We've (mostly Richard) been working on getting our rig ready for the road. Our icemaker sprung a leak a week or so ago. It's in the water line to the ice-maker so it's just turned off. Have no idea what it's problem is and how we'll get it fixed. He's having fun running electrical lines and other kinds to hook up a camera to the back of the truck so he can see to hook up to the trailer. We found a portable sink that holds three gallons of water to put in the truck so except for a way to heat or cool it (without running the engine) it's got everything it needs to be a not so mini-motorhome.
Dom is in boy's baseball - first year of player pitch - and they will be in the playoffs beginning the week of Memorial Day. Their current record, with one game to go, is 9/4/1. He hit a double today that ended the game as that put his team 10 pts. ahead of their opponents! Games are called for pts ahead or time or innings - usually time.
Too bad Dayna had to miss her son's great hit. She's on a five state trip this week - TN, KY, IN (Evansville - Donna), IL, and MO - about 1000 miles of driving. We gave her our old GPS program & antenna after we got a new one that works a whole lot better. She's really been glad to have it and is the only auditor with one.
She and Deidra will drive to IL next week to be in a wedding so she'll miss Dom's playoffs, too. She's missed a lot with this job.
My dad fell a couple of weeks ago and cut himself on some glass, requiring 7 stitches in his forehead and 8 in his hand. Dayna was there shortly afterward and said he had a great shiner. This week my parents and Marie all have bronchitis. I was ready to fly out again but Mom's LTC ins. has finally kicked in providing help four days a week. That, coupled with Daddy's three, means someone is there everyday to help them. Hopefully, this will be all they need for awhile.
Our niece Patricia, Greg's oldest, won first place in a state-wide chemistry exam. She just discovered last year that she really likes chemistry but isn't sure what she wants to do with it. She goes to a two-week chemistry camp this summer and could win a spot on the team that goes to Korea to represent the US.
Showing posts with label Texas 2006. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Texas 2006. Show all posts
Saturday, May 20, 2006
Tuesday, May 9, 2006
Retirement Lunch
The team I have worked with the last 8 years invited me to lunch today. We met at Pappadeaux Seafood in Richardson and had a nice meal. I will be on the payroll until the end of the month, but I have turned in my laptop and other stuff and have cleaned out my desk. I don't know if I will need to go in again to sign some final paperwork or not, but I am really feeling great about all this.
The guys gave me a gift card to a nice steakhouse as a going away present. Thanks guys, very much. Dianna and I will enjoy it.
I went down to Ft. Worth this afternoon to pick up a motorcycle loader I am buying from another Escapee. Unfortunately, the place he took it did not have it removed from his truck yet so I have to make another trip tomorrow afternoon. Then I have to work with a welding shop in Denton to fabricate a mount that will allow me to move it backward and forward on the truck bed. I need to move it to the rear to load, but move it all the way forward so the trailer will clear the motorcycle on a 90 degree turn.
Between physical therapy three days a week and getting ready to leave here on the 8th of June I am staying very busy. I hear that retirement is just as busy, or more so, than working a regular job. I hope not, but it sure is starting out that way!
The guys gave me a gift card to a nice steakhouse as a going away present. Thanks guys, very much. Dianna and I will enjoy it.
I went down to Ft. Worth this afternoon to pick up a motorcycle loader I am buying from another Escapee. Unfortunately, the place he took it did not have it removed from his truck yet so I have to make another trip tomorrow afternoon. Then I have to work with a welding shop in Denton to fabricate a mount that will allow me to move it backward and forward on the truck bed. I need to move it to the rear to load, but move it all the way forward so the trailer will clear the motorcycle on a 90 degree turn.
Between physical therapy three days a week and getting ready to leave here on the 8th of June I am staying very busy. I hear that retirement is just as busy, or more so, than working a regular job. I hope not, but it sure is starting out that way!
Monday, May 1, 2006
Finally some big news!
Retirement! I will not be returning to work.
I can't tell you how much I have looked forward to this. I have been dreaming about it since I first started working and have grown more and more anxious over the past few years. The time has finally come.
I had my 6 week post operative check up today and the Dr. says everything is coming along nicely, but that he still wants me to continue with physical therapy for another 4 weeks. He signed a form that releases me to return to work on June 1st. With that in hand I notified my manager this afternoon that my last day on the payroll will be May 31st, but that I will not be back to work. He told me he already expected it and was happy (jealous) for me.
We plan to stay here in Denton until about June 8 when we will leave for Livingston, TX so we can get our TX drivers licenses. I need a Class A Non-commercial license to tow our trailer with the big truck. We will take the grandkids with us and make our way out to California to spend a little time with Dianna's parents before heading to who knows where.
So, there it is. It feels good.
I can't tell you how much I have looked forward to this. I have been dreaming about it since I first started working and have grown more and more anxious over the past few years. The time has finally come.
I had my 6 week post operative check up today and the Dr. says everything is coming along nicely, but that he still wants me to continue with physical therapy for another 4 weeks. He signed a form that releases me to return to work on June 1st. With that in hand I notified my manager this afternoon that my last day on the payroll will be May 31st, but that I will not be back to work. He told me he already expected it and was happy (jealous) for me.
We plan to stay here in Denton until about June 8 when we will leave for Livingston, TX so we can get our TX drivers licenses. I need a Class A Non-commercial license to tow our trailer with the big truck. We will take the grandkids with us and make our way out to California to spend a little time with Dianna's parents before heading to who knows where.
So, there it is. It feels good.
Sunday, April 30, 2006
New Laptop
In preparation for the day when I do not have the use of the company laptop, I purchased a new one yesterday. It is the Sony Vaio TX750P/B. The main reason for selecting this laptop was its size, but I still wanted something that would not be obsolete in just a few months. I wanted something very small so I can use it for my GPS while driving. I have been using my Thinkpad which was small, but this is even more so. It make it less obtrusive while sitting on the dash.
This laptop has a wide screen that is only 10.7 inches corner to corner. The screen is only 9 3/4 wide and 5 1/2 high and I have never seen a screen as thin as this one. It is only a little over 1/8 of an inch. This makes the print on the small side, but since I usually have it actually sitting on my lap when I am using it out of the truck, it is readable. I have experimented with increasing the size of the font, etc. and found it is OK as it is for my needs.
It has a decent processor (Intel 753), an 80G hard drive (only 4200 rpm), built in wireless, bluetooth and even Cingular Wireless WAN (at $80 per month it won't get used!), and a built in double layer DVD burner. With the battery, which should last between 4 1/2 to 7 hours, it only weighs 2.8 pounds. Really a featherweight. It came with XP Pro.
So far it seems great for my needs and I have only found two things I need to get used to. The keyboard does not have all the keys nor the great feel of my Thinkpad and I am very used to the button mouse. I have never liked the glide pad but that is all this has.
One other nice built in feature is the A/V capability. It can be used as a DVD player without even booting to Windows so it is also a basic portable DVD player. Of course the sound is terrible over the built in speakers but with a headset it is very nice. I don't know that I will use that much but who knows.
So, the fun of customizing, loading software and moving data is already underway. It will probably take several days to get it set the way I want.
This laptop has a wide screen that is only 10.7 inches corner to corner. The screen is only 9 3/4 wide and 5 1/2 high and I have never seen a screen as thin as this one. It is only a little over 1/8 of an inch. This makes the print on the small side, but since I usually have it actually sitting on my lap when I am using it out of the truck, it is readable. I have experimented with increasing the size of the font, etc. and found it is OK as it is for my needs.
It has a decent processor (Intel 753), an 80G hard drive (only 4200 rpm), built in wireless, bluetooth and even Cingular Wireless WAN (at $80 per month it won't get used!), and a built in double layer DVD burner. With the battery, which should last between 4 1/2 to 7 hours, it only weighs 2.8 pounds. Really a featherweight. It came with XP Pro.
So far it seems great for my needs and I have only found two things I need to get used to. The keyboard does not have all the keys nor the great feel of my Thinkpad and I am very used to the button mouse. I have never liked the glide pad but that is all this has.
One other nice built in feature is the A/V capability. It can be used as a DVD player without even booting to Windows so it is also a basic portable DVD player. Of course the sound is terrible over the built in speakers but with a headset it is very nice. I don't know that I will use that much but who knows.
So, the fun of customizing, loading software and moving data is already underway. It will probably take several days to get it set the way I want.
Wednesday, April 26, 2006
OK, OK
I'll post an update! I am continuing to improve. That's it.
Didn't think that would work. I go to PT three times a week and do stretching and strength exercises. I am able to do more all the time, but I am still sore after each session. That's good they tell me. I also walk about one and one half miles every day. All in all I am making good practice and the ache in my back is less and less. I can no longer call it back pain. I go to the Dr. next Monday for my six week check up and will know what happens from here. I am still not released to go back to work and really don't see how I could as long as I continue with PT. It takes all morning and I sure don't feel like doing much all afternoon.
Dianna has returned from her week in California visiting her parents. They are both doing OK now. Seems she usually does not get there until things have settled down. By OK I mean that they are both at home, not in the hospital. The staph infection is much improved which is a good thing. They do have part time help coming in three days a week to help with cleaning and other chores.
Dom is in baseball again this year so we get to go to his games every week. He is doing pretty good this year.
Deidra is in her last year at the mid-school in Denton. Next year she will be attending the new mid-school near her home. That will be really nice. She currently catches the bus at 7:50 and does not get home until 5:00. That one and one half hour bus ride after school is a huge time waster.
That's about all I can think of right now. It's tough to post when there is not much going on, but I appreciate everyone thinking of me.
Didn't think that would work. I go to PT three times a week and do stretching and strength exercises. I am able to do more all the time, but I am still sore after each session. That's good they tell me. I also walk about one and one half miles every day. All in all I am making good practice and the ache in my back is less and less. I can no longer call it back pain. I go to the Dr. next Monday for my six week check up and will know what happens from here. I am still not released to go back to work and really don't see how I could as long as I continue with PT. It takes all morning and I sure don't feel like doing much all afternoon.
Dianna has returned from her week in California visiting her parents. They are both doing OK now. Seems she usually does not get there until things have settled down. By OK I mean that they are both at home, not in the hospital. The staph infection is much improved which is a good thing. They do have part time help coming in three days a week to help with cleaning and other chores.
Dom is in baseball again this year so we get to go to his games every week. He is doing pretty good this year.
Deidra is in her last year at the mid-school in Denton. Next year she will be attending the new mid-school near her home. That will be really nice. She currently catches the bus at 7:50 and does not get home until 5:00. That one and one half hour bus ride after school is a huge time waster.
That's about all I can think of right now. It's tough to post when there is not much going on, but I appreciate everyone thinking of me.
Wednesday, April 12, 2006
Vitamin D
Now I am following another Dr. thread as a result of one of the tests prior to my back surgery. Found out I have very poor bone density. My GP said I was way to low for a man (I assured him I was, which he already knew) and ran a calcium and Vitamin D test. My vitamin D came back way low. No idea why. I am taking mega doses for the next four weeks to see if that helps. Then I have an appointment with an endochrinologist to see if we can figure out why and if it is anything to worry about. All my other blood work is fine. The only blessing in all this is that I have met my out of pocket insurance maximums for the year so I have free medical treatment for the rest of the year.
I really don't want this blog to turn into a running commentary on our medical conditions but it seems the easiest way to let everyone who has an interest in us know what is happening.
I am going to PT three days a week and seeing progress in my strength and flexibility. At this point I don't know if my backaches are due to the surgery or to the workout these two sadistic young ladies put me through. It is certainly a big improvement over my condition prior to surgery. Then I had back pain. Now I have backaches.
I really don't want this blog to turn into a running commentary on our medical conditions but it seems the easiest way to let everyone who has an interest in us know what is happening.
I am going to PT three days a week and seeing progress in my strength and flexibility. At this point I don't know if my backaches are due to the surgery or to the workout these two sadistic young ladies put me through. It is certainly a big improvement over my condition prior to surgery. Then I had back pain. Now I have backaches.
Thursday, April 6, 2006
More Scam Artists
We advertised our truck camper for sale on an online RV trading site a few days ago. When we bought it we thought we would use it for our Alaska trip after retirement and for vacations with the grandkids in the meantime. We have used it several times, but it is really not big enough for the grandkids and us anymore and we have decided to take our trailer when we make the Alaska trip.
Yesterday I received a nice response to the ad asking for photo's and additional information. It sounded like they were interesed so I sent some photos and a nice response. Then today I received an email telling me that they had decided to buy it and went on to explain how they wanted to handle the payment. I would receive a cashiers check made out to me and sent from some company. The check would be for about twice what I am asking for the camper because the company owed the buyer that much money. I was to deposit the check and wire the difference to the buyer. Then they would make arrangements to pick up the camper.
Of course, I immediately realized this was a scam attempt. What many people do not know is that cashiers checks are very easy to forge and not at all secure. The banking rules in most states require that a bank make the funds from any deposited cashiers checks available within 24 to 48 hours. This they do. However, the actual behind the scenes check clearing process through the Federal Reserve can take up to two weeks. It often takes that long to find out the check is worthless.
I forwarded a copy of the correspondence to Yahoo security since the scam artist was using a Yahoo email account, not that it will do much good. You just have to be very careful. Never, never, never send or give anyone goods or money in exchange for a cashiers check without having your bank verify that it is genuine.
Yesterday I received a nice response to the ad asking for photo's and additional information. It sounded like they were interesed so I sent some photos and a nice response. Then today I received an email telling me that they had decided to buy it and went on to explain how they wanted to handle the payment. I would receive a cashiers check made out to me and sent from some company. The check would be for about twice what I am asking for the camper because the company owed the buyer that much money. I was to deposit the check and wire the difference to the buyer. Then they would make arrangements to pick up the camper.
Of course, I immediately realized this was a scam attempt. What many people do not know is that cashiers checks are very easy to forge and not at all secure. The banking rules in most states require that a bank make the funds from any deposited cashiers checks available within 24 to 48 hours. This they do. However, the actual behind the scenes check clearing process through the Federal Reserve can take up to two weeks. It often takes that long to find out the check is worthless.
I forwarded a copy of the correspondence to Yahoo security since the scam artist was using a Yahoo email account, not that it will do much good. You just have to be very careful. Never, never, never send or give anyone goods or money in exchange for a cashiers check without having your bank verify that it is genuine.
Tuesday, April 4, 2006
Post-Op
At Richard's first post-op appt. yesterday the surgeon said his incision has healed like a baby's. He was given the green light to drive again which was welcome news. He's sore in his stomach and hip area and was told that's because his spine was stretched during surgery to remove the old disc and implant the artificial one. That explains it! He now goes for PT three times a week. TBI (Texas Back Institute) has just opened an office closer to us so he will be able to go there instead. He's taking fewer and fewer pain pills all the time so it's just a matter of continuing the healing process.
I got my embroidery machine out a couple of days ago for the first time in several months. I had gotten so frustrated with it binding up over the holidays that it sat for some time. My first project was this shirt for Mom L and all went well, though I held my breath the whole time waiting for something to go wrong. I also worked on some Easter items.
My folks have been in out of the hospital several times over the past few weeks. Daddy was admitted again yesterday (as my mom was being discharged for gall stones & pancreatitis) as a result of a minor stroke, severe dehydration and a staph infection in his arms which is no better after having been treated for a couple of weeks. Our niece, Marie, works at the hospital where they go so she's been helpful in getting good doctors to see them.
Julie is an accountant and works 80-100 hrs a week this time of year. She's taken quite a bit of time off taking Mom & Dad to doctor's appointments, the hospital, etc. Her bosses have been very kind in giving her the time but it's getting close to April 15 and they are beginning to make noises. Richard told me yesterday he feels he can handle things on his own now so I will be going out next week for about 10 days to help out. We've hired care givers to come in several hours a day but they can't do it all.
I'm so grateful I've got family in CA who can do much of the care giving but I think we are getting closer to pulling the plug and maybe moving out there for a time to get things settled for Mom and Dad.
I got my embroidery machine out a couple of days ago for the first time in several months. I had gotten so frustrated with it binding up over the holidays that it sat for some time. My first project was this shirt for Mom L and all went well, though I held my breath the whole time waiting for something to go wrong. I also worked on some Easter items.
My folks have been in out of the hospital several times over the past few weeks. Daddy was admitted again yesterday (as my mom was being discharged for gall stones & pancreatitis) as a result of a minor stroke, severe dehydration and a staph infection in his arms which is no better after having been treated for a couple of weeks. Our niece, Marie, works at the hospital where they go so she's been helpful in getting good doctors to see them.
Julie is an accountant and works 80-100 hrs a week this time of year. She's taken quite a bit of time off taking Mom & Dad to doctor's appointments, the hospital, etc. Her bosses have been very kind in giving her the time but it's getting close to April 15 and they are beginning to make noises. Richard told me yesterday he feels he can handle things on his own now so I will be going out next week for about 10 days to help out. We've hired care givers to come in several hours a day but they can't do it all.
I'm so grateful I've got family in CA who can do much of the care giving but I think we are getting closer to pulling the plug and maybe moving out there for a time to get things settled for Mom and Dad.
Friday, March 31, 2006
New Bed
We purchased a new air bed a few days ago and it arrived yesterday. It was pretty large and we did not want to leave it outdoors overnight as there were thunderstorms all around us so Dianna decided to put it together after she got home from Dom's baseball game last night. With my supervision she managed to get it all done, but I think she is really appreciating me more lately with the realization that even simple things like putting the bed together take a certain amount of strength she usually does not have to summon. I actually hated to see her struggling with it because that is the sort of thing that is my job. I guess that is old fashioned thinking to some, but we have our roles pretty well defined and it has always worked well for us.
I am still moving very slowly. I feel much better and went all day without anything stronger than a couple tylenol. My biggest problem for the past few days was due to a side effect of the surgery and pain medication. At the risk of saying more than I want to, let's just say that I don't feel so "out of sorts" after last night.
My back was hurting again this morning so I took a pain pill and muscle relaxant. It really knocked me out and I think will try to take only half a dose if I need more. These are really strong codeine. I have absolutely no energy so need to work on building that back up. Talking short walks every day will help with that.
I see the Dr. on Monday for my first follow up and will let everyone know what he says.
I am still moving very slowly. I feel much better and went all day without anything stronger than a couple tylenol. My biggest problem for the past few days was due to a side effect of the surgery and pain medication. At the risk of saying more than I want to, let's just say that I don't feel so "out of sorts" after last night.
My back was hurting again this morning so I took a pain pill and muscle relaxant. It really knocked me out and I think will try to take only half a dose if I need more. These are really strong codeine. I have absolutely no energy so need to work on building that back up. Talking short walks every day will help with that.
I see the Dr. on Monday for my first follow up and will let everyone know what he says.
Monday, March 27, 2006
A Step at a Time
Well, things are moving along nicely. I'm pretty stiff and sore, but that's to be expected and it is not as bad as I thought it would be. It will take a while for all the swelling to go down and for everything return to normal but the anti inflamitory medication and the pain pills they gave me help keep it in check. I take one pill every 4 to 6 hours. The medication does make me a little light headed and dizzy so I have to take it slow. Sleep seems to be very high on my list. I seem to be spending more than 12 hours a day sleeping right now. Maybe I am just catching up.
I'm not ready for any 5 mile hikes just yet. I have done some walking around the park just to loosen things up, but the Dr. was adamant about not over doing. I can see where that would be a temptation. For now I am just going to watch a lot of TV (thank goodness for TIVO) and spend more time surfing the web than usual. My laptop is actually sitting on my lap!
I appreciate all the good wishes and concern from everyone.
I'm not ready for any 5 mile hikes just yet. I have done some walking around the park just to loosen things up, but the Dr. was adamant about not over doing. I can see where that would be a temptation. For now I am just going to watch a lot of TV (thank goodness for TIVO) and spend more time surfing the web than usual. My laptop is actually sitting on my lap!
I appreciate all the good wishes and concern from everyone.
Friday, March 24, 2006
He's Home!
Less than 24 hrs after major surgery & he's home - unbelievable!
His surgical team was the best around according to the pre-op and surgical nurses. He had the head of the anesthesia team as his anesthesiologist and one woman monitored him via electrodes and needles and a laptop computer. She watched for any nerve impact as organs, blood vessels and nerves were moved around during the surgery. If it looked like they were someplace they didn't belong she could tell them to stop & do something different.
Dr. Guyer showed me before & after films shortly after his surgery yesterday. All went according to plan. He has a three inch horizontal incision about two inches below his belly button (they wanted to make sure he has a nice bikini line!) He ended up with the FDA approved model instead of the experimental device but he's not disappointed. Dr. Guyer said his disc was even discolored, which he doesn't often see, so it needed to come out.
He was kept in recovery over twice as long as normal as his blood pressure was too low. He was laying on his side & when they rolled him onto his back it soon came up to where it needed to be.
They were getting ready to catheritize him last evening when he finally managed to pee on his own. He was most grateful he didn't have to have a Foley.
He was up and walking within a few hours of surgery and walked out to the car today. He said he was expecting it to be a lot worse from everything he'd heard but he says he's fine. All the pain associated with the surgery and since is far less than what he was experiencing with his back on a day to day basis since his last major episode last fall.
He climbed the four steps into our house with no problem and just acts like nothing's wrong. I attribute much of it to his very high tolerance for pain. We even went shopping at WalMart, before coming home, to get his prescription and some groceries, but he did use an electric cart there.
He can't drive or lift anything heavier than 5# until his two week post surgical appoint- ment. Now he just has to heal and from all indications it won't take long.
The facility is fairly new with all the modern conveniences, including a five-star chef and Direct TV, no TIVO though :-(. There are only 18 in-patient rooms as much of what they do is on an out-patient basis. news story Their entire staff is just awesome.
Thank you all for your thoughts and prayers. I know they made a difference. We were both at peace before and during the surgery.
His surgical team was the best around according to the pre-op and surgical nurses. He had the head of the anesthesia team as his anesthesiologist and one woman monitored him via electrodes and needles and a laptop computer. She watched for any nerve impact as organs, blood vessels and nerves were moved around during the surgery. If it looked like they were someplace they didn't belong she could tell them to stop & do something different.
Dr. Guyer showed me before & after films shortly after his surgery yesterday. All went according to plan. He has a three inch horizontal incision about two inches below his belly button (they wanted to make sure he has a nice bikini line!) He ended up with the FDA approved model instead of the experimental device but he's not disappointed. Dr. Guyer said his disc was even discolored, which he doesn't often see, so it needed to come out.
He was kept in recovery over twice as long as normal as his blood pressure was too low. He was laying on his side & when they rolled him onto his back it soon came up to where it needed to be.
They were getting ready to catheritize him last evening when he finally managed to pee on his own. He was most grateful he didn't have to have a Foley.
He was up and walking within a few hours of surgery and walked out to the car today. He said he was expecting it to be a lot worse from everything he'd heard but he says he's fine. All the pain associated with the surgery and since is far less than what he was experiencing with his back on a day to day basis since his last major episode last fall.
He climbed the four steps into our house with no problem and just acts like nothing's wrong. I attribute much of it to his very high tolerance for pain. We even went shopping at WalMart, before coming home, to get his prescription and some groceries, but he did use an electric cart there.
He can't drive or lift anything heavier than 5# until his two week post surgical appoint- ment. Now he just has to heal and from all indications it won't take long.
The facility is fairly new with all the modern conveniences, including a five-star chef and Direct TV, no TIVO though :-(. There are only 18 in-patient rooms as much of what they do is on an out-patient basis. news story Their entire staff is just awesome.
Thank you all for your thoughts and prayers. I know they made a difference. We were both at peace before and during the surgery.
Wednesday, March 15, 2006
Getting Ready
Today was the day to get all the paperwork and other preparations done for my disc replacement surgery on the 23rd. I am convinced that surgery is not done with medical instruments but instead is done with paper! In addition to signing about 100 documents and confirming that I do not have any allergies for the umpteenth time, I watched a video on what to expect before and after the surgery, got my back brace (velcro & kevlar belt), had a physical including blood tests, did my pre check-in at the hospital and met with my doctor.
You always want to have an experienced surgeon when you undertake these kinds of things. Texas Back Institute has done more disc implants than any other facility in the country and Dr. Guyer has personally done over 200 of them. There are few if any who have done more. The access surgeon is also very important and needs to have a high level of skill according to what I have read so I asked Dr. Guyer about that. He told me that my access surgeon has done over 3,500 of these procedures! Talk about an experienced team.
I know it is not going to be much fun and will hurt for a few weeks, but I really hope the end result is an improvement in my quality of life so I can do the things I enjoy for the rest of my life. Our RV lifestyle requires some lifting and a certain amount of activity and flexibility that I just cannot do now without serious pain. I just want to get this behind me so I can start living again.
I appreciate everyone's concern and thoughts. I feel about as comfortable about it as one can given the circumstances.
You always want to have an experienced surgeon when you undertake these kinds of things. Texas Back Institute has done more disc implants than any other facility in the country and Dr. Guyer has personally done over 200 of them. There are few if any who have done more. The access surgeon is also very important and needs to have a high level of skill according to what I have read so I asked Dr. Guyer about that. He told me that my access surgeon has done over 3,500 of these procedures! Talk about an experienced team.
I know it is not going to be much fun and will hurt for a few weeks, but I really hope the end result is an improvement in my quality of life so I can do the things I enjoy for the rest of my life. Our RV lifestyle requires some lifting and a certain amount of activity and flexibility that I just cannot do now without serious pain. I just want to get this behind me so I can start living again.
I appreciate everyone's concern and thoughts. I feel about as comfortable about it as one can given the circumstances.
Tuesday, March 14, 2006
No news is good news
At least in the case of my folks it is! They are doing fine. Meals on Wheels brings them two meals a day five days a week. They have someone coming in to help clean. A local senior center has many activities which is what my mom desperately needs. With Daddy not being able to hear they don't communicate often and she needs a social outlet. She admitted that yesterday so I think she will start going out more, maybe even take an art class at the adult education nearby. She's really feeling great, symptoms all gone and she's gaining weight and getting stronger.
Richard goes in for his day of pre-op tests and informational meetings tomorrow. He said he's read that the "access" surgeon is critical in this type of surgery. He's going to ask Dr. Guyer tomorrow if he will be the one doing it. He's one of the pioneer surgeons doing this procedure and has done hundreds so Richard really feels comfortable with him. I'm glad because I'm nervous enough for the two of us!
Darin has been diagnosed with Reynaud's Syndrome and is on a new medication for it. The cold weather in TN seems to bring on his attacks. Hopefully the medication will bring him some relief.
We're sure glad we have a new nephew and that mommy and baby are doing great! Welcome, Carsten!!
Richard says he wants to spend our first summer after retirement spending time with our parents. He hasn't seen either for a couple of years. I'm grateful I've been able to make so many trips to visit. And Mom L. now tells me she's got her genealogy files confused again so I know what our visit is going to entail, at least for me! She does this periodically so she'll have some company I know!!
Richard goes in for his day of pre-op tests and informational meetings tomorrow. He said he's read that the "access" surgeon is critical in this type of surgery. He's going to ask Dr. Guyer tomorrow if he will be the one doing it. He's one of the pioneer surgeons doing this procedure and has done hundreds so Richard really feels comfortable with him. I'm glad because I'm nervous enough for the two of us!
Darin has been diagnosed with Reynaud's Syndrome and is on a new medication for it. The cold weather in TN seems to bring on his attacks. Hopefully the medication will bring him some relief.
We're sure glad we have a new nephew and that mommy and baby are doing great! Welcome, Carsten!!
Richard says he wants to spend our first summer after retirement spending time with our parents. He hasn't seen either for a couple of years. I'm grateful I've been able to make so many trips to visit. And Mom L. now tells me she's got her genealogy files confused again so I know what our visit is going to entail, at least for me! She does this periodically so she'll have some company I know!!
Sunday, February 26, 2006
Racking Up Those Frequent Flyer Miles
Richard and I went to the airport together last Sunday, he to fly to Philadelphia and me to southern California. He returned Tuesday to fly out again on Thursday to MA. He won't be home until the 7th of March. He is scheduled for surgery on March 23.
I spent a week cooking, cleaning and tending to my parents. Bottom line - she was starving herself, unknowingly. She assumed her body would adjust to a reduced diet. ALL of her symptoms can be attributed to her not getting enough nourishment. She seems to always learn lessons the hard way.
A nurse will be out twice a week to take her blood pressure and other vitals. A physical therapist will go to show her some things she can do to build up her strength. Meals on Wheels will start Tuesday bringing two meals a day for each of them, five days a week.
Daddy was approved by his health insurance to have some in-home help. We can have someone come in as often as three times a week to cook, do light cleaning, laundry, make beds, shop, etc. Between the two I think they will be taken care of.
Mom was much improved by the time I left, fixing some meals herself. She's on an appetite enhancer which has greatly improved her appetite. We went for walks and out to eat a lot. She said she had months of not going out to dinner to make up for! Unfortunately my waist line didn't appreciate it though it did wonders for her morale.
Daddy has to have more skin cancer surgery. It was originally scheduled for next month but we postponed it for six weeks. None of us feel it's good for him to be subjected to all this anesthesia.
She had gained about 8 1/2# in a just one week's time so I left feeling much better about her (their) situation. Hopefully my next trip will be one of just enjoying our time together.
Dayna hasn't heard anything definitive about the charges against her but her supervisor has told her that some evidence is pointing to the lady who made the charges.
I spent a week cooking, cleaning and tending to my parents. Bottom line - she was starving herself, unknowingly. She assumed her body would adjust to a reduced diet. ALL of her symptoms can be attributed to her not getting enough nourishment. She seems to always learn lessons the hard way.
A nurse will be out twice a week to take her blood pressure and other vitals. A physical therapist will go to show her some things she can do to build up her strength. Meals on Wheels will start Tuesday bringing two meals a day for each of them, five days a week.
Daddy was approved by his health insurance to have some in-home help. We can have someone come in as often as three times a week to cook, do light cleaning, laundry, make beds, shop, etc. Between the two I think they will be taken care of.
Mom was much improved by the time I left, fixing some meals herself. She's on an appetite enhancer which has greatly improved her appetite. We went for walks and out to eat a lot. She said she had months of not going out to dinner to make up for! Unfortunately my waist line didn't appreciate it though it did wonders for her morale.
Daddy has to have more skin cancer surgery. It was originally scheduled for next month but we postponed it for six weeks. None of us feel it's good for him to be subjected to all this anesthesia.
She had gained about 8 1/2# in a just one week's time so I left feeling much better about her (their) situation. Hopefully my next trip will be one of just enjoying our time together.
Dayna hasn't heard anything definitive about the charges against her but her supervisor has told her that some evidence is pointing to the lady who made the charges.
Wednesday, February 15, 2006
Good News and Bad
Good news - Richard has been accepted into TBI's (Texas Back Institute) study for the Kiniflex disk replacement. Bad news - it will mean surgery. He doesn't want surgery but has exhausted all his other options. He has to have a bone density test first to see if he qualifies, otherwise it will mean the disk fusion method.
This is a new disk product that is being studied in comparison with the Charite (which itself is so new insurance companies don't pay for the surgery). This surgery is paid for by the company that makes the disk. He won't know until after the surgery which product was used but they are both good so he doesn't really care which he gets.
He'll be contacted for the bone density test and then scheduled for the surgery, whichever it turns out to be. Recuperation time is a lot less with the disk replacement; he should be out of work for less than a month. They go in through the abdomen making the incision a little longer than one for an appendectomy. He will go home from the hospital in just 24 hrs. So, if all goes well he'll have the surgery sometime mid to late March. He's not anxious for the surgery but is anxious to stop hurting.
We're going to have to get my parents some help as Mom has fainted twice in the past two weeks due to very low blood pressure (60 over something standing up yesterday) which is due to her not eating and drinking properly. The doctors told Julie that Mom and Dad need to get some help so she's making calls today to see about LTC, Meals on Wheels and transportation. We've put the burden on Greg to tell Daddy he can't drive any longer. This is always an extremely tough time in parents' and children's lives when the roles become reversed.
Deidra has to have her tonsils out which she's not looking forward to at all. Dayna will be gone the week of spring break so it will probably be the first of summer vacation.
Dayna is having a really tough time at work right now. After her last audit in Alabama she came home to have LP (Loss Prevention) inform her the clerk at the store has accused her of stealing $1800! A more honest person you'd be hard to find and her supervisors here all know that. She was even fingerprinted last week as the envelopes the money was supposedly in have been found. She feels like a criminal and is having a hard time handling the stress of the accusation and investigation.
Sally doesn't usually put cameras into their stores due to the cost but there just happens to be two in this particular store as they are having other LP issues. The LP supervisor in the area didn't want to pull the tape for another couple of weeks due to his current investigation but the head of LP here told him to go ahead and do it as he wants to clear Dayna's name. We would all love to be a fly on the wall when the tapes are pulled as no one, including the store manager, know the cameras are there!
She's been told that if it were just between two employees at the store Sally wouldn't be getting involved but because she's corporate they have to investigate. Hopefully she'll hear something today.
This is a new disk product that is being studied in comparison with the Charite (which itself is so new insurance companies don't pay for the surgery). This surgery is paid for by the company that makes the disk. He won't know until after the surgery which product was used but they are both good so he doesn't really care which he gets.
He'll be contacted for the bone density test and then scheduled for the surgery, whichever it turns out to be. Recuperation time is a lot less with the disk replacement; he should be out of work for less than a month. They go in through the abdomen making the incision a little longer than one for an appendectomy. He will go home from the hospital in just 24 hrs. So, if all goes well he'll have the surgery sometime mid to late March. He's not anxious for the surgery but is anxious to stop hurting.
We're going to have to get my parents some help as Mom has fainted twice in the past two weeks due to very low blood pressure (60 over something standing up yesterday) which is due to her not eating and drinking properly. The doctors told Julie that Mom and Dad need to get some help so she's making calls today to see about LTC, Meals on Wheels and transportation. We've put the burden on Greg to tell Daddy he can't drive any longer. This is always an extremely tough time in parents' and children's lives when the roles become reversed.
Deidra has to have her tonsils out which she's not looking forward to at all. Dayna will be gone the week of spring break so it will probably be the first of summer vacation.
Dayna is having a really tough time at work right now. After her last audit in Alabama she came home to have LP (Loss Prevention) inform her the clerk at the store has accused her of stealing $1800! A more honest person you'd be hard to find and her supervisors here all know that. She was even fingerprinted last week as the envelopes the money was supposedly in have been found. She feels like a criminal and is having a hard time handling the stress of the accusation and investigation.
Sally doesn't usually put cameras into their stores due to the cost but there just happens to be two in this particular store as they are having other LP issues. The LP supervisor in the area didn't want to pull the tape for another couple of weeks due to his current investigation but the head of LP here told him to go ahead and do it as he wants to clear Dayna's name. We would all love to be a fly on the wall when the tapes are pulled as no one, including the store manager, know the cameras are there!
She's been told that if it were just between two employees at the store Sally wouldn't be getting involved but because she's corporate they have to investigate. Hopefully she'll hear something today.
Saturday, January 28, 2006
Nothin' much new
Just a quick update before my husband starts harrassing me about not posting! He has another diskogram this coming Friday on the one disk that is in question. The one odd side effect from the previous one (and one that he's not complaining about but does question) is his back feels a little better. The surgeon has no clue why either.
He is Michigan right now working on a hardware update for CVS. They weren't well prepared for it so he's spending some long hours at their warehouse. He's due back Monday evening.
Dayna heads to NC this week after a trip to WA last week where she had to deal with some snow trying to get to one store. She should soon have enough FF miles to get preferred seating and some upgrades.
She's going to go see her friend, Crystal, in NM next month. Crystal is expecting her first baby (she's 32). Dayna really wants to be with her as they were very close when we all lived out there. She even lived with us for awhile so we're like second parents to her. Crystal has a special bond with Deidra that I know Dayna would love to be able to reciprocate with but, unfortunately, the distance won't allow that.
He is Michigan right now working on a hardware update for CVS. They weren't well prepared for it so he's spending some long hours at their warehouse. He's due back Monday evening.
Dayna heads to NC this week after a trip to WA last week where she had to deal with some snow trying to get to one store. She should soon have enough FF miles to get preferred seating and some upgrades.
She's going to go see her friend, Crystal, in NM next month. Crystal is expecting her first baby (she's 32). Dayna really wants to be with her as they were very close when we all lived out there. She even lived with us for awhile so we're like second parents to her. Crystal has a special bond with Deidra that I know Dayna would love to be able to reciprocate with but, unfortunately, the distance won't allow that.
Friday, January 20, 2006
California & Texas
Health seems to be the running theme of our and my folks' lives right now. My dad had more biopsies and surgeries last Friday on six different spots. I am continually amazed that he can tolerate the general anethesia as often as he goes through this at his age.
Mom and I were in Denair when he had his surgery. We debated going but decided it was very important for Mom to go see her sister. Julie had made all the arrangements with different family members to be with Daddy while we were gone.
We almost turned around in Fresno as Daddy had an anxiety attack again. He had to go in for an EKG Thurs. morning (the day we left) to verify his heart could stand the surgery. He had driven Marie's car there as we had their car. He came out, couldn't find it and then spent a half hour looking for it. He got the security people to help but they didn't know what they were looking for so finally called Marie who promptly called her mom. Julie came right down and got to the house as Daddy was coming home. He had finally figured out which vehicle he was in but was in a total state of panic by the time he got there. He eventually calmed down with Julie there and all went well the rest of the weekend.
We had a nice visit up north though Mom and I were sick the whole time. I ended up in urgent care for a sinus infection & laryngitis - mainly to get on antibiotics to keep from infecting all the frail, elderly people there. It's so hard for me to go to CA as I usually spend my entire time taking them to doctor's appointments and I see their health deteriorating each visit. I know it's just a matter of time and that's difficult to contemplate.
Richard had an appt. w/the surgeon Wed. The surgeon wants a portion of the diskogram repeated as the results were ambiguous and inconsistent with the MRI & CT scan. His regular physician is out of town so he won't be able to schedule that until next week. The surgeon told him if the next diskogram confirms the MRI then he would be a candidate for a disk replacement or fusion. So ... more waiting.
Mom and I were in Denair when he had his surgery. We debated going but decided it was very important for Mom to go see her sister. Julie had made all the arrangements with different family members to be with Daddy while we were gone.
We almost turned around in Fresno as Daddy had an anxiety attack again. He had to go in for an EKG Thurs. morning (the day we left) to verify his heart could stand the surgery. He had driven Marie's car there as we had their car. He came out, couldn't find it and then spent a half hour looking for it. He got the security people to help but they didn't know what they were looking for so finally called Marie who promptly called her mom. Julie came right down and got to the house as Daddy was coming home. He had finally figured out which vehicle he was in but was in a total state of panic by the time he got there. He eventually calmed down with Julie there and all went well the rest of the weekend.
We had a nice visit up north though Mom and I were sick the whole time. I ended up in urgent care for a sinus infection & laryngitis - mainly to get on antibiotics to keep from infecting all the frail, elderly people there. It's so hard for me to go to CA as I usually spend my entire time taking them to doctor's appointments and I see their health deteriorating each visit. I know it's just a matter of time and that's difficult to contemplate.
Richard had an appt. w/the surgeon Wed. The surgeon wants a portion of the diskogram repeated as the results were ambiguous and inconsistent with the MRI & CT scan. His regular physician is out of town so he won't be able to schedule that until next week. The surgeon told him if the next diskogram confirms the MRI then he would be a candidate for a disk replacement or fusion. So ... more waiting.
Tuesday, January 17, 2006
New Blog Heading
OK. So Dianna does not like it, but I think it's neat! What does everyone else think?
By the way, this was taken during our vacation this summer when we stopped for lunch at a rest area between Albuquerque and Cuba, NM.
By the way, this was taken during our vacation this summer when we stopped for lunch at a rest area between Albuquerque and Cuba, NM.
Wednesday, January 11, 2006
Today's Dr. Visit
I know there are several of you who are following my back situation so I thought I would catch you up on today's visit. You recall I had a discogram last week. They injected dye into my disc's and then I had CT scan. Today I had the followup with the Dr. He said the CT shows an "annular tear" in the disc and has refered me to a surgeon for a surgical opinion.
Apparently the discogram was a real challenge for him. He said I was on the table for over an hour though the normal time is more like 20 minutes. He said my anatomy is such that he just could not get a needle into the bottom disc properly. He said this also rules out a possible procedure that involves inserting a wire and creating scar tissue to repair the disc. He said that it is not unusual for men to be put together this way but it is never a problem with women.
Anyway, I now have an appointment with a surgeon scheduled for next Wed. I will let you all know what happens.
Dianna left for California this morning. Both of us are feeling better from our colds, but we are not over them yet.
That's all the news that fit to print.
Apparently the discogram was a real challenge for him. He said I was on the table for over an hour though the normal time is more like 20 minutes. He said my anatomy is such that he just could not get a needle into the bottom disc properly. He said this also rules out a possible procedure that involves inserting a wire and creating scar tissue to repair the disc. He said that it is not unusual for men to be put together this way but it is never a problem with women.
Anyway, I now have an appointment with a surgeon scheduled for next Wed. I will let you all know what happens.
Dianna left for California this morning. Both of us are feeling better from our colds, but we are not over them yet.
That's all the news that fit to print.
Sunday, January 8, 2006
California visit
I will be flying out to visit my parents this Wednesday. I have to work my visits around Dayna's traveling schedule so it's shorter than normal. She is racking up some nice frequent flyer miles!
Daddy's remaining sibling passed away last week, he is scheduled for more skin cancer surgery this coming Friday and Mom and I had planned on a trip up north on Thursday so he is having a rough time dealing with it all. Julie has planned on taking a couple of days off to be with him but if he wants Mom to stay we will.
Marie, Julie's daughter, has been trying to get into nursing school for several years. She will be taking the entrance exam at Long Beach University this coming Friday so will be cramming all week. She is living with Mom and Dad so I'm not sure what will happen if she is accepted at LB. It would be a horrible drive for her through LA's infamous traffic if she decides to stay.
I wish I knew what the future holds for Richard though I'm pretty sure it will involve some sort of surgery. Fortunately he has a nice benefit at work that will pay 100% of his salary for up to six months while he recuperates if it comes to that.
Daddy's remaining sibling passed away last week, he is scheduled for more skin cancer surgery this coming Friday and Mom and I had planned on a trip up north on Thursday so he is having a rough time dealing with it all. Julie has planned on taking a couple of days off to be with him but if he wants Mom to stay we will.
Marie, Julie's daughter, has been trying to get into nursing school for several years. She will be taking the entrance exam at Long Beach University this coming Friday so will be cramming all week. She is living with Mom and Dad so I'm not sure what will happen if she is accepted at LB. It would be a horrible drive for her through LA's infamous traffic if she decides to stay.
I wish I knew what the future holds for Richard though I'm pretty sure it will involve some sort of surgery. Fortunately he has a nice benefit at work that will pay 100% of his salary for up to six months while he recuperates if it comes to that.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)