Archive for May, 2013

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10
May
13

IRP cleans up and I make a mess

By thissideofgaudy Leave a Comment
Categories: Family
Tags: ,

IRP is getting used to the routine at the long-term care facility. I brought her Chinese food for lunch today so she would have some “real” food. I think “real” here means “something not made here” as the food I have seen her eat so far seems good except for the fact that there is little in the way of spices. This is doubtless because the regular residents have dietary restrictions due to various conditions. IRP is likely the youngest one there by at least four decades.

FMP and CPI are visiting now. Tomorrow, CPI and I are going to clean IRP’s room in anticipation of her coming home. RTA, upon hearing this, wished us good luck and said, “if I never see you again, I love you!”. This would be funnier if it weren’t so true.

While I was in, I helped IRP get a shower and helped her floor get a mopping by means of spilling my entire coke on it. So, now everything is clean.

TSG

10
May
13

The Not-Fight

By thissideofgaudy Leave a Comment
Categories: Family and Pets

When I am at home, Whiskey and I play “Fight Game” in the morning and again when I get home. This consists of his taking my hand gently in his teeth and worrying at it. Then, I pull him on his back around the bed by the same manner. There is some flapping about of the front paws and several administrations on his little head of “kiss poison”. This mock battle goes on for about 3-5 minutes. Then, Whiskey flops back over onto his stomach and I pet him.

The pillow take-over appears to have been because he missed me. He readily agreed to give it up in exchange for a resumption of our ritual. He is not, however, willing to stop sleeping at the foot of the bed at night.

09
May
13

all by myself

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Categories: Uncategorized

IRP is now settled in and in a private room. We just brought up necessaries for her stay such as socks and other clothes. She will be staying by herself tonight. I told her to think of it as a vacation from the rest of us. As promised, I have left one of my favorite “geegaws”, a Matruska doll, here. As a bonus, she can play with it if she gets bored. Everyone seems nice and we are moving forward.

TSG

08
May
13

at the new place

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Categories: Family and Medical
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We finally got IRP liberated from the hospital. She is now in an extended care facility. There was a little bit of a problem at first when she was not in a room by herself as expected, but we have gotten that sorted out. I will be staying tonight to get her settled in and adjusted to the schedule tomorrow.

Tomorrow night, I will be back at home so that I can reassert my rights to my pillow. It seems that, in my absence, my pillow has been co-opted by our rat terrier, Whiskey. I have serious objections to this, so it may get ugly. I’ll let you know who wins.

Have a great night!

TSG

08
May
13

let my person go!

By thissideofgaudy Leave a Comment
Categories: Family and Medical
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Yesterday, someone from a long-term facility came by to evaluate IRP. This is at least a small step forward. Two previous facilities refused her outright because of her age. We are now waiting to see what the insurance says. They have rejected somewhere else twice. I have heard that the third time is a charm. This is the third try for both methods of extended care, so I hope it will go through. IRP is terribly bored and frustrated by now.

Aside from the issue above, IRP is really improving. She is now taking one of her antibiotics by mouth and we just walked down to get her some coffee at the coffee shop here. The trip involved a long stretch of hallway and an elevator ride. She had no problem with either. Except for the hospital gown, anyone would have thought she and I were here to visit.

Would someone please let my small person out of here?!

07
May
13

No More Physical Therapy

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Categories: Family and Medical
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Today, IRP “graduated” from physical therapy. Although we are glad about this, we are unhappy to see the therapist go. She was so cheerful and encouraging that it was a pleasure to have her here. Thanks, Mary, we will miss you!

IRP is also now taking one of her antibiotics by mouth instead of IV. One more step forward. Another long-term facility came to evaluate her today. So far, our insurance has been the problem twice and IRP’s age two other times. By the time we find one, it might no longer be needed.

IRP feels much more cheerful today and has been wandering around a lot. I stayed home most of the day and rested. I am still tired, but feel better.

TSG

06
May
13

FEEEEEEED MEEEEEEE!!!!!!!

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Categories: Family, Gratitude and Medical
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Happy! Happy! Joy! Joy! The surgeon has just been in and said that the amount of fluid in IRP’s abdomen is normal for people with her condition and will be permanent. We should just be aware of other signs that would indicate it is becoming a problem. He says that it will be very apparent.

The best part of this is that they are going to let IRP eat again. She is currently munching a cookie. She is holding on to it very tightly lest it be subject to another grab attempt.

Plans are currently being made for dinner.

06
May
13

“What Was Expected”

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Categories: Family and Medical

There was an extra x-ray this morning to be sure, but there is no obstruction as the CAT scan from Sunday indicated there might be. There is a pocket of infection, but the infection specialist’s assistant was just in and said the amount is “what was expected”. Also, the culture done on the drainage indicates that the infection is the strain that the doctor believed it to be at the time of the operation.

The intravenous nutrition is going, but the full liquid diet is still on. FMP finished the snatched chips from Sunday. But, to IRP’s delight, he did not enjoy them because they were baked. 🙂

IRP’s pain is better and she is much more alert. I just wish it wasn’t at four in the morning!

Thanks for your love, prayers and support!
TSG

06
May
13

the sleep of the blitzed blessed

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Categories: Family
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IRP had a really good night and I am very grateful because I was really tired. The only problem is that now it is four o’clock and she is “waker”. I am going to need serious caffeine!

06
May
13

I Just Don’t Know What to Say (Unusual for Me)

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Categories: Friends, Gratitude, Texas my Texas and Work
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While I was at home resting, a friend from work brought up balloons and a card for IRP.  She also left a card for me and FMP. Inside I found a gift card. My co-workers had taken up a collection to help us out!

I am so touched and humbled. I really can’t find words to thank them. I work for a community college. Many of the part-timers are students. I know they are struggling themselves. And, yet, they gave of their limited resources to aid us. I never cry, but I think I may have to now. I wish my grandmother were still here. She would cry with me and we would both feel better. I am sure, though, that she is up before the throne pointing out to God exactly what she thinks of IRP’s position.

Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! I love you guys!

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