Aloha,
No PK, it's a ginger and it smells gorgeous but doesn't last very long once it has been cut. Tell Mike I will be thinking about him on the 28th - please give him a big hug from me.
Sylvain, and everyone in Florida, stay safe from Isaac and let us know how you are doing.
Jenn
The Coconut Wireless - chat thread 3
Another grey day here. At the moment there is no rain and only a slight breeze. May it keep this way.
Hello Everyone!!
For those of you on the path of Isaac we pray that the devastation is minimal and please stay safe .
Katie,
We pray that you continue to recover and tell us your experience when you can.
Sylvain,
Are you okay?
Update:
To my DG.friends,
It had been a very trying time for me, trying to keep my spirits up and fight depression. I find myself tearing up for the simplest stuff like my food not hot enough!!! Silly!!! LOL!!!
I had always been very independent and very active. today is a count down , 7 more days before the next x-ray and if healing is okay then i get a walking cast for 2 weeks followed by PT.
my palm has calluses from my walker and even adding pads does not help. It throbs at night and my ankle still throbs a lot.
I had not developed high pain threshold, I can not stand pani1111
Thank you for listening!!!
Stayed late watching the RNC.
Belle
Belle Pain sucks. No way around it. hugs, katie
Katie,
How are you doing? Nice to hear from you!! Take care and praying for you.
Belle
Pain certainly DOES get a bad rap and it is ever so deserved. I don't do pain well: never did and never will.
Luckily, in my 2 last health episodes, there was very little pain and painkillers were available. I begged for them at first and then started refusing them later on when I realized that they were often administered too soon before something brutal was performed upon my person. For example: the 4 shot I got to to desensitize the back of my skull were way more painful than having my skull stapled 7 times before the shots took effect. The shots themselves felt as if a soldering iron had been applied to my skin. In that case, it was shot, shot, shot, shot, staple, staple, staple, staple, staple, staple, staple.
And the oaf who perpetrated that act had the gall to proclaim: "Voilà! We are done. Nobody felt a thing.". Bad news, Cletus: I'm screaming on the inside. There is a special section of Hades for people who hurt others indiscriminately because they only went through the motions of making them comfortable. I'm certain it is covered at great length in Dante's Inferno.
Take good care, all. Health is precious and the lack thereof is uncomfortable.
Sylvain.
Hi everyone, Physical recovery is going really well. I'm still groggy and tired. Next couple of days are for stretching, icing and reading. Physical progress is very good. hugs, katie p.s. I have lots of pain meds. I also do not do pain well.
Moved Mike from the orthopedic wing of the hospital into the Rehab hospital just 1/2 block away. Surgery on the knee (replacement) was Tuesday. Two episodes of extremely low blood pressure and not breathing necessitating the Rapid Response Team (new term for Code
Blue). I am only 7 miles away and can break all kinds of speed limits to be there in a heart beat. Today was much better and I feel more confident about the outcome. Being the helpless standing-by spouse can be severely draining. I had "code blue" 4 years ago when I had spinal fusion so guess he is paying me back......not really.
I have been the "caretaker", "advocate" for several family members so I am not unfamiliar with hospitals. I must say he has had better than average care and attention. I thank The Lord for that.
Katie and Sylvain, you are still included in my prayers daily to Our Lord and Savior that your health issues will be healed by The Great Physician. Mike and I went into this aware that he would have a lot of pain. Never did think that he would have trouble breathing and his blood pressure hit 60/40. Believe that is behind us now and we pray that the two of you are on the Road to Complete Recovery.
May God continue to bless you.
PK
Aloha, everyone.
The wound care nurse just left after changing the dressing on my wound vac. The wound itself is shrinking and healing well. It isn't healing and shrinking rapidly, but progress is recorded every time she takes care of it. That is very encouraging. I never expected to be still treating that wound more than 2 months after the surgery. How time flies!
My best to Mike and everyone else who is healing. Your good thoughts and prayers are greatly appreciated and I never forget to pay it forward.
Love you all. Keep well.
Pu'ole, a.k.a. Sylvain.
One of my adenium obesum (desert rose) sent me a clear message yesterday: "I want to be repotted now!". Below is a picture of the hint it sent me. That's an 18-inch diameter terracotta pot.
Take care, all.
Pu'ole, a.k.a. Sylvain.
That's one happy plant! Mine is still pretty much the same size it was when I bought it 2 or more years ago now. I did repot it but into a similar sized pot that has a flat bottom so it won't blow over so easily. Look forwards to the day it tries busting my pot. lol
Aloha,
I hope everyone is doing well and on the mend - let's have some updates!
I am just back from a trip to NC. I broke a crown munching on a frozen Heath bar and it was cheaper to fly to NC and have my son in law fix it for me than to stay here and see my Island dentist - plus a vacation at the same time!
I had quite a surprise when I got home and found that one of my orchids had two seed pods on it. I have never seen this happen before on any of them. I don't think I shall be trying to grow them on though because from what I have read it could take as much as 15 years to raise what might be an inferior plant - I don't think I have that much time left - LOL.
Hugs to all
Hi Everyone,
My doctor and I are disgustingly pleased with each other. I saw him last thursday and we just kept thanking each other for doing such a great job. Kind of funny and sweet.
I'm still doing physical therapy and am in some pain most of the time as that's the only way to get full function back so I'm kind of withdrawn. Made vegetable flowers for lots of Kaiser people last week and had fun delivering them. They aren't used to getting presents from patients.
I have physical therapy tomorrow and hope to leave for home on Wednesday. I miss Tony, the dogs and home.
hugs, katie
Glad things are going good for you, Katie. It is now 2 1/2 weeks since Mike had a complete knee replacement on his right knee and he doing his regular routine. His doc, too, was greatly surprised and thrilled. At 10 days out he told him he doesn't need PT, just do two specific exercises per day. We are all shocked and thrilled that he is recovering so wonderfully....especially since he turned 72 on 09/12/12.
Jenn, glad you are getting to see your girl so often. I know you have missed her. How is Margaret? Doc has given MIL 25mgs Zoloft per day and it has changed EVERYBODY'S life. Wish she had had it for the last 50 years. hahahahaha.
Pu'ole, doing ok?
Aloha, everyone.
PK, I am doing very well; mahalo for asking. I went to see my doctor this morning. I had a whole slew of blood tests done last Friday. I went to discuss those results. It turns out everything is within the normal range. Blood sugar, cholesterol, blood thinners, etc., etc., etc. Everything is normal. Blood pressure is very good and my heart is still febrilating, like it has doing 24/7 since 1999. I was told to learn to live with it and I did.
My doctor told me my cholesterol levels always surprise her. I told her that like many other doctors, she had a tendency to perform cookie-cutter medicine. By that, I mean that just because I am overweight, my cholesterol does not have to be high. She didn't like that one bit, but she couldn't deny it, either.
Tomorrow morning is another visit to the wound care clinic, where they should free me from that wound vac machine that has been making my life difficult for the last 3 months. I have been off the wound vac for 3 days now, using Dakin's solution (water and bleach) and wet-to-dry dressings. The wound seems to be doing all right. The best part of being off the wound vac is the fact that I can take a shower without worry.
My energy is slowly coming back. Today, I made a 100% vegetarian, fat-free vegetable soup. I also made a glorious pot roast and I baked a pumpkin and walnut loaf. Everything turned out very well. It has been such a long while since I worked in the kitchen, I was glad I hadn't lost my touch.
Take care and keep well, everyone.
Pu'ole, a.k.a. Sylvain.
I'll jump into the fray here as well. I'm glad everyone seems to be on the mend!
My mother passed away on August 29. We were both with her and she was very ready to go-- had told us repeatedly -- she missed my father terribly. She went in for a cardio-version-- to shock her heart back into rhythm-- and they lost her four times. They brought her back --this was Friday and she died on Wednesday. My mother lived a wonderful life--my husband said " he would wish her life on anyone!" SHe and Dad traveled, bought houses every few years or so and generally had a wonderful time! She was never sick before this.
She would have been 85 on Thursday, so think of us as we have her service that day.
ON a brighter side , I'm home for quite a while and have great garden plans-- if it would just cool down a bit! Got some new daylilies, some Asian ground orchids, some ylang ylang seeds to plant and have put in some herbs, lettuce, and peppers. The snakes still appear to be winning(with THREE big dogs they are brave snakes!) as does the sky vine.
Any hints for getting a Rangoon Creeper to go up the palm tree? And the vanilla orchid-- is it happy! It's in a weeping hibiscus on the east side of the house. Between it and the blue green jade vine, we may need a machete to get out the door!
Debi
GM Debi,
I have a Rangoon Creeper and it does not climb like ivy. It needs support and therefore grows up a trellis here. And boy does it grow! Pretty soon a machete will be needed to get out into the yard. LOL
Hap
Debi,
Praying for strength for you and your family for all the days to come. I am sorry for your loss.
I am glad everyone who was sick are doing well, my PT is very aggressive and painful. The flex on my affected ankle is -6 and I was told that I have to go no 20. i do not understand how it is measured.
Belle
Goodness, We all seem to be battling to hold our ground. Four years since back fusion and I strained something last Friday. Barely walking.
Always something. I love each and every one of you and will continue to pray that you are in good health again very soon,
PK
Aloha, everyone.
Great news: I am now free of that horrible wound vacuum device that has been at my side 24/7 for the last 3 months. My wound has healed something wonderful, sporting new skin around the edges. I can now apply regular dressings to it, and monitor its progress. I am so happy! I'll be able to start moving around more. This is the best news I got since mid-June.
First order of business: trim that forest of acalypha inferno that grew around my house while I was laid up. A good trim is definitely in order in certain places. I love acalypha inferno. It will produce a bush 8 to 10 feet high that is pretty much self-sufficient. A quick snip here and there and you're in business. Plus, the red, burgundy and green leaves add great color to the beds without relying on ephemeral blooms.
Fun thing about trimming: if I get tired before the job is done, I can alway start anew the next day. I have to admit I don't have all the energy I had 3 or 4 months ago. But it will be nice to get back into gardening.
Pu'ole, a.k.a. Sylvain.
So glad to hear, Sylvain. Upward and onward now!!!!
I just pulled that out. It grows somewhat on runners and it took over one area of the garden which is right in front of the Bismarkia palm. Planted one bush and got a couple of extra from it, but it was left to it's own habit and it sorta was wild.
Say hi to Gail for me.
Hugs
My infernos are very well behaved. I planted one bush 4 years ago. It didn't sprout all over the place; definitely not an invasive here. My friend Claude couldn't believe that if he snipped a 6-inch branch and stuck it in the ground, it would take root and grow all by itself. So, in typical Northern gardener fashion, he spent an hour making cuttings and sticking them in the ground. They, predictably, all took root. Now, we have it all over one side of house (East) and around the corner (South-East). But, it is well behaved and not causing any problem, save for slight obstruction of the windows where Lucy lives. It will look nicer once trimmed.
Take care, all.
Sylvain.
Ahoy, maties! Just a wee reminder, me hearties!
Today is September 19th. It be International Talk Like A Pirate day. So, everyone, say:
HARRRRRR!
Yo-ho-ho and a bottle of rum.
Where be my cursed peg leg?
Shiver me timbers.
Step lively mates.
Now, thanks to me, you have acquitted yourselves of your T.L.A.P. moral obligation for another year. I love the educational side of DG.
Sylvain.
Good news about your wound healing!!!
Take care!!
Belle
For all the Pirates in the house....
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=bV_64HKYgw0
YAY, Sylvain!
Glad to hear everyone is on the mend!! I've been doing good, just normal bruises and aches. lol. Been busy running around taking care of things and helping friends out. Been kinda nuts around here and it isn't gonna change anytime soon I don't think. lol
Hi all - I'm home safe and sound. Need to soak in my outdoor bath. Essentials are unpacked and tony put my exercise bicycle together. More later.
hugs, katie
Hi everyone, Sunday morning and I'm waiting for my pain killer to work. Belle, the best physical therapy I had was also the most painful. Do you have pain killers? I was told strongly to use them to handle some of the physical therapy pain rather than not doing the wokr to regain function. Easy for them to say. It's painful even with strong pain killers - at least if it's done right. For me anyway.
We have a delicicous papaya fruiting. Tastes like the Hawiian ones which are much smoother and sweeter than most Mexican ones. I've tried a bunch from seeds; this is the first success and it's close to the time most Americans return here for the winter; I'm hopeful it will be a good cash crop for future generations. The dragonfruit plants are growing well. We've had a few flowers no fruit yet. Some goldenberry plants are still doing well. Lost a lot of llittle plants whle I was gone. It can't be h lped. I have inca sacha plaants started; it's a perennial that produces nutricious nets. I have some of the seeds to a new friend who has a taco stand in San Quinten. She then wouldn't let me pay for lunch.
Time to ride my exercise bike. WAaahh, I don't wanna. it hurts.
hugs, katie
Katie, was it your knee or your hip?
My left knee. I had my one month checkup ten days ago and the doctor is really happy with how well I'm kb doing but I'm still struggling to get full extension.
3 1/2 weeks ago Mike had his right knee replaced. The doctor was ASTOUNDED when we went in at 10 days to remove the staples. He told Mike to demonstrate two exercises (both sitting down). Mike did the bend better than before surgery. He was so afraid he would be down for the count he made up his mind to do everything times 10. Really a surprise how well he is recuperating. Still naps a lot but that is good for new cells. Doc told him to cancel the PT appointments at the center that he was already months ahead of schedule. He can begin driving by this Thursday. He is most definitely the exception to the rule. At 72 this is first ever procedure or hospital stay in his life. Has always been strong as an ox but lost quite a bit of strength in the last year because it hurt too much to move....you know that story all too well.
Will continue to pray that your healing will be fast and easy. Old age is not for sissies. I am speaking of myself.
That is amaazing. And wonderful. I am walking well and the doctor is happier than the physical therapists. He sees lots of people who have trouble regaining motion. I saw lots of them at physical therapy and it encourage me to push myself. I could kick my butt with my foot before the surgery - not quite there with the new knee. Big deal is extending so I can get the back of the knee flat on the bed while lying down.
I can walk well but I'd like to improve the extension. If I quit working it it wouldn't hurt but I also wouldn't improve. No pain, no gain.
hugs, katie
Thinking about you everyday.
Thank you, Christi.
Reminder to myself and others in pain: being in pain sucks the energy out of you. Take a nap.
hugs. katie
I have to agree about pain draining your energy. I am not shy about nodding off in the afternoon, specially when Gail watches her favorite Soap: Our Life In A Daze (or something like that). I can listen to them ranting and raving about their imagined troubles for about 3 minutes before I nod off completely. Those Soaps could come with a warning label: May cause drowsiness.
Sylvain.
I am so glad I am not the only one who doesn't like soaps. lol
Or pain.
Seems we all agree on the pain and he soaps.
Hello to all!!
Glad all thre post ops are recovering well as well as Sylvain.
I am still using my heavy boot when I am outside and will be using it till I see my surgeon the end of next month. I will be in my boot during my College reunion in Las Vegas next month.
My PT is coming along well and progressing very well but I am in constant pain. My therapist told me that I might be in pain for a long time but less severe.
I see her for 1.5 hours twice per week . I am doing more at home.
I am not taking any potent pain meds because It affected my memory when I was taking it every 2-3 hours few days post op.
Katie,
Congratulations on your quick recovery!!!
Lou C,
Your husband's recovery is also amazing!!!
Belle