Small Talk: The Prayer Closet

[lookeyloo]

@emma675 - one of my sons has one of those curves Samsung TVs.  They love it. I think it has a kind of glare or sheen on the screen if the light is just so.  And the light in their house is just so pretty often.  They don't see it. I see it. Maybe its just me?

[Micks Picks]

I have a flat screen and a curved tv.  I much prefer the cured.  They are both high def but I would buy the Samsung curved again in a heartbeat.

Thanks all for Dial a Ride suggestions.  I tried it first time Tuesday for eye dr appt.   In my town, and since I'm not poor by their definition, I get a card and pay so much a trip, up to $20 and you pay the rest.  I thought I paid for 5 round trips but it turns out it was only 5 trips so I have to go back since trip number 5 would leave me where I was at.  I only will use it for local stuff like the eye doctor.  A problem is calling for the cab.  They want the last 6 digits on the card, and even if my eyes were not dilated, I couldn't read it.  So I had the receptionist call.  Then went down to wait and phone message pings.  I know it's the cab company but got no clue what it says.  Gave phone to a cop who read it and couldn't tell me what it said.  He must have been illiterate.  But cab came anyway.   So I'm finding these problems that are tough.

Also Dial a Ride isn't good for what I normally do.  Stop at bank, store, hardware, watch repair, some good take out food, go to dog park, blah blah.  Which is why I might as well croak when I can't drive.  LOVE2DANCE you are a sweetheart trying to make it easier for me to see.

[Absolom]

Where I live and where my mother used to live there are home care agencies and you can buy blocks of hours from them.  One of their services is driving you to appointments, shopping, salon, etc.  All the things you need.  They also do housecleaning or run the errands for you.  They could do the reading for you. 

Have you considered that a time may arrive where you might want to try assisted living?  We have a friend who became legally blind and after quite a bit of discussion moved into one with reluctance but now she loves it.  There is always someone to handle things she can't and she's enjoying having company around and good meals always ready.  They take her to all her appointments and have a mini-bus to take residents on shopping trips.  She has a cat, but they allow some dogs, too. 

[Jellybeans]

Micks Picks, in many communities if you dial 311 (NOT 911!) you will be helped.  

Also try calling the Division of Rehabilitation Services in your city.  It is a state program.  

[MarysWetBar]

On 21/09/2016 at 1:21 PM, Kokapetl said:

Liquor, including beer, can only be sold, in the Australian state I live in, by licensed pubs and retail liquor stores. Retail liquor is basically 9 am to 9 pm, Sunday it's 10 am til 6 pm. No retail sales allowed on Good Friday, Christmas Day, or before noon on Anzac Day. 

Speaking of Good Friday, why doesn't Easter get any public holidays in America? 

Your liquor sales sound similar to ours here in Canada. Where i live now,  the liquor stores are privately owned but the province i grew up in had govt liquor stores and beer vendors. You drive up and get your beer through a drive through window. Haha

Also can swap your empties for cash at the same place. 

We get Good Friday here too as well as Easter Sunday are stats. 

[Jynnan tonnix]

Just wondering whether anyone has any input on this:

My dad, 85,  had a quintuple bypass about a year ago, and though the surgery went well and blood flow is now good, he does have significant heart damage from a silent heart attack or two he suffered years ago which went undiagnosed at the time. He also had a stroke about 3 years ago, relatively mild, but enough that he still has some lingering problems. Recovery from his surgery was slow and difficult; it took some time to get his oxygen levels and blood pressure to where they were not scary-low, but he's mostly able to get around and care for himself with a bit of help from Mom.

However, every so often, I'd say once every month or two, he has spells where he gets very weak, light-headed, and feels as though he is having trouble breathing. The first few times, Mom took him to the ER and they admitted him for observation, but other than giving him oxygen and occasionally trying to adjust his Lasix dosage, they didn't actually do anything but observe him and run some blood tests until he felt better and they determined that he was OK coming home. 

So the last time it happened, he Mom just figured they'd ride it out and he would feel better after a day or so without a trip to the ER, but after an extra day, he felt bad enough that he actually asked to go to the ER without being persuaded, which never happens. They gave him some oxygen and ran some tests, and determined that he was actually doing quite well, so didn't even admit him that time, and he did look quite a bit better when he got home than he had that afternoon.

The only thing we can figure is that getting the extra oxygen for a while is benefiting him, but apparently insurance will not cover an oxygen tank unless it's for a respiratory issue, which doesn't make sense, but his doctor (the nurse-practitioner, actually as his primary physician is on vacation) doesn't think he warrants one as his oxygen levels were fine when she checked them. They are generally fine...except that when he has one of these episodes the oxygen does make a difference, so we are assuming that something is making them dip at these times.

I suppose it might be something else, but they have not been able to figure out what, and it would be nice to figure out something that could be done for him at home rather than running to the ER every time.

He has another appointment with his cardiologist in a couple of weeks, so we'll see whether he is willing to do the oxygen or give us some other answers...I mean, in reality, he's 85 with a pretty damaged heart muscle, so it's probably just going to be par for the course to be in and out of hospitals, and he's lucky to still be around for however long he still has, but it I wish there were more things we could do that would make it all feel just a bit less precarious sometimes...

[kokapetl]

23 minutes ago, Jynnan tonnix said:

Just wondering whether anyone has any input on this:

My dad, 85,  had a quintuple bypass about a year ago, and though the surgery went well and blood flow is now good, he does have significant heart damage from a silent heart attack or two he suffered years ago which went undiagnosed at the time. He also had a stroke about 3 years ago, relatively mild, but enough that he still has some lingering problems. Recovery from his surgery was slow and difficult; it took some time to get his oxygen levels and blood pressure to where they were not scary-low, but he's mostly able to get around and care for himself with a bit of help from Mom.

However, every so often, I'd say once every month or two, he has spells where he gets very weak, light-headed, and feels as though he is having trouble breathing. The first few times, Mom took him to the ER and they admitted him for observation, but other than giving him oxygen and occasionally trying to adjust his Lasix dosage, they didn't actually do anything but observe him and run some blood tests until he felt better and they determined that he was OK coming home. 

So the last time it happened, he Mom just figured they'd ride it out and he would feel better after a day or so without a trip to the ER, but after an extra day, he felt bad enough that he actually asked to go to the ER without being persuaded, which never happens. They gave him some oxygen and ran some tests, and determined that he was actually doing quite well, so didn't even admit him that time, and he did look quite a bit better when he got home than he had that afternoon.

The only thing we can figure is that getting the extra oxygen for a while is benefiting him, but apparently insurance will not cover an oxygen tank unless it's for a respiratory issue, which doesn't make sense, but his doctor (the nurse-practitioner, actually as his primary physician is on vacation) doesn't think he warrants one as his oxygen levels were fine when she checked them. They are generally fine...except that when he has one of these episodes the oxygen does make a difference, so we are assuming that something is making them dip at these times.

I suppose it might be something else, but they have not been able to figure out what, and it would be nice to figure out something that could be done for him at home rather than running to the ER every time.

He has another appointment with his cardiologist in a couple of weeks, so we'll see whether he is willing to do the oxygen or give us some other answers...I mean, in reality, he's 85 with a pretty damaged heart muscle, so it's probably just going to be par for the course to be in and out of hospitals, and he's lucky to still be around for however long he still has, but it I wish there were more things we could do that would make it all feel just a bit less precarious sometimes...

It honestly sounds like you're doing all that you can. The ambulance comes with oxygen, right? If that's the way the insurance company wants it...

[Absolom]

Yeah, talk to the cardiologist.  They are used to this kind of thing and will give you their recommendation.

[GeeGolly]

Chiming in to respond to @Jynnan tonnix. It sounds like maybe he is having anxiety or panic attacks. The cardiologist will know though. They might suggest he get a fingertip oxygen meter to note his oxygen levels during an episode.

[bigskygirl]

I say talk with the cardiologist. And don't be afraid to ask questions especially when it comes to his medications, medical tests and blood tests.

[Mitzimuffin]

I hope HappyFatChick is okay. It's been awhile since we have heard from her.

[Jynnan tonnix]

1 hour ago, GeeGolly said:

Chiming in to respond to @Jynnan tonnix. It sounds like maybe he is having anxiety or panic attacks. The cardiologist will know though. They might suggest he get a fingertip oxygen meter to note his oxygen levels during an episode.

The fingertip meters often won't work on him without a lot of coaxing...his hands tend to be too cold for them to get a reading. There have been times even in the Dr's office where they gave up and basically said, "well your color looks ok and you don't appear to be in any distress, so I guess it can't be too bad". But it wouldn't be a bad idea to have one. Thanks for the suggestion.

I don't attribute it to anxiety or panic in general, though he might get a bit anxious once he's already feeling bad. They come on pretty much at random and he's not one to be prone to anxiety in general. He did think that, thinking back, a number of them may have occurred when he was at his computer and leaning forward such that the edge of the desk was pressing against his diaphragm, but I have no idea whether that could be a cause or whether he's just searching for patterns and connections.

[zoomama]

this is interestig, Jyn. my friend is turing 80 and has COPD as do i. (she smoked, i have asthma and was raised by smokers). she was so short of breath recently that i ran out there with my fingertip o2 meter and checked her. she was 97%!!!!!   she could not get her breath for anything. i think her COPD meds are very inadequate. could he be having asthma?

[Sew Sumi]

Congestive heart failure? My FIL had several episodes in the years after his quad bypass. 

[Jynnan tonnix]

2 hours ago, Sew Sumi said:

Congestive heart failure? My FIL had several episodes in the years after his quad bypass. 

Yes, he was in the congestive heart failure unit before his bypass...they hoped that having the surgery would do more to improve the heart muscle, but it has not done a whole lot. However, the prognosis was a couple of months without the bypass, and here we are about a year later....I know that sometimes both my parents wonder whether it was the right decision, given the amount of pain and frustration throughout the recovery time and still the almost daily challenges and uncertainties, but he's still here and still fighting...and still happy, for the most part. As long as he has my mom he's still happy. They are one of those lovely couples...He is still as much in love with her as he was the day they were married, and while she was never quite that head-over-heels, he has become her world after 60 years...But, yeah, he's no doubt still somewhere in that spectrum, and there's really not a whole lot that can be done. 

[Sew Sumi]

I totally understand and relate. My dad, OTOH, had a silent heart attack before the minor one that forced the quad bypass (seriously, his known heart attack was, "I feel dizzy and need to sit down for a bit" a couple of days after he'd helped me put up shelving for my massive book collection in my apartment. He lived for 10 healthy years with NO further heart issues. Cancer got him instead.

Heart issues are so complicated, and it's so tough to predict since every patient presents differently. :(

[Barb23]

12 hours ago, Mitzimuffin said:

I hope HappyFatChick is okay. It's been awhile since we have heard from her.

Last time she posted she was heading out on a camping tour of various cities (sounded great.)  I was hoping she would be able to report in to us - I'm sure she's had some funny adventures.

On another cardiology note - has anyone had or known someone who has had a stress test where they give you medicine to raise your heart rate instead of the treadmill?  My cardiologist wants me to have one done & says there's nothing to it.  I've read things online& it doesn't sound bad but I would just like to know what to expect.  

[lookeyloo]

2 hours ago, Barb23 said:

Last time she posted she was heading out on a camping tour of various cities (sounded great.)  I was hoping she would be able to report in to us - I'm sure she's had some funny adventures.

On another cardiology note - has anyone had or known someone who has had a stress test where they give you medicine to raise your heart rate instead of the treadmill?  My cardiologist wants me to have one done & says there's nothing to it.  I've read things online& it doesn't sound bad but I would just like to know what to expect.  

I have had the exercise stress test recently, but, my friend had the one with the medication to raise her heart rate.  She didn't seem to mind it or have any problems with it.  I know that is only a sample of one, but, that's all I got!!

[Rabbittron]

In the development where I live there is a park where the pool,clubhouse, playground and area where you can BBQ. I always cut through it to get to the bus stop for work. Yesterday there was at least 500 people in the park. I investigated and guess what it was a fundie wedding. I  saw metal folding tables set up with bottles of root beer and vanilla ice cream. They also had containers covered with tin foil. I wonder what was in those.

[Tabbygirl521]

4 hours ago, Barb23 said:

Last time she posted she was heading out on a camping tour of various cities (sounded great.)  I was hoping she would be able to report in to us - I'm sure she's had some funny adventures.

On another cardiology note - has anyone had or known someone who has had a stress test where they give you medicine to raise your heart rate instead of the treadmill?  My cardiologist wants me to have one done & says there's nothing to it.  I've read things online& it doesn't sound bad but I would just like to know what to expect.  

I have had that done. It felt a little weird to have my heart accelerate while I was just lying there, but not bad at all, and the effect of the med went away quickly. 

[Porkchop]

Barb, I had the chemical stress test in the spring ... I was alarmed about it (I am alarmed about everything medical) and someone told me something bad about it (have forgotten the details now!), but my cardiologist was very reassuring so I went for it. And it was easy peasy ... no problems at all. I had the physical stress test about 20 years ago and I certainly wouldn't want to do that again!

[bigskygirl]

I had the treadmill stress test and the treadmill/echocardiogram tests last year. My blood pressure and heart rate went up fast when I first started the test, but luckily it went back down the more I walked. I did not care for the cardiologists at all since one of them misread my first treadmill test results, and the second specialist had a lousy beside manner. I had an EKG in April because of the chest pain/tightness I had, but it was related to the Acid Reflux Disease. I had no clue Acid Reflux Disease could cause chest pain and tightness along with Asthma type symptoms. I have no idea about chemical stress test. I am surprise no one thought of that type of test last year when they thought I might be having a heart related problem.

[emma675]

I did the run on the treadmill stress test a few years ago and I would have preferred doing the chemical one (they didn't offer it to me). Running on a treadmill without a bra on is not my idea of fun. I'm thin but I have a 32D chest; I could have knocked myself unconscious!  ;-)

[Absolom]

Next time ask if you can wear a sports bra.  I'm a 34 GG.  They let me. 

[Barb23]

Thanks everyone for your input about the med stress test.  I'm having it done because my heart rate goes up when I have my vomiting episodes & end up in ER being dehydrated.  Except the last time, about a month ago, it soared to 270 (yes 270) & they went thru many meds trying to get it down. It did drop to 160 (still high) but finally dropped to a normal 80 which took hours. The ER doc called me an enigma because they couldn't figure out what was causing it .  They gave me this one med that actually stopped & started my heart.  It has to do with resetting the electricity in the heart.  It felt awful but lasted about 10 seconds & the paramedic told me what to expect. I got one dose in the ambulance & double dose when I arrived at ER.  The double dose also caused me to feel a sledgehammer type of pain in my head & I actually saw "stars" (more like silver balls) which they assured me was also normal.  They diagnosed me with Atrial Flutter & it did feel like a flutter in my chest, no pain.  It was a very scary day in the ER & I was lucky.  I feel like  my heart has been stressed enough after that day but am willing to do the stress test.  On a good note, my  cardiologist assured me they won't raise my heart rate as high it was & I know what it will feel like. I'm also having it done at the hospital because my sister can't take me on the days the cardio does it at his office. I feel better knowing if anything happens wonky during the test,  I'm in the best place. 

[Love2dance]

Oh, Barb23, I'm glad you are having the test in the hospital. They will take good care of you. Please let us know how it goes. Wishing you reassuring results and sending hugs.

Edited October 8, 2016 by Love2dance
Bolded added

[louannems]

10 hours ago, Absolom said:

Next time ask if you can wear a sports bra.  I'm a 34 GG.  They let me. 

Wow!  Since we're sharing, I'm a 36 AA!!

[Arwen Evenstar]

11 hours ago, louannems said:

Wow!  Since we're sharing, I'm a 36 AA!!

38D...my cup runneth over!

[NewDigs]

I barely have enough for a cup! Love my sports bras, though.

@Barb23 I sure hope you find some relief. 270! Zounds!

Be well. Glad they'll test in the hospital.

[Love2dance]

Small and low, low, low here.  ??

Edited October 8, 2016 by Love2dance

[CherryMalotte]

All the medical talk keeps ringing my bell that I need to schedule a MD check up, which I haven't had in longer than I care to say because it would be embarrassing.  I go for my regular OBGYN and get the ole bewb squeezing good time mammo done every year though, very religious about that.  Just one more log on my fire after my radiation chauffeur experience is over.  

The talk on the Jill thread about her messy house makes me look over this hell hole.  The Pit of Despair has nothing on this place.  Did you ever notice that the more you clean the bigger mess you make?  I so miss the Brit show How Clean Is Your House...I would love to hire them for a weekend.  Though I should add it's not dirty, just needs a major pick up job.  As distracted as I've been lately though clean dishes and laundry are the only constant.   

[Arwen Evenstar]

1 hour ago, CherryMalotte said:

All the medical talk keeps ringing my bell that I need to schedule a MD check up, which I haven't had in longer than I care to say because it would be embarrassing.  I go for my regular OBGYN and get the ole bewb squeezing good time mammo done every year though, very religious about that.  Just one more log on my fire after my radiation chauffeur experience is over.  

The talk on the Jill thread about her messy house makes me look over this hell hole.  The Pit of Despair has nothing on this place.  Did you ever notice that the more you clean the bigger mess you make?  I so miss the Brit show How Clean Is Your House...I would love to hire them for a weekend.  Though I should add it's not dirty, just needs a major pick up job.  As distracted as I've been lately though clean dishes and laundry are the only constant.   

Yes, nothing like Kim and Aggie telling you what a filthy beggar you are! But if you wash your dishes, put away your laundry, and keep the kitchen and the loo clean, you're too clean for them.

I'm where you are now.  You've got to mess up to clean up and I've got zero fucks to give most days. My work sitch being on and off leaves everything unfinished. I start and it stays like that. I think I'm just going to do the one box or one drawer at a time approach. It's so out of control right now. With both me and my husband out of work, I've been alternating between free floating anxiety and zero fucks to give. I had an epiphany that I shouldn't rag on Muffy's messy house when mine is such a tip, but I'm not sticking to my floors, which I suspect she is. My house got messed up due to years of work stress and 10 years without a good purge.  Muffy's sole vocation is to be a wife and look after her home.

[Happyfatchick]

Hi all!  Just caught up reading thru the posts I've missed and saw some actually "missed" me!  Awww, that is so SWEET!  I'm not home yet, and am using my phone for a hot spot (eating data) so I won't stay long.  I have had a BLAST, and yes, there are stories.  But just 2 quick ones for tonight (and I'm typing fast, because the faster you make typos, the less they count against your data...)

1) we stopped in Rochester to see my dear friend, who is a photographer.  She took some pics of my hubs and I (and did a fabulous job, considering the subject...).  So she sent me some after we left, and I answered her "Dear friend of mine, Please do some photographer magic and get my boobs off my knees!!!"  And after a little bit, I got the updated version and she had happily photoshopped the knockers up to the top of my head.  Thankyouverymuch, dear friend of mine.

2) we are on the way home, meandering south and currently in West Virginia.  Somehow, the hubs has managed to get a college football game on tv with just the antennae.  Early in this game, a female commentator was doing a short piece on a player who had joined this team from another.  Apparently, he's short for a football player, and she said (I'm quoting):  "he was DETERMINED to play football.  He would NOT let his demeanor stand in his way"

Edited October 9, 2016 by Happyfatchick
Out of practice makes me rusty!!!

[Happyfatchick]

Oh good grief!!!  When I used the word quote in brackets, that whole post went south.  I tried to fix it and made it worse.  That's what happens when silver haired beauties try to be witty.  :(((

Edited October 9, 2016 by Happyfatchick

[Happyfatchick]

7 minutes ago, Happyfatchick said:

 

[Muffyn]

Dr. Muffyn is a cardio thoracic surgeon.  Also, I, and most of my siblings, have an inherited heart condition so I'm am going to cautiously weigh in on the medical discussions, knowing that everything (EVERYTHING) must be checked with your physician who knows all of your own medical history. 

The chemical form of the stress test is as safe as the treadmill version.  In both, there is always a risk that you trigger your heart issue.  Then again, that is what they're for!  Often the advantage to the chemical form is the doctor stays with you or is very ready to intervene.  And it is often quicker.  Somehow with the treadmill version doctors are more likely to leave you to the trained technicians.  They know their stuff but don't have the same level of training.  (Full disclosure:  I tore a foot tendon during a treadmill test.  This resulted in four surgeries to repair it.  I do have a genetic disorder that causes problems with my connective tissues so I was at significantly higher risk of such a thing than others. However, I now have a well earned hatred of treadmills.)    

You will feel your heart racing.  It is disconcerting.  You need to remind yourself that this is a forced chemical reaction because your mind can start to panic.  Depending on the person,  it can help to either keep talking to distract yourself or to work on deep breathing/meditation, whatever helps you remain more calm while your heart is going "panic!!!!!"   

@Jynnan tonnix for your father, since you (rightfully) have an appointment with his cardiologist, in the meantime you want to track when he has these incidents and exactly what he is feeling.  Things to consider are:  he has eaten and if so what, whether he is in a warm or cool environment, if he has been active (whether walking, exercising, climbing the stairs or doing other things), does he appear puffy at all (fingers and feet/ankles or face).  People with heart damage tend to be more susceptible to minor fluctuations in fluid levels than others would be.  He should track how long he feels the symptoms and specifically what he is feeling. Does his heart rhythm feel normal?  Check his pulse rate.  Check his blood pressure (if he doesn't have one, get an automatic BP cuff for home 0 they are pretty accurate). Is his vision affected at all (things seeming out of focus, wavy, color reduction, light reduction, lessened vision to the perimeter)?  Is there any change in sensation in his limbs (numbness, tingling)?  Is there a change in grip strength? 

Please know, none of this is to scare you.  He may have absolutely none of these types of symptoms.  If he is alert to them, he may notice something he is missing that can help with a diagnosis.  We tend to not notice numbness, only pain, so it's good to have a check list.  Also, it helps the patient feel more active in their own care.  He can take back some control of what is happening which can be very important after heart surgery/issues. 

Since you noted it does sometimes seem to be related to him leaning forward too much, have him sit up straight (not standing in case he gets dizzy) and take very deep breaths focusing on expanding his diaphragm.  In case he is having intermittent arrhythmias that are resolved before the ambulance comes but he is still feeling effects from based on his limited heart function you can also suggest he do 2-3 forced sharp coughs when he first feels symptoms.  It can help to reset the heart rate.  (And he can learn to do an excellent Bill the Cat impression - I have it down!)

I hope everything gets resolved quickly for you and your family.

[zoomama]

muffyn, your post was excellent and so informative. i too have had both stress tests and will take the chemical over the treadmill.  it is a bit scary when they race your heart because you cannot control it but as you said, its over quick.

and now friends, guess where i spent the weekend? at the hospital with my husband (thats a first - i am usually the sickie).  we went out to breakfast and he didn't even eat half his plate (VERY unusual). i went on home and he went to get tires for the car. he returned home and said he did't feel too good and went to the recliner chair. after about 15 minutes of him sitting there, he says to me 'get the blood pressure cuff thingy and come check me; i feel weird'. so i did. his b/p was on the lower side (like 115/58) BUT his heart was racing at 129 bpm while resting. he says to me to look online to see what to do and dummy me, i sat here and did that. (did i say that i have had a-fib/a-flutter and two heart attacks)? when i saw that medical attention was called for because of the heart racing, i calmly told him to get his shoes on so e could get to urgent care. his face was grayish and then purplish. i calmly got him in the car and kept talking to him as i drove him to the HOSPITAL! he says 'uh this doesn't look like urgent care, its an e.r.'...i said 'yes, babe, it is, now get out of the car and go in'. needless to say, after an abnormal ekg and 4doses of meds, his heart did not regulate and he was admitted. overnight,  after more meds, he was able to get back in normal sinus rhythm and go home yesterday.  it really shook him up. he is committed to changing his stress levels, eat better and exercise....at least that what he said yesterday. today, he is at work.

[lookeyloo]

wow @zoomama - scary stuff.  Glad things seem to be on the upswing.  About 3.5 years ago, I woke up to find Mr. lookeyloo sitting on the couch clutching his chest.  I said "what's wrong?" and he said "I have chest pain but I looked on line and that isn't a symptom of a heart attack"  What the what???????  I said we are going to the ER or I am calling 911 (should have called 911).  Magic words of chest pain and he got right in and after the EKG the cardiologist that was stationed at the ER put a stent in.  And he did have a heart attack!  Point being, you did such the right thing because who knows what is going on.  He ended up with a triple bypass and a sternal wound infection with an odd bug that took a year to fix, but that is a story for another day.

@Muffyn - that is great information.  Thanks for posting.  When I recently had my exercise stress test, a cardiologist stayed in the room.  Problem was he was incredibly handsome as to be distracting and I thought my heart rate would go up just from knowing he was there.  I am old enough to be his grandmother I'm sure and nothing untoward happened either way!!  When it was over I told Mr. lookeyloo about it and he thinks I am nuts anyway, so then we went to get something to eat.

I am going to see the endocrinologist tomorrow to see if she will "let" me stay on my thyroid drugs because I am finally feeling good.  I don't know why here the first question isn't "how do you feel" vs. "your blood work is normal" - yes but I feel like crap. I have the name of another doctor just in case but it takes so long to get a new patient appointment.  

[lookeyloo]

Had appt with endocrinologist.  And my blood work satisfies her and I am feeling good.  So guess what?  She is leaving to go back to Budapest and I have to start over with yet another doctor, in the same clinic.  I said "which doctor won't fight me".  Hahaha she said.  Here are two names.  So my next appt. is with one of them.   I am sure there are good doctors that listen to their patients, here in the "big city", but it is not all that easy to find them.

[Love2dance]

6 hours ago, lookeyloo said:

Had appt with endocrinologist.  And my blood work satisfies her and I am feeling good.  So guess what?  She is leaving to go back to Budapest and I have to start over with yet another doctor, in the same clinic.  I said "which doctor won't fight me".  Hahaha she said.  Here are two names.  So my next appt. is with one of them.   I am sure there are good doctors that listen to their patients, here in the "big city", but it is not all that easy to find them.

Great news, LOOKEYLOO. Hope one of the new doctors will be a sympathetic, listening partner in your care.

[Micks Picks]

Well you could always follow the doc to Budapest, which sounds delightful.  I've always thought living there for a year would be great.  Not now that I'm half blind (kind of takes away the romance and beauty of the thing) and old as dirt, but you know what I mean.

[Happyfatchick]

18 hours ago, lookeyloo said:

Had appt with endocrinologist.  And my blood work satisfies her and I am feeling good.  So guess what?  She is leaving to go back to Budapest and I have to start over with yet another doctor, in the same clinic.  I said "which doctor won't fight me".  Hahaha she said.  Here are two names.  So my next appt. is with one of them.   I am sure there are good doctors that listen to their patients, here in the "big city", but it is not all that easy to find them.

There are...truly there are.  It's like the last batch of peas for the season - you may have to cull thru quite a few sometimes to get to the keepers

[Happyfatchick]

For anybody keeping score - my daughter has SEEN THE LIGHT (or the darkness, depending on perspective).  She filed for divorce and he's telling that far and wide, to make sure she's the "bad" guy, while he's still keeping house with the other girl.  He's telling the kids he found a job in Wyoming, so he can start over.  Two jobs, in fact - one at the airport and a second as a bouncer in a bar.  I'm just reporting that so you can easily see that there is, in fact, work to be had after life as a missionary.  Encouraging, right???

[Absolom]

I'm getting a good laugh at going from missionary "to the lost" to working in a bar.  He's a jewel for sure.  ;)

[Love2dance]

7 hours ago, Happyfatchick said:

For anybody keeping score - my daughter has SEEN THE LIGHT (or the darkness, depending on perspective).  She filed for divorce and he's telling that far and wide, to make sure she's the "bad" guy, while he's still keeping house with the other girl.  He's telling the kids he found a job in Wyoming, so he can start over.  Two jobs, in fact - one at the airport and a second as a bouncer in a bar.  I'm just reporting that so you can easily see that there is, in fact, work to be had after life as a missionary.  Encouraging, right???

That is fantastic news, HAPPYFATCHICK. Your daughter should have a much better life after she gets over the shock,hurt, and disappointment. (It sure was for me after 24 years with an emotionally abusive, hound dog of a husband.) Fingers crossed for a wonderful future for her and the grands. Hugs to all.

[Catlyn]

On 10/4/2016 at 10:20 PM, Love2dance said:

So sorry, bigskygirl, bureaucracy sometimes makes no sense. So sorry you need to carry around all the extra pairs. I seem to need reading glasses upstairs, downstairs, in the car, and in the travel bag. Otherwise, wherever I am, the glasses aren't. Hope your eyes get used to the new prescriptions and swapping lenses, soon.

My sister does this. She tries to keep glasses in each room: Living Room, Kitchen, Bedroom, besides the car and her purse.  I finally had to break down and get trifocals.  Hated that I would need glasses for close up. I always needed them for far distance, but, working on the computer added a new dimension. For sunglasses, I use those wrap around kind you wear over your regular glasses.  

I hope everyone is able to get their health and meds straightened out. It's scary how we could overlook something small and turn up with a life threatening situation.  

[Happyfatchick]

The glasses:. HAHAHAHA!!!  I am sooooo paranoid about leaving in the camper without readers that when we stopped the very first night of "the big trip", I pulled out 4 pair from my purse.  Had another pair in my "personal territory" bucket that lives in the bathroom closet, and two more pair in my crafty moment bag.  The thing is, I wear the drugstore kind of cheap readers (my optometrist says this is fine).  So if I did forget the readers (unlikely), they could be replaced fairly quickly and cheaply.  But noooooo...let's take them ALL!!!

still, even with all that preparation and careful planning, wherever I AM at any given moment, the glasses are NOT.  Just the way I roll.

the glasses inspired an in-your-face moment at the baseball HOF recently.  I suddenly realized I AM a grandma who has to put her dang glasses on to read information boards in displays.  WHEN DID THIS HAPPEN?????

[Love2dance]

1 hour ago, Happyfatchick said:

The glasses:. HAHAHAHA!!!  I am sooooo paranoid about leaving in the camper without readers that when we stopped the very first night of "the big trip", I pulled out 4 pair from my purse.  Had another pair in my "personal territory" bucket that lives in the bathroom closet, and two more pair in my crafty moment bag.  The thing is, I wear the drugstore kind of cheap readers (my optometrist says this is fine).  So if I did forget the readers (unlikely), they could be replaced fairly quickly and cheaply.  But noooooo...let's take them ALL!!!

still, even with all that preparation and careful planning, wherever I AM at any given moment, the glasses are NOT.  Just the way I roll.

the glasses inspired an in-your-face moment at the baseball HOF recently.  I suddenly realized I AM a grandma who has to put her dang glasses on to read information boards in displays.  WHEN DID THIS HAPPEN?????

You just completely described me, too! 

[lookeyloo]

So I am now in the Pacific Northwest. We are expected to have the "storm of all storms" wind and rain included. I left beautiful autumn weather. And mid flight hubs changed my return flight to head to PA for his mother's funeral. We knew this time was coming. She was in a place with severe dementia and then developed a "Kennedy ulcer" a couple weeks ago. We lost her several years ago because of the dementia so we are all feeling mostly relief. I'm sure there will be tears at the funeral. I left my funeral things at home so hubs will pack those and his suit and such. We were supposed to go to the pumpkin patch today. Doubtful. 

[Happyfatchick]

Aw, Lookey, I am so sorry about your MIL.  You're right, there will be tears.  I think mostly my tears were from the needlessly horrific pain she suffered at the end - and a sense of such great loss from the "absent" years of dementia.  The things she didn't even know she missed.  It's a cruel way to go out.  My heart is with you all.