Small Talk: The Prayer Closet

[emma675]

I'm having an outpatient procedure in a week and I can't have anyone go in or stay with me (and I'm totally fine with it). It's drop off and pick up only.

[doodlebug]

My employer, which runs facilities in Ohio and Florida, has issued visitor guidelines based on the color code describing the virus' activity in that state.  All states have a color code from yellow to purple which is based on the amount of people who have the virus at a given time.

Purple is the highest level of COVID 19 cases and essentially means no visitors anywhere.  Florida was level Purple when the system was put in place last month, I don't know where they're at now.  Ohio was at level Red last month but has dropped to Orange now; at least this part of Ohio has.

They are requiring anyone coming in to a facility for a procedure to have a COVID test first.  If the patient is COVID negative, at level Orange, they are allowed to bring one person with them to wait.  At Level Red, no one can accompany a patient

There is also a way for someone needing special assistance to bring someone with them to help provide the history or help with dressing and undressing, etc.  This gives the provider a lot of discretion as it allows someone to be present with a patient for 'critical emotional or physical care'.  I've had more than a couple of people coming in for procedures who wanted to bring someone along to hold their hand and we've always allowed it.

http://dnndocuments.ccf.org/occ/COVID19/20-CCC-1905156 Visitation Guide Messaging Update - COVID-19_final.pdf

Edited September 24, 2020 by doodlebug

[SunnyBeBe]

If there is  truly a reason a companion is needed, like someone who has dementia, is vision impaired, etc., I get it,  but, I do not believe that was the case with the VAST majority of people in that office.  It was WEIRD. It appeared to be a social visit.  They all went to the back exam area too!  I sat in disbelief.  Could it be that I just never noticed this before?  It was outrageous.  I only saw 2 other people alone, besides myself.  Duke is top notch, imo, and I really do admire them. I am treated VERY well by all departments. I never send a question by email that isn't answered within a couple of hours!   (I also have Duke Endo, Primary, urgent care, etc.)  but, this was ridiculous. I think they need to tighten the rules. They always send me a survey to let them know how they're doing, after my visit. I'll let them know.  They did have station at the entrance taking temps, handing out masks and screening for covid with questions, putting on arm bands.  I do appreciate that. And, all the staff had their masks on.

I am pleased to say that my eyes were BETTER!  I have been told for years that they really wouldn't get better. What I have is permanent, so any improvement is blessing.  I'm more than thrilled.  I still have the conditions, but, I'm stable and able to get through the day without pain and misery. I suffered almost every day for about 2 years, so, I will always be grateful that Duke got me on the right track.  I told my doctor about the acupuncture, which is what actually turned things around and she was pleasantly surprised.  I had read a study about it and I hope she does another one.  

Edited September 24, 2020 by SunnyBeBe

[doodlebug]

7 minutes ago, SunnyBeBe said:

If there is  truly a reason a companion is needed, like someone who has dementia, is vision impaired, etc., I get it,  but, I do not believe that was the case with the VAST majority of people in that office.  It was WEIRD. It appeared to be a social visit.  They all went to the back exam area too!  I sat in disbelief.  Could it be that I just never noticed this before?  It was outrageous.  I only saw 2 other people alone, besides myself.  Duke is top notch, imo, and I really do admire them. I am treated VERY well by all departments. I never send a question by email that isn't answered within a couple of hours!   (I also have Duke Endo, Primary, urgent care, etc.)  but, this was ridiculous. I think they need to tighten the rules. They always send me a survey to let them know how they're doing, after my visit. I'll let them know.  They did have station at the entrance taking temps, handing out masks and screening for covid with questions, putting on arm bands.  I do appreciate that. And, all the staff had their masks on.

I am pleased to say that my eyes were BETTER!  I have been told for years that they really wouldn't get better. What I have is permanent, so any improvement is blessing.  I'm more than thrilled.  I still have the conditions, but, I'm stable and able to get through the day without pain and misery. I suffered almost every day for about 2 years, so, I will always be grateful that Duke got me on the right track.  I told my doctor about the acupuncture, which is what actually turned things around and she was pleasantly surprised.  I had read a study about it and I hope she does another one.  

One of the problems we've seen is that people are reluctant to enforce the rules, especially after healthcare workers have been attacked for trying to keep visitors out of the main medical areas and for enforcing mask wearing.

I stopped at a well known bagel chain this morning on my way to work, Ohio has a mask indoors rule.  Everyone was standing 6 feet apart and wearing a mask except for one kid who looked to be about 16.  He just stood there, chewing on his gum and, when he got to the front of the line, was probably about a foot away from the cashier.  We all looked at each other, but nobody expected the clerk behind the counter to confront him, she was probably a year or two older than him but weighed about 50 lbs less.  We all just kept our distance, he got his food and left and she apologized to us but told her their policy was not to confront because of the risk of a violent reaction.  Believe me, the people working at doctors' offices and hospitals are worried about the same thing.

[Bewitched]

I work as an inpatient nurse and our current policy is no visitors at all for COVID+ or those awaiting a test.  For all others, one unique visitor from 1-5 each day.  We have shut down our waiting rooms so there is no where for anyone to go if they wanted to "switch out".  Obviously if someone is end of life, we allow more visitors and outside of those hours.   We have also allowed a companion for developmentally delayed patients.  It is amazing how many people try and break the rules.  It also doesn't help when the rules aren't enforced the same across the campus.  We have had several patients transfer from another unit and three people are with them.  I don't mind being the bad guy but we have had to call security a few times and as much as I understand the family anxiety, every visitor puts my staff at risk too.

[Happyfatchick]

56 minutes ago, doodlebug said:

  I've had more than a couple of people coming in for procedures who wanted to bring someone along to hold their hand and we've always allowed it.

http://dnndocuments.ccf.org/occ/COVID19/20-CCC-1905156 Visitation Guide Messaging Update - COVID-19_final.pdf

I don’t feel any kind of way about people who need someone with them for appointments.  I was primary carer for both my parents - my dad would get in the car after every doctor visit and say “wha’d he say?”  And my mom (Alzheimer’s) couldn’t have gone alone.  So I don’t mean to be picking a fight at all - I’m just one of those people in the comfort camp.  I always go to appointments alone.  But medical things can be frightening and I “get” someone needing partnership.  

this could prompt so MANY stories.  He’s almost deaf, she’s not home.  Trying to park those 2 butts while I parked and hiked back to them.   So so so many stories.  
 

@doodlebug, I’m not able to pull up the information you gave.  Can you tell me where to go on a regular basis to see what my states code is?  

[BetyBee]

I become very spacey when my eyes are dilated. Nevertheless, I went alone to my recent appointment. Did I say recent? It was 4 WEEKS AGO! And I'm still waiting for my glasses, which were to have been ready in 7-10 days. I called 10 days ago and was told that my lenses are ready, but unfortunately the frames broke when they put them in, so new frames had to be ordered. No one bothered to call me and tell me. Meanwhile my husband, whose appointment was days after mine, has his new glasses. I called again today and was told they would call me back. Guess what? No one has called. It will be a total pain in the butt to cancel and try to get my money back and take my prescription elsewhere. I"m really ticked off, especially since they cost a lot of money!

ETA: Just called again and they were "just about to call me" - my glasses are in. I wonder how long they've had them? Anyway, I'll get them tomorrow. I sure hope they are fine and I can stop thinking about this!

Edited September 24, 2020 by BetyBee
Rant update!

[lookeyloo]

Sweet son is getting his treatment at the Winship Cancer Center at Emory St. Joseph Hospital in Atlanta.  He can't take his husband with him to anything but a doctor appointment and then the husband is the one who takes notes and remembers things.  Also, husband not allowed to be with him when he is admitted or even to visit.  All of his recent procedures have been him alone with husband dropping off and picking up and all of us worrying in between.  But then again, we are still seeing a lot of sick people here, not just number of cases, but hospitalizations and deaths.

[iwantcookies]

It’s not cancer. I’m so relieved.

 

I do have new things wrong with me. Will need to go to specialists. And I got shingles! Oh joy. NOT. 
 

Will also need ct scans every 6 months. Jeez Louise.

Edited September 24, 2020 by iwantcookies

[jcbrown]

7 hours ago, SunnyBeBe said:

Is there any good reason that a person who is not vision impaired needs a companion in the ophthalmologist office lobby? With covid, a driver should wait outside or in the car. I'm in Duke Eye center lobby and almost every patient has a companion!  I suppose some could be having procedures, but their driver could be texted when they are needed. I'm disappointed. Other precautions are being taken, but still. 

I have heard from my dentist about the (extensive) precautions they have put in place. I had to go to the doctor for my second shingles shot and they explained their protocols. I heard from my specialty vet about all the safeguards they have established. I had a follow-up appointment scheduled with my ophthalmologist, whose office has a warren of small rooms and is always crowded and where you often end up spending hours. When they didn't say anything in the call to remind me of my appointment, I mentioned some of those things and asked what precautions they had established. They said they had moved the chairs in the waiting area. I asked if my husband should expect to wait in the car and they said, oh, no, just call up from downstairs and they'll make sure he is allowed in. I cancelled the appointment.

[andromeda331]

32 minutes ago, iwantcookies said:

It’s not cancer. I’m so relieved.

 

I do have new things wrong with me. Will need to go to specialists. And I got shingles! Oh joy. NOT. 
 

Will also need ct scans every 6 months. Jeez Louise.

I'm glad its not cancer! That's great news. I'm sorry about the shingles. That stinks.

[doodlebug]

 

2 hours ago, Happyfatchick said:

I don’t feel any kind of way about people who need someone with them for appointments.  I was primary carer for both my parents - my dad would get in the car after every doctor visit and say “wha’d he say?”  And my mom (Alzheimer’s) couldn’t have gone alone.  So I don’t mean to be picking a fight at all - I’m just one of those people in the comfort camp.  I always go to appointments alone.  But medical things can be frightening and I “get” someone needing partnership.  

this could prompt so MANY stories.  He’s almost deaf, she’s not home.  Trying to park those 2 butts while I parked and hiked back to them.   So so so many stories.  
 

@doodlebug, I’m not able to pull up the information you gave.  Can you tell me where to go on a regular basis to see what my states code is?  

https://covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/?CDC_AA_refVal=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cdc.gov%2Fcoronavirus%2F2019-ncov%2Fcases-updates%2Fcases-in-us.html#cases_casesinlast7days

Search for Color Map using the name of your state and you'll be able to find a map colored by county.

Edited September 24, 2020 by doodlebug

[SunnyBeBe]

7 hours ago, Jynnan tonnix said:

Speaking of results, my daughter is in the throes of more panic...and while it's still pretty easy to pass everything off as being rooted in anxiety, the fact that now there are random muscle twitches, numbness, and general feeling of overwhelming fatigue added in to the cough and feeling of not being able to breathe has her doctor passing her off to a neurologist to rule out some other things - and, typically, she has decided that the worst-case scenario is "the only thing that makes sense". which would  be ALS. Now, while I'm still 99% certain that will not turn out to be the case, it's still about the worst sort of diagnosis I can think of, so I can't help but worry. She has an MRI scheduled for later today, but can't get in to see the neurologist until mid-November, though she's on a waiting list in case of cancellations. Hopefully at least the MRI results will help put her mind at ease a bit, though I'm not sure what they can actually determine based on that alone. In any case, keep fingers crossed that all her tests continue to come back negative, and that hopefully she will eventually decide that she is not dying after all.

I do feel for you and your family. It’s a very stressful thing to deal with.  Hopefully, the doctors will figure it out and be able to recommend what type of treatment she needs.

[crazycatlady58]

1 hour ago, iwantcookies said:

It’s not cancer. I’m so relieved.

 

I do have new things wrong with me. Will need to go to specialists. And I got shingles! Oh joy. NOT. 
 

Will also need ct scans every 6 months. Jeez Louise.

I am so glad  it's not cancer!!! And so sorry about the shingles.

[SunnyBeBe]

4 hours ago, emma675 said:

I'm having an outpatient procedure in a week and I can't have anyone go in or stay with me (and I'm totally fine with it). It's drop off and pick up only.

That’s how it’s been for me and most that I know.  It’s the reasonable thing to do, imo. 

[iwantcookies]

10 hours ago, SunnyBeBe said:

Is there any good reason that a person who is not vision impaired needs a companion in the ophthalmologist office lobby? With covid, a driver should wait outside or in the car. I'm in Duke Eye center lobby and almost every patient has a companion!  I suppose some could be having procedures, but their driver could be texted when they are needed. I'm disappointed. Other precautions are being taken, but still. 

I went to the eye doctor yesterday. Only 2-3 people came with a companion. 

[Mindthinkr]

I have been reluctant to post about how I’m feeling because so many of you are dealing with must worse issues. I feel for each and every one of you and your difficulties. I just want to say that I’m exhausted. Mr Chemo is not doing well. I have put in 16 hour days for 10 days now. My highlight (sarcasm) was last weekend when I was doing everything for him only to find out his daughter and husband spent the weekend at their vacation house and his son went off fishing with the grands. Why am I stuck?  My daughter is pissed. She feels as though I am putting him first and risking my own health (I’m a cancer survivor) by having to go out so much more than I would have to for my own lifestyle. Sorry, I’m just very cranky and sometimes feel so under appreciated.  I’m doing all this out of the kindness of my heart. I sometimes wonder how much longer I can last. My daughter is sending me links to available help for him. I hope I am strong enough to tell him, as much as he may not want it, that I cannot continue at this pace and he needs to consider outside sources (house cleaning, Instacart, etc). No matter what I do I’m going to be painted as “the bad guy” and I have tried so hard. I apologize. I’ll try to keep to myself. 

[lookeyloo]

3 minutes ago, Mindthinkr said:

I have been reluctant to post about how I’m feeling because so many of you are dealing with must worse issues. I feel for each and every one of you and your difficulties. I just want to say that I’m exhausted. Mr Chemo is not doing well. I have put in 16 hour days for 10 days now. My highlight (sarcasm) was last weekend when I was doing everything for him only to find out his daughter and husband spent the weekend at their vacation house and his son went off fishing with the grands. Why am I stuck?  My daughter is pissed. She feels as though I am putting him first and risking my own health (I’m a cancer survivor) by having to go out so much more than I would have to for my own lifestyle. Sorry, I’m just very cranky and sometimes feel so under appreciated.  I’m doing all this out of the kindness of my heart. I sometimes wonder how much longer I can last. My daughter is sending me links to available help for him. I hope I am strong enough to tell him, as much as he may not want it, that I cannot continue at this pace and he needs to consider outside sources (house cleaning, Instacart, etc). No matter what I do I’m going to be painted as “the bad guy” and I have tried so hard. I apologize. I’ll try to keep to myself. 

No no no- do not keep to your yourself from here! We are your safe place!  So sorry you are going through this. Caregiving is hard. I am helping my sweet son and I am his mother and it it very hard.   Sending a hug 

[Oldernowiser]

@Mindthinkr, the hardest lesson for some of us is to learn to take care of ourselves first and to say “no” when others are just delighted to take advantage of our tendency to step in when they won’t. You might want to do some research on codependency?

Mr. Chemo can suck it up. There’s an old analogy in codependency recovery that when the plane is going down, they always tell you to put your oxygen mask on first before assisting others. Get your oxygen, yes?

 

 

 

[SunnyBeBe]

16 minutes ago, Mindthinkr said:

I have been reluctant to post about how I’m feeling because so many of you are dealing with must worse issues. I feel for each and every one of you and your difficulties. I just want to say that I’m exhausted. Mr Chemo is not doing well. I have put in 16 hour days for 10 days now. My highlight (sarcasm) was last weekend when I was doing everything for him only to find out his daughter and husband spent the weekend at their vacation house and his son went off fishing with the grands. Why am I stuck?  My daughter is pissed. She feels as though I am putting him first and risking my own health (I’m a cancer survivor) by having to go out so much more than I would have to for my own lifestyle. Sorry, I’m just very cranky and sometimes feel so under appreciated.  I’m doing all this out of the kindness of my heart. I sometimes wonder how much longer I can last. My daughter is sending me links to available help for him. I hope I am strong enough to tell him, as much as he may not want it, that I cannot continue at this pace and he needs to consider outside sources (house cleaning, Instacart, etc). No matter what I do I’m going to be painted as “the bad guy” and I have tried so hard. I apologize. I’ll try to keep to myself. 

Not the bad guy to me! I would be proud to figure out the best way to protect yourself too and do it that way. If anyone called that wrong, I’d laugh at them and consider them silly and/or uninformed.  I don’t wait on anyone to appreciate me anymore. Lol They just don’t, so, I try to feed my soul with positive music, art, friends, etc and practice self-care. Self-care is very important.  I’ve read that 40% of caregivers die before the one they are caring for goes.  Take care of yourself too. And share your feelings. It helps.

Edited September 25, 2020 by SunnyBeBe

[emma675]

Mindthinkr, you have done everything and then some for someone whose family should be taking on this burden. I totally understand why your daughter is upset and I think you should probably pass along some of those resources to Mr Chemo and his family. You can only do so much and you have to put yourself first at some point or you'll burn out, get sick, or worse. If they think you're the bad guy after all you've done that says more about them and their selfishness than anything. 

[iwantcookies]

52 minutes ago, Mindthinkr said:

I have been reluctant to post about how I’m feeling because so many of you are dealing with must worse issues. I feel for each and every one of you and your difficulties. I just want to say that I’m exhausted. Mr Chemo is not doing well. I have put in 16 hour days for 10 days now. My highlight (sarcasm) was last weekend when I was doing everything for him only to find out his daughter and husband spent the weekend at their vacation house and his son went off fishing with the grands. Why am I stuck?  My daughter is pissed. She feels as though I am putting him first and risking my own health (I’m a cancer survivor) by having to go out so much more than I would have to for my own lifestyle. Sorry, I’m just very cranky and sometimes feel so under appreciated.  I’m doing all this out of the kindness of my heart. I sometimes wonder how much longer I can last. My daughter is sending me links to available help for him. I hope I am strong enough to tell him, as much as he may not want it, that I cannot continue at this pace and he needs to consider outside sources (house cleaning, Instacart, etc). No matter what I do I’m going to be painted as “the bad guy” and I have tried so hard. I apologize. I’ll try to keep to myself. 

Please take care of yourself. Tell Mr Chemo that he has a week to find someone to step in your role. His kids sure are something!!! They need to step up to care for their dad. 

[awaken]

We are no companions for appointments too, except in cases where someone is in real mental or physical distress and can’t make it on their own. 

today I had a pt wear her mask on her neck. We communicate in multiple ways prior to the appointment that masks, temps checks, and no companions are required for everyone’s safety.  Yet people try and push it. It really irks me and puts healthcare providers in an uncomfortable position to have to confront someone we’re supposed to be building rapport with. 

[MonicaM]

1 hour ago, Mindthinkr said:

I have been reluctant to post about how I’m feeling because so many of you are dealing with must worse issues. I feel for each and every one of you and your difficulties. I just want to say that I’m exhausted. Mr Chemo is not doing well. I have put in 16 hour days for 10 days now. My highlight (sarcasm) was last weekend when I was doing everything for him only to find out his daughter and husband spent the weekend at their vacation house and his son went off fishing with the grands. Why am I stuck?  My daughter is pissed. She feels as though I am putting him first and risking my own health (I’m a cancer survivor) by having to go out so much more than I would have to for my own lifestyle. Sorry, I’m just very cranky and sometimes feel so under appreciated.  I’m doing all this out of the kindness of my heart. I sometimes wonder how much longer I can last. My daughter is sending me links to available help for him. I hope I am strong enough to tell him, as much as he may not want it, that I cannot continue at this pace and he needs to consider outside sources (house cleaning, Instacart, etc). No matter what I do I’m going to be painted as “the bad guy” and I have tried so hard. I apologize. I’ll try to keep to myself. 

Absolutely no apology needed!!!  I'm caregiver for my husband, and there are days when I wake up so full of anxiety and dread that I can barely drag myself out of bed.  Caregiving is exhausting in every way.  Mr. M and I have been married almost forty years, and we're best friends.  I can't imagine acting as caregiver for someone when you don't have the history and deep emotional bond that we do.  You deserve a medal of honor for what you have been doing.

Just today, our caregiver support group had a meeting on zoom, and they emphasized the importance of having someone to talk to.  I don't have that someone, and it sounds as if you don't either.  If it helps you to vent here, please do so, as often as you need.  I would also be happy to "talk" with you via private message if that would help.  

Hope you are able to get some relief ASAP - and don't worry about your "bad guy" image.  His family sounds like the kind of people who's opinions don't count for anything.

[Nysha]

@iwantcookies, I'm glad you got some answers and that it's not cancer. I'm sorry that it is shingles, though. 

@Mindthinkr, ditto what everyone posted about taking care of yourself. The people who know what's going on and care about will not think you're the bad guy in this situation. Anyone who does is welcome to step up and be part of the solution. 

[jjane]

Dear @Mindthinkr, please don't hesitate to post. This is  a safe space for us all to vent. You are doing a wonderful thing for someone who has family members who should be taking care of him. The bad guys are these family members who can find time for their own recreation but not to take care of their own parent. The fact that you have done as much as you have is mind boggling. There aren't that many people in this world who would put themselves out like this.

As a former caregiver for my parents I know how exhausting what you are doing is. Please, please encourage this man to take advantage of whatever other caregiving options he may have. You need to be able to take care of yourself or you will be the one needing care. I don't blame your daughter for thinking you are being taken advantage of. I'm glad you have someone who cares enough about you to encourage you to step back and take care of yourself. I realize this man may feel that you are his only hope for care, considering the fact that his own family hasn't stepped up, but you are not responsible for that. You sound like a wonderful, compassionate person, which is what has gotten you into this situation. If you really want to help him, maybe you could offer to just coordinate care  provided by other people.  As a cancer survivor you deserve and need rest and peace. 

I admire you for your efforts and I hope you can change this situation as soon as possible. Sending many virtual hugs and much love, Janet

[Scarlett45]

@AussiesRule-

bringing from the lonely j thread-

 

Hi-yes I understood what you are saying about laws in Australia and I was affirming to you that we have no such grooming laws in the USA (to my knowledge but as always things are evolving). 

[SunnyBeBe]

Can someone tell me how this works?  I haven't googled anything on recliners in a good while.  What I did do is walk up to a couple that were on display in two different stores.  But, for some reason, I now am seeing a lot of recliner ads on websites.  lol  The next time I'm in a store, I'm going to conduct an experiment and see what happens.  I'm going to approach a product that I haven't googled and see what happens.  lol 

[GeeGolly]

13 minutes ago, SunnyBeBe said:

Can someone tell me how this works?  I haven't googled anything on recliners in a good while.  What I did do is walk up to a couple that were on display in two different stores.  But, for some reason, I now am seeing a lot of recliner ads on websites.  lol  The next time I'm in a store, I'm going to conduct an experiment and see what happens.  I'm going to approach a product that I haven't googled and see what happens.  lol 

Have you been discussing recliners with anyone?

[lookeyloo]

19 minutes ago, SunnyBeBe said:

Can someone tell me how this works?  I haven't googled anything on recliners in a good while.  What I did do is walk up to a couple that were on display in two different stores.  But, for some reason, I now am seeing a lot of recliner ads on websites.  lol  The next time I'm in a store, I'm going to conduct an experiment and see what happens.  I'm going to approach a product that I haven't googled and see what happens.  lol 

Our theory is that the smart phones are listening. It happens to us too

[Ohiopirate02]

1 hour ago, SunnyBeBe said:

Can someone tell me how this works?  I haven't googled anything on recliners in a good while.  What I did do is walk up to a couple that were on display in two different stores.  But, for some reason, I now am seeing a lot of recliner ads on websites.  lol  The next time I'm in a store, I'm going to conduct an experiment and see what happens.  I'm going to approach a product that I haven't googled and see what happens.  lol 

If you walked into a furniture store and your phone's location tracking is turned on, then this can happen.  

[Marshmallow Mollie]

For rivalry reasons this pains me, but I will say in support of Duke my husband works in construction, and no one is allowed to work on anything with Duke unless they have a TB test and a flu shot on file. I thought that was cunning, in a good way, to require a flu shot. The only flu shots my husband has had is when I have taken him for it. Now he has to have it. It’s one way to get more of the population vaccinated.

ETA again he works in construction, not around people. He wasn’t issued a badge to work there until he provided documentation.

Another NC story - his company has blue polo shirts. They were working on N.C. State’s football stadium. The head coach (not current one) kicked the crew off the job site for wearing “Duke blue” and were not allowed back on until they wore red. Mkay. Like I said, former coach.

Edited September 25, 2020 by Marshmallow Mollie

[Happyfatchick]

@iwantcookies, I am so glad you don’t have cancer lurking in your belly.  OTOH, you said your belly was tight and the skin was getting hard - which makes me feel like you have a pretty whipper-snapper case of shingles going on.  Never been there but I hear it’s miserable.  Do whatever the doc says, do it carefully and diligently and get rid of that as fast as you can.  I assume you read up on shingles - can it recur?  Are there different strains?  What is the cure?  Does it itch?  How big is your “spot?

i don’t have all the toddler grands today - I can’t even tell you how wonderful that news was.  BUTTTTT... the reason I DON’T have them is because their dad (my youngest) is a high school resource officer and the school has been shut down for Covid.  They just opened last week (maybe 2 weeks).  Not sure when they’ll be back.  Generally if the kids arent there, HE still is - this time they sent everyone home.  Either way, it meant I got Friday off after watching those monsters all week.  I have a list of things I needed to do this week but couldn’t with them here and completely lacked the enrgy after they left. That’s all.  Just a list.  No progress.  
 

i don’t know:  sitting, listening to nothing, not chasing, not fussing, not organizing, not pouring or cleaning, spreading, cutting, switching, kissing booboos, separating, demanding, wheedling, bargaining, distracting, dictating, negotiating, reading, cautioning, watching, anticipating.... just sitting... listening to the dogs bark about the trash pickup on an otherwise quiet day -listening to sounds of preparation for fall...

true story: I pulled a tiny American flag and a Barbie from under the cushions and fell asleep typing that. 
 

ETA:  “switching” doesn’t mean mean I’m chasing them switching their legs with a tiny little branch of a tree.  I meant switching items, as in “I want the BLUE one”, or “no, I get the one with the unicorn!!”   I am of the generation and the lineage where “go outside and find me a good switch” was a fact.   May the god in charge of disciplining babies strike me DEAD if I ever switch the legs of my grand babies.  I mean that.  

Edited September 25, 2020 by Happyfatchick

[Ohiopirate02]

38 minutes ago, Marshmallow Mollie said:

Another NC story - his company has blue polo shirts. They were working on N.C. State’s football stadium. The head coach (not current one) kicked the crew off the job site for wearing “Duke blue” and were not allowed back on until they wore red. Mkay. Like I said, former coach.

That is got to be one of the most NC story ever told.  I'm laughing here.  

[zoomama]

sooo....on the topic earlier of how long results take from a ct or test............its been 2 full weeks since my biopsy and nothing. i have emailed twice, with the 2nd email being a bit snippy. i got a call this morning that i would have a phone appointment with the surgeon this morning at 10:30a.m.    its now 11:19a.m. ....................nothing. 

[iwantcookies]

25 minutes ago, zoomama said:

sooo....on the topic earlier of how long results take from a ct or test............its been 2 full weeks since my biopsy and nothing. i have emailed twice, with the 2nd email being a bit snippy. i got a call this morning that i would have a phone appointment with the surgeon this morning at 10:30a.m.    its now 11:19a.m. ....................nothing. 

I hope you get good results!!! I know how frustrating it is to NOT know.

Edited September 25, 2020 by iwantcookies

[Oldernowiser]

52 minutes ago, zoomama said:

sooo....on the topic earlier of how long results take from a ct or test............its been 2 full weeks since my biopsy and nothing. i have emailed twice, with the 2nd email being a bit snippy. i got a call this morning that i would have a phone appointment with the surgeon this morning at 10:30a.m.    its now 11:19a.m. ....................nothing. 

Ugh. I suppose the kindest assumption is that the surgeon ran into a case that was more complicated that expected. But waiting like that just sucks. If you don’t get a call by the end of the day find out if they have a patient advocate or call the administrative office and raise a polite form of hell?

[Oldernowiser]

I swear this year has made everyone crazy. One of my dog’s incisions is still bleeding a bit three days post surgery. I called the vet’s office to see what his availability is early next week just in case. I got, “I’m sorry, but he’s fully booked all week.” I got snippy: “If this continues over the weekend he’s going to need to be seen on an emergency basis, so somehow that’s going to have to be arranged.” (The “goddamnit” was silent, was strongly implied.) 

FFS.

[iwantcookies]

@Oldernowiser how is your dog?

Never mind I see you already answered. Hope your fur son recovers quickly.

Edited September 25, 2020 by iwantcookies

[zoomama]

*******************i got the call, finally. for what its worth anyway. **********************

 

he says good news/bad news.....no cancer cells seen on biopsy BUT this kind of tumor can still be malignant (his words). so i will schedule surgery and then after, they will re-biopsy it and see what happens next.  waiting for another call from scheduling........

[GeeGolly]

I'm not what I would call the best sleeper. Getting 6 hours a night, a few nights in a row is a win for me. The last two nights sucked, with last night being awful. I tried to get a nap in this morning with no success. Now I'm trying my best to make it to 8pm, because if I fall asleep too early an exhausting cycle begins. I was hoping a Duggar made the news for some reason, so you all could keep me entertained. No such luck, slow news day for the Duggars.

[zoomama]

4 minutes ago, GeeGolly said:

I'm not what I would call the best sleeper. Getting 6 hours a night, a few nights in a row is a win for me. The last two nights sucked, with last night being awful. I tried to get a nap in this morning with no success. Now I'm trying my best to make it to 8pm, because if I fall asleep too early an exhausting cycle begins. I was hoping a Duggar made the news for some reason, so you all could keep me entertained. No such luck, slow news day for the Duggars.

i am with ya there!  i wake every two hours MAX all.night.long. well wednesday night i slept for about 9 hours straight!  i was exhausted. and i felt great when i woke up. 

[emma675]

I always have a terrible night's sleep the day before I leave on vacation and the night before I go back home. I know it's totally mental but I can't seem to break it. I drove back from the beach today on maybe 3 hours sleep. I'm trying to force myself to stay awake until at least 8:30 so my sleep schedule isn't a mess for days.

zoomama, do you have your surgery scheduled yet or is that still in progress? I'm leaning towards the positive since they didn't find cancer cells on the first biopsy. That's a good start!

[lookeyloo]

I am with the bad sleepers.  I usually can fall asleep okay enough, then up every few hours.  Maybe about once or twice a year I sleep the entire night and can't figure out what I did differently to do it again.

Sweet son had some unusual symptoms and went for blood work and now there is a new pill.  He takes about 20 prescriptions.  I sometimes think I would like to be able to drink a lot and put myself out of my misery.  Sadly, or not sadly, I can only take about a half cup of wine to feel "good" and anything after that I feel "bad".  

[ChiCricket]

On 9/24/2020 at 8:04 PM, Mindthinkr said:

I’ll try to keep to myself. 

Nah..not acceptable. Vent away!

(so we all can too).💕

Edited September 26, 2020 by ChiCricket

[Mindthinkr]

Just now, ChiCricket said:

Nah..not acceptable. Vent away!

(so we all can too).💕

Expletive deleted.  I’m literally crying. 

 

[awaken]

11 hours ago, SunnyBeBe said:

Can someone tell me how this works?  I haven't googled anything on recliners in a good while.  What I did do is walk up to a couple that were on display in two different stores.  But, for some reason, I now am seeing a lot of recliner ads on websites.  lol  The next time I'm in a store, I'm going to conduct an experiment and see what happens.  I'm going to approach a product that I haven't googled and see what happens.  lol 

This happens to me!  It’s so creepy!  Stuff I only thought about or said in conversation but didn’t look up. 

6 hours ago, GeeGolly said:

I'm not what I would call the best sleeper. Getting 6 hours a night, a few nights in a row is a win for me. The last two nights sucked, with last night being awful. I tried to get a nap in this morning with no success. Now I'm trying my best to make it to 8pm, because if I fall asleep too early an exhausting cycle begins. I was hoping a Duggar made the news for some reason, so you all could keep me entertained. No such luck, slow news day for the Duggars.

I feel for you. Me, too. Constantly stressful world events don’t help. I forget for a few seconds when I wake up, then it all comes crashing back in. 

[Oldernowiser]

30 minutes ago, Mindthinkr said:

32 minutes ago, ChiCricket said:

Nah..not acceptable. Vent away!

(so we all can too).💕

Expletive deleted.  I’m literally crying. 

 

You okay, sweetie?

[GeeGolly]

[Mindthinkr]

9 hours ago, Oldernowiser said:

You okay, sweetie?

No. I’d much rather lie and say that I’m fine, but I’m not. I’m getting hammered by Mr Chemo’s friends and family. What is the saying?  No good deed goes unpunished.