tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15651286065202178032024-03-06T00:01:07.444-08:00I'm Mrs. BrightsideFew cases of eye strain have been developed by looking on the bright side of things.Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12768569658001165651noreply@blogger.comBlogger713125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1565128606520217803.post-57727337454472339022020-12-17T19:43:00.001-08:002020-12-17T19:43:33.790-08:00ONE YEAR A WIDOW<p>I was thinking about why I stopped posting this fall. I know I wrote about 3 posts for every one I published. Too much angst and negativity. Not that 2020 has been easy - but it hasn't been easy for any of us. I guess it just felt like piling on.</p><p>Anyway. It is now a year and 1 week since my husband died. His birthday was yesterday. I felt a little pressure to commemorate his birthday but coming on the heels of the death date it seemed too much focus on what is past and can't be changed and he wasn't into his birthday anyway.</p><p>I know I sent out some cards last year, and responded to some of the condolence cards I got but when I sat down to write out my holiday cards I realized I couldn't remember what I said and to whom. I reflected back on a few things during that first few months and realize I am quite fuzzy about them - at the time I felt very in control and rational.</p><p>There was so much that had to be done and decided and so any difficult revelations<br /> after his death that I immersed myself in carrying on. It really wasn't until this summer that things began to settle, tax issues were adjudicated, credit issues determined, etc. Then I did a bit of traveling to see my aged parents and ailing sister and then I got a puppy. So still making myself busy and distracted.</p><p>It really has been a year of distractions - I kept trying to get out and do things and Covid restrictions kept shutting them down. I had to deal with a couple of minor medical issues - made not so easy by the current situation. It was wound up by the election, RBG's death, all the political shenanigans. And now that much of the dust has settled and we are once again staying home and keeping distances and holiday shopping and mailing is done and the weather has turned frigid - well, grief has been smacking me around quite a bit.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEsGtCBpfgC7oIW6TE0F2Caaf5RQMOQWeKlsO4lPl_AoCbRLrRlj8bTZl3Q20NQb35fpHqKFvAA2W25isqHMfrO-LwIHMBwyAv0eRBKF4tJwYJahOPSN4zWWI-Kie0qqST2XimqVR1d2k/s273/1year.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="185" data-original-width="273" height="271" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEsGtCBpfgC7oIW6TE0F2Caaf5RQMOQWeKlsO4lPl_AoCbRLrRlj8bTZl3Q20NQb35fpHqKFvAA2W25isqHMfrO-LwIHMBwyAv0eRBKF4tJwYJahOPSN4zWWI-Kie0qqST2XimqVR1d2k/w400-h271/1year.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>I have allowed myself to accept it, to let it move me. When I began to cry while walking the dog (there was an older man riding his bike down the street) I just let it happen. Watching TV shows where older couples are choosing a vacation or retirement home - tears for what I won't experience. When the couple bicker over stuff when house hunting - I get mad. When the widow in the movie has a home for her family to gather and trim the tree - I feel sorry for myself for not having that. I kept thinking of things I am not going to be buying for him for the holidays - our little traditions gone for good.</p><p> So it took a year, a lot of distractions and avoidance, but now I feel more. I wondered if it would happen and it has and it's okay. I'm not depressed, I am simply in a place where I can feel and acknowledge all that has been lost to me and our kids and continue to carry on without fear of being broken. Sad for what has been lost but making a new life day by day.</p><p> </p>Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12768569658001165651noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1565128606520217803.post-27107324373033686132020-09-15T12:14:00.002-07:002020-09-24T17:16:07.757-07:00WITHOUT END?<p> By my count we are on day 25 of unsafe smoke filled air here - we did have almost 3 days when the wind blew in from the East sending it all back toward the coastal states - and then it stopped. All day it looks foggy outside. And now the inside of my house is almost as toxic as outside. My eyes burn and my throat is sore and everything smells of wood smoke. </p><p>A new friend and I had planned two outings - both cancelled. One event was a walking tour of outdoor murals around town. Masks and social distancing and a small group. I was really looking forward to that. Dinner with my son and daughter in law and a masked pedicure are the only actual human interactions I have had in 10 days. Though it could be worse, an old friend still can't see her husband who has been hospitalized for 3 weeks (not Covid.)</p><p>Then the Rump and his team decided to come to town and hold a campaign rally. Reno authorities said no - it was against the state and national Covid rules. So they changed the event to a "protest" and went to a more rural and red county and held their "protest." About 5000 unmasked folks crammed together in roped off areas for hours - now they've come home and I expect will super spread the virus here and ruin our good efforts to get our numbers down. The college kids have done really well - our numbers have been trending down a bit since school started - and the governor was finally ready to allow bars to open. But this event is sure to mess things up for us all.</p><p>I live really close to the University here, but I have not seen any political signs or the like, so I planned to just lay low. After the Woodward tapes came out, I changed my mind about getting a yard sign.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSPs99IB7ohSgjhzOC6tpEg5IlchG4dr6ntYiFQWv6N6kKKpGyL2R_dmDeVYVPfgX_mPcUE15a4gJEX8BL-jRC4dNE5xTT4c2jzz-HZ1EfO7ERJ9pr-UtZreFDDjWhVKhU15Vjw7hwARs/s1500/lying.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1238" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSPs99IB7ohSgjhzOC6tpEg5IlchG4dr6ntYiFQWv6N6kKKpGyL2R_dmDeVYVPfgX_mPcUE15a4gJEX8BL-jRC4dNE5xTT4c2jzz-HZ1EfO7ERJ9pr-UtZreFDDjWhVKhU15Vjw7hwARs/s320/lying.jpg" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>And a tee shirt. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUYEknQ_tgwbIVRqU_z6ioH0ozkga5u4Oe1AlHEeHJRJ7sVy1487a2s_MuPbCn3nne88YNNYqMw08Nn8sgXMFQt4znrEyqpVk_t68YkjJKZYCaDN6WcUC_JkTKZqG6w095h1aDYvrWVaY/s325/vote+blue.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="325" data-original-width="325" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUYEknQ_tgwbIVRqU_z6ioH0ozkga5u4Oe1AlHEeHJRJ7sVy1487a2s_MuPbCn3nne88YNNYqMw08Nn8sgXMFQt4znrEyqpVk_t68YkjJKZYCaDN6WcUC_JkTKZqG6w095h1aDYvrWVaY/s320/vote+blue.jpg" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>I have been watching more TV now that I can't spend time outdoors. I have learned I have to be careful what I watch and when. I have become very shaken by violence and even tension in programs and have bad dreams, especially if I watch at night. I am also hyper emotional and find myself choked up and tearful even over the news and programs and events I have seen before. Someone suggested this is all grief related and they may be right. Can't exactly join a support group right now though, can I? </p><p>So I spent much of this week organizing cabinets, moving things around in the basement and rearranging my pantry area. I stuffed batting into my couch cushions to shore up the divots. I cleaned. I made real dinners. I baked keto cookies.</p><p>This morning when I woke up my house was dim and smoky. I checked the air quality site and it was at the most dangerous level yet - going outside was not advised. I slumped on my couch and I thought - how can I keep this world from squishing me?</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12768569658001165651noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1565128606520217803.post-71365053898221636282020-09-10T09:51:00.000-07:002020-09-10T09:51:01.003-07:00UNEXPECTED SUMMER DAYS<p> Last night I could see the stars again! We had a cool wind blow through from the east and the smoke has cleared. So wonderful to see the stars at night and our deep blue sky all day. We have just this short break then the smoke is supposed to get to dangerous levels by the weekend.</p><p>In my last post - sorry for the dark mood - I failed to mention some nice things that have happened this summer. I keep hearing how disappointed people are about all the summer festivals and events being cancelled. But here in NV we have had some things opened back up for a while. With strict guidelines restaurants (not bars) and most other businesses are open. You can't try on clothes or sit at a bar and masks are required everywhere. The good thing is that people here, for the most part, are following the rules. </p><p>There are those stupid, selfish people out there pulling their mask down once inside - my DIL has had confrontations with them. She is an oncology nurse and has already been exposed twice and had to quarantine and be tested.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj371wFS76rUWoqPLF9-irrZfv5nL3sxfdIm9fqoMn3YB2iW49rrIbVDBMqgvBf4KOY46Dh6ZkXPCQkoADeGIk6OhbCY_V3GrRBv7XxpRoU11apeWEWetYDjON6HAqg8YCQs1blCdfOV68/s504/maskgun.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="504" height="254" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj371wFS76rUWoqPLF9-irrZfv5nL3sxfdIm9fqoMn3YB2iW49rrIbVDBMqgvBf4KOY46Dh6ZkXPCQkoADeGIk6OhbCY_V3GrRBv7XxpRoU11apeWEWetYDjON6HAqg8YCQs1blCdfOV68/w256-h254/maskgun.jpg" width="256" /></a></div><br />My sister who calls herself walking co-morbidity was threatened by a man with a gun in the Spokane Washington Costco when she asked him not to stand so close since he wasn't wearing his mask. She has barely gone out at all in 6 months and that is why.<p></p><p>Anyway - for those of us being vary careful but wanting some bits and pieces of normal life - Reno is doing okay. Week to week I stick to the same 3 or 4 shopping and walking locations and resist spreading my outings into too many uncharted spaces. I did go to a craft store when I completed a needlepoint and wanted to finish it as a pillow. I also went to Home Depot and a local nursery a number of times. </p><p>But when the "Women of a Certain Age" social group I had joined right before the shut down resumed some activities, I jumped right in. We keep outings to 6 people and stick to the same places that have hosted us for years. We are known and therefore well looked after. This group has had a lot to do with saving my sanity the last couple of months. I made sure to exchange phone numbers with a couple of the people I felt might become friends and have gone on walks and even to a museum! </p><p>The biggest, risk I have taken this summer was two trips to Idaho. The first time I drove to visit my elderly parents. They were going stir crazy in their tiny apartment in a seniors community and wanted a brief getaway. They had reservations at a condo in a small resort town so I took them there for 3 days. They don't get around very easily, so we mostly ate in and drove around looking at the sights from the car. People there were great about mask wearing so our 2 ventures to eat out felt safe. We all quarantined before and after the trip - and made it through safely.</p><p>Then my sister up in northern Idaho invited me to visit - mountains, lake view,</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSXg0iIzMakVjNoEZ-ECwvTAJwKfdLQ4QM1R0YPncB_X_qU9Z4Z53oYZ-h3zUDXWAbfyg-l-8cQ79t1yvoKFB0pekQjWHMvC3kRTP1IqCtVC3_w0DA1Q5n6TRiod85K1vtv3oVyF8x02g/s318/CDA.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="159" data-original-width="318" height="199" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSXg0iIzMakVjNoEZ-ECwvTAJwKfdLQ4QM1R0YPncB_X_qU9Z4Z53oYZ-h3zUDXWAbfyg-l-8cQ79t1yvoKFB0pekQjWHMvC3kRTP1IqCtVC3_w0DA1Q5n6TRiod85K1vtv3oVyF8x02g/w398-h199/CDA.jpg" width="398" /></a></div>boat and keeping company with my sister was just what I had hoped summers might be like in retirement. I agonized over how to get there - drive alone for 2 days each way, staying in motels and getting food on the road? Or fly there and back? Every single flight included plane changes - so in and out of multiple airports on planes with people from all over? The worst part was most flights are routed through Las Vegas which is the Nevada cesspool of Corona. My sister easily agreed to get up at 3 am to get me to the airport for my return flight via Oakland.<p></p><p>I wore goggles and wiped everything in reach, wore my best mask, kept my distance from others, stayed in well ventilated areas and didn't purchase food during my layovers. I kept the overhead fan on and took a window seat - all per recommendations from medical experts. It went fine - had a really nice visit, took walks, went out on the boat one day, hung around the house learning mah jong, started a mosaic tabletop, and talked and talked. I know there are a lot of people being very judgy about others taking "unessential" trips. Part of me agrees - on the other hand, we still have to live our lives and make the best decisions for our mental and physical health. </p><p>Next year I hope to be invited back, make a real road trip if the drive, bring my bike and be able to treat my hosts to a nice dinner out. Here's to a great summer of 2021!</p>Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12768569658001165651noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1565128606520217803.post-6716776594726804622020-09-07T16:04:00.002-07:002020-09-24T17:16:46.495-07:00SUMMER OF 2020 COMING TO AN END<div class="separator"> Outside it is 96 degrees the sky is a smoky gray that will turn orange when the sun begins to set. We've had only a few days in the past month that being outside didn't leave you with smoke smelling hair and stinging eyes.<br /><br />Currently the fires are in California but we have had a few big ones here in Nevada. The afternoon winds I used to complain about are not happening much, so the air just sits still, hot and thick. If it weren't for the fact that so many people are being displaced and losing everything I would complain bitterly about this new pile-on to the pain of 2020. But I just look forward to the very early mornings when the air is cooler and if I walk through the thick greenery of the Arboretum, the smoke doesn't sting so much.</div><div class="separator"><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1920" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhVOFRIno6OsmmqOouURtsJZnm9RzhjX_eYKVF6sH_7kJcs3np4NAyxH_UyJyi-5fV4F8z8d3ma1BNGI7or4kWn0EXDgkEK2hHKi2UjpJKhKGfqFYi-fKIz_peI7e6MFdF8kCgb9kCl9k/w400-h225/2020.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p>The calendar says Fall starts in 2 weeks. I am not sure I am ready to give up on summer - the months of construction noise, dust and inconvenience on our street had finally come to an end right about the time the wildfire smoke descended. While I enjoyed the effort of planting things and making the yard a bit nicer, the heat, noise and smoke reduced the pleasure.</p><p>As a newly retired person and on my own for the first time in 37 years - it's all a big adjustment. Having Covid-19 crush most normal life and cancel all the researched, well planned and hope filled ideas I had in place to start my life in a new place left a lot of hours to fill and not much to fill them with.</p><p>My routine has been to go walking at 8 then do errands or just head home to water and tend to my plants and stuff. I take my protein drink outside with my book and enjoy the outdoors before it gets too hot - usually by 10 or 11 I am inside again. </p><p>I have discovered these online surveys that "pay" in gift cards. They get redundant but it is something to fill time and knocks down my Amazon habit. (I generally have 5 books lined up to read on my Kindle.) I also subscribed to the NY Times online. Sooo much content! </p><p>My son figured out why I couldn't watch stuff on my streaming channels and fixed it so I have been watching more movies and documentaries and less news. I managed to make it through the two "conventions" but my mood has gone decidedly downhill in their aftermath. </p><p>Some days I see that my easygoing, do whatever I feel like doing life is something others envy - even under these limiting circumstances. I have enjoyed many of my days meandering through the hours. I am now thinking I need to do some work - on myself. I need to figure out my new life, my purpose, my roles. </p><p>Not sure how to go about it, though. Any suggestions?</p>Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12768569658001165651noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1565128606520217803.post-20919802317686434062020-07-27T09:34:00.000-07:002020-07-27T09:34:08.133-07:00THINGS I'VE LEARNED ABOUT FINANCES AS A WIDOW<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4ujlzCyBzQJfr2Q0kBSK9xOMjrUwArFLRLIBzl5d7Xyw5aGgmq6pPhZGs3ZqYJeiwal5q9uewKD76mzp6QGS6ZLU_3V27tQrVjG_vLMKbCW0ZwUjqMvFxSR1TXBNO2vDJGWJz1vZla4g/s180/images.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="132" data-original-width="180" height="206" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4ujlzCyBzQJfr2Q0kBSK9xOMjrUwArFLRLIBzl5d7Xyw5aGgmq6pPhZGs3ZqYJeiwal5q9uewKD76mzp6QGS6ZLU_3V27tQrVjG_vLMKbCW0ZwUjqMvFxSR1TXBNO2vDJGWJz1vZla4g/w281-h206/images.jpg" width="281" /></a></div>I spend several mornings each week dealing with the many loose ends following the death of my spouse. I know that much of what I am dealing with is due to the fact that many things were managed by my husband and left in disarray (because his death was completely unexpected) and others that I was not privy to due to his business and his desire to "shield me" from the reality of our financial situation.<br />
In any case, if it is helpful at all for recently widowed women who find this post, I am going to set out a few things I have learned.<br />
<br />
1. Everyone says you need a lot of certified death certificates. Frequently mentioned is to get at least a dozen of them. Because of my husband's business - I got about 20 of them. Turns out this is one of the few areas where modern technology has changed the rules. Many places were just fine with a scanned and emailed copy. Some copied the original I brought in person and gave it back. In fact, many requested that the Social Security number be blocked out for liability and privacy concerns.<br />
<br />
I suggest starting with half a dozen and then order more if needed. As they cost about $23.00 per copy - it makes no sense to have any extras sitting in a file - like I have.<br />
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2. My husband was self employed. I worked so we had healthcare benefits. I didn't make a lot of money, but enough that it had an effect come tax time. We changed my 401k contribution to try to ease that - so 40% of my pay went into that account pre-tax. Since here was a matching element - it grew fairly fast. He asked me to take a large distribution shortly before he died.<br />
<br />The distribution he had me take was intended to go into a new retirement account he had opened - a SEP IRA. He made an issue of letting me know how I could access the account - however, either he didn't know or didn't consider the consequences if he died and we did not go through probate. Under those conditions, I have no claim or access to the funds - at least per <b>Vanguard Brokerage Services</b>. There is only a few hundred dollars in the account that they won't pay out to me for whatever arcane rules they get to hide behind. (Unless I spend more money than is in the account to provide legal documents that satisfy "the rules".)<br />
<br />
So the large sum I had just taken out of my 401k to be deposited into that account remained in my hands because he became ill before the transfer could be made. The sole saving grace I managed out of the mess of finances I inherited.<br />
<br />
The lesson? Learn more about the various kinds of accounts there are and question the rules around them. I did that when he became eligible for his pension. He had planned to defer it until he was 70 because the value was so much higher. I questioned what the rules were if something should happen to him before that milestone - and we learned I would end up with a tiny fraction of the amount as his widow. We changed the option and he began taking the pension at 65. Thank goodness I questioned it - wish I had done the same on the SEP IRA!!<br />
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3. Credit cards - sigh. <div><br />
In the weeks following his death, each creditor received a phone call requesting the cancellation of the account and any auto payments. That was followed by a notification letter and a death certificate. AmEx kept calling and sending letters seeking probate information - we did not go through probate.<br />
<br />
Apparently, even though I didn't sign anything, receive or use a card, a couple of the accounts somehow have my name attached to them. The law is pretty vague on this especially in community property states. <div><br /></div><div>I would not be liable for the accounts he opened specifically for his business. He was a solo practitioner and never filed as a corporation - so the accounts can be considered personal. The credit companies can come after me to pay that debt. How hard they will come at me remains to be seen. I was advised to give out no information to anyone who contacts me from the companies or from third party entities. I no longer answer calls from unknown numbers.</div><div><br /></div><div>The good news as of now - the companies he had personal loans with have not come to me for payment. They seem to be less aggressive about repayment.<br />
<br />
I did hear from the bank for<b> my personal</b> credit cards that they are reducing my credit limits by half. The credit reporting companies are definitely tagging me with his outstanding debts. I realize it is early days and this is probably far from over, I keep my personal cards and auto loans paid up and hope eventually my credit rating will improve.<br />
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4. With the pandemic, the IRS is backed up. It does appear that the very expensive tax attorneys I hired are working some magic on the issues of back taxes, payment plans, liens, etc. Should know soon. The State of California - not so much - they want payment in full and it is a doozy - wouldn't you know he had a very good income last year. They are giving me five years to pay off the 2019 taxes.<div><br /></div><div>5. Bottom line - if you are facing big tax and credit issues - I would advise that the expense of hiring professional help is worth it. Not those credit fix companies!! Law Firms or CPA firms which specialize in these issues. Call and talk to multiple people until you feel a good fit and communication style. I had some pretty insulting and negative conversations until I found the great people I am working with.</div><div><br /></div><div>6. Remember that this will all settle out. It may take time and more money that you don't really have to spend to help resolve it - but it will be resolved over time. This is one area I think it is best to let time pass before making any decisions. The pressure is enormous to just make it go away - resist that urge and take your time. </div><div><br /></div></div></div>Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12768569658001165651noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1565128606520217803.post-35341692734895116012020-06-09T17:03:00.001-07:002020-06-09T17:03:55.767-07:00WALKING FOR SANITY<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH6rSWM0qKogCO2tuUXHmfdiIfMZ4GehRljGdAecqZnEKYuosBABBeOHVM0g5i65BwEh2qJWIX4dZCb6praphUn09yOk4HKoe1TKnLBFiMlHSP00b0ql0cdjYz4QkHtf7-Cx82GqXKTAU/s1600/IMG_0461.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH6rSWM0qKogCO2tuUXHmfdiIfMZ4GehRljGdAecqZnEKYuosBABBeOHVM0g5i65BwEh2qJWIX4dZCb6praphUn09yOk4HKoe1TKnLBFiMlHSP00b0ql0cdjYz4QkHtf7-Cx82GqXKTAU/s320/IMG_0461.JPG" width="320" /></a>It has been hard to start living alone just as this stay at home way of life started. I know it has been hard for pretty much everyone. All of us have our different dynamics, challenges and feelings. The exception has been my youngest daughter. She has been working non-stop in the food and beverage industry since she was in high school - she was furloughed and has had the first break in 10 years! But I digress.<br />
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One of the reasons I decided on the little house I live in now is its proximity to Rancho San Rafael Regional Park. It has a huge dog park, an Arboretum & Botanical Gardens and covers about 600 acres of space. I have been going walking through the park several times a week all through the late winter and spring. </div>
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It turns out Reno is really windy. Did not know that before I moved here. As a cyclist, I hate the wind - but as a pedestrian, it isn't all that bad. However - gale force winds gusting 30-60 mph is not conducive to a walk in the park. As a Californian, I am geared for warm weather to start in March. It snowed and hailed and froze the water in my birdbath on June 7 here! <br />
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When I go for a few days making excuses for not walking and then shove myself out the door I am always so happy my better nature took over and sent me out into the fresh air - be it cold and windy or scented with new blossoms.</div>
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This past week I discovered that the iris finally bloomed as did the lilacs. There was a heavenly scent coming from the Mountain Roses. There are little cotton tailed bunnies all over the place and ducklings in a row paddling across the pond.<br />
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My sister got me started painting little rocks to be left behind when out and about, and it is always fun to see if my latest rock has been discovered and carried off. I am no artist - the rock pictured here is my homage to Kandinsky. I made a whole series of them!<br />
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I usually walk for 30 to 60 minutes. I go pretty early and find people are good about distancing and are still friendly. I bring my mask but have not needed to wear it. <br />
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I have made an effort to reverse my routes and find new paths and to climb at least 1 or 2 hills on each walk. I don't listen to music on headphones, I listen to the birds and rushing water from the snow run off while it is still melting. I like to walk past the dog park and watch the romping pups. I usually stop and find a bench and do a brief "meditation." Then head home again glad I made myself go.<br />
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Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12768569658001165651noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1565128606520217803.post-63476598493408268542020-06-07T10:58:00.001-07:002020-09-07T15:15:56.271-07:00SIX MONTHS A WIDOWWe all know time is a fickle thing - for me last month seemed to last forever, for you it might have passed in a blur. Six months ago just happened. Six months ago seems like a lifetime past. Six months ago today was a Saturday. It was Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day. It was the day my husband died.<br />
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I had to look up what day of the week it was. The 22 days living in the hospital were marked by the rhythm of shift changes. The whiteboard laying out each day's status updates, planned meds, infusions and procedures. During the last few days spent in the ICU many of those personal connections were lost as treatment stopped and reacting to each new problem and symptom began. In the ICU they didn't know him when he arrived 18 days earlier, weak but still himself.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tom at the top of the "Rocky Steps" in Philly. September 2019</td></tr>
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And now here I am. Living alone in a little house in a new state with a fraction of my belongings collected over 37 years of living with my husband. Each day I am reminded of things planned <div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>which will not happen. I open a cabinet and see his hat or the velveteen bag containing his ashes. I usually say "Hi Tommy" and go ahead with what I was doing. I have moved from pain to wistfulness. <br />
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I know for sure that I would be in a more positive mood today if not for the Covid 19 situation. The classes I signed up for were cancelled, the social groups I had hoped to join have delayed events until late June or July, the gym closed. The voids in my life I had hoped to start filling will have to wait a little longer.<br />
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I have the benefit of living in a small house with a large yard. I don't particularly like gardening but I find myself pulling weeds, planting herb gardens, fussing over tomato plants, spreading bark, watering, sweeping off the patio and porch.<br />
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There is a large park nearby with many walking paths and I have watched winter turn to spring as I traipse through it several times a week. I've stopped having the TV on all the time for company. I make lists of things to do and check them off as I complete them. I am baking low carb cookies and cinnamon bread, grilling salmon, eating the first cherries and apricots.<br />
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My son and his wife have shared their murder mystery boxes with me following nice meals in their home. I am in touch with all 3 children nearly every day and have Zoom gatherings with other family and former co-workers.<br />
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Alone together - isn't that the theme of the day?<br />
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<br /></div>Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12768569658001165651noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1565128606520217803.post-44173208225597563412020-04-29T13:14:00.001-07:002020-04-29T13:14:42.488-07:00SAD SHOPPING They say never grocery shop when you are hungry. I have learned it is very expensive to grocery shop when you are feeling sad.<br />
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When I feel sorry for myself I spend $153.00 on things like:<br />
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1. Pate (2 kinds)<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJbLO7PQDwpWjc6sSMeTT0FLtS3GW1gw-1cOzmjuJp12iHksULnPfw1TE41ZW-FZ-V6aqAR8X2hemyTeTKTwMgmmAK9X5sChuelZAwtj6zLfWhcrf05lXnBBzTQucHZ4xUW4-CxudHoCc/s1600/masks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="183" data-original-width="275" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJbLO7PQDwpWjc6sSMeTT0FLtS3GW1gw-1cOzmjuJp12iHksULnPfw1TE41ZW-FZ-V6aqAR8X2hemyTeTKTwMgmmAK9X5sChuelZAwtj6zLfWhcrf05lXnBBzTQucHZ4xUW4-CxudHoCc/s1600/masks.jpg" /></a>2. A nicely shaped pot I can put mosaic tile on even though I have 3 at home waiting to be similarly adorned.<br />
3. Four sweet indulgences which I hope will last 2 weeks until I shop again - they won't.<br />
4. Shrimp - because no shrimp packing plants are under siege - yet.<br />
5. Three kinds of cheese even though I already have 2 kinds in the frig.<br />
6. A $2.00 avocado - which will never be worth what I spent. <br />
7. Three kinds of berries not on mark down. <br />
8. Green onions to replace the 2 slimy bags of green onions I removed from the frig.<br />
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I also bought some ground lamb and chicken - because meat packing plants. Four greeting cards which I need to swear off because they are ridiculously expensive. I have been saying that for about 2 years now, it is an addiction.<br />
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I couldn't buy any Lipton Tea and a few other things on my actual list. There were many more empty shelves throughout the store than I have seen before. My cupboards and refrigerator are full - no more shopping just for something to do. <br />
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Except for plants at the nursery...Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12768569658001165651noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1565128606520217803.post-14112023144519374612020-04-26T10:00:00.000-07:002020-04-26T10:00:05.242-07:00NO LONGER HOME ALONEAm I the only one tired of hearing about in these "unprecedented, unpredictable, un-whatever times" that we are "alone together"? If those companies spending a fortune on the sappy, repetitive ads would direct that money toward their employees - I wouldn't get so irked. But that is a rant for another day.<br />
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Apparently, I am no longer sheltering on place alone. The signs were subtle at first, then nothing for a bit, then they were unmistakable. Mice.<br />
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This nice little house I live in has <b>very</b> little kitchen cabinet space, but there is a sort of semi-finished closet off the kitchen. Previous tenants housed their dogs and pet supplies in that space. I set up shelves and organized my overflow bowls, pans, storage containers and some pantry items I couldn't fit into the kitchen.<br />
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The first alert was the tiny mouse I surprised while it was exploring the trash under the sink. I went out and bought the standard glue traps (I know, none of this is particularly humane but those snap and squish things seem worse.) I placed two of them under the sink at the spot that looked most likely to be the point of entry. Nothing. For weeks no sign. Maybe the trash explorer returned to the hide out and reported it was a no go.<br />
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Then I started finding droppings in various places and the glue traps still perfectly in place. In the closet there was a nibbled potato and I had to wash a basket of dish towels, but no other signs. I stopped storing my occasional potato in the "pantry" and put the towels in another location. Wiped down the shelves with Clorox, put a couple more glue traps on the shelves and started doing daily inspections.<br />
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Turns out these mice have very high end taste. The only thing they focused on were my very expensive low carb crackers which I order by the case from San Francisco. I tossed the first package they had ravaged and placed all the cracker type items into very heavy duty plastic bags my husband used to store yard and pool chemicals in the garage.<br />
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All seemed well. Traps clear and no new nibbles. Or so I thought. I went to get a package of my special crackers and I found they had chewed through the plastic and into one of my new cracker packages. I related my battle to my sister who advised me to get electric traps that zap the mice. She swore by the effective and more humane little killing devices.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stay in your own damned house!</td></tr>
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Amazon apparently didn't think them essential enough to deliver right away and I didn't want to wait 3 weeks so I left the safety of my home, went to Home Depot and paid more but had my new battle plan. As directed, I put peanut butter in the traps even though I knew the hearts desire of the mice - so nothing happened. I left trails of crackers up to the entry of the traps - they ate the crumbs but did not enter. I moved them around, I cleaned out the peanut butter and put cracker crumbs inside. No go. I got the smart rodents.<br />
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Meantime I completely rearranged my storage and got all soft packages out of the closet pantry. Was that a smart move? Will they just hightail it into the kitchen cabinets now? Is this really how I am spending my days?<br />
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Well, I don't know what changed the dynamic, but all of a sudden, 2 tiny mice on glue traps to dispose of. Still no action in the $40.00 fancy reusable traps - but progress. Then another on a glue trap. Then the big time - a much larger critter entered the zap trap - I could see the tail hanging out. I am not particularly squeamish and I will step up and deal with this myself with gloves and newspapers to remove and wrap - and try not to look at any of it. Yuck.<br />
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Two days now and no new action. I may be alone again.<br />
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Probably not - still alone together.<br />
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<br />Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12768569658001165651noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1565128606520217803.post-70120550567870022882020-04-20T16:36:00.000-07:002020-04-20T16:36:11.188-07:00ALL THIS AND ISOLATION, TOO<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Three weeks after I moved to another city in another state to escape the high prices of the SF Bay Area and to be near my son and his wife in Nevada - the stay at home orders came out. I had managed to get really well settled into my little house and was looking forward to being out and about - getting to know the area and to start finding ways to meet people.<br />
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I had signed up for a couple of classes and was researching bike and social groups. I had visited several gyms and chose one to join. I got all signed up with a local doctor. I completed the process to get a new drivers license and register my car. I was all revved up to get out there and start a routine and meet people and fill my no longer work and husband filled time. <br />
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It all came to a screeching halt. For good reason - I am not arguing that at all. I don't have health issues, but I am of the age group that is at risk. The last thing I would want is to do something reckless and cause others to get sick or require care for myself.<br />
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It just seems to me when I think back over the last 6 months that this is personal. Which is crazy, I know that. It just seems like the universe is really piling it on considering all the drama and problems and issues and frustrations I have had to work through beginning with my husbands diagnosis and continuing to this day. The number of hours invested in dealing with the fall out from his death, including identity theft, tax and financial issues, settlements from the moving company and disbursement of funds from accounts and even just trying to get mail delivered to the correct address. It seems endless and I have such empathy for anyone having to go through all of it. <br />
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I am glad I was not working and able to be with my husband every one of his last days. I have the time and the capacity to deal with all of the challenges I am facing. I can afford my little house in my new city and my car payment and groceries and the things I need. I am near my son and my daughters who live across the country check in pretty much every day. This will pass - at some point I'll do all the things I was looking forward to.<br />
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Right now I am a bit too steeped in being alone and all the platitudes are getting annoying. But in writing this I also feel annoyed by my own complaints. So I am just going to knock it off and make a list of things to do for the rest of this week - and then the next one and just stay busy and active and stop whining.<br />
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<br />Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12768569658001165651noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1565128606520217803.post-27756934957828948582020-04-07T09:53:00.001-07:002020-04-07T09:53:56.992-07:00GRIEF - ONE SIZE NEVER FITS ALL<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Much has been studied and reported about grief. We have all heard about the stages of grief and the requirement that one has to go through them to go forward emotionally. The most frequent statement is that we must express our grief or it can't be put to rest.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">It is four months ago today that my husband died. He was hospitalized for 22 days. He went through a complete round of chemo during that time. He struggled physically and emotionally. He would say to the Palliative Care team that he looked at the disease as a "blessing - a new beginning". He never talked that way. The entire family engaged in eye rolling over that one. But generally he was himself to the day he died. Difficult, demanding, hard working, sentimental, loving.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglDLBPsKSPKqL-4FZzjHKCOVl4N3L-xtsUEVDd9eIvH54RQYuadxdqVii_a1eKsfw472LCj_bXnbX0HUqGONBhPE_lCt__mzhY9I8_P_963JxGqEr-1yd_YULn3dSaCfDSwnvkcn1jXe4/s1600/mosheart.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="375" data-original-width="500" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglDLBPsKSPKqL-4FZzjHKCOVl4N3L-xtsUEVDd9eIvH54RQYuadxdqVii_a1eKsfw472LCj_bXnbX0HUqGONBhPE_lCt__mzhY9I8_P_963JxGqEr-1yd_YULn3dSaCfDSwnvkcn1jXe4/s400/mosheart.jpg" width="400" /></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I loved my husband of 35 years. Our relationship was interdependent in many ways. I am a nurturer by nature. As a lonely only child he sopped up all that I did for him with gratitude. He was my protector, provider and companion. We have 3 amazing children. We - all five of us - are independent people. We agreed to let him go when it was clear he was not going to recover, we were at his bedside when he breathed his last breath. We told stories and laughed and none of us thought he would go as quickly as he did because it was his way to put up a fight and drag things out.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I did not cry then - and have shed very few tears since. We went home and started getting things organized the next day. I did not take to my bed. I did not feel that there was no reason to go on, or that my life was over. I recognized that my life had completely changed - but that I am still my whole self.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">After the initial shock had worn off and many tasks had been taken care of and things around his death had slowed a bit - I started to wonder if there was something wrong with me. I didn't feel I was denying any of my emotions but I wasn't distraught. I felt pretty secure in the decisions I was making. When I felt overwhelmed by things I took a step back. I engaged in self care - went for walks, made sure I ate well. But still I wondered if I was "normal."</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I went online and looked at information about grief. I don't think I am repressing things - Brene Brown would say I was not being authentic, that I was denying my negative emotions and that suppression would bring more suffering. I don't think so. I am not denying who I truly am. I am not fearful of being unlovable.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I had and still sometimes have a lot of anger toward my husband for the financial situation he left me in - but I also recognized immediately that he suffered knowing what was coming for me and I have, as best I can, forgiven him for it. So I explored if that combination of being sad and mad was something others had experienced - and there is a bit out there about similar situations - but mostly it goes back to the "stages of grief" kind of anger. So I was satisfied with the general sentiment that not everyone grieves the same way, on the same timeline - one size doesn't fit all understanding of grief.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Then I ran across some newer studies about resilience. I am nothing if not resilient. The Mrs. Brightside moniker is all about that. For me it isn't about glossing over or denying the negative - it is about finding your way through by focusing on what is possible, the positive, the light.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">George Bonanno's studies and book <i>The Other Side of Sadness: What the New Science of Bereavement Tells About Life After Loss </i> is about <i>"<span style="color: #2c2d30;"><span style="background-color: white;">studies which </span></span><span style="background: white; color: #2c2d30;">followed
bereaved people over long periods of time we always found tremendous
variability in how people react to loss. We found a pattern we call "</span><a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/basics/resilience" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; text-decoration-line: none !important; word-break: break-word;" title="Psychology Today looks at resilience"><span style="background: white;">resilience</span></a><span style="background: white; color: #2c2d30;">" in between one third and two thirds of bereaved
people. It looks like the term suggests. People who show a resilient outcome
struggle initially with the pain of loss, as almost everyone does, but they
manage to deal with the sadness and distress with equanimity. Their pain is
acute, usually lasting most pointedly for a few days to a few weeks but then
begins to subside. It is not that they don't grieve, or that they didn't care;
far from it. Rather, they are able to put the pain aside when they need to and
they continue to meet the demands of their life. They even laugh and experience
moments of joy. They accept the loss, readjust their sense of what is, and move
on."</span></i></span><br />
<span style="background: white; color: #2c2d30;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background: white;"><span style="color: #2c2d30; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I don't report this as in "I am of superior mental health" than people who are traumatized and grieve for years and years. I am well aware that sudden, violent loss or the loss of a child is much different and creates more of a PTSD response. I am just comforted by the approach that lets me know I am not a cold, unfeeling or suppressed person for experiencing my grief in my way.</span></span><br />
<br />Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12768569658001165651noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1565128606520217803.post-16994277584011147222020-03-25T16:36:00.001-07:002020-03-25T16:36:56.552-07:00TRIGGERSI have not experienced grief in a go to bed for days, weepy, can't cope way. I moved into the what needs to be done zone and stayed there for weeks - to the point that I wondered what was wrong with me. Am I normal? I loved my husband, he died. Shouldn't I fall apart at least a little bit? <br />
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Then a cascade of problems started to set in - and I found I was fine putting out fires but unable to cope with simple things. A notice from the bank that required me to change my log-in just threw me - I couldn't think of something new. The woman on the phone nicely came up with something until I could think straight. A CPA I called for advice told me what killed him probably was the financial stress he was under and I hung up on her but was so shaken up I didn't make phone calls for days. Paperwork for the new bank account I opened had to be corrected because I put in that I was married.<br />
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Driving through the city where we used to live brought on tears. Seeing people out on their bikes brought waves of memories. Passing by things I used to buy for him at the store made me sadder than planning meals for one.<br />
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After moving to a new state, I have not had many of those moments, until today. I went to donate <br />
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blood - which is the thing I told people to do when they asked how they could help following his diagnosis and death. I didn't really give it much thought until I saw all the people there doing this generous life giving thing. I had gone prompted by the Covid crisis, but realized once there that the hospitals are still full of leukemia patients in need of this precious resource only we can provide.<br />
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I had strong mixed emotions all day. The loss. The life sustaining gift we can give. Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12768569658001165651noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1565128606520217803.post-58274780507847166112020-03-22T09:28:00.002-07:002020-03-22T09:28:57.251-07:00THE REVEALTom and I had certainly not foreseen that this would happen so soon in our lives - we expected a good 10 years before major health issues might occur. We lived a healthy lifestyle and had no medical issues. We had, however, spent time discussing things like quality of life and how far we would or would not allow medical intervention for each other.<br />
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I served as his advocate and was respected by the medical staff in that role. His mental capacity was compromised and he had trouble speaking on and off during his hospitalization. When he was lucid and could communicate well, he had many things he felt strongly about telling me. He was extremely focused on his work, he made sure his clients had been taken care of. He repeatedly told me about financial stuff like passwords and when bills were due that he handled. Even when he was delirious or sleepy, he insisted on holding his phone and having his blue tooth in his ear - during the nights I would wake up to him talking away as if he was conducting business.<br />
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It was clear to the family that in the last days he was asking for our help, asking to be let go. Things had deteriorated so significantly that much of his day was spent undergoing care that was painful and intrusive and not creating any gains. We were all in agreement about stopping treatment and the staff handled the end very well with great respect and consideration. He knew we were all there and the last word he said was "love".<br />
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The entire family retreated to our house to sleep. In the morning we started making lists of things that needed to be done - divided it up and got to work. We are a family of "doers". Each of us in our own state of shock/grief/bewilderment we set about our tasks. As the day went on, it became clear that there was a big problem. I knew that I would not be able to afford the big house we had just rented, but the financial situation was significantly more dire than I had ever imagined. <br />
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He would be very angry that I am even revealing this to others, but I think it is very important not to gloss over things - not just because this is the grim reality of my life now, but because it should serve as a warning. I am not one of those old fashioned women who left everything up to my spouse. I knew we had tax debt because I signed the taxes and payment plans every year. I argued with him about his refusal to pay his quarterly estimated taxes as a self employed person. He always argued back that if he had bad months back to back he might not be able to pay the rent or his bills to keep his practice going. I know he lived in constant stress about his business month to month. <br />
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Going through the finances, notifying creditors of his death, determining what accounts had to be paid or closed was significantly aided by the fact that he had created a comprehensive list with all his accounts and passwords. What going through that revealed was gut wrenching. Long story short (sorry, I guess this is not so short) he had massive consumer debt in his name that I did not know about and he had gotten behind on the tax payment plans and the IRS was after us. Big time.<br />
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Not only is finding I would have to deal with all this another kick in the gut, the kids were all exposed to this information and, quite frankly, we are all really pissed off about it. Yes, he had no idea he was going to get sick and die. Yes, he clearly was upset and obsessed with this throughout his illness and confinement in the hospital. Yes, he was trying to shield me with the belief he was somehow going to get it taken care of over time - but he didn't end up with time. <br />
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I feel such pain knowing how worried he was all during his illness, he knew this hammer was out there and if he didn't survive it was going to come down on me. <br />
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On the other hand - REALLY? Keeping all this from me for years? Not being honest? Pretending like we could actually purchase a house again? Agreeing I could retire?<br />
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This reveal was only the beginning - much more to follow.<br />
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<br />Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12768569658001165651noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1565128606520217803.post-1817054971388195322020-03-15T11:35:00.000-07:002020-03-15T11:35:58.738-07:00I'M STILL MRS. BRIGHTSIDE<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The last time I posted I was getting back into the swing of things after getting 2 new knees. For the record, that has continued to be a great improvement in my life. My husband Tom and I increased our mileage on our bikes and though I never managed to become a great hill climber - with the addition of an electric wheel on one of my bikes, we joined a biking group and took many wonderful rides.<br />
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So what brings me back to writing here? I always thought I'd get back to writing when I stopped working full time - but my life has taken a wholly unexpected turn. I was trying to figure out how to update my profile with my new information. (Still can't figure out how.) I considered starting a whole new blog. Anyway...<br />
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We had just moved into a different house, both of us were exhausted from the effort. That Tom was tired and sore was a surprise because he's in such great shape, but not too worrisome - after all we are in our mid-sixties.<br />
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A couple of weeks later, on the last day of my job, my husband called an ambulance and got himself to the ER. I left my retirement party and by the time I got to the hospital, the blood draw they had done was already conclusive that he had leukemia - so acute that they were pretty stunned he'd been upright for the past few days.<br />
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Long story short - he was transferred to a hospital in Oakland where they specialized in treating AML. He started chemo a couple of days later. It was 22 days from the diagnosis to the day we let him go due to multiple organ failure. The chemo had worked, but his body was not up to the side effects.<br />
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I will save many of the stories and information I learned for future posts. Pretty much living in the hospital for 3 weeks, gathering, dispersing and then gathering the family again, working with the doctors, nurses and Palliative Care team was all consuming in addition to his needs and demands and frustrations. In many ways I shut down my emotions and here I am three months later and only now just starting to get my feelings back. And I will tell you - they are a real mixed bag.<br />
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I will be writing with some frequency to express my feelings, thoughts and experience on this most unexpected turn in my life.<br />
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<br />Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12768569658001165651noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1565128606520217803.post-36378360740778610412018-05-17T20:08:00.000-07:002018-05-17T20:08:44.438-07:00FOUR FULL MONTHS TKR POST OPI wasn't sure a couple of weeks ago that I was still making progress, but as has been the trend, as soon as I doubt, I turn a corner.<br />
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I am still leaving work a bit early to get in some extra PT time every day. To be honest, though, I frequently use the time to do errands and just escape that last boring hour of work that feels like it lasts 2 hours! I still experience enough stiffness by the end of the day that I am taking my PT seriously most days. Honest.<br />
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I realized about a week ago that when I get out of bed in the morning, I hardly notice my knees - I am back to my lower back being more of a bother than my knees. Hurrah? By the time I am up and around for awhile I tend to get a bit stiff, so I do a few stretches before I leave for work.<br />
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I started parking up the hill in my usual spot and have given up the luxury of the handicap spot right in front of the building. I am fine on the hill and the extra walking is good before and after a day of sitting. I am also getting in and out of my car with much more ease.<br />
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The biggest issue I have had is a bad tooth infection in a molar I had a root canal in a year ago - I experienced several days of significant pain, stiffness and general feelings of being unwell until the antibiotic kicked in. Those admonitions about oral health are not to be taken lightly. The infection did not travel to my knees, but they were definitely impacted.Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12768569658001165651noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1565128606520217803.post-48831302230808532152018-04-30T18:52:00.001-07:002018-04-30T18:53:41.388-07:00FIFTEEN WEEKS POST TKR - GETTING SOME SLEEPI am happy to report that I am finally getting some sleep - the medication has been helping a lot. Not every night, but most nights I am getting at least 6 hours of sleep. I would prefer 7 1/2 so I am taking the meds a bit earlier each night. The medication I am taking is called Gabapentin. I still have tender and sensitive incisions, but the sharper nerve spikes have diminished and I am not waking after I am asleep - at least not due to the healing incisions.<br />
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I am still leaving work a bit early to do my PT every day. It really helps to do this - I feel so much stronger and more flexible each week. I am able to get up and walk around enough at work that I experience much less stiffness, also my walking has improved a lot, hardly any "hitch" in my gait.<br />
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I spent several hours on my feet at an event this weekend and rode 10 miles on my bike the next day. I was tired and sore each day, but I think I need to push myself in order to build my strength back. Besides - before the new knees I could not have stood and walked as much as I did! I could, however, put many more miles in on the bike - so I have more work to do. I am 10 days away from 4 months post-op. I think I am still doing really well. Yay.<br />
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<br />Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12768569658001165651noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1565128606520217803.post-63217298520733378072018-04-18T19:34:00.000-07:002018-04-25T16:14:39.507-07:00TRIED FULL TIME AND BACKED OFFMy plan was always to build up my work hours back to full time by 12 weeks - and I did. Now I am backing off. Only by one hour a day, but this is why: I leave for work at 7:15 am and get home around 5:15 pm. I am the "chief cook and bottle washer" as they used to say - so by the time I get home I am straight into the kitchen getting dinner together, then cleaning up then I am too tired to do a real PT work out.<br />
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I tried full time for over a week and found not only was I tired at work all day, I felt like my knees were getting stiffer as the week went on. I am lucky that my manager was totally behind me reducing back my hours to keep the healing process going forward. I have had 2 days of a better work out and time on the bike - so I hope this is a good move.<br />
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I have a good friend who is a neurologist - I mentioned this issue of incision tenderness and sleeplessness to her, not in hopes of a diagnosis but because we both, as many older women I know, have issues with getting good sleep. Anyway...she immediately suggested I contact my doc about a prescription which helps with nerve pain and has the side effect of drowsiness. Started it last night and it didn't make me sleepy. But I will keep trying it for a while and report the name of the drug if it seems helpful with this particular set of issues (in case there is someone else experiencing them.)<br />
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One more piece of news is that I rode a bike OUTSIDE last weekend! A short ride - a few miles - but I felt it in my quads just above the knees. Even the little rises were a challenge after a stationary bike for 3 months! The weather is supposed to be great this coming weekend so I am very excited to go out again. I even wore my bike shorts and let the world see my scars!<br />
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So that's the story week 13.<br />
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<br />Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12768569658001165651noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1565128606520217803.post-68224069294812238462018-03-27T17:01:00.000-07:002018-03-27T17:01:13.835-07:00BACK TO WORK - 10 WEEKS POST SURGERYI survived my first two weeks back at work - weeks 8 and 9 I worked between 3.5 and 5 hours per day. My job keeps me on a chair, wearing a headset in front of a computer. I managed very well with taking breaks to stretch my legs and use ice during a break. Put a box under my desk to change my leg position now and then.<br />
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I was stiff when I got home - about a 20 minute drive which is hard on the right leg - and usually did an immediate PT session followed by ice, then another one before dinner. I found I was very tired and in bed early each night. I am still using Tylenol and Advil and, though I keep trying to skip it, still using the Percocet at bedtime - hopefully I'll be off that in the next week or so.<br />
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The only other complaint I have is continued incision pain/discomfort. The incision is healing really well and looks good but by the end of the day is so tender and sensitive I frequently go to bed early so I can leave my knees exposed - no clothing, sheet or nightgown touching them! Have not read about anyone else having this issue...<br />
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This week, week 10, I am up to 5.5 hours per day (at work 6 hours due to required lunch break) and plan to increase to 7 hours next week and back to full time on my 12th week following surgery.<br />
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My surgeon thought this was ambitious but I am feeling good, I still have time for at least 2 sessions of stretching and strengthening. I was concerned during week 9 because my right leg was not showing the same improvement and strength as my left, but it suddenly kicked in, they are getting more equal and my gait is much improved. I still get more stiffness in the right knee and work it harder during my PT sessions.<br />
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I am only up to about 20-25 minutes a session on the exercise bike - I do feel more pain following the longer sessions so I am trying not to cause a backwards slide - tho I really feel good when I am on the bike!!<br />
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<br />Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12768569658001165651noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1565128606520217803.post-63126196475759160672018-03-12T13:40:00.000-07:002018-03-12T13:40:07.451-07:00STARTING BACK TO WORKI graduated from physical therapy last week about the time I got a paycheck for $54.00. Time to go back to work so I don't <b>owe them</b> money for my benefits!<br />
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Over a week ago, I achieved a flexibility level of 126 on both knees - had no issues from the start with getting to 0 on my straight legs. I have some wobbliness and weakness on my right knee that I am working on strengthening for, but I was the first of my PT group to "graduate".<br />
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I spent my last few sessions working on things like balance, climbing stairs and the hardest for me - getting on and off a regular chair without pushing off with my arms. Ouch. (I admit my biggest fear is getting stuck on a low public toilet and not being able to get up!) I had to put my fear of the pain behind me and after a few practice tries at standing up from the low chair in the gym - I could do it pretty well and it got less painful as I went. <br />
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I also started driving during week 7. Freedom!!! Though I wouldn't want to try to drive very long or far at this point! That driving leg is my weaker one and it gets stiff when I am in stop and go traffic.<br />
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At my appointment with the surgeon I asked for a letter to return to work on a limited basis and was given permission so long as I keep in mind this is still "early days" as he put it. So I started last Friday for just 3.5 hours with 1 break to ice and a few stretching out walks around the office. I went again today for the same amount of time and might try for 4 hours tomorrow. <br />
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Not sure if there was a betting pool on the likelihood of my returning at 8 weeks - but there were some very surprised people...also very welcoming people. Nice to be out of the house for a few hours a day, then home to do my PT and rest.<br />
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Normal here we come.Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12768569658001165651noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1565128606520217803.post-76638892391435378522018-03-12T13:22:00.000-07:002018-04-30T18:10:58.137-07:00HOPEFULLY HELPFUL TIPS FOR TKR PREPARATIONI did a lot in preparation for surgery and for the post op period at home. I have a few hints that I thought I would share, Having had both knees replaced, I am in a slightly different position in terms of functionality and recovery, but these things may turn out to be helpful for any TKR patient,<br />
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Having some help keeping track of paperwork, post op instructions and pharmaceuticals is a big <br />
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help. My future DIL is a nurse and she actually created a daily chart for me to track all the things we needed to deal with daily. I could check off the timing of my meds, supplements, water intake, activity, use of ice machines, etc. Plus keep notes of any issues for follow up. I am still using it to keep track of my pain and inflammation doses during the day - it can be a challenge to keep track and remember the timing as it can change day to day.<br />
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FYI - For those who might be bariatric patients or who take a lot of nutritional supplements - take care with adding vitamin K when taking blood thinners in the first couple of weeks following surgery - check with your physician on this.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0cIZYegRu59v3ZVw7vz2VMWYdnNpH0TI_mzZvHWUkK9ah9CF8FHkSrh2nKIJo_otaYvpjNlk7PGYXWMGt3_iLAyEtSmYKHmsqha4TvCfJU5scG1zcgDiGnfYkRuKCUHmxvtnW3abLXS4/s1600/DSCN0668.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0cIZYegRu59v3ZVw7vz2VMWYdnNpH0TI_mzZvHWUkK9ah9CF8FHkSrh2nKIJo_otaYvpjNlk7PGYXWMGt3_iLAyEtSmYKHmsqha4TvCfJU5scG1zcgDiGnfYkRuKCUHmxvtnW3abLXS4/s320/DSCN0668.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mine is labeled TheraBand</td></tr>
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Initially I spent a lot of time in bed - it was more comfortable and close to the bathroom. I recommend having as large a bedside table as possible! There were a lot of things on it - water bottle, usually a tea cup, meds, phone, TV remote, clock,log book and pen, etc. I also liked having a chapstick, some gum, a book and hand lotion. Think about he little things that give you pleasure and make you feel pampered when you are in pain and can't shower with the frequency you would like! This is really just for the first week or so - but FYI.<br />
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Having a strap around has been invaluable. Mine is a stretchy one, but a static one like those used in yoga works, too. I used it to leverage my legs on and off my bed and sofa and now use it several times a day for my PT exercises.<br />
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I love my ice machines! A great tip is to freeze water bottles and use them instead of ice cubes - not as messy, easy to carry to and from whatever room you are using the ice machine in.<br />
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I was unable to sit at a table to use a computer for about a month or so - and I could not tolerate a laptop on my lap as my legs were too tender - so a TV tray, breakfast tray or other sort of lap desk would have been great for meals and for computer use.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL2mnghDAZrCFe8e4ZBSa0pFEtJan1fs2wVx_vohRpz3FM7hrjJj_-XEaKLx1rbllc6QRb94g40PpsmNqP33bTUpg420JS5jIrj4sgZp0OyHV-jsYpu5sITL8Et6NCn1BSlM87n5O7xK0/s1600/DSCN0664.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL2mnghDAZrCFe8e4ZBSa0pFEtJan1fs2wVx_vohRpz3FM7hrjJj_-XEaKLx1rbllc6QRb94g40PpsmNqP33bTUpg420JS5jIrj4sgZp0OyHV-jsYpu5sITL8Et6NCn1BSlM87n5O7xK0/s320/DSCN0664.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
We put our family room leather sofa up on bed risers to make it easier for me to get up and down. Very helpful when you want to use furniture without arms to leverage up and down. With two knees out of commission - I had to have someone lift me up before we got the risers - afterwards I could do it by myself. Eight weeks later and the risers are still there! Might as well have some things easier.<br />
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Hope these ideas are helpful - going into this surgery there is not a lot of info on recovery - I was lucky I had help and some of these items on hand!Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12768569658001165651noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1565128606520217803.post-46140397176247301222018-03-01T12:17:00.000-08:002018-03-01T12:17:26.218-08:00CURIOUS ABOUT THE INCISIONS?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I am posting these photos - don't look if you don't want to know!!<br />
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The incisions were closed with surgical glue - which I didn't know until the big reveal two weeks in when the dressings were removed. The glue is sort of purple and the incision was very puckery which made me nervous. also the knees are very swollen.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl-jHYbTkVHDGKSd2TgLmsYncVSTgUuU8xKjxyZiB8kFusSjVD7IQeQ-Hgl8Tqx-COfl_xLfONNq5_bQujtcNeF56Br_eJha0R-Wk-vN2oMnA49EFAxz_WtEuGzpU6kOtVVHV3UZVyQzc/s1600/incis110.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl-jHYbTkVHDGKSd2TgLmsYncVSTgUuU8xKjxyZiB8kFusSjVD7IQeQ-Hgl8Tqx-COfl_xLfONNq5_bQujtcNeF56Br_eJha0R-Wk-vN2oMnA49EFAxz_WtEuGzpU6kOtVVHV3UZVyQzc/s400/incis110.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Post surgery dressings</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBU2AvVpMdQkvlMfTchvUBvkYJ81hHqCXX6r5T0cvFm-CEQQ5QCs7yxdaSaFHhn_JAnfil5vFJRhP8uUrOB4RPKGuaO5ijoBv9o6ofttH_seK_3YxBEElydFstMC5FCn7E0e6EwEWDHv4/s1600/incis121.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBU2AvVpMdQkvlMfTchvUBvkYJ81hHqCXX6r5T0cvFm-CEQQ5QCs7yxdaSaFHhn_JAnfil5vFJRhP8uUrOB4RPKGuaO5ijoBv9o6ofttH_seK_3YxBEElydFstMC5FCn7E0e6EwEWDHv4/s400/incis121.JPG" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At 2 weeks when dressings removed</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqGnYz4blxe7gY1c8d_5WHf4yxbjsa6hbvdJoISGTat-eh60BxqRXgWURWL9_LyruJTPfQwFX2ov-0e03YeSxNTI8OD1tfArcneUo_cRhFUvImjv-gH6oFRia57Mu3ydDGaEyg5V38Mcs/s1600/incis28.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqGnYz4blxe7gY1c8d_5WHf4yxbjsa6hbvdJoISGTat-eh60BxqRXgWURWL9_LyruJTPfQwFX2ov-0e03YeSxNTI8OD1tfArcneUo_cRhFUvImjv-gH6oFRia57Mu3ydDGaEyg5V38Mcs/s400/incis28.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is taken at almost 1 month.<br /><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRoDCzAYkR1F-IcFMVPzmZBtAswze11xH78YJ4nnX0ad7rsKSpNbpQaCSAxPKDo567k7iMKo9Lf5-sLBLIuHlsEYEe9b595XQHJf6ejOjWxh_hQNtBSkSoJT-t6FaRB50QvxXX9w-81yA/s1600/incis228.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRoDCzAYkR1F-IcFMVPzmZBtAswze11xH78YJ4nnX0ad7rsKSpNbpQaCSAxPKDo567k7iMKo9Lf5-sLBLIuHlsEYEe9b595XQHJf6ejOjWxh_hQNtBSkSoJT-t6FaRB50QvxXX9w-81yA/s400/incis228.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And this is at 6 weeks.<br /><br /><br /></td></tr>
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The swelling has decreased - I still get discoloration like bruising when I have over done it - like standing or working out a bit too much. That is an indication of swelling, which I relieve with ice and elevation. Adding Advil has helped in the last 24 hours, too.</div>
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I mentioned the SalonPas cream for tenderness in a previous post - it has helped. I have used lotion right up to the incision to relieve the itchiness and peeling skin - but followed doctor's orders and did not put anything on the incision until now.</div>
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The incisions are still puckery but so much improved I am not too concerned for the scar being too bad. As you can see the right one is curved and the left one straight - didn't ask the surgeon about that! </div>
Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12768569658001165651noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1565128606520217803.post-78593564620989683142018-02-28T13:59:00.000-08:002018-02-28T13:59:45.080-08:00SEVEN WEEKS - CHECK IN WITH THE SURGEONI had to give up on going Percocet free after 2 nights up watching all night TV, moaning and whimpering, I gave up. I am told this is not only normal but ok - so I am going to give myself that break.<br />
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My PT went fine - no reversals of flexibility, I took a big dose of Tylenol before and started taking some Advil as well for the anti-inflammatory properties. This was approved by the surgeon in prescribed doses. I am hoping that following this rotation consistently will get me into the no complaints zone! Still icing with the machines 2-4 times a day and using ice packs in between along with elevation.<br />
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The surgeon was very happy with my progress (Said I am a star!) and gave me some suggestions for the incision pain and sensitivity I am experiencing - a cream called SalonPas. Just started it a while ago so I hope it helps. By the end of the day my incisions are so sensitive they keep me from sleeping. He also recommended massage, which I had been doing around the incisions but will now add direct contact to my routine.<br />
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I am cleared to drive, plan to start back to work part time late next week. I dropped into my office for a brief visit after the doctor's appointment and then went out to breakfast and stopped at the drug store on the way home. I am beat - so I think the part-time start back to work is a good plan!<br />
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<br />Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12768569658001165651noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1565128606520217803.post-26307121934109398042018-02-25T15:46:00.000-08:002018-02-25T15:47:45.395-08:00STILL STRUGGLING AT 6 WEEKSWhile I may have met some flexibility goals last week, I am still struggling with my recovery. I have been weaning off the Percocet in order to get back to work (and gain my much missed freedom of driving a car. )<br />
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Saturday I went all day only using Tylenol and the prescription meds at night. I felt ok and moved around well. Even binge watched UnReal with my daughter most of the afternoon... But today, I am in pain all day, very stiff, having trouble stretching and can't relax in any position for any length of time. I know this is a process. It doesn't change the frustration. When in pain I can't work to improve my flexibility.<br />
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I hope that my PT session tomorrow doesn't show lost ground. Not to mention that it will be the first time I attempt PT without the opioid. Yikes. Bring on the ice - lots of ice.Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12768569658001165651noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1565128606520217803.post-36477276636298522182018-02-23T15:14:00.000-08:002018-04-07T13:21:51.489-07:00PEOPLE TOLD ME THIS WOULD HAPPEN - WEEK 6At least 3 people with experience of surgeries or serious medical issues told me that I would get to a dark place, hit a wall, wish I had never had the surgery - and then I would turn a corner. Guess my last post came from that dark place and then - I turned the corner into the light.<br />
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I got over the stiffness that had been plaguing me for days and managed to hit the 120 degree mark on my flexibility. Apparently that was my goal - so I need to keep at it, keep working on improving my mobility and get to the place where I can walk without a hitch, get in and out of the car and on and off chairs, up and down stairs and stand and walk for more than 20 or 30 minutes at a time.<br />
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I am still working on the pain medication weaning. I am now able to go all day just using Tylenol. The nights are a different thing. I am not managing to make it through the night without being awoken in pain - then can't go back to sleep with Tylenol . If I take another Percocet I am still awake an hour or so before I can sleep again. So need to work on that. I am down to 2-3 in a 24 hour period but hope to be off entirely next week and see about driving the car....Freedom!!!Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12768569658001165651noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1565128606520217803.post-82619729805990803922018-02-20T15:02:00.002-08:002018-02-20T15:02:31.655-08:00FRUSTRATED AT FIVE WEEKSPrior to surgery for TKR there is a required class, a pile of paperwork, binders full of information all about the pre-op process, the surgery and preparations and equipment needed for the home. We are told there will be a call to set up PT appointments and a couple of follow up visits with the surgeon's staff. <br />
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At the time time it seemed like a lot of information. I was anxious about the realities of recovery, but I assumed there would be more guidance offered along the way. Bad assumption. The last tab in the binder is "Follow-up". There is one sheet of paper with a phone number. The number is for a general appointment call center.<br />
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At two weeks I saw the PA. he took off the dressings and advised on care (basically, do nothing to it - no creams, etc.) renewed the Percocet prescription while suggesting I should start reducing my use, asked about PT and that was it. <br />
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I moved from home based PT to a class twice a week. We rotate from exercise equipment and stretches and are measured to determine our level of flexibility. I am aware there are goals, but they are not discussed... We are told to do the stretching 3-4 times a day at home, not to spend too much time walking around and over using the joints. The PTs are very nice and very reluctant to discuss any issues other than the class related exercises - we are told questions should be referred back to orthopedic staff.<br />
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So I have been waiting longer to take the pain medication, using ice and elevation more to help the pain, doing my stretches many times during the day, taking breaks between tasks so I don't cause additional swelling, only using the bike once a day as I was told - in other words, doing my best to be a good rehab patient. I have seen the small increases in flexibility and mobility but wonder if I ould be doing better.<br />
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So why am I frustrated at five weeks? I am still very stiff and experiencing a lot more pain than I was in the first post-op weeks. I am very pain tolerant - not one to whine. I find myself whimpering and screeching in pain quite a bit. I am not afraid of getting hooked on opioids, I have been fine with taking the meds as I feel I need them, but there have been many days and nights the pain has gotten ahead of the medication and there lies much misery. One day I go 7 hours before feeling the pain building and another night I'll wake after 4 hours in throbbing pain and can't sleep. So how do I do this? I need guidance. <br />
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I emailed the surgeon's office and requested a consult. They referred me to my GP who offered me a phone consult a week away. Sigh. If it is like the last phone consult I had with him, he didn't even know why he was on the phone with me and was not prepared. It was a complete waste of time. So I called my future daughter in law, a nurse, to discuss whether I should add an OTC between doses and how much. She was a great help.<br />
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There doesn't appear to be anyone in the orthopedic office available to discuss the rest of my questions, goals and concerns. I have a follow up appointment on the 28th, so I hope there will be some answers then.<br />
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The other issue weighing on my mind is going back to work. I can't even imagine it right now. I can't sit for 8 hours at a computer being kind and helpful when I am in pain after about 20 minutes of sitting and need a break to move around and stretch out. Can't exactly strap on my ice machines while at my desk! So how do I get there from here? I am expected back at work in less than 3 weeks - will everything suddenly turn around?<br />
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It doesn't seem reasonable to cut me apart, add new parts and sew me back together and then leave me to figure this out on my own. Right?<br />
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<br />Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12768569658001165651noreply@blogger.com0