, I asked for a board to keep my elbow straight to prevent being stuck again. This is the sound of an angry woman - I will not be stuck again.
Get well drawings from the grandkids. Trying to figure out how Tasha's blue eagle is going to help me get better. Soar like an eagle?
Trying to eat jello with my left hand. Hmmmm .... Dougie, can you please cut up my jello?
Meeting nurses from the Congo, the Phillipines, Ghana. A worldwide tour without leaving my hospital room.
Sticking tissue in my ears to keep the nighttime noises down. Trying to sleep on my back.
Needing help from DH to take a sponge bath and manuever in the bathroom. For better or worse, in sickness and in health. He did great 40 years after reciting those vows.
Coming home. There's no place like home, there's no place like home - there really is no place like home!
Friday, July 23, 2010
When stoic equals stupid!
After a fun weekend of family get togethers and babysitting our wonderful grandchildren, I woke up at my sister's house on Tuesday, the 13th, about 3 a.m. with intense abdominal cramping. Cramping led to the usual intestinal problems for the next few hours and I assumed that I had a really bad case of food poisoning. Being a mom and a grandmother, my first thoughts were to run through what we had eaten in hopes that no one else shared my pain! I traced my dilemma to a fast-food salad eaten at lunch the day before.
We were due to meet Matt, our son, for a quick lunch at an Indian restaurant in the San Fernando Valley before returning home. I nixed the Indian food, obviously, and nixed the lunch as well. Just get me home, I said to DH! I dosed off and on in the car on the way home and realized I was running a slight temp. The rest of Tuesday was spent dozing, eating nothing, and just generally being miserable. I now had my ailment pegged as an intestinal virus. Oh, no! What if I infected the kids and Sara has 3 toddlers all sick with the yuckies at the same time? I warned the family - my sister Lysoled her guest bathroom.
Tuesday night, around 10:30 p.m., I was hit with a wave of the most painful cramping I have ever had - worse than labor pains, I assure you. We had already decided that Doug should sleep in the guest room because I knew I would keep him up with my tossing and turning, fever, bathroom visits, etc. I was literally doubled over in pain for 10-15 minutes before I could get control and limp down the hall to tell him I needed to go to the ER. Doug was scheduled to get up early on Wednesday and drive to the Carlsbad house since the carpet was going to be installed. Obviously, my ailment was poorly timed! We went back and forth for a few minutes and figured we'd probably sit in the ER all night, we didn't have a fallback plan for getting the house open for the carpet installers, etc., etc. So, stoic that I am, I said I would take some pain meds that I had in the house from last summer's undiagnosed gut pain and try to tough it through the night. Big mistake. Bad judgment. Stupid. Stupid. Stupid. Why can't I ever put myself first?
Wednesday morning, Doug made a quick turnaround trip to Carlsbad to let the installers in and arrange for a neighbor to secure the house when they finished. I called my doc (who is no longer my doc) and described my symptoms. Rather than have me come in for an office visit, my doc had her nurse call to say it sounded like a viral infection that needed to run its course. Keep fluid intake up, soft mild diet, etc. In other words, suck it in, Marsha, and deal with it!
After another very uncomfortable night Wednesday, I told Doug on Thursday morning that we had to go to urgent care. We were there when they opened the doors at 9 a.m. It didn't take the doctor more than 2 minutes to diagnose my problem, give me a shot of Demerol, and send me off to the emergency room. By 5 p.m., my surgeons were ready to go. I had a laparoscopic appendectomy. My appendix had burst (probably sometime Tuesday or Wednesday), my gut was full of nasty bacterial stuff, they had to rinse me out several times (thankfully, I was dead to the world on anaesthetics), and I woke up hooked up to more tubes than I had ever seen! Massive doses of antibiotics to prevent continued infection, drainage tube, naso-gastric tube, oxygen, catheter, IVs - a true sick person!
And an unhappy surgeon telling DH that we were less than 24 hours from sepsis - systemic infection. Suck it in and deal with it, Marsha, was obviously not the best choice.
We were due to meet Matt, our son, for a quick lunch at an Indian restaurant in the San Fernando Valley before returning home. I nixed the Indian food, obviously, and nixed the lunch as well. Just get me home, I said to DH! I dosed off and on in the car on the way home and realized I was running a slight temp. The rest of Tuesday was spent dozing, eating nothing, and just generally being miserable. I now had my ailment pegged as an intestinal virus. Oh, no! What if I infected the kids and Sara has 3 toddlers all sick with the yuckies at the same time? I warned the family - my sister Lysoled her guest bathroom.
Tuesday night, around 10:30 p.m., I was hit with a wave of the most painful cramping I have ever had - worse than labor pains, I assure you. We had already decided that Doug should sleep in the guest room because I knew I would keep him up with my tossing and turning, fever, bathroom visits, etc. I was literally doubled over in pain for 10-15 minutes before I could get control and limp down the hall to tell him I needed to go to the ER. Doug was scheduled to get up early on Wednesday and drive to the Carlsbad house since the carpet was going to be installed. Obviously, my ailment was poorly timed! We went back and forth for a few minutes and figured we'd probably sit in the ER all night, we didn't have a fallback plan for getting the house open for the carpet installers, etc., etc. So, stoic that I am, I said I would take some pain meds that I had in the house from last summer's undiagnosed gut pain and try to tough it through the night. Big mistake. Bad judgment. Stupid. Stupid. Stupid. Why can't I ever put myself first?
Wednesday morning, Doug made a quick turnaround trip to Carlsbad to let the installers in and arrange for a neighbor to secure the house when they finished. I called my doc (who is no longer my doc) and described my symptoms. Rather than have me come in for an office visit, my doc had her nurse call to say it sounded like a viral infection that needed to run its course. Keep fluid intake up, soft mild diet, etc. In other words, suck it in, Marsha, and deal with it!
After another very uncomfortable night Wednesday, I told Doug on Thursday morning that we had to go to urgent care. We were there when they opened the doors at 9 a.m. It didn't take the doctor more than 2 minutes to diagnose my problem, give me a shot of Demerol, and send me off to the emergency room. By 5 p.m., my surgeons were ready to go. I had a laparoscopic appendectomy. My appendix had burst (probably sometime Tuesday or Wednesday), my gut was full of nasty bacterial stuff, they had to rinse me out several times (thankfully, I was dead to the world on anaesthetics), and I woke up hooked up to more tubes than I had ever seen! Massive doses of antibiotics to prevent continued infection, drainage tube, naso-gastric tube, oxygen, catheter, IVs - a true sick person!
And an unhappy surgeon telling DH that we were less than 24 hours from sepsis - systemic infection. Suck it in and deal with it, Marsha, was obviously not the best choice.
Thursday, July 22, 2010
Plans diverted .... once again!
I had an emergency appendectomy one week ago tonight, so things have been a bit rough around the edges here at the old homestead. I'm home, feeling okay, and moving towards recovery. More tomorrow ... promise!
Today is DH's 65th birthday. We were planning to celebrate in Big Bear, at the best restaurant available. Instead, we had great homemade spaghetti sauce compliments of my sister who has been here three days helping out, lovely salad and Italian bread. Happy Birthday, Dougie!
Today is DH's 65th birthday. We were planning to celebrate in Big Bear, at the best restaurant available. Instead, we had great homemade spaghetti sauce compliments of my sister who has been here three days helping out, lovely salad and Italian bread. Happy Birthday, Dougie!
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
Time to Let Go
I celebrated Independence Day by tackling a long overdue project . My mother-in-law passed away in April 2007 from the effects of Alzheimer's Disease. Although we suspect that she had been ill for quite some time, it was the last two years of her life that were particularly hard on the family. I wish I had been blogging then! I don't mean to be flippant, but I find that blogging helps me think through problems and analyze exactly what is going on in my life (and in my mind!)
Because my DH and I were the closest geographically to my MIL, the task of dealing with doctors, health providers, facilities, law enforcement, etc., fell to us. We are both firstborn, so you can imagine how well we documented everything! With my secretarial background, Doug's business experience, and our shared tendency to overdo, we ended up with a huge box of files. I had been reluctant to get rid of these papers thinking that I might try my hand at writing the story of our struggles with Mom and her illness. I've played around with various ways to put this story into words, even drafting a chapter or two. I would, however, inevitably walk away when it got too painful.
Yesterday, I decided the story was never going to be written. It was time to let go of the pain and time to get rid of the papers.
I went through everything page by page one last time to make certain there was nothing of continued value to the family. I set aside a few things that might have some future relevance as my father-in-law is still alive and active. The rest is in the "shred" pile.
Surprisingly, the memories came flooding back - the early morning phone calls from my FIL, our frustration that he just didn't accept what was really happening, my acute and searing anger with a system that refused to let us place Mom in a safe and secure environment against her wishes. How can a victim of Alzheimer's Disease make decisions in their own best interests? It still amazes me three years later.
The papers are gone. The anger is not.
Because my DH and I were the closest geographically to my MIL, the task of dealing with doctors, health providers, facilities, law enforcement, etc., fell to us. We are both firstborn, so you can imagine how well we documented everything! With my secretarial background, Doug's business experience, and our shared tendency to overdo, we ended up with a huge box of files. I had been reluctant to get rid of these papers thinking that I might try my hand at writing the story of our struggles with Mom and her illness. I've played around with various ways to put this story into words, even drafting a chapter or two. I would, however, inevitably walk away when it got too painful.
Yesterday, I decided the story was never going to be written. It was time to let go of the pain and time to get rid of the papers.
I went through everything page by page one last time to make certain there was nothing of continued value to the family. I set aside a few things that might have some future relevance as my father-in-law is still alive and active. The rest is in the "shred" pile.
Surprisingly, the memories came flooding back - the early morning phone calls from my FIL, our frustration that he just didn't accept what was really happening, my acute and searing anger with a system that refused to let us place Mom in a safe and secure environment against her wishes. How can a victim of Alzheimer's Disease make decisions in their own best interests? It still amazes me three years later.
The papers are gone. The anger is not.
Sunday, January 31, 2010
When images from the past are painful
DH and I just returned from a short trip to check in at his mom's house. The house has been empty for about 3 years since she died. We made a commitment to his dad, who lives elsewhere, that we would visit the house once a month to make sure all is well. Dad does not want to sell the house - it's the economy, stupid! - nor does he want to rent it out. So, it sits empty in a lovely little seaside town above the Pacific Ocean. Sad ....
Part of me enjoys going to the house, especially if we are escaping the summer heat in Menifee! The phone doesn't ring, the temperature is always comfortable no matter what time of year, there is no mail - it's a great getaway for a day or two. We do maintenance, say hi to the neighbors, order take-out dinners, watch movies, and just relax.
Except when the memories and ghosts appear. Doug's mom had Alzheimer's. She was most likely ill with the disease for years before the family was aware of it. Most families have "stories," and this one is ours. During the last ten years of their marriage, Mom and Dad lived apart. Mom was quite adept at hiding her illness from Dad and from us because we saw her intermittently. By the time we realized how ill she was, she had trashed both her life and her house.
Over the last year of Mom's life, I drove to her house two or three times per week to visit, interact with various health agencies, run errands, and clean - clean, clean, clean - clean out, clean up, and clean after. I wish I had been blogging at the time! It would have been cathartic for me (and a bit overwhelming for you!)
The house is now free of junk, filth, every check written in an 80+ year lifetime, over 40 boxes of sewing projects, and 320 pounds of laundry that had to be professionally cleaned (really).
It is not, however, clear of Mom. And it never will be for me. In her heyday, Mom was the most meticulous housekeeper I have ever known. So, before I leave her house, I make sure that everything is in its place, the kitchen counters are wiped clean, the beds are made, the trash is out, there are fresh towels in the bathrooms.
She deserves nothing less. It is still her house.
Part of me enjoys going to the house, especially if we are escaping the summer heat in Menifee! The phone doesn't ring, the temperature is always comfortable no matter what time of year, there is no mail - it's a great getaway for a day or two. We do maintenance, say hi to the neighbors, order take-out dinners, watch movies, and just relax.
Except when the memories and ghosts appear. Doug's mom had Alzheimer's. She was most likely ill with the disease for years before the family was aware of it. Most families have "stories," and this one is ours. During the last ten years of their marriage, Mom and Dad lived apart. Mom was quite adept at hiding her illness from Dad and from us because we saw her intermittently. By the time we realized how ill she was, she had trashed both her life and her house.
Over the last year of Mom's life, I drove to her house two or three times per week to visit, interact with various health agencies, run errands, and clean - clean, clean, clean - clean out, clean up, and clean after. I wish I had been blogging at the time! It would have been cathartic for me (and a bit overwhelming for you!)
The house is now free of junk, filth, every check written in an 80+ year lifetime, over 40 boxes of sewing projects, and 320 pounds of laundry that had to be professionally cleaned (really).
It is not, however, clear of Mom. And it never will be for me. In her heyday, Mom was the most meticulous housekeeper I have ever known. So, before I leave her house, I make sure that everything is in its place, the kitchen counters are wiped clean, the beds are made, the trash is out, there are fresh towels in the bathrooms.
She deserves nothing less. It is still her house.
Friday, December 11, 2009
This is a pain in the gut - Final Chapter?
After waiting over 3 weeks for my appointment, I finally got to see the pain management doc today or, as Doug calls him, Dr. Pain. My appointment was scheduled for 10:15 a.m., but they called just before 8 and asked me to get there as soon as possible. They had a few cancellations, and the doc had to leave the office early. So, we were there by 9:15. Did I feel a little rushed? Slightly.
Not much to the appointment. Dr. Pain feels that I have "nerve irritation," a condition extremely difficult to pinpoint and diagnosis. He offered a spinal injection which would deaden the area. That didn't sound too appealing! Since my pain has subsided over the past 3 weeks with the proactive steps that I have taken (no bra, avoiding the tasks that compress the painful area and trigger the pain, etc.), I wasn't too enthusiastic about such an invasive procedure.
He'll recommend a course of physical therapy subject to insurance approval. That's not always a given these days. He also recommended that I stop the pain medication. The rest is basically up to me. He'll give me one of those scary shots into my spine if I call him up and make an appointment. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that the worst is behind me and that I will continue to make slow progress towards normalcy.
While waiting to see Dr. Pain, three people left his office who could hardly walk upright, obviously in pain. Made me grateful that I seem to be on the road to recovery. Chronic pain is a pretty gruesome way to live. My mom used to say that you could always find someone worse off than you - how true. I need to remember how stressful it was to wake each morning knowing that I would be in pain by mid-day. I need a gratitude check on a daily basis!
This afternoon, I finally finished the Christmas tablerunner. The experiment with machine binding was less than successful - I wasn't happy with the sloppiness at all. So, back to hand stitching the binding to the back of the quilt the way I've always done it. To cover the "boo-boos," I decided to use gold metallic thread and use a decorative stitch around the finding edge on the front of the tablerunner. I'll post a closeup tomorrow of the finished binding and also share more of why I was disappointed with the machine binding technique. I think the decorative stitching adds a cute and festive look for the holidays!
Not much to the appointment. Dr. Pain feels that I have "nerve irritation," a condition extremely difficult to pinpoint and diagnosis. He offered a spinal injection which would deaden the area. That didn't sound too appealing! Since my pain has subsided over the past 3 weeks with the proactive steps that I have taken (no bra, avoiding the tasks that compress the painful area and trigger the pain, etc.), I wasn't too enthusiastic about such an invasive procedure.
He'll recommend a course of physical therapy subject to insurance approval. That's not always a given these days. He also recommended that I stop the pain medication. The rest is basically up to me. He'll give me one of those scary shots into my spine if I call him up and make an appointment. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that the worst is behind me and that I will continue to make slow progress towards normalcy.
While waiting to see Dr. Pain, three people left his office who could hardly walk upright, obviously in pain. Made me grateful that I seem to be on the road to recovery. Chronic pain is a pretty gruesome way to live. My mom used to say that you could always find someone worse off than you - how true. I need to remember how stressful it was to wake each morning knowing that I would be in pain by mid-day. I need a gratitude check on a daily basis!
This afternoon, I finally finished the Christmas tablerunner. The experiment with machine binding was less than successful - I wasn't happy with the sloppiness at all. So, back to hand stitching the binding to the back of the quilt the way I've always done it. To cover the "boo-boos," I decided to use gold metallic thread and use a decorative stitch around the finding edge on the front of the tablerunner. I'll post a closeup tomorrow of the finished binding and also share more of why I was disappointed with the machine binding technique. I think the decorative stitching adds a cute and festive look for the holidays!
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
I will not panic, I will not panic .....
Things are going pretty well as we prepare for the Thanksgiving Day feast. Because of my as-yet-undiagnosed pain, I can't really stand for long periods of time without discomfort. So, I moved up the timetable for turkey day prep and asked Doug to do more kitchen work than he usually does. He's always willing to help, but he spends lots of time getting the backyard in shape for visitors. We're lucky in Southern California that we can count on the weather in late November being nice enough to enjoy the great outdoors. (It's due to be 77 here on Thanksgiving!)
Doug picked up the rental tables this morning and set the table. Looks nice! Talia, Jackson, and Tasha will go out with Grandpa on Thursday and find some colorful leaves to add a bit of color. The mashed yams are done; all the veggies are washed and chopped for the dressing. Things seem to be under control. Hmmmm .... that's a bit scary, don't you think?
I even had time today to start a new sewing project, a Christmas table runner. The pattern is the Flip 'n Strip Table Runner from The Quilt Company. This is another new process for me. You layer the batting and backing fabric then place 2" strips down the center of the layer, right sides together, and stitch 1/4" seam, adding strips one after the other. Basically, quilting and piecing at the same time. Am I explaining this right? Should be fun and another stretch for me - keep that gray matter from going limp!
I'm not too happy with the fabric that I bought for this project. By the time I decided to make it, the quilt shops were getting thin on Christmas fabric. I was hoping to do it all in ivories with gold trim but settled for the traditional green and red. If it comes out at all decent, I'll make another one for next year - and start earlier!
Doug picked up the rental tables this morning and set the table. Looks nice! Talia, Jackson, and Tasha will go out with Grandpa on Thursday and find some colorful leaves to add a bit of color. The mashed yams are done; all the veggies are washed and chopped for the dressing. Things seem to be under control. Hmmmm .... that's a bit scary, don't you think?
I even had time today to start a new sewing project, a Christmas table runner. The pattern is the Flip 'n Strip Table Runner from The Quilt Company. This is another new process for me. You layer the batting and backing fabric then place 2" strips down the center of the layer, right sides together, and stitch 1/4" seam, adding strips one after the other. Basically, quilting and piecing at the same time. Am I explaining this right? Should be fun and another stretch for me - keep that gray matter from going limp!
I'm not too happy with the fabric that I bought for this project. By the time I decided to make it, the quilt shops were getting thin on Christmas fabric. I was hoping to do it all in ivories with gold trim but settled for the traditional green and red. If it comes out at all decent, I'll make another one for next year - and start earlier!
Thursday, November 19, 2009
The world as we know it did not come to an end!
I've been blogging for awhile now and only my husband and daughter were aware of it. I gave the web address to my daughter several months ago just to get feedback on the blog. Being the kindhearted kid that she is, she offered some constructive criticism about the "look" of the blog but seemed to think I was going in the right direction.
It took a "martini day" like last Tuesday to get me off the bench and onto the playing field. So I let my immediate family and one very close friend know about the blog. My husband was positive, my sister's response was "you've gone insane," but I've made it to my friend's list of favorites! All in all, not too bad for a newbie in the blogosphere.
The combination of the new recommendations for mammograms and learning that my last test was perfectly normal just sent me over the edge and into the very public world of blogging on the Internet. Now I'll look for more ways to let people know about my blog. Let's see .... I can use Facebook, my yahoo chat groups, e-mail addresses, sign up for blogrolls like Quilting Bloggers, etc.
I was half expecting to see lots of comments once I "came out of the closet" but nary a one has been posted. Glad I'm not particularly sensitive about things like this! I blog because I enjoy it. I also think it's a healthy exercise in keeping my writing skills and aging brain cells active.
By the way, a "martini day" in our household is one that is a little more stressful than normal. This concept started about 5 years ago when my mother-in-law first because ill. Several times a week, I would make the 1 hour trip from Menifee to Carlsbad to visit with her, take care of her, shuffle her back and forth to various doctors, etc. I'd call Doug from the front gate of our community to tell him it was time to mix the martinis!
It took a "martini day" like last Tuesday to get me off the bench and onto the playing field. So I let my immediate family and one very close friend know about the blog. My husband was positive, my sister's response was "you've gone insane," but I've made it to my friend's list of favorites! All in all, not too bad for a newbie in the blogosphere.
The combination of the new recommendations for mammograms and learning that my last test was perfectly normal just sent me over the edge and into the very public world of blogging on the Internet. Now I'll look for more ways to let people know about my blog. Let's see .... I can use Facebook, my yahoo chat groups, e-mail addresses, sign up for blogrolls like Quilting Bloggers, etc.
I was half expecting to see lots of comments once I "came out of the closet" but nary a one has been posted. Glad I'm not particularly sensitive about things like this! I blog because I enjoy it. I also think it's a healthy exercise in keeping my writing skills and aging brain cells active.
By the way, a "martini day" in our household is one that is a little more stressful than normal. This concept started about 5 years ago when my mother-in-law first because ill. Several times a week, I would make the 1 hour trip from Menifee to Carlsbad to visit with her, take care of her, shuffle her back and forth to various doctors, etc. I'd call Doug from the front gate of our community to tell him it was time to mix the martinis!
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
How furious can one woman get?
Okay - I thought all day about this post. I heard the story on NPR, I read the newspaper, jotted down notes, remembered not-so-nice episodes in my life, and really planned to write a scathing indictment of the U. S. Preventive Services Task Force announcement that recommended regular mammograms for low-risk women begin at 50 rather than 40
years of age. I've been seething all day -- how dare they?
Talk to all the women you know. All of us know women who have fought this disease. Many of us know women, fine women, who have lost the battle. We have the tools to help us detect and fight this dreaded disease. Now some panel tells us to delay diagnosis and treatment? I don't think so.
I've read the reports. I understand the concept of weighing the risks versus the benefits. A little voice in my head is also saying that this panel wants us to weigh the "costs" versus the benefits. Can't prove it .... but it does make a little bit of sense.
Find a woman in your life who has not had breast cancer touch her life. She has a friend, a relative, a co-worker who has met this disease head on. I lost a dear friend to this disease at the age of 42. 42 42 42 42 42
Think about it. 42 42 42 42
I'm 64. I've lived 22 years longer than my dear friend. Life is cruel. It didn't have to be this way.
What galls me most about this report is the insensitivity of it. Quoting the article in the L. A. Times this morning:
"Screening 1300 women in their 50s to save one life is worth it, but screening 1900 women in their 40s to save one life is not." Just whose life isn't worth the cost of a screening? I want to know whose life is expendable?
Another quote: "Women in their 40s have more aggressive cancers, have higher risks of death and recurrence, and more difficult cancers to treat," added Dr. Alice Chung, assistant director of the John Wayne Cancer Institute Breast Center in Santa Monica. "When you are weighing the benefits and risks for them, the benefits clearly outweigh the risks."
Is there someone out there willing to step up and be the sacrificial life? By the way, the article also noted that 17% of breast cancer deaths in 2006 were among women diagnosed in their 40s. How many breast cancer victims SURVIVED because they were diagnosed in their 40s?????
We've spent decades educating women about breast cancer, encouraging them to have routine mammograms and look for signs of breast cancer. This is a treatable, curable disease if caught early. How many women will hear of this "recommendation" and put their mammogram - and their health - on the back burner? I shudder to think about it. Give women an opportunity to put others first, and they will jump at the chance. We sacrifice, we martyr ourselves, and then we lose ourselves.
I want my daughter, and my granddaughters, to have better health care than I have had, not worse. Why are we taking a step backward? Okay, I'm a reasonable person and a fairly intelligent person. I understand that science moves forward and accepted practices from one generation become antiquated and no longer necessary or recommended. Remember blood letting and leaches? But come on .... mammograms? Mammograms that save lives? Are we nuts?
So tonight I plead with my daughter and all of her generation .... take responsibility for your own health. Insist on those mammograms. Step up to the machine and lay out those boobs! Do not permit a "panel of experts" to dictate your future health.
years of age. I've been seething all day -- how dare they?
Talk to all the women you know. All of us know women who have fought this disease. Many of us know women, fine women, who have lost the battle. We have the tools to help us detect and fight this dreaded disease. Now some panel tells us to delay diagnosis and treatment? I don't think so.
I've read the reports. I understand the concept of weighing the risks versus the benefits. A little voice in my head is also saying that this panel wants us to weigh the "costs" versus the benefits. Can't prove it .... but it does make a little bit of sense.
Find a woman in your life who has not had breast cancer touch her life. She has a friend, a relative, a co-worker who has met this disease head on. I lost a dear friend to this disease at the age of 42. 42 42 42 42 42
Think about it. 42 42 42 42
I'm 64. I've lived 22 years longer than my dear friend. Life is cruel. It didn't have to be this way.
What galls me most about this report is the insensitivity of it. Quoting the article in the L. A. Times this morning:
"Screening 1300 women in their 50s to save one life is worth it, but screening 1900 women in their 40s to save one life is not." Just whose life isn't worth the cost of a screening? I want to know whose life is expendable?
Another quote: "Women in their 40s have more aggressive cancers, have higher risks of death and recurrence, and more difficult cancers to treat," added Dr. Alice Chung, assistant director of the John Wayne Cancer Institute Breast Center in Santa Monica. "When you are weighing the benefits and risks for them, the benefits clearly outweigh the risks."
Is there someone out there willing to step up and be the sacrificial life? By the way, the article also noted that 17% of breast cancer deaths in 2006 were among women diagnosed in their 40s. How many breast cancer victims SURVIVED because they were diagnosed in their 40s?????
We've spent decades educating women about breast cancer, encouraging them to have routine mammograms and look for signs of breast cancer. This is a treatable, curable disease if caught early. How many women will hear of this "recommendation" and put their mammogram - and their health - on the back burner? I shudder to think about it. Give women an opportunity to put others first, and they will jump at the chance. We sacrifice, we martyr ourselves, and then we lose ourselves.
I want my daughter, and my granddaughters, to have better health care than I have had, not worse. Why are we taking a step backward? Okay, I'm a reasonable person and a fairly intelligent person. I understand that science moves forward and accepted practices from one generation become antiquated and no longer necessary or recommended. Remember blood letting and leaches? But come on .... mammograms? Mammograms that save lives? Are we nuts?
So tonight I plead with my daughter and all of her generation .... take responsibility for your own health. Insist on those mammograms. Step up to the machine and lay out those boobs! Do not permit a "panel of experts" to dictate your future health.
Monday, November 16, 2009
This is a pain in the gut --- Chapter 5
Today I learned firsthand about nuclear medicine. In the ongoing quest to find a reason for my gut pain, my gastroenterologist ordered a HIDA Scan with CCK, which is basically a really fancy (and probably expensive) CT scan. I was told to be at the imaging center at 8 a.m. for paperwork, with the test scheduled to begin at 8:30 a.m.
No food or drink for 6 hours prior. No problem - I awoke at 2 a.m. and stayed awake staring at the ceiling until 6:10 a.m. when I decided I could get out of bed and settle my nerves by showering and dressing in "comfortable, loose-fitting clothes." Again, no problem - that's all you wear when your gut hurts 18 hours a day.
Unfortunately, there was some kind of mishap and the concoction that they were planning on injecting into my veins was not at the imaging center. So I waited for an hour past my scheduled appointment for the test to begin. The technician, George, started the IV about 9:15 a.m. and waited patiently with me for another 15 minutes or so until the medicine arrived from Loma Linda. A knock on the door, and a delivery man walked in the door with a small, zippered parcel labeled "biohazard." Oh, boy! Radioactive material on site ....
I know I should be more proactive and assertive. I expected George to give me a little info on the procedure, so I didn't ask questions. All of a sudden, I was encased in a large circular device with an IV started in my right arm and George was gone. There was no sound, no movement, only soft jazz music playing. I assumed George would tell me that we were starting the test. No. After a couple of minutes, I decided that we must be going forward and then just tried to relax and stay still.
Do you know how hard it is be motionless when your brain is telling you that you have to move? Every muscle in your body is screaming "I need to move!" So it is truly an exercise in mind control. I kept telling myself that one squirm = do this test over. I did not want to do it over!
After about an hour and a half, George permitted me to squirm and stretch (although I was not allowed to use the restroom - bad, bad, bad), and then he took a few "side views" and got ready to start the second half of the test. The "special delivery medicine" was injected into my veins and I was cautioned to stay very still and not to take deep breaths. Okay, mind control once again. I really fought this time to stay still picturing each of my grandchildren in turn and focusing on their great smiles!
I'm glad this is over, and I really hope that the test shows some kind of problem so that I can get to the next step - fixing this!
No food or drink for 6 hours prior. No problem - I awoke at 2 a.m. and stayed awake staring at the ceiling until 6:10 a.m. when I decided I could get out of bed and settle my nerves by showering and dressing in "comfortable, loose-fitting clothes." Again, no problem - that's all you wear when your gut hurts 18 hours a day.
Unfortunately, there was some kind of mishap and the concoction that they were planning on injecting into my veins was not at the imaging center. So I waited for an hour past my scheduled appointment for the test to begin. The technician, George, started the IV about 9:15 a.m. and waited patiently with me for another 15 minutes or so until the medicine arrived from Loma Linda. A knock on the door, and a delivery man walked in the door with a small, zippered parcel labeled "biohazard." Oh, boy! Radioactive material on site ....
I know I should be more proactive and assertive. I expected George to give me a little info on the procedure, so I didn't ask questions. All of a sudden, I was encased in a large circular device with an IV started in my right arm and George was gone. There was no sound, no movement, only soft jazz music playing. I assumed George would tell me that we were starting the test. No. After a couple of minutes, I decided that we must be going forward and then just tried to relax and stay still.
Do you know how hard it is be motionless when your brain is telling you that you have to move? Every muscle in your body is screaming "I need to move!" So it is truly an exercise in mind control. I kept telling myself that one squirm = do this test over. I did not want to do it over!
After about an hour and a half, George permitted me to squirm and stretch (although I was not allowed to use the restroom - bad, bad, bad), and then he took a few "side views" and got ready to start the second half of the test. The "special delivery medicine" was injected into my veins and I was cautioned to stay very still and not to take deep breaths. Okay, mind control once again. I really fought this time to stay still picturing each of my grandchildren in turn and focusing on their great smiles!
I'm glad this is over, and I really hope that the test shows some kind of problem so that I can get to the next step - fixing this!
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
This is a pain in the gut --- Chapter 4
I've spent most of the last 6 weeks or so since I last posted in daily pain. There is still no answer to why I have continued abdominal pain. A few weeks ago I had an esophagogastroduodenoscopy (yup - that's what they call it!). Fortunately, you are sedated during this procedure and don't realize that they are shoving a tube and camera down your throat to look at most of your digestive system ....
The results were basically normal. Good news, of course, except that I am still left with the pain and no diagnosis. Last week, Doug and I headed off to my primary physician because over-the-counter meds (ibuprofen) were no longer getting the pain to a manageable level. She prescribed voltaren. Some days it works, some days it doesn't work.
If I manage my activities (i.e., no long drives, periodic breaks during the day to sit and relax, going bra-less), I can get through the day. Late afternoon and evenings are the worst. I'm usually in a great deal of pain from 1 to 2 hours every night before bedtime. This is certainly a mystery!
On Monday, I am scheduled for an HIDA scan with CCK. This is a second go-around on the theory that the gall bladder is the culprit. Apparently, there are diseases and/or malfunctions of the gall bladder that do not show up on an ultrasound. So off to the imaging center we go once again. They'll insert various substances into my veins, take multiple images, and see what they can see. I've got my fingers crossed that this test shows something! At least if it is the gall bladder, they can just yank that sucker out!
If test shows no abnormalities, then the assumption is that it is musculoskeletal. In that case, I get a referral to a pain management clinic. I have reservations about treating something without a true diagnosis, but the pain is really having a negative effect on our lives. Reminds me of what my mother-in-law said when she was in pain: I want my life back! Do I sound like I am whining? You betcha ....
The results were basically normal. Good news, of course, except that I am still left with the pain and no diagnosis. Last week, Doug and I headed off to my primary physician because over-the-counter meds (ibuprofen) were no longer getting the pain to a manageable level. She prescribed voltaren. Some days it works, some days it doesn't work.
If I manage my activities (i.e., no long drives, periodic breaks during the day to sit and relax, going bra-less), I can get through the day. Late afternoon and evenings are the worst. I'm usually in a great deal of pain from 1 to 2 hours every night before bedtime. This is certainly a mystery!
On Monday, I am scheduled for an HIDA scan with CCK. This is a second go-around on the theory that the gall bladder is the culprit. Apparently, there are diseases and/or malfunctions of the gall bladder that do not show up on an ultrasound. So off to the imaging center we go once again. They'll insert various substances into my veins, take multiple images, and see what they can see. I've got my fingers crossed that this test shows something! At least if it is the gall bladder, they can just yank that sucker out!
If test shows no abnormalities, then the assumption is that it is musculoskeletal. In that case, I get a referral to a pain management clinic. I have reservations about treating something without a true diagnosis, but the pain is really having a negative effect on our lives. Reminds me of what my mother-in-law said when she was in pain: I want my life back! Do I sound like I am whining? You betcha ....
Friday, October 2, 2009
This is a pain in the gut --- Chapter 3
If any of you have been reading this (except my family), you know that I've had an unexplained pain in the rib area directly under my right breast for about 3 months. I've had an ultrasound of my gall bladder (doc's first diagnosis), an x-ray (doc's second diagnosis), a preliminary dose of prednisone (doc's third diagnosis - pinched nerve something or other). All of the tests have been negative, and I am still experiencing the pain on a regular basis - both day and night. Last night was pretty typical. I had pain around dinnertime, went to bed early, and was awakened around 2 a.m. with pain that kept me awake for several hours.
I'm trying to track this thing. Some days, I can get through the morning pretty well without much discomfort. Once the pain sets in, it is pretty intense until I take an ibuprofen and wait a half hour or so for the medicine to kick in. As the doc said, serious problems are not solved by ibuprofen! That's the good news. The bad news is that we can't figure out what is going on. I'm leaning towards the nerve damage that should have been helped by the prednisone.
Anyway, tomorrow I go for a CAT scan of my abdomen and chest. If that comes up negative (which I really expect to happen), my plan of attack is to meet with the doc (with Doug in tow) and have all my points mapped out. Do I tough it out for another couple of months? Do I go with the nerve damage theory? If so, what is the treatment? I'm nixing the idea of a psychosomatic illness. Not my type of thing.
It sure does impact one's day. I get into a project or an activity and then WHAM - I'm in so much discomfort that I can hardly stand up. Makes me sympathetic to those who know they are going to deal with pain on a daily basis.
I'm trying to track this thing. Some days, I can get through the morning pretty well without much discomfort. Once the pain sets in, it is pretty intense until I take an ibuprofen and wait a half hour or so for the medicine to kick in. As the doc said, serious problems are not solved by ibuprofen! That's the good news. The bad news is that we can't figure out what is going on. I'm leaning towards the nerve damage that should have been helped by the prednisone.
Anyway, tomorrow I go for a CAT scan of my abdomen and chest. If that comes up negative (which I really expect to happen), my plan of attack is to meet with the doc (with Doug in tow) and have all my points mapped out. Do I tough it out for another couple of months? Do I go with the nerve damage theory? If so, what is the treatment? I'm nixing the idea of a psychosomatic illness. Not my type of thing.
It sure does impact one's day. I get into a project or an activity and then WHAM - I'm in so much discomfort that I can hardly stand up. Makes me sympathetic to those who know they are going to deal with pain on a daily basis.
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
When I'm 64 ......
I've been celebrating my birthday for about a week now. My actual birthday is September 8, but due to prior commitments, I celebrated with my family last Saturday, the 5th, at a great park in Moorpark, California. Both my children and my 3 grandchildren were with me - it doesn't get better than that (thank you, John Madden). This is the way birthdays were meant to be celebrated!
64 .... one year from Medicare .... two years more than a very close friend was given ..... ten years more than another close friend enjoyed. I'm not trying to be maudlin, but it does give pause. My dad died unexpectedly at 67. I knew at the time that he had died young, but now I realize how very young he was. On my best days, I think that I have 30 years ahead of me. Most days, I believe that I have a good 20 years to go. On thoughtful days, I think that ten would be a gift.
I spent today working on my oldest granddaughter's Halloween costume - a mermaid costume! She is enamored with Ariel, the mermaid from the Disney flick. I'll keep my fingers crossed that I'm still around so that I can make her wedding dress or at least help her shop for one!
64 .... one year from Medicare .... two years more than a very close friend was given ..... ten years more than another close friend enjoyed. I'm not trying to be maudlin, but it does give pause. My dad died unexpectedly at 67. I knew at the time that he had died young, but now I realize how very young he was. On my best days, I think that I have 30 years ahead of me. Most days, I believe that I have a good 20 years to go. On thoughtful days, I think that ten would be a gift.
I spent today working on my oldest granddaughter's Halloween costume - a mermaid costume! She is enamored with Ariel, the mermaid from the Disney flick. I'll keep my fingers crossed that I'm still around so that I can make her wedding dress or at least help her shop for one!
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