BS: Mudcat Recovery Ward 2010

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Recovery Ward 2010
From: gnu
Date: 18 May 10 - 02:23 PM

BTW, with Dragon, you can run most any Windows programs (not sure about others) including IE.

Hmmm... isn't there a VRS in Windows anyway? I thought I saw one with my Vista. Anyone ever try it?

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Recovery Ward 2010
From: gnu
Date: 18 May 10 - 11:02 AM

Dragon

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Recovery Ward 2010
From: gnu
Date: 18 May 10 - 11:00 AM

Voice... Dragon Naturally Speaking. (Very time they release a new version, they put the current version on sale for about half price... phone aroud for a deal.)

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Recovery Ward 2010
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 18 May 10 - 02:39 AM

damn... my thoughts are coming in drips and drabs this morning... chemo last night.

going out for drinks doesn't mean you have to drink alcohol. Or don't US bars offer non alcoholic beers (I know... what's the point?). But you get my drift. Just trying to come up with some ideas for easing the loneliness.

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Recovery Ward 2010
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 18 May 10 - 02:33 AM

oh and there is voice recognition software for using the puter too. not expensive and supposedly they have really improved.

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Recovery Ward 2010
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 18 May 10 - 02:31 AM

Hey... howz your broadband? could you skype with friends? free video calling across the puter.

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Recovery Ward 2010
From: Severn
Date: 17 May 10 - 08:57 PM

I'm a diabetic, VT, and can no longer drink alchohol. Sugar, chocolate, gluttony, a lot of types of physical exertion, you name it and it (any favotite vice), and it could probably kill me. I can get a ride to the nautical sing in Annapolis on Wednesday for some Primal Scream Therapy. That's about the only safe fun outlet I have left for a while.....

(SIGH!)

Too bad you don't LIVE in Virginia, so you could cross over the Potomac and visit. I get occaisional company, but not enough. Plenty of groceries, books, recordings and movies, but I'm getting a bit stir crazy.

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Recovery Ward 2010
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 17 May 10 - 02:57 PM

Aww Sev... you need some buddy to take you out for drink couple a night a week. Give you something to look forward to.

I had pinched nerve pain in arms and hands for about 5 days several weeks ago. It can't have hurt as much as what you are going through, but it made understand how frustrating it is to not be able to use hands properly. Even to type.

More hugs for you, friend.

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Recovery Ward 2010
From: gnu
Date: 17 May 10 - 11:17 AM

I wish I had words, Sev. I just hope your mental and physical healing progresses as fast as can be.

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Recovery Ward 2010
From: Severn
Date: 17 May 10 - 10:37 AM

Anyway, I'm hurting on my left side from the operation site around the shoulder and under the arms and especially from the donor site on the outtside of my left leg where the leg meets the rest of the body. I have a visiting nurse change my wound dressings 2 or 3 times a week and I have to improvise bathing, because I can't get the two sites wet. I take short walks around the townhouse area and get chauffeured to the odd doc appointment or food/medicine run.

I'm lonely, stir crazy, and I hurt, but this one was voluntary and a step forward as operating as a whole human being in the future. It won't be easy. I still haven't gotten to the PT yet, but I have good support through friends and family and I'll make it through alright.

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Recovery Ward 2010
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 17 May 10 - 02:51 AM

hospital food is a topic all over the world, obviously. Tho giving diabetic the wrong food can cause health problems, rather than just aggravation.

One of the things I remember about my appendix operation in 1964 was mixed up food - if I ordered cornflakes & scrambled egg, I'd get rice bubbles & a boiled egg!

Then last year when i headed to hospital for my cancer op I was warned by my nutritionist to take extra food as the budget for public patients did not allow proper nutrition. So I took along oatcakes & nuts & seeds & dried fruit, & as soon as I could get up headed for the cafe & bought a yummy chicken sandwich & yoghurt. When I was released 2 different friends fed me lots of lovey vegetables & other good food!

sandra

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Recovery Ward 2010
From: Severn
Date: 16 May 10 - 07:56 PM

Before we come in on another wing and a prayer I might as well tell you all what the big flap was all about in getting my own left wing repaired.

On Monday May 3rd at 5:30am, thanks to a ride from my sister Emily, I reported back to Johns Hopkins Baltimore Bayview burn center so that Dr.Milner, who was one of the ones responsible for the good work done on me after the original burns, could increase the amount of skin to work with in the left shoulder area. The skin, stretched to the limit as it was, will now eventually give me room to stretch the muscle out more through vigorous PT to help me regain range of motion, thanks to the skin grafts and Z-Plasty performed. Right now, I'm wearing an abduction pillow on my arm to keep it in place while it heals, and I am as yet forbidden to drive. (Thanks to Kathie Mack, Chip Hixson and Phil Fox for favors done).

They did their usual fine job. They pride themselves on their reputation and strive to uphold it. The main complaint, as always, is the battle with the kitchen over food fit for a diabetic, but that's a fight wherever I go, alas.

I had good roomates and good service and saw a few friends from last year's month-long stay. Enough one handed typing for a while. Maybe more later.....

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Recovery Ward 2010
From: gnu
Date: 16 May 10 - 05:55 PM

Ears of beagles?

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Recovery Ward 2010
From: SINSULL
Date: 16 May 10 - 05:15 PM

Wings of Eagles?

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Recovery Ward 2010
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 16 May 10 - 08:31 AM

Mudcat recovery Ward 2010, Part 2?

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Recovery Ward 2010
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 16 May 10 - 08:01 AM

May is half over... And I was thinking what to name the new wing?

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Recovery Ward 2010
From: gnu
Date: 15 May 10 - 03:05 PM

Mudcat Recovery Ward May 2010?

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Recovery Ward 2010
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 15 May 10 - 02:59 PM

what will you name it?

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Recovery Ward 2010
From: SINSULL
Date: 15 May 10 - 11:18 AM

HMMMMM
Maybe it is time to start a new thread with lots of sterile space for Robyn and Severn. LilyFestre may need a room too. Shall we move on to another wing of the ward?

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Recovery Ward 2010
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 15 May 10 - 06:28 AM

same here - what Sandra said. Do what the medicos say for the best possible outcome, aggravating as that may be.

gentle hugs.

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Recovery Ward 2010
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 14 May 10 - 10:10 PM

wishing you fast & comfortable healing

sandra

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Recovery Ward 2010
From: gnu
Date: 14 May 10 - 05:02 PM

Sev... glad for the update. Sorry to hear of the tribulations... just the driving ban sucks besides the pain and all the rest. I wish, as I suppose most others here do, that I was closer and could help in some way.

I could say "chin up" and all that, but it ain't worth squat... I just hope you make out okay, lad.

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Recovery Ward 2010
From: Severn
Date: 14 May 10 - 04:42 PM

I got back from Hopkins Baltimore Bayview late Monday. I had hoped to go home last Saturday, but they couldn't set up home nursing to come by and change dressings on my left side. The operation site itself at the shoulder area and the donor site from where I had the skin graft taken both give me considerable pain.

I have to keep my arm stationary as much as possible in a cumbersome device called an "abduction pillow", which doesn't, alas, mean that I got to abduct a nurse who would be lying next to me. It's a foam harness-type gadjet that I will have to wear as long as possibly 6-8 weeks. My next follow-up is on the 25th of May and I will find out more then, as well as when I can resume driving. I can not resume PT until I'm done with the 'pillow". I believe Vince (wincingdevil) posted a picture from Wednesday's shanty sing at The Wharf Rat, which I'd gotten a ride to.

I'll post more in a little while......

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Recovery Ward 2010
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 14 May 10 - 10:15 AM

yeah really... let's get Ratched, cuz not knowing is making me wretched. If you don't want to see the nurse, please return with your punning verse.

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Recovery Ward 2010
From: SINSULL
Date: 14 May 10 - 09:31 AM

Sev - I saw you in Robyn's thread. What up?

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Recovery Ward 2010
From: SINSULL
Date: 13 May 10 - 11:52 AM

Two weeks Sev. Do we need to send Ratched after you? Or is she there supervising your PT?
Mary

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Recovery Ward 2010
From: gnu
Date: 12 May 10 - 02:18 PM

C'mon Sev.... what's the scoop?

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Recovery Ward 2010
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 01 May 10 - 08:16 AM

joining the crowd waiting for news

sandra

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Recovery Ward 2010
From: gnu
Date: 30 Apr 10 - 05:01 PM

I'll have everything crossed for you buddy. Good luck to one of the kindest and generous men I have ever had the privilege to know.

Yeah... I know that sounds sappy, but it's the truth. Never find a nicer gentleman than Sev. Ya just won't.

Hope to hear from you soon with good reports.

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Recovery Ward 2010
From: Severn
Date: 30 Apr 10 - 04:35 PM

I've been cleared to go. It's on for Monday 3rd 5:30 in the morning at Hopkins Baltimore Bayview. I'm the first victim of the day. I have to do a complete fast as of midnight Sunday. No water. No nuthin! My sister will drive me in. I don't know yet when I'll come back.

Thanks for all good wishes. I'll try to find a way to get back to you all.

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Recovery Ward 2010
From: gnu
Date: 30 Apr 10 - 03:15 PM

Why do my posts keep disappearing? Oh well...

My fingers are getting sore.

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Recovery Ward 2010
From: wysiwyg
Date: 30 Apr 10 - 02:12 PM

I'm in, now-- for cardiac rehab-- and I sure hope this time I get to keep my head!!!

~S~

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Recovery Ward 2010
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 30 Apr 10 - 02:01 PM

yeah.. buck man... you must be a bit down cuz it's showing in the degradation of your talent for punning.

we count on those groaners.

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Recovery Ward 2010
From: SINSULL
Date: 30 Apr 10 - 01:47 PM

Good luck, Sev. Hang in there.
Mary

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Recovery Ward 2010
From: gnu
Date: 30 Apr 10 - 10:03 AM

Got my fingers crossed.

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Recovery Ward 2010
From: maeve
Date: 30 Apr 10 - 05:56 AM

Watching this space for your updates, Sev.

maeve

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Recovery Ward 2010
From: Severn
Date: 29 Apr 10 - 10:31 PM

I got a phone call from the GP today saying that Wednesday's pre-op bloodwork showed a low platelet count. I fast again tonight and go back in tomorrow morning for another test. If my platelet count still proves low, the surgery date would be pushed back until I could get a cuple more units of fresh blood. If not, I go in as scheduled on Monday.

A quart low again! The story of my life.....(sigh!).

Lots on my plate, but not enough for my platelets....

Updates forthcoming when available....

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Recovery Ward 2010
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 29 Apr 10 - 07:31 AM

sending slightly belated good wishes.

sandra (back courtesy of a new modem after a week off line)

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Recovery Ward 2010
From: Severn
Date: 26 Apr 10 - 02:59 PM

Somewhere between 5 and ten days, Mary, with probably at least one painful follow-up appointment if there are staples or sutures to be removed, which someone will have to drive me to, as I'll have to take some heavy duty pain meds in advance.

But now I'll have some skin room to stretch out those muscles. It'll be a bit of work, but hopefully worth it all and enable me to live and work somewhat, like a human being again. I'm not sure where they're taking the skin grafts from this time and what pain and problems the donor sites themselves will cause. Not much skin will be used, though. A WHOLE LOT was used last time, making me a lot slower in being able to get up from a crouching, squatting or kneeling position making gardening. assembling shelves etc.a bit painful.

Life will go on, but It will definitely go on hurting.....

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Recovery Ward 2010
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 26 Apr 10 - 02:52 PM

good thoughts going out to you Severn and to the medicals looking after you.

Maeve beat me to "with my condiments"

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Recovery Ward 2010
From: SINSULL
Date: 26 Apr 10 - 09:50 AM

Good luck, Sev. You have the best care available. I don't envy you the therapy but it will give you more movement. Hang in there, guy. How long will you be in the hospital? Any idea?
Mary

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Recovery Ward 2010
From: Catherine Jayne
Date: 26 Apr 10 - 08:32 AM

And Good Luck Severn from me too!!

Love Khatt x

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Recovery Ward 2010
From: maeve
Date: 26 Apr 10 - 08:31 AM

Hot dog, Severn! At least the weather won't be too chili when you begin the smorgasbord. With a good doctor and more-than-skin-deep humor you'll skin the cat and stretch your horizons.

With prayer, laughter, and my condiments,

maeve

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Recovery Ward 2010
From: gnu
Date: 26 Apr 10 - 06:06 AM

GOOD LUCK Sev!!!

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Recovery Ward 2010
From: Severn
Date: 26 Apr 10 - 12:29 AM

I will be going back into Johns Hopkins Baltimore Bayview burn center on May 3rd for 5-10 days while they do skin grafte and a Z-Plasty to restore, hopefully, full range of motion to my left arm and shoulder. I'll have to work through therapy to stretch out the muscles, but I'll have more skin room to do it in, which should make it a much easier task. The say I will have to wear a removable arm brace (taken off for driving, bathing etc.) full time for 6 weeks afterwards and only at night the next six weeks. I'll be operated on my Dr. Milner, who was responsable for some of the original skin graft work done on me. He did a good job then, and I trust him.

I was originally supposed to go in on the %th, which would have made for a round of "Cinco de Mayo Clinic" jokes, but now we'll have to hold the Mayo instead, at least until I've mustard enough strength to ketchup with things, something I don't especially relish.

Wish me luck!

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Recovery Ward 2010
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 25 Mar 10 - 10:14 PM

MR Myocardial perfusion scan on Wednesday 24th.... the staff and the hospital were as nice as could be but oh, it was an awful experience....

Got there early to find it was all closed so had a panic thinking I was at the wrong place... Anyway.. was taken in and up to the scanner, made to undress (and even going private I STILL get the gown with only one tie), then had canulars put in so they could inject various drugs and stuff. Of course, they couldn't find a vein in my arm so I had them in both hands. That's me immobilised. Why do they do that and THEN ask you to sign the forms?

So.. taken to the scanner, strapped down to the table (I know, people pay good money for treatment like that) and sent into the scanner with the headphones on (bring your own CD, I chose Schiedt) and spent best part of an hour alternately holding my breath and deep breathing whilst the gubbins took pictures. That bit wasn't too bad apart from the claustraphobic effect of the tunnel, but worse was to come. I got injected with a drug to simulate running around the park. Now, apparently one in 250 people have a strange reaction to this drug... Guess who that one is. It was awful, like someone was sitting on my chest and being unable to breathe, legs like lead and sharp pains.

Still, I bravely struggled on for the 3 hours (in reality less than 5 minutes) it took and then the dye went in. That was disconcerting as it was very cold and I could feel it circulating! So... they took more pictures, I had to hold my breath a lot, then they let me out. It took a while before I was apparently pink enough to be allowed to sit up, and there were some strange effects. Took even longer (about an hour, a pint of water, a bacon butty, 2 hot chocolates and a bag of crisps) before I could face the journey home. So there we go. I took the slow way home on the bus, because it's easier to get off and throw up than on the Underground... I got home after a 3 hour journey (it usually takes 1 by train, 2 by bus) where I fell asleep on the cat. A picture was taken of me asleep on the cat, and I'm stunned by how grey I still looked. No wonder they wouldn't let me go until I was pink. If that was pink, what the hell was I like before?!

Anyway, after 48 hrs I'm much improved but still dog tired. They gave me a CD of the scan, and if you play it on the computer, with music in the background, you can make my ventricles "sing" along by scrolling quickly between frames!

I have to call for an appointment for the results, nothing has been said about any possible causes for my problems (other than stress, surprise surprise), so I look forward to finding out what they found.

So... more chocolate please nurse, and let me sleep a bit longer.

LTS

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Recovery Ward 2010
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 25 Mar 10 - 06:02 PM

I need my legs removed again please... not only do they ache internally, now they are covered in hives. Well I say now it's been a month and getting worse daily. E45 cream burns like fire. Benadryl not working either.

arrrgghh....

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Recovery Ward 2010
From: SINSULL
Date: 19 Mar 10 - 03:36 PM

Are you all talking in code? I only understand every third word.

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Recovery Ward 2010
From: gnu
Date: 18 Mar 10 - 05:49 PM

Jeepers. My left elbow can bend without discomfort today. The bruise is 4" by 3" and purple. What the hell kinda valve did Heather find? Hmmm... blooming Heather?

Yeah... small spuds, but i need sommat to wine about.

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Recovery Ward 2010
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 15 Mar 10 - 05:53 PM

The Cardiac Nurse, Ann Gina has been round. Still no news but her name has been mentioned in passing...

LTS