BS: Curmudgeon's Medical Woes - Winter 2010

Subject: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 08 Jan 10 - 06:32 AM

Tom fell next to the bed in the dark at 5:30-ish this morning. 911 called -- Nottingham PD and EMTs arrived very timely.

He was unconscious for about 10 minutes.

I just gave his med list/medical info to EMTs (damned printer refuses to work this morning -- I wrote it out by hand!); they're still in the driveway but about to take him (I had to talk him into it) to Wentworth-Douglass Hospital Emergency in Dover, NH.

Cats have been confined to bathroom.

I am about to get dressed, gather his meds and follow to W-D after I link this thread to Facebook.

This is probably related to his bad reaction to Plavix.

Linn

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: gnu
Date: 08 Jan 10 - 06:47 AM

Oh my!

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: Bonnie Shaljean
Date: 08 Jan 10 - 06:51 AM

Thinking of you - keep us posted!

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 08 Jan 10 - 07:08 AM

Oh bugger. Linn, can we arrange to have him wrapped in cotton wool, until his other problems are sorted.
Hope he's OK.

John

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: kendall
Date: 08 Jan 10 - 07:09 AM

Jeez man, what next? Damn the pills! They can be worse than the problem.

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 08 Jan 10 - 07:20 AM

Good grief. Poor Tom and poor Linn. Yes please do keep us posted.

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: AllisonA(Animaterra)
Date: 08 Jan 10 - 07:54 AM

love love love LOVE LOVE

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: Charley Noble
Date: 08 Jan 10 - 08:23 AM

Ugh! What a hell of a way to start the morning.

Do contact JudyB via e-mail if there is any way we can help; I will PM her current e-mail address.

Charley Noble

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: SINSULL
Date: 08 Jan 10 - 08:26 AM

Linn,
GEEZ!
Keep us posted and call if you need help.
Mary

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: Dave the Gnome
Date: 08 Jan 10 - 08:51 AM

Commiserations to Tom and get well soon - but what a hell of a name for a hill - Curmudgeon Fell. Can you let us know where it is? Sounds the perfect climb for me:-)

Maybe it will cheer Tom up a little as well!

All the best

DeG

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: Rapparee
Date: 08 Jan 10 - 09:12 AM

Oh, Lordy. Keep us posted as you can.

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 08 Jan 10 - 09:34 AM

best wishes

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 08 Jan 10 - 09:34 AM

Dammit... what next?!

Take care all of you... thoughts and wossnames being sent.

LTS

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: wysiwyg
Date: 08 Jan 10 - 09:39 AM

Prayers!

Breathe....

~Susan

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: jacqui.c
Date: 08 Jan 10 - 09:39 AM

Hope he's OK Linn. We;re here if we can help in any way.

Love to you both.

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: LilyFestre
Date: 08 Jan 10 - 09:40 AM

(((((((((Love, hugs and prayers to you both))))))))))))))

Hope he's feeling better!!!!

Michelle

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: MikeL2
Date: 08 Jan 10 - 10:05 AM

Hi linn

Please accept my best wishes to you both in your troubled times.

Regards

MikeL

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: Bryn Pugh
Date: 08 Jan 10 - 10:07 AM

Love and Blessings now, and to continue, from Erica and Bryn

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: ClaireBear
Date: 08 Jan 10 - 10:47 AM

Holding you in my heart. Too anxious for words. Blessings.

C

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: olddude
Date: 08 Jan 10 - 10:48 AM

Prayers from me

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: Nancy King
Date: 08 Jan 10 - 11:28 AM

Yikes! Just what you DON'T need! Hope all turns out OK, and they get his meds straightened out so this doesn't happen again! Feel better soon, Tom, and take care of yourself too, Linn!

Good thoughts coming your way!

Nancy

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: topical tom
Date: 08 Jan 10 - 01:37 PM

Scary news.My thoughts are with you.Hope all turns out okay.

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: Jeri
Date: 08 Jan 10 - 02:34 PM

I went to the hospital. They think Tom has pneumonia and they're probably going to admit him (and run some more tests-whoopee). He's hooked up to beeping thing, bonging things, things with flashing lights. What he's NOT always hooked up to is the other end of the beeping/bonging/flashing things, which is why they're beeping/bonging/flashing.

On the plus side, he was starting to curmudge when I left. Had to order a cheeseburger for lunch so he could complain about it.

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: gnu
Date: 08 Jan 10 - 02:44 PM

Well... at least that is SOME good news.... not what was hoped for, but...

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: open mike
Date: 08 Jan 10 - 02:56 PM

beep! bong! pow! hope this gets sorted out soon...

that amount of time being unconscious is a worry..

grump, growl, groan..

hugs to you (((both))) thru this...

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: SINSULL
Date: 08 Jan 10 - 02:59 PM

How is Linn doing Jeri?

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: Jeri
Date: 08 Jan 10 - 03:05 PM

Linn's doing OK. She's being a good advocate for him and answering doctors' question in detail.   She was reading to him, and I learned (from her book) what Cornish Game Hens really were. She was going to leave at some point to go home and get more stuff for him. (He has her sweat pants on. He looks rather fetching in purple, but I don't think he's happy.) She's OK, and will likely post an update, but she's as wired as one would expect, and pissed at all the doctors he's seen that didn't notice the pneumonia.

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: Jeri
Date: 08 Jan 10 - 03:23 PM

She's estimating the time Tom was unconscious, and adrenaline tends to stretch out time. His mind seems as good as I'd expect from somebody who'd been through what he's been through. The doctor that was there said his heart was OK. He's on antibiotics.

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: katlaughing
Date: 08 Jan 10 - 03:36 PM

When that happened to me it was partially due to severe anemia which no one had noticed. The physicians' assistants missed pneumonia in me, twice. It sounds as though he is in good hands now and will be okay once the treatment kicks in.

Please pass on my love and concern if you speak to her, again, Jeri and thanks for keeping us updated.

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: Bill D
Date: 08 Jan 10 - 03:42 PM

I'm glad I looked into this thread AFTER "he started to curmudge"...

Just keep on keeping on!

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: Charley Noble
Date: 08 Jan 10 - 03:50 PM

Jeri-

Thanks so much for the update.

Charley Noble

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: Janie
Date: 08 Jan 10 - 04:29 PM

Whoo boy....enough is enough, already! Hugs.

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 08 Jan 10 - 04:31 PM

Good to now he has the stuff required for curmudging. Strength to Linn, health to Tom. Raspberries to the clinicians who missed the pneumonia.

Time to start the funny stuff to get him in the healing frame of mind.

http://flamingcurmudgeon.files.wordpress.com/2009/11/fart-atomic-bomb.jpg

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: Mrrzy
Date: 08 Jan 10 - 04:35 PM

Oh, good, the machine that goes Ping! - now we know he'll be OK!

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 08 Jan 10 - 04:42 PM

Maybe the purple pants will inspire him to get well sooner, just so he can go home and get his own clothes.

Take care of both of you Linn. I have a little book of essays that I've taken with me the last couple of times I had to spend time with folks in the hospital. The stories are short enough to get through and not put the listener to sleep, and they're smart and funny. It's Bailey White's Mama Makes Up Her Mind - I think you probably will remember her name from some of her commentary on All Things Considered during the 1990s. I suspect you'll all be home before I could send a copy, but if someone will check out a used book store in the area, you can probably find it. Or if you'd like a copy for later, I'll send one along (tons of them are for sale at Amazon, etc.) Just PM an address.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 08 Jan 10 - 04:53 PM

I'm home (been home long enough to call my boss, fill him in and eat a well-deserved slice of spinach & feta calzone -- I'M STARVING!!!). Left the hospital at 3:30, it was still lightly snowing & slightly slippery but not bad and I stopped at Pizza Spinners for sustenance (now sitting next to me as I type).

Yeah, what Jeri said. He's probably got some pneumonia and possibly a mild secondary infection of some sort. I met his vascular doc and Tuesday's carotid angiogram is still on, and nothing should be interfering with his vocal cord surgery on Jan. 26th. (Vascular guy sending letter okaying surgery to Dr. Z.)

He finally got into Room 348 at Wentworth-Douglass Hospital in Dover at 2:30. The noise level (machines that go "ping", loud dongs, monitors that screech -- an incredible cacaphony that is ignored by the professionals but was driving both of us nutzoid -- Tom more than me because I was trying to tune it all out and read. (I left him the book.) His phone number is 603-609-6348.

They're concerned about his atrial fibrillation and, since his defibrillator needs new batteries (scheduled for Feb. -- he had it read yesterday) they're not trusting it and have him attached to an external defib.

There's a possibility, too, that he wasn't even awake when he was sitting on the bed talking to me and got up to get a drink of water -- he took one step and was flat on his back, eyes closed, more asleep than knocked out, snoring quietly. He doesn't remember a thing about it.

I really need to bring in some firewood and get the woodstove going (after having been out most of the day) while there's still a little light in the sky.

Then I've got more phone calls, FB to update, etcet etcet, but I'll check back in as soon as I can -- with luck, I'll have a glass of wine in my hand and can start to relax.

Linn

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: GUEST
Date: 08 Jan 10 - 05:20 PM

Well, greetings from the Press Room, where you're both sorely missed! Glad 2 know Tom's wired & monitored! Will tell others, check later. //Marty

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: gnu
Date: 08 Jan 10 - 05:21 PM

Thoughts and prayers.

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: My guru always said
Date: 08 Jan 10 - 05:40 PM

Just caught this, bug*er!!! What a rough day for you both, sending positive thoughts and hopes that there are only improvements and successess in store from now on.
Love & Hugs
Hil x

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 08 Jan 10 - 05:44 PM

Okay, brought firewood in, got stove started -- even have a piece of the calzone left.

Just talked to Bob Frost at The Press Room session and reported in.

Gotta bring in more wood, but not til my feet warm up -- "shovelled" the inch or so of snow off deck & steps, too. Sabine (mature lady cat) is demanding attention.

I don't know what else I can add to what I posted when I got home a bit ago -- I'll call Tom later. He's in the capable hands of a nurse named Betty.

He's FEELING fine -- curmudging about the alerts in the ER, had a cheeseburger ("not bad") for lunch (fat free mayo, prolly fat free cheese) but wouldn't eat the chicken noodle soup (low sodium) and tapioca pudding -- so I did. I think he's mostly BORED. Mostly what we did today was wait...and wait...and wait...

Yes, I am concerned that he's been seen multiple times in the past two months by at least 4 doctors (primary care, cardiologist, vascular guy, plus The Voice Center) and has had a hideous wet cough (complicated by the gap in his vocal cords) for at least a month and a half and no one has seemed concerned about it -- now they think it's pneumonia. And they've kept putting off his defib battery (it's close to 6 years old -- doctors at Mass General expressed doubt about it in October). It's as if each specialist can only see his specialty -- and even his primary care guy doesn't seem to be looking at the whole thing or understand how malaise in one area affects the problems in others. Oh, now, too, they're saying he's got COPD -- and they haven't NOTICED for the past coupla years?!? I know he's been asking about seeing a pulmonary guy since his biopsy on Sept. 4th.

Arghh -- gonna go expend some frustration on bringing in wood.

Linn

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: gnu
Date: 08 Jan 10 - 06:38 PM

Oh dear. I have no words. Hang in there.

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: ranger1
Date: 08 Jan 10 - 06:46 PM

Hugs to you both. Call me if there's anything I can do for you.

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: Charley Noble
Date: 08 Jan 10 - 06:52 PM

Linn-

Glad to hear that you've made it home and that Tom seems to be under the watchful eye of medical professionals.

What a hell of a way to start a day!

Charley Noble

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 08 Jan 10 - 07:50 PM

Just brought in the last two loads of firewood -- house warming up nicely. Think I've talked to everyone I needed to talk to. Cats are being possessive (nice).

I'M EXHAUSTED!!!

Gonna pour myself a glass of wine and sit in bed and read. I think I just need to get away from the computer, too, until tomorrow morning.

Thanks for everyone's good wishes!

Linn

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: SINSULL
Date: 08 Jan 10 - 08:17 PM

One crisis at a time, Linn. Sounds like wine is the next one. Take care of it. Maybe have a second and sleep.
Mary

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 08 Jan 10 - 08:27 PM

Had a small glass of pinot grigio -- unsatisfying. Ate some bread pudding I made Wednesday (craisins, 5-grain bread, real buttermilk -- I'm really becoming a fan of REAL buttermilk by Kate's Homemade Butter from MAINE).

Very very sleepy.

Gotta get away from the computer...

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: Genie
Date: 08 Jan 10 - 09:09 PM

Wow, Linn, what a scary and draining day! So glad to hear Tom is up to curmudging again. Sound like your medical helpers need a good curmudgin' to!   (I know what you mean about the specialist seeming to see only whatever part of your body they are experts on.) Glad you have the cats to help you relax (at least I hope that's what they're doing). Hope they get the batteries taken care of soon and get the ol' Curmudgeon back to full strength curmudging ASAP.

My best thoughts, prayers, visualizations & vocalizations coming your way, with a helping of bad jokes (to remind you folks of Mudcat).

Genie

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: catspaw49
Date: 08 Jan 10 - 09:12 PM

Well geez.............Sometimes I just hate to log on.........

I don't know about the vocal cord cancer thankfully, but its hard not to feel an "unfortunate" kinship with Tom. Serious heart and other cardiovascular problems with artificial valve replacement and ICD......Obvious, but little mentioned, COPD/emphysema problems.......yeah.............and Docs who at times are either blaming each other or having an inability to work together.............

I think I've got that last one back on track but I'm still keeping my fingers crossed.

Glad they at least found the pneumonia even at this late date. Funny stuff though.....doesn't always present in the same way to everyone.   Seems they still got there early enough to where they can clear it prior to surgery..........LOL...I had reached the O2 deprivation point where I had no idea of what day, month, or even YEAR, it was and the only President I could recall was Nixon ferchrissakes.........

Right now the worst I got is a head cold (which I'm watching carefully) so I have plenty of extra good thoughts for both of you! You've both been through the wringer.......which is also called a "mangle" if I recall correstly.....seems more fitting........

Hang in...........Love you both.


Spaw

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: kendall
Date: 08 Jan 10 - 09:13 PM

Get a four year old to read to him. That will put him on his feet!

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: Tinker
Date: 09 Jan 10 - 12:47 AM

Dang .....missed this when I waltzed through here yesterday. Thoguht of you when Bubba (now Blind Bubba) bumbed into the car yesterday and simply acted like it was a normal way to ask for a ride..... made me think of him wanting to head to Maine with y'all.

Keep warm and keep keeping on the Doctors to keep it all together....

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 09 Jan 10 - 01:13 AM

If there was ever a case for health care reform and electronic record keeping, this is it.

Linn, it makes me tired reading about all of the things you're juggling, but it sounds like you're doing a good job. Deliver those dope slaps, as needed, in a diplomatic manner to the medical establishment.

PM your address, if you would. :)

Maggie

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: Morticia
Date: 09 Jan 10 - 06:18 AM

Wish we were closer to bring in wood, do some cooking, all those things you just don't need to be worried about right now. Both of you are in my thoughts, hope things turn round soon.

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: Severn
Date: 09 Jan 10 - 06:30 AM

Good luck and best wishes toward a speedy and complete recovery

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 09 Jan 10 - 07:20 AM

Fire in woodstove rebuilt and going nicely (glad I brought in the extra firewood last night), tea (double bergamot Earl Grey) made and half consumed, finished load of laundry and it's in the dryer, breakfast eaten (no, not the rest of the calzone, the bread pudding I made Wednesday).

Should go back upstairs and call Tom. Maybe find out what the game plan is for today.

I really hate spending the night alone in the house (alone except for the cats). Slept well, though, I guess. Only woke up around 3 a.m., but managed to get back to sleep.

Linn

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: AllisonA(Animaterra)
Date: 09 Jan 10 - 07:31 AM

I'm glad you slept well- that will make a world of difference today. Hang in there, sweetie, and let us know what you need.
Give our love to Tom!

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: LilyFestre
Date: 09 Jan 10 - 07:34 AM

Thinking of you both.

Michelle

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 09 Jan 10 - 09:33 AM

Okay, called Tom. Not in a huge hurry to get over to the hospital as, hey, it's a hospital and NOTHING happens rapidly (except emergencies, of course, and we're hoping to avoid that) -- mostly wait, wait, wait.

Anywho, he definitely has a blood infection that they're treating with antibiotics (which they actually started him on yesterday). Heparin but with coumadin in his future. (After the various medical procedures he's got scheduled.) Good thing I insisted he go to the hospital yesterday -- he curmudged and the EMTs called me upstairs to be "She Who Must Be Obeyed" (he didn't give me any curmudgeonry).

He's feeling great, other than all the lines and drips and stuff imprisoning him.

I'm hoping they'll turn him loose today, but it's a weekend, so usually not much happens. He'd probably like phone calls -- his voice is, of course, quieter than pre-cancer normal, but he's easily understood on the phone.

Just de-cluttered some closet stuff and added to the box to be added to the stuff in the car that goes to Goodwill -- Goodwill is directly on my way to the hospital.

Linn

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 09 Jan 10 - 10:24 AM

The other day I posted the Jan. 7 Arlo and Janis cartoon strip in my Facebook Status -- That's exactly how I've been feeling lately -- "wife, breadwinner, homemaker, triage nurse". I really identified with it. Then look what happened the very next morning! Life imitates art.
Triage Nurse

Linn

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: Donuel
Date: 09 Jan 10 - 10:25 AM

Linn you are a devoted goddess. Regarding the cacaphony of beeps and such.
Could you possibly smuggle a small air horn to Tom so he could trigger it under his covers with impunity?
It seems a dandy little megaphone would be great fun too.

After all this commotion you need to get all the good food, hugs and rest a goddess deserves. Do not Skimp!

Its too bad Tom doesn;t have anything to get the REALLY GOOD drugs, but it sounds like he is on the mend and on his way to a great Spring.

Remember Ladies first

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 09 Jan 10 - 10:35 AM

Gee whiz Linn.... if ya gotta imitate art... why not this

http://haydee13.com/photogallery/framed/beautiful%20women%20for%20painting.jpg

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: GUEST,Peadar (formerly) of Portsmouth
Date: 09 Jan 10 - 11:07 AM

Dammit, Linn, can't I leave you guys alone for a week?!?

Give a call if there's anything I can do.

Hugs.

Peter

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: wysiwyg
Date: 09 Jan 10 - 11:11 AM

Linn, I just saved that Triage cartoon to my "Mudcatters" folder. Let me know if you change it for VT's suggestion! :~)

~Susan

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 09 Jan 10 - 11:22 AM

Okay, more firewood brought in (the hard stuff -- had to chop ice off it; leave the easy stuff for dark), stove heating nicely and shut down, cats fed.

"Date" made with up-the-hill neighbor for when I get home and finish chores -- told her I had the Tia Maria if she had the coffee.

I also started organizing (or at least putting in piles) the paper pollution on Tom's side of the table. We'll work on the rest, too. This is nowhere near as bad as before his heart surgery, but I WAS doing a bit of mumbling under my breath. Threw out the obvious. (Now why can't HE do that?!?)

Errands on the way; some groceries on the way home. Hope they don't decide to release him tomorrow as I work noon to 5.

News at 11...
Linn

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 09 Jan 10 - 02:00 PM

If you throw things out, then you can no longer curmudge about them Linn.

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: maeve
Date: 09 Jan 10 - 02:05 PM

Linn and Tom- Love and encouragement is flying from our temporary housing to you both.

Love,

maeve

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: Jeri
Date: 09 Jan 10 - 02:18 PM

John, there are always other opportunities.

Personally, I think this whole winter sucks.

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: SINSULL
Date: 09 Jan 10 - 02:47 PM

And they still haven't changed the damn battery? Does it not pay enough to make it worth their while?
Very frustrating.

For the record, passing out as Tom did is a sign of pneumonia. My Dad did the same thing. No cough; no fever. But he passed out for a few minutes. And it was pneumonia.

Also for the record:
Guys, when you pass out, from other than alcoholic abuse, you are going to the hospital. Just shut up and accept it. Do you really think we are going to wait at home for the next shoe to drop? Tom, when you are feeling better I am going to slap you this side of your face.
Rant over.

Linn,
My cell phone is nearby. You have the number. Let me know what I can do.

Mary

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: Jeri
Date: 09 Jan 10 - 02:59 PM

Mary, it's a nice gesture, but I don't know if Tom's into that sort of stuff.

Smart EMTs! I bet it's in the manual: "When transportation to an emergency care facility is indicated and a male patient refuses transportation, request assistance from the patient's partner, who will employ well-established techniques to ensure compliance. Often, this comes in the form of the simple phrase, 'Oh yes you will!'"

Women, of course, aren't that difficult to deal with. (I know I always listen to other people and do the sensible thing.)

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: Bill D
Date: 09 Jan 10 - 03:42 PM

"(I know I always listen to other people and do the sensible thing.)"

...and we have the pictures to prove it.

---------------------------------

I can sorta empathize with Tom.... hospitals and doctors get pretty tedious after awhile, even when you NEED them. It IS tempting to 'wait & see'.

That's why we need women around....... (well...ummm... sorta)

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 09 Jan 10 - 04:45 PM

Can't stay here long -- more firewood to bring in while there's still some light -- gonna be real cold tonight.

Anywho, he's bored, BORED, real bored. But while I was there the sub for his hospital doc was in (it's Saturday...) and we had a nice talk. Looks like Tom is imprisoned (his word) until after his carotid angio or arteriogram (what's the difference? gotta look it up) on Tuesday. Since that will take him being immobilized for most of the day, I doubt they'll turn him loose on Tuesday, so maybe Wednesday. If so, then my co-worker and I don't have to swap hours on Tuesday (me opening, she closing). And, especially since I was talking to him about exercise for Tom (walking) and his leg pain (which won't let him do much walking), they're going to, since he's there, check the arteries in his arms and legs to check the damage to those and whether he'll need a stent there, too. The doc basically told Tom what I've been telling him for some time -- start moving. And the best way to do that is to walk. It'll help the meds work.

The infection and the pneumonia are parts of the same malady and he's on antibiotics, etc. for that.

The light is fading fast -- gotta go.

Linn

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: Hollowfox
Date: 09 Jan 10 - 05:06 PM

I guess I'd better bump up the $#@!-reduction candles for you two.   Bread pudding - my son Daniel calls it the Breakfast of Champions. And de-cluttering the table gives you something to do with your hands; good idea. I'd suggest taking Tom a bunch of cd's and something to play them on, as well as a couple of cheap novels, or one of those books he's sorta interested in, but never has the time to read. Maybe a musical instrument or two...

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: Jeri
Date: 09 Jan 10 - 05:29 PM

Any errands you need run, whether it's picking Tom up, shopping, or gathering firewood, and all you have to do is ask. I may go pester him some tomorrow.

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 09 Jan 10 - 05:43 PM

An exercise bike only goes as fast as you want, and there are no witnesses either

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 09 Jan 10 - 08:32 PM

Did I mention that Tom's defibrillator battery is scheduled to be renewed on Feb. 18th? They've only been questioning it since October...

Talked to Tom a couple hours ago. He had had a spike in blood sugar (he's not normally diabetic) for which he had been given insulin earlier today, but that's fine now. His blood oxygen is also better (it had been borderline) so they took him off oxygen.

I probably will talk to him tomorrow morning, but won't visit before work. I'll head over afterwards with the BBC History magazines, some old SingOut!s he asked for and a tape player with the tapes of "Flashman" by George MacDonald Fraser that I scored for a couple bucks at Goodwill on my way home from the hospital. (Yeehah! I won! I donated more cubic footage than I left with!)

Then again, if I took him his concertina, he'd probably be out of there tomorrow... ;-)

My standard breakfast alternates between zucchini bread (lots of grated zucchini, raisins, walnuts) and bread pudding. This particular batch of bread pudding is made from leftover 5-grain bread, the usual eggs and cinnamon, dried cranberries and -- this was a first -- real buttermilk instead of regular milk. And I think I'll continue making it that way. (Bought more of Kate's Buttermilk today -- I'm hooked.)

I am very tired -- and on my way to bed after a bit of a read and a bit of brandy.

Linn

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: JudyB
Date: 09 Jan 10 - 10:10 PM

Hugs to you both....
(((((Tom))))) (((((Linn)))))

~JudyB

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: catspaw49
Date: 09 Jan 10 - 10:35 PM

Sins is dead right on pneumonia as I alluded to earlier. When I went to the ER last September, the last thing I thought I had was pneumonia and yet it was one of the worst stays I ever had because of the treatment and the advanced stage that it had reached. I had only a very dry type of cough and felt awful......I was afraid it might be the H1N1 flu. Pneumonia presents in a lot of very different ways and it can advance rapidly and take a long time to get past. Its not just a bad cold.........

Linn......The terms are the same thing. Arteriogram and Angiogram are basically interchangeable terms and the testing is like a cardiac cath. Basically, they insert the cath and then use it in the same way they do in a cardiac cath but this time its in the neck. Nothing terrible and a lot easier than a cardiac cath as you don't need to lay flat and immobile for gawdamned forever!!!! Generally they like to keep a close eye on you for a longer time though as they're mucking about with the carotids which allows flow to the brain and they don't want you "blowing a headpipe."

Although I know how Tom feels, I learned to accept hospitals and it makes everything easier. Just think of it as riding an elephant downhill. Just hang on til the rides over.........

Tell Tom that like everyone else here, I'm thinking about the both of you...........There are a lot of us (and some are now gone) who have spent way too damn much time in hospitals. I know we have to "pay" for the follies of our youth, but is it really necessary to pay so damn much? And our spouses have to pay too. I have no idea how Linn and Karen and the many others do it. I apologize to Karen all the time but she thinks I'm nuts, but really....the woman deserved a lot better than me!

Hang in Guys.........This particular elephant ride has a a ways to go yet it seems but for what its worth, we're all here for the duration.

Spaw

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 10 Jan 10 - 04:51 AM

I really do fritter away time...

3 Cats & an elephant

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: Micca
Date: 10 Jan 10 - 05:17 AM

VTam, I have always loved this Elephant By Hokusai here but if 'Mudge'is riding downhill,(be it temporarily)on this Elephant I do hope this lot are not steering!!!! even If it seems to be an analogue for many hospitals!!!

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 10 Jan 10 - 05:32 AM

Yup, that's Spaw, to the life :)

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: My guru always said
Date: 10 Jan 10 - 05:53 AM

Candle still lit for Tom & Linn, bt I'm afraid it's being shared with a lot of other friends at the moment, it seems to be a rotten time for a lot of people. Sending positive thoughts, love & hugs!
Hil x
Brandy, Tia Maria, Hot Toddies are good too for relaxing, but you do need to take care of yourself Linn!

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 10 Jan 10 - 07:10 AM

The elephant and 'Catters is bril! Lovely way to start the morning.

Got my cuppa next to me and the fire is started in the stove. (I can't seem to stuff it like Tom can to get it to hold the night -- or have more than a few niggardly coals and warm ash in the morning.)

The water in the kitchen was initially frozen, but was running shortly. (By the time I brought the tea kettle down from filling it in the bathroom.)

Fingers are a bit frozen here and starting to seize up, so I'm not staying long at the computer before taking my breakfast upstairs to bed and then to get up enough nerve for a shower. (It'll be warm IN the shower -- and the upstairs is warmer than this, the coldest room in the house.)

Gonna check FB then vamouse for a bit. I'll have talked to Tom by the time I check back, but there probably won't be anything new since I talked to him last night. I won't have time to go to Dover before going to work, but I'll head to the hospital as soon as I close at 5 bearing entertainment.

Linn

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: AllisonA(Animaterra)
Date: 10 Jan 10 - 08:30 AM

Oh, my dear, warm up (looks like you're doing it right). You know we're all holding tight! I don't have any warm advice except to keep on keeping on!!

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 10 Jan 10 - 10:14 AM

Talked to Tom -- but he hadn't had his coffee yet. He did say he got a delightful call from a librarian in Youngstown, Ohio -- said it was too noisy in his room and hall last night to catch the name. Was that Karen, Catspaw's long suffering better half?

I just de-cluttered a few more things from the guestroom closet, and went through another magazine and some papers to dispose of. Threw another item into the Goodwill box. (Should transfer to a bag and put in the car so next time I drive past during biz hours, I can get it out of my life.)

Gotta go bring in some firewood (boy! does THAT sound like a broke record!)

I'll be back before I head to work.

Linn

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: catspaw49
Date: 10 Jan 10 - 11:19 AM

The 'Catter from Youngstown is the delightful "Hollowfox" of the X&$#VX**%!*! reduction candles. Karen and I spent a fun day over in east Ohio with her a few years back and she's another Mudcat "character."   

Spaw

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: EBarnacle
Date: 10 Jan 10 - 11:55 AM

This thread sounds a lot like the discussion I had with my mother yesterday while we were over there for his 92nd b'day.

As selfish as it may sound, you have to take care of yourself first! If you are not in shape, how can you take care of those around you? If you need some time for yourself and your companion needs care at the same time, DO NOT PUT YOUR NEEDS ON HOLD. It is now possible to get Social Services to get you some relief, even if it's just for an hour or two at a time. Speak to the social worker assigned to Mudge's case. That what the whole damned department is there for.[Rant over.]

As far as his loss of consciousness, get them to push up the date of his battery change. I will give you odds his pulse or blood pressure was below par. Falling out in a bad place can have serious results.

As has been said in several ways here, you have to look at the whole picture and you are part of that picture.

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: SINSULL
Date: 10 Jan 10 - 01:01 PM

Linn,
Make room for a treadmill. It is the simplest way for Tom to start walking SLOWLY and carefully to build up his stamina. The snow is not an excuse and you don't have to worry about broken limbs from falling on ice.
Plant it in front of a TV and let him watch his favorite video.
SINS, about to do the same.

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 10 Jan 10 - 01:17 PM

Mini trampoline does well too and receives the shock, making it easier to walk longer. Very difficult to resit the urge to bounce and twist though.

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: open mike
Date: 10 Jan 10 - 01:50 PM

if you're gonna ride an elephant
go for this one!
The sultan;s elephant

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: mouldy
Date: 10 Jan 10 - 03:10 PM

Glad to hear they seem to be sort of getting their act(s) together. It's a pain in the proverbial being stuck in hospital when you don't want to be, but he's in the best place for now, and somebody else is dealing with most of his care, which gives you (hopefully) more time to attend to your own needs, which you must - when the logging's out of the way!

Keep strong...thinking about you both.

Andrea

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: kendall
Date: 10 Jan 10 - 03:27 PM

The most important healer in this case is Tom himself!

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: Jeri
Date: 10 Jan 10 - 06:21 PM

I saw him a bit earlier. He was very thankful for the phone call and is bored out of his skull. No pneumonia though--some sort of blood infection (septicemia). He also said the chicken salad wasn't bad.

I suggested he get a hold of one of those kid's guns that shoot suction-cup darts and try to pop the people walking past his room. I'm guessing the staff wouldn't think that was as funny as Tom might, though.

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 10 Jan 10 - 07:51 PM

Merde! I just posted a long post and it didn't "take".

Sorry. I just don't have time to post it again.

I've finally gotten home after a zooish day at work where I couldn't leave until over a half hour after I should have, headed to the hospital to see Tom and deliver most of the entertainment (he said he wouldn't have time to listen to Flashman cuz of what they have planned tomorrow and Tuesday), got home, brought in as much wood as I could carry along with my purse and briefcase, restarted the fire (some coals left), made and ate dinner (in front of the computer) and now gotta get some more wood so I can go to bed and wind down at some point.

No, Mary -- Tom just plain won't use a treadmill. But I will be able to get him walking when they sort out the pain in his legs. He had the DOCTOR tell him he needs to be more active and why; he doesn't listen to me about stuff like that, even though I've been explaining it to him for years. Sorry, I'm frustrated and exhausted and have got a whole bunch of stuff to get done tonight and tomorrow morning before going to work.

Later,
Linn

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: GUEST,Justine
Date: 10 Jan 10 - 07:58 PM

Linn,
So sorry about this news. I hope you are holding up under the stress. It's really a shame that Tom doesn't have one doctor who will take the responsibility to oversee/coordinate everything so that the burden is not on you. My unsolicited advice? Go to Boston. And if you need anything, reach out. So many people are waiting to help.

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 11 Jan 10 - 02:45 AM

I am going to plug the mini trampoline again. Set it in front of TV with lovely videos of outdoor scenes. Some have decent music, like some Scottish highlands videos. Stunning scenery and bagpipes wi'out the mozzies and weather. Can't beat it.

Really I have terrible foot and leg pain not only joints but muscles not getting enough chemicals or oxygen or something. The trampoline reduces a lot of the pain because it absorbs the shock of each foot fall. Nice easy pace. Advise glass of water before starting ad use of TENS machine during and/or after.

I know it is the willpower to just get up and do it. Just heard a very interesting news report on BBC R 1 about the willpower muscle (yes they called it that). Some study found that the brain doesn't have anything left over to give to willpower after taxing work or if dealing with pain etc. Best thing for the willpower is to make conscious move to just sitting up and standing up straight. Improving the posture makes it work better.

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 11 Jan 10 - 04:35 AM

Midgies dear, midgies, pleeeeeze :)

Midgies

Enjoy

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 11 Jan 10 - 06:19 AM

VT, interesting...especially what you say about posture. I've been bugging him about that, too, on a regular basis -- telling him you can't just put it off, then fix it "when he's got time". His shoulders have become quiet rounded since his heart surgery in 2004. He even denied it until I showed him pictures of himself. I suggested that some of his lung capacity problems (and singing problems, volume, etc., pre-cancer) might be caused by that -- and the "cure" is to just straighten his shoulders every time he thinks of it.

I guess the problem is he just never thinks of it. (Or else he needs some male-type person he respects to reinforce the idea.) I even talked to my physical therapists back when I was doing rehab on my broken arm.

The trampoline might be problematic, though, alas -- I'm sure Rufus (our young red male cat) would have to investigate his feet and the surface and try to, uh, "help". ;-)

Linn

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: SINSULL
Date: 11 Jan 10 - 08:28 AM

Well, I can help with the boredom part. I have a specially made slingshot and a supply of tiny flying nuns and cats. Might amuse Tom to ping his fellow inmates with a Sister of Charity.

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 11 Jan 10 - 08:29 AM

Okay, talked to Tom a little while ago -- he can't have food, etc. because they're doing some sort of procedure today. Could be vascular, could be something to find out exactly what kind of infection he has.

They initially said pneumonia because it was an infection and they didn't know what it was, so the standard answer is pneumonia.

I won't get to see him until I leave work today at 4. Going to drop off some magazines for Express Care at the hospital since I'll be there. Used to do this when I drove from physical therapy for my arm in Somersworth to Portsmouth to work.

Later!
Linn

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: AllisonA(Animaterra)
Date: 11 Jan 10 - 08:49 AM

<<>>

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: My guru always said
Date: 11 Jan 10 - 08:53 AM

Hey VT, what height does your ceiling need to be for the trampoline?? Ours are quite low, but it sounds like a good exercise!

Keep warm Linn!

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: Charley Noble
Date: 11 Jan 10 - 08:56 AM

Linn-

Hoping for the best; would settle for even better!

Charley Noble, resident in Brooklyn for the week

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: SINSULL
Date: 11 Jan 10 - 09:04 AM

Can't help but think of Trampolina Whangbanger, a character in the movie "Can Hieronymous Merkin Forget Mercy Hump and Find True Happiness".

Linn - you just missed me. I left my desk to get some coffee. I'll call tonight.
M

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: SINSULL
Date: 11 Jan 10 - 09:09 AM

Some misspellings there. Oh well.

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: katlaughing
Date: 11 Jan 10 - 10:58 AM

I wonder if that is a common thing after heart surgery. Maybe we are all protecting our hearts after? I've noticed slumping, too, though some of it is breast weight, I think. Anyway, my doc talked with me about it, recently. She told me to stand against a wall making sure my shoulder blades touch it and to tuck in my chin. Now that I am aware of it, I am sitting up better and remembering to do as she said.

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: SINSULL
Date: 11 Jan 10 - 11:36 AM

Here is an interesting take on it. Seems pain between the shoulder blades is a common problem after heart surgery. I would have expected fear of opening the incision across the sternum.

http://www.kfoxtv.com/health/6502499/detail.html

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: wysiwyg
Date: 11 Jan 10 - 12:01 PM

Some of it can be skin adhesions too, not only visible on the surface but in the skin'sunderlayers closed during surgery. Our friend particularly had a hard time rehabbing back to full his ROM (range of motion) because that involved stretching adhesions as well as skin tightened more normally from stitches, and it hurts! (Ever rehab a "new" tendon? OUCH!)

What's hell about it is that any rehab not completed at these ages makes an older person more vulnerable to having the NEXT problem, and then complicates the healing and recovery from THAT. Some folks just are more aggressive in their willingness to do hard, painful work, and are focused more on enjoying life day-to-day-- which can be frustrating to live with, because of course WE want our dearest ones to love forever and be able to do everything they love so much.

When Hardi's dad chose, instead, to slow down, it was hard on all of us who were involved, both as family loving him and for those of us who also were hands-on caregivers. And it's a familiar pattern parochially as well-- that tricky balance between (A) wanting to encourage someone we love to try hard and (B) wanting to respect their own choices.

~Susan

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 11 Jan 10 - 12:51 PM

A Mercy Hump, sounds like a charitable screw Mary!

"Come ony man at a' that'll tak me oot o' pity
And it's; Oh dear me, whit will ah dae, if ah dee an auld maid in a garrett"

Yes I know


John CELLAR !!!!

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 11 Jan 10 - 01:06 PM

Oh dear, you are so right John. Midges it is and after 3 holidays in Scotland they only had their first taste of me this last summer. Only a few bites but good grief they didn't want to stop itching, even a month later. Potent poison. Song is great... Whole human race started by McAdam and Eve... snort.

Linn - the posture thing. If he is on the PC a lot, then set up an Outlook reminder to "sit up."

I have one on my pc at work that tells me to "take a hike" to remind me to get up and away from the work. Now I often click the snooze button on it. Remind me in 15 minutes or 30 minutes, depending on how engrossed I am. But it may work for posture, she won't have to get up and go away from what he is doing.

Failing that, maybe an electric shock to his chair to remind him of posture.

Mary - I think you should get him a water cannon. No harm done by a little water being shot at passersby.

Hilary - mini tramp heights can vary. Ours is about 8 or 9 inches from floor. We do not bounce. I walk and TSO jogs on it. Guess when he does that he rises another 4 to 6 inches. So you need to add your height to mini tramp height plus 6 inches bounce for running.

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: SINSULL
Date: 11 Jan 10 - 01:31 PM

Mini tramp heights? Munchkin prostitutes?
I am having a hard time keeping up with you, Tam Tam.
SINS

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: kendall
Date: 11 Jan 10 - 02:15 PM

Tom! Dont make me come down there.

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 11 Jan 10 - 03:16 PM

Mini tramp heights? Munchkin prostitutes?

Now who should be sent to the Cellar!

A Mercy Hump, sounds like a charitable screw Mary!

tsk tsk tsk

This thread has gone totally off the rails.

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: SINSULL
Date: 11 Jan 10 - 03:21 PM

You started it with the trampoline.


Tom will be amused when he finally gets to read this.

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: ClaireBear
Date: 11 Jan 10 - 03:28 PM

Re-railing here: I used to have a mini-trampoline myself, and VTam is quite right about it being fun (and easy on the body) to jog or dance on. MGAS, the thing itself is maybe 6 inches high, and it makes you bounce just a few inches higher than you would if you were jogging in place on the floor. You won't be doing any backflips on it, so ceiling clearance is probably not an issue. About 3 feet across though, so room to store it can be an issue.

Linn, anything I can send from exotic California to make either of your lives better? (Note: calamari do not ship well.) You have only to ask...

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 11 Jan 10 - 03:59 PM

Calamari here I come,
Smell that parcel, does it hum?
Like being downwind of Spaw's bum
Calamari here I come ♫쳌ô♫

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: katlaughing
Date: 11 Jan 10 - 04:26 PM

It won't matter to the guys, probably, but I was told not to use the mini-tramp because of certain loose parts peculiar to the female body and the strain it would put on them. (No, not boobs.:-)

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: Jeri
Date: 11 Jan 10 - 04:38 PM

I'm female, and I don't have even one tiny little clue what 'loose parts' might be 'strained', and I would prefer to remain ignorant. On me, though, it's my knees, although a trampoline probably would hurt them. I'll tell you though, Tom is gonna get a real kick out of this thread when he's able to read it!

I'm not going today, as Linn is probably there or almost there, and the Mudge has 'procedures'. I should have mentioned that he should tell the doctors he's in extreme pain whenever he has to lie still for any length of time (I made that up, but my mom had problems). Good excuse for primo drugs.

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 11 Jan 10 - 05:44 PM

Lips, Kat?

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 11 Jan 10 - 06:02 PM

If Kat is talkin bout what I thinks she's talkin bout....just do gentle walk, no jogging or bouncing and loose bits won't make you need to reach for Depends (Tena if you are in UK).


my problem is lungs... they want to jump out my mouth and slap me around the head.

then my eyeballs fall out which makes me mis-step, fall of the tramp and do a mighty damage to myself.

talk about loose bits.

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 11 Jan 10 - 06:10 PM

PLease Tam, I have this picture in my head, and it's not pretty.

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 11 Jan 10 - 07:12 PM

Yes, Tom is going to be very amused when he reads this thread. I'm very grateful for the laughs this evening as well.

Haven't been home that long. Took Tom some newspapers my coworker brought in. Stopped to pick up fizzy water (seltzer) on the way home...BTW, never stop at a grocery store when you're hungry. Sigh. Mozzarella sticks...cheddar cheese rice crisps...cheddar Goldfish...they weren't on my list. (Do we see a trend here? My Wisconsin heritage showing?) Should have picked up a bag of edamame, but I just really wanted to escape that store. I don't have time to cook, but have to eat, so Lean Cuisine seems to be working.

He had a procedure today to check if the infection has affected his heart. Tomorrow he's supposed to have the scheduled carotid angiogram. He FEELS fine but the drips and tubes and stuff have him feeling strangled. He can't move without a machine going "beep".

Having a bouncy surface to walk in place on would be lovely -- but we don't have any available floor space unless we do something drastic. (Actually, I've been trying to find what passes for a floor here for years.) I sometimes walk in place. Don't think my poor bone-on-bone arthritic knees would take to a trampoline, but, then again, I have a reasonably active indoor job, so I'm in better shape than I've been in years. And have been trying to get Tom more active by example.

I think I've spent enough time here avoiding going out and getting tonight's supply of firewood. (Actually, it's tonight's and enough so I don't have to go out first thing in the morning.)

I'll be back later, after talking to Tom again.

Linn

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: Hollowfox
Date: 11 Jan 10 - 08:28 PM

Yes, it was me what made the phone call. Loved the sexy whispering on the phone. I couldn't hear any of the medical machinery though, and all my witty repartee was entirely unscripted, so I can't say for sure what I said that Tom didn't hear.
'Spaw calls me a character?! I'm honored, I think. Let's just say I'm touched.

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 11 Jan 10 - 09:38 PM

Hollowfox, about the only thing he couldn't quite understand was your name. Enjoyed the conversation immensely! Thanks for calling!

Linn

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: Charley Noble
Date: 11 Jan 10 - 09:46 PM

And as evening shadows fall, so ends another episode of Doctor Dare.

Night, everyone!

Charley Noble, somewhere in Brooklyn

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: katlaughing
Date: 11 Jan 10 - 11:39 PM

Not lips!

No need for Depends.

Usually only happens when one has had kids, esp. at a young age, and/or is overweight. That is ALL I am saying!:-)

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 12 Jan 10 - 01:43 AM

nuff said, Kat.

Linn, we keep our tramp leaned up against the window most of the time and lay her down on floor when we want to use her...

heh heh heh

I didn't know obscene phone calls were permitted to patients with potential heart problems.

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: KT
Date: 12 Jan 10 - 02:06 AM

Linn & Tom, I've just now seen this....just want you to know you're being held in a heart way up north. Take it easy.......KT

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: My guru always said
Date: 12 Jan 10 - 07:27 AM

Ok, I'm going to go & measure the room height tonight. I'm not sure that I wouldn't be VERY close to the ceiling (lath & plaster) & probably hitting the 'chandelier' (old wooden one) with my ear on every 'up'! And anyway, I don't have any wall space inside for storage, hmmm.....

Try to have something hot to eat Linn, soup???

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: SINSULL
Date: 12 Jan 10 - 08:02 AM

Linn and I had a long chat last night. She's tired - work, the hospital, the wood pile and some very demanding kitties. Add to that dead flying squirrel parts...a full day.
I keep telling my kitty Ed - summer is coming, I promise.

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 12 Jan 10 - 08:30 AM

Someone should copyright this thread - If we acted it out we could make a fortune on YouTube and possibly cheer up a few more heart patients - or kill 'em!

Although the culture difference may once more take effect... A porno thread with British tramps might be somewhat less enticing... our tramps tend to have alcohol issues, wardrobe malfunctions and smell bad...

LTS

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: SINSULL
Date: 12 Jan 10 - 08:35 AM

Can I play the Munchkin prostitute?

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 12 Jan 10 - 08:38 AM

You hum it, I'll play it.

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: MMario
Date: 12 Jan 10 - 08:47 AM

Which raises the question - is Munchkin Prostitute best strummed or plucked? What fingering do you use?

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: SINSULL
Date: 12 Jan 10 - 08:53 AM

CELLAR! Both of you.

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: catspaw49
Date: 12 Jan 10 - 08:54 AM

Actually they're more like bagpipes.....a blow job sort of instrument...........Fingerings are unimportant, juat keep them blowing.....

Spaw

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: MMario
Date: 12 Jan 10 - 09:48 AM

Hey 'Spaw - there's room in the cellar for yo uas well....

(She's probably just irritated she didn't think of the comments first)

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: jacqui.c
Date: 12 Jan 10 - 10:03 AM

MMario - Spaw's not allowed in the cellar now - he has to go to the outhouse.

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 12 Jan 10 - 10:12 AM

Munchkin prostitutes...the mind boggles. I'm glad our friends aren't a bunch of stoggie sobersides!

In response to query, I'm more or less living on Lean Cuisine which is nutritious, inexpensive, and interesting as there is a lot of variety. Also prepared soups -- the country vegetable one currently bolstered by leftover red lentils. I'm a decent cook (though Tom does most of the cooking); I just don't have the time right now.

If nothing else, this latest AFGO ("Another F#*king Growth Opportunity") has gotten me in the loop with our on-line banking. Some time ago I had nailed Tom's feet to the floor and made him show me what he does, passwords, etc. "just in case". Of course, right now I can't find the paper I wrote it on. Sigh. But he ran me through it again and I just checked our checking balance, transferred some from savings and will stop at the credit union on my way to work to deposit Tom's last paycheck and pay the mortgage.

Then I can pick up a package of kindling at the store and stop at "the Scottish restaurant" for a quick lunch before heading to work. Didn't have to pack my evening lunch today as I had yesterday's -- Sears put out an employee appreciation spread (ham, meatballs, pilaf, corn, salad, rolls, cake, etcet) yesterday, though no one told Optical.

Since I work until 8, I won't get to see Tom til about 8:30, but I'll come bearing the paperwork for a procedure his primary care doc ordered. It seems for some reason they're NOT doing the scheduled (by his vascular guy) carotid angiogram today, but will do it on Friday. Does that mean they're not turning him loose until then?!? I just talked to him a few minutes ago and they still don't seem to know what the infection is, but they don't seem particularly concerned.

Just got a call from Dr. Zeitels' office in Boston requesting Tom's new insurance info, so got that squared away.

I need to reorganize my purse -- I have Tom's billfold, Tom's pocket medical, etc. cards in it besides all of my crap, I mean, necessary stuff. Need to add another notebook for "brain dumps", too.

Gotta go!

Linn

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: RoyH (Burl)
Date: 12 Jan 10 - 10:19 AM

Good thoughts coming to you both from Elaine and me. All the best. Burl

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 12 Jan 10 - 09:49 PM

Just got home from work, then the hospital for a couple minutes.

Remembered to get the mail from the box. (Forgot last night.) Schlepped the bag of kindling (plus my regular impedimenta, etc.) inside. Raked up the coals and got the fire started easily. I should only have to bring in a couple loads since I'm shutting it down soon -- but need to have enough so I don't have to go out too early tomorrow morning.

I'm very, very tired as can be told by my forgetting little things in the closing routine (maybe; I can't remember).

Took Tom a clean pair of sweat pants -- not purple. Brought the purple ones home to wash.

He got a doomaphlagey in the arm (can't remember what it's called) so that he can dose himself with antibiotics for the next few weeks. Still don't know when they'll turn him lose. He MIGHT have the procedure tomorrow that they postponed from today until Friday. (Did you follow that?) And I think they still don't know exactly what the infection is, but it's not affecting his heart. (They did that test yesterday.)

First thing when Tom gets home is I'm going to learn how to prime the furnace!

Good night, dear friends!

Linn

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: Jeri
Date: 12 Jan 10 - 10:04 PM

It's a pump, although there's probably some 24-syllable, hyphenated name for it. Insulin pump, pain meds pump, chemo pump, antibiotics.

The docs don't care so much what the infection is, as long as the antibiotics are working. It's the FWITIW approach. Anyway, it's good that they aren't worried enough to cancel procedures. Just please make sure you take care of yourself.

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 12 Jan 10 - 10:25 PM

Stove going nicely. Got in enough wood so I don't have to go out first thing in the morning. Just opened some cards from some local friends -- very nice, to Tom and to me, too.

Just poured myself a brandy and will shut down the stove and trudge upstairs with not too many things in hand. Will read a bit (and sip a bit) before falling asleep.

Tomorrow, at least, is a day off (meaning at least I don't have to go to work!).

Jeri, he called it something else. One syllable, but not pump, I think. Brain's not working too well right now. I should probably keep it in my sock drawer along with my sanity for safekeeping.

Good night! (Really, this time)

Linn

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: catspaw49
Date: 13 Jan 10 - 12:28 AM

The preferred way to dose is using an A-Line which gets heavier doses of stronger antibiotics as near the heart as possible but they aren't usually sent on home with one as they do require some care. I'm like Jeri.....All I know are various designs of dosing pumps.

Hope tomorrow is a good day for you both!

Spaw

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 13 Jan 10 - 12:59 AM

you've certainly been living in interesting times, Linn

sandra

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: SINSULL
Date: 13 Jan 10 - 08:32 AM

Keep a notepad handy, Linn. Write everything down. You can't trust your memory right now and all Tom is hearing is when he can go home.

Get that damn furnace hooked up properly with a thermostat and all you have to do is adjust the thermostat when you want heat. You and Tom are both getting to the point healthwise where it is a necesity not a luxury.

Lecture over,
Mother SINS

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: Charley Noble
Date: 13 Jan 10 - 09:03 AM

Another brighter day, hopefully.

Charley Noble

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 13 Jan 10 - 09:06 AM

Portal in his arm for antibiotics is the same as he had a couple years ago when he had to do daily antibiotics for a month. If you've got replacement heart parts, they get very twitchy about any and all infections.

We just plain don't have the money for the work that needs to be done on the furnace. Tom said he was thinking (before he landed in the hospital) about checking into what county assistance we might apply for to bring the heating system up to what normal people have. The original furnace when Tom built the house in the late '70s (from a kit) was hot water -- which was totally incompatible with wood heat. The heat from the stove would screw up the thermostat so that the water would freeze in the pipes. This furnace is hot air -- and, after we get the duct work installed, should be fine with a thermostat.

I don't like to think we're getting to old for this -- my great uncle Ernie's wife was chopping (kindling) wood well into her 90s (for the cook stove!) as well as milking a substantial herd alone. They had no electricity in the house, but there may have been current to the barn, so I don't know if she milked by hand or machine (in which case she would have still stripped by hand).

Gotta go call Tom.

Linn

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: catspaw49
Date: 13 Jan 10 - 09:43 AM

PICC Line is the thing you're referring to Linn. PICC is an acronym btw for peripherally inserted central catheter. Were you amazed at how damn long the things are? Again.....good luck on today!!

Spaw

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 13 Jan 10 - 10:31 AM

That's it, Spaw! Was just about to post that after talking to Tom about an hour ago. He just knew what it was called -- not how it was spelled or what it stood for.

Yeah, snakes all the way from his arm to his heart. He'll be on the antibiotics for about 3 weeks. Very similar to a couple years ago when he had a blood infection from an inflamed bursa on his elbow. I guess they still don't know exactly what the source of this infection is.

Linn

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 13 Jan 10 - 10:43 AM

Geez. Just got off the phone with Tom again. He's now ANGRY besides everything else. And I need to find out who the hell is actually in charge so I can talk to him.

Tom hasn't been able to talk to a doctor for awhile -- just the nurses and they seem confused at best or they just plain don't know.

Now they're saying he needs to go to a nursing facility (for the next 3 weeks?!?) because he needs the antibiotics every 4 hours.

How does this affect his scheduled vocal cord surgery on the 26th? Well, after I bring him the phone #, he's calling Dr. Z's office in Boston.

Meanwhile, I think he needs to hear from his cardiologist, his vascular guy, etc. He "saw" the head honcho (hospital) infectious disease guy (he's the one who oversaw the infection last time, too) for a couple minutes this morning but he didn't give Tom any info.

Gotta go gird my loins and attack the day.

Linn

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: katlaughing
Date: 13 Jan 10 - 10:59 AM

Linn, maybe the hospital has an ombudsman/woman who can help you get answers, etc. Also, there should be a social worker who could help find out what can be done for the furnace. Some things our ancestors did I think they'd gladly trade for a little less of...i.e. your ancestress might actually think a furnace and running water were just fine, no matter what her ancestress did.:-)

luvyaboth,

kat

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: SINSULL
Date: 13 Jan 10 - 11:26 AM

Deep breaths, Linn.
It is not likely that the surgery will go ahead if he has an infection.
If he needs to be in a nursing facility, so be it. The first order of business is getting this infection under control. You can't have him randomly passing out at home especially if you're not there to call for help.
Maybe they can get him up and exercising a bit. That would be a good thing.
Hang in there.
Mary

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 13 Jan 10 - 11:39 AM

The real problem seems to be lack of communication -- between his doctors, between the doctors and Tom and between the doctors and MW.

Mostly the lack of communication between the doctors at the hospital and between the doctors and the staff. Tom's been complaining about THAT since Saturday.

The furnace situation will sort itself out -- I am NOT concerned about that at this time. It merely means that I have to spend time (in short supply) bringing in firewood right now. But, you know what? THAT'S WHAT WE DO IN THE WINTER!!!

Time is the major problem -- I have to do alone what Tom and I usually do together. AND work. At least today is my day off (from Sears Optical, at least).

I'm bringing in one more load of wood (just got the trash up to the road for pickup) and heading to the hospital.

BTW, in my experience (which is fairly extensive), the social workers and patient advocates at the hospitals are mostly useless (but mostly harmless) except for handing out photocopies of brochures for sources of possible assistance.

I WANT ANSWERS!!! (And I'm going to get them.)

Linn

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: kendall
Date: 13 Jan 10 - 11:54 AM

Damn

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 13 Jan 10 - 01:50 PM

echoing Kendall

Best of luck getting the answers you require.

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: gnu
Date: 13 Jan 10 - 02:11 PM

Linn... Been there, done that more than once. What I have found to be a very useful second approach is, "I need help. I need someone to help me find out what is going on (what the plan is... whatever) before I lose the ability to cope with the situation. Can you help me find out?"

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: gnu
Date: 13 Jan 10 - 02:15 PM

Oh... yeah... continued thoughts and prayers.

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: catspaw49
Date: 13 Jan 10 - 03:27 PM

Linn......I'm not even going to try to explain but you and Karen have a LOT to talk about sometime........truly soul sisters in this case.......

Do you have GP involved?    A great GP is, at their best, a great case manager. I had a fandamtastic GP and when we lost her the difference was not just apparent but damn near tragic. I think we now have another good one or at least it appears that way. Many GPs have gone the route of using a "Hospital Specialist" to do the hospital end of things for them. It doesn't work.

I'll shut up now and just tell you that like everyone else I'm holding good thoughts for you and hoping things improve.......


Spaw

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 13 Jan 10 - 06:18 PM

Just got home, but stopped and saw friends after I left Tom and stopped at the grocery store.

Talked (on the phone, so we haven't yet me face-to-face) with the doctor who is supposed to be coordinating his care. The major thing right now is they will be moving him to a nursing facility on Friday (they'll do the planned carotid angiogram tomorrow, I think). The ONLY reason for sending him to a nursing facility (for 3+ weeks!!!) is his insurance co/Medicare won't pay for the 6-times a day antibiotics (through the PICC) at home having him do it himself (with startup assistance from Visiting Nurses) as he did the last time he had a blood infection.

She also said the infection is a common one (I didn't have a chance to write it down) that is usually picked up in the hospital. ARGHHHHHHH!!!! Sigh. After all, he's had several recent vascular diagnostic procedures lately.

And, no, he can't come home for a few hours and take care of a few things around here to simplify life a bit in between hospital and nursing facility because the facility will only accept him directly from the hospital.

#@%#ING BUREAUCRACIES!!!!

His COPD was probably a temporary flare-up.

I still have some questions, but I have her name & phone number. She asked if I had a medical background because of what I was asking, what I knew, and how often I brought up things like exercise to work with meds -- trying to be proactive since I have my doubts at how proactive his primary care doctor is. And the specialists only seem to be interested in the aspect of Tom that relates to their specialty -- as if cardiac, vascular and pulmonary don't interact with each other! You can't ignore any aspect of that equation!

He said he had a heart racing problem the other day caused by the fact they didn't give him his evening pills -- the nurse said they'd given him stronger ones earlier. He had to make a ruckus about that -- you don't change heart meds that have been working for 6 years, fer-pete's-sake!

This afternoon, too, we set up what we've basically ignored way too long -- durable medical power of attorney and Living Will -- because in New Hampshire the spouse doesn't automatically have that power. The hospital makes it very easy to do, so we BOTH signed the papers. Don't know why we didn't do this six years ago.

Then, just before I left, someone finally pointed out that the hospital makes available laptops with internet connections that patients can borrow. And he got one. I know he's read this thread -- he didn't post because (he just told me when I called him) it's difficult for him to see the keyboard in the low light of his room.

That's the news for now, folks!

Linn

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 13 Jan 10 - 06:52 PM

It is well known that hospitals are no place for sick people. Good luck with all of this, you two.

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: GUEST,curmudgeon
Date: 13 Jan 10 - 07:13 PM

Greetings and gratitude to comrades all for the well wishes and hopes for my recovwry. I must also add my pleasure at the levityb afforded some of you possessed of a particlar twist of humour. However, I must be brief.The light here is less than ideal; I have an eye irritation (minor), and I need to generate rude thoughts about the origin of my afflictions.

Keep p the positives! Thanks - Tom

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 13 Jan 10 - 07:40 PM

more positives coming your way

sandra

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: katlaughing
Date: 13 Jan 10 - 07:45 PM

Good to see you, Tom.

Linn, is there no one who can come prime the furnace for you?

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: jacqui.c
Date: 13 Jan 10 - 07:46 PM

Good to hear from you Tom.

We're off down to Boston tomorrow for Kendall's operation on Friday. We'll wave as we go past on the coach.

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: KathWestra
Date: 13 Jan 10 - 10:29 PM

Just visiting this thread for the first time on one of my very occasional visits to Mudcat, and sending you both love and wishes for a speedy, uncomplicated recovery for Tom.

Linn, try to get some rest. You're being a wonderful advocate for Tom. He's lucky to have you asking all those questions and generally raising hell on his behalf. Big hugs from D.C. Kathy

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: My guru always said
Date: 14 Jan 10 - 05:08 AM

Well done for finding out most of what's going on Linn. Keep looking after yourself, eating & sleeping, you're obviously getting plenty of exercise!!!

Gnu, I thought that was an excellent plan, talking someone on the inside into helping you fight your corner.

Tom, lovely to see you here, positive thoughts still flowing to you & Linn. Love & Hugs,
Hil x

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 14 Jan 10 - 05:25 AM

Sheesh, hospitals! When will they start treating people like responsible adults?
Nurses changing meds, hospita; acquired infections, laptops available, nobody says they are there when you are admitted!! Grrrr.
Medical knowledge is to be shared, not treated like the tenets of a secret society.
The fact that the doctor asked Linn if she had medical training, indicates the mind set of so many medicos. They are under the delusion that only they know anything about it.
Anyway, rant over.
Tom, keep on keeping on my friend, and thank the lord, for such a capable wife.
Regards
John

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 14 Jan 10 - 06:52 AM

If it helps Tom, I can think up some very rude thoughts for you - I'm supposed to be on a course today that will teach me how to do the job I've been doing for 10 years, and how to draw a boat in 'join the dots' - yes folks of the UK - your taxes at work!

Anyway... I couldn't go to that because I got hauled back from the station as Limpit had slipped on compacted ice and came home in a state - because the local council won't grit pavements even if they are on a steep hill leading to both the school and the hospital.. so rude thoughts are my forte today! (She's fine by the way, hot bath got her over the shock and showed up the strained muscles...)

Now... you concentrate on getting yourself up and running properly (or at least jogging gently) because we don't want to have to open up the Mudcat Recovery Ward again - Nurse Ratched had a particularly bad experience at the Christmas party, involving some fruit punch, some mistletoe and that strange looking guy from Radiology.... she's been in one foul mood ever since so you REALLY don't want her doing the bedbath.

(((hugs to both of you)))

LTS

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 14 Jan 10 - 07:10 AM

Yeah, John. I discovered a looong time ago that you not only have to take responsibility for taking care of your own heath -- by educating yourself, etc. -- because the medical community certainly doesn't seem to want to do that.

And, especially with Tom's health, the more one knows -- not only about his immediate conditions, but POTENTIAL conditions and how everything works together towards his overall health -- the better one can get USEFUL information from the doctors, make sense of their plans, maybe point out to them things they need to know to get Tom back to optimal health. And Tom has to work at it, too.

Me? My job is research and nagging (both the docs and Tom).

The cat alarm clock was set a couple hours early this morning. Rufus woke me by standing on top of the humidifier and bashing away at the portal where the mist comes out -- he wants to remove it so he can reach his paw down inside & lick the water off. (Yes, he has PLENTY of water in the water dish -- he also wants attention and he like this because it's fun.) Then Sabine came up & curled up on top of me and purred loudly in my ear.

Linn

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 14 Jan 10 - 07:36 AM

I'm also venting some of my frustration by making a list of "Things I Am Seriously Tired Of" -- this is an "around the house" list, so it's aimed mostly at my darlin' but seriously procrastination-prone husband.

Reminds me of a card my mother gave my father years ago --
Outside: "To my husband on Father's Day, Some wives try to change their husbands, but I wouldn't do that. I love you just the way you are."
Inside: "But don't get any worse."

Linn

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 14 Jan 10 - 07:41 AM

Never put off till tomorrow, the things you can put off till next year.

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: Micca
Date: 14 Jan 10 - 08:58 AM

John,some one was telling me about the Western Islesmans ability and talent for proceastination he said, I quote, " There is nothing so urgent to an Islesman that the Spanish word "Manana" would cover"

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: catspaw49
Date: 14 Jan 10 - 09:09 AM

As Dino and many others sang:

The faucet it is dripping and the fence is falling down
My pocket needs some money so I can't go into town
My brother he ain't working and my sister doesn't care
The car it needs a motor so I can't go anywhere
Manana manana manana is soon enough for me

Once I had some money but I gave it to a friend
He said he'd pay me double he was only for a lend
But he said a little later that the horse it was so slow
Why he gave the horse my money is something I don't know
Manana manana manana is soon enough for me

My brother took his suitcase and he went away to school
My father said he only learned to be a silly fool
My father said that I should learn to make a chili pot
But then I burned the house down the chili was too hot
Manana manana manana is soon enough for me

The window it is busted and the rain is coming in
If someone doesn't fix it I'll be soaking to my skin
But if we wait a day or two the rain may go away
And we don't need a window on such a lovely day
Manana manana manana is soon enough for me
Manana manana manana is soon enough for me


Spaw

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: catspaw49
Date: 14 Jan 10 - 09:14 AM

OR my man Hoyt Axton wrote:


Rain's a comin' down and the roof won't hold 'er
Lost my job and I feel a little older
Car won't run and our love's grown colder
But maybe things'll get a little better, in the mornin'
Maybe things'll get a little better.

Oh! the clothes need washin' and the fire won't start
Kids all cryin' and you're breakin' my heart
Whole darn place is fallin' apart
Maybe things'll get a little better, in the mornin'
Maybe things'll get a little better.

Refrain:
Work your fingers to the bone - whadda ya get?
( Whoo-whoo ) Boney Fingers - Boney Fing-gers.

Yea! I've been broke as long as I remember
Get a little money and I gotta run and spend 'er
When I try to save it, pretty woman come and take it
Sayin' maybe things'll get a little better, in the mornin'
Maybe things'll get a little better.

Refrain:

Yea! the grass won't grow and the sun's too hot
The whole darn world is goin' to pot
Might as well like it 'cause you're all that I've got
But, maybe things'll get a little better, in the mornin'
Maybe things'll get a little better.

Refrain:


Spaw

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: SINSULL
Date: 14 Jan 10 - 09:38 AM

Which nursing home is Tom going into, Linn?We can start sending cards and amusements so that they arrive when he does.
Mary

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: Nancy King
Date: 14 Jan 10 - 11:08 AM

"Amusements" from Sinsull?? Watch out!

Oh, and keep mending, please, Tom! You're gonna have to be in tip-top shape to tackle the to-do list Linn is compiling...

Love and good luck to both of you!

Nancy

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 14 Jan 10 - 11:13 AM

Don't know yet where they're sending him -- he's still trying to talk to the head honcho about why this time the antibiotics have to be administered in a medical setting.

I'll talk to him tonight then head over there after work at 8.

Linn

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: SINSULL
Date: 14 Jan 10 - 11:30 AM

Lots of articles on Medicare's intravenous guidelines:
http://www.google.com/search?q=medicare+guidelines+antibiotics&rls=com.microsoft:*&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&startIndex=&startPage=1


If Tom had supplemenatary insurance, it would be covered. Medicare however mandates a medical site. Patients, doctors and bean counters all disagree but it is the policy guideline. Wastes over a billion per year in Medicare dollars.

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: SINSULL
Date: 14 Jan 10 - 11:32 AM

Medicare WILL cover up to three doses per week of amblatory intravenous antibiotics but they have to be administered in a doctor's office or hospital.
Tom needs six per day.

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: Dan Schatz
Date: 14 Jan 10 - 11:48 AM

I'm so sorry to hear all of this happened but glad he's beginning to do better. Good thoughts are coming from Pennsylvania.

Dan

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: Jeri
Date: 14 Jan 10 - 03:16 PM

I called. He sounds perkier. Of course, Frost (a friend) visited and Mark (another friend) was there at the time I called.

I know how to prime their furnace now. (Sounds like a great blues song "I can prime your furnace, baby...")

I told him if he got his concertina when he moved, and his stay might be shorter. Maybe find a bagpiper for duet.

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: SINSULL
Date: 14 Jan 10 - 03:18 PM

And a banjo player. I'll bring a shaky egg and my whale tambourine.

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: SINSULL
Date: 14 Jan 10 - 04:36 PM

Some of you misunderstood my post which was badly phrased. Sorry.
Medicare pays for Tom's meds in the nursing and/or at home. In order to get coverage for intravenous antibiotics while living AT HOME, through Medicare, the maximum allowed dosage is three shots per week. And that has to be administered in a "medical" setting.

Tom requires six per day. The only way Medicare will pay for that is if he is in a nursing home. The link I posted takes you to several sites discussing the merits (or lack of)of this rule.

If he had Supplemental Insurance, there would be no question. So it is not related to quality of care and since it costs much more it is not a savings for Medicare. In short, it makes no sense.

But it is a "rule" so it appears Tom is stuck. We'll see.

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: gnu
Date: 14 Jan 10 - 04:47 PM

Oh... so, where he is going, the meds will be paid for. Thank goodness! I was a tad distraught.

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: Jeri
Date: 14 Jan 10 - 04:59 PM

He's getting IV bags full of antibiotics now. Also, he's getting a steady drip of it, as opposed to occasional dosings in the form of shots.

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: catspaw49
Date: 14 Jan 10 - 05:00 PM

Whereas most people try to put programs together on a "Win-Win" basis, here's another example of one that is more of a "Lose-Totally Fuckedover" sort of thing.

Spaw

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: maeve
Date: 14 Jan 10 - 05:44 PM

Stopping by to catch up with your updates, Tom and Linn- I'm happy to read posts by each of you.

maeve

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 14 Jan 10 - 06:15 PM

This, doesn't mention Curmudgeon Fell. maybe we should have him put on the map?

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: GUEST,winterbright
Date: 14 Jan 10 - 08:42 PM

Love to you both, Linn!

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 15 Jan 10 - 06:34 AM

I was too tired to post last night, but I did read the thread before I talked to Tom again.

Yesterday, and especially last night, was nutzoid at work. I never got a lunch break (not a problem because I had ducked out earlier for a quick cheeseburger) -- you can't exactly leave when there are customers in the shop waving money. And they all bought multiple pairs of glasses (and NOT of the 2 for $99 sale, either!). Couldn't call Tom until almost 8 and knew I'd be there awhile doing paperwork after closing. Tom suggested I not come and visit him in Dover after leaving work and I, reluctantly but realistically, agreed with him.

As it was, it was going on 10 before I could call him. He'd gotten some more or less good news, too.

First off, he's having the several days postponed carotid angiogram today (Friday). And he'll probably be moved to the nursing home on Saturday. AND, most importantly, he will probably only be spending a week in the nursing home.

He's already had a week's worth of the ultra heavy duty round of antibiotics. The infectious disease head honcho who ordered the ultra strength antibiotics said he chose that regimen so that Tom would be able to have his vocal cord surgery on Jan. 26th.

The doctor in overall charge of his care hasn't been able to talk to Dr. Zeitels, but Tom has talked to Kim who runs the office and she says Dr. Z. will indeed talk to Dr. K. and it looks like there's no problem with having the surgery as planned.

Already I feel more relieved than I have in a week.

I can cope with Tom not being home for another week. I might even be able to get some cleaning stuff done that I can't do when he's here. (But he adamantly WON'T let me throw out the pair of falling apart shoes that he won't be parted from. I tried...) Jeri's coming over to prime the furnace, so that will take some of the pressure off (so maybe I can get other things done), and I've gotten into a nice rhythm on other things. (It'll be nice to have Tom back, though!)

Okay, gotta go do some other stuff and maybe steal a bit of time for a quiet sit down with a cup of tea and my famous zucchini bread.

I'll be going to The Press Room session after work to fill everyone in, etc. and then probably leaving early to go visit Tom. I hadn't been feeling much like singing, but I think I do now.

Linn

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: GUEST,LTS pretending to work
Date: 15 Jan 10 - 07:36 AM

Thanks for posting Linn, it's good to hear the news. Give him our love and a big kiss.

LTS

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: AllisonA(Animaterra)
Date: 15 Jan 10 - 07:53 AM

Oh, good, Linn- just hearing your relief is a relief to me! Wish I could help Jeri prime the furnace, but I'm grateful to Jeri for that.

When you can, let us know where Tom will be for the week, ok?

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 15 Jan 10 - 07:57 AM

Shall we send a puncture repair outfit, to mend all the holes they are making in his skin?

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: SINSULL
Date: 15 Jan 10 - 08:18 AM

Good news, Linn. Now if we can get Michelle and Kendall sorted out...

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: SINSULL
Date: 15 Jan 10 - 08:36 AM

Just put the finishin touches on Tom's room in the Mudcat Recovery Ward. I think the peacock feathers are a nice touch. See you there.

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: katlaughing
Date: 15 Jan 10 - 04:10 PM

Go, Jeri!

Linn, thanks for posting the update and good news!

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 15 Jan 10 - 05:15 PM

Good to hear from Tom... Glad Linn is feeling a bit of relief.

Mudcat Recovery is defo the place to be if you are sick, injured or just plain exhausted.

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 15 Jan 10 - 09:27 PM

Just got home a bit ago. When I got to the hospital around 7:30, Tom still hadn't been allowed up following the angiogram (6 hours horizonal and without moving a heck of a lot). The nurse was just explaining that she had to attend to several others before she got back at 7:45 (when I left a bit after 8 she hadn't been back) when she could get him up.

He was frustrated, annoyed at several instances of incompetence today -- he really wants out.

Meanwhile, this morning I spoke to the doctor overseeing his care and she said she still hadn't spoken with Dr. Zeitels, but she had with his assistant, and everything seems to be on track for Tom's next vocal cord procedure on the 26th. He won't be moved to the nursing facility until Monday, and he should be released from there before the end of the week.

I can't wait to get him out of their clutches (remember, he probably picked up this blood infection at Wentworth-Douglass during one of his diagnostic procedures of the past couple weeks) and safe home and on to the next stage in his cancer treatment and vocal cord restoration.

I'm tired. Need to get a couple loads of wood in, but it's comparatively mild today, so just need a bit so I don't have to go out first thing in the morning. There was a lot of melting today, too.

Sang a couple things at The Press Room tonight (in between updating everyone individually and eating supper and getting a bunch o' hugs -- I need hugs) but had to leave around 7 to go see Tom. Saved at least one request to sing at tomorrow's shanty session.

G'night, all!
Linn

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: Charley Noble
Date: 15 Jan 10 - 09:39 PM

Linn-

Thanks for taking the time to provide us another update.

We're all hoping for the best.

Charley Noble

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 16 Jan 10 - 06:45 AM

No good deed goes unpunished -- I threw a couple of Tom's things in the wash last night. Turns out there was a Kleenex in the pocket of Tom's apron. Sigh.

Just made myself some cheesy (not cream cheese, alas) scrambled eggs -- I'm awake way too early.

Linn

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: AllisonA(Animaterra)
Date: 16 Jan 10 - 07:13 AM

<<>>

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 16 Jan 10 - 08:48 AM

I see that even on a thread with a serious subject, some dickhead claimed the 200th post.
What is the mental age of someone like that?

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: Janie
Date: 16 Jan 10 - 09:03 AM

...(in between updating everyone individually and eating supper and getting a bunch o' hugs -- I need hugs) ....


{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{HUGS}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}} !!!

Janie

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: SINSULL
Date: 16 Jan 10 - 10:13 AM

Geez John. That was a hug. Animaterra and Curmudgeon and Linn go way back.
Or did I miss something?
Tom,
As frustrated as you are, they actually do want to help you. Stay calm; breathe deep; it will help you heal and get you home faster.
Still no word on which nursing home?
I have to laugh. The thought of Tom in a nursing home brings all sorts of hilarious images. Sorry Tom. A nursing home is just not your setting unless they manage to provide one on board the Adventure.
Mary

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: Charmion
Date: 16 Jan 10 - 10:27 AM

A folkie-friendly nursing home would have a big room with plenty of chairs, including several without arms for people who play guitar. It would also have a nice big keg o beer set up on a conveniently located table with lots of nice big mugs ...

And the nursing staff would know all the choruses.

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 16 Jan 10 - 10:31 AM

Sorry Mary, some anonymous guest, posted 200, it has since been deleted.
As if I needed any help to make myself look silly, some kind clone has given me a hand ☺

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 16 Jan 10 - 10:45 AM

Tom can't remember the name of the nursing home -- it's just sort of up around the corner from the hospital. He tried to explain where it was, too, but I'll get that info probably Monday when they move him there. I just hope he'll have internet access. I also wish I knew EXACTLY when they'll turn him loose -- next Friday? Saturday? We head to Boston on Monday (Jan. 25).

My breakfast didn't sit well; I'm not feeling particularly wonderful. No chance, though, of curling up in the fetal position and sucking my thumb. Sigh.

Linn

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: AllisonA(Animaterra)
Date: 16 Jan 10 - 10:53 AM

My post was SUPPOSED TO READ:

<<>>

so Ill hug you again:

<<>>

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 16 Jan 10 - 11:33 AM

Just talked to Tom who saw his vascular guy this morning. His vascular guy is puzzled by the calcium in Tom's carotids. They're not going to actually DO anything (and then maybe more diagnostics) until after Tom's cancer surgery in Boston.

Wonder if a Mass General opinion will be necessary...

Anywho, I feel like doggy doo. Don't know if I'm coming down with a bug or if I'm just tired -- from not getting enough sleep last night and/or a lot of physical labor this morning. (No, not wood schlepping.)

I'm going to post to shanty session thread & Facebook that I won't be at The Press Room today. Nor am I visiting Tom (except by phone) and I think I'm going to give a miss to the little bit of grocery shopping I need to do one of these days. Today ain't gonna be it!

Linn

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: gnu
Date: 16 Jan 10 - 11:39 AM

Rest up!!!!

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: katlaughing
Date: 16 Jan 10 - 12:25 PM

Wise woman! Good for you! Take care of yourself this day. You've had so much on your plate to deal with...your body wants a day off.

luvyakat

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: kendall
Date: 16 Jan 10 - 06:08 PM

Even God took a day off you know!

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: gnu
Date: 16 Jan 10 - 06:26 PM

Imagine the emails when he back to the office!

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 17 Jan 10 - 06:59 AM

Good morning, all. The famous trained(?) cat alarm clock got me up by noisily "playing" with everything on my nightstand AND standing on top of the humidifier and bopping it.

Tom mentioned something interesting when I made my "goodnight" call to him last night. He said the doctor overseeing his treatment suggested that he get a second opinion from Mass General while we were there regarding his narrowed carotids. Seems his vascular guy is confused by the results of his Friday angiogram. And the composition of the placque seems to be calcium (does he know about Tom's history of kidney stones?). The vascular guy told Tom yesterday about that, said he might order some more tests after Tom got back from Boston (and his postponed cancer surgery).

So Tom (or I, depending on Tom's phone access this week in the nursing facility) will get in touch with Dr. Z's office for a referral -- they had offered to do that in December.

Linn

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 17 Jan 10 - 07:25 AM

it never rains, but it pours - more good wishes heading your way, Linn & Tom

sandra

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: AllisonA(Animaterra)
Date: 17 Jan 10 - 07:41 AM

Meanwhile, love pouring in....

Do we know which nursing home, yet?

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: Jeri
Date: 17 Jan 10 - 09:43 AM

It's hard to believe the 'vascular guy' is confused, or why he's confused when there's lots of stuff on the internet regarding "calcium deposits in arteries". Can be due to a sub-clinical vitamin K deficiency, which can also cause leg cramps.

I also found this (from The Linus Pauling Institute Micronutrient Information Center):If Vitamin K helps clotting and anti-coagulant drugs such as coumadin screw with Vitamin K to prevent clotting but possible contributes to calcium deposits int he arteries, it might be a good topic for discussion with some doctor who is able to actually do some research on the subject.

There is also some information on what can reduce the deposits.

Please apply the 'Jeri might be full of shit' rule to the above. It is intended only to help you ask questions that may lead to doctors feeling uncomfortable enough to... how to say this politely... DO THEIR FUCKING JOB.

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: gnu
Date: 17 Jan 10 - 03:57 PM

Ca and K and leg cramps... hmmmm... interesting. Thanks.

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: GUEST,sing4peace
Date: 17 Jan 10 - 04:27 PM

You are both in my prayers....

sending light and love,
Joyce Katzberg

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 17 Jan 10 - 07:40 PM

Well...the weather has turned, well, seasonal.

I called my boss mid-day and asked if he minded if I closed an hour early so I could take Tom's clothes to him for the move tomorrow to Dover Rehab (see! I found out where he's going, finally!) since it was, at the time raining in Portsmouth and snowing in Nottingham with, I think, 6-8" predicted. I knew that there was no way I could get to the hospital before I open tomorrow morning, especially since I'll be working alone and I HAVE to open on time, come hell, high water or, in this case, 8" of snow. He said no problem.

So I got Tom's clothes to him, found out where he'll be heading tomorrow (he still doesn't know WHEN or exactly HOW), got to visit for awhile, etc. Then headed towards home, stopping at the grocery store to by some stuff and some cash, and got home at a more or less decent season and had some supper.

Had called my up-the-hill neighbor to make sure it was okay for me to leave Tom's car in their extra driveway space just up the hill from us. That way our plow person doesn't have to deal with Tom's car at the head of the driveway or me having to dig it out, too, and move it so the driveway will be plowed. Walked back down then drove my car up to the head of the driveway. That way I won't have much to clear in order to get out and head to work and Drew will have a clear driveway to plow while I'm at work.

Brought in some wood, of course, but besides it being fairly warm, Jeri very nicely came over and got the furnace running for me, so the pressure is off.

It's currently raining, though it had been snowing from the time I got about 5 miles from home. I'm sure it will start snowing again. Getting slippery, though, and I'm glad I'm not on the road right now. I think the temperature is dropping (supposedly it's 34F, but I think it's hovering fore and aft 32).

I'm going to read today's comics and pour myself a glass of wine and head upstairs to call Tom. I had plenty of energy this morning (probably thanks to the "day off" and nap yesterday afternoon and a good night's sleep), but I certainly don't anymore.

Oh, forgot to report that yesterday evening I watched the videotape (yes, videotape -- it's not available on DVD) that my sister sent me for Christmas -- "The Last Polka" with the Shmenge Brothers (John Candy and Eugene Levy) and it was as good as I remembered.

Goodnight!
Linn

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: Jeri
Date: 17 Jan 10 - 08:31 PM

I brought a couple arm-loads of wood in too. (At some point realized maybe I'd like to wear some gloves...duh.) I petted Rufus (Sabine was snoozing, I think), and forgot about the whatever-bread. Honestly, I don't think I even really primed the furnace. It started so easily that it was probably still primed from last time it was used. Anyway, get some rest and please let me/us know where the heck Dover Rehab and/or what Toms new phone number is when you find out.

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: katlaughing
Date: 17 Jan 10 - 11:30 PM

You're a good egg, Jeri! And, thanks for that link.

Linn, sleep well and be careful in the morning. Thanks for keeping us posted.

luvyakat

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: GUEST,julia & fred
Date: 17 Jan 10 - 11:57 PM

Wow- just found this and got updated...
Sending hugs and healing thoughts to both of you. Linn- be sure to take care of yourself. We know you are amazing but even the energizer bunny needs to recharge
J&F

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 18 Jan 10 - 06:22 AM

It's snowing -- don't know how much; hasn't stopped yet.

Actually, it looks as if it hasn't been snowing too long -- but the forecast is for the rest of the day and a total of 6-10 inches. I just emailed my boss. I'll shovel the car out after 8 and attempt to get to Rte. 4, but if Rte. 4 is unsafe, I'm not going to risk my life (and car -- did that once) for an $8.55/hr. job.

My major concern isn't so much getting there as it is getting home again after much more accumulation.

Furnace running, woodstove going nicely, tea made, buttered toasted zucchini bread in hand (it was the pistachio cake, Jeri), morning post here -- I'm going back upstairs to read & eat breakfast and then call Tom.

Linn

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 18 Jan 10 - 06:39 AM

Work is a four letter word Linn.
Give my regards to Tom.

John

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: SINSULL
Date: 18 Jan 10 - 08:27 AM

10" of snow this morning. The plow did what he could but it was a challenge getting out of the driveway. Roads are crappy. Fortunately, it is a holiday for most so the roads were empty.
Hope it's better by you Tom.
WHEELCHAIR only. Do not try to walk in this crap.
Mary

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: AllisonA(Animaterra)
Date: 18 Jan 10 - 08:33 AM

Thanks for being there, Jeri.

Wish I could swap snow piles with you coastal folks- we only got a measly 5 inches. I hope Tom is able to make the transition today.

Linn, you are amazing, that's all. Holding you both in my heart.

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: Jeri
Date: 18 Jan 10 - 09:53 AM

I got 6-10" and it's still coming down.

My remaining bird feeder is getting mugged. One fell off onto the ground, but it's the pretty one the birds can't get the seed out of. (Woodpeckers eat the seed and leave the shells inside the feeder.)

Linn, I'd help ya dig, only I'm not sure how long it will take me to get my door open and then find my car.

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 18 Jan 10 - 10:09 AM

A true friend indeed.
I shall have a medal struck especially for you, you deserve it Jeri.

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: SINSULL
Date: 18 Jan 10 - 10:20 AM

Roads around Portland are crap. I have never seen them this bad. Cars stuck on Fore Street. Wonder if they gave the plow guys off for Martin Luther King day?
Took my time getting in much to the dismay of the four wheel drivers and plow trucks. But if I went over 30 mph, my car started to slide. One set of ruts across the Casco Bay Bridge.

Wonder if Tom will have to stay put until the roads are clear. He'll be one happy camper.
SINS

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 18 Jan 10 - 10:24 AM

Power just came back on (10:15 a.m. -- I think it's been out since around 8 a.m.), so at least I can check in here.

And, yes, it's STILL snowing. I know we've got at least 6 inches, but it hasn't slowed down at all.

Shovelled off the deck and steps in front of me on my way up the driveway to the car at around 8 this morning. My plow guy hadn't yet plowed the swath between my front bumper and the road -- through what the town plow pushed up. So I ran the car and removed the snow and scraped the underlayer of ice on windshield and all windows. Then went back down to the house and brought in a load of wood on the way. Made a couple phone calls -- left a message with my boss, no, I won't be to work today. Called my co-worker who was taking the day off and talked to her partner. Should try to reach my boss and actually get to talk to him.

Undressed the Christmas tree & got it out of the house, folded the plaid tablecloths doubling as a tree skirt and decorating the living room. Took down the rest of the cards around the cellar door. Went through some more stuff on the table.

Right now I'm sleepy enough to take a nap, but first will call my boss and Tom.

Linn

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 18 Jan 10 - 10:56 AM

Just made myself some tea (because I CAN!), talked to Tom and my boss. My boss is okay with me not being at work today.

Tom needs to get some more info from the social worker at the hospital. Now they're saying Medicare won't pay for the first I-don't-know-how-long at the nursing facility -- but he can get the antibiotics FREE from Hannaford's. That means it would be more expensive to go to the nursing facility than to GO HOME and do it himself. I really wish the people at the hospital had a clue. This is majorly annoying.

And, of course, because of the weather, he may not be moved today at all -- gives him a fighting chance of getting some answers.

Went outside to get a bit more wood and found my footprints from 2 hours ago had filled in and the deck and steps again needed to be shovelled so that walking on it wouldn't guarantee a layer of uneven ice from now until May.

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: KathWestra
Date: 18 Jan 10 - 12:21 PM

Linn and Tom, you both continue to be in my heart through all this crazy and stressful business. Thanks for updating those of us who aren't nearby. Thanks to all you locals, and especially to Saint Jeri, for doing all the things we'd try to do if we didn't live 700 miles away. Love to you all. Keep getting better, Tom.

The hospital-nursing home business is something I've had some experience with as my dad's power-of-attorney. Medicare paying for a nursing home requires a three-day "qualified" hospital stay. The critical word is "qualified." That means officially admitted to the hospital as a patient. Medicare often tries to dodge its responsibility by claiming a patient wasn't qualified because he/she wasn't officially admitted. (This apparently happens all too frequently when someone comes into the system through the ER. Medicare then claims that the patient was kept "for observation," which disqualifies the hospital stay.) You have a right to contest these mindless dodgy bureaucrats' decisions. Do it if you have any question at all!!!

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 18 Jan 10 - 12:36 PM

Keep in mind, too, that this blood infection was probably acquired at Wentworth-Douglass Hospital when Tom was having some diagnostic procedures done the past few weeks. They don't like to talk about that, though. It's a bug that's VERY common in hospitals.

Linn

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: maeve
Date: 18 Jan 10 - 12:43 PM

We're staying in and watching the snow fall here. Thinking of you both, Tom and Linn.

maeve

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: SINSULL
Date: 18 Jan 10 - 01:01 PM

Surely an angiogram is more than "observation" especially since it was recommended last October. And (dare I ask?) have they replaced the battery yet?

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 18 Jan 10 - 01:45 PM

Right now I am fucking furious! I just got off the phone with Tom.

They're pressuring Tom to move to Dover Rehab, saying they can only hold the bed til 3PM today. Of course, they're ALSO saying if he goes there his insurance will NOT PAY for the first several days. I mean, first of all, the whole point of going there in the first place was that the insurance would ONLY pay if the antibiotics were administered in the hospital or at a nursing facility -- a nursing facility that he would have to go to DIRECTLY from the hospital or it would not be paid for. By the way, we have a financial assistance agreement with Wentworth-Douglass Hospital -- it DOES NOT apply to Dover Rehab.

Thanks either to the snow or to MLK Day, neither Dr. Koraibaa, who is in charge of overseeing Tom's care, nor Dr. Mendoza, who is the hospital's infectious diseases guy who ordered the every-four-hours antibiotics for the blood infection, is there today. The social worker has her mind made up and will not listen to anything Tom says. I asked if we need to get a lawyer. This is absolutely ridiculous.

I'm still snowed in -- I don't know if the area in front of my car has been plowed so I can get to the road. It's still snowing -- there's several more inches on the deck since I last shovelled. So I not only can't get there to raise hell, I can't pull him out of there and get him home and then have to fight to get the antibiotics THAT HE NEEDS TO HAVE ADMINISTERED INTRAVENOUSLY EVERY 4 HOURS.

He just called -- Nicole, the patient advocate, is getting back to him shortly. He called just long enough to tell me that so as not to tie up his line for Nicole's call. She's good -- she's gotten things straightened out before.

He also doesn't know exactly how much longer he needs the antibiotics -- Friday? Saturday?

There's nobody at the hospital that I can raise hell with right now, but Tom is working through the channels available to him. I told him not to be pressured into going to Dover Rehab today. The worst that can happen is they have to find another closeby facility after today.

Linn

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: Jeri
Date: 18 Jan 10 - 01:58 PM

If he doesn't go there today, perhaps his doctor might be around to straighten things out.

Or you can ask whoever the fuckwit is who changed everything last-minute when doctors are conveniently not available if you think a lawyer might help. (That's my inner snot talking.)

He definitely needs to talk to his doctor if his care is going to be changed.

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 18 Jan 10 - 02:20 PM

He was SCHEDULED to move to the nursing facility today, supposedly because his insurance would not pay for the necessary antibiotics unless administered in a hospital or nursing facility. TODAY he was told the insurance wouldn't pay for the first several days in the nursing facility.

So what's the fucking point?!? And does ANYONE at Wentworth-Douglass have a clue?!?

He is not leaving the hospital until he has some answers and they damned well better be good answers.

Linn

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 18 Jan 10 - 02:39 PM

Oh Linn, it makes me want to spit. On the face of it, he needs to dig his heels in and refuse to move. What can they do?
Then it needs to be sorted BEFORE anything else happens.
Keep fighting girl, set Jeri on them if necessary ;)

John

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: SINSULL
Date: 18 Jan 10 - 02:58 PM

According to this link he is covered unless the doctor is saying he does not need a Nursing Home. Looks as if they are trying to stick you with the first three days. Was he formally admitted into the hospital or is he still considered an ER patient?
http://www.medicareinteractive.org/page2.php?topic=counselor&page=section&toc_id=63

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: SINSULL
Date: 18 Jan 10 - 02:59 PM

See Kath Westra's post above.
And keep in mind - the hospital is only giving you the information they are getting from Medicare. You may have to contest the Medicare ruling.

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 18 Jan 10 - 03:26 PM

Okay, Tom called and Nicole (patient advocate) had gone home for the day. He said it was just too much for him to handle from there today -- he was going to go to Dover Rehab and if we had to get a lawyer at some point, then do it then. And call Rep. Carol Shea-Porter's Dover office because they have a person in charge of senior issues and getting things accomplished.

But first I called Wentworth-Douglass and explained the situation and asked if there was ANYONE there today whom I could talk to and who maybe had a clue as to what was going on. So I reached Nicole's associate, another patient advocate. I explained the whole shebang -- I really feel he's being railroaded into a move that might be detrimental not only to his health but detrimental to our financial well-being.

[SHORT INTERMISSION HERE WHILE I WAS ON THE PHONE WITH THE NURSE CASE MANAGER ON TOM'S CASE]

Okay. I think we have a game plan. Tom WILL be going to Dover Rehab this afternoon via the Care Van, probably within the hour. He will have a $110/day co-pay while he is there. Tomorrow morning before going to work, I have to call Dover Rehab and start making the arrangements for them to release him on Wednesday (my day off, thank goodness) and make arrangements for the antibiotics and the PICC supplies. This would normally be around $81/day but if we're accepted for financial assistance from THAT company, it might bring it down to $40/day. I'll also see if we can apply for financial assistance at Dover Rehab.

Me? Right now I'd really like to just sit down and cry (and I don't cry very easily) out of sheer frustration, tension release and the fact that I've got a whole bunch more stuff to do in the next couple days including getting my car shovelled out and the driveway plowed.

And that's what I'm off doing right now -- shovelling out in front of my car so that Drew can plow the driveway. But first shovel off the deck and steps yet again so I don't stomp down the snow.

Is there some nice place I can go and just scream and scream until I feel better?!?

Linn

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 18 Jan 10 - 03:26 PM

So whose side is Medicare on anyway? Sounds like they're still getting their marching orders from the Bush administration.

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 18 Jan 10 - 03:34 PM

She also said she'd been discussing this all with Tom since last Friday -- when he was recovering from the angiogram (and the drugs involved) and forced, too, to be horizontal and immobile for six hours. When I saw him at 8 in the evening, they still hadn't allowed him up. Also, he said that often people didn't appear to understand him when he spoke -- his voice is, because he doesn't have a right vocal cord, not only quiet but breathy.

He also said that one of the nurses told him that what Dr. Mendoza told him (about being satisfied if the antibiotics were finished sometime this next weekend) and what he put in his notes were not the same.

Arghhhh!!!

Linn

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: Jeri
Date: 18 Jan 10 - 03:55 PM

I can't keep track of who told you what.
If it's Dover Rehab, they might not be aware that Tom's doctor 'ordered' the stay in the nursing home.

From the site SINSULL linked to:

As long as it is medically necessary, Medicare will pay the full cost of the first 20 days and part of the cost of another 80 days of care in a Medicare-certified skilled nursing facility (SNF) each benefit period. A benefit period begins the day you enter the SNF and ends when you no longer receive SNF care for 60 days in a row.

The co-pay bullshit is bullshit.

There HAS to be some mis-communication. Maybe the facility is afraid Medicare won't pay or they think it's his choice. In the end, I think Medicare will pay. From everything I've read, they'll pay and are putting you through because they're the idiots who got stuck working on a holiday and your doctor isn't around. I think when tomorrow rolls around and Tom's doctor is available (hopefully), this will come to an un-natural concentration of stupid in a small space/time.

QUESTIONS:
Medicare. The federal government has a toll-free number (800-MEDICARE) and a web site (www.medicare.gov) to help you get basic information about Medicare coverage and your private health plan options.

The State Health Insurance Assistance Program, or SHIP, is a national program that offers one-on-one counseling and assistance to people with Medicare and their families.

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: SINSULL
Date: 18 Jan 10 - 04:10 PM

As Kath pointed out, the one caveat is that he has to have been admitted to a hospital for three days and transported directly to the nursing facility. The hospital needs to make it clear to Medicare that he was admitted not in the hospital via ER for observation. Dot the Is; cross the Ts; and be willing to do battle first without a lawyer - a lwayer will take a cut of what he saves you.

Read over those links, Linn, when you are up to it. Helpful information.

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 18 Jan 10 - 04:23 PM

He was NOT admitted for observation.

He was admitted because of the pneumonia/blood infection (when they didn't know what it was, they called it pneumonia and infection).

None of this is coming from Dover Rehab -- all the information is from the hospital.

And I don't know WHY they think they can get Tom to make financial and health decisions while he is recovering from the angiogram AND the drugs he was on. I don't know whether the doctors were telling him one thing and me another or if they couldn't understand things Tom was telling them or why they didn't fill ME in on any of this.

Okay, my car is out of the driveway and in the cleared area up the hill behind Tom's car (in our neighbor's "other" driveway. Meanwhile, I haven't been able to reach my plow guy (who cleared BEAUTIFULLY in front of my car -- I only had to clear the car off again, not shovel out in front of it). And I haven't been able to reach my neighbor who might have my plow guy's cell number.

Oops, just got a message from Drew's wife -- he'll be here to plow the driveway in an hour or less. Cool. Also just tried calling Tom and there's no answer in his room, so he's probably on his way or already at Dover Rehab.

I hope I get to veg out SOMETIME tonight. Sigh.

Linn

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: SINSULL
Date: 18 Jan 10 - 04:28 PM

Get it all in writing, Linn, and Tom should be covered 100%. At least according to the Medicare Link. There is also a link to an Advocates line for help understanding and challenging decisions.

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 18 Jan 10 - 04:31 PM

BTW, he spent less than 7 hours in the ER. He was admitted to the hospital for the pneumonia/infection. He has been a patient in the hospital for 11 days.

Linn

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: SINSULL
Date: 18 Jan 10 - 04:44 PM

Linn - I agree that he was admitted. That is the criterion that Medicare requires. So get written proof of that from the hospital - should be on the bill - and if Jeri and I are reading the info correctly, Tom should not have to pay a copay.
That is probably the cause of the misinformation. Kath Westra pointed out that that is often the reason for an initial refusal by Medicare to cover 100% of the nursing home. Call SHIP. Find out what forms you have to file and be prepared to fight the copay charge.

Maybe this is just a bad time to try to deal with this. Relax. Take care of Tom. Worry about the rest if and when the bills come.

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 18 Jan 10 - 04:53 PM

NH SHIP is administered through ServiceLink.

I'm not so much concerned about the bills right now as making the best choices for the antibiotics and getting to Boston on Monday for Tom's consult with Dr. Z and the procedure on Tuesday morning. Etcet, etcet, cuz there's related stuff to that. Plus the little matter of I have to work (and today's snow just added to the complications).

I am more stressed -- including TIME stressed -- right now than I have been at any time since, I think, his heart valve replacement 6 years ago when, before the surgery, his heart capacity was at 20% and I was terrified that he was going to die without being able to FIND healthcare.

Arghhhh!!!!

I'm going to go clean some more to work off all this nervous energy while waiting for the driveway to get plowed.

Linn

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: gnu
Date: 18 Jan 10 - 05:56 PM

Oh gosh. Keep the faith.

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 18 Jan 10 - 06:37 PM

Okay.

Driveway plowed -- cleanup of snow in front of woodpile, etc. to be done tomorrow after I leave. And my car is back at the head of the driveway (not quite enough turnaround space down by the house until after the cleanup work).

Looks like I'll try to go to Dover Rehab tomorrow morning before I go to work because after I get out at 8PM it's really a bit too late.

Tom now says he intends to stay at Dover Rehab until Friday or Saturday. (Well, Saturday would be my day off.) We'll fight it out with whomever we need to fight it out with when the bills arrive.

Meanwhile he's got some prep to work out before we get on the Downeaster next Monday morning.

I just talked to him and he doesn't want me to give out his phone number right now. And as of yet, he doesn't know whether he has internet access. He did say the food sucked (dry sandwich for supper with pathetic tomato & lettuce) and they've not been prompt with meds, either his regular heart meds or changing the antibiotic drip. And he was ignored for the first 40 minutes he was there.

My feet are soaked (as are two pairs of gloves). I'm shutting down the house for the night, taking a glass of wine upstairs and getting into bed and hope to relax a bit (with the help of a book and a couple cats). This has been a far from restful day and I really need to unwind before something snaps. I also need to transfer some of my notes to my comprehensive notebook.

Goodnight, everybody.
Linn

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: AllisonA(Animaterra)
Date: 18 Jan 10 - 06:55 PM

Sleep well, dear one. What a day, what a runaround for both of you!

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 18 Jan 10 - 07:38 PM

Linn, visit us on the de-clutter thread any time you need to vent and want to report on after some of these therapeutic chores of yours!

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: kendall
Date: 18 Jan 10 - 07:52 PM

Just think; in the old days people would just die and that was that. At least we have a shot at coming out the other end.

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: Jeri
Date: 18 Jan 10 - 08:11 PM

Ah, yes. The digestive system of life.

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 18 Jan 10 - 08:15 PM

wot a saga. Add to that the show.

rest well, Linn & cats, & Tom

sandra

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: Charley Noble
Date: 18 Jan 10 - 09:09 PM

Linn-

Would it help if we threatened some of the "caregivers" with bodily harm? I'm sure we could assemble a Mudcat Flying Squad that would better focus their attention on Tom.

Charley Noble, back in Maine

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 19 Jan 10 - 07:26 AM

show?

SNOW

bloody typos

sandra

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 19 Jan 10 - 07:27 AM

I just posted this as a comment at one of my FB posts of the past couple days and thought maybe I should post it here, too, what with all of the aggravation and frustration of the past few days --

<>

Back to Mudcat post -- in all fairness, his treatment(both medical and financial) were STUPENDOUS during his heart valve surgery, etc. All of the hospitals (especially HCA Portsmouth Regional) and doctors involved were absolutely amazing and gave us both all of the assistance we could stand. I have nothing but praise for every institution and person involved (including, too, the non-profit organizations I dealt with).

Linn

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 19 Jan 10 - 09:08 AM

Merde! Sometimes I get really annoyed with Facebook.

HERE is what I posted and when I copied and pasted and it was RIGHT THERE in the Mudcat post (but disappeared sometime after I hit "Submit Message") --

I don't know what's worse – having insurance or NOT having insurance. Tom didn't have insurance through his heart surgery 6 years ago nor did he with the blood infection from the inflamed bursa 3 years ago -- that one was Workers' Comp, though, and we had to SUE the insurance company!

Linn (one more thing...sigh)

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 19 Jan 10 - 09:11 AM

Department of Small Victories --

On a happy note, a couple days ago when I was putting some stuff away, I tried on a Guinness St. Patrick's Day t-shirt from a few years back. Now, for years I wore 3X, but lately, thanks to an active job, I'm down to 2X although I can fit into generously cut 1Xs.

This Guinness shirt was a Large, but looked as if it were "husky" cut. I tried it on -- AND IT FIT!!! Not only that, it actually LOOKS good on.

Now all we need is short sleeve weather...

Linn

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: Charley Noble
Date: 19 Jan 10 - 09:30 AM

Linn-

Here's to Guinness!

It just doesn't look like shirt sleeve weather out my door this morning.

Charley Noble, back in Maine

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: KathWestra
Date: 19 Jan 10 - 10:47 AM

Love to you both. What a time you've had, and are having. I dearly hope your burdens ease very soon, and that Dr. Z is able to do his magic, and Tom returns to full health quickly. If you need a cadre of advocates to help with the bureaucrats down the road when the bills show up, we're standing by! xoxo

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: Bill D
Date: 19 Jan 10 - 11:10 AM

As the Red Queen said to Alice:

"Now, here, you see, it takes all the running you can do, to keep in the same place. If you want to get somewhere else, you must run at least twice as fast as that!"

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: Nancy King
Date: 19 Jan 10 - 12:40 PM

Somehow I think that running twice as fast would be counter-productive. Jeez, what a miserable saga. I can't really offer much help other than keeping you both in my thoughts, willing everything to work out well for you.

I'm glad you got that (unplanned) day off, Linn. I can't imagine how much worse all that would have been if you'd had to be at work. How are you feeling physically, BTW? Surely the stress doesn't help. Just TRY to relax -- though I always thought "trying" to relax was sort of self-defeating -- and enjoy your new skinniness. Also sometimes just standing in the middle of the house and yelling at the top of your lungs is helpful. It might scare the cats, but they'll deal with it, and it might release a bit of tension. Just a thought.

Good luck and lots of love to both you and Tom,

Nancy

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: SINSULL
Date: 19 Jan 10 - 08:59 PM

No update?
Maybe that means all is well or at least under control.
My drive home from work tonight was horrendous. The worst I have ever had. Narrowly avoided rear ending other cars by inches. No matter how slow you are going you can't stop downhill on ice and slush. In fact if you are stopped you slide.
Tomorrow's commute is supposed to be worse. I hope Linn gets home safe and sound tonight. And I hope Tom stays put until the driving improves.

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 19 Jan 10 - 10:42 PM

No update earlier because I was at work until 8PM.

Up at 6 this morning and, as usual, hit the floor running. Besides all the usual morning stuff, I had to (wanted to!!!) visit Tom at Dover Rehab. And I had errands to run on the way. AND IT WAS FUCKING SNOWING!!!! Phoned my boss and warned him that I might be late. Sloppy, slippery driving. Overshot a driveway despite slow speed and all wheel drive Subaru, but it worked out okay. Found Dover Rehab despite no sign at the end of the road. I'm basicly not impressed with the place, at least on first impressions. (Plus Tom tells me he's not been getting his daily meds on time.) But when I got there, the woman in charge of Tom's case was there trying to get more information from Tom since Wentworth-Douglass had not given her complete information and, in some cases, conflicting information. (Don't get me started!)

So I was able to give her history, phone numbers, background info, etcet etcet. And she called me at work early in the afternoon and had evidently been working very hard for Tom in the meantime.

But what she told us was ultimately very disappointing. Instead of being turned loose probably on Saturday with the antibiotics over with and being able to go to Boston as planned for Tom's pre-op appointment with Dr. Z and then the procedure at Mass General on Tuesday morning, the infectious diseases head honcho at W-D is insisting on the antibiotics every 4 hours until February 2nd.

Okay -- but the Tuesday surgery is still on. We still need to get Tom's cardiologist to sign off on the surgery (the vascular guy already has). Then the van from Dover Rehab will take Tom (and me -- I ride free) to be directly admitted to Mass General -- whether on Monday or Tuesday -- and then transport us back to Dover Rehab (on Tuesday? under normal circumstances he would be released the same day). When she talked to me, she said she hadn't yet talked to Tom and said that she was a little afraid of that. (I don't blame her.) But I suggested she tell him she'd talked to me and it's okay. Not ideal, but we can cope.

I need to talk to Kim at Dr. Zeitels' office tomorrow and see what it looks like from their end. I also need to know when we're going to Boston and when we're returning so I can book a hotel room if necessary.

Tom's depressed (understandably) and I could be if I thought about it. Right now I'm keeping my sanity and my brain in my sock drawer -- they're a lot safer there. And trying to laugh about it all. (Not easy.) Thank goodness for clonazapam!

Tomorrow I'm taking Tom out (out!!! into the real world!!!) for some decent coffee, etc. (just being unchained for awhile will do him a world of good), but he'll have to be back for the next dose of antibiotics. I also hope to spring him for a little while on Saturday so we can go to a music party with friends in Dover.

Driving was slow tonight on the way home from work (after clearing the #%@#% white stuff off the car) but not horrible. For a change, Rte. 4 got better after Lee Traffic Circle rather than worse, although Freeman Hall & Priest Road sucked -- the town is waiting for the snow to stop, I'm sure. I left my car up at the head of the driveway because I didn't know if I had turnaround room, but my plow plow person had not only come and cleaned up (moved) the piles of snow from last night giving me plenty of turnaround space, but had even stacked some firewood on the deck.

Nancy, your suggestion sounds really good -- and it's good for the cats to run madly for corners occasionally.

I'm reminded of the Calvin & Hobbes cartoon where Calvin is telling his father about his fictional autobiography. Dad asked what's fictional about it. Calvin said, "In the book I have a flamethrower." Uh huh -- in MY book I've got a flamethrower, too -- aimed at Wentworth-Douglass Hospital right now. The fantasy helps my frustration and stress level right now. So does another glass of wine...

Goodnight, dear friends. Thanks for all the good thoughts and encouragement.

Linn

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: maeve
Date: 20 Jan 10 - 06:05 AM

You are doing a great job of keeping on, Linn. The heavy snow is working against us too, yet I am hoping the glimmers of hope will grow into a fine, even light ahead for you and Tom.

maeve

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: AllisonA(Animaterra)
Date: 20 Jan 10 - 06:44 AM

Oh, Linn- what a time. I feel so near and yet so far. Keep on keeping on, and have a wonderful date with Tom today. Give him a loving (gentle) hug from Hunt and me, ok?

Allison

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: SINSULL
Date: 20 Jan 10 - 10:01 AM

Two weeks in a nursing home...poor Tom.

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 20 Jan 10 - 10:35 AM

Okay, here's the post I couldn't make at 7-ish since Mudcat wasn't loading, but I wrote it anyway. ("Error Occurred While Processing Request")

The problem with alarm cats is they can't be reset. Rufus is set at 6 a.m. – whether I get to sleep at 10 or at midnight (as last night). First he knocked something off my nightstand, then he stood on top of the humidifier and tried to remove the thingy that regulates the mist. (He really likes to do this; then he can stretch his paw into the tube and lick water from it – much more fun than a boring old water dish. If I don't remove the regulator first thing in the morning, he worries it off, then hides it and won't tell me where it is.) Of course, he tried to wake me up several times during the night – he wanted to be petted. Can't get upset with a cat that demands petting (complete with loud purrs). He was in my face, climbing over my head, sitting (heavily) on my shoulder, licking my hand with his teeth. "Mom! Wake up! My chin needs rubbing!" He misses Tom. (Me, too.)

Then the kitchen light burned out when I turned it on – and in the bathroom I discovered that both of the gallon jugs that I'd filled Monday when the power went off were leaking all over the floor.

Gotta get some stuff together to take to Tom. Underwear and another pair of jeans (he can wear street clothes! Yay!) Some more reading material. Make sure my cell phone is charged so he can use it – he can't call Dr. Zeitels or other long distance calls (even billed home) from the phone in his room – plus there's no real privacy on that phone.

Linn

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: Charley Noble
Date: 20 Jan 10 - 11:21 AM

Linn-

Just coping with the snow is wearing me out. We've got nowhere left to shovel it.

We're all hauling away for Tom as well as we're able.

Charley Noble

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: gnu
Date: 20 Jan 10 - 11:25 AM

Wish we could take some of that snow for youse. Might help a bit. We have been hovering around 0C daytime and had one slight snowfall in three weeks. Might get about 4" today.

Not normal for here but not unwelcome either.

T&Ps continue.

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 20 Jan 10 - 11:49 AM

Talked to Kim at Dr. Z's office -- she's waiting for a sign-off from Dr. Ettinger -- not Tom's cardiologist, but the guy at Wentworth-Douglass. And she's working on coordinating with Dover Rehab as far as getting Tom & me to Mass General so he can continue the antibiotics while he's there. And getting back to me so I know whether I need to book a night in the hotel or whether Tom will go down and come back on the same day. This surgery shouldn't take long -- it's scheduled for first thing Tues. and he would have been released the day of the surgery. Except for his current incarceration, we would have taken the Downeaster down on Monday, seen Dr. Z in his office Monday morning, spent the night at the Holiday Inn again, gotten to Mass General Tues. AM for his surgery, been released that day, spent another night at the Holiday Inn and taken the Downeaster home on Wednesday. Sigh.

Just brought the car down, cleaned & refilled the litter box, dealt with some other maintenance around here, brought in some wood and brushed snow off more. Still have to shovel around both ends of the woodpile, but that doesn't have to be done all at once. Oh, and have to bring in the 2 bags of kindling which is the real reason I brought the car down. Gotta do that right now. Cleared out the front seat for Tom. Now have to get the stuff I'm taking him into some kind of bag. I should have brought the overnighter he has home with me yesterday.

Meanwhile, I talked to MY doctor this morning. I'm way behind schedule as far as my yearly exam, etc. but she understands completely and just refilled all my prescriptions for another 3 months while things sort out. Including the clonazapam which is really helping me cope with all of this. Just knowing it's there reduces the anxiety level.

Gotta go. I'll say hi to Tom for everybody.

Linn

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 20 Jan 10 - 05:01 PM

After every one more thing, there's ... one more thing.

AND it's fucking snowing again!!!

I'm very depressed right now -- Dover Rehab is a very depressing place. I sprung Tom for a few hours. We went for a ride to explore Rollinsford, went back to Dover for him to pick up a lottery ticket (it could happen...), stop at McDonald's for coffee and Dunkin' Donut for some doughnuts to take back to the prison.

He's depressed there and I can very well understand why -- even discounting that they want to keep him until Feb. 2. He's not been getting his heart meds on time and sometimes they've been withholding some -- these are meds he's been on for 6 years. And they're wondering why his blood pressure has dropped? His meals have been very skimpy and not particularly appetizing.

Nancy, the woman who seemed to be getting things done yesterday, has been unavailable today.

I'm starting to wonder, too, if Wentworth-Douglass is just trying to milk Medicare.

I am not happy.

Linn

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 20 Jan 10 - 06:34 PM

He's not been getting his heart meds on time and sometimes they've been withholding some -- these are meds he's been on for 6 years.
================================
any "reason" given for withholding medications?

more hugs to you both

sandra

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: Celtaddict
Date: 20 Jan 10 - 06:35 PM

Linn, hang in there; we know you have a more than full plate right now; take care of yourself! Thank you for keeping us posted both at the 'Cat and on Facebook; I am on FB oftener but the 'Cat is a better place for longer posts, discussion, and such. We are rooting for both of you!

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 20 Jan 10 - 06:40 PM

Tom finally got to talk to Dr. Thompson, his primary care physician -- he hadn't talked to him since he saw him not long before he landed in the hospital. The hospital didn't seem to want to pass any info on to him until just recently. Anyway, Tom told him to call me and we just spent a LOT of time on the phone going over my concerns and filling him in on what the hospital either didn't tell him or gave him wrong info.

Gotta go -- got too much stuff on my plate right now. Maybe will get some supper sometime before I finally head off to bed, a book, a glass of wine and a bedtime phone call to Tom.

Linn

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: Janie
Date: 20 Jan 10 - 07:44 PM

Tom & Linn,

Please take the following as coming from the FWIW department. I don't know either of you, and certainly don't know the nursing facility in question.   I have had significant experience with nursing homes though, both personally involving family members, and professionally, early in my social work career.

Tom (and you) need to be a real pains-in-the-butt there regarding any issues that are real important to his health and medical care. Document when meds are actually administered vs. when they are due. Complain loud and long to the charge nurse and administrators if critical medications are routinely late. Make sure they know you are documenting. Be nice to caring aides, compain about indifferent or neglectful aides, and continually insist that the medically important areas of care be attended to in a timely and appropriate manner. Most nursing homes are significantly understaffed - even the good ones. The reality is that he is competing with other patients for care. Choose your battles, but where lack of care, or prompt attention to care has significant medical implications, you must be very proactive.

Repeat, direct complaints to the charge nurse and/or administrator. Unless you are dealing with a bonafide crappy aide or tech, make sure your complaints are not about the aides themselves, but about the facility's not meeting requirements for necessary care. Could be that good and conscientious aides simply are too overloaded to get meds out to all who need them on time. It is all well and good to understand that aides might be doing the best they can, but staffing shortage at the facility is not your problem, it is the facility's problem. If it is very important that Tom's medications be administered on time, it is his job to insist that happens, whether conditions at the facility make it hard for staff to do so or not.

Let the doctor know if it is a problem, for the sake of documentation, but the doctor does not have any hand in the running of the facility, and complaints to him will not result in changes.

Since Tom is there short-term, and is ambulatory, don't complain about anything that is not significant to his health and medical care in the short term. It will dilute the impact of your demands that important issues be addressed. If either or both of you can, practice 'radical acceptance' of what is, figure out what really is important, and try to let the rest go.

Toss this whole post in the mental trash if it is not relevant to your situation.

I rarely post to this thread, but check in every day, and to silently offer care and concern.

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 20 Jan 10 - 08:44 PM

Thanks, Janie -- some good advice there. I had a long talk with Tom's primary care tonight -- who had been unaware of most of this and will be contacting the doc at the hospital who ordered this. Tomorrow I'll again speak with the nurse administrator (can't remember her exact title) at Dover Rehab who was so helpful Tuesday and also with Kim at Dr. Zeitels' office in Boston. We'll get this all accomplished -- and maybe get an answer that doesn't change daily about the antibiotics.

Maybe I'll even be able to do my job -- my boss is a very patient and understanding man.

I'd intended to be winding down with a book, a couple cats and a glass of wine some time ago, but I just finished eating, bringing in firewood and sorting through Tom's papers for some necessary information. Ah yes, and paying a couple bills.

Glass of wine poured...I'm outa here.

If I thought my snow day Monday was bad -- this, I think, has been my worst "day off" ever.

Good night, all.
Linn

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: AllisonA(Animaterra)
Date: 20 Jan 10 - 09:01 PM

Sleep well, my dear. You are giving all the appearances of an amazingly strong woman who is coping incredibly well despite enormous challenges. Tom loves you, we all love you.

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: Nancy King
Date: 21 Jan 10 - 12:42 AM

I think Janie really hit the nail on the head -- pick your battles and keep at them. You do have one really huge advantage (aside from the fact that Tom's stay is of limited duration, even though longer than he'd like), and that is that he is an intelligent, articulate (albeit a bit soft-spoken just now...) patient who can keep track of his own meds and the timing of them, and can report accurately on what goes on -- or doesn't. Just think of all the nursing home patients (my Mom was one for 2 1/2 years) who are too out of it to know what's going on or to speak up for themselves.

Anyhow, hang in there, guys. We're all pulling for you!

Nancy

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: gnu
Date: 21 Jan 10 - 06:57 AM

Right on, Janie!

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 21 Jan 10 - 08:24 AM

Well, I just talked to Tom and things have gotten better.

I think his primary care doctor may have called yesterday evening, too.

Anyway, his meds have been on time and he's gotten all of them.

Tom spoke yesterday with the kitchen manager who is no longer starving him. Plus this morning was the weekly buffet breakfast and not only was the coffee fresh, but there was bacon, sausages, etc. and he could have seconds. I don't know what will happen after his surgery on Tuesday when there is so much he can't eat or drink while he's healing -- the kitchen doesn't seem to have a menu that varies much. But we'll worry about it then.

I need to call Dr. Z's office this morning from home because I can't call from work. They seem to be trying to get a sign-off from the heart doc at the hospital who not only saw only twice, but has a reputation for not returning phone calls. If they need a cardiologist's sign-off, it should be from his regular cardiologist.

From work, I'll call the ADO at Dover Rehab and see what she knows about Mon/Tues. And I think Tom's primary care doc was talking to the doc at W-D who ordered the round of antibiotics. Maybe HE can get a straight answer.

Linn

And Tom's

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: Charley Noble
Date: 21 Jan 10 - 08:41 AM

Linn-

Sounds as if you've won some improvements. Yah!

Charley Noble

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: SINSULL
Date: 21 Jan 10 - 09:13 AM

Dare I ask - the battery? Have they changed the battery????

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: AllisonA(Animaterra)
Date: 21 Jan 10 - 09:19 AM

<<< hugs du jour >>>

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 21 Jan 10 - 10:26 AM

The defibrillator battery is scheduled to be changed at York Hospital on Feb. 18th. Tom has his defibrillator read and this schedule firmed up the day before he landed in Wentworth-Douglass. And he'll have been sprung from his incarceration at Dover Rehab well before that time.

Talked to Kim in Dr. Z's office and things seem well under control, although they're still trying to touch base with Dr. Ettinger, the cardio guy at W-D because he saw Tom last -- for the signoff on Tuesday's surgery.

The wash is in the dryer, Rufus's claws trimmed (after he poked one through my hand), festival crisis attended to & papers gathered, more wood brought in, some more of Tom's papers looked through. As he says, most of those piles get shredded. I just wish he'd do that on a regular basis so I don't get stuck trying to make heads or tails out of his filing system. Got some errands to do on the way to work, but I hope to actually be there "on time" (by which I mean my usual 15-20 minutes early) for a change. My boss is great.

Just got a call from Tom's cardiologist's nurse. I just gave her a whole bunch of info she should have had -- she seems exceptionally competent, too, and is now going to call Tom directly.

I have a lot more confidence right now that nothing is going to interfere with Tom's vocal cord surgery Tuesday morning. I just need to know some of the logistics as soon as possible so I can plan, but, I suppose, worse comes to worse, I should have no problem walking into the Holiday Inn Beacon Hill and getting a room for Monday night. Since Tom has to be at Mass General at 6 a.m. Tuesday, I'm sure he'll be brought down from Dover Rehab sometime on Monday.

Boy, so I need a vacation!!! Reminds me of after Tom's heart surgery in 2004 and I kept saying I was scheduling a nice, neat Teutonic nervous breakdown for August -- it never happened, of course. By August I was working a temp job with all the overtime I could stand (it was our only income for the year) and then scrambling for another job, the WORKING the high stress other job... My vacation, I fear, will just remain a fantasy (but a really nice fantasy).

Linn

Linn

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 21 Jan 10 - 09:55 PM

It was quite a day -- and more praise for my boss who is understanding and patient and put up with my emotional roller coaster and all the phone calls to and from doctors' offices this afternoon.

Tom is NOT having surgery on Tuesday. Yes, this is a MAJOR disappointment.

The cardiologist at W-D who saw Tom twice will not sign off on the surgery. And Tom's cardiologist of the past 6 years will not countermand his decision. Even though the vascular guy has already signed off on it.

Dr. Zeitel, of course, will not proceed with the surgery if there's any chance that the surgery/anesthesia, etc. would be a risk for Tom's overall health.

But Dr. Zeitel doesn't feel continued treatment can be postponed any longer, so what he has proposed (and we're waiting for dates, plan, etc.) is radiation -- but not to panic about that; it will be very controlled & specific. Not like Kendall's radiation of 7 years ago.

I have to believe that whatever is happening is happening for the best in the long run. If I didn't I'd be tempted to slit my wrists.

Meanwhile, a friend and I are working to get Tom's car to him on Saturday. And the head honcho nurse is working to get Tom an appointment on Tuesday with the doc who is in charge of the infection treatment to see how soon it can be declared finished and Tom can be set free. AND I'm springing Tom long enough on Saturday in between his dates with the antibiotics so he and I can spend some time at a singing party friends (part of the Press Room circle) are having at their Dover home.

Today I did something I've never done before -- I bought wine (cabernet sauvignon) in a box. Partly because I wanted as much palatable wine for the least amount of money and partly because I wasn't sure I could trust a glass bottle of wine in a freezing car from 11 a.m. until 9 p.m.

I'm emotionally drained.

I'm going to bring in the firewood on the deck, stuff the stove, grab some of that wine described above and go to bed and see if I can wind down.

Goodnight, dear friends.
Linn

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: TRUBRIT
Date: 21 Jan 10 - 10:52 PM

Oh Linn - don't know what to say........this country needs a DECENT NATIONAL HEALTH CARE SYSTEM SO people how get sick can concentrate on GETTING BETTER.....the whole thing makes me sick. Take care of yourself.

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 22 Jan 10 - 05:46 AM

he cat was set at 5 this morning -- alas, I didn't get to sleep until well after 11.

More stuff for my long suffering boss to cope with, sleepy optech... ;-)

Linn

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 22 Jan 10 - 05:55 AM

What Deborah said. Except those nice peeps in Mass. decided to make it harder to achieve now.
Linn, you DESERVE a holiday after all that crap. The two of you, get a plane to Scotland, and we'll give you a holiday. When all this medicrap is sorted.
John

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: AllisonA(Animaterra)
Date: 22 Jan 10 - 07:10 AM

Oh, Linn- just a <<< HUG >>> for you...

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: SINSULL
Date: 22 Jan 10 - 08:14 AM

Linn,
Part of me is sorry and part of me is relieved. With any doubt about Tom's heart the surgery would be just too dangerous.
I wish I knew how to make it all better. No one does. But we are all here.
Mary

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: jacqui.c
Date: 22 Jan 10 - 08:18 AM

((((((((((((Linn & Tom)))))))))))))))))))))

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 22 Jan 10 - 08:27 AM

Horrendous night at Dover Rehab -- Tom didn't get much sleep.

The toilet is broken in his (shared) room -- so they were in at pre-3 a.m. doing plumbing things with all the lights on. Then they left -- leaving all the lights on. Tom shut the lights off; tried to get back to sleep. They came back and turned all the lights on. He now has to go way down the hall to a toilet.

Last night his antibiotics were an hour late (he was still waiting when I called him at 9:30). This morning his breakfast was again a child's portion.

GOT to get his car to him tomorrow. I don't have time today to clear the snow off and get a friend to help with the transfer. We'll do that tomorrow. (Logistics will be planned at Press Room tonight.) At least with a car, he can even just go out and sit in it and listen to real radio -- or drive not far away for some good coffee (and real food).

Even the doctor at Dover Rehab said he needs to get out of there. Nancy is setting up an appointment with Dr. Mendoza on Tuesday.

Linn

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: kendall
Date: 22 Jan 10 - 08:28 AM

Double dog damn!

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: GUEST,Margery
Date: 22 Jan 10 - 08:45 AM

Why won't Tom's regular one countermand? Professional courtesy or something real? Is he just averse to any liability if he signs off? Is there ANY way to browbeat the hospital cardiologist if the regular guy disagrees? I'm so glad you've got Dr. Z at least, who will do his best, of course, and with every year techniques get more sophisticated.

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: GUEST
Date: 22 Jan 10 - 08:47 AM

Sorry, Linn, I just read your post more carefully. Easy to get angry with the cardio guy.

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: kendall
Date: 22 Jan 10 - 09:50 AM

This reminds me of that story about the terminally ill patient in severe pain but the Doctor refused to give him morphine because he might get addicted!

That cancer has to go! These doctors are good at covering their ass.

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: catspaw49
Date: 22 Jan 10 - 11:05 AM

While you're right Kendall, the problem is a bit different.

Tom is in the medical equivalent of a box. He has several different medical conditions that force a patient into different solutions which are not compatible with each other.   Every Doc is worried about his or her own problem but they won't move unless they think they can be successful. Blame it on the medical profession, lawyers, the insurance companies, the government or whatever combination you like but the case is that no one is going to take a risk. Like it or not, patients like Tom and I present them with GREAT risk.

So Tom has CHF, COPD, an artificial heart valve, an ICD, some amount of artery disease, high blood pressure.........I have the same stuff. Now things are very tough when something new comes along as it always does. It can be a comparatively easy problem like the a sinus infection or something major but all of a sudden its serious because certain decisions medically will foul up something else. Its like walking a tightrope.

What Tom and Linn need here is a strong case managing Doc who will act in the best interest of them as well as medically. This Doc gets to fight alongside them with the other Docs and sometimes with them in the about their decisions. Karen and I have always been lucky in that respect until this last pneumonia thing back in September when we had to change doctors because our wonderful family Doc had gone on into education (I hope she can train others to be like her).   It was a disaster and trying to get the cooperation and understanding we were used to, we instead got a bunch of Docs who wouldn't talk to us and were all busy covering their own asses in case I died on their watch.

Almost everyone falls into some size of medical box for one reason or another but when you are severely medically compromised.............well..............you're fucked. Tom and Linn are doing their best and Linn is truly the "Energizer Bunny." But I was not at all surprised that the surgery was cancelled. I'd have been surprised if it hadn't.   If I were the Dr. Z here, I'd want a VERY CLEAR picture of Tom's arterio-vascular problems and his pulmonary function as well. Plus I was sort of amazed that any Doc would consider surgery until Tom was 100% cleared on the infection. Even though the anticipated surgery is done in the very least invasive way imagineable, the risk of infection is still there and Tom's heart is far more at risk for this than most other people. But it could have gone on as Dr. Z knows a helluva' lot more than my dumb ass.

Linn, I am so sorry this is all happening to you guys. When I say "I can feel your pain"......I can.....really. Karen and I have everything available crossed and are thinking of you a lot. Hang in......I know you will.


Spaw

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: Tinker
Date: 22 Jan 10 - 11:39 AM

Karen and I have everything available crossed and are thinking of you a lot.......


Hmmmm interesting image.

In any event, Linn I'm lighting a candle and sending off smoke signals.... Big hugs all around, and I think you should plan on taking John up on that visit to Scotland....when the nasties have cleared and the sky is blue.

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: catspaw49
Date: 22 Jan 10 - 11:41 AM

No one said it couldn't be fun Tink!

Spaw

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: KathWestra
Date: 22 Jan 10 - 05:30 PM

Oh dears. Just read this update and all I can say is ((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((Linn & Tom))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))

Sending you both light and love through this dark, scary time. If there's anything we far-aways can do to help, please let us know. xoxo

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 22 Jan 10 - 05:40 PM

Linn - your stamina is admirable...

Please take your rest when you can.

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: katlaughing
Date: 22 Jan 10 - 05:45 PM

Kath, you might join in on SUNDAY.:-)


{{{{{Linn & Tom}}}}}

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 22 Jan 10 - 09:55 PM

Just got home from visiting Tom. Brought him some more books. I guess the toilet is fixed and he had a good lunch (for a change), but when I left his meds were late. He also said some of the aides don't take his blood pressure properly -- so no wonder it's often low.

He's depressed -- and I'm depressed especially because he's depressed. Dover Rehab is a VERY depressing place. And feeling as if the future of his voice is at risk certainly isn't helping. But his primary care doc and Nancy, the nurse administrator at Dover Rehab are working FOR him, at least.

We still haven't a clue as to why the W-D cardiologist won't sign off on the surgery. Unless, maybe, it's in retaliation for Tom taking his cancer care to Mass General. And after 6 years, Tom now lacks confidence in Dr. Cunningham, his cardiologist -- who will be changing his defib battery in a couple weeks -- because he can't get an answer from HIM as to why he won't sign off on the surgery.

Keep in mind, what postponed the surgery from last Dec. was a vascular problem -- carotid disease. But his VASCULAR doctor says the disease is not bad and he not only has signed off on the surgery, but can't think of a reason why it shouldn't be approved by the cardiologists.

If this jeopardizes Tom's chances of regaining his voice, I'm going to do SOMEBODY some major damage. (Like Calvin, in the book -- the fictional autobiography -- I have a flamethrower. And I'm fantasizing about gelignite suppositories.)

Collected hugs and good wishes at The Press Room (as well as indigestion; I shouldn't have ordered the fried fish), sang a few songs, and gathered greetings for Tom, but, ya know, it's difficult for me to be there without him.

I'm confused, angry, frustrated...oh yeah, and tired. I need to talk to Dr. Z -- the prospect of radiation makes me very nervous. I need more information, more reassurances, and maybe some ANSWERS from both cardiologists. I desperately need to see Tom in a better frame of mind. And now, of course, it's the weekend, and I don't know what if anything can be accomplished. (Other than getting Tom's car over to him tomorrow, so he can escape in between antibiotic treatments.)

Tom is both looking forward to the party tomorrow and afraid he really just doesn't want to be around people. I feel so damned helpless -- I don't know what I can do for him.

Maybe I can lay abed a bit tomorrow, get caught up on some of the local free papers, and pretend life is somewhat normal.

Linn

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: katlaughing
Date: 22 Jan 10 - 10:25 PM

Linn, first of all...REST. You have done a HUGE amount of stuff since this all started.

Second, some things our loved ones have to just go through and there isn't a lot we can do other than the things you already have done AND hugs, etc...loving. I hated being in the hospital after surgery without Rog at night, etc. It was so scary, painful, etc., BUT I had to go through it, no one else could do it for me.

Third, if you don't take care of yourself,i.e.

REST

WHO is going to help Tom? He'll make it through a few more days, esp. with his car and some good food, as long as it's okay with the doc's orders.

Fourth, I know you know all of this, so forgive me for being a pushy you know what...remember it's YOU who taught me about AFGOs!:-)(I know this one you did NOT need!)

Rest, darlin', please.

luvyakat

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: gnu
Date: 23 Jan 10 - 11:07 AM

Can't add to what kat said. Except maybe what maeve said in her thread.... just walking along side is sometimes all one can do.

T&Ps.

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: SINSULL
Date: 23 Jan 10 - 12:13 PM

Tried to call you Linn but got your answering machine. Hang in there. I will catch up with you later.
M

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: Jeri
Date: 23 Jan 10 - 12:17 PM

From Bat Goddess, but I got the error message too. Here it is now, as she may be headed out of the house:
------------------------

First I got an error message saying this didn't post, then it "posted" but didn't show up. Here it is AGAIN. Cat alarm still set, I think, at 6, but I managed to ignore the heavy weight of Rufus napping on my side until 6:30. I'm running the furnace. The fire didn't catch last night, but that left me a stove-full of wood just ready to be set off by a warm breath. (Plus I could remove some ashes to spread over our icy deck and steps.) AND I've got my hands wrapped around a mug of hot (well, it was when I made it) tea. (Now how exactly do I type with my hands around a tea mug?) AND I microwaved a small Betty Crocker Warm Delights Minis -- Chocolate Raspberry Decadence. Yes! Tom gave me a couple packages for Christmas -- just a quickly made bite of flavor when you need it. Now I can toast my zucchini bread, reheat my tea, and retreat back to my bed, cat(s) and reading material for a bit of a luxurious lie in.

Linn

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 23 Jan 10 - 01:53 PM

Let's see if this works --

Sins, just left message on your voice mail -- can't talk right now as have a whole bunch of stuff that's got to get done before I go pick Tom up at 5 (not forgetting the concertina).

Just got off the phone with Dr. Bryson of Dr. Zeitels' office and I think I feel a lot better. At least I'm reassured that Dr. Z hasn't abandoned us (not that I thought he had).

But I've got my work cut out for me on Monday (I'll have to take the day off) first talking to Dr. Zeitels first thing in the morning, then all the others involved.

Found out that Dr. Ettiger (hospital cardiologist) wouldn't sign off because Tom not finished with antibiotics, even though everybody else didn't seem to think that was a problem. Also that Tom's defibrillator battery hadn't been changed yet, even though no one has objected until now that it will be changed on Feb. 18. I've got lots of questions for Tom's regular cardiologist, Dr. Cunningham, as well. (Logging yet more phone time.) And the report and sign-off from the vascular guy may not have been received at Dr. Z's office -- more phone calls there.

Tom's primary care Dr. Thompson is working to get things straightened out, too -- he seems to think that Tom is actually at LESS risk for anesthesia now than he was during the original surgery in October.

Arghhhhh!

I'd REALLY like to have a more or less normal day off sometime -- you know, one that actually involves R&R.

Linn

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 23 Jan 10 - 01:54 PM

Yee hah!!! This actually posted!

Thank you, Mudcat wizards!

Linn

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: Jeri
Date: 23 Jan 10 - 02:02 PM

Max made the Shake 'n' Bake, but I helped.
Glad your getting somewhere with the communication between doctors thing. Sounds like things might work out.

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 23 Jan 10 - 02:14 PM

My R&R right now involves removing snow from one end of the woodpile so I again have access to that side. (On one side the wood is more dry than on the other end.) This is best done in daylight -- and I don't have a lot of daylight in the course of the week.

Was bringing a load of wood in when the phone started ringing. By the time I got to the phone, there was no one there -- and it didn't seem if they had left a message, although Comcast might not see fit to actually NOTIFY me of a message until, say, tomorrow. (That's what they did with Dr. Z's message yesterday.)

Meanwhile, more wood schlepping -- great exercise!

Linn

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: SINSULL
Date: 23 Jan 10 - 02:24 PM

That was me Linn. I just got your message and will leave your phone free. MagicJack is persnickety today. You call - I answer - dead phone.
I left messages earlier. Stragnge. No ring just Tom's message.
The NEW news sounds promising. Hang in there. It is a roller coaster ride right now and you can't afford to fall off.
Mary

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: SINSULL
Date: 23 Jan 10 - 04:20 PM

Just got off the phone with Linn. She is getting a bit fed up with the "He said; she said..." of dealing with multiple doctors. Can't blame her.
One of those Stop The World I Want To Get Off! moments.
First step is to get Dr. Z's views and work from there.
Remember when your primary doctor did the tests and read them? Delivered your baby? Nursed your aged mother? Even made house calls? One man (they were all men then despite Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman), one opinion, one everything.

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: Jeri
Date: 23 Jan 10 - 04:32 PM

Tom told me if one of them is on the phone, it goes straight to answering machine.

In the military, I had a primary care doc who sort of managed everything. Referred me to specialists and followed up on the specialist's findings. Of course, THAT was socialized medicine...

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: AllisonA(Animaterra)
Date: 23 Jan 10 - 05:30 PM

Just checking in to administer a round of


<<< HUGZZZ >>>

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 23 Jan 10 - 09:20 PM

Just got home from the music party -- lovely smallish gathering around the fireplace. Tom sort of stayed out of the singing circle for awhile, but when I was requested to sing "Lovely Agnes", I wouldn't do it unless he accompanied me on concertina. Got him to accompany me on a few more songs as well as play along with others. At one point Justine was whispering in his ear and they were both laughing loudly.

It's really nice to see him smiling and laughing -- he hasn't had much to smile about lately.

He's got his car now, too, so he can escape in between antibiotics infusions. I'll see him again tomorrow after work and then we can both gird our loins for battle via telephone on Monday.

Right now I'm going to shut down the house for the night, take a glass of wine upstairs and call Tom to say goodnight.

'Night, all.
Linn

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: catspaw49
Date: 23 Jan 10 - 10:35 PM

LOL....Well, remember when I talked about the "box" for even simple problems?   Yeah....just got back from the ER because my box collapsed in unexpectedly. All's well but one of those moments where you wonder if this "stupid thing" is the last stupid thing. And once again, I owe it to Karen who said, "Time to go" while I was himhawing around.

Linn, I wish you luck and have my fingers crossed for you. Remember that whatever and however, it can always be worse. Actually that's just a set-up for this quick story.........

Karen has been a Histotech for over 25 years and has processed damn near every kind of tissue from brains to fingernails. She's had lots of assorted genital parts of course but the other day she had a necrotic penis come in. Had the occasional penis before but this one was necrotic, black , rotting, and as hard as glass.   Feel free to fill in the jokes on your own, but for me, well, folks if I have a condition/infection that completely rots my dick........shoot me.


Spaw

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: Donuel
Date: 23 Jan 10 - 11:40 PM

You guys make me smile, curmudgeon or not. Singing circle and all, you have a wonderful life.

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: My guru always said
Date: 24 Jan 10 - 06:22 AM

Sending love & hugs!!!

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: kendall
Date: 24 Jan 10 - 06:39 AM

Tom, there is life after voice! Get a leather jacket.

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 24 Jan 10 - 06:46 AM

still watching the thread, mainly for your posts Linn. still thinking good thoughts at you and Tom.

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 24 Jan 10 - 07:31 AM

The famous trained cat alarm actually let me sleep until 7. (But not before standing on the humidifier and loudly worrying the controller, then proceeding across the bed (and me) to see what he could knock off my nightstand. THEN Sabine decided she needed to be under the pillow I rest my (formerly broken) arm on -- so I let her under the covers. She not only wouldn't settle, but then Rufus decided that, since her tail was sticking out, he absolutely HAD to bite it. Sabine retreated under the bed. Rufus, maybe not at that exact moment but soon, curled up on the side and waited for a while before magnifying his weight so I would wake up.

Anywho, haven't sipped my tea, showered or washed my hair, or talked to Tom yet. After I do all that (and then some), I'll be back.

Linn

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 24 Jan 10 - 07:34 AM

Oh, I've been wondering -- how about changing the name of this thread? Or starting a new one, linking this one to it?

That fall turned out to be totally irrelevant to anything else; and this has turned into more about his continuing blood infection/vascular & pulmonary health/ and continuing cancer treatment.

How about Curmudgeon's Medical Woes - Winter 2010?

Whadyathink?

Linn

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 24 Jan 10 - 07:47 AM

why not have Truth in Thread Names?

you have my vote (& a few more hugs!)

sandra

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: AllisonA(Animaterra)
Date: 24 Jan 10 - 08:10 AM

New thread, old thread, whatever works for you, dear Linn.
Last night's party sounds lovely- so glad both of you could go! Hope you can have a fairly stress-free day to gird your loins for the phone tomorrow!

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon's Medical Woes - Winter 2010
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 24 Jan 10 - 10:08 AM

Tom's in good humor -- last night's music gathering and camaraderie helped a lot, I think. Also that we have some positive work to do Monday to get this surgery back on track. AND today he will take his car out, escape in between antibiotic treatments, and even get to WALK a bit somewhere (nice, I hope, like down along the river). He's been forced to be so sedentary for two weeks -- first tied down (literally) by various monitoring devices and intravenous drips in the hospital, and now by the situation at Dover Rehab. He does walk in the halls when he can, but it's not a particularly pleasant experience.

Right now I'm off for some exercise -- bringing in firewood. Who needs my free weights? Leg lifts? etcet etcet?

Linn

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon's Medical Woes - Winter 2010
From: Charley Noble
Date: 24 Jan 10 - 10:38 AM

Here's to music parties!

Charley Noble

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon's Medical Woes - Winter 2010
From: SINSULL
Date: 24 Jan 10 - 10:51 AM

This thread is a bit cumbersome, Linn. How about Tom's Medical Saga: Part II?
I see Tom as more of a pea coat and stocking cap type, Kendall. Good thought though.And I think he needs an earring.

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon's Medical Woes - Winter 2010
From: Jeri
Date: 24 Jan 10 - 11:00 AM

Mary, click the 'd' (next to the number of messages) to get the last page of posts in decending order, or click on the number and go forward.

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon's Medical Woes - Winter 2010
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 24 Jan 10 - 11:13 AM

Tom HAD an earring. I think it got taken out during his heart surgery 6 years ago. I tried to put it back in for him, but I think the hole closed up.

Yeah, he NEEDS an earring. Just can't afford it right now. (Maybe a thought for a significant gift-giving occasion.)

At this point, I think one thread part is okay. New thread when he finally a) finishes with this blood infection thing, and b) is on track for the vocal cord procedure.

Linn

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon's Medical Woes - Winter 2010
From: kendall
Date: 24 Jan 10 - 10:40 PM

If his and my surgery fails to give us a voice, someone suggested we could form a new duo and call us The Hoarse Brothers". A play on "The Morse Brothers" a bluegrass band.

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon's Medical Woes - Winter 2010
From: My guru always said
Date: 25 Jan 10 - 08:21 AM

Oh kendall, are you allowed in the cellar or is it the outhouse for you? LOL BTW!!

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon's Medical Woes - Winter 2010
From: SINSULL
Date: 25 Jan 10 - 08:51 AM

You could do some of those bawdy ballads I heard a few years ago in Linn's living room. Then you could be the Coarse Brothers.

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon's Medical Woes - Winter 2010
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 25 Jan 10 - 08:59 AM

Just before 7 a.m. when I wanted to post this, Mudcat was down. Looks like Max was working on it.

So here goes –

When I was visiting Tom last night, his dinner came. It was laughable – the total meal – chicken, mashed potatoes and onion ring (yeah, that's what it looked like; ONE onion ring) was about the size of an order of medium fries. Maybe smaller. He said later it was tasty, but there wasn't much there, and sometimes it's too much bother to try to get more. If the head of the kitchen is there, Tom gets normal sized meals (they got that worked out earlier last week), but if he's not there, Tom gets served the same size meals everyone else gets – and everyone else must be old, sick and not eat much.

First thing on the schedule this morning is to call Tom, then I have a phone date with Dr. Z between 8 and 8:30 to try to get the surgery back on track. He'll have been briefed by Dr. Bryson, with whom I spent a substantial amount of time on the phone on Saturday.

Yeah, I've taken the day off from work.

I'm sure I'll have phone calls to make after talking to Dr. Z. Tom, too. I'll report in between.

8:57 -- I've talked to Kim at Dr. Z's office. Dr. Z will call me between patients. Right now I'm sending Kim a long email delineating everything that's been going -- full background, etc. plus phone numbers of ALL his doctors, just in case there's some piece of information they don't have.

Linn

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon's Medical Woes - Winter 2010
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 25 Jan 10 - 09:35 AM

Just sent off all the info to Dr. Zeitels' office. I'll give Tom a quick call, then wait for Dr. Z's call.

Linn

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon's Medical Woes - Winter 2010
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 25 Jan 10 - 11:22 AM

Another funny thing from yesterday. There was a new person at the desk when Tom went to sign out until his next treatment. The woman asked who was taking him; he said he was leaving by himself. She said, "But how?" He said, "In my car." She said, "In your CAR?!?"

They really don't know how to deal with a healthy person who is only there for treatment every four hours.

Arghh!

Linn

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon's Medical Woes - Winter 2010
From: SINSULL
Date: 25 Jan 10 - 11:26 AM

Reasonable question given that it's a nursing home, Linn. Otherwise Mrs. Murphy might be off wandering the neighborhood because no one questioned where she was going - happened to Aunt Mid. She was found an hour later looking for her girlhood home. She seemd so rational the receptionist didn't question her as she left.

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon's Medical Woes - Winter 2010
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 25 Jan 10 - 03:17 PM

Okay. After a fairly full day on the phone, including waiting, etc., here's where things stand:

Dr. Oram, the vascular guy, who said two weeks ago that he would fax his approval of Tom's surgery to Dr. Zeitels' office hadn't. His surgical coordinator got on it this morning, and he dictated it today. She will have it in 48 hours (with luck, on Wednesday) and she will immediately fax it to Dr. Zeitels' office. Christine did not know what is in this report, so neither, of course, do I.

Ultimately, the decision isn't so much with Dr. Z as it is with the anesthesiologist at Mass General. We KNOW there is risk. There was risk during the surgery in October. There was risk during the biopsy in September.

Meanwhile...Nancy at Dover Rehab got Tom an appointment with Dr. Mendoza for 10 tomorrow morning. This is the infectious diseases guy who is in responsible for the antibiotic treatment. There is also now a question of some infection at the site of the PICC. (Are these people idiots or incompetent or what? Do we need a lawyer?!?)

I'm going to call Kim at Dr. Z's and let her in on what's going on. After that, there is nothing else I can do about any of this today.

The rain, warmer temperatures, and fog are melting the snow at an incredible clip, but the ice around the stacked wood and the care is treacherous. Fortunately, I have a lot of wood ash. (But with the rain I have to keep applying it.) Went out a little while ago to pick up a couple prescriptions and get some spaghetti so I can have the white clam sauce I really wanted for dinner last night. Already grated the parmesan and have a bottle of white wine left from Micca's visit.

In between phone calls, I managed to get some papers archived in my yearly scrapbooks of our musical and other adventures and bake a chocolate cake. (I NEEDED a chocolate cake!!!) Still have to grate zucchini for the zucchini bread I probably won't get made until Wednesday and to put in the freezer for the next batch.

I'm emotionally drained, but I've been able to put some nervous energy to some positive uses.

Linn

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon's Medical Woes - Winter 2010
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 25 Jan 10 - 03:42 PM

Very worrying that infection at PICC site at this stage of treatment. Makes me think that improper care is being taken by staff handling the PICC.

This nursing home? Does it have other patients on intravenous? If none, I wonder how practised and diligent the staff are regards Tom's care.

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon's Medical Woes - Winter 2010
From: SINSULL
Date: 25 Jan 10 - 03:48 PM

PICC site infestions are very common but also very dangerous if not caught early and treated. One more thing to worry about - great!

You have done all you can today for today, Linn. Try to relax and whatever you do - BE CAREFUL ON THE ICE.

Let the medical types sort themselves out and you sit and sip wine.

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon's Medical Woes - Winter 2010
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 25 Jan 10 - 06:06 PM

Made the last (very wet) trip to the wood stack awhile ago. Have the stove shut down -- may not even need to add more wood before I retire to the bedroom to call Tom, read, pet cats and go to sleep. (I hope my rain sodden hair is somewhat dry by then.)

I'm eating a lovely dinner -- white clam sauce (canned, alas -- Tom's not here to cook for me) on thin spaghetti with lots of freshly grated parmesan. And a glass of the white wine Micca left. But it's sort of a sad commentary that I'm eating it here in front of the computer, isn't it? (Well, at least I'm eating with friends!) Oh, and I have chocolate cake and whipped cream for dessert. And, in honor of Robert Burns' birthday, I will, of course, have a wee dram of Laphroaig a bit later.

Right -- there's nothing else I can do today. Or tomorrow, for that matter (except go to work), while Tom deals with Dr. Mendoza.

I'm probably shutting down the house and retiring very early.

Goodnight, all,
Linn

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon's Medical Woes - Winter 2010
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 25 Jan 10 - 06:07 PM

Suggested thread title Curmodgeon's Medical Saga - it goes on & on & on ...

rest well, Linn with wine, choccie cake & cats.

sandra

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon's Medical Woes - Winter 2010
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 25 Jan 10 - 06:17 PM

And Laphroaig! Don't forget the Laphroaig!!! (Boy do I deserve the Laphroaig -- wish Tom had some; he's only got the blended scotch I brought to him in the flask.)

I said "Goodnight", didn't I?

Goodnight!

Linn

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon's Medical Woes - Winter 2010
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 25 Jan 10 - 07:48 PM

I can't stay away. Came downstairs for another glass of wine. Reading Sue Grafton's " 'U' Is For Undertow" while a cat (Sabine) stomps around trying to get comfortable. (She's happily purring on my shoulder, but then she decides to move around, keep me from reading the book, stomping over the phone when I'm talking to Tom, etcet etcet.) Laphroaig and another piece of chocolate cake with whipped cream later.

Sigh. That's cheaper than Valium/Prozac/what have you.

Tom is seeing the infectious diseases guy tomorrow morning. On Wednesday morning he is having a modified stress test. Someone has put the fear of the Lord into some of the medicos at Wentworth-Douglass because things now seem to be being scheduled much sooner than they would otherwise be.

Linn

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon's Medical Woes - Winter 2010
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 25 Jan 10 - 10:24 PM

Last of the quarter cask Laphroaig gone -- just the one snifter with a dollop of water.

Having trouble winding down after the day working the phone.

Tonight, actually, my drug of choice is chocolate cake and whipped cream. (Although I'm masticating pepperoni right now.)

I'm fantasizing about sitting on the floor with my arms around my knees, rocking and moaning. I'm stronger than that, but it's a nice fantasy. This whole thing is starting to really get to me. I know I'll be okay -- and Tom, too. But it IS such a strain. The thing is, I'm not the only one going through a bunch of shit. My heart goes out to them all -- our strengths strengthen each other.

Thank you all for your prayers, white light, good thoughts, and everything. I really appreciated it -- I (we) couldn't get through this without you all.

Linn

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon's Medical Woes - Winter 2010
From: katlaughing
Date: 25 Jan 10 - 10:42 PM

Linn,

It's okay to hold yourself and rock and moan...if it feels good...it doesn't mean you have lost all control and won't be able to go on. You will...it will just be a way of letting out some of the stress of hanging on and trying to be strong for Tom and yourself.

Breaking down and "losing it" can be healthy for a short time and if you don't go overboard.:-)

I hope you are sound asleep in comfort and ease, darlin'...luvyakat

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon's Medical Woes - Winter 2010
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 26 Jan 10 - 10:13 AM

I'm realizing though all of this exactly how important it is to NOT be a passive patient. Either the patient (Tom) or the advocate (me) must fight for every bit of information and the right to input on treatment, 2nd opinions, etcet etcet -- absolutely every aspect of dealing with the medical establishment. Especially since there seems to be no communication between various care providers. It's exhausting but it can affect quality of life or even life itself.

Today he has an appointment with the doctor responsible for his incarceration and antibiotics. Tomorrow he's having a modified stress test. Modified because for years he's refused them -- no one seems to come out of a stress test except in worse shape than going into it. Tom's mother was fine until her stress test -- that caused a stroke and it was all downhill from there.

This is a strange day. Not only will I be unable to visit Tom either before or after work, but I have no doctors that need to be contacted or harassed by phone. The weather is perfect for if we'd had to go to Boston for Tom's surgery -- I'm not even keeping the woodstove going during the day and I don't need to bring in any more firewood before starting a fire after I get home around 9 tonight.

Almost sort of "normal" -- except for not having Tom home and having to say "goodnight" via telephone.

Linn

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon's Medical Woes - Winter 2010
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 26 Jan 10 - 09:12 PM

Home from work and, I think, have fire in stove started and ready to shut down for the night. It was too warm to run the stove today -- why waste the wood? Got the furnace removing the little bit of chill in the house here at 9 p.m.

Tom had his meeting with Dr. Mendoza this morning -- and he will be finished with the round of antibiotics and turned loose from Dover Rehab sometime on Saturday. Yee hah!

Tomorrow morning he has a modified stress test -- which will help determine if he's okay for surgery as soon as it could be rescheduled.

I'm about to go upstairs and make the "goodnight" call -- hey! Tom and I going out to lunch together tomorrow!!!

Linn

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon's Medical Woes - Winter 2010
From: katlaughing
Date: 26 Jan 10 - 10:32 PM

Saturday can't come too soon! Good news, Linn! Enjoy lunch tomorrow.

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon's Medical Woes - Winter 2010
From: Nancy King
Date: 26 Jan 10 - 11:41 PM

Sounds like a bit of light at the end of the tunnel! Hang in there!

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon's Medical Woes - Winter 2010
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 27 Jan 10 - 06:43 AM

YAH! to every small (& large) victory

sandra

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon's Medical Woes - Winter 2010
From: SINSULL
Date: 27 Jan 10 - 09:10 AM

Good news, Linn.

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon's Medical Woes - Winter 2010
From: jacqui.c
Date: 27 Jan 10 - 09:22 AM

Great news! Here's hoping that things are on the up at last.

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon's Medical Woes - Winter 2010
From: AllisonA(Animaterra)
Date: 27 Jan 10 - 09:26 AM

Oh, good- enjoy lunch, and good luck with stress tests, surgery schedules, and all.
Give that good man a hug from me!

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon's Medical Woes - Winter 2010
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 27 Jan 10 - 10:37 AM

Lay abed til 6:15 -- did a quick downstairs reconnoiter (prolly not keep a fire in the stove today, either), cuppa, email, FB and Mudcat check (to report to Tom) and back upstairs for a slightly early good morning call to Tom since he has to be at Wentworth-Douglass for that stress test by 8:15.

Interesting note, there was a voice mail on our phone yesterday from W-D about calling them before 4:30 yesterday for prelim info re: stress test. You would THINK they'd have a clue that he's NOT at that phone number -- for the past 2-1/2 WEEKS, fer-pete's-sake, he's either been at W-D or Dover Rehab where they stuck him!!! When they called, he was probably meeting with Dr. Mendoza AT the hospital!!! He'd already pointed out to Scheduling that he hand't been home for over 2 weeks and was supposedly under the care & knowledge of the hospital. Arghhh! (That's actually just a minor case of the communication problems we encountered while he was actually IN room 348 at the hospital.)

Before I got back upstairs, I scrubbed the butcher block countertop and used a toothpick to clean crap out of crannies around the kitchen faucet and sink, but then I got to lay abed reading Sue Grafton's "U Is For Undertow" til 9:30 when I got dressed, emptied the litter boxes, got a load of laundry in, and I'm about to walk the trash up the driveway for today's pickup. (I forgot last week -- that's one of Tom's jobs.)

Will drop off some more cubic footage at Goodwill on my way over to meet Tom. Not sure where he's got in mind for lunch, but it might be Chinese since he asked for one of his extra diuretics -- he's on a low sodium diet, of course.

Later!
Linn

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon's Medical Woes - Winter 2010
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 28 Jan 10 - 06:53 AM

Sorry I didn't post here yesterday afternoon or evening. When I got home from a delightful lunch with Tom, I was just too sleepy to be social or communicative.

Tom's morning started up with a bit of a cock up at Wentworth-Douglass. He got there between 8 & 8:15 for his 8:30 procedure -- keep in mind, he had to be back at Dover Rehab for his next antibiotic treatment less than 4 hours later. He was ignored for 45 minutes. Then the techs said no one had told THEM that he had a schedule to adhere to. (Of course, no one in scheduling/reminding knew the day before that he was at Dover Rehab, not at home.) Anyway, he got it all accomplished -- not a "regular" stress test, but with dye injected and pictures taken. I'll let him explain it if necessary.

I got to Rehab at 1:00 just as he was finishing up with the treatment and we headed off to Durham (in his car, so I wouldn't have to clean out my car's passenger seat filing system yet again; can't find my ice scraper from LAST time!) because Tom wanted a Chinese fix at China Buffet (a cafeteria-style, plentiful and inexpensive restaurant in Durham, which is home of the University of New Hampshire). Alas, since we'd last been there, it had morphed into Mei Wei ("Fine Asian Cuisine -- Grill - Sushi - Bar). But...it had a weekday lunch buffet for which we were just in time. What a difference in the place, though, from personality-less hall with ranks of tables chockablock to each other and faded posters of China on the walls to rich, dark wood and walls, upholstered booths, a forest of "lucky bamboo", etcet. Mei Wei had only been there since December. The buffet was sparse compared to its predecessor, but Tom said it was the best General Tso's Chicken he'd ever had. Everything else was really good, too, even though we'd come in right at the end of the buffet. Nice flavor of ginger in several dishes, the dumplings were wonderful (wish there had been more of them -- earlier next time!).

It was a lovely "date" with my darlin' -- really looking forward to having him home on Saturday. His last antibiotic treatment is, I think, on Friday. On Saturday they'll remove the PICC and release him; don't know what time.

Came home and built a fire in the stove as the sun had disappeared and it was getting chilly. Took the opportunity to sweep the debris off the deck that had been under the ice that melted in the past few days. (Usually it's March that I hate -- when the whole world looks as if it needs to be scrubbed down.) Earlier in the day, when I took the trash up to the road for pickup, I looked for snowdrops on the bank on my way back down the driveway. No, I didn't really expect them in January, but the day was warm and sunny, the driveway muddy and the moss on the bank quite green.

Talked to Tom later in the evening. He had actually been visited by Dr. Thompson, his primary care doctor. (I'm impressed -- I know he's overworked at Avis-Goodwin, which is a Community Health organization.) He'd spoken with Tom's regular cardiologist and with Dr. Zeitels, too, and talked to Tom about radiation if he can't have the rest of the surgery. I know how both Tom and I feel about radiation is colored by Kendall's experience, but Dr. T explained (as had Dr. Z) that radiation has come a long way since then. And it actually has a better chance of totally iradicating the cancer than the laser surgery (something like 97% to 85%). I also had a phone message from the surgical coordinator at Dr. Oram's (vascular) office -- she faxed his report to Dr. Zeitels' office yesterday, too.

Dr. Thompson also reminded Tom that no matter what happens, his voice is not going to be what it was before. And what he DOES get back is going to require a lot of work on both Tom's and Dr. Z's part. I just think, though, that between Tom's determination and Dr. Zeitels' skill, they've got a pretty decent chance. I DO believe in miracles!

Whatever happens, I have confidence that everything will turn out for the best. In my experience, even if what happens looks totally black, at some point in the future, it turns out to be the best thing that could have happened.

Linn

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon's Medical Woes - Winter 2010
From: Charley Noble
Date: 28 Jan 10 - 08:35 AM

Linn-

Thanks for the update. We're still hauling away for you both but we're running out of shanties! Guess we'll have to compose some new ones:

My home theater system's all in pawn,
Go down, you bloodsucking bastards, go down!
And it's mighty drafty when the oil's all gone!
Go down, you bloodsucking bastards, go down!

Ohhhhh, you pimps and posers!
Go down, you bloodsucking bastards, go down!

Just a thought!

Charley Noble

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon's Medical Woes - Winter 2010
From: SINSULL
Date: 28 Jan 10 - 09:17 AM

Home again
Home again
Jiggity Jig.


Is the Honey Do list at the ready?

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon's Medical Woes - Winter 2010
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 28 Jan 10 - 10:33 AM

Just had a brief morning adventure while preparing my lunch (salad w/chicken) for tonight at work. While THINKING about the possible cheese clog in the squeeze top of storebought blue cheese dressing (I usually make my own balsamic-red wine vinegrette, but I'm out of extra virgin olive oil), the damned thing exploded all over me -- on the counter, on my shoes, on the floor...and all over ME, freshly dressed for work. Wiped it all up. Sweater is now in the dryer, with the hope that it won't be embarrassing when I put it back on again to go to work. Now I've got to go out -- sweaterless in cooling temps (but with jacket & gloves) to get more firewood.

Arghhh!

(It's the little things...)

Charlie, I like the shanty.

Ah, yes, Mary, a HUGE to-do list consisting mostly of stuff he's put off for YEARS. And, believe it or not, I think I have him excited about getting some of that stuff accomplished.

Later,
Linn

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon's Medical Woes - Winter 2010
From: catspaw49
Date: 28 Jan 10 - 11:49 AM

LOL......Two days ago I was adding some store bought bleu cheese to my salad mix because I was out of bleu cheese to crumble. As I tried to squirt a bit on, the damn thing blew and blobbed dressing all over the salad and assorted other splash points, my face being one. So as I try to scrape and spoon some of the crap back into the bottle, I asked myself these two questions:

1-What kind of dumbass puts a chunky dressing in a sqeeze bottle?
2-What kind of dumbass tries to squeeze chunky dressing from a squeeze bottle?

The answer to the first appeared to be Wishbone and the answer to the second was wiping bleu cheese off his face.

Spaw

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon's Medical Woes - Winter 2010
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 28 Jan 10 - 11:56 AM

Spaw, try the bleu cheese in the wide-mouth jar that you buy from the refrigerated salad area. It's much better (and bigger chunks of cheese that they can't get into the squirt bottle). Maries or Litehouse or NatureMade or something like that.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon's Medical Woes - Winter 2010
From: SINSULL
Date: 28 Jan 10 - 12:17 PM

Last time I had a salad at Mass General (with Linn I think) I ran up against the glob of blue cheese stuck in the pump catastrophy. Ended up with a half a jug of dressing on my salad...much to everyone's amusement.

When Burger King first introduced salads on their menu, I ordered one at a rest stop on the Jersey Turnpike. It came with a little bag of salad dressing - pre the notch to open it. I tried and tried but could not open it. In frustration I put it over the salad and squeezed. The whole envelope exploded - on me, my hair, my clothes and maybe some on my salad. A little boy nearby was laughing out loud while his mother tried not to. I had to go to my next appointment covered in grease and smelling of vinegar.

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon's Medical Woes - Winter 2010
From: Charley Noble
Date: 28 Jan 10 - 04:23 PM

I always knew there were additional reasons to avoid blue cheese.

Charley Noble

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon's Medical Woes - Winter 2010
From: gnu
Date: 28 Jan 10 - 05:09 PM

Besides the blue?

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon's Medical Woes - Winter 2010
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 28 Jan 10 - 09:28 PM

I usually make my own blue cheese dressing, too. This was a bottle that I knew (store brand Chunky Blue Cheese) that I knew had preservatives and would last in the fridge for sporadic use when I didn't make my own for some reason. And the kicker was, at the time it happened, I was THINKING "Why did they put a restricted exit squeeze top on a chunky dressing?!?" Arghh!

As it was, there were obvious oil stains on the sweater when it was partially dry, so I put grease-cutting dishwashing liquid on the spots and will deal with them maybe tomorrow morning, maybe Saturday.

But IMMEDIATELY I had to figure out what to wear instead -- preferably just a different sweater that would go with everything else (turtleneck, jewelry, etcet etcet) because I didn't have TIME to change clothes completely.

That was the high point of my day, by the way. I had the kind of customers that reminded me (and made me grateful!) why I never had kids. The drive home was slippery and tedious. And windy.

Just talked to Tom -- he doesn't yet know when they'll give him his last treatment or when they'll remove the PICC or when he'll be released on Saturday.

Right now I've got to get a couple more loads of wood -- it's supposed to be pretty cold tonight. At least I don't have to be to work until 10 tomorrow (no optech conference call at 9:30).

Later! (But not tonight -- I'm running way late and hope to get to sleep before 11.)
Linn

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon's Medical Woes - Winter 2010
From: My guru always said
Date: 29 Jan 10 - 04:48 AM

Lovely to see so much good news!! Except the 'bleu cheese' of course... Keep on doing what you're doing Linn, sending you both love & big hugs and hoping Tom will be home tomorrow!

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon's Medical Woes - Winter 2010
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 29 Jan 10 - 05:25 AM

Blue Cheese, you saw me dressed to go out
So when I pressed you, your spout
Blocked up, and made me squeeze more
Blue cheese, you lurked in ambush and when
I squeezed you harder, again
You popped your cork, thank-you friend

Blue cheese that wasn't what I was there for
You ruined the clothes that I wear for
The winter warmth that I care for.

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon's Medical Woes - Winter 2010
From: Charley Noble
Date: 29 Jan 10 - 08:24 AM

Blue cheese was my delight,
Blue cheese my heart of gold
Blue cheese was my heart of joy
But now it's all over my front and sleeves.

Charley Noble

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon's Medical Woes - Winter 2010
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 29 Jan 10 - 08:28 AM

Can't stay here long -- it's too cold in front of the computer. I think that howling north wind is aimed straight at me through the north wall. Besides, I don't have much time to bring in a few loads of firewood, stuff the stove and head to work. I'll tell you about Rufus' 2 a.m. antics later -- he wanted to be petted, he wanted to play. Didn't care that I was asleep and really wanted to stay that way!

When I talked to Tom this morning, the first thing I noticed was a new "voice" -- there's a louder, clearer, the only thing I can call it is a thread within his voice. Something is trying to work -- like his "growly" voice, but different. I think it would please Dr. Z.

Anywho, gotta go -- can't type with mittens on.

Linn

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon's Medical Woes - Winter 2010
From: Bill D
Date: 29 Jan 10 - 01:50 PM

**reading regularly with not much to say....but commiserating about all of the hassles*..(except the blue cheese, about which I can only add my father's line: "You look good in everything you eat.")

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon's Medical Woes - Winter 2010
From: SINSULL
Date: 29 Jan 10 - 04:57 PM

The wind is howling here too, Linn. Blew away my oil delivery bill right out of the envelope. Unbelievable. Home again tomorrow, Tom. Good on you.

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon's Medical Woes - Winter 2010
From: Charley Noble
Date: 29 Jan 10 - 05:01 PM

Definitely hasn't been a beach day where I've been today.

Maybe tomorrow!

Charley Noble, outward bound for a gig

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon's Medical Woes - Winter 2010
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 29 Jan 10 - 09:15 PM

Still can't type with mittens on -- and my mittens are in the other room!

Maybe in the morning, when I'm less tired and less cold. (Although if the wind keeps blowing the way it is, this room may NEVER warm up!)

Linn

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon's Medical Woes - Winter 2010
From: AllisonA(Animaterra)
Date: 30 Jan 10 - 08:00 AM

Welcome home, Tom! Are you up for a short visit tomorrow?

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon's Medical Woes - Winter 2010
From: SINSULL
Date: 30 Jan 10 - 08:28 AM

Still room at the inn here if you change your minds.
M

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon's Medical Woes - Winter 2010
From: curmudgeon
Date: 30 Jan 10 - 06:02 PM

"Lickety-splish!" as Alan Rottman once said.

Actually, I've been home for a few hours, but it's been too cold to post till now, and still too cold to post much.

I see from reading this thread that Linn has posted much that I would not have remembered, and some I should forget. Thanks to all for suppoirt and good thoughts.

I should stop here ere the typos exceed the correct words and go cook some food.

A grand weekend to all - Tom

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon's Medical Woes - Winter 2010
From: katlaughing
Date: 30 Jan 10 - 06:16 PM

Must feel good to be home. Welcome back, Tom!

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon's Medical Woes - Winter 2010
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 30 Jan 10 - 07:04 PM

Tom got home just before 11 this morning. It's not only great having him home, but it's really nice to have someone else in the house (besides the cats, of course).

Tom also gave me an INCREDIBLE coming home present -- a pajama day!!!

When he got here, I was on the phone with my sister in Milwaukee, and noting that I would REALLY soon have to put some real clothes on (instead of pajamas, I was wearing sweats) and go out to bring in some more firewood. Tom arrived just in time to get back into winter exercise mode -- and for the first time in 3 weeks I didn't have to brave the elements (such as yesterday's brutally cold wind) and schlep wood into the house to keep the woodstove burning bright.

So I read, played with the cats (even had both of them in my lap at the same time), took a very short nap (one cat under the covers; one on top next to me), read some more, got a couple small things done that needed doing, read some more -- in short, had a delightful day.

Right now he's curmudgeoning because the dinner he just planned and prepared turned out to be less tasty than he expected.

Linn

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon's Medical Woes - Winter 2010
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 30 Jan 10 - 11:04 PM

wot a thing to complain about! didn't he work up an appetite carrying wood?

pajama-wearers with cats on lap can't be expected to cook!

sandra

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon's Medical Woes - Winter 2010
From: maeve
Date: 31 Jan 10 - 12:55 AM

Welcome home, Tom. Congratulations, Linn. I'm glad you are both home tonight.

maeve

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon's Medical Woes - Winter 2010
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 31 Jan 10 - 07:40 AM

I was the one wearing pajamas (sweats) with cats playing musical lap -- Tom was doing the wood schlepping (after a 3 week hiatus) and he's the usual family cook. (He lets me do most of the baking but he bakes the pies.) He'd been so looking forward to a) cooking (which he truly enjoys) and b) decent food after hospital and (much worse!) nursing home fare. The Mexican-style dish he made SHOULD have been much better. It ended up mostly tasteless instead of tasty -- all the flavor came from added salsa and the cheese (we were both craving lots of cheese) got lost.

He was very disappointed.

Linn

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon's Medical Woes - Winter 2010
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 31 Jan 10 - 10:02 AM

Sorry to hear that Tom, it's always a bummer when food turns out not to be as you hoped.
I roasted a very small chicken last night, and I stuffed it with left over haggis, chopped red onions, tomato pureé and a drop of lime juice. It wasn't very exciting hot, but cold, it has turned out very tasty indeed, so keep the faith.
Nice yo be home though isn't it?
Keep well.

John

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon's Medical Woes - Winter 2010
From: Charley Noble
Date: 31 Jan 10 - 11:37 AM

I'm getting an urge to cook up some Mexican food for lunch!

Good to hear that Tom is home.

Charley Noble

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon's Medical Woes - Winter 2010
From: AllisonA(Animaterra)
Date: 31 Jan 10 - 04:54 PM

It was great to see you, Tom! Keep on mending.
Linn, sometime soon Hunt and I will make a trip when we know you are going to be there, and we can all hang around for awhile!

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon's Medical Woes - Winter 2010
From: wysiwyg
Date: 31 Jan 10 - 05:56 PM

!!!

~S~

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon's Medical Woes - Winter 2010
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 31 Jan 10 - 06:14 PM

I'm really looking forward to someday actually getting to meet Hunt! If he's suspecting I'm a fictional character, who do you suppose made me up?!?

Linn

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon's Medical Woes - Winter 2010
From: gnu
Date: 31 Jan 10 - 06:41 PM

Missed it! Welcome home, Tom!!

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon's Medical Woes - Winter 2010
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 31 Jan 10 - 11:57 PM

That first meal probably was weighed down by all of the baggage (distractions) of the last three weeks. Too many expectations piled upon it.

I braised a pot roast, and when it was good and cooked down then I added the onion, carrot, and potatoes, and it was wonderful. Added a few glugs of red wine near the end, and made the juices into a light gravy. Nothing spicy or exciting, but very satisfying, just the same.

Bake some bread tomorrow. That'll get your cooking back on kilter.

Good that you're home, Tom!

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon's Medical Woes - Winter 2010
From: Janie
Date: 01 Feb 10 - 06:32 AM

Welcome home, Tom!

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon's Medical Woes - Winter 2010
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 01 Feb 10 - 08:35 AM

Welcome home Tom and Linn please catch up on some well deserved rest.

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon's Medical Woes - Winter 2010
From: SINSULL
Date: 01 Feb 10 - 08:50 AM

Feet resting comfortably on a flannel shirt with hairy legs?
SINS

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon's Medical Woes - Winter 2010
From: katlaughing
Date: 01 Feb 10 - 10:42 AM

Is that something new L.L. Bean has come out with, Sins? Flannel shirts with hairy legs??!!

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon's Medical Woes - Winter 2010
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 01 Feb 10 - 12:27 PM

Who is wearing the flannel shirt, and who has the hairy legs??

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon's Medical Woes - Winter 2010
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 01 Feb 10 - 01:09 PM

Who said CELLAR ??

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon's Medical Woes - Winter 2010
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 01 Feb 10 - 08:10 PM

It's a FOOT stool -- top part upholstered in a plaid flannel shirt. The bottom is supported by male legs with wool socks and what I can only describe as well worn "barn" shoes.

I love it!

Linn

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon's Medical Woes - Winter 2010
From: AllisonA(Animaterra)
Date: 02 Feb 10 - 07:53 AM

And oh, it's so very lovely. And so fun to transport upside down in the back of a station wagon- I hope the tail-gater on Rt. 4 from Portsmouth to Durham was following so closely so he could get a better look at it!

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon's Medical Woes - Winter 2010
From: jacqui.c
Date: 02 Feb 10 - 02:45 PM

Welcome home Tom.

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon's Medical Woes - Winter 2010
From: gnu
Date: 02 Feb 10 - 03:13 PM

Linn... send us a pic, eh?

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon's Medical Woes - Winter 2010
From: SINSULL
Date: 02 Feb 10 - 07:33 PM

Make sure you get a close up of the hairy legs.

How is Tom?

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon's Medical Woes - Winter 2010
From: Ebbie
Date: 02 Feb 10 - 09:38 PM

A quick aside here:

When my niece as newly married she and her husband bought a stripped down house.

One day they went to the shop and bought a toilet and hauled it to the 'new' house. Karl set it right side up in the back of their van, looking for all the world like they were traveling with all the amenities. She was mortified.

But she has never been bored by that young man.

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon's Medical Woes - Winter 2010
From: AllisonA(Animaterra)
Date: 03 Feb 10 - 10:40 AM

Tee hee! She shoulda seen Hunt and me on the way home from a music camping trip, car filled to the gills, one day last summer.

Me: Stop the car! There's a toilet by the side of the road!

Hunt did a U-ie, sure enough, a workable toilet (with neatly lettered sign). We unloaded the instruments, sleeping bags, etc., loaded in the toilet, crammed back in all the stuff, and this, friends, is the toilet we use to this very day!

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon's Medical Woes - Winter 2010
From: SINSULL
Date: 04 Feb 10 - 09:22 AM

No news is good news?
How are you doing, Tom?

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon's Medical Woes - Winter 2010
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 04 Feb 10 - 10:52 AM

No time -- thought Tom might post. He's been working the phones 'twixt doctors' offices working out schedules to get his cancer treatment back on track.

Monday he saw his vascular guy who asked, "Do you know why you're here?" When Tom said no, he said, "I don't either." And explained that his carotids are, yes, a little bit narrowed, but not enough to be concerned about or to do anything about until after the cancer is taken care of. Yesterday he saw his cardiologist, who postponed his defibrillator battery change until March (after vocal cord surgery), but then they adjusted it so that it uses less energy to extend its life, but which saps Tom's energy. (Can't win, can we?)

Today he's waiting to hear from Dr. Zeitels' office as to when the surgery can be rescheduled.

It would be really nice to have dates so I can arrange things at work. (Double "arghh!")

Linn

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon's Medical Woes - Winter 2010
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 04 Feb 10 - 12:25 PM

Careful Linn, you are in danger of sounding like a pirate.


Keep working that phone Tom, but try not to let them get ya upset, stress is bad for us.

John

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon's Medical Woes - Winter 2010
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 05 Feb 10 - 08:34 AM

Tom is calling his cardiologist's office today -- if he hadn't suggested it, I would have.

On Wednesday they made an adjustment to the defibrillator to extend the battery until they renew it in March (WHY, exactly, do they keep postponing this?!?) -- but that means HIS energy level is about as low as it can be without actually stopping his breathing and heartbeat.

It took him over a half an hour to force (and I do mean force) himself out of bed. Walking up or down the stairs requires sitting down for a few minutes to recover. Daily wood schlepping (I try to do as much as I can) is a major project, with each trip needing to be broken into stages with rest in between. Every physical expenditure has to be planned and executed by sheer determination.

Needless to say, my stress level and worry is through the roof. I'm concerned about his safety when I'm at work.

Hope they've got a fix for this -- and SOON! (He just talked to his cardiologist's nurse -- one of them will be back to him within the hour.)

The good news, though, is Tom's SADD and/or depression seems to have taken a vacation. Other than concerns about being physically non-functional, he's in a good state of mind.

Linn

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon's Medical Woes - Winter 2010
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 05 Feb 10 - 07:49 PM

His cardiologist's office called back -- he shouldn't be this tired, but it's not dangerous. (So they say.) He asked Tom to stick it out until Monday and see what it feels like then.

Tom also spoke with Dr. Zeitels' office today -- his vocal cord surgery is rescheduled for February 22-23 (actual surgery probably early morning Tuesday, Feb. 23). He has to go down on the 18th for a consult with the anesthesiologist, but he'll go down alone (and back the same day); I won't have to take time off from work.

Monday he's got some sort of procedure at Wentworth-Douglass -- since he's not supposed to drive himself home, Jeri is taking him over and bringing him back and they'll get breakfast or lunch at Good 'n Plenty. I, alas, HAVE to work -- I'll be alone at JCP Optical giving the manager a day off. (She's got a new optech training.)

Tom was at The Press Room session tonight, but left early. I got there late, thanks to a meeting at work, but stuck around a little later than Tom. I'm wiped. Can barely keep my eyes open.

Linn

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon's Medical Woes - Winter 2010
From: Jeri
Date: 05 Feb 10 - 08:02 PM

I didn't quite understand why the defibrillator battery had anything to do with his feeling tired. Anyway, I had lunch with Linn on Wednesday (still having fantasies about that place), and will do breakfast (if they're servin' it, that's what I'm gettin'!) with Tom on Monday. I may one day eat a meal with both of you, at the same time.

I just thought of this: I get to bring the wood in on Monday. If he's not supposed to drive, carrying wood in isn't a good idea.

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon's Medical Woes - Winter 2010
From: SINSULL
Date: 05 Feb 10 - 10:44 PM

Some sort of procedure at WD???? what the fuck?????
Jeri - you're in charge and we want answers NOW!!!!!


And not a breakfast menu.

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon's Medical Woes - Winter 2010
From: katlaughing
Date: 05 Feb 10 - 10:46 PM

Have they been checking his oxygen saturation levels?

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon's Medical Woes - Winter 2010
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 06 Feb 10 - 12:18 PM

Some sort of procedure looking into his heart, ordered by Dr. Scheisskopf -- oh, did I just say that out loud? -- the Wentworth-Douglass cardiologist. But his primary care doc, etc. have okayed it.

Hope they wash their hands, fer-pete's-sake! Don't want ANOTHER hospital-originated blood infection.

Yesterday got the date for the long-postponed vocal cord procedure (removal of the bit of cancer on the left vocal fold and injection of Tom's body fat to build up area of right vocal fold) -- Feb. 23. So we'll be in Boston on Monday and Tuesday of that week. Tom thinks we'll be taking the train home Tuesday after the surgery. I think we'll prolly be spending the night and returning Wednesday morning. Depends a lot on what time the surgery is scheduled for and when they release him from Mass General. Plus exactly how he FEELS afterwards.

Tom will make a solo trip to Boston on the 18th to meet with the anesthesiologist.

Linn

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon's Medical Woes - Winter 2010
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 06 Feb 10 - 06:30 PM

Tom is still physically tired -- but it's the weekend, so he'll HAVE to stick it out til Monday and he can again talk to his cardiologist about the defib adjustment.

Sorry, we can't do a month of this.

Linn

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon's Medical Woes - Winter 2010
From: gnu
Date: 06 Feb 10 - 06:46 PM

Sigh... I know the feeling. It just gets to the point where you say to them... I just can't.

Keep the faith. T&Ps.

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon's Medical Woes - Winter 2010
From: Charley Noble
Date: 06 Feb 10 - 08:33 PM

Linn and Tom-

One would love to fast forward to recovery, flowers, and some wine.

We're preparing a recovery care package that we plan to deliver February 20 at the Press Room shanty session.

Charley Noble

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon's Medical Woes - Winter 2010
From: Janie
Date: 06 Feb 10 - 08:40 PM

don't know what to say, other than I'm still here.

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon's Medical Woes - Winter 2010
From: jacqui.c
Date: 07 Feb 10 - 09:38 AM

As Janie said - still here.

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon's Medical Woes - Winter 2010
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 07 Feb 10 - 10:09 AM

me too

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon's Medical Woes - Winter 2010
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 07 Feb 10 - 10:32 AM

Seems like it's just one thing after another...

So...Tom is having a procedure at Wentworth-Douglass on Monday. He was told by his doctor 8:30 -- be there by 8:15.

Yesterday (Saturday) we got an automated reminder call from Scheduling that said he had to be there at 7 AM. I can tell you THAT'S not going to happen!

So he has to call Scheduling TODAY (Sunday) and hope there's someone there who has a clue.

Tomorrow, too, he has to talk to his cardiologist about the defibrillator situation. It's not just having an energy level slightly higher than a rock, but he has to stop and catch his breath after every short walk (like to the bathroom). The anesthesiologist at Mass General ain't gonna like THAT one bit!

Arghhhh!

Linn

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon's Medical Woes - Winter 2010
From: Jeri
Date: 07 Feb 10 - 10:50 AM

They often have people come in way too early so they can get check-in administrivia out of the way. It's like showing up an hour early to catch a flight, but they likely don't really need him there. Still, calling is good.

I still don't understand what a defibrillator battery has to do with his energy level. Could be several things, but I don't get battery connection.

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon's Medical Woes - Winter 2010
From: jacqui.c
Date: 07 Feb 10 - 11:46 AM

Jeri - just a guess, but could it be that there isn't a lot of juice in the battery so it isn't doing the full job that it should?

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon's Medical Woes - Winter 2010
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 07 Feb 10 - 12:00 PM

fingers crossed everything goes to plan.

I agree on the battery thing. Seems like a weak battery, is not going to keep the defib going at optimum, which means heart is having to do more work than it is used to. That would make one more tired.

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon's Medical Woes - Winter 2010
From: Jeri
Date: 07 Feb 10 - 03:03 PM

A defibrillator is for emergencies. It's an internal version of the thing with the paddles and the electricity that doctors and EMTs slap on people and yell 'CLEAR'.

It is NOT a pacemaker.

I think Tom's was read when he went into the hospital and he hadn't been having a problem with it.

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon's Medical Woes - Winter 2010
From: Jeri
Date: 07 Feb 10 - 03:04 PM

...always a possibility (and I hate to admit this) that I don't know everything.

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon's Medical Woes - Winter 2010
From: gnu
Date: 07 Feb 10 - 03:06 PM

You sure about that, Jeri? >;-)

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon's Medical Woes - Winter 2010
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 07 Feb 10 - 03:10 PM

I don't know nuffin... that's why I am such a expert.

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon's Medical Woes - Winter 2010
From: curmudgeon
Date: 07 Feb 10 - 04:38 PM

The telephone message was wrong; the patient registration office doesn't open till 7:00. The procedure is a T.E.E.

The defib also has a pacemaker. It was slowed down to save th battery so that there will be enough juice for a full zap if needed. The doctor doesn't think it should affect me, but the tech who does the readings and resettings has assured me that every lowering of speed in the unit will lower my energy level. But somwhow, it has to be brought back up to some higher level; I'm barely functional as it is.

Thanks for the continuing good thoughts = Tom

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon's Medical Woes - Winter 2010
From: Jeri
Date: 07 Feb 10 - 04:46 PM

Nice to know I was right...

                            ...I DON'T know everything.

T.E.E.=transesophageal echocardiogram (even if Firefox's spellchecker isn't happy with it.)

Same plan: 7:30 at the end of the driveway.
If it's freezing cold and windy, don't freeze your bits off. I will notice you aren't frozen at the head of the driveway and go to the other end.

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon's Medical Woes - Winter 2010
From: AllisonA(Animaterra)
Date: 07 Feb 10 - 06:55 PM

Jeri, thanks so much for helping Tom and Linn!

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon's Medical Woes - Winter 2010
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 07 Feb 10 - 07:29 PM

Yes, thanks , Jeri, for being there when I can't. I'm alone all day at a store not my own bailing out the manager who needs a day off. She's training a new optech, so I'll be back to my normal Monday schedule in a few weeks. But it would be really complicated to try to take tomorrow or part of tomorrow off to shuttle Tom back and forth from his procedure.

(But, lucky you, you get fed at Good 'n Plenty on the way home!)

And tomorrow I'll get some bucks for some cubic footage I've de-cluttered -- unused Pfaltzgraf serving pieces (longtime discontinued) that one of the host store managers is THRILLED to acquire.

Linn

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon's Medical Woes - Winter 2010
From: SINSULL
Date: 07 Feb 10 - 09:45 PM

Good Luck, Tom. You are in good hands - Jeri's, I mean.

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon's Medical Woes - Winter 2010
From: Jeri
Date: 07 Feb 10 - 10:08 PM

Thanks for the thanks, but I'm just driving. I hope Tom FEELS like going for food afterwards. I don't know what sort of drugs they're gonna give him. I'm trying to decide if I want a cheese omelet or a mushroom burger.

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon's Medical Woes - Winter 2010
From: SINSULL
Date: 08 Feb 10 - 10:12 AM

So, how did it go? Did Tom eat? Did Jeri have an omelet or a burger?
Are all systems go for the surgery?
M

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon's Medical Woes - Winter 2010
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 08 Feb 10 - 07:25 PM

Tom meets with the anesthesiologist at Mass General on the 18th -- solo trip to Boston, because I have to work. That's the deciding factor for going ahead with the surgery now re-scheduled for the 23rd.

I guess today went fine. He was under for the procedure.

I heard that Jeri had a mushroom burger (they make their own fries, by the way) and Tom had, what did Tom say he had?

He wasn't able to reach the defib tech today -- she went home early.

He's tired, but he was told today's procedure (and the anesthesia) would make him tired.

I'm tired too -- it was a very busy sales day all by myself at a store not my own. Did more than twice the business of any day for the past week in this store. Why? Who knows, but it sure kept me occupied (and maybe made me a little money -- very little I fear).

Got a call earlier that I'd won something at my home host store, but I'll have to wait until tomorrow to find out about that.

All in all, not a bad day (even if I did miss lunch at Good 'n Plenty).

Thanks, Jeri!
Linn

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon's Medical Woes - Winter 2010
From: Bobert
Date: 08 Feb 10 - 07:27 PM

Another "still here" here...

B~

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon's Medical Woes - Winter 2010
From: Jeri
Date: 08 Feb 10 - 07:37 PM

Tom had a chicken salad sammich. I had the 'shroom burger just to make you jealous. No, seriously, I wanted it and it was good. Forgot the mayo and asked the mean waitress who told me "no" because "You should have asked when you ordered!" Perfect dead-pan expression. I forget what I said, but she laughed and gave it to me.

Tom was sleeping so well after the procedure (because of the anesthesia) the nurse didn't want to wake him right away. I didn't have to be anywhere, so she let him sleep for a bit.

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon's Medical Woes - Winter 2010
From: SINSULL
Date: 08 Feb 10 - 08:36 PM

You didn't leave him sleeping anywhere, did you, Jeri? I mean, he is home, right?

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon's Medical Woes - Winter 2010
From: Jeri
Date: 08 Feb 10 - 08:50 PM

He was home long enough to tell Linn about the mushroom burger.

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon's Medical Woes - Winter 2010
From: SINSULL
Date: 08 Feb 10 - 08:55 PM

As long as his priorities remain straight. LOL

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon's Medical Woes - Winter 2010
From: catspaw49
Date: 09 Feb 10 - 04:06 AM

That's it!!! Enough already! I demand fair play. Tom got a TEE and he was under for it?   No fair!!!!!   Since my only known allergy is to Versed, the "knockout drug of choice" for short procedures, I had to do a TEE with only some light sedative......AND IT SUCKED!!!!!!!

I've often believed there is some sick fuck somewhere who designs tests, maybe a whole roomful of them. And the biggest, nastiest, most sadistic, sick fuck in the whole damn place designed the TEE.

TEE means Transesophageal Echocardiogram. The idea is to get an Echocardiogram from the best and closest location which sadly is your esophagus. The test starts by numbing your throat then shoving a flex tube, which feels about the size of a garden hose with ridges, down your throat. Since I was only lightly sedated my gag reflex still wants to work and the friggin' nurse keeps reminding me to breathe.

"Take deep breaths Sir."   How the hell can you do that with a garden hose down your throat? Then the Doc joyously starts rotating the tube and sliding it up and down during the twisting. If I caould have reached my Cardiologist's balls at that point I'd have ripped his bag off. Then the gawdamn nurse again with that breathe deeply crap......My only reply is, "ARRwarrgeGGooogaGunhGunargurwaraaarrgagagaghuuhuuhiiiik," which is Hose-In-Throat language meaning, "I hope your gawdamn tits fall off you fuckin' bitch."

My last TEE was 8 years ago and I tell you true, it is the last one I ever intend to have. Somebody wants to try one of those again, they're going to have to retrieve the TEE flex tube from deep in their ass first.


Spaw

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon's Medical Woes - Winter 2010
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 09 Feb 10 - 06:44 AM

That would make it taste funny afterwards, Spaw.

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon's Medical Woes - Winter 2010
From: SINSULL
Date: 09 Feb 10 - 08:13 AM

Ever have a mammogram, Spaw?

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon's Medical Woes - Winter 2010
From: catspaw49
Date: 09 Feb 10 - 08:26 AM

My point exactly! What kind of person designs tests like that?

"Just need to smash your tits right here Ma'am."

I mean really...........Plus, I am often only "mildly sedated" when others get Versed so I get the full enjoyment of a colonoscopy for instance.

The TEE is diabolical. I think every cardiologist and nurse who do the things need to have had one themselves.

Spaw

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon's Medical Woes - Winter 2010
From: Charley Noble
Date: 09 Feb 10 - 08:31 AM

Spaw-

Thanks for the full disclosure of what's involved with a Transesophageal Echocardiogram.

It's amazing what the medical professions likes to stick up or down our various orifices. I'm all for having them implant a chip at birth and simply taking a periodic reading. That's what my mechanics do when I bring the van in for check-ups.

Cheerily,
Charley Noble

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon's Medical Woes - Winter 2010
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 10 Feb 10 - 09:57 AM

Tom is still asleep (almost 10 a.m.) -- but that's good. But he's making waking up noises and asked that I turn the coffee on.

He's been having trouble sleeping. Last night he got to sleep okay, but woke at 2:30 and couldn't really get to sleep. When I woke at 6, he said he'd just taken an aspirin and was waiting for it to kick in. Kick in it did; he slept quite soundly until just a few minutes ago.

Yesterday he got the defib re-adjusted to a compromise position between what it was and what his cardiologist asked for. According to Tom, his cardiologist really doesn't understand how he feels after the adjustment because the cardiologist learns from books. His tech knows the reactions because she deals with the people who have had the adjustments made and knows how different people react to the adjustments. Tom's extreme inertia and trouble catching his breath did not surprise her.

Linn

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon's Medical Woes - Winter 2010
From: Janie
Date: 10 Feb 10 - 10:44 AM

Hope you find you have a little more energy now, Tom, with the adjustment.

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon's Medical Woes - Winter 2010
From: SINSULL
Date: 10 Feb 10 - 10:55 AM

Sleep will help with the energy level too. February 23 for you. Kendall next week. Lily starting chemo. We have our work cut out for us team.

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon's Medical Woes - Winter 2010
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 10 Feb 10 - 11:43 AM

I will just feel a LOT better when

a) his long postponed vocal cord surgery is accomplished, and

b) his damned defibrillator is taken care of.

I'm worried about his health, his safety, etcet etcet. Don't tell me not to worry; watching him I can't help it. I'm still doing most of the physical work around here (no, I'm not whining) and things are always, uh, "interesting" at work. (Never a dull moment -- but I DID win a king-size comforter yesterday in some Sears contest or other -- that's a first. And I'm not even a Sears' employee.) My stress level is through the roof even when I'm not conscious of it (too busy working) or even trying to lower it.

And so many of our friends are sorting out major health problems or "life" problems, etcet etcet, as well.

Spring is coming...isn't it?

Linn

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon's Medical Woes - Winter 2010
From: ClaireBear
Date: 10 Feb 10 - 11:56 AM

It surely is, Linn. Sorry, wish I had words, but I know just how you feel. Love from afar.

C

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon's Medical Woes - Winter 2010
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 10 Feb 10 - 02:02 PM

I just yelled at Tom. He helped me bring some grocery items in from the car, sat down, and complained about his knee hurting.

DAMMIT!!! That's MY affliction! Leave it the f**k alone! He's got enough stuff wrong with him -- leave me my bone-on-bone knees to complain about and maybe get some sympathy for. Sheesh! Selfish son of a... (well, that's my opinion of his mother; but that's a whole 'nother story...and she's no longer around to afflict me...or him).

He's been in touch with his cardiologist and is getting some suggestions as to how to feel better, etc. (And if HE feels better, I'LL feel better!)

Just returned from a short interval of NOT multi-tasking -- lunch at Good 'n Plenty (HAD to get a mushroom burger) with a good book, which is about as close to mono-tasking as I can get these days. Sorry, Jeri -- I thought about calling you, but I didn't actually want to have to make conversation. (And it's more economical of time to go alone -- I've still got more stuff to do today.

Linn

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon's Medical Woes - Winter 2010
From: gnu
Date: 10 Feb 10 - 02:07 PM

It ain't a contest, Linn! >;-)

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon's Medical Woes - Winter 2010
From: MikeL2
Date: 10 Feb 10 - 02:20 PM

Hi Linn

Having been through the throat cancer loop I know only too well what devastation it brings to the families of the sufferers.

All my love and best wishes to you & Tom.

Stay with it.....it will come good soon.......

You are in my prayers.

Love

MikeL2

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon's Medical Woes - Winter 2010
From: SINSULL
Date: 10 Feb 10 - 02:31 PM

Remember that scene from Moonstruck? WHACK! Snap out of it!

Don't do it, Linn.