December isn't starting very well for me. A car crashed into the side of our antique shop and busted the gas intakes.Had to make several trips to meet service people etc. Still not done and DH keeps asking "Was it two women"Don't know where he got that idea,but it keeps sticking in his mind.Why doesn't ant thing else stay in his mind?Will get a catarract removed on the 7th and a knee replacement on the 22nd.I am really worried about DH and the dog but DH won't let anyone come and stay with him.Doc promised to discharge me on the 24th.Can't wait to see what 2011 brings.Guess it won't be any better.HAPPY HOLIDAYS TO ALL
yhounley, I hope you will have help at home when you leave the hospital after the knee replacement. I had my knees replaced, one at a time, about three years ago, and it took much longer than 2 days for me to be able to do much walking or stand for very long at a time. I also needed a lot of pain medicine and slept a lot. Please be sure you are getting the help you need.
briegull just had one knee replaced a little over a week ago. You might want to ask how she is doing now.
Well, this month I am going to have a possible breast cancer scare and my DH doesn't understand what is happening and I am not sure how to explain it to him, what all I have to go through while I am away. The good part(if there is a good part) I will be able to check into some more care opportunities for him if I happen to be laid up for a long period of time.
Things aren't getting any better and it's only the second day of december.Had to take the dog to Vets ,gave her 6 valium and still had horrible time getting her in the car.Then the vet and DH couldn't get her back in to come home,I said"lets go home,Scoobi" and she jumped right in,but by then we were all exhausted.This is the dog from hell but we love her dearly. Oh, I had my other knee replaced 10 yrs.ago,was home in two days but I am 10 yrs. older now so who knows.Will put the dog on prozac for my recuperation.
In the past 30 days things seem to fallen. I now help her dress, cut up her food and help bathing. DW motor skills are going fast and her mental capability seems to have taken a sharp decline.
On Wednesday I went to gas my car, pick up my prescription, then new eye glasses and then to the grocery store. When I got home I put everything away and fixed something to eat. After eating I rinsed what we had used and went to put them in the dishwasher. With just 2 of us I don't run the dishwasher until it is full. When I opened the door the dishwasher was empty. I just knew DH had put away dirty dishes! I asked him about it and he was a bit indignant that I would think that. He had taken everything out and washed them in the sink!!!! Yesterday I was talking about getting someone in to clean the bathrooms and kitchen but mentioned that one place had a minimum of 3 hours at $20.00 an hour. DH thought that was too much and said he would clean them. I told him if he cleaned his bathroom I would do mine and the kitchen. He has the Master bathroom with a shower stall which kills my back when I clean in there. I think he is bored and looking for things to do and he has never had a hobby so I think I will find things for him to do and see how he does and how long it all lasts. I hope it lasts for quite a while so I can have a break from doing everything.
My DH is doing more around the house. While I am gone to work he will fold clothes, I do have to refold them later. But I don't let him know. Put dishes away, feed the cats, take out the trash, bring in mail. But I never know when it will be done. Some days he does these things some days not, but any help is better than nothing. He is still able to do so much and for that I am thankful. He does have problems following verbal directions more now.
My birthday was Dec 1. The next day, the kitten ran up a tree and got stuck. In the process of jerryrigging a rescue I ran into vines, going up the ladder, and scratched my cornea. It has been quite excruciating since last night. Mostly I'm walking around with my hands over my eyes and tears streaming down my face. Jeff is, fortunately, attuned enough to realize that I'm a little out of it. But still...this is one of those things that makes me acutely aware of how everything depends on me, and how helpless this household is with me out of commission.
On the plus side, I did retrieve the dumb kitten. And I discovered that I have 2 hydrocodones leftover from my daughter's wisdom teeth removal. I am not the type to take drugs at all, let alone ones not prescribed for me, but I made an exception in this case. Now, off to do nothing.
blue, My DH doesn't follow verbal directions very well. I have to speak s..l..o..w..l..y and be very precise. If he wants to know where something goes in the kitchen and I tell him in the third drawer next to the dishwasher he goes in a different direction. Most times I end up going and showing him, which is irritating if I am reading or watching something on TV!
deb42657, You sound rather casual about the breast cancer scare. Hoping that you are planning for help with your DH no matter what the outcome. Our prayers are with you.
I wish for the days when my dh could take verbal anything. Now he is just a handsome person that I can talk to. He agrees with anything I say, nods when I nod and laughs when I laugh. It is nice to have someone to talk to but I so miss the moments of conversation we had for so many years. He has always been my best friend and we have always enjoyed just driving and talking, we called it visiting, just the two of us. But I thank God and tell my dh he is my handsome listener. He loves to hear this. He swells up with happiness and prances around so proud of himself. There is almost nothing that he knows where it goes. He doesn't always know where he goes..... Started him on a new drug today. Can't remember the name just the first letter,,,, it is N-------. Hope it works. This is the last month of this year and I also wonder what the new year will bring. I wish all of you a very Merry Christmas and that we all remember the reason for the season. Hug your loved one and thank your God for what we still have. Love in Christ, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
Our trip is going well. We finally made it on the road yesterday about noon, then had to stop for propane and gas, stopped at Les Schwab to get a new battery for the MH (the coach ones were fine, just the one that cranks the engine was dead) then was finally on the road by 3. We drove until about 9 then pulled off on one of the places they have along the coastline to pull over and enjoy the coast. Despite wanting a short day, hb wanted to make it to Sacramento. The drive down the coastline was pretty, the weather was great, and traffic not too bad. We are now back to I-5 and parked at the rest area just north of Sacramento. I wanted to make it through tonight cause during the day is a nightmare, but he got tired so we stopped here around 7. There is a couple parked next to us who also are heading to Yuma. We may meet up again, who knows.
I was worried about hb yesterday cause it took him 3 hours to get ready when it usually takes him an hour. But once he got on the road he was wide awake, clear minded and ready to go. I am glad of that.
Respite today! I am having my hair done this morning and then I am going to the UMW annual December luncheon. I hope I can remember how to act in social settings. LOL.
Charlotte, we lived in Yuma for about 9 years in early 70s--many friends there. I taught at YHS for 3 yrs. Friends now live in a park, on 8th St., I think. Are one of two maintenance folk there. Yuma sounds lovely today--we're having quite a snow "downfall." Wouldn't call it a "storm" because the wind isn't blowing. Filled the feeders this a.m. so the birds are happy.
Good morning to all. having a sleepover this weekend with youngest grandaugther, DH always seems to enjoy her antics. i finally saw ms squirrley again after months missing in action. shes small but looks pretty good. i fed her and then she scampered off and havent seen her again. winter is coming and she needs to pack on some lbs. i have beat her in that area. hah.
hope you all have a decent weekend. sunny and much cooler tomorrow again. another front is on the way. divvi
Emily--sorry to hear about your eye, especially that it happened on your bday. Mine was 12/2 and I splurged on some new landscaping--junipers, spruces and a coral bark Japanese maple to brighten the winter landscape. Treated myself to some "retail therapy" as well.
We got our first snowfall last night. Very pretty but a pain to shovel as my husband wouldn't help. Been a pretty busy couple of days here. Yesterday I had to take my car to the shop and since I had a lot of things to do, I rented a car for the weekend. Glad I did as car can't be picked up until Monday. Today we are going to my parents' to celebrate my mom's 75th birthday. I have to pick up the food I ordered and take everything over to their house. It should be a nice time. Everyone have a good weekend.
A yucky day here - rain/sleet and a little snow. Our little downtown had Christmas on the Square last night, but of course, we don't go to it anymore. But the cars have to drive by our house to get there, so turned on all my 5 Christmas tree lights, candles in the windows, carriage lights outside, and anything else that would light up! It was so pretty. Took my doggie out for a walk and just stood and looked at all the twinkly lights. I love Christmas, but miss going to all the things that happen during this season. Am planning a light Brunch in a couple of weeks for about 15 people - rather than having the huge open house I usually have. DH can't take that anymore, and he's usually fine in the mornings, so brunch will work!
Beautiful day here today, in Rhode Island, up to about 40. I got out of the house and walked a couple of blocks to a friend's house and back, using my two walking sticks. It's now been about 2.5 weeks since my knee replacement, and with one serious exception everything is great. The exception is the damned knee flexion, which is stuck at about 75 degrees (should be up to 120 or so). Doesn't stop me from walking comfortably.
CHARLOTTE AND ZIBBY. I LIVED IN YUMA TWICE!!! I was stationed at the Marine Corps Air Station from 76-77. ( my DH was XO from 74-76). Then when he retired and I went Reserve, We moved back in 1980 and lived there until 1988. My first house ever was at Canto De Encanto ( Cypress Pt near the gym). When we moved back our house was one of the condos near the convention center on Sahuaro Lane. I miss the Yuma winters..the summers are tough but once you live there year round you get used to knowing when to go out, and when to go to the pool!!! I miss the place. The number of snowbirds and RV locations has grown so much it is amazing.
Briegull, glad your knee surgery went well. Work on that flexion!!!! I found riding a bicycle (stationery) worked well. As I could bend the knee enough to get around, I would lower the seat a bit to add more flexion.
briegull, I actually have an extra one. It's an upright that I rarely used, because it was uncomfortable for me. I bought a recumbent one. I wonder what it would cost to ship it to you. Shall I find out?
We made it to Yuma. Unfortunately i can't say without incident. The horrible California highways just beat up our tires so we had to replace all 6. We also can't put our jacks down to stablize because they seem to have no power. Tomorrow we will take the touchpad off and see if all the pounded on California highways knocked the wires off. I hope that is all cause i definitely can not afford anything more. The tires maxes the one credit card that i have.
Art did well. I was surprised what with the long days and bad roads. last night he laid awake from midnight to 2 am obsessing over the furnace. he kept thinking he heard it trying to light but it didn't so he thought we were out of propane. what he was hearing was the trucks running all night at the rest area we were parked at. I was not too 'smart' when I got irritated that he had been obsessing over this for two hours and asked why he just didn't wake me up and ask. Unfortunately this got him crying and to do some tenderness to get him to sleep. Tonight we should get a good night sleep - it is quiet outside in the park we are in and it won't be cold enough for the furnace.
Wow Charlotte, lucky you. (I mean for the shorts) Here we are in for a series of days with thaw during the daytime, so the snow melts and the roads get nice and wet, and then freezes over at night, making everything icy and slippery. (This little country road we live on does not get much winter care) Had a quiet weekend, dh not very cooperative about going to bed last night, and then about staying in bed. And he was up bright and early, wet all over including his pillow. That's OK, better than being at my wit's end trying to get him out of bed. Can you wash a pillow? I was glad when the daycare van arrived a while ago, undeterred by icy roads.
We had a great weekend. Saturday we went to see a display of Christmas trees at our mall. They were so pretty. Then to lunch at a little mom and pop lunch counter that he loves. And started out on a country drive. (We were in my work car, I do a paper route and it is a small little car, I get my Ford this morning. New transmission is in, yeah! The ford is much easier for DH to get in and out of.) We ended up in a small town about a half an hour from here. They have an old home that is set up like it was in 1901 for Christmas. (Adsmore house and gardens). I have wanted to see it for years, and now that I am driving we went! It was so much fun, we were the only ones there at the time and got a private tour. DH really enjoyed it. For years when we were out somewhere and I saw something I wanted to see, he would say "you can't get there from here". Well now that I am driving, we can get there! Yesterday we went to my mom's for lunch after church, it was great. And then took DD out Christmas shopping. All in all a grand weekend. Freezing cold and not looking to get any warmer any time soon:(
Today we are having the first major snow-storm of the season. This means everything is closed, including my wife's day care. Another thing cancelled is the first support group meeting for men only. Since the leader will be leaving for California for the holidays, the meeting is postponed until January. I was really looking forward to this meeting, since the other support group I am in is mostly women. Nothing against women, but I would like another man's input.
Jeanette B, re. pillow washing: it depends on what it's made of. I've had mixed results even with synthetic materials, and now when in doubt, I take it to the cleaners. Perhaps it would be best from now on to first enclose all clean pillows in a waterproof casing, similar to those used for people with allergies.
In the 70s, sunny and beautiful. Tried to set the satellite up after lunch but no luck. So hb took a 2 hours nap, then went out and found them. So now we have TV.
Pillows: I buy ones at Costco that feel almost like feather pillows but are polyester. They wash very good. I only wash pillows in front loaders though. The top loaders tend to tear the filling apart no matter what kind they are. You can also fill the washer and once the soap has mixed, turn off, put the pillow in and 'hand wash' it. then put the washer where it starts spinning, fill with rinse water, repeat hand washing and spin again. Do not let them agitate. And it works best with two pillows to keep the load balanced.
Had a rare day from H*** yesterday! Took DH to a new doctor (geriatrician) and for the first time, he was upset and hostile towards the man from the word "go". The doctor handled it very well, even asking DH if coming to see him at our home would make him happier (the offer shocked me)! Of course, I'd like that but DH was in such a grouchy mood, he said no. He told the doc in no uncertain terms that it was HIS body, and HE would determine his medical treatments; that there's nothing wrong with him. The doctor spent an hour with us (another shock) and at one point, asked Steve if he was happy with his life. Steve didn't hesitate to say that he is (the only good part of this experience for me). The end result is that the doctor is going to get back to me with advice on a prostate issue that is unresolved at this point.
We then had a nice lunch and proceed to stop at the market and a jewelry store to pick something up. At the jewelry store a problem resulted in an unanticipated delay, and he needed the restroom. I took him into the Ladies room but the handicapped stall was in use. The person vacated it and quickly left the room; before we were even into the stall, two employees burst into the Ladies room and one said loudly "Maam, you know we have a Men's room here." I responded that my husband has a disability, and that I need to help him. I felt that they handled it poorly, should have asked if everything was ok, did we need any help, etc. to assess the situation before excitedly making the assumption that we were doing something wrong. I do have a small sign a friend made for me that I guess I'll start carrying and using in the future, that indicates he has AD and that I'm helping him; I guess I'll have to flash it when we go in! Americans are so uptight about bathrooms! I called the store manager when we got home to advise him that I was offended and he agreed with me that it was handled poorly.
When we came home, DH knocked over a stand in our garage with rakes, brooms, etc. right onto the car; one of the rakes made a big scratch on it.
Finally, right after we came in the phone rang; it was his daughter's alarm company, her burglar alarm had gone off, they had notified the police. The reason the company called us is that she listed DH as the first contact person if they can't reach her. She lives about 40 minutes away from us, so even if he was healthy, he shouldn't have been set up to be a contact; someone who lives closer would make more sense. I told the guy to remove him from the list. What a day! I guess we were due for one--today has to be better!
Marilyn...I'm glad you mentioned the bathroom incident--not because of the unfortunate behavior of the store employees, but because I've been wondering what I'd do when it was no longer appropriate to send Jeff in on his own. Not too many places have "family" restrooms. So far, what I mainly need to do is wait just outside the door, and check that everything's put back together properly when he comes out.
Marilynn, I hope today and the rest of the week are much better for you. My DH seems to be staying in the mid phase and isn't too bad thanks to his pills Sometimes I think he is "normal".
It is COLD here in SC. At night it is in the 20's, 22 last night. Yesterday I had a guy from the heating company we have used for 20 years to check the heating system. It seems the auxilary heat isn't kicking in! Someone is supposed to call me today to let me know how much it will cost and I hope they tell me than can fix it today. The heater runs continously but it is cool air coming out...I need HEAT. lol. It isn't getting out of the 40's for the next few days but with the wind chill it will be in the 30's. Winter doesn't start for two more weeks so I hope this isn't a sign of things to come. Everyone stay warm and have a good day I am going to take a hot shower!!!!
Emily--Today I have to go back to the jewelry store (sans DH) to pick up the piece that was supposed to be finished yesterday, but wasn't. The store manager said to have the employee call him and he will come over to help me and make sure the ring is ok. I'm taking in the sign to show him and telling him that yesterday's event made it clear to me that I must display it. I have a plastic clamp, and once we're in the stall, I plan to stick it on the door with that. This is a big jewelry store in Timonium (begins with an S)--I'm sure you've been there! To be fair, I'm sure the fact that we look "young and healthy" probably played into the employees' reactions--they may have been more courteous to an elderly-looking couple--or maybe not!
We now have heat in the house. Thank you Lord! A board and relays had to be replaced to the tune of a little over $270.00 but as long as we have heat in this bitterly cold weather I can take it. Before they were replaced the furnace or whatever ran continuously and it was cool air coming out of the vents. I pray for homeless people in this kind of weather that they can find warm shelter and hot food.
Sun is out here and it is pleasantly warm. Took DH for his protime.. On the way home we were nearly in a serious wreck. Just after we crossed the Santa Maria Bridge and had gone oh half mile there were some Cal Trans workers doing something on the side of the freeway. They had the cones out and flags etc. I was in the fast lane and there was a car in the lane next to me( it is only two lanes on the 101 where this happened) and without looking she swiftly moves into my lane. I saw her and moved into the emergency area at the side of the freeway but it was part asphalt and gravel and grass..it made the truck swerve or fishtail. This twit didn't even LOOK, did not SIGNAL, nothing..and she was not on the cell phone. She also had a bash in the back of her car so this in not her first incident! Scared the c¶•º out of me and had she his us it would have been in the midships. I was going 65ish+ a tad but not more than 70 as there are traps there..She was not speeding either but she was not looking. WEll we get past that and then a few miles up the road, I am now in the slower lane getting closer to my exit and this big panel truck with you guessed it another twit this one on the cell phone drifiting into my lane..good lord!
Tomorrow we have to go up the 101 to San Luis to the doctor there..and people here want to go 80+ in areas that 65 is really the safest...two lanes with nowhere to go? Nothing like twits with their hair on fire!
Marilyn, How unfortunate that Steve responded to the new Doc this way...I had hoped it would be a good move for you. Maybe he will mellow out on a future visit. One can only hope. Bathroom problem...I anticipate this happening in our future. :-(
Cold and snowy here so, as has been the case, DH took a drop in cognition today. Has been quite confused since last night. I feel bad because our children are coming home for Christmas and this will make it more difficult for them. At the grocery store this afternoon and after emptying the cart on the belt he began loading things back in the cart before they had been checked through. The cashier handled it very well and reached over and asked him for the things which he handed over to her. He was very confused about the situation.
Had a first last night, a telephone solicitation for a religious school directly from a clergyman (don't know him). I responded in the same way I do to all telephone solicitation calls--husband has AD, give all our charitable contributions for research, etc. His response was he understood and "I hope things work out." Not the best response--it would have been nice if he wished me strength or to be able to find peace with it. But not the worst, I guess, at least he didn't say something like "I hope he gets better"!!!
Marilyn, I am amazed that he didn't ask if he could say a prayer with you right then.....
On another note, my only dog that is still alive, Lady, the German Shepherd, has not been herself in over three weeks. At first the vet said it was dementia because she was old. Then she had her "heat" which was heavier than normal. Then last weekend she started bleeding again, more than normal, wouldn't eat, was listless. I thought I was losing her. I took her to the vet and they did tests and determined that she had an infected uterus. She had emergency surgery and came through it and in 24 hours, back to her perky self!!! When I picked her up last night, I was shocked by the amount of the vet bill, but after discussing this with my friends, found that this was in the normal range....$906.00.... When I was a child, I always had a pet, mainly a dog, and all that happened was that they got rabies shots and licenses. Nowadays, I spend about $100 a month on the dog....I am not griping, just stating facts. She is worth the $906 and then some. You can't put a price on love.
Briegull, so glad to hear you are doing so well! My Mom has recouped wonderfully from both her hip replacements, now she wil have her knee done, in the fall, after I recoup from my surgery.
Catarract surgery went well.DIL took me and DH stayed home with the dog. Hope my knee replacement goes as well,really looking forward to getting it done before DH gets any worse. Very cold and windy here but no snow yet.
G is playing Paul Bunyon once again. While I did a quick store run when he was laying on the sofa as usual...on my return, he had managed to get his walker down three short flights of stairs from the top deck to the back yard...slippery steps from the rain. He was checking out the trees that need to be removed! He is obsessed by a large pine he knows is going to fall on the house..however, that particular tree is in the front area, not the back yard. If a wind storm hits us and the damned tree does crash, I KNOW he will be lucid enough to say "I told you so"! Fun and games.