[January]

Thank you so much for the hugs and the pictures. I appreciate you all so much. There is not one person in my life here that really cares. Truly. You are all family and I love you so much.

I have some good news! I do not have a blockage. That leaves testing for C. Diff and other things. I saw the gastro yesterday. She demanded a specimen right then! I explained it just doesn't work that way. Anyway, I was told to oblige them on Monday and she said we'd talk about other options on Monday in case it's not C Diff. If it's not C Diff, I'm in a world of trouble.

I do not have a blood clot in my leg. Instead, I have Achilles tendonitis. Who knew something like that could hurt so much and cause so much swelling, heat, etc.? The Dr. put a lift in my shoe that I have to use for six to eight weeks. She gave me five days of anti-inflammatory pain medicine. I'm to stay off it, etc. That's hard to do. She said if there is no improvements in 6-8 weeks, I'll have to go to P.T.

Last but not least, my heart is fine. However, my Dr. is sending me to his friend, who is a Pulmonary Dr. I am to have a CAT scan of my heart and lungs next week. He says something is definitely wrong and we've got to get to the bottom of it.

Belle did really well today while I was gone. She didn't use the bathroom anywhere but on her pads. I'm so relieved and so proud of her. I gave her lots of praise and some treats.

I thank you so much for your good thoughts and your prayers. Thank you so much for caring.

PS. I can't believe I wrote panties instead of underwear in my last post. I've embarrassed myself!

[cakeladie]

Just spent close to 7 hours in the ER my son broke his arm. It was really sad. When we left there was still some of the same people sitting in the waiting room has when we arrived.

The ER has a fast track system which is new to me. So if it is something quick you can get right in and out. If you need like a heart monitor etc then you have to go to the other side.

In the fast track area there are only a couple of beds and then chairs like when you give blood. The people next to us were in and out in a matter of minutes. The doctor did not even touch the little girl. The dad picked her and her sister up from his ex wife's house and he noticed the girl had a rash. It seems like the family has had issues with scabies the doctor asked what med had they taken before and he said he would give them some more. They were in and out in under 20 minutes I was shocked.

So I am now in my night clothes took my meds and I am praying my BP comes down.

Thanks for letting me vent

[Kiya]

Goodness everyone is going through so much! Some good news, some scary... Thinking of you all every day!!

[childofchaos831]

Really achy for the last week or so... and exhausted...

[lizardlady]

This is our insanely busy time of year at work. I'm exhausted.

[January]

I was able to sleep in this morning, which was so good. I would have slept longer, but my back hurt too much. I managed to clean off my desk tonight. I had let things just back up for months. I am normally not like that at all. I was just lost, I think.

Today hasn't been bad. Belle and I went for a short walk and got the mail. That's good. My fibro hurts all over...

Does anyone have an idea how to keep Belle from pooping on my bed? I Googled it and it said they do it because it's where the owner leaves the most scent. Ewwww! Any suggestions would be most welcome. I had a talk with her again tonight and she was a little bit sorry, but not much. I wouldn't trade her for the world though.

[Gus1234U]

first of all, does she have a way to get down and someplace else to go when she can't hold it ?

secondly, make a padded place for her as far from you as possible, by putting down a kitchen garbage bag or other plastic, and putting towels or other old cloth over that. if you think it's scent-related, rub the cloth in your hair (or under your arms) to let her know what you are trying to teach her.

poor baby might just be so distressed by your distress that she isn't able to do what's right. but life is hard enough without the added stress of washing bedding every morning... i hear there are doggie diapers, too, (maybe you could make your own).

what a terrible connumdrum, love vs despair~

[lizardlady]

Thanks goodness for this place to share when I need to...

Today is one of those days that as soon as I levered myself out of bed I knew it was going to be a bad fibro day. I ache all over. I'm exhausted. I just want to roll in a ball and have it all go away. I had all sorts of things planned I wanted to do today. Mostly likely going to spend the day on the sofa with a book.

[January]

Liz, I so hope you feel better. Do you have any meds that will help with the pain? Do you have a large heating pad that you can use? I'm so sorry you're in so much pain.

Thank you for the wonderful tips, Gus. I hadn't thought about her being so upset she just can't manage. What an eye opener! I have decided to get a clear plastic shower curtain liner and put it over the made bed each morning. That way, if Belle has an accident, it won't soil the linens and will be easy to clean. I have been playing with her, but I can't bend down to play with her as much as usual. I have a towel that Belle shredded and I'll use it to leave my scent next to her potty pads. I would shut the door to the bedroom, but I can't. The bathroom is off the bedroom.

I dearly love those flowers!

[January]

I can barely walk today or basically move. It's pretty weather, so I don't know why I'm hurting everywhere. I slept a lot last night, so that accounts for my spine and lower back.

I messed up the test kit that the gastro sent home with me, so I have to go down there and get another one tomorrow. I don't think I can drive today.

Belle did not poop on the bed, which was good. She pooped beside the bed, which was not good. She also destroyed my electric blanket by pulling all the wires out of it and biting them into tiny bits. I really loved that blanket. Oh well.

I hope you are all doing well this sunny day and that you check in soon.

[lizardlady]

I did some puttering around in the yard yesterday. Planted some plants and bulbs I got earlier in the week and pulled some weeds. I didn't think I did that much but was exhausted by the time I went in the house. Am trying to show some sense today. I took the day off from work because the place where my office is is closed for the day. A spending the day just kind of hanging out around the house.

[January]

This morning was the last of my pain medicine for my tendonitis, so I'm back to plain tylenol. If I am able to get there, I see the rhuemy on Thurs. and am going to ask her for something to tide me over during the six weeks until I see the pain specialist. I don't think she'll do it, but I can ask. I also need shots in both hips. I'm pretty sure she'll do that.

I can not ever scold Belle again for having an accident on the bed. She proved that to me today. I think I am a bad Fur Mom.

[lizardlady]

You are not a bad fur mom Jan.

[lizardlady]

I've picked up some digestive bug. I spent last evening curled on the sofa alternating between freezing and sweating while running to the bathroom. Not the happiest night of my life. It's still hanging on tonight. My insides feel like someone scrubbed them with a wire brush.

[January]

I'm so sorry you're sick, Liz. Do you have any immodium? That might help.

Thank you for the kind words about Belle. I wish so much she could talk.

[January]

I was told today that I have to have my left knee replaced. It knocked the wind right out of me.

Are you any better today, Liz?

[lizardlady]

Jan, while being told you need knee replacement would be a kick in the gut I have several friends who've had the surgery. They are all happy with the results.

My digestive system is still in an uproar. I think I picked up a bug from the walking petri dishes (kids) where I work.

[Gus1234U]

remember, Jan, it's the new parents who ride that emotional roller coaster~! you are a very good fur mom, who gives generously of all she has~!

as for the new knee, you will be thrilled, the work is clean and well tested by now, and the new knee has none of those nasty old problems. just start telling your body what to expect, so i doesn't get shocked.

i know what you mean, Liz, if it's not one thing, it's another~!

i couldn't believe it's been so long since i read this thread~ O.O being unwell is a burden. now i'm in a house without water~ (AGAIN). and it sooooo cold i could barely make it to the mail box and back.

do keep warm, and hot chocolate~!

[January]

Liz, you aren't trying to work like this are you? Maybe you should go to the Dr. Can you drink Gatoraide? If you can't, get some low sodium salt, put some in your hand and wash it down with something. It works like Gatoraide. You also don't have to drink as much as with Gatoraide, which helps your tummy.

Thank you for the good info about the knee replacements. My brother terrified me with what he told me last night. Liz and Gus, your info has helped me. I admit that I cried myself to sleep last night. That's the first time I've done that in years and years. You see, I'm worried about Belle. My friend will come and water and feed her, but she'll be all alone. Belle is afraid of being alone. I've really, really prayed over this. It will be ok. It has to be ok, doesn't it?

I will get a letter from the Dr. telling me which surgeon and what time I need to be there for a pre-op appointment. I need desperately to get the colitis fixed first. I have a contrast dye CAT scan of my heart and lungs on Tues. I also am going to have that appointment with the Pain Specialist in the not distant future. What a busy woman I am!

I love you.

[Gus1234U]

you'll only be out of the house a very short while, sometimes days, if you need to have the Physical Therapist come to your house, that is often do-able. i hold the good thought, of all those issues being cleared up, and life being livable again~!

Liz, i make my own gatorade with lemon juice, salt and sugar. it is wonderful, soothing to the stomach and revitalizing to the system. if you can, get some potassium to add to it. and drink lots and lots of water~!

(my cousin came and fixed my water problem, so i am flushing like a pro :x... he's gonna do the sink faucet next week ,,, i just threw out the 60 plastic containers i'd been using for dishes :-(... aw well ... ))

[Kiya]

I also know lots of people who had knee replacements and they are much better for it. PT did come to the house for my mom. As long as you are diligent on the exercises they have for you and have someone who can help get the compression socks on, you'll do fine.
I am worried about your colitis. You won't be able to be running for the bathroom while that knee is healing. But you can get a porta potty and put it near you. Mom had to. Lots of things were donated to her by the senior center of from friends who no longer needed their canes or walkers after healing. The potty chair was provided by the hospital.
Hugs!!!!

[Kiya]

((((( hugs all!!! )))) thinking of everyone❤️

[lizardlady]

Digestive bug is gone. Yah! Silly me did not think of Gatorade. I sucked on ice chips for fluids.

Am absolutely exhausted this weekend. Took a two hour nap this afternoon. Plan to do as little as possible tomorrow.

[Gus1234U]

[January]

Oh, how pretty Gus!

My rheumie is sending me to the same Ortho that treated me when I broke my leg two years ago. Remember that? I know some of you do.

Anyway I am so relieved it's someone I trust and that is considered the most top notch in the valley. Other than one time when they forgot about me and I sat for hours waiting, (won't do that again), I was treated very well there. I talked to the receptionist, who remembered me, and she said the Dr. will decide for himself if I need my knee replaced. That's good.

She wanted me to come in Wed. afternoon, but I just can't. The colitis is too bad. I moved all my appointments from this week. It just won't work. I'm too sick.

I have my Mom's quad cane. My SIL has a walker that I used when I broke my leg. If they give you a potty chair, I guess I'd be set. Maybe the surgeon won't think I need surgery. Who knows?

Belle is doing well except she won't eat hot dogs anymore. I've been putting her medicine in cheese and making her swallow it. I hate it for her, but she has to have her medicine. Any more ideas would be most welcome.

How are all of you? What's going on?

Gus, I am so happy you can use your water again! Hurray!!!!!