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.