Small Talk: The Prayer Closet

[zoomama]

oh emma, that is truly sad and a real loss for you. i pray for a gentle peace for your heart.   i am so sorry.

33 minutes ago, bigskygirl said:

The eye specialist I was sent to thinks it is related to the sleep apnea and the CPAP mask I wear at night. It looks like the one side of both eyes has stretched? a little since people with Sleep Apnea sleep on their side or stomach. Add the smoke, the heat and the light sensitivity, and my eyes are not happy campers.

bigskygirl, i wear a c-pap mask as well but do not sleep on my belly (its a little too round for sleeping).  how long have you used a mask? is this something i should make an adjustment for so my eyes dont 'stretch' ? 

[Arwen Evenstar]

@zoomamak so sorry for your terrible ordeals you had to go through.

@emma675, so sad about the loss of your sweet dog. 

[magpye29]

@emma675, sorry about your dog.  

[latetotheparty]

11 hours ago, zoomama said:

hi friends, its been a rough week around the zoo.  i was first on scene at a hit and run involving a pedestrian that did not make it. gruesome would not be a big enough word.   i have a mental video cycling in my brain of what i saw. then, 6 days later, we had a brush fire that literally ran up to fences of the houses directly across the street from us. we were ordered to evacuate. it was scary as heck. the houses on the northern end of our street and neighborhood  were bathed in fos-check, the orange spray-foam  that the planes drop on fires. what a freakin mess. however, no houses lost, no lives lost and a GREAT effort by the fire folks to save us and clean up afterwards. we had a large family of wild donkeys resting on our street yesterday, possibly stressed from the fire. oh and then, also yesterday - i nearly started a fire in my microwave!   my house smells worse from that than the brush fire!!!  needless to say, i am worthless lately.   

Oh @zoomama, how horrifying.  I totally get the mental video cycling; I'd be the same way.  Sending love and good thoughts that you can find a peaceful center again and I hope you'll be gentle with yourself until you do.

[Love2dance]

6 hours ago, emma675 said:

My sweet dog passed away this morning. She was almost 13, had seizures all of her life and was recently diagnosed with Cushing's Disease. She stopped eating about 24 hours ago and her back legs were just so weak I knew it was time to let her go. 

So sorry for your loss, @emma675. Our pets are such important members of our family, and their loss is so painful. Hugs and sympathy.

[latetotheparty]

6 hours ago, emma675 said:

My sweet dog passed away this morning. She was almost 13, had seizures all of her life and was recently diagnosed with Cushing's Disease. She stopped eating about 24 hours ago and her back legs were just so weak I knew it was time to let her go. I've been a complete mess all day and I'm trying to pull it together to go back into work tomorrow. I got her the weekend I moved into my house so I've never lived here without her. It's tough.

@Emma, many many hugs for you.  That final act of love is so difficult but so necessary.  Know that you did the very best for your girl.

[bigskygirl]

15 hours ago, zoomama said:

oh emma, that is truly sad and a real loss for you. i pray for a gentle peace for your heart.   i am so sorry.

bigskygirl, i wear a c-pap mask as well but do not sleep on my belly (its a little too round for sleeping).  how long have you used a mask? is this something i should make an adjustment for so my eyes dont 'stretch' ? 

@zoomama I do not sleep on my stomach since I have digestive issues. I have been wearing a mask for almost two years coming up on August 28th. If you do not mind me asking, do you see your eye doctor about your sleep apnea? I see my eye doctor at least once a year due to my thyroid related eye health issues. I had no idea it could affect your eyes until the eye specialist brought it up last month when I saw him for the first time. I am on an eye ointment at night to help my eyes while I sleep in case air from my mask blows into my eyes. He also gave me a couple of suggestions for over the counter eye drops for dry eyes and eye pain to use doing the day, but they are not cheap. The good news is there looks to be no damage to my eyes or any major changes in my vision except for the blasted minor blurry vision and light sensitivity. If you are having some problems with air blowing into your eyes or your vision seems off, I would suggest making an adjustment and/or seeing an eye doctor.

[latetotheparty]

49 minutes ago, bigskygirl said:

@zoomama I do not sleep on my stomach since I have digestive issues. I have been wearing a mask for almost two years coming up on August 28th. If you do not mind me asking, do you see your eye doctor about your sleep apnea? I see my eye doctor at least once a year due to my thyroid related eye health issues. I had no idea it could affect your eyes until the eye specialist brought it up last month when I saw him for the first time. I am on an eye ointment at night to help my eyes while I sleep in case air from my mask blows into my eyes. He also gave me a couple of suggestions for over the counter eye drops for dry eyes and eye pain to use doing the day, but they are not cheap. The good news is there looks to be no damage to my eyes or any major changes in my vision except for the blasted minor blurry vision and light sensitivity. If you are having some problems with air blowing into your eyes or your vision seems off, I would suggest making an adjustment and/or seeing an eye doctor.

I work for a sleep ENT and have used CPAP since 1995 and I wonder if anyone has suggested an oral appliance to you.  You seem to struggle so much with your mask. 

[zoomama]

2 hours ago, latetotheparty said:

I work for a sleep ENT and have used CPAP since 1995 and I wonder if anyone has suggested an oral appliance to you.  You seem to struggle so much with your mask. 

what does an oral appliance mean,....like a bite guard or something.  currently our insurance is on hold so i cannot really do anything till that is straightened out.  i was not sent to an eye dr at all nor was it even suggested. i just went to a sleep clinic within our insurance group, was not assigned to any special doctor at all. my primary referred me in the first place, on my suggestion.  i would sure like to follow up with some solid info when i do get to see a doctor again. 

[bigskygirl]

I was sent to a sleep specialist after my sleep study. He was the one who looked at my sleep study results and help set up the CPAP Machine/Mask and the air pressure or what ever it is called in order for me to sleep and get the sleep apnea under control. I would love to be able to use an oral appliance, but dollars to donuts Medicaid will say absolutely not. They will not pay for progressive lenses for my glasses or for my prescription sunglasses even it is considered medically necessary. My eye doctor is willing to go battle with them over it but in the long run they will say no. I guess a patient with sleep apnea can show problems with their eyes before being diagnose with it. I had no idea your eyes and vision can show signs of possible sleep apnea. Like I said if you can get to an eye doctor and have him or her take a look at your eyes for possible problems, I would do it as soon as you can. I see my eye doctor next week for my annual eye exam. Her husband is a dentist, so I am seriously thinking of making an appointment with him to look at possible oral appliances for sleep apnea. My eye doctor is great, and she also has been dealing with thyroid problems, so she understands what I have been going though. The only problem is the cost. Darn insurance. They will pay about $500.00 for prescription eye drops, but not one dollar for the progressive lenses, prescription sunglasses, or a possible sleep apnea oral appliance to help me sleep better and not bother my eyes. Seriously...

Edited August 16, 2017 by bigskygirl

[Happyfatchick]

@zoomama what a crap week you had.  Awful, awful!  However, I'd like to say how interesting I find that you live in a place its possible to have wild donkeys laying on your street.   You must have said before, but where is home for you?

@emma675, I'm so sorry about your fur baby.  

I never cease to be amazed and awed by the bond between humans and our pets.  I worked with a guy once who's MIL lived with him.  She was of sound mind, and he loved her like his own mom.  Crazy about her.  She died, and when he returned to work I asked after the family.  He was a crusty old bird and stoic about it, although he admitted it was hard not to have her there when he came in after work.  Two weeks later, his dog died.  He stood there at work telling me about being able to replace his blinds because the dog wouldnt be there tearing them up when he pulled in the driveway.  I'm telling you, he broke down and cried over that dog like a little kid.  ('Course I cried with him, who couldn't have?).  It was actually a mixture of dog and MIL, and overwhelming grief.   I'll never forget that; it was my first realization that other people were as stupid crazy about their dogs as I was.  

And also:  does anyone else see someone walking around with an oven in their mouth when they see the term "oral appliance"?

Edited August 16, 2017 by Happyfatchick
Add on random thought

[zoomama]

3 hours ago, Happyfatchick said:

@zoomama what a crap week you had.  Awful, awful!  However, I'd like to say how interesting I find that you live in a place its possible to have wild donkeys laying on your street.   You must have said before, but where is home for you?

 

i live in southern cali, outside of palm springs (using a well known location to orient you). the wild donkeys live in the canyons by my home and are federally protected. they do eat yards and plants but they are so darn cute to watch. i will try to load a few pictures of them.  i had one follow me up my driveway once.....they ARE wild so no touchee. 

[latetotheparty]

6 hours ago, zoomama said:

what does an oral appliance mean,....like a bite guard or something.  currently our insurance is on hold so i cannot really do anything till that is straightened out.  i was not sent to an eye dr at all nor was it even suggested. i just went to a sleep clinic within our insurance group, was not assigned to any special doctor at all. my primary referred me in the first place, on my suggestion.  i would sure like to follow up with some solid info when i do get to see a doctor again. 

Yes, it's not unlike a bite guard.  It advances the jaw to maintain an open airway when your throat and tongue relax in sleep.  Whether you're a candidate for it depends on the severity of your apnea and your oral anatomy. 

[latetotheparty]

4 hours ago, bigskygirl said:

I was sent to a sleep specialist after my sleep study. He was the one who looked at my sleep study results and help set up the CPAP Machine/Mask and the air pressure or what ever it is called in order for me to sleep and get the sleep apnea under control. I would love to be able to use an oral appliance, but dollars to donuts Medicaid will say absolutely not. They will not pay for progressive lenses for my glasses or for my prescription sunglasses even it is considered medically necessary. My eye doctor is willing to go battle with them over it but in the long run they will say no. I guess a patient with sleep apnea can show problems with their eyes before being diagnose with it. I had no idea your eyes and vision can show signs of possible sleep apnea. Like I said if you can get to an eye doctor and have him or her take a look at your eyes for possible problems, I would do it as soon as you can. I see my eye doctor next week for my annual eye exam. Her husband is a dentist, so I am seriously thinking of making an appointment with him to look at possible oral appliances for sleep apnea. My eye doctor is great, and she also has been dealing with thyroid problems, so she understands what I have been going though. The only problem is the cost. Darn insurance. They will pay about $500.00 for prescription eye drops, but not one dollar for the progressive lenses, prescription sunglasses, or a possible sleep apnea oral appliance to help me sleep better and not bother my eyes. Seriously...

This pisses me off. I am convinced you have the shittiest Medicaid ever.  In Minnesota, they absolutely pay for it.  One has to try and fail a CPAP trial first and you have more than done that. I would let your doc try. They are no doubt experienced in the kind of hoop jumping that is necessary. Or move to MN and is will do your jumping!

[bigskygirl]

Insurance will say the CPAP machine is doing its job because I went from an average of 36 non breathing episodes a hour during the sleep study test two years ago to an average of 3 non breathing episodes a hour now. I know the eye specialist and eye doctor would say the mask is bothering my eyes, but they will say as long as the machine and mask are working we will not pay for an oral appliance. I was also told not to get a mask that goes over my nose and mouth together because it could cause my jaw to be misaligned.

Edited August 17, 2017 by bigskygirl

[louannems]

Jill Rod's Facebook states she is expecting.  Again.

[GeeGolly]

18 hours ago, bigskygirl said:

Insurance will say the CPAP machine is doing its job because I went from an average of 36 non breathing episodes a hour during the sleep study test two years ago to an average of 3 non breathing episodes a hour now. I know the eye specialist and eye doctor would say the mask is bothering my eyes, but they will say as long as the machine and mask are working we will not pay for an oral appliance. I was also told not to get a mask that goes over my nose and mouth together because it could cause my jaw to be misaligned.

Maybe you need to 'fail' a new sleep study.

[bigskygirl]

33 minutes ago, GeeGolly said:

Maybe you need to 'fail' a new sleep study.

Ha!

[Marigold]

Hi Guys,

I was on a crazy vacation...drove all around the country and tent camped wherever we landed up. All my kids, the husband and an old suburban, which broke down numerous times. 

We had fun!     Missed the snark! 

[MORGANH]

@EMMA675, I am so very sorry for the loss of your girl. I understand completely how you feel. We had our first dog ( a golden retriever rescue) 19 years ago and when we lost him I wasn't sure that we would ever feel better. But then I realized that he was at peace and no longer in pain.  That helped a little. We then made a promise to him that we would help as many of his relatives (other golden retriever rescues) in his memory. We decided to choose the ones that needed us ( seniors, ones with medical issues, etc.) because no matter what, they all needed a home.  Some we have have been lucky to have for one year and some have shocked everyone and lived several years longer than expected. Each one reminds me of the promise that I made to my boy.

I only tell you this because I know you are hurting now but you will feel better.  You may think of something that will fill the void you feel right now. But keep remembering that your baby is no longer suffering and was very lucky to have a loving wonderful life with you. I'm sending lots of hugs your way that each day gets better and you find peace very soon.

[MunichNark]

After being ill for a week with a cold it turns out i have a bacterial infection? So possibly antibiotics and im exhausted. All that with just two weeks left here and im too tired to do anything. I feel hard done by

[emma675]

Thanks for all of the kind words everyone, it's been a hell of a week. I will definitely get another dog because I'm just a pet person and I love having them, but I'm making myself wait a month to even start looking. I don't want to get a dog simply because I'm sad and my house is too quiet, that wouldn't be fair to that dog or Olivia's memory. It sounds ridiculous, but I'm hoping Olivia will somehow guide me to the next dog that I should adopt. 

bigskygirl, I wish you were closer to me! I work in Texas at a lens company and could totally hook you up lenses but you have to be onsite at my office for measurement, etc. 

[Marshmallow Mollie]

7 minutes ago, emma675 said:

Thanks for all of the kind words everyone, it's been a hell of a week. I will definitely get another dog because I'm just a pet person and I love having them, but I'm making myself wait a month to even start looking. I don't want to get a dog simply because I'm sad and my house is too quiet, that wouldn't be fair to that dog or Olivia's memory. It sounds ridiculous, but I'm hoping Olivia will somehow guide me to the next dog that I should adopt. 

Not ridiculous at all! I have known two dogs with Cushing's, and it seemed like a fairly miserable way to be. I'm so sorry for your loss.

[bythelake]

Hi All,

I'm an old coot who's been reading this forum and TWOP for a long time  I can relate to all of you who have medical problems as I have had thyroid issues, cancer, back problems etc. But that's for another time. I was concerned that no one has heard from Micks Picks for a few months.  I know she was having surgery which was quite complicated, but unless I missed it, she has not been back on the forum. She has been in my thoughts as well as Arwen, and the others who are dealing with major medical issues.. I hope all went well with her and that we hear from her soon. 

[zoomama]

2 hours ago, emma675 said:

Thanks for all of the kind words everyone, it's been a hell of a week. I will definitely get another dog because I'm just a pet person and I love having them, but I'm making myself wait a month to even start looking. I don't want to get a dog simply because I'm sad and my house is too quiet, that wouldn't be fair to that dog or Olivia's memory. It sounds ridiculous, but I'm hoping Olivia will somehow guide me to the next dog that I should adopt. 

bigskygirl, I wish you were closer to me! I work in Texas at a lens company and could totally hook you up lenses but you have to be onsite at my office for measurement, etc. 

emma. where in texas? i drive out there a few times a year to see my kids. they are south of dallas about a hour.....

[Jynnan tonnix]

4 hours ago, bythelake said:

Hi All,

I'm an old coot who's been reading this forum and TWOP for a long time  I can relate to all of you who have medical problems as I have had thyroid issues, cancer, back problems etc. But that's for another time. I was concerned that no one has heard from Micks Picks for a few months.  I know she was having surgery which was quite complicated, but unless I missed it, she has not been back on the forum. She has been in my thoughts as well as Arwen, and the others who are dealing with major medical issues.. I hope all went well with her and that we hear from her soon. 

You are right...I just went back and looked at her posts, and she mentions around March 17 that she was having surgery the following week, and that it was something with a high rate of complications and even death associated with it, then her last post is on March 23 in the Michelle & Jim Bob thread. Wow. I'm terrible about noticing when we haven't heard from certain posters in a while, and this really rattles me. I hope that it's just been recuperation and getting sidetracked with other things that has kept her away, but it certainly seems a bit ominous....

[bythelake]

3 hours ago, Jynnan tonnix said:

You are right...I just went back and looked at her posts, and she mentions around March 17 that she was having surgery the following week, and that it was something with a high rate of complications and even death associated with it, then her last post is on March 23 in the Michelle & Jim Bob thread. Wow. I'm terrible about noticing when we haven't heard from certain posters in a while, and this really rattles me. I hope that it's just been recuperation and getting sidetracked with other things that has kept her away, but it certainly seems a bit ominous....

I thought we would have heard from her by now. Usually when posters drop out for a while like HFC with her remodeling, they'll pop in now and then with an update. IIRC Micks  didn't have a great support system, she was pretty much on her own, and her eyes were failing as well. 

[Westiepeach]

9 minutes ago, bythelake said:

I thought we would have heard from her by now. Usually when posters drop out for a while like HFC with her remodeling, they'll pop in now and then with an update. IIRC Micks  didn't have a great support system, she was pretty much on her own, and her eyes were failing as well. 

Yikes. Now I am worried. 

[crazycatlady58]

Now I feel bad I did not notice  she has not posted. Hopefully  she has recovered  and just lost track of time and kept forgetting   to check in with us.

[Arwen Evenstar]

1 hour ago, crazycatlady58 said:

Now I feel bad I did not notice  she has not posted. Hopefully  she has recovered  and just lost track of time and kept forgetting   to check in with us.

I hope she's all right, too.  Since I was dealing with my own stuff, hadn't realized she hadn't posted in a while. Add me to the list of people who feel bad about this.

[Sew Sumi]

Also worried about Micks. 

[Catfin]

22 hours ago, Marshmallow Mollie said:

Not ridiculous at all! I have known two dogs with Cushing's, and it seemed like a fairly miserable way to be. I'm so sorry for your loss.

My ten-year-old Aussie/Lab mix has Cushing's after having been horridly mis-diagnosed by our former vet. He's been on the Trilostane treatment for six or so months and has seen great improvement. We're going to end up in the poor house  paying for his med regimen, but he's much more comfortable.  We're buying time and quality of life. 

[Marigold]

Oh gosh, I hope Micks Picks is OK. 

[lookeyloo]

@emma675 - oh so sorry to hear about your pooch. Mr lookeyloo and I know from personal experience how that feels - just so much sadness.  Sending ft hugs your way. 

I wonder if someone that MicksPicks is familiar with can send her a private message?  I'm not quite sure how that works

[Arwen Evenstar]

@emma675, it really is sad to lose a pet. I had 8 cats when I met Mr Evenstar. 12 years later, we are down to 3, and it never got any easier. I totally empathize with your grief and that of anyone else here who has lost a beloved pet. You gave your baby a great life, and we know when it's time to let them go because it's not fair to them to let them suffer anymore.

We lost our 18.5 year old girl on the 5th of thus month. She was "off her food" for a few days. After a few trips to the vet for fluids, it was evident that her kidney failure was permanent and terminal, and it was time to let her go. 

She was the sweetest cat and I'd had her since she was 9 months old after a friend found her but couldn't keep her. Her favorite thing was to lay on my belly and purr. I knew she knew I'd been sick.  She stayed with me until my PET scan on. 8/2 (thank you Jesus!) showed even further improvement since the last one.  Animals just seem to have an understanding beyond our ability to comprehend. 

[emma675]

Arwen, I'm so sorry to hear about the loss of your girl. It's so hard to let them go, even when they are ready, isn't it? Sending you best wishes and ff hugs.

I, too, am now worried about Micks Picks. I forgot she had surgery coming up but I do remember she had found someone to help with her dog and driving her around. I hope she's okay!

[Rabbittron]

Had to put this here because I don't think any other place would work what did the Duggars think about the eclipse that God blew out the Sun:)

[bigskygirl]

Ha! I did not think of that! Off to the Prayer Closet for laughing at the thought.

Edited August 21, 2017 by bigskygirl

[bigskygirl]

I have an appointment with the dentist tomorrow afternoon to discuss oral appliances for sleep apnea. I do not know if I will be a candidate for one because I have a small mouth (yes, I really do) which can cause problems when I am having x-rays and other dental treatment a joy. I was told by the sleep specialist not to get a CPAP mask that goes over my nose and mouth because it can cause my jaw to go out of alignment. I also have TMJ Arthralgia which can cause jaw pain, and any appliance can cause it to get worse. Oh well! I guess I will see what will happen. I also need to find a way to pay for new glasses and prescription sunglasses because my distance vision is better, but the light sensitivity is not getting any better.

[CalicoKitty]

Question:  Has anyone "cut the cord" and gone with an on-air antenna and a streaming device?  I found an antenna that I plan to put on the roof, but I pull in 30 local signals with it in the house.  I tried the new Hulu Live, but I found I need a grid schedule.  So I am trying Sling, and I like it, but I think it is overkill since I have Amazon Prime and Netflix.  There are still so many stations that I will never watch, but it is cheaper than what I pay with Direct TV.  If anyone has done this, how do record over-the-air stations?  Does anyone regret making the "cut"?

[Jynnan tonnix]

9 hours ago, CalicoKitty said:

Question:  Has anyone "cut the cord" and gone with an on-air antenna and a streaming device?  I found an antenna that I plan to put on the roof, but I pull in 30 local signals with it in the house.  I tried the new Hulu Live, but I found I need a grid schedule.  So I am trying Sling, and I like it, but I think it is overkill since I have Amazon Prime and Netflix.  There are still so many stations that I will never watch, but it is cheaper than what I pay with Direct TV.  If anyone has done this, how do record over-the-air stations?  Does anyone regret making the "cut"?

We have a rooftop antenna, which only pulls in a few random stations at the moment after it got a bit dislodged during a storm last winter. My husband is working out of state at the moment, and for what TV I watch, which is very little, I use Netflix or Hulu. For that matter, I generally just watch on mylaptop, so the TV goes weeks without being turned on. I haven't missed cable/dish tv at all, though I never did record anything other than So You Think You Can Dance, which I watch with my daughter & son in law when they come over for dinner. Now we just watch that on Hulu. With all the choices out there on things like Hulu, Netflix, and Amazon Prime (I have never even heard of Sling),I can't imagine ever being at a loss for something to watch. But then again I'm probably not he right person to be even commenting on the matter. I might watch one or two shows a week tops, and get all my news/weather online.

[kaleidoscope]

On the topic of life after death, I read an amazing book by Anita Moorjani titled "Dying to Be Me" which is an account of her personal experience of death.  She has a new book out, "What if This is Heaven" which continues her story.  Strongly religious, Anita is now spiritual and sees the world in a whole new way.

[ChiCricket]

 For anyone in the path of Hurricane Harvey....be safe!

(And if you're told to leave..DO it)

Edited August 25, 2017 by ChiCricket
Wrong H name :)

[Mrs. P.]

31 minutes ago, ChiCricket said:

 For anyone in the path of Hurricane Howard..be safe!

(And if you're told to leave..DO it)

Thanks, ChiCricket. I'm on the Gulf Coast somewhat north of the expected landfall, so we won't experience the worst of Hurricane Harvey but should get a ton of rain. My community has been told to shelter in place, so we're hunkering down for the next few days. I appreciate the kind thoughts.

[CherryMalotte]

Oh gawd yes, please be safe our Gulf peeps - I'm having good thoughts for all of you.  

We have all had way too much loss the past couple of years, between pets, parents, family, and friends. I want to decree that there should be no losses in 2018.  We've had enough of that shit.  Death and Destruction can take a long long long holiday.  
 

[Love2dance]

I'd like to add safe wishes to our Gulf Coast friends. Will be thinking about you!

[lookeyloo]

We moved from south Louisiana a year and a half ago and left many good friends there. Although I'm not on alert where I live now I am worried for them.  On our list of reasons to move was no more hurricanes. One gets too old to deal with all of that!!  And luckily we were able. 

[Arwen Evenstar]

Houston is bracing for the storm. They are expecting us to get over 30" over the course of the storm.  Our unwelcome guest will be sticking around until Wednesday.  Hopefully, we get the rain in slow steady doses so our drainage system isn't overburdened. 

With Allison in 2001, we got that much rain, but in 24 to 36?hours and most of that was localized. In this case, I've never seen such widespread flooding forecast.  From Laie Charles to San Antonio down I10 and from Lufkin to Corpus Christi down the 59 corridor. I've lived in Houston area 30 years and never seen the likes of this.

[zoomama]

be safe arwen and the rest who are in the hurricane area.  talked to my kids last night and they are north enough to probably only have bad rain. 

[Sew Sumi]

Houston can't catch a break. Stay safely inside, Arwen. It sounds like this could shut down the city for a few days.