Steve and I were really flattered that our landlady, Karen, stopped by for a visit yesterday. Karen and her husband make a point of not getting to know any of the tenants in anything other than a business relationship. Karen talked about one of the other two partners with whom they own our property; apparently this woman and her husband live in Missouri where the wife has been diagnosed with multiple myeloma, a generally fatal form of bone cancer. She needs a bone marrow transplant which will cost them nearly $200,000. She has no health insurance and she and her husband have chosen too divorce so that all of their assets won't go toward medical bills. Once again, hooray for the existing healthcare system.
Karen reiterated something she'd told us a few months ago -- that they wouldn't be increasing our rent when our lease comes up in October. She said the owners consider our apartment a "model home" and they contact us whenever they need to show a furnished apartment to either potential tenants, or to government/bank agencies doing inspections. Most of the credit for the neatness goes to Steve, but we're definitely in it together. I do what I can, but because of my knees I can't do it all. We love living on the top level of the building (there are only two stories) with the gorgeous view of the river coming in from the Gulf of Mexico, and the chance to often see manatees or an occasional dolphin or gigantic sea turtle. I told Karen we may eventually have to move to the ground level if I lose my ability to climb steps, but hopefully that won't happen in the foreseeable future.
Friday, August 31, 2007
Wednesday, August 29, 2007
Free at Last!!!
The Wound Care Clinic discharged me today!!! I actually got to take a shower tonight! You'll never understand how great it felt unless you've been in a situation for at least a month during the hottest part of the summer when you unable to shower. I've also been un-mummified and have no dressings of any kind of my leg. I feel so naked!
For my official graduation from WC, I received a purple t-shirt that says: Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point, Wound Care and Hyperbaric Oxygen -- When Time Doesn't Heal All Wounds. On the back of the shirt, the entire Wound Healing Team has autographed it. I told the MD that the next time I see him, I hope it's at the mall. Bet none of YOU have this shirt! Keep it that way if you know what's good for you.
MSNBC News today did a story about scientists testing mice with MRSA (methicillin-resistant staph aureus infection) using bacteriophages (part of a virus) which kills the MRSA without actually causing a disease from the virus. One of out every ten people in hospitals end up with MRSA at this point, so killing this germ needs to be addressed aggressively before it gets any worse. And considering that hospitals, in their own best interests, underreport infections, it's probably even worse in reality.
My doctor also informed us that I'm at a very high risk of re-developing a new wound, and thus prescribed a support stocking for my leg to keep the swelling in check. So much tissue was removed from the leg via surgery that there's no extra skin to stretch when it becomes inflammed. In the interest of style, I'm not crazy about wearing a stocking, but in the interest of no additional wound care, I'll do it. When I look at it like that, it's no big deal.
For my official graduation from WC, I received a purple t-shirt that says: Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point, Wound Care and Hyperbaric Oxygen -- When Time Doesn't Heal All Wounds. On the back of the shirt, the entire Wound Healing Team has autographed it. I told the MD that the next time I see him, I hope it's at the mall. Bet none of YOU have this shirt! Keep it that way if you know what's good for you.
MSNBC News today did a story about scientists testing mice with MRSA (methicillin-resistant staph aureus infection) using bacteriophages (part of a virus) which kills the MRSA without actually causing a disease from the virus. One of out every ten people in hospitals end up with MRSA at this point, so killing this germ needs to be addressed aggressively before it gets any worse. And considering that hospitals, in their own best interests, underreport infections, it's probably even worse in reality.
My doctor also informed us that I'm at a very high risk of re-developing a new wound, and thus prescribed a support stocking for my leg to keep the swelling in check. So much tissue was removed from the leg via surgery that there's no extra skin to stretch when it becomes inflammed. In the interest of style, I'm not crazy about wearing a stocking, but in the interest of no additional wound care, I'll do it. When I look at it like that, it's no big deal.
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
Intro to the Internet
It was shortly after I started working at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in New York City that my computer experience began. The department I managed was Occupational Health and we tracked via a database the 5,000+ employee health status and reported delinquencies in testing or vaccines to the other managers at the Center. Our department had no computers when I started in 1990 and my computer experience was limited to word processing and Excel.
I called the Information Systems Department and arranged a meeting with the Director to get advice on how to proceed in ordering PC's and the appropriate programs to serve our needs. Dr. Chang (Ph.D. in Computer Science) and I talked about the types of functions a computer system might provide for our department.
In the course of our discussion, Dr. Chang told me about the Internet and how he could read his hometown paper (in China) each day if he wanted to. I'd never heard of such advanced technology prior to that time. We got 14 PC's; I hired seven temporary employees who pulled the medical charts as I posted such things as measles, chickenpox, hepatitis B, TB testing, etc., status of each employee and the test date. I worked seven days a week for two months and finally had a database which included all employees, physicians, students, and volunteers. I attended company-sponsored classes to learn how to use Paradox (which we'd later upgrade to Microsoft Access) to extract reports as needed. It was a huge job and the database I created is still used to this day which gives me a tremendous sense of accomplishment.
Not long after that, one of the PC technicians came and loaded the Internet on my PC. What an adventure it was to have access to so much information! There was nothing I could think of that couldn't be found! I spent every lunch hour and oftentimes stayed late to discover more. To this day it remains a marvel of technology to me. Now it's ME scanning the Grand Forks Herald every day!
Subsequent to that, during my 10 years at that job I was sent to take numerous computer classes. I have no regrets about any of it since I had an opportunity to learn, at no cost to myself, how to prepare customized reports for Administration. Everything I learned on that job serves me well to this day both technically and personally.
I called the Information Systems Department and arranged a meeting with the Director to get advice on how to proceed in ordering PC's and the appropriate programs to serve our needs. Dr. Chang (Ph.D. in Computer Science) and I talked about the types of functions a computer system might provide for our department.
In the course of our discussion, Dr. Chang told me about the Internet and how he could read his hometown paper (in China) each day if he wanted to. I'd never heard of such advanced technology prior to that time. We got 14 PC's; I hired seven temporary employees who pulled the medical charts as I posted such things as measles, chickenpox, hepatitis B, TB testing, etc., status of each employee and the test date. I worked seven days a week for two months and finally had a database which included all employees, physicians, students, and volunteers. I attended company-sponsored classes to learn how to use Paradox (which we'd later upgrade to Microsoft Access) to extract reports as needed. It was a huge job and the database I created is still used to this day which gives me a tremendous sense of accomplishment.
Not long after that, one of the PC technicians came and loaded the Internet on my PC. What an adventure it was to have access to so much information! There was nothing I could think of that couldn't be found! I spent every lunch hour and oftentimes stayed late to discover more. To this day it remains a marvel of technology to me. Now it's ME scanning the Grand Forks Herald every day!
Subsequent to that, during my 10 years at that job I was sent to take numerous computer classes. I have no regrets about any of it since I had an opportunity to learn, at no cost to myself, how to prepare customized reports for Administration. Everything I learned on that job serves me well to this day both technically and personally.
Love with Undiagnosed OCD
Laid low for a couple of days due to digestive issues -- perhaps an antibiotic overload.
If you're not familiar with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), you'll be more than familiar with it after I describe Steve. He's a clean freak and the smallest things will set him off to the point that he has to paint a spot on the wall to cover a tiny fingerprint; he vacuums the rugs daily; he has a royal fit every time we bring home groceries about where everything should go, etc. He's gone through episodes where he becomes obsessed with learning everything he can about dinosaurs via books, the internet, television shows -- I call it his "dinosaur phase" and there's always a new Phase to replace it. I'm not talking a few days, but rather, a few months for each Phase. We've gone through a Knife Phase where he bought and polished knives, a Ventriloquist Dummy Phase (and yes, there are a couple of very spooky dummies in our apartment), and several others. We're currently in the Straight Razor Phase.
In the process of getting to know our neighbor, James, Steve learned that James shaves with a straight razor. That was enough to trigger this Phase. He started looking on EBay for straight razors, a razor strop (the leather thing barbers use to keep the razors free of bacteria and imperfections), sharpening razors day and night, honing stones used for sharpening, instructions for shaving with straight razors, etc. He decided that yesterday would be the day he'd finally shave with one after sharpening them forever.
He made a huge production of this event, even going so far as to purchase a special gel to soften his whiskers, but wouldn't allow me in the bathroom to observe so I stayed on the PC and listened to him periodically cursing and reminded him to call me if he cut himself, which I fully expected. He finished the shave but for the rest of the day (and even after I was in bed) was complaining of how his face was burning! Guess the razors weren't sharp enough or he's not doing it right. Apparently this is akin to as horrible as driving over a child with a garbage truck. Who knew?
So now we move on to sharpening razors some more and trying it again. I reminded him that my dad could do almost anything he set out to do with the only exception being playing a fiddle. Dad bought a fiddle and without being able to read a note of music thought he'd be able to figure it out. He didn't and ultimately gave it up to Mom's great delight. This tale offered no comfort.
So while it's not easy living with this condition, our apartment is always clean and I know where everything is in the kitchen. But I'm really sick of dinosaurs, knives, dummies and now straight razors. Can't wait to see what's next!
If you're not familiar with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), you'll be more than familiar with it after I describe Steve. He's a clean freak and the smallest things will set him off to the point that he has to paint a spot on the wall to cover a tiny fingerprint; he vacuums the rugs daily; he has a royal fit every time we bring home groceries about where everything should go, etc. He's gone through episodes where he becomes obsessed with learning everything he can about dinosaurs via books, the internet, television shows -- I call it his "dinosaur phase" and there's always a new Phase to replace it. I'm not talking a few days, but rather, a few months for each Phase. We've gone through a Knife Phase where he bought and polished knives, a Ventriloquist Dummy Phase (and yes, there are a couple of very spooky dummies in our apartment), and several others. We're currently in the Straight Razor Phase.
In the process of getting to know our neighbor, James, Steve learned that James shaves with a straight razor. That was enough to trigger this Phase. He started looking on EBay for straight razors, a razor strop (the leather thing barbers use to keep the razors free of bacteria and imperfections), sharpening razors day and night, honing stones used for sharpening, instructions for shaving with straight razors, etc. He decided that yesterday would be the day he'd finally shave with one after sharpening them forever.
He made a huge production of this event, even going so far as to purchase a special gel to soften his whiskers, but wouldn't allow me in the bathroom to observe so I stayed on the PC and listened to him periodically cursing and reminded him to call me if he cut himself, which I fully expected. He finished the shave but for the rest of the day (and even after I was in bed) was complaining of how his face was burning! Guess the razors weren't sharp enough or he's not doing it right. Apparently this is akin to as horrible as driving over a child with a garbage truck. Who knew?
So now we move on to sharpening razors some more and trying it again. I reminded him that my dad could do almost anything he set out to do with the only exception being playing a fiddle. Dad bought a fiddle and without being able to read a note of music thought he'd be able to figure it out. He didn't and ultimately gave it up to Mom's great delight. This tale offered no comfort.
So while it's not easy living with this condition, our apartment is always clean and I know where everything is in the kitchen. But I'm really sick of dinosaurs, knives, dummies and now straight razors. Can't wait to see what's next!
Saturday, August 25, 2007
Getting My Walking Papers
The best news I've gotten in weeks was from the gouge MD when I saw him in the clinic yesterday -- he feels that my skin graft looks great and I'll be discharged after next week's appointment!!! You'd realize that's big news to me when you contemplate that I've been dealing with this scarred-up leg for the past seven years. Soon I'll be able to go to the beach and get a nice burn! However, an article in the paper said there's a high level of bacteria in the water right now and they're not recommending swimming there. Hope that clears up soon -- happens several times in the summer here and it sucks!
We decided to make today a "nothing" day since we've been doing a lot of running around all week seeing doctors, running errands, etc. We'll even order a pizza later since Nothing Days include no cooking! I'm really good at doing nothing. Ask anyone.
We decided to make today a "nothing" day since we've been doing a lot of running around all week seeing doctors, running errands, etc. We'll even order a pizza later since Nothing Days include no cooking! I'm really good at doing nothing. Ask anyone.
Thursday, August 23, 2007
Fun with Aging!
A news article today states that the elderly are having more sex than we thought! Good for them! Since Slug's pretty close to "elderly" she'll be happy to hear that.
It's after 11:00 PM here and Steve and Brant are out fishing on the dock. It's pitch black out there except for a mega-flashlight they use to get bait on their hooks. I'm sort of waiting to hear a gigantic splash! Sure do like this "me" time to listen to MY choice of music for awhile.
I fried some fish filets Steve caught and gave them to one of our neighbors whose wife is allergic to all seafood. She's at work and he was really happy about it. She claims her allergy is so severe that she can't even be in the same room with cooking fish! Sounds a little dramatic (or should I say "fishy")to me...
It's after 11:00 PM here and Steve and Brant are out fishing on the dock. It's pitch black out there except for a mega-flashlight they use to get bait on their hooks. I'm sort of waiting to hear a gigantic splash! Sure do like this "me" time to listen to MY choice of music for awhile.
I fried some fish filets Steve caught and gave them to one of our neighbors whose wife is allergic to all seafood. She's at work and he was really happy about it. She claims her allergy is so severe that she can't even be in the same room with cooking fish! Sounds a little dramatic (or should I say "fishy")to me...
Wednesday, August 22, 2007
Past Life Regression???
Perhaps in a past life I was one of Osama's Girls. Based on the games I choose to play on Pogo, the gamesite Slug (my much older sister) got me for my birthday, it's obvious that I truly enjoy blowing things up! Maybe I was one of those guys that implode buildings...
Our good friend Brant came over yesterday with fresh crabmeat and crabcakes from Catches, the restaurant that employs him. The crab was from the claws only which is said to be the best. Steve prepared the fresh crab with a buttery garlic sauce over pasta and we feasted tonight! We're saving the crabcakes for a couple of days to spread the joy our tastebuds experience.
Our good friend Brant came over yesterday with fresh crabmeat and crabcakes from Catches, the restaurant that employs him. The crab was from the claws only which is said to be the best. Steve prepared the fresh crab with a buttery garlic sauce over pasta and we feasted tonight! We're saving the crabcakes for a couple of days to spread the joy our tastebuds experience.
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
Hershey's vs. the Fat Virus!
A study published in the St. Pete Times today states that a virus might be a causative agent in some cases of obesity. Obviously this was directed right at me! The people at Hershey's and Dairy Queen had nothing whatsoever to do with my weight problem! Yeah, right.
Which brings me to the sample I got in the mail today -- Chocolate Chex! It looks kinda scary on the box, but I'll try it anyway. It should be pointed out at this juncture that I have a "sample" addiction -- I'm forever ordering samples from my favorite freebie website, justfreestuff.com. It's fun getting little packages in the mail when companies are willing to send it to me. I've gotten lots of shampoo/conditioners, lotions, detergent, spices, tea, etc. Can you tell I don't work for a living anymore?
Which brings me to the sample I got in the mail today -- Chocolate Chex! It looks kinda scary on the box, but I'll try it anyway. It should be pointed out at this juncture that I have a "sample" addiction -- I'm forever ordering samples from my favorite freebie website, justfreestuff.com. It's fun getting little packages in the mail when companies are willing to send it to me. I've gotten lots of shampoo/conditioners, lotions, detergent, spices, tea, etc. Can you tell I don't work for a living anymore?
Monday, August 20, 2007
Retraction (sort of anyway)
In yesterday's entry, I referenced my niece and nephew having a conversation about the group, Korn. Based on feedback from both, it is apparent that someone ELSE at that gathering had this conversation, but I can't remember just who it was. Maybe my nephew, Ben? Somebody HAD to have mentioned the group because I'd never heard of them before that time. Is this what the beginning of Alzheimer's is like? Or did some cosmic suggestion make me seek out Korn?
I Can't Believe I Said That!!!
I just came to the full realization that it just might be possible for Steve and I to meet in the middle somday! It was like a very bright lightbulb went off!
We were talking about when we should order a pizza -- he said one time and I said another, and I added, "Yeah, but I'll be more hungry by then!" He CORRECTED me! He said "More hungry? MORE hungry? Don't you say HUNGRIER?" After five years and five months of living with this man, he finally corrected ME instead of me correcting HIM! This is a form of progress that cannot be expressed. Steve likes to tease me about the fact that I'm continuously reading something; he thinks I read ads and labels, and pretty much anything in print! He, in turn, is just not a reader. Books represent work to him, and he'd rather putz around with stuff he can do with his hands (and no, this was not meant as sexual innuendo, you perverts).
I guess my point is that sometimes it's great to have very little in common with a person. My first husband and I had everything in common, that is, until he quit working and started snorting coke; my second husband was a not-so-aspiring actor with what seemed to be a great sense of humor, that is, until I learned that his sense of humor masked tremendous anger, rage and other feelings I'd never lived with before.
So maybe there's something to be said for opposites attracting. Steve often asks me why I watch the news so much, but doesn't understand why we're messing with other countries instead of taking care of our own; he watches UFO and ghost programs and tales of the Bermuda Triangle which I find almost entirely boring and repetitive. There you go! And thank heavens for computers and books!!!
We were talking about when we should order a pizza -- he said one time and I said another, and I added, "Yeah, but I'll be more hungry by then!" He CORRECTED me! He said "More hungry? MORE hungry? Don't you say HUNGRIER?" After five years and five months of living with this man, he finally corrected ME instead of me correcting HIM! This is a form of progress that cannot be expressed. Steve likes to tease me about the fact that I'm continuously reading something; he thinks I read ads and labels, and pretty much anything in print! He, in turn, is just not a reader. Books represent work to him, and he'd rather putz around with stuff he can do with his hands (and no, this was not meant as sexual innuendo, you perverts).
I guess my point is that sometimes it's great to have very little in common with a person. My first husband and I had everything in common, that is, until he quit working and started snorting coke; my second husband was a not-so-aspiring actor with what seemed to be a great sense of humor, that is, until I learned that his sense of humor masked tremendous anger, rage and other feelings I'd never lived with before.
So maybe there's something to be said for opposites attracting. Steve often asks me why I watch the news so much, but doesn't understand why we're messing with other countries instead of taking care of our own; he watches UFO and ghost programs and tales of the Bermuda Triangle which I find almost entirely boring and repetitive. There you go! And thank heavens for computers and books!!!
Sunday, August 19, 2007
Keepin' Up with the Younguns
Last March I spent several days at my Mom's apartment in North Dakota. One night she had lots of company including my sister, Slug, and her daughter Jules. My brother's son, Chris, was also visiting with his fiancee Katie. At one point Chris and Jules were discussing singers and groups they enjoy, and I learned that both liked the group called Korn. Also mentioned was a group called Maroon 5. Always wanting to be the "hip" aunt and being massively out of touch with the musical preferences of today's youth, I became determined to hear both groups to judge for myself.
While scanning the TV programming last week, I came across a music channel featuring Korn! I told Steve about it and we tuned in to check them out. Visually they're a motley crew with messy hair wearing grungy clothes currently popular with kids. Not only could I not understand the lyrics, but one member of the group had hair hanging in his face so I don't even know what he looked like. Needless to say, we were uninspired but now we've heard classic Korn.
Then a couple of days ago I tuned into an Ellen Degeneres Show with her musical guests Maroon 5 so I figured, what the heck, they can't be any worse than Korn. To my delight, I thought they were really good and very innovative. The lead singer had on a suit and tie! Maybe there's hope!
I should point out here that I was among the college students in the late 60's and early 70's listening to Led Zeppelin, Steppenwolf, Joplin, and Jimi Hendrix. When I listen to them NOW, they sound mostly loud. Guess I must've had a much higher tolerance for noise back then. However, I DO still listen to Jim Morrison and the Doors regularly -- puts me back to simpler days when pot ruled, guys were getting drafted for 'Nam, and I always had a "cause" to fight for. Like the song says, "The times they are a-changin." It's hard to keep up sometimes.
While scanning the TV programming last week, I came across a music channel featuring Korn! I told Steve about it and we tuned in to check them out. Visually they're a motley crew with messy hair wearing grungy clothes currently popular with kids. Not only could I not understand the lyrics, but one member of the group had hair hanging in his face so I don't even know what he looked like. Needless to say, we were uninspired but now we've heard classic Korn.
Then a couple of days ago I tuned into an Ellen Degeneres Show with her musical guests Maroon 5 so I figured, what the heck, they can't be any worse than Korn. To my delight, I thought they were really good and very innovative. The lead singer had on a suit and tie! Maybe there's hope!
I should point out here that I was among the college students in the late 60's and early 70's listening to Led Zeppelin, Steppenwolf, Joplin, and Jimi Hendrix. When I listen to them NOW, they sound mostly loud. Guess I must've had a much higher tolerance for noise back then. However, I DO still listen to Jim Morrison and the Doors regularly -- puts me back to simpler days when pot ruled, guys were getting drafted for 'Nam, and I always had a "cause" to fight for. Like the song says, "The times they are a-changin." It's hard to keep up sometimes.
Saturday, August 18, 2007
Research Conundra (Is that a word?)
On a daily basis I receive several e-mails from allegedly reliable health and medical research sites. Most recently a study indicated that if your good cholesterol gets TOO low, you would increase your risk of developing cancer. Does this mean I should put fries back into my diet?
Subsequent to that, there was a research project that concluded that Vitamin C does absolutely nothing to protect us from colds, nor does it shorten the length of colds. I've been taking Vitamin C for 20 years and have always gotten colds anyway, so they're probably right (if they had me as a research subject).
The latest findings state that women who receive silicone breast implants run a higher risk of suicide compared to women who do not get implants. Now I'm wondering if the implant recipients were suicidal BEFORE they got the implants and wanted to be more attractive as a dead person; did they hate themselves AFTER they got the implants; did some implant chemical leak into their brains to the point that all they wanted to do was hang from the rafters; the list goes on and on.
It really is a conundrum.
Subsequent to that, there was a research project that concluded that Vitamin C does absolutely nothing to protect us from colds, nor does it shorten the length of colds. I've been taking Vitamin C for 20 years and have always gotten colds anyway, so they're probably right (if they had me as a research subject).
The latest findings state that women who receive silicone breast implants run a higher risk of suicide compared to women who do not get implants. Now I'm wondering if the implant recipients were suicidal BEFORE they got the implants and wanted to be more attractive as a dead person; did they hate themselves AFTER they got the implants; did some implant chemical leak into their brains to the point that all they wanted to do was hang from the rafters; the list goes on and on.
It really is a conundrum.
Aging and other Horrors of Life
So tomorrow I'll be 58!!! A few years ago I wouldn't have bet a cent that I'd live this long, and that has nothing to do with my leg! I have a somewhat jaded past, but that's for another day. There must be some reason I've been kept around, if only to provide dull reading for friends, relatives, and others with no lives of their own not unlike myself.
Bought myself a box of 100 ice pops today -- they won't last for a week and I'm the only one who eats them! That is, unless my neighbors drop in and I offer them a mango ice pop since I don't like mango. If you've ever been among those blessed with a chemical imbalance that requires you to take lithium daily, you don't know what it is to wake up every day with a mouth acting like you were out drinking the night before. There's not a moment in the day when I don't have some kind of beverage or ice pop around me! Ice is one of my best friends!
Bought myself a box of 100 ice pops today -- they won't last for a week and I'm the only one who eats them! That is, unless my neighbors drop in and I offer them a mango ice pop since I don't like mango. If you've ever been among those blessed with a chemical imbalance that requires you to take lithium daily, you don't know what it is to wake up every day with a mouth acting like you were out drinking the night before. There's not a moment in the day when I don't have some kind of beverage or ice pop around me! Ice is one of my best friends!
Friday, August 17, 2007
Time Doesn't Heal All Wounds
The really good news is that the MD thinks the skin graft site looks great! Try to imagine a 1-1/2" wound, and then a dressing that goes from the bottom of my foot to almost my knee! Do you think they get a little dramatic about this stuff? Still can't shower and have to go back to the clinic twice next week. The drive north to Hudson is kinda neat though, and we still have some interesting shops to check out.
I love when my nurse, Esther, changes the dressing. There are so many specially treated dressings and pads, then two rolls of white gauze, and then a so-called "flesh"-colored dressing over that. Guess they figure no one will notice it that way, but the flesh isn't a color I've ever seen on a living person! Then she puts a white mesh thing over THAT so the "flesh" is covered anyway! Go figure!
I was thinking about it today and realize that I've been off and on antibiotics, orally and IV, regularly for the past seven years. When I asked the Infectious Disease (heretofore ID) MD what would happen someday if I really needed an antibiotic and they no longer worked? Basically she said we'd cross that bridge when we came to it. She gave me the impression that the bridge would likely come someday, so I'm trying not to think about it.
We stopped at the Entemann's Outlet Bakery on the way back so Steve could stock up on pastries I don't eat like donuts, crumb cake, etc. Don't know why I don't eat those -- usually I like anything that's bad for me!
I love when my nurse, Esther, changes the dressing. There are so many specially treated dressings and pads, then two rolls of white gauze, and then a so-called "flesh"-colored dressing over that. Guess they figure no one will notice it that way, but the flesh isn't a color I've ever seen on a living person! Then she puts a white mesh thing over THAT so the "flesh" is covered anyway! Go figure!
I was thinking about it today and realize that I've been off and on antibiotics, orally and IV, regularly for the past seven years. When I asked the Infectious Disease (heretofore ID) MD what would happen someday if I really needed an antibiotic and they no longer worked? Basically she said we'd cross that bridge when we came to it. She gave me the impression that the bridge would likely come someday, so I'm trying not to think about it.
We stopped at the Entemann's Outlet Bakery on the way back so Steve could stock up on pastries I don't eat like donuts, crumb cake, etc. Don't know why I don't eat those -- usually I like anything that's bad for me!
Thursday, August 16, 2007
Rainy Days & Thursdays
For a transplanted Minnesotan, Florida provides a whole new perspective on weather. In Minnesota after a rainfall in the summer, the air is cooler and everything feels fresher. In Florida when it rains, the humidity stays just as unbearable, and it often rains so hard that drivers who can't see the road from the downpour have to pull over to the side of the road until it passes -- usually only a few minutes.
I've been in Florida for over five years now and still look forward to downpours -- must be some kind of flashback phenomena. We've had the A/C on 24 hours a day for almost two months -- you pay for A/C in Florida what you paid for heat in Midwest winters! Guess it's like the Eagles song: "Every form of refuge has its' price..."
I'll learn tomorrow at the Wound Care Clinic if the skin graft worked on my crater-ridden leg. I'm being cautiously optimistic since the MD pointed out that the grafts don't always "take" on the first attempt. Cross your fingers, toes, and whatever other strange appendages you might have for me.
I've been in Florida for over five years now and still look forward to downpours -- must be some kind of flashback phenomena. We've had the A/C on 24 hours a day for almost two months -- you pay for A/C in Florida what you paid for heat in Midwest winters! Guess it's like the Eagles song: "Every form of refuge has its' price..."
I'll learn tomorrow at the Wound Care Clinic if the skin graft worked on my crater-ridden leg. I'm being cautiously optimistic since the MD pointed out that the grafts don't always "take" on the first attempt. Cross your fingers, toes, and whatever other strange appendages you might have for me.
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
To Grieve or Not to Grieve
You can just imagine my grief at learning of the loss of Merv Griffin AND Phil Rizzuto in less than a week! Does it get worse than this? Ok, so maybe I'm being a bit snippy...somehow I'll work through the grief.
So far I've taken the following pills today: Thyroxine to boost my sluggish thyroid gland, Atenolol to control my blood pressure, Crestor to control my cholesterol, Paxil to control my anxiety, Cipro to stop any infections just waiting to pounce, Vicodin for back pain, aspirin for a headache, calcium to keep my bones from getting holes in them as I approach my "golden" years, and a multivitamin because it seemed like a good idea. Why can't there be a pill to keep my hair from getting frizzy in Florida's humidity? Or a pill to melt away the pounds I don't need? Or a pill to control my chocolate cravings? Or a pill to stop me from spending money on stuff I don't need?
It should be emphasized at this juncture that my two cats take no pills -- not one. They just sleep when they're tired, eat when they're hungry, poop when the need arises, and have occasional "brain explosions" where they race through the apartment like complete lunatics, and then sleep some more.
By way of introduction, my cats are Ole (O-Lee) and Lena, also known as "the girls". Both were adopted from the orphanage (also known as the Humane Society of Pinellas County) in 2002-2003. Lena is the eldest -- she's a sumptuous silver/gray stripe with green eyes, and she's also known as Lena Bena, The Bean, The Beanster, or mostly just plain Beanie. She's smart, sneaky, and wants attention only on request. She loves the sound of her own hiss and has been known to hiss at the slightest provocation. Beanie is an attack cat and most recently lunged at my neighbor who stopped by when I was lying on the bed reading. He merely came in to say hello, put his hand on the bed, and Beanie hissed and attacked at the same time! What a girl! Clearly, I won't want her in the bedroom when Pierce Brosnon stops by.
Ole, on the other hand, is pitch black and has amber eyes. She's also known as Roly Poly Ole, Fannoli, Fazolli, Cannoli, etc., and she's probably the most emotionally needy feline I've ever had. Everything freaks her out -- the weather, visitors, the doorbell, the washing machine, a blanket that's moved from one location to another, a fleck of paper on the floor, etc. If there's any kind of flying varmint in this apartment, they don't have a prayer with these two. If a bug lands on the ceiling, Ole will try to talk it down using her pidgeon-imitation voice. It doesn't work, but she does it anyway 'cause that's just who she is.
So far I've taken the following pills today: Thyroxine to boost my sluggish thyroid gland, Atenolol to control my blood pressure, Crestor to control my cholesterol, Paxil to control my anxiety, Cipro to stop any infections just waiting to pounce, Vicodin for back pain, aspirin for a headache, calcium to keep my bones from getting holes in them as I approach my "golden" years, and a multivitamin because it seemed like a good idea. Why can't there be a pill to keep my hair from getting frizzy in Florida's humidity? Or a pill to melt away the pounds I don't need? Or a pill to control my chocolate cravings? Or a pill to stop me from spending money on stuff I don't need?
It should be emphasized at this juncture that my two cats take no pills -- not one. They just sleep when they're tired, eat when they're hungry, poop when the need arises, and have occasional "brain explosions" where they race through the apartment like complete lunatics, and then sleep some more.
By way of introduction, my cats are Ole (O-Lee) and Lena, also known as "the girls". Both were adopted from the orphanage (also known as the Humane Society of Pinellas County) in 2002-2003. Lena is the eldest -- she's a sumptuous silver/gray stripe with green eyes, and she's also known as Lena Bena, The Bean, The Beanster, or mostly just plain Beanie. She's smart, sneaky, and wants attention only on request. She loves the sound of her own hiss and has been known to hiss at the slightest provocation. Beanie is an attack cat and most recently lunged at my neighbor who stopped by when I was lying on the bed reading. He merely came in to say hello, put his hand on the bed, and Beanie hissed and attacked at the same time! What a girl! Clearly, I won't want her in the bedroom when Pierce Brosnon stops by.
Ole, on the other hand, is pitch black and has amber eyes. She's also known as Roly Poly Ole, Fannoli, Fazolli, Cannoli, etc., and she's probably the most emotionally needy feline I've ever had. Everything freaks her out -- the weather, visitors, the doorbell, the washing machine, a blanket that's moved from one location to another, a fleck of paper on the floor, etc. If there's any kind of flying varmint in this apartment, they don't have a prayer with these two. If a bug lands on the ceiling, Ole will try to talk it down using her pidgeon-imitation voice. It doesn't work, but she does it anyway 'cause that's just who she is.
Tuesday, August 14, 2007
The Consummate Patient
Just finished reading my niece's blog -- she's always out and about, socializing, dining, drinking, carousing. I've got 20 years on her and my social life is visiting doctors! I've gotten to know the stories behind the IV nurses and the wound care nurses! The excitement never ends!
Steve went with me to Hudson, FL today where I had the dressing changed on my leg. I received an apligraft last week and haven't been allowed to shower since! I wouldn't recommend that you have this done during the hottest part of Florida's summer, but that's the way it worked out. I'm getting quite adept at whore's baths! Anybody know where I can get some industrial-strength deodorant?
An apligraft is a skin graft made from a combination of cow collagen, fibroblasts, and the foreskin of a male newborn baby. The MD said they are able to harvest acres from the raw material to grow these grafts! Don't know whether I should "moo" or cry like a baby. The nurse said it looked good and Friday I'll be told whether my body accepted the graft. Haven't been to the beach in two years and it's only 10 minutes from where we live!
Steve went with me to Hudson, FL today where I had the dressing changed on my leg. I received an apligraft last week and haven't been allowed to shower since! I wouldn't recommend that you have this done during the hottest part of Florida's summer, but that's the way it worked out. I'm getting quite adept at whore's baths! Anybody know where I can get some industrial-strength deodorant?
An apligraft is a skin graft made from a combination of cow collagen, fibroblasts, and the foreskin of a male newborn baby. The MD said they are able to harvest acres from the raw material to grow these grafts! Don't know whether I should "moo" or cry like a baby. The nurse said it looked good and Friday I'll be told whether my body accepted the graft. Haven't been to the beach in two years and it's only 10 minutes from where we live!
Monday, August 13, 2007
Delightfully Unemployed
Essentially I have very little to say, but here I am anyway! So deal with it!
It's been four years since I last worked, and I find that I'm quite good at unemployment. Love to read, love to bake, love my PC, love Steve, love my cats, and I'm excellent at doing nothing. The days fly by while the government pays me for being disabled, and I'm grateful that I worked for nearly 35 years on the books so I can get back some of what I earned.
My current social life revolves around my neighbors in the apartment complex where we live; they're quite a varied lot of folks and, like the majority of Americans (70 percent at last report), we live check to check with a little extra once in awhile.
Steve has been my "significant other" (I hate that term) for the past five years. We came to Florida from New York City in 2002 not knowing if we'd be able to live together, but both having a desire to leave NYC and its' trappings, and wanting to give up our alcoholic ways and start anew. I'm delighted to say that it's worked out for us. We came here as friends with a common quest, and we've become a couple with each other's best interests at heart. We became engaged last Halloween and a real love has developed. It's been an interesting trip.
So you're probably NOT asking: "What's this disability stuff about?" In 2000, I'd left a relationship of 17 years in Manhattan and moved to Astoria, Queens and got myself involved in a what turned out to be a horrifying relationship. One morning I felt pain around my right ankle where I noticed redness and swelling. Went to the local ER and was given antibiotics for what was diagnosed as cellulitis. The next morning my right leg was the size of a tree and there was a blister from my ankle to almost the back of my knee filled with clear fluid! Also had a raging fever and pain like I've never experienced in my life. Not being a fan of excruciating pain, I returned to the ER and proceeded to pass out. When I awoke a few days later I'd had surgery on my leg to remove necrotic (dead) tissue which left me with two huge craters on my leg! The diagnosis was necrotizing fasciitis or flesh-eating bacteria. Found myself in the ICU on intravenous antibiotics, thus entering the disability phase of my life. It was my good fortune that the surgeon in the ER had dealt with this diagnosis several times and knew exactly what had to be done to try and save my leg. Yes, I was told that I might lose the leg if the infection couldn't be controlled.
Subsequent to that I was in and out of the hospital several times with recurrent infections, additional surgeries, multiple IV antibiotics, attempted scar revisions, tons of physical therapy, and an occasional psychiatric consultation when the stress got to be a bit much. (I should add that at the age of 40 I was diagnosed with bipolar disorder, but that's another story to be explored later.)
So that's your introduction to ME -- I have a lot to say, mostly as a therapeutic exercise for myself -- but if you continue to be curious about what I have to say, join me again for another episode some time!
It's been four years since I last worked, and I find that I'm quite good at unemployment. Love to read, love to bake, love my PC, love Steve, love my cats, and I'm excellent at doing nothing. The days fly by while the government pays me for being disabled, and I'm grateful that I worked for nearly 35 years on the books so I can get back some of what I earned.
My current social life revolves around my neighbors in the apartment complex where we live; they're quite a varied lot of folks and, like the majority of Americans (70 percent at last report), we live check to check with a little extra once in awhile.
Steve has been my "significant other" (I hate that term) for the past five years. We came to Florida from New York City in 2002 not knowing if we'd be able to live together, but both having a desire to leave NYC and its' trappings, and wanting to give up our alcoholic ways and start anew. I'm delighted to say that it's worked out for us. We came here as friends with a common quest, and we've become a couple with each other's best interests at heart. We became engaged last Halloween and a real love has developed. It's been an interesting trip.
So you're probably NOT asking: "What's this disability stuff about?" In 2000, I'd left a relationship of 17 years in Manhattan and moved to Astoria, Queens and got myself involved in a what turned out to be a horrifying relationship. One morning I felt pain around my right ankle where I noticed redness and swelling. Went to the local ER and was given antibiotics for what was diagnosed as cellulitis. The next morning my right leg was the size of a tree and there was a blister from my ankle to almost the back of my knee filled with clear fluid! Also had a raging fever and pain like I've never experienced in my life. Not being a fan of excruciating pain, I returned to the ER and proceeded to pass out. When I awoke a few days later I'd had surgery on my leg to remove necrotic (dead) tissue which left me with two huge craters on my leg! The diagnosis was necrotizing fasciitis or flesh-eating bacteria. Found myself in the ICU on intravenous antibiotics, thus entering the disability phase of my life. It was my good fortune that the surgeon in the ER had dealt with this diagnosis several times and knew exactly what had to be done to try and save my leg. Yes, I was told that I might lose the leg if the infection couldn't be controlled.
Subsequent to that I was in and out of the hospital several times with recurrent infections, additional surgeries, multiple IV antibiotics, attempted scar revisions, tons of physical therapy, and an occasional psychiatric consultation when the stress got to be a bit much. (I should add that at the age of 40 I was diagnosed with bipolar disorder, but that's another story to be explored later.)
So that's your introduction to ME -- I have a lot to say, mostly as a therapeutic exercise for myself -- but if you continue to be curious about what I have to say, join me again for another episode some time!
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