Dear So and So

[spokewench]

Hang in there Mimi - I'm sure they'll get if fixed this time!

[OakLeaf]

Mimi, praying that everything went well today. Hugs to both of you.

[solobiker]

((((Mimi and Don))) My thoughts continue to out to you. I am happy to hear that your other son is in town.

[Crankin]

I am thinking about you, Mimi. This seems like so much, after what you've gone through.

[redrhodie]

(((Mimi))) I hope the solve the problem this time, and he gets to go home soon. You must be so frustrated.

[Biciclista]

(((Mimi))) I hope the solve the problem this time, and he gets to go home soon. You must be so frustrated.

you can say that again.

[Owlie]

((Mimi and RD))

[Blueberry]

Hang in there, Mimi! Sending good vibes to RD and to you.

I sound like a broken record, but don't forget to take care of yourself too!

[SheFly]

+1 to Blueberry - please be sure to take care of THE WIFE, too. Hang in there. It's been a long haul, but if the vibes coming from this thread have ANY power, you'll get through and soon put this behind you.

To whom it may concern - leave Don alone now and let him heal. Mimi needs him at home - YESTERDAY!

Hugs to you both.

SheFly

[snapdragen]

+1 to Blueberry - please be sure to take care of THE WIFE, too. Hang in there. It's been a long haul, but if the vibes coming from this thread have ANY power, you'll get through and soon put this behind you.

To whom it may concern - leave Don alone now and let him heal. Mimi needs him at home - YESTERDAY!Hugs to you both.

SheFly

^ This ^

Hang in there mimi - I know it's hard.

[indysteel]

Dear power company, I'm not sure why we're without power, but could you get it restored quickly please? I have laundry to do. Thank you!

Lol! I just read in today's local paper that our power outage was caused by a squirrel that had gotten into a transformer. Silly rodents!

[OakLeaf]

Lol! I just read in today's local paper that our power outage was caused by a squirrel that had gotten into a transformer. Silly rodents!

I woke up one morning to a power outage and called the electric company. Before the repair guy arrived, I spotted the problem and called to let them know: a raccoon in the transformer. The interesting thing was that the repair guy took care of the whole thing from the ground, with a 20 foot fiberglass pole. Hooked the coon and tossed it off the transformer, removed the blown fuse, installed a new one. It was pretty cool, except for the part about disposing of the fried raccoon.

[Biciclista]

ooooh poor raccoon!!

[PamNY]

Mimi, hugs and good vibes for both of you.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Mimi, my thoughts are with you. What a horrible ordeal to go through.

[Catrin]

Mom is still in the hospital, day 13. Personally. I am beginning to wonder if they took out too much of her lung...and they didn't take as much as they wanted to in the first place. Emphysema is a huge complicating factor - they were "pretty sure" her lungs could handle the surgery but we have to wonder. Then again, what choice did they have? Lung cancer is so aggressive...

[Biciclista]

ah {{{{Catrin}}}}, I'm so sorry.. I can't imagine removing lung tissue from a woman with emphysema.
Donald is on day 21 in the hospital and he's got a tube down his throat from another 5 hour surgery. I am hoping they got the leak stopped. The anesthesiologist couldn't sedate him the way he wanted because of his lack of clotting factor... they've been giving him anticoagulants 3 times a day for 3 weeks. DUH... They're going to wake him up this morning.

[channlluv]

{{{Catrin}}}

{{{Mimi}}}

{{{Don}}}



Roxy

[Owlie]

((RD))
((Mimi))
((Catrin))

Dear body,
I wake up with severe stomach pain the morning of the final? Thanks so much...

[Catrin]

ah {{{{Catrin}}}}, I'm so sorry.. I can't imagine removing lung tissue from a woman with emphysema.
Donald is on day 21 in the hospital and he's got a tube down his throat from another 5 hour surgery. I am hoping they got the leak stopped. The anesthesiologist couldn't sedate him the way he wanted because of his lack of clotting factor... they've been giving him anticoagulants 3 times a day for 3 weeks. DUH... They're going to wake him up this morning.

They did a pulmonary test prior to the surgery to determine the odds of her lungs being able to handle it...but of course "tests" aren't the real thing.

I am so sorry to hear about Donald, hang in there! (((Mimi & Donald)))

Oh, and apparently I've something called "degenerative disc disease" in my neck - sounds like osteoarthritis to me - that my whiplash of a month ago apparently fired ip. Well, compared with my Mom, Donald, several women in my church with very serious health problems, I can't complain.

[Biciclista]

yes you can complain. If it's any help, i too have some of that degenerative disc disease. Work on your posture and it won't get much worse. i think i was in my 40's when i got that diagnosis. it is pretty normal i think.

[Catrin]

yes you can complain. If it's any help, i too have some of that degenerative disc disease. Work on your posture and it won't get much worse. i think i was in my 40's when i got that diagnosis. it is pretty normal i think.

They said I've moderate arthritis in my cervical spine, and my heart just plummeted. My mom has quite severe arthritis in the same place and has resisted having surgery for it for years. Hopefully I won't truly take after her in this department.

My posture is better than it once was, and I do think proper strength training helps such things. No reason not to continue :)

[Crankin]

Mimi, please keep us posted. Thinking of both of you.
Catrin, any more news on your mom? It must be hard to work, when you are getting changing information so often. You are luck your sister is a nurse, to filter some of the stuff.
I think anyone who is over 40 and has been pounding his/her body with exercise has degenerative disc disease. That's pretty much what my rheumatologist told me. Yea, this morning when the core/weights instructor got in my face and yelled/made a face, I said, "Don't you scream at me." I wanted to say, "I'm 58 f****ing years old and I have injuries/chronic things in every part of my body right now. And, it's 5:30 AM..." Not sure if I like this new gym, but it's cheaper, so I will just ignore the queen bees. Maybe they can't ride up a big hill.

[Biciclista]

Hi guys. He woke up, demanded to get the tube out of his throat. they took it out and he did ok for part of the day, but since he's SO sore (and it's hard for him to breathe) they had to put it back in. :(
I know he absolutely hates it, it is VERY uncomfortable. my sons and I are all taking shifts so he's not alone. but he sat up for an hour and that was great, too. The strangest thing, when they took the tube out, his voice was better than it has been for two weeks.

[jobob]

So glad both of your sons are there to help out.

[shootingstar]

{{Jack and I wish, Mimi and Don lots of good vibes and strength.}}

Catrin, I really hope your mother pulls through!!

[NbyNW]

Mimi, so sad that Don has been suffering so much these last few weeks. I know it must be hard on you too.

A part of me is glad to hear that he woke up, and that he is well enough to complain about the tube. Here's hoping he won't need it for much longer!

Last year I sent a digital picture frame to a friend in ICU, pre-loaded with photos of people and places that she loved. It seemed to help brighten an otherwise dreary situation.

[Crankin]

Good news, Mimi!

[OakLeaf]

Keeping the hugs coming to all who need them.

FWIW, and for those who can afford it, we brought my dad a pair of pretty good noise cancelling headphones today. The look of bliss on his face as he could listen to Mozart for the first time in the cacophony of the SNF (that totally overpowered other headphones and earbuds) made me think they might pay for themselves in quicker healing and earlier discharge.

[alexis_the_tiny]

Huuuuuugggggggggs to Mimi, RD and Catrin.

Catrin, I used to see many, many cases of degenerative disc disease at my last job. It can be slowed down if you take good care of yourself. My chiro used to recommend lots of water and vitamin C and E for my back. And never to slouch over anything or read lying on my stomach or back. If chiropractic adjustments are your cup of tea, give them a shot. It might help with the pain.

[Owlie]

Dear various parts:
What. the. heck.? I spend three hours yesterday in horrible pain, and another 5 in the ER to be told that they can't find anything wrong with you. And since they wouldn't let me eat anything, I wound up with a splitting headache. And I missed my final. And you're still not quite back to normal. Seriously? At least my professor was good about saying I could take the exam on Friday.

[Biciclista]

Gee, Owlie, what's wrong??

[azfiddle]

Owlie, sounds awful

Catrin- hope things improve with your mom

Mimi- is RD still improving?

[Biciclista]

The DH has been "asleep" for 2 days now. The leak is grinding to a halt! they want to wake him up when the thoracic surgeon can be there to fix his vocal chord at the same time. So now, my husband's waking up depends on a surgeon's schedule. YES i will be on THAT today.. His doctor is very happy with his healing progress.

[redrhodie]

Mimi, I'm so glad you posted. I know I'm not alone in waiting to hear, so thanks for letting us know. It sounds like positive news!

[indysteel]

Yay, Mimi! That's so awesome.

@Owlie. Yikes, that doesn't sound good. They really have no clue what you have? I sure hope you're feeling better. Good luck on your final.

[alexis_the_tiny]

Yay, Mimi, that's so awesome!! :D

[Pax]

Mimi - glad to hear about the improvement!

[NbyNW]

Thanks for sharing the great news, Mimi!

[OakLeaf]

Mimi, keeping the prayers coming to you both.

Owlie ... when I was your age I had attacks that were usually triggered by stress (probably with a component of diet). They never bothered to diagnose mine either, but in retrospect I think it was my gall bladder. You didn't say where your pain was, but is that a possibility? Really awful abdominal pain and some other symptoms that are probably TMI unless you want to compare notes. :cool: IAE hope you feel better.

[Catrin]

Hugs to all that need them! Mimi, that is just awesome news! Owlie, I hope you get to feeling better.

They finally identified my mom's infection, and it isn't a MRSA, thankfully. She is on IV antibiotics and may come home tomorrow or Saturday :)

[jobob]

Yay Mimi and RD! That's great news.

Yikes Owlie. Hope you feel better soon. We'll have a special Cyber Beer Festival in your honor when you're up to sipping a brew (I know, I'm just so generous when it comes to beer drinking opportunities ... :cool: :D )

[jobob]

Dear Awesome Dentist:
Thank you so much for making a big block of time for me this morning to replace the crown on my back molar that cracked last night. And thank you for being a master with the novocaine, and for having the fancy newfangled computerized setup for fabricating crowns on the spot. It put a dent in my wallet, but so it goes, it was money well spent.

Dear Karma/Luck/whatever:
Thank you for being with me today! :cool:

[solobiker]

Mimi, keeping you and Don in my thoughts.

Catrin, I am happy to hear they have found the source of her infection. Hope She can get back home this weekend!!

[Owlie]

Mimi, that's great news!

LOL, jobob!

I'm feeling a lot better now, though still not 100%. Of course, I felt better by the time my mom got here to take me to the ER. Given where the pain was (right side, right up under my rib cage), they suspected it was a gall bladder issue, though the doc said it would be unlikely in someone my age (and the fact that this happened after an 11-hour fast). (And sure enough, blood work and ultrasound came out normal--though the nerd in me was happy to take a look at the underside of my liver...). DBF's mom is pretty convinced it was some strange stress reaction--the pre-exam eczema I usually get hasn't shown up, so it may well be.

Funny: My mom told the doc "She went on a long bike ride on Sunday. Do you think that caused it?" Doc asked me if I fell (nope) and rolled his eyes.

[Roadtrip]

Funny: My mom told the doc "She went on a long bike ride on Sunday. Do you think that caused it?" Doc asked me if I fell (nope) and rolled his eyes.

LOL. Parents!! I told my mom about a recent rash of break-ins in the 'hood and the next day I get a call from her saying she'd been up all night worrying and made me promise to remember to set the alarm-- and was my basement door secure enough-- and did I have a safe place to hide if someone broke in.... ;)

I say ma.. I have a baseball bat and machete with arms reach.. Let em' come!

[alexis_the_tiny]

Dear kids, the school year is over! See ya'll next year and try not to forget everything we've been learning in English class.

Dear self, try not to be too disheartened when you see teachers from other schools getting 6 weeks off while you get only 2 off. This school and the job is kinda awesome. Besides, you will go bonkers taking a full 6 weeks off the routine of going to work in the morning....

[tangentgirl]

Dear Tangentgirl:

Yep, you're going to go look at a pretty cool car today. Just remember, don't make any rash decisions. If you like it, just try to think it over before buying it right away. Calm, cool, collected, that's you. I know the shiny things are distracting, just keep your head.

[Grits]

Dear annoying cough,

You have way outstayed any welcome you might have thought you had. This is going on into the third week, and I am tired of it! No signs of infection. Already on allergy meds. Already taking a decongestant to try to clear up the drainage causing the cough. I am the most hydrated person in a 500 mile radius from the multiple gallons of hot tea I have been drinking. I know you will go away eventually. You have come to visit before, but I am just really, really sick of you.:mad:

[marni]

my father used to mix one part honey, lemon juice and bourbon and make us take a tablespoon once an hour. That worked and we were happy throughout the process! ;)

marni

[Bethany1]

Dear Self,

For the first time in years, you are actually beyond excited about Christmas and the holidays. Don't blow it a few weeks from now and make me feel like crawling back into bed until spring.

I think cycling has really helped my depression but it's done nothing for weight loss. I'll be happy with feeling better mentally though.

[bmccasland]

Dear Head,
This once-a-week migraine thing is getting rather old. We had plenty of water yesterday, got a good night's sleep, so what gives?

Dear Rx,
Please for the love of God, work this time.

Signed,
The rest of the body that needs to be productive today and HAS to go to this afternoon's major project meeting.

[Owlie]

Dear postal service, or CS of a certain company, since I'm not sure where to direct my frustration right now:

It should not take 3 weeks for a package (even through the cheapest route) to get from Ohio to Colorado. What the heck are you doing?

Dear "pirate" sock:
Where are you?! I have your partner. I don't *think* you got lost in the wash, since I check the washer and dryer to make sure I didn't leave anything. I sincerely hope that you're buried in the drawer somewhere.

[redrhodie]

Mimi, how's Don?

[redrhodie]

Dear "pirate" sock:
Where are you?! I have your partner. I don't *think* you got lost in the wash, since I check the washer and dryer to make sure I didn't leave anything. I sincerely hope that you're buried in the drawer somewhere.

Arrrrg, I walked the plank, and am down in Davy Jones' locker.

[limewave]

Dear "Move Free Ultra (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UkQiC8XoMzM)" Lady,

If you raise your saddle about 8 more inches, you'll probably solve the source of your joint pain.

Limewave

[Owlie]

Dear "Move Free Ultra (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UkQiC8XoMzM)" Lady,

If you raise your saddle about 8 more inches, you'll probably solve the source of your joint pain.

Limewave

LOL!

Dear BF:
I'm six inches shorter than you and female. OF COURSE you're going to outweigh me substantially. If you don't like quite how substantially you outweigh me, get on your bike and ride it. You've got the good weather on the way--you can laugh at me while I'm stuck on the trainer or walking around campus for exercise.

[Trek420]

Dear "Move Free Ultra (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UkQiC8XoMzM)" Lady,

If you raise your saddle about 8 more inches, you'll probably solve the source of your joint pain.

Limewave

But there's no money in that! :rolleyes:

[Biciclista]

Dear TE ladies
Today Donald got out of intensive care. he had four tubes taken out of him and all that heart/BP/breathing monitoring stuff. Tomorrow the much awaited swallow test. Friday they are putting in a little shunt pump ... we finally see a light at the end of the tunnel.. around the corner, but now we know it can happen.

[withm]

Dear TE ladies
Today Donald got out of intensive care. he had four tubes taken out of him and all that heart/BP/breathing monitoring stuff. Tomorrow the much awaited swallow test. Friday they are putting in a little shunt pump ... we finally see a light at the end of the tunnel.. around the corner, but now we know it can happen.

Well this is very good news. It seems like you are finally on the way out of the corn maze. My best Thanksgiving wishes to both of you.

Martha

[snapdragen]

Dear TE ladies
Today Donald got out of intensive care. he had four tubes taken out of him and all that heart/BP/breathing monitoring stuff. Tomorrow the much awaited swallow test. Friday they are putting in a little shunt pump ... we finally see a light at the end of the tunnel.. around the corner, but now we know it can happen.

What good news, I'm very happy for you both. :)

[NbyNW]

That's so great to hear, Mimi! We'll be keeping you in our thoughts this Thanksgiving.

[Crankin]

Great news, Mimi. Hopefully, there's only good news ahead.
Take care of yourself!

[OakLeaf]

Thanks for the update Mimi. So glad to hear there's progress.

[Catrin]

Dear TE ladies
Today Donald got out of intensive care. he had four tubes taken out of him and all that heart/BP/breathing monitoring stuff. Tomorrow the much awaited swallow test. Friday they are putting in a little shunt pump ... we finally see a light at the end of the tunnel.. around the corner, but now we know it can happen.

Yayyyyy! Hopefully everything will be uphill from this point on :)

[limewave]

What a nice udpate to read, Mimi. Sending thoughts of healing and rest your way.

[spokewench]

Good News Mimi - Fingers are crossed!

[Blueberry]

So glad to hear that, Mimi! Here's hoping things will continue to go smoothly.

[Pax]

Good news Mimi!!

[Sky King]

Dear Head,
This once-a-week migraine thing is getting rather old. We had plenty of water yesterday, got a good night's sleep, so what gives?

Dear Rx,
Please for the love of God, work this time.

Signed,
The rest of the body that needs to be productive today and HAS to go to this afternoon's major project meeting.

Wondering if the neti pot would help, I hate, hate, migraines and try not to live on decongestants but when I do take them they help with the pressure behind my ears and base of my skull

[Sky King]

Dear TE ladies
Today Donald got out of intensive care. he had four tubes taken out of him and all that heart/BP/breathing monitoring stuff. Tomorrow the much awaited swallow test. Friday they are putting in a little shunt pump ... we finally see a light at the end of the tunnel.. around the corner, but now we know it can happen.

yahoo, I think about the two of you every day!

Go Team GO!

[Biciclista]

getting jerked around again. Doctor doesn't think shunt can handle the capacity. I am questioning his math skills.. will be talking to the rep myself.

[azfiddle]

I was just getting ready to post a "hurray".. I hope the doctor is wrong and things are fine.

[Blueberry]

Dear Lenovo:

You suck. I had to ship my computer back for repair because the last time I had it repaired, you broke it. I have spent more than an hour on hold (just today) trying to deal with your repair of what you broke, and the fact that I'm not giving you passwords to my data because you need to replace a screw. And I still don't know when it will be back.

Signed,

Seriously Considering Apple

[Pax]

Dear Apple ,

Thanks for making my laptop 100% trouble free.

Signed,

Happily switched from a Dell :p

[Owlie]

Dear sister--
I was going to ask you to be civil, but it's a bit late for that. The moment you got in the car, the insults started. According to your world-view, I'm ugly, fat, lazy and stupid, because I don't feel the need to spend four hours on my hair, clothes and makeup every day, don't carry bags with enormous designer (or Victoria's Secret) logos on them and because I'm not naturally a twig. When did you get so shallow?

Whatever, b!tch. I'm on track for straight A's for my first quarter of grad school and I don't actually care about what you think about my t-shirt and jeans wardrobe and lack of makeup. And my bike and I have loads of fun, something I don't think you'll ever understand.

Hopefully I'll end up in California or somewhere where I won't be obligated to deal with you during holidays.

[SheFly]

Dear Mimi and Don --

So happy to hear that intensive care is now behind you. Keeping fingers crossed that the shunt solution provides what you both need. And as Thursday approaches, thankful that you are both still here, and sharing with those of us who think about you constantly.

To whom it may concern - please let Mimi and Don share some peace this Thanksgiving.

SheFly

[VeganBikeChick]

Dear online date that I met for coffee today,

Thanks for being so easy going and down to earth. You made getting back into the dating world a smooth transition for me. And even if there weren't any sparks and I never hear from you again, you've validated that I'm not horrendous in person and it was nice to have the social company.

Signed,

Not such an ogre after all

[solobiker]

Mimi, I am happy to hear that he is out of the ICU. How did the swallow test go? Was it a MBS? I will keep my fingers crossed for him to continue to make these steps which will get him home with you where he belongs. My best wishes go out to the both of you.

[Catrin]

Mimi, it is great news that he is out of the ICU :)

My mom is still in the hospital, day 20. They did find fluid in her lungs, got it out of there, cultured it and changed her antibiotic. She is breathing better now :)

I visit my own doctor tomorrow for a direct talk about the MRI and what it means...

[Blueberry]

Good luck, Catrin. Let us know how it goes.

[Biciclista]

The swallow test went well. Donald had a popsicle. Um, actually 3. Then the doctor said he could have 1 every 8 hours. oops.
They don't know whether the pump will work because he's losing even more fluids than I thought. They might give him another chemo drug.. maybe the leak is caused by cancer cells. YEah, we thought we were done with that part too. Tomorrow marks 4 weeks in the hospital. UNbelievable.

[bmccasland]

Hopefully he'll continue to recover.

4 weeks? You're kidding. Yes, it's hard to believe. :(

[alexis_the_tiny]

Yeowch, Owlie, that must be hard. Oh well, the four hours a day you don't spend on your hair is four more hours to ride, read or do something else you like. Who cares what she thinks? :)

Mimi, fingers crossed that RD will keep recovering. Stay strong, you both!! :D

[OakLeaf]

Oh man Mimi - glad he's able to swallow anyway, that's huge. Keeping the prayers coming.

Same for your mom Catrin. And hoping they can do something effective and non-invasive for your neck.

[Crankin]

Dear Ob-Gyn,
You should not have left a message on my cell phone to call your office, without telling me that the office has changed the way you tell patients about their Pap smears when I went for my annual exam. When I heard the message, I realized I had not received the card you usually send that all is well and it was already 6 PM when I heard your message.
I had a miserable night worrying that I had cancer, and could barely stop thinking about it all through my spin class this morning, before I called you back.
Thanking G-d all is well, and now I can enjoy my Thanksgiving.

[redrhodie]

Dear Ob-Gyn,
You should not have left a message on my cell phone to call your office, without telling me that the office has changed the way you tell patients about their Pap smears when I went for my annual exam. When I heard the message, I realized I had not received the card you usually send that all is well and it was already 6 PM when I heard your message.
I had a miserable night worrying that I had cancer, and could barely stop thinking about it all through my spin class this morning, before I called you back.
Thanking G-d all is well, and now I can enjoy my Thanksgiving.

Oh, I know how that feels! The hospital sent me a certified letter the day before Veteran's Day, which I couldn't pick up until the following week. It ended up being a letter stating what they had already told me in person. I spent the weekend wondering if they found something else. Really stupid!

[Catrin]

Those things are always scary - they did that to me a couple of years ago where the letter came before the phone call. The letter came on a Saturday when they were closed :eek: Turned out I just had a cyst in my breast but still!

No surgery on my neck for now :D :D My doctor, who happens to be an osteopath (and mountain biker), thinks that most of my discomfort is where the bulging disk is hitting the nerve and there is a really good chance the injections will take care of things. He also said the injections would help decrease the inflammation in the bone (who knew bone gets inflammation?). The bone spur isn't very large...

So I am going to try the injections and now I am off to see if I can find a traction device...

BTW, he thinks the bulging disk came from my fall and subsequent whiplash on the mountain bike...

[Biciclista]

good nnews, Catrin.. the less surgery you can have, the better off you are.
Reminds me of when they did a scan of my sister and told her her pancreas looked funny. She had to wait WEEKS to get in for a follow up scan and in the meantime, she had researched things that change the shape of the pancreas (Well, duh, CANCER)
when they finally got done with all the testing and she was a wreck, they said, "oh you have a slightly larger than normal pancreas, no big deal"

[Catrin]

I went through something like that when I had an ovarian cancer scare a few years ago. It turned out I actually had something else, but it was something that they apparently couldn't/can't diagnose outside of examining the uterus in the pathology lab...

I learned then that I have to be very careful how much medical research I can do online - without a medical background it is difficult to tell the wheat from the chaff and it is so easy to jump to the big "C"...especially if someone from the doctor's office has already put it in your head! I can understand what your sister went through, so glad to hear the results though.

[Pax]

When I had my breast reduction the sent the tissue off to be biopsied as a matter of course. I got a call at 5:00pm on a Friday from my docs receptionist telling me that there was "something abnormal in the tissue" and if I wanted to know more I should call back on Monday to speak with the nurse. Gee, ya think I might want to know a little more than that?? :mad:

[indysteel]

Those things are always scary - they did that to me a couple of years ago where the letter came before the phone call. The letter came on a Saturday when they were closed :eek: Turned out I just had a cyst in my breast but still!

No surgery on my neck for now :D :D My doctor, who happens to be an osteopath (and mountain biker), thinks that most of my discomfort is where the bulging disk is hitting the nerve and there is a really good chance the injections will take care of things. He also said the injections would help decrease the inflammation in the bone (who knew bone gets inflammation?). The bone spur isn't very large...

So I am going to try the injections and now I am off to see if I can find a traction device...

BTW, he thinks the bulging disk came from my fall and subsequent whiplash on the mountain bike...


Overall that sounds positive, Catrin. I hope the injections help. When is your first one scheduled?

[snapdragen]

That's great news Catrin! Did your doc say anything about PT? Sometimes gentle traction can help the disc stuff. I tried it, and it felt great as long as I was in the traction machine, but my neck was too far gone by that point. I'm really happy you don't need to have surgery!!

[Catrin]

Overall that sounds positive, Catrin. I hope the injections help. When is your first one scheduled?

When is still to be determined, it has to be done under sedation and apparently under some kind of x-ray machine where they can see the needle is going into the right place. This may well have to wait until January as I am sure the co-pay for this will be high. I am, however, looking into it.


That's great news Catrin! Did your doc say anything about PT? Sometimes gentle traction can help the disc stuff. I tried it, and it felt great as long as I was in the traction machine, but my neck was too far gone by that point. I'm really happy you don't need to have surgery!!

My doc isn't sending me to PT because he doesn't think it would work any more than what I am already doing. He did recommend a home traction thingee, but I need to find one (and hopefully can afford it). It sounds like a simple device... He did give me some neck rehab exercises. I had a hour long massage this afternoon at his advice, and it was lovely. Not the most comfortable in certain places, but just wonderful!

[Catrin]

My poor mother has to have another lung surgery this afternoon. They found a MRSA infection in her lung and apparently all they can do is to go in and clean it out. She will be back in ICU and have another chest tube...she is getting so tired of this.

[Crankin]

So sorry, Catrin. Keep us posted.

[Pax]

My poor mother has to have another lung surgery this afternoon. They found a MRSA infection in her lung and apparently all they can do is to go in and clean it out. She will be back in ICU and have another chest tube...she is getting so tired of this.

Your poor mom! Healing thoughts headed her way.

[indysteel]

When is still to be determined, it has to be done under sedation and apparently under some kind of x-ray machine where they can see the needle is going into the right place. This may well have to wait until January as I am sure the co-pay for this will be high. I am, however, looking into it.



My doc isn't sending me to PT because he doesn't think it would work any more than what I am already doing. He did recommend a home traction thingee, but I need to find one (and hopefully can afford it). It sounds like a simple device... He did give me some neck rehab exercises. I had a hour long massage this afternoon at his advice, and it was lovely. Not the most comfortable in certain places, but just wonderful!


Remember that come January, you'll have to first meet your deductible before insurance will pay anything. Whether and what the co-pay (or co-insurance) is may be irrelevant, depending on how high your deductible is. Good luck figuring this part of the situation out.

As for your mother, I am so sorry. I hope this second surgery is the last and that she finally gets to go home soon.

[Catrin]

Remember that come January, you'll have to first meet your deductible before insurance will pay anything. Whether and what the co-pay (or co-insurance) is may be irrelevant, depending on how high your deductible is. Good luck figuring this part of the situation out.

As for your mother, I am so sorry. I hope this second surgery is the last and that she finally gets to go home soon.

True, but at least I would be able to use my flexible spending account...but I just need to figure this out. My dr. says sooner is better than later so this doesn't become chronic.

Poor mom, I think she is starting to believe that she isn't going to go home...and that doesn't help the situation. This is about as stressful for her as it ever gets for anyone I think :(

[Biciclista]

oh Catrin, OH NO. Donald is starting to feel the same way.

[OakLeaf]

Oh boy. Hang in there, Mimi, Don, Catrin & mom.

[emily_in_nc]

{Catrin and Catrin's Mom}

{Mimi and Don}

Sending healing thoughts to all of you. What difficult situations you are all dealing with this Thanksgiving. :(

[Biciclista]

not the best of Thanksgivings, let me tell you.

[Crankin]

Mimi, I hope you will be with your son(s) and are able to spend time with Don, even if it's at the hospital. Get some good Asian food, if you're not able to eat turkey! Go for a ride :).

[indysteel]

not the best of Thanksgivings, let me tell you.

(((Mimi))). I so wish it were otherwise.

[badgercat]

Gosh, everyone's been having such an up-and-down time with hospitals lately. My friend is still in the hospital... things are still very scary (kind of par for the course for a heart transplant candidate, I guess), but it's better than the very, very, very scary month-or-so he just made it through.

Being in the hospital over the holidays stinks even more than usual. :( Hoping to spend some time with him this weekend.

[Blueberry]

(((Mimi))). I so wish it were otherwise.

+1

Here's hoping that things change for the better soon!

[azfiddle]

Sending hugs and good wishes for all who need them.

[bmccasland]

(((((Mimi and RD)))))

Hope your Thanksgiving improves A LOT!!!!

[Catrin]

not the best of Thanksgivings, let me tell you.

Oh Mimi, my heart goes out to you and Donald...I hope things are much better very soon!

[NbyNW]

(((Mimi & Don))) (((Catrin & Mom)))

Sending healing thoughts & prayers to you & all who need them.

[spokewench]

Mimi and Don, I'm thinking of you all the time; I just know things are going to look up Now!

Catrin and Mom - SO sorry about more surgery. I'm sending all my good thoughts your way - at least the ones that aren't going to Mimi and Don!

Please hang in there all of you.

[Catrin]

My mom's surgery seemed to go well, and she should get out of ICU today and back to the "step-down" unit. This time she has a drain and THREE chest tubes, she only had 2 last time... Hopefully this will be the real beginning of her recovery. As hard as it is to watch her go through this, it is even harder to imagine what it is like to be the one going through this...

[Biciclista]

Donald had more than twice that many tubes!
good news, they have a plan. if the shunt pump works, he might be coming home next week!!

[Blueberry]

Mimi- I'm crossing my fingers for you and Donald. That sounds like one very nasty original surgery. Here's hoping!!!

Happy Thanksgiving (or as happy as you can make it!).

[Blueberry]

Dear family:

The next person who starts a sentence with "I need you to..." is going to find out what I really think of you. "Could you," "would you" - those are both acceptable. What you need or think you need is irrelevant.

Dear self:

Deep breath. Remember why you're going at all (the family you actually want to see).

[redrhodie]

Mimi, I hope it works! You can have a Thanksgiving do-over when he's home.

[azfiddle]

Dear ER doctor-
Thank you for stitching up my DH's foot with such consideration for his running and cycling activities. I'm sure it helped that you are a cyclist and runner as well. We all agreed that functionality is much better than a pretty foot. (And DH, next time, take out the recycling with your shoes on).

*sidenote- only my DH is capable of stepping on to the glass without a cut, and then getting cut by wiping it onto the top of the other foot!

Dear DH- be happy you're only sidelined from your bike until Monday!! It could have been MUCH worse.

[Desert Tortoise]

AZFiddle, glad your DH is fine now. I thought I read somewhere on here somebody else doing something similar to what he did. Maybe this is a cyclist thing?;) No matter, don't think he'll do that again.:)

Happy Thanksgiving

[azfiddle]

Maybe fine is too generous a word right now- the anaesthetic wore off and the ibuprofen hasn't kicked in yet ;)

[goride]

Mimi and Don/Catrin and your mom - you have all been through so much. It must feel like it's been going on forever. Sending prayers your way that the latest round of surgery has been successful, your family members will soon be home from the hospital.

[lph]

AZFiddle, glad your DH is fine now. I thought I read somewhere on here somebody else doing something similar to what he did. Maybe this is a cyclist thing?;) No matter, don't think he'll do that again.:)

Happy Thanksgiving

Yep, that was me. I still have a livid purple stripe on my calf from that...

[bmccasland]

Dear Knee,
Would you stop hurting already? Dr.K fixed you last June. Why is it that when I'm on my feet a bunch you still hurt? But if I sit too long, you cramp up? What gives?

Please settle down.

I want to feel "normal" again. Thank you.

[Owlie]

Dear black kitten near bike trail:

I hope you have a home to go to. :(

Dear muscle:
Stop it. You're making all the other muscles pick up your slack, so now my back hurts. Heal!

Dear Bach:
Why exactly did you write that many "Brandenburg Concertos"?

[alexis_the_tiny]

Dear feet, really, it's been almost 3 months since I put on the last of the weight, don't you guys think you should used to it by now? Its really depressing when I stand up and my archs hurt.

Dear self, next time you think not eating for the whole day because it gets rid of the tummy spillover is a good idea, THINK AGAIN. 1 week of eating carefully and working out is going down the drain when you need to eat bread to deal with heartburn. Smarty pants...

Dear doctor, please don't take it so personally when I say I am hypersensitive to needle sticks. Stop trying to convince me how terrific your blood draw skills are because this has absolutely NOTHING to do with your mad skillz and everything to do with the fact that a horde of medical professionals have tried CBT, some REM therapy thingy, exposure therapy, psychotherapy and drugs and still failed to get rid of the hypersensitivity and the PTSD-ish response I have to blood draws. It's not a challenge, it's something I have to live with for years after you're done with me.

[ivorygorgon]

Dear Everyone on this Board:

I just wanted to say how saddened I am at all the trials and tribulations many of you are going through right now; yet I am heartened and lifted up by the love and caring expressed here.

[solobiker]

Dear MIL and FIL. I have enjoyed your visit but I think it is time for you to go back home now...It has been over a week.....**sigh** I want my house back.

[tangentgirl]

Dear Neck and Back:

I know you feel a meeeeelllion percent better than you did a week ago. However, I would really like to go on a bike ride, among other things. Please stop feeling like you are on the border of another muscle spasm. It's terribly unpleasant.

Do you see that crazy yellow glow in the sky? That interesting shade of blue? That's a warm sunny day, and a warm sunny day tiptoeing around inside on November 27 is a big waste.

Also, I think my kidneys might like a break from the naproxen, so get it in gear, already.

Cheers,

Tangentgirl

[Owlie]

Dear self--
Maybe you shouldn't have set a picture of your bike as your desktop background...

[Owlie]

Hugs to all who require them.

Dear sock--
Yes, thanks for hiding in the laundry room. Much appreciated.:rolleyes:

Dear self
Okay, we have two, possibly 3 more purchases to make until we have gifts covered. One of these is a cyber Monday sale. I realize that some of that purchase is for me, but there's no point paying $5 in shipping for $7 of yarn...plus you have ideas for some of the stuff that they're discontinuing in the sale. I realize your "good side" says to stash dive, but the reality is there aren't appropriate colors in there for your dad's socks, and the thicker sock yarn will knit up fast.
Just stay away from the coffee (you've got tea, parking will be easier and no one cares when you come in now) until DBF gets here.

[Catrin]

Mom is still in the hospital, almost a month after we took her there :o While there are hopeful signs after the new lung surgery last week, she seems to be slipping into a depression. Quite understandable, but I hope we can get her spirits back up. I do wish I could have gone down there for the holiday weekend but just couldn't make the trip.

[OakLeaf]

(((((Catrin & mom)))))

My dad is back in the hospital after four days home from the SNF. This is all triggering me so bad I can barely get off the couch.

Dear self: Do one thing. It doesn't matter what. Just do one thing. You can take a break after (but then do one other thing).

[Catrin]

Dear Neck,

Please calm down. I know you don't like me to sit for long periods, the doctor explained that sitting still is rather hard on the neck (who knew?). However, I need to pay the bills, part of which you are responsible for, and that requires me to spend my working day in front of a computer. I also can't get drowsy, so that limits the muscle relaxers I can take. So cut out the muscle spasms already.
Thank you!

The rest of the body

[indysteel]

((((Oak and Catrin)))). I'm so sorry for all the things you (and others on TE) are going through right now.

[Biciclista]

Is it tough times or is it just us?
Still hoping D is getting out of there soon...

[jessmarimba]

Dear guy idling his truck outside my office:

That truck is really obnoxiously loud. And I'm sure you know that, since you're sitting in it. You're also wasting gas.

Maybe you should think about someone besides yourself and turn the stinkin truck off, since you've sitting idling for at least 10-15 minutes? I doubt the restaurant patrons (who are closer than I am) are enjoying listening to it either.

Sincerely,
Back in the office and cranky.

[snapdragen]

Is it tough times or is it just us?
Still hoping D is getting out of there soon...

Combo of both? The holidays can/are difficult. Add to it the illness of a loved one, it at least triples in difficulty.

It was a year ago my dad started to get sick. I'm having a difficult time getting out of bed, mornings are the hardest.

[indysteel]

It was a year ago my dad started to get sick. I'm having a difficult time getting out of bed, mornings are the hardest.

((((Snap)))). I thought of this the other day and wondered how you were doing with the holidays. I'm so sorry. :(

[Catrin]

Is it tough times or is it just us?
Still hoping D is getting out of there soon...

I think it is tough times, I have more friends and family with terrible health problems than I think I've ever seen at the same time... It may just seem that way...


Combo of both? The holidays can/are difficult. Add to it the illness of a loved one, it at least triples in difficulty.

It was a year ago my dad started to get sick. I'm having a difficult time getting out of bed, mornings are the hardest.

I am sorry Snap...sending warm thoughts and hugs your way.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

I have more friends with serious illnesses these days as well. But I think a large part of it is because me and my immediate friends and family are all getting older. :cool: As an example- My daughters (early 30's) were here for thanksgiving and they were remarking that so many of their friends were having babies these days. Meanwhile, none of my age friends are having babies, but many are getting heart bypasses, hip replacements, cancer, etc.

[Owlie]

((Snap, Catrin & mom, Mimi & RD, Oak))

[lph]

Oh wow, so many people living through tough times. Hugs to all of you!

[redrhodie]

Dear Breast Center Nurse,

Please don't call again until you have results. I know you were just trying to be nice, but it's not really helpful. I wasn't even thinking about it until now.

I swear, people who work in hospitals can be clueless.

[Biciclista]

yeah my husband's nurse gave me caramels right in front of him yesterday!!!! (and he can't eat)

[malkin]

Dear cough,

Other people have way more serious stuff going on, so just stop already. No one wants to hear it, and hurting my back was really going too far.

[Crankin]

Thinking about all of you dealing with "stuff."

Lisa, my son had his 10 yr. HS reunion this weekend. He was the person who organized and planned it, so he heard a lot of gossip. He was amazed at how many people "look like sh*t." Jeez, these people are 29 and I felt like he was talking about a bunch of people my age. These things do seem to come in bunches. A few years ago, my family had 3 deaths in 1.5 years (my mom, and both of her parents). After the last one, I thought "No more of this."

[redrhodie]

Dear cough,

Other people have way more serious stuff going on, so just stop already. No one wants to hear it, and hurting my back was really going too far.

Hey, you have as much right to complain as anyone else. Coughs suck, too.

[Catrin]

Dear cough,

Other people have way more serious stuff going on, so just stop already. No one wants to hear it, and hurting my back was really going too far.

Ugh, bad coughs are just awful, and for it to be bad enough to hurt you back :eek: Sending good thoughts and hot lemon and honey tea your way, it might not cure the cough but it does soothe the throat. Hope you feel better soon!

[bmccasland]

Dear Gas Company,
Thank you for your prompt response this morning to check my meter. Seems the gas I smelled was a leak. Came home to a shiny new meter, and a note on the door to call back so they could check inside, and relight my appliances.

Thank you for coming back the same day to turn things back on. One day without heat means the house got down to 55. Too cold as far as I'm concerned.

We likes heat. The kitties are much happier too.

[Catrin]

Mom seems to be feeling a bit better. Still no sign of when the 3 chest tubes and drain will be removed. Whenever that happens she will be going to a pulmonary rehab facility to get both pulmonary and physical rehab after her month+ long ordeal. She fully accepts that she can't go straight home, I think she being a former nurse helps with that.

I've an appointment with a specialist on December 20th to consult on my injections, if an opening comes prior to that I will take it. I've learned I can't go without my muscle relaxers, and have also learned I can't do light weights AND spin on the same evening, it is just too much. My doctor strongly insists I keep both activities going, just moderate them. There are too many downsides to stopping the physical activity totally and I am in full agreement. I feel great when I do an appropriate workout, and fine when I ride or spin, just can't do both on the same evening. So, I will take it!

[Biciclista]

Catrin, glad to hear your mother is on the mend. Dear Donald is not yet. He will be scheduled into another surgery. It's his last hope.

[Becky]

((((Mimi and RD))))

Sending thoughts and prayers....

[Blueberry]

(((((((Mimi and Donald)))))))

Crossing fingers that things improve soon.

[indysteel]

((((Mimi and RD))))

Sending thoughts and prayers....

Same here. Lots of them.

[Pax]

Mimi - I'm so sorry you and RD have to keep enduring this.

[OakLeaf]

Oh man, Mimi. Keeping the hugs and healing vibes flowing to you and Don - also Catrin and your mom - and malkin, your cough counts too.

[Owlie]

Damn, Mimi. I'm sorry. Hopefully things improve...

Dear thief:
I hope you ride bikes, because the only thing in that package was a pair of bike shorts.

[Catrin]

Catrin, glad to hear your mother is on the mend. Dear Donald is not yet. He will be scheduled into another surgery. It's his last hope.

Oh my, both of you are in my prayers...I am sorry, that really su*ks.



Dear thief:
I hope you ride bikes, because the only thing in that package was a pair of bike shorts.

Sorry to hear this Owlie, that is just so frustrating, and it isn't like they are inexpensive!

[Owlie]

Sorry to hear this Owlie, that is just so frustrating, and it isn't like they are inexpensive!

I'm guessing--a certain company didn't give me the tracking information when the exchange shipped, and it certainly does not take two weeks for something shipped via FedEx to get from Colorado to Ohio. If they'd given me the tracking info earlier, I could have contacted someone to have them hold it for me, or rearranged my travel plans a little.:mad:

It may be a glitch in FedEx's system, but somehow I doubt it...

[snapdragen]

Catrin, glad to hear your mother is on the mend. Dear Donald is not yet. He will be scheduled into another surgery. It's his last hope.

Oh no. I'm so sorry Donald and you are going through all this. ((hugs))

[redrhodie]

I'm so sorry Mimi. I hope this one works.

[spokewench]

Oh Mimi - The surgery will work. I wish I could just hug you now. I know you must be feeling so low. The internet just doesn't give me the tools to say what I want to. But, it will be okay. He will get better.

[NbyNW]

(((Mimi and Don)))

[solobiker]

{{{Mimi and Don}}

[Crankin]

Hang in there, Mimi. Healing thoughts heading your way from me.

Catrin, you amaze me with your positive attitude.

[emily_in_nc]

D*mn, Mimi, you two have been through so much already -- I can't believe he has to have more surgery. I am so very sorry. Try to keep thinking positive if you can. I am sure it is difficult. :(

Healing thoughts,
Emily

[bmccasland]

(((((Mimi and RD))))))
So sorry you're going through this. Hope RD gets feeling better soon!


Dear Whoever is listening Up There -
Please work some magic so that Don will start getting well. Is it too much to ask that he's home by Christmas?

And please ease the passing of my cousin, who found out today that his CA has spread and is inoperable. :( Comfort the hearts of Cousin's family, this was not the holiday news they wanted to hear. Sigh.

[alexis_the_tiny]

Mimi, I hope everything goes well. Lots of hugs to you.

[Catrin]

Mimi, when is the new surgery? Sending many warm thoughts and prayers to Don and you. Hang in there, I am sure that every TE member who has seen this is doing the same.

Crankin - thank you. I strongly believe in a mind-body connection when it comes to healing. I might be stubborn and ignore things longer than I should, but I grew up watching my mom seeing the negative side of any and everything, I refuse to do that to myself. My heart goes out to her for she still does that, though not as badly these days. Of course, in her current situation, anyone would be discouraged. Her chest tubes and drain are still in 9 days after her second surgery, but her fever hasn't returned and her breathing is a bit easier.

[malkin]

Sending healing thoughts all around.
Hugs too.

[Biciclista]

his surgery will be on Monday the 5th. (two days after his birthday) so both of us will have crappy birthdays this year.

[maillotpois]

Oh Mimi I am so sorry. Please give him a hug from me. I only met him briefly a couple of times, but I really feel he is a kindered spirit in many ways (both of us working in/with the insurance industry for years AND both being rando types).

[channlluv]

Mimi, so much love to both of you. I hope all goes well.

Catrin, I hope you mom's doing better, too.

BMC, I'm sorry to hear about your cousin. What is CA? Love to your family, too.

Roxy

[malkin]

Dear TE friends:
Thanks. My cough and I are taking the day off, lounging around with the kitty who has sneezles.


CA - cancer (when it isn't California)

[Owlie]

Dear parents:
I wish you'd been a bit more encouraging when it comes to physical activity. You'd answer everything with "you'll get hurt." You were really reluctant to let me sign up for fencing in high school. And then when something did happen--because it's bound to if you're doing anything that often--you'd hold it over me and say "SEE? I told you!" I mentioned my goal of doing a metric century by early next summer, and you freaked out. (Of course I'm not going to let it interfere with my degree...)

And Mom, since I spent that whole summer riding, you won't stop going on about how much weight I lost doing it (the answer is "not much", I just replaced the belly fat with thigh muscle). That's not why I do it. I do it to keep the eczema in check, because it's the best stress relief I've ever found, and because I love it.

[PamNY]

((((Mimi and family))))

[indysteel]

Dear Paddy Cat: I'd really love it if you'd return to your new home, even if just briefly. I realize that you're a wanderer and it's quite possible that you've simply made a home for yourself elsewhere, but I worry about you all the same. Please be careful. If I made a mistake in rehoming you, I'm sorry. Really sorry.

Taco Cat: I'm so glad to hear that you are doing so well and that you have a new best cat buddy named Raven. That's awesome. I miss you lots, but I love that you love your new home.

[azfiddle]

Mimi...
So sorry that you guys are going through this. Big hugs....

[limewave]

Dear In-laws,
I know you have good intentions but we really, truly, absolutely do not want you to give us a Great Wolf Lodge weekend as a Christmas gift. I don't want to go!!!! And it's going to end up costing us money between traveling and eating out, etc. And your daughter's are lovely people, but I really don't want to get roped into having to spend an entire weekend together trapped in a urine-infested, germ hole of an indoor water park.


Dear DH,
You have no problem saying "no" to me, why can't you say "no" to your parents? Sisters? There would probably be a lot less hurt feelings if y'all just learned to speak up a bit.

[solobiker]

Limewave...I hear ya!! My in-laws have been in town for 2 weeks now. They have been staying with us and my house is not all that big. They are nice people...I just don't want to spend any more "quality" time with them. DH and the in-laws spend hours talking so I end up just sitting there. MIL also does strange things...on Thanksgiving day after I got home from work we had dinner, she had cumbs on her placemat. You would think she would leave it or take the placemat out to the kitchen and shake it out in the sink or something....but noooooo. She wiped onto my carpted floor. Sigh...I know it is something small but there have been a lot of small things that are really adding up.


Mimi...I know I don't "know" you or Don but please give him and yourself a hug for me. I hope with all my heart that this Monday is a success and he can get on the road to recovery. All my best!! {{Mimi and Don}}

[Catrin]

Just spoke to Mom, and all of her tubes are finally out. Depending on how things go, she MAY get released to the rehab place Friday. It sounds like a nice place. We are all crossing our fingers, and she will be far closer to my sister there.

As for me, 5 weeks after the original whiplash, I am still having problems with my neck swelling. Meh. Thinks will improve, I know that, just grumbling. The disc damage doesn't help, but the swelling has got to be from the whiplash. Seeing the specialist on 12/20 to discuss injections.

[emily_in_nc]

his surgery will be on Monday the 5th. (two days after his birthday) so both of us will have crappy birthdays this year.

Your Don's b-day is the same day as my DH's! I am sorry his will not be a good one this year. I hope the surgery will be a success and he can get out of the d*mn hospital soon!

[shootingstar]

We're here for you mimi ---even if virtually.

I still think of that pie Don made for all of us for supper at your home after we arrived from Vancouver.

[bmccasland]

Dear Powers that Be,
Would you please send someone to buy my house? Finding out my renter is moving out the end of December and knowing that I'm going to have to pay mortgage and rent is not exactly the way to feel holiday cheer. :(

I got out of a stressful situation that was affecting my health by leaving the city and moving here, but I really want to be able to make the final break. But I can't until that house has a buyer. heavy sigh.

And if I now have the opportunity to pay rent and mortgage, why torture me by sending loads of catalogues full of stuff that I'd like to have? Bah, Hum Bug!

[Owlie]

Dear side:
Please stop hurting. :(

[Biciclista]

Dear Powers that Be,
Would you please send someone to buy my house? Finding out my renter is moving out the end of December and knowing that I'm going to have to pay mortgage and rent is not exactly the way to feel holiday cheer. :(

I got out of a stressful situation that was affecting my health by leaving the city and moving here, but I really want to be able to make the final break. But I can't until that house has a buyer. heavy sigh.

And if I now have the opportunity to pay rent and mortgage, why torture me by sending loads of catalogues full of stuff that I'd like to have? Bah, Hum Bug!

It never ends, incredible. What a nightmare, having to rent out a place on the opposite side of the country!!!!!!!

[azfiddle]

Owlie, is this the same thing that was hurting you last week?

Catrin- hope your mom keeps improving.

[Owlie]

Owlie, is this the same thing that was hurting you last week?


Yeah--it comes and goes. I think I slept funny last night, and on top of that, I've spent the past two days cleaning the lab, so there's a lot of bending and stretching to put things away. Actually, the worst thing isn't so much that one muscle, it's everything else that's trying to compensate for it.

[badgercat]

My friend who's been in the hospital for months in need of a new heart, whom I've posted in this thread about a few times, passed away this morning. I'm so thankful that I got to see him this past weekend and that he was still cracking jokes. He led a very full life, but that doesn't make it any easier that it was cut -so- short.

I'm pulling hard for all of you and your loved ones who are fighting health battles.

[Blueberry]

((((badgercat)))))

So sorry to hear about your friend. I too lost someone awaiting a heart transplant. It's rough:(

[indysteel]

My friend who's been in the hospital for months in need of a new heart, whom I've posted in this thread about a few times, passed away this morning. I'm so thankful that I got to see him this past weekend and that he was still cracking jokes. He led a very full life, but that doesn't make it any easier that it was cut -so- short.

I'm pulling hard for all of you and your loved ones who are fighting health battles.

Oh, Badgercat. I am so sorry. That's tragic.

[OakLeaf]

Oh, badger, I'm so sorry for your loss.

[Biciclista]

Badgercat, I'm sorry for your loss. Amazing he was cracking jokes and passed so soon after that.
Gosh, I hope that's not what we are facing here.

[badgercat]

Thank you all--we only knew him for little over a year (and DBF spent quite a lot more time with him than I did), but he was one of those people who you would feel blessed to have met even only once. I'm 100 miles away from home for work right now--wish I could join DBF, who is at a gathering tonight celebrating our friend's life.

Mimi, I wish all the best to you and Don. You deserve some good news and outcomes.

[Biciclista]

D was so much better tonight than last night. what a relief! He's got 3 more days to build before Monday GAAAAAh

[jobob]

That's so good to hear, Mimi.

Wishing RD a, well, reasonably pleasant birthday this weekend. And next year, may both your birthday & his birthday be fabulous!

[jobob]

Very sorry for your loss, badgercat.

[Crankin]

I am sorry for your loss, Badger.
Mimi, I hope you can have a reasonably pleasant weekend with Don. You guys are tough and I know you can make it through this.

[spokewench]

Very sorry - ((((Badger))))

[azfiddle]

Badgercat-
We saw the post on the Tucsonvelo blog last night: http://tucsonvelo.com/. I'm so sorry for your loss. We never met him, but know he contributed to the Tucson cycling community - he must have been a great guy.

Mimi- glad to hear RD is showing some improvement.

[indysteel]

Badgercat-
We saw the post on the Tucsonvelo blog last night: http://tucsonvelo.com/. I'm so sorry for your loss. We never met him, but know he contributed to the Tucson cycling community - he must have been a great guy.

That breaks my heart. What a loss.

[badgercat]

Thanks again for all the kind words, and thanks to azfiddle for sharing the Tucsonvelo tribute (http://tucsonvelo.com/blog/well-miss-you-steve/10943). I first visited Steve's shop within a couple days of it opening (which I was tipped off to by a post on Tucsonvelo), and called DBF (who had broken a spoke) to tell him he had to bring his wheel straight away to this neat new shop with the really friendly owner. I walked back in a little while later proudly announcing, "I brought you another customer!"...except Steve didn't have any spokes in stock yet. :o He told us that if we could drop it off and come back later, he'd run over to another LBS and buy some. We shortly became among Steve's most loyal "friendstomers" as he dubbed us.

In the past several weeks, DBF and I have done a fair amount of legwork to help with his medical expenses--making a website, selling raffle tickets, soliciting donations, etc--now we're channeling that energy into fundraising for a memorial service. :(

I just searched for and found that original post about the shop opening (http://tucsonvelo.com/news/new-commuter-bike-shop-opening-soon/4080). It was eerie to see that he had mentioned his heart condition in it, but is a nice snippet of Steve's enthusiasm, spirit, and vision for those of you who never got to meet him.

So, back to the spirit of the thread:
Dear "Dear So and So" enthusiasts,
Thanks for letting me share a little bit about a really great guy who was taken from the world far, far too soon.

[Biciclista]

oh he was so young!

[Owlie]

I'm sorry, Badgercat.

Dear certain company:
Wow, you guys are incompetent. Address to send package: On the order form, in the box. Typed.

[Catrin]

Badgercat, so sorry to hear the news...

Owlie, did the package show up?

[Owlie]

Badgercat, so sorry to hear the news...

Owlie, did the package show up?

Nope, but FedEx thinks that the company gave them the wrong address. (Which is unlikely, but we shall see...)

[emily_in_nc]

Badgercat, so sorry for the loss of your friend Steve. He seemed to be a remarkable person. So sad to see the world lose another strong cycling advocate way too soon.

Mimi, Happy Birthday to Don tomorrow and hoping for the best possible outcome from his surgery on Monday. I hope that the worst days are behind you.

[Catrin]

Mimi - I missed that Don's birthday is tomorrow, happy birthday to him and to a good outcome to his surgery Monday.


Dear Body,

Please sleep all night tonight. We haven't been able to sleep all night through ONCE since the fall with the whiplash/neck injury. Aren't you getting tired of those muscle spasms anyway... Thank you for listening.

Me

[alexis_the_tiny]

Dear Stomach,

We're running a second marathon tomorrow. Please don't hit me with runner's runs 15 minutes before the race like you did last month. Thanks.


Mimi, hope both you and RD can have a lovely worry-free weekend for your birthdays before his surgery. Thinking of both of you and hoping for nothing but the very best.

Badgercat, I'm so sorry about your friend, he seems like such a wonderful person to know. *hugs*

[Owlie]

Dear self:
Riding is probably not a good idea, as even the trainer stresses that muscle out. There will probably be that random 60-degree day in December where you can ride. A few weeks off the bike now means that you won't be off the bike for a lot longer later. (And it's getting gross, so now is not the worst time either.)

Go clean the apartment and make matcha shortbread like you've been planning to for a while.

[OakLeaf]

Matcha shortbread??? Mmmmmmmmmmm.

Sounds REALLY expensive, though. How would it taste if you just got some lower-grade sencha and ground it to powder?

[jessmarimba]

Mimi, happy birthday to Don and I am sending healing vibes for the surgery.

Badger, I'm so sorry :( *hugs*


*****************

Dear people driving in the snow today - please be careful and leave room around you. If a city bus can slide down the road sideways it isn't safe for any of you to tailgate.

Sincerely,
Snowed in by choice

[Owlie]

Matcha shortbread??? Mmmmmmmmmmm.

Sounds REALLY expensive, though. How would it taste if you just got some lower-grade sencha and ground it to powder?

Oh, I normally wouldn't bother, but I have some that I was given as a gift and haven't gotten around to drinking.:)

Dear printer: There is no need to tell me six times that you're running low on magenta. I bought some. Never fear.

[jobob]

Mimi, you & Donald should consider writing a book about your experience.

It could be entitled "There Will Be Donuts".*

Wonder who'd play the lead in the screen adaptation ... ? :)


(*I take no credit, I stole this from someone who posted it on Donald's facebook wall. I LMAO'd when I saw it. Genious.)

[tangentgirl]

Dear Doghouse: Looks like it's you and me, kid. At least you've got wi-fi. Still, no offense, it sucks being here. Even if it's at least partially my own fault. Blarg.

Edited because...

Dear Doghouse: I spoke too soon. Look at me, all jumping to conclusions. So long, sucka.

[Owlie]

Dear shortbread gods:
What was that? Possibly the first time I've been traumatized by baked goods...

[Catrin]

Dear shortbread gods:
What was that? Possibly the first time I've been traumatized by baked goods...

So that does mean the matcha shortbread was.....?

[Owlie]

So that does mean the matcha shortbread was.....?

They're a slightly disturbing color. :p I'm leaving the dough in the fridge overnight to firm up. I think I added slightly too much flour (I need a scale so that I'm not trying to count quarter cups!), so I had to compensate for that, and even after that I had to add a bit of water so that it would actually stick together. I have to do that with the chai shortbread I make every Christmas, so that's not too bad. What I'm mostly worried about now is the effect of the extra handling on the texture...

Not to mention the fact that there's green stuff all over my counters now.

[alexis_the_tiny]

Owlie, speaking from experience, the extra water and handling will do it no favors. Your best bet is to turn it into some kind of biscuity cookie because its gone waaaaay past shortbread texture now. Maybe roll it out super thin, bake it crisp and sandwich it with adzuki bean paste or something...

[Crankin]

Showing my ignorance, but what is matcha shortbread?

[Biciclista]

google says it's green tea shortbread.

Well, Donald's birthday went semi-well. He was given permission to eat by his doctor. eat ANYTHING he wanted. He actually went slowly, but still overdid it. Chocolate milk was one of his first choices (I suggested chicken broth). Then he had tea, ginger ale and sherbet.

by the time our kids (4) arrived in the evening for the rootbeer floats, he was kind of uncomfortable. and then my mother came and fluttered all over him and we had to throw everyone out because it was just TOO much for him.
Later just my sons came back and so I prepared to leave. As was I leaving, my MOTHER came back too!! (they had gone out for dinner together) fortunately she was just delivering her birthday card. Surgery on Monday.

[Pax]

((((Mimi and Don)))) Wishing you a peaceful day today and a successful surgery tomorrow.

[OakLeaf]

Lots of hugs and good wishes, Mimi & Don.

[shootingstar]

Wishing you both, Don and Mimi, bushels of luck and strength.

That birthday meal sounded like decadent heaven for Don.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Mimi....sending positive vibes for surgery tomorrow..... xox

[Owlie]

Good surgery vibes to you, RD and the surgical team. ((Hugs))

Shortbread update:
I'm shocked. It mostly worked, and turned into something that I like rather more than regular shortbread. I sliced it into 1/3 inch-thick slices (give or take a bit, since I'm impatient), then baked it. It turns out my oven runs hot (done in less than half the time). They came out crispy on the outside, but still shortbread-textured on the inside. And they're not overly sweet. I think the only addition I'd make to this recipe is a little bit of salt.

[Catrin]

Sending many thoughts, prayers, and best wishes for Donald's surgery tomorrow!

[Crankin]

Thinking of you and Don, Mimi.
I truly wish I could visit you guys, even though I have never met you!

[redrhodie]

I'll be thinking about you tomorrow! Hope he's homeward bound soon!

[indysteel]

Mimi, you and Don will be in my thoughts and prayers tomorrow. I sure hope the surgery is successful. Hugs!

[maillotpois]

Hugs to you, Mimi and to the RD.

[goride]

Mimi and Don - you both will be in my thoughts and prayers tomorrow.

[azfiddle]

Mimi and Don
Glad Don got to celebrate his birthday with some real food.

Chuck and I send our hugs, and fervent hopes that this will be the beginning of healing and a return to health and a normal routine.

Sharon

[Catrin]

Thinking of you and Donald today Mimi!

[Blueberry]

Sending good surgery thoughts to RD today.

[OakLeaf]

Healing thoughts to Don, steady precise thoughts to his surgical team, strong thoughts to Mimi.

[Sky King]

Okay, the guilt, the guilt. You have succeeded I will go to the store today and start thinking about christmas treats - maybe shortbread :)

Mimi and Don, yes positive thoughts that the curve in the road has been negotiated successfully. Hope you get my touch of humor in the mail!

[Owlie]

Thinking of you both today, Mimi.

[bmccasland]

Mimi and Don - sending extra good juju for today. :)

[NbyNW]

Hoping all goes smoothly with Don's surgery!

[Biciclista]

thank you guys. Now the next time I log on here, distract me with your own tales of woe and frustration and silliness

[limewave]

Dear Slinky Top,
You are so shiny and shimmery. You cling in all the right places and drape in the others. And you go oh so low in the back and plunge in the front leaving DH to wonder what, if anything, I could possibly be wearing underneath. :rolleyes: You make me feel sophisticated, sexy, and confident. Bring on the holiday parties!

Dear Back,
Thank you for not having any pimples right now.

Dear Limewave,
See, I told you doing Plank and Sideplank everyday would eventually pay off. No "back fat" for the first time in your life! Woooooo!

~Limewave

[Catrin]

My rides are set up for tomorrow, I have some fresh books from the library and some new tea to drink. I am ready to pamper myself with some good reading and tea after the injections tomorrow. I've been told I can't drive for pretty much the rest of the day so I am going to take advantage of that...hopefully will feel like it :o

It WOULD be nice to finally sleep all night though, haven't done that since the fall. I suppose that it would be too much to expect to do so tomorrow night...

[Owlie]

Psst. What kind of tea did you get?

Dear FedEx, and nameless company--
ARGH. This is ridiculous.

[lph]

Dear Limewave,

terrific post :D Go party season!

[Pax]

Dear SO,

I reallyreallyreally don't want to go to a party at your new bosses house next weekend. Those people are so boring I might actually pass out and fall face down in the dip. Discussing the best new archival computer program is the hot topic... seriously??? *sigh*

Signed,

Bored at the thought of it.

[spokewench]

Dear SO,

I reallyreallyreally don't want to go to a party at your new bosses house next weekend. Those people are so boring I might actually pass out and fall face down in the dip. Discussing the best new archival computer program is the hot topic... seriously??? *sigh*

Signed,

Bored at the thought of it.

really! Oh so sad.:( If you came a party at my house, you and hubby could talk motorcycles to your heart's content!

[indysteel]

My rides are set up for tomorrow, I have some fresh books from the library and some new tea to drink. I am ready to pamper myself with some good reading and tea after the injections tomorrow. I've been told I can't drive for pretty much the rest of the day so I am going to take advantage of that...hopefully will feel like it :o

It WOULD be nice to finally sleep all night though, haven't done that since the fall. I suppose that it would be too much to expect to do so tomorrow night...

Good Luck! Honestly, if my friends/coworkers are any indication, you will find the procedure far less traumatic than you fear. They make it seem rather benign and certainly far easier than chronic pain.

[emily_in_nc]

Thinking of Mimi and Don today and hoping the surgery goes well!

[Pax]

really! Oh so sad.:( If you came a party at my house, you and hubby could talk motorcycles to your heart's content!

That would be so much more fun! :D