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Home > Archive: April, 2019

Archive for April, 2019

Restful Day

April 12th, 2019 at 01:36 pm

It was a nice, restful day yesterday, with no visit from either the nurse or the PT. Today the PT is coming.

I changed my own dressing for the first time this morning, and it was easy.

My son is still stopping in morning and evening to put on and remove my compression socks. I'll be glad when that's finally done.

I tried to be proactive yesterday and make appointments for physical therapy after I transition to outpatient therapy. I talked to someone who didn't know what I was talking about, and she left a message for someone in my primary care doctor's office to call me about occupational therapy. Which I don't need.

But when I got that call I learned that the order must come from the surgeon's office, so I'll call them today to try and get the process going.

All this time, my food stores are still holding up. I may have DS buy a few things this weekend, but I'm really okay -- just tired of eating the same things over and over.

$23.37

April 11th, 2019 at 01:53 pm

That's what I paid this morning for surgery-related services. If only it would stay that way!

It looks like the really big costs have been processed and picked up by insurance. I know that more will trickle in, but it's kind of a relief to see those big amounts wiped out.

I still think the big costs for me will be the copays for home nursing visits and and physical therapy.

No visits today. My big event is that I'll wash my hair.

Oh yes, I did get my car back yesterday. Not that I need it -- but I will no longer get calls about moving it off their lot.

Still No Car

April 10th, 2019 at 12:20 pm

Yesterday my kids went to pick up the car. The guy on the phone told them the key would be under the mat. (I only have one key.) DS said, "Okay, leave the door unlocked!" Guess what. All locked up. Who knows if the key is inside or not?

No spending yesterday; all things financial are stable.

Today I see the nurse and the physical therapist. They were both indicating this might be the last visit, since I'm passing all the "tests." I don't know if that means I will be released to drive, or if I will be expected to find a ride to outpatient physical therapy. It's only eight days since surgery.

A friend delivered a cane to me last night that I can borrow for this transition period. I tested it out and it feels like I can get around without it about as well as with it. But perhaps it will be useful for longer stretches of walking. I don't do a lot of walking in my small condo!

A Purchase

April 9th, 2019 at 12:26 pm

I made a purchase yesterday -- Miralax. ($20) I've had two doses so far, but no action yet. This was done at the nurse's request. This takes my variables to 108%. That's because I'm trying to cash flow the medical expenses. If they were removed, it would only be 67%. But at this point, I don't want to take medical costs from savings. That will come later.

I continue to do better and better. I've ditched the walker, and while I'm looking for a cane, at the nurse's request, I don't think I really need it.

It was really nice yesterday, and I went downstairs with the PT and walked around a little bit in the sunshine.

GS2 came over and kept me company for a while yesterday. He cleaned the cat pan and did a little tidying up as well. He is such a sweet boy.

Progress Report

April 8th, 2019 at 01:32 pm

This was my first morning without BFF to help me with the compression socks. DS stopped by on his way to work and got the deed done. He also brought a load of clean and folded laundry. Yesterday he and I and GS2 played a game of Life. GS2 changed the kitty litter and topped off the cat food.

I will get a visit from the nurse today, and I believe my dressing will be changed. Before she comes I will sponge bathe and wash my hair.

I had a good night's sleep -- only woke up to take my pain meds and go back to sleep.

My doctor's appointment is the day after pay day, so I'm essentially looking forward to the same date. Only two and half weeks till pay day -- only 17 days till greater mobility.

In financial news, I've spent 104% of my variables. Food is holding up well.

Sunday

April 7th, 2019 at 04:32 pm

BFF left today. She was needed at home, and I am doing so well it seemed it was better to let her go.

Progress is very visible every day. Today I feel like I could just do away with the walker, but of course I won't.

I took a sponge bath and put on fresh clothes, made my own breakfast, made my bed. I took all the morning meds and now I'm ready to settle down and watch a show on Netflix. Already I can't remember the title, but it's something about a family moving to the country from the city.

DS will check in this afternoon/evening and take some laundry.

My PT showed me a better way to put on my compression socks, and it is so much better.

Still can't concentrate much on reading yet, but there are so many TV options it doesn't matter.

I see the surgeon for a follow-up on April 25, and I think that will be the beginning of my return to normalcy.

Trudging On

April 6th, 2019 at 01:54 pm

I can tell that these days are going to run all together. Yesterday was uneventful -- no visits from medical personnel. We watched more Game of Thrones and Elizabeth and Robin (?) on HBO Go, which my son installed for me when I came home.

It looks like the biggest challenge of this whole thing will be getting the compression stockings off and on. After BFF leaves, my kids will have to help me.

Nothing new on the financial front.

Today a physical therapist is coming; that will be the excitement of the day -- other than my sponge bath in the sink!

Quiet Day

April 5th, 2019 at 10:37 pm

It's been a quiet day at home. I find I can't concentrate on reading, so BFF and I are watching shows on Amazon Prime and HBO Go. She has pushed me to watch Game of Thrones, and I pushed her onto Forever. We watched the first episode of A Very English Scandal, too.

I've had one nurse visit and one PT visit, and PT will visit again tomorrow.

My reacher arrived today -- also a staple remover that was ordered by my nurse.

I am feeling mostly good. I do have times when the pain flares up but I am controlling that with drugs. I am getting around well. It's all good.

At Home

April 4th, 2019 at 02:46 pm

Hi guys! The surgery is done and I am at home. Everything went well. I feel pretty good and I'm getting around well on my walker. BFF is here and she is a big help. DS has been big help, too!

So far I have spent a little over $100 on prescriptions.

Home health nurse is coming soon to chy on me and I think, get a little PT going.

I hope you're all doing well. I'll catch up on the blogs soon!

Last Day

April 1st, 2019 at 03:09 pm

This is my last day before surgery. I'll get a call sometime today telling me when to go in tomorrow.

I dropped my car off this morning at the body shop, and DIL picked me up and drove me home. There was a Dunkin Donuts across from the shop, so I bought a couple of donuts for the two of us - $3.

I just put in the last load of laundry I will do for a while - $1.50.

I ordered a refill bag of litter pellets - $16.

Variables are now at 63%.

I may go out to dinner tonight with DS & family if I feel like eating.

Otherwise, I'm just going to tidy up around the house and get things readied. That means moving the laptop, making up the spare bed, and packing my little bag for the hospital.

I will see you guys on the flip side!