Scary day at dialysis today. I crashed.
Here is what happened as best I can remember and type. (Still having problems with left arm and hand.)
When the tech 'stuck' me with the needles for the procedure, she had difficulty getting the venous needle to pull blood. After some twisting of the needle and relocating it, she got some 'action.' But there seem to bee a recirculation problem. The blood was pale, then bright, then dark, then almost black. All signs of a problem.
About an hour later some iron was administered to me in the IV. About 10 minutes later, I started having major problems:
blood pressure dropped very low, left arm began turning red and swelling, left hand and fingers swelled up and started tingling. My temperature dropped to 93 degrees and my vision became blurred.
The nurses and techs tried a lot of things to get my BP up. I don't know what all they did. I know they put my chair back so I was almost head to the floor and feet to the ceiling. They gave me oxygen. They called the doctor and reported my condition to him about every 15 minutes. They pumped saline solution into me. They took me off the machine. They stayed with me taking vital signs on a regular schedule. They were wonderful.
We tried to call Joann....no answer....she was in a meeting.
I knew that Susan was on her way to Las Vegas. So I told them to call Chris.....no answer....I didn't know he was with Susan.
So they called Wes......he texted Joann that it was an emergency.
After I was stabilized, Joann brought me back to The Summit where the nurses are checking my vitals regularly. As long as they remain stable, I just need to rest. If they worsen, I'll go to the ER.
That all happened this morning. It's now 3:45 pm. My vitals were checked at 3:00 and deemed to be fine. But my arm and hand are still swollen and fingers are tingly. I'm ready for this to be over!!!!!!
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
Thursday, September 23, 2010
Salsa: Sauce or Dance?
Tonight was The Summit’s Annual Salsa Fest. It’s an event to raise funds for The Alzheimer’s Association.
Many pictures were taken, but I haven’t seen any of them yet. You’ll just have to imagine the scenes as I write about them.
The festival was held outside in the parking lot between our building and the Skilled Nursing Facility. There were tents over tables where people could eat a fajita dinner. There were tables filled with bowls of salsa and chips for a judging contest. There was a DJ playing salsa music. There was a professional dance couple teaching the residents how to do the salsa. There were tables of silent auction items to be given to the highest bidder. There were numerous raffle items donated by local merchants.
This all occurred between 6 and 8 pm. There were a lot of residents attending and many family members joined us. Susan, my older daughter, stopped by and enjoyed the ambiance for a while. But she got there too late to see me in the Conga Line. Seriously, I was dancing to the music. Who would have thought that I would ever do that again? I guess it was a carry-over from my exercise time today.
This afternoon I went down to the ‘gym’ and worked out on the NuStep as I try to do on the days I don’t have dialysis. I took my CD player and earphones and worked out to The Beatles’ music. The time really goes by so quickly when The Fab Four are ‘serenading’ me!!!
Well, that’s enough for tonight. I’ve got to go shower and get ready for my ‘new’ dialysis drill tomorrow. Only two hours and 45 minutes on the machine. Yea!!!!
Feel free to join me in prayer thanking God for this new blessing and asking that my kidneys continue to heal.
God Bless You All.
Many pictures were taken, but I haven’t seen any of them yet. You’ll just have to imagine the scenes as I write about them.
The festival was held outside in the parking lot between our building and the Skilled Nursing Facility. There were tents over tables where people could eat a fajita dinner. There were tables filled with bowls of salsa and chips for a judging contest. There was a DJ playing salsa music. There was a professional dance couple teaching the residents how to do the salsa. There were tables of silent auction items to be given to the highest bidder. There were numerous raffle items donated by local merchants.
This all occurred between 6 and 8 pm. There were a lot of residents attending and many family members joined us. Susan, my older daughter, stopped by and enjoyed the ambiance for a while. But she got there too late to see me in the Conga Line. Seriously, I was dancing to the music. Who would have thought that I would ever do that again? I guess it was a carry-over from my exercise time today.
This afternoon I went down to the ‘gym’ and worked out on the NuStep as I try to do on the days I don’t have dialysis. I took my CD player and earphones and worked out to The Beatles’ music. The time really goes by so quickly when The Fab Four are ‘serenading’ me!!!
Well, that’s enough for tonight. I’ve got to go shower and get ready for my ‘new’ dialysis drill tomorrow. Only two hours and 45 minutes on the machine. Yea!!!!
Feel free to join me in prayer thanking God for this new blessing and asking that my kidneys continue to heal.
God Bless You All.
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Weather Report: Rain Outside, SONshine Inside
It’s been raining off and on for several days. We’ve needed it and the grass is as green as you could ever dream for it to be. The weathermen say that this is the second soggiest September in weather history. But as Joy Behar would say, “Who cares?”
Today was a good dialysis day filled with a little hope. Last Monday some lab tests were run on my urine and blood. I was told today that the lab reports indicate that …… sit down ….. my kidneys may be starting to ‘come back.’ My ‘numbers’ were the best they have been in a year. So they are going to continue to monitor my blood weekly and my urine every 3 months.
As a result of this report, the kidney doctor has ordered my time on the machine to be reduced. I started out on the machine four hours. Beginning Friday, I will only be on the machine for two hours and 45 minutes. Only someone who has been on dialysis or chemo, realizes what a present this is.
I am cautiously optimistic because, this is just a trial period. My kidneys may not react favorably to the shortened time on the machine and I may have to go back on the machine for a longer time. But for the time being I am praising God for this small ray of hope.
I love the people at the clinic so much. Once ‘the word’ got out that my time had been reduced, the nurses and techs each came up to me individually to congratulate me. They all seemed as happy as I was. I guess they don’t get a chance to celebrate often because so few patients improve.
All I know is that I diligently take my meds and supplements, exercise when I can, and try to eat wisely. I am working so hard to beat this kidney failure.
I have to give credit and thanks where it is due. The nurses were saying ‘This is amazing.’ I said, “Not to me. I’ve got prayer warriors all over this country praying for this and more.” To God be the Glory!
The nutritionist told me that there is only one other patient who is on the machine for two hours and 45 minutes. So I am the second one out of 120 patients. I feel so blessed.
Thanks to all of you for your prayers. Please keep them coming. We’ve won another battle (maybe) but we haven’t won the war yet.
God Bless You.
Today was a good dialysis day filled with a little hope. Last Monday some lab tests were run on my urine and blood. I was told today that the lab reports indicate that …… sit down ….. my kidneys may be starting to ‘come back.’ My ‘numbers’ were the best they have been in a year. So they are going to continue to monitor my blood weekly and my urine every 3 months.
As a result of this report, the kidney doctor has ordered my time on the machine to be reduced. I started out on the machine four hours. Beginning Friday, I will only be on the machine for two hours and 45 minutes. Only someone who has been on dialysis or chemo, realizes what a present this is.
I am cautiously optimistic because, this is just a trial period. My kidneys may not react favorably to the shortened time on the machine and I may have to go back on the machine for a longer time. But for the time being I am praising God for this small ray of hope.
I love the people at the clinic so much. Once ‘the word’ got out that my time had been reduced, the nurses and techs each came up to me individually to congratulate me. They all seemed as happy as I was. I guess they don’t get a chance to celebrate often because so few patients improve.
All I know is that I diligently take my meds and supplements, exercise when I can, and try to eat wisely. I am working so hard to beat this kidney failure.
I have to give credit and thanks where it is due. The nurses were saying ‘This is amazing.’ I said, “Not to me. I’ve got prayer warriors all over this country praying for this and more.” To God be the Glory!
The nutritionist told me that there is only one other patient who is on the machine for two hours and 45 minutes. So I am the second one out of 120 patients. I feel so blessed.
Thanks to all of you for your prayers. Please keep them coming. We’ve won another battle (maybe) but we haven’t won the war yet.
God Bless You.
Sunday, September 19, 2010
Ch..ch...ch...changes!!!
Have you enjoyed your break from my ramblings? Well, it was due to many changes in my life.
There is so much to write about that I don't know where to begin.
This is not going to be a lengthy entry tonight because it is late. But I did want to let you know that all is well with me and the long absence from writing is not due to health problems. I'm doing fine with the exception of still needing dialysis.
One of the changes referred to above involves my dialysis schedule. I now go on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. This new schedule gives me free weekends and also enables my daughters to have a complete weekend break since they don't have to provide my Saturday transportation.
Another change is my living quarters. I have moved from a small second floor apartment to a larger one on the third (top) floor. I tell everyone here that I now live in the Penthouse. The other residents here like that phrase and are now using it, too. Many of them giggle when they say they live in the penthouse. I think it's because it reminds them of a naughty magazine. Just wait till Halloween...I'll dress as a Playboy Bunny!!! That'll get them talking ...... again!!!
Last week was Assisted Living Week and the activities reminded me of School Spirit Weeks. I'll try to remember to post some pictures later.
Another change is my email address. It took me a while to get to writing on this blog again because I was having trouble accessing it due to my email change.
I'm through for tonight's entry. My new address is 1915 Lohmans Crossing Road, Apt. #320, Lakeway, TX 78734. My new email address is bgrumme1@austin.rr.com.
Let me hear from you sometime. And if you have time lift up a little prayer that my kidneys will start to clean my blood again so that I can stop this dialysis routine.
I love you all.
Bonnie
There is so much to write about that I don't know where to begin.
This is not going to be a lengthy entry tonight because it is late. But I did want to let you know that all is well with me and the long absence from writing is not due to health problems. I'm doing fine with the exception of still needing dialysis.
One of the changes referred to above involves my dialysis schedule. I now go on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. This new schedule gives me free weekends and also enables my daughters to have a complete weekend break since they don't have to provide my Saturday transportation.
Another change is my living quarters. I have moved from a small second floor apartment to a larger one on the third (top) floor. I tell everyone here that I now live in the Penthouse. The other residents here like that phrase and are now using it, too. Many of them giggle when they say they live in the penthouse. I think it's because it reminds them of a naughty magazine. Just wait till Halloween...I'll dress as a Playboy Bunny!!! That'll get them talking ...... again!!!
Last week was Assisted Living Week and the activities reminded me of School Spirit Weeks. I'll try to remember to post some pictures later.
Another change is my email address. It took me a while to get to writing on this blog again because I was having trouble accessing it due to my email change.
I'm through for tonight's entry. My new address is 1915 Lohmans Crossing Road, Apt. #320, Lakeway, TX 78734. My new email address is bgrumme1@austin.rr.com.
Let me hear from you sometime. And if you have time lift up a little prayer that my kidneys will start to clean my blood again so that I can stop this dialysis routine.
I love you all.
Bonnie
Monday, August 9, 2010
Another Birthday
Yes, I am a year older as I write this. Yesterday was the big day! Today I am still celebrating. I think I deserve an extended Birthday. After all many (including doctors) weren't sure I would live to see another birthday. Well, they didn't know me nor My God. Together we (me and God) showed them!!!!!
Bear with me as I share with you my Birthday celebrations.
The first mention of my birthday came Friday. (My actual birthday was Sunday.) Friday morning a knock on my apartment door and there was a director standing with a gorgeous floral arrangement. Pictures of it are posted on my Facebook pages. (I haven't been here long enough to figure how to post photos on this blog. That will come when I have more time to learn and experiment.) It looked like a huge frozen strawberry daiquiri with starlight daisies, pink roses and purple orchids in the 'bowl'. They were from my daughters, their husbands, and my four grandchildren. Susan had them delivered Friday because floral deliveries are not usually made on Sundays and she knew that I would be at dialysis on Saturday.
Saturday morning one of my dining partners gave me a lovely card and a package of pens. (Not sure of the significance of the gift, but it's the thought....) Later that day a card from my sister arrived in the mail. She cheated!!!! We had agreed years ago to stop 'celebrating' birthdays with anything more than a card. But she decided that this was such a special birthday for me (because I had lived to have it) that she had to send a gift. And she knew just what to send .... a gift card to Steinmart. Thank you, Debbie. I love you!
Sunday my name was posted on the elevator as the Birthday Resident of the Day. I received birthday cards and wishes all day. The 'congregation' sang "Happy Birthday" to me during church service. Then came lunch. When I approached my chair, I saw a Fiesta Crown on it. For those of you who are not familiar with Mexican traditions, I'll describe it. It's a halo shaped headpiece of brightly colored crepe paper flowers and long streamers of the same colors hanging down the back. I was to wear it all day indicating that I was the 'Birthday Girl.' Also, my table was littered with confetti.
As we were eating one of the directors and the kitchen staff came out into the dining hall and announced that it was my birthday. They led everyone in singing "Happy Birthday" again. They brought me a colorful gift bag. It contained a book, a journal, a pen, a little bucket filled with Hershey chocolates and a card signed by many of the residents. Then, Jermaine, the best chef in Texas, came out carrying a piece of cake with a lit candle on it. I was to make a wish, blow out the flame, then eat the special cake. It was a tiramisu cake. Yummy!!!
I had already made plans with my family to have my birthday dinner Monday night, so I went to the dining hall for dinner and my birthday celebration continued. There on my table was the largest Aloe Vera plant I have ever seen in a beautiful glass container decorated with a beautiful seashell. The dining room manager had her husband dig it up out of her yard for me. I told her that she didn't have to give me the biggest one in her yard. She said, "Oh, I didn't. That is one of my babies." (Well, it looked BIG to me. But I forgot that everything is bigger in Texas!!!)
I have to add here that I continued to receive birthday greetings on Facebook and via email all day. It was so much fun hearing from my former students, former parents of students, former co-workers, high school friends, college friends, sorority sisters, friends of my daughters, relatives, and maybe even a former mailman. Oops!
One of my former tablemates who is now living in the Skilled Nursing Center next door had her daughter wheel (she's in a wheelchair) her over to bring me a vase of fresh flowers. How sweet! Ruth and I have always had a special bond. I just wish she could improve as much as I have, but Parkinson's is a terrible illness which robs people of so much. Ruth refuses to let it rob her of her dignity. She is so strong.
Today (Monday) brought more birthday celebration. Katie stopped by for a sweet visit. She brought me an absolutely beautiful bouquet of yellow roses, daisies, and sunflowers. We walked down to the lobby for some fresh lemonade and back to my apartment to continue our chat until Joann, Haley, and Hayden arrived. They came to pick me up to go to their house to 'chill' until dinnertime.
It was fun, to 'hang' with the Brewzoo and to have a nice visit with Joe, my former husband. He had brought the boys back from 'Camp Paw Paw.' We watched a slide show of photos taken while they visited in Tennessee. They had so many experiences ranging from dressing in Civil War uniforms at Shiloh to catching dozens of fish at Reelfoot Lake.
Haley baked and decorated a Birthday Cake for me. She is quite the little cook. She loves to cook and is quite an artist. So you can imagine that it was the best birthday cake ever!!!!
We then packed into two vehicles and met Susan, Chris, Katie, and Denny at Chili's for my family birthday dinner. The centerpiece was the cake Haley had baked earlier in the day. I had the sirloin which was very good!
OK, I've told you just about everything about my birthday. I think. I'm sure that I have forgotten something. But at this age, it's excusable. After all I am a whole year older and what a year it has been. The best part is that I have made it!!! Thank you, Jesus!
Bear with me as I share with you my Birthday celebrations.
The first mention of my birthday came Friday. (My actual birthday was Sunday.) Friday morning a knock on my apartment door and there was a director standing with a gorgeous floral arrangement. Pictures of it are posted on my Facebook pages. (I haven't been here long enough to figure how to post photos on this blog. That will come when I have more time to learn and experiment.) It looked like a huge frozen strawberry daiquiri with starlight daisies, pink roses and purple orchids in the 'bowl'. They were from my daughters, their husbands, and my four grandchildren. Susan had them delivered Friday because floral deliveries are not usually made on Sundays and she knew that I would be at dialysis on Saturday.
Saturday morning one of my dining partners gave me a lovely card and a package of pens. (Not sure of the significance of the gift, but it's the thought....) Later that day a card from my sister arrived in the mail. She cheated!!!! We had agreed years ago to stop 'celebrating' birthdays with anything more than a card. But she decided that this was such a special birthday for me (because I had lived to have it) that she had to send a gift. And she knew just what to send .... a gift card to Steinmart. Thank you, Debbie. I love you!
Sunday my name was posted on the elevator as the Birthday Resident of the Day. I received birthday cards and wishes all day. The 'congregation' sang "Happy Birthday" to me during church service. Then came lunch. When I approached my chair, I saw a Fiesta Crown on it. For those of you who are not familiar with Mexican traditions, I'll describe it. It's a halo shaped headpiece of brightly colored crepe paper flowers and long streamers of the same colors hanging down the back. I was to wear it all day indicating that I was the 'Birthday Girl.' Also, my table was littered with confetti.
As we were eating one of the directors and the kitchen staff came out into the dining hall and announced that it was my birthday. They led everyone in singing "Happy Birthday" again. They brought me a colorful gift bag. It contained a book, a journal, a pen, a little bucket filled with Hershey chocolates and a card signed by many of the residents. Then, Jermaine, the best chef in Texas, came out carrying a piece of cake with a lit candle on it. I was to make a wish, blow out the flame, then eat the special cake. It was a tiramisu cake. Yummy!!!
I had already made plans with my family to have my birthday dinner Monday night, so I went to the dining hall for dinner and my birthday celebration continued. There on my table was the largest Aloe Vera plant I have ever seen in a beautiful glass container decorated with a beautiful seashell. The dining room manager had her husband dig it up out of her yard for me. I told her that she didn't have to give me the biggest one in her yard. She said, "Oh, I didn't. That is one of my babies." (Well, it looked BIG to me. But I forgot that everything is bigger in Texas!!!)
I have to add here that I continued to receive birthday greetings on Facebook and via email all day. It was so much fun hearing from my former students, former parents of students, former co-workers, high school friends, college friends, sorority sisters, friends of my daughters, relatives, and maybe even a former mailman. Oops!
One of my former tablemates who is now living in the Skilled Nursing Center next door had her daughter wheel (she's in a wheelchair) her over to bring me a vase of fresh flowers. How sweet! Ruth and I have always had a special bond. I just wish she could improve as much as I have, but Parkinson's is a terrible illness which robs people of so much. Ruth refuses to let it rob her of her dignity. She is so strong.
Today (Monday) brought more birthday celebration. Katie stopped by for a sweet visit. She brought me an absolutely beautiful bouquet of yellow roses, daisies, and sunflowers. We walked down to the lobby for some fresh lemonade and back to my apartment to continue our chat until Joann, Haley, and Hayden arrived. They came to pick me up to go to their house to 'chill' until dinnertime.
It was fun, to 'hang' with the Brewzoo and to have a nice visit with Joe, my former husband. He had brought the boys back from 'Camp Paw Paw.' We watched a slide show of photos taken while they visited in Tennessee. They had so many experiences ranging from dressing in Civil War uniforms at Shiloh to catching dozens of fish at Reelfoot Lake.
Haley baked and decorated a Birthday Cake for me. She is quite the little cook. She loves to cook and is quite an artist. So you can imagine that it was the best birthday cake ever!!!!
We then packed into two vehicles and met Susan, Chris, Katie, and Denny at Chili's for my family birthday dinner. The centerpiece was the cake Haley had baked earlier in the day. I had the sirloin which was very good!
OK, I've told you just about everything about my birthday. I think. I'm sure that I have forgotten something. But at this age, it's excusable. After all I am a whole year older and what a year it has been. The best part is that I have made it!!! Thank you, Jesus!
Friday, August 6, 2010
Progress
So much is happening in my life that I don't know where to start.
Each day seems to bring another blessing.
My lab reports continue to be good. I have to admit that the most recent report (Thursday) indicated that I need to eat just a little more protein. The dialysis nutritionist told me to tell my family to take me to a steak dinner. True!
She also told me that it would be OK to have an occasional glass of wine. (Hic!)
My Physical Therapist informed me that I have met all my goals and am going to be discharged from Physical Therapy next Wednesday. I can still go to the gym and work out on a daily basis (when I'm not in dialysis) and I plan to do so. I'm so use to exercising now and actually enjoy it.
Today was the hottest day of the year. The temps got up to 102F. So what was I doing at 10:00 AM? I was doing PT and my therapist had me walk up the high incline across the parking lot from our building. I had done it once before with her, but that was with my 4-wheel walker. Today I had to do it with a single footed cane. Well, friends, I did it, heat and all!!!!
My therapist also said that I could begin walking short distances in the building without a cane. Yep, I'm now walking totally unassisted. Praise God. One year ago, I could barely sit up in a bed. It was a small miracle for me to wiggle my toes.
Your prayers, my family's constant support, and God's love brought on this miracle recovery. There was no way I was going to quit or give up, y'all wouldn't let me!!! Thanks, Everyone!!!
I got a new haircut today. I feel so youthful looking (except for the fact that my hair is white as new fallen snow.) Photos of it are on my Facebook status.
This morning I received a martini delivered to my door. Well, not exactly. It was a flower arrangement in a huge martini shaped vase. My family had sent it as an early Birthday gift. Pictures of it are also on my Facebook status. The arrangement was comprised of pink roses, pink and rose daisies, and purple orchids. It is absolutely beautiful.
Katie and I had another lunch 'date' Wednesday. We went to the Magnolia Grill. It is a typical college hang-out not too far from the UT campus. Great food, good prices, and fun atmosphere.
I got two surprise phone calls today, one from my nephew, Michael. I love talking to him. He reminds me so much of his dad. Mike is a 'hot shot' with Charles Schwab in Indianapolis and a father of three sons. I am so proud of the man he has become.
The other call was from my dear friend, Becky. She has a daughter here in Austin and visits me when she is in town staying with Amy and Howard. But today she took some time away from a church trip to Nashville to call me. She, like so many of my retired friends, seems to be busier now than she was as a principal. I admire all the work she does out of the goodness of her heart. Becky is a sweet gentle woman and a dear, dear friend.
Well, that's about all the news for now and the hour is getting late. I have to settle down and get ready for another dialysis day tomorrow.
Sweet dreams, Everyone, and May God Be With You this weekend.
Each day seems to bring another blessing.
My lab reports continue to be good. I have to admit that the most recent report (Thursday) indicated that I need to eat just a little more protein. The dialysis nutritionist told me to tell my family to take me to a steak dinner. True!
She also told me that it would be OK to have an occasional glass of wine. (Hic!)
My Physical Therapist informed me that I have met all my goals and am going to be discharged from Physical Therapy next Wednesday. I can still go to the gym and work out on a daily basis (when I'm not in dialysis) and I plan to do so. I'm so use to exercising now and actually enjoy it.
Today was the hottest day of the year. The temps got up to 102F. So what was I doing at 10:00 AM? I was doing PT and my therapist had me walk up the high incline across the parking lot from our building. I had done it once before with her, but that was with my 4-wheel walker. Today I had to do it with a single footed cane. Well, friends, I did it, heat and all!!!!
My therapist also said that I could begin walking short distances in the building without a cane. Yep, I'm now walking totally unassisted. Praise God. One year ago, I could barely sit up in a bed. It was a small miracle for me to wiggle my toes.
Your prayers, my family's constant support, and God's love brought on this miracle recovery. There was no way I was going to quit or give up, y'all wouldn't let me!!! Thanks, Everyone!!!
I got a new haircut today. I feel so youthful looking (except for the fact that my hair is white as new fallen snow.) Photos of it are on my Facebook status.
This morning I received a martini delivered to my door. Well, not exactly. It was a flower arrangement in a huge martini shaped vase. My family had sent it as an early Birthday gift. Pictures of it are also on my Facebook status. The arrangement was comprised of pink roses, pink and rose daisies, and purple orchids. It is absolutely beautiful.
Katie and I had another lunch 'date' Wednesday. We went to the Magnolia Grill. It is a typical college hang-out not too far from the UT campus. Great food, good prices, and fun atmosphere.
I got two surprise phone calls today, one from my nephew, Michael. I love talking to him. He reminds me so much of his dad. Mike is a 'hot shot' with Charles Schwab in Indianapolis and a father of three sons. I am so proud of the man he has become.
The other call was from my dear friend, Becky. She has a daughter here in Austin and visits me when she is in town staying with Amy and Howard. But today she took some time away from a church trip to Nashville to call me. She, like so many of my retired friends, seems to be busier now than she was as a principal. I admire all the work she does out of the goodness of her heart. Becky is a sweet gentle woman and a dear, dear friend.
Well, that's about all the news for now and the hour is getting late. I have to settle down and get ready for another dialysis day tomorrow.
Sweet dreams, Everyone, and May God Be With You this weekend.
Sunday, August 1, 2010
AUGUST IS HERE!!!
By the sounds of the weather reports, August has entered as expected ... HOT!
That isn't going to slow me down. I have much to do and can't let a little thing like heat stop me.
I am trying to copy all the posts to my CaringBridge website so I can relate to them when I get my book in full gear. This is a website that my granddaughter, Katie, started when I first became ill last summer. Susan, Joann, Katie, and Chris all entered posts almost daily. It was at a time that I couldn't do much communicating and apparently from the posts I've read, I wasn't at my best in communication. Go figure! I was once known as quite the talker (still am by some), quite the writer, quite the speaker. But a couple of 'little things' (MRSA and Meningitis) have tried to stop my communication skills. Sorry fellows, you didn't stop me, you just slowed me down. But I've found my bootstraps and am pulling myself up, slowly but surely.
I am constantly amazed as I read the posts my family have made. It is truly a sad story and has brought me to near tears as I read what all they have gone through in supporting me as I recovered. I am so grateful that they have kept this and a handwritten journal (which I've yet to read). I had no idea how bad my illness really was. I remember some of the pain and frustration, but not nearly all of it. Thank You, Jesus.
Fortunately, I no longer have pain except occasionally in dialysis treatment. However, I do still get frustrated by my limitations. But now the frustrations give me reason to try harder to overcome my limitations. Above all, I have learned patience and humility. Now that's hard for a Type A personality, believe me.
Enough said for this entry. Let's all try to enjoy August. It may be a warm month, but come January, we'll be missing it.
Blessings to all who read this.
That isn't going to slow me down. I have much to do and can't let a little thing like heat stop me.
I am trying to copy all the posts to my CaringBridge website so I can relate to them when I get my book in full gear. This is a website that my granddaughter, Katie, started when I first became ill last summer. Susan, Joann, Katie, and Chris all entered posts almost daily. It was at a time that I couldn't do much communicating and apparently from the posts I've read, I wasn't at my best in communication. Go figure! I was once known as quite the talker (still am by some), quite the writer, quite the speaker. But a couple of 'little things' (MRSA and Meningitis) have tried to stop my communication skills. Sorry fellows, you didn't stop me, you just slowed me down. But I've found my bootstraps and am pulling myself up, slowly but surely.
I am constantly amazed as I read the posts my family have made. It is truly a sad story and has brought me to near tears as I read what all they have gone through in supporting me as I recovered. I am so grateful that they have kept this and a handwritten journal (which I've yet to read). I had no idea how bad my illness really was. I remember some of the pain and frustration, but not nearly all of it. Thank You, Jesus.
Fortunately, I no longer have pain except occasionally in dialysis treatment. However, I do still get frustrated by my limitations. But now the frustrations give me reason to try harder to overcome my limitations. Above all, I have learned patience and humility. Now that's hard for a Type A personality, believe me.
Enough said for this entry. Let's all try to enjoy August. It may be a warm month, but come January, we'll be missing it.
Blessings to all who read this.
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