Insights: As Our World Turns, and Turns, and Turns
 

Hi Everyone! New day and a new Insights thread.

I rested as much as possible today. Not sure if it was the shot they gave yesterday, the antibiotics, the inflammation/infection or a combination of all them, but I sure did not feel well today. My brain is in a fog. I'm going to spend the night with DDs tonight as things just aren't right. At least that way someone will be around.

Debbie - I'm glad you went to get your hair done today. What a great thing to do before surgery. Pampering yourself is always good.:hug:

Sadly, I can't remember everything I just read and since this is a new thread I can't scroll down to see everyone's posts. :o But I did read them and hope you all have a great day!:hug::grouphug:

Spent my afternoon watching the Illinois State legislature debate and pass a pension reform bill that will cut my benefits by quite a bit over time:(. they have cut a 3% cola that is supposed to be compounded annually to about 1% that is not compounded. There were lots of other changes for current employees.

This was passed by a democratically controlled house and senate and is supported by our democratic governor. Once he signs the bill it will be immediately challenged in the courts. Many legislators (both those voting for and against) do not feel it will be upheld in the courts. Our state constitution says they cannot diminish pension benefits for current employees and retirees.

Thanks for starting a new one. I really enjoy this thread. Still having tummy issues. It will be the main topic of my physical in January. I have taken myself off my stool softener and taking fiber pills only now in addition to diet high in fiber and lots of water. I will also discuss it with my neuro at my next appointment with her. My husband has his appointment with his cardiologist tomorrow. After his stent was put in after his heart attack he had to go off his daily Aleve he took for his arthritis. Such a simple solution, just one Aleve a day. Now his left shoulder hurts him real bad and he is on Celebrex with some relief, not much. He also had a bad trembling in his left hand. So I am going to ask his doctor if it could be a side effect of any of his heart medicine.

When I started my diet I was very uncomfortably in size 20s refusing to go to a size 22. That was size 2X shirts. Now my 1X are to big and I had to go buy some more clothes tonight. Bad situation isn't it, that you have to go shopping because you have lost enough weight that you have gone from a 22 to a 14.:)

Congratulations on your weight loss, Doydie! :)

Since I have stopped eating meat I have lost a little bit of weight. Not really trying but I guess the added veggies I've been eating are doing some good. The last time I went to the doctor I had lost 11 pounds since the last weigh-in.

It's rainy/drizzly here and warm.....highs for the next couple of days in the 70's! My heating bill will enjoy the break. :rolleyes: But back to cold weather by the weekend.

Both my boys and my DIL came over last night for my birthday. We had dinner (they brought) and watched silly AFV reruns. :D My oldest son was promoted to Sgt. so we celebrated that, too.

My cat Gracie is in the cat tree by the window behind me and she is snoring to beat the band! Makes me smile to know she's so content! :)

-----Just Saying------

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Hi everyone!

Sal, that is awesome!!:You-Rock:

Barb, when are we Illinoisans going to wake up and take these creeps' benefits away? You worked hard for those benefits; they were a part of your salary package. Because they couldn't keep their oily hands off of the pension fund, all of the state workers are going to lose. I am mad as a tasmanian devil!!

Trish, hope you're feeling a bit better today:hug::hug:

Got the rest of my errands finished today…got some ugly nightgowns for after surgery, some shoes that I can get on easily, and bought some food and took it to the food pantry.

I have most of the laundry finished, food in the house, and the dog brushed. now I just have to keep calm.

Last night I asked DH what his biggest fear about the knee surgery is…he replied, "That you won't be able to handle the pain, or your MS will flare up and make it more difficult to do your exercises."

I reminded him that this is not MY ms-:roll eyes: I never call it that. I didn't ask for it. And my neuro exclaimed in the past that he feels I might not be emotionally strong enough to handle the pain.

thanks, guys...

Debbie- after that houseful of overnight company for your "Christgiving," I think you can handle what you need to.

ANN

Im using my phone to type this so please excuse the grammatical errors. these smartphones arent as smart as people think. :)

Doydie - thats awesome. congratulations. you made it to size 14. im sure you are ecstatic about it. im proud of you. :hug:

Kelly - Happy birthday! you snuck that in on us. haha. I hope you had a great day andim glad all the kids came over to celebrate.

Barb - im so sorry about them passing the bill. I hope that somehow all of it doesnt happen, like something changes. big hugs to you.

Sally - haha youre funny. I didnt know what day its on but thanks to your post I was able figure it out and now know. haha.

Debbie - I think you will do just fine. its amazing what ms and all the pans from it has taught us. chronic pain is just everyday life for us so whats another pain, right? haha. I know a couple of ladies that hadit done. one is a major complainer and has a low tolerance for pain and the other is kind of the opposite but does love attention. the complainer breezed through it with much pain at all. the other one had lots of pain. I guess it all depends. I do think you will do fine though.

Lucky me! After almost blacking out from the pain several times today and talking to my dr, im in the er waiting to see whats going to happen. I got some pain meds and they did another blood test and urine test. my wbc the other day was 13.4 which is borderline for admission for iv antibiotics and all other tests were fine, which is a relief. but the pain is getting to me. my brain now wont let me have a bm because it hurts way too much. Funny how the brain can control the bowel so much to do that but doesnt have the ability to do that with the bladder. haha. Ill let you all know what happens next.

Oh the sweet side, dd23s dog slept with me most of the night. he normally doesnt do that and hangs out in her and her bfs room. he stayed with me until about 3 but kept coming to check on me. this morning after the 1st time I almost passed out he wouldnt leave my side even when I went to the bathroom. It was so sweet. at one point he tried to wake dd22 up. I dont know if she was already awake or he actually woke her up by whining and scratching on her door but she took one look at me and knew I needed help and needed to come in. so dd23s dog gets the sweetest dog award. haha. animals always know.

Trish, I am praying that things will cool off in your abdomen and the pain will recede. I am sorry that you have to wait around.

That's a good comfort dog!

Let us know how things go when you can.
ANN

Trish, I hope they can get your pain under control. I'm so sorry you're having to go through this.

I wonder how many folks pass the time in the ER by texting or typing on their phones? :D It beats just sitting there.....because it seems like waiting is what you do the most of there. :rolleyes: I must be the only person on earth without a smart phone. Maybe one day...........:o

I just fed the outside kitties. It's warm here....in the 60's. I'm thankful for their sake. It was so cold here last week. There was a little possum out there tonight and I put some food out for him, too. When I looked out there again he was eating, too!! :)

Awwwww, Trish, I'm glad I made you smile through your pain.:hug:
I'm praying your pain away right now and sending a big "good boy"
and a hug to that wonderful doggie.

Good wishes Debbie, for the best of all outcome from your surgery.:hug:

Happy Birthday Kelly, I hope you had a wonderful day.:hug:

Everyone else, love and :grouphug:

Hi everybody,

Trish, I hope they can get your pain under control and figure out what is causing the pain as well. :hug:

Doydie, Congrats on getting to size 14!! :)

Debbie, you will do fine, it might be tough for a few days but I think you will be fine. :hug:

Hugs to everybody else! :grouphug:

I had today off and slept until almost 2pm, so in bed almost 12 hours. I ran errands to get things done before it turns cold again, it's supposed to drop 40 degrees from today's temps. I'm still working on getting the courage to take the cane with me. Even if I act like it is nothing, most people won't think twice about it I know. I take after my dad in that. He needed a cane, then walker and then wheelchair but never got past the cane and refused to use that most of the time. And he fell and hurt himself several times. I just need to get over it, stupid pride! :o

Barb, I hope they will do something to allow those already retired to keep the plan they were promised. :hug:

Happy birthday Kitty!!! :Dancing-Chilli::Dancing-Chilli::Dancing-Chilli: :D

trish that is so heart warming about your dog.

OK, I have been going crazy ordering stuff off the internet. I am going to have to stop this soon. I discovered that just because my local CJ Banks doesn't carry it that I can still order it online. Shipping was pretty cheap to. I guess maybe I am just celebrating my new size!!!

Doydie - im so glad you are enjoying shopping. dont over do it on the 14s because I know youll be dropping another size or 2. ;)

Wiz - its a tough decision. take your time with it. I would be nervous about it too. but it will all work out as its supposed to and you might be pleasantly surprised. :)

Debbie good luck with everything for tomorrow. please let us know how you are do

Good morning all…sunny and very cold here, but at least none of the white stuff…

Trish...:hug::hug: so glad the dog was with you…they have that sixth sense. My pup's been moping around, so I know he has an idea I won't be here for a few days. Hope you feel better very soon...:hug:

Wiz, you need to do what you're comfortable with. I just worry you're going to fall or that your employer will think you're a slacker, which is so very not true. We all have the right to use whatever assistive device we need. But people are wary of being around those who are "different". My granddaughter wears a helmet due to flat head problems. DD29 said some people come up to say hi to the baby until they see the helmet then do a 360 away.

After getting this stupid disease, it has taught me to see people, both young and old, with infirmities; I make sure to look them in the eye and at least say hi in passing. Many infirm or disabled feel invisible.

Got the all-clear a bit ago concerning the UTI, so I find out this afternoon when exactly surgery is scheduled. I am anxious to get this over with. I am worried about pain levels; I know how horrible the pain was after the hysterectomy. It doesn't usually last more than a couple of weeks of hard work with knee replacement, I've been told. At least I'll be able to straighten my leg again, and even ride a bike. My goal is to get through this, have the other knee done, and lose enough weight to take horseback riding lessons. And to dance without feeling so darn sore…

Well, those of you in the path of continued severe weather, please be careful, stock your pantries, and cozy up with a blanket and a good movie or book...

Been listening to freezing precipitation for past few hours. Wrapping presents and reading. I am so happy that I do not have to drive and then walk anywhere in this weather. Snow is supposed to start later on today.

Trish - I have been thinking about you. Glad you had the dog and your daughter there to help and comfort you. Hope the pain is receding today.

Debbie -- Good luck tomorrow! I am sure you will be fine. They had my 80 year old mother up in a chair and walking a little bit a few hours after her knee replacement. She was only in the hospital for one full day after the surgery. She had to be able to climb up and down a few stairs before being released.

What weather you get Barb, will shortly follow in SW Ohio.:eek:. We have
a warning of snow, then 2-3 inches of ice, then more snow, thru
1:00AM Sat.:eek: See ya in the Spring, Ohio.:D

:grouphug:

Debbie :hug::hug::hug::hug::hug::hug: I'll be praying for you!!

Well, I took the cane, and just sat it in the back so everybody saw it but I never explained it. :p Then when I was leaving tonight I carried it out and said I'm supposed to be using it but I am too vain. :rolleyes: They keep thinking I'm going to fall with my hobbling and wall walking, so I'm working my way toward using it.

They don't think I'm a slacker, the other sales reps have a hard time competing with me sometimes because a lot of customers come in and request me. But now that I can't walk well, it has slowed me down big time.

Trish I'm not overdoing it with the 14s. So far I have 2 pair of jeans that really fit me and now 4 blouses. Well I have some Old Navy flag t shirts. That's it. As you can see I definitely don't need a big walk in closet!!!

Bad weather has decided to stay in Illinois for now. hasn't come across the Wabash River. They say it will start up around midnight. I love to watch snow so I hope I can see it.

Doydie, How far south in Indiana do you live? I know that Southern Illinois really got hit by the storm.

We just got a little bit of snow, but I am still staying home today. I am so grateful I do not have to worry about being out in this nasty weather. I am also happy I do not have to think about grading papers and exams at this time of the year anymore.

Just finished wrapping all of my Christmas presents and packing up the ones to be shipped. Next project -- Christmas cards. Retirement is grand

Saw a post by Debbie D on fb. She is out of surgery and her post was coherent:D

We had our turkey dinner today. My son gave us a turkey thigh (two and a half pounds). Put it in the slow cooker with quartered red potatoes with the skins, carrots, onions, and turnip. I made a box of Stove Top stuffing and opened a jar of turkey gravy. Pa mushed it all together on his plate, then added some applesauce for good measure. :D

I love the dark meat--what a treat! And leftovers for two more days. It's not necessarily a good idea (for me) to have a slow cooker going for hours, permeating the air with yummy smells. By the time it was ready, I was so hungry I could have eaten Kleenex and dry macaroni. But I never was very good at coordinating everything to be ready to eat at the same time, and now even less so. The slow cooker solves that problem.

Blessings, that's one problem I have with the slow cooker. My husband is very impatient when it comes to eating. And with the aromas that are floating around the house all day he would want to eat at 4 PM. I hate his 5 PM supper hour enough as it is. But I love to have barbeque hamburgers in the crockpot, also vegetable soup. It's ready to eat earlier but just slowly simmering to get the maximum of flavor

Barb, I live in extreme southwestern Indiana. I could holler over at Illinois. We are right at the border of Kentucky and Illinois.

My Kids out for a little Christmas Celebration.

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Hi Everyone!

Sally - You kids are beautiful! You're DD looks so much like you and has such a beautiful smile!

Barb - Thanks for posting about Debbie. I kept her in my prayers. I'm glad you are enjoying retirement and all the free time it brings you.:hug::hug: I'm sure you are finding that you can pace yourself better and feel more rested.

B2Y - Glad you and DH had your Thanksgiving dinner.

I'm finally home. I'm doing better than I was, obviously. The whole attack was complicated by dehydration and constipation. I still hurt but not as bad as I was and Tylenol seems to helping with the pain. They took me off the morphine yesterday afternoon and did a trial run on Tylenol. I did fine on the Tylenol. Next Friday I see the surgeon and will take it from there. I discussed some of my concerns of removing the bad section of my colon if this was autoimmune related and would the new section start to have trouble. He agreed that it might and that getting better control of the constipation related to MS would really help me. So, he suggested taking Miralax more than once a week and sticking to a low fiber diet since higher fiber seems to be contributing to my attacks. Now, to finish the healing process and to see if the changes in diet and medications they recommended help prevent another attack so that I can keep my colon.

DDs picked me up and dropped me off at home. They went to get my prescription and some more soft foods for me as I was running low on some of them. It was good to see them and we had some laughs along the way.

That's great Trish.

I'm so glad that you are feeling a bit better. Hoping and praying that the diet adjustment helps to settle things down some more.

With love, Erika

(((((Trish))))), so happy that you are home and relieved that DDs are
taking care of you. Where is DD's doggie? I hope he's with you too.

Feel better and better soon.:hug:

Trish, are you following a gluten free diet? I'm glad you're doing better. I sure do hope you can avoid the surgery.

It's cold here and rain is in the forecast for tonight, tomorrow and Monday.

Oldest DS and his GF have purchased a townhouse/condo and they close on Dec. 20th. This townhouse has three levels!! Not sure if I'll ever get to see the whole house so I told him to take a video of the upper level for me! :rolleyes: They hope to move in and get a tree up before Christmas! :eek: Makes me tired just thinking about it.

Erika - Thanks! I'll get there. I just have to figure out the triggers and then I'll do fine.

Sally - No. :( Riley's at his house with his human mom and dad. They're all going to a pro football game tomorrow and DD23's BF is in a chili cook off for the tailgate party. She's at home helping him make his chili. DD22 is out with friends tonight but will be going home (she lives with DD23 now) early because she's going to the game tomorrow too.

Kelly - Yikes!!! That's cutting it close to Christmas! I guess that's why it's best to do that while you are younger. There's no way I would do that now.:D DD23 and her bf are supposed to close on the 12th but some changes were made to the program that they were going to do so it may be a little bit longer. Maybe even the 20th. :D j/k However, DD23 is Ms. Christmas and she was having a fit about closing on the 12th because she wouldn't be able to put up decorations or lights until after they move. She then convinced her dear bf to not move until after Christmas so that she could decorate the day after Thanksgiving. God Bless that patient man.

It's been cold and rainy here too. I missed the worst of it as I was in the hospital and my bed wasn't near a window. Not that it matter because there was a view of a building from the window. But apparently it was in the 30s or 40s, which to us living below a latitude of say 80, is like 30 below.:D:D I'm glad I wasn't out driving or anything. I think we were in the 60s today. I left the hospital with just a t-shirt on and yoga pants and was fine.

Kitty I will forever regret having a bilevel built. I wish so much we had a ranch style instead. But it is paid for and I know if needed we can put one of the stair lifts in some day. Since my diet and going to the Y I can tolerate the stairs much better now. What I do like is having the family room downstairs with a big screen TV for DH and living room upstairs for me. These days they all have a great room. I swear that is the secret to being married to that man for 41 years. :p

With my DH it was his basement, with his own TV, bar & pool table..:D:cool:

MERRY CHRISTMAS.

Enjoy the video

Put on full screen to really enjoy.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gIoSga7tZPg

Sally - Loved it!!! Thanks for posting that. Ode to Joy always reminds me to be joyful and see the beauty and joy in life. So beautiful!

I didn't do much today at all. I hung out at my brother's house. I enjoyed having his kids around as they are so much fun and just the distraction I needed today. I helped the boys with their homework. I hope they got the questions answered correctly. I guess we'll see.:D:D I was in quite a bit of pain today so it was rough on me and it may be on them if they don't get a good grade. Actually it was only one nephew that I helped with homework that involved questions. My other nephew had fun, mindless homework. I helped him roll balls of clay for a scaled solar system he has to do.

I hope you all have a good night. Stay warm!:hug::grouphug:

Thanks Sally. I saw posting about it on Face Book but I rarely click on a video there since I don't know if it's porn or what it says it is.

Hi Everyone!

I didn't do too much today. I visited with my neighbor. She needs me to watch her cats while she is gone and we were going over all of that. She has 3 cats in her apartment. Yikes!!! My allergies are going to love me for this one. Then a friend of mine called and she wanted to come visit. I'm still not up to going anywhere and can only sit for about 5 minutes at a time before getting sore again so we just hung out at my house.

It's cold outside today. Well, cold for me. It's in the upper 40s/low 50s. It's a dry cold though, kind of like a dry heat. Being in Colorado during winter with snow on the ground, 40s feels warmer than our 40s. I'd take their 40s over ours any day.

I hope you all have a great day!:hug::grouphug:

Anyone here from Debbie D? I hope she is zipping along and that her spasms are quiet.
ANN

Ann - I have seen a few posts by Debbie on fb, but she has not really mentioned how she is recovering since the day of her surgery. I will have to go check out her page.

She mentioned 15 hours ago that she was finally home from the hospital.

Thanks Barb. Good that she is home.

ANN