One Goal Met Before The End of 2013

When I went in to have my knee surgery on November 7, I had quite a few ideas of things I wanted to do while recovering.  The only one I accomplished was to read.  I LOVE reading, and I haven't had a chance to read a lot this year, for one reason or another.  But since I wasn't able to be up and around for weeks, and then with the blood clots, I achieved my goal.  Here are the books I have read since November 7:

Colleen Coble  (author)

Tidewater Inn - last half

Rosemary Cottage

 

Dee Henderson

Danger In The Shadows (prequel)

#1 The Negotiator (O'Malley Series)

#2 The Guardian

#3 The Truth Seeker

#4  The Protector

 

Melody Carlson

The Christmas Shoppe

The Christmas Pony

 

Kat Martin

The Christmas Clock

 

Daniel Partner

The Wonder of Christmas

 

Stormie Omartian

Lead Me, Holy Spirit - last half

 

Annie Jones

Their First Noel

 

Charles & Frances Hunter

Healing Through Humor

 

Richard Paul Evans

Promice Me

Lost December

A Winter Dream

 

David Jeremiah

The 12 Ways of Christmas

 

Rick Warren

The Purpose of Christmas

 

I'm currently reading:

 

Dee Henderson   # 5 The Healer

   and

Lisa Troyer   A Place to Belong

 

 

Jess stayed in bed until about 1/2:00 today then came downstairs for the rest of the day.  She's better, but not great.  Jon did some "running around" in the morning.  I did a load of wash, watched a Hallmark movie Jon taped for me, and fixed a nice chicken dinner.  That's about it.  We're almost ready to call it a day and head upstairs.  I'm sure both kids will be sound asleep at midnight.  I'll be ringing in the new year by reading. 

 

I hope everyone has a very nice New Year's Eve.  Blessings on all for a wonderful New Year.

 



A Sick Jessie

Jess had a bad night last night and it was evident that she was sick.  Because our doctor's office was booked solid, we took her to Prompt Care.  I personally think she has a bladder infection, but whatever she has it's enough to put her on an antibiotic, Tylenol and Motrin.  As soon as she got in the car she started crying and didn't stop for quite awhile.  That was pathetic, as Jess rarely cries.  She went right to bed and that's where she is right now.

I stayed upstairs all day with her.  Unfortunately, I had several flashbacks of when I cared for Bill in his last days.  It was very overwhelming for me.  Jess doesn't get sick very often - in fact the last time was while Bill was dying.  I think she and I had food poisoning. 

I did paperwork while she rested and finished putting away stuff in my 2012 and 2013 diary.  The first page I opened in the 2012 book had the funeral card for Bill.  That did it.  I cried.  I sure do miss my Willlie.

Late in the afternoon I mentioned to Jess that she looked a bit better and she promptly replied, "NO, Jessie sick!"  I think she's enjoying all the attention she's getting, as well as being able to eat in bed! 

I "Went" To Church

Sort of.  I was sitting on my couch, wrapped up in a blanket, watching last week's sermon from our church.  I had no idea they had begun to video tape series. I knew there was audio, but it's not the same.  I had heard so much about last week's sermon that I was determined to listen to it today, and was surprised to be able to watch it. 

I up-dated my 2014 calendar with birthdays, appointments, Jon's work days, and who is working what days with Jessie.  That took a couple hours.  I did a load of clothes because I needed them.  Jess did her usual stuff, as well as took an hours nap.  When she woke she indicated that her legs hurt her and said, "I'm sick."  It's hard to tell with her sometimes because if someone else is sick in the house (like Jon who came home early), she mimics their illness.  She doesn't act sick.  We'll see what happens tonight and tomorrow.  Time will tell with her.

Saturday

If I hadn't set the alarm for 8:30 a.m. and Jess heard it, she would have kept sleeping!  She's becoming like her mom - up late and sleep in.  Rachel came today so that I could go out for a bit.  After the post office and Walgreen's, I had lunch with my friend, Lani.  Since she had shopping to do at Meijer's and that was my next stop, she went along with me.  I decided to walk and not use the electric amigo.  Half way through the store I was glad Lani was with me.  I wasn't sure I'd make it - I was exhausted and my back hurt a lot.  I pushed myself, though, and did it.  I have to keep working on my stamina.

Rachel took Jess to Ocean Breeze for lunch, the ST Library, then Target.  They had a nice day together.  Jon had to work again and didn't have a very good day, both physically and work-wise.  That's about it for now.  Upstairs we go!

Jess and Rachel In Backyard

I thought I'd take the time tonight to upload these pictures.  I knew you'd appreciate them. I appreciate it when Rachel or Debbie or Brenda take pictures of their outings, so that I can be part of Jessie's day. 

Good News!

I received the best news I've had in over two months this morning. I went to PT to be reevaluated, and I DON'T NEED PT !!!  My range of motion for my surgical leg is 0 and 110 degrees!  More than perfect!  I am so thankful that God took care of this for me.  I had planned on having all the PT done before the New Year when I'd have to start over with a new deductible and copay.  Since my blood clots put me behind a month, I wasn't sure what I was going to do.  I'm very pleased.  I plan on going to the pool a couple times a week to walk in the lazy river to build up my stamina, then take the Water Aerobics class in late February.  Only God could have done this and I Thank Him!

After my quick PT appointment, I picked up Lois and we went to lunch then saw the movie, "Saving Mr. Banks", which, by the way, was VERY good.  I got home just in time for Rachel to leave, rest a bit, fix dinner, then relax on the couch.  Now, if I can just get a doctor to prescribe Mobic or Celebrex again, I'd be doing REALLY well.  No one wants to put me on them along with the Coumadin.

Even though Jon is still not well, he had to go to work.  He does sound better than last night.  I'm sure he's going to sleep real well tonight.

Jess and Rachel went outside to play in the back yard in the snow.  I forgot to post the pictures.  Maybe tomorrow.  They're cute. 

The Day After Christmas

It's been a very quiet day.  I didn't feel like doing much, so I didn't.  Jon went back to Prompt Care and got a change of antibiotic, now for bronchitis.  Jess has been coloring in a big coloring book all day, plus she painted Christmas ceramic ornaments for her tree and I got her pillow that lights up put together.  Jacob and Hannah visited Jon for a bit this morning, then they went to lunch and then Jon went back to Jacob's parents house for the late afternoon and dinner.  Jane, Jess, Rachel and I met for dinner at the Hong Kong restaurant then came back here for presents and dessert.  We're on our way up stairs in a few minutes just as soon as I shut off all the Christmas lights throughout the house.

Merry Christmas

 We began with a Christmas Miracle this morning when Jess slept in until 7:45 a.m.!  That's unheard of for Christmas morning.  Since it was so late I had the kids get dressed then Jess helped Jon pass out presents.  As you can see, Jess got more than her required "ten presents".  She was very excited about all her gifts.

I made my mom's "Prize Coffee Cake" yesterday for us as a special treat for breakfast.  I don't make it often because I could eat the entire coffee cake myself.  Jon made us scrambled eggs and it made for a nice breakfast.

I wasn't feeling very well after I got the kitchen cleaned up, so I sat in my chair and took a nap for about an hour.  Jon took care of Jess.  Speaking of Jon, he's not any better than yesterday, in fact, he's worse.

Diane and Randie came over at 4:00 and brought the dinner - breaded sweet and sour chicken and pork, sweet potatoes and green bean casserole.  Jon made Red Lobster biscuits and dinner was great.  We topped it off with an apple pie someone gave me when I had my surgery.  It was from Westview Orchards, I froze it for Christmas, and it was delicious.  We've never had a pie from Westview before.  Only Verellen's.  Randie also made tiny lemon cakes - something like a small tart.  Yummy.

We opened presents again with Di and Randie after dinner and before dessert.  Memphis wanted what Di was opening.  He wouldn't leave her alone.  I guess he wanted the hand scrub for himself.  It does smell good!

Jess doesn't usually wear a hat, but I thought I'd see if she'd wear one that the younger kids (and some older ones are wearing).  She said it was "cute".

Jess and Jon have already gone to bed and I'm next.  Even though we didn't do much, I'm very tired. 

Merry Christmas to you!

Love,
Nancy, Jon and Jessie
Memphis, too

Christmas Eve

Jon began his day at Urgent Care with a diagnosis of a sinus infection.  He's not doing too bad and, hopefully, the medication will make him feel much better before he goes back to work.

I'm about ready to lose my mind answering Jessie's constant questions about Santa coming tonight, and if Aunt Diane and Randie will bring presents, too, tomorrow.  She's been asking to go to bed for a couple hours - right after our special dinner.  I'm holding her off as much as I can.  I really don't want to start Christmas Morning at 4 a.m.!

Jess received a special visitor around 1:00 today. Santa came and brought her some slipper socks and coloring book!  Now, that makes two days in a row that she's seen Santa.  We've got the plate of cookies and cup of milk ready for tonight's Santa, too.

Jon wanted a duck for Christmas Eve dinner, so he treated us to it.  It was very good.  We also had instant mashed potatoes with cream cheese and chives, along with Jon's garden sugar snap peas and carrots.  Jon and I cleaned up the apple pie Lois brought last night and Jess settled for a Christmas cookie.

Well, it's 8:14 p.m. and I think I can get her upstairs as soon as I shut off all the lights.  There will be no screaming from her in a few minutes when I tell her it's time to go to bed, that's for sure!  I guess I need to be thankful for the small things.

Let The Festivities Begin ...

Brenda came this morning and took Jessie to where she used to work at a day work shop for mentally challenged adults.  Santa visited around 10:30, and as you can see, Jess had no trouble being next to him, much to my surprise.  I figured she would have no part in being near Santa.  I'm glad I was wrong.

She was pretty wound up when she got home, too, because Brenda and Jessie drove Santa somewhere (I forget where) because his sleigh broke down.  He sat in the back seat with Jessie.  Brenda's daughter, Jessica, was also with them and she got a video of Jess and Santa.  It was hysterical.  If Jess could have gotten any closer to the door, she would have.  I think having him in a building was one thing, but to have him next to her in the car was another matter.  Way too funny.

This was the first Monday I have been able to take Jessie to lunch for Girl's Day Out since before my surgery.  We invited Doreen and Shiloh to meet us at Wendy's and we had a fun time eating lunch together.  They came back after lunch and we exchanged gifts. 

Tonight "Aunt" Lois came for dinner and when Jon got home from work (unfortunately he came home sick!) we exchanged more presents.  Jess was pretty excited and has insisted that tomorrow morning is Christmas.  Tomorrow will be a L-O-N-G day!

A Different Sunday Than Planned

Jon prepared last night for the predicted ice storm that we never got. Thinking that we would lose power, he got the extension cords, gas and generator ready, as well as some preparedness items we always keep on hand.  When he got up for church, there was nothing.  No ice - nothing on  his jeep.  So, he left to go to breakfast and church. 

I had gotten up earlier and went and sat down in my (electric) chair, with my feet up.  Jess was on my bed jabbering when at 8:30 the power went out.  I'm glad no one had a camera as I made my way out of the chair!  I let Jon know and he returned home.  We have 3 sump pumps and 2 of them fill up too fast.  I was so thankful that he gave up church to come home and take care of us.  Especially since he can only go twice a month as it is with his schedule.

Trying to keep Jessie occupied without her iPad and uTube she watches all the time is challenging.  When Jon started the generator she ran for her bedroom, as it is very noisy.  The power outage lasted only 2 1/2 hours, which was wonderful since Jon called DTE and their estimated time of power back on was 11:30 p.m.! 

Me:  Jess!  The power is on!  You can watch uTube!

Jess:  All done?

Me:  Yes.  We have power back.

 

5 minutes later:

 

Jess:  MOM?

Me:  Yes, Jess?

Jessie:  THANK YOU JESUS!

I wasn't having a good physical morning and by the time lunch came around I decided to treat the kids to Dimitri's for lunch.  So did the rest of the people without power!  We had to wait for a table.  Even though it was very crowded, Jess did well.  Chris called after her church was over and I ordered a dinner for her and she ate with us, then came and visited for a couple hours.

Jess and I wrapped some Christmas presents.  Still not finished.  They have to be done by tomorrow!

Changing Course

Jon, Lois and I had planned on going out to lunch then to see "Saving Mr. Banks".  However, we decided to cancel those afternoon plans when we read that we were supposed to have freezing rain beginning around 1:00 p.m.  Well, it's 7:31 p.m. and I don't think we've had any freezing rain yet.  As far as I'm concerned, we don't have to have it. 

Instead Jon and Jessie went with me to get another blood draw (that makes a total of 10 since December 2!) then I treated to breakfast out.  Walgreen's, post office, Home Depot for ice melter and K-9 for animal-friendly ice melter.  When I left the house this morning my pain level was about a "3" but when I got home it was a "7".  I had to take a pain pill and sit down and rest. 

Jon wrapped presents and Jess played on her iPad.  Unfortunately, she had a huge meltdown this afternoon.  I'm not sure why and I don't think she knew why either.  It's probably because Christmas is next week.  The excitement builds.  Right now she's singing Christmas Carols with kids on Utube.  She knows a lot of songs.  Even though she doesn't always keep up with the faster songs, the words are all there.  She definitely takes after her Grandma Jonas - she can't carry a tune at all.  But for her that doesn't matter.  I love to hear her sing - especially Jesus songs when she raises her hands praising Jesus. 

Thursday and Friday

Thursday ... We had an early morning meeting with Kelly, Jessie's case worker, then Brenda and Jessie went grocery shopping, McDonald's drive thru for lunch, then bowling.  

Yesterday was not a good physical day for me.  I was in a lot of pain.  I was so greatful that my friend, Denise, picked me up and took me to my doctor appointment.  Before we got there we went to lunch and Sam's Club.  I finished my Christmas shopping.  I prayed for an electric amigo and there were 5 available when we arrived and none when we left.

By the time I got home I was in really bad shape and spent the evening on the couch after a quick dinner.  We retired upstairs early and I took medication and sat in my chair in tears.


Today ... Friday ... Unbelievably, I woke feeling almost "normal"!  I was thrilled.  Hardly any pain!!!!  I had to go get another STAT blood test and Lois went with me.  We ate lunch at the Olive Garden and then went to Best Buy.  I picked up another couple DVD's for Christmas.  Hall Road was crazy.  It's a road I try to avoid at all times, especially during any holiday season.  Today was the worst I have ever seen it.  Then there was a tie-up on the expressway because they were transporting 4 pieces of 2 mobile homes.  Extra wide.  In the pouring rain.  I was glad when I pulled into my driveway.

Another Blood Test

I'm thankful that Jon was home today and he took me for my INR blood test.  From there we went to my family doctor appointment.  Tomorrow is the vascular specialist.  My INR only went up from 1.6 to 1.7.  I sure would like to ditch these Lovonox shots.  They don't hurt going in, but after a minute or two it feels like a couple bee stings going deep.  We'll see what the specialist wants to do. 

Rachel and Jess spent the day at home.  They made melty snowmen cookies.  They are cute.  I took a picture but didn't download it.  I'll have to do it tomorrow.  Lois came for dinner then we had our time of prayer.

Even though I don't understand why I just can't seem to get a break, or why I'm in so much pain all the time, or why all this is happening, I want to go on record as still TRUSTING God's plan for me.  It's not been easy, but I know He can be trusted to make all things work for good.  I get discouraged and cry and get down at times because I'm human.  Ultimately, I continue to PRAISE God for His care and faithfulness.  Just sayin'.

Monday and Tuesday

MONDAY ...  I had to go for another INR blood test.  Before I got home the results were called in to me: 1.6.  This is very discouraging.  It needs to be between 2.0 and 3.0.  I have to continue on the Lovonox shots 2x a day and have another STAT blood draw on Wednesday. 

I'm trying to remain positive, but I'm in such bodily pain each day it's hard. (My knee doesn't hurt at all!)   I personally think I'm having a reaction to the Coumadin.  My doctor doesn't think so.  He also had me stop the Celebrex.  Now I can't take anything for my arthritis.  I'll be lucky if I can walk at the end of 3 months.  I go see him tomorrow and we'll discuss this.  I don't think he realizes how bad I feel without either the Mobic or Celebrex.  I know I'm complaining.  Sorry.  I cry each day.  I'm sick of all these complications.  It just seems like I can't get a break. I know - I'm playing my violin. 

I did manage to go out last night and have fun with "the Glory Girls".  Above is a picture of us around Shannon's tree.  Pat, Mary, Shannon, Andrea, Lynn, Caroline and myself make up this small group.  Four of us began the group 10 years ago, and since then have added 3 more ladies.  I must say, they are all crazy women.

TUESDAY ...  Brenda and Jessie went swimming, lunch and shopping.  I wrapped all of Jessie and Jon's presents.  Late this afternoon Jess and I had hair appointments.  Jessie is seen in the picture with Veronica's granddaughter's doll house.  She goes to it each time she goes there and plays with it.  She's never had a doll house.  I stopped at Wendy's on the way home and bought dinner for Jess and me.  Jon had the day off and went out to breakfast, bank, Walgreen's, and Walmart.  Tonight he fixed himself a deer heart for dinner with mashed potatoes.  I cringe when I think of it and I'm glad I wasn't home to see him cut it up and smell it.  He was happy, though. 

My Kitchen Tree

.

I've been looking for a tall skinny tree for my kitchen dining room for quite some time.  I finally found one that was reasonably priced in a "Terry's Village" catalogue.  I have it decorated with quite a few of my mom's "antique" kitchen utensils and a few kitchen themed ornaments that I have bought.  If you look closely at the second picture you'll see a tomato slicer with the original cover on it, a small slotted spatula, and tiny cookie cutters.  

 

I'm still not finished decorating.  I want to display my mom's Hallmark "doll house" ornaments that she's bought each year since 1988.  Maybe tomorrow.  I haven't had good physical days lately and nothing is getting done.  I've been in alot of body pain for several days.  I'm going to call AMS in the morning and see what they say.  I think it's a reaction to the coumadin.  That's my unmedical guess.  We'll see.

Not A Good Morning To Be Out

I had to go for another STAT blood test this morning and the weather was terrible. If it wasn't for the STAT report, I could have gone 3 minutes down the road.  Because of the STAT, I had to go a half-hour down the road (in good weather).  Roads were not scraped or salted.  Going over 30-35 mph was not possible.  I'm not sure how much snow we've gotten so far, but Jon's already 20 minutes late in getting home, and he's never late. 

Debbie went with me so that I could be dropped off  at the front door and she waited in the van with Jessie.

From there we went to breakfast at the Country Inn.  When we were coming back from the restrooms, Jessie was a bit goofy seeing a stuffed Santa and a nicely decorated tree.  I snapped a couple pictures.

When we got home, I was in rough shape again for some reason.  I hurt so bad I took a pain pill and relaxed on the couch while Jess was playing on the floor and playing with her iPad. 

I Am So Far Behind

I finally got to the bank today - the 13th - to do banking I usually do on the 3rd.  Just 10 days late.  I have a desk piled high of mail I've accumulated again for the week.  I still don't have all my decorations up.  Although I have Christmas cards and stamps ready, I most likely won't be sending out cards.  I LOVE to send cards to my family and friends.  I haven't even sent out "Thank You" cards to those who sent meals last month and helped out in various ways.  I do hate being behind. 

I managed to go to the post office, bank, a Hallmark store and got gas in the van.  By the time I got home I hurt so bad I had to take a strong pain pill and I slept for a couple hours.  I'm not sure what all that pain was about, but I did wake feeling very good. 

Jess and Rachel went out to breakfast then to the Shadbush Nature Center.  The rest of the day they spent vegging out in the family room.  Jon feels better today - thanks for the prayers.  He went to the show and saw "The Hobbit" - he's been waiting for this for months!  He wasn't disappointed. 

Jon's Tree

Since I shared pictures of Jessie's tree last night, I thought I'd share Jon's tree tonight.  Jessie took all the ornaments out of his container for him and he put them on his tree, which is in the living room.  It's neat to look at both trees, since I've been giving them ornaments since they were born, and I've also made ornaments out of small toys or items from their past that I didn't want to get rid of.

Jon is not doing very well at the moment.  He came home from work yesterday with a wrenched back again.  He was in quite a bit of pain and went to the doctors this afternoon.  Hopefully, he'll be better soon.

Jess and Brenda went grocery shopping, lunch, and bowling.  Once again a nice day for both of them. 

We aDebbie drove me to get my blood work, then I sat and waited a couple hours while she went to a doctor's appointment about 10 minutes from where I had to go.  It didn't matter to me.  I took along my book and finished it. 

We ate lunch then went to Family Christian Stores.  Walgreens and the post office finished my day.  I'm trying to build up stamina, but 1 store is about all I can do.  While I was at lunch I received my INR report and it is still too low: 1.3.  Back to the shots and up on the coumadin pills for a couple days.  Another blood draw on Saturday. 

Random Pictures

Rachel took the picture of  Jessie in the leaves about a month ago.  She said that Jess kept running and jumping in the leaves and Memphis kept running over to her to make sure she was OK.

 

When Jane was here one Monday she helped Jessie decorate the big tree in the family room.  Usually it's our family tree, but I decided to let Jess put all of her ornaments on it this year.  She spends alot of time on the floor by the tree, so I thought she'd enjoy it. She's claimed that corner of the family room.  Usually we put up one in her bedroom, but she doesn't spend much time in there anymore. 

 

The picture to the left is the completed tree with a very nice picture of Jess, if I do say so myself.  Most of the time she has goofie faces.  I got a good one this time!  The one with Jane is a good one, too!

 

I goofed off this morning because there wasn't any reason to get up (Rachel was here today) and do anything except paperwork, which I'm so far behind anyway that a few hours wouldn't make a difference.   Around 12:30 I decided to go out.  This was the first time I've driven by myself since November 6!  I went to the post office, Walgreen's, McDonald's drive thru and ate in the van during a snow squall.  I went to K-Mart and spent a couple hours riding up and down each aisle on their only electric Amigo, which beeped the entire time because it needed recharging.  I was able to complete gift buying for Jessie. 

 

By the time I got home I was exhausted, but I felt good that I was able to get out and try to begin getting back to normal.  Rachel and Jessie just hung out at home and then made gingerbread cookies from a box mix I had bought last year after Christmas!  They are really good. 

 

 



Jessie's Fantastic Day

Brenda and Jess started out the day with breakfast at home then a trip to the gym to swim in the pool.  Later they picked up a Subway sandwich for Jess then drove to Brenda's house for a special get-together with a friend from Ontario.  Brenda said that Jess was awesome and made a fast friend with her friend, Dawn.  While there, Jessie decided that since there were so many presents already under the tree, she'd see who they were to and change things a bit.  While Brenda quietly watched (laughing hysterically), Jessie took every present out from under the tree and added her name to the gift tags, crossing off her daughter Jessica's name and adding "Jessie".  Then she piled up all the gifts in one big pile.  She also told Brenda that all those presents were hers.  Now, if it were me, she would have altered one gift tag, then I would have moved her, but Brenda said she was having so much fun watching her that she could care less what the tags said.  She left us tonight still laughing. 

Brenda and Jess picked me up at 3:30 to go to the foot doctor.  We waited 1 hour to see her and all she did was give me some bio freeze to rub into my foot and told me to run my foot over a frozen water bottle.  She was pretty sure that the pain I'm feeling is mostly the blood clot and only a small part plantar fasciatis.  She also said I needed to go back to PT immediately for my knee.  Which I can't, because my INR was only 1.2 yesterday and therapeutic range is 2.0-3.0.  This could take forever and no one wants to take the responsibility of sending me back to PT in case I throw a clot or bleed to death.  It is very frustrating to say the least. 

My appointment was in Rochester and we didn't get out until almost 5:30 so we went to Alex's Restaurant for dinner then Brenda drove us through downtown Rochester to see all the lights, which totally wound Jessie up.  In fact, she's still wound up.  Considering the day she's had, you'd think she would be tired.  Oh, no.  Not my girl.   

Thank You, Jon

Jon took me to get my blood work this morning for my latest INR reading then treated me to breakfast.  From there we went to Walgreen's and I actually was able to walk around Michael's!!!  That was a major accomplishment.  However, by the time we got home after the post office, I was ready to sit down and put my throbbing feet up.  I have to say, though, it was really nice to get out of the house and not go to a doctor's appointment or the hospital.  I did a bit of Christmas shopping at Michael's.

Tomorrow I have a foot doctor's appointment.  We shall see what can be done about the pain in my left foot.  My left baby toe is also still paralyzed.  That is so wierd.  I can feel it when I touch it, but it just won't move. 

Jane played several games of Apples 2 Apples with Jess, took her to McDonald's drive through then had a picnic in her car for lunch.  Later they spent some time outside.  Jon did quite a few odds and ends for me.  Things I still can't do. 

A Quiet Sunday

Jon went to church and Jess and I lazed around this morning taking our time getting up and having breakfast.  We were just finishing when Jon returned home!  I've done paperwork, read some in a Christmas book, decorated my kitchen tree, more paperwork, and helped Jessie help Jon put ornaments on his tree.  I should have downloaded the pictures and I could have put them on here.  I'll have to take time to download pictures tomorow.  That's about it.  My foot continues to hurt and both legs have ached for the past several days.  The Celebrex I have to take now instead of Mobic isn't quite doing the job that Mobic did (for arthritis), so I have added discomfort from Arthur. 

Not What I Had Expected

Before my surgery I had quite a few ideas of how I would get caught up on things around the house as I was recouperating.  The month of November is gone and we're already at December 7 and nothing has been done.  I sure didn't expect to have such a hard time with pain, PT or 1 ER visit and another hospital admittance for complications.  Just making it through each day has been a challenge and when I did have time to sit down, working on a project was the last thing I wanted to do.  I got organized to do paperwork yesterday and it's still untouched. I at least have neater piles.

Having the internet/e-mail working again has been nice.  Jess went two days without her uTube.  She was pretty good about it.  She gave Jon a big hug and said, "Thank you!" to him when he worked with Comcast to get it back.  That was special to watch.

 

All's OK

I will be blogging more tonight, but you haven't heard from me because our internet has been down for a couple days.  Jon worked on it this morning with Comcast and we're up and running again.

A Weepy Day

I had two doctor appointments scheduled but I was only able to do one.  My family physician wanted me to have a STAT doppler on my leg to see if any of the blood clots had moved or another had formed since I am experiencing pain above my knee.  Unlike Friday's doppler, today's was torture.  The technician pushed so hard I cried through the entire scan.  I should have insisted she stop and had them go get Jon but I wasn't thinking clearly. I kept telling her it hurt but she never quit pushing.

When I finished with it I broke down and sobbed and shook and cried for probably another 45 minutes.  I think the test pushed me over the edge.  The entire month caved in on me.  I am being very transparent.  It's not easy admitting I couldn't handle it this afternoon.  Maybe I just needed a good cry to help me emotionally.  I am better this evening. 

Tomorrow marks 4 weeks since my surgery and it has been a very rough 4 weeks.  I had hoped to be half-way finished with PT.  I can't go back to PT until my family doctor or AMS releases me.  (AMS = Anticoagulation Management Services).  They monitor my INR, which yesterday's blood draw was way too high at 3.9.  Now we have to work to get it back down between 2 and 3. 

Rachel came and Jess made brownies. Rachel sent me a picture and I will work on them tomorrow and post it, along with pictures Brenda took at the zoo and one with Jane and Jess decorating the tree in the family room.  Instead of all my ornaments on the tree this year, Jess put all hers on the big tree.  It's really nice. 

Christmas decorating is taking forever this year.  I can only do about 15 - 30 minutes a day then I'm done.  Usually by this time I've been done before Thanksgiving.  Oh, well. 

An Unexpected Set Back

For those of you that read my daily posts, you've noticed that I haven't been on here since Thanksgiving Eve.  Thanks, "Anonymous", for your nice note!

For the past several weeks I have dealt with pain in my left foot (same leg as surgery).  It had gotten so severe that by Thanksgiving night I could barely walk.  The kids and I were invited over to Don and Rox's for dinner, which was super nice and appreciated. 

Friday morning I decided to  go to our family doctor.  From xrays he couldn't see anything that would indicate a break in a bone.  Even though I didn't have any symptoms of a blood clot, he sent me to the hospital for a doppler of my leg.  Well, not only do I have 1, I have 3 DVT's (deep vein thrombosis, or in other words, the bad blood clots that can travel to your heart and lungs). 

They sent me directly to the ER and I was in the hospital from Friday afternoon until Sunday afternoon.  I was on strict bed rest - absolutely no walking.  Since I have no pain from the DVT's or my foot if I don't walk on it, I was feeling OK.  It was a very aggrevating couple of days.

Since it happened so quickly, and no one was scheduled to be with Jess on Saturday or Sunday, I had to scramble from the hospital and arrange aides, friends and my sister to be with her.  I am so thankful that God got it organized.  My friend, Lois, would come at 6:00 a.m. until an aide could come at 8:30 a.m.  (This was Jon's 3-day weekend to work and couldn't take off.)  For the two days, Jess had 3 or 4 people each day care for her for a period of time.  She had a great time with each person, but wasn't really taking it very well by bed time.  We Face Timed on Sunday night which helped.   

When I finally got home, she was absolutely nasty to everyone until she broke down and cried.  I held her and comforted her the best I could.  There wasn't time to perpare her - I simply went to the doctor and didn't come home for 3 days.  It was rough on all of us.

So, I'm home, with restrictions until I can see numerous doctors. Tomorrow I have 2 appointments that Jon will take me to.  I still can barely walk.  About 3-5 minutes before the pain becomes unbearable.  I'm either walking on a blood clot (one is behind my knee, in the calf and under the heel) or something else.  We'll see.  Prayers would be appreciated.

More tomorrow, as I need to head upstairs.