Massage day

I got up around 9, surprised it was so late. I swished and did some handsewing on the banner. I turned on the router to listen to Day 3 presentations. I swept the floor in the kitchen. I rinsed the sprouts. I made another Swansons order when I realized I was low on ghee. I made and ate breakfast. I made seed crackers and left them in the oven to crisp up. Then I got dressed. There was loud thunder and the rain hit. So I left my machine at home, and just took an umbrella to quilting.
There were more ladies there than I expected. But I easily found a seat. I talked to Marjory and Carol until Marjory left. Then I sat by Leanne who was stitching together lace panels for an angel. Leanne was wearing a pretty embroidered top that she said hadn't cost that much. Other ladies were piecing or binding. But I was just there to talk.
At 1:45 I left for an appointment. I got to Ruth's Nutrition ahead of Gabriele. When she arrived and got the room ready, I went back there. We talked for a bit, then I got on the table and she massaged my back at length. Apparently it was really tight. We talked on and off during the massage. When it was over, I got dressed and paid her. She put me on the wait list for next week. While she prepared for her next customer, I looked at probiotics for sale in the refrigerated section, then headed out.
On the way home, I stopped at an Asian store for coconuts. They were on sale 2 for $3, so I bought four. When I got home, Chris was there. I checked the mail and found one piece was for our neighbor. So I went there first and handed it to him. Then I picked up the coconuts and went in the house. I ate a seed cracker with hummus. I listened to last part of Tapping Summit Day 3. I checked e-mail, then went for a walk. It was not raining, but everything was wet. I had misplaced my keys since coming home. But then I found them caught up in my umbrella. I called Dad to see if he ate his fat bombs and drank enough water. I was looking for blueberries in the freezer, but found watermelon instead. So I ate that. Then I made salad and ate some lamb while listening and playing Solitaire. I started listening to the Day 4 interviews.
When Chris was ready, I made some tea and drank it while we watched two episodes of ST:NG. Chris was falling asleep but I kept him up until the show was over. Then he went to bed without making his lunch. I stayed up to blog.

Keeping up with the tapping

I woke up at 7 with my ears ringing. I saw that the router was turned on. I brushed and swished and finished satin-stitching the banner, running out of thread. I had to hold the end in my hand to do the last few stitches.
I played some of the presentations from the Tapping Summit. I drybrushed and exercised. The exercises seemed harder, probably because I haven't done them in a month. I meditated and tapped. Cecelia called to catch up and to ask me to order her a new bottle of calcium. When my meditations were over, I cleaned the bathrooms and kitchen. I listened to an audio on judgment. I took a shower and got dressed. I ate one fat bomb before I had to leave.
I went to the Korean clinic. They wanted me to sign him up with an accreditation agency. (It is good in 46 states, but not Alabama). It was not easy because I needed a jpg of his license and a screen shot. I tried all sorts of ways of getting them from the scanner to the laptop and from a phone to the laptop. But finally I had to call Chris who knew exactly how to do it. After that went through, they wanted me to call about the high garbage bill. I was able to get that greatly reduced. Then they said something about the state of CA thinking they owed back taxes. I put that off. They gave me a cob of corn, pecans, tea and onion juice packets.
The sun was setting when I got home. I ate the corn, then went for a walk, hoping to spot more daffodils, but I did not see any. When I got back, I ate some lamb and sprouts for supper. Chris went back to work to make a special phone call. I started listening to a meditation, but there wasn't time to finish it.
I grabbed my heavy coat even though it was almost 70 because the lighter one had a zipper problem. I drove to choir, taking the bank bag with me so I could return it to the safe. I sat by Cecelia for practice. All of the music was new to me, but I did the best I could. Afterward, I talked with Jennifer. She was listening to a different summit. She gave me some apple chips.
I got home before 9. Chris helped me eat the apple chips. I watched two episodes of ST:NG. Chris went to bed before the second episode was over. I completed a Swansons order, then posted to my blog.
* Here are two wallhangings that the Tuesday group is working on. *

A semblance of normality

I got up about 8. I did not hear my alarm go off at 7:30. Chris must have turned on the router this morning because it was running. I put on a presentation from The Tapping World Summit Day 1. I listened to one last night before bed and had three more to go through before they replace them tonight with new ones. While it was playing, I collated the recyclables and took them out to the curb. I collected a bag of glass to take to the recycling center. I took my morning supplements, then brushed and swished. Beverly called to see if I was coming to quilting today, so I had to spit it out. Then there was another supplement to take. I swept the floor to get up all the leaves that fell off of the poinsettias. I made some doctor appointments that I had to cancel a month ago. I finished my quart of water and got dressed.
I headed out to quilting with nothing to bring. When I got there, a few ladies were going through donated fabric on the table. I sat and talked to Jodie who was working on a quilt top for her daughter's marriage. Then I talked to Beverly W who was working on a baby quilt. Beverly C had brought her mother's machine. I tested it out and adjusted the tension. It was working fine.
On the way home, I was too tired to stop for kimbap. So I just returned home for breakfast. I also chose some fabric as per a request from church. I started an audio and laid down to listen, falling asleep. It is a habit from living in the hospital.
I woke up at 2. I put the glass in the car and went to recycling center to drop it off. Then I stopped by the bank for massage money. My final destination was the church. There was no one there and I was glad I remembered the numbers to all the combinations. Lars had already counted the money, recorded it on the sheet, and prepared it for deposit. I took the sheet and entered all the info on the computer. Then I printed the reports. It took less than 45 minutes.
I took the money to the bank and got home just after 4. I took a walk carrying a handbag, trowel, and plastic bags. I 'helped' a few daffodils in the forest find their way to my front flower bed. No one said a word. Then I came inside to made a salad for supper and have some roast lamb. I called my dad to see if he had had coconut oil today and a sufficient amount of water.
I listened to part of a tapping audio for Day 2. When Chris was ready, we watched two episodes of ST:NG. Chris made his lunch and sat at his laptop. He told me that the job in Chinhae was open again. I said I didn't want to go without Myra. I posted to my blog and went to bed.
* This is the wedding quilt in progress. *

Trying to remember

I woke up but stayed in bed. It was almost 8:30 when I arose. I brushed my teeth and scraped my tongue. I discovered that the router was on even though I had turned it off last night. I checked e-mail and drank a quart of water. I took my morning supplements. I e-mailed Chris to find out it today was garbage day. For some reason, I could not remember. I tried to make a doctor appointment but there was no response from the number. So I left a message. I called Myra through Facebook and we had a nice conversation. Scott said hi as well.
I took a piece of mail to our neighbor. Then I saw the mailman go by, so I got mail from our box. I had to write 'not at this address' on one letter. Then I made breakfast, listened to some audios and read e-mail. The hospital routine got me used to taking an afternoon nap, so I laid down.
I woke up when Chris came home, not certain where I was or who was coming in the door. Chris said he did not get the job at Fort Knox. William called, but I never figured out what he wanted. I went for a walk and saw daffodils in several places in the woods. I toyed with the idea of relocating them to my yard.
I called Dad to see how he was doing and he sounded ok. He reported trying to bring the trash can in, which is pretty ambitious at this point. Chris cooked white beans and I used them to make a hummus-like food product. Then I made a large salad, and ate it while playing Solitaire. Lars called. I made more green powder mix. I boiled turmeric and ginger root for tea, and soaked broccoli seeds to grow sprouts.
When Chris was ready, we watched two episodes of ST:NG. Faye called to ask where the heating pad was. After the last episode, we went to bed. But I got back up to write my blog and take my evening supplements.
* I didn't take any pics today, so here is one of the plane that brought me back to Huntsville. *

Catching up

I slept through the night, waking early and not knowing the time, but figuring I didn't need to get up yet. When I did get up, it was 8am. I took a shower and got dressed for church. I noticed how clean the tub was and asked Chris if he had cleaned it (or if my eyesight got worse).
I glanced at e-mail. I did some unpacking. I walked around the house wondering if I was forgetting something. At 9 I got in my car and went to church.
When I arrived, the choir was already standing at the front to rehearse. I joined them. Members greeted me warmly and I explained briefly why I was absent. Jennifer gave me the music and we practiced. It sounded familiar. Maybe we sang it last year?
Afterward, I spoke to Barbara and Jim for a bit, then got a bulletin. I apologized to the treasurer and Lars for dropping out of sight so quickly without warning. They were ok with it.
For the sermon, we had a bishop who spoke about serving those most in need, and installing our new interim pastor. There was a Rite of installation. After the service, there was a finger-food reception. I was so busy talking to people that I almost did not meet the new pastor. But his wife introduced herself. She knew who I was from comments of choir members. She is now part of the choir!
I went home, my feet hurting from wearing heels. I changed my clothes and unpacked most of my suitcases. I had to refill some of my breakfast containers so I could make breakfast. It was 2pm when I sat down to eat. I also read e-mail. Chris was doing taxes and asked me a few questions. Then I went outside for a walk because it was such a nice day. There were signs of spring everywhere, not like Virginia. I was pleased to see a daffodil in my front yard. Plus, the amaryllis was sprouting in the white enclosure behind. And on the front porch, the Easter lily had grown almost 2 feet.
After the walk, I sat down at my laptop to post to my blog. Then I read about how people with hypothyroidism can lose weight. It sounded like they had other problems at the same time. I read about a service that delivers meals to the elderly in Dad's area. But when I read the menus, they didn't sound much better than what he already eats.
I called Faye to see how things were going with her and Dad. He dressed himself again today without help. They went to the mall after church, where he walked and napped and walked again.
I made up two weeks worth of supplements. Chris cooked yucca and I ate it with the lamb from last night. I also made a small salad. I texted my massage therapist. I moved my laptop to the guest room. But then I had a very weak wi-fi connection. I had to unwrap the router to use Skype. I met with my tapping buddy. It took us almost 2 hours to catch up and do some tapping. Then I returned my laptop to the diningroom table.
Chris and I watched two episodes of ST:NG. After I posted to my blog, we went to bed.
* Signs of spring *

Himself again

After posting to my blog last night, I went to help Dad get ready for bed. But he had already done his dentures and removed all his clothing, including the white tet hose. Still, he wanted to do a few last things and then I settled him into bed and covered him up. Then I got myself ready for bed and slept on the couch. I got cold in the middle of the night and grabbed a blanket from the cabinet.
In the morning, I heard Dad come out to the foyer. I got up to see what he wanted. He was dressed in regular clothes which he had put on all by himself. He spent some time putting on a belt and added all the things that go on it. I made breakfast and ate it while reading e-mail. I started repacking my suitcase and stuffed my pillow in. Dad had it in mind that he was going to the airport with me. Some of what he said did not make sense so I gave him some water to drink. While I was packing, Faye came over and we discussed how to rearrange the kitchen to make more room and allow him better access to the phone. I got Dad's car book and entered all the repairs and maintenance for the last two years. It was difficult because he had the maintenance and repairs under 10+ categories. But he still would not let me throw out the receipts. Then I pulled out my food from the fridge that I knew he wouldn't eat. I ate some of it as an early lunch and put an apple in my bag to eat at the airport. I ate some of the leftover cheese and gave some to Patrick. I finished packing my carry-on bag while Faye continued to sort things in the kitchen and Patrick looked through stuff, trying to be helpful. Then I had to pack up my laptop so I would be ready when William came to pick me up.
I counted the cash I had left. I gave Patrick some money, leaving some for Faye, but she wouldn't take any. It was after noon so I called William who said he was on his way. I brought my suitcase to the door. William took it out to the car while I got my other luggage to the door. I hugged Faye and Dad goodbye. Then got in Karen's car. She drove us to the airport and let me out at the terminal. William got my suitcase from the trunk and hugged me goodbye.
I rolled my luggage into the terminal and up an escalator. I used my passport to print boarding passes at the kiosk. I checked in my suitcase by 1. It took longer to go through Security. I had pulled out my laptop and tablet for them to scan, but they held my rolling suitcase aside to go through my food bag. I can't imagine what they were looking for. They also pulled out my water bottle. I was ok with them throwing it out, but wanted a swig first. He said I had to go back to the main airport lobby for that. Well, I wasn't going through Security twice! Then I walked to my gate and settled myself. I called Chris, and texted myself notes for my blog. Then I heard an announcement changing the gate so I moved to the new gate. Thinking about the stack of weekly inventory papers that Faye found, I came up with ERILOM: the Earl Reber Institute for Laborious Organizational Methods. I am sure they will want his 5 years worth of inventory and grocery lists.
Then it was time to board the plane. We sat for a bit. I did some tapping and slept through take-off. My ears hurt but not as much as the ride to Richmond. I did more tapping. A lady was bringing drinks and snacks to First Class passengers. I got 2 waters and a banana. I ate a piece of my own chocolate. In less than 2 hours we landed in Atlanta.
I had to ask the clerk to read the overhead screen for my next gate. I started out walking quickly, then decided I had plenty of time so I walked at an enjoyable pace, not a Chris pace. It was a long concourse but at least I did not have to change to another one. I stopped at the bathroom before finding myself a seat at the gate. I took a pic of the plane parked outside. I texted Chris an update. I was texting Faye when it was time to board.
As we sat waiting for take-off, the pilot stepped into view. He said we were 7 minutes from leaving the gate. He said we had an extra hour of fuel because we might have to circle Huntsville waiting for a storm to pass, but he hoped to get there before the storm did. However, due to a last-minute mechanical fix, we left late. I was so ready to be home that I had a hard time thinking positive thoughts. But the trip had an amazing view. We were between cloud layers, and could see the setting sun and some blue sky in the distance. It was like floating over a snow-covered terrain. I did not see a storm. When we got to Huntsville, we did circle it, but no more than twice, and then we landed. The pilot said we went to Birmingham and then to Huntsville.
When I got off the plane, I went to the bathroom. I was supposed to call Chris, but got a text that he was on his way. So I went to Baggage Claim to wait for my suitcase. I saw another lady pick it up, read the tag, and put it back. I moved up to wrestle it off the conveyor belt. Then I rolled everything outside to look for Chris. He was waving to me from the right. He put my luggage in the car and gave me a big hug.
We talked on the way home. It was raining. He said the animals were lining up in pairs. Ha! He had a roast of lamb with potatoes and onions and garlic, plus roasted brussel sprouts on the stove. I was so tired I could not remember where we kept the plates. The house seemed like something out of a dimly remembered dream. After eating, we relaxed on the couch and watched two episodes of ST:NG. Then we went to bed, for cuddling and sleep.

It's all in how you look at it

It was almost midnight till I got to lie down on the couch and cover up with a sheet. Contrary to what Chris thinks, It was not the most comfortable place to sleep. I heard Dad get up several times during the night, even though he stopped drinking water around 6pm. I heard him walk out to the den so I got up to check. I put him back to bed, but as soon as I laid down again, he was up. He was looking for his cell phone to see what day it was. I showed him the atomic clock. He still wanted his cell phone and we searched for it for over an hour. I texted Faye and William to see if they knew where it was.
I suggested he sit with a hot water pack and then a cold pack on his back, and he did that. Then he worked on his dentures while I got my breakfast made. I made some oatmeal for him and he poured himself a bowl of Total and Shredded Wheat. Thankfully Faye had bought him a new jug of milk because his was a month old. I ate my breakfast while sitting on the blue chair in the den. From there, I looked into the kitchen and saw something black under a bag of almonds. I was surprised to find out it was his cell phone because I had looked there umpteen times. I guess it's all in how you look at it.
Before he finished the cereal, I suggested he get dressed so as to be ready for the PT who was coming at 11. We went to the bedroom where he dressed himself for the most part. I helped with the shoes and socks so it would go faster. (The tet hose was quite challenging). Then he finished his cereal and waited in the livingroom. I worked at untangling a spool of brown thread so I could work on the bibs.
I finally got a usable end and threaded the machine when the PT knocked at the door. Dad had not seen her drive up. She asked a lot of questions and recorded the answers on a tablet. Then she checked his vitals and had him walk to his bedroom and into the bathroom so she could see it. She said the red step thing needed to go. She commented positively on his walking ability.
It was time for lunch. We had a big discussion about how he needed to eat more protein and fat, but he wanted his usual lunch. I gave him some yogurt and a hard boiled egg. I chopped an egg into yogurt and made egg salad for myself. He sat on the rollator to eat lunch. He made himself his usual lunch of shredded wheat, diced tomatoes, and vegetable casserole. I put in some sauerkraut for probiotics, and gave him a fat bomb later.
I trimmed the dead leaves from plants and threw them away. Then I vacuumed the livingroom and dining room and kitchen. I jotted some notes for my blog. The trash bag was full so I took it out.
When Dad was done eating, I talked him into going to Fresh Market. I was tired, but we had been needing groceries since he got home from the hospital. We took his shopping list. When we got to the store, I pushed the cart and he pushed the rollator. I followed him. He kept asking me what we had in the fridge. He did not write the answers down, so I had to answer the same questions over and over. We got produce and crackers and milk. I had him try a few new foods, like olives and guacamole. I did not push him to buy more cruciferous veggies because I did not know if Kevin was going to come next week. A lady offered to help us carry our grocery bags to the car. It was nice of her to offer so I accepted, even though I could have pushed the cart out to the car with no problem.
I put the food away. I put some corn casserole in both our bowls and split a package of salmon with him. William called just as Patrick walked in the door with a sub for Dad. I made a large salad, but could not eat it all so I gave some to Dad. I talked to Faye. William called and I asked him to buy us a rotisserie chicken since he was going to the store. When he got here, Dad said he wasn't hungry but he ate a wing anyway. I was going to make cruciferous juice for Dad, but discovered that I did not have all the ingredients. I called William back to ask him to pick up some things on his next grocery run.
I washed dishes, and made more fat bombs while Dad watched news shows. I got the sewing machine threaded and sewed the bib parts together with tan thread, then put the dark brown on for the top stitching. Then I pulled the coconut oil bombs from the fridge, popped them out into a bag, and poured more coconut oil bombs. I did not add MCT oil this time because it does not solidify and just makes a mess. I called Chris who is looking forward to seeing me tomorrow.
Patrick came back around 10 and talked about boxing up books all day. Then he went out for a burger (walking in the rain). I salvaged some velcro from an old something and used it on the bib to make the ends stick together. Dad let me take his picture with the new bib, but he wants to give it to another man at church. I finished up my blog post and helped Dad get to bed.

Dog tired

Last night I washed his white Tet socks. His feet smelled. I stayed with him until he was lying comfortably in bed. Or at least he said he was comfortable. He would not let me sleep in his bed so I slept in the next room. I made him promise to call me if he needed help. Then I went to bed.
I heard things in the night which probably meant he was going to the bathroom. I did not hear him call out, so I stayed in bed. Had I not been so tired I would have gotten up just in case. In the morning, I woke just before 8. I took a shower in the hall bath. I peeked in on him. It was hard to see him over the bags of socks he keeps on the other side of the bed. I went to the kitchen to prepare my breakfast. But before I got very far, he walked out from the bedroom in just his brief. He wanted to know what he should do first to get ready. I told him he needed a shower.
Because of the grab bars by the toilet and the grab pole, I had to stand on the edge of the tub to turn on the water. I had to remove some of my clothes to avoid getting soaked. He sat on a shower bench. I washed his hair and handed him a wash cloth. Pretty quickly the soap got dropped in the water and I could not reach it. So I poured liquid soap on the cloth and let him clean himself. The water backed up from the drain so his feet got a good soaking.
After the shower, he was able to dress himself. I put the clean white Tet socks on him, plus blue regular socks. I let him put in his shoes while I started laundry. I also started cooking oatmeal. I shouldn't have started it until he started his dentures because it got a little dry. I put the wet laundry in the dryer and grabbed all the sheets to wash them. I plunged the back tub drain to no avail. Then I bent a coat hanger and used it to snake out a clump of hair larger than a rat. The drain ran freely after that. I tried plunging and snaking the other tub. It did not work and there was no hair to pull out. So much for my new career in plumbing.
Dad made himself a bowl of cereal while I made my usual breakfast. When I told him about the oatmeal, he ate that too. He was complaining of back pain, so I filled a bottle with hot water and put it behind him for 20 minutes. I folded laundry and washed dishes. I changed the hot bottle for a freezer pack. I put some laundry away and moved stuff around so the shirts would be accessible but not hanging in the shower. I found the cacao nibs in the closet. Dad was sleeping, but I removed the ice pack from his back. Then I turned on the router and read e-mail.
We were waiting for the home health nurse who was supposed to come between 11 and 1. I started cutting fabric for bibs, but I was a little short of what I had in mind. When 1pm came and went and there was no home health nurse, I looked up the number for the company and gave them a piece of my mind. We could have gotten groceries and gone by the dentist if we had known she was going to be this late. I got a call back that the nurse was less than a mile away. I made up the beds with the clean sheets. Soon she arrived. Dad met her at the door. She took his vitals and explained the program: visits from therapists and a CNA, opportunity for an emergency pendant, etc. There was one document to sign. Then she left us with a packet of information.
After she was gone, we got what we needed for the doctor and we stopped at the dentist on the way. Dad wanted to buy a bottle of chlorhexadine. The receptionist came out to the car to greet him. She would give him a ride for his next appt because he reminds her of her dad, and he lives so close.
After the dentist, we went to his primary care physician. First an aide took Dad's vitals and asked him questions. Soon after he left, the doctor came in. I was prepared with a list of questions. Some of them he said should be asked of the urologist. But he answered a fair amount. He also said Dad looked great and did not need the statin anymore. And Dad should eat more protein and have more variety in his diet.
After we checked out from the doctor, we went to CVS to get Synthroid. I had a discussion of medications side effects with the pharmacist. We walked around the store for a bit. After we paid for the pills, we went home.
Just as we were getting out of the car, William drove up. Since we had not had lunch, I was eager to feed Dad, but William was talking to us. Finally I fed Dad some chicken from the fridge and I ate some too. I hated to eat in front of William but we were hungry and didn't have time to go the grocery store. Faye showed up to make two casseroles. William left while I was filling Faye in on the dr visit. Faye looked for the recipes. I washed dishes to get them out of her way. I had an appointment with my tapping buddy at 8. But by 7:50 I knew I wasn't going to be able to keep it.
Kevin wasn't going to make the casseroles he'd brought the ingredients for. The ingredients were going to go bad. And it was going to take Faye all evening to make the casseroles. Plus, there were ingredients missing. So, she went shopping while I was chopping. She came back and we finished putting together the two casseroles. One went into the oven and the other into a cast iron fry pan. I stood and stirred it while she reorganized Dad's bedroom. I texted my tapping buddy again, but there wasn't time to tap between stirrings. I saw Chris had called, so I called him back. I tapped while I emoted to him.
I finished up the casseroles. William brought Patrick over . I had to move the bibs I started out of the way. Faye moved some stuff in the living room as well. Then she went home.
I cued Dad to get ready for bed. He was more interested in eating. I spoke to Patrick about how to cue Dad to get ready for bed. I found a weekly pill box to put the Synthroid in and put that in the master bath so Dad would take it first thing in the morning. It is a new habit for him and I wonder how he will do with that. Patrick watched Dad clean his hearing aids and take off his shoes and socks. I was dog tired, but had to stay until Dad was actually in bed and covered, with the lights out. Then I got myself ready for bed. I realized my blog wasn't finished so I completed that and went to sleep on the couch.
* This is Dad with his physical therapist at the hospital. *

Behold, I go to prepare a place for you

I went to the hospital with a half-charged phone. I hoped it would be enough. Faye was cuing Dad to get ready for bed. She didn't think he could do this on his own. It was after 11 when she left. I told him he needed to hire some help. I got ready for bed and we went to sleep.
I woke at 5 hearing a splash of water. But I could not see anything on the floor. I tried to go back to sleep. The nurse came in with Synthroid at 6:20. I could not go back to sleep, so I waited in bed until almost 7, then got dressed and opened the blinds. I started preparing his dentures while he called a nurse to remove the cath so he could sit up for breakfast. Breakfast arrived and we finished the dentures. He ate his breakfast and I ate mine.
At nine the day nurse came around to give Dad his meds. Faye is convinced that the Synthroid is why Dad is gaining weight and I think it is the coconut oil. So I posed the question to the RN. She said the Synthroid is helping him absorb the fats and nutrients in his food so he can gain weight. So we are both right. After taking his vitals, she left out one of his meds because it was an anti-hypertensive and his bp was low. She went to check with the doctor to see if he agreed, but she never came back with that medicine - which was a replacement for Rapiflo.
I took a load of stuff out to the car. I unloaded the suitcase, and scraped all the ice and snow from the windows and roof of car. I also cleared the passenger seat so there would be room for him later. I went back to pack another load. The nurse practitioner came to listen to his heart and lungs. I mentioned that he was clear headed at breakfast each day but got less clear during the day. I suggested it might be his medication and she said it was just exertion.
I finished packing and sat with Dad waiting for discharge. 11 am came and went. I went to the nurse's station to find out what we needed to do. She said she was waiting on the doctor to write prescriptions. She went to get them. I waited with Dad. She finally came back with 5 scripts and discharge papers. She went over all the appointments Dad is supposed to make and said Home Health will help him with that. I signed the papers. She got a tech to roll Dad to the main entrance. She had her coat on, Dad had his coat on, and I had my coat on. As we were leaving the room, a lady came in with a lunch tray. I thought it was too late to stay and eat, but she said we could take it with us. She wrapped the entree in paper towels and gave us the plastic cups with grapes and cottage cheese. Then we proceeded to the main entrance. Dad waited while I pulled the car around. The tech made sure he got in and settled. I put his seat belt on and we went home.
When I pulled into the driveway, I could see the deck was covered in ice and sleet. It looked to be dangerous for me, not to mention him. Maybe we should have stayed for lunch. Finally I got the rollator and we went up the wheelchair ramp. The rollator had no traction and it was a minor miracle that we got up and to the house. He rolled inside and settled on a chair in the kitchen. I turned around to unload the car, but he insisted on helping me. So I suggested we eat lunch first. I went to get the suitcase which had lunch in it. When I got back he was standing by the back door holding it open for me. I got him seated again and ready to eat. I pulled out a salad I had packed last night. We ate together, though I finished first as always. I gave him a fat bomb and some MCT oil.
After lunch he wanted a nap. So I saw him settled before I unloaded the rest of the car and laid down myself. We went to sleep. But the phone rang. It woke me up. I did not hear a message, so I tried to go back to sleep. At least until I heard Dad walking around. He wanted to eat something and I wanted us to get something done before that so life isn't all eating and sleeping. I gave him some bills to pay. It took him a long time. William came over and started clearing off a book shelf, which took Dad's attention away from the check. William put a bunch of aluminum bakeware in the recycle pile. After William left, Dad remarked that he liked the way we cleared some space on the shelves. I helped him finish the checks and ready to mail. I put the leftover rotisserie chicken in a pot with some water and simmered it. I looked for rice to cook, but did not see any. I gave some chicken to Dad and took some for myself. Then we had some sauerkraut and artichoke hearts. A lady from Home Health called to say she wanted to come tomorrow. I said fine. I started writing my blog. Dad went around the house looking at all the shavers, trying to find 'the one'. He said it was not the one he had at the hospital. He was confused about what made it 'the one'. I kept writing. Chris called for a short time. Dad was using the walker without wheels. He said he wanted wheels. I found one with wheels in the closet, but he said it was too wide. So I got out Mom's rollator. He rolled around the house with that for awhile. Then we adjusted the height.
He told me to go to bed. I wasn't done writing yet. He started his dentures and took his meds, with a little coaching from me about which pills the hospital had already given him today. I finished up my blog and posted it, not sure if we were really done for the day.

Graduation Day

Time was short so I did not get everything done before I went back to the hospital. Faye was watching Dad get himself ready for bed. She had to cue him through the process. After she left, I got ready for bed. Dad turned the light out. We slept.
We were awake at 6:30, but the pill did not arrive until almost 7. I got dressed and started the denture process. Breakfast arrived. Jeff took off the cath, put the white stretchy socks on Dad, and sat him in the wheelchair.
We ate breakfast then I packed excess clothing in the suitcase and took it to the house. I came back with the forgotten fat bombs. I had trouble getting the car key in and out of the ignition. When I got back to the hospital, I asked Dad about it. He said it wasn't fully in 'park' and I should shift to 'neutral' first, then shift to park. (Why isn't that question on the cognitive test?)
I placed a bowl of hot water in front of Dad and he washed up. I called Cecily to get her address, then put a check in the envelop to pay for the new tire she and Al put on. I took two envelopes to the first floor to mail them. When I returned, he was still there. But soon an alternate therapist came to take him to the gym. She walked him a lot because he wanted to. Then they did steps up and down. She had him roll over a carpet to pick up cones and transport them back across the carpet to a mat. Then she had him weave in and out of the cones with a rollator. Finally she had him tap the top of each cone with the nearest foot and then with the farthest foot. He did surprisingly well.
The OT took him from there. She put a graduation sticker on him, and fixed a certificate to his white board. She had him practice laying down and getting up from a bed. She also had him lift and lower a bar to increase the range of motion on his right arm. Then he met the speech therapist in his room. She retested him cognitively, and he made a 39/50. I was surprised it was so low after all the quickness he showed earlier. I wondered if one of his meds is slowing him down.
Lunch arrived before the speech therapist was done. We ate after she left. William called and talked to me for half an hour while Dad continued to eat.
The OT came back after lunch to practice laying down and getting up again. He complained of back pain and she showed him the best way to avoid it. She also recommended alternating heat and ice. She brought him a leg-lifter to see if it helped.
Afterward, we went for a walk with the rollator. Then he wanted to lie down, so we rehearsed the proper way. We took a nap, but the nurse woke us up to say she was leaving and another nurse was taking her place. Dad got up, and laid down again, still in some pain. He napped for a short time, then got up for another walk. The rehab doctor stopped me and asked where he filled his prescriptions. I caught up with Dad and we went back to the room for supper. When he was settled and eating, I filled my suitcase with things he wouldn't need for tomorrow. I was putting on my coat to leave when William called to give me directions to his house. I drove to Dad's house and brought the suitcase and mail inside. Faye arrived and I climbed in with her. We went to visit William and Karen.
They showed us their thrifty bargains around the house, and artwork, too. We sat down to supper. She served salmon and veggies, a very tasty and healthy meal. We chatted about Dad and Patrick and cancer doctors.
William showed me their upstairs Toto toilets. Really, he ought to quit his job and become a sales man for them. I was antsy to leave to get all the usual stuff done before hospital. It was after 8 when Faye took me back to Dad's house. Once there, I packed breakfast and a lunch in case we were late leaving. I cried when I thought of how much Dad ate at the hospital and how am I going to feed him that much at home? The weather will be too bad to take him to the grocery store. I might not even get him into the house safely.
I pulled myself together, washed up and changed clothes. After a quick call to Chris, I went back to the hospital, which by the way, is so nicely decorated that it does not look like a hospital.
* Dad and his super-cute OT Allie *

Water water everywhere (just kidding)

I got to the hospital a little early. Dad was in bed and talking to Faye. I could sense some tension in the room. After she left, Dad was talkative so we got to bed late.
Someone woke us up early to take Dad's blood. Then it was dark again until the early pill came at 6:30. At 7 I got up to get myself ready. I opened the blinds to let in the sun. Breakfast did not arrive until 7:15. I woke Dad up, then got his dentures ready. I started feeding him in bed until we could get a nurse to remove the catheter, sit him in a chair and put on the stretchy socks. When he finished eating, I handed him a bowl of hot water to wash as much of himself as he could reach. I also handed him clothes, which he put on all by himself.
In 15 minutes Heather took him to PT. She walked him, and had him step over red things. He also had to wind his way around cones and tap each one on the top with his foot. Then she turned him over to Allie the OT. She had him fold pillowcases and hang up shirts and load the dishwasher. She brought him back to the room for lunch.
We ate lunch together. At 1 Heather came back for more PT. I was so tired that I stayed in the room. Dad said they walked and did steps. She came back with the rollator and said he was going to speech. I grabbed my notes and his cup of water and went looking for him. He was on his way back to the room. The speech therapist had him do simple math, like picking items from a list that could all be bought with $10. He did really well. She read him short stories and asked questions. He did almost as well. She said she would do a cognitive eval tomorrow for contrast to when he got here.
After she left, I thought we might take a nap. But he talked about writing checks and going for a walk. Then he ate a cracker with peanut butter, even though I read the label and could not think of a worse ingredient list. The therapist leader came by. She spoke about the importance of having a pendent to call for help. Later the case worker came by. She talked about home care and having someone live there. I took notes, but lost them. Even his doctor came by. I asked what Dad;s idea weight should be and he said to ask the GP.
Finally Dad wrote a check and signed the paper to register for transportation vouchers. I got calls from William and Karen about the toilet installation and other plumbing issues that were coming up. Supper arrived soon after. I packed my bag and headed out, certain Faye would be there soon.
I drove to the house. Karen and William were there. We got into a conversation about Patrick and cancer and toilets and such. It was after 7:30 when they left. I attacked the rotisserie chicken. I hunted high and low for the bag of breakfast ingredients. I found it in my big suitcase. I packed a breakfast and a lunch. I called Chris for a short talk. Then it was time to change my clothes and go back to the hospital.

Puzzling over the pieces

I woke up early and could not go back to sleep. I got up at 7 to make breakfast, I made an extra one for tomorrow. I made and packed a lunch. I found a clean shirt for Dad.
I went to the hospital. Dad was doing a puzzle with Faye. After he finished it, I broke it up again so he could try it on his own. Faye went home to get ready for church. Dad finished the puzzle. Then we went for a long walk up and down the halls. I ran into a therapist so I asked him if I could walk Dad without the walker. He went to ask someone and came back to say I needed permission from Dad's regular therapist.
We laid down before lunch. I could not fall asleep, but he did. He woke up when lunch was delivered. As he ate his lunch, I ate mine. I gave him some kimchi and ground pumpkin seed. I also dipped a clean knife in the Brain Octane Oil and dripped it into a spoon until it was full. Earlier I had thought using a straw like a pipette would be perfect, but all the straws are plastic.
Dad wanted to lay down after lunch, so we did. I stayed awake knowing Faye was coming. She arrived about 2:30, just as Dad woke up to use the bathroom. She showed Dad how she paid her bills ahead so she could write all her checks one day a month. I packed up my bag and drove back to the house.
William was here, finishing up cleaning out the back bedroom. He carried an old radio out to the car and went home. I put my dirty laundry and Dad's into the washer. While it washed, I ate some chicken and the last of the kimchi. I boiled ginger to make tea. I listened to an audio until the washer was done. I threw the laundry in the dryer, then bundled up to take a walk. After going around the neighborhood, I tried walking to Dad's dentist. The big road was too busy to walk along, but it seemed as though one could walk behind the wall.
When I got back, I called Chris and talked to him until the dryer finished. I cleaned up my stuff in case Kevin comes over to clean. I talked to Faye, which resulting in printing a form, and finding Dad's phone to recharge it. I cleaned some stuff out of the hall bathroom so the plumber would have room to work. I folded laundry. Some went into my suitcase and a pair of pants for Dad into the suitcase. I collected trash and put it out for pickup. I ate some salad and packed the rest for lunch tomorrow. I took a shower. I read e-mail. I washed dishes. I packed my suitcase published my blog and went back to the hospital.

Dealing with crap

I woke up about 7:30. I made breakfast and ate it. I made lunch and supper and packed them up. I read a little e-mail. I arrived at the hospital a little before 10. Dad was dressed. I poured some MCT oil in a spoon for him. It spilled down the side of the bottle. We all talked for a bit. The rain had turned to sleet and then snow. I told Faye to leave while she could. Dad wanted cash, so he wrote a check to Faye to cash for him, then suggested I go with her. So the two of us left in her car. We stopped at Cosco for gas. Then we went to the bank. Because my sister did not have an account, they were going to charge her to cash the check. Because I did have an account with them, she signed it over to me, and I signed it too, so the teller gave me the cash. Faye took me back to the hospital. Peggy called Faye's phone and I answered it. So I talked to her for awhile, and then Faye did when we were in the parking lot.
Faye drove up to the main entrance and let me out. I joined Dad in his room. We went for a walk up and down the halls. When we got back, he was tired, but it was time for lunch. I ate while he ate, but he had a lot more food. Plus I added some sauerkraut, some salmon, and some MCT oil to his meal. Again, the MCT oil ran down the side of the bottle and made a mess. When I was done eating, I got out my sewing kit and mended a pair of pants for Dad. Then Michele called and we had a nice chat. William called to say the hall toilet was stopped up and he thought it should be replaced. I called Chris and he looked up the number of Dad's plumber. I called William and he said he would take care of it, using another plumber.
After lunch, we both laid down for a nap. I had finally fallen asleep when the pastor and his daughter came for a visit, waking us up. Dad went back to sleep afterward, but I laid awake for a long time before my mind would sleep. Dad said he woke up in time to take a walk before supper, but I was fast asleep so he did not wake me. I woke up when the food delivery person brought supper. Seems like I can't catch a break.
While Dad ate, I got out my supper, which was a salad with cheese cubes, etc. I shared the cucumbers and cheese with Dad. Again, I gave him some MCT oil, and again it spilled. I texted Kurt to ask him to get on Amazon to see how other people solve that problem.
Faye arrived. She brought a new flapper for the toilet and a closet organizer. We talked for a bit. Kurt called me back, so Faye took the time to go to Subway to pick up supper. On my way to the house, I stopped at Fresh Market to buy a hot chicken. I also picked up prunes for Dad. I wanted an oil carafe to use with the MCT oil so it could be dispensed and not leak, but they did not sell them.
When I got to the house, the back toilet was running, but stopped quickly with a push to the handle. I ate some of the chicken. I called Chris to see how he was doing. I checked e-mail. I plunged the hall toilet and it all went down. I compared the new flapper to the old flapper and realized the connection was different. I read a few more e-mails. I talked to William and Faye. I sunk a gallon jug of water into the back toilet tank to reduce the amount of water in each flush. I also shortened the chain because it was getting caught under the flapper. I hung the organizer in Dad's closet. I washed dishes, and listened to an audio that I thought would include tapping, but it did not. I drank some warm ginger tea to hydrate. I wrote my blog post and downloaded pics from my camera. Once I published it, it was time for bed.
* These are the lovely flowers that Mary sent. *

Sticking to the task

When I went back to the hospital, I took the basket of flowers with me so more people could enjoy them. I set them on the window sill. Faye showed me the drawings of clocks that she and Dad worked on. He was watching a history program on TV so we sat and watched too. Later he made Faye go home because she had to work in the morning. Then he was talkative, so we got to bed late.
We were awoken at 6:20 for his first pill. We rested after that, watching dawn increase. I got up just before 7 to get myself ready and start the denture process. Breakfast was delivered. The nurse got Dad out of bed and took off the catheter. I looked outside his door for a schedule. The nurse leader said that we had nothing until 10:30. So I let Dad peel his own eggs and orange. Nurse Monica asked for a list of Dad;s meds and when he takes them at home. I had forgotten my breakfast, so I ran home to get it. We were both eating at 8 when the PT stopped by to say she would get him at 8:30 for therapy. So I took the yogurt off of Dad's tray. He finished the rest and the nurse came in to wash him and see that he got dressed. He had his hearing aids in by 8:30, and waited 10 minutes for the PT.
She walked him to the gym. She walked him around with a gait belt. She left and I tried to get Dad's list of meds from him, but he would not comply. She came back with a bench and his him tap it with alternate feet. He was not happy with his performance. He practiced walking up and down steps with a rail. She changed his schedule so that all his therapy was before lunch. She had him carry a bag and use a walker. He wished he had window pane glasses that would hold his hearing aids in place. She had him balance on heel-toe between the parallel bars. The nurse practitioner visited him there. He talked about the history program he had seen. Heather walked him some more, and then took him to the dining room for Speech.
In speech, the alternate therapist gave him a list of things and he had to tell her what category they belonged to. Then she gave him a list of things where one did not belong. He got most of them right. Then he went to the gym to meet the alternate OT. She asked what he would like to work on. I suggested dentures and a short walk. She took him for a walk, and then she gave him three bills and a check book. He was able to write appropriate checks for all of them. Then she gave him a weighted bar to exercise his shoulder. Finally we went back to the room and she showed him how to dot his denture cream and it seemed to work.
While Dad ate his lunch, I took my morning supplements. His tray had two cottage cheeses. I also shared tuna from my lunch. It took a long time for him to finish lunch, but then there was no rush. I called William and asked him to buy some MCT oil. The case worker came by to say everything was on track for discharge on the 20th. I had time to delete e-mail with my phone.
I laid down and so did Dad, when he was done eating. I think he fell asleep. Then the nurse leader came in to ask questions like did he think therapy was helping him, Did he think it prepared him to live at home, etc. Then she asked if he had any questions. I asked about discharge. She said probably at 11, and Home Health should come the next day. Dad should get an appointment with his GP in the next week or two. After she left, Dad and I used the bathroom. Then I called his GP and got an appointment for the day after. I checked him out and we went to the first floor to get a map of the hospital campus. Then he and I walked the hall looking for a window to see the building his GP is in.
Soon after we got back, supper arrived. He said he wasn't all that hungry. (Say what?!) But he dug in. I packed my bag. William called to say he had the MCT oil. I kind of waited for Faye so I could tell her stuff. We started a list of things to mention to his GP. It was almost 7 when I left the hospital.
I went back to the house and collected the mail. Nothing important. I ate an egg and used up the rest of the salad. I called Chris. I asked William if he could give me a ride to the airport next Saturday. I needed more groceries, but laid down first. All my will power was gone. I finally got up to write to my blog and water the plants. I also made a shopping list in case it would be motivating. Faye started texting me, but then went to bed. I went to Wegmans, not certain I had enough energy, but it was so nice and quiet, that I really enjoyed myself. I got almost everything on the list and a few extra. I was glad I went.
When I got back, I carried in the groceries and put them away. And then it was time for bed.

I called 1-800-StAlfred

I drove the 198? K car back to the hospital. It gave me a great appreciation of the 1992 Oldsmobile. It sounded like it might not make it, but it got me there. I went to the 5th floor where William and Dad were talking about the cars. After more conversation, William left. Faye texted to see how things were going. Dad cleaned his hearing aids and dentures all by himself and in a reasonable amount of time. Then I got ready for bed and we went to sleep.
As usual with nurse Jeff, we were awakened at 6 for a Synthroid pill. Afterwards, we tried to sleep again. I think Dad did. But I got up at 7 to let the daylight in. I got myself ready, then turned my attention to Dad's dentures while Jeff got him out of bed and put on the support hose. I gave Dad salt water to swish with even though the nurse said there was no sore spot showing in his mouth. Don't tell the day nurse, but I have been disinfecting Dad's denture brush with hydrogen peroxide. She seems to think it will poison him, even though I rinse it well. Disinfecting my toothbrush as well has cleared up my symptoms.
Dad's breakfast arrived a little late. Then we heard that Speech was coming at 8:30. So to help him along, I peeled his eggs and his orange. After breakfast, I gave him a bowl of warm water and a cloth to wash up. Then he got himself dressed. He was putting in his hearing aids when the therapist arrived.
She had him review which meds he took in the morning. It was confusing because of the medicine name changes and because what he takes in the morning at home is not the same as what the hospital gives him in the morning. Plus, there is the before-breakfast pill and the after-breakfast pills. Then she gave him a list of items with prices and a set amount of money. She asked him to choose what he would spend it on without going over. He did well at that.
Then the day nurse came with morning meds. She was complaining of allergy symptoms, so I gave her one of the Tri-Ease softgels. She gave Dad a small cup with pills in it. While she was talking to me, he dropped some of them. She went to get more. Dad and I waited, talking about establishing a schedule for home. He worried about ordering his pills. We got tired of waiting for her, so we went for a walk around the halls with a walker. We ran into the Nurse Leader who asked if Dad would like his release date moved up. He did not formulate an answer.
When we got back to the room, I deleted e-mail with my phone so I wouldn't have to do it at home. Then I read. Dad went to the bathroom by himself. The PT came in while he was washing his hands. She walked him to the gym. The PT had him walk around cones with a walker, and retake the balance test. He went from a score of 9 to 45 (out of 56). He needs to work on the forward reach, the heal-toe stand, and turning time. He walked back using a different walker.
Lunch arrived and there was a cupcake with a heart on it, a complimentary surprise for the patients. Dad didn't pay much attention to it until it was the last thing. Then he ate it. I gave him some pumpkin seeds for protein. I read while he ate.
The OT came 20 minutes early. She walked behind him to the gym. The day nurse was so happy to see him walk without a walker that she got tears in her eyes. The OT had him count out amounts of money. He was accurate under $100. Over that, and he kept losing count and having to recount.
He went back to the room for a short rest. Then the PT came, also early. They did some incline walking, and used the stepper for 15 minutes. I followed him back to his room. He napped while I finished my book. He got up to use the toilet and a nurse came in. Neither one of us called her, but I let her do the work of fitting a new brief. Afterward, he sat in his chair, shaving. We rinsed the shaver, and he went back to wait for supper. When it arrived, I added a fat bomb, and packed my suitcase to leave. He engaged me in conversation for a bit, and then I headed out to the K car, which started more easily than he said, but it sounded terrible.
I drove back to the house and parked in front. I saw William's truck. I also saw a new tire on the Oldsmobile, which Alfred must have done. He really saved the day. I got the mail. I went inside and peeled an egg to eat. William showed me a jar of pickles that he found in the closet. The date was 2013 so I threw out the pickles and saved the jar. I washed dishes, then made breakfast and lunch for tomorrow. I sat down to write as much of my blog as I could before my tapping buddy contacted me.
I called her at 8 and we tapped for an hour, plus some chitchat. Afterward, I called Chris, but kept it short. Then I posted to my blog and got ready to go back to the hospital.
* Contraband! I did not order this. *

The good with the bad

I found a pic of Dad 6 years ago to show the therapist. I packed lunch and breakfast. I found some Efferdent, but it was almost empty. I used the vibrating massager that William found. I caught up on my previous blog posts and added pics. I washed up and put on clean clothes, then went back to the hospital. Faye was getting Dad in bed. She said the denture process went easier tonight possibly because the primidone hadn't kicked in yet. After Faye left, Dad complained of discomfort in a sensitive area and I called the nurse who put some cream on it. Then I got ready for bed and turned out the lights.
Nothing happened at night until the nurse woke him at 6am for a pill. We rested again until 7. I let in the daylight. The nurse put briefs on Dad and sat him in the chair while I washed up from night sweats. Breakfast arrived while I got his dentures ready. I took my morning supplements while he ate, then I ate too. Nurse said his bp was 95/41, not too low for him. After eating everything on his tray, he asked for crackers and peanutbutter. We called the nurse to put on the support hose. I handed him a wet wash cloth to clean up and then gave him clothes, which he put on himself.
At 9:45 he went to the gym with the OT. She had him raising and lowering a bar with both hands. She measured his range of motion, then gave him a retest of cognitive ability. He had gained 10 points. When we got back to the room, he napped. I read for awhile, then laid down until lunch came.
I shared my tuna and cauliflower with him. He had his lunch mostly eaten by 1pm when the speech therapist came. They reviewed meds that are going by a different name here at the hospital. I am not sure why he was so slow at that today.
Dad was about to lie down for a nap when the pastor arrived. He talked about the need to continue at home whatever it is here that is helping Dad so much. He left just before the PT arrived.
I took water to the gym for him, but he was largely uninterested. He had to practice sitting and standing. She stretched his legs, then they walked up and down the gym. He tapped a step with alternate feet. He walked forward and backward, and practiced stopping. That was topped off with 5 minutes in the reclining stepper.
Back in the room, he changed his pants so I could wash them. He drank a lot of water. Then he laid down for a nap. I read until supper arrived. Once he was eating and comfortable, I took my suitcase and left the hospital. When I got to the parking lot, I saw the license plate was hanging off the front of the car. I tried several times to shove the screw back into the hole. At last, it did but I was not sure it would stay. I drove to the house.
As I rounded the last corner for Dads house, the car felt like it was resisting, holding back. I parked in front of the house and checked the license plate. It was still on. I got my rolling suitcase and checked the mail. I took it inside the house. I put all the dirty laundry in the washer. I went out the front door to find two bouquets of flowers, one from Mary and one from Chris. They were beautiful! I brought them inside.
I decided to go for a quick walk. I locked the back door behind me and headed down the driveway. Then I saw it – my front tire was completely flat. !@#$$$##@! I texted Faye and William and went for a fast walk around the block to blow off energy. I called Chris, and the Damours. When I got back, I checked the trunk and saw a spare doughnut. I went inside and waited to call William again. When the laundry was washed, I put it in the dryer. I put eggs on to boil. I made a salad. William came over to check the tire. He warmed up the K car for me to use tonight. The Damours called back and offered to come over tomorrow and take care of the tire.
I took a shower and finished the laundry. I had to dry it twice. I made breakfast and lunch. Then I had to do a quick blog posting because I was out of time.

Progress across the board

Once again, I had to rush out of the house leaving my blog incomplete. I got to the hospital before the doors were locked. Faye was putting Dad to bed. He wanted to review a sheet of meds from the speech therapist, but we could not find it.
After she left, I got ready for bed and tucked in his feet – something I never knew he liked. Then we both went to sleep. I awoke in the dark in a state of distress but could not tell what was the matter. I used the bathroom, but was still agitated. Then Dad woke up and called the nurse because he was wet. Afterward, I laid awake listening to him try to breathe. He sounded congested. All too soon, it was 6:45 and a nurse came in with the morning pill. I got myself ready, then opened the blinds. Breakfast arrived. I struggled hard to get his stretch socks on. Then I supervised Dad getting to his chair to eat. But I had to prepare his dentures which took a while. He didn't start eating until almost 8. He asked what will we do to prevent someone from taking the tray? I burst out laughing imagining him tripping the food service person, or threatening them with a walker.
The OT showed up unexpectedly at 8:30 to bathe and shower him. He did so well, that she cleared him to shower at home. She was a little stuffy so I gave her a vitamin C patch and an essential oil beadlet. She had taken his stretch socks off and gotten a larger size for him. She updated all his scores from 'minimal assistance' to 'supervision'.
The nurse practitioner arrived to see how he was doing. Somehow we got started on natural solutions. She asked me to write down health advice for her. She weighed Dad and he was up to 127 from 117 when he came in.
The speech therapist was right behind her. They talked about hearing aids and medications again. She seemed pleased that he knew so much about his meds. After she left, we went for a walk with Dad paddling his wheelchair. When we got back to the room, there was still time before lunch, so we went walking in the other direction. We stared at the parking lot for a bit, but when the lunch ladies came along with their cart, he paddled back to the room to be ready.
He ate his lunch and I got out mine. I had steamed broccoli. I traded him some for part of his spinach. He also ate the yogurt that came with breakfast. After lunch we both laid down for a nap since PT wasn't scheduled until 3.
Just before 3, Allie came by to do quality assurance or customer satisfaction questions. She cleared me to take my dad walking in his rolling walker. Then Saundra, who was filling in for Heather, came to get Dad for PT. She took him to the gym. He practiced sitting and standing a few times. Then exercises with leg weights. She had him march in place. She gently tried to push him off balance which he resisted. They practiced walking forward and backward, with and without a rollator. Then walking on in incline, and then pitching colored bags, first with the right hand, then with the left. It was a lot of movement, but he assured her that he wasn't tired.
I followed him back to the room. He took a nap. I called my pharmacy in Alabama to mail me more hormone pills, but she said she could not mail outside Alabama. So I had her sent it to the house for Chris to forward to me. (BTW, Chris said he had a good interview yesterday for Fort Knox.)
Then supper arrived. It did not take Dad long to get up and sit in his chair. I put coconut oil in the sweet potatoes. He started eating. Faye arrived, with an umbrella. She gave it to me to use to go back to the house. Mary called to tell me I could look forward to a bouquet tomorrow. Thanks, Mary. Then I packed and left the hospital.
When I got to Dad's house, I had the usual stuff to do. But like a kid just getting home from school, I did not feel like doing homework right away. However, I did not want to run out of time for my blog again. So I put some cauliflower on the stove to steam. I washed greens for a salad. I refilled the coconut oil bomb bag. I ate some chicken. I put Dad's clothes in the dirty laundry pile. I got the mail, although there were no bills. I ate supper while reading e-mail. I washed dishes. I typed up this blog post. And I hoped there might be time to add to the previous ones before heading back to the hospital.

Ran out of time again

I ran out of time and published my blog post incomplete. I threw on my coat, grabbed my rolling suitcase and headed to the car. I put the trash in the outdoor trash can, but did not have time to make the extra trip to run it to the street.
I got to the hospital just before the doors locked. Dad was in bed. I showed Faye the word search book. She gave it to Dad and he started working a puzzle. We talked about bills. She gave me some to mail, but because I can't mail them until tomorrow evening, she took them with her. After she left, I took my evening supplements and turned out the lights.
We slept through the night, woken at 5:55 for Synthroid. I covered my eyes to avoid the lights. She drained his bag and left. About 7 I got up to let daylight in. Dad was not ready to wake up. I got dressed and started his dentures. I moved the cath bag so he could sit in the chair. I cleared the table and breakfast arrived. I put a fat bomb in his oatmeal. He peeled the eggs while waiting for the dentures to dry. After swishing with salt water, he put in his upper denture and ate. I took my morning supplements and ate my breakfast.
I gave him a tub of water to wash up after breakfast and I handed him clothes. I called a nurse to remove the cath. We got into a discussion of vitamin patches. After she left, Dad got in bed to rest. But instead of resting, he decided to write in his calendar, and then do his hearing aids. He needed help with that and was frustrated that I couldn't make the left one fit right. He laid back again for 20 minutes. I tapped while he rested. He moved to his wheelchair and put his shoes on.
The OT came at 10:30. They worked on fine motor skills and following medication directions: he separated beads by color and size, and dropped them into round pill boxes, then screwed them together. He put key-shaped pegs into key-shaped holes. He practiced changing hearing aid batteries, and using a 4-row pill box to dispense meds according to trial directions. Then she put a gait belt on him and walked him back to the room. She talked about how he needed to take a course to be cleared to drive again.
She left and lunch arrived. I put a bib on him and took the gait belt off. Heather was passing by so I gave it to her. I added a coconut fat bomb and some flaked salmon to his lunch. I ate avocado, carrots, an apple and salmon. The nurse leader came in. She got Monica to put the support socks on. Then he looked over his calendar before the speech therapist came.

At 1:45 the speech therapist arrived. She reviewed his calendar and talked about his medications and what they are for. She turned him over to PT, who walked him and then put him on a reclining stepper for 10 minutes. He also practiced weight shifting, by tapping a step with each foot. I was so tired I could hardly stand.
We went back to the room and napped. He went to the bathroom by himself and got himself ready for supper. Faye arrived just after it did. We talked, I went home, and got the mail. William was here cleaning stuff out of the room Patrick will stay in. We talked. I cooked chicken and broccoli. I made a salad. I talked to Chris. I ran out of time for washing dishes and packing meals. So I jotted quickly the highlights of the day and ran back to the hospital.

Sunday

I set my alarm for 7 and went to bed. It was after 11. I don't remember having any trouble falling asleep. But for some reason, I woke up while it was still dark and could not fall asleep again. Eventually dawn came, and I got up two minutes before the alarm went off. I got dressed, put my lunch and a few other things in my rolling suitcase. I took my morning supplements. I put the case in the car and headed out. But what looked like just a little frost on the windshield was blinding in the sun. So I had to pull over and scrape it off. My fingers got very cold. I continued to the hospital. Faye was sitting, watching Dad eat breakfast. I had forgotten to bring more fat bombs, but there was one left over from last night. I gave him that one, plus some ground up pumpkin seeds for zinc. Faye and I talked for a bit, then she left for church.
I ate my breakfast while Dad finished his. He shaved, then rolled into the bathroom to wash his shaver. When he came back, he was looking for crackers to eat. So I turned on the TV and found a sermon for him to watch. Actually, it turned out to be two sermons back to back. The male nurse came in to give Dad his pills and supplements. We listened to the TV for another hour to hear the service at First Baptist. They posted the words so we could sing along with the hymns.
Dad had a problem with a spot on his gums. He removed his top denture. I disinfected my hands, and took a look. I wiped out some food. I put a beadlet of essential oils on it and told him to hold it there with his tongue until it popped. But he said he never felt it. So then I had him swish several times with salt water. Just then lunch was delivered. He ate the soft foods first, then rinsed again with salt water and cleaned his mouth. I cleaned the denture and put more polygrip on it. Then he ate his sandwich and spinach. I didn't have a fat bomb, so I gave him some of my avocado dip. I had cauliflower florets and an orange for lunch.
The pastor and his family stopped by around 2. Pastor Dave said Dad was looking really good, better than before the fall. Then Faye arrived. We had a nice visit. They left for lunch. Faye went back to the car for her book about Jerusalem.
I handed Dad some bills to be paid. Faye helps him fill out the checks. His electric bill was almost $500 and we couldn't figure out why. I packed my bag and left.
On the way home, I stopped at Fresh Market to look for turmeric root, but they were out. I looked at jars of soup. The ingredients were too small to read, but my phone camera blew up the image to where I could see it. None of them met my criteria. As I went through the check-out, I showed my dad's pic to see if the checker knew him. She wasn't sure. I said he was going to be unable to drive and could they deliver groceries for him. She called the manager. He said they were working on getting delivery service, but they did not have it yet.
When I got to the house, I listened to Dad's messages. I boiled a piece of chicken. I ate while deleting e-mail, and finishing a game of Solitaire. Then I went for a long walk around the neighborhood. My dad wanted his neighbor to know what happened to him, so I rang the neighbor's doorbell, but no one came to the door.
When I got to the house, I saw Chris had texted, so I called him back. He was doing taxes and wanted to talk about charitable contributions. It is taxing work from a distance. He was also upset about our car tags expiring in January and we got nothing in the mail, and the tag office is only open on the days he can't make it.
I took a shower, or tried to. The water would not come out of the shower head, so it sprayed all over the wall behind it. I ended up taking a bath. After putting on clean clothes, I made a salad for supper, but could not eat it all. I found a word find book for Dad.

Stacking the deck

When I arrived at the hospital, Dad was just settling down into bed. Dad complained about a sore spot in his mouth. We looked and saw a white spot on his gums. I put some sea salt in water for him to swish. Faye and I pointed it out to the nurse. We talked for a bit and then she left.
I got ready for bed and we went to sleep. I expected to be woken up at 6:30 for Dad's pill, and then I would order breakfast. But he and I both woke up at almost 7 and there was no nurse, or pill. It was too late to order breakfast. The nurse came with his first pill. I showed her the white spot and she said it was a canker sore. I got myself ready, then worked on his denture routine. Breakfast came, and was the same as yesterday, so I guess the default is the previous order. I watched while Dad moved himself from the bed to the wheelchair. He is listed as CGA, but I did not touch him. I moved the catheter bag closer to the chair and pulled the table up. Dad started eating. I took my supplements and then ate my breakfast.
Eventually he finished eating. I called a nurse to get him washed and dressed. The assistant came and she gave him a basin of water to wash his upper body. She left. He washed himself and I washed his back. We called again. Later she came back to help him wash lower, but did not remove the catheter. She did put on a pull-up and sweat pants halfway up his thighs. She put on his shoes, put a towel in his lap, and left.
There was some down time. I gave Dad a pen from the house, so he would not have to borrow mine. Dad worried about catching my germs. He looked over his homework. And then Faye arrived. She got a nurse to removed the catheter so Dad could be more comfortable. We three played Rummy, using a simplified version of the rules since he had never played before. He even took a turn shuffling the cards and dealing them. It is part of his homework. The nurse practitioner came in to see how Dad was doing. She took a pic of my packet of vitamin patches. At noon Dad's lunch arrived. Faye went to Subway to get a sandwich. I waited for the nurse to leave so I could put a fat bomb in his rice. The nurses here seem to be on board with supplements, but I am not sure if they believe in a low-fat diet for everyone. When Faye returned, she asked me to come back at 8am tomorrow so she could go to church. And then I packed my rolling case and went to Dad's house.
I went for a walk to see if there was a trail to Walmart through the back of the neighborhood. There was, but I could not see if it went directly to Walmart. And anyway, crossing Old Buckingham on foot was dangerous. When I got back, I boiled two chicken legs. I read e-mail. I laid in the vibrating chair while listening to a podcast. I was falling asleep after it ended, and William called from Wegmans, asking what groceries I needed. So I read him the list. He asked questions about each item as he found it. I figured if he could do it for me, he might do it for Dad when Dad gets out of the hospital. I had to hang up with William to answer Chris. Chris didn't have much to say. He is getting ready for an interview on Monday, and a trip to Uma. William called back with more questions. Then he brought the groceries over and I paid him. He installed some toilet bars in the back bathroom. He looked at the toilet in the hall bath. We talked about him moving stuff out of the guest room so Patrick could move in. Then I needed to get supper ready because it was almost 8. I soaked a can of coconut milk in hot water so it would be liquid. Then I poured it in the fermentation jar. I washed lettuce and broccoli sprouts. (I miss having a salad spinner.) I ate while listening to a podcast. I looked up the voucher transportation system in Midlothian. Dad can buy vouchers for transportation to Dr. appts at the library (where Patrick works). There is also an service called Instacart that will deliver groceries for $4 + 5% of the food total (if my information is correct) I texted the info to Faye. That should be a relief to her. I finished my podcast and worked on my blog. I talked to Faye to find out what happened last night before she left because I could not remember. I mixed chia and flax seeds together. It looked like sand art until I shook it to mix it. I washed my food containers and started on breakfast. I will make lunch, then set an alarm and go to bed.

TGIF

I arrived at the hospital after 10. The doors were locked so I had to walk around to the emergency entrance to get in. Then I had to find my way into the main hospital and up to the 5th floor. When I got there, the nurse was putting Dad to bed. Faye asked how I was feeling, so the nurse offered to take my vitals. Blood pressure and pulse were fine. She did not take my temp. Faye stayed to talk and then went home. I got ready for bed and we both went to sleep.
I woke up at 3am hearing Dad call the nurse because he was wet. Several nurses came and changed his gown and all his linens. Then we all went back to sleep. A nurse came at 6:30 with a pill. Dad took it and went back to sleep. I tried, but the pressure in my sinuses kept me awake. So I got up and dressed. I opened the blinds so Dad could wake to natural daylight. I got his dentures ready. There was a sign on his door post saying “ADL 8:15”. I had to ask a nurse who said it meant that the OT would supervise his bathing and dressing. So breakfast came, I stirred a fat bomb into his oatmeal, and Dad ate everything on his tray. That included two hard boiled eggs. I peeled one, but left him to do the other. He said it was the first time he had ever peeled an egg.
I took my morning supplements and ate my breakfast. The OT showed up at 8:30. I deleted e-mail with my phone while they were in there. I took extra vitamin C. After she left, there was a short break before the speech therapist came. But the nurse was there with meds and to take Dad to the bathroom. So the therapist left and returned later. Dad was concerned with whether or not it was daylight savings time, so she discussed that with him and looked it up on her phone. They charted it on a calendar. She said she'd be back later for some make-up work.
PT came at 11 for a half hour of walking and then cycling with his hands. In physical therapy, there is exercise and rest, exercise and rest. So he was not moving for a whole 30 minutes. He saw someone there with a long shoe horn and asked me to make a note of it.
Then there was a short wait before lunch. When it came, I stirred a fat bomb into his rice. Again, he ate everything on his plate. He had just started the grapes when the PT arrived for the afternoon session. We went to the gym where she took him for a walk with a gait belt. She said his posture was better. Then she had him play 'corn hole', pitching a weighted bag into a hole in a board. It was a lot like 'horseshoes'. Dad did well. Then she made him pick them all up. He did that, too. Then they played again.
I followed him back to the room. We had a little time before the Speech lady was supposed to come back. But she did not come right away. As the time got longer, Dad got tired and wanted to lie down. Just before he did, she arrived. She presented him with a medication label to see if he could identify the essential information. I fell asleep. I awoke when Patrick arrived and started talking to me. The speech therapist was still talking to Dad. She assigned him homework. I asked Patrick if he could spend a few nights with Dad after he was released from the hospital. He agreed readily. Dad wanted him to have a house key. So I said Faye made extra.
Then a senior therapist came in. Patrick took his cue to leave. The therapist asked Dad questions about the usefulness of the therapy he was getting. She also asked if there was anything he needed. He mentioned the shoe horn. I mentioned the case worker. Soon she returned with a long shoe horn for Dad (not certain he gets to keep it), and then the case worker showed up. I thought she might have a lot to say, but she just wanted to verify that someone would be staying with Dad when he got out, and that he would allow in-home therapy. Reluctantly he agreed to try it for two weeks. She did not change the expected release date.
After she left, we both fell asleep. Dad woke up first and got himself in the wheelchair and arranged the tray table for supper. I woke up then, and supper arrived right on time.
I left Dad eating his supper and went home. I brought in the mail. I put a piece of chicken in the pot that I boiled ginger in. I set it on low and took a walk as it got dark. I started a grocer list. I made more fat bombs, but without the chocolate. I made a salad and ate the chicken. I called Faye. I had left all my notes in the room so she read them to me. And we played around with ways Dad could get groceries without driving.
I called Chris. He said two of my six horsetail plants are blooming, and that he has an interview on Monday for Fort Knox. I checked e-mail. I adjusted the flapper in the hall toilet and filled the tank. The water was black and murky. I turned off the water again just in case. But it did not seem to be leaking.
I sat down to write my blog with what I could remember. I unpacked my rolling bag to get the empty containers and dirty laundry. I changed my clothes and washed dishes. I packed a breakfast and a lunch, not sure how long I was going to stay tomorrow.
I also packed some clothes and crackers for Dad. And then it was time to leave for the hospital.

Stepping carefully

I got to the hospital around 10. The nurse was getting Dad ready for bed. Faye and I talked for awhile, then she left. She went by the house to drop off the chicken Kevin made.
I turned out the light and got ready for bed myself. I laid down, but had trouble falling asleep. At 4am Dad woke up and sat on the edge of the bed. I got up to tell him that it was not time to get up, and he laid down again. I tried to fall asleep again, but it didn't work. The nurse checked on us and asked if I needed anything. I asked for hydrogen peroxide. She found me a bottle and I put some in my ears because there was a tickle in my throat. I worried about being sick and all the ramifications until another nurse came with a pill for Dad. He took it and laid down again. But it was almost 7. So I got up and got dressed. I opened the blinds. I soaked my toothbrush in hydrogen peroxide.
Breakfast came and it had the wrong yogurt. I added a fat bomb to his oatmeal. He was supposed to eat in his wheelchair, but the nurses were too busy to get him up. Pastor Dave came to visit. I gave Dad food in bed. I took my supplements and then ate breakfast. Finally a nurse came to take him to the bathroom and then put him in his wheelchair. He left, so I handed Dad his clothes. He dressed himself with little assistance.
We went for a walk down to the end of the hall and back. Then I got out my tablet with a keyboard app. He played Moon River. Then he looked over his homework from yesterday.
The speech therapist came before the schedule did. She was happy with his homework. She read Dad short three-sentence stories and asked him questions. I think he paused before answering because he did not want to give just the obvious answer, and it sounded like he didn't know. Still, she was pleased and said she'd be by later with homework.
Then he had a short break until an OT arrived. She took him to the gym to match playing cards with velcro on them. Dad did the whole board. Then I took him back to the room.
The usual OT came. She was pleased that he had dressed himself and wanted to see him do it again. I noticed a red spot behind his shoulder and she thought it was a pressure wound.
The NP came and Dad wanted her to know that he thought he saw blood in the toilet.
Lunch was ready soon. He ate his and I ate mine. I made changes to his menu for tomorrow because he got an open faced sandwich. At 1:30 the PT came for him. They went to the gym. She walked him, then set up several kinds of obstacle courses for him to navigate. And an incline ramp. He was not happy with his attempt and asked if he could try it again later. She was happy with his progress and another patient remarked that he had come a long way.
It was 3 till we got back to the room. I was dizzy and exhausted. I laid down on the bed. He laid down too, and we both took a nap. Then the speech therapist came by with his homework. I laid it where he could find it. I packed up my stuff and left the hospital. I don't think they want sick people in their hospital.
When I got home, I got the mail. I put clothes in the washer. I laid on the vibrating recliner, but my phone kept ringing or texting. With all the body aches, I could not relax anyway. I put extra vitamin patches on and drank water. I called Chris. William called while I was laying on the couch. He was at the Vitamin Shoppe. I nearly fell asleep then. Due to the info he provided, I chose vit D3, vit C, flaxseed, and Dr. Bronner's soap. He came by the house to deliver them and I paid him. He harped on the benefits of the rollator he bought last weekend. I took the supplements and ate a piece of Kevin's chicken. I put the clothes in the dryer. I tried to lay down again. I noticed the toilet was running and I had to turn the water off to stop it.
I started writing my blog and realized I did not have the notes I spent all day taking. Sigh. Maybe I belong there with Dad. I called Faye and asked her to read my blog notes. They were more or less what I have written here. I washed dishes, then packed a breakfast and lunch. I took more of my vitamins. Then I posted to my blog and got ready to leave, knowing I wasn't going to make it before the doors locked.

Cognitive improvement

I got to the hospital a little early last night because I mis-read the time. Dad was watching the stat of the union address. But he turned it off to listen to Faye and me talk. I was still having chest pain but no other symptoms. I tried my biofeedback unit, but there was no response. Either it needs charging or I am dead. I showed Faye and Dad the date book that I had found on the kitchen table.
Faye left and I got ready for bed. I turned out the lights and we wet to sleep.
It was an even easier night. I heard Dad rustling, but I didn't have to get up. All too soon, it was 6:50 and a cheery nurse cane in with a pill for dad I was not in the mood for cheery. I opened the blinds. Dad was complaining of discomfort with the catheter. The nurse drained the bag but he was still uncomfortable. He said he did not get much sleep. I did ok, but there was a tickle in my throat. No chest pain, though.
Breakfast came. The nurse switched the catheter for a Depends and put him in his wheelchair. He wanted me to peel the hardboiled eggs for him, but he ate everything. He complained of a sore spot on his gums due to the dentures. The nurse said he might be able to get a day pass to go to the dentist. (but I can't take him to the bathroom?)
A substitute OT Melanie, took him in the bathroom to get a shower and get dressed. He tried to shave, but the shaver needed charging. She said he did very well getting dressed. She moved up the markers on the white board to show progress.
Then Jennifer the case worker arrived. She said a tentative date of Feb 20th for his release was decided yesterday. She wanted to say more, but Dad had therapy and wanted to be present for all she said. So she agreed to return later. The OT took him to the gym to work on bolts and wing nuts. He did quite well at that.
When we got back to the room, he laid down. A nurse came with pills. Then the speech therapist arrived. She spent 15 minutes fiddling with his hearing aid and talking about going to the audiologist to get it to fit better. But Dad has already done that. She read him some if-then statements to respond to. She said he should play card games, read stories, summarize news articles. She gave him 3-part commands and he was able to complete them with no problem. She also gave him homework. He laid down again until the PT arrived.
They went to the gym. He walked the halls with a gait belt, then with a rollator to the sun room. Lunch was ready when he got back. While he ate, I visited the nurse's station to get a number for the airline to call to verify that it was medically necessary for me to have an open-return-date ticket. The nurse practitioner stopped by. Then the case worker came back. But so did the PT to take him to more therapy. So the case worker said she would return, but we did not see her again today.
The PT took him outside with the rollator to navigate sidewalks and curbs. Again, he did well.
I pushed the wheelchair behind him. She talked to him about having someone to live with. Then we came back to the room.
I was tired and took a nap. But Dad did his homework, including unscrambling words. He got the 4 and 5 letter ones, but had trouble with the 6 letter ones. When he had to go, he called the nurse all on his own. The nurse came and helped him and put him back. I gave him some strategies for unscrambling words. We quit when supper arrived. Once he was eating, I packed my suitcase and left. There was still a little daylight and I wanted to get to a gas station.
I went to Sheetz. It was easy to find, but I got a little lost trying to get back to Dad's house. I brought in my suitcase and the stuff Faye left, as well as the mail. I relaxed into the vibrating lounge chair. It was heavenly. But my phone was beeping and finally I stopped to read the texts. Faye was at the hospital with a container of fresh chicken from Kevin. I guess I should have stayed.
Anyway, I washed the lunch and breakfast containers. I plugged in my phone, tablet and EmWave. I considered doing laundry but decided to wait until tomorrow. I ate cold rotisserie chicken. I made a salad and ate it while reading e-mail. I took a bath and changed my clothes. I called Chris. He said he has an interview next week. I started writing my blog. I stopped to answer texts. I packed my breakfast and lunch for tomorrow, and then it was time to head back.