BS: Getting well in Guam

Subject: BS: Getting well in Guam
From: Naemanson
Date: 03 Jul 12 - 08:22 PM

A couple of months ago I bought myself a Nook. It's main function is to be a reader so the other functions are more limited than on something like the iPad or a laptop. In the browser there is no 'END' key so you have to scroll down to the bottom of a thread. With the last thread approaching 300 posts I guess it's time to start a new one.

Find the old thread at Studying in Guam.

---

Or try reading Studying in Guam in pages, 50 posts per page, in descending order. --Mod

Subject: RE: BS: Getting well in Guam
From: Charley Noble
Date: 03 Jul 12 - 08:49 PM

Whew! A new thread, rising high above the clouds into the sunlight!

So, go get your medical services from them that owes it to you!!!

I'd still go to New Zealand.

Charley Noble

Subject: RE: BS: Getting well in Guam
From: SINSULL
Date: 03 Jul 12 - 09:28 PM

Brett,
I wish you speedy surgery and even faster recovery.
SINS

Subject: RE: BS: Getting well in Guam
From: Naemanson
Date: 03 Jul 12 - 09:33 PM

Wish I could...

Charley, have you ever looked into Pandora, the internet radio station? There was a link programmed into my Nook and I gave it a try.

I like it!

You choose a "seed" artist and the computer tries to match that artist up with other artists that might be similar. As time goes on you can refine the choices, adding more that you like and rejecting those you don't.

This week I've been listening to Stan Rogers and Garnet Rogers, Gordon Bok, and his trio Bok, Trickett, and Muir, They have a huge range of available folk titles and artists.

You might even think of sticking a Roll & Go album on it.

Subject: RE: BS: Getting well in Guam
From: wysiwyg
Date: 03 Jul 12 - 09:33 PM

Curious what was going on medically, I foiund the following and thought I'd save Brett the typing to explain for anyone like me who had lost touch....

Subject: RE: BS: Studying in Guam
From: Naemanson - PM
Date: 06 Jun 12 - 07:02 AM

Hi guys,

It's been a while since I checked in. As of yesterday it's been a year since Dad died. I have survived another year in high school. The girls were unable to drive me away. Now Wakana and I are on summer vacation.

The problem with my fingers that I complained about last September was finally diagnosed as two or three disks in my neck. I will go to the Philippines next week to see a neurosurgeon about the problem.

In the meantime the problem has become pretty bad. It is spreading to the middle and index fingers. I am back to typing with just the index fingers, can't trust the others to go where I want them.

Wakana is fine as are two of the cats and the dog. Neko, unfortunately, has feline leukemia and is getting skinnier and skinnier. Wakana will not give up on her.

Mika has grown huge. I have a picture of Wakana holding him. His forelegs and head are on her shoulder and his body stretches all the way down to her waist.

Shawna is doing very well. Wakana took her to school when she went in to clean up her room. The other teachers were amazed that she was the same dog as before. She looks 100% better, healthy and shiny and fat...ter.

Not much more to report. I bought a Nook to use for my travels. I loaded it up with books and enjoy reading them even though I had to give up the scent and feel of the real thing. Lugging the nook is easier than lugging enough books to keep me happy on long trips. The downside is that Wakana keeps stealing it to play Bejeweled. She would not dream of spending the money on her own gadget but will run my battery down, happily oblivious to the rest of the world. She needs her own.

I'm tired now and will end. I'll check in again later and try to keep up the thread.

Brett

(The more recent posts give some detail about how hard it can be to find good medical care.)

===

Feel better Brett!!!! I'm so sorry to have missed the news about your dad's passing.... RIP.

Love,

~Susan

Subject: RE: BS: Getting well in Guam
From: Naemanson
Date: 03 Jul 12 - 09:57 PM

Thank you Susan. I appreciate both the sentiments and saving me the effort of retyping all that stuff.

Subject: RE: BS: Getting well in Guam
From: Naemanson
Date: 08 Jul 12 - 11:41 PM

I finally have the authorization to get the surgery done. I go to TakeCare to pick up the referral paperwork.

New problem. The insurace doesn't cover the appliances they will install. Cost estimate is up to $3,000! I don't have that kind of money.

Subject: RE: BS: Getting well in Guam
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 09 Jul 12 - 05:21 AM

I can never understand the American health "care" system!

Greed is Good.

Subject: RE: BS: Getting well in Guam
From: Naemanson
Date: 10 Jul 12 - 10:33 PM

Insurance compnies and private clinics and hospitals in America are only focused on profit. If something is not profitable it is not of interest.

I am sitting in the heart unit of St. Luke's waiting for a second scan of my heart. So far today I have been injected with radioactive material, scanned, then injected with a chemical to stress my heart, had my blood pressure monitored by the minute, and finally injected with the "antidote" to the stress chemical.

I have a number of other tests, pokes, and prods comong up. Sigh...

Subject: RE: BS: Getting well in Guam
From: Jack the Sailor
Date: 11 Jul 12 - 02:25 AM

Been a Stan Fan for ages. Glad you can hear that station. Live well in Guam.

From me and the Missus.

Subject: RE: BS: Getting well in Guam
From: Charley Noble
Date: 11 Jul 12 - 08:57 AM

Brett-

Glad to hear that at least you have the time to have this monitoring done. Is there a legal service for the "elderly" (or other agency) available to help you navigate through this medical mor-ass?

Charley Noble

Subject: RE: BS: Getting well in Guam
From: Naemanson
Date: 17 Jul 12 - 01:55 PM

No help for us senile old guys, Charlie.

I am writing from my hospital room. I have a private room with my own bathroom, a refrigerator stocked by Wakana with juice and iced tea, and a cute little nurse who looks like she needs her parents' permission to stay up late.

At 7:00 AM they start slicing and dicing. It's almost 2:00 AM and I don't feel sleepy yet. I don't feel nervous but I guess I am.

Big day tomorrow. Guess I'll sleep in.

Subject: RE: BS: Getting well in Guam
From: katlaughing
Date: 17 Jul 12 - 03:44 PM

Thanks for checking in and letting us know, Brett. Here's to an easy and completely successful outcome.

Much love and light,

kat

Subject: RE: BS: Getting well in Guam
From: SINSULL
Date: 17 Jul 12 - 07:18 PM

waiting for news...

Subject: RE: BS: Getting well in Guam
From: Charley Noble
Date: 17 Jul 12 - 08:53 PM

Brett-

I'm assuming you are still in Guam, while more tests are being administered on your heart. Well, we already know you have a big heart!

Good luck!

Charley Noble

Subject: RE: BS: Getting well in Guam
From: ChanteyLass
Date: 17 Jul 12 - 08:53 PM

Me, too!

Subject: RE: BS: Getting well in Guam
From: Naemanson
Date: 18 Jul 12 - 10:49 AM

Surgery successful. Some discomfort. More later.

Subject: RE: BS: Getting well in Guam
From: maeve
Date: 18 Jul 12 - 11:15 AM

Good news, Brett.

Subject: RE: BS: Getting well in Guam
From: SINSULL
Date: 18 Jul 12 - 03:42 PM

Thanks for the update, Brett.

Subject: RE: BS: Getting well in Guam
From: wysiwyg
Date: 18 Jul 12 - 04:00 PM

:~*

~S~

Subject: RE: BS: Getting well in Guam
From: Charley Noble
Date: 18 Jul 12 - 04:51 PM

Thanks for checking in.

Charley Noble

Subject: RE: BS: Getting well in Guam
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 18 Jul 12 - 11:33 PM

ditto

Subject: RE: BS: Getting well in Guam
From: GUEST,Kelli (Brett's daughter)
Date: 19 Jul 12 - 06:24 AM

Hi Mudcat folks,
Just wanted to let you know that my dad came through his surgery just fine. He's still in the hospital, but I talked to him last night and he sounds okay, uncomfortable due to the tube they had down his throat during the surgery and also due to the really tight bandage around his neck, but otherwise fine. He'll be in the hospital until Saturday and then back at the hotel for a week before he can go back to Guam.
Just wanted to let you know.
Kelli

Subject: RE: BS: Getting well in Guam
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 19 Jul 12 - 11:05 AM

Thanks!

Subject: RE: BS: Getting well in Guam
From: katlaughing
Date: 19 Jul 12 - 11:36 AM

Thanks!

(I missed something. Was this hand surgery or something to do with his heart?)

Subject: RE: BS: Getting well in Guam
From: SINSULL
Date: 19 Jul 12 - 12:13 PM

Thanks, Kelli.
Kat - finger problem was found to be related to a neck disk.
You know - the neck bone's connected to the thumb bone, the thumb bone's connnected to the...
Sorry - slow day at work.

Subject: RE: BS: Getting well in Guam
From: katlaughing
Date: 19 Jul 12 - 12:35 PM

LOL...thanks, MariGold.

Subject: RE: BS: Getting well in Guam
From: Charley Noble
Date: 19 Jul 12 - 12:57 PM

Kelli-

Thanks for the update.

So, if Brett isn't in Guam is he in the Philippines now?

Charley Noble

Subject: RE: BS: Getting well in Guam
From: ChanteyLass
Date: 19 Jul 12 - 08:53 PM

I'm glad to read that the surgery went well but sorry that he is uncomfortable. I hope he recovers quickly.

Subject: RE: BS: Getting well in Guam
From: GUEST,Uncle Jaque
Date: 20 Jul 12 - 12:37 AM

These bodies of ours seem to be a-gittin' plumb wore out on us!

I've got a foot that keeps festering from an old dose of rice paddy rot picked up over in Korea in '68 and the past couple of days have been going to St. Mary's in Lewiston to get checked out for a re-occuring hernia and to have a couple of blood clots in my leg checked out by ultrasound prepatory to surgery.

Compared to what Naem's goin' through though, it ain't all that big a deal .

If the prayers of a reprobate old Yankee amount to anything, we've got 'em up for ye, Matey!

Keep us posted.

Subject: RE: BS: Getting well in Guam
From: Naemanson
Date: 20 Jul 12 - 04:44 AM

Still going. I get to check out of the hospital tomorrow. A week in the hotel and I head back to Guam.

So, yes, I am still in the Philippines. I go home on the 29th (my birthday) and start work on the 1st. Then we're back into the thick of things.

Subject: RE: BS: Getting well in Guam
From: gnu
Date: 20 Jul 12 - 05:12 AM

Half asleep, I read you were going home on your 29th Bday!

I hope your recovery goes well.

Subject: RE: BS: Getting well in Guam
From: Charley Noble
Date: 20 Jul 12 - 08:40 AM

Recovery sounds like a good plan.

We're finally back to nice temperate weather here in Maine, mid 70s during the day and mid 50s at night. Lobster prices are record low at the docks, close to $2 per pound. I think I'll have another lobster roll for lunch, instead of a hotdog.

Cheerily,
Charley Noble

Subject: RE: BS: Getting well in Guam
From: SINSULL
Date: 20 Jul 12 - 10:31 AM

LOL I read it that way too, gnu, and assumed Brett was on some good drugs.
Heal quickly, big guy
SINS

Subject: RE: BS: Getting well in Guam
From: Naemanson
Date: 23 Jul 12 - 10:21 PM

Yeah, that's right my 29th B-day.   Double it and add 2 and you'll get the correct number. That's right, I'll be 60.

By the way, recuperation is boring. I know it's boring at home but it's really boring in a hotel room. To give you an idea of just how boring it is I have started to watch House. Normally I hate doctor shows. Hate them with a passion. Of course, I was in a hospital at the time and got a big laugh out of a team of doctors walking deserted halls discussing a patient's problems. As if they'd have time... And what's this only one patient thing?

Poor Wakana is suffering. She got home to find her favorite cat had run off. Hasn't seen her since. This is our fat mama Kitty. If she does make it home she'll have lost a few pounds. In the meantime poor Wakana wanders the neighborhood calliing and calling and crying alone at home. I need to get back there.

Subject: RE: BS: Getting well in Guam
From: Ebbie
Date: 23 Jul 12 - 11:41 PM

{{{{{hug for Wakana and Mama Kitty}}}} Been there.

Subject: RE: BS: Getting well in Guam
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 24 Jul 12 - 09:59 AM

more hugs heading to Guam & the Philippines

sandra

Subject: RE: BS: Getting well in Guam
From: SINSULL
Date: 24 Jul 12 - 10:17 AM

Maybe Momma is off looking for you.
Hope she turns up soon. I hate it when kitties wander.
House's whole premise is ridiculous. I see about six major lawsuits in every episode.
Enjoy!
SINS

Subject: RE: BS: Getting well in Guam
From: Charley Noble
Date: 24 Jul 12 - 04:37 PM

I got hooked on Dr. House in the early episodes. I'm not sure why. He's a brilliant problem solver, cynical, occasionally demonstrates a heart of gold, and is forever in pain. Maybe it was the sharp contrast with all those other soupy medical shows.

Hope Wakana is plastering the neighborhood with kitty wanted posters. We lost one of ours for 11 weeks before we were able to track her down with the help of some folks down by the river, a mile from our house, in her jungle. Teji was very pleased to be found.

Charley Noble

Subject: RE: BS: Getting well in Guam
From: ranger1
Date: 24 Jul 12 - 04:51 PM

Glad you're on the mend, Bret. Hugs to Wakana, hope Momma kitty comes home soon.

Subject: RE: BS: Getting well in Guam
From: SINSULL
Date: 25 Jul 12 - 09:19 AM

Mornin' Brett. How goes it?
SINS

Subject: RE: BS: Getting well in Guam
From: Naemanson
Date: 27 Jul 12 - 12:00 AM

After 8 da.ys away Mama Kitty came home! It was the happiest day that Wakana could remember. She is a happy girl.

And I just met with the surgeon and he cleared me to go home. So I'm a happy boy.

I have to go buy a small carry on bag. Got too much stuff.

Back to work on August 1 with a nice ugly scar to show my co-workers.

Subject: RE: BS: Getting well in Guam
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 27 Jul 12 - 03:04 AM

welcome home, Mama Kitty, & Brett

Subject: RE: BS: Getting well in Guam
From: Charley Noble
Date: 27 Jul 12 - 09:05 AM

Good news all around.

Check out the current Roll & Go Gazela pictures on my new Facebook album.

Cheerily,
Charley Noble

Subject: RE: BS: Getting well in Guam
From: ChanteyLass
Date: 27 Jul 12 - 08:50 PM

Have a great trip home, where I am sure your wife and kitty will both be happy to see you.

Subject: RE: BS: Getting well in Guam
From: katlaughing
Date: 27 Jul 12 - 10:53 PM

That's great news all round!! It'll be a happy homecoming when you are there and they are all with you. I'm so glad Mama Kitty came back!

Take care,

kat

Subject: RE: BS: Getting well in Guam
From: SINSULL
Date: 28 Jul 12 - 05:39 PM

All good news. Well done.
Is Momma Kitty preggies?
SINS

Subject: RE: BS: Getting well in Guam
From: Naemanson
Date: 29 Jul 12 - 08:09 AM

She better not be. We neutered her a long time ago. She's lost a little weight. She can now scratch her own ears.

And I am home! I'm writing this sitting in my living room, dog on the floor, cats on and under couches and chairs, and Wakana... cleaning litter boxes?

Actually she wanted to give me a proper birthday party seeing as how it will be my 60th. But then all these medical problems (i.e., expenses) showed up and all we could afford was a small cheesecake. That's fine by me. Just being home is present enough for me.

Subject: RE: BS: Getting well in Guam
From: Naemanson
Date: 29 Jul 12 - 08:15 AM

By the way, I uploaded some pictures on Facebook for those who can access them.

Subject: RE: BS: Getting well in Guam
From: Charley Noble
Date: 29 Jul 12 - 09:46 AM

Happy to hear that you are back home.

Charley Noble