BS: Curmudgeon in hospital again - HOME AGAIN!

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon in hospital again
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 23 Feb 13 - 10:45 AM

Jeri, I've not had any problems even when there was MORE ice in the driveway...or through up to seven or more inches of wet snow. And it's uphill. I've made it through what the town plow threw up without a running start (although that was from the level up at Izo's spare space up the hill).

When I get home from the hospital, I'll turn my car around so I'm facing up the driveway. I'll be okay. And I'll NEVER be without AWD ever again. (How did we live with only front wheel drive for 25+ years?!?)

The cat litter I had just inside the door may have gotten you out. Alas, I was too far out of it on Thursday to suggest that.

Linn

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon in hospital again
From: bbc
Date: 23 Feb 13 - 11:19 AM

Glad to hear that things are starting to look up! Love to you both!

Barbara

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon in hospital again
From: GUEST,999
Date: 23 Feb 13 - 11:27 AM

Jeri, I can't recall whether you have a standard or auto. Either way, when you're slipping on ice in one spot, put an auto in second and a standard in 3rd gear to get going. That should get you moving. Drop back to first and slowly continue.

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon in hospital again
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 23 Feb 13 - 12:47 PM

Hair dry. Called Tom. On my way. Yeehah! It'll be great to see him AND talk to him for the first time since Monday.

Linn

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon in hospital again
From: Jeri
Date: 23 Feb 13 - 01:08 PM

9, I tried that. When slipping on ice, it's best not to be trying to go up a hill.

Have a great visit. Glad the storm isn't supposed to start until 9PM or so, so the drive probably won't suck.

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon in hospital again
From: Bill D
Date: 23 Feb 13 - 03:03 PM

**wishing all concerned an early and pleasant Spring.**

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon in hospital again
From: wysiwyg
Date: 23 Feb 13 - 03:55 PM

<3

~S~

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon in hospital again
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 23 Feb 13 - 05:25 PM

Just home. It's been snowing since I left the hospital, but not sticking to the road until I turned down our road. Parked the car pointing up the driveway.

They threw me a curve -- Tom wasn't in the room I expected him to be in, but after the initial, "Oh fuck, now what" I turned around and found him. Not looking for him in another room, I'd walked right past. And besides, he was sitting in a chair next to the bed, not IN the bed.

I read to him for a couple hours (there's a couple really delightful bits in the Richardson Wright book I've been reading to him lately), then he decided he wanted to take a nap, just about the point my voice was giving out. Fun reading with the surgical mask tickling my nose and steaming up my reading glasses. He said he hadn't slept well last night. So we were both knackered.

I left not long before the doctor would have been back in, but I knew I was pushing myself about as far as I should today. The nurse said she expected that Tom would be moved to a regular room (back up in the new wing on the other side of the world) maybe tonight if there was a room available or maybe tomorrow (during the interim he would no longer be considered critical even though he was in the ICU).

I guess this is all good news, even the rest I may be given with the snow. (Well, until I have to clear the car off.) I just hope we don't lose power. Our phone is cable and lasts about 4 hours with the UPS. My cell doesn't work from anywhere around the house.

Linn

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon in hospital again
From: wysiwyg
Date: 23 Feb 13 - 06:14 PM

Linn, do you know about the free audiobooks at Librivox?

~S~

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon in hospital again
From: Jeri
Date: 23 Feb 13 - 06:16 PM

Let me know if you need help getting out of your driveway.
(I'm being a smartass, but you know I'm here.)

It sounds like Tom's doing really well--good news! Sleep well tonight.

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon in hospital again
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 23 Feb 13 - 06:26 PM

So far I haven't been able to interest Tom in devices. We have plenty of audio books, but he'd rather listen to NHPR and have me read to him. (Not just books -- stuff online, magazine articles, etc.)

I can't believe how tired I am. Think I'm going upstairs to maybe read, maybe nap. Not hungry as I ate "lunch" (I guess it was lunch) late.

Later,
Linn

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon in hospital again
From: Trad Folkie
Date: 23 Feb 13 - 06:26 PM

Hi Linn,

Glad to hear things are going "slightly" better for you and Tom, Our thoughts are with you and Tom, now and always.

I replied to your Facebook post, so you now know who I am. For the other Mudcatters, I'm Bill of Bill & Carol. As you guessed we are part of the Chantey Sing crowd. After resisting joining Mudcat for many years, Tom's illness, and your posts, finally got me to get off my duff to join.

If anyone wants to know who I am, send me a pm, and I'll reply.

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon in hospital again
From: gnu
Date: 23 Feb 13 - 06:44 PM

Much snow expected?

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon in hospital again
From: Jeri
Date: 23 Feb 13 - 06:57 PM

4-8" total, but it's warm enough to be heavy snow.

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon in hospital again
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 23 Feb 13 - 08:18 PM

And we're with the NH Electric Co-op (or at least Tom and I are), at the end of a line, to boot, and power goes out if a butterfly slams into a pole.

Linn

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon in hospital again
From: Charley Noble
Date: 23 Feb 13 - 09:15 PM

If a butterfly slams into your pole, I'm moving to NH!!!

It's cold up her in Maine.

Charley Noble

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon in hospital again
From: gnu
Date: 23 Feb 13 - 09:26 PM

Oh... well then... I'll enter the contest... ne buddy onna sou'west coast a yer Newfoundland tol me, "Roun ere, da power cuts out whenner's a bad forecast me zon."

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon in hospital again
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 23 Feb 13 - 11:14 PM

oh, just when the descriptions of life in snowy country were getting interesting to this Australian who has only seen snow once!

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon in hospital again
From: MaineDog
Date: 24 Feb 13 - 08:48 AM

In Maine, if a redneck merely drives by in his beat-up pickup truck, the utility poles fall over from fear.

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon in hospital again
From: GUEST,Michael Weddle
Date: 24 Feb 13 - 10:36 AM

Hey, Tom! Whatta you doing in a hospital I, myself, just got out of!?! Hope you bounce back very well. I got whacked with five things between last August and September: a) atrial fibulation; b) congestive heart failure; c) lead from heart into lungs; d) hypertension; and e) preliminary stage emphysema ... among other things! At one point my heart was only function at 10 percent. But I'm bouncing back and I expect you to do so also. Somehow, they've gotta keep us each going as we still have too much to do--lol!

Very best wishes for you and a tip of my hat to Linn who it seems is performing superwoman duties! The time for music is still upon us ... Michael

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon in hospital again
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 24 Feb 13 - 11:26 AM

When I called Tom at 8 a.m., he was still asleep. He had kind of a difficult night according to his nurse -- I think we agreed he should never have Ambien again. She'll speak to his doctor. Finally was able to alk to him around 10, but he was sleepy and, since I'd been trying unsuccessfully to take a nap (I thought I slept okay, but I must really still need rest) and was barely awake myself, we rang off.

His nurse promised to call me if they find him another room out of the ICU (since he's only there for telemetry now, not critical care).

Power just flickered here, but stayed on. So far, so good.

Linn

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon in hospital again
From: GUEST,KT, not logged in....
Date: 24 Feb 13 - 12:19 PM

Haven't been around these parts much lately, and just now seeing this thread. So glad to know things are looking up and Tom is on the mend. Thinking of both of you ~ hoping you're both feeling better and better. KT

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon in hospital again
From: ChanteyLass
Date: 24 Feb 13 - 02:27 PM

I'm glad to read that both of you are feeling better. Keep it up! And I hope the snow causes no new problems, especially bot a power failure. Jeri, I'm glad your car is on the go again.

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon in hospital again
From: Bill D
Date: 24 Feb 13 - 04:10 PM

I use Ambien, but often take only 1/4 of a 10mg. I've gotten good with a pill cutter to divide the things into 4 pieces. Sometimes a very small dose can do 'enough' without rendering me fuzzy-headed.

If Tom really needs sleep help, confer with docs about several alternatives... (maybe you have already).

For short term use.... or once a week or so, Temazpam (Restoril) can give a 'gentle' relief.

disclaimer: I am fortunate to have most chemicals work on me exactly as they are supposed to, with few side effects beyond a little dry mouth.YMMV

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon in hospital again
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 24 Feb 13 - 07:28 PM

Tom must be doing a lot better. He's not only really complaining about the food, but he refused to order dinner. When I asked what he had instead, he said, "Coffee." I read him the riot act; told him I didn't need THAT to worry about, too, and to find a nurse and get something to eat. (Sigh. He said he hoped for cake... I suggested something with nutrition in it. Arghhhh!!!!)

That after an afternoon of clearing out the paper clutter on his side of the table. Mixed feeling while doing that ranging from being angry at the crap that he accumulates because he won't throw out envelopes, flyers, envelope inserts, geez, anything. I threw out a 2010 phone book for pete's sake. Waaay outdated meds containers, EMPTY meds containers, and a gazillion crumpled Kleenex and napkins. (I thought I was keeping up on those...) Then there's the other end of that range of emotions -- satisfaction and pleasure at having his side of the table organized. It's frustrating. The only time he "lets" me do this is when he's in the hospital and can't tell me not to.

And I organized a magenta binder with all the phone numbers he needs in large bold type. AND his physical therapy exercise guide pages.

I love him but he can be very exasperating at times.

Linn

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon in hospital again
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 25 Feb 13 - 02:00 AM

congratulations! & thanks for the pics of your snowy East Coast.

This east coast looks a bit different at the moment summer in sydney

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon in hospital again
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 25 Feb 13 - 07:28 AM

Won't quit.

Okay, the power went out at 8:40 last night -- I called Tom and he was being moved to a room in 3-West (not the new wing on the other side of the world). Read for a bit by flashlight, then slept. Power came back on around midnight.

Just came downstairs about a half hour ago and, when I went to get my camera to take sunny pictures of snow-laden branches, discovered a drip on the wall by the table. Arghhh!!!

That's the bath tub faucet. I shut off the hot water (cold water shut-off doesn't work)for the bathroom, but there's still a small drip, so the only other shut-off I can use is for the whole house.

Now to call Tom and the friend who can do the plumbing.

Then off to see Tom who sounds like he really needs to SEE me after not seeing me yesterday because of the snow.

Linn

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon in hospital again
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 25 Feb 13 - 08:11 AM

When I checked the bath tub, I discovered I hadn't tightened the faucets after my shower on Saturday. Turned those off tight. I moved the map chest and cleaned up the water downstairs -- there really wasn't a lot and it wasn't coming down the wall like last time.

I just put down some paper towels -- to see if there is still a drip and, if so, where it is.

I think it MAY just have been an overloaded bath tub drain... It hadn't been dripping a lot, but, well, it's PLUMBING.

It doesn't seem to be dripping now.

The only thing I know for sure about plumbing is that hot water goes on the left and shit runs downhill...

Linn

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon in hospital again
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 25 Feb 13 - 09:46 AM

Have to sit for a minute. Snow's heavy, but not awful. Just have to take it slow and easy. Deck and steps cleared as much as necessary. Started on car.

While sitting, will call Tom. Oh, seems like I lost part of a filling in a back upper tooth this morning.

Alas, curling up in the fetal position and sucking my thumb is not an option.

Linn

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon in hospital again
From: Bill D
Date: 25 Feb 13 - 11:00 AM

Plumbing... right. I will not tell plumbing tales. I will merely impart Wisdom to explain it all.

Entropy Will Get Ya' If Ya' Don't Watch Out!


(In fact, Entropy will get ya' if ya' DO watch out.)

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon in hospital again
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 25 Feb 13 - 01:00 PM

When it rains it pours, eh?

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon in hospital again
From: GUEST,kendall
Date: 25 Feb 13 - 01:35 PM

I get good results from Melatonin

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon in hospital again
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 25 Feb 13 - 03:46 PM

I just came about as close to losing it as I let myself -- I screamed at the cat. He knocked something breakable off the end of the counter behind a dresser that's next to it. I can't see what it was; I just know it's smashed to smithereens. One shard was left on the windowsill. I can't fucking do anything about it. (Poor Rufus. Then he knocked the flashlight into his food dish. Nothing broke, but it clattered loudly. I yelled again. Poor guy. Mom's not doing well.

I just got home from visiting Tom. He was sounding better on the phone. He was lethargic, complaining about pain in his foot (but then when the therapist came in and asked if he had any pain, he didn't mention it -- I had to), I had to keep asking if he was okay. (And he kept saying he was. But we have this problem at home, too.

There was a radio there plus I brought one, but couldn't get his usual listening -- NHPR -- on either of them. There was a religious station blocking WEVO on our radio; the other one didn't even get that. The nurse will try again early evening, which sometimes changes how signals are picked up.

When I'm there, I read to him (no don't suggest books on CDs or the like -- he's not interested right now), but I'm concerned about periods where he's just not getting any mental stimulation at all. I tried to find a TV station of all news (not Fox!!!!) that he could listen to. I set it to C-SPAN, but turned it way down when I left so he could take a nap. Which he really needed. He again slept poorly last night, plus he'd been sitting in a chair since quite early this morning as his therapist discovered. She had him walk to the bathroom with a walker, then back to the bed so he could lie down. He probably shouldn't have been in the chair that long, but he hadn't asked to go back to bed.

His lunch came while I was there and it turned out to be a good choice -- chicken stirfry. He actually liked it and ate all of it he could (the celery and the carrots were too hard; his dentures are safely at home this time). Good thing I was there, though, because everything needed to be cut a lot smaller and, after awhile, I had to help him spear things on a fork, too.

Looks like he'll be there at least until Thursday (oh, good. More snow on Wednesday) so he can finish the IV antibiotics.

Well, a couple good things happened today -- I didn't hit either of the two deer who dashed directly in front of my car as I headed out of the lower end of our road just before Rte. 152. And, in the mailbox when I got home, was one of the two checks I've been waiting for. So tomorrow I can move ahead on several fronts.

I'd hoped to wrap up some paperwork this afternoon so it could be mailed tomorrow (to move ahead on yet another major front), but I think if I don't get a nap, I'll be in deep trouble. Or deeper trouble than I already feel I'm in. Exhaustion and stress was what got me as sick as I was last Thursday. I'm not fully recovered from THAT yet, either. (Forgive my whining.)

A few more updates, a few more phone calls, then nap time.

Linn

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon in hospital again
From: wysiwyg
Date: 25 Feb 13 - 04:56 PM

THAT IS NOT WHINING!

~S~

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon in hospital again
From: gnu
Date: 25 Feb 13 - 05:31 PM

"I had to keep asking if he was okay. (And he kept saying he was. But we have this problem at home, too."

It's his love for you that makes him do such naughty things. Such is his love for you. You are blessed with that... even if it annoys the hell out of you.

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon in hospital again
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 25 Feb 13 - 07:52 PM

Didn't get my nap. As tired as I was (and still am), I just couldn't drop off.

Just talked to Tom and to one of his nurses. I was concerned because he seemed confused. But she explained he had just woken up, so that was understandable.

I'm not sure how I'm going to get everything done tomorrow that needs to be done...

I think I'm off to an early night's sleep...

Linn

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon in hospital again
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 25 Feb 13 - 08:07 PM

sleep well

sandra (sending hugs)

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon in hospital again
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 25 Feb 13 - 08:37 PM

Okay, I think I feel better now. Tom just called. He just finished eating a sandwich and he sounded alert, well, and definitely "with it" and not confused. So when I talked to him awhile ago, I think the confusion may have been the result of just waking and no dinner. Now I can sleep easier.

G'night.

Linn

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon in hospital again
From: ChanteyLass
Date: 25 Feb 13 - 11:42 PM

Do sleep well. You have been busy and had a lot of stress. Update us when you can. In the meantime, remember that we care.

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon in hospital again
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 26 Feb 13 - 07:51 AM

There. Last week's trash and this week's trash up to the road for pick-up. Now I need to remember to eat something. Bagel toasting, water for tea heating...

Then turn bathroom hot water back on and take a shower and wash my hair. The faucet is dripping, but no leaks downstairs since yesterday morning. (And will try to schedule it getting fixed later today or tomorrow.)

Then I can call Tom...

Then I can make a bunch of other necessary calls, transact some business at the credit union, and, with luck, be at the hospital in time to help Tom have lunch.

Linn

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon in hospital again
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 26 Feb 13 - 10:49 AM

Tom was asleep the first time I called and eating breakfast an hour and a half later. Did finally get to talk to him and let him know I'll be over after I take care of some things at the credit union. Life, alas, keeps moving right along and I lost a couple days being sick last week. (Not to mention spending time at the hospital, etc.)

Made a necessary phone call to start work on another dangling end and then called Payroll at my former employer to try to get my W-2 which I hadn't received. I'd contacted my former supervisor last week who was going to take it up with the district manager, but she's out sick, and the district manager has a history of not doing his job as far as notifying the home office. So I called direct -- I just don't have time to waste. Anyway, another is being sent right out.

Later,
Linn

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon in hospital again
From: GUEST,SINSULL
Date: 26 Feb 13 - 12:24 PM

It is almost a year ago that Tom fell and broke his ankle. He had morning grogginess then too. Hope he recovers quickly this time and can bypass the nursing home.
thinking of you.
Mary

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon in hospital again
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 26 Feb 13 - 04:56 PM

I don't know whether to be worried about Tom (I mean, more than my usual concern with him recovering from the past week) or what.

He just called me and asked where he was. When I left him a about an hour and a half ago, he was taking a nap and getting IV antibiotics. I had read to him for awhile before that, helped him with lunch, talked to his nurse and his doctor. (He'll probably be coming home on Saturday.)

So I explained that he was in the hospital, that I had been there for several hours earlier today, that he could order another lunch if he was hungry (he'd only eaten a few bites of his stir fry), that he could call his nurse...

He said he'd been having a conversation with a priest, but I think that was a dream. I called his nurse, but she was busy with another patient. The nurse I talked to said she'd check Tom, and give his day nurse my number so she could call me.

His blood pressure was low again -- I think that may be why he seemed so lethargic and then asked to get back in bed to take a nap. I had to keep asking him if he was okay while I was reading to him...he'd close his eyes and seem somewhat unresponsive, but then he knew just what I was reading about or would laugh at something funny in the book.

I just talked to him again. He seemed better, but I'm not sure how reassured I am. They're ordering a cheeseburger for him, so maybe he food will help, too.

Meanwhile, I am soooo tired. But I guess I got a lot done today. I just wish I felt better about Tom.

Oh, and it's going to snow again.

Linn

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon in hospital again
From: gnu
Date: 26 Feb 13 - 06:48 PM

Soldier on. Like I said... just rest knowing you are doing all you can do and getting rest is a VERY big part of being ABLE to do it.

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon in hospital again
From: wysiwyg
Date: 26 Feb 13 - 06:50 PM

My mom reported some pretty loopy hallucinations on an IV antibiotic the hospital had her on, once.

~S~

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon in hospital again
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 26 Feb 13 - 07:35 PM

A few friends are planning to call him, and another is going over tomorrow and read the paper to him. Because of sucky weather, I'll probably not be able to get to Dover tomorrow.

He needs mental stimulation. Coming home will be good, too.

His nurses and his doctor are very aware of my concerns and are working to see what they can do about it, too.

He sounded a lot better when I talked to him last. The disconcerting combination is when he wakes up after missing a meal. Food helps. He's finally figured out what food is at least okay. (Actually, the chicken stir fry is quite good.)

And it's probably much more worrying for me because I'm so tired.

Linn

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon in hospital again
From: ChanteyLass
Date: 26 Feb 13 - 09:39 PM

"I just wish I felt better about Tom."

I wish you had reason to feel better about Tom. And I wish he felt better!

Last night and tonight I've had trouble with my Internet connection. If I lose it, I'll still be thinking of you both.

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon in hospital again
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 27 Feb 13 - 08:18 AM

Got a call from Tom at 7:30 -- he sounded alert and in good spirits. Great way to start the day!

The weather is such that I don't think I'll chance the drive to Dover, but the leak in the bathroom should get repaired, and another MAJOR project should get finished and with a little luck in the mail.

Moving right along.

Now, I'm hoping for a few minutes peace with a cup of tea before the rest of the day lands in my lap.

Linn

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon in hospital again
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 27 Feb 13 - 12:38 PM

They're making the days shorter now. That's why Christmas comes round every 3 months;)

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon in hospital again
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 27 Feb 13 - 02:09 PM

Safe home from the post office. Package of documentation safely on its priority way...that's a relief. One more major step.

A friend is on his way over to fix the bath tub leak and a bread pudding is in the oven (using up some stuff I was afraid would go bad).

Life is a list of details to be checked off a list.

Meanwhile, I feel as if the chest cold is trying to worm its way back. I'm tired, have no voice, and, oh, I'm tired.

Linn