In 23 hours I will finally be boarding the plane for my month long visit to Terri & The kids! Yay! I'm nervous about the trip and how well I'll fair, but I did suck it up and made arrangements for a wheelchair to get me from the plane to my next gate and each segment of my flight.
As for my need for a wheelchair, I'll update you on my recent medical issues. My back surgeon finally sent me for X-Rays and finally looked at them and deemed my spinal fusion a total success. All had healed completely and properly and he doesn't feel that my leg pain/issues are connected to my back surgery at all. He has forwarded me to an Orthopedic specialist. Of course, the back surgeon's office screwed around for so long that I can't see the new DR until I get back from Alaska. So walking will continue to be a major issue for my entire visit, but we will all deal with it! AND! My GP, bless his heart, gave me some Vicodin to make the trip a little easier.
And so, I start all over with a new set of issues to deal with. sigh.....I swear that someone (or several someones) out there has a voodoo doll with my name on it and is busy sticking pins in it!!
I do still have some back pain but it all blends in with the leg issues and I often find myself wondering WTF I even had the surgery for to begin with! My GP feels that I had what is referred to as a "Failed Fusion" and that the surgeon (of course) wants me to think that his work was no less than perfect. We shall see, I guess. If the Orthopedic guy can't help me. or thinks I need more surgery, I will put that off as long as possible by going the Pain Management route. All speculation, at this point. I'll have to wait and see what June brings.
On top of all of that, my Cobra insurance ends July 31st and my Medicare won't start until the following March so in all reality, it may be another year before I can really accomplish much of anything. Lovely....just f&%$ing lovely!
Around here it has been raining for 40 days and 40 nights with much flooding of the area. Roads washed out, gigantic hail storms, tornados zipping around our heads, touching down NEAR us, but luckily not too close. And so, I shall leave the mess in Arkansas and go to 'break up' in Alaska, where there is much mud, many pot holes and melting of snow, layer by layer. The awakening of Spring in the Great Land is really lovely to behold. In a couple of weeks, it will be beautiful beyond measure.
But for me, the faces I see tomorrow afternoon will REALLY be what is beautiful beyond measure!!
I will sink into that welcoming home, full of love and comfort and enjoy and absorb every snippet of it! And there will be much celebrating while I am there! My birthday, Mother's Day, Terri's birthday and Riley's graduation!!! So much fun to be had! Weeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee
*~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Yankee Chick~ Tales of a Yankee Lost in the Ozarks ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~*
Showing posts with label Back Surgery Progress. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Back Surgery Progress. Show all posts
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Saturday, April 2, 2011
Fusion Anniversary
Well, Wednesday was the 1 year anniversary of my spinal fusion surgery. I went Thursday for my X-Rays and will see the DR next week. I spoke with his nurse Tuesday about some issues I've been having and they are of some concern, so I need to be checked out. I actually thought he needed to see me at then end of a year anyway, but she told me that he had 'released' me because my healing was so well progressed on my 6 month X-rays. I think I missed that, but I'm glad I called because my legs are giving me trouble that can, apparently, occur when a 3 or 4 level fusion is done. {Mine was a 4 level}
So anyway, I still have trouble walking. As a rule, on a daily basis, it just starts bothering me when I walk too far {which isn't far at all} or stand too long. My legs get achy and just don't want to 'go' and my lower back starts getting achy. Some days I can get a lot accomplished, other days, I just can't do it.
Personally, from my research, I have an idea it might be nerve damage. I'll just have to wait and see what he says next week and go from there. I have to learn to accept my limitations and make the best of what ever cards I've been dealt! But I'm not done looking for help, either.
Something just caught my eye, out of my front window, and I got looking and realized that it was my neighbors 2 cats running across the roof of their trailer house. How funny! I know how it sounds to have a squirrel playing around on the roof of our motorhome, so I can imagine the noise 2 big old cats make on their roof!
Gads. I've been blogging so irregularly and yet my head is always full of little tid bits I wanna blog about. I really should make notes, cuz I open up a page to write a new post and they all escape me. Doh! I wish I could be like our dear Poolie and have something fun and interesting to write about everyday.
I have been trying to remember to take my Nikon with me and get some pictures of various "Spring Things" around here, so I'll share some baby cows from down the road with you. They're so cute (and clean-lol)
A couple of babies.
*****************************************************************************
"Hey, Lady. Whatcha doin'?"
*****************************************************************************
"OMG! RUN!! She's got a camera!!!!!"
So anyway, I still have trouble walking. As a rule, on a daily basis, it just starts bothering me when I walk too far {which isn't far at all} or stand too long. My legs get achy and just don't want to 'go' and my lower back starts getting achy. Some days I can get a lot accomplished, other days, I just can't do it.
Personally, from my research, I have an idea it might be nerve damage. I'll just have to wait and see what he says next week and go from there. I have to learn to accept my limitations and make the best of what ever cards I've been dealt! But I'm not done looking for help, either.
Something just caught my eye, out of my front window, and I got looking and realized that it was my neighbors 2 cats running across the roof of their trailer house. How funny! I know how it sounds to have a squirrel playing around on the roof of our motorhome, so I can imagine the noise 2 big old cats make on their roof!
Gads. I've been blogging so irregularly and yet my head is always full of little tid bits I wanna blog about. I really should make notes, cuz I open up a page to write a new post and they all escape me. Doh! I wish I could be like our dear Poolie and have something fun and interesting to write about everyday.
I have been trying to remember to take my Nikon with me and get some pictures of various "Spring Things" around here, so I'll share some baby cows from down the road with you. They're so cute (and clean-lol)
A couple of babies.
*****************************************************************************
"Hey, Lady. Whatcha doin'?"
*****************************************************************************
"OMG! RUN!! She's got a camera!!!!!"
Monday, March 21, 2011
37 DAYS!!!!!!!!
It seems like I made my reservations eons ago, but it's down to 37 days until my trip to Alaska to visit my babies and see my Riley graduate! Weeeeeeeeeee........... The next month will go ever so fast!
I sure haven't been here for awhile and just when I was getting sorta regular about blogging. Damn. And I am ever so behind on reading blogs, as well. I've got a lot of catching up to do. My excitement about signing up with WildBlue for satellite internet service was a big farce. Long story short, I spent most of the last month running on dial-up speeds and it would take forever just to leave a comment or 2 on FaceBook, so I didn't even bother trying to do much else. We are taking it in the shorts big time to get out of our contract {almost $300} but in the long run, we will actually save a lot more. The phone company gave us a great deal for signing back up for DSL, so in the end it will all be good.
I spent much of that time going through my photos {of which there were like 4,900 plus}. I sorted, organized, deleted and am down to about 3700. Still need to go thru and delete a bunch more, but at least now they are all categorized in my Adobe Photoshop and it will be easier to do all the now. I also got some old, old files cleaned out. I mean really, just because I have room doesn't mean I have to keep every little thing!
Another sore subject.....Next week will be the 1 year 'anniversary' of my back surgery. I am not even CLOSE to being where I thought I would be at this point. The good news is that I am not in almost constant excruciating pain, as I was prior to the surgery. The bad news is, I DO still have a lot of pain and the promises of being able to do things after 8-12 months had passed, was all just a dream. Even tho I try to keep exercising, I can't get to the point where I can walk very far or for very long at all.....depending on what day it is, of course. I sure as hell know there is no sense even attempting to ride Susie. At this point, I am working as hard as I can and praying for the fortitude to just get my sorry butt through the airports so I can make this trip to Alaska! Hopefully the electric carts will be in the vicinity when I need them, because NO.....I am way too obstinate to request a freaking wheel chair to transport me from gate to gate! Nope. Nada. No way.
The last year has been such an emotional and physical roller coaster. There are some things, little things that actually continue to improve, but the fact of the matter is, I have been left with limitations that I never expected and I'm having a hard time accepting. Never in my wildest dreams, did I expect to be a 'crippled old lady' at 58! And most days That is my worst struggle. So I lapse into this funk of "why did this have to happen to me", for awhile. Then I pull myself up and tell myself to just deal with the cards I've been dealt and make the best of it! And I do...........for awhile......then I fall again. Yeah, sometimes literally, because when I least expect it a leg will give out on me....but usually I fall figuratively, into the funk. I know it could be worse. Doesn't matter what anyone's situation is, it could always be worse. Some days it's just hard to see past my own current situation. Selfish
I am praying that this month in Alaska with my sweet Terri and Mike and the kids will be just what I need to help turn me around. I mean, the best part of this past year was when Riley and Timmy were here. It was magical and I'm so anxious to soak up some more of that magic from ALL of them!!
And that's it for this dreary entry.......yawn.....
I sure haven't been here for awhile and just when I was getting sorta regular about blogging. Damn. And I am ever so behind on reading blogs, as well. I've got a lot of catching up to do. My excitement about signing up with WildBlue for satellite internet service was a big farce. Long story short, I spent most of the last month running on dial-up speeds and it would take forever just to leave a comment or 2 on FaceBook, so I didn't even bother trying to do much else. We are taking it in the shorts big time to get out of our contract {almost $300} but in the long run, we will actually save a lot more. The phone company gave us a great deal for signing back up for DSL, so in the end it will all be good.
I spent much of that time going through my photos {of which there were like 4,900 plus}. I sorted, organized, deleted and am down to about 3700. Still need to go thru and delete a bunch more, but at least now they are all categorized in my Adobe Photoshop and it will be easier to do all the now. I also got some old, old files cleaned out. I mean really, just because I have room doesn't mean I have to keep every little thing!
Another sore subject.....Next week will be the 1 year 'anniversary' of my back surgery. I am not even CLOSE to being where I thought I would be at this point. The good news is that I am not in almost constant excruciating pain, as I was prior to the surgery. The bad news is, I DO still have a lot of pain and the promises of being able to do things after 8-12 months had passed, was all just a dream. Even tho I try to keep exercising, I can't get to the point where I can walk very far or for very long at all.....depending on what day it is, of course. I sure as hell know there is no sense even attempting to ride Susie. At this point, I am working as hard as I can and praying for the fortitude to just get my sorry butt through the airports so I can make this trip to Alaska! Hopefully the electric carts will be in the vicinity when I need them, because NO.....I am way too obstinate to request a freaking wheel chair to transport me from gate to gate! Nope. Nada. No way.
The last year has been such an emotional and physical roller coaster. There are some things, little things that actually continue to improve, but the fact of the matter is, I have been left with limitations that I never expected and I'm having a hard time accepting. Never in my wildest dreams, did I expect to be a 'crippled old lady' at 58! And most days That is my worst struggle. So I lapse into this funk of "why did this have to happen to me", for awhile. Then I pull myself up and tell myself to just deal with the cards I've been dealt and make the best of it! And I do...........for awhile......then I fall again. Yeah, sometimes literally, because when I least expect it a leg will give out on me....but usually I fall figuratively, into the funk. I know it could be worse. Doesn't matter what anyone's situation is, it could always be worse. Some days it's just hard to see past my own current situation. Selfish
I am praying that this month in Alaska with my sweet Terri and Mike and the kids will be just what I need to help turn me around. I mean, the best part of this past year was when Riley and Timmy were here. It was magical and I'm so anxious to soak up some more of that magic from ALL of them!!
And that's it for this dreary entry.......yawn.....
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Kitty Rescue in the Works!
I was hoping to find a male, but she looks so sweet! I will be changing her name, if I get her! Rosie simply won't do.....although it does seem to suit her, from her photo. It's one of those things....like when we got Susie, our 1st horse. Chuck's ex-wife is named Sue, so I was all about changing her name (yeah, after 42 years I still didn't want a horse named Sue! LOL) but, heck, Susie was 16 years old at the time and who am I to up and change her name? It does suit her, so she is still Susie.
My first Maine Coon cat was a male that I had rescued from the animal shelter in Fairbanks. He was about 10 months old when I got him and he had been named Mittens. I kept the name, but it always seemed silly. He became this 20 lb totally macho, great hunter kitty and had such a wimpy name! What an awesome cat he was tho'. Great hunter by day and a great cuddle kitty by night. And he was EVER so smart! Chuck used to pick on him a lot and one day, Mittens had finally had enough. On this particular day, Chuck was outside doing yard work and happened to spot Mittens in one of my empty flower tubs. He was digging away and had just honkered down to take a little kitty dump for himself, when Chuck snuck up behind him with a shovel and banged it down on the ground behind him! Mittens flew off that flower pot like a shot!! Chuck got such a big laugh out of that. BUT......come bed time, Mittens and I were laughing louder. I went in that night to get ready for bed and couldn't believe my eyes. I called Chuck to come in the bedroom as there was a present for him. What he found was a nice big pile of cat poop, right in the middle of HIS pillow!!! Can you believe it?!?!?! I literally rolled on the floor laughing!! AND.....Chuck never messed with Mittens again. Hee hee.
On another positive note for the day, my change in dosage on my meds is definitely a good thing! What a difference in the way I feel and my attitude in general. Now if I could just do something about the back and leg pain. At least it seems to be "only" nerves and muscles and rarely as bad as it was pre-surgery, but at least once or twice a week I would KILL for a Vicodin! Oh, well. I must simply deal with it and smile, damn it! Weeeeeeeeeee...........
Friday, October 1, 2010
Doctors, Roses and Tahoes
Most things were going halfway decent this week. Got home from an interesting weekend of camping to become besieged with outrageous allergies, mostly due to the entire countryside being covered with a plethora of yellow 'flowers', AKA, Ragweed. The Ragweed and grass pollen counts are off the charts here and I've got it bad. Head and chest congestion, coughing up "pollen balls" (sounds better than phlegm) and much blowing. Yuck. It is very {unusually} dry and the lack of humidity and low dewpoint makes it worse. I pray for a break in the weather SOON!
While we were camping, we had a call that our friends son was in a motor cycle accident so they hopped in their truck and headed for the hospital, but did come back later, as he was 'fine'. Totaled the bike, but he escaped with only a broken collarbone and 3 staples in his head along with an abundance of 'road rash'. They guy that got hurt was Roy, that used to work for Chuck. He was riding the "Crotch Rocket" that belongs to the guy that currently works for Chuck. No insurance on the bike. Crazy people.
I had an appointment scheduled for my X-rays and visit with the Neurosurgeon on Wednesday. It was to be my long awaited and anxiously anticipated 6 month check up. The hospital lost my order for the X-Rays, causing a long enough of a delay that I couldn't see the surgeon afterward. That got rescheduled for today. MY surgeon was out of town, so I had to see another one. I was NOT happy about that, especially since I couldn't get any straight answers or information out of him. I did at least find out that my X-rays showed that all of my hardware is still in place and the bone grafts appear to be healing quite nicely. That is very good news, and my main concern, but......I had many questions about a few issues I have been having and some limitations I am still experiencing. Didn't get any satisfaction out of this guy! In a nut shell, he told me that I should be happy that I am not in as much pain as I was prior to the surgery; that I need to remember that I am no longer 20 years old {WTF?}; that where I am at might be as good as it gets but I should continue to see improvement over the next 6 months. Crap on a cracker. That was so not how I wanted this appointment to turn out.
I did finally get my Tahoe back on Wednesday after being without it for almost 3 weeks while Chuck's van was awaiting the arrival of a new engine. But then the water pump went out on the Tahoe, so I was without it for most of yesterday. Good grief. I think our vehicle situation should be back to 'normal' now and it sure feels good to have my 'Ho back!
The rose garden we put in last month seems to be a success! The gal we bought the roses from had trimmed them all back...a LOT, and after the trauma of the transplant I wasn't sure they would fare well, but they all have a lot of new growth and we have had a bloom here and there, but now they are suddenly growing like crazy! Here's a shot I took of one bloom and some buds on Monday,
And here they are today!
yep! These are all those little buds, all opened up and quite fragrant! The other plants are getting lots of buds, as well. Very encouraging, indeed. Now if we can just get them to survive the winter :)
While we were camping, we had a call that our friends son was in a motor cycle accident so they hopped in their truck and headed for the hospital, but did come back later, as he was 'fine'. Totaled the bike, but he escaped with only a broken collarbone and 3 staples in his head along with an abundance of 'road rash'. They guy that got hurt was Roy, that used to work for Chuck. He was riding the "Crotch Rocket" that belongs to the guy that currently works for Chuck. No insurance on the bike. Crazy people.
I had an appointment scheduled for my X-rays and visit with the Neurosurgeon on Wednesday. It was to be my long awaited and anxiously anticipated 6 month check up. The hospital lost my order for the X-Rays, causing a long enough of a delay that I couldn't see the surgeon afterward. That got rescheduled for today. MY surgeon was out of town, so I had to see another one. I was NOT happy about that, especially since I couldn't get any straight answers or information out of him. I did at least find out that my X-rays showed that all of my hardware is still in place and the bone grafts appear to be healing quite nicely. That is very good news, and my main concern, but......I had many questions about a few issues I have been having and some limitations I am still experiencing. Didn't get any satisfaction out of this guy! In a nut shell, he told me that I should be happy that I am not in as much pain as I was prior to the surgery; that I need to remember that I am no longer 20 years old {WTF?}; that where I am at might be as good as it gets but I should continue to see improvement over the next 6 months. Crap on a cracker. That was so not how I wanted this appointment to turn out.
I did finally get my Tahoe back on Wednesday after being without it for almost 3 weeks while Chuck's van was awaiting the arrival of a new engine. But then the water pump went out on the Tahoe, so I was without it for most of yesterday. Good grief. I think our vehicle situation should be back to 'normal' now and it sure feels good to have my 'Ho back!
The rose garden we put in last month seems to be a success! The gal we bought the roses from had trimmed them all back...a LOT, and after the trauma of the transplant I wasn't sure they would fare well, but they all have a lot of new growth and we have had a bloom here and there, but now they are suddenly growing like crazy! Here's a shot I took of one bloom and some buds on Monday,
And here they are today!
yep! These are all those little buds, all opened up and quite fragrant! The other plants are getting lots of buds, as well. Very encouraging, indeed. Now if we can just get them to survive the winter :)
Monday, September 13, 2010
I Need A Pep Talk
I really do, but I don't suppose any of you can help me.
Today I am feeling extremely negative about a multitude of things. Mainly involving my defective body. I'm tired. Tired of feeling like a mere shadow of my former self. The self that used to always be so physically active; riding my King Quad 4-wheeler across the tundra, up mountains, down mountains, thru mud flats for hours on end. The self that helped pour concrete, build trusses, hang sheet rock and whatever else it took to help build houses. The self that used to run and play with her grandchildren, swinging them thru the air, piggy back rides, riding bikes, running thru the rain. The self that was just getting comfortable enough with her sweet Susie to ride across a field with wild abandon, giving Susie her head and letting my own head be blown free of all thoughts except the delightful freedom one can only experience with a trusted and loyal friend such as she.
Some days I sit here and wish I had never had my surgery. Other days, I write how glad I am that I did and today I look back on that entry and wonder WTF was I thinking that day. Days like today, I want my freakin life back! I do not feel grateful for anything. It has been almost 6 months and just when things seem to be getting better and just when I realize that I can do something that I haven't been able to do for a long time, something 'new' develops that just throws me for a loop.
I started out pretty good today. At least I was up until about an hour ago. We had just had a serious rain shower, which we are in desperate need of. It had about stopped when I went to the kitchen to get a cup of coffee. I had just finished scrubbing one of the bathrooms, fresh and clean with just me and my bucket of bleach water. I was feeling pleased that I had accomplished that for the first time in eons. I scrubbed the tile floor, the door, the tile on the walls (it runs half way up and there is wall paper on the top half) and the vanity. The muscles in my back protested a bit, but I'm okay with that. THAT is to be expected, especially because I'm still not supposed to be doing things quite so exuberantly. So.....while getting my coffee, I looked out the kitchen window and saw the most hysterical sight! It was Dixie's butt, up in the air. She was on her knees, in the fresh mud, stretching her neck under the fence trying to get to some weeds on the other side. I grabbed my camera and away I went. She heard me, and of course got up. Didn't matter. Halfway to the fence, my left leg suddenly went out from under me and down I went. Thankfully, I kept the Nikon tucked safely under my arm and it didn't go flying thru the mud and grass! Well, I landed on my knees....cursed myself for not staying focused on my walking and got back up. Stood there for a minute and looked at Dixie as she peered sheepishly at me over the fence. OMG! Her whole face, from her ears to down under her chin, was covered with mud! As were her legs from her knees down. Lucky me, I took a couple steps before pulling my camera out from the safety of my underarm, because down I went again. Then I was pissed. Came back in the house, wiped myself off and here I am.
This has been going on for.....oh, about 3 weeks or so. Much leg pain in general, but also this crap of having one or both legs just go out from under me. I will feel a sharp pain in the front of my leg, like someone stuck a big ass hat pin in the front of the joint and boom....the old leg wants to give out! Sometimes it only happens once; sometimes it is only one leg; sometimes it is both and sometimes it just keeps on keeping on! Since the first part of my Physical Therapy involved me learning how to walk properly again, I have been 'trained' to remain pretty well focused on every step I take, so I really haven't 'gone down' until today. Before I started this entry, I Googled "leg problems post lumbar fusion". During the past 6 months I have Googled many things relating to my surgery and each time it amazes me at what I find. There is always good and bad. And you all know how it is when you Google something. One page leads to another and another, until you've actually covered several different issues different from, but still related to, your original Google. Today I read a lot about 'nerves healing' and 'nerve damage'........again. But I did find out that a lot of people have similar issues after this surgery. I also found out that sometimes it is due to "failed" surgery and they have to have it redone. It is also sometimes due to permanent nerve damage occurring at the time of surgery. But, hey! They have pills for that! Fuck me. Some people have it and as they continue to heal {which we must remember, boys and girls...this will take up to 12 months!} it does go away. And on and on the possibilities go.......beCAUSE........everyone is different!!!!
I don't wanna be different! I don't wanna live with pain any more!! I WANT TO BE ABLE TO MOVE FREELY ABOUT THE CABIN OF LIFE LIKE I USED TO!!!!!!!!!!
So many times I have started to write a post like this and either deleted it or just never started it. I think of some of my friends that have gone through so much worse. SO much worse! Like our dear K-Lo and sweet Purple Chai. I think of them and then I look at myself and wonder who the hell am I to complain about what trivial shit I am going through?!?! But....today, I am complaining. And I am in no way undermining what these brave and courageous, beautiful women have dealt (and are dealing) with. I guess I just need to have my stinking pity party, once and for all. I sit too long, and I hurt. I walk too long, and I hurt. I stand too long (like 30 seconds) and I hurt. WTF?????? I will get up out of my chair after sitting here writing this and my back will hurt and I will have to walk probably 20 or 30 feet before I can straighten up....maybe. Maybe not. I never know. I'm already getting achy from sitting this long, so I'll finish up and go put a load of laundry in the dryer and load the dishwasher and then I'll need to sit again....only in a different chair.
Good God! That is certainly quite enough whining for one day, what say? All I can do is muddle along until the 29th when I finally have my 6 month check up with the Surgeon. At that point I will know, most importantly, if the fusion has 'taken' and if all is healing properly.........or not. And if these leg problems will go away.....or not. If not, just shoot me, because I will NOT have another surgery!!!! NEVER!!
Today I am feeling extremely negative about a multitude of things. Mainly involving my defective body. I'm tired. Tired of feeling like a mere shadow of my former self. The self that used to always be so physically active; riding my King Quad 4-wheeler across the tundra, up mountains, down mountains, thru mud flats for hours on end. The self that helped pour concrete, build trusses, hang sheet rock and whatever else it took to help build houses. The self that used to run and play with her grandchildren, swinging them thru the air, piggy back rides, riding bikes, running thru the rain. The self that was just getting comfortable enough with her sweet Susie to ride across a field with wild abandon, giving Susie her head and letting my own head be blown free of all thoughts except the delightful freedom one can only experience with a trusted and loyal friend such as she.
Some days I sit here and wish I had never had my surgery. Other days, I write how glad I am that I did and today I look back on that entry and wonder WTF was I thinking that day. Days like today, I want my freakin life back! I do not feel grateful for anything. It has been almost 6 months and just when things seem to be getting better and just when I realize that I can do something that I haven't been able to do for a long time, something 'new' develops that just throws me for a loop.
I started out pretty good today. At least I was up until about an hour ago. We had just had a serious rain shower, which we are in desperate need of. It had about stopped when I went to the kitchen to get a cup of coffee. I had just finished scrubbing one of the bathrooms, fresh and clean with just me and my bucket of bleach water. I was feeling pleased that I had accomplished that for the first time in eons. I scrubbed the tile floor, the door, the tile on the walls (it runs half way up and there is wall paper on the top half) and the vanity. The muscles in my back protested a bit, but I'm okay with that. THAT is to be expected, especially because I'm still not supposed to be doing things quite so exuberantly. So.....while getting my coffee, I looked out the kitchen window and saw the most hysterical sight! It was Dixie's butt, up in the air. She was on her knees, in the fresh mud, stretching her neck under the fence trying to get to some weeds on the other side. I grabbed my camera and away I went. She heard me, and of course got up. Didn't matter. Halfway to the fence, my left leg suddenly went out from under me and down I went. Thankfully, I kept the Nikon tucked safely under my arm and it didn't go flying thru the mud and grass! Well, I landed on my knees....cursed myself for not staying focused on my walking and got back up. Stood there for a minute and looked at Dixie as she peered sheepishly at me over the fence. OMG! Her whole face, from her ears to down under her chin, was covered with mud! As were her legs from her knees down. Lucky me, I took a couple steps before pulling my camera out from the safety of my underarm, because down I went again. Then I was pissed. Came back in the house, wiped myself off and here I am.
This has been going on for.....oh, about 3 weeks or so. Much leg pain in general, but also this crap of having one or both legs just go out from under me. I will feel a sharp pain in the front of my leg, like someone stuck a big ass hat pin in the front of the joint and boom....the old leg wants to give out! Sometimes it only happens once; sometimes it is only one leg; sometimes it is both and sometimes it just keeps on keeping on! Since the first part of my Physical Therapy involved me learning how to walk properly again, I have been 'trained' to remain pretty well focused on every step I take, so I really haven't 'gone down' until today. Before I started this entry, I Googled "leg problems post lumbar fusion". During the past 6 months I have Googled many things relating to my surgery and each time it amazes me at what I find. There is always good and bad. And you all know how it is when you Google something. One page leads to another and another, until you've actually covered several different issues different from, but still related to, your original Google. Today I read a lot about 'nerves healing' and 'nerve damage'........again. But I did find out that a lot of people have similar issues after this surgery. I also found out that sometimes it is due to "failed" surgery and they have to have it redone. It is also sometimes due to permanent nerve damage occurring at the time of surgery. But, hey! They have pills for that! Fuck me. Some people have it and as they continue to heal {which we must remember, boys and girls...this will take up to 12 months!} it does go away. And on and on the possibilities go.......beCAUSE........everyone is different!!!!
I don't wanna be different! I don't wanna live with pain any more!! I WANT TO BE ABLE TO MOVE FREELY ABOUT THE CABIN OF LIFE LIKE I USED TO!!!!!!!!!!
So many times I have started to write a post like this and either deleted it or just never started it. I think of some of my friends that have gone through so much worse. SO much worse! Like our dear K-Lo and sweet Purple Chai. I think of them and then I look at myself and wonder who the hell am I to complain about what trivial shit I am going through?!?! But....today, I am complaining. And I am in no way undermining what these brave and courageous, beautiful women have dealt (and are dealing) with. I guess I just need to have my stinking pity party, once and for all. I sit too long, and I hurt. I walk too long, and I hurt. I stand too long (like 30 seconds) and I hurt. WTF?????? I will get up out of my chair after sitting here writing this and my back will hurt and I will have to walk probably 20 or 30 feet before I can straighten up....maybe. Maybe not. I never know. I'm already getting achy from sitting this long, so I'll finish up and go put a load of laundry in the dryer and load the dishwasher and then I'll need to sit again....only in a different chair.
Good God! That is certainly quite enough whining for one day, what say? All I can do is muddle along until the 29th when I finally have my 6 month check up with the Surgeon. At that point I will know, most importantly, if the fusion has 'taken' and if all is healing properly.........or not. And if these leg problems will go away.....or not. If not, just shoot me, because I will NOT have another surgery!!!! NEVER!!
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
Camping Trip and Me, Me, Me,Me, Me
We took our motorhome out of moth balls and went on a camping trip with our neighbors and good buds, Roy & Debbie for the long holiday weekend. We left Thursday afternoon and came home yesterday {Monday} early afternoon. We only went about 30 mile from home, but it was a great campground on Table Rock River and our sites were right on the sandy 'beach' of the river. Sweet!
Their 2 grandsons, Corbin and Noah were along {as they live with Roy and Deb} and Saturday was Corbin's 9th birthday so we had a party for him. Their daughter & her hubby and youngest daughter {5} also came. It really was lots of fun.
In my last post I was sounding off about how well I am doing post-surgery. Well, that changed in a big-ass hurry. After helping the farrier with the horses Wed. AM, I proceeded to spend the rest of the day gathering stuff up for the motorhome, doing laundry and shopping for the trip. Thursday I spent the day cooking for the trip and trying to load stuff. I made potato salad, brisket, salsa, birthday cake, beans, guacamole and other dips. The motorhome has actually been at an RV place, as we have been trying to sell it, so it was EMPTY. Not set up with all the basics like it always used to be, so gathering and loading was a major chore. Needless to say, by Thursday PM I was wiped out and spent Friday and Saturday in quite a bit of pain. Did I remember to take my meds for my leg spasms? NO. Did I remember my Tylenol PM so I could sleep at night even tho I couldn't get comfortable?? NO. What an idiot. Deb found some Tylenol PM, so that I did get some decent sleep Saturday PM. I should have driven home for the other meds, but it {like everything else at that point} seemed like too much effort. But that's enough bitching.
Well, maybe not. Wednesday PM, after having helped the farrier for about an hour and a half that AM, Chuck and I pulled over 40 Seed Ticks off me. They were everywhere. The big ticks don't bother me, but the Seed Tick bites itch and fester like fire ant bites and those have been driving me nuts. We treat our yard, but in thinking back, the farrier set up his stuff off to the other side of the pasture, where no one ever really goes and apparently Chuck doesn't treat. After he was done helping me "tick pick", he went right out and sprayed the horses. If I got so many, imagine what they had going on!!! Poor girls :(
Putting my 'discomfort' aside, it was a great weekend! We're gonna go again a time or 2 before it gets to be too cold for these Southerners. LOL I'll just do things a bit different and be better prepared. That, and leave more stuff for Chuck to do, like he told me to, to begin with. Just gotta learn to listen!
Their 2 grandsons, Corbin and Noah were along {as they live with Roy and Deb} and Saturday was Corbin's 9th birthday so we had a party for him. Their daughter & her hubby and youngest daughter {5} also came. It really was lots of fun.
In my last post I was sounding off about how well I am doing post-surgery. Well, that changed in a big-ass hurry. After helping the farrier with the horses Wed. AM, I proceeded to spend the rest of the day gathering stuff up for the motorhome, doing laundry and shopping for the trip. Thursday I spent the day cooking for the trip and trying to load stuff. I made potato salad, brisket, salsa, birthday cake, beans, guacamole and other dips. The motorhome has actually been at an RV place, as we have been trying to sell it, so it was EMPTY. Not set up with all the basics like it always used to be, so gathering and loading was a major chore. Needless to say, by Thursday PM I was wiped out and spent Friday and Saturday in quite a bit of pain. Did I remember to take my meds for my leg spasms? NO. Did I remember my Tylenol PM so I could sleep at night even tho I couldn't get comfortable?? NO. What an idiot. Deb found some Tylenol PM, so that I did get some decent sleep Saturday PM. I should have driven home for the other meds, but it {like everything else at that point} seemed like too much effort. But that's enough bitching.
Well, maybe not. Wednesday PM, after having helped the farrier for about an hour and a half that AM, Chuck and I pulled over 40 Seed Ticks off me. They were everywhere. The big ticks don't bother me, but the Seed Tick bites itch and fester like fire ant bites and those have been driving me nuts. We treat our yard, but in thinking back, the farrier set up his stuff off to the other side of the pasture, where no one ever really goes and apparently Chuck doesn't treat. After he was done helping me "tick pick", he went right out and sprayed the horses. If I got so many, imagine what they had going on!!! Poor girls :(
Putting my 'discomfort' aside, it was a great weekend! We're gonna go again a time or 2 before it gets to be too cold for these Southerners. LOL I'll just do things a bit different and be better prepared. That, and leave more stuff for Chuck to do, like he told me to, to begin with. Just gotta learn to listen!
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
Blogrolls, Happy Horses and Progress
So how do you feel about Blogrolls?? I have asked this before and many of you like them because it provides you with an easy link to other bloggers, as well as a means to discover some new reads. I like them for that reason, as well. Typically I will read someone's blog if I see them leave interesting comments and check them out via the comment.
But what if......someone has a blogroll and it is quite obvious that they keep it updated, because you see new names go up and others go off, rather frequently.........but you're not on it. Maybe it's someone that you have been blog buds with since you began blogging and you have had your ups and downs with thru the years, but thought all was well. How much time should pass before it really hurts your feelings?
I can be......okay, I AM a rather controversial person and I don't blame some folks for not reading me. But then again, I don't write like I used to. Subject manner has drastically changed, which no doubt turned some away, cuz they like dirt. Sometimes, I really feel that because of past 'issues' and the fact that they were so verbal and public about it, they are literally ashamed to have "Yankee Chick" in their blogroll! Some of these folks still read me and I them and comments are left by both. So, I don't get it.
Personally, I took my blogroll down the other day. I have always liked having one because I like for people to have access to some of the cool blogs I read and to see who our mutual reads might be, and so forth. But, in light of a recent 'dust up' (a phrase I loathe, but seems appropriate since it wasn't really a 'flame war') I decided to take it down until I do some reorganizing. There is no point in having blogs listed that you: 1) no longer read. 2) no longer want to refer your friends to or 3) have no desire to be connected to.
So, yeah.....I guess I will now be one of those that just might fall into the category of being ashamed to have people on my blogroll as I wouldn't care for some of my readers to stumble upon some of their postings. (Cuz I'm so fu%&*ng perfect, dontchaknow!!)
In other news, the farrier was here this AM and fixed sweet little Dixie's feet up again. He was very impressed with how well she is going and didn't expect her progress to be as far advanced as it it. Since he hasn't seen her for 3 weeks, he could also see that she is, indeed, losing weight and said that whatever we are doing, keep it up cuz she's doing great! Susie got a 'manicure' and new shoes today and she is all frisky and happy, too.
Only problem is, I thought he was coming tonight, not this AM, so my freshly showered self is now covered with horse kiss slobber and sweat. Gotta help catch them and hold them, ya know. I'm just glad I was able to help. This is how I realize the progress I am making since my surgery....by realizing that I have just done something that I wasn't able to do a month ago or 6 months ago or even a year ago! I love it. Even 3 weeks ago, I wouldn't even have attempted to go out in the pasture and try to catch Susie, let alone put a lead on her and walk her out to his truck. Yes....walking out and back and following her around hurt a bit, but certainly not enough to stop me! And leading her with her lead rope, tugging on her resisting self, didn't seem to strain my back muscles. It's all good. Damn good!!
But what if......someone has a blogroll and it is quite obvious that they keep it updated, because you see new names go up and others go off, rather frequently.........but you're not on it. Maybe it's someone that you have been blog buds with since you began blogging and you have had your ups and downs with thru the years, but thought all was well. How much time should pass before it really hurts your feelings?
I can be......okay, I AM a rather controversial person and I don't blame some folks for not reading me. But then again, I don't write like I used to. Subject manner has drastically changed, which no doubt turned some away, cuz they like dirt. Sometimes, I really feel that because of past 'issues' and the fact that they were so verbal and public about it, they are literally ashamed to have "Yankee Chick" in their blogroll! Some of these folks still read me and I them and comments are left by both. So, I don't get it.
Personally, I took my blogroll down the other day. I have always liked having one because I like for people to have access to some of the cool blogs I read and to see who our mutual reads might be, and so forth. But, in light of a recent 'dust up' (a phrase I loathe, but seems appropriate since it wasn't really a 'flame war') I decided to take it down until I do some reorganizing. There is no point in having blogs listed that you: 1) no longer read. 2) no longer want to refer your friends to or 3) have no desire to be connected to.
So, yeah.....I guess I will now be one of those that just might fall into the category of being ashamed to have people on my blogroll as I wouldn't care for some of my readers to stumble upon some of their postings. (Cuz I'm so fu%&*ng perfect, dontchaknow!!)
In other news, the farrier was here this AM and fixed sweet little Dixie's feet up again. He was very impressed with how well she is going and didn't expect her progress to be as far advanced as it it. Since he hasn't seen her for 3 weeks, he could also see that she is, indeed, losing weight and said that whatever we are doing, keep it up cuz she's doing great! Susie got a 'manicure' and new shoes today and she is all frisky and happy, too.
Only problem is, I thought he was coming tonight, not this AM, so my freshly showered self is now covered with horse kiss slobber and sweat. Gotta help catch them and hold them, ya know. I'm just glad I was able to help. This is how I realize the progress I am making since my surgery....by realizing that I have just done something that I wasn't able to do a month ago or 6 months ago or even a year ago! I love it. Even 3 weeks ago, I wouldn't even have attempted to go out in the pasture and try to catch Susie, let alone put a lead on her and walk her out to his truck. Yes....walking out and back and following her around hurt a bit, but certainly not enough to stop me! And leading her with her lead rope, tugging on her resisting self, didn't seem to strain my back muscles. It's all good. Damn good!!
Sunday, August 22, 2010
Southern Fried Yankee
The heat wave and dry spell continue, here in Arkansas. All sorts of records are being broken as temps stay above 100 with heat index up to 115 most days. In fact the days have turned to weeks and we have had no rain. Everything is dry and crunchy...especially our lawn. I have thrown away 1/2 of my plants because even after being watered twice daily, they are still dying. It's really sad. And everyday I light a candle and send up a prayer of thanks to the person that invented A/C! LOL
Yesterday was a very fun day, in spite of the heat. My dear friend, Victoria and I went to a nearby town to check out what was reputed to be an awesome quilt and yarn shop. We left there, not only empty handed but very disappointed, as well. It is unheard of for me to go to a fabric store and leave empty handed, but nothing inspired me. I was mostly focused on checking out their yarn because nice yarn shops are far and few between in these parts, but I have more yarn just in my sewing room than they had in their entire shop!
The town we went to, Siloam Springs, is right on the Oklahoma border and about a 38 mile drive from Rogers. It has some great older homes and fun little shops, so we did drive around and check them out. Sure wish I had taken one of my cameras, but with yarn on the brain, I wasn't thinking about taking pictures. It was very interesting to both of us {having both been raised hard core Catholics} to see that a couple of churches were being turned into homes! We weren't even 'allowed' to enter a non-Catholic church, so the idea of living in a church, at first, made us both gasp! But then, of course, we laughed at our silliness. Times have sure changed!
All of our traipsing around the various Antique shops and such, did us both in, though. V had knee surgery a few months before I had my back surgery and it bothers her to over-do it, as well. I fared better with my shopping trips with Riley than I did yesterday, for some reason. It was great fun, but we were wiped out and actually cut the day a bit shorter than originally planned. The heat didn't help any!
As for my progress, my physical therapy ended about 3 weeks ago, and I must admit that I have not been doing my exercises as diligently as I should be and I need to work on that. It's been almost 5 months and I'm pretty discouraged about the potential 'quality of life' that I will be left with. BUT, he said that it would take a year, so I try to be patient. I finally have my 6 month check up scheduled, for Sept 29th and I am SO anxious to go and see if I am healing properly and how things look on the inside, as well as to get the surgeons input on my progress. Most days I try to make myself do more than I really feel up to doing, just because I feel that I NEED to. Sometimes it works out okay and other times I am sorry. I'm beginning to feel that that will always be the way it is. I sure hope not, but I really don't know. I can safely say that I am glad I had the surgery. In spite of the ordeal, I am much better off the way I am now, as opposed to pre-surgery. There is no question about that! I do know that alot of what I am experiencing now, is due to nerve damage that took place during the surgery. Not necessarily "damage", but simply the moving and repositioning of the nerves to accommodate the changes that took place in there. That still affects my legs a great deal. Bah. Enough of that.
Chuck is outside building my rose garden bed. Time to go supervise the planting :). Pictures tomorrow and a Dixie update. Stay tuned!!
Yesterday was a very fun day, in spite of the heat. My dear friend, Victoria and I went to a nearby town to check out what was reputed to be an awesome quilt and yarn shop. We left there, not only empty handed but very disappointed, as well. It is unheard of for me to go to a fabric store and leave empty handed, but nothing inspired me. I was mostly focused on checking out their yarn because nice yarn shops are far and few between in these parts, but I have more yarn just in my sewing room than they had in their entire shop!
The town we went to, Siloam Springs, is right on the Oklahoma border and about a 38 mile drive from Rogers. It has some great older homes and fun little shops, so we did drive around and check them out. Sure wish I had taken one of my cameras, but with yarn on the brain, I wasn't thinking about taking pictures. It was very interesting to both of us {having both been raised hard core Catholics} to see that a couple of churches were being turned into homes! We weren't even 'allowed' to enter a non-Catholic church, so the idea of living in a church, at first, made us both gasp! But then, of course, we laughed at our silliness. Times have sure changed!
All of our traipsing around the various Antique shops and such, did us both in, though. V had knee surgery a few months before I had my back surgery and it bothers her to over-do it, as well. I fared better with my shopping trips with Riley than I did yesterday, for some reason. It was great fun, but we were wiped out and actually cut the day a bit shorter than originally planned. The heat didn't help any!
As for my progress, my physical therapy ended about 3 weeks ago, and I must admit that I have not been doing my exercises as diligently as I should be and I need to work on that. It's been almost 5 months and I'm pretty discouraged about the potential 'quality of life' that I will be left with. BUT, he said that it would take a year, so I try to be patient. I finally have my 6 month check up scheduled, for Sept 29th and I am SO anxious to go and see if I am healing properly and how things look on the inside, as well as to get the surgeons input on my progress. Most days I try to make myself do more than I really feel up to doing, just because I feel that I NEED to. Sometimes it works out okay and other times I am sorry. I'm beginning to feel that that will always be the way it is. I sure hope not, but I really don't know. I can safely say that I am glad I had the surgery. In spite of the ordeal, I am much better off the way I am now, as opposed to pre-surgery. There is no question about that! I do know that alot of what I am experiencing now, is due to nerve damage that took place during the surgery. Not necessarily "damage", but simply the moving and repositioning of the nerves to accommodate the changes that took place in there. That still affects my legs a great deal. Bah. Enough of that.
Chuck is outside building my rose garden bed. Time to go supervise the planting :). Pictures tomorrow and a Dixie update. Stay tuned!!
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Never Fails to Amaze Me
My dear sweet Maggie is going to be 13 on the 17th....this Thursday. I have purchased several things and sent them on their way, but you only turn 13 once and it IS a big deal, so I wanted to send her flowers as well. OMG! Last time I sent flowers was to Riley for her Sweet 16 and have the prices ever gone up since then!! But I found this and thought it would be so cute and perfect.
It was only $29.99. A bit pricey for what you get, but within my 'budget' considering I had already gone over budget. Heh. Well, let me tell you. Add to that $9.99 handling fee and $29.95 delivery charge= Grammy changed her mind! Is that unreal or what?!?! Gads, they're going to North Pole, Alaska.....not "THE" North Pole! Oh well......Maybe another time, my sweet Maggie.
Let's see......on my list of exciting things that happened today is my Tahoe (affectionately known as my Big Black 'Ho) rolled over to 100,004 miles when I rolled into my driveway today. Even when I've had older vehicles, I've never had one roll over 100,000. Quit a milestone, and she's still purrs like a tiger. Nothing like a good ol' Chevy truck to go the extra mile(s) for ya! Hubby's van is close to 180,000 at last report and it's still running great.
Another exciting thing that happened to me today was to find out that my Surgeon won't give me any more Vicodin. He says that Tylenol should be all I need at this point and if I still need something stronger, he needs to see me. F*$#! Most of the pain I have now is located in my lower back/upper hip area on my right side. J, my PT gal says that it is my muscles and it's from over-doing it or doing things I shouldn't be doing. She can give me a massage in that area and I'm good for a couple of days, then .....boom. It's back. Hurts to walk, mostly, but aches all the time. In between massages, that is. Unless I take Vicodin.....I've tried Tylenol and it doesn't help. Can't take Advil or ibuprofen because of my arthritis meds. F$#*! I'm a little bit frustrated (what else is new) and I guess, I'll see what J says tomorrow and if she thinks I need to go see him, I will. It's been 11 weeks today and I would really like to have him take an X-Ray and see if the healing of the bone grafts has begun. It can show up as soon as 3 months but sometimes not until 5 or 6 months. He didn't want to see me for 6 months. BAH!!!!!!!!!!!
So what the hell am I supposed to do?! Chuck can't work all day and then come home and do everything! I know I am bending and lifting and carrying a bit too much, but there are SO many things that I am still not even attempting to do that it seems like my body would allow me a little leeway here! Guess not. I sit too long sometimes, I carry too many bags of groceries at a time, I reach up too high putting dishes and such away. But I don't sweep, mop, wash windows, carry ALL the laundry up and down stairs.
Maybe I'm gonna be one of those people that doesn't get total relief from the surgery. God knows, it is 1000 times better than it was. Pain isn't shooting down my legs and I CAN walk, after all. Poor Chuck gently reminds me every day that I am expecting too much too soon.
And Chuck is home and out mending the fence that The Girls kicked down and I can't even go out and whine to him because his 'shadow girl' is there! So you guys get to read it. All 3 or 4 of you that come here. Heavy sigh. I have 2 Vicodin left. Had I known I couldn't have more, I would have saved it for when the kids are here. F*$#!
Okay, enough sniveling. The good news is that tomorrow I will have PURPLE low-lights in my hair. That will surely perk me up. Heh. AND in 3 days at this time, I will have been hugging and kissing on Riley and Timmy for 7 whole hours!!!!!!!!!
In the meanwhile, I will go to the barn and hug her:
and her:
"Snoopy Sniffer" LOL
It was only $29.99. A bit pricey for what you get, but within my 'budget' considering I had already gone over budget. Heh. Well, let me tell you. Add to that $9.99 handling fee and $29.95 delivery charge= Grammy changed her mind! Is that unreal or what?!?! Gads, they're going to North Pole, Alaska.....not "THE" North Pole! Oh well......Maybe another time, my sweet Maggie.
Let's see......on my list of exciting things that happened today is my Tahoe (affectionately known as my Big Black 'Ho) rolled over to 100,004 miles when I rolled into my driveway today. Even when I've had older vehicles, I've never had one roll over 100,000. Quit a milestone, and she's still purrs like a tiger. Nothing like a good ol' Chevy truck to go the extra mile(s) for ya! Hubby's van is close to 180,000 at last report and it's still running great.
Another exciting thing that happened to me today was to find out that my Surgeon won't give me any more Vicodin. He says that Tylenol should be all I need at this point and if I still need something stronger, he needs to see me. F*$#! Most of the pain I have now is located in my lower back/upper hip area on my right side. J, my PT gal says that it is my muscles and it's from over-doing it or doing things I shouldn't be doing. She can give me a massage in that area and I'm good for a couple of days, then .....boom. It's back. Hurts to walk, mostly, but aches all the time. In between massages, that is. Unless I take Vicodin.....I've tried Tylenol and it doesn't help. Can't take Advil or ibuprofen because of my arthritis meds. F$#*! I'm a little bit frustrated (what else is new) and I guess, I'll see what J says tomorrow and if she thinks I need to go see him, I will. It's been 11 weeks today and I would really like to have him take an X-Ray and see if the healing of the bone grafts has begun. It can show up as soon as 3 months but sometimes not until 5 or 6 months. He didn't want to see me for 6 months. BAH!!!!!!!!!!!
So what the hell am I supposed to do?! Chuck can't work all day and then come home and do everything! I know I am bending and lifting and carrying a bit too much, but there are SO many things that I am still not even attempting to do that it seems like my body would allow me a little leeway here! Guess not. I sit too long sometimes, I carry too many bags of groceries at a time, I reach up too high putting dishes and such away. But I don't sweep, mop, wash windows, carry ALL the laundry up and down stairs.
Maybe I'm gonna be one of those people that doesn't get total relief from the surgery. God knows, it is 1000 times better than it was. Pain isn't shooting down my legs and I CAN walk, after all. Poor Chuck gently reminds me every day that I am expecting too much too soon.
And Chuck is home and out mending the fence that The Girls kicked down and I can't even go out and whine to him because his 'shadow girl' is there! So you guys get to read it. All 3 or 4 of you that come here. Heavy sigh. I have 2 Vicodin left. Had I known I couldn't have more, I would have saved it for when the kids are here. F*$#!
Okay, enough sniveling. The good news is that tomorrow I will have PURPLE low-lights in my hair. That will surely perk me up. Heh. AND in 3 days at this time, I will have been hugging and kissing on Riley and Timmy for 7 whole hours!!!!!!!!!
In the meanwhile, I will go to the barn and hug her:
and her:
"Snoopy Sniffer" LOL
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
I'm Craving a Coach
and it has nothing to do with my horses....or Cinderella.....nor does it have wheels! I love purses/handbags/pocketbooks, whatever your choice to call them is. Actually, I haven't heard them called 'pocketbooks' since my Mom passed. She always called them that. Hmmm....now I'm wondering where that expression came from. Okay, so Wikipedia says:
Gads........what am I thinking! I am officially 'retired' with my current income having been deemed as 'unspendable' by the boss man and I'm craving a potential $3-400 purse! Actually my checks go into our Money Market account and he DID tell me that it "is there if I need it". To me, this would qualify as a 'need'. For him....I'm thinking not. LOL Maybe if I referred to it as needing a new Saddle Bag. After all, Terri coaxed a Coach out of Mike for her birthday by referring to it as a Gun Case! Hmmm...I might try that.
I did go and buy myself a new computer chair today and am ever so confident that it will be just what I need! Actually I did some research last night to see what the various stores in the area had to offer and finally found just what I want and need at Staples. You can even check and see if your local store has it in stock and they did! So off I went today and trudged on in and alllllll the way to the back of the store where the furniture is, and I couldn't find that particular chair. An associate came over and asked if he could help me, so I described the chair and he couldn't find it either. So he went to look on their computer and still didn't see it, but he also wouldn't let me look. Anyway, I left. Went out to the Tahoe and looked it up online on trusty Max The Mighty iPhone. Still said they had them in stock. So I called; talked to a gal; gave her the item # and she said they had 5 in stock. So I told her my story-that I'd been in and the guy couldn't find it and that I was sitting outside (gave the old hard to walk because of surgery story) and she put me on hold and had them check the warehouse and BINGO! She said she'd have one brought up front for me so I could try it and it seemed pefect, so mine is in the box, sitting in the garage waiting for Chuck to assemble. The feature that I needed so badly was a "knee lift" and this was the only chair under $400 that had that feature. (this one was on sale for $169). This way, I can raise the seat up in front so that it tilts back and 'forces' me to sit back with my spine resting against the lumbar support. It has a mesh back and padded seat and it pretty well built for the price. So...........if he ever gets done messing with the horses and gets in here, I'll get him to assemble it and we shall see!
I suspect I've bored you enough for one day and shall go harvest some pretend crops on FB or go out and water my real flowers.
Only 9 days till my sweet babies arrive!!!!!! HAPPY DANCE, HAPPY DANCE, HAPPY DANCE!!!!!!
Pocketbook may refer to:
- Purse, a bag for carrying possessions and/or money, sometimes known in American English as a pocketbook
Gads........what am I thinking! I am officially 'retired' with my current income having been deemed as 'unspendable' by the boss man and I'm craving a potential $3-400 purse! Actually my checks go into our Money Market account and he DID tell me that it "is there if I need it". To me, this would qualify as a 'need'. For him....I'm thinking not. LOL Maybe if I referred to it as needing a new Saddle Bag. After all, Terri coaxed a Coach out of Mike for her birthday by referring to it as a Gun Case! Hmmm...I might try that.
I did go and buy myself a new computer chair today and am ever so confident that it will be just what I need! Actually I did some research last night to see what the various stores in the area had to offer and finally found just what I want and need at Staples. You can even check and see if your local store has it in stock and they did! So off I went today and trudged on in and alllllll the way to the back of the store where the furniture is, and I couldn't find that particular chair. An associate came over and asked if he could help me, so I described the chair and he couldn't find it either. So he went to look on their computer and still didn't see it, but he also wouldn't let me look. Anyway, I left. Went out to the Tahoe and looked it up online on trusty Max The Mighty iPhone. Still said they had them in stock. So I called; talked to a gal; gave her the item # and she said they had 5 in stock. So I told her my story-that I'd been in and the guy couldn't find it and that I was sitting outside (gave the old hard to walk because of surgery story) and she put me on hold and had them check the warehouse and BINGO! She said she'd have one brought up front for me so I could try it and it seemed pefect, so mine is in the box, sitting in the garage waiting for Chuck to assemble. The feature that I needed so badly was a "knee lift" and this was the only chair under $400 that had that feature. (this one was on sale for $169). This way, I can raise the seat up in front so that it tilts back and 'forces' me to sit back with my spine resting against the lumbar support. It has a mesh back and padded seat and it pretty well built for the price. So...........if he ever gets done messing with the horses and gets in here, I'll get him to assemble it and we shall see!
I suspect I've bored you enough for one day and shall go harvest some pretend crops on FB or go out and water my real flowers.
Only 9 days till my sweet babies arrive!!!!!! HAPPY DANCE, HAPPY DANCE, HAPPY DANCE!!!!!!
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
Kickin' A$$
I went to Physical Therapy this morning and J (my sweet and awesome Therapist) decided that since today marked 10 weeks Post-Surgery, she wanted to analyze my flexibility and range of motion. The results were much better than she anticipated and I am totally jazzed!! Next week she is going to go over with me what housework I can start doing and give me tips on how to do it. Darn!
The great thing is that I have had very little pain this past week. More yesterday afternoon and evening and this AM that during the past few days and I know that it is a result of spending too much time in my computer chair messing with this blog. I have tried everything to make this chair more conducive to my condition, but all attempts have failed. I really need a different chair. I know that I can not sit in one place, especially if I am sitting incorrectly, for more than 1/2 and hour to an hour. Need to move around, walk some, do stuff, sit in a different chair, etc.. She did bump me up to 15 minutes on the Step machine, so I'll be doing that everyday for sure, before the kids arrive on the 18th. It really is helping my walking so hopefully by then I will be able to walk farther and stand longer!!
So....about the Blog. I added a Blog Roll, but right now all I have on it are pretty much people that I know, or am pretty sure still read me. I know that some of you have Blog Rolls and some of you don't. What are your reasons for having or not having one??? I, personally, like going to someone's page and seeing "Yankeechick" on their Blog Roll. Makes me feel good. Connected, ya know?!? What do you say???
The great thing is that I have had very little pain this past week. More yesterday afternoon and evening and this AM that during the past few days and I know that it is a result of spending too much time in my computer chair messing with this blog. I have tried everything to make this chair more conducive to my condition, but all attempts have failed. I really need a different chair. I know that I can not sit in one place, especially if I am sitting incorrectly, for more than 1/2 and hour to an hour. Need to move around, walk some, do stuff, sit in a different chair, etc.. She did bump me up to 15 minutes on the Step machine, so I'll be doing that everyday for sure, before the kids arrive on the 18th. It really is helping my walking so hopefully by then I will be able to walk farther and stand longer!!
So....about the Blog. I added a Blog Roll, but right now all I have on it are pretty much people that I know, or am pretty sure still read me. I know that some of you have Blog Rolls and some of you don't. What are your reasons for having or not having one??? I, personally, like going to someone's page and seeing "Yankeechick" on their Blog Roll. Makes me feel good. Connected, ya know?!? What do you say???
Monday, June 7, 2010
Good Morning from Blogger!
Well, then. Let's get this new show on the road! I love this template and am all into the 'chocolate and pink' thing, so this is perfect. I was going to go for my all time favorite 3 column version, but I think for now I will stick to the 2 column. Maybe it won't look so cluttered around here :)
My first order of business this morning was to find a new 'comment' format other than the one that comes with this template. Amazingly enough, that took about 2 minutes and even less time to install! This is rather disturbing, as my luck doesn't typically run so smooth......especially at 8:00 AM, when I'm just awakening (after having gotten up at 6:45) and only 1/2 way thru my 2nd cup of coffee! Either the rest of my day is going to go in the toilet, or it will be exceptionally good, as well! I pick "exceptionally good"
How bad can it be when my second stroke of good luck came mere moments after posting a test post to try my comments and K~Lo appeared to be my first Guest Comment Tester! Yay!!! Thanks, Kathy!!
Mayhaps this is what I needed to get my blogging mojo juiced up again. For one thing, I love that there are so many great options out there for templates for Blogger! I got this one from The Cutest Blog on the Block and they certainly have some awesome and fun things available. There are many others, as well, but I have been drawn to this particular template for a very long time, plus they have so many helpful tips and extras.
I think I should dive right in and post some pictures and maybe a video and see how smoothly that goes! Stand by.
Well, the first one isn't that great cuz it's tiny and fuzzy, but you can still get the benefit of my darling, handsome, adorable, youngest grandbaby (Xander) pretending to take his Daddy's place on his talk show. Isn't he just too cute?!?!?! I think I'll try a little video next. Hmmmmm.........
Okay. Forget the video for now. I can't find one 'suitable'. Needs some editing first and I'll work on that later.
Man! It was supposed to be hot and sunny all day today, but the sky is turning black and I hear thunder rumbling off in the distance. The black clouds seem to be traveling at warp speed, however, so they may pass over before they spring a leak.
On the medical front, I am pleased to report that I have been feeling much improved these past 3 or 4 days! For the last 1 1/2 weeks I have been able to go to The Adult Wellness Center and use the exercise equipment there, in between PT appointments. So far I can only use the resistance machine for strengthening my legs, gut and butt :) and then only for 10 minutes, but it is making a difference! Everything about this is 'baby steps' but thank God I'm finally getting more benefit from it! I'm hoping that when I go to PT tomorrow, she will tell me that I can do 15 or 20 minutes, but I doubt it. !5, maybe.......never 20. Too soon, I'm sure. So, yes! I am being good and not over-doing it, or anything else. I'm saving myself for Timmy and Riley! LOL
Only 10 more days! OMG!! I can hardly believe it!!!!!!!!! I'll want to spend the first 2 days, at least, just hugging and kissing them!!!
Well, I better go hit the shower and get into town for my big "work-out" at the old folks gym! LMAO! Let me know how you like my new place!
My first order of business this morning was to find a new 'comment' format other than the one that comes with this template. Amazingly enough, that took about 2 minutes and even less time to install! This is rather disturbing, as my luck doesn't typically run so smooth......especially at 8:00 AM, when I'm just awakening (after having gotten up at 6:45) and only 1/2 way thru my 2nd cup of coffee! Either the rest of my day is going to go in the toilet, or it will be exceptionally good, as well! I pick "exceptionally good"
How bad can it be when my second stroke of good luck came mere moments after posting a test post to try my comments and K~Lo appeared to be my first Guest Comment Tester! Yay!!! Thanks, Kathy!!
Mayhaps this is what I needed to get my blogging mojo juiced up again. For one thing, I love that there are so many great options out there for templates for Blogger! I got this one from The Cutest Blog on the Block and they certainly have some awesome and fun things available. There are many others, as well, but I have been drawn to this particular template for a very long time, plus they have so many helpful tips and extras.
I think I should dive right in and post some pictures and maybe a video and see how smoothly that goes! Stand by.
Well, the first one isn't that great cuz it's tiny and fuzzy, but you can still get the benefit of my darling, handsome, adorable, youngest grandbaby (Xander) pretending to take his Daddy's place on his talk show. Isn't he just too cute?!?!?! I think I'll try a little video next. Hmmmmm.........
Okay. Forget the video for now. I can't find one 'suitable'. Needs some editing first and I'll work on that later.
Man! It was supposed to be hot and sunny all day today, but the sky is turning black and I hear thunder rumbling off in the distance. The black clouds seem to be traveling at warp speed, however, so they may pass over before they spring a leak.
On the medical front, I am pleased to report that I have been feeling much improved these past 3 or 4 days! For the last 1 1/2 weeks I have been able to go to The Adult Wellness Center and use the exercise equipment there, in between PT appointments. So far I can only use the resistance machine for strengthening my legs, gut and butt :) and then only for 10 minutes, but it is making a difference! Everything about this is 'baby steps' but thank God I'm finally getting more benefit from it! I'm hoping that when I go to PT tomorrow, she will tell me that I can do 15 or 20 minutes, but I doubt it. !5, maybe.......never 20. Too soon, I'm sure. So, yes! I am being good and not over-doing it, or anything else. I'm saving myself for Timmy and Riley! LOL
Only 10 more days! OMG!! I can hardly believe it!!!!!!!!! I'll want to spend the first 2 days, at least, just hugging and kissing them!!!
Well, I better go hit the shower and get into town for my big "work-out" at the old folks gym! LMAO! Let me know how you like my new place!
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