Hope things are going well with everyone, that your past week was better than mine and that next week will be great for you. I'm not sure if I will be able to post everyday next week as there will be a lot of days at Mom. Sis has a cold and the caregiver is on vacation which leaves yours truly. Last week was something like this:
A memorial that was very emotional. A concussion. An email scam. A leaky roof. A gas odor in my house so strong that I called the gas company (it turned out to be a furnace problem). Then I got stopped by the local law enforcement for doing something I never do, talking on my cell phone. I was having a crappy day when the phone rang and it was Mom. I thought that the way the day was going it was most likely an emergency. It wasn't and the cop took pity on me so my driving record is unscathed.
On the agenda this week. Today a little me time as I go out to breakfast with the boys. Tomorrow the furnace guys are coming out to fix the furnace. I'm going to schedule a new roof. Then at least four nights at Mom's and probably more.
The entertainment update. On Dancing With The Stars Florence Henderson went home. I really thought it was a week early for her. Bristol Palin should have went home. However, Florence's partner is just so weird that I wasn't all that upset. On The Amazing Race the annoying Ivy League singers went home. On The Apprentice the men won so Kelly went home. I didn't like her anyway but the bad thing about the women losing is having to suffer the obnoxious David for another week. He is so bad that his teammates asked Trump to kick him off even if the men won. Not in the rules so David stayed. I'm also kind of getting tired of the board room where nobody is allowed to finish what they say because either Trump or their teammates interrupt them or everyone is talking at the same time.
Before closing I thought I would share a couple of articles with you. The first one answers the question that I'm sure you have asked yourselves many times. Does the moon smell like cheese?
http://www.aolnews.com/weird-news/article/astronauts-and-artists-agree-the-moon-stinks-of-gunpowder/19682179?icid=main%7Chtmlws-main-n%7Cdl1%7Csec1_lnk3%7C179688
Are you on a bowling team? Need someone to fill in? Here is the guy. Or the girl. I'm really not sure of its gender:
http://www.switched.com/2010/10/22/earl-robot-bowler-beat-by-chris-barnes/?icid=main%7Chtmlws-main-n%7Cdl7%7Csec3_lnk3%7C179718
The Blog is now yours. Update me on your lives. Fill me in on what happened with and to you last week. Share with me what is on the agenda for next week. Ask me any question you so desire. Post anything you darn well please. The blog is now yours.
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14 comments:
Sounds like you're going to have a busy week, Bill. Don't worry about us, we'll muddle through.
I don't think I'll invest in a scratch 'n' sniff moon poster, but it's interesting to know what it smells like... sort of.
I think it's hilarious that a human beat the bowling robot! I would have bet on the robot. Am I a traitor to my species?
I'm sorry to hear the moon smells like gunpowder, altho I don't know why. I was a little startled by the robot bowler, but relieved to see it's used to test gear and such. Interesting humans can make determinations it can't.
Sounds like you'll be up in your ears next week. I was hoping the days of consistent care giving had been resolved.
You had a lousy week, Bill! Bummer on the furnace repair and new roof.
Quiet week here. Finished an editorial project, have another to start Monday - 895 pages, I think. Massage therapy, the pool, line dance class and rehearsal. Changed the appearance of the bedroom, with linens and such. Contrary to fashion's decrees, I prefer light colors in the winter, when it's drab and gray outside. Had a couple rough days with Skeeter and I was pretty upset, (she wasn't in pain, no fever, just wouldn't eat or get off the bed) but she seems to have bounced back yet again. Set up an app't with a guy for the hip issue, made arrangements to have films sent to him and such and now discover the practice he's with may not be covered by my recently changed insurance mgt company. Since this is one of the premier practices in the Upstate, tied in with Clinic of the Carolina's and G'ville Hospital and provides just about every specialty known to man, I am not best pleased. So much for the promise of being able to select the doctor you want to see. Humpf! Their insurance specialist is to call me back Monday. Next week is work and the Elvis show at Brighton Gardens and - maybe - an app't with the hip guy. Or not.
Oh, I didn't have an email scam, but got a text msg on my cell to send my address, so they could send me a $1000 Target shopping card. Hate getting text msgs, as we have to pay extra for them and you can't really control them. Plus, the cells are on the "no-call" list, which apparently doesn't apply to text messages?
Bill, sounds like you had a wild week. I am glad you are ok from the hit to your head and that you have nice cops in Oregon.
I have been trying to read every day since my last post and had intended on getting back to commenting, but then I had a bad few days.
It started out with The Shankster getting worse with the bronchitis. He does what he does every time he gets it and waits until he is miserable before getting to the doctor. Short notice on getting in to see Our usual Doctor is unheard of, but fortunately they started a walk in with a new doctor in their office and we got him in and got some much needed meds.
Then Wednesday I couldn't walk. I couldn't extend my leg without a lot of pain in the knee. Seems I have possibly pulled a tendon in the knee and now am on Rest detail, with ice, anti inflammatory meds, and a knee immobilizer. It has been 5 days and I am about to go bonkers. I may not do a lot normally but I hate the sitting around doing nothing, but I have not been able to put any weight on my leg at all. Just going to the ladies room is a chore. :(
Hopefully something will change soon or I will have to get back to the Ortho Doc, and look at what else it may be. It all may be a different story if the Shankster was better, but with him sick too this is a total nightmare, as my dad just waits to be fed each day. And yes even though I told him I was out of commission for a few days.
Anybody want to run our way with a bucket o' chicken? :)
Oh, Dona, I'm so sorry to hear that not only is the Shankster out of commission, but you're confined to not only quarters, but a chair. DO take care of you, so the pull doesn't become a tear.
I hate to sound cold, but it sounds like time to tell you dad he needs to become acquainted with the grocery store, the microwave and take out/delivery menus and its HIS turn to take care of YOU after all this time. I'm well aware the elderly can become self-engrossed, believe me, but he's mobile, he drives. When Mom was still in AK, despite her health problems, when she was still able to drive, she'd fix dinner and take it out to Paul and Deb, when Deb was working unholy hours for the legislature and Paul was dealing with cancer and chemo treatments and the like. Fair is fair. Believe me, he does NOT want me coming out there to talk to him!
Seriously, you and the Shankster take care of yourselves and let Dad prove he can manage for himself for a few days, at least. And please keep us posted.
Thanks DR. But as you well know, this is a hard road to take with the parent. I am amazed each day to find out how selfish my dad seems to be. It was all I could do to get myself to the restroom, and trust me I was doing everything I could think of not to have to go as I can not move at all. And he could not even say, hey how about I fix us all dinner or go get it, heck I would have paid if he would have even offered.
I have been making lists, I do that normally but this sitting I think I have a notebook filled. :)
And as it happened he did go to leave and turn to me and ask if I needed anything as he was headed out to Walmart. I pulled out my Walmart list and I could tell he didn't want to do it, but I handed him a check which was signed and let him know if he didn't go, it may be days before I could go. To my surprise he actually went. But thats all he has done so far. He knows how sick Shankster is, but I dunno, its like he just doesn't care anymore. Yes Fair is Fair, but I think in his mind I owe him.
I can't get past when you said last week that you had us on your mind.....next time you say that I will lock myself up for a few days so I don't hurt myself! :)
Dona, so sorry to hear about your knee and about the Shankster's bronchitis! What a pickle to be in! I sure hope both heal up soonest!
I was on one foot for 3 months when I broke my ankle, and I can tell you that hopping supported by a walker only goes so far. If you can manage it, a wheelchair is MUCH easier, and you can get up on your one good leg when you need to for brief periods.
I'll second what DR said about your dad, but I do understand how hard it is and how much you want to avoid a confrontation.
I'd bring you a bucket of chicken and a lot else, if I could.
Hi Pat
I would have bet on the robot too. So we are deserters of the human race together.
I was really hoping the moon smelled linke lindberger cheese.
Bill
Hi DR
I also thought the Robot being used to test gear was a good thing.
I just got my schedule in and it isn't as bad as I first thought. I will be there M, T, W. Sis with doe Th & Sat. The caregiver will be there Friday and Sunday. I thought I would be doing them all.
The thing about the roof is I would rather find it out now then during the winter.
Congratulations for finishing the editorial project! 895 Pages sounds like a lot. I pleased you found time for massage therapy, the pool, line dance class and rehearsal. Good shop redesigning the bedroom.
My heart just goes out to you where Skeeter is concerned. The little thing sure is relient.
I'd be furious about insurance not covering the hip doctor. But I think I still might go and pay for myself. I would love to have you pain free.
The Elvis show sounds fun. They actually reported about that cell phone scame in the paper this morning.
Good luck on the insurance and the hip doctor.
Bill
Hi Dona
Damn your week sounds a lot worse than mine! I'd bring a lot more than chicken. I'd take your dad out for dinner and lunch so you wouldn't have to cook.
Here they have an organization called Loaves & Fishes that deliver free meals to the senior citizens, to the disabled, and to people temporarily down due to injury or illness. They are perfect for someone in your situation.
OK, I looked it up and I have no idea how far Danville is but there is a Loaves & Fishes there. Here is their phone number:
217-443-0859
If it is to far maybe they can give you a location closer.
We need to slap some sense into both The Shankster & Your dad. The Shankster so he gets help immediately when the Bronchitis comes on. Your dad because he just being way to selfish. I think we have talked before about how aging parents really don't care for anybody else as long as they get their needs filled. Maybe you can tell him that if he doesn't take care of himself for a few days, then he may ending up having to take care of himself forever because your health is going downhill.
I agree with Pat about the wheelchair and if you have a Lions Club close they will loan you one for free.
Keep us abreast on what is going on and If you just need to call and yell at somebody email me and I will give you my phone number.
Bill
DR
I agree with you. My Mom can hardly walk is 95 and still cooks meals once in a while.
Dona's dad needs to get his ass in gear.
Bill
PS
Dona show your dad these messages from us!
First off I want to thank everyone here for the support and well wishes. I know this is where I can come for any kind of support but mostly the support from all of you that are familiar with elderly parents or any kind of caregiving.
I want to say that I love my dad. I in no way want any of you here to think otherwise. I think DR said it best that the elderly can become self engrossed. I am trying to juggle being a good wife, and good daughter without upsetting either dad or Husband. I think Husband thought I was doing too much for dad when he didn't think he was grateful. So I have changed a bit of how I do things. Dad can take care of himself, and I think he could also help out a bit more than he does with meals, especially in this situation, but its like he has to be told each time. And I don't really like to have to do that. Some days it just feels like a no win situation.
But I wanted to let you all here know I am grateful to have you all that know just how I fell and don't judge me. I thank you Bill for the info on the free meals. I think Danville is a bit far but will keep the info if I ever think I need that service. Even though I was down and Shankster was nearly down, there was food in the house and we were still able to manage and Unless it was terribly worse I wouldn't have used that service to take it away from someone who needed it more.
Just so you all know, I was only joking with the Chicken remark, my way of making a bad situation better, to joke.
Hi Dona
Of course you have our support and well wishes, you are one of us!
I love my mom too but she annoys me at times when she sometimes puts her needs ahead of mine when I view my needs more important at the time.
I think you should worry about upsetting your dad or The Shankster. Do what is best for you until you are well and walk again. If they get upset, they will get over it.
Judging others isn't allowed on this blog. Unless it is me that you judge!
We know you were joking about the chicken but we also would have brought it if we were closer!
Bill
Dona - When I read your message the other day, I thought you were on my mind because Shankster was sick. Didn't know about you.
Yes, I do know how hard it is to deal with elderly parents. As Bill says, it's like they have no concept that we (children) may have lives and needs. And, under the heading of "role reversal," remember how we thought Moms didn't get sick? Well, now we're not supposed to get sick or be in anyway unable to fill their needs.
I think we all know that you love your dad but, as Bill said, that doesn't mean we don't get impatient at time with the demands. IF Dad will help a bit with some prodding, I'd say go ahead and prod. Given the current situation, it can't even be called nagging, to ask or remind him that you need help, he needs to assisting. Thank goodness he at least did the Walmart list.
As to bringing in chicken - hon, I suspect if any/all of us were in gunshot, you'd have enough meals to get you through a week at a time, just pop them in the micro or oven (g).
Bill, good news on the caretaker duties being less than what you'd anticipated. Yes, Skeet seems to be back on the front burner again (knocking wood). Demanding breakfast and dinner, sniping at Spook, when she gets too pushy, coming to meet me and demanding attention as soon as I walk in the door. AT the risk of offending those who think pets are just animals, I'm finding that having a geriatric dog is as difficult as a geriatric parent, in some respects.
As to the insurance - not sure where we're going to go. Folk is NOT in the network and it's not totally clear how much of his charges insurance may or may not pay, after hours on the phone with his insurance specialist and my insurance c/s person. So, the current plan is to talk with Vann (shoulder guy) about the hip (which I probably should have done up front, despite his speciality - 20/20 hindsight) and see if he has any thoughts on them being connected in some way. Then, a week later, talk with my internist and get her input. See if either of them thinks this needs to go to an ortho or better to see a neurologist. After that, we'll decide whether or not to bite the bullet and go to Folk and hope for the best on insurance coverage. I'd just like to get some answers and then some solutions.
Hi DR
I agree with you if constant reminding it what Dona needs to do to get some peace then that is what she should do.
The news on the caregiver just got better, she is going to do Thurs, Friday, Sat, Sunday. Sis will do next Monday and Tuesday. So after doing these three days there will be a six day break.
The problem with caring for a geriatric they can't tell you when and where it hurts.
As to the hip doctor, I just hate to see you suffer any longer than you have to.
Bill
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