Spinal Fusion Week

Spinal Fusion Week

Next Blog will Be Post Op
(don't wait up for it either and know that I can edit this blog)
 

My next profile photo is this multi grabber dinosaur.

You have to understand that when you drop your grabber, you could use a spare grabber.

Monday I had my appointment for my hearing aid tune up which had been regretfully pushed back from 2 weeks earlier because of personnel changes at Audibel.  As I was filling out paperwork, Lee and Carol from our 114th Illinois Reenacting unit came in while I was filling out paperwork.  I was still a little shacking/shivering from my early morning routine.   So while we were in the waiting room, and during our chat, they had offered to drive me home since they were on their way to Menards anyway.   That was a wonderful offer that I took up so Carol drove my car home with Lee following in their car. I explained to my hearing aid specialist that I'm afraid he will ask "Does this sound better?" but my mind will hear "Does this feel better?"  It would not be an accurate test with surgery and nerves on my mind so we thought it best to reschedule till July 3d.

I found a support group for my condition on Facebook called "Spondylolisthesis and Retrolisthesis Support".  It is an exclusive group and I had to attach a document to prove I had spondylolisthesis on it showing I suffer from this.  I'm still trying to repeat that pronunciation over and over.  Some say Spondy for short. 

I made a list of questions for the pre-op visit based on personal plans and the group discussion files.
This site was recommended but I think standard questions the Orthopedics will have on their list too.
http://www.spine-health.com/blog/40-questions-ask-your-surgeon-back-surgery
I was asked what grade I had for the group and said I'd call but the nurse wouldn't tell me and that I had to wait for my Tuesday appointment.  She's dumber than a stump.  She's more like a receptionist.
Here's the list of questions for the Pre-0p visit 4.15.17

What is the grade of slippage for spondylolisthesis?  (yeah, nurse Kristina wouldn't answer this over the phone) Grade 1 (25% slippage) pushing grade 2

Will a TENS unit help? No

Before going under, may I please see the raw parts besides all the x-rays?  Absolutely not.  They will be in a sterilized container

I’m due for a colonoscopy in May. Postponed

They want to know if I’ll be available for History Comes Alive Reenacting at the Lincoln Tomb in June.  Replacement in order?  (mentor admin in the group implies end of June but should bring a chair).  Yes.  So I'm am scheduled to start with a bang on the 4th of July.
Will I need a loaner wheel chair? No

Living Will?  Not in the doctor's office but at admissions.

I’ll need a vacation.  Do you think I can go on a pilgrimage trip to Poland in September? Yes

should I donate my blood to myself?  1) it's too late and 2) it would be wasted.

Bed pan? No.
 
What type of pain meds will I be on when you come out of surgery? Norco with a nausea patch  Morphine pump? Yes while in hospital

Physical therapy where/when specialized in lumbar? Not right away.  Walking will be enough.
Will I need a metal detector card?  No because TSA doesn't recognize that because the terrorists can duplicate them and even have hardware in their body too.

After the PA gave me his spiel while I took notes then it was my turn. I think the PA was impressed with the list of questions I brought with me thanks in part to the support group. I've come a long way since the weekend just learning to pronounce this BIG new word in my vocabulary. The nurse gave me 2 wash packets. I'll be having L4 to L5 to S1 fusion. I will get a patch behind the ear for nausea from the norco vomit which I experienced in the past. Tight hose to prevent blood clots in my legs.  No full shower for 2 weeks. No pets in bed the night before either *sigh*. My only PT will be just walking. Here goes nothing and trust in the surgeon and God.
The physician assistant mimicked the drinking bird stance for me:

I've ordered a Tens Device.  It came in the mail on Wednesday.

I've ordered a "Bottom Buddy" bathroom tissue aid.

I ordered a Faciablaster normally used on cellulite but for spondylosisthist is seems to stimulate the nerve after surgery.

I ordered  a  Snoozle slide sheet that was recommended.

The American Legion service office loaned me a shower seat.

I already have a loaner aluminum walker  from Marla, a fellow reenactor, (this is good for the hall and bathroom).  I also use a wheeled seated walker with brakes that I bought second hand over a month ago which is easy and I can put my coffee, laptop or anything on the flat seat.  Joan loaned me a toilet seat riser that seems to help but if I have a BM call, I'll use the other bathroom with the lower toilet seat.

Sometimes I think the recliner is harder on me than the rocker or my mechanical bed.  My recliner does have vibration modes that are nice.  The nerves on the back of my legs get pinched when my legs hang and you know short legs don't touch the ground.  Sure it has lift to it but the edge is hard.

There is a  Spondylolisthesis stories blog here:
http://spondylolisthesisstories.blogspot.com/
So much to read.

Using this pain scale, it was at times a 9 out of 10.

source

Chuck bought my Honda motorcycle awhile ago and it had been in my garage while he saved money and took the course.  He worked in the same building before I retired.  Now he's licensed and insured.  He came over the day before surgery to put his license plate on it and see how to start it.  I had arranged for a fellow ABATE member to escort him for his initial ride home.  We are expecting rain so that will not be ideal.  It will take place while I'm  having surgery.  Good in away because I'll miss the sound of those Cobra pipes leaving the house. 

I set my alarm for 3:30 AM Thursday morning. I have to shower the evening before and again before leaving at 4:45.  I have to be there by 5:15.  I washed my bed sheets for the night to prevent infection and took Sophie to the neighbors.

On the "up side", Alan is getting home repairs covered by insurance and deductible.  This includes roof, fascia and siding.  His house should be upgraded to look like the nice neighborhood he has soon.

My Week

Saga of the Spondylolisthesis

New Big Word

Not to be confused with spondylosis, spondylitis, or spondylolysis.
Spondylolisthesis is the forward displacement of a vertebra, especially the fifth lumbar vertebra, most commonly occurring after a fracture. Backward displacement is referred to as retrolisthesis.

The variant "olisthesis," resulting from division of this compound word, is sometimes applied in conjunction with scoliosis. These "slips" occur most commonly in the lumbar spine. Spondylolysis (a defect or fracture of the pars interarticularis of the vertebral arch) is the most common cause of spondylolisthesis, which should not be confused with a spinal disc herniation (often misleadingly referred to as a "slipped disc"), in which one of the spinal discs in between the vertebrae has ruptured.
A hangman's fracture is a specific type of spondylolisthesis where the second cervical vertebra (C2) is displaced anteriorly relative to the C3 vertebra due to fractures of the C2 vertebra's pedicles.

Last week, the hulls from the leaves were falling.  This week it is the helicopter seeds from my maple tree and others. Monday evening I had pain early and tried to sleep it off at 6:30PM. I think I finally last looked at the clock around 8:30PM.

Tuesday morning I got a call from Michael that Dave Leach died of a heart attack just after midnight. He took over my tasks when I retired. Here is a link to his Obituary.
http://www.staabfuneralhomes.com/obituary/david-verner-leach/

On April 12th, the Vet Center had a ribbon cutting ceremony for their new location.  My son introduces himself at 40:28 into this video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_H4nHD7bOcs&feature=youtu.be
 If you look quick you can see me at 40:48 about to sit down and again at ribbon cutting at 53:00.  So proud that my son loves his job and they love him.  He could strive for a better paying job though.

I was perusing tripadvisor for the Lincoln Tomb since I am on the board of the Lincoln Monument Association. I missed a Thursday evening meeting. I found my picture among those photos from June 2016 sharing Distant Memories as part of History Comes Alive early in the tour season.  The Lincoln Academy students were observing since they were summer help at the beginning of the season.

  Wednesday I did a little shopping at thrift stores since it's also senior day.  Always looking for comfortable long yet petite dresses to wear during my recovery for comfort and modesty.  I found one but I was also looking for summer weight quilt in queen size and found this for only 99 cents.  I cleaned it since it had a few spots.  I needed something that wouldn't be too girly for my son to feel comfortable in the spare bedroom.  You may recall from last week that my pink flowery full size quilt would fit this bed but not my queen size bed. All winter there was a heavy quilt on this bed. 

Thursday I slept good.  Up at 5:30.  Within 20 minutes, the pain came.  I broke a glass in my sink.  Agony and tears at times.  One more week until surgery but that means going off all pain medication. I re-read my doctor's instructions and I can take Tylenol.  I happen to have the Walgreens brand of  Tylenol (acetaminophen), ice, heat or Lidocaine patch.   I called a neighbor for help with tears and a cracked voice over the phone.  Donna came with her boxer, Jackson, and got me my cereal and heat pad and walked Sophie.  I felt well enough to shower by 8:30.  I haven not been locking my door should I need help.  Yes I need help but I don't know what to ask for that will help.  My friends and family can't really help me.  I cry and rock back and forth.

I know I have lots of people praying for me.  I sure hope that all the prayers I've done for others in the past will be merciful to me in return.  My prayers are very simple.  When an ambulance or helicopter goes by, I simply say "God Bless the soul in distress".
At 2pm, I went to church for an anointing of the sick. I had arranged it that mourning while still in agony.  It was hard to talk to Father on the phone because my voice was cracking through the tears at this early hour.   He expected me in the same condition at 2PMbut it wears off to a tolerable level mid-day.  Father John, Sister Judy and all the office staff were present for my blessing.  I was full of emotion.  Afterward I was presented with a blessed prayer shawl made by a parishioner who prayed while making it.  I knew about the prayer shawl ministry but never thought I'd be a recipient of one.  If ever, this was the time.  I graciously accept this gift of prayer. 

I really won't need it for warmth as the weather is getting warmer.  It will soften the wood of my rocker.  This is the same rocker that Mae Connolly used.  Sometimes it's easier than a recliner.  After my blessing, I took advantage of being out and about and got some more back pain patches at Walgreens (along with some discounted jelly beans).  Then I went to the Texas Roadhouse for a fundraiser meal in which a portion of the proceeds go to Don Taylor, our VFW post commander, who is suffering from cancer.  I ordered a lot with the intent of taking some home. I had the shrimp appetizer, with a steak and sweet potato to go. Yum!  I went to bed about 8:30.

Friday morning I wanted to stay in bed dreading the morning routine of pain from the day before but the bladder screamed otherwise.  In fact I didn't quite make it all the way without a little accident.  I did a quick shower but had difficulty getting dressed.  I couldn't pull my panties on so I put a long dress on.  I tried to take my trash out with a dog on a leash and knocked over my geranium.

I got this geranium, along with another from a fundraiser at the church of the Little Flower last year.  I had nursed that plant indoors over winter from last year.  In fact it even had a winter bloom indoors.  Donna walked Sophie and then repotted my geranium for me.  I could not be more grateful for her help.  She loves her dog and loves her yard work too.  Bless her heart.

I noticed that my pre-op instructions said that colaice would be sent to my pharmacy a week before and I had not been notified to pick anything up so I called the pharmacy rather than Dr Williams' nurse.  The pharmacy had nothing but I was told it is over the counter.  I went to County Market and asked to have it pointed out to me.   Apparently the stuff doesn't come in less than a 100 pills.  I was also told there may be a smaller size at Dollar General under the name "ducosate".   I had other things to pick up at both places anyway.  I also got gas in the car and was not prompted for a car wash which I needed from all that pollen.  Now I don't regret it because of the Saturday rain.  Mary Ann came and cleaned my house.  This time focusing on dusting my shelves.  I almost hated to ask her to do this because of all the stuff needed to move.  Then the weekly bathroom and floors and it smelled so nice.

Later Friday night was a bit sleepless with pain till about 3:30AM.  It did cool down and I'd already changed to a lighter comforter on my bed.  Shivering only seemed to tighten my muscles around the nerve.  I will have to get out the electric blanket just a little longer and have a nice, make up nap.  I did walk Sophie.

Not too much got done on Saturday.  I did cook a Mexican dish for Sunday with my son.  I sewed a pocket in a skirt.  It was warmer in my sun room than the rest of the house.

Sunday I walked Sophie at 9:30 along with Donna and Jackson.  Then I went to Mass.  I washed the car of pollen.  My son cut the grass.  We watched Transformers on TV.

I get to a point every day where either I drop something or Sophie wants to play and I must get down on my knees.  I look around carefully with my hands to see if there's anything else while I'm down there.  Funny but not.

I thought that I could use this time to get caught up on reading, sewing and movies but it's not going as planned.   It's more like pacing around and waiting.  Oh the TV is on but not necessarily for watching.  I focus on self maintenance.   Sophie stays near where ever I am in the house.  She may know something but she still thinks I can bend over and pick up a toy and throw it for her to fetch.

I found an internet mentor, Sharon, who also had this or similar surgery:

Her story is so close to mine.  Here is her Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/p/BGpBAL9qKN7/

I ordered a TENS unit like she recommended.

My Week

April the Giraffe finally had her baby.

Something that I left off my last post that has been on my mind a lot.  After Mass on Sunday, I asked our CWV post commander about pain for his up coming procedure for cancer.   He said "Nothing like what you're going through".  You see his wife had gone through back surgery.  We've always been giving empathy for others with the BIG C  because it usually leads to "you know what".  I realized that detection of cancer is not that easy because of the lack of pain.  Meanwhile, I also realized what a tough bitch I've been just saving my tears for the deepest of pain and minimizing medication. 

Monday I started my week with a rough morning.  I got up 5:30 since I've been going to bed earlier in hopes of getting ready for a 5AM check in at the hospital. I used the walker to get Sophie out instead of my usual cane. After an hour of struggling, I finally opted to take my stronger prescription pill (tramadol) which I've been using sparingly.  I got that script in January and it's been a long road.  There's no refill so I've been using it sparingly.   After awhile, I showered and went to the optometrist to fix my broken glasses. I went to Bourn Optical as soon as they opened up and had a new titanium arm attached for $40. Next year I'll get a new pair before the other arm weakens. This was supposed to be top of the line and expensive pair when I got them and the warranty had recently run out.

Monday evening was so painful that I went to bed at 7:30 to try to sleep through the pain.  Of course, that meant I got up extra early ~ 4:30AM.  Well that will get me used to that early check-in at the hospital in a few weeks.   It did help Tuesday.  I had Tripp Landscaping look at the area around my deck for landscape ideas.  Now to see if I can afford it.

Tuesday I went to the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library for a viewing of the 1957 film "Path of Glory".  I came home to find out it's also on Youtube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I2_xw4pMVu8&feature=share
Neither has closed captions but at least I may be able to replay the parts I missed.

Wednesday I did get up a bit later, 6:30.  As a result,the gears were going slower.  I went to the open house of the Springfield Vet Center on Wednesday where my son works.
http://newschannel20.com/news/local/veterans-center-opens-in-springfield 

This was nice because both of my sons were present.  Here the team makes introductions.

Sean before the ribbon cutting:

I saw our Illinois state commander for AMVETS (among all veteran organization muckety mucks) and mentioned my surgery on April 27.  He said that's a good day because it is his birthday.  
Afterward I went back to Bourn optical to have my glasses adjusted because they were crooked.  I was looking for something cute for Easter also in a few stores but didn't find the right thing.    I did find something that I wasn't looking for, a foot for my natural walking stick that I use for reenacting as a cane.  

In the evening, I went to our post AMVETS meeting.  I got liver and onions "to go" since I ate late in the afternoon.  I had leftover sweet and sour chicken.  It was getting a little dry since I made it on Sunday so I added some Pad Thai sauce.  Mmmm!  I got to get some more of that sauce.  It really goes good with rice.

Thursday I got up at 6:30AM.  I did my grocery shopping and it was back and forth in the store with coupons.  I was worn out and by 5PM, I had to call my neighbor for help.  Betty walked Sophie who was reluctant to go with her.  She bribed Sophie with treats and it finally worked.  Then she took my trash out since Friday is pick up.  Meanwhile I was breathing my yoga breaths and an ice pack rocking on the couch in pain. Went to bed at 6:30PM to sleep through the pain.  Woke up about 4:30 AM or shall I say got out of bed at 4:30.  Started out with a walker, pills, ice pack until 7:30 when I could take Sophie around the block.  She really had to go and made me pick up 3 times.  She made a mess on her "skirt" so she had her under carriage washed.

Late Thursday afternoon (yes, during my pacing pain anxiety attack) I noticed a wasp inside my sun room.  They returned which surprised me because I thought they came because of the old wooden screen porch. I've swatted 3.  Then I put up the window fly strips and had a fly stuck on it by morning.  I also saw a hawk perched on my chain link fence.  I scared it off when I stepped out on the porch but I worry about Sophie.  The baby rabbits under my shed are attractive to hawks.

I left a message with the nurse that I'm ready. Feb 23, Dr Williams said I should have surgery within 2 months. I calculate my scheduled surgery date of Apr 27th  to be 9 weeks! Hope they're not playing United Airlines on me and giving the favorite slots to their own.

Sean gave me some flowers from his office that wouldn't be good over the weekend.  It smells nice and gets me to think of nice thoughts.

I picked up some hot cross buns, and a little wheel barrel at Aldi.

I had to put the handle on before hauling my groceries into the house though.
My dogwood tree opened on Good Friday.  It was not until last year that I realized what this beautiful flowering tree was seeing them at the Lincoln Tomb and told by the other interpreters what their trees were.  It's been here since we moved in. I had assumed that all dogwood trees were white and this is pinkish.  I also thought that they didn't grow here.  The legend of the dogwood tree:
"Because of your regret and pity for My suffering, never again shall the dogwood tree grow large enough to be used as a cross. Henceforth it shall be slender and bent and twisted and its blossoms shall be in the form of a cross--two long and two short petals. And in the center of the outer edge of each petal there will be nail prints, brown with rust and stained with red, and in the center of the flower will be a crown of thorns, and all who see it will remember." http://www.promiseofgod.com/dogwood/

There is an Easter Lilly coming up too that I planted from previous year.

Mary Ann came to clean on Friday evening after getting off of work at the nursing home.  This time I asked her to help with living room windows, the guest bedroom, and the living room floor which always needs it.  She does like cleaning tile floors better than the typical American carpeting.  After accompanying her with chores, I eventually had to lay down. Ice packs don't fix everything. As soon as she left around 7:30PM, I took my pill and went to bed only to toss and turn at 2AM.  I finally got up for the bathroom at 3:30 and went back to bed and cried in pain.  One of our church's choir songs ( Responsorial Psalm 22 ) went through my head,"My God, My God, Why have you abandoned me?" I didn't know where to turn.  I can't go to an emergency room because surgery is the only cure and they can't do that there.  The thought crosses my mind that they have morphine.  So by 4AM I just stayed up.  I took a pill and started my morning routine.  I changed my bedding around 6:30 since I was starting to feeling mobile and took advantage of mediocre movement.  Looks like I'll need a summer bed cover since I got a queen size bed in September and my full size summer cover won't fit.  That cover would fit on my guest room full size bed but too flowery for my man son to occupy.  I put that light quilt on in the opposite orientation of the bed.   It might work.

 Saturday I did not leave the house.  Not even to walk the dog.  Sophie got excited when she saw the neighbors out doing yard work on a beautiful day.  I put her on the leash and coaxed one of the girls to walk her.  It worked out. I did get 2 loads of laundry done.  Some of it dried on the rack for the nice Sunny day.

Saturday evening I slept remarkably well but I was extremely tired.  Yes, I knew there was thunder too tho I sleep without hearing aids.  I went to bed about 7:30 and up at 6:30.  Now I still had the morning crippling pain.  Got my walker and ice pack going.  I had EWTN on and caught the tail end of the Lourdes Rosary.  I got on their prayer request line saying, "Back pain! Tears! Walking! Surgery scheduled for Apr 27, 2017.  Need help with prayers because it's too hard to concentrate without a pinched nerve interfering."  lourdesprayerrequest.com/
Sophie wanted to play toss the toy. I can not.
11 more days. This Thursday, I must go drug-free a week before surgery. I counted 8 tramadol pills left from a "no refill" script given in January that I had been spreading out sparingly. That should make it to Thursday. After that I don't know how I'll cope. Not doing a good job of coping with pain now.
Sunday morning we had residual rain from the thunderstorms.  After my agonizing morning, then finally the pill kicked in. I showered and went to 10:30 Mass for a beautiful flower theme decoration  At first I was going to wear my tulle skirt but that didn't go well with my Easy Spirit loafers so I wore a longer pastel dress that was just as nice with a pink blazer and flowers in my hair.  Our Lenten theme involved "Resistance to Happiness".  

I baked a chicken that was a little big for a chicken but too small for a turkey.  Must have been a hybrid bird.  I made noddles, corn, carrots and kale salad.  I watched AVATAR on TV and Sean said he saw it with Alan.  I reminded him that we went as a 3some together.

I really hate sounding like I'm in constant pain.  Sometimes I'm mediocre in pain and can do something.  But I don't want to sound pain-free either.  It comes on fast but leaves slow and that's when I start to move.  A sudden sharp pinched nerve demands slow movement.  Sometimes it's better standing or walking slow.  I joke that my slow walking is the equivalent of running because sudden movements can fold me over with a verbal something -something.

I had been thinking about my strength in relation to my muscles going to mush after recovery.  Well maybe a little.  I tried to do wall push-ups like we did at Powerworks.  Then I realized the only part I can work is upper body.  In fact I do that getting out of bed and grabbing my side rail or holding onto a crutch of any sort.  Any lowering is a squat or knees "slow and controlled" like we do in exercises.  I use my yoga breath when I'm am in pain.  Anyway, since I can't bend, I lower myself vertically to my knee and that knee seems to be getting rough and dry.  Ah lotion! 


 

My Week

Windy Week

Through help of facebook, I learned why my daffodils never bloom.  It's called daffodil bud blast. 
Nitrogen, crowding, and depth are the cause.  I'll have to move them for next year.

Monday I got 10 hen and chicks plants that I saw on Facebook for sale.  I got my taxes done.  I sold off some of my Barbies and met up with a woman at McDonalds for the exchange while having an iced mocha.  In the evening I went to the American Legion meeting but had to leave the American Legion early. I was squirming in pain.  

Tuesday was election day.  Chatham has a new mayor now.  I had my Pre-Operative blood work done at 1PM.   Nurse Kristina is having a baby boy soon. We wished each other luck. I then had to wait for the blood draw...long time in the waiting room too and my legs were getting sore in the chair. Stood for awhile. So long that I thought I'd return a call to Audibel regarding a change in my hearing aid appointment and while on the phone I was cut short because my wait was over.  I'm such a baby at drawing blood.

I plan to go to Paths of Glory.

Wednesday I dragged the recycle bin to the street and the wind blew it over before they picked up at my weakest part of the day for picking stuff up.  I had to lunch with Michael.  Got a little grocery shopping in as well since we meet at the County Market mezzanine.

I went to Camp Butler on Thursday morning for the 100 yr Anniversary of The United States entry into WWI wreath laying ceremony.  It was windy and cold and I hobbled to the gazebo with my cane hiding by a car from the wind.  Then I went to the Old State Capitol for a tourism presentation for volunteers.  I told her I'd come if I felt well but that meant no reservation.  I shared some of my Laffy Taffy jelly beans with some friends there and they were sold on the vibrant flavors.

I got my house cleaned again on Friday afternoon. Mary Ann does a great job.

If mornings are the worst for me, how the heck am I gonna ck into Memorial at 5AM on the 27th without taking pills for a week in preparation for surgery?
Saturday I broke the arm on my titanium frame glasses.  On a SATURDAY WHEN THE PLACE IS CLOSED!
I searched for my little tiny reenacting glasses and it looks like I'll be wearing them for awhile.

Sunday morning routine with becoming mobile but trying to shift my schedule earlier to bed and earlier to rise so I'll not be shocked when I have to report to admissions at 5AM.   I got dressed and went to St Joseph Church on the north side with the Catholic War Veterans for our monthly memorial Mass.  It happened to be Palm Sunday so we processed into the church with our blessed palms.  The group went to eat after Mass but I didn't go.  Instead I met up with the bikers at the ABATE Easter Basket Run to Hope School for the challenged.  There I am in the middle still wearing my CWV white shirt with my leather vest.   Bikers like this "feel good" event and the weather was nice.

I came home to the sweet N sour chicken that I had pre-made the day before for my son and myself but he bought a sub before I got home from the Easter Basket run.  We walked our dogs around the block together.  I like that.  After he left, I cut the grass in my front yard.  By then end of that, the nerve in the back of my legs started their evening terror.   Surprisingly it was mostly pain-free day until then. 

My son was name dropped in the newspaper:
“A lot of times, veterans miss that community that they had when they were in the service,” said Alan Connolly, outreach coordinator at the Peoria Vet Center. “So that when they find events like this, they want to come out, and it tends to connect them with other vets.”
http://www.pjstar.com/news/20170408/bradley-students-looking-to-connect-veterans-with-each-other-and-local-resources 





I hope my dogwood tree will bloom for Easter.
This is the surgery I'll be having.
http://www.livestrong.com/article/234293-complications-with-an-l5-s1-spinal-fusion/
 18 more days....

 

My Week

I called Nurse Christina at Dr Williams office about the hope of getting a cancellation I can fill and what changes would be needed if there's a cancellation. She said that if there was a change she'd make calls and move things up. I told her this is what's on my mind all the time and what I live for. Funny, both my primary care doctor and the surgeon have a nurse named Christina (one with a K).   I did a little internet search on L1 s1 fusion spine  and this testimonial was the first to pop up.

I hurt all the time but especially before 9AM and after 7PM and they are both a different kind of pain. So I try to make the most of the middle of the day

Monday I did a little sewing on my Civil War house dress. I remade the collar because many of the old photos had narrow white collars. I made a belt with a simple wooden buckle. I also redid the hem because when I shortened it, it had tucks as it was taken up all around and also it needed a bit more length in front. Here's a before and after.  This is the dress from the sale ad on ebay from Eve of Bumperville:

This is a photo from the first time that I wore it at the Old State Capitol 2 years ago.  It looks crowded with the fan and the mourning badge from Lincoln's funeral.

This is a photo take of the dress in Bloomington, IL

Here is the alternation I made to the collar.  I used the same trim off the other black, wide collar.  The button came off the camisole that came with the bustle dress.  It replaced a plain black ball type button.  I also made a new belt

It's not a full skirt but more for a domestic look with petticoats.

I wore it Saturday for the season opening of the Elijah Iles House. 

I wore my new headress I got from Three Sisters Millinery.

I enjoyed listening to Peaches & Bacon AKA William Charles Wilkiie on fiddle and his wife on banjo.  I hadn't heard "Mammy's little Baby Loves Shortening Bread" in a long time.
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAGS4EgGkjuWUJQrGsByQrA
I overheard him talk about a gig they played in LaFarge, WI.  They mostly play at Lincoln's New Salem.  Here's William and Bob Sherman talking.

Wednesday I had lunch with Michael.  I was going to visit John at St John's Hospital but he had passed away.  I did a little shopping for senior day discount.  I can't believe I got a bird house that sticks on the window.  My son had and I had just discussed one of these bird houses last Sunday after the interest in the nest being build in the basket under my porch.  I also picked up a comfortable because dress I want to maintain a little dignity and comfort under this broken body riddled with pain.  I usually pick up a few cheap toys for the dogs.  Sophie loved

Tuesday I got a check for the motorcycle that I sold.  It will be picked up on April 10th after he finishes the course and comes back from a trip.  It didn't start on Tuesday but after a few days on the trickle charger it started right up.

Thursday started off painful (again) with much rain.  I really don't function well before 9AM.  I sat in my sun room with Sophie on my lap and watched the pouring rain.  My old porch had a metal, annoying roof that was way too noisy when rain hit.  In the afternoon, Sutton's construction showed off my sun room to prospective couple interested.  I asked if that was like my referral bonus and he said sure.  I still have a final bill coming for the floor.

Friday, Mary Ann, who is the activity director at Reflections Care, is helping me clean my house on Friday after work.  I had asked Larissa but she may be overbooked and difficult to schedule.  It's nice to have help from someone I already know.

Saturday afternoon I cut my back yard grass for the first time of the season.  It was pretty high.  I didn't really give it a fall cut because of the construction and this past week's rain revived everything.  Don't worry, pushing a mower is a lot like pushing a walker.  Now we will be tracking in grass clippings on my clean tile floors.  Well, with carpet, dirt doesn't show as much but it's still there.

Sunday I went to church and brought my memory foam seat cushion.  I was asked if I wanted communion brought to me but said no.  I have a little pride.  I made a German lunch for my son and myself.  Aldi has great choices but the spatzel instructions said to microwave for 10 minutes which was too long.  Later I went to a fundraiser at the VFW for our commander who has cancer.   I did bid on one of the silent auction items from the "Lawn Veterans" but last minute, someone upped it by $10.

My son had a sleep test and got a c-pac for his snoring/breathing during his sleep after a sleep-study test.

My daffodils never open.  They look like they are yellow buds but then turn brown.  Maybe they're scrub.  I may need a landscape specialist for my new porch/sun room.  I want it simple with things like yard statues and hen and chicks.

I did find a lady who offered her excess hen and chicks plants on facebook and I'll pick them up later on Monday.  I already have pottery, and metal art and a statue of a duck and Virgin Mary.   Another neighbor had put down cedar mulch which smelled so nice and he said lasts longer too.   Ah my goals.