Curmudgeon In Hospice - [November 2013]

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon In Hospital - Oct 2013
From: GUEST
Date: 13 Oct 13 - 07:30 PM

So, I am going to try Dragon naturally speaking. I am using Windows 8. I think this version of Dragon naturally speaking is 12. It works. Submit message. I'll figure that out.

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon In Hospital - Oct 2013
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 14 Oct 13 - 10:41 AM

Did I mention earlier that Tom can, indeed, have visitors and phone calls and that the phone number of the Critical Care Unit is 603-740-2294?

I spent most of the afternoon reading to Tom yesterday ("Gastronomic Me" by M.F.K. Fisher) and then later in the afternoon visited some friends closeby for R&R, beer, and puppy cuddles and face licks. Then I went back to the hospital to say goodnight to Tom. Talked to the cardiologist at that time -- he's been reducing the amount of whatever drug they've been giving Tom to boost and stabilize his blood pressure to ween him off it, and says he thinks Tom may be released in a few days. Tom was looking forward to some ice cream when I left.

Tom's been actually feeling FINE all the while. He looks good, sounds good, and is in surprisingly good spirits, though he'd really like to go home.

Meanwhile, I haven't yet been able to talk to my advisors to get their take. Keep in mind none of Tom's doctors at the hospital have known him for more than the past couple days and don't have any real history with Tom. I've gotten some inconsistent answers, and I'm not really sure how much I trust them. I'm not even sure exactly how worried I should be. I KNOW I'm more worried than when Tom had his heart surgery in 2004 -- but then I was just so relieved that he was getting medical attention (he was under-employed, had no health insurance, we had no savings, I was unemployed, and he was really really sick and I was frantic) and then I was too busy being on my knees begging for assistance from every agency around (and providing them with photocopies of every piece of paper in our lives) that I didn't have TIME to be worried.

Well, I AM worried now. They've also said his heart function is much lower than it's been (although he's looking, feeling and acting much better than the numbers would indicate -- see why I'm confused?) and, this morning Tom said that the doctor said they might try a different defibrillator. Again, I'll have to talk to the doctor for more information when I get to the hospital -- which I really have to do so I've GOT to get dressed and get out of the house.

Later,
Linn

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon In Hospital - Oct 2013
From: gnu
Date: 14 Oct 13 - 11:45 AM

Any chance you can tell them they must consult with Tom's regular doc(s) first?

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon In Hospital - Oct 2013
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 14 Oct 13 - 07:48 PM

I did get some answers today... My primary question has been, How worried should I be? (Or rather, how IMMEDIATELY dire is the prognosis?)

Well, he's NOT going to get "better". His heart function is back down to about 20% as it was before his valve replacement in 2004. Why he doesn't LOOK or ACT more ill is because for the past few years he's been nowhere as active is he had been in 2004. He's had congestive heart failure for over 10 years and it's complicated by his coronary artery disease. I was having trouble understanding how everything could be fine until all of a sudden, it's all gone to shit and it was explained to me that the balance in Tom's body is delicate. When it falls off the edge, it does so very fast.

What the plans and options are, I may actually find out from the doctors concerned tomorrow. Today I only talked to the pulmonary guy for a few minutes and then, Tom's primary care was there (visiting another patient, but he stopped in to review Tom's information and visit with us) so he really didn't say much.

Tom had said this morning that one of his doctors was talking about a different kind of defibrillator -- and his nurse gave me more information about that. Instead of a defib/pacemaker only controlling one side of the heart, it would be one that would control both sides. And the rest of the care would be palliative.

The good news is I DID get to talk to Tom's primary care doctor who has been treating him for about 10 years. And I trust him. But, ya know, NONE of these doctors want to say, "Hey, he could keel over dead next week...or maybe it won't happen for a couple months...maybe years..." One thing agreed on is it is highly unlikely that Tom will tie his cousin's longevity -- she's 93 and still going strong. And the doctor was willing to say Tom isn't likely to live, say, another 10 years. But the lot of them really don't want to be tied to a prediction. (Or be the bearer of really bad news.)

This episode really has been a poke to remind me there IS a clock ticking; we don't have the luxury of "forever" or even years. Stop wasting time; do stuff NOW. NOW is the time to get Tom to teach me his "Anglo-Saxon crash-thud" guitar style. Nail down some facts in his history that need to be clarified and no one else can.

This all really isn't a surprise. But a reminder to be more mindful of the passing of time, the shortness of life.

I've got to go make some phone calls...

Linn

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon In Hospital - Oct 2013
From: MaineDog
Date: 14 Oct 13 - 08:02 PM

For what it's worth, none of us can see the future in any depth, not even doctors.
My wife Gail was given six months by her doctor, but she lasted 40 months. Of course, they were right, saying that she would die. But we had lots of unexpected good times! We felt blessed, and dare I say lucky?
So enjoy each new day, and don't count them!
Jim B.

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon In Hospital - Oct 2013
From: Nancy King
Date: 14 Oct 13 - 08:03 PM

Sobering thoughts, Linn. My thoughts are with you both for the best possible outcome -- for a long time!

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon In Hospital - Oct 2013
From: GUEST
Date: 14 Oct 13 - 08:36 PM

Jim, our feelings, too. Tom's tougher than his doctors realize. Each day is another day to enjoy -- but this is a reminder not to waste any.

Linn

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon In Hospital - Oct 2013
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 14 Oct 13 - 09:28 PM

I'll second that

sandra

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon In Hospital - Oct 2013
From: ChanteyLass
Date: 14 Oct 13 - 10:26 PM

It looks like I'll be able to give you those real hugs pretty soon. I am glad that you are getting some answers even though they are still somewhat vague. It sounds like you are latching onto a Seize the Day attitude, and that sounds like a good idea. Whatever you do, Keep Breathing. Tom, too! I hope Tom does indeed come home soon. Until I can give you real hugs, I'm sending more of the virtual kind.

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon In Hospital - Oct 2013
From: Jeri
Date: 14 Oct 13 - 11:16 PM

Linn, I wish I could say something helpful. Mainly, I can be here to listen. I hope the cats let you sleep.

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon In Hospital - Oct 2013
From: bbc
Date: 15 Oct 13 - 01:06 AM

Just checked in. So sorry to read of all these complicated issues. Sending sympathy & prayers for strength from New York.

Love,

Barbara

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon In Hospital - Oct 2013
From: GUEST,Justine
Date: 15 Oct 13 - 05:02 AM

Linn - so sorry to hear what you and Tom are going through. Just hoping for the best for you both.

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon In Hospital - Oct 2013
From: mouldy
Date: 15 Oct 13 - 05:18 AM

It's all about quality of life for you both now, and as been said, getting the most out of how much time you have together.
His tenacity can't be questioned, so here's to Tom and his fighting spirit - long may it serve him, and you too.

Meanwhile - Carpe Diem!

xxxxx

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon In Hospital - Oct 2013
From: billybob
Date: 15 Oct 13 - 06:09 AM

Just sending much love to you both from Billy and me

Wendy
xxxxxxxxx

( and take care of you Linn xx)

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon In Hospital - Oct 2013
From: GUEST,DFF
Date: 15 Oct 13 - 07:11 AM

Sending positive thoughts your way. What an ordeal.

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon In Hospital - Oct 2013
From: GUEST,kendall
Date: 15 Oct 13 - 07:18 AM

This makes me so sad.It's what took my friend, Utah, and I don't like it a damn bit.

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon In Hospital - Oct 2013
From: wysiwyg
Date: 15 Oct 13 - 07:20 AM

+++(((Linn & Tom)))+++

~Susan

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon In Hospital - Oct 2013
From: AllisonA(Animaterra)
Date: 15 Oct 13 - 09:32 AM

Sending light and love and hope for wisdom and strength. I'm going thru similar with my mum, but she's 87 and has lived a grand old life.
Big, big hugs, my dear.

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon In Hospital - Oct 2013
From: GUEST
Date: 15 Oct 13 - 10:41 AM

DEAR TOM AND LINN THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR LETTING ME KNOW ABOUT TOM'S HOSPITALIZATION PLEASE KNOW YOU ARE BOTH IN MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS AS AN OLD R.N. I AM A BIT CONFUSED WHY CAN'T TOM HAVE HIS OWN TRUSTED DOCTORS??? I WILL TRY TO VISIT TOM BUT DO NOT WANT TO TIRE HIM OUT PLEASE KEEP ME IN THE LOOP MY LOVE TO TOM AND MY SUPPORT TO YOU PLEASE CALL IF YOU SHOULD NEED ANYTHING CINDY

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon In Hospital - Oct 2013
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 15 Oct 13 - 11:08 AM

That last one was just like an old-fashioned telegram, wasn't it?

Linn, the struggle to gain more time sometimes results in a death by inches. I just watched two friends go through health crises - choosing the quality of remaining life is (in hindsight and in my opinion) the much better choice. I'm adding this to confirm what you've already said - there are real choices out there. Good luck to both of you in wading through the morass of medical opinion.

Maggie

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon In Hospital - Oct 2013
From: Janie
Date: 15 Oct 13 - 11:11 AM

Y'all are a good team, Linn. Continued good thoughts for both of you.

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon In Hospital - Oct 2013
From: catspaw49
Date: 15 Oct 13 - 12:56 PM

For medically challenged folks with multiple problems, everything is a balancing act. At some point it is driven home to them that they will never have a day as good as what they used to have and that today is as good as it gets. The challenge then becomes to enjoy as best one can what every day offers and not to be chagrined over the fact that time is now quite finite.....as it always has been though we never want to face it.

Address the day and not the diseases which have come with it. Do what you can to make things better but don't let that cloud the ability to make the most of each day and each other.

Best Thought from Ohio.........


Spaw

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon In Hospital - Oct 2013
From: jacqui.c
Date: 15 Oct 13 - 03:29 PM

Wise words Spaw.

Love to Tom.

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon In Hospital - Oct 2013
From: fat B****rd
Date: 15 Oct 13 - 04:35 PM

I have recently been the beneficiary of much love and kindness here. Now I'm sending mine.
Charlie.

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon In Hospital - Oct 2013
From: gnu
Date: 15 Oct 13 - 07:07 PM

I got nothin to add to such wise councel. Only good thoughts and prayers from the bog country of Kent County, New Brunswick (which is now not fly infested thanks to Old Man Winter reminding us what is to come with fly killing frosts).

Take care of you... both.

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon In Hospital - Oct 2013
From: Genie
Date: 15 Oct 13 - 10:16 PM

Sincerely echoing much of what's been said here already, Linn and Tom.
I wish you strength and calm in "wading through the morass of medical opinion" and navigating the health care bureaucracies.   Quality of life is very important, and I wish you didn't have to choose between quality and quantity. But I've appreciated Tom's and your contributions here at Mudcat, and you are both in my thoughts and prayers. Sending prayers, light and as much positive energy as I can.
{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{Tom and Linn}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}

Genie

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon In Hospital - Oct 2013
From: Megan L
Date: 16 Oct 13 - 03:19 AM

Thinking of you both

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon In Hospital - Oct 2013
From: georgeward
Date: 16 Oct 13 - 04:06 AM

Love and light,   - G

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon In Hospital - Oct 2013
From: gnu
Date: 16 Oct 13 - 01:05 PM

No news is good news but no updates is... well, no updates. Just hope all is as well as can be. I am with Megan and the rest. Mindful.

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon In Hospital - Oct 2013
From: maeve
Date: 16 Oct 13 - 02:05 PM

Checking in, Linn and Tom. You have so many people pulling for you both!

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon In Hospital - Oct 2013
From: GUEST,Guest-Dianne
Date: 16 Oct 13 - 03:37 PM

Oh no!
I am so sorry. I too will be sending good thoughts and healing vibes.

Been out of town lots this summer/early fall and feel very out of touch. I will check in again tomorrow to catch the news and if Tom remains in the hospital I'll get over this weekend.

Meantime,I am concerned for you. It is hard physically and emotionally to be where you are. Take care. Use your friends and other support systems as much as possible.

Dianne

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon In Hospital - Oct 2013
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 16 Oct 13 - 04:46 PM

Well, it's looking a if it's too late for a nap, but after I post this I AM going upstairs and under-reacting for awhile.

I realized yesterday that the stress is catching up with me. Today, by the time I got to the hospital, I was absolutely exhausted.

I ended up staying only about four hours -- Tom was feeling agitated. I think he just really wants to go home, which he will either tomorrow or Friday. He was "Hyacinthing" -- the phone cord, cord for his BP cuff, nurse call button cord, etc. weren't arranged to his pleasure, there was a wrinkle under his bum, the sky was just the wrong shade of pink (Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, in case you didn't catch that last reference). I threatened him with broccoli or a fruit salad of peaches and apricots if he didn't figure out what he wanted that was on the lunch menu. Each time he'd look pained, I'd ask if there was something I could do. He'd adamantly say, "No!" Then I'd inveigle out of him what was wrong...and either attend to it myself or go get his nurse. It was almost as if he was enjoying being grumpy and uncomfortable.

My first disappointment of the morning was when I got to McDonald's this morning, absolutely famished and fantasizing about breakfast burritos, they had just switched to lunch. I swear the breakfast cut off gets earlier and earlier all the time. (It was 10:40.) I, who usually has trouble crying, had to fend off a strong urge to just sob.

That was the first indication of my stress and fatigue level. I finally looked at Tom and explained that I'd just discovered that I have absolutely no reserves of anything, especially not patience, and that it was probably best (since he was planning on going back to bed and taking a nap soon) that I leave and head in search of a nap myself and try to recoup my resources.

Game plan -- he may be moved out of the Critical Care Unit this evening or tomorrow. He will probably be released tomorrow or, possibly, Friday. The case manager is working on getting Tom a new wheelchair through Medicare. (His current one has seen hard usage for the past year and a half and has some safety/maintainance issues. His cardiologist and defib reading is being re-scheduled until next week when his cardiologist will have the records from this hospital stay. We'll also get his advice on the suggestion by the hospital cardiologist that Tom's defib/pacemaker be swapped out for a bi-venticular one. And I'm a little closer to acquiring a small recliner which will make it easier for Tom to sit with his feet elevated.

I would LOVE a roving band of masochists to break in and clean my house (or at least the kitchen...and the litter boxes; I cleaned up the cat barf on the kitchen counter and the cat poop that had been dragged out on the floor and I didn't have to murder any yellow jackets this morning before 7 a.m.) Got some stuff to Goodwill on my way to the hospital -- and found some possible footgear for Tom. Hope they fit his changeable feet...

Suppose I better check my messages...and then retreat upstairs and maybe try to call my sister and see how the on-going crises in Milwaukee are going. And read. Or maybe just read. Maybe a glass of wine (since it's almost 5 p.m.) and read...

Linn

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon In Hospital - Oct 2013
From: gnu
Date: 16 Oct 13 - 05:01 PM

Keep the faith, both.

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon In Hospital - Oct 2013
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 16 Oct 13 - 06:38 PM

Two glasses of wine (and a book) helped. One dish-ragged cat (Rufus) helped. One stiff-legged, stomping, undecided and totally unrelaxed cat (Sabine) did NOT help.

Came downstairs to cook something uncomplicated, something comforting, and was immediately annoyed by the phone ringing. And it turned out to be a telemarketer wanting to help me with some Windows-related whatever that I'm sure he wanted to sell me something to fix. I yelled at him. I NEVER yell at telemarketers, but I yelled at him. Told him I have NO Windows-based computers here and I NEVER want to hear from him again. (Yes, he or someone else with the same Indian-accent has called multiple times before and been told just that, though a lot more politely.

I'm wrapping up my supper. It's good. What I'm craving is rum cake and a lot of whipped cream but have neither the wherewithal nor the energy to do anything about it. Why can't the Universe just know what I want before I do and just present it to me? Is that really so demanding and unreasonable?

Ach! I'm checking Facebook and going to bed. Maybe call a friend in Seattle. Read a bit more. Drink another glass of wine. Call Tom again. Turn out the light and go to sleep. Tomorrow is another day...

Linn

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon In Hospital - Oct 2013
From: billybob
Date: 16 Oct 13 - 07:02 PM

Dear Linn

hang on in there and know we are with you, and Tom.

Hope tomorrow is a better day, and take care of you!

sending love and healing thoughts,
Rainbow crew are out there waiting!! They have helped me through so many bad, bad days

Wendy xxxxx

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon In Hospital - Oct 2013
From: ChanteyLass
Date: 16 Oct 13 - 10:12 PM

Linn, please take care of yourself!

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon In Hospital - Oct 2013
From: GUEST
Date: 17 Oct 13 - 09:45 AM

We are getting the same Windows calls from some Indian guy I can't understand. We've gotten 6 of them so far, and he is not discouraged by ANY remarks. Is it a human or a robot call?

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon In Hospital - Oct 2013
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 17 Oct 13 - 09:46 AM

Didn't do a damned thing after supper last night except read a bit. Turned out the light at 9 and was asleep before I said my prayers. Woke at midnight, read a bit and had a prophylactic glass of red wine. Again, fell right to sleep. (Thanks, red wine) Woke long enough at 5:45 to register the time and back to sleep. Then Tom woke me with a phone call at 7:45 -- which is before I usually call HIM in the morning...sigh.

Took me a bit to become one with the universe.

He's insistent. I ate a couple slices of really nice bread, replied to a couple necessary emails, posted here, posted an appropriate M.F.K. Fisher quote at Facebook, and I think I'm on my way again.

Tom's reaching the point of, I dunno, agitation or something, where I know I need to get him home. When I called him at 9 last night, he'd thought he'd slept the night and it was morning. This morning, despite talking wristwatch, nurses to ask, etc. he thought it was much later in the day and he was concerned I wasn't there. (Count my blessings; at least it wasn't 4 a.m., as he's done in the past.)

Onward. Better go see if there's any sanity to be found someplace.

Linn

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon In Hospital - Oct 2013
From: Charley Noble
Date: 17 Oct 13 - 12:33 PM

Wish we could do more than long distance hugs (((())))).

Charlie and Judy

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon In Hospital - Oct 2013
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 17 Oct 13 - 04:34 PM

Sanity, I think, is still elusive.

Everyone keeps telling me they're glad I'm getting some rest, but I don't know if I AM getting any rest. I seemed to have a fine night's sleep last night and I fell asleep around 9. Tom woke me up this morning and then got insistent on me getting there, so I wasn't able to ease into the day as I prefer to.

When I got to the CCU I was absolutely exhausted -- I'd noticed yesterday it was all catching up with me -- and, after getting an update from his nurse, I crawled into his bed (this was around 11 a.m.) -- he was in the chair -- and fell asleep as soon as my head touched the pillow. I slept through his physical therapy (Kathy had him walking out in the hall) and lord knows what else. I woke up at around 2:30 when the hospitalist was in explaining that he was staying in the CCU because there was no room in telemetry, but that he would be released tomorrow probably early afternoon. So I'll have time to get him home and settled and get to Portsmouth for the session.

All I gotta say are the cream horns at the Waterfall Café in the lobby (they're from Harvey's in Dover) are OUT OF THIS WORLD.

Got a nice card from some local friends. Ya know, email and Mudcat and Facebook greetings are nice, but I really enjoy and feel heartened by snail mail greetings and wishes.

I'd like to say I've gotten a second wind after my nap, but, no, I'm still barely functional. It's like all the stress and exertion and fatigue has slammed into me at once. Made sure I took my vitamins this morning...if this is some kind of bug trying to trip me up while my resistance is low, I want to head it off at the pass.

That being said, all I am REALLY REALLY looking forward to is a day where I don't have to go anywhere or do anything.

The case manager is moving right along on the new wheelchair project and has gotten the prescription, which is half the battle. I'm still trying to score a small recliner which will make Tom being able to keep his feet up a lot easier than the current arrangement.

After I got him squared away again, I decided to head home while I was still more or less awake. It's going to be another early night, probably not much after I call Tom to say goodnight. I haven't been this physically tired since driving straight through to Milwaukee with only three hours' nap at a loud rest area on the New York Thru-way.

Speaking of Milwaukee, I just got an email that my sister is in the hospital so I'd better go call her.

Later,
Linn

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon In Hospital - Oct 2013
From: mg
Date: 17 Oct 13 - 04:49 PM

If would be good to discuss this with TOm's doctors and nurses. If you are exhausted you can not help him in an emergency. He needs to be told when he can call, when he can wake you up, what hours you need to sleep unless he has an emergency. They need to discuss this with him. If you are entitled to any medical help at home, please get it. The caregiver's needs must be taken into account and often the patient does not realize how burdensome and exhausting their care can be.

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon In Hospital - Oct 2013
From: ChanteyLass
Date: 17 Oct 13 - 09:51 PM

On top of everything you have a sister in the hospital? Yikes!

Sending more virtual hugs until I can give you real ones.

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon In Hospital - Oct 2013
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 18 Oct 13 - 08:01 AM

Well, I got a nap yesterday in Tom's bed while he was off doing physical therapy and sitting in a chair. Got to bed at a decent season last night (after a very pleasant conversation with a friend in Seattle), but woke at 4:30 to a nasty cramp in my calf. Brain too jangled to read so I've been puttering. Just showered and washed my hair. Ate a grapefruit and now I'm dizzy and desperately needing a nap, I think, before going over to see and, if things go as planned, pick up Tom and bring him home.

They moved Tom last night out of Critical Care to a telemetry room. I'm hoping the hospitalist whose care he's now under is not the same one from last February. If so, I'll have to go to the patient advocates office and raise a ruckus and I'm not sure how much ruckus-making energy I have today. According to the news yesterday, he should be released around 1 p.m. today. That should give me well enough time to get Tom home and settled before I turn around and head to the weekly Press Room session. Have to stop at Seaport Fish and get some frozen finnan haddie now that they have some again.

I doubt Tom will come to tomorrow's singaround, so I'll be in "being Tom" mode (as well as tonight's session). Hope we have a fine crew of singers for rafter raising. Charlie and Pete Hale have come up with some ridiculous excuses about San Diego and Liverpool being too far to commute for a session. Whatever happened to worm holes and teleportation and fax machines?!?

Linn

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon In Hospital - Oct 2013
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 18 Oct 13 - 08:07 AM

And, yes, my sister is in the hospital in Milwaukee trying to shake a persistant infection in her leg. She's just recovered from a recurring infection (not MRSA) on her stomach. Started out with a pic and intravenous antibiotics a couple days ago but her doctor wasn't happy with the progress. And my 84-year-old mother is currently in rehab after leaving the hospital a couple weeks ago. All of this is 1500 miles away and I can't do a damned thing about it except give my sister moral support.

I am truly looking forward to a day when maybe all I have to do is curl up in bed with a couple cats, a mug of Earl Grey, and "A Lion In Winter" in the DVD player and on the screen.

Then again, maybe with my Earl Grey infused vodka instead...

Linn

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon In Hospital - Oct 2013
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 18 Oct 13 - 08:09 AM

Right now I'm dizzy and tired and maybe I can snag a nap before I head to the hospital.

Linn

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon In Hospital - Oct 2013
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 18 Oct 13 - 10:30 AM

best wishes for a restful nap

will the dizziness affect the potential nap & more importantly, will it affect your driving?

sandra

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon In Hospital - Oct 2013
From: gnu
Date: 18 Oct 13 - 11:01 AM

I hope not, Sandra. I hope that is left for the vodka. Take care, Linn. I'll bet Tom will be glad to get sprung!

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon In Hospital - Oct 2013
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 18 Oct 13 - 06:45 PM

As tired as you are, the vodka should wait. Alcohol interferes with sleep. Linn, you need help around the house or running errands. Even if the system doesn't pay for you to be Tom's caregiver, does it pay for SOMEONE to come in and help, giving you a well-deserved break?

I agree with Mary - explain to Tom that he should wait until 10 to call. You're overdoing it with all of the running around and you need a little space. Take care of yourself.

Chin up, once Tom is home hopefully you can relax into a more normal schedule. But do see about getting help.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon In Hospital - Oct 2013
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 18 Oct 13 - 10:43 PM

Vodka was mentioned facetiously (but I DO make a great Earl Grey infused vodka). Through this whole thing haven't wanted anything other than wine, sherry or vermouth and only a glass or so at that.

This morning I took a clonazapam and then had a grapefruit. I think the combo of grapefruit and clonazapam made me dizzy. I'm also exhausted. Was then, still am now at 10:35 p.m. Just put Tom to bed and, after checking one thing here, I intend to head to bed. Hope I can sleep late...not a trick I've learned.

Oh, Tom's home. He was supposed to be sprung at 1, but didn't finally escape until 4. Had no trouble getting him into the house and into his wheelchair. Made him something to eat, then I went to Portsmouth to "be Tom" at the session. Got there late, of course, and had to practically park in Kittery.

ChanteyLass was visiting, also a Press Room alumna currently living in NYC whom I haven't seen for DECADES. Somewhat of a quiet as the NH Film Festival kicks off today.

I'm fried. No reserves left. Especially not patience. I hope I put it in a safe place. My sock drawer, perhaps.

G'night.

Linn

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon In Hospital - Oct 2013
From: YorkshireYankee
Date: 19 Oct 13 - 12:08 AM

My heart goes out to you both. I don't have anything helpful to say, except I know I'm only one of many rooting for you, and I hope things do improve for you SOON!