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marg.  I was not on any drug that lowered my heart rate.  I tried to talk him into giving me a drug to raise it, but he drew me pictures and explained why it would not work.  He called ahead and I did not have to wait at ER.  They were waiting for me.

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1 hour ago, Gin said:

Hi all,. I did not feel well Monday morning, nothing specific....just off.  Took my BP.  Fine.  Then I checked pulse....only 44 instead of a regular 75-85.  Had an appointment with eye doc.  Called regular doc and he said to keep my eye appt since he will check BP and pulse.  My pulse was only 40 there,.  Then I went to see my internist,. He took an  ecg and now my pulse was only 34.  He called cardiologist and got me an appointment with cardiologist for the morning.  He was adamant that I go directly to hospital.  By 2pm Tuesday I was operated on and now have a pacemaker.  I was fortunate that I did not have to brood about  it too long,. It is so hard to go through these health issues without our mates.  They kept me overnight and now here I am.  The incision site hurts a lot and I can not use my left arm for much.  I have a good friend who has been a trmendous help and my 2.daughters have been supportive.  One is a cardiac rehab specialist so she knows what questions to ask.  It was a 3rd degree heart bloc.  I am  not as tired as yesterday, so that is very good.  Gin

Gin:  You are blessed to have two daughters close-by, an internist who paid attention to your concerns, and a knowledgeable friend to be with you through this.  I am sure Al was there watching over you.   Thinking of you as you heal and become stronger.  Dee 

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13 hours ago, Gwenivere said:

When you live in a place for over 30 years it accumulates so much stuff.  The garage is the worst as so much gets thrown out there.

I love our home, even with the painful memories.  The thought of strangers living here kills me.  It’s set up for dogs perfectly. 

I’ve had to hire out a lot for help, but we would have had to any way.  

My volunteering has shown me assisted living.  An apartment wouldn’t work with the dogs.  It’s a big concern as the years pass tho.

Gwen:  Yes, my dog does enter into my decision on what I should do.  A few months back, I went to an open house in a 55+ gated community.  Yes, pets were allowed, but nothing over 25 lbs.  Maddie weighs 71#.  I will not give up my dog for a more manageable home.  Let the limbs fall when the wind blows.  I am considering hiring a yardman in the near future.

I think about my 91 year old neighbor down the street in her two story home that has never done anything in her yard since her husband's illness and passing - she gets in her car once a day and goes somewhere, anywhere.  Comes home and has her 5 pm glass of medicinal wine.  She has invited me to join her, but since my husband passed, I don't think about a glass of wine unless someone is visiting me and can open the bottle for me.  LOL

Taking care of my mother who suffered with dementia and helping my husband look after my 95 year old  mother-in-law, I too have seen assisted living.  Not my choice at this point in time.

Like Darrel says, "One foot in front of the other".  Dee

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Downsizing is so important or even un-cluttering on regular basis..........I did set some boundaries when it comes to pets after I moved ...My yard area has shrunk and I don't have the time to walk dogs like I used to......After my last Dog died I pledged that he was going to be my last....With that said a " Cat" has managed to move in for awhile and looks like its not leaving....My reduced size of living space still allows for grand kids to visit(bunk beds), two washrooms, and Fire Pit in backyard.......I'm still giving stuff away to the family(if they will take it)....Going to a Funeral tomorrow......

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@Gin  I'm so glad you got right in and got a pacemaker put in!  My mom had a pacemaker for about 20 years and it made such a difference to how she felt, I trust it will you too!  I'm also glad you had help/support from your daughters.

Marg, our situations are not the same.  I cannot afford to make my house payment, homeowners insurance and property taxes at the same time as renting.  I'm not making excuses, I have a real situation here and literally no one to help me move heavy things.  Not everyone can afford to hire people to help them move.  It is what it is.  I also have a very large dog and a very old cat to consider.

Right now my yard looks like a war zone with all of the downed trees and branches.  I went out and worked on it yesterday but many I cannot lift and will hire my neighbor Jack come Spring to cut up the trees for firewood and help me start a burn pile...it will be a big one!  I tried to remove the dangerous stobs sticking up as this is Arlie's fenced area.  It's difficult for him to maneuver in it right now but much has to wait until the snow/ice encasing it melts.  I'm fortunate nothing took out my house!

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10 hours ago, kayc said:

Marg, our situations are not the same.  I cannot afford to make my house payment, homeowners insurance and property taxes at the same time as renting.  I'm not making excuses, I have a real situation here and literally no one to help me move heavy things.  Not everyone can afford to hire people to help them move.  It is what it is.  I also have a very large dog and a very old cat to consider.

Each of us does what we have to do whether it is chopping wood, enduring a hard winter, throwing up sand bags to keep the rain from making the swamp enter our home, putting up with things we never planned for, and certainly no perfect life, especially after losing the light of our life.  We are left though, and we have to make the best of what we have because we are not getting younger or stronger.  That is all any of  us can do, take what life throws us one day at a time and hope for a soft place to finally fall. 

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And I am doing all I can do to survive.

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23 hours ago, kevin said:

Downsizing is so important or even un-cluttering on regular basis..........

.......I'm still giving stuff away to the family(if they will take it)....

Kevin:  I totally agree with "downsizing and un-cluttering" regularly - Each time my kids come I tell them, if there is ANYTHING they can use or want to please take it.  My daughter has helped a lot in that department, but my son seems to be less able to do that.  He is still grieving the loss of his Dad and finds change difficult.

Happy to know you are in a place where you seem content.  Enjoy those grand kids.  Dee

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2 minutes ago, widow'15 said:

but my son seems to be less able to do that.  He is still grieving the loss of his Dad and finds change difficult.

When Billy "left," my daughter was already taking things.  I actually, until I had time for a clear thought, I had to stop her.  It hurt her feelings and for that I am sorry.  When I could think, I gave her everything she wanted anyhow, but my son, still depressed from losing his hero, he has a hard time even wearing his clothes.  I seem to understand that even more than my daughter.  She has his picture out all  the time and takes comfort from even movies he loved.  No two of us grieve the same, but that is not good or bad.  It is what it is.  None of us are wrong.

 

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Hi everyone, checking in here.  Been reading so I keep up with you!

Gwen, blooming in Florida is an understatement.  Allergies, even for people like me who really aren't overly sensitive, are horrible. Even the stuff that knocks me out doesn't help.  Love spring but could do without so much pollen.  

Last week was full of plumbing issues to take care of.  Snowball effect, one thing lead to another, then another.  Three visits from the plumber and a new dishwasher.  Finally done.  

My westie, Louie, went in for annual bloodwork Monday, and his liver enzymes are super elevated.  He's now on a supplement that helps with liver health.  It's a huge people-size pill and supposed to administer on empty stomach.  Well, the only way I can get him to eat any medication is in a small piece of cheese with another small piece chaser.  Cannot shove this down his throat, as even I would have trouble swallowing it.  His metabolism is constantly changing due to diabetes, but this is the first time liver is high.  Now I am monitoring his outdoor activity to ensure he's not munching on something in the back yard that I'm not seeing.  

Just marked 7 months.  Was doing okay until a few days ago with moments of grief.  I'm not beating myself up as I know it's normal.  I just walk through it, dust myself off, then keep moving forward.  Still sucks though.

Love to all,

~Shirley

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2 hours ago, shebert56 said:

Last week was full of plumbing issues to take care of.  Snowball effect, one thing lead to another, then another. 

I experienced that seven years ago, plumbing problems again and again and again and again!  Finally quit after everything was replaced! :D

 

2 hours ago, shebert56 said:

My westie, Louie, went in for annual bloodwork Monday, and his liver enzymes are super elevated.  He's now on a supplement that helps with liver health.  It's a huge people-size pill and supposed to administer on empty stomach.  Well, the only way I can get him to eat any medication is in a small piece of cheese with another small piece chaser.  Cannot shove this down his throat, as even I would have trouble swallowing it.

Have you asked the vet if this is a pill that can be crushed and mixed with food?  Arlie had a Rx once that I had to use a mortar and pestle and mix it in something but some have to go to the stomach intact and can't be crushed and mixed.  Wishing Louie well!

2 hours ago, shebert56 said:

Was doing okay until a few days ago with moments of grief.  I'm not beating myself up as I know it's normal.  I just walk through it, dust myself off, then keep moving forward.

Ahh, I hear you!  About all we can do.  :(

 

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Have you tried peanut butter, Shirley?  I can get anything into my furry kids with that since it adheres and dogs don’t want to give back food!  Sometimes, if it is big and I don’t feel like the shove down the throat method and holding it closed til they can’t help but swallow it eliminates the shoving.  Kay’s idea is good too to check with the vet.  I don’t have a mortar and pestle, but I have a hammer.  :)

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1 hour ago, Gwenivere said:

Have you tried peanut butter, Shirley?  I can get anything into my furry kids with that since it adheres and dogs don’t want to give back food!  Sometimes, if it is big and I don’t feel like the shove down the throat method and holding it closed til they can’t help but swallow it eliminates the shoving.  Kay’s idea is good too to check with the vet.  I don’t have a mortar and pestle, but I have a hammer.  :)

I'll second that motion on peanut butter, Shirley.  My 71# Australian mix has to take a daily pill and she never has cooperated on downing pills, small or large.  One time when she had a UTI , I attempted a very large antibiotic pill with all kinds of enticements, with no success and unfortunately, the vet told me the pill could not be ground up.  But, the antibiotic could be given in a shot.  Spendy, but was able to get her over her UTI.  And someone, maybe Gwen, mentioned the peanut butter which solves this daily pill - even tho it is a small pill.  In fact she tells me when it is time to take the peanut butter/pill mixture.  Silly dog.  Good luck, Dee.

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Dee, my elder dog tells me too when it is time for her meds.  We live on PB in this house.  It’s very rare I don’t have it for lunch, with an apple which is the best combo, IMO. I’m giving up on the regular jars, they go too fast.  I miss that the Sam's Club by me closed for the ginormous jars.  So will have to do retail largest.  Extra bonus for my kids is they get the jars when scraped out and it keeps them busy a long time trying to lick out any bit left.  They’re gonna have a field day with the bigger ones!  

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Never thought about peanut butter. Louie loves that stuff.  Going to give that a try today.  Also changing his snacks.  No more cheese and bacon.  Moving on the cauliflower, broccoli and edamame.  Those are the only veggies he will eat.  I tried carrots and green beans, and all I got was "the finger" from him.  HA!

A good day to all.  I'm treating myself out to a movie today.  Time to do something just for me.

Hugs,

Shirley

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I've tried peanut butter, cheese whiz, you name it to disguise pills...Arlie's too smart for that, glutton that he is, and will manage to spit the pill out after eating the good stuff.  PetSmart sells treats specifically designed to put pills in, might check that out.

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8 hours ago, Gwenivere said:

It’s very rare I don’t have it for lunch, with an apple which is the best combo, IMO. I’m giving up on the regular jars, they go too fast.  I miss that the Sam's Club by me closed for the ginormous jars.  So will have to do retail largest.  Extra bonus for my kids is they get the jars when scraped out and it keeps them busy a long time trying to lick out any bit left.  They’re gonna have a field day with the bigger ones!  

LOL Gwen, PB is always on my grocery list and I can't get through the day without a PB and jelly sandwich for lunch.  I have to buy the smaller jars since the old hands can't open larger jars.  Will try the activity of the scraped out jars on Maddie.  So funny.

My husband's choice was PB and banana.  Dee

 

 

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I'm a big peanut butter fan as well.

Dee, I grew up eating white bread, peanut butter, sliced bananas, sprinkled with a bit of sugar. That was a huge treat for me.  Chuckling, as I mentioned that to Stephen once.  He was a texture guy. The thought of all those soft things together wasn't appealing to him.  

Gwen, apples slices and peanut butter is awesome.

Update - the PB worked like a charm with Louie's pill.  I'm blessed that he doesn't mind eating pills.  Once the vet gave him liquid antiobiotics. Well that went over like a lead balloon.  I had to go back for the pills.  Lesson learned.

Hugs,

Shirley

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Funny all our furry kids tastes.  Mine will any cooked veggie, raw carrots and tomatoes, apples, bananas but NO citrus.  Never knew a dog that would.  I know they’d like grapes and raisins, but those are are a doggie no no.  All mine liked ice cubes til about 5.  

Speaking of clumsy hands, Dee, I’m glad mine are food gobblers only.  Drop a lot of pills some days and they sniff and walk away (after puppyhood).  

Glad the PB worked!

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I grind my own peanut butter, no additives, it's one of my favorite things, on celery!  Glad it worked for you, Shirley!

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Gin,

Have not heard from you in several days now and am wondering how you are feeling. Hope the incision pain has gone away and you are resting and healing well. Please check in when you can.

We love you.

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hi Karen,

I am coming along very slowly.  Lots of pain with incision and left arm and shoulder.  I hope to see my primary tomorrow to see what he thinks.  I am sure that my age is not helping the healing.  Will let you know what he says.  Thanks for checking.

gin

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