BS: Curmudgeon: Voice Restoration, Part 2

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon: Voice Restoration, Part 2
From: GUEST,Bat Goddess In Boston
Date: 02 Dec 10 - 06:55 PM

Note: Tom heals fast and will probably only have to deal with caffeinelessness for a couple weeks. I know he'll start sneaking in decaf before that ('tho he loathes it -- better than no caf).

We called the hospital this morning and they sent a ride this morning. They do that if you have surgery or an appointment, but the shuttle was discontinued in October. I had to take a cab when I left -- and to go back tomorrow. His surgery was scheduled for 3, but he got in about 1:30. He was really, really hungry by then... (Curmudgery level very high.)

Anywho, talked to Dr. Zeitels after the surgery at 4:10 -- Dr. Z was very very pleased, and, I suppose Tom will be when he gets through the post op lung/throat/swallowing hassles. I think when I finally got to see him in the PACU around 5:30-ish with a thing strapped around his nose and a suction dealie pulling crap out of his mouth what he was mostly curmudgeoning about was that he couldn't easily talk to me about the procedure. He did say it was "fascinating" and he had a lot to tell me.

Oh, yes, Dr. Z said this probably isn't the end of the treatment. I asked about voice therapy and he said Tom will figure out how to make the flap work with his existing vocal cord. This procedure, by the way, was technically a laryngoplasty -- "moving" part of the larynx. It will give him more volume because it closes the gap where the right vocal cord used to be. But there will probably be more tweaking.

Tom said that Dr. Z told him not to worry, if this doesn't work, he has about 30 more tricks up his sleeve.

We had thought we could possibly come home on Monday, but it's now definitely Wednesday -- Dr. Z has promised the first appointment of the day so we can make the 11 am train home. (If we miss that, we have to wait til 5 pm; sigh.)

My knee has definitely had too many miles put on it today, despite the fact they didn't sent me from Wang 309 to the Gray Waiting Room across the veritable city of Mass General and then back (because Dr. Z. ALWAYS sees people at Wang 309). It was enough of a hike to Ellison and the PACU (not to mention lunch down at Eat Street -- me schlepping a bag with my purse, reading material, medical notebook & other necessities of life, and a jacket and a cane. Ach!).

When the cab dropped me off, I went right across the street to a little liquor store/convenience food establishment and bought a well-deserved bottle of wine. That and last night's left over pizza (and a couple bars of CHOCOLATE!!!!) will be dinner tonight, but I ate late and have no idea when the food part of that equation will happen.

I'm tired. I almost nodded off over Ian Fleming's "Live and Let Die" in the waiting room.

Thanks for all the white light, healing thoughts, prayers and good wishes. We really appreciate it!

Linn

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon: Voice Restoration, Part 2
From: Jeri
Date: 02 Dec 10 - 06:19 PM

Maeve, shoot! I knew I forgot somethin'!

I hope Linn has some energy left.

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon: Voice Restoration, Part 2
From: Charley Noble
Date: 02 Dec 10 - 05:02 PM

Jeri-

Fairly warm is good for cats.

So is petting.

So is food.

How about emptying the litter box?

Charley Noble

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon: Voice Restoration, Part 2
From: maeve
Date: 02 Dec 10 - 03:59 PM

But Jeri...Did you remember to pet the cat?

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon: Voice Restoration, Part 2
From: Jeri
Date: 02 Dec 10 - 03:40 PM

Went to tend to cats. There was what I presume to be a Christmas card stuck in the door, now on the table. The Velcro orange cat glommed onto me when I came through the door. I petted him, then I put food in his dish (you could see a little bit of the bottom) and petted him. I put food in Sabine's dish, even though there was a bunch in there, and petted Rufie. I put water in the dish upstairs ...and petted the cat. I sat down to read my birthday card - haha-good one! - and petted the cat. I talked to him and told him what a lovely cat he was and that he was a fashion accessory that everyone should sport, and I petted him some more. He then decided it was play time and forgot only one of us has theoretically retractable claws. I spoke to him again... something along the lines of "Ow", and decided play time was over.

I didn't see Sabine at all, but I expect she didn't want to chance having to deal with that sweet orange cat. The house was fairly warm and nothing seems to have been destroyed in the past day.

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon: Voice Restoration, Part 2
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 02 Dec 10 - 03:03 PM

Yup, thinking about you both, right now.

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon: Voice Restoration, Part 2
From: GUEST,sending love and prayers right to the OR
Date: 02 Dec 10 - 02:46 PM

All our love and prayers to you Tom and Linn....sending prayers right now to you in the OR   John and Rom

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon: Voice Restoration, Part 2
From: catspaw49
Date: 02 Dec 10 - 10:22 AM

W.S. really?   Willie Scarpalino said that? No shit? Doesn't sound like him...........

Spaw

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon: Voice Restoration, Part 2
From: kendall
Date: 02 Dec 10 - 09:57 AM

No coffee? is that what I have to look forward to? Is this such a good idea? Got to think this over.

"And enterprises of great pith and moment become sicklied over with the pale cast of thought and lose the name of action." W.S. of course)

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon: Voice Restoration, Part 2
From: maeve
Date: 02 Dec 10 - 09:18 AM

From Linn's post, upthread:
"And he'll be back on a low acid reflux diet -- no caffeine, no alcohol, no carbonation, no citrus, no tomatoes, no onions & peppers...no nothin'"


I think a bundle of fifties would be acceptable though, Charlie...

I'll get me barn coat.

Maeve

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon: Voice Restoration, Part 2
From: Jeri
Date: 02 Dec 10 - 09:10 AM

He can't have coffee, Charlie.

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon: Voice Restoration, Part 2
From: Charley Noble
Date: 02 Dec 10 - 08:43 AM

Linn and Tom-

We are wrapping up your caffeinated Christmas recovery package as this message is posted. Hope you have some way of grinding up coffee beans. Otherwise you'll have to use your teeth.

Charley Noble

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon: Voice Restoration, Part 2
From: AllisonA(Animaterra)
Date: 02 Dec 10 - 07:56 AM

Came to this thread late but know that I'm sending light and love and caffeinated thoughts you-wards today. Beacon Hill is actually lovely - I hope you get a chance to look around some!

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon: Voice Restoration, Part 2
From: kendall
Date: 02 Dec 10 - 07:52 AM

Tom, do you have any details on exactly what he is going to plant in your throat? And how?

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon: Voice Restoration, Part 2
From: GUEST, Bat Goddess in Boston
Date: 02 Dec 10 - 07:21 AM

Well, my knee behaved beautifully all day -- decided to hurt all night. Pain med again did not work. Took a benedryl to sleep, but that didn't work as well as it usually does. Funny thing, just about quarter of five, the knee decided to stop hurting. Just like it decided to START at 9 pm. Go figure.

Tom is curmudging. I've been awake since 4:00 or earlier. Watched out the window at shuttle time, to verify, and it did not appear. Told Tom to call MGH -- they should send a shuttle to collect him for surgery (or any other appointment).

Of course, the other reason he's curmudging is no coffee, no food, and his surgery isn't until this afternoon. Oh, did I say no coffee? And then there's the no coffee thing. (How do you people get so dependent on brown stuff in cups?)

Steve, thanks for the offer, but we're travelling extremely light. A laptop would be waaaaay over our load limit. Even with the bare necessities, it was REALLY nice to get our gear into the room yesterday afternoon after schlepping all over hell 'n gone.

Linn

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon: Voice Restoration, Part 2
From: mouldy
Date: 02 Dec 10 - 02:46 AM

Oh I really hope this all goes well, as it's 2nd December here!
I hope you have the shuttle problem sorted.

Thinking of you both.
Andrea x

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon: Voice Restoration, Part 2
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 02 Dec 10 - 02:38 AM

Did they say why they discontinued the shuttles? Really sux.

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon: Voice Restoration, Part 2
From: Crowhugger
Date: 01 Dec 10 - 09:53 PM

All best wishes for a wonderful result!

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon: Voice Restoration, Part 2
From: GUEST,Rombo
Date: 01 Dec 10 - 09:37 PM

Thoughts and prayers are with you bothere there in Boston~!!!

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon: Voice Restoration, Part 2
From: GUEST, Bat Goddess in Boston
Date: 01 Dec 10 - 06:57 PM

Houston, we have a problem...

Turns out they've discontinued the morning and evening shuttles to and from Mass General. Which basically means we have to pay for cabs. The streets up to Beacon House are seriously steep -- neither of our knees can hack it.

Ach. Nothing ever goes smoothly.

Linn

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon: Voice Restoration, Part 2
From: SussexCarole
Date: 01 Dec 10 - 06:27 PM

Just caught up with this news....All our best to you both

Hugs   Carole & Andrew x

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon: Voice Restoration, Part 2
From: gnu
Date: 01 Dec 10 - 06:16 PM

Good to hear about the knee. That was worrisome given the "venue". Hope it holds up. Looking for more good news... best to both of youse.

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon: Voice Restoration, Part 2
From: GUEST,Steve Smith
Date: 01 Dec 10 - 06:01 PM

Linn,

I have a spare laptop I can bring you if you need it - let me know - I'll bring it to you.

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon: Voice Restoration, Part 2
From: Jeri
Date: 01 Dec 10 - 05:06 PM

I'm glad your knee is cooperating. Will go staff the cats tomorrow.

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon: Voice Restoration, Part 2
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 01 Dec 10 - 05:01 PM

Be thinking of you both tomorrow.

John

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon: Voice Restoration, Part 2
From: GUEST, Bat Goddess in Boston
Date: 01 Dec 10 - 04:55 PM

Okay! We're here at Beacon House. Tom's just back from exploring the Beacon Hill neighborhood -- their are several small grocery stores, a liquor and "fine foods" store and a pizza place that has non-tomato-based sauces so Tom can eat.

Got an early train because we needed to be at Mass Eye & Ear for a CT scan at 9. My knee behaved much better than I'd anticipated. I'm slow, but wasn't in any real discomfort. The Salvation Army bell ringer at North Station, who had a wonderful voice, was singing Christmas songs -- "Rudolf" and others. Got a Partners shuttle without too much of a wait and got to ME&EI early, got the scan done early, and had them call a cab to get us to Dr. Z's. Got there early, too, but, even though Sonny got us into an exam room early, didn't see Dr. Z until the scheduled time when he came in when he came in with the other doctor who was gearing up for Kendall's scoping requirements. Straightened them out -- this is Tom Hall, not Kendall Morse. Tom's from NH, Kendall's from Maine -- there's a difference.

Anywho, Tom had to run through another battery of vocal screenings, which gave us something to do until the lidocaine from the scoping wore off.

So we ate lunch again across from Bowdoin Square at Gourmet Cafe, that great little Italian hole-in-the-wall with the freshest sub rolls in the world.

Then got a cab to Beacon House -- only a few blocks, but straight up hill.

Tom's surgery is scheduled for 3 pm tomorrow, but he has to be there at noon and it could take place earlier. He'll be spending tomorrow night at Mass General and he may not be subject to the speaking restrictions that he's been expecting.

Dr. Zeitels hadn't heard that Gore-Tex is used for some guitar strings, but he said he wasn't surprised.

We'll take the shuttle down to the hospital and back for supper in about an hour.

Thanks for all your good wishes, etc.!

Linn

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon: Voice Restoration, Part 2
From: jacqui.c
Date: 01 Dec 10 - 09:22 AM

What Kendall said. Everything crossed for the best possible result.

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon: Voice Restoration, Part 2
From: GUEST,kendall
Date: 01 Dec 10 - 07:44 AM

Tom, if I could give you one gift it would be the ability to shout MERRY CHRISTMAS.

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon: Voice Restoration, Part 2
From: maeve
Date: 30 Nov 10 - 09:17 PM

Thanks for lending a hand again, Jeri.
Love to Tom and Linn.

Maeve

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon: Voice Restoration, Part 2
From: John on the Sunset Coast
Date: 30 Nov 10 - 03:46 PM

My best to you both. May Tom have a successful surgery, and a full and complete recovery. But you should see if you can get some outside help during that period. Being a care giver is very stressful, the more so if you have your own limitations...so think of yourself, too.

God Bless you both. Have terrific holidays, whichever they may be.

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon: Voice Restoration, Part 2
From: Jeri
Date: 30 Nov 10 - 03:33 PM

Received training on how to properly operate cat bowls, where the good wood is, and funny door tricks.

I asked Tom if Helium would affect Goretex vocal chords the same way it affects the biological ones. Tom didn't know. Now that I've thought about it, I'd have to say he'd still sound like a chipmunk, because Helium doesn't affect the chords at all, but the way sound vibrations travel through Helium vs. air. I don't think it's a great idea to experiment though. Air, including oxygen, is important.

Good journey!

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon: Voice Restoration, Part 2
From: Slag
Date: 30 Nov 10 - 03:21 PM

My best to you both. What a struggle! Prayers all around.

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon: Voice Restoration, Part 2
From: SINSULL
Date: 30 Nov 10 - 02:00 PM

Spoke with Tom last night. He is looking forward to getting this over with and hoping for lots of good drugs to help him through the awake surgery.
Here's to steady hands and a voice at Christmas.
Mary

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon: Voice Restoration, Part 2
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 30 Nov 10 - 10:05 AM

Cortisone shot wore off in two weeks. Lined up for the 3 consecutive synovial fluid supplementation injections (not Synvisc; different brand) to hold off knee replacement until a) life simmers down a bit and b) maybe I can afford to take 6 weeks off from work for the rehab.

Aspirin works better than most meds for me. And I've finally got a pain med that works for night time. Capsaicin cream and Aspercreme also help. For the sprain, I'm still icing.

The thing is, at best, I'm not only going to be "overdoing it" by necessity for the next couple days, but it will also be painful, no matter what I do to make it better. I'll cope. We're travelling very light because we have to schlep. After Friday, I won't have to spend much time walking or on my feet -- but I need to keep moving so I don't seize up. Totally exercise-free isn't a good idea, either.

It would be nice if the timing were different on this, but it's not, so I'll do what I've gotta do and it'll be okay.

Linn

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon: Voice Restoration, Part 2
From: Donuel
Date: 30 Nov 10 - 06:01 AM

I hope you get some corticosteroids or NSAIDs for your knee.
Stress, change of season, overdoing it...things always feel worse when we feel close to panic.

I bet a trillion dollars that Tom can yell a blue streak by summer.

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon: Voice Restoration, Part 2
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 30 Nov 10 - 05:47 AM

Slept well last night -- knee doc actually gave me meds that work, at least for the night.

Yeah, I'll prolly get more walking rest in Boston then I would at work or home -- except for Wednesday and Thursday. Last time in Boston, BEFORE the sprain, when we just had to get from North Station to Dr. Z's and back, I was in agony by the time I got home. Knee doc said (a week later) that I'd "over done it". The pain then was after I got home, not while walking.

Right now I'm in the worst pain I've ever been in -- while moving or at rest. Sitting actually seems to be best,

The pain is worse than when I broke my arm (well, then it was initial shock and then good drugs; didn't get my brain back for over a month) and worse than the kidney stone I had over 20 years ago. And it's with each step.

And Thursday night I'll have to get back to Beacon House alone, as Tom will be spending the night at Mass General.

Builds character...(but I thought I was enough of a character already!).

Linn

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon: Voice Restoration, Part 2
From: ranger1
Date: 29 Nov 10 - 06:54 PM

Good thoughts from me and J-boy. I have the next two days off, if you need anything, please don't hesitate to call. You're not that far away.

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon: Voice Restoration, Part 2
From: SINSULL
Date: 29 Nov 10 - 06:18 PM

I just tried to call and wish you both well but either Magic Jack or your phone refused to cooperate. Maybe tomorrow night.
Mary

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon: Voice Restoration, Part 2
From: SINSULL
Date: 29 Nov 10 - 06:13 PM

I will be thinking of you on Thursday, Tom. The beginning of the end, I think.
Mary

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon: Voice Restoration, Part 2
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 29 Nov 10 - 05:49 PM

Linn, can you hire or borrow a mobility scooter to use while you knee is mending?

Best wishes and speedy recovery to you both.

Love Tam

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon: Voice Restoration, Part 2
From: Jeri
Date: 29 Nov 10 - 05:38 PM

You might be able to get more rest in Boston, if you don't walk around a lot. Elevators, not stairs, no wood stove, cooking not needed, and it will likely feel better by the time you come home. Let me know what I can do.

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon: Voice Restoration, Part 2
From: gnu
Date: 29 Nov 10 - 02:29 PM

SOP! Linn... Hope yer doin okay.

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon: Voice Restoration, Part 2
From: kendall
Date: 29 Nov 10 - 11:10 AM

Linn if I could swap ailments with you, I would do it in a heart beat.

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon: Voice Restoration, Part 2
From: Charley Noble
Date: 29 Nov 10 - 08:57 AM

Linn-

The knee sounds frustrating, to say the least. I sure wish I lived closer so I could be of some direct help.

Best of luck for you both!

Charley Noble and JudyB

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon: Voice Restoration, Part 2
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 29 Nov 10 - 07:37 AM

Glad I have an appointment with my knee doc this morning ("before work" -- should I be able to get there). I think I re-sprained the knee last night. After posting this, etc. I went to stand up from the chair and must have moved just slightly wrong. More pain than last week. More difficulty walking. Tom will have to drive me as I know I can't safely drive.

What a pain! (Literally and figuratively.)

Unless the doctor can work some kind of magic, I don't see how I can possibly go to Boston with Tom.

Right now I have to call my boss and disturb his day off.

Linn

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon: Voice Restoration, Part 2
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 29 Nov 10 - 01:10 AM

me too

sandra

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon: Voice Restoration, Part 2
From: ragdall
Date: 28 Nov 10 - 11:50 PM

Sending good thoughts to both of you for a successful procedure and timely recovery for Tom and thorough mending for your knee, Linn.

rags

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon: Voice Restoration, Part 2
From: catspaw49
Date: 28 Nov 10 - 11:32 PM

Don't know what I can say to you two at this point except what so many others around here are feeling as well. If there is anything at all to the power of good thoughts (and I know there is) than you go into this with a powerful force behind you. I wish you all the best.......You have all the "good thought wattage" my pissant transmitter can produce. I'm expecting nothing but the best outcome.


Spaw

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon: Voice Restoration, Part 2
From: Nancy King
Date: 28 Nov 10 - 09:12 PM

Hope all goes well! Keeping you both in my thoughts...

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon: Voice Restoration, Part 2
From: katlaughing
Date: 28 Nov 10 - 09:04 PM

Love, Light, and Healing Energy sent to you, both.

Linn, I have been having to bring in all of our groceries since Rog broke his heel. I have a neat pull cart, which folds almost flat, in which I load them from the car and pull it behind me to the house. I'm sure you know what I mean as I learned about them when I lived back there. Probably too late for you to find one, but it might be helpful if you can at some point. Sorry to hear about your knee!

love and hugs,

kat