I am home
Open heart surgery was on Tuesday and today is a short four days later and I am home after a successful surgery. Will be laying low for a time to come.
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Noreen
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Noreen
Tick-Tock
This was the best patio-sitting weather we have had for one long time. Temps in the 70s with a breeze to blow my white hair at will. There is considerably less of it than there was several days ago. It was hair cut day on Thursday and I had Brenda trim it up and even do some thinning on the sides. I know from experience, the “hospital bed-hair” look. Why fight it.
It is actually a very quiet day for Dennis and me. What we could imagine that needed tending, fixing or stocking up on before next week . . . has been done. It is a more relaxed situation than being wheeled out of our home not knowing who or what has been left behind or for how long.
My ole cowboy is being left in the good hands of his family and friends. Did I have second thoughts of not having Dennis stay with me in Rochester? No. Dennis will be tending our home while being where he can, and will stay on track with meds, rest, nourishment and the constant support of the three patio kitties. The first thing I put in my hospital bag was my phone stand and phone charger. There will be no shortage of “Can you hear me now?” There are few things that are harder on the hardiest of family members than waiting. Dennis will be waiting for news while being able to put his head back on his rocker and checking out his eyelids for cracks. It will be for the best for the both of us.
I have been doing quite a bit of walking these last several days. Being in the Cat scan for the 45 minutes, it did a number on my back and hips. Talk about a hard surface. I also needed to have both of my arms held straight above my head for the scan. They needed to assist them in place and put a band with padding on my wrists to hold together where needed. Afterwards they gently helped them go to my sides. The reverse shoulders may not have been fond of it, but I surely didn’t want to have to repeat the scan by not getting the reading that was needed. I don’t know why it needed to be as cold as it was in the room. I know my teeth were chattering and that may have been in part that my heart rate needed to be brought down to 50 before the dye was injected into the IV. They apologized for it. With being cold, muscles tighten up and walking since then has helped to loosen up before the next instance will be taking place of not being mobile for a duration. The best news was that there was no narrowing or blockage of arteries and veins. It was all worth it.
With the great plans of Kevin and Carrie, Sunday evening, I will be in Rochester to finish up the tests on Monday morning bright and early. First thing on Tuesday, the 15th, I will be in the hands of the Lord and a skilled heart surgeon and his team.
This will be the last posting until I am back home on Stauffer Avenue from Saint Mary’s in Rochester. It’s been great folks and I will look forward to being with you soon.
“Because He Lives . . . I Can Face Tomorrow.”
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Noreen
Welcomed Rain
The rain came at a great time this morning. Dennis had been hell bent on mowing to even things out. Now with this rain he can mow without it looking like a stubble field after the oat harvest had been completed. Many had mowed their yards as the days of 90+ degrees continued and the results were stubble field looks. The rain has taken the temps down into the 70s. It may be a short reprieve but well deserved.
Things are going along great. I tested negative for covid. Great news. All of the prep work for surgery would have been in vain. I had heard too many stories of false positives. One of the surgeon’s assistants called this noon and the 3-D Cat scan paid off. I have no narrowing or blocked issues with my arteries.
Today was a day for me to get my home in order. I know dang well that it is going to not last . . . but I know I did my due diligence before turning it over to my ole cowboy on Sunday. His daughter stopped in this noon and assured me, there will be plenty of distractions for Dennis while I am in the hospital.
The house smells so good with both beds having had freshly-laundered bedding. I prefer sleeping under a sheet and then under feathers. Getting the duvet on is something else. I have watched videos on it and it is still a pain in the drain. I have wondered how many times some of the videos needed to be repeated before there was the one that made it seem as if success was done the first try.
The last “i” to dot came this afternoon from a pharmacist in Rochester to go over meds that I am taking, those that I have stopped taking for the procedure on their timeline, and what I will resume after. I must say, the communication through these last weeks has been awesome.
Nonetheless . . . “All is Well With My Soul.”
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Noreen
More Tests Completed
Yup, we still know how to get up by five in the morning. The 3-D Cat scan was having us front and center by 7:20.
I had bloodwork first and then off to the heart wing in the clinic. The test involved being prepped with an IV that would have a contrast dye added during the Cat scan. The surgeon in Rochester had requested that my heart rate be reduced to 50, slowing it down for good readings as the flow of the contrast was followed.
I had taken a one-time strong dose of a blood pressure med this morning. When I got to the test the heart rate was 60. Two units of Nitroglycerin, I have no idea what represents a unit, were added to the IV. A bit later I was given a pill of the same med to put under my tongue and finally the scan could begin.
This 3-D Cat scan will allow the surgeon to know if there are any problems of blockage that would need to be dealt with during the heart surgery.
Ever so happy to have more taken care of that is needed for next week. We did motor on to the next medical facility for the Covid test. I should get the results in 24 hours.
I will be thrilled in time to come to have posts of a normal day on Stauffer Avenue. Patience is required. Dennis and I have done remarkable during these three months of a waiting period. Just think of the raucous we could and can cause when we have recovered from this surgery. Fair warning to my kids.
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Noreen
Communication
I have communications coming from the medical world non stop. There have been texts, phone calls and emails taking me step by step on appointments that are ongoing prior to next week’s surgery. It is amazing. There is no way there is anything falling through the cracks. I had to pick up one pill this morning at Lewis Drug. I will take it tomorrow morning before the CT Angio Chest exam. I am given directions and I will follow them for a successful outcome.
Today was very warm. Dennis was at it very early this morning working with landscape fabric. I helped when I was ask to. His project is going to turn out just great.
This afternoon Dennis got to pick out new glass frames as he will have new lenses as well after the cataract surgeries earlier this this spring. The frames Dennis have been wearing are the same heavy gold metal ones that he has been wearing with each new prescription of lenses when needed, since I have known him. The new lightweight ones are charcoal gray. Very foxy.
We will be in Mankato by 7:15 tomorrow. It is all falling into place and we will have a quiet weekend.
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Noreen
Need for Flexibility
When it comes to appointments, there is a need to remain flexible. All the appointments that I was to show up for in Mankato on Friday the 11th in regard to the June 15th heart surgery have now been rescheduled for Wed, the 9th. The blessing is . . . the same locations, same time, just a different day.
In the planning, was the need to get a new prescription for the disposable 6″ catheters. Our family doctor phoned it right over to our Lewis Drug. I went to pick up a supply this morning and they told me they don’t work with Medicare. So much for the loss of independent owned drug stores. Our Lewis Drug is one in many. As it were, online, I found out that the little town of Mountain Lake, 12 miles west, does work with Medicare. Dave owns his own store. I got a phone call this afternoon that our family doctor came through with a prescription to Dave’s store. Tomorrow after hair cuts and an eye appointment for Dennis, we will drive over to pick up a two month supply, knowing it won’t be a problem in the future. Whew. Medicare covers the cost 100%. While recovering, it is a relief to have that important part of my days taken care of.
Amazon has nothing on Dennis’ son-in-law. Tom knew that in time to come we would have rock around the shrubs that we have planted in the filled-in Koi pond area. Last week he offered landscape fabric. We found out last night that we have rocks coming on Sunday. I texted Tom last night and let him know we would take him up on his offer of the fabric.
I was just putting on my glasses this morning to see the new day when I heard Tom’s scooter heading out the drive. Early bird for sure. When I went out to the patio with a cup of coffee. . . our local Amazon delivery was on the back bench: A roll of the landscape fabric, a pair of heavy shears and a utility knife. The only thing missing was a pair of gloves . . . we have a total landscaping kit.
In the bright warm sun this early morning, Dennis worked on leveling the dirt around the shrubs and even took the last bag of garden soil out of the potting shed to assist in the project. I did not encourage Dennis to work with the fabric as the area is in the shade in the afternoons and early evening. We have a window of several days. Even after the rock are here on Sunday, Dennis has his trusty wagon to hold the rock and work a bit at a time.
I had a sheaf of paperwork laid out on the table in the sewing studio. Dennis was napping in his recliner. Me and my cell phone headed downstairs. Double checking with phone numbers, policy numbers . . . making sure nothing would be left to chance for a time to come. It needed to be done even if there was not a medical event next week.
I spent a lot of time with phone calls today . . . a necessary evil. I have made notes so as to not forget any of it.
I do feel flexed out.
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Noreen
No Doubt
No doubt about it, summer has arrived. Temps in the 90s with hot winds that are bound to dry out potted plants. I am very thankful that we do not buy in to purchasing beautiful potted flowers that tempt the most frugal of gardeners. They have been beefed up with enough fertilizer to put on a great display, but their roots are nestled in peat moss which doesn’t hold moisture. The plants that we enjoy made it through the winter. Best perennials ever.
Dennis and I sat on the west patio for a long time this morning in a very brisk wind. As soon as the gusts of wind would wind down the tiny flies found us. Dennis had planned on us getting decorative rock for the shrub area in what had been the Koi pond. I kept distracting him as the plan was a good one but not in the heat of the day. We kept moving about outside while staying in the shade until at noon, we decided to check out our chairs in the living room. Good choice.
The plans are getting real for my departure to Rochester next week. I have a day of tests in Mankato on Friday, a 4-D Cat scan and several others. I also will be tested for Covid at that time. That is the only test that makes me feel uneasy. I had Covid in February. I remember too many tales of invalid tests and that one little test could alter a lot in regard to the heart surgery. Oh well.
Supper is Manwich sloppy Joes and potato salad. That in itself is enough to prepare for Dennis’ belief that he has one hot meal each day. No more heat in the kitchen than necessary. Hey . . . who am I to push yogurt and apple sauce.
How warm is it? The patio porch kitties are lying on the garage floors totally sprawled out. It is tempting but I would work up a huge sweat trying to get upright.
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Noreen
Feeling Small
In the scheme of things today and how diligent my two children are in their endeavors . . . I feel small. Oh so small.
It matters not how different the paths may be in my children’s lives. I could not cut it.
I am not the brave person that I see is in place today in my family. I know failure is not an option if trying never took place. Striking out for their hopes and joy. There is nothing like it.
When I hear of the schedule that Carrie has in the metro, I cringe. I am the one that had security by raising two kids on a farm with family just several sections down the gravel road. No worries of traffic to keep the kids safe from or less than desirable civil unrest. Carrie has managed to wear many hats, one of which by giving my 17-year-old granddaughter the confidence to drive to a summer job each day and put in a good day working in a green house. There is no shortage of opportunity or availability in the metro.
I harken more to the quiet life that Kevin has in a smaller town surrounded by rural agricultural farms. Everyone may know more about your business than what is welcomed, but there is a feeling of serenity that comes with it. Those that dwell in small rural towns need the services of what is available “just down the street.” The “down the street” business owner is a multi-tasker. He may feel the wear and strain of his muscles just as the fellow outside of the city limits that hefted hay bales. A small rural town; a great place to call home.
Wonderful lifestyles so very different but so self-fulfilling to bring to each knowing what it took to bring the day to a good end, grateful for what they have and who they are.
I feel so blessed for what these two people can still teach me, but I remain feeling so small.
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Noreen
Great Morning
At seven this morning, the coffee never tasted so good as I sat on the west patio. It was quiet in the neighborhood. School buses and the traffic that needs to pass our way towards the school is done as of yesterday. It was just me, the squirrels, birds and of course the patio porch kitties. I did eventually walk the acre to see if the Roundup from yesterday’s application on some clover as well as a few other undesirables had kicked in. Clover gives in easily, time will tell on a few others.
We have a fantastic crop of mint, aka: cat nip, growing adjacent to the patio. Ironically, the kitties don’t take notice of it until a stem or a leaf is twisted off, and then the pungent aroma is released. It is ass over tea kettle to get to, to roll around in it and munch on it. In time, using the weed whip and taking off the very top of this crop will keep the kitties content. Why would they stray from Stauffer! They each have their own pillow nest to sleep off their highs.
I got errands done after a noon break. Lewis Drug, Dollar General and the grocery store . . . the latter to pick up one item, a bag of Flax Meal. It was warm enough that when I got home Dennis was in the patio porch listening to country western music on the RFD television channel. Perfect spot.
I have about an hour before getting supper so “the chair” is going to be visited . . . sweet.
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Noreen
Good Plan
Though there are older ones that dwell here on Stauffer Avenue, Dennis and I are still able to contribute to helping when a plan is on the table.
Kevin is a new owner of his own business in Fairfax for auto repair. Within the building is a full-functioning wood stove. Cool mornings can get the chill removed with a bit of fire. It is May, but the foreword thinking person he is he put out a text that any scrap wood or pallets would be appreciated and put in storage for the coming winter.
Ok, this older one can’t help it. Without it taking more than a week, I had my thumb on a single location that had several hundred pallets and they were attainable. I don’t have the far reaching “people” that Dennis has, having lived here his entire life, but I had one up my sleeve.
This Saturday morning by eight, Kevin and Kersten will be at the pallet site as there is a forklift available to load the pallets on their large car trailer.
When Dennis knew of the plan, he added to it. We have been storing, in our backyard, friend Dwayne’s 8′ x 14′ implement trailer. Dennis took on the challenge and is out to find lock down straps so we can also be at the pallet site to take an additional load of pallets to Kevin’s garage safe and sound. Come Friday night, before Dennis turns in for the night, Dwayne’s trailer will be hooked and chained to the trailer hitch of the little red pickup . . . thus said Dennis.
There have been times, and one of those times was this morning, that I verbalized to Dennis that Kevin sure could use his dad’s input and advice if cancer had not taken Orlin. The ole cowboy’s response was that he and I could still step up and help as much as we are able to. Yup, we sure can and we will. Sweet.
Life is there each day, to keep an ear and eye out. If we can be there to help, to lend a hand how better to serve Him.