Amazing News and other items of interest February 18, 2014

I've let the first month of the year get away without writing and I promised myself I'd write here at least once a month, even if it be a few words.  So here it is, three days past the middle of February!

Good intentions. I always have good intentions.

For information sake, I have been sick. The cold weather we've been having is not helping, believe me. I've rarely complained about Winter but this year, I am so looking forward to Spring.

Happier news, Sarah Elizabeth is pregnant and I'm so happy for her. I'm so happy for them. She seems to be riding a silver lined cloud of happiness.

Sarah set these shots up. She has such good ideas for photos and does a great job! I absolutely love the one of Rahlyja and his expiration date!  Such a great shot!

I'm back to working on photos again. I'm trying to remember if I even mentioned this in any of my posts last year. I have pulled out every photo, sorted it into siblings (so far) then into years then began putting them into albums. Albums. Three ring binders actually. I try to make them look pretty and add little embellishments here and there but for the most part, they're being put into binders.

Actually, what I did first was sort and chronicle (by year only) things such as our gatherings. Reunions, graduations, special occasions etc. Those did go into smaller albums and I marked each with the year.

I really had no clear idea of what I was going to do or what I wanted to end up with when I started this. I'm still not sure I do but, I do know that I have Phyllis, Shelby and Arlie done. Well, don-ish.

I find things as I go that I think should go elsewhere. For instance, I'm working on Jeri's album right now. I've found a few photos that really should go in Arlie's or even Randy's. I'm not sure how I missed this but, I just tuck them into an envelope, mark it for where it goes and will go back to it later.

On Jeri's album, I was pleasantly surprised to remember that a few years ago, I tried to start an album for Bryon Thomas. Of course back then, I was using 12 x 12 albums and of course inserts. Three ring binders do not come in 12 x 12! So, I tore the pages apart and redid them into 8 1/2 x 11. Her album has expanded to a very thick three inch binder because of it. And then some!

After Jeri comes Randy. After Randy I intend to re-do it all! I know how silly that sounds but think about it. I'm doing these albums for different reasons. Myself first, and I hope for one of the nieces or nephews who might want them one of these days.

As I went through sorting, I of course made a box of photos for my album. Since I did that I have decided to go back through and integrate my photos into everyone else's photos. This includes any photo I can get my hands on of Mom & Dad. Mom's family, Dad's family, which means our Aunts and Uncles and cousins.

Can you see the memories I see when I'm working on this? There is very little I don't remember. I've had to ask a few questions of Shelby and Jeri sometimes but for the most part, when I look at these photos I'm remembering.

This has grown into quite a project for me but I'm enjoying every moment of it.

Aunt Leona and Mom

Catie and Bryon

Above photo is Dad as a baby.





Left: Phyllis, Shirley and Shelby

Jeri Lynn

Randy and Jeri














Aunt Leona and Uncle Paul's wedding Day.  Back row: Aunt Dana, Aunt Emily, Virgil, Minister ?? and Aunt Olive, ??.  Middle Row: Aunt Shirley, Grandma Smith, Mom (Nadine) Aunt Leona, Uncle Paul, Uncle Enos, Dad (Arlie). Front row: Little boy in front of Mom, little boy in front of Uncle Enos, Aunt Faye, ??

It's Christmas and author Richard Mabry, author of "Critical Condition" will be giving away an Advanced Reader's Copy of his next book "Fatal Trauma"


http://rmabry.blogspot.com/2014/12/writing-special-giveaway.html

Copy and paste the above URL. It will take you directly to the page you need to enter the give away.

And if you haven't read "Critical Condition" you should. I read the back of the book and wanted to read it because it made my heart race.

From the Back Cover 

It was supposed to be a quiet dinner party with her colleagues, not the scene of a murder. But the shooting of a stranger on her front lawn is only the first in a string of events that have Dr. Shannon Frasier's life teetering on the edge of chaos: She's unable to make the deeper commitment her boyfriend deserves. 

Her sister shows up at Shannon's home needing a place to stay, but with no promise she'll stay clean and sober. And her father is diagnosed with cancer.

Then Shannon's life stops teetering and plunges into the abyss. Because the person behind the guttural voice on the phone wants to know what the stranger said before he died. And he won't stop until Shannon tells him what he wants to know--even if she doesn't have it.

He's coming for her. She's not sure the police on the case can be trusted. And her only hope of escape--for herself and those she loves--is to overcome her buried past.

It's Always Something December 16, 2014

Honestly, I start feeling better, oh so much better and I hurt my back! I don't know how I hurt it but I've strained it somehow.

I could blame it on the ride I took on the handicap bus. On the way home, we drove through some serious road construction and the bus hit this bump. There were three passengers on the bus by the way. When we hit that bump the three of us all kind of came out of our seats.

You remember that song, "The Wheels on the Bus".  There's a line in there that goes, "the people on the bus go UP and Down..." That was us.

Then, the same day, my friend came by and she had some of those window cling on things. Snowflakes. She said if I used them my cockatiel might not fly into the window so much. (you have to know birds to understand that statement) I thought this was a great idea so I began putting them up.

This entailed the up and down thing again. I had to stand, wet the area the cling on was to go then wipe it dry. Then sit down. Only problem there was instead of sitting, twice I plopped and plopping is not good when one is in a wheelchair. One can damage one's back. It was what I was taught in therapy.

I don't know what happened, I just know the next day, getting out of bed was the worst. Even sitting in a wheelchair wasn't comfortable. I'm sure anyone who has injured their back knows how I felt the first day.

It's gradually (oh so gradually) gotten better. Getting out of bed is a feat but I am on the mend.

I've had issues with weakness also. I noticed it when I got out of the hospital that second week of November. My hands weren't strong. It was difficult to wring out a washcloth or I found myself holding a cup of coffee with both hands. I didn't understand it.

When I was re-assessed by therapy I told them my concern and it was noted but after checking me over it was decided that I would continue physical therapy but wouldn't need occupational. I was good with that, I figured my strength would return.

And it did, somewhat.

But then I went back into the hospital at the end of November.

I did well after the surgery. I came out of it like I was supposed to and then some. I'm not bragging. I was constantly told how good I looked and how well I was doing. It wasn't unprecedented, the nurses and doctors just didn't see it very often.

When I came home I noticed an overall weakness with my body. So anxious to come home it was something I didn't pay attention to in the hospital I guess but I was weak. Transferring from my chair to the bed for instance required two or three tries. My knees just weren't supporting me. Even my legs and ankles seemed to fail me.

Some of that improved a little over the days. Again, one should expect something like this when one goes through any surgery.

My concern grew when I caught myself dropping things. I'm always dropping things,, I have arthritis in my hands but it just seemed I couldn't hang on to anything. I was making coffee and just opened a brand new container of my favorite dark roast. I held the container and spooned coffee into the filtered basket when suddenly the coffee container was on the floor!

Coffee went flying! It went all over, I'm telling you. There was some still left in the container though. I picked it up and nearly dropped the thing again! I finally got the lid back on it and and at it on the counter. Do you know how long it takes to clean up coffee like that?

I've paid attention to my body since. I was just recently re-assessed again (when one misses sessions one has to be re-assessed). The nurse decided to suggest I have PT and OT (physical and occupational therapy) after our first visit. She, as a nurse will also visit once a week. Most likely until the stitches come out.

Someone lost the paper work on me or wires got crossed because the assessor for PT just finished with me yesterday. Long story short here, she can okay both PT and OT which she did.

When I explained my about my weakness, she was a little concerned. Especially after she did her little tests on me. I don't think I passed.

I walked a little for her with my walker but I didn't do it very well and I could tell. When I've walked before she's never put her hands on me. I could feel her hand on my back and hip trying to support me. I knew I wasn't standing straight either. I did about twenty steps - maybe. Not at all what I'm used to doing.

Two things happened yesterday after the assessment. I became tired suddenly. I closed my eyes and dozed a little in my chair. Not long, maybe fifteen minutes or so. I was fully awake though when I woke. I had to go to the bathroom.

When I tried to transfer from my chair to the the toilet my knees just went weak. I nearly fell. The space in my bathroom is limited so I wouldn't have fallen far or hurt myself if I had fallen. When I transfer I hold onto the shower chair or bar on the shower and wheelchair then transfer. My legs buckled. I don't know how I caught myself but I did and managed to transfer.

It scared me.

Transferring back was fine. I could feel the weakness but I didn't have a problem getting back to my wheelchair.

Last night, I was making coffee for this morning. I dropped the container again! Coffee everywhere!! I nearly cried. I was so upset and frightened.

I cleaned it up then just sat there for a minute. I tried to remember how my hands felt while I was holding the container. I can feel it in my hands so it's not that. I suppose it's not being able grip. I don't know! I know how frustrated I am. I mean look at me typing this!

I can feel the keys and I've got one of the old key boards so I really have to punch when I type.

Therapy should start this week and hopefully I'll start getting my strength back. Until then, I have to be mindful of my weakness. Especially when I'm making coffee. You can laugh, might as well, crying doesn't help. Until next time.

Baking - Finally December 11, 2014

I couldn't stand it any longer! I had to bake something!

Actually, I needed to. My friend will be here this weekend and I got started on her baked goods.

I love to bake and I'm in my element right now. Chocolate Fudge Bread, oh my goodness at seven o'clock this morning my apartment smelled so good! Then, Pumpkin Bread. I may attack one of these loaves for lunch later. ( grin ) Then, Lemon Bread. Such a delicate smell but it scooted all the other smells away while it baked. It surprised me a little.

Then, then, I went to find my square cake pans and I couldn't find them! I've looked every where! Even pulled out all my kettles, pots, cookie sheets - everything. I don't know what happened to them!

It has been awhile since I've used them. Most of my recipes don't call for such a pan but I've kept them for recipes I'm about ready to make. I can't imagine what has happened to them.

So, I'm going to ask a neighbor if she has one or two I can borrow. I know she does some baking sometimes. I'm shopping on Saturday and I'll probably buy a couple if I can find them at the grocery.

The square pans are for Brownies. My friend loves my brownies. I also know she likes mint. She will get one pan of Double Chocolate Brownies (oh my that sounds good) and one small pan of Grasshopper Brownies.

Tomorrow I'm getting my hair cut and run to the dollar store. Run! Roll is more like it. I found a small plaza that has a grocery, the place where I get my hair cut and a dollar store. There's another store there but I forget what it is. It makes it nice if I need to do a few things all at once. And it's not that far.

The only problem is the grocery parks all of the carts on their patio, thereby blocking my way to move easily from one place to another. I've talked to the manager (or I think it was the manager) but she was sort of defensive about it. I just suggested that all those carts could easily be put on the opposite end of the patio. She said "where would I put my displays if I did that" (flowers etc) and I'm like "On the other end, it doesn't block the patio like the cart does!"

I just think this is careless and unthinking on their part. I would contact someone about it but I'm not sure who I would contact here in this area. It is a little dangerous as I have to swing out into the parking lot to get around the carts. I don't know, maybe I'm being a little over sensitive about it.

Christmas is on it's way and the spirit has grabbed hold of me. I'll be back. Think brownies, mmm.

I'm Behind December 9,2014

Being in the hospital twice in less than thirty days tends to mess up one's schedule. I had plans. Most of which will not happen now.

The biggest one? Making Chocolate Covered Cherries. I need one uninterrupted day to do these and the day I chose has come and gone. Add to this, the cost of making them. The chocolate has doubled in price.

I used to be able to buy an 8 oz box of Baker's Chocolate Squares for 2/$5.00 or even less, but Baker's decided to make only 4 oz boxes and charge the same amount. I've boycotted Baker's by the way. They got a letter from me last year concerning this and they, in turn sent me a rather abrupt response. It really is sad, I think I kept them in business around Christmas in the past. I bought large quantities of their chocolate.

I see that other companies have done much the same which is why the Chocolate Covered Cherries will most likely be made in small (very small) batches in the future. I'll never make them again like I used to. In the past the most I made in one day was 1200 pieces.

I learned how to make these from a very dear Aunt. She and I would call one another and brag about how much we made. She usually beat me but she also had help!

My calendar is usually full by now. Plans have been made for luncheons or visits. I have managed to arrange some things though. My good friend will be here on the 14th for coffee and Christmas. She always gets baked goods for Christmas. She loves chocolate! This year she gets brownies, grasshopper brownies, M&M Chocolate cookies, Breakfast Bread (not Chocolate) and Buckeyes.

She works a very hard job and has little time to bake on her own. I've done this for her for about six years now. Even though I do this because she can not, she always tells me the baked goods just never quite make it to Christmas.

This year, since my best friend has moved back to the area we get to have Christmas together! I'm so excited about this too. We've known one another since seventh grade. Forever! They'll come here for lunch on the 20th.

She doesn't know it yet but she's getting a couple of sun catchers for Christmas. It was something we talked about during the summer and these are hand made. I'm hoping they get here in time.

Her husband, who is just as good a friend to me as she is, will get baked goods. He loves my Banana Bread so he'll get a loaf or two of that. He'll also get the Breakfast Bread and a loaf of Chocolate Bread. I'm adding some different type of cookies also, the M&M, Cherry thumbprint, and something that looks more like a candy than cookie; German Chocolate Cups. Still may add something else. He's as thin as a bean pole!

When I lived at the last place, I started a little tradition with three of my friends from there. We had lunch on Christmas Eve. It was so nice and everyone seemed to enjoy it. I continued with it but now that I live elsewhere it seems it may difficult to do.

One is so very busy with work I'm not sure she has time for herself. The other, of course has her own family and will most likely spend it with them. She's still not sure. She says she wants to come.

Then there's my other good friend. She'll be here as long as the weather is good since she has to drive a little ways. We'll enjoy Christmas together this way. She has an idea of what she's getting for Christmas. During the summer she expressed her need/want of a good Dutch Oven. I told her maybe Santa would bring it to her. She's also getting Pajamas (if they ever get here).

With all of this, I am missing another best friend. This is my second Christmas without her. I always baked for her too as she worked full time at Christmas. She passed away last August and sometimes my heart just aches; I miss her so.

Our family Christmas is still up in the air. I've tried to work it so we can gather here but that was a huge bust! Now, I guess I'm waiting to see what the plans are. I've put it all back in my brother's hands to work out. Most likely we'll see one another on Christmas Eve evening in New Bremen.

Yeah, I managed to fill up my Calendar more than I realized. It just seemed I was always baking last year at this time and I've yet to make the first cookie or bread.  My heart is full. No doubt. I've got a few health issues but here I am. My family is good. My friends are good. God is good. What more can one ask?

Hospital - AGAIN December 5, 2014

November 30, 2014

My friend came for lunch today. We had the last of the turkey I made for Thanksgiving and I sent the rest home with her.

I felt fine all day. I actually felt pretty good!

Later that night I was waiting for supper to finish cooking (hamburger) and noticed my stomach hurt a little. I figured I was hungry. So I ate!

The minute I finished, something happened. I was doubled over my desk; my head almost hit my computer. The pain hit that hard and I'd never felt anything like it ever! I couldn't move and I could barely breathe. And I wasn't quiet, the pain made me cry out over and over.

I knew I had to move so I slowly made it to the phone and dialed 911. It rang and rang and rang. I hung up and tried to call my sister all the while trying to move to the patio doors. I guess I was thinking I'd let someone through there. While I was trying to get my sister, 911 cut in and began helping me.

The operator stayed on the line with me and kept telling me to "hang on", someone was on the way. He stayed on until the Harrison Township Fire Department arrived. Oh my gosh the pain was immense!

It didn't take long. They knew I was in trouble, they put me on a stretcher and out I went. No coat. I had a thin tee shirt on because I'd been baking earlier in the day and the apartment was hot. Computer was left on as were every light. I think they turned the lights on.

I couldn't lie still the pain just rolled over me. After they did all the major vitals, I was given Fentanyl. The pain abated. I called my sister real quick to let her know what was happening.

We arrived at the hospital and I was taken straight back (thank you Father). By the time I got there, the pain began again. I had to lay there and let them do their thing while trying not to scream!

Finally, Fentanyl was given again. By this time my sister had arrived. I didn't think she would make it; I was surprised. The Fentanyl barely lasted twenty minutes before the pain pulled me in fetal position, crying and praying. If I counted correctly, I'd been given more than four doses.

Then - I opened my eyes. I looked around. The pain was pretty much gone. I looked for my sister and she smiled at me. "You had surgery!"  I did? Yep, I did. I also had a tube down my nose. Great!

Perforated duodenal ulcer. Although someone told my I had a ruptured large intestine. I guess it could have been all that Fentanyl. But until that very night, I had no clue I had a stomach problem. No pain, no anything!

I was in ICU and it looked like I was going to be there for awhile until a room was ready. Jeri and I talked about going to check on the birds and feed them, turning the computer off, locking the place up properly and closing/locking the bedroom window. She promised she and Eric would get it done the next day. After that I told her to go home.

I had a wonderful nurse in emergency. Her name was Cheryl. She pretty much stayed with me. Even when they took me for tests. She went with me carrying a couple of syringes of Fentanyl knowing well I'd need it.

December 1, 2013 ICU

Dr. Dang (spelling) - Surgical staff ICU
Dr. Ekeh - my surgeon

Kim - morning nurse
Joy - afternoon nurse

Respiratory therapy for morning was a Sarah. Afternoon Respiratory was also a Sarah.

About 5:30 pm I finally moved to my room 6533. When I got on my floor, my room number had changed 6525 A.

I'm waiting to meet my nurse and this woman walks in, barely acknowledges me as she walks around the bed. She seems to be worried about part of the bed that I can't see. She says "she needs to get a new bed".

What? Then - Then - she picks up a can a pop, a cup of ice and LEAVES!

I wait. And wait and wait some more. Finally the PCT, Denise comes in and she sees I'm upset and I tell her I am and why. About this time, that nurse comes in and I tell her I want to talk to her supervisor.

Tanya comes in, I tell her what happened (through frustrated tears) and Tanya begins doing what needed to be done. Vitals,  checks incision, checks me over, shows me how to use my pain pump, explains what I should and shouldn't do. I'm allowed ice chips and that's it. She makes me feel comfortable and better then apologizes for what happened.

That nurse would not be my nurse again.

New nurse - Judi

I've dozed in and out of sleep since. I'm aware there is another patient in the room. Later I call Jeri and tell her the new room number. Then ask her to bring me some things, including my wheelchair as Judi says it would be beneficial to me.

Shift change-2 nurses (one training) Christine and Barbara, both lovely people. PCT is Cathy another nice person

I'm uncomfortable. Nose tube actually hurts a little as does my wound. Fentanyl only does so much (honest) It keeps the worst of the pain at bay but surface stuff it doesn't touch. I ask for Tylenol and got an IV drip. Much better. It worked like I knew it would.

December 2, 2014

Dr. Campbell of Ekeh's surgical team came in to see me.

-nose tube may come out - pray - dozed off and suddenly woke up. I was passing gas! I know, I know, gross, but this is exactly what they want me to do! I was so excited!

Shift change:  Jessica - nurse (an awesome nurse)
                     Denise - PCT (again) very nice

Requested more Tylenol and got it.

Respiratory came in and was extremely concerned about what he was hearing in my lungs. I wasn't getting any of my regular meds and my lungs were getting noisy.  I was scared of pneumonia again. He started me on a different type of treatment plus regular Albuterol treatment plus antibiotics (that came later but it was a necessity).

Jeri came in about 11:30 with my wheelchair among other things.
I called my pulmanologist and canceled an appointment I had

By 12:30 nose tube came out! What a relief! Not long after Dr. Ekeh came in and told me I still would not be allowed to eat until the following morning. I understood and didn't argue. I was allowed all the ice chips I wanted and I took advantage of that the rest of the day and even during the night.

Tomorrow is December 3rd and I need to pay rent and bills. Jeri tells me she'll go to the apartment and get what I need so I tell her where everything is. She's so sweet and good to me. I don't know what I'd do without her help right now.

-Asked for Tylenol again and got it
-Sitting up in bed pretty good. Some pain but not bad and I think most of it is because I'm so swollen from the surgery.

-Once the nose tube came out my lungs took on a "happier" attitude. It was easier for me cough up a lot of stuff.

-My cousin called me, not knowing I was in the hospital. She was calling me because I had emailed her before I landed in the hospital. I explained why I was here and I think she thought she was bothering me because she cut the conversation short.

-Started pill form of neuronton and my singulair
-Fallen asleep on and off during the late afternoon
-Christine and Barbara - nurses (again- yay!)
-Cathy pct

December 3, 2014

Slept a little better last night even though everyone kept waking me for breathing treatments and vitals. I really didn't mind. I kept thinking it only meant that morning was coming and I'd finally get a cup of coffee!

Missed seeing my doctor but orders are COFFEE!!!!  LIQUID Breakfast!!!! Yay!!!!
Tara of Ekeh's surgical team comes in and talks to me. She's so pleased with how I'm progressing.

-Liquid breakfast
-If that goes well, I'll have a regular cardio lunch.
-getting rid of all the iv's
-Fentanyl pump will change to Norco and Tylenol
-my incision looks really good. She was really pleased with this. No redness, no bleeding or seeping. Staples will stay in for ten days.
-I MAY GO HOME LATER TODAY!
Tara wants to make sure food is staying down, no nausea, dizziness etc. She'll be back after lunch.

I am so happy!

My nurse Jessica told me the day before that she had never heard of anyone going home after a surgery like mine in less than four days. She told me she was sure I'd be here until Friday.

Breakfast was yummy Jello (honest, it was yummy), coffee and apple juice. I can't drink apple juice. It didn't matter, I was so empty that the Jello and coffee kind of filled me up.

Jessica came in not long after and told me I would be able to order a Cardio lunch.

By the way, MVH has good food. They really do. They have an excellent menu to order from with ample foods to choose from.

My sister came in around 10:30 ish and I told her everything that happened. She was pleased for me and for her. She had been worrying about her and Eric's schedule. (she never mentioned it to me until now). Basically, if I'm able to go home today, it would be easier on them. They have several things they have to do this week.

She and I sit and talk, then I order my lunch which will be here a little after one. She decides to go get her own lunch. While she's gone my PCT helps me get my bath stuff together and I bathe while she changes my bed. I feel human again and by the time I'm done and my table is clean, my tray arrives. So does my sister, she enjoys a little unknown pizza place downstairs.

My tray consists of roasted turkey with gravy, mashed potatoes, corn and for desert something called Luigi's cherry ice. It was the best meal! Oh, the cherry ice, was wonderful!

By two thirty o'clock, Tara was back with Ekeh. I'm going home! I almost cry. Ekeh, leaves, Tara stays, runs through what to do, what not to do, the drugs she's sending me home with etc.

Relief. Jessica walks in and I tell her to come here that I need to rub her nose in what I just heard. She couldn't believe they were letting me go home. Then she had to leave so she could get my instructions.

So, leaving a hospital is never a smooth, easy thing to do. My sister and I began guessing exactly what time we would actually be leaving. We both figure five o'clock.

Jessica wants to give me my "due" drugs. Some of which are through my iv. No problem. I'll have one more dose of antibiotics too. It would take about an hour for all of it. She has a very ill patient also.

I decide to get up and get as dressed as I can. I leave my gown on and I'm glad I did. I look down after putting my underwear on and see this pinkish spots all over the gown. I also see in on my underwear. Here, it is slightly damp. What the heck is that? I have my sister look at it and we start looking at me. We don't see anything anywhere. I push the call button because I'm starting to panic. (I'm going home)

Another nurse comes in because Jessica is with a patient. She checks me over but doesn't see anything.

Okay. I leave it alone but when I check later, I have new spots.

Jessica comes in and we start looking all over, then I see it. Jessica had given me a shot in my stomach earlier. I point where I see it so she can see it. She called it something but I don't remember. It comes out clear but there's little bloody spot in the middle of it.

Okay. She cleans it then puts a band-aid on it. I soon realize she missed. Fresh spots on my underwear is making me frantic. IV's gone. Jessica has to do the paperwork.

I'm going home.

My sister had to go to the bathroom. While she's gone, I do the same. The bedside is still there. I check where the wound or whatever you want to call it is and see it seeping. I slap tissue over it. I'm going home!

Five o'clock is coming. I get rid of my gown, put on my thin tee shirt. PCT says I can use the blanket on the bed to wrap up in because I don't have a coat.

Finally, paperwork, instructions, prescriptions. My sister's husband will meet us at my apartment to help unload me and my stuff.

Jessica tells me I was a favorite patient. I tell her she was my favorite nurse. And she was. She was exceptional.

PCT takes me downstairs, found my sister and load me in. Believe me, unless the blanket is insulated, it doesn't double as a coat. It was freezing out!

Even though it is almost five thirty, the sky is amazing to see and still has a little light to it. We drive Main all the way. My brother-in-law is waiting.

I'm home.  Thank you Father.

Hospital - November 8, 2014

I was in the hospital.

I dislike the word hindsight. It makes me feel ignorant. Still, if I had paid attention to my body, I would have realized how sick I was.

I wasn't well during the family gathering and in hindsight, I wasn't well long before that.

By November 8, 2014, I would be in distress with Jeri rushing me to the hospital. She said I was blue from lack of oxygen.

When we arrived at the hospital the staff didn't make me wait, I was gasping, reaching for every breath. They took me back, slapped oxygen on me and began pulling at me and sticking things in my arms. The oxygen began working and I could think again.

I tried to ignore this for a day and a half! This is what not getting enough oxygen can do to a person. While feeling like this I tried to log onto my computer. My brain and my fingers just weren't talking to one another. I couldn't understand it. I kept trying but I just couldn't get into my computer. This was the second day. This is when I called Jeri.

I'm a note taker so I tried to keep a record of what happened, who I talked to and concerns while I was there.

November 8, 2014 - Miami Valley Hospital Emergency

No less than four doctors (no names that I wrote down). Their concerns, Pneumonia, heart and lungs. Oxygen was at (I think) 45. I don't remember 45 what but I do remember that number.

Jeri was permitted to stay in my room with me, thank God. Eric joined her after he got off work and they stayed with me until I was admitted to Cardiac ICU. It was late about eight I think when they settled me in my room.

I was afraid. I was afraid I'd go to sleep and not wake up for a month. I was afraid I'd stop breathing like the last time and I'd wake up vented. I did not sleep well.

November 9, 2014

Doctors unsure of what is going on. Blood tests and x-rays are inconclusive. Heart unlikely but unsure yet. Lungs, oxygen continued with continued x-rays.

Cardiac doctor (don't remember name) began ticking off questions, I answered then he came to 'do you have pets?' 'what kind?' and when I told him he said "get rid of them". His assistant shot him a look and so did the nurse. I was stunned and almost cried. I did a little.

Catheter because of Laxix
Heparin
Prednisone (for lungs)

Jeri and Eric came by for a short time. They were on their way to feed and water Micah and Corky. Jeri will pick up a few things for me while there.

Slept much better during the night. Woke only once!

November 10, 2014

Moved out of Cardiac ICU to Pulmonary. I was barely there thirty minutes when they moved me again. It was just to the opposite end of the the Pulmonary hall. Apparently, one end takes care of the more serious lung cases. I was being moved to the side that wasn't so serious. Thank you Father.

Appetite has returned. Managed coffee before breakfast and was allowed to sit in the chair to eat. Kept thinking about Micah and Corky. I was so unsure of what to do. My health is important. And I love my birds!

Had heart ultra-sound.

Lung Doctor is Dr. Hagaman - I like him a lot. It looks like my lungs are the issue. He's still waiting on a couple of tests. He must have known (without me saying one word) about what the heart doctor said about Micah and Corky. "I see no reason why you should give up your birds." He said it a couple of times.

I had already begun trying to find a good home for Micah. I was thinking Sherri (therapist) would take him.

Jeri and Eric checked on the birds and brought my mail among other things. Randy also called.

November 11, 2014

Didn't sleep too well. Staff in and out for vitals and whatever else. I'd wake and couldn't go back to sleep.

Bathed and had breakfast while I was still in the chair. Didn't feel like stay in it though.

Becky called.

Dr. Goyle. Heart and surgeon. Will have heart cath by Friday. (not doctor who said to get rid of birds)

Dr. Hagaman. Reiterated about Micah and Corky (I was so happy) I'll be on steroids for awhile will go home with them but will continue a therapy regiment or a couple of months (possibly longer)

Randy called. Diana called.

November 12, 2014

Slept well last night and up early. After the vitals and that fun stuff I was weighed. I can't believe how much weight I've lost.

Bathed then breakfast.

Goyle came by asking a bunch of same questions. I think he doesn't quite know what to think.

Becky called.

Dr. Hagaman. Says I still sound very good.. Talked about the heart cath to make sure the heart isn't involved. Fine by me (even though I'm a little scared)

Barbara June called. Debbie text me

Jeri and Eric went to the apartment to check on Micah and Corky. Jeri brought me some clothes and my wheelchair. They stayed about an hour then went to see a movie with a friend.

November 13, 2013

Up at 5:45. Bath, coffee, breakfast and more coffee.

Therapy! Walked about a 100 steps or so with walker. I'll most likely be released tomorrow and they want to make sure I can still do things I was doing before being admitted. I can, thank God.

Dr. Hagaman (I really like this guy) I can go home as far as he's concerned. We discussed the steroids and and I explained my fear of them. I'll be on a low dose which makes me feel much better about taking them.

Dr. Hassan (he's the guy who's watching over me as my hospital doctor) He listened to my lung and heart and says I sound good. This isn't the first time he's come in, he comes in every day. I just haven't mentioned him until now. Oh, he helped me understand the heart cath a little better. He was very kind.

Dr. Ramanahan came in later in the afternoon and began trying to schedule the heart cath. He thought I might be able to get it done that very night. But it didn't work out. Tomorrow for sure and hopefully, early.

November 14, 2014

Jeri came to be with me before the cath. Bless her.

Oh, heavenly Father thank you! The heart cath went amazingly! My heart is 100% fine. I was awake during the procedure and was able to watch computer screens while Goyle poked around.

The staff in that room was quite brilliant. They talked to me the entire time they prepped me. Joked with me a lot and made feel so comfortable. I just couldn't believe how smoothly it all went.

I was to lay almost flat (my head could be raised 30%). I was to lie still. I did. I wanted to go home.

I was checked almost every fifteen minutes or so.

After the first hour, things became a little flurried. Respiratory came in to assess what I might need when I go home. Hassan came and went a few times. Hagaman actually released me.

Then it was a waiting game. I needed oxygen to go home with. They ordered it but it took forever for them to get to the hospital.

I tried to write down names (I should have been writing them down all along) of the nurses and aides who were so good to me. Jordan (my first nurse, she was really good). Kim R., Pat, Tashya, Sarah - this isn't even half of them. I was taken very good care of by everyone. If someone can have a good hospital experience, I did.

We didn't get out of there until around four or so and almost five by the time we got to the apartment. I went straight to Micah's cage and I was sure he had stopped eating, he felt so light on my hand. He talked to me (in his way). He looked like he had been frightened and of course he was. I felt so guilty. Then I went to Corky and a even she looked like she had been off her feed. She stuck her tail through the cage and let me stroke it. I kept stroking it and talking to her until she pulled away.

Oh the guilt!

I had to wait for the oxygen company to come and set me up for the night so I told Jeri and Eric to go home. It was late and Eric had to work the next morning.

As I moved through the apartment putting things away, Micah would call to me. Each time I left his sight I'd make sure to keep talking to him so he knew I didn't leave.

This would be a really long day. Oxygen didn't get here until nine-thirty and we didn't get done until almost eleven because of all their paperwork.

Sleep came easily. I'm home again.