We had a quiet Christmas. I baked a turkey breast and stuffing with gravy, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, cranberry sauce and deviled eggs. We got out the good dishes and put on music. Cowboy ate pretty good, especially the sweet potatoes and the eggs. Lots of leftovers for turkey pot pie and such.
The VA called on Tuesday and said they would start covering six hours a week in 2012 for Marsha for 30 weeks. Anything else this year is on us. The way they operate is so confusing but I am grateful for the reimbursements. I called and cancelled my cleaning service. Not happy with the job they are doing and they are too expensive. Am going to try to find someone to come in and mop the floors every couple of months.
Spent part of Monday and all day Tuesday cleaning, putting away, etc. I will be vacuuming up glitter for a month !
On Monday I discovered that Cowboy had a sore on his neck and one under his arm. To top it off I have a sore under my arm !! I hearby declare every right to scream and yell and cry !! My first thought was, "I DON'T WANT TO GO THROUGH THIS AGAIN" Made an appointment to see the Dr. on Wed PM.
Today Marsha was here and I went to Barnes and Noble and bought me a cover for my "NOOK" and a new CD. Messed around in there for quite a spell. I love book stores.
When I got home we took off to the Dr. He put us both on antibiotics, took nose swabs to see if the staph bacteria might be in our noses (some of the latest thinking about this I understand) and ordered some special soap called Phisohex for us to bathe with. When the swab results come back we will decide what to do about our noses if they are the culprits. Also, he put in a request for me to see a surgeon for the sore under my arm, which is much worse than Cowboy's. Since it is holiday time, it will probably be next week. It hurts but not unbearably.
I have been working extra hardsince October to keep everything clean and bacteria free and washing my hands every five minutes, etc. (never thought about washing my nose) More to follow.
Wednesday, December 28, 2011
Saturday, December 24, 2011
Saturday, December 24
It has been cold and rainy today but that is OK. We have stayed home and watched TV, read some periodicals and enjoyed the lack of activity.
Yesterday the supervisor for the home health aid came and did an re-evaluation so they can continue visits until the wound is healed. Kind of seems like overkill to me but I guess it beats taking unnecessary chances on something coming up that I don't recognize as a problem.
Tomorrow is Christmas. It will be a quiet one for us and I am fine with that. We talked to some of the kids today and am sure we will hear from others tomorrow. Everyone is enjoying their children and grandchildren. One of our great grandchildren has the flu which is bad anytime but particularly right here at Christmas! It is probably a very good thing we decided to stay home. We plan to "SKYPE" with some of them tomorrow.
Cowboy is taking a nap and doesn't seem to want to get up. I tried to wake him about 10 minutes ago and he said he would get up "as soon as he got these two horses in". I suspect corraling the horses in his mind is more engaging than watching TV. I hope he doesn't end up staying up tonight.
Yesterday the supervisor for the home health aid came and did an re-evaluation so they can continue visits until the wound is healed. Kind of seems like overkill to me but I guess it beats taking unnecessary chances on something coming up that I don't recognize as a problem.
Tomorrow is Christmas. It will be a quiet one for us and I am fine with that. We talked to some of the kids today and am sure we will hear from others tomorrow. Everyone is enjoying their children and grandchildren. One of our great grandchildren has the flu which is bad anytime but particularly right here at Christmas! It is probably a very good thing we decided to stay home. We plan to "SKYPE" with some of them tomorrow.
Cowboy is taking a nap and doesn't seem to want to get up. I tried to wake him about 10 minutes ago and he said he would get up "as soon as he got these two horses in". I suspect corraling the horses in his mind is more engaging than watching TV. I hope he doesn't end up staying up tonight.
Thursday, December 22, 2011
Thursday, December 22
I have no idea where this week went. I just know I have been busy. Monday, physical therapy and chores. Tuesday, Dr. appointment with Cowboy's PCP. Wednesday a very trying trip to the army base for medicine, gas and groceries. I also picked out and ordered some eyeglasses.
This morning our pup had a groomers appointment so while she was there Cowboy got a haircut and then I took him to IHOP. He always cleans his plate at that place ! I spent a good part of the day trying to resolve a techniical issue with my new tablet, a Nook. Finally got in the car and drove to Barnes and Noble and they helped me solve it. When I asked Cowboy to come with me I told him I needed to stop and buy a circuit board and he misunderstood me. He kept questioning me about why did I need to "cut a board". I tried to explain and he was obviously confused and frustrated. He kept thinking he needed to help with getting a "board cut".
He is continuing to remove his bandages whenever he thinks he needs to "check it". We wash it and rewrap it and on and on. It will be good to have it all healed and be done with it. The doctor predicts it will take until about mid to late January.
We got a box of fruit and a box of chocolate covered strawberries and cheesecake delivered today from Cowboy's daughters. I could not possibly eat it all and Cowboy hardly eats so we shared some of it with our lovely neighbors. I managed to almost finish off a piece of cheesecake and it was wonderful. We will have grapefruit for breakfast.
Tonight I called an old friend I had not talked to in forever and had a great long talk. She said she is going to come down to see me in a couple of months. I look forward to that.
This morning our pup had a groomers appointment so while she was there Cowboy got a haircut and then I took him to IHOP. He always cleans his plate at that place ! I spent a good part of the day trying to resolve a techniical issue with my new tablet, a Nook. Finally got in the car and drove to Barnes and Noble and they helped me solve it. When I asked Cowboy to come with me I told him I needed to stop and buy a circuit board and he misunderstood me. He kept questioning me about why did I need to "cut a board". I tried to explain and he was obviously confused and frustrated. He kept thinking he needed to help with getting a "board cut".
He is continuing to remove his bandages whenever he thinks he needs to "check it". We wash it and rewrap it and on and on. It will be good to have it all healed and be done with it. The doctor predicts it will take until about mid to late January.
We got a box of fruit and a box of chocolate covered strawberries and cheesecake delivered today from Cowboy's daughters. I could not possibly eat it all and Cowboy hardly eats so we shared some of it with our lovely neighbors. I managed to almost finish off a piece of cheesecake and it was wonderful. We will have grapefruit for breakfast.
Tonight I called an old friend I had not talked to in forever and had a great long talk. She said she is going to come down to see me in a couple of months. I look forward to that.
Friday, December 16, 2011
Friday, December 16
Fridays are trash day. We put it on the curb for the pickup. There is a tub for recyclables that is sorted by the company that does the pickup. I got up this morning about 7:30 to find Cowboy already up and dressed in his jeans and the paper in and the trash out. When I took some more out I found that there were newspapers blown from our house for about a block. They were everywhere. It did not occur to him that if you put a lot of newspapers on top and there is a breeze, they are going to blow out of the tub.
It was about 45 degrees outside and my hair was wet but I took off and gathered up as much of the mess as I could. When I came in and told him he just laughed. I could have smacked him but what are you going to do?
I had three hours today while Marsha was here but felt tired and not much in the mood to do anything. I went and bought our tax software and went to the grocery store. Laid down this afternoon for a bit.
Nice quiet weekend coming up. Just need to get Cowboy bathed and medicine applied, etc and then can relax. He ate well tonight. I had bought a rotisserie chicken and made some dressing and sweet potatoes.
Lots of Christmas cards coming in. I really enjoy getting them. I read some of the notes to him but he doesn't seem very engaged. Not sure he remembers some of the folks we have heard from.
It was about 45 degrees outside and my hair was wet but I took off and gathered up as much of the mess as I could. When I came in and told him he just laughed. I could have smacked him but what are you going to do?
I had three hours today while Marsha was here but felt tired and not much in the mood to do anything. I went and bought our tax software and went to the grocery store. Laid down this afternoon for a bit.
Nice quiet weekend coming up. Just need to get Cowboy bathed and medicine applied, etc and then can relax. He ate well tonight. I had bought a rotisserie chicken and made some dressing and sweet potatoes.
Lots of Christmas cards coming in. I really enjoy getting them. I read some of the notes to him but he doesn't seem very engaged. Not sure he remembers some of the folks we have heard from.
Thursday, December 15, 2011
Thursday, December 16
Wednesday I had a different caregiver. Marsha was not available. Her name was Jolene. She did OK but I really like Marsha because Cowboy is comfortable with her. I ran some errands and went shopping for a little while. Wasn't really in the spirit. Had to return early so could take Cowboy to see the plastic surgeon.
The surgeon tells us that he is doing very well. The wound is healing on its own. No more wound vac ! I am to just keep doing what I am doing and we go back in two weeks. She really encouraged that he eat lots of protein. This has been a challenge because he won't eat pork or beef hardly at all anymore. We have eggs most mornings, beans, peanut butter, chicken, fish and such. Tonight I cooked a steak that had been in the freezer for quite a spell. I told him to think of it as medicine. He did eat a few bites, refused his salad and ate some potatoes.
Every night Cowboy gets a shower, we dress the wound, I apply his cream to his body and he tucks in. His usual bedtime is about 7:30 at this point. It does give me some time in the evening to watch a little TV or read.
I found out yesterday when the visiting nurse came that they will furnish the dressing supplies even though I am doing the actual dressing so she has ordered me a supply. That was a nice bit of news.
A couple of times in the night he has unwrapped the wound so he could "check it". I have explained to him he should not do that but he doesn't really get it. I suspect I will have to continue to deal with it.
This morning we had a dentist appointment and he insisted on wearing his jeans. I checked everything when we got back and it had stayed in place but it rubs where they removed the skin for the graft.
After we got back from the dentist the physical therapist came and I went to book club. Spent the afternoon doing very little.
Marsha will come tomorrow for three hours and I have to get some ink for my printer, the software to do our taxes and get a few groceries.
It has been drizzling and raining off and on for about three days. We desperately need the rain so I am not complaining but it is messy to get out in.
The surgeon tells us that he is doing very well. The wound is healing on its own. No more wound vac ! I am to just keep doing what I am doing and we go back in two weeks. She really encouraged that he eat lots of protein. This has been a challenge because he won't eat pork or beef hardly at all anymore. We have eggs most mornings, beans, peanut butter, chicken, fish and such. Tonight I cooked a steak that had been in the freezer for quite a spell. I told him to think of it as medicine. He did eat a few bites, refused his salad and ate some potatoes.
Every night Cowboy gets a shower, we dress the wound, I apply his cream to his body and he tucks in. His usual bedtime is about 7:30 at this point. It does give me some time in the evening to watch a little TV or read.
I found out yesterday when the visiting nurse came that they will furnish the dressing supplies even though I am doing the actual dressing so she has ordered me a supply. That was a nice bit of news.
A couple of times in the night he has unwrapped the wound so he could "check it". I have explained to him he should not do that but he doesn't really get it. I suspect I will have to continue to deal with it.
This morning we had a dentist appointment and he insisted on wearing his jeans. I checked everything when we got back and it had stayed in place but it rubs where they removed the skin for the graft.
After we got back from the dentist the physical therapist came and I went to book club. Spent the afternoon doing very little.
Marsha will come tomorrow for three hours and I have to get some ink for my printer, the software to do our taxes and get a few groceries.
It has been drizzling and raining off and on for about three days. We desperately need the rain so I am not complaining but it is messy to get out in.
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
Tuesday, December 13
I took Cowboy to IHOP yesterday morning and then we went to WalMart to pick up some gauze pads and gauze wraps for his knee. It is going to run about $4 a day to do this. We are looking at weeks. I wonder if insurance will do anything? Must check.
The physical therapist started coming again this morning. He did a series of exercises with Cowboy and measured how he compares with others his age (81). Cowboy is not quite up to what is considered normal for his age. For instance it took him 17 seconds to do something it should take 13 seconds to do.
He offered to contact the occupational therapist about some more help from him on cognitive things but I said to wait until I spoke with the doctor. Not sure how much value it would have.
I was notified by the VA that beginning Dec 1 we are back to paying for Marsha. We moved from having it paid to the waiting list. They can only do so many at a time. Funding issue I guess.
I got all the packages boxed up and filled with bubble wrap and then went and stood in line to get them shipped. There is a place nearby and Cowboy was watching TV. I told him I would be back in 20 minutes. Unfortunately, there was a long line and it was about 45 minutes before I got back home. I was nervous he would forget where I was and come looking for me. He has done that a couple of times. He had gotten himself a glass of eggnog and was watching Bonanza. No problems.
The physical therapist started coming again this morning. He did a series of exercises with Cowboy and measured how he compares with others his age (81). Cowboy is not quite up to what is considered normal for his age. For instance it took him 17 seconds to do something it should take 13 seconds to do.
He offered to contact the occupational therapist about some more help from him on cognitive things but I said to wait until I spoke with the doctor. Not sure how much value it would have.
I was notified by the VA that beginning Dec 1 we are back to paying for Marsha. We moved from having it paid to the waiting list. They can only do so many at a time. Funding issue I guess.
I got all the packages boxed up and filled with bubble wrap and then went and stood in line to get them shipped. There is a place nearby and Cowboy was watching TV. I told him I would be back in 20 minutes. Unfortunately, there was a long line and it was about 45 minutes before I got back home. I was nervous he would forget where I was and come looking for me. He has done that a couple of times. He had gotten himself a glass of eggnog and was watching Bonanza. No problems.
Sunday, December 11, 2011
Sunday, December 11
We saw the plastic surgeon Wednesday afternoon and learned the skin graft had failed. It was removed and we were told to give him a daily bath with a good soap and water washing of the wound and then apply some silverene cream and wrap it. It is healing and she wants to see if it continues to heal on its own. If not, we may have to go back to the wound vac. She feels pretty confident that it will heal on its own.
Thursday I got the house cleaned. I am not really happy with the service I am using. Need to find time to look around for someone else. I have considered doing it myself but just not sure I can.
The neighborhood had a coffee Friday that I was able to attend. Marsha was here. Then I went to the grocery store.
Yesterday a neighbor sat with Cowboy and I went to the dulcimer rehearsal. Don't get to go much right now and it was really fun to see everyone. We are starting to work on a January concert date. The neighbor who sat is a very lovely lady whose own husband had Lewy Body Dementia. He is deceased. So nice of her.
I had a dinner party Saturday night with the help of the attendees. A friend next door made the entree' and everyone brought something. I made some green beans and of course got the table set up, bought some wine and made appetizers. It was a great evening. These are neighbors who are always ready to do something for each other and look after each other. I so treasure them.
I have some tidying up to do today but hope to spend most of the day reading the paper and maybe getting in a nap. May be warm enough this afternoon for a walk.
Cowboy is doing pretty well. He has been cooperative about his baths and getting wrapped up and seems to reached a point where he doesn't constantly want to put on his jeans. He ate pretty good last night. I am seeing signs of crankiness now and then but I really don't blame him. It must be hard in so many ways. I just wonder what goes on in his head.
Thursday I got the house cleaned. I am not really happy with the service I am using. Need to find time to look around for someone else. I have considered doing it myself but just not sure I can.
The neighborhood had a coffee Friday that I was able to attend. Marsha was here. Then I went to the grocery store.
Yesterday a neighbor sat with Cowboy and I went to the dulcimer rehearsal. Don't get to go much right now and it was really fun to see everyone. We are starting to work on a January concert date. The neighbor who sat is a very lovely lady whose own husband had Lewy Body Dementia. He is deceased. So nice of her.
I had a dinner party Saturday night with the help of the attendees. A friend next door made the entree' and everyone brought something. I made some green beans and of course got the table set up, bought some wine and made appetizers. It was a great evening. These are neighbors who are always ready to do something for each other and look after each other. I so treasure them.
I have some tidying up to do today but hope to spend most of the day reading the paper and maybe getting in a nap. May be warm enough this afternoon for a walk.
Cowboy is doing pretty well. He has been cooperative about his baths and getting wrapped up and seems to reached a point where he doesn't constantly want to put on his jeans. He ate pretty good last night. I am seeing signs of crankiness now and then but I really don't blame him. It must be hard in so many ways. I just wonder what goes on in his head.
Wednesday, December 7, 2011
Wednesday, December 7
Cowboy had not had a bath in a week as of Monday. We had been washing him as best we could but it seemed inadequate to me. I told him to take everything off and I put some water in a basin and had him step in it so I could really wash his feet. Couldn't do much about his legs from the ankle up because of him being wrapped up but we then washed the rest of him as best we could. He wasn't liking it much and wasn't real cooperative but we managed to get him cleaner than he had been in a few days. Will be glad when he can take a shower. I proceeded to closely supervise a scrubbing of his teeth, a good shave and the application of creams and lotions. When we were done I was tired but I know he felt better even if he grumbled.
Monday night my bandmate came over and sat with him and I went to Bunco. We had a little Christmas party with pizza and then played bunco. I won high score. It was a really fun time.
Yesterday, Tuesday, I finally got my cards written and labels affixed and all of that. I was making a few special cards on my computer and my printer decided to foul up. Couldn't figure out how to clean it. Will work on that some more later. I am sending money to some of the kids so they can go shopping but I bought toys for some of those nearby. I still need to get Cowboy something but don't have a clue what to do. He just isn't going to care about anything I purchase.
Marsha comes today and I have a whole list of errands. When I get back we go to see the plastic surgeon at 3:30 so a full day.
Monday night my bandmate came over and sat with him and I went to Bunco. We had a little Christmas party with pizza and then played bunco. I won high score. It was a really fun time.
Yesterday, Tuesday, I finally got my cards written and labels affixed and all of that. I was making a few special cards on my computer and my printer decided to foul up. Couldn't figure out how to clean it. Will work on that some more later. I am sending money to some of the kids so they can go shopping but I bought toys for some of those nearby. I still need to get Cowboy something but don't have a clue what to do. He just isn't going to care about anything I purchase.
Marsha comes today and I have a whole list of errands. When I get back we go to see the plastic surgeon at 3:30 so a full day.
Monday, December 5, 2011
Monday, December 5
There weren't many people at the museum Friday night. I suspect the rain and cold kept them away. We had a good time anyhow. Always do.
Saturday was devoted to wrapping gifts and doing the laundry and Sunday to the paper and just stuff. Well, of course, there are the meals and the getting Cowboy to keep his leg up, etc.
Sunday night we had a neighborhood Christmas party. I made my food and took it but could only stay a short time. It was nice to see the neighbors and have a bite of great food but I felt rushed and uneasy. I left Cowboy in his chair watching TV. Was back in about 45 minutes and brought him some of the goodies. He liked that.
I heard thunder and saw lightening during the night. We are so grateful for the rain. We didn't even get up until about 8.
I have Bunco tonight but have someone to sit. It has quit raining but is cold. There's plenty to do around here. Still have laundry to fold from Saturday and my stove needs attention. Cowboy is watching TV and seems content.
Saturday was devoted to wrapping gifts and doing the laundry and Sunday to the paper and just stuff. Well, of course, there are the meals and the getting Cowboy to keep his leg up, etc.
Sunday night we had a neighborhood Christmas party. I made my food and took it but could only stay a short time. It was nice to see the neighbors and have a bite of great food but I felt rushed and uneasy. I left Cowboy in his chair watching TV. Was back in about 45 minutes and brought him some of the goodies. He liked that.
I heard thunder and saw lightening during the night. We are so grateful for the rain. We didn't even get up until about 8.
I have Bunco tonight but have someone to sit. It has quit raining but is cold. There's plenty to do around here. Still have laundry to fold from Saturday and my stove needs attention. Cowboy is watching TV and seems content.
Friday, December 2, 2011
Friday, December 2
We went to the plastic surgeon this morning. They removed the wound vac. That's the good news. The wound where they took the skin is looking good. However, the skin is not attaching as well as she would like to the knee. They wrapped it up very securely today and asked him to try not to move it any more than necessary. Still hoping will take.
Marsha came and I spent a couple of hours looking for Christmas presents. The requests from some of the grandchildren are toys I have never heard of but I managed to find them. Target has things arranged really nicely.
Tonight the dulcimer group plays at the museum. I was going to take Cowboy but now I can't. A neighbor is going to sit with him. I ran into her at the nail salon. I was taking my phone out to make some calls to find someone and told her what I was going to do and why and she offerred to sit with him on the spot ! Somehow I just know I am being looked after.
It is raining which is going to make things messy but we are so grateful for the rain. and it is much cooler. I had almost forgotten what cool weather felt like.
Marsha came and I spent a couple of hours looking for Christmas presents. The requests from some of the grandchildren are toys I have never heard of but I managed to find them. Target has things arranged really nicely.
Tonight the dulcimer group plays at the museum. I was going to take Cowboy but now I can't. A neighbor is going to sit with him. I ran into her at the nail salon. I was taking my phone out to make some calls to find someone and told her what I was going to do and why and she offerred to sit with him on the spot ! Somehow I just know I am being looked after.
It is raining which is going to make things messy but we are so grateful for the rain. and it is much cooler. I had almost forgotten what cool weather felt like.
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
Wednesday, November 30
I can't believe it will be December tomorrow. It was about 65 degrees out today with a nice warm sun.
Yesterday the dog and I enjoyed a long walk. People are out putting up their lights and decor. It was nice to see.
The nurse came this morning and his blood pressure and blood sugar are up. According to the doc this is to be expected with his surgery and all. It is disconcerting anyway.
Today Marsha was here and I rushed around doing various errands. Got some Christmas cards bought some wrapping paper and bought groceries. Had to go to Home Depot and get a filter for the frig. Frightfully expensive !
Cowboy is doing well. He is mostly in his recliner and is napping a lot. He has little pain and is eating well. We go back to the doc on Friday AM. At six o'clock he announced he wanted to go to bed. A new "early". It had been between 7 and 8 most nights of late. And we slept in this morning til 8 so he is sleeping a lot.
Yesterday the dog and I enjoyed a long walk. People are out putting up their lights and decor. It was nice to see.
The nurse came this morning and his blood pressure and blood sugar are up. According to the doc this is to be expected with his surgery and all. It is disconcerting anyway.
Today Marsha was here and I rushed around doing various errands. Got some Christmas cards bought some wrapping paper and bought groceries. Had to go to Home Depot and get a filter for the frig. Frightfully expensive !
Cowboy is doing well. He is mostly in his recliner and is napping a lot. He has little pain and is eating well. We go back to the doc on Friday AM. At six o'clock he announced he wanted to go to bed. A new "early". It had been between 7 and 8 most nights of late. And we slept in this morning til 8 so he is sleeping a lot.
Monday, November 28, 2011
Monday, November 28
The surgery went well. They wrapped up his leg to the extent he can barely bend it, put the wound vac on and said not to touch anything until we return to the Dr.'s on Friday. OK by me. Guess Cowboy gets sponge baths this week. He is supposed to keep the leg elevated for a couple of days so he is in the bed. That means he is asleep.
Am hoping to get some more Christmas things done today and maybe start on cards. We have a grandaughter who has a school project that is asking us to provide a story of a nice holiday memory along with a picture. I have thousands of pics on digital so is quite a task to find something for her. Thank goodness I have them labeled. Will be trying to get that done today too.
Am hoping to get some more Christmas things done today and maybe start on cards. We have a grandaughter who has a school project that is asking us to provide a story of a nice holiday memory along with a picture. I have thousands of pics on digital so is quite a task to find something for her. Thank goodness I have them labeled. Will be trying to get that done today too.
Sunday, November 27, 2011
Sunday, November 27
Saturday morning at 1AM Cowboy got up. He took a shower and got dressed and went and sat in his chair. I heard the TV and then later I did not so figured he went to sleep. When I got up the TV was totally screwed up. Sometimes he just starts pushing buttons. It took about half hour to figure out what to do to get back to normal.
I spent a lot of time Saturday getting out Christmas things and putting up the tree. I have cut way back and am not doing things up fancy this year.
This morning Cowboy woke me up at 5 and said to get up...we had to go to the hospital. I explained to him that was tomorrow, Monday, and tried to go back to sleep. I was not successful.
Cowboy ate a good breakfast and all of his lunch but I made some muffins this afternoon and he ate two of them before I could get dinner on the table so needless to say he didn't eat much dinner. He does not get food or water after midnight so he going to be hungy before he gets to eat tomorrow.
I have the alarm set for 4:30. We have to be at the hospital at 6AM.
I spent a lot of time Saturday getting out Christmas things and putting up the tree. I have cut way back and am not doing things up fancy this year.
This morning Cowboy woke me up at 5 and said to get up...we had to go to the hospital. I explained to him that was tomorrow, Monday, and tried to go back to sleep. I was not successful.
Cowboy ate a good breakfast and all of his lunch but I made some muffins this afternoon and he ate two of them before I could get dinner on the table so needless to say he didn't eat much dinner. He does not get food or water after midnight so he going to be hungy before he gets to eat tomorrow.
I have the alarm set for 4:30. We have to be at the hospital at 6AM.
Friday, November 25, 2011
Friday, November 25
We had a very nice Thanksgiving. We went to Cowboy's daughters house for a couple of hours and enjoyed her childrent. They have a 10 year old and 7 year old triplets. It is always chaos there but we enjoyed them.
We then went to my grandsons. They had a houseful. I think there were about 20 people there. There was loads of food and we had a good time. I have a 5 month old great grandaughter and she is beautiful.
Cowboy did very well. We spent some time in the backyard. It was a beautiful day. He insisted on walking up the stairs into their house. It is very steep with about 20 steps so I asked my grandson to help him. I worry he will fall and seriously hurt himself.
It was probably 9 when we got home so a long day. We both went straight to bed.
I am worn out today. The nurse came about 8:30 and then I fixed breakfast and Marsha came at 10 and I did a couple of errands. Spent the rest of the afternoon reading the papers for yesterday and today. Just finished dinner. Cowboy ate about half of his meal.
We then went to my grandsons. They had a houseful. I think there were about 20 people there. There was loads of food and we had a good time. I have a 5 month old great grandaughter and she is beautiful.
Cowboy did very well. We spent some time in the backyard. It was a beautiful day. He insisted on walking up the stairs into their house. It is very steep with about 20 steps so I asked my grandson to help him. I worry he will fall and seriously hurt himself.
It was probably 9 when we got home so a long day. We both went straight to bed.
I am worn out today. The nurse came about 8:30 and then I fixed breakfast and Marsha came at 10 and I did a couple of errands. Spent the rest of the afternoon reading the papers for yesterday and today. Just finished dinner. Cowboy ate about half of his meal.
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
Wednesday, November 23
What is it they say? I have been busier than a one armed paper hanger in a windstorm. Every day I would think, I need to sit down and blog. Well here I am finally.
I managed to go to Dulcimer practice on Saturday for the first time in many weeks. A friend came and sat with Cowboy. We are doing a concert at the museum downtown on the evening of the 2nd of Dec and this is the only time I practiced with them.
Sunday the band did a gig at the library for two hours. I was tired and did not do my best but it went well overall.
The every other day change of the wound vac dressing continues as does the physical therapy. Cowboy is doing very well. The wound is healthy and he has no pain and the therapist is pleased with his work.
I had a follow up appointment with the eye doctor on Monday and I was pronounced doing fine. My phone quit and I had several little errands so Monday afternoon I took Cowboy with me to go take care of all of that.
Tuesday AM the dog had a grooming appointment at 7AM (ugh!). We dropped her off and I took Cowboy to IHOP for breakfast and then we went to WalMart. I needed some of the ingredients to bake for Thanksgiving. He walked around the store with me and did fine. He wandered off a few times but he goes so slow it isn't hard to run him down.
We had an appointment with the plastic surgeon today. After talking to her we decided to go ahead and do the skin graft. It is scheduled for this coming Monday. We are told that he should heal faster and are probably looking at a couple of weeks for it to be much closer to being in good shape. It took all afternoon to do the paperwork, etc for the surgery but we are all set. Have to be there at 6AM (ugh again !)
We are going to our grandsons and to one of our daughters house tomorrow. It is a three hour drive and we are doing it in the one day. Don't have much choice due to the need to be here for the wound vac treatment on Friday. I think seeing the kiddos will be good for Cowboy. They have all been around to visit in the last few months but we don't see enouigh of them. Everyone is so busy.
I just finished two batches of cupcakes and the last of two pies is in the oven. There is a bed waiting for me very shortly.
Cowboy is watching an old western music show on TV. He just loves it. I find him tapping his foot sometimes or pretend picking his guitar.
I managed to go to Dulcimer practice on Saturday for the first time in many weeks. A friend came and sat with Cowboy. We are doing a concert at the museum downtown on the evening of the 2nd of Dec and this is the only time I practiced with them.
Sunday the band did a gig at the library for two hours. I was tired and did not do my best but it went well overall.
The every other day change of the wound vac dressing continues as does the physical therapy. Cowboy is doing very well. The wound is healthy and he has no pain and the therapist is pleased with his work.
I had a follow up appointment with the eye doctor on Monday and I was pronounced doing fine. My phone quit and I had several little errands so Monday afternoon I took Cowboy with me to go take care of all of that.
Tuesday AM the dog had a grooming appointment at 7AM (ugh!). We dropped her off and I took Cowboy to IHOP for breakfast and then we went to WalMart. I needed some of the ingredients to bake for Thanksgiving. He walked around the store with me and did fine. He wandered off a few times but he goes so slow it isn't hard to run him down.
We had an appointment with the plastic surgeon today. After talking to her we decided to go ahead and do the skin graft. It is scheduled for this coming Monday. We are told that he should heal faster and are probably looking at a couple of weeks for it to be much closer to being in good shape. It took all afternoon to do the paperwork, etc for the surgery but we are all set. Have to be there at 6AM (ugh again !)
We are going to our grandsons and to one of our daughters house tomorrow. It is a three hour drive and we are doing it in the one day. Don't have much choice due to the need to be here for the wound vac treatment on Friday. I think seeing the kiddos will be good for Cowboy. They have all been around to visit in the last few months but we don't see enouigh of them. Everyone is so busy.
I just finished two batches of cupcakes and the last of two pies is in the oven. There is a bed waiting for me very shortly.
Cowboy is watching an old western music show on TV. He just loves it. I find him tapping his foot sometimes or pretend picking his guitar.
Thursday, November 17, 2011
Thursday, November 17
I did not feel very well Monday and Tuesday this week. Think it was the low pressure front that came through. Just ached all over and felt cranky. Had the usual nurse on Monday for a dressing change and Cowboy had physical therapy on Tuesday. The band practiced Tuesday afternoon. We are doing a concert at the library downtown this coming Sunday. Two hours of playing. I am taking Cowboy with me and it is a large library. Hopefully he will manage OK.
Tuesday night I had a little bit of a meltdown. Had been reading a rather strange book and it included a lot of flashback type narrative and so when I went to bed I kept thinking about other times in my life. I got to thinking about the Cowboy I met in 1976. He was so energetic and positive and full of enthusiasm for life. He was also very good looking and had a kind of flirtatious way about him. He was intelligent and engaging. I thought about these things and then I wept. No one knew. It was just me, in the bed, listening to Cowboy breathing and the burp of the wound vac.
We went to see the surgeon yesterday. He says Cowboy's wound is healing very well but is suggesting we think about a skin graft to complete the healing. the choices are to stay on the wound vac for several more weeks or go through surgery and heal faster without the wound vac. Downside of course is the surgery and the attendant discomfort. We have an appointment with the plastic surgeon next Wednesday and will decide then. Cowboy is so tired of the aggravation of the wound vac that he wants to do the surgery.
I went to the military base yesterday and picked up Cowboy's new glasses, our medicines for the next three months and bought a very large bill of groceries. The troups are beginning to return from the middle east and the place was a zoo. the paper said there will be 20,000 more troops there by the end of the year. I may decide to just go over there every three months when have to pick up medicine. It is exhausting to deal with the traffic, lines, people and confusion.
The physical therapist came again this morning. While he was here I went to book club. The rest of the day has been about trying to get a little better organized. Seems like I am doing that a lot.
I took Cowboy to dinner on Tuesday night down in the city. We went to Red Lobster. He ate three biscuits, all his shrimp and most of his potatoes. Overall he is down 5 more pounds. That is a total of 36 this year. He is just skin and bones. Some days he eats and some days he doesn't.
He is getting out of the house some. We went for a short walk this afternoon. He is doing very well with his walker.
Tuesday night I had a little bit of a meltdown. Had been reading a rather strange book and it included a lot of flashback type narrative and so when I went to bed I kept thinking about other times in my life. I got to thinking about the Cowboy I met in 1976. He was so energetic and positive and full of enthusiasm for life. He was also very good looking and had a kind of flirtatious way about him. He was intelligent and engaging. I thought about these things and then I wept. No one knew. It was just me, in the bed, listening to Cowboy breathing and the burp of the wound vac.
We went to see the surgeon yesterday. He says Cowboy's wound is healing very well but is suggesting we think about a skin graft to complete the healing. the choices are to stay on the wound vac for several more weeks or go through surgery and heal faster without the wound vac. Downside of course is the surgery and the attendant discomfort. We have an appointment with the plastic surgeon next Wednesday and will decide then. Cowboy is so tired of the aggravation of the wound vac that he wants to do the surgery.
I went to the military base yesterday and picked up Cowboy's new glasses, our medicines for the next three months and bought a very large bill of groceries. The troups are beginning to return from the middle east and the place was a zoo. the paper said there will be 20,000 more troops there by the end of the year. I may decide to just go over there every three months when have to pick up medicine. It is exhausting to deal with the traffic, lines, people and confusion.
The physical therapist came again this morning. While he was here I went to book club. The rest of the day has been about trying to get a little better organized. Seems like I am doing that a lot.
I took Cowboy to dinner on Tuesday night down in the city. We went to Red Lobster. He ate three biscuits, all his shrimp and most of his potatoes. Overall he is down 5 more pounds. That is a total of 36 this year. He is just skin and bones. Some days he eats and some days he doesn't.
He is getting out of the house some. We went for a short walk this afternoon. He is doing very well with his walker.
Sunday, November 13, 2011
Sunday, November 13
Cowboy got the towel out again last night during the night. I asked him what he was doing and he said getting ready for the nurse. I wonder if he wants to be done with this so much that he is trying to hurry it along. I explained to him that it was Sunday and only 3AM and she wasn't coming until 9 on Monday.
Friday I treated myself to a massage and facial. Man, if I had the money I would do it every week. Such a treat ! Didn't have time for anything else so grabbed a hamburger on the way home. Marsha said he ate all his lunch. Good thing. He didn't want his dinner.
We are thinking about going to our grandson's for Thanksgiving. Not sure yet.
Friday I treated myself to a massage and facial. Man, if I had the money I would do it every week. Such a treat ! Didn't have time for anything else so grabbed a hamburger on the way home. Marsha said he ate all his lunch. Good thing. He didn't want his dinner.
We are thinking about going to our grandson's for Thanksgiving. Not sure yet.
Friday, November 11, 2011
Friday, November11
11/11/11 Isn't that something?
Tuesday night the wound vac sprung a leak. When the nurse came on Wednesday she found that his jeans had rubbed some of the adhesive up in a bunch. There is a reason why they want him to wear soft athletic pants. Marsha may not have known but no one told me so he wore jeans Wed and Thurs. I found out this morning and told him he needed to wear the soft pants unless we were going out. That was accepted.
I went shopping Wednesday while Marsha was here and came home with a new ironing board. I have hated my old one for about 10 years so it was time. I was trying to find a Christmas sweater for the holiday play dates but struck out. The only one I found that I liked was $60. That's is toooooo much for something you wear so few times. Groceries and home.
Thursday the physical therapist came again. Cowboy seems to be really trying to work on his balance exercises. We went to IHOP and to get him a haircut. Beautiful day. He really enjoyed himself.
Tuesday night the wound vac sprung a leak. When the nurse came on Wednesday she found that his jeans had rubbed some of the adhesive up in a bunch. There is a reason why they want him to wear soft athletic pants. Marsha may not have known but no one told me so he wore jeans Wed and Thurs. I found out this morning and told him he needed to wear the soft pants unless we were going out. That was accepted.
I went shopping Wednesday while Marsha was here and came home with a new ironing board. I have hated my old one for about 10 years so it was time. I was trying to find a Christmas sweater for the holiday play dates but struck out. The only one I found that I liked was $60. That's is toooooo much for something you wear so few times. Groceries and home.
Thursday the physical therapist came again. Cowboy seems to be really trying to work on his balance exercises. We went to IHOP and to get him a haircut. Beautiful day. He really enjoyed himself.
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
Tuesday, November 8
They say that time goes by faster as you age. I believe it. Can't keep up.
The wound vac that Cowboy is wearing involves a nurse coming to the house on Mon, Wed and Fri. She puts him on our bed with a towel under the wound and proceeds to take off the coverings and the paraphenalia and washes it with saline from a shringe. Sometimes the towels get a bit wet.
Last night about midnight I wake up and Cowboy is arranging a towel on the bed. He seems to be preparing for the nurse visit. He finally gets back into bed and there is the towel laying on top of the covers waiting for her visit. The diseased brain is a very strange thing.
The physical therapist came today. He is really good at his job but I find him a bit tiresome. He goes on and on about the different muscles, etc. I think he is trying to impress me with his knowledge. I appreciate that he needs to know these things but it is hard for me to want the amount of detail he offers on some things. This whole business of these therapists is bugging me. I know there is value in a lot of what they offer but I keep thinking about the nations out of control spending on medical care and am wondering if maybe we have gone past the line of common sense on some of this stuff. patience Lena Sue, patience..........
Cowboy has decided not to wear the soft athletic pants I bought him. He struggles to put on his jeans over the bandages but does it anyway and dresses in his jeans and cowboy shirt. The only concession of late in his dressing is he is wearing mocasins instead of his boots.
He ate a good breakfast today but hardly touched his lunch or his dinner. I got him to drink a Glucerna. I hope we are not starting to have eating issues again. I know it is selfish of me but I get so tired and frustrated of cooking what I think will be a meal he will enjoy and he won't touch it. He just says "I don't want it".
The wound vac that Cowboy is wearing involves a nurse coming to the house on Mon, Wed and Fri. She puts him on our bed with a towel under the wound and proceeds to take off the coverings and the paraphenalia and washes it with saline from a shringe. Sometimes the towels get a bit wet.
Last night about midnight I wake up and Cowboy is arranging a towel on the bed. He seems to be preparing for the nurse visit. He finally gets back into bed and there is the towel laying on top of the covers waiting for her visit. The diseased brain is a very strange thing.
The physical therapist came today. He is really good at his job but I find him a bit tiresome. He goes on and on about the different muscles, etc. I think he is trying to impress me with his knowledge. I appreciate that he needs to know these things but it is hard for me to want the amount of detail he offers on some things. This whole business of these therapists is bugging me. I know there is value in a lot of what they offer but I keep thinking about the nations out of control spending on medical care and am wondering if maybe we have gone past the line of common sense on some of this stuff. patience Lena Sue, patience..........
Cowboy has decided not to wear the soft athletic pants I bought him. He struggles to put on his jeans over the bandages but does it anyway and dresses in his jeans and cowboy shirt. The only concession of late in his dressing is he is wearing mocasins instead of his boots.
He ate a good breakfast today but hardly touched his lunch or his dinner. I got him to drink a Glucerna. I hope we are not starting to have eating issues again. I know it is selfish of me but I get so tired and frustrated of cooking what I think will be a meal he will enjoy and he won't touch it. He just says "I don't want it".
Sunday, November 6, 2011
Sunday, November 6
On Thursday we went for the follow up appointment for Cowboy's cataract surgery. He needs different glasses. He also has the very beginnings of macular degeneration. It doesn't seem to worry the opthamologist much. Must be a very slow growing condition.\
In the afternoon we had a follow up appointment with our PCP that is requested after any hospitalization. We went over his meds. We were given one set of instructions when we left the hospital and a slightly different set from the rehab facility. Sometimes I think medicine must be more art than science. They all seem to have a different take on things. Anyhow, we are making some minor adjustments in his meds and are going to try taking an over the counter med for his runny nose. It just runs all the time.
Friday Marsha was here and I got the car washed, some water softener salt bought (why do they put that stuff in 40 pounds bags !) and a pedicure.
In the afternoon my neighbor across the street saw me struggling with it and came right over and put it in the water softener and unhooked and put away the hoses. He said to not hesitate to call him night or day if I needed help. I am constantly amazed at how lovely everyone is.
Well, I really had to laugh at myself Saturday. I had heard on the news that the time changed this weekend and somehow my overloaded brain decided that it happened on Friday night. I gleefully thought about the extra hour of sleep and when I got up on Saturday proceeded to change all the clocks. No big deal, right? Well, I had made arrangements for a neighbor to sit with Cowboy so I could go to dulcimer practice and when he showed up I told him he was an hour early and sent him home. His wife calls me and corrects me so I find myself rushing around to get things together to leave while waiting for him to come back. I felt like a complete idiot and still can't figure out how I made such a stupid error.
But now it is Sunday and the time really did change and so we were a bit late rising and I fixed a big "brunch" sort of between breakfast time and lunch time. We also gave Cowboy a good scrubbing up and lotioning down this morning. He is now taking a nice nap and I am trying to clean up a few piles around here. Might as well get the laundry done before I start on the ironing.
In the afternoon we had a follow up appointment with our PCP that is requested after any hospitalization. We went over his meds. We were given one set of instructions when we left the hospital and a slightly different set from the rehab facility. Sometimes I think medicine must be more art than science. They all seem to have a different take on things. Anyhow, we are making some minor adjustments in his meds and are going to try taking an over the counter med for his runny nose. It just runs all the time.
Friday Marsha was here and I got the car washed, some water softener salt bought (why do they put that stuff in 40 pounds bags !) and a pedicure.
In the afternoon my neighbor across the street saw me struggling with it and came right over and put it in the water softener and unhooked and put away the hoses. He said to not hesitate to call him night or day if I needed help. I am constantly amazed at how lovely everyone is.
Well, I really had to laugh at myself Saturday. I had heard on the news that the time changed this weekend and somehow my overloaded brain decided that it happened on Friday night. I gleefully thought about the extra hour of sleep and when I got up on Saturday proceeded to change all the clocks. No big deal, right? Well, I had made arrangements for a neighbor to sit with Cowboy so I could go to dulcimer practice and when he showed up I told him he was an hour early and sent him home. His wife calls me and corrects me so I find myself rushing around to get things together to leave while waiting for him to come back. I felt like a complete idiot and still can't figure out how I made such a stupid error.
But now it is Sunday and the time really did change and so we were a bit late rising and I fixed a big "brunch" sort of between breakfast time and lunch time. We also gave Cowboy a good scrubbing up and lotioning down this morning. He is now taking a nice nap and I am trying to clean up a few piles around here. Might as well get the laundry done before I start on the ironing.
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
Wednesday, November 2
I write down what I hope to accomplish each day. Everything from "Pay Bills" to "Iron" to Day out with a list of "To Do's". It helps to keep me somewhat focused and moving forward. Sometimes I don't feel like I get much done. I keep Cowboy's water glass full,HIs pills dispensed, make sure he is comfortable, fix his meals, tend to the correspondence and bills, keep the house organized and clean. I am behind on my reading, and I still have not done my seasonal chore of going through the closets and weeding out, I have several projects I plan to do that I have not started and there are those pesky hoses in the yard that need to be rolled up and disconnected from the faucets. It is going to get cold one of these days and don't want to be caught unawares.
Cowboy is doing very well. He has really taken to his walker. Yesterday we even went outside and walked to the corner and back. He is eating pretty well for most meals and he is doing the exercises the physical therapist gave him. He seems to have a new sense of determination after his hospital stay.
Yesterday a neighbor came over and cut Cowboy's hair. He doesn't have much anymore and it is totally white but she did a nice job and he looks good.
Marsha came today and I managed to get some birthday cards bought, looked for shams for my European pillows (didn't find any) went to post office and bought groceries. Hope to get a pedicure on Friday when Marsha comes for 3 hours.
Still haven't done the ironing and have some mending waiting for me. It is good to have Marsha coming because she does a lot of little things around here that really keep things looking orderly and clean.
The nurse came today and changed Cowboy's dressing and the physical therapist came and had a session with Cowboy.
I have learned more about wound care and wound vacs the last few weeks than I ever wanted to know. We will get past this.
Ran into two of the dulcimer players at the grocery store today. I told them I am lining up sitters for a couple of Saturday's in Nov and some in December so can come to practice. There is a concert at the museum on Dec 2 and the annual charity concert the end of January. I need to get to some of the practices and am trying to make that happen.
Cowboy is doing very well. He has really taken to his walker. Yesterday we even went outside and walked to the corner and back. He is eating pretty well for most meals and he is doing the exercises the physical therapist gave him. He seems to have a new sense of determination after his hospital stay.
Yesterday a neighbor came over and cut Cowboy's hair. He doesn't have much anymore and it is totally white but she did a nice job and he looks good.
Marsha came today and I managed to get some birthday cards bought, looked for shams for my European pillows (didn't find any) went to post office and bought groceries. Hope to get a pedicure on Friday when Marsha comes for 3 hours.
Still haven't done the ironing and have some mending waiting for me. It is good to have Marsha coming because she does a lot of little things around here that really keep things looking orderly and clean.
The nurse came today and changed Cowboy's dressing and the physical therapist came and had a session with Cowboy.
I have learned more about wound care and wound vacs the last few weeks than I ever wanted to know. We will get past this.
Ran into two of the dulcimer players at the grocery store today. I told them I am lining up sitters for a couple of Saturday's in Nov and some in December so can come to practice. There is a concert at the museum on Dec 2 and the annual charity concert the end of January. I need to get to some of the practices and am trying to make that happen.
Saturday, October 29, 2011
Saturday, October 29
I had my follow up eye appointment on thursday morning and got a good report. Then I went to the grocery store and took the dog to the groomers. Spent the rest of the day at the rehab hospital.
Got to bring Cowboy home yesterday. I nearly overslept but got there a little after eight. He had not yet had breakfast or bathed so I suggested we get those things accomplished and I packed things up. The wound vac was supposed to be delivered at 10 but it was delayed so we left without it and went on to the Dr. appointment with the surgeon. The wound vac folks caught up with us there and demonstrated how everything worked. The Dr. said the wound looks great.
The home health people will be coming on Mon.,Wed., and Fridays to clean and dress the wound and reapply the wound vac. They came Friday afternoon and got us all set up. The unit sits right in the basket of his walker and he can go wherever he wants, just have to plug it in and charge it when he is sitting for a spell.
Today I got to start fixing big breakfasts again. I just am going to have to eat less I guess. He isn't gaining weight, I am !
The alarm went off on the wound vac about 9AM so we called them out. It was determined that the tube had come out of assembly so she taped it back on. It wasn't two hours until it happened again. I am thinking at some point Cowboy pulled on it, stepped on it or something. She gave me instructions over the phone on sealing it onto his leg and hopefully it will hold til they come on Monday. Every time the alarm went off Cowboy would start fiddling with the device and punching buttons and such which is a no no. Telling him not to isn't working too well. Hope we have no more problems.
Cowboy is cranky and uncooperative today. I think having to deal with all of this has taken a toll on him.
Got to bring Cowboy home yesterday. I nearly overslept but got there a little after eight. He had not yet had breakfast or bathed so I suggested we get those things accomplished and I packed things up. The wound vac was supposed to be delivered at 10 but it was delayed so we left without it and went on to the Dr. appointment with the surgeon. The wound vac folks caught up with us there and demonstrated how everything worked. The Dr. said the wound looks great.
The home health people will be coming on Mon.,Wed., and Fridays to clean and dress the wound and reapply the wound vac. They came Friday afternoon and got us all set up. The unit sits right in the basket of his walker and he can go wherever he wants, just have to plug it in and charge it when he is sitting for a spell.
Today I got to start fixing big breakfasts again. I just am going to have to eat less I guess. He isn't gaining weight, I am !
The alarm went off on the wound vac about 9AM so we called them out. It was determined that the tube had come out of assembly so she taped it back on. It wasn't two hours until it happened again. I am thinking at some point Cowboy pulled on it, stepped on it or something. She gave me instructions over the phone on sealing it onto his leg and hopefully it will hold til they come on Monday. Every time the alarm went off Cowboy would start fiddling with the device and punching buttons and such which is a no no. Telling him not to isn't working too well. Hope we have no more problems.
Cowboy is cranky and uncooperative today. I think having to deal with all of this has taken a toll on him.
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
Wednesday, October 26
I slept in this morning. It was wonderful. Must have been about 8:30 when I got up. I have to say though, the dog was wanting her breakfast !
A friend who is a nurse at the rehab facility told me that they actually prefer that visitors wait until after therapy sessions have concluded to visit. Will be doing that from here on. Of course, the written material they gave me says visitors are welcome anytime and they like for a family member to observe the therapy. I noticed, though, I was the only one there yesterday.
The neighborhood ladies had a luncheon today and it was great to just sit and visit without any time constraints.
Cowboy was complaining of being too warm in the sweatpants I bought so I then went to Bealls who was having a buy one get one for a dollar and bought him two pair of shorts.
When I went to visit this afternoon he was sitting in the break room having coffee. We played checkers. He beat me the firt time. But the second time he kept making mistakes (like jumping the wrong color, etc) so I concluded his brain was not working too well. He was always a very sharp person when it came to games and such but no more. I may buy some checkers for home. Maybe it will be good for him.
He changed into the shorts I brought and seemed really happy to have them. The social worker came by and we talked about home care and such.
When I left I went to Walgreens and bought a walker with a seat and brakes. Caught it on sale !!
He gets out of rehab on Friday and we go to see the surgeon that day at 11AM.
A friend who is a nurse at the rehab facility told me that they actually prefer that visitors wait until after therapy sessions have concluded to visit. Will be doing that from here on. Of course, the written material they gave me says visitors are welcome anytime and they like for a family member to observe the therapy. I noticed, though, I was the only one there yesterday.
The neighborhood ladies had a luncheon today and it was great to just sit and visit without any time constraints.
Cowboy was complaining of being too warm in the sweatpants I bought so I then went to Bealls who was having a buy one get one for a dollar and bought him two pair of shorts.
When I went to visit this afternoon he was sitting in the break room having coffee. We played checkers. He beat me the firt time. But the second time he kept making mistakes (like jumping the wrong color, etc) so I concluded his brain was not working too well. He was always a very sharp person when it came to games and such but no more. I may buy some checkers for home. Maybe it will be good for him.
He changed into the shorts I brought and seemed really happy to have them. The social worker came by and we talked about home care and such.
When I left I went to Walgreens and bought a walker with a seat and brakes. Caught it on sale !!
He gets out of rehab on Friday and we go to see the surgeon that day at 11AM.
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Tuesday, October 25
I cancelled Marsha for this week. I hate the way this all works. She doesn't work, she doesn't get paid but she can't work if Cowboy is not here.
Cowboy started his therapy yesterday and he did very well. I think he wants to come home bad enough that he will work his heart out to get out of there. He is eating more. I think the food is better at this facility than at the hospital. In the afternoon I took our dog up to see him. Didn't work out terribly well. He was brought down in a wheelchair and five minutes later he needed to go to the bathroom so they took him back up and then back down again. 10 minutes later he was getting too warm. He was in a sweatsuit and it was about 85 degrees outside where we were sitting. Don't think there will be any more doggie visits although I know he loved seeing her.
Today I went up and observed some of his therapy sessions to learn how that was going and what was involved.
This afternoon the band was over. We are playing a "gig" Sunday night. Will have to figure out what to do with Cowboy after I know whether he will be out of rehab at that point.
He is in pretty good spirits and is eating pretty well. The people there are just wonderful. Good situation.
I talked to my sister today and we decided to postpone my planned get away for next month. She was going to come and look after him for about 4 days so I could "get out of town". Maybe in a couple of months after things are back to our "new normal".
Cowboy started his therapy yesterday and he did very well. I think he wants to come home bad enough that he will work his heart out to get out of there. He is eating more. I think the food is better at this facility than at the hospital. In the afternoon I took our dog up to see him. Didn't work out terribly well. He was brought down in a wheelchair and five minutes later he needed to go to the bathroom so they took him back up and then back down again. 10 minutes later he was getting too warm. He was in a sweatsuit and it was about 85 degrees outside where we were sitting. Don't think there will be any more doggie visits although I know he loved seeing her.
Today I went up and observed some of his therapy sessions to learn how that was going and what was involved.
This afternoon the band was over. We are playing a "gig" Sunday night. Will have to figure out what to do with Cowboy after I know whether he will be out of rehab at that point.
He is in pretty good spirits and is eating pretty well. The people there are just wonderful. Good situation.
I talked to my sister today and we decided to postpone my planned get away for next month. She was going to come and look after him for about 4 days so I could "get out of town". Maybe in a couple of months after things are back to our "new normal".
Sunday, October 23, 2011
Sunday, October 22
It is 3:15 and I am doing my second load of laundry. Still have a pile of stuff to do in the office but it can wait.
They moved Cowboy from the hospital to the rehab facility yesterday. Everyone seems very nice and helpful. It is a semi-private room and the other fellow in the room is a complainer/whiner so I don't see much compatability there. The bathroom is a a lot farther from the bed too.
I left before dinner was servedlast night but when I called him he said he ate it. He had catfish and spinach, two of his things he normally will eat. He also ate a good breakfast. I was there today when lunch came and he ate about half his meal. Not too bad.
I went to Kohls today and got him some dark tee shirts and two pair of soft athletic pants and also took him all his toiletries and the one athletic suit he had at home. He should have everything he needs. He had a pair of soiled underpants for me to bring home and they had him in adult "pullups". Hopefully he will be where he can go to the bathroom within a short time. The nurses just don't respond as quickly as he needs. Not their fault. He waits until he is in a "NOW" state to tell anyone.
He starts therapy tomorrow. They changed his wound dressing today which surprised me but the tech told me that was required by Medicare. Won't be changed again until Wed then will be on a Mon,Wed,Fri schedule. They gave him pain medication beforehand and she was very gentle with him, not too bad.
I will be going back up around suppertime for a bit. Trying to finish up some things here at home before then and must stop for gas. Am doing a lot of driving.
A neighbor has some flowers for me to take to him. She got them at church. That will brighten his room a little.
They moved Cowboy from the hospital to the rehab facility yesterday. Everyone seems very nice and helpful. It is a semi-private room and the other fellow in the room is a complainer/whiner so I don't see much compatability there. The bathroom is a a lot farther from the bed too.
I left before dinner was servedlast night but when I called him he said he ate it. He had catfish and spinach, two of his things he normally will eat. He also ate a good breakfast. I was there today when lunch came and he ate about half his meal. Not too bad.
I went to Kohls today and got him some dark tee shirts and two pair of soft athletic pants and also took him all his toiletries and the one athletic suit he had at home. He should have everything he needs. He had a pair of soiled underpants for me to bring home and they had him in adult "pullups". Hopefully he will be where he can go to the bathroom within a short time. The nurses just don't respond as quickly as he needs. Not their fault. He waits until he is in a "NOW" state to tell anyone.
He starts therapy tomorrow. They changed his wound dressing today which surprised me but the tech told me that was required by Medicare. Won't be changed again until Wed then will be on a Mon,Wed,Fri schedule. They gave him pain medication beforehand and she was very gentle with him, not too bad.
I will be going back up around suppertime for a bit. Trying to finish up some things here at home before then and must stop for gas. Am doing a lot of driving.
A neighbor has some flowers for me to take to him. She got them at church. That will brighten his room a little.
Friday, October 21, 2011
Friday, October 21
It is 8PM and I am home. I got up this morning and went to the hospital. Was about 9AM. I learned that the Dr. had already been by but would return between 3:30 and 7 this afternoon. While I was there the occupational therapist and the physical therapist worked with Cowboy. He managed to walk from the bed to the chair with a walker. He was able to answer some of their questions. He cheats though. When they asked him the date, he just looked up at the board in his room and told them what it said. Maybe because we keep the board at home?
His blood sugar has stayed high, was up to 338 today. He is getting insulin injections. His blood pressure has been very low so they hooked him back up to an IV to give him fluid. He ate his breakfast and he ate some of his lunch but when dinner came all he ate was the jello. I tried to encourage him to eat more but he just refused Said he wasn't hungry and he didn't want it. I can't say I blame him a lot. It consisted of a very dry piece of grilled chicken on a stale bun and some lukewarm vegatable soup.
I had come home once during the day to pick up his razor and his skin cream.
We think he will be moved tomorrow from the hospital to rehab. When they did the change of his dressing this afternoon I was told it looked really good and they went ahead and dressed it with something called a "wound vac". Neat technology. They cleaned the wound and then put a piece of foam in the wound (a gash about 6 inches long) and sealed it and then attached a device that keeps a small amount of suction on the wound that encourages it to seal and heal. He will have to carry around the unit for several weeks which may turn out to be a challenge.
His blood sugar has stayed high, was up to 338 today. He is getting insulin injections. His blood pressure has been very low so they hooked him back up to an IV to give him fluid. He ate his breakfast and he ate some of his lunch but when dinner came all he ate was the jello. I tried to encourage him to eat more but he just refused Said he wasn't hungry and he didn't want it. I can't say I blame him a lot. It consisted of a very dry piece of grilled chicken on a stale bun and some lukewarm vegatable soup.
I had come home once during the day to pick up his razor and his skin cream.
We think he will be moved tomorrow from the hospital to rehab. When they did the change of his dressing this afternoon I was told it looked really good and they went ahead and dressed it with something called a "wound vac". Neat technology. They cleaned the wound and then put a piece of foam in the wound (a gash about 6 inches long) and sealed it and then attached a device that keeps a small amount of suction on the wound that encourages it to seal and heal. He will have to carry around the unit for several weeks which may turn out to be a challenge.
Thursday, October 20, 2011
Thursday, October 20
On Tuesday Cowboy seemed a little better and we actually went to dinner after my daughter arrived. She had come down to look after Cowboy while I have a minor procedure on my eyelids on Wednesday.
Cowboy went to bed about 7PM on Tuesday night and I stayed up and visited with my daughter for a couple of hours. When I went in the bedroom to check on Cowboy about 8PM he was not in the bed. I found him in the bathroom floor naked. He had gotten up to go to the bathroom and fell again. My daughter and I managed to get him into bed and then I tried to figure out a way to call our PCP to get some adivce. I first tried to take his temperature but the battery on my thermometer failed. I then called a neighbor to see if I could borrow a thermometer. They didn't have one but offered to go get one for me.
I then called the emergency room doctor to get him to help me but they would not let me talk with him nor would they agree to contact my PCP so I could talk to him. I was instructed to bring him back to the ER. I knew I could not get him up so I again called the ambulance.
When the paramedics arrived we learned his temperature was 102.7, his blood sugar was high and his heart rate was elevated. Back to the hospital we went. I rode in the ambulance and my daughter followed.
I talked to the ER physician with the intent of making sure they admitted him. His first comment was that Medicare has all kinds of criteria for that. I pressed on and he finally agreed to talk to the internist in charge of doing the paperwork for admissions. The end result was they agreed to admit him.
My daughter and I along with Cowboy discussed what to do about my procedure and it was decided I should go ahead and get it done. Cowboy was safe in the hospital, my daughter was here to help out and waiting might make it even more difficult to arrange.
After being up til midnight on Tuesday night we had to rise at 4AM on Wednesday to go to the hospital for my eyelid procedure.
Wednesday I had some skin removed from my upper lids to improve my field of vision and to eliminate a problem with my eyelashes curling up into my lids. Piece of cake. While I was in getting this done my dauighter went and checked on Cowboy. Then when I was done we both went over to the hospital room and stayed with him for a bit. The orthopedist came in and said they needed to perform surgery to clean out the wound so it could heal.
Thursday in the afternoon the surgery was performed. The procedure went as planned and Cowboy is doing well Well, sort of. He refused to eat any supper, kept trying to get out of bed, setting off an alarm they had on the bed and insisting he needed all the tubes and wires taken off.
My daughter and I left to go get some dinner. When we returned he said he was sure he would allowed to go home and wanted to get up and get dressed. I explained he wasn't going anywhere, not even up to go to the bathroom. He was not happy. Then his IV alarm went off and was very annoying and no one came for the liongest time. My daugher needed to head home so we came on home. When I told Cowboy he said to tell the nurse to "get herself in there right now". It was a little amusing and we knew he felt better or he wouldn't be so feisty.
My understanding is tomorrow they will get him up and start trying to walk him around a bit. The wound will have to be irrigated and packed and rewrapped every day for some time. Sort of like my wound but on a much bigger scale. I talked with his youngest daughter on the phone and she said to be sure that he was sent directly from the hospital to the rehab facility or Medicare would not pay for it. That may turn out to be a useful piece of information. Supposedly tomorrow the "hospitalist" and a social worker with meet with us to discuss what happens next.
To be continued..........
Cowboy went to bed about 7PM on Tuesday night and I stayed up and visited with my daughter for a couple of hours. When I went in the bedroom to check on Cowboy about 8PM he was not in the bed. I found him in the bathroom floor naked. He had gotten up to go to the bathroom and fell again. My daughter and I managed to get him into bed and then I tried to figure out a way to call our PCP to get some adivce. I first tried to take his temperature but the battery on my thermometer failed. I then called a neighbor to see if I could borrow a thermometer. They didn't have one but offered to go get one for me.
I then called the emergency room doctor to get him to help me but they would not let me talk with him nor would they agree to contact my PCP so I could talk to him. I was instructed to bring him back to the ER. I knew I could not get him up so I again called the ambulance.
When the paramedics arrived we learned his temperature was 102.7, his blood sugar was high and his heart rate was elevated. Back to the hospital we went. I rode in the ambulance and my daughter followed.
I talked to the ER physician with the intent of making sure they admitted him. His first comment was that Medicare has all kinds of criteria for that. I pressed on and he finally agreed to talk to the internist in charge of doing the paperwork for admissions. The end result was they agreed to admit him.
My daughter and I along with Cowboy discussed what to do about my procedure and it was decided I should go ahead and get it done. Cowboy was safe in the hospital, my daughter was here to help out and waiting might make it even more difficult to arrange.
After being up til midnight on Tuesday night we had to rise at 4AM on Wednesday to go to the hospital for my eyelid procedure.
Wednesday I had some skin removed from my upper lids to improve my field of vision and to eliminate a problem with my eyelashes curling up into my lids. Piece of cake. While I was in getting this done my dauighter went and checked on Cowboy. Then when I was done we both went over to the hospital room and stayed with him for a bit. The orthopedist came in and said they needed to perform surgery to clean out the wound so it could heal.
Thursday in the afternoon the surgery was performed. The procedure went as planned and Cowboy is doing well Well, sort of. He refused to eat any supper, kept trying to get out of bed, setting off an alarm they had on the bed and insisting he needed all the tubes and wires taken off.
My daughter and I left to go get some dinner. When we returned he said he was sure he would allowed to go home and wanted to get up and get dressed. I explained he wasn't going anywhere, not even up to go to the bathroom. He was not happy. Then his IV alarm went off and was very annoying and no one came for the liongest time. My daugher needed to head home so we came on home. When I told Cowboy he said to tell the nurse to "get herself in there right now". It was a little amusing and we knew he felt better or he wouldn't be so feisty.
My understanding is tomorrow they will get him up and start trying to walk him around a bit. The wound will have to be irrigated and packed and rewrapped every day for some time. Sort of like my wound but on a much bigger scale. I talked with his youngest daughter on the phone and she said to be sure that he was sent directly from the hospital to the rehab facility or Medicare would not pay for it. That may turn out to be a useful piece of information. Supposedly tomorrow the "hospitalist" and a social worker with meet with us to discuss what happens next.
To be continued..........
Monday, October 17, 2011
Monday, October 17
Got up this morning and found Cowboy in the floor by his bed. He had gotten up to use the bathroom and fell and could not get up. I asked him how long he had been there and he said "a while". He had urinated on himself and on the carpet. I called a neighbor because I could not get him up. Unfortunately, I woke my neighbor up. It was only 7AM. Bless all the wonderful people around here.
He got back into bed but then decided he needed to go again. He wasn't able to hold it til he got to the bathroom. I got him cleaned up and he went back to bed again.. I got an appointment with the Dr. and let him sleep til 9:30 in order to get ready for a 10:40 appointment.
The doctor extracted quite a bit of pus and blood from his knee this morning and gave us a prescription for an antibiotic. He said if he developed a fever to take him to the hospital.
He got up from his chair about mid-day and went to the bathroom although it took everything he had to get up and get there.
This afternoon he slept a lot and about 5:30 or so I tried to wake him to discuss dinner. He was quite groggy and weak. I took his temperature and it was 100.6. Following the doctors instructions I prepared to take him to the hospital. He could not get out of the chair. He was too weak. I called 911. Bless our wonderful firemen and EMS folks. They are so good with him. It took three of them to get him on the gurney.
We spent until 10:30 at the hospital. They did another X-Ray, blood work, etc. Everything looked OK so the ER Doc called an orthopedist. It was concluded that he has infected bursa and the solution is to wrap the knee to keep the swelling down and antibiotics. He had a big dose of antibiotics intravenously and they sent us home with a prescription to fill tomorrow, with his knee wrapped.
A neighbor loaned us a walker. I had suggested that to him a few days ago and he said "no". But I brought it home and told him it was just until his knee was better and he agreed to try it. It did help getting him into the house when we returned tonight.
We didn't have dinner but Cowboy's blood sugar is very high due to the infection. When we got home I made him our special shake that he likes and he is now in bed. It is almost midnight. I am headed there myself.
He got back into bed but then decided he needed to go again. He wasn't able to hold it til he got to the bathroom. I got him cleaned up and he went back to bed again.. I got an appointment with the Dr. and let him sleep til 9:30 in order to get ready for a 10:40 appointment.
The doctor extracted quite a bit of pus and blood from his knee this morning and gave us a prescription for an antibiotic. He said if he developed a fever to take him to the hospital.
He got up from his chair about mid-day and went to the bathroom although it took everything he had to get up and get there.
This afternoon he slept a lot and about 5:30 or so I tried to wake him to discuss dinner. He was quite groggy and weak. I took his temperature and it was 100.6. Following the doctors instructions I prepared to take him to the hospital. He could not get out of the chair. He was too weak. I called 911. Bless our wonderful firemen and EMS folks. They are so good with him. It took three of them to get him on the gurney.
We spent until 10:30 at the hospital. They did another X-Ray, blood work, etc. Everything looked OK so the ER Doc called an orthopedist. It was concluded that he has infected bursa and the solution is to wrap the knee to keep the swelling down and antibiotics. He had a big dose of antibiotics intravenously and they sent us home with a prescription to fill tomorrow, with his knee wrapped.
A neighbor loaned us a walker. I had suggested that to him a few days ago and he said "no". But I brought it home and told him it was just until his knee was better and he agreed to try it. It did help getting him into the house when we returned tonight.
We didn't have dinner but Cowboy's blood sugar is very high due to the infection. When we got home I made him our special shake that he likes and he is now in bed. It is almost midnight. I am headed there myself.
Saturday, October 15, 2011
Saturday, October 15
The refrigerator seems to have a mind of its own. One day it didn't work, the next day it did and then the day after it made a few cubes. Still need to call those folks.
Ever since Cowboy started taking the anti-seizure meds he has done little but sleep. At least he is not walking around and slowing down progress on his knee getting better. I swear it looked better yesterday and then not so good this morning. Hope I don't end up regretting not taking him in yesterday.
Today, I started a list of the people who have offered to help by sitting, running an errand, etc. I am calling them my "Angels". I also have a list of "Men in White Hats", you know......the ones you call if Cowboy falls and I can't get him up or I can call if something breaks. Need to have the numbers easily available. Don't want to have to stop and look something up.
Am going to need to have someone in on Saturday mornings for a couple of hours next month so I can go to practices for the Christmas concert at the Museum. (a little thing no one had thought of when I had planned on going starting in December in preparation for the January dulcimer concert.
The band is doing a gig on the 30th of this month for a neighborhood party to which I will just have Cowboy come with me and then again on the 20th of November at the Library. So far it is working to drag him along. He enjoys getting out and likes the music. It is a little nerve wracking because I worry about him every minute.
Ever since Cowboy started taking the anti-seizure meds he has done little but sleep. At least he is not walking around and slowing down progress on his knee getting better. I swear it looked better yesterday and then not so good this morning. Hope I don't end up regretting not taking him in yesterday.
Today, I started a list of the people who have offered to help by sitting, running an errand, etc. I am calling them my "Angels". I also have a list of "Men in White Hats", you know......the ones you call if Cowboy falls and I can't get him up or I can call if something breaks. Need to have the numbers easily available. Don't want to have to stop and look something up.
Am going to need to have someone in on Saturday mornings for a couple of hours next month so I can go to practices for the Christmas concert at the Museum. (a little thing no one had thought of when I had planned on going starting in December in preparation for the January dulcimer concert.
The band is doing a gig on the 30th of this month for a neighborhood party to which I will just have Cowboy come with me and then again on the 20th of November at the Library. So far it is working to drag him along. He enjoys getting out and likes the music. It is a little nerve wracking because I worry about him every minute.
Thursday, October 13, 2011
Thursday, October 13
On Tuesday night Cowboy fell while getting into bed. He hit his head but said he was OK. I managed to get him up and in bed. I checked on him a couple of times during the night and he said he was fine except his leg hurt. His eyes were normal and he showed no signs of concussion. When we got up Wednesday morning his knee was swollen, red and hot. I called the Dr and we took him in about 10. While we were in the exam room waiting on the Dr. Cowboy had a seizure. He seized and then he slumped and was unconcious for a couple of minutes. I called the nurse and she got the Dr. but by the time he was in there he was reviving. They did an X-Ray and determined nothing was broken, tried to excise fluid from the knee but could not and so were sent home to do ice packs and Alleve. The Dr. is concerned that if he seizes again while moving around he could fall and seriously hurt himself so he prescribed an anti-seizure medication. Supposed to go back on Friday if the knee is not improved. As of tonight it still is swollen and hot. We will see what the morning brings.
After we got him settled back at home I went to the store while Marsha looked after him.
Today the floor cleaning folks came in and did some cleaning. This afternoon we went and picked up a refill on the steroid cream for his skin and the new anti-seizure med. I read the information on it and I have to say it makes me a little nervous. Am going to really keep an eye on him and make sure he doesn't react in a negative way.
We are done with all the eye drops from his cataract surgery and my wound is almost completely healed, the house is clean and there is plenty of food so I guess it could be a lot worse. I feel like I need a designated parking spot at the clinic!
Well, there is one little problem. My refrigerator which is less than a year old has an ice maker on the fritz. I had to go buy ice for Cowboy's ice pack and for use for drinks. Guess I will call them folks tomorrow and get somebody out here.
I fried up some catfish tonight and some corn on the cob and he ate good but he went to bed at 8PM saying he was tired.
After we got him settled back at home I went to the store while Marsha looked after him.
Today the floor cleaning folks came in and did some cleaning. This afternoon we went and picked up a refill on the steroid cream for his skin and the new anti-seizure med. I read the information on it and I have to say it makes me a little nervous. Am going to really keep an eye on him and make sure he doesn't react in a negative way.
We are done with all the eye drops from his cataract surgery and my wound is almost completely healed, the house is clean and there is plenty of food so I guess it could be a lot worse. I feel like I need a designated parking spot at the clinic!
Well, there is one little problem. My refrigerator which is less than a year old has an ice maker on the fritz. I had to go buy ice for Cowboy's ice pack and for use for drinks. Guess I will call them folks tomorrow and get somebody out here.
I fried up some catfish tonight and some corn on the cob and he ate good but he went to bed at 8PM saying he was tired.
Monday, October 10, 2011
Monday, October 10
We were almost to the airport last Tuesday and Cowboy announces he needs to go to the bathroom. I pull up at the terminal and tell him to go in and find a bathroom and I will wait right there for him. If I had parked and we had to walk back it would have been too long and too far.
I waited and waited, got shooed away by security, drove back around and waited some more. Right at that time my daughter called and was at the baggage carasel. I asked her to go look for him. She found him and brought him back to the car. He had soiled his clothes and then took a wrong turn out of the bathroom to get back to the car.
My daughter and I had a great time Wednesday. Marsha looked after Cowboy and we went to the mall. She found some gifts for loved ones back home. I mostly just tagged along.
On Thursday we took Cowboy to the dermatologist. He presribed some heavy duty cream and told us to use the Lamisil on an ongoing basis on his feet. This seems to all stem from dry skin which is a side effect of the diabetes and being older. Then we drove for about an hour to take my daughter to Cabela's where she bought some boots, some T-shirts for hubby and I don't remember what else.
On Friday we had 3 hours of Marsha staying with Cowboy and we took off to a small town near here. Her son and my grandson showed up about the time we got back to the house. We went out for dinner at a really good Mexican place.
Saturday I cooked a big breakfast and then we just messed around with the computers and cell phones. My grandson is quite a guru on this stuff and was able to show both of us a number of things.
...and it rained !! I think we probably got 2 or 3 inches. Of course, we are still 19 inches behind for the year.
Sunday found us taking my daughter to the airport to go home. It was a great visit. Wish it could have been longer.
Sunday night my band played for a neighborhood party and of course Cowboy went along. It was an Octoberfest type party with beer and bratwurst. A good time.
Cowboy has hardly moved from his chair today. We are both a bit worn out.
Needless to say today was spent doing laundry, tidying up and putting everything back in order. Whew !
I waited and waited, got shooed away by security, drove back around and waited some more. Right at that time my daughter called and was at the baggage carasel. I asked her to go look for him. She found him and brought him back to the car. He had soiled his clothes and then took a wrong turn out of the bathroom to get back to the car.
My daughter and I had a great time Wednesday. Marsha looked after Cowboy and we went to the mall. She found some gifts for loved ones back home. I mostly just tagged along.
On Thursday we took Cowboy to the dermatologist. He presribed some heavy duty cream and told us to use the Lamisil on an ongoing basis on his feet. This seems to all stem from dry skin which is a side effect of the diabetes and being older. Then we drove for about an hour to take my daughter to Cabela's where she bought some boots, some T-shirts for hubby and I don't remember what else.
On Friday we had 3 hours of Marsha staying with Cowboy and we took off to a small town near here. Her son and my grandson showed up about the time we got back to the house. We went out for dinner at a really good Mexican place.
Saturday I cooked a big breakfast and then we just messed around with the computers and cell phones. My grandson is quite a guru on this stuff and was able to show both of us a number of things.
...and it rained !! I think we probably got 2 or 3 inches. Of course, we are still 19 inches behind for the year.
Sunday found us taking my daughter to the airport to go home. It was a great visit. Wish it could have been longer.
Sunday night my band played for a neighborhood party and of course Cowboy went along. It was an Octoberfest type party with beer and bratwurst. A good time.
Cowboy has hardly moved from his chair today. We are both a bit worn out.
Needless to say today was spent doing laundry, tidying up and putting everything back in order. Whew !
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
Tuesday, October 4
Yesterday was spent cleaning house and going, again, to the clinic. They tell me the infection is gone and the wound is healing nicely but will probably take another week before they will want me to stop coming in so every day this week I go in to have the wound irrigated and rebandaged. sheesh !!
Today, I over slept and was almost late going to the clinic. I did something I rarely do. I told Cowboy I would be back in a few minutes and flew out the door. He was still in bed. When I got back, he was sitting in his easy chair, still no teeth, haven't made coffee or anything. I got him ready and we went to McDonald's for breakfast and then got the car washed and then went to the grocery store. All ready for my company.
We leave for the airport in a little bit to pick up my daughter. Probably won't find much opportunity to post this week but will try. Cowboy is sitting and watching TV. He is going to be tired by the time we get home from the airport.
Today, I over slept and was almost late going to the clinic. I did something I rarely do. I told Cowboy I would be back in a few minutes and flew out the door. He was still in bed. When I got back, he was sitting in his easy chair, still no teeth, haven't made coffee or anything. I got him ready and we went to McDonald's for breakfast and then got the car washed and then went to the grocery store. All ready for my company.
We leave for the airport in a little bit to pick up my daughter. Probably won't find much opportunity to post this week but will try. Cowboy is sitting and watching TV. He is going to be tired by the time we get home from the airport.
Sunday, October 2, 2011
Sunday, Oct 2
It has finally cooled off a little bit. Supposed to be 60 at night and 90 at the hottest part of the day. I can live with that. Nice walking weather and our pup is so grateful.
Thursday evening I was in the study working on some bills and correspondence and I go to check on Cowboy. He was not in his chair so I go to the patio. He is spending some time there now that the weather is nice. Not on the patio. and then I see his turquoise shirt out of the corner of my eye. He is in the flower bed trying to get up. Apparently his gardening instincts kicked in and he saw some dead branches on a bush. He had gotten an axe and was going to remove it when he fell. Wasn't easy to help him up. He was pretty shaky. He thinks he was laying there about 5 to 10 minutes. He just had eye surgery recently and is not even supposed to bend over for a few more days. He is not supposed to be trying to weild an ax either. What am I going to do with him? Maybe a bell on the door?
Cowboy always took such pride in his yard. It is cared for by others now but I know he misses getting his hands in the dirt. We had the most beautiful flowers before. They don't do well here and we are in drought and nothing but cactus seems to want to stay healthly
Friday I went to the clinic, took Cowboy for a haircut, the dog to the groomer and then when Marsha came I went and had a pedicure and picked up some groceries.
My infection is slowly healing and they tell me it looks good. Have been into the clinic every day but since today is Sunday I had to make other arrangements. I just happen to have a really lovely friend who is also a nurse and she was nice enough to come by this morning and fix me up.
My daughter arrives from New York on Tuesday evening. She called and got Cowboy while I was walking the dog. When I came back, he told me she called and said "I didn't tell her anything". I have no idea why he said that. I called her back and we just talked about her arrival, etc.
Thursday evening I was in the study working on some bills and correspondence and I go to check on Cowboy. He was not in his chair so I go to the patio. He is spending some time there now that the weather is nice. Not on the patio. and then I see his turquoise shirt out of the corner of my eye. He is in the flower bed trying to get up. Apparently his gardening instincts kicked in and he saw some dead branches on a bush. He had gotten an axe and was going to remove it when he fell. Wasn't easy to help him up. He was pretty shaky. He thinks he was laying there about 5 to 10 minutes. He just had eye surgery recently and is not even supposed to bend over for a few more days. He is not supposed to be trying to weild an ax either. What am I going to do with him? Maybe a bell on the door?
Cowboy always took such pride in his yard. It is cared for by others now but I know he misses getting his hands in the dirt. We had the most beautiful flowers before. They don't do well here and we are in drought and nothing but cactus seems to want to stay healthly
Friday I went to the clinic, took Cowboy for a haircut, the dog to the groomer and then when Marsha came I went and had a pedicure and picked up some groceries.
My infection is slowly healing and they tell me it looks good. Have been into the clinic every day but since today is Sunday I had to make other arrangements. I just happen to have a really lovely friend who is also a nurse and she was nice enough to come by this morning and fix me up.
My daughter arrives from New York on Tuesday evening. She called and got Cowboy while I was walking the dog. When I came back, he told me she called and said "I didn't tell her anything". I have no idea why he said that. I called her back and we just talked about her arrival, etc.
Thursday, September 29, 2011
Thursday, September 29
Yesterday went back to the doctor. I do have a staph infection. The physicians assistant spent about 45 minutes digging it out and irrigating it and bandaging it. Thank goodness they shot a bunch of lidocane in it so I couldn't feel much. Have to go back every day for a week and have them do the same thing again. The nurse said this morning that he sure had done a good job. With some pain meds I am sure this too shall pass in a few days.
My friends and I had a nice day out yesterday. Went to ta little town lined with cool shops, antique stores, restaurants, etc. We ate lunch at a tea room. Delicious.
Today, first we went to the opthomologist, then got our flu shots, then went and picked up a pain med prescription for me and then had my wound cleaned. Poor Cowboy, he really got his exercise this morning. He almost fell when we were at the Dr. I think he had grown tired. We are now home and are going to stay here the rest of the day. Maybe I can finally read the morning paper. Cowboy is asleep in his easy chair.
I have to go back again in the morning and then have to take the dog to the groomers and then while my help is here am going to go run some errands. Man, I sure seem to stay busier than I would like. (it's called Doctors)
My friends and I had a nice day out yesterday. Went to ta little town lined with cool shops, antique stores, restaurants, etc. We ate lunch at a tea room. Delicious.
Today, first we went to the opthomologist, then got our flu shots, then went and picked up a pain med prescription for me and then had my wound cleaned. Poor Cowboy, he really got his exercise this morning. He almost fell when we were at the Dr. I think he had grown tired. We are now home and are going to stay here the rest of the day. Maybe I can finally read the morning paper. Cowboy is asleep in his easy chair.
I have to go back again in the morning and then have to take the dog to the groomers and then while my help is here am going to go run some errands. Man, I sure seem to stay busier than I would like. (it's called Doctors)
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
Tuesday, September 27
I had to make a trip to the Dr. yesterday morning. I have an ulcer about the size of a quarter and red and swollen skin around it. I was sure it was a spider bite. The Dr. is not sure but thinks I may have what Cowboy had that we thought was a bite and it may be MRSA. Will find out tomorrow when the culture comes back. It is in a bad spot, on my belly right under where my bra sits. More when I know more.
One of the band members and I went to an Alzheimers facility this morning and played for them. The administrator said he knew they enjoyed it even though it can be hard to tell. They tend to be very quiet and non-responsive. It is good to know we are doing something worthwhile.
Tomorrow Marsha will be here and I am going out with a couple of girlfriends. Have to go to Dr. first though.
One of the band members and I went to an Alzheimers facility this morning and played for them. The administrator said he knew they enjoyed it even though it can be hard to tell. They tend to be very quiet and non-responsive. It is good to know we are doing something worthwhile.
Tomorrow Marsha will be here and I am going out with a couple of girlfriends. Have to go to Dr. first though.
Saturday, September 24, 2011
Saturday, September 24
Yesterday morning I got up and realized that Cowboy was not in bed. I guess I completely slept through him getting up. I found him asleep, curled up in a ball on the sofa in the guest room. He had no memory of how he got there. Took a while to find the dog. She was under the bed. I have no idea what took place while I snoozed.
I took Cowboy to IHOP for breakfast and then we spent the rest of the day at home. The satellite provider came in the afternoon and fixed a problem with the TV in the guest room. I cooked a pork loin and corn on the cob and Cowboy ate pretty well last night. His eye is doing great. We have to put drops in every 4 hours for a few days but it is quick and easy.
I need to get some things done around here today, laundry, tidying up, doing my checkbook, maybe working on my pictures. Got some cute ones this week from some of our kiddos.
It is 11 AM and Cowboy has been snoozing in his easy chair a lot this morning. It is supposed to turn really hot again today. Will this never end?
I took Cowboy to IHOP for breakfast and then we spent the rest of the day at home. The satellite provider came in the afternoon and fixed a problem with the TV in the guest room. I cooked a pork loin and corn on the cob and Cowboy ate pretty well last night. His eye is doing great. We have to put drops in every 4 hours for a few days but it is quick and easy.
I need to get some things done around here today, laundry, tidying up, doing my checkbook, maybe working on my pictures. Got some cute ones this week from some of our kiddos.
It is 11 AM and Cowboy has been snoozing in his easy chair a lot this morning. It is supposed to turn really hot again today. Will this never end?
Thursday, September 22, 2011
Thursday, September 22
Some days are better than most and then there are those days that you wish you could avoid. Today was one of those.
We had a 9AM appointment for Cowboy to have his eye checked. The surgery went just fine yesterday. I set the alarm for 6:30 and when I get up the first thing that happens is I step into a pile of dog poop. It seems our little dog had a tummy ache last night and by the time I stepped in it it was all over my foot. Quick shower and then cleaned up the mess.
Cowboy gets to have breakfast and coffee this mornign before we head out on our appointment. It takes about 40 minutes to reach the clinic and about 10 minutes into the drive he has a tummy ache and soils his clothes. What did those two eat yesterday?!
Back home, shower for Cowboy, calls to the clinic letting them know we will be late. The appointment goes fine. I had called Marsha and let her know to come at 11 rather than 10 and then I took off for the base for errands and shopping. I usually go on Wednesdays but it was changed because of Cowboy's surgery. Well, it seems they let the troops off at 3PM on Thursdays and I was leaving the post after my shopping at exactly the same time as maybe 40,000 soldiers. Not all from the same gate, of course, but it was a challenge getting home by 4.
After getting home, I had to put away about a million grocery items and then fix dinner.
It is only 8 but I am pooped and am going to bed to read. Cowboy just went to bed so everyone is tucked in.
We had a 9AM appointment for Cowboy to have his eye checked. The surgery went just fine yesterday. I set the alarm for 6:30 and when I get up the first thing that happens is I step into a pile of dog poop. It seems our little dog had a tummy ache last night and by the time I stepped in it it was all over my foot. Quick shower and then cleaned up the mess.
Cowboy gets to have breakfast and coffee this mornign before we head out on our appointment. It takes about 40 minutes to reach the clinic and about 10 minutes into the drive he has a tummy ache and soils his clothes. What did those two eat yesterday?!
Back home, shower for Cowboy, calls to the clinic letting them know we will be late. The appointment goes fine. I had called Marsha and let her know to come at 11 rather than 10 and then I took off for the base for errands and shopping. I usually go on Wednesdays but it was changed because of Cowboy's surgery. Well, it seems they let the troops off at 3PM on Thursdays and I was leaving the post after my shopping at exactly the same time as maybe 40,000 soldiers. Not all from the same gate, of course, but it was a challenge getting home by 4.
After getting home, I had to put away about a million grocery items and then fix dinner.
It is only 8 but I am pooped and am going to bed to read. Cowboy just went to bed so everyone is tucked in.
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
Tuesday, September 20
In preparation for the surgery tomorrow there are eye drops to put in Cowboy's eyes. The instructions are simple and straightforward but when he reads them he gets it mixed up. He kept insisting this morning that I was doing it wrong. I read it to him and he still was sure I was the one mixed up. Finally got it done. Two hours later he says it is time for more drops. Since the time frame between is four hours he was mistaken about that and acted like he wasn't sure I knew what I was talking about when I explained it to him.
He doesn't seem nervous or anxious about the surgery. the other eye was done a couple of years ago with no problem. Here's hoping for the same result again.
I am feeling better. It is a bit cooler and the humidity is down today. I took the dog out this morning and we had a nice walk.
Good news. This morning I finally got to the right level of person at the VA and got things resolved. Will have 3 hours two days a week starting next week. She was going through this explanations of the way some of the programs work and such and finally I said, "Let me see if I am hearing this right. You have no budget right now but expect to have starting in October but you don't know how much. You have a waiting list but we are the only ones on it. You should be able to start service sometime soon but you don't know for sure and you don't know for how long? So, this is really all about money?" She kind of chuckles and said "You explained better than I did but yes, that is right".
She called me back in a few minutes and said they could start next week under the "Respite program" which is not funded but they have some money in the "Home Care program" to cover it. They will know soon what the longer term is going to look like. They got to the end of the year and had little money left, it was in the wrong pot and they have been juggling for a few weeks now. At least she was really honest and I understand a lot of it better now. I like this person, I have her number so maybe communications will be better going forward. Why can't people just tell it like it is instead of hem hawing around?
He doesn't seem nervous or anxious about the surgery. the other eye was done a couple of years ago with no problem. Here's hoping for the same result again.
I am feeling better. It is a bit cooler and the humidity is down today. I took the dog out this morning and we had a nice walk.
Good news. This morning I finally got to the right level of person at the VA and got things resolved. Will have 3 hours two days a week starting next week. She was going through this explanations of the way some of the programs work and such and finally I said, "Let me see if I am hearing this right. You have no budget right now but expect to have starting in October but you don't know how much. You have a waiting list but we are the only ones on it. You should be able to start service sometime soon but you don't know for sure and you don't know for how long? So, this is really all about money?" She kind of chuckles and said "You explained better than I did but yes, that is right".
She called me back in a few minutes and said they could start next week under the "Respite program" which is not funded but they have some money in the "Home Care program" to cover it. They will know soon what the longer term is going to look like. They got to the end of the year and had little money left, it was in the wrong pot and they have been juggling for a few weeks now. At least she was really honest and I understand a lot of it better now. I like this person, I have her number so maybe communications will be better going forward. Why can't people just tell it like it is instead of hem hawing around?
Sunday, September 18, 2011
Sunday, September 18
It actually rained a little bit yesterday. Just enough to remind us what it looks and smells like and then it quit. I think we are about 13 inches behind for the year. Very humid and sticky today.
Yesterday morning I was going to fix cold cereal for breakfast. Was not feeling too energetic. When I went to get it down it fell over backwards. It is on a shelf that I can just reach the edge of. ( Sometimes being 5 ft 1 inch is a problem.) I have been encouraged to let Cowboy do as much as he can so I ask him to do little things every day (empty the trash, open the blinds, pour our drinks for a meal) so I asked him to get the cereal box down. He reached up to get it, leaned sidewards and then just kind of slid to the floor. He ended up on his knees and seemed dazed, like he didn't know what just happened. He was OK but it was kind of strange.
Last night I baked a chicken, a sweet potato and steamed some spinach. This is a meal that Cowboy likes. He used to like some stuffing with it but the last two times I fixed that he didn't touch it. Well, last night he ate three bites of the sweet potato, chewed a small amount of chicken off a leg and got up from the table and left. He had eaten a good lunch and some watermelon in the afternoon. Sometimes I just feel like it is useless to try to get him to eat. I know in my heart all I can do is prepare it and present it and hope he will eat. It is hard when you try so hard and get so little result. and I hate wasting food but even the regular Cowboy wasn't big on leftover veggies so what do you do. I felt really bummed out.
I took our dog for a nice walk this morning. It was a bit cooler and cloudy. I have been feeling less than good the last couple of days. My head is clogged up and I have a headache. I think it is my allergies and the weather. Kind of ache all over too. I think I will limit myself today. I have a nice big Sunday paper to keep me occupied.
Yesterday morning I was going to fix cold cereal for breakfast. Was not feeling too energetic. When I went to get it down it fell over backwards. It is on a shelf that I can just reach the edge of. ( Sometimes being 5 ft 1 inch is a problem.) I have been encouraged to let Cowboy do as much as he can so I ask him to do little things every day (empty the trash, open the blinds, pour our drinks for a meal) so I asked him to get the cereal box down. He reached up to get it, leaned sidewards and then just kind of slid to the floor. He ended up on his knees and seemed dazed, like he didn't know what just happened. He was OK but it was kind of strange.
Last night I baked a chicken, a sweet potato and steamed some spinach. This is a meal that Cowboy likes. He used to like some stuffing with it but the last two times I fixed that he didn't touch it. Well, last night he ate three bites of the sweet potato, chewed a small amount of chicken off a leg and got up from the table and left. He had eaten a good lunch and some watermelon in the afternoon. Sometimes I just feel like it is useless to try to get him to eat. I know in my heart all I can do is prepare it and present it and hope he will eat. It is hard when you try so hard and get so little result. and I hate wasting food but even the regular Cowboy wasn't big on leftover veggies so what do you do. I felt really bummed out.
I took our dog for a nice walk this morning. It was a bit cooler and cloudy. I have been feeling less than good the last couple of days. My head is clogged up and I have a headache. I think it is my allergies and the weather. Kind of ache all over too. I think I will limit myself today. I have a nice big Sunday paper to keep me occupied.
Friday, September 16, 2011
Friday, September 16
I got to go to Bunco Monday night. A friend from the band sat with Cowboy. I even won for high score !
Marsha came Tuesday this week so I could attend a training session on Emergency Response given by the committee I used to serve on. It was great to see some of those folks. We met for band practice after that so was a busy day.
I thought Wednesday would be spent at home but I couldn't get my pain meds refilled without a doctor visit so spent the afternoon doing that. I took Cowboy with me. This doctor is a pain specialist and probably doesn't have a clue why I always show up with my hubby in tow. or why he never says anything. He kept looking at him like he expected him to weigh in or ask a question. Cowboy just sits there and doesn't engage at all.
Yesterday I went to book club in the morning just a few doors down from the house. In the afternoon Cowboy had two doctor appointments, one at 2 PM to get approval from our primary doctor for eye surgery. They did a heart check and electrocardiagram. Then we had to go to a neighboring city to see the opthamologist at 4PM.
Next Wednesday he will have cataract surgery on his left eye.
Today we went to get prescriptions filled, to Home Depot and then to the grocery. I am sick of doctors and pharmacies after this week. Cowboy is napping now.
I happen to pick up a magazine yesterday at the doctor's office and read an article about Glen Campbell having Alzheimers and still going to tour. Cowboy can still remember some songs and sing them but he can no longer play his guitar. It will be interesting to see how Mr. Campbell does. The most interesting thing about the article was that he said he was happier than he had ever been and felt like God had taken away all his troubles.
That spoke to me because I believe Cowboy is more at peace than I have ever seen him. He smiles and laughs easily, he is affectionate and he doesn't seem to worry about anything at all. I am so thankful for that and hope it continues to be true. We went through a time when he was easily agitated, would obsessively worry about nothing at all and seem troubled about things that didn't really matter. I have not seen that in a while.
Marsha came Tuesday this week so I could attend a training session on Emergency Response given by the committee I used to serve on. It was great to see some of those folks. We met for band practice after that so was a busy day.
I thought Wednesday would be spent at home but I couldn't get my pain meds refilled without a doctor visit so spent the afternoon doing that. I took Cowboy with me. This doctor is a pain specialist and probably doesn't have a clue why I always show up with my hubby in tow. or why he never says anything. He kept looking at him like he expected him to weigh in or ask a question. Cowboy just sits there and doesn't engage at all.
Yesterday I went to book club in the morning just a few doors down from the house. In the afternoon Cowboy had two doctor appointments, one at 2 PM to get approval from our primary doctor for eye surgery. They did a heart check and electrocardiagram. Then we had to go to a neighboring city to see the opthamologist at 4PM.
Next Wednesday he will have cataract surgery on his left eye.
Today we went to get prescriptions filled, to Home Depot and then to the grocery. I am sick of doctors and pharmacies after this week. Cowboy is napping now.
I happen to pick up a magazine yesterday at the doctor's office and read an article about Glen Campbell having Alzheimers and still going to tour. Cowboy can still remember some songs and sing them but he can no longer play his guitar. It will be interesting to see how Mr. Campbell does. The most interesting thing about the article was that he said he was happier than he had ever been and felt like God had taken away all his troubles.
That spoke to me because I believe Cowboy is more at peace than I have ever seen him. He smiles and laughs easily, he is affectionate and he doesn't seem to worry about anything at all. I am so thankful for that and hope it continues to be true. We went through a time when he was easily agitated, would obsessively worry about nothing at all and seem troubled about things that didn't really matter. I have not seen that in a while.
Sunday, September 11, 2011
Sunday, September 11
It is much cooler in the AM now and I have been taking our dog for a walk when I first get up. It is wonderful to feel the sun on my skin and feel the breeze. Yesterday I suggested to Cowboy we put the top down on the car and go for a drive and he liked that idea. We stopped at Sonic and had a good old hamburger and tator tots which he ate all of. Not on his list of things he should eat but I didn't care a lick. It was nice to get out.
The last few days have been quiet and I have been tidying up bathroom cabinets and trying to feel in control. . I found a tube of toothpaste behind the bandaids in an area where we keep first aid supplies. I wonder how it got there?
Cowboy has been very quiet and napping a lot but seems OK.
Today is September 11 and we put out our little flags around the yard as have some of our neighbors. I asked Cowboy if he remembered that day and he said yes but couldn't tell me where he was or what he was doing. I remember it so well. I was doing chores around the house and Cowboy was in the garage puttering around when I happened to walk past the TV and saw the coverage. I had planned on making a run to WalMart that morning so after watching the coverage for a while I decided to go ahead and go. When I got about a half mile from WalMart I ran into a traffic jam of cars lined up for gas at their pumps. I finally found a place to park and went into the store. It was total chaos. People were rushing about, filling their carts with all kinds of things and the lines to check out were long. The cashier that checked me out was in tears and said they wouldn't tell them anything or let them see the TV coverage. She had heard that all the power was being cut off soon. I have no idea where that came from and I tried to soothe her but was not very successful. We lived in Broken Arrow Oklahom which seems a million miles from NYC. I was astounded at the reaction of my neighbors. It seems like for the next several days we did nothing but watch the TV.
I am in the final stages of planning a getaway in November. I am going with a friend to my sister's in New Mexico while she is here looking after Cowboy. Haven't seen Santa Fe in a good long while and we are also going up to Taos.
My daughter that lives in New York is coming for a visit on October 4. I haven't seen her in almost 2 years so am really looking forward to her visit. I flew up there in the fall two years ago and we took a road trip through New England. It was great. I told her then that I could not leave again unless Cowboy had someone with him. That time his daugher came and stayed with him. It doesn't seem like it has been that long since I felt like he needed watching after. Two years. I knew we had a problem even then but it was much later that it was finally diagnosed.
The last few days have been quiet and I have been tidying up bathroom cabinets and trying to feel in control. . I found a tube of toothpaste behind the bandaids in an area where we keep first aid supplies. I wonder how it got there?
Cowboy has been very quiet and napping a lot but seems OK.
Today is September 11 and we put out our little flags around the yard as have some of our neighbors. I asked Cowboy if he remembered that day and he said yes but couldn't tell me where he was or what he was doing. I remember it so well. I was doing chores around the house and Cowboy was in the garage puttering around when I happened to walk past the TV and saw the coverage. I had planned on making a run to WalMart that morning so after watching the coverage for a while I decided to go ahead and go. When I got about a half mile from WalMart I ran into a traffic jam of cars lined up for gas at their pumps. I finally found a place to park and went into the store. It was total chaos. People were rushing about, filling their carts with all kinds of things and the lines to check out were long. The cashier that checked me out was in tears and said they wouldn't tell them anything or let them see the TV coverage. She had heard that all the power was being cut off soon. I have no idea where that came from and I tried to soothe her but was not very successful. We lived in Broken Arrow Oklahom which seems a million miles from NYC. I was astounded at the reaction of my neighbors. It seems like for the next several days we did nothing but watch the TV.
I am in the final stages of planning a getaway in November. I am going with a friend to my sister's in New Mexico while she is here looking after Cowboy. Haven't seen Santa Fe in a good long while and we are also going up to Taos.
My daughter that lives in New York is coming for a visit on October 4. I haven't seen her in almost 2 years so am really looking forward to her visit. I flew up there in the fall two years ago and we took a road trip through New England. It was great. I told her then that I could not leave again unless Cowboy had someone with him. That time his daugher came and stayed with him. It doesn't seem like it has been that long since I felt like he needed watching after. Two years. I knew we had a problem even then but it was much later that it was finally diagnosed.
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
Tuesday, September 6
Our company got off late morning. Had to do laundry of sheets and towels and tidy up things.
The band was over this afternoon. We had a good jam.
Checked Cowboy's bite and it looks much better. We have switched from a full bandage to bandaids to protect it. I suspect a few more days and it will be completely healed.
Cowboy went to bed tonight at 7PM. He seems really tired. Didn't want dinner so I fixed him a banana shake and he drank all of it. I think he just needs to do as little as possible for a few days.
There are these terrible fires all around our area right now. Nothing close to us but the drought is now taking a terrible toll. Hundreds of homes have burned. I have had a headache all day. Maybe it is the air quality.
Tomorrow Marsha will be here. I have a whole list of things I need to purchase so I suspect all of my time will go to chasing down things like water softener salt, cards for several birthdays this month, some drug store items, groceries, etc.
The band was over this afternoon. We had a good jam.
Checked Cowboy's bite and it looks much better. We have switched from a full bandage to bandaids to protect it. I suspect a few more days and it will be completely healed.
Cowboy went to bed tonight at 7PM. He seems really tired. Didn't want dinner so I fixed him a banana shake and he drank all of it. I think he just needs to do as little as possible for a few days.
There are these terrible fires all around our area right now. Nothing close to us but the drought is now taking a terrible toll. Hundreds of homes have burned. I have had a headache all day. Maybe it is the air quality.
Tomorrow Marsha will be here. I have a whole list of things I need to purchase so I suspect all of my time will go to chasing down things like water softener salt, cards for several birthdays this month, some drug store items, groceries, etc.
Monday, September 5, 2011
Monday, September 5
Cowboy's daughter and son-in-law have been here since Saturday. They are going home tomorrow.
Yesterday we went out and drove around and showed them the town and some of the sights and had lunch at a favorite Mexican place. We drove out to the lake, etc. Cowboy had some trouble walking sometimes, very unsteady. Maybe this is the parkinson symptoms. He had some trouble Friday and I took his blood pressure and blood sugar and both were fine.
Today we had a big breakfast and then drove to a neighboring town famous for little shops and historical buildings. Browsed around a bit, had a nice lunch and drove back. Cowboy had trouble today too. He is now asleep, all tuckered out. It is getting pretty hard to get him out for any length of time but he needs to be moving around and walking, etc.
Company leaves tomorrow. They are taking the last of the pile of stuff in the garage that came out of the attic and from changes in the house. Finally I can consider all of that work done. We have had a good visit. They have 30 acres and livestock so it is hard for them to leave home for long. Always have to arrange for care of the animals in their absense. Our puppy dog sure loves having them.
Yesterday we went out and drove around and showed them the town and some of the sights and had lunch at a favorite Mexican place. We drove out to the lake, etc. Cowboy had some trouble walking sometimes, very unsteady. Maybe this is the parkinson symptoms. He had some trouble Friday and I took his blood pressure and blood sugar and both were fine.
Today we had a big breakfast and then drove to a neighboring town famous for little shops and historical buildings. Browsed around a bit, had a nice lunch and drove back. Cowboy had trouble today too. He is now asleep, all tuckered out. It is getting pretty hard to get him out for any length of time but he needs to be moving around and walking, etc.
Company leaves tomorrow. They are taking the last of the pile of stuff in the garage that came out of the attic and from changes in the house. Finally I can consider all of that work done. We have had a good visit. They have 30 acres and livestock so it is hard for them to leave home for long. Always have to arrange for care of the animals in their absense. Our puppy dog sure loves having them.
Friday, September 2, 2011
Friday, September 2
When we went to the Doctor the other day he brought in a student and introduced him to us. He then asked Cowboy if he could tell the young man what he had. Cowboy tried to think through and answer him but could not. After prompting he remember he had dementia but couldn't tell them what type. As the doctor was leaving he told the young man that Cowboy is actually pretty sharp.
Cowboy has alwasy preferred to watch old westerns, old country and western music shows and such for the most part. Of late though he has fixated on two shows - Law and Order and NCIS. They play almost continuously on this one channel and he sits there and watches them. He used to go to bed or to the other room to avoid watching that type of show. Then last night he asked me if I was recording "Suits", a show I have become interested in and usually record and then replay when I sit down for a bit. He has never asked me to record a show or to play one for him before. Guess I shouldn't wonder, he is sitting there right now watching a show about the development of farming equipment of RFDTV.
Cowboy has alwasy preferred to watch old westerns, old country and western music shows and such for the most part. Of late though he has fixated on two shows - Law and Order and NCIS. They play almost continuously on this one channel and he sits there and watches them. He used to go to bed or to the other room to avoid watching that type of show. Then last night he asked me if I was recording "Suits", a show I have become interested in and usually record and then replay when I sit down for a bit. He has never asked me to record a show or to play one for him before. Guess I shouldn't wonder, he is sitting there right now watching a show about the development of farming equipment of RFDTV.
Thursday, September 1, 2011
Thursday, September 1
I can only hope now that the calendar has turned that the temperature will start to fall. 102 predicted today.
Marsha came yesterday and I drove down to an outlet mall and piddled around. Found a 75% off sale at Bath and Body Works. It is an open air mall and it was very hot so didn't really do too much. Back to the grocery store after a slice of pizza and home. Marsha said that Cowboy refused lunch altogether and after she reminded him a couple of times told her to leave him alone. mmmmmmm......
Last night at 2AM I hear what sounds like a crash. Not sure why it sounded like it did but I got up and found Cowboy on the floor with his jeans half on. He had fallen into the rocking chair that sits in our bedroom while trying to pull up his pants. I asked him what he was doing and he said he could not sleep. I persuaded him to come back to bed and he fell asleep pretty quickly.
This morning we took our pup to the groomer and then took Cowboy to the barber. Then on to the car wash and to fill up the car. The groomer had not yet called so we hit a couple of stores there in the strip mall while we waited. By the time we got home it was noon and Cowboy sat down and almost immediately fell asleep.
We are expecting Cowboy's daughter and hubby tomorrow until Tuesday.
Marsha came yesterday and I drove down to an outlet mall and piddled around. Found a 75% off sale at Bath and Body Works. It is an open air mall and it was very hot so didn't really do too much. Back to the grocery store after a slice of pizza and home. Marsha said that Cowboy refused lunch altogether and after she reminded him a couple of times told her to leave him alone. mmmmmmm......
Last night at 2AM I hear what sounds like a crash. Not sure why it sounded like it did but I got up and found Cowboy on the floor with his jeans half on. He had fallen into the rocking chair that sits in our bedroom while trying to pull up his pants. I asked him what he was doing and he said he could not sleep. I persuaded him to come back to bed and he fell asleep pretty quickly.
This morning we took our pup to the groomer and then took Cowboy to the barber. Then on to the car wash and to fill up the car. The groomer had not yet called so we hit a couple of stores there in the strip mall while we waited. By the time we got home it was noon and Cowboy sat down and almost immediately fell asleep.
We are expecting Cowboy's daughter and hubby tomorrow until Tuesday.
Monday, August 29, 2011
Monday, August 29
We had our annual appointments with the opthamologist this morning. No change in my prescription which is good. My glasses run about $600. Cowboy had some trouble with the evaluation. He cannot always tell what a given letter is. The chart would say D R S T Y and he would say O B S T W. I know he can see it, he just can't always process it properly. I am not sure the Dr. fully understood although I tried to explain what we are dealing with. I wonder if we will reach a point where some kind of special place or person will have to do this type of thing? His left eye is ready for cataract surgery. He had the right eye done about 3 years ago. We could put it off but Cowboy wants to go ahead so we are scheduled for Sept 21. Since he is having the surgery he will have another exam after and we can address any change in his presciption at that time.
The insect bit looked awful this morning so after we got through with the opthamologist it was off to our primary care doc. They drained the bite and irrigated it. The shot to deaden it was painful and you could tell Cowboy was gritting his teeth. He has a high tolerance for pain but given how red and swollen it was I am sure it really hurt. Hopefully it will heal now.
Spent an hour on the phone with the VA this afternoon. They called to tell me they only have funding through September for respite care and then they don't know what will happen. There is another program of day care that is available to us. I am not sure I could get Cowboy to go but is worth checking out. The downside is it has a waiting list. Looks like I will need to continue to pay for any help for some period of time. Some of this must be tied to the government budgetary mess we are in right now. I am just so glad I can pay for someone. Cannot imagine literrally having to ask someone to sit with Cowboy while I buy groceries, etc., let alone get some time to myself. and the saga continues..........
The insect bit looked awful this morning so after we got through with the opthamologist it was off to our primary care doc. They drained the bite and irrigated it. The shot to deaden it was painful and you could tell Cowboy was gritting his teeth. He has a high tolerance for pain but given how red and swollen it was I am sure it really hurt. Hopefully it will heal now.
Spent an hour on the phone with the VA this afternoon. They called to tell me they only have funding through September for respite care and then they don't know what will happen. There is another program of day care that is available to us. I am not sure I could get Cowboy to go but is worth checking out. The downside is it has a waiting list. Looks like I will need to continue to pay for any help for some period of time. Some of this must be tied to the government budgetary mess we are in right now. I am just so glad I can pay for someone. Cannot imagine literrally having to ask someone to sit with Cowboy while I buy groceries, etc., let alone get some time to myself. and the saga continues..........
Sunday, August 28, 2011
Sunday, August 28
Everyone in this house has "cabin fever". It is so hot we can't even sit on the patio or take a walk. It hit 110 yesterday. After finishing the laundry yesterday I suggested we take a drive and we got in the car and took off. Spent about 3 hours just driving around. It was actually pretty nice. We stopped and got an ice cream and enjoyed the sunshine through the windows of our air conditioned car.
It is a quiet weekend. Cowboy got up really early this morning and made his own coffee. That doesn't happen often. But now he is sleeping in his chair. There is mostly coverage of hurricane Irene on the TV.
Tomorrow morning we have appointments for eye exams that will take most of the morning. The bite on his arm is smaller but still very red. Will see how it looks tomorrrow. May need to take him back to the doc on that.
It is a quiet weekend. Cowboy got up really early this morning and made his own coffee. That doesn't happen often. But now he is sleeping in his chair. There is mostly coverage of hurricane Irene on the TV.
Tomorrow morning we have appointments for eye exams that will take most of the morning. The bite on his arm is smaller but still very red. Will see how it looks tomorrrow. May need to take him back to the doc on that.
Friday, August 26, 2011
Friday, August 26
This week has been a bit of a challenge. On Tuesday we drove to the VA center in a neighboring town, about a 45 minute drive. Stopped for breakfast to make it more enjoyable. When we arrived at the VA hospital to check in they first sent us to another building and up the elevator to the 4th floor. Cowboy was walking very slowly and a bit unsteady but we made it. Then they said we first needed to go to a place on the first floor. When we got there they told us his appointment was to be a teleconference and sent us to another office. When we got there they told us it was cancelled so we were sent back to the first place where they confired it was cancelled, no explanation. I am now thoroughly familiar with both the hospital and the attached clinic. At this point we are tired, frustrated and confused. So much for that trip.
We then went to the base in another town about 25 miles away to renew our sticker on the car for access on the base. This involved parking quite aways from the building and walking in the 105 degree heat and then waiting in that building for about an hour to get waited on. The lovely fellow that took our request could see that Cowboy was tired and he offered to go out and remove the old sticker and put the new one on. I was so grateful. They don't have to do that. Not sure Cowboy would have accomplished it, even back home on a cool morning and I literally cannot reach the place on the windshield where it is required to be attached. On to the PX to pick up a prescription that somehow they didn't have ready last week when I was there and another walk in the heat. What a day.
Wednesday, my much awaited day out went OK. Marsha came and did her usual magic of changing the bed, dusting everything in sight, cleaning the kitchen, etc. I am giving Cowboy his baths every other night at the moment so I can put lots of lotion on him so Marsha just looks after him and fixes his lunch. I made a run to JC Penney and Ross, the drugstore and then bought groceries.
Thursday was a much anticipated day with nothing on the calendar. I slept later than usual and so did Cowboy. I fixed a big breakfast and settled in with the paper when Cowboy said he had an insect bite on his arm. It was near his wrist. It was swollen and red and very painful to the touch, about 3 or 4 inches across. I called and talked to the doctor and was asked to bring him in. He was put on an antibiotic and told to drink lots of water and to come back Saturday if not better.
I also called the VA yesterday to see what I could find out about the cancelled appointment. The Va had made the appointment in the first place as part of the review they have been muckin around with since February. Per the case manager, the doctor looked at the file and decided to just review the file and make his decision rather than seeing Cowboy. I still don't really get it. Apparently he made his decision at the last minute after we had a letter and a phone call confirming the appointment. I wish there was better coordination around there.
Cowboy is getting picky about his eating again. Sometimes he does really well but is leaving lots of food on his plate a good deal of the time and just turns his nose up at many things he has always liked. I hate the waste. I fixed a chicken salad a couple of weeks ago and he really liked it. I fixed the same things today and he said he didn't like it. All he ate for lunch was a slice of watermelon and some grapes.
We went to the periodontist this morning for a cleaning that he gets every 6 months. Taking care of his teeth is difficult. He doesn't care much anymore whether he brushes them, etc. I have to remind him to brush them.
We then went to the base in another town about 25 miles away to renew our sticker on the car for access on the base. This involved parking quite aways from the building and walking in the 105 degree heat and then waiting in that building for about an hour to get waited on. The lovely fellow that took our request could see that Cowboy was tired and he offered to go out and remove the old sticker and put the new one on. I was so grateful. They don't have to do that. Not sure Cowboy would have accomplished it, even back home on a cool morning and I literally cannot reach the place on the windshield where it is required to be attached. On to the PX to pick up a prescription that somehow they didn't have ready last week when I was there and another walk in the heat. What a day.
Wednesday, my much awaited day out went OK. Marsha came and did her usual magic of changing the bed, dusting everything in sight, cleaning the kitchen, etc. I am giving Cowboy his baths every other night at the moment so I can put lots of lotion on him so Marsha just looks after him and fixes his lunch. I made a run to JC Penney and Ross, the drugstore and then bought groceries.
Thursday was a much anticipated day with nothing on the calendar. I slept later than usual and so did Cowboy. I fixed a big breakfast and settled in with the paper when Cowboy said he had an insect bite on his arm. It was near his wrist. It was swollen and red and very painful to the touch, about 3 or 4 inches across. I called and talked to the doctor and was asked to bring him in. He was put on an antibiotic and told to drink lots of water and to come back Saturday if not better.
I also called the VA yesterday to see what I could find out about the cancelled appointment. The Va had made the appointment in the first place as part of the review they have been muckin around with since February. Per the case manager, the doctor looked at the file and decided to just review the file and make his decision rather than seeing Cowboy. I still don't really get it. Apparently he made his decision at the last minute after we had a letter and a phone call confirming the appointment. I wish there was better coordination around there.
Cowboy is getting picky about his eating again. Sometimes he does really well but is leaving lots of food on his plate a good deal of the time and just turns his nose up at many things he has always liked. I hate the waste. I fixed a chicken salad a couple of weeks ago and he really liked it. I fixed the same things today and he said he didn't like it. All he ate for lunch was a slice of watermelon and some grapes.
We went to the periodontist this morning for a cleaning that he gets every 6 months. Taking care of his teeth is difficult. He doesn't care much anymore whether he brushes them, etc. I have to remind him to brush them.
Monday, August 22, 2011
Monday, August 22
School started here today. No more little kids to dodge at the WalMart for a while. Tomorrow we break a record for the most days over 100 degrees in a single summer. Already broke the record for hottest summer on record.
Cowboy got up before me this morning. He was making his coffee as I came into the kitchen. This is good. I just checked and made sure he did everything and he did. At breakfast I asked him why he had on a heavy winter shirt. He said he was cold when he got up. (no way, I keep the thermostat on 76. I used to have it at 78 and he was complaining about being too warm.) I think his "thermostat" is broken.
I definitely have cabin fever at this point. It is so hot and even going out for a walk has to be at 7AM. Not sure my knee and ankle could take that yet anyway. Am definitely better and fully expect to be able to take a nice walk any day now. Let's not tell the dog until I am ready to go out the door. She will go nuts. Poor thing hasn't had a nice long walk in weeks now.
Cowboy got up before me this morning. He was making his coffee as I came into the kitchen. This is good. I just checked and made sure he did everything and he did. At breakfast I asked him why he had on a heavy winter shirt. He said he was cold when he got up. (no way, I keep the thermostat on 76. I used to have it at 78 and he was complaining about being too warm.) I think his "thermostat" is broken.
I definitely have cabin fever at this point. It is so hot and even going out for a walk has to be at 7AM. Not sure my knee and ankle could take that yet anyway. Am definitely better and fully expect to be able to take a nice walk any day now. Let's not tell the dog until I am ready to go out the door. She will go nuts. Poor thing hasn't had a nice long walk in weeks now.
Sunday, August 21, 2011
Sunday, August 21
I noticed when I signed in this morning that I have done 98 posts. Wow...
I feel like my posts are probably a bit boring right now. Not much is happening but believe me that is a good thing. I put our prescriptions in these plastic "day minders" every Saturday for the coming week. It seems like I just get them filled and it is time to fill them again. In my mind it is a way to mark time and it just goes by in a flash. Is that good or bad?
Cowboy continues to be in a pretty good humor and he tries to do some things for himself. He is very inconsistent about it. One meal he will carry his plate back to the kitchen and the next time he won't. Sometimes he will shave but mostly he doesn't. Some days he puts out the flag and some days he doesn't. These are all things that used to happen consistently.
I had my day out yesterday and went to the neighborhood coffee the ladies have every month. I had another friend offer to come over and sit with Cowboy. I am going to take them up on it when it is time to prepare for our January concert. That will mean getting to practice very Saturday morning. I have had 4 very lovely friends offer to help.
Ran into a friend while I was getting some lunch and she went with me to browse a bit in Pier One and Kohls. Marsha is still sick and the service sent a lady named Kay. She seems nice but didn't do much except change the bed. I am still bathing Cowboy every other night before bed and slathering lotion on him. I think hs is more comfortable and is not scratching quite as much.
Heard from the dermatologist and our appointment is not until October. Haven't heard a word from VA. Time to follow up on that.
I am enjoying the updates we just finished on the house and Cowboy even commented on the new carpet. He said he liked it.
I feel like my posts are probably a bit boring right now. Not much is happening but believe me that is a good thing. I put our prescriptions in these plastic "day minders" every Saturday for the coming week. It seems like I just get them filled and it is time to fill them again. In my mind it is a way to mark time and it just goes by in a flash. Is that good or bad?
Cowboy continues to be in a pretty good humor and he tries to do some things for himself. He is very inconsistent about it. One meal he will carry his plate back to the kitchen and the next time he won't. Sometimes he will shave but mostly he doesn't. Some days he puts out the flag and some days he doesn't. These are all things that used to happen consistently.
I had my day out yesterday and went to the neighborhood coffee the ladies have every month. I had another friend offer to come over and sit with Cowboy. I am going to take them up on it when it is time to prepare for our January concert. That will mean getting to practice very Saturday morning. I have had 4 very lovely friends offer to help.
Ran into a friend while I was getting some lunch and she went with me to browse a bit in Pier One and Kohls. Marsha is still sick and the service sent a lady named Kay. She seems nice but didn't do much except change the bed. I am still bathing Cowboy every other night before bed and slathering lotion on him. I think hs is more comfortable and is not scratching quite as much.
Heard from the dermatologist and our appointment is not until October. Haven't heard a word from VA. Time to follow up on that.
I am enjoying the updates we just finished on the house and Cowboy even commented on the new carpet. He said he liked it.
Thursday, August 18, 2011
Thursday, August 18
Tuesday afternoon about 4PM Cowboy wanted to know when we were going for watermelon. I explained it would not be until 7PM. He seemed disappointed. When we did get there about 7 he immediately got a slice of watermelon, ate and went back for another and then another. They were small slices. He sat with some of the men and they were talking and he just sat there but he didn't talk and didn't seem to be listening. I cannot tell if he is actually listening or his mind was off somewhere else.
Marsha was sick Wednesday so I ended up taking Cowboy with me to the base. We got our medicine and bought a few groceries. He was really tired by the time we got home.
Cowboy has been very passive the last few days but is eating and sleeping good.
I talked to my friend and to my sister today and we are working out something for November. May swap houses and my sister can stay with Cowboy and my friend and I can stay at her house and putter around Santa Fe and Taos. Looks like it is going to work out. We will see.
Marsha was sick Wednesday so I ended up taking Cowboy with me to the base. We got our medicine and bought a few groceries. He was really tired by the time we got home.
Cowboy has been very passive the last few days but is eating and sleeping good.
I talked to my friend and to my sister today and we are working out something for November. May swap houses and my sister can stay with Cowboy and my friend and I can stay at her house and putter around Santa Fe and Taos. Looks like it is going to work out. We will see.
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
Tuesday, August 16
I heard from an old friend yesterday and she is suggesting we take a trip. I had been thinking about trying to get away for a few days and my sister had already offered to stay with Cowboy for a few days. I think we are going to start trying to figure something out.
We got up yesterday AM and went to the bank and to pick up a prescription and then drove around and then decided to go get the oil changed in the car. That pretty much took care of Monday. It is still over 100 degrees every day so not much can do outside but inside an air conditioned car we can go anywhere, right?
I have long been interested in photography and have litterally thousands of pictures so drug out some of them from our trips in the past and decided to print some off and change up some of the pictures I have hanging in the house. Ended up spending the rest of yesterday and this morning muckin' around with that. Cowboy is watching TV and he and I just don't have the same interests as it concerns TV so I have to do other things. He doesn't really understand why I don't just sit there and stay beside him and I try to do that quite a bit. I read more that I am staying home a lot. and I have started playing around with crossword puzzles. Not sure they are going to do much for me.
The band comes over this afternoon and am going to need to stop playing with the computer and pics and start setting up pretty soon.
Our neighborhood is having a watermelon feast this evening and we are going to go to that, at least for a few minutes. The doctors tell me that social interaction is a good thing to do so I take every opportunity and as long as Cowboy does OK it is really good to get to visit and socialize.
Tomorrow Marsha will be here and I am off to the base to pick up prescriptions and do some shopping.
I have not heard from the VA yet. Also waiting on a call for a referral to a dermatologist for Cowboy. His feet are covered with a rash again.
We got up yesterday AM and went to the bank and to pick up a prescription and then drove around and then decided to go get the oil changed in the car. That pretty much took care of Monday. It is still over 100 degrees every day so not much can do outside but inside an air conditioned car we can go anywhere, right?
I have long been interested in photography and have litterally thousands of pictures so drug out some of them from our trips in the past and decided to print some off and change up some of the pictures I have hanging in the house. Ended up spending the rest of yesterday and this morning muckin' around with that. Cowboy is watching TV and he and I just don't have the same interests as it concerns TV so I have to do other things. He doesn't really understand why I don't just sit there and stay beside him and I try to do that quite a bit. I read more that I am staying home a lot. and I have started playing around with crossword puzzles. Not sure they are going to do much for me.
The band comes over this afternoon and am going to need to stop playing with the computer and pics and start setting up pretty soon.
Our neighborhood is having a watermelon feast this evening and we are going to go to that, at least for a few minutes. The doctors tell me that social interaction is a good thing to do so I take every opportunity and as long as Cowboy does OK it is really good to get to visit and socialize.
Tomorrow Marsha will be here and I am off to the base to pick up prescriptions and do some shopping.
I have not heard from the VA yet. Also waiting on a call for a referral to a dermatologist for Cowboy. His feet are covered with a rash again.
Saturday, August 13, 2011
Saturday, August 13
Wednesday Marsha was here and I had lunch with my "Red Hat" friends. It was great. I had not been able to attend for several months but they changed the day to Wednesday this month so I could come. We went to lunch and had Italian food. Then I ran to Kohl's so I could take advantage of a 20% coupon I had.
I spent Thursday cleaning and organizing, cooking, etc. Cowboy is wandering around the house a lot. He also has been going out and sitting on the patio. That would be fine except it is soooo hot. I am keeping an eye on him and making sure he doesn't stay out there very long.
I took Cowboy out to breakfast on Friday and took him for a haircut. I also got a call from the VA on Friday and they ask a lot of questions. Our "case" is being reviewed. Here's hoping.......
A couple of times this week he has gotten up really early. Kind of like he was for so many years, up with the chickens. He doesn't attempt to do anything, just sits in his chair and watches TV. He has a time with the remote. We have a fairly complex setup and he doesn't retain any of the information about how to operate it so he often ends up unable to navigate and get where he wants to go.....then he will just sit there looking at an error message or punching buttons hoping something will work. He manages to record a lot of stuff that there was no intent to do as well.
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
Tuesday, August 9
Last night was a new adventure. About 1:30 Cowboy sat straight up in bed, yelled "NO!" and bounded out of bed. I was trying to get my glasses on and find my shoes and I heard the front door. He was in his undershorts and outside. I go after him and get him back in the house. When I asked him what he was doing he said he had to "check it out". He came back into the bedroom and started taking off his shorts. I then discovered he had soiled them. I cleaned him up and got him back to bed.
He got up again around 3 and wandered around the house and finally went into the front room and lay down on the sofa and was soon asleep. I went back to bed but couldn't rest. Kept trying to be sure I heard him if he got up again. This morning when I got up he was in the living room in his easy chair watching TV.
This morning he got a good bath and I slathered him in lotion and put medicine on his sores. The rash is about gone but he has a lot of sores from scratching.
I got some bad news from the VA last week. They called the house this past Wednesday and Cowboy answered the telephone, which he rarely does. It was a sixty day check on how things were going. When asked if Marsha was helping him bathe, he responded "all she does is dry my back". When asked what else she did he told them "not much of anything". Marsha was hearing this conversation and reported it to me when I got home. Marsha works constantly when she is here and does all kinds of things. She was the one that found the pressure sore and believe me she did not find it by just drying his back. I think all of his answers are a reflection of his need to feel competent and independent.
I called the VA and explained the situation and tried to tell her that the information given by Cowboy was not correct. She said she would talk to her supervisor. I learned on Friday that they were discontinuing the service. I am in the process of escalating the issue but for the time being the service has been informed the VA will no longer pay them. I am going to have here come in Wednesdays for 5 hours and pay for it myself while we try to straighten this out. I just don't feel I can pay for her 3 times a week. It is $17.50 an hour. For now I will need to plan all my errands for Wednesdays.
Speaking on money, the stock market is in a dive and here I just spent some money doing things on the house. I guess I should have waited but who knew ?? I am now feeling a bit uneasy. I know it will turn around at some point but I am really trying to be smart and conservative with our money. I kind of figured it is money we were normally spent for a trip or two and that isn't happening. I just need to put it out of my mind and focus on other things.
One bit of good news. When I got up this morning my ankle felt almost normal. Maybe I am on the mend. Now if I could just get down and get back up from the floor without something to hold onto. I discovered this morning that when they moved the china cabinet, the stuff in the bottom behind closed doors had shifted around so needed to get down there and tidy it up. Can only use my left knee to get down and back up. I hate this ! I hate this ! I hate this ! I just wanted to be injury free and able to do whatever I need to do.
He got up again around 3 and wandered around the house and finally went into the front room and lay down on the sofa and was soon asleep. I went back to bed but couldn't rest. Kept trying to be sure I heard him if he got up again. This morning when I got up he was in the living room in his easy chair watching TV.
This morning he got a good bath and I slathered him in lotion and put medicine on his sores. The rash is about gone but he has a lot of sores from scratching.
I got some bad news from the VA last week. They called the house this past Wednesday and Cowboy answered the telephone, which he rarely does. It was a sixty day check on how things were going. When asked if Marsha was helping him bathe, he responded "all she does is dry my back". When asked what else she did he told them "not much of anything". Marsha was hearing this conversation and reported it to me when I got home. Marsha works constantly when she is here and does all kinds of things. She was the one that found the pressure sore and believe me she did not find it by just drying his back. I think all of his answers are a reflection of his need to feel competent and independent.
I called the VA and explained the situation and tried to tell her that the information given by Cowboy was not correct. She said she would talk to her supervisor. I learned on Friday that they were discontinuing the service. I am in the process of escalating the issue but for the time being the service has been informed the VA will no longer pay them. I am going to have here come in Wednesdays for 5 hours and pay for it myself while we try to straighten this out. I just don't feel I can pay for her 3 times a week. It is $17.50 an hour. For now I will need to plan all my errands for Wednesdays.
Speaking on money, the stock market is in a dive and here I just spent some money doing things on the house. I guess I should have waited but who knew ?? I am now feeling a bit uneasy. I know it will turn around at some point but I am really trying to be smart and conservative with our money. I kind of figured it is money we were normally spent for a trip or two and that isn't happening. I just need to put it out of my mind and focus on other things.
One bit of good news. When I got up this morning my ankle felt almost normal. Maybe I am on the mend. Now if I could just get down and get back up from the floor without something to hold onto. I discovered this morning that when they moved the china cabinet, the stuff in the bottom behind closed doors had shifted around so needed to get down there and tidy it up. Can only use my left knee to get down and back up. I hate this ! I hate this ! I hate this ! I just wanted to be injury free and able to do whatever I need to do.
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