Decision

I've decided to go with Dr. Lopate's recommendation and continue lots of exercise and liquids. and I'll go see both Dr. Hogan and Dr. Lopate in about two weeks to see if I've progressed with lots of all these.  Dr. Lopate isn't sure if more IVIG will help.  Again, he admits neurology just doesn't know what caused my problems.  I think I've gotten better since the IVIG.  I have a Martha's Hands agency person assisting five days a week.  They come four hours a day, and soon we'll be walking outside for even more exercise.

Of Two Opinions

I spent most of the day at Barnes yesterday, and Shelly picked me up yesterday about 7:00 pm.  Dr.  Lopate didn't decide until the last minute whether they were going to release or keep me another night.  It is good to be home.

Back at Barnes

I managed to reset my google password for google with help from one of the nurses.  I think everyone here in the hospital remembers me from last fall.

We had cold and freezing rain at the lake Sunday.   It may have been warmer in Idaho than it was here.

Chris and Shelly are taking Brayden skiing with them to Colorado on the 29th of March.  They'll stay in Mark's cabin and be gone a week.  I plan on spending some time in Louisville soon.  Jalen chose not to go skiing for spring break.  He's going to Florida instead.

I'm going to close now and see if this will publish.

Trip Home

It's hard to believe but there's snow in the forecast and already some rain and ice.  As nice as it was yesterday it can't possibly amount to anything.  It's supposed to warm up again on Tuesday and maybe we'll get some spring like weather.  I'll have to stay in Barnes tomorrow night so it's important that we get back today and, of course, Chris has to work, but we're going to leave early and should have no problem with roads.

Chris has breakfast ready and then I'm going to shower.  He's good to clean up the kitchen though Shelly may not be aware of this.  I wasn't for years.

Saturday Back at the Lake

Chris and I arrived here at the lake yesterday evening after stopping at Culver's in Jefferson City for a hamburger en route.  We're going to do some grocery shopping today and I'm going to check the bulletin board in the grocery store for a possible companion and advertise for what I need and see what response I get from either side.  I can offer a fairly good pay and the work is not very difficult.  Right now Chris is on his computer and I'm on mine.  I need someone to cook and drive and shop and dole out my meds.  I simply can't be left alone.  Again, if anyone is interested in the position, my email address is marthaboaz@Aol.com and my cell number is 314-452-3685.

It looks like the weather is going to be gorgeous today but now there's another snow storm in the forecast.  Surely the snow won't stick.  I've talked to Pete and Rose this morning.  It was 50 this morning in Idaho Falls and Pete was pleased about the weather but upset about the politicians.

Brief Update

Chris and I are going to spend the weekend at the lake, leaving this afternoon.  I forgot to add that yesterday.  I'm really looking forward to it.  The weather is supposed to be nice on Saturday and not so good on Sunday, but it's always nice to be down there.

We will return on Sunday evening and then Monday morning I will check in to Barnes Jewish Hospital for a routine IVIG treatment overnight stay.  These are these periodic treatments for neuropathy.

We'll probably update before we're back on on regular schedule - whatever that is.

Misc. and Follow Up Visit on Eyes

My new fitbit arrived yesterday and I'm trying to exercise more and measure those exercises that I do.  Chris stopped by on his way home from work Tuesday and we walked all the way to the end of the alley and back.  He and I are going to the lake this weekend and, though there's no good place to walk down there, I can still work out.  He is pretty well recovered from his shingles and took me for the followup visit for my eyes.  I'm seeing better, no double-vision.  I will still need glasses but won't get a new subscription until I go for my next checkup in five weeks.  

Summer Companion

We have to be back down to the Eye Center at 9 AM tomorrow which won't be so bad as yesterday but still early.  Rose is putting eyedrops and icepacks on my eyes just as we were instructed and we'll probably learn more in the morning when they check me out post-op.  I can see better with both eyes open and watched the news and a movie on TV last night WITHOUT DOUBLE VISION.  I caught myself shutting one eye from habit, I think.  I'm being very careful this morning and keeping both eyes open.

I'm still haven't found a part time summer companion.  Goldman, my usual author-in-residence, is proud that he 'fell in love' and, though I really miss him, so am I.  Just sorry he won't be available but do hope he and Joy live happily ever after.  What I need is a live-in person to cook, do some cleaning, shopping, take me sometimes back and forth to St. Louis, assist in exercise and some personal needs, and miscellaneous other things.  I have Netflix, Amazon, an exerycyle, a washer and dryer, a private room with a TV--very comfortable and beautiful accomadations.  The house is right on the lake and there is also a pool in the subdivision.  The salary is negotiable.  If you're interested or can recommend someone, email me at marthaboaz@aol.com or call me at 314- 452-3685.

Eye Surgery

Rose and I were down at the Anheiser Busch Eye Center at 6:15 this morning, 5:15 "real time," as we are fond of saying.  I was the first patient to arrive.  Some of the employees were so cheerful I believe they must have stayed all night.  The procedure wasn't painful, and they put me out while they were doing it.    I have to go back Wednesday morning to be checked   Meanwhile lots of eye drops of various kinds and an icepack too frequently.  Rose is picking up the prescriptions on the way home from her guitar lesson where she is now.

Galleria

I've really no news.  I'm the only one up and with the time  change, I don't know for sure what time it is.  I think tomorrow is going to be the nicest weather day we've had so far this year.  I won't be able to even be outside except in and out.  Pete called yesterday after my post.  It's still cold in Idaho.  Rose and Shirley and I went over to the Galleria, but I didn't buy anything.  Shirley found my favorite jeans (which I was looking for and couldn't find) and bought them for me as an early birthday present.

I think Chris is still suffering from his shingles.  Joe and I have both been reading up on them on google.  Everyone says I had suffered so badly with them that I went to the emergency room back when Den and I lived in Springfield.  Neither Joe nor I remember it.  We should have had a blog back then.

Rose is up now.  She is teaching her class today.

Maybe Louisville

I'm having my eye surgery Monday morning, and the only time they could take me was 6:00 in the morning.  [As we say here after daylight savings time kicks in, "It will really be 5:00.]  The procedure will take about two hours and I'll have to stay about 4 hours, so I should be home by lunch time.  I'm hoping my vision will improve and my double vision disappear after all this to do.   Mostly I'll be glad to quit having to have people take me to the eye center, find out, and do nothing.

I'm thinking of going to Louisville before or after the week Brayden goes to Colorado with Chris and Shelly.  Scott is going to drive him over and then pick him up when they return.  I could ride with Scott or fly one way and spend some time with the kids,  They had a service like Martha's Hands here assist me when I went last time so I was not alone all day.  This is just a tentative idea,  dates and logistics to be worked out.

It's Saturday and we're going to the Galleria.  Pete hasn't called yet but but it's very early morning in Idaho.  Yesterday felt like spring but I'm afraid we're back to chilly again today.

Bray with his metals for basketball and scholastic achievement

Using an Apple

That post was Rose's, and I can't do all the stuff she can.  I would have probably have had to buy a new Apple and thrown away this one.  The first Apple I ever knew about was one I bought for them was when my boys were kids.  They still love Apples and they're both now middle aged men.  Brayden, my 11 year old grandson, is also an Apple fan as is his 16 year old brother, Jalen.

Chris and I went to the Hilander for dinner last night.  He is still suffering from his shingles.  When he gets over his pain and the weather is nicer, he and I are going to resume our walking outside.

Why I Love Apple

My MacBook Pro notebook computer is almost five years old.  Recently, the hard drive failed.  (Fortunately, I had a backup disk fully current.)  I took the computer to the Apple Store Genius Bar at the Galleria (thankfully, near by!), thinking I would probably have to replace it.  Five years for a computer is a lot like dog years--very old.  Also, the 250 gbyte hard drive was almost full.  The genius who diagnosed my problem recommended a new hard drive.  I had her install one with the idea in mind that I would sell or give away the computer and buy one more adequate to my needs.

When I picked up the repaired computer, I saw immediately the new hard drive is 500 gbyte, plenty of capacity, and Apple replaced it for the 250 gbyte price.  I told the store manager Apple just cost itself the sale of a new computer.  She smiled, no doubt knowing Apple had gained a lot in customer relations.

I'll save my rant about AT&T U-Verse for another time.

Summer Employee

Another update today.  I guess Chris feels better because he emailed me 'we're on for tonight'.  He's a man of few words.

I'm having trouble finding a companion for my stay at the lake.  Linda can be there part time but has other things here in St. Louis to tend to.  Kay and I just weren't compatible. If anyone knows of someone looking for employment (and it will be part time because Linda will soon be available again), just give me a call at 314-452-3685 or email me at marthaboaz@aol.com.

Thawing Today

Chris and I may go to dinner tonight.  Poor guy, he is still suffering from shingles!  I haven't heard from him today, and I don't know how long shingles last.  I can still see some snow across the street, but it should thaw today and get into the 50's.  I'm having my minor eye surgery on Monday.  The nurse will call about the appointment time sometime today.  Rose will have to take me and be there to drive me home.  I hope this cures my double vision. and maybe I won't even have to wear glasses.  I don't think I even asked them that question.  I just want to get done with the procedure.

Rose is writing a book and got up early with me to send off her proposal to the potential editor/publisher.  It's a creative work for her.

Wednesday Back in St. Louis

Petrina from Martha's Hands is coming to assist me with showering and exercising today while Shirley grocery shops and Rose practices her guitar, sees clients, and works on a book proposal.  The ice and snow should melt off today and roads are clear.

I don't think I've posted the fact that Chris has shingles and is suffering terribly from them.  He says it's the most pain he's ever suffered.  He has gone to the doctor and got prescriptions but is just suffering through the pain.  The medicine doesn't seem to help.

Back in Town

I've been at the lake house for several days and couldn't get my computer to work so couldn't update this an entry for several days nor could I send any emails, so just had to wait until I got home.  Anyway, I went to the lake with Kay Berry. Mad Dog had the heat turned up and the house ready when we arrived there.  We enjoyed several days and were actually stranded because there was another ice storm.  Mad Dog spent a lot of time with the shovel and managed to get us out.  Supper is ready.  More later..

Bray at basketball game

Saturday

Pete thought Friday was Saturday so he called me a day early this week.  We've had Idaho weather this week here and will continue to do so.  I've talked to Rose this morning and was having trouble with my computer.   She was busy with a client and Kay and I managed to solve the trouble on our own.

Mad Dog has been great help and he's back and forth between here and his Dad's.  Between him and Kay, I'm really enjoying Netflex and Amazon.   Also, spring season first game started yesterday and the  Cardinals  play at noon again today.  Lots of the players are new but I'm sure I'll get familiar with them.

Kay did  all the grocery shopping yesterday and stocked up in case we get snowed in.  She's going to cook a roast in the crock pot today which will make some great leftovers too.  None of the neighbors are here because it's too cold for the lake.