|
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: 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: Sandra in Sydney Date: 14 May 10 - 10:10 PM wishing you fast & comfortable healing sandra |
|
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: 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 - 02:59 PM what will you name it? |
|
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: 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: Sandra in Sydney Date: 16 May 10 - 08:31 AM Mudcat recovery Ward 2010, Part 2? |
|
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: gnu Date: 16 May 10 - 05:55 PM Ears of beagles? |
|
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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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 - 02:39 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: 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: gnu Date: 18 May 10 - 11:02 AM Dragon |
|
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: VirginiaTam Date: 18 May 10 - 03:47 PM wow I just did the tutorial and training on the Speech Recognition in my Windows 7 and it was easy peasy. Have not tested it yet. Throat hurts from yelling a swearing at it during tutorial. It says you are training the computer to recognise your voice and speech, but it is as much training yourself to speak a certain way. |
|
Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Recovery Ward 2010 From: VirginiaTam Date: 20 May 10 - 02:45 AM ok Sev... time for an update, mate. |
|
Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Recovery Ward 2010 From: Donuel Date: 20 May 10 - 10:16 AM Yahoo I can feel my thumb again after apparently compressing the sensory nerve last week simply from from using scissors to cut cardboard for an art project. |
|
Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Recovery Ward 2010 From: VirginiaTam Date: 22 May 10 - 05:28 AM OK... now I know from Facebook that Sev has visiting family. so maybe that is why he has not posted lately. Hope the company goes a long way to making him feel better. |
|
Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Recovery Ward 2010 From: Severn Date: 22 May 10 - 04:16 PM Yes, VT, seeing my two grandchildren for the first time (Julianne is 3 and Rowan is 8 months)is a great way to feel better about life. I'm still wearing the abduction pillow and still not cleared for driving and still am getting my dressings changed a few times a week. My first follow-up appointment is on the 25th, so we'll see if any sutures are removed, whether I can drive again and recommendations on how long I must wear my oversized sling ....And it's all around my arm I will wear the Blue Pillow... Original estimates were 6-8 weeks full time and maybe up to 6 more just at night. Time will only tell, and the old man's not spilling the beans quite yet..... So much for an Up Date on a down Saturday night. A visitor or two or a driver would definitely be welcomed..... (SIGH!)..... |
|
Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Recovery Ward 2010 From: gnu Date: 22 May 10 - 04:58 PM I can't get there Sev... wish I could. Keep that chin up bud. |
|
Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Recovery Ward 2010 From: Sandra in Sydney Date: 23 May 10 - 05:52 AM cyber visitors aren't the same thing as local visitors. sending more good wishes for accelerated healing. sandra |
|
Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Recovery Ward 2010 From: freda underhill Date: 23 May 10 - 08:05 AM Sev, if I was nearby, I'd pop in with some flowers and mineral water. What a predicament. It's repair and maintenance time, and sometimes it hurts to laugh. speaking of which... Last week I had a trip to the dentist. There i was, immobilised in the dental chair, undergoing root canal therapy with bits of metal being shoved into my mouth while the dentist was determinedly drilling, when who came to mind? none other than the maniacal dentist in Little Shop of Horrors. It didn't help the process to burst out laughing as the piercing drilling screamed into my brain. The dentist was patient with me. Hang in there , Sev, we want you home and healing. freda |
|
Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Recovery Ward 2010 From: VirginiaTam Date: 23 May 10 - 10:30 AM ....And it's all around my arm I will wear the Blue Pillow... Now that's the Severn we all know and love. Where abouts do you live? Are there no friendly cudmatters in the vicinity, willing to do a Sunday pop round with a KFC bucket? |
|
Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Recovery Ward 2010 From: gnu Date: 23 May 10 - 03:25 PM KFC? Hasn't the man suffered ENOUGH? |
|
Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Recovery Ward 2010 From: Liz the Squeak Date: 24 May 10 - 04:18 AM Can we make room in the Psych ward for a friend of mine who is currently in free-fall and about to implode? I can't post details but he's very depressed, is awaiting a result in July that could either be negative (which is what we want) or something that is going to completely overturn his life and may result in years of misery. Thanks guys... LTS |
|
Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Recovery Ward 2010 From: Liz the Squeak Date: 25 May 10 - 12:50 AM Well, I think we've arrested the freefall, he's still very down, but at least when he talks 'worst case scenario' he's planning on coming back... but he still needs help. Thank you all. LTS |
|
Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Recovery Ward 2010 From: VirginiaTam Date: 25 May 10 - 02:48 PM %*^# reduction candle lit for LtS' friend. |
|
Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Recovery Ward 2010 From: freda underhill Date: 19 Aug 10 - 08:26 AM The corridors are strangely empty, yet I know there's a few people round here who need some bandaids, brandy and bananas. How're y'all going? |
|
Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Recovery Ward 2010 From: Amos Date: 19 Aug 10 - 09:29 AM We are recovering from house painters. From domestic order to chaos and half-way back in on eweek. Ya know the similarity between a Louiana hurricane and a Texas divorce? Somebody's gonna lose a trailer. A |
|
Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Recovery Ward 2010 From: VirginiaTam Date: 16 Sep 10 - 01:55 PM ICE! GIVE ME ICE! No not for my drink. For my legs, covered in itchy red hives. Better yet. BRUSH! GIVE ME A WIRE BRUSH! no wait.. SAW! GIVE ME A HACK SAW! that should do it. |
|
Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Recovery Ward 2010 From: SINSULL Date: 16 Sep 10 - 02:23 PM Been roaming in the gloaming filled with poison ivy, have we? I'll take the bed next to you but only if you promise to sit still and be quiet. My thyroid is wacky and I am losingthings. Today it was my lunch - no not in the bathroom. Somewhere between South Portland and Portland I manage to mislay it. Hope it's not in the trunk of my car. SIGH |
|
Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Recovery Ward 2010 From: Jeri Date: 16 Sep 10 - 02:35 PM It's on your kitchen counter. Well, that's where mine is whenever I 'lose' it, and it's not in my car. I'm relatively fine. Got a bit of the blues that I get when I have a lot of fun, then go back to the Real World, but I'm slowly re-acclimating. |
|
Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Recovery Ward 2010 From: VirginiaTam Date: 16 Sep 10 - 02:57 PM not poison ivy.. poison meds. reaction to the blood pressure medicine. hungry as I am... still dieting... I didn't take Mary's lunch. |
|
Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Recovery Ward 2010 From: gnu Date: 16 Sep 10 - 03:15 PM Burp. Pardon me. |
|
Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Recovery Ward 2010 From: Bat Goddess Date: 16 Sep 10 - 08:57 PM Wire brush and Dettol! ;-) Linn |
|
Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Recovery Ward 2010 From: VirginiaTam Date: 17 Sep 10 - 02:42 AM Linn.. How do you know about Dettol? Took me a bit after I moved to UK to clock that Dettol(UK) = Lysol(USA). But yeah wire brush and more like boat hull cleaner would have been great. Actually feeling much better after 2 nights no blood pressure medicine and 1 night with steroid cream. It is clearing and I slept beautifully last night. Did not want to get up this morning. |
|
Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Recovery Ward 2010 From: SINSULL Date: 17 Sep 10 - 08:27 AM ound my FROZEN DINNER lunch in the freezer where I put it - after tearing the car, my house and two office fridges apart. DOH! Sorry about the itching Miss Tam.Ice wrapped in a wet towel as a compress may help. Mary, whose flu shot is swollen and sore. WHINE! |
|
Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Recovery Ward 2010 From: VirginiaTam Date: 17 Sep 10 - 01:27 PM Mary... take your own advice on that flu jab site. Ice it! maybe with your frozen lunch. |
|
Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Recovery Ward 2010 From: gnu Date: 17 Sep 10 - 01:39 PM Dettol (in Canada, anyway) ... kills germs and bacteria Soothes and cleanses abrasions/cuts Useful on bites/stings Non stinging Useful to use for laundry use and bathing Dettol is an antiseptic solution which can be used to clean cuts, grazes, gravel rash, bites and stings, and anywhere bacteria can grow. Dettol protects your... |
|
Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Recovery Ward 2010 From: VirginiaTam Date: 18 Sep 10 - 04:35 AM thanx for that Gnu... so yeah! rash is even better today.. but I had a terrible night of leg pain and edema, even though I raised my legs and feet above heart on a folded duvet. My feet feel so weird and tingly and legs heavy, full and achy. Going to wear compression socks this weekend and make the time to take at least 3 30 minute breaks today and tomorrow with the legs raised. Lots of water and potassium intake planned. We must foil the gravity monster. |
|
Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Recovery Ward 2010 From: Sandra in Sydney Date: 18 Sep 10 - 11:23 AM hugs to you, Tam |
