BS: Curmudgeon In Hospital - June 9, 2007

Subject: BS: Curmudgeon In Hospital - June 9, 2007
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 09 Jun 07 - 07:05 PM

Tom woke up cold and shivering this morning and I had been worried about him then (it wasn't cold). Then about 45 minutes later he called me downstairs to get my own coffee (he brings me tea on weekdays and coffee on weekend). I went down and asked him how he was -- he said he felt like dogshit, so I asked if he wanted to go to the emergency room. He said he wasn't sure. I said I'd get dressed. He said, "Have some coffee first." I said, "I'm getting dressed."

And when I came back downstairs he said he thought going to the emergency room was a good idea, so we headed out. Can't remember when exactly we got there, but it was well before 9.

His heart was racing and his blood pressure was low. And he had a fever. He spent most of the day in the ER, then they sent him up to ICU mid-afternoon. Not sure exactly what the problem is, but they had him on antibiotics all day because of his heart valve replacement three years ago and it looks like he could have some kind of infection (part of it possibly caused by an inflamed and swollen elbow). Could also be pneumonia despite the first x-ray looking clear and him having had a pneumonia vaccine.

He just had a check up Monday and his defibrillator was read the Friday before -- and the medicos all agreed he was in great shape. And he felt great right up until waking up this morning.

We were supposed to sing today for the Friends of Odiorne and the anniversary of the Science Center, since we used to sing for their fundraisers. So we had to cancel that.

I just got home (6:30-ish p.m.) and I'm eating the calzone I picked up on the way, trying not. I've got phone calls to make, emails, etc. And I'm going in to work tomorrow so I can get the magazine wrapped up so all I'll have to deal with Monday morning is the cover (and my ADD boss) and can get it to the printer and then boogie on out of there to the hospital.

If I stop to think about it all (you know about the missing cat and the job search disappointments, etc.), I might just start feeling overwhelmed.

This isn't exactly how I had envisioned celebrating my birthday -- but, then again, I highly doubt this is what Tom had in mind, either!

I won't know more until tomorrow. Looks like he'll be in the hospital at least through Monday.

I've got to go listen to voicemail and call my mother.

Linn

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon In Hospital - June 9, 2007
From: Alba
Date: 09 Jun 07 - 07:10 PM

Remember to Breathe Sweetheart ~~ Breathe

Look after you this evening, Tom is in the right place and is being cared for. ALL will be well.

You are BOTH firmly in my thoughts and I am sending you BOTH nothing but Love and Healing Energy.
Will check back for an update tomorrow.

Holding you in my Heart,
Jude

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon In Hospital - June 9, 2007
From: jacqui.c
Date: 09 Jun 07 - 07:35 PM

Here's hoping that he'll be out and back to normal fast. All good thoughts coming from here.

Keep us updated, won't you.

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon In Hospital - June 9, 2007
From: Micca
Date: 09 Jun 07 - 07:41 PM

Yeah, Linn, Good thoughts and healing from here too, as Alba said , he is in the right place for being looked after, I have a special healing candle on the good for my buddy,and the others that need healing thoughts just now Micca

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon In Hospital - June 9, 2007
From: kendall
Date: 09 Jun 07 - 08:01 PM

Keep us informed. We will be pulling for the old goat. Oh, I forgot, he's younger than me.

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon In Hospital - June 9, 2007
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 09 Jun 07 - 08:08 PM

Please do some good wishing on the financial end, too -- he doesn't have any insurance and Medicare doesn't kick in until after September.

Geez, wish all we had to do was worry about health!

Thank you all for your good and healing thoughts!

Linn

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon In Hospital - June 9, 2007
From: Alice
Date: 09 Jun 07 - 09:01 PM

Take care of yourself. I'm sorry you're going through this. I know the stress of not having
health coverage, but just put one foot in front of the other and you will get through it.

All the best,
Alice

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon In Hospital - June 9, 2007
From: wysiwyg
Date: 09 Jun 07 - 09:09 PM

I'm here.

~Susan

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon In Hospital - June 9, 2007
From: Ebbie
Date: 09 Jun 07 - 09:34 PM

Best wishes from this part of Alaska too. It's got to be scary for the both of you. I hope by morning it will have become just one of those inexplicable things we're all occarionally subject to. Good luck to you both.

Ebbie

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon In Hospital - June 9, 2007
From: Big Mick
Date: 09 Jun 07 - 09:57 PM

Damn, sweetie. I think Jude's advice is the best. You need to rest and take care of yourself. Be sure and tell that old lefty that the Mick has him square in his sites and is praying for his swift return to curmudgeonlyness (??). And give him my love while you are at it. But save at least half for yourself.

Mick

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon In Hospital - June 9, 2007
From: Brían
Date: 09 Jun 07 - 09:57 PM

Linn

I am sorry to hear that Tom is not doing well. You have my email if you need to contact me. Please let me know where Tom is staying and if there is a phone there if he is up for a call. I can pray in three languages if it's any help.

Brien

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon In Hospital - June 9, 2007
From: Sorcha
Date: 09 Jun 07 - 10:21 PM

Aw shit. It's gotta get better, it's just gotta. HEY TOM! Listen UP here! Linn don't NEED this, OK? And neither do you. Get well.

Linn, my thoughts (what there are left of them) are with you both.

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon In Hospital - June 9, 2007
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 09 Jun 07 - 10:27 PM

best wishes to both of you - for health & financial security.

sandra

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon In Hospital - June 9, 2007
From: Rapparee
Date: 09 Jun 07 - 10:31 PM

Linn, just tell him to knock it off and if he wants to take a day or two off he can do it. In the meantime, you're going to worry and we both know it. Just keep reminding yourself that he's in the right place for stuff like this. I mean, that's what hospitals are for, right?

Have a cuppa tea, take a deep breath, and try to get some sleep.

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon In Hospital - June 9, 2007
From: Alice
Date: 09 Jun 07 - 10:34 PM

I read some old words on Mudcat of Bruce Olsen's the other day.
He said something like, Just keep muddling through.
It brought tears to my eyes, but he was right.
I keep telling myself, just keep muddling through.

take care, Alice

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon In Hospital - June 9, 2007
From: The Fooles Troupe
Date: 09 Jun 07 - 10:34 PM

As someone who has been thru this sort of stress, you MUST look after yourself - yes I know know you may 'feel guilty' for doing this, but you must keep up your health, food and fluid intake, and sleep.

You do need to get sleep and be able to relax at times - without using too much alcohol. If you can't get to sleep easily at night try some Valerian tablets - effects are gentle - but when they work you will sleep deep for some hours. Don't wait till the last minute to take them - take them an hour or so before you 'need' to be asleep - and DON'T mix them with alcohol!

You don't need TWO people unwell! :-)

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon In Hospital - June 9, 2007
From: GUEST,Pamela in Ithaca
Date: 09 Jun 07 - 10:44 PM

Dear, dear Linn - before I read a word of this thread I said to my self
OH CRAP! This is not what either of you need, and especially not
on your birthday. I know you've been worrying about the old curmudgeon
ever since his last bout of surgery. I concur with everyone's good advice... while knowing that advice probably isn't what you need now.
You need a hug and a good meal. Wish I was close enough to offer them.

I will hold you both in my heart.
You've come to feel like family to me.

love, Pamela

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon In Hospital - June 9, 2007
From: TRUBRIT
Date: 09 Jun 07 - 10:45 PM

Oh Linn -- so sorry -- loving thoughts coming from SP -- if there is anything we can do, let us know..........

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon In Hospital - June 9, 2007
From: SINSULL
Date: 09 Jun 07 - 11:21 PM

I will call you tomorrow, Linn. If I can do anything, just let me know. Sounds like an infection and I hope it is that simple.
Mary

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon In Hospital - June 9, 2007
From: katlaughing
Date: 09 Jun 07 - 11:56 PM

Linn, good advice there from Alba and the others. You know we love you and Tom and will be sending you all kinds of energy, positive thoughts and thanks givings as well as powering up the Law of Attraction!**bg** I've got a Secret...watch yer mail!*

Love to you and Tom,

kat

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon In Hospital - June 9, 2007
From: Janie
Date: 10 Jun 07 - 12:59 AM

{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{HUGS}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}

Janie

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon In Hospital - June 9, 2007
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 10 Jun 07 - 02:37 AM

Take care, both of you!

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon In Hospital - June 9, 2007
From: Partridge
Date: 10 Jun 07 - 04:21 AM

Thinking about you and Tom, please take care, lots of love

Pat x

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon In Hospital - June 9, 2007
From: bfdk
Date: 10 Jun 07 - 04:38 AM

A big hug for you, Linn, keep going!

Best wishes to the both of you and for a speedy recovery for Tom. I'll be thinking of you both.

All the best,

Bente

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon In Hospital - June 9, 2007
From: My guru always said
Date: 10 Jun 07 - 04:54 AM

Sorry to hear this, positive thoughts for a speedy recovery!
Hil

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon In Hospital - June 9, 2007
From: catspaw49
Date: 10 Jun 07 - 05:15 AM

Geez Linn.....We run in tandem sometimes don't we? I just got out today after a few days in the hospital for a sort of "tune-up." I was at the point of being out of breath and having angina after only a few steps. So I spent a few scary days seeing what had happened.   I'm out now and feeling fine so pass on to Tom my best wishes for a similar outcome.

You really have to be careful on the infections and the valve. At the least sign of any infection you need to be off to the ER and on antibiotics. My greatest pleasure in having the artificial valve is the way you automatically go to the front of the line at any ER by saying, "I have an infection, think I'm running a fever, and I have an artificial mitral valve."   You pass EVERYBODY!!!! LOL......Well hell, ya' gotta' get something out of this deal!

I'm thinking the best for you both as is Karen who can relate easily to your situation! Hang in.

Pat

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon In Hospital - June 9, 2007
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 10 Jun 07 - 05:27 AM

Tom, you get your ass outta there pronto, worrying that poor wee lassie like that, it's not fair.
Linn my love, take good care of yourself, he'll soon be back home curmudgeoning as usual.

Best wishes to you both.

Giok

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon In Hospital - June 9, 2007
From: Skipper Jack
Date: 10 Jun 07 - 05:40 AM

Hi Linn,

I am sorry to hear that Tom is not well.

I hope that he will soon be on the road to recovery.

Just to let you know that we - Baggyrinkle, from Wales send you our very best wishes.

Kind regards,

Dave Robinson.

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon In Hospital - June 9, 2007
From: gnu
Date: 10 Jun 07 - 07:25 AM

Yo Linn.... my toughts and prayers to you both.

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon In Hospital - June 9, 2007
From: MBSLynne
Date: 10 Jun 07 - 07:51 AM

Isn't it funny that when you have problems, life seems to pile on more at the same time? Well...gets them out of the way all at once I guess. Good thing you got him to the hospital when you did. Lots of people put it off because they don't think it can be that bad and it's so important to get these things at the start.

I shall do for you what so many lovely friends on here have done for me and send my thoughts and a biiiig hug. Two in fact, one each

I just read a quote from Winston Churchill recently... "When you are going through hell..keep going"

Love Lynne

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon In Hospital - June 9, 2007
From: freda underhill
Date: 10 Jun 07 - 08:12 AM

Good luck, curmudgeon, & look after the old man, Bat G - all my best wishes to you both

freda

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon In Hospital - June 9, 2007
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 10 Jun 07 - 08:34 AM

Talked to Tom a couple minutes ago. He's sounding a LOT better today.

They think it was probably a low grade infection from his inflamed elbow. They filled him with antibiotics, of course. He said he should be out of the ICU today, and if they still don't have a regular room, they'll keep him there at the lower room rate.

I'll print out the thread and take it with me this afternoon.

Thanks for all your good wishes!

Linn

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon In Hospital - June 9, 2007
From: rumanci
Date: 10 Jun 07 - 08:37 AM

Hi Linn and Tom
My very best wishes to you both
Quit worrying us all !
rum

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon In Hospital - June 9, 2007
From: Megan L
Date: 10 Jun 07 - 08:39 AM

Thoughts and prayers with you both.

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon In Hospital - June 9, 2007
From: gnu
Date: 10 Jun 07 - 08:49 AM

Thanks for the update, Linn.

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon In Hospital - June 9, 2007
From: Linda Kelly
Date: 10 Jun 07 - 08:59 AM

Keep strong -my husband is also unwell and spent Monday night in Accident & Emergency -he as heart/circulaton problems and although he discharged himself that night he is undergoing tests-he is seriously exhausted and it is very worrying.

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon In Hospital - June 9, 2007
From: Alice
Date: 10 Jun 07 - 09:28 AM

Linda Kelly, best wishes to you and your husband, too.

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon In Hospital - June 9, 2007
From: catspaw49
Date: 10 Jun 07 - 09:35 AM

Keep him at it Linda. One of the bigger problems is that heart problems somehow translate into the male mind as making you less of a man. That's crap of course. You are older and you aren't what you once were but you still ARE and you need to learn to live that keeps you as an "ARE" and not a "WAS."

Tom, you KNOW what infections can do to that valve! Guys like us have to be on the alert for those infections which will ruin it. Do you need me to kick your ass on this issue repeatedly? I'm 6 years into this valve and it works like a champ!

Spaw

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon In Hospital - June 9, 2007
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 10 Jun 07 - 09:36 AM

I second that

sandra

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon In Hospital - June 9, 2007
From: katlaughing
Date: 10 Jun 07 - 11:04 AM

{{{{{{{{Linda}}}}}}} and I second what Spaw said. Keep after him and make sure he pays attention.

Linn, that is GOOD news! Now, we give thanks for the GOOD job so you can tell your boss you quit! And, the cat will come home!

Spaw, damn nice to see you back, darlin'.

luvya'llkat

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon In Hospital - June 9, 2007
From: SINSULL
Date: 10 Jun 07 - 11:22 AM

I spoke with Tom this AM. He sounds good but a bit weary. Cranky, I think, too. He sent the nurse packing with "I'm on a long distance call." heh heh

He expects to be in the hospital three days and then to go home with a drip. It is an infection and antibiotics should take care of it.

Poor Lin. A curmudgeonly Curmudgeon!

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon In Hospital - June 9, 2007
From: wysiwyg
Date: 10 Jun 07 - 11:39 AM

He expects to be in the hospital three days and then to go home with a drip. It is an infection and antibiotics should take care of it.

Uh..... um......................... erm.....

Do you know what that SOUNDS like?????

~Susan~joking~in~relief

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon In Hospital - June 9, 2007
From: Bill D
Date: 10 Jun 07 - 12:14 PM

Lots of good advice in the thread...and enough good wishes to last thru 3 more illnesses...*grin*...store 'em up!

Lots of people care.....even for curmudgeons.

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon In Hospital - June 9, 2007
From: Micca
Date: 10 Jun 07 - 12:21 PM

Linda, Hope john is better soon too, meanwhile, to the other "walking woundeds" GET WELL SOON!!!

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon In Hospital - June 9, 2007
From: Alba
Date: 10 Jun 07 - 01:33 PM

Well now, tis good to see you Spaw...*very big SMILE* In fact that is worth repeating.

It is very good to see you SPAW!

Linn and Tom it sounds/feels like you are on the road to wellville.. ya jist hit one of those little darn speed bumps that are there to remind us all how fickle Life can be. As I said above ALL will be well. Thank you for taking the time to keep us up to date.

Linda, my warmest of Wishes to You and Loads of Healing energy to John.

May all these Hearts beat strong and long...
With Love to All,
Jude

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon In Hospital - June 9, 2007
From: jacqui.c
Date: 10 Jun 07 - 01:41 PM

So glad to hear that Tom is recovering. Keep up the good work there. Linn - take care of yourself and don't forget that you will have a nelated birthday celebration as soon as the old boy's feeling better.

Linda - I hope things go well for your husband - good thoughts coming from Maine.

SPAW! Don't do that! Keep yourself fit man! I've sent you a little present - they say laughter is the best medicine, don't they?

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon In Hospital - June 9, 2007
From: Micca
Date: 10 Jun 07 - 03:10 PM

jacqui.c , I could just hear Joyce Grenfells voice, " Spaw, Dont do that"!!!!!

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon In Hospital - June 9, 2007
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 10 Jun 07 - 05:31 PM

Tom's doing (and looking) a LOT better today. It being a weekend, it's difficult to drag information out of the medical types, but it looks like it's both pneumonia and the low grade infection from the inflamed bursa on his elbow. It also looks like he'll be encarcerated until Wednesday at best. But at least he's in a regular room now, and doesn't have quite so many tubes getting entangled at his every move.

He's also got a great view of the main drag of Dover, NH -- which today they had cordoned off and a detour around a substantial chunk of it because of a bicycle race and some other vehicular-type races. But they also had the main entrance to the hospital barricaded -- the one with the traffic light. That left the emergency room entrance and leaving by that entrance sometimes has you taking your life into your own hands. (But at least you're close to a hospital...)

Speaking of accidents, just as I was signaling to turn off Rte 4 to get home, the car in front of me slammed into the rear of a pickup truck waiting to make the same left turn I was about to make. The guy in the car -- when he finally paid attention to where he was going -- hit the brakes so hard that a huge billow of "smoke" engulfed his car. He still left pieces on the road -- I don't think the truck sustained much damage.

Shades of the guy rear-ending (and totalling) MY car last September when I was waiting to make a left turn off another local highway. Ach!

Linn

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon In Hospital - June 9, 2007
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 10 Jun 07 - 05:37 PM

Great news Linn.
G

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon In Hospital - June 9, 2007
From: SussexCarole
Date: 10 Jun 07 - 06:12 PM

We're glad to hear that Tom's on the mend. Sounds like a dose of sox medicine might help.

Love & hugs   Carole & Andrew