HEALTHY CHOICES 6/15/12

everyone....  

Loved the "good nights" in last evening's posts.  

I made a spaghetti dinner, here and then DH and I took it out to Tom's yesterday, along with a few tomato plants, a cucumber plant and a few pepper plants, since he always has a small vegetable garden, and couldn't do it this year.  DH had every intention of planting everything himself, but it was difficult getting DS to sit by and watch, so he put on his oxygen and did help a little.   Then DH fixed a little brick border, around the base of a tree  that DS started and couldn't finish.  Although I know it made him feel good to get a few things done, it was difficult seeing how hard it was for him not to be doing it himself. 

Nothing has come through regarding the second opinion, that the lung doctor's office was supposed to be setting up, so we're calling today to make our own appmt at the Cleveland Clinic. 

I hope everyone has  a nice Friday.  I've got lots of catching up to do, and don't know where to start, so it's make a list time.

Take care everyone, and God bless.

Jo Ann 

Good morning Jo Ann and everyone to follow Jo Ann I guess my not being on everyday has gotten me confused on Tom's problem it sounds much more serious now then when he first started going to the doctor? Prayers going his way daily I do hope the new doctor can come up with some answers.

DS and DDil got home late yesterday he will be working in Indiana now left this morning for a meeting with BP to see how things will go he said he would like to start out working 10hr days 5 days a week but he will need to fly down to Galveston one day a week to keep an eye on that job also tell it's finished should be just a couple more weeks.

It really is nice having DDiL back as it is a lot of work watering her plants, feeding dogs, feeding rabbits, mowing grass and running the girls around to games, dentist appointments and hair appointments plus taking care of the pool. LOL Now this was on top of doing my own garden, flowers and mowing know wonder I've been so tired lately.

Working with DS father-in-law this weekend he is putting up a new storage building and needs to clear off the slab to set it up on. Now this guy is 68 years old and I swear he has kept everything from the day he was born, more junk then you can shake a stick at he has 5 Cub Cadets lawn tractors all in various stages of tare down in 6 years I have never seen anything finished but he did say I could store my boat in it so will be worth the work time.

On the dog picture I posted a few days ago someone asked if that was are land it is not but if you look at the picture to the left there is a large tree stand the end of witch is where are house is, Then in the distance center of picture is a lone tree this is are property line and my garden is in between the lone tree and the end of the tree line on the left. In back of me there is 400 acres of wood land very nice place to walk the dogs except when they run into a skunk like they did Wednesday morning. LOL

Have a nice day and God bless everyone prayers going out to all that need it.

Viny

Just a quick hello.
Hope everyone has a good day. Going to Knoxville with my DS and the little ones.
I'll be back later. Love and best wishes, Carolyn

Good Morning!

 Jo Ann, that was really thoughtful of you and Frank to take dinner and plants to Tom.   I bet he really appreciated it.   At least he should be able to water the plants.   When the doctor wants to schedule another appt, it seems to be done very quickly.   I have a feeling with this there is some dragging of the feet……for whatever reason.   Specialists often have big egos.   My nurse SIL often would tell me that, personally I have no idea.   Hoping Tom can get in very soon.

 Whew, Viny, you had your hands full.   Lots to be in charge of.   We haven’t had a skunk spraying for quite a few years here.   That’s the other little critters we have besides the raccoons.   Before we got the wood fencing, we only had ranch fencing in the back with wire covering the openings.   The dogs could always see and bark at anything going on in the field.   Once I went back to see what all the commotion was and in the dark I could see these beady little eyes staring back at me.   I yelled at Kruzer to come and we ran inside.

If your son only work 5 days a week, maybe he will have some luck getting back home often.

I had to laugh about DS’s DFIL and all the junk he’s got.   I read to DH about the 5 tractors only because there is someone worse than him.   But doesn’t make me feel any better when I look over at that side of the yard.   The Chevy Luv pick-up still sits there waiting to get renovated.   I don’t think it will ever happen with all DH has to do around here on a daily basis.   I told him the other day we need a solid short fence between the lawn area and that area to the south where there is no grass and so much is stored.   We have bricks, the trailers, the sheds, the old p/u and anthing else DH can store.   That is horse area over there, that’s why there is no grass.

Have a good day, Carolyn.  What do you do in Knoxville?

Pat, sounds like you are enjoying yourself.   Hope the repairman gets there soon!   That would be quite annoying to keep hearing those beeps.

Loved the pic of you and Verna heading into the restaurant.

I think I’ll take advantage of the cool morning outside.   Then will hit the inside when it begins to be uncomfortable.

I haven't gotten started yet and don't like having to get moving this late in the morning, but I can find more things to look up online re Tom's condition or reasons why he should get a second opinion......   have to call it quits and let the experts do their thing.

Viny, yes, it is turning out to be very serious.  That's why we're going to the Cleveland Clinic for a second opinion....... He must be on oxygen now and cannot do any physical exertion.  Can take care of himself, but no yard work, which is really hard for someone who loved working in the yard and took such good care of it.  I don't know who will trim his hedges the way he did, I don't know anyone who can do it, I know for certain, DH can't.  I should send some pictures so you'll know what I mean... 

I don't know how you can keep up with everything you have to do..... that's a lot of work, and responsibility. It's so good that DS and DDIL are at home, at least for some time.  You must be so happy to have them both back.

From what we can see in the picture you posted, your property is just beautifiul.

Pat, how good to see your nice long post.  Business as usual with kids coming and going and lots going on, isn't it.  You must be loving just being there in the middle of it all.  LOL  Hope the repairman comes soon for Lynn..... ENJOY!

Maureen, DH and I wish we could do more, but the only thing DS wants is to be told that this is temporary and he has to do this or that and will be well again. I don't know what will happen if the second opinion is the same as the first....  Praying and hoping that they will be able to find the reason for the hypertension in his lungs at the Clinic.  If anyone can find it, they can....

Yes, it was DH's idea to put in a few plants for him, and he can wear his oxygen and do the watering. As I said to Viny, I don't know about those hedges, he was always a perfectionist about them.  I think I took pictures on my cell phone, not of all of them, but some and you could get the picture.  It takes a ladder to do some of them.  lol

Carolyn, enjoy your day out with DD....  I know you're keeping busy and that's the very best thing for now.....

Well, I need a good kick in the you know what...  to get myself moving.  Can't just sit here and keep looking for answers, although, whether they like it or not, I'm making notes for the doctors....  I feel I owe it to all of us to do my best and then let them do their best.

This morning's picture looked like such a nice quiet place to just sit and pray, didn't it......  very peaceful and serene.   

Till later....... and the plan is that I will have accomplished something by then....lol  

Jo Ann

Jo Ann, I was thinking the same thing about that picture, just so peaceful.   You could sure use that right now.

I just had a question on the diagnosis for Tom.   Does he have a lot of the symptoms for the pulmonary hypertension?   I know the patient doesn't have to have all, but 1 I don't ever remember you saying was about the swollen ankles.   I too have gotten on to check it out since I am not familiar with it at all.   One thing I would have to say is it is imperative to get a second opinion and if that comes to be the same, then someone needs to move quickly as far as getting medications to try, etc.   Sounds like there are ways to help.   I sure hope he can get in to the clinic.   In fact, that particular clinic does have some of the information I was reading on the internet.

I think it's probably hard to get it out of your mind with the experience still being so fresh.   You are probably reliving the conversation with the specialist.   It's all a process.  Prayers being said for you and your family.

Maureen, no he doesn't have all of the symptoms...... the only symptom he has is sudden and severe shortness of breath when he walks or does steps and the pressure in his lungs  which may be what is causing the sudden drop in oxygen.......  none of the swelling or blue coloring, etc...  that's why the lung doctor is trying so hard to find another reason for what's happening.  He is certain there is a hole in the heart, but cannot find it.  Is the reason they cannot find it because they are limited in their equipment and technique at Akron General Hospital, or isn't it there. If anyone has the equipment, the technique and the experience it is the doctors at the Cleveland Clinic who are world renound for their cardiology department.  People come from all over the world to have any kind of heart procedure done there.

The doctor's theory is that because of an opening in the inside muscle dividing the heart, the unoxygenated blood may be going over to the wrong side of the heart, the side that is supposed to send oxygenated blood into the lungs, and that that opening only happens when he is actively doing something to make the heart pump harder....   I hope the doctor is right because that is something that may be able to be fixed.  It's what we're praying for.....

Thank you so much for your prayers.....  

The picture this morning is a beautifiul spot and one I think we would all love to have available just to sit to read, think or to pray....  it is very peaceful looking. 

Hello everyone.

Having trouble getting inspired to do anything today.  Wednesday with all the stops and in/outs of the car just wore me out.

We are having the strangest weather...getting those pop-up thunderstorms in the wee hours of the morning instead of late afternoon.  Barely enough rain to even count but enough to make you wonder about your plans for the day!

As for me...I have no real plans for the day.  The last load of laundry can wait another day to get all the last bits and pieces and then I'll run the washer.  Tomorrow is grocery day.....and that's a good thing.  The only fresh veggie I have left is carrots!  And I am so UNinspired to cook.  Hungry but not in the mood to mess with cooking.

Sure enjoyed meeting Pat and Dale....so glad they could travel this direction!  And I know they'll be glad to see the capt later today.  Hope the beeping refrigerator is now fixed...without major expense or trouble.

Just thought of a couple of things I need to do...so I'll sign off before I forget them!  LOL!  Senior moments come too often!

Shirley...what were you doing up so late last night? 

Later....

vammie

Hi everyone.  Loved the good nights from yesterday!  Maureen, I would love to hear you try to pronounce that Finnish one:  hyvää yötää.  I can't even write it phonetically for you.  The Finnish y is almost like ew but with your lips positioned to whistle.  The ö is close to our uh and the ä is like a in at.  Put them together like this and it ain't easy!

We have a group coming for lunch today, so I have been prepping all evening.  The dessert is a rhubarb refrigerator cheesecake.  The picture was so pretty, and I fairly certain that I will be disappointed with mine!

So tired now, so in fact, I will say hyvää yötää and go to bed.  

Jo Ann, keeping Tom in my thoughts.

lusi

Hello everyone.  I've tried to read the past couple days, but not sure I'll remember what everyone is doing so it's not that I'm ignoring anyone, just brain dead.

Barb, I was afaird someone would ask what I was doing when I fell,
I had gone out to check to see if the grass was dry so I could mow some and help Lupe but decided I'd get the ladder (and not a steady one) and pull a water hose over to the back porch, (DH decided at the last minute not to have the long steps put up off this porch, thinking of safety for me) I crawled up on the ladder, had the hose in my hand, the ladder got a bit off balance and knowing it was going down(I was on the very top of it) I leaned toward the grass to avoid landing on the cement patio, this may have saved my back, leg & hip, apparently my heel landed on the patio, I knew immediately something was wrong, even the grass hurt it, so I crawled back into the basement(will never know how I got to the pad to close the garage door) but crawled up 18 basement steps(I had a phone in the basement, but was on top of the refrigerator) had to crawl through 4 areas with phones, all too high, then to my bathroom to get my cellphone, then I called my friend, then the doctor's office, crawled back to the basement to get crutches which was stored higher than my head, back to my bedroom, crawled up on that high bed to put on clean pants, then used the crutches to meet my friend for the trip to the doctor,  I think of all that crawling and can't believe I did it, but guess I knew I had to, I've decided one phone needs to be on the floor. 
I'm coping, through today, someone has brought in food for me each day and a friend picked up perishable at the grocery store for me and someone usually brings in my mail.  I'm not allowed to put my foot on the floor and have found it's easier to stay on the bed than to try being up and keeping it elevated. I'm sure before I'm up and about,my friends will not be so anxious to do for me. but they've been wonderful, makes me realize, once I'm up and about again, I'll do more for those who can't do for themselves.
Viny, I know you are so happy to have Todd home,  I hope he can be home on weekends to help you, how did I know your retirement was not going to be idle time. You never have a spare minute. Your friends accumulations is one of the reasons I had not cleaned out the basement of the 2 story.
Carolyn, how is your DGD,  I'm so sorry,  I'm thinking I saw that on the Sptbg news.  I'm glad your DGC are staying with you, I know you feel better. 
Verna, it's time for you to sit and enjoy resting. I know Barb has been so appreciative of your help. I hope the house sells quick
What a great visit with Dale & Pat,  One of these days, I'm going to do that.  Maybe Carolyn and I
Sue, the check went to the bank this morning.  I hope DD gets the offer on her house, I know with all this going on, she feels like everything is on hoid.  Enjoy your weekend and wish Jack a Happy Father's Day.  I hope the weather is good in Wis.
Maureen, my friend got two bell peppers off my plants yesterday and she said they were loaded with small one.  Can't believe all this is there and I can't even get out there to see it.
Shirley, I know you are feeling better doing WW, just eating right makes me feel so much better. Good for you
Pat, i hate those beeps all these new appliances have, but they do tell us when there's a problem.  Mine beeps when I've had the door open a few seconds, I have threatened to turn it off, but then I know it's there for a reason.  Enjoy your visit with Lynn and the kids.
Jolynn, enjoy your week end, that is a beautiful place and I'm sure you will be able to visit with family more when you don't have to be concerned that Les is not bored.  I remember that with my DH
Lusi, I'm happy that yesterday was a better day at work and hope the final weeks are peaceful.  Won't be long until you are on here for a few weeks.
Jo Ann, I'm so glad you are going to Mayo Clinic, I'm  sure they won't stop until they have some answers and I'm continuing to remember Tom.  I remember how hard it was for DH to relent and let me do the yard, he too was a perfectionist and letting me use a back pack blower and take care of things was never what he wanted, but we are all praying that soon he will have some answers and can do these things again.
Sorry I was so long winded,  I knew eventually I would have to explain my ladder episode,  my sisters who all live away have really been on my case about this, one is in Norway on vacation and she's been so upset about this, she asked today If I realized that I couldn't be doing these things. 

Hope I didn't miss anyone, I'll be here when I can make it.

Just lost a post.
Went to Knoxville and bought a mattress. Maureen, that is the closest BIG city near us. We have Oak Ridge but it is not that big. Of course, there is the big hospital there and other medical facilities. Also, stopped at the grocery. I promised the kids spaghetti, and chili this weekend. I know it is hot for chili but we like it anytime.
Also, going to make some barbq for Sunday.
Trying to stay busy. It does seem to help. I get lonely, crying spells if I sit around here too long and am not busy.
I did good on eating yest. and today. Not sure about spaghetti and chili (calories), maybe I will make those and give all of it away. I do that sometimes.
DS had rehearsal tonight and DDIL went to do some filming for them. I have the little ones. We are watching Baby's Day Out. Such a cute movie.
Oh, they are playing on the radio again in a week or so, a Knoxville station. This will be the second radio station they have played on. Maybe they will be famous one day.
Lusi, glad you are getting to come and visit your mother and other family. Thanks for the phone number I will try to give you a call.
There is not much going on, going to be lazy the rest of the day. I did get all of the laundry done.
Love and best wishes, Carolyn

Thanks for the expanation Marti, I don't even know what to say.    Although it does sound like something I would do. 

Don't know what's going on with the font again.  Oh well.

I just came on here to tell you all that I went to the dr. and I have Walking Pneumonia and pink eye.  She couldn't believe me when I said I didn't feel sick, just hurts when I breath deeply.  She said most people who come in with what I have are saying how sick they are and that I must have a high tollerance for pain.    That's kind of a relative thing huh ?  Who knows if I can stand more pain than the next person ?  I don't want to be tortured to find out. 

The pink eye came on suddenly this morning after I put my makeup on.  I thought I'd gotten something in my eye and when I looked, it was all red and matted.  " That's just Crazy"  As  OGD would say. 

The Dr. told me not to be around the kids for a couple days because I'm contagious and need to rest.  I already had Landen coming.   But I only had him 3 hrs. and I stayed away from him. 

Well, I'm supposed to be resting so guess I'll go do that. 

Good night..Barb

Hello again...just made reservations for the Texas contingent in Seattle.  Glad to get that done!We know where we're staying now!  Whew!  Been trying to find time to get that done for some time.

Barb!  Walking pneumonia!  I guess you have a Z pack too...or something similar.  Hope you get better fast!

Jo Ann...hope you've made contact with Cleveland Clinic by now and have something scheduled.  Since you and Tom were my main worry this week, I gave that worry (at bible study) to someone else....she will worry about you for me this week.  And I'm worrying for her for her son's needs.

Carolyn...thanks for the sweet card I got today.  We are so pleased that you are part of this group and part of the PNW group...what fun we're going to have!!

Nothing else going on...just wanted to check in.

Y'all have a good sleep!

vammie