KarenK

I rode home in the ambulance with Ron on the day he was brought home to die. I knew home was where he wanted to be. Not a day I like to remember. Gwen, sure hoping the time at rehab will be better than the last and the end result will finally get rid of the pain for good. Will Dee be coming to visit? I wonder if you could get a foam pad for the mattress that would be more comfortable.

Kind of odd, but it seems some testing locations here have closed. The backward thinking is to close them because the demand is so high??? Who thought that one up? I'm laughing because I really dropped the ball on your "civil patient" term in your other post. It really is a real thing. I couldn't imagine what else you meant. I could have started a good false rumor. I'm a bit nervous about the surgery only because it's an unknown for me. Supposedly it's no big deal. Should be able to drive again when it's all said and done. The eye surgery won't get rid of the crazy dizziness I get though so will play it all by ear. Crazy about the nicotine patch! Wonder how she got the idea without a doctor's request? You really do have to be your own advocate.

Both eyes, Dee. The right eye on the 14th, preceded by a pre op appt and followed by a post op appt. The same for the left eye on the 28th. Then a final appt with the optometrist. That's probably to see if I still need glasses. I don't think the surgery magically eliminates that possibility. It will be interesting to see the difference all this makes. I can tell my vision is getting worse rapidly. Six months ago, I could read words on tv. Can't now if I'm more than 3 feet away. A bit scary too.

Had my cataract evaluation today. Eyes are still wacko from the dilation drops 7 hours later. Will be having surgery on Feb 14 and Feb 28. Lots of appointments scheduled for pre op/ post op stuff. Insurance should cover the basic surgery, but not the laser one. Will know for sure at the first pre op, supposedly. Seems it's like pulling teeth to get a definitive answer about cost. Doctor said no covid test required before surgery. After all that, I need to schedule my yearly dermatologist appt and then maybe get back to the dentist to have my 3 broken teeth pulled. It's a lot of work to stay in one piece at this age. lol Not exactly like planning a fun vacation(foreign word to me now).

Kay, I'm not sure but I think a civil patient might be an incarcerated person with a guard present. Not sure a hospital would make that public knowledge. Just my guess.

Dee, my appointment is tomorrow. Will let you know the outcome. Gwen, my Kindle is like that. It does things by itself if my finger is near something without actually touching it.

Gwen, not sure what the difference is, but when I was hospitalized in Ky, they put nicotine patches on me. So glad your day was a little better. I knew Dee's visits would be a positive for you. Sounds like most of the care team really does care. Sending more strength, tolerance and hugs.

Gwen, sending you love and strength as you fight your way through this awful part of your recovery. What happened to compassionate nurses? Guess she forgot why she became one. Scream all you want.

And here I sit in semi warm AZ with temps 65-70 degrees! Got Xmas stuff put away and tree to the alley for pick up. My family room where I spend the majority of my time has returned to the dogs' space where they leave bones, balls, and stuffed animals strewn around. Whose room is this anyway? I don't mind. I love their company and they don't talk back.....much. Thinking of our Gwen.....

Gwen, Sending you courage, warm thoughts and good vibes. Wishing for a speedy recovery as pain free as possible. We are all pulling for you. Check in when you're able.

Gwen, is it possible to cut back on your meds that conflict with the pain meds for a while following surgery. I would think the pain meds would take the edge off of the anxiety and depression. My heart goes out to you. It is certainly understandable to feel frightened to death of the unknown. One positive is that Dee can visit you, I would think and be there to help you afterward as she's doing now. Living in Albuquerque, you've probably been on the gondola to Sandia Peak. I saw on the Weather Channel website that the gondola got stuck overnight on New Years Eve because of ice. Had 21 people aboard. Bet that was a nightmare. Think of the lawsuits!

We used to celebrate New Years Eve with a glass of champagne and a kiss. Tonight I celebrated with a bowl of soup and two dogs that were very nervous about the firecrackers. It is what it is.

Gwen, hope you are not buried too badly and Dee can still make it over. Don't know if you can get it, but "Last Of The Dogmen" is also an excellent movie.

Ana, Ron and I also spent our last Xmas together in a hospital room. I'd had no time or inclination for gift shopping so his gift was a small book card from the hospital gift shop. Pretty pathetic after 40 years together. little did we know that there would be no more. Your message and thoughts are hauntingly sad, but so beautiful and meaningful. Peace, my friend.

Marg, I remember as a kid I was on the track team at school and I always ran barefoot. Got a big sticker in my foot during a race and just kept running. I was a tough little kid. I know all about cracked heels. Can't stand to go barefoot now, even in the house. My son got me warm fuzzy socks and a new kitchen whisk for Xmas. All I could think of that I wanted. lol

I sympathize with your sister, Marg. More times than not when I'm cooking, I break out in a sweat, get dizzy, and darn well better sit down. Happened tonight during pork chops, dressing, mashed potatoes, and gravy. Fortunately, I can holler at my son to take over. Have no idea what causes this. Having the holidays over with sure doesn't stop the memories though, does it? Found myself tearing up at a Statler Brothers song on the music channel(my background noise) tonight.

Scba, so sorry. I know that feeling well.

May everyone have a peaceful Xmas. I am fortunate to have my son, grandson and 2 crazy dogs with me and tolerable weather. Thank you for the articles, Kay and Marty. Very meaningful.

Sorry about your electricity , Kay. Rarely happens here except in summer when all the AC's overload the transformers. Glad you got to talk to the kids. Have been feeling a bit down this week missing Debbie and wondering if anyone ever puts flowers on her grave which I will never see again. Too wet here right now to go to the cemetery to put some on Ron's and my parents which are side by side. I bought the adjacent plot when my dad died in 1977. We had our little Xmas and I slept for a few hours(not enough), but have a whopping headache now. Guys will sleep until 6, I'll fix dinner, read and watch mindless tv, same old, same old. Hope all have a peaceful Xmas.

Gwen, have been thinking about you and am so glad Dee was able to get to you with plenty of food. Hope your upcoming snow doesn't stop her from returning. Snow in the mountains and rain here in the valley. Supposedly the wettest Xmas Eve in our history. Of course an inch of rain excites people here. lol Will be having our Xmas at 6 AM when my son gets home from work. Then go and sleep some. Hope you have a peaceful holiday.

Funny how we remember the things from so long ago, but can't remember yesterday. I'm sure that means we're old. I remember being 17 and ill prepared to deliver a baby. My doctor was late for a golf date and just wanted it finished. He told his assistant to make sure he sewed me up right so he wouldn't have to do it again. Sure made me feel important,NOT. What a crazy thing to remember!

Had to laugh at that one😋 I had induced labor in 1964 and it sure wasn't castor oil and orange juice.

Bunflo, just wanted to say how very sorry I am for your loss and all that has taken place since. I am appalled at the way you have been treated. My in laws lived far across the country from us and I had very little contact with them. They never meddled in our lives and both were already gone when my husband died. I hope someday soon that your partner's mother realizes what an injustice she has inflicted upon you.

Marg, drama like that you don't need for sure! Unfortunately, I can relate. Is this Scott's daughter then? If so, I'm glad he's getting to see her, but she should have left the cats at home. I cut my teeth on westerns, have probably seen them all. I loved James Drury as "The Virginian" and just plain loved Ben Johnson. Both are gone, of course. Have met a few of the actors at "western" events here, the nicest being Clint Walker(Cheyenne), who passed in 2018. Of course, John Wayne was king in this household. Gave myself a Xmas present of a haircut today. Looks so much better. Now if I only had teeth.........

Kay, I'm already making payments to my dentist. Most of the balance is for the partial dentures which probably don't fit anymore after losing more teeth. Only wore them leaving the house before masks came into play. Am trying not to add more to the balance as long as there's no pain. Also waiting to see what cataract surgery will cost if insurance doesn't cover it all. Teeth I can live without, but not eyes. Sounds like Peggy really needs to rethink her agreement with this person who is supposed to help her. Can she find a new caregiver?