Colds & Cold

It is very cold out right now (windchill of -34... and its daytime!) and I am home with a cold. It started with a very dry cough that left me exhausted. I was going to tough it out but I figured "why?" So I am at home. I took some cough medicine that helped and today the cough is loosening. I did, however, sleep 12 hours last night. (nice!) Jim saw the doctor yesterday. He says that what they saw on the scope was not enought to cause all his symptoms, so the next step is the scope from the "other end". His blood pressure is up again, so he hasn't felt faint lately and the medicine seems to be helping him. He is on iron right now and has to have his hemoglobin tested every week. There were a number of scenarios that the doctor said could be fixed when they did the scope (eg polyps) and there were some that may require surgery. We will wait and see. A friend from the past died yesterday. Alvin Young. They were are neighbours when we lived at Eden. I saw Lorraine (his wife) when I was at the hospital with Jim. She said he had a growth on his esophogas and couldn't eat. I hate it when friends start to die. I plan on taking it very easy today. The proverbial "lie and the couch and eat chocolates" except I don't have any chocolates. ( I don't think I oculd eat them if I did!)

Be - bright and sunny day

but a good day to stay inside because the wind chill is something else - can't even take the dog for a decent walk. So I shall brighten my day even more by writing a few words to you both. Patty when I broke my arm it was really the elbow bones that I shattered - I was casted for a few weeks and then had to undergo intensive Physio. You are right about how quickly the muscles give out with immobility within a few days. It depends on your fracture -location, type - is it splintered, or clean fracture etc. Bones heal quickly and well if there is good anastimosis to start with and this is what the Surgeon would be checking on the xray. Best to ask this of your Surgeon. You could still teach if you had samples and instructions to share, couldn't you? It would be a shame to put this on hold when you most likely could function very well in spite of some slight limitations. But I would wonder about new comittments to shows etc. without getting a feeling for how you can work now. In this initial stage you still need a lot of help with activities of daily living. I have been putering away in the basement and found a box from you Patty that I got on one of my trips with a half completed quilt from a McCalls magazine "Grandmas Quilt" with hand appliqued blocks and flying geese border all done - I felt like I had found a box of gold. I had forgotten about receiving it from you and I may never be able to complete it totally but it boosted by spirits so much. I have your expert applique to see first hand as an example for me. And speaking of inspirations, I also found this quote about "lists" in my new 2011 day book that I thought you would both love since we are always talking about our lists, so will end with it:
"I value the momentum of making the list and the drive to tick. Sometimes I add stuff I've already accomplished so I can get going on my feelings of accomplishment. (Sara Genn, artist 1972-)
Take care

More frustration

There are things I want to do! And patience has never been one of my virtues. However, David and I are spending much more time together and communicating much more, since this happened. ( Showering together does that) The most surprising thing is that I'm not getting much reading done. I can't hold a paperback, so have to keep a book flat on the table, and this just isn't a comfortable position for me.

Beth, I have no idea what sort of time frames I'm looking at here. I know this is a type of fracture that should heal fairly well, and fairly quickly ( Please, God!) but am I looking at weeks or months? I remember you breaking your arm, but I don't remember much in the way of details. I'm at the point now of having to look at shows, and teaching, for the next 6-8 months, and having to make some decisions. My instincts are telling me to say "no", but my heart doesn't want to do that. If nothing else, an impending show gives me a reason to get up in the morning.

re: Surgery consult

This the route. Any fracture is automatically referred to orthopedics, and the surgery decision is made there. I have been assured that the decision not to do surgery has been pretty well made, via computer transmitted x-rays on Tuesday night. So now orthopedics takes over for follow-up. They will check and see if there is any evidence of healing when I go in Thursday, and if so, start the rehab referrral for me. If there is no evidence of healing they might--might-- reconsider surgery. This is the best and fastest way to get me into physio, without me having to pay privately. And I'll for sure need physio. I'm appalled at how much range I've lost already. Although, I'm typing with two hands tonight--just taking a little longer to deal with the typos. Yeah, the bra is a killer, and there is no way to do without it as the boob gets in the way of the sling. David has to help me with just about everything-including adjusting my clothing at the toilet--and me on diuretics! So I've just taken my painkillers and in a few minutes we will both have a shower.

Be - sending my thoughts

Just logging in and I am feeling so badly to be reading about all your troubles - from both of you. Fractures are certainly the last thing anyone wants - especially at our age - every step I take when out walking with the dog is taken with the fear of falling and breaking an arm, or worse, a hip. I am wondering Patty why you are waiting for an orthopedic Sx referral - is there need for a reduction -open or closed? When I broke my arm the worst thing was to try to get my bra fastened, so wondering how you are managing with your personal care? Cathy, Tuesday is a long way off to be waiting for some results / diagnosis. Your description of Jim's symptoms is classic with bleeds from upper gastrointestinal track ie stomach ulcers but the blacking out would be of great concern possibly from the low hemoglobin and resulting decreased oxygen to brain - I hope he isn't driving right now (should I really be asking this question?)
To you both - I am thinking of you and wish I could be of more help than just my thoughts and prayers can offer. Please keep me updated if you can, as I shall now check the blog daily. Take care.

Worrying

Oh, Cathy, what worry for you! It's always worse when you are worrying about someone you love. And we worry more about the unknown. David and I have learned to stay together in this sort of situation, even if, once in awhile, we would rather face the news alone. If Jim, himself, asked that you be there, they have to let you stay. Please let us know how it goes.

Typing with one hand is pain--in several places--so it looks like short notes from me for awhile. All I want to do is sleep, in any case.

Life is all around us

I took jim to the hospital yesterday. They thought it may be a bleeding ulcer or something else. They admitted him on Monday and told me not to wait around for the test. Unfortunately Jim does not remember what was said during the test. He has to got for blood tests next Tuesday and an appointement the same afternoon. They thougt it may be a bleeding ulcer (black stools, vomiting black, and dizziness leading to passing out) Jim remembers nothing!!! We will ask the Doctor for the results then. Meanwhile he is on some sort of medication and we know nothing.... I will call the doct0r tomorrow for at least an update. Jim, on the other hand, says that nobody told him anything....did he ask?...... that is the scary part all around.... did anyone ask and did noone think to tell him anything?..... I guess we will find out eventually. Meanwhile, Pati..I really hope that things turn out okay. I am asking the Gods to look out for you
Love Ya