INSOMNIACS place to talk in the wee hours
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Junie we seem to be getting no two days the same in a row. the daffodils, crocus and other spring flowers have come up in large numbers but other than that you would hardly know it was spring, its been wet, windy, cold etc. Farmers in genuine crisis mode. However there is a great forecast for the rest of this week, so looking forward to a few days sunshine halleluia! Hopefully some might blow your way.
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Sunny here today. Praying that the nasty and cold weather we have been getting is finally done. It poured here yesterday! At one point my backyard looked like a pond was starting to form!
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SAS, Those Jazz posters are probably worth a lot of money should you ever want to get rid of them.
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Sas - No problem about bursting the bubble. I just get frustrated when doctors act as if I have no clue about my own body and medical Hx. Of course I have met many people who have the attitude that they don't need to know what is going on in their own body because that is what the doctors went to school for. Arrgh! Many don't even know the meds they take or the why. They just take it because the doctor said to. Then I show up and am full of questions and I feel like the docs get annoyed because I don't just go along with their program.
Anyway, I was back in the ER yesterday with level 10 abdominal pain that turned out to be severe Diverticulitis. Thankfully no perforation. For some reason I believed that the discomfort in my abdomen was related to my spinal fractures, so I took pain meds and continued on. But Monday morning the pain was as I said a 10 out of 10 and my MO sent me to the ER. At this point I do not know if I will have to post-pone my back surgery. I'll just have to see how well/quickly the antibiotics work.
My Kirbers is with his trainer again. I am so thankful she is willing/able to come get him when need be. She will be bringing him home on Thursday at O'dark Thirty. I told her to ring the doorbell and I'll let him in and go back to bed.
Feline - We are having gray dreary/rainy days here. In April we normally have approx. 1.3 inches of rain in the first 2 weeks, but this year we are over 3 inches and counting. One of the area ski resorts has reported 176" of snow right now. Everyone here is more than ready for some sunshine. We've had a couple of teaser days here and there, but looking forward to the sun.
Loverly - I've done the put it in a safe place and then tear stuff apart looking for an item and getting very frustrated at myself.
Mags - How are you doing?
A lady I know forwarded a fun post on FB today asking what our age would be if we transposed the numbers of our present age. A lot of funny comments showed up.
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Hi Junie
I'm so sorry for all that you're going through. You still have a great attitude. I know Kirby helps a lot. That pisses me off that you feel the docs are annoyed when you ask questions. That is what in the hell their there for!!!!! I agree with you that many take meds, and really don't have a full understanding of why their taking it.
You're pain level was a 10? Lord have mercy. If you don't mind me asking, what pain meds do you take? Also, do you take anything for sleep? Now, you might have your back surgery delayed? I still don't fully understand why. What's diverculilis? Not sure if I spelled that right. Sorry I'm asking so many questions.
What beautiful pics of Kirby. I love it when you ladies send pictures of your pets. Actually, I love any pictures. Oh, does Kirby sleep in your bed with you?0 -
Mags
Wow, what a wonderful story. Thanks so much for sharing. Your son is a good man. I'm glad you found, and got to reconnect with him. How far does he live from you? His adopted mother had breast cancer too, and passed. Goodness.
How are you feeling? Didn't you say your cousin lives with you, and is a big help?0 -
Sas
I sent you a pm, and explained what dumb thing I did. Hopefully, you've read it. I'll check in a bit. I do have so many medical, and questions about prescriptions I want to talk to you about. I hate some of the ones I'm on. Before I had my daughter 15 years ago, I swear, I was so against meds. Wouldn't even take one for a headache. After I had her, I had postpartum depression bad. I also had toxemia. My blood pressure was out the roof!!!!' The toxemia went away at birth, but not the blood pressure. Kept me an extra day, and the nurses made me limit the visitors. Scared the hell out of me.
So, needless to say, I went home with a newborn, and lots of meds. I never saw it coming. This might sound stupid, but I wonder if complications of pregnancy, and miscarriages can have something to do with breast cancer. I had one miscarriage before I had Reece.
You are right that we need to be our own advocates about are health.0 -
Ladies
Has anyone talked to Patty? How is she doing
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Jaymeb - The attitude of some of the doctors I've encountered is frustrating yes, but getting angry is counter productive. It is just the reality of some of my experiences. The pain meds I use are Hydrochodone & Oxychodone alternately. Not together. An interesting fact I learned today when I picked up my antibiotics from the pharmacy. Cipro (antibiotic) and Tizanidine (muscle relaxer) can NOT be used together. The pharmacist was very clear about this today. Apparently the Cipro increases the strength of the Tizanidine by 20 times and would be a deadly combo. I usually use the Tizanidine at bedtime along with Alprazolam for sleep, so I am so glad the pharmacist brought this to my attention.
Per the Mayo Clinic:
Diverticula are small, bulging pouches that can form in the lining of your digestive system. They are found most often in the lower part of the large intestine (colon). Diverticula are common, especially after age 40, and seldom cause problems.
Sometimes, however, one or more of the pouches become inflamed or infected. That condition is known as diverticulitis (die-vur-tik-yoo-LIE-tis). Diverticulitis can cause severe abdominal pain, fever, nausea and a marked change in your bowel habits.
Mild diverticulitis can be treated with rest, changes in your diet and antibiotics. Severe or recurring diverticulitis may require surgery.
The signs and symptoms of diverticulitis include:
- Pain, which may be constant and persist for several days. Pain is usually felt in the lower left side of the abdomen, but may occur on the right, especially in people of Asian descent.
- Nausea and vomiting.
- Fever.
- Abdominal tenderness.
- Constipation or, less commonly, diarrhea.
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Jay, yes, our story is truly a miracle (for me at least!) and I take none of it for granted. My son helped his wife raise two fine young men, and the older of the two bonded with my late DH very strongly through rhe years. They live in Florida, and I’m in Oklahoma. Five years ago, after DGS1 graduated from high school, he came out for a week long visit, and we four had the best time! I have some wonderful pics of him with DH and DH is always smiling or laughing. They were just kindred spirits. But my grandson has the most tender heart. He came with his dad to DH’s funeral, and sat right behind me. He kept his hand on my shoulder most of the service, and what a comfort. The next day, nearly everyone had gone, but their plane didn’t leave until late afternoon. They got up early and drove over to the house (we’d had so many family here there was no more room so they stayed at a hotel nearby) and spent the whole day with us - my cousin, my sister, and I, and my grandson spent most of the time loving on us - he’s the best hugger, next to his dad.
He’s now got a serious relationship with a young lady and my son says she is a perfect match for him. I’m so thrilled. And DGS wants to bring her out for a visit, hopefully this summer, which warms my heart.
Yes, my cousin lives with me, and a big help would be a major understatement. She is truly my caregiver. She is a very vigorous 81, and she came to take care of me after surgery in 2011, and we wouldn’t let her leave. She had cared for both of her parents until they passed in ‘09 and ‘10, and when I called, she came. Our moms were sisters, so we have a very deep and strong connection. DH loved her too, and as we expected I’d be the first to go, vowed to care for her and make sure she always had a home. So one of the first things I did after he was gone was to set up a trust that would provide for her when I’m gone. She’ll never have to worry about having a place to live. She loves to shop, so she does all our household shopping, and drives me to appointments, and cooks, and make sure sure I don’t overdo. She said also very active in our church, she’s “choir mom” to a choir that is often 200, and leads a Grief Share group weekly. As i said, vigorous!
Once again I’ve written a novel, but I must be up and off today, seeing an ortho this morning about my shoulder that I wrenched, although it’s getting better so I don’t think it’s too badly damaged.
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Queenie, so funny( or is not funny) trying to figure out what hair to wear for court
Hi Mommie I hope you are feeling less sad. It's so tough. Time does help to heal. Hugs.
Junie pics of Kirby are adorable. Sorry about the divertic. The first page of the Constipation thread, I did a post on divertic. Seriously, there are so pearls in it that you won't find elsewhere. (Jaymeb read page one too). The Mayo description is good. Glad your Pharmacist caught that interaction.
Link to first page of Constipation thread. I reread material and I think it will help.
https://community.breastcancer.org/forum/6/topics/...
Wren, you are so right about the posters. Anyone that has seen them is kind of in awe and always the "If you want to sell them, let me know" . Non-jazz folks haven't got a clue. I'm so happy to be able to get the Montreuax-Detroit one up again. When all the painting is done I will try and get decent pics for you.
I finally got the 6 ft vanity OUT of the living room. It hasn't made it to the bathroom, just to the master bedroom. But that's okay. It's been in the living room since maybe March or April of last year. The french doors made it up to the attic YAY Pocket door is done which has been a big hold up.
I scheduled a dinner party for May 5th for a going away party for an old work mate. Then had a talk with Donnie of how important it is too me that we accomplish a Honey Do list. He's being very cooperative.
Space Coast weather report: Stunning weather, just stunning. Did I say stunning
. Anyone ever scheduling a trip to Florida, always consider April until the first two weeks of May. Routinely stunning weather. Temperature usually in the 70's low 80's (central Florida). May temperatures start up into higher 80's so not as dependable. Humidity is the lowest for the whole year, but can be higher than many northerners are comfortable, but is way better that the rest of the year.0 -
OH, thrifted a wrought iron patio table and chairs 75$'s and a wicker two seater with glass top coffee table. The wicker is perfect. You can tell it has never been outside, but that's where it's going. $40. It was 50% off day again. This SPCA thrift really understands us junkers/antiquers/barterers. Plus, 97% of the funds really does go to the animal shelter.
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UGH, decluttering. I've had this thing since Greg died. I just couldn't open the Christmas cards. Just went through a stack from 2013
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Junie called a few hours ago. Her condition has changed enough I recommended she go by ambulance to ER. She's on the cusp of serious trouble. Go to the Constipation thread and read my description of the 4 presenting types of divertic and what is safe management. The problem is when we are on the cusp, we waffle about what we should do. I used to train the paramedics that in the decision making process "If you reach the point that you don't know, give it to a higher authority" That's a difficult point for some to get by. The fear is that they are over reacting. Again, that supports why we need to know stuff about our diseases and meds.
Hoping she's gone to ER versus toughing it out.
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Sas wanted to see my patio. Here it is, not put together yet.
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Sas: thank you for urging Junie to the ER. (I hate the thought for myself; my doctor ordered me there last fall because I almost waited too long.)
As for what to wear to court, I think I'll have my husband 'do' my hair (clippers set to 1") just before going in.
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OH Queenie Number1......If my memory is correct that's almost a buzz. Dear son as a younger that was the thing. !980's into the early 90's). We bought a Wahl(?)... We used the same thing to shave my head. Dear sister who had BC in 1996, told me ""When your head starts to hurt and the hair is falling out, just shave it" That's what I did.
Since I never went to the threads related to hair loss, I have no insight to their feelings. My feelings were, what did I look like bald. It was a good bald head. Not a pinhead. A great friend came unexpectedly and was not prepared for the Bald. Duh, we got over it real quick
No idea why Nanette showed up that day, but she showed up another day( years before) that was very important, then another day that was very important when Greg died. Then she planned the next day to shop for something for the funeral. She was a stalwart. She helped me through an awful time
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On a diet Hah-----going to have a bacon mayo on BREAD sandwich-----------------------1_37 am, a command decision with milk
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Lovely patio Mags. I spot a lovely rocking chair there too.
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Sas: not quite a buzz in the military sense, but yes--very short...and the length I usually wear it for a few years now. (Last summer, I was taking a class with a veteran; (navy) when I cropped it to 3/4" for the summer, he just murmured "I gotta get a haircut." At that point, my hair was shorter than his.)
Mags: you need more rocking chairs.
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Queenie, see the stack over on the right? One more rocking chair, a small table, and 2 chaises. A little heavy for me to handle right now, and most days still chilly of a morning. But soon DC and I will be rocking with our coffee and sweet rolls. It will be lovely.
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Mags: perfect. I'll bring snacks. (It's a bit chilly for me too. Even the birds' cheeps sound like their beaks are chattering.)
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Queenie, was it for divertic? I reread what I wrote on it on the constipation thread on page one. At the time I wrote it, one of the gals here on another thread waited to long and she ended up with a colostomy. My goal was to give folks a tool when they were in trouble. I may revise it some, but it's got some nitty gritty good stuff.
The doc din't admit Junie. Pisses me off. She is @ #2 for sure, maybe heading towards #3. The key difference is a temperature. That's a real game changer. That means there is a leak. The doc never laid a hand on her abdomen. That is very important with divertic. The hotter the abdomen the more palpation hurts. If the palpation pain is pretty localaized thats way different than pain in a wide area. It's a clinical finding versus an imaging thing. Imaging is not the absolute story.. The doc apparently doesn't know that. PLus, he never gave her any diet instructions i.e clear liquids., is minimum at this point. Better to be in the hospital on IV's with IV meds and NPO-nothing by mouth. But clear liquids are better than nothing. Apparently, the doc doesn't know this either.
Sounds fun with the hair. Daring. Not everyone can wear short short hair. Very funny story about the veteran.0 -
Sas: Too bad about Junie! I'd be pissed off on her behalf too.
But no, my hospital admission this time was for "fever of unknown origin", though almost certainly related to an infection/cellulitis on my leg. (Still have a blotch circling my ankle.) When the veteran had his head straight, he was funny like that; he was as noisily outgoing as I am introverted, and at one point, I thought I heard him coming up behind me....pause, and silence, then in a stage whisper "Shhh! She's very quiet!" and then he tiptoed past, finger to his lips.
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Queenie, kinda, pretty weird? OR funny?
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Where is Loverly and Shep?
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Both: funny ha-ha and funny skewed from the norm.
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Ms. Sas~ We are behind the curtains playing hide and seek again.
Junie, hope you got your laundry done....just in case. Actually the best place for you to be is you know where.....where they can keep an eye on you. Hope your doctor agrees. I am so sorry for all the trials you have been through. Gosh!
Mags, your story warms my heart.
You and your son look like siblings. Oh and the patio looks like it would be a nice place to draw or paint Feline, what is the name of the supplement you are taking for memory? Of course I forgot to write the name down.
BBL
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Not sure how long this will be. It will be complete so I can transfer it to pain and other things. I will be typing and saving. Dislike things going to the computer netherworld. The point of the post is to allow someone in a same or similar circumstance to know what they do presented with a new circumstance. Knowing what and how to do something, can make a huge difference in outcome. Remember from and earlier post when I said in the decision making process, when you reach the point that you say I don't know and the situation isn't in control, give it to a higher authority.
Mags had a cardiac event today. She called me versus EMS. Was that wrong? No, in this circumstance. Different circumstance calling EMS may/would have been appropriate. She had three occurrences of anginal type pain, plus, a day that had some fast heart rates determined by telemetry, but asymptomatic. My teaching and intervention with the hospital staff, actually , got them on the right tract. I was involved with the second event and tried to get the staff to work it according to Advanced Cardiac Life Support standards. They last hospital event they worked ACLS protocol to a tee. The positive out of the three hospital experiences she could see how management was different. Management is everything.
So, today she has an occurrence of chest pain, left arm radiation into TMJ and cheek. Absolutely, 100 % cardiac. No question. But she had no associated complaints. The associated complaints can tell you lot's regarding severity of occurrence.
We ran the ACLS protocol for nitroglycerin. I think I will leave the how to do that as a second post box. Reason is it's not to defer from this learning experience today.PLUS, new onset chest pain, meaning never experienced before, must be treated as a critical emergency until proven otherwise.
How Mags differed today was she had 3 previous events, with a dx that was/is known to be a causative factor. The Vasculitis. Vasculitis is inflammation of the vessels. Can be large or the worst is small vessel. But large vessel still can change flow to smaller vessels. It's a bugger. Add to that manipulation of steroids. Weaning off the vasculitis dose, then being given a chemo dose of dexamethasone yesterday. Did that influence today. Dunno. The body does not like manipulation back and forth with steroids.
Going to stay here for a couple/ few sentences. As chemo patients, we have oodles of docs. They learn the basics, then they specialize. They keep the basic knowledge, but even it can fade in memory. Consideration of drugs only used in a speciality, where a doc is using it for a specific purpose, needs to be evaluated by the specialists involved with it's absolute manipulation. In Mag's case that would be the Rheumatologist.
Patient case example, DH Greg was told to cut Zoloft b/c he had side effects. No SSRI subsitute, and no weaning instructions. The MO's schtick (training) didn't prepare him to, or he forgot weaning was necessary. DH fought my weaning guidelines b/c his doc said he could "quit it". He ended up with loss of all neuro feeling to muscle and skin. Testing showed he might regain muscle sense again, but skin sensitivity was permanently lost. Docs that work outside their sphere can cause harm. All drugs have consequences.
The positive about today's experience for Mags is she completely followed directions.
1. Had it been a first time experience, it would have been call EMS
2. Followed ACLS protocol with a return of chest pain after 20 minutes of pain we activated EMS
3. Error on dispatchers part when Mags told them she had already taken Aspirin. They directed her to take another one. Little bit to that one, but for intents and purposes of general communication that''s best to leave that..
4. EMS responded did every thing right according to ACLS protocol.
5. Hospital did everything according to ACLS protocol. EKG normal and first hour Troponins Normal. Troponins are and enzyme produce only in a cardiac heart attack event. YAY she was normal. She was slightly abnormal after the hospital event when the staff did't "concur it was cardiac in origin" . etc.
The key to today's events were she had a clue. She trusted me to guide her. But there could have been no answer at this end. Now, Mags has a clear outline of what to do and she is a very quick learner. She never forget's what is said. This post is to offer the learning of an acute event.
The error of the entire event which is called "Post event analysis" I asked this "You are on 81 mg Aspirin and did you take that dose" She said "Yes" Post analysis there were two questions there. 81 mg of Aspirin and did you take it. The key was is most people asked a double question will answer the last question. Why is this important? I asked a double question. She was on a 325mg aspirin. On the double question, I thought she was on 81 I instructed her to do a half 325mg, The dispatcher told her to. take and chew another aspirin........Even though Mags told her what had been taken.
This particular situation is IF it were Heart clot, the amount of aspirin would have impacted treatment, IF the event would have indicated a Cardiac Cath with action like a stent, the total days dose of aspirin would have been a big problem. Remember I keep saying, all drugs have consequenses (sic)and more is not better.
Two key questions I left with Mags were
1.Absolute directions about aspirin in future events, since she is on daily anticoagulant therapy with aspirin
2. H
UGH, I got two phone calls and made a couple. Forgot what number two is. Oh well, shucks
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Lover they are called Clear Brain and the company that makes them is called New Nordic
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