Coffee and... For Thursday, Dec. 22, 2005

Here's the Daily!
Continued from:
http://davesgarden.com/forums/t/563419/

~julie~

Hi everyone. I recognize so many of you from my other favorite forums. Specially PETS!! LOL

I need some advice. Back in September I was diagnosed with a torn rotator cuff. There is also a large sharp bone spur underneath the tear. It was caused by walking my dog Pepper and her fierce pulling. LOL

They want to do surgery of course to remove the spur and repair the tear.

Now the problem: In 1994 I had breast cancer with lymph node involvement in my right breast. They did a modified radical and removed the lymph nodes from under my right arm. I have lymphodema (swelling) in that arm now. I had chemo and radiation and took tamoxifen for 5 years. They will not allow me to do anything with the right arm, no shots, no blood pressure taking, etc.

OK, now the surgery is on my right arm. I am terrified that my arm will swell up and I will have a big problem. I also have diabetes and the area might be slow to heal. The doctor says I will need to be on oxicontin for 10 days along with lortab. If think if I need oxicontin, it will hurt like heck. I will not be allowed to lift ANYTHING for 8 weeks. All of this is the reason why I didn't have this done back in October.

I still had all my decorating to do, 50 or more holes to dig for hosta and THINGS TO DO. LOL

So, with that in mind and I don't want to give up my spring gardening either and I make a trip to Indiana the first of May, I will need to do this within the first two weeks of January. I am so scared about the whole thing.

They say if I don't get it done, it can get worse and I can get weakness in that arm along with more pain. It hurts like a son of a gun now of course.

What else did I leave out??? Sorry to be so long winded, but I know all you wonderful people here on DG can help me decide what to do.

Thanks for your patience in reading my dialogue.

Susan
=^..^=

Susan,

Glad you found the coffee and.... thread. It sure sounds like a hard decision. I guess it comes down to having the surgery having more use of that arm and be hopefully pain free, or not having it and it will slowly deteriorate until the pain gets much worse. The problem is that it's the right arm. Your doctors know about the other stuff I presume? What do they think the chances are of that arm swelling and you having problems with it?

Kelly

DH has had that surgery 5 times. 3 on one shoulder and 2 on the other. He did not experience swelling any time. I think that you will be alright, but it is imperative to follow Dr.'s orders and not use the arm for anything. DH had physical therapy after the first surgery, and none after the succesive surgeries. Do not think that the PT was much help. I would say, go ahead and schedule the surgery in Jan. , and by the time garden season rolls around you will be 90%.

Folks, I posted a long post on the Wednesday thread, and for some unknown reason it is in cyber heaven. I commerated with Julie about the cold, 101 about the southern accent, GardenGeek about the song, CPAP, and ViolaAnn about the inbox situation. Commented about all the baking, snoring, and separate bedrooms, lost clothes in the middle on the night, etc. etc. About peridontal surgery, to calm Sarv about dental appointment. All just went POOF. How I hate that, spent at least 15 minutes. Now you see why I want to completely ignore individual posts until after the holidays.

Well, off to bed, hopefully to sleep without pain. I type this as I stand, as sitting is too painful. Have a desk with a shelf on top, and put keyboard on top of printer, typing while standing. Picture that!!

Just pray that I make the 50 mile drive to a peridontist appointment with a minimum of 20 stops to relieve the pain. Have to go back to the bone cracker tomorrow, he helped today, just hope to have more improvement tomorrow.

|Night Gracie

dcat,
I Hate when that happens,,,,grrrrr. You'll be in my thoughts and prayers tomorrow,,,hope everything goes well, nitey nite,
Kelly

Susan
I wish I could offer you some sound advice ... but much to my regret ... all I have to give you is a shoulder and a listening ear. I do know from my own personal experiences that God will not shut a door without opening another one. So I'll just be lifting you up in my prayrs in hopes you find the right doctor for your particular needs.
Hugs&blessings to you ... Elaine

P.S. We share first names. LOL It's great seeing you at "coffee" as I think you're also in my round robin. We have a great bunch of people with a wide aray of tallents that makes the day interesting. I feel so extremely blessed to have friends that I can actually talk to when we know absolutely nothing of each other. I feel like I've been accepted for who I am

Elaine,
You are accepted for who you are,,,just as we all are. My Mom thinks it is so cool that we all get to *know* each other by our personalities instead of physical attributes. And we do know a lot about each other. My friends here on DG prolly know more about me and prolly better than my friends around here.

Kelly

Kelly, the orthopedist says there might be some extra swelling. Said for me to ask the cancer doctor and she said that since it is something that needs to be done, I should just make sure the ortho guy knows all about these things. I think there probably isn't nearly anything different to be done.

Let me throw another experience of mine into the works and why I am so scared. In 1997 I decided I wanted to get breast reconstruction. I decided on the tram flap procedure in which they take out your abdomenal muscles roll it up and under and move it into the breast area. I thought it was the most painful thing. Much more so than the massectomy. Anyway, probably because ofall the radiation I had in that area, it became infected. Found out later that radiated areas do not heal well. So I was on antibiotics of one kind or another for 15 months and the new 'breast' kind of went away. drained away actually. Yuck...

I even had to go into a hyperbaric chamber for hours at a time to try to kill the infection. It was during that time that I developed neuropathy in my feet. I blame it on the chamber, some doctors blame it on the diabetes. But in the tram flap procedure they remove that muscle or move it and that tips your posture and put pressure on nerves in my lower back and that travels down the sciatic nerve to the feet. I got caught in a viscious cycle all because I wanted to be normal again. Will never ever be normal again now. But I can live with that and have for 8 years.

You can see why I am scared that I will get an infection, not heal, or swell up in that arm. During all the infections from the reconstruction, I got an infection in my arm and it swelled up in the middle of the night and we had to go to the emergency room and I almost died. They gave me iv antibiotics and I was in there for about 8 days. I'm sure it was a combination of the infection in the breast area, the not healing and no lymph nodes to take care of it.

So, let's just go cut a big long gash in the right upper arm , grind off a bone spur, sew up a rotator cuff and expect nothing to happen. Here I go again, down that long dark path. Rant, rant.

Let's talk about something cheerful, like Fritzie being better, and Huck learning to use the computer.

Susan
=^..^=

Susan,

Wow, with all that I can see why you are scared, I would be too. If these Dr's talk to each other and make darn sure they ALL know the problems you had, I'm sure they will be Extra careful,,,but ultimately, it has to be your decision. What does DH say about it?

Kelly

He is concerned too of course. But he also sees how much pain I am in now. Sometimes it aches so bad I can't do anything. It has started getting a weakness in the wrist which I thought was strange since the problem is in the shoulder. AND it hurts really bad under the arm and over toward the chest. I sure hope something else isn't going on here.
Susan
=^..^=

oooo, I hope so too. I guess it is a gamble either way. I would prolly opt for the surgery and pray for the best. Seems like that's the only way you will possibly get some relief from the pain. I don't know How you dug all those holes this summer when you were in so much pain.

Kelly

Me either. Determined I guess. Stupid?????
My back hurt me more than the arm. LOL
Susan
=^..^=

LOL I'd go with determined,,,LOL
Kelly

Kitty - welcome to the table...I find it unusual that so many of us have arm/shoulder pain...is it being a female and doing all that lifing??? I about ended up sobbing, my arm hurt so much last night, but I lay on it, so what do I expect? I try stay off that side, but just can't. I think ' oh for just a few minutes lay on it, and then must fall asleep and wake up in agony. It is better when I get up and move. Tell me the symptoms of rotatar cuff problems.... My ache is between my elbow and shoulder, but moves to the shoulder. It really is painful to remove a shirt over your head. (I try wear button ups now...)

DGS spent the night. He showed up coughing and red cheeked and just feeling punk. I can't believe his mom would leave him. This younger generation....We doped him up with cough syrup and plenty of liquids, but he still looks like he isn't himself. And I have a dentist appt at 9am. He will have to sit in the waiting room. It usually isn't at all busy there, but I still feel guilty taking him there. He tells me he went to the dentist a day ago tho (same dentist too!!)

I still need to run into town for a couple of last minute gifts. DH hasn't done any of his stopping yet - he does the same thing every year. I've given up stewing about it - I told him NOT to get me anything - I've treated myself to a zillion treats since Thanksgiving! Yikes, I still need to wrap things too.

DIL"s mother and brother have no where to go on xmas, so I just invited them over here. They are weird and continually fight amongst themselves, but I asked them for Thanksgiving and it was fine. Gotta get my tush in gear....hmm I think I will make some meat balls from scratch - hate those premade ones...

Good morning,

defoe - isn't it frustraiting when messages disappear like that? I know I've done it too.

Susan - I've had my own experiences with shoulder injuries. MRI's are somewhat more difficult to come by in Canada because of our health care system; so one was never done on my shoulder, but the belief is that there is rotator cuff damage. It followed a freak accident just before 9/11 when I managed to get dragged a short distance by a car. (Long story - we won't go there now.) Left shoulder in my case and I was unable to hold up a viola at all for a couple of months and borowed a little one when I could.

I trust that you have done quite a bit of PT? It can be very helpful in training other muscles to take on the chores of shoulder movement. And I also found massage therapy helpful. I did not have surgery (but one also has to remember that I didn't have MRI diagnosis). I DID have extensive ultrasound. At this point, I can play viola fairly well though it occsionally bothers me. And there are some swimming strokes that I have to be very careful with. I don't expect the shoulder ever to be 100%, but it has regained most of its previous function.
I think in your case, you would be wise to get as many opinions as possible and use as many alternative therapies as possible before having the surgery. I should think it should be a last resort for you, especially because of your past medical history. Good luck with your decision.

I probably should mention that while I eat and write with my right hand, I do nearly everything else with the left.

Greetings to everyone else. Hope you have a good day.

Ann

Hi, 9kittymom, I think I know you already. Welcome to coffee, and.
Can't offer any advice about the surgery, all I know is, the pain in my shoulder is not my rotator cuff, the pain in my shoulder is not my rotator cuff, thepaininmyshoulder.....etc At least I'm going to tell myself that until it goes away or I can't golf. You have a tough decision to make and I can only offer my good wishes, and no insight at all. Ann's suggestins about altrnative therapy is a good one, but I think the time is short for pursuing that angle.

Julie, who gave you that nasty cold? Have you been around small children, those germ carrying bacteria distributing petri dish midgets? We have a friend who, while working at their daycare center, came down with everything from pinkeye to bronchitis and all the ailments in between. Once they sold the business, she's been pretty healthy!

Had a horrible night's sleep, woke up twice with leg cramps (from standing and etc, too much) and then DH who is a heat seeking missile kept rolling over near me and I was already throwing off the covers because of intermittent hot flashes...........Phew...glad it's morning.

Need to run out and exchange a gift, fortunately, one I didn't wrap, go to the bank, return a sweater that looked big enough and wasn't, and squeeze in lunch with DIL after the Tuesday one got cancelled.

Somehow during the past week or so DH and I managed to switch our reading glasses, because we both lay them on the coffee table. Now he swears that he's got the right ones and I'm telling him that those ugly glasses (they have a straight bar across the top) are his because I can't read with them on. He says he bought two pair just alike at the drugstore (mine are prescription) and he has another pair at work just like them. I said bring them home so we can compare them....but he hasn't, so what does that tell you? LOL DD has my other pair which she stuck in her purse when I had the nether region scoped, and I'd hoped to see those before Christmas but I guess that isn't going to happen.

Haven't heard a word about DH's brother showing up around Christmas, but I'm not thinking I'll be lucky enough to not see him. Long history there for you recent Coffee readers, just let it be said, he isn't my favorite houseguest.

Hoping all get better fast, you coughing sneezing wheezing victims of colds, and aches and pains, we need you here in good health!

I'm off to the shower, have a better day, everyone!

Julie, I promise I had my mouth and nose covered with every cough and sneeze while Dmailing you. I sure hope you feel better soon. I am on the downside of it now, thank goodness.

Susan, I personally have never needed the surgery that you are talking about but my husband has had it once before on his left shoulder and the doctors are now recommending it for his right. He is currently trying the PT and ultrasound therapies to see if those methods will solve his problem. So far they do help relieve some of the pain but the sharp deep tissue pain is still as severe as when he heard the tear while lifting a 5 gallon bucket of paint. He is terrified of an other surgery and the recovery time. He is not a sit down kind of person and the down time drives him crazy. I would suggest just as Ann did, that you try every other possible treatment that does not involve cutting before you make that final decision. If surgery is meant to happen you will at least know you did everything else to avoid it first. I wish you good health in the new year. OH welcome to coffee.

Meezer, my sister in laws have all confirmed that they will be at FIL's for Christmas eve. YUCK.... I am hoping my cold is still here so I can cough on them or I have an excuse not to go. DH says he will cover for me if I just dont want to go and he will say that I am sick, but I just dont feel comfortable lying about my health. I have enough real problems without adding some fibs into the mixture.

Well I bought a new book "Fifty acres and a Poodle" to help the day pass quicker. I will check in later, hope all have a wonderful day, stay safe and warm.

Casey

Okay okay ... what's up. I just posted and it went poof! I was complaining about being cold! It was 32 here this morning. I know ... Maria and Mary and the rest of you ... don't you laugh at me! LOL I can't take this cold weather. Y'all make it sound so wonderful with playing in the snow ... throwing snowballs and going for walks. I'd surely freeze to death.
I'm not going to retype all that stuff again, so I'll just say hello to everyone. Prayers are being sent to Defoe's MIL, Suzie's work friends, Susan, Julie and anyone else who has aches and pains.
Hugs all way round ... Elaine

Good morning. Welcome, Kittymom. I hope your shoulder problem is resolved soon and without surgery. I can see why you are more concerned that the average patient. By now you must be good at doing things left handed.

Julie, I hope your code id better soon. I had to laugh at the post you wrote last night when you linked us to the new thread and thought that Elaine's computer probably translated it just fine while the rest of us had to work at it. She might not have noticed a thing.

Dcat, don't you wish that your back pain had hitched a ride on your post and they could have gone POOF together!! Simple solution for a complex problem. I hope the second trip to the chiropractor puts it right again, and I think I would cancel the dentist for today, the ride to and from there would be more than enough. However, you might be charged for the appointment anyhow without being able to give them 24 hrs notice before you cance. Either way you'd be in a hard spot. At least the chairs recline and you will be partially comfortable while you're there.

Thanks for the compliments on my cat description. I hope this sweet little furball is able to stay here, I have a very territorial female cat who is growling and charging the door to the bathroom when the kitten is in there. So far I have managed to avoid a face to face meeting. This kitty might need a different home and my sister would understand. I told her when she gave me the kitten that my older cat might not accept a newcomer. Last year when my son and daughter in law lived here my cat wanted to kill their female cat, but accepted the kitten. The difference was that the kitten was male. We'll see........and hope for the best. Meanwhile, today I am taking the kitten to the vet to get wormed and a general check up. She sneezes a lot but doesn't have runny nose or eyes, even the sorta blind one. No shots for now until we see if I can keep her. I'll have the vet look at her eye too, it may be something easily fixed according to what I am reading on the pet forum. I might be nuts for spending any money on her but I think I have to try to get her healthier. I was warned not to give her over the counter wormers because they are often quite toxic, which makes me wonder why they are sold at all. I'll ask about flea med too, we just don't have a problem with fleas on our other cats so I was unprepared to deal with one that has lots. Our other cats ocassionally pick them up from mice, etc, but if I ever see a flea on them I just pick it off and drown it and that's all there is to it. No flea collars, nothing. I think it is the cold dry climate in the winter that does them in, or maybe the hot and dry in the summer.

Meezer, wouldn't it be nice if the BIL found another relative to visit this year!! Didn't you once refer to him as the bother in law?

Well folks, it's time to get moving. See you later.

LOL...Mary...I wasn't thinking too clearly last night when I posted, anyway. :-) When I put that stupid little "fake" face in there with all those punctuation marks I found out that DG's software doesn't "respect" the spaces and lined them all up against the left margin...so it made "me" look even funnier. hehehe

Welcome to Kitty-mom (Susan) There's no way I'm going to touch even the idea of trying to help with your decision...it's way over my head. But that doesn't stop me from offering prayers that you'll be able to make the best decision for you particular set of circumstances. I'm really sorry to hear about the problems, and know that, often times, fear is the worst enemy we can have.

Casey...don't tell me that it wasn't *you* that sent this cold via D-mail! LOL You *know* it *was*. hehehe (But now that I think about it...hmm, Gayle wasn't feeling all the well either.) Oh well, you know how visiting these "groups" can pass the germs along. :-D

I'm doing better today...at least I'm not in "Code mode".

Geez...I'm just about ready to start clicking on the names of those people I want to comment to...and send d-mails instead of answering (or trying to) here in the thread. But even then, I'd probably forget what I was going to say before I got it typed. So that won't work either. :-(

Just consider yourselves "answered" as far as today's thread (and probably through Christmas day). I just have too much stuff to get done and not enough time to do it.

With that " HELLO to ONE & ALL " and I'll be on my way. (DH just informed me that "If you're going make more cookies, you'd better get it done...cuz tomorrow is MY day in the kitchen".) Sounds good to me.

Christmas Eve menu for our traditional Family get-together (buffet) is going to be HUGE butterfly shrimp (breaded and deep fried), Swiss & Cheddar Fondue with BBQ country ribs, ham cubes, meat balls, and french bread 'dippers', Veggie platter...with all the good stuff and several dips to go with those...and LOTS of cookies (if anyone has room for desert).

Then, he informs me, the Christmas Day "munchfest" will include a big spiral cut ham with a glaze of 'candied' and spiced pears and apples, Scalloped Potatoes, some of his 'famous' baked beans, a green bean casserole, with a bunch of nibblers like deviled eggs, a relish tray, and fresh baked dinner rolls.

I'm sure glad *he's* doing this. LOL

I guess now, I'm ready to leave.

See ya!
~julie~

Julie- can I come to your house???? Sounds better than ours!!

Made it to the dentist - had to take 1 1/2 xanax...hygenist chewed me out (she always does), but ended up giving me some mouth rinse. Told me if I didn't use it faithfully they would have to knock me out and cut my gums. When I was telling my DH, he laughed and said the same thing to him for several years. He told her he wouldn't put that 'crap' in his mouth - listerine was fine. I hope she doesn't remember that I am married to him!! He said they need to put an addition on the office. LOL

DGS is still here - we made two different type of cookies and now he wants me to play 'pictionary' with him. My nice DIL just called and said 'what do you want for Christmas" I told her something a while ago and she went to get it today and the store won't have it until spring. I told her to just get a gift card. So I want all of you to feel sorry for me- I won't have a thing to open on Christmas. whaaaa And of course DH, who didn't lift a finger makes out like a bandit. Where is the fairness in this world I ask ya? DIL apologized that she didn't get shopping sooner and they were leaving for the other side of the state in an hour. I swear she has adult ADD. While all of them are opening their gifts, I will just smile. We go around the family and each person opens a gift so we all can see it.....this should be something.....

well, pictionary is awaiting..

Sarv, I thought that my family was the only one that did that! LOL

Well, the other DIL just came over, her DH (my DS) and DGS were here. She threw a fit and left in a huff again. I admit, she was right in being mad at her DH, but to throw a fit in front of me was wrong.... sheesh - why does all this nasty stuff happen around Christmas? I'd like to chew my DS's ear (he was wrong in this case) but he is hers now!! LOL Then he left in a huff. I'm counting to 10 over and over again....

Well, still no dinner on the table and nothing sounds good to me - now that is a first!! DH is glaring at me now. Man, this is gonna be a rotten evening, I can tell already....

Sarv....why does it always end up our fault? We either do something or we're in trouble 'cause we don't do something else...

Hap - I know....but every Christmas is the same at our house. Someone is in a snit about something. That is why I wish the holidays were all over. I always think that 'this year' if will be fun and I will love it, but so far that's not happened. Guess I shouldn't get my hopes up - I'm usually disappointed.

Oh well, somethings never change...

Sue, I know what you mean. I had my family in from Indiana, DD, SIL, DGD and then my DS came up fromTulsa. DD and DS got into a big fight. DS left in a cussing fit and slammed the door so hard it knocked stuff off the wall.

Everyone was totally upset and it completely ruined my birthday. The whole thing started over a trivial stupid thing. They both acted like they were about 3. instead of 30 and 33. LOL

I of course always feel I should be able to get everybody to just make up and forget it, but no. They wouldn't speak to each other for months. Only recently 'made up' but DS is saying they will just not ever mention that it happened and pretend it didn't. That's always his way. Will never admit fault in any situation.

Doesn't help you in your situation, but to let you know that we all have screwy families. LOL

Susan
=^..^=

But sarv - if the gift cert is for a store that has plants, just think - in *March*, you can thumb your nose at all the others who opened *their* packages in Dec, and get EXACTLY what plant/seed/etc that you want !!! Sounds like a plan to me!

I dearly wish I could reach out and touch each and everyone of you with a big hug. DG is great and I enjoy so many threads and so many people that are so generous with their knowledge and their caring hearts. I will say that you have made a difference in my life and it has all been for the good!
Merry Christmas
ginni

Well, I called the doctor this afternoon and scheduled the darn surgery.
It will be January 13, 2006, Friday the thirteenth of course.
I had the massectomy on my birthday, August 9, 1994
The reconstruction on Friday, October 13, 1997

so, since those were so successful, LOL, I picked another Friday the thirteenth.

Just call me dopey. The reason I finally decided to do it was, he told me that PT wouldn't help, and if I just let it go, it can get to the point where he can't fix it. So I decided to just go ahead even though I am still scared to death.

Actually the reason for the date is I am the treasurer for our SPCA and I have to plan when payroll falls, and I wanted to have their checks ready before I go in for their 15th payday. I plan most things around my payroll duties even my trip to Indiana in May. I don't know how long I will be unable to sit at this computer. That will be the most difficult for me you know.

Totally addicted to this thing. and now DG!!
Thanks for all your support with my decision.
Susan
=^..^=

Susan, holding best of thoughts and wishes for your forthcoming surgery. With the past history I can see where your apprehension comes from.

Susan - prayers for you through this surgery. It really sounds like the best way to go, but that doesn't make it any less scary. Just know in your heart that a *lot* of loved ones are a rootin' and a prayin' for ya!!!

Meanwhile, knowing that you have made the best choice out of several "less than wonderful" choices, try to relax, and enjoy the holidays!! We will all be with you and "holding you up" in our thoughts and prayers through the coming months.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!
ginni

Thank you Ginni! That means a lot to me!
=^..^=

Susan
Just wanted you to know that I'm stretching out my hand in love and friendship ... and will be praying for your quick recovery. I certainly know how it is to be addicted to your computer.
Hugs&blessings ... Elaine

Set another plate out for me Julie, that sounds like a fabulous feast! We're going to DS and DIL's for Christmas eve, and she is less than a stellar cook, but tries very hard. Should be fun, we stuff ourselves and play board games until we've bored each other into a coma or wet outselves. Christmas day will be relatively calm, but the Bother in Law called tonight and he's stopping by tomorrow, on his way up to his dad's. Not staying here. NOT.

Susan, you've probably made the right choice to go ahead with the surgery, scary as it may be. A lot of people here will be sending prayers and good thoughts your way, and waiting for you to get back with us when things improve. You may not feel brave, but you truly are.

Sarv, you have my sympathy. Seems like we feel responsible for our kids even when they are supposed to be adults, and their bad behavior makes us feel like we didn't do something right. If they want to have an argument they should do it in their house, not yours.

Went out and made an exchange and a return today and the stores weren't bad at all. Had a yummy lunch with DIL, and pie for dessert. Piddled around the whole day, but nothing urgent is calling me so it was nice. Glad I got my rear in gear and wrapped all that crap. It's almost over!!

Probably won't be around tomorrow, unless I just pop in to catch up, Have a lovely Christmas, hug your loved ones, and call for the 2X4 if you need it....

Hope Darius and Molly are keeping warm.

Say goodnight Gracie.....

Susan,

My first date with DH was on a Friday, January 13 many moons ago. We always go out to dinner to celebrate.

Wishing you luck with the surgery.

Got most of my Christmas letter written tonight. Am starting to do invitations for the party I'm having on January 7. Might get the Christmas greeting printed tomorrow if I'm lucky. Still have to do some shopping.

Good night all.

Ann

Just stopping by a min to catch up before I turn in. Had several comments ... but most have flown out the window. LOL Maybe that's why I'm soooo cold?
Julie, now aren't you the *lucky* one. Both of those meals sound delightful. Where did you find one that cooks? LOL
Sarv, it's very true that all families have their problems. I always tell the DH I think we're the only *normal* people left ... and I'm beginning to wonder bout him! ;)
Defoe, haven't seen you post. How is your back? Did the bonecracker help any today? Also we need an update on your MIL.
Meezers, I really got the giggles on the "bother-in-law" I've got a couple of those myself. LOL
Hope everyone has a good night and wakes up feeling lots better.
Hugs all way round. ... Elaine

I'm trying to get tomorrow's Daily to post in the Parking Lot...
I'm not having much luck at all, anywhere!

Chances are this won't make it to the group, either...but I'm still going to try.

Guess you'll have to check the Parking Lot...if it's there...read it...if not, about all I can say is START a DAILY!! (Please!)

~julie~

Julie,
It's there.

It finally made it...
here's a link
http://davesgarden.com/forums/t/563721/

~j~

Thanks Kelly...this rackafratzen (put any word you so desire in there, I like it just the way it is. LOL) Internet today is driving me CRAZIER than usual. I haven't been able to get connected and/or get anywhere all day.

Sorry folks...I haven't been able to read anything. Try to do better tomorrow.

Signed *extremely* FRUSTRATED
~julie~

(Let's see if THIS one will upload in less than 45 minutes!)

Well have read all the posts made today, and won't comment on them individually, but know that I cherish this time every night, when I sit and read all the things you've done.

Welcome Kittymom, I will be keeping you in my prayers for the upcoming surgery. The reason that DH has had so many surgeries on his shoulders is the muscles tend to stretch, and after awhile his shoulder dislocates at the easiest thing. He says that is more painful than the surgery. So each time he has surgery, they shorten the muscles and he is good for about 3-4 years. I am not implying that that is routine with this surgery, but it is his nature and problem.

Well folks, I haven't even checked in today. Have a long saga to relate. Was in super pain yesterday and last night, had my family for christmas dinner, and stood during dinner, with an ice pack on my back. the only way I could keep it in place was to put on a tight pair of jeans, and stuff it in the waistband. Well after everyone left, I went to bed shortly. During the night I was up and down several times, and the pain was still there. At about 3:00 a.m., woke DH and off we went to the emergency room. While in the emergency room, passed a KIDNEY STONE!!! So the bone cracker did no good at all. Got home around 5, slept for a couple of hours and up and off to the periodontist. I shopped some after the appointment and came home. Am good except for a little tenderness in my lower back. I only had one pregnancy, and a difficult one at that, but give me the choice of delivery or a kidney stone, and I will take the delivery any day!! So I cancelled the appointment with the chiropractor this afternoon, and took a nap instead!!

About DMIL. She had her appointment with the surgeon this morning, and he told her that without the surgery her time is limited. The tear could become worse at any time, and he said that in his experience the max was about 18 months. So her Open Heart surgery is scheduled for Friday December 30th. The odds on that surgery, at her age is 50-50. So if I was faced with those facts, I would have the surgery too.

Well, Mary, hope your cat and his tenants will get a good bill of health from the vet. We had a horrible flea problem this past summer, not on the cats, but the dogs. Our problem was the mild winter we had last year. If it is cold for an extended period of time, that usually takes care of the fleas.

Sarv, DH describes the rotator cuff tear, as a pulling sensation. Before his first surgery he slept in a recliner for months. Couldn't lay down.

Julie can I join you on Saturday night? That sounds wonderful!!

Mary, I didn't catch the phrase "BOTHER IN LAW". LOL. I have one of those also.

Miss Southern Accent, just suck it up!! 32 degrees, gosh that is almost tropical. LOL. I am just joking, I know when you are used to temps much higher than that, it feels really really cold.

Any are welcome in my home, but don't have the disrespect of airing your dirty laundry, and your tiffs, and outright verbal fights in my territory. If you are going to do that, do it at home. Holidays are really stressful, but don't rain on my parade. I have my own irrigation system all set up and can be triggered by anything.

I agree with tgif, Sarv, hope the gift card is for a place that sells garden stuff, and you can have your Christmas later.

Gardengeek ,ViolaAnn and 101, my cyber disappearances happen frequently. I know what I did last night though. I hit the preview to see if anybody else had posted while I was typing, without hitting the send button. That works, only if I have been venting about something, and typing it is all the venting I needed. But last night, I was so proud of having responded to everybody, and then POOF.

Well, I am off to bed, I know to sleep without back pain, but arm pain is another matter. Since I have been sleeping on my back with a pillow under my knees, it is better, except DH says I am snoring more. So may have to explore the option of separate beds. Well, that won't be a great loss, as he sleeps with his side of the electric blanket on high, and burns me up (my side of that blanket has never been turned on.) So maybe I can move to spare bedroom and sleep with the window open!!.

Well good night all. Tomorrow will be preparing for DH family get together tomorrow night. I only have to fix one dish to take, plus furnishing all the paper ware, forks etc, plus ice. So all in all, not a bad deal.

Good night Gracie!!