Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: Janie
Date: 17 Apr 16 - 05:01 PM

Glad for the good news, and wishing Pat a speedy recovery from major surgery. Hope your trip was a good one.

Update from my last whiny post. Doing well. Now walk with a two legged limp instead of a three legged limp. Throughout the rehab process, progress has not been gradual, it has been in distinct steps - like another switch gets flipped. Just as I get discouraged, suddenly, I can manage something that I could not manage before. Wish I could somehow bookmark this post to come back to as a reminder when I feel discouraged.

I hope to retire in November. My realistic goal is to be nearly back to where I was pre-fall by then, and once I have only the private practice hours, to be motivated enough and have the time to devote to recovering to where I reach a place that I will be physically stronger and more capable than I was even before the accident.

Mom is undergoing complete shoulder replacement surgery on Tuesday. She and we all agree that it is a good option, even though she is 87. Sharp as a tack and otherwise in respectable health for her age. Not worried, but always concerned and good thoughts for her well being always welcomed.

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: keberoxu
Date: 17 Apr 16 - 05:51 PM

I was just wondering, Janie, how you were doing. You must be feeling better, as well, if you can disengage from yourself and look at your progress with an optimistic eye. Keep up the good work.

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: Rapparee
Date: 17 Apr 16 - 09:48 PM

Yes, I can and will call and email her daily, and she can do the same to me.

Sounds like a good plan, Janie.

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: gnu
Date: 18 Apr 16 - 02:56 PM

Wishing all the best for your mom, Janie. Glad to hear you are making gains.

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: ChanteyLass
Date: 18 Apr 16 - 09:00 PM

I have been away from this thread for a few days and am delighted to read the good news about Pat's report and about Janie's progress. Rap, I'm glad you will be able to participate in that Honor Flight. Janie, I hope your mother's shoulder operation goes well.

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: Nigel Paterson
Date: 19 Apr 16 - 04:10 AM

Loving Greetings from Nigel & Ann in a spring-like East London.
As ever, Jane's Rainbow continues it's unique voyage, crewed by some of the finest folk on the planet. Our capacity for self-regulation is admirable...a model that could be emulated.
       Without a shadow of a doubt, this glorious thread has played a significant part in our grieving. Your love, compassion & wisdom has helped keep us whole & united as a couple. Our gratitude is boundless & life-long,
                                                       With Love,
                                                                        Nigel & Ann xxxxx

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: Pete from seven stars link
Date: 19 Apr 16 - 05:46 PM

Try again...yesterday's post did,nt take or disappeared, in which I remarked what a lovely mix of realism and optimism Janies post was , and with a prayer for her and her mum.    Blessings    Pete.

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: Janie
Date: 19 Apr 16 - 08:40 PM

Mom just out of surgery and the procedure apparently went quite smoothly.

The riskiest part of many surgeries, especially for the elderly, is the anesthesia. Normally it may not be a good idea for a doctor to treat his own family, but in this case we were all very happy that my nephew was able to pull a few strings and schedule himself as the anesthesiologist. She had her own earth angel lterally watching over her and the surgeon in the OR.

Now comes the hard part. The healing and rehab. She is up for it. She really had to fight the ortho to get him to do the surgery because of her age. He just couldn't seem to get that the pain of rehab for a few months, compared to possibly 10-15 years (we are a long-lived family for the most part) of inability to move her shoulder and upper arm without excruciating pain is well worth it.   

As always, my sister Annie is up there and will stay as long as necessary. She never says all the caregiving she has done for Mom, Dad, and me is burdensome or expresses any resentment that I am not more available. I'll go up as I can on weekends and according to whatever schedule works best for her, but she lives 8 hours from Mom's so unless she flies home, my weekends up don't give her a chance to go home. But may give her a chance to head out on a weekend to hit an old time stringband festival.

She is another Earth Angel.

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: ChanteyLass
Date: 19 Apr 16 - 09:10 PM

Janie, I'm glad your mother's surgery went well. Let the healing begin! And thank goodness your sister is able to help her.

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: Rapparee
Date: 20 Apr 16 - 08:22 PM

That's wonderful, Janie. And isn't it wonderful to have people who can and are willing to help?

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: keberoxu
Date: 22 Apr 16 - 05:43 PM

Two weeks into therapy and so on for Rapparee's better half. Hope all is promising, however difficult it may feel.

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: Rapparee
Date: 23 Apr 16 - 08:49 AM

It is, and she is "feeling the burn" because she's overdoing (as usual). I'll be back tomorrow in time for supper.

Oh, yeah -- healing. Here are some photos from the Honor Flight I was on. All but one person from the same National Guard unit that was called up in 1968 and served (except for me) in Vietnam. The one person who wasn't part of the call-up was a US Navy veteran who is the father of one of the guys who WAS called up. This trip WAS healing for more that a few of the guys. Said one to me, "When we got back and got off the buses they immediately had a big parade for us. But ya know, not one of us wanted to march in a parade and listen to politicians make speeches. We wanted to see our wives and families and have a cold beer. Those speeches were an awful thing to do. It hurt! And all they said was how great they were for sending us, like the governor and all had a choice."

Me, I got there late and didn't get in on the parade. I got to sit in the Seatac airport overnight, vets from Korea and Vietnam on one side of the aisle and Woodstock returnees on the other glaring at each other and the cops walking around every fifteen minutes or so making sure that nobody did anything regrettable...the vets wouldn't start anything, they were tired of fighting, and the Woodstock folks were afraid of the kill-crazy, baby-burning, drug-crazed, extremely tired veterans. So we got along pretty well.

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: ChanteyLass
Date: 23 Apr 16 - 07:56 PM

I am glad you were able to participate in this Honor Flight. Rhode Island has an Honor Flight program and I went to a presentation about it last year. Until then I was unfamiliar with the program; now I can say I "know" someone who has participated in his home state's program.

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: Rapparee
Date: 23 Apr 16 - 08:23 PM

Interesting thing: We were eating dinner at the Air Force Memorial (boxed sandwiches, of course) when another Honor Flight pulled up in their buses.

They asked where we were from. The answer was Quincy, Illinois. They were from the Quad Cities (Moline, East Moline, Rock Island, Illinois and Davenport, Iowa), about 150 miles upstream from Quincy. Both parties sort of freaked out at the coincidence.

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: gnu
Date: 24 Apr 16 - 06:58 AM

"This trip WAS healing for more that a few of the guys." Says it all right there. Thanks for sharing, Rap.

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: keberoxu
Date: 26 Apr 16 - 12:38 PM

Healing thoughts to Skarpi who was under the weather in Iceland.

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: Rapparee
Date: 26 Apr 16 - 09:53 PM

Not permitted, Skarpi!

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: gnu
Date: 26 Apr 16 - 11:06 PM

I knew Skarpi was under the weather but it didn't sound serious and I saw posts at FB lately so I assume he is cool. Any news?

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: gnu
Date: 27 Apr 16 - 01:55 PM

This just in...

Skarphedinn Haraldsson I am getting there slowly though ...smile emoticon ....

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: maeve
Date: 27 Apr 16 - 04:45 PM

Thanks, g.

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: Donuel
Date: 28 Apr 16 - 01:45 AM

Tiny Tim is finally taking daily walks outside in the park on his own.

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: Donuel
Date: 02 May 16 - 09:14 PM

Playing is a healing act. For Bonobos it is. So it is for people.


https://www.superbetter.com/


Ted talks about the founder and her challenges: google it

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: Rapparee
Date: 03 May 16 - 09:02 PM

Had cataract surgery on my left eye this morning. Pat drove me to and from, and she'll drive me to the eye doc's tomorrow for a 24 hour followup!

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: gnu
Date: 04 May 16 - 08:58 AM

How's the lefteyesight now?

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 04 May 16 - 10:24 AM

it is wonderful to see again.

My left eye couldn't read the top letter on the chart before the op! I hadn't realised my right eye was doing all the work.

sandra

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: frogprince
Date: 04 May 16 - 10:46 AM

Had my cataracts out a few years back, no problem. My wife will get the pre-surgery measurements done in a few days.

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: Donuel
Date: 04 May 16 - 04:47 PM

Did you guys have the surgery at stage 2 or 3 cataract?

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: JennieG
Date: 04 May 16 - 05:33 PM

Himself had both eyes done at the start of last year - one just before Christmas, the other in mid-January - and couldn't be happier.

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: frogprince
Date: 04 May 16 - 08:16 PM

I don't remember anyone referring to my cataracts by stage number. Mine were done 6 or 7 years apart. The right eye was first, and the circumstances were scary. Apparently I had been depending on the left, not noticing how bad the right was. Then I had some bleeding in the left, and my vision was pretty bad for a while, especially as I was having to drive to work in the dark. The left cleared before too long, and I got the right cataract out soon afterward. No such drama with the left one, it just got to where it needed to be done. Both eyes healed fine in no time.

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: Rapparee
Date: 05 May 16 - 08:53 AM

Nobody told me anything about stages. Proscenium or thrust or a hybrid? Or in the round? Overland, Wells Fargo, or some other?

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: keberoxu
Date: 05 May 16 - 02:51 PM

Skarpi said in another earlier post/thread that he had a lung complaint and could not go to work. Hopefully his lungs are better now?

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: maeve
Date: 05 May 16 - 06:13 PM

Cataracts used to be classified as to stage of development, even to the point of stating if a cataract was "ripe" enough for surgery. I haven't heard of any surgeon discussing that for years. Your mileage may vary, and I'll never know first hand unless there's a "do it yourself" option.:D

Glad for improved vision for those here, both inward and outward.

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: gnu
Date: 06 May 16 - 03:38 PM

Bugs! Males. Big claws... 1.5 pounds each at $7 a pound. I got four. Happy Mother's Day. URP!

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: keberoxu
Date: 06 May 16 - 07:34 PM

Mother's Day lobsters?

Anyway, glad to hear that Rapparee got the dental work done. And how is your better half?

Happy Mother's Day to all, be they great, grand, or simply mothers....and best wishes for continued healing.

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: Rapparee
Date: 06 May 16 - 10:27 PM

Pat is feeling very stressed because she feels that she's in a holding pattern. The remaining surgical drain is irritating her, according to the nurse, and Pat looks forward to seeing the surgeon on the 11th and getting it removed -- AND the stuff coming out of the drain is almost clear and reducing its volume daily. Both of those are very good. It also rained today and so she couldn't soak up the sun as she has the last couple of days.

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: Pete from seven stars link
Date: 07 May 16 - 03:19 PM

I have before posted when tommy s health has been dodgy , but thought I would mention as an article of thanksgiving that last weeks appt in London was very encouraging. He is doing well at present.       My daughter had a bad meltdown recently following her husband leaving and is in hospital. She is very sad but , I think more stable now.       Blessings all.          Pete.

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: gnu
Date: 08 May 16 - 06:31 AM

Glad to hear it. Sad to hear it. But, good to hear she is getting help and support.

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 08 May 16 - 10:12 AM

good news for Pat, mixed news from Pete.

best wishes to all

sandra

my cataracts were done several weeks apart - first the left then teh right, both healed quickly.

A friend has cataracts which are causing major problems. She can't read for more than a few moments, is in constant pain, has headaches etc, but her specialist won't operate for a year.
She can't do anything (go out, read, watch TV, sew, quilt. etc) so got a second opinion & is due for an operation when her flu clears up. We look forward to seeing her soon. And her seeing us!

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: keberoxu
Date: 08 May 16 - 03:22 PM

Surgical drains, ewww, yyyuckkk. Happy to hear, though, that they are doing the job they are meant to do....hope she will be drain-free soon.

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: gnu
Date: 08 May 16 - 05:07 PM

My catawrecks were done left eye Monday, right eye Wednesday.

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: Janie
Date: 08 May 16 - 09:39 PM

Lots to catch up with. Mudcat hasn't cooperated very well when I have tried to get on recently and I've been rushed so wouldn't wait for long minutes to see if it would load. Not a complaint - just an observation. As always, greatful for this site.

If I miss some one please forgive. Sounds like your cateract removal was uneventful, Rap, and glad of that. Can imagine Pat's frustration. Hope theport can soon be removed and/or something can be adjusted so it does not irritate, and also glad that otherwise all signs are positive.

Pete, you appear to be so stalwart in the face of adversity, and constant in your love, care and concern. I'm glad Tommy is doing better. Holding you and all your family in my thoughts.

Hurray for Tiny Tim!

Hope spring has spring for you and TL, maeve.

LObsta! I'm jealous.

Spent the weekend at Mom's - she is doing well with her recovery. Wish I could be more help. For Annie, it meant an 8 hour drive home on Fridaay, mow the grass on Saturday, and an 8 hour drive back today. Whew!

Not sure how much help I was, and it is lucky Mom can do more for herself now. The 5+ hour drive, just sitting, resulted in me being really gimpy on Saturday and having to resort to the cane again for longer walks. On top of that, my left hand went completely numb on me late last week - probably an ulnar nerve problem - on top of untreated carpal tunnel. Can move it but no strength, little sensation and very fumble-fingered. I'm left-handed, though fortunately somewhat ambidextrous. So there were some chores I could not do that would have helped Annie out. Fortunately nothing that was essential to helping Mom, and between the two of us, we were able to button what needed buttoned, etc.

Not quite 6 months now before I have Medicare. But who's counting:>)

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: keberoxu
Date: 09 May 16 - 05:04 PM

You and me both, Janie -- it drove me nuts when I couldn't visit Mudcat Cafe on a daily basis.

Glad to hear you and your mother had Mother's Day together. When conditions cannot be ideal, you make your peace with what is possible. What a dedication is shown by your sister, AND by you.

Rapparee, I hope Pat had a Happy Mother's Day too.

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: Pete from seven stars link
Date: 10 May 16 - 11:33 AM

Yeh, I had trouble getting this thread for awhile , I suppose because of the length of it , but that's a testimony to the crew !       Blessings.       Pete.

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: maeve
Date: 11 May 16 - 08:03 AM

Janie- Spring, yes.

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: ChanteyLass
Date: 12 May 16 - 08:53 PM

I, too, have had trouble using Mudcat for a few days, but I've missed you all and kept you in my heart and prayers.

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: Rapparee
Date: 13 May 16 - 03:14 AM

Pat's drains came out yesterday. In about four hours I have to be at the hospital for hand surgery; she's driving. Saw the eye doc today and it looks like my vision will settle at about 20/30 in both eyes. -- good enough to drive without glasses!

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: gnu
Date: 13 May 16 - 06:30 AM

Glad to hear it, Rap. Hope all goes well with the surgery.

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 13 May 16 - 12:19 PM

YAH! Rap

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: Donuel
Date: 13 May 16 - 12:29 PM

Tiny Tim returned to school today on an auditing basis after a year being out. This is the best news as far as a new beginning goes.

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: keberoxu
Date: 13 May 16 - 04:07 PM

Skarpi was good enough to post, after exchanging contacts with Joe Offer, that he has moved to a different living space which is an improvement over wherever he was before. This is on a different BS thread, which it looks like Joe Offer and Skarpi revived. It also sounds as though he is still in the process of getting better.