It's a little after 3:00 am and I can't sleep. I have a cold ice machine that my Dad got me for my leg and when the ice runs out, the pad gets hot and wakes me up because it makes my leg hurt. It's a small price to pay, though, for the relief it brings me when it's cold! It lasts about 4-5 hours before it gets hot, so that's pretty good, in my opinion! Knowing my hubby, he'll wake up soon and be adding more ice. I don't wake him up as he takes such good care of me and I like him to have his sleep at night. I can take naps during the day so it's not a big deal if I'm up in the night.
Yesterday, I finally got the rest if my staples out of my leg. It had been over 5 weeks for the bypass and some of those staples were so imbedded in the skin, the nurse had a hard time getting them out of my leg. Thankfully, it didn't hurt, so I'm really thankful for that! Only one staple kind of hurt and that one was in my knee. I can't tell you how much better it feels to have all those staples out!
Thursday, I had my first physical therapy session outside my home and it went really well. I really like my therapist. I had him when I was in the hospital and he really understands both the knee and the restrictions of the bypass, which eases my mind. There can be no pressure put on that bypass and he's very careful. I felt like I did well, though, and I'm so glad to be going now! My legs have finally gone down enough to get pants on, although they are tight, but at least I'm not having to go every where in my nightgown anymore! lol My legs are still swollen but at least I'm seeing some progress.
Holly is doing really well and even played with her toy yesterday. I have to really watch her as she wants to jump up and down off the furniture and she's not supposed to do that yet. I'm so very happy that she's doing so well and I'm still praying that this cancer is not aggressive! She's such a cutie pie and just brings such joy to my life.
I'm going to have my family help me move my recliner back to my bedroom today. They had moved it to the living room because I was sleeping out there, but now that I'm sleeping in bed again, I want to get my recliner back in my bedroom. I'm finally feeling like I can work on my cross stitch and my stand is in my bedroom and all my things are in here. It will feel good to have things out back to normal, too. I'm also hoping to start decorating for Easter a little bit. I love decorating for the holidays and that will feel good, too.
Both my sons birthdays are this week, so I'm going to bake a chocolate cake for my oldest tomorrow and then frost it on Monday. I'm not sure, yet, what my other son will want, but I have a feeling he'll ask for my chocolate pie. Thankfully, I have one of my homemade pie crusts in the freezer, so that should be easy, if that's what he wants.
I'm hoping to go back to church tonight. It will be my first time back since my surgery and I'm so excited to go. I've missed going to church. It's such an important thing in my life!
I hope your weekend is full of blessings - Julie
Showing posts with label Knees. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Knees. Show all posts
Saturday, March 8, 2014
Tuesday, February 25, 2014
Update on my surgeries
It's been almost a month since my surgery. I'm still trying to recover and I'm still so exhausted! I fell asleep today after going to the Cardiologist, and I would probably still be asleep, but my hubby came home and the doggies went crazy with barking. LOL They just love to bark.
I was so blessed to get in with my Cardiologist today. They called me yesterday and said that they had a cancellation for this morning and would I want to come in. Absolutely!! He is so busy so I knew that God's hand was in this situation and that I was so blessed to get this appointment.
He was very concerned about the swelling in my legs. He put me on a new water pill that will, hopefully, help with this situation. The other thing he was concerned about was that my staples are still in my bypass incision. Like I said, it's been almost a month and the staples have not been removed. He would have done it, but he didn't have a staple remover because it's not something he uses in his practice. He said that they definitely need to come out this Friday when I have my appointment with the orthopedic surgeon. He is going to do a special test to make sure the bypass is doing well and then he will monitor me to make sure all is well. I am so thankful. He is such a wonderful doctor and I am thankful that he will be watching over me. He said some scary things about some of the bad things that could happen, but I knew it. It's something that will change my life forever and will have to be monitored forever.
On a brighter note, my sons went to WalMart the other day and brought me home this...
He tells the story of Easter and is so adorable! Here's a picture of him talking - so cute!
When they brought me this, it just brought tears to my eyes. I was so touched that they would think of me and bring me something so cute! I love that the bunny talks about Jesus, too.
Here's a picture of Holly. She's been pretty clingy since I came back home, but she's finally getting back to her old self in a lot of ways. She loves to hide in the pillows - either on the bed or the couch - and here she is peeking out from behind the pillows of the couch.
She just cracks me up! She is such a sweet little thing and I'm so glad she's calming down and realizes that I'm here now.
I've been reading like crazy as I got behind on my reading and reviewing. I haven't felt like doing any cross stitch, crochet or anything else. I'm just too tired to concentrate on much of anything but TV or books right now. I know it will get better, but your prayers are so welcome and I'm so thankful for them! I do have a prayer request regarding my insurance and would be so thankful that you would pray specifically regarding this! It's stressing me out a bit. I know that God will work it all out but I would be so thankful if you would pray that my insurance would get straightened out and that I would be back on it before the end of February! Thank you, dear friends!!
Blessings - Julie
I was so blessed to get in with my Cardiologist today. They called me yesterday and said that they had a cancellation for this morning and would I want to come in. Absolutely!! He is so busy so I knew that God's hand was in this situation and that I was so blessed to get this appointment.
He was very concerned about the swelling in my legs. He put me on a new water pill that will, hopefully, help with this situation. The other thing he was concerned about was that my staples are still in my bypass incision. Like I said, it's been almost a month and the staples have not been removed. He would have done it, but he didn't have a staple remover because it's not something he uses in his practice. He said that they definitely need to come out this Friday when I have my appointment with the orthopedic surgeon. He is going to do a special test to make sure the bypass is doing well and then he will monitor me to make sure all is well. I am so thankful. He is such a wonderful doctor and I am thankful that he will be watching over me. He said some scary things about some of the bad things that could happen, but I knew it. It's something that will change my life forever and will have to be monitored forever.
On a brighter note, my sons went to WalMart the other day and brought me home this...
Here's a picture of Holly. She's been pretty clingy since I came back home, but she's finally getting back to her old self in a lot of ways. She loves to hide in the pillows - either on the bed or the couch - and here she is peeking out from behind the pillows of the couch.
I've been reading like crazy as I got behind on my reading and reviewing. I haven't felt like doing any cross stitch, crochet or anything else. I'm just too tired to concentrate on much of anything but TV or books right now. I know it will get better, but your prayers are so welcome and I'm so thankful for them! I do have a prayer request regarding my insurance and would be so thankful that you would pray specifically regarding this! It's stressing me out a bit. I know that God will work it all out but I would be so thankful if you would pray that my insurance would get straightened out and that I would be back on it before the end of February! Thank you, dear friends!!
Blessings - Julie
Saturday, September 14, 2013
Call Me Goofy
I'm basically on my "hump day" of my shots. lol I had to laugh that my sons didn't know what that meant when they saw that commercial. We used to say that all the time in school and at work when I was young. Funny how things change. It just cracks me up every time I see this commercial...call me goofy.
I gave Holly a hair cut the other day. She was having a little matting in her hair, no matter how much I brushed it, and I knew it was time to get out the clippers. I've never clipped her before, but she did very well and I think she looks cute. I'm sure the more I do it, the better I'll get, but I'm really happy for my first effort and she feels much better. It's easier to brush her out, too, which is always good. I tried to take a picture of her, but she wasn't cooperating so I'll have to share a pic another day.
We've had so much rain here! My poor hubby got his car stuck in the mud on his way to the doctor. Thankfully, he was able to use the other car and make it there okay. I do love the coolness of the rain, but I really don't like the mud. I can't go out to my studio, either, when it's this muddy. My oldest son has promised to lay down a walkway with bricks for me soon so I can go out there whenever I want. I'm so thankful. I really want to get started on my Christmas painting soon!
Speaking of Christmas, I've been working on my son's Christmas stocking. There is a lot of embroidery on the felt items, so it's been slow going, but it's going to be adorable. I'm sure since I'm starting this early that I'll get it done in time.
More ice and more elevation of my knees today and, hopefully, tomorrow I'll be able to walk more like a normal person. I pray your Saturday is filled with many blessings!
God bless you - Julie
Sunday, February 24, 2013
Let everything that has breath, praise the Lord!
I've been busy, busy here with my Bible studies, my ministries, reading and just with life in general. I've also been dealing with pain again - not in my back so much, but with my knees, especially the right knee. This series of shots was more difficult than the others I've had and my right knee is still extremely sore and very painful. I'm walking with my cane right now and putting all kinds of different pain creams, patches and using peppermint oil in hopes of alleviating the pain. If it doesn't get better soon, I'll be talking to my pain doctor about what we can do.
I've been enjoying my Bible studies so much. I'm learning so much and my groups are filled with wonderful, godly women who have shared beautiful insights to these studies. My Genesis study meets once a week and it's been such a blessing to see how our hearts have bound together and how we all feel safe in sharing person thoughts and concerns. That's what fellowship is all about.
Here's Holly sitting with me as I do my study. She loves to lay her head on my Bible as I study. Isn't that just so adorable? If my Bible is open, she does this. "Let everything that has breath, praise the Lord!" -Psalm 150:6
God bless you - Julie
I've been enjoying my Bible studies so much. I'm learning so much and my groups are filled with wonderful, godly women who have shared beautiful insights to these studies. My Genesis study meets once a week and it's been such a blessing to see how our hearts have bound together and how we all feel safe in sharing person thoughts and concerns. That's what fellowship is all about.
God bless you - Julie
Monday, January 28, 2013
Poor Decisions = Pain but God is Good!
It's been an interesting week. A week of looking at myself and the choices that I make and why I make them. It all started on Tuesday as I was getting ready to go to my Bible study. As you know, I'm a leader for the 2012-2013 study on Genesis, which is a huge blessing to me in so many ways. Anyway, I was putting my things in my old green bookbag that I used to use for homeschooling meetings. Why I used that particular bag, I have no idea. I put my study, my pens, my notebook, my folder with my snack information in it, and my huge, heavy study Bible. Then I did a really brilliant thing. I flung that bag over and across my shoulder and started out to my car. By the time I made it to my car, I knew that I had done something really stupid because my back was killing me. I figured by the time I made it to the church offices, I would be feeling better. I also realized that taking my huge study Bible - while wonderful - is really stupid to lug around. It is so heavy and difficult to manage.
When I got out at the church offices, I knew that I was in bad shape. I went in and talked to my leadership and told her I might have to go home early if my back didn't feel better soon. She is so sweet and just looked in my eyes and said, "Go home now and take care of yourself." Thankfully, I have a wonderful co-leader so I knew that it was the right thing to do. By the time I got home, I knew this was bad. I immediately went to my recliner with my heating pad and prayed.
The next day, my pain management doctor's nursing assistant called to remind me of my knee shots on Thursday. I asked her if there was an available appointment open for me to get a back shot as I was in a lot of pain. She said the doctor was completely filled up and there was no way. I told her "okay" and said I would call the appointment desk and see when they could get me in. I no more hung up then my phone rang again and it was the nursing assistant telling me that the man after my knee shots had cancelled his appointment and I could have a back shot right before my knee shots. Praise God!
On Thursday, I got my shots and was told by my doctor to take it completely easy for a few days to allow this shot to work and get the swelling in my spinal area down. So, that's what I've been doing. I've been sleeping in my recliner again to help my back and taking really good care of myself by not over-doing it and just letting it heal. Thankfully, tonight I'm feeling much better and I'm feeling as though I'm definitely on the mend.
Here's my questions for myself:
1. Why did I feel the need to use a bag that was going to put a lot of pressure on my back?
2. Why didn't I use my backpack on wheels that my oldest son bought me for just this reason?
3. Why the need to take my huge study Bible instead of a regular Bible or even my Nook?
4. Why didn't I think all this through instead of being in a big hurry and just forgetting about taking care of myself the proper way?
The answer to all these questions is that I'm still living in the past. I still think I can handle that bookbag. That I'm "strong enough" to handle everything. I don't allow myself to have frailties. I don't take the time to think things through at times. I just go for it and pay for it afterward.
I'm so thankful that the Lord saw me through this. I'm thankful that the pain hasn't been permenant and that I do seem to be getting better. I'm thankful that I can learn from this and not make the same mistake again.
I picked out a Bible from my shelf (I don't even want to talk about how many Bibles I have - can one ever have enough?!) that will be wonderful to use at the study. It's not heavy and I'm ready to make new notes in my Bible for this study. I'm remembering to not lift anything heavy and I now have my backpack on wheels out and ready for Tuesday night. I will also leave a little extra early and not be rushed and make poor decisions.
So there's my week and my resolutions all in one swoop. I am praising the Lord for his provision this week, for the kindness of leadership at my church, for the blessing of my co-leader being able to step up at the last minute, and for my pain management doctor and the man who cancelled his appointment. If all that wasn't God at work, I don't know what else it could have been.
Praising God - for HE IS GOOD!!
God bless you - Julie
When I got out at the church offices, I knew that I was in bad shape. I went in and talked to my leadership and told her I might have to go home early if my back didn't feel better soon. She is so sweet and just looked in my eyes and said, "Go home now and take care of yourself." Thankfully, I have a wonderful co-leader so I knew that it was the right thing to do. By the time I got home, I knew this was bad. I immediately went to my recliner with my heating pad and prayed.
The next day, my pain management doctor's nursing assistant called to remind me of my knee shots on Thursday. I asked her if there was an available appointment open for me to get a back shot as I was in a lot of pain. She said the doctor was completely filled up and there was no way. I told her "okay" and said I would call the appointment desk and see when they could get me in. I no more hung up then my phone rang again and it was the nursing assistant telling me that the man after my knee shots had cancelled his appointment and I could have a back shot right before my knee shots. Praise God!
On Thursday, I got my shots and was told by my doctor to take it completely easy for a few days to allow this shot to work and get the swelling in my spinal area down. So, that's what I've been doing. I've been sleeping in my recliner again to help my back and taking really good care of myself by not over-doing it and just letting it heal. Thankfully, tonight I'm feeling much better and I'm feeling as though I'm definitely on the mend.
Here's my questions for myself:
1. Why did I feel the need to use a bag that was going to put a lot of pressure on my back?
2. Why didn't I use my backpack on wheels that my oldest son bought me for just this reason?
3. Why the need to take my huge study Bible instead of a regular Bible or even my Nook?
4. Why didn't I think all this through instead of being in a big hurry and just forgetting about taking care of myself the proper way?
The answer to all these questions is that I'm still living in the past. I still think I can handle that bookbag. That I'm "strong enough" to handle everything. I don't allow myself to have frailties. I don't take the time to think things through at times. I just go for it and pay for it afterward.
I'm so thankful that the Lord saw me through this. I'm thankful that the pain hasn't been permenant and that I do seem to be getting better. I'm thankful that I can learn from this and not make the same mistake again.
I picked out a Bible from my shelf (I don't even want to talk about how many Bibles I have - can one ever have enough?!) that will be wonderful to use at the study. It's not heavy and I'm ready to make new notes in my Bible for this study. I'm remembering to not lift anything heavy and I now have my backpack on wheels out and ready for Tuesday night. I will also leave a little extra early and not be rushed and make poor decisions.
So there's my week and my resolutions all in one swoop. I am praising the Lord for his provision this week, for the kindness of leadership at my church, for the blessing of my co-leader being able to step up at the last minute, and for my pain management doctor and the man who cancelled his appointment. If all that wasn't God at work, I don't know what else it could have been.
Praising God - for HE IS GOOD!!
God bless you - Julie
Thursday, January 17, 2013
Busy week!!
I want to update you about Sammy first. He's doing good so far. My hubby took him to the Vet on Monday and she found another few wounds that we missed. She gave him a booster Rabies shot, antibiotics, and pain pills and that helped him a lot. The only thing we have to worry about is Rabies. Since we don't know what attacked him, there's that concern. Yes, he has his shots, but I guess that's not a total guarantee. They said we would see symptoms within 10 days. Please pray that he will be fine and thank you so much for your prayers you've said. I so appreciate the sweet comments, too!
This has been such a super busy week, but thankfully, I have energy to spare and I'm on a roll!! I started off the week in the "big city" where I went to the doctor. Good news there - I don't have cancer. Yay! I didn't think I would, but there's just something about the doctor actually saying you don't that makes you let out a sigh of relief. My calcium is dangerously low and she wants to get that figured out, but I like her and, so far, I'm pleased with how she's handling my thyroid issues.
After that, I met up with my cousin for lunch at "Streets of New York". We have one here, but the one there was so cute! It was much smaller than ours, but we really enjoyed the food and the service was exceptional. I don't get to see my cousin a lot, even though she only lives about 2 hours away, so this was a real treat! Here's a picture of us in front of the restaurant.
She is a children's pastor and she is such a godly woman! She said so many things that just blessed me so much. It motivated me to really do what the Lord has called me to do as I know that He will bless it! She is funny, smart and I just love that girl!!
After that, I went to the Calvary Chapel bookstore that I love so much. I didn't get much there (finances being very tight these days) but I did find a beautiful Christmas mug that was 40% off. I'm rather picky about coffee mugs so when I very rarely find one that "speaks to me". This one is gorgeous and I love the shape and size of it. My son, who went with me, got a Christmas CD for 40% off.
Speaking of my son - we realized that this was the very first time that he and I had gone out of town together!! We had such a great time and it made for such a great memory for us both.
After that, we went to my best friends house for dinner and talking. I haven't seen her forever as they moved near the big city about 2 years ago and it has just never worked for us to get together. Her son is my son's best friends, so it was so fun for us to go see them. She made a lovely dinner and then she and I headed off to Starbucks to chat while the guys played board games with his little brothers and sisters. It was so wonderful to spend time with her again and we've determined that we're not going to let that much time pass before we get together again. We're thinking we might meet halfway next time and see each other for lunch. We left there about 9:30 pm and it was SO cold!! It was 23 degrees there and by the time we got home, it was 14 degrees!!! It was such a lovely day, though!
Tuesday, was my Bible study and it was the first one after the holiday break. It was such a blessing to see everyone again and get into the Word with them. Each of those ladies blesses me so much I can't even express it here. Love them!
Wednesday, I had paperwork to do, etc., etc. Today I had my knee shots and then had a couple of errands to do. One of which was to get a crochet hook for a gift I'm making. The one I have was evidently used by someone for a tool or something and when I went to use it, it had a niche out of it and it kept snagging the yarn. These hooks are so nice because I can crochet for hours without my hand getting fatigued.
I went to Hobby Lobby first, but they have their own brand of these type of hooks, however, I didn't like the head on them. I only crochet with Susan Bates hooks because I like the shape of the hook and the smooth way they work with the yarn. I got mine at JoAnn's Crafts. While I was there, they had the Christmas stuff at 90% off and so I got some Christmas wrapping paper for 39 cents! We used up most of ours this year and we were down to one roll, so this was nice to get for next year. I also got some cute Gingerbread napkins for 39 cents a pack and 3 metal trays to use at my Bible studies for 59 cents. They will make great snack trays!
I came home and made BLT's for dinner and a pan of brownies for my son to take to the Fire Department when he works there tomorrow. I'm really tired tonight and my knees are super sore, but it's okay. It's been such a lovely week!!
God bless you - Julie
This has been such a super busy week, but thankfully, I have energy to spare and I'm on a roll!! I started off the week in the "big city" where I went to the doctor. Good news there - I don't have cancer. Yay! I didn't think I would, but there's just something about the doctor actually saying you don't that makes you let out a sigh of relief. My calcium is dangerously low and she wants to get that figured out, but I like her and, so far, I'm pleased with how she's handling my thyroid issues.
After that, I met up with my cousin for lunch at "Streets of New York". We have one here, but the one there was so cute! It was much smaller than ours, but we really enjoyed the food and the service was exceptional. I don't get to see my cousin a lot, even though she only lives about 2 hours away, so this was a real treat! Here's a picture of us in front of the restaurant.
She is a children's pastor and she is such a godly woman! She said so many things that just blessed me so much. It motivated me to really do what the Lord has called me to do as I know that He will bless it! She is funny, smart and I just love that girl!!
After that, I went to the Calvary Chapel bookstore that I love so much. I didn't get much there (finances being very tight these days) but I did find a beautiful Christmas mug that was 40% off. I'm rather picky about coffee mugs so when I very rarely find one that "speaks to me". This one is gorgeous and I love the shape and size of it. My son, who went with me, got a Christmas CD for 40% off.
Speaking of my son - we realized that this was the very first time that he and I had gone out of town together!! We had such a great time and it made for such a great memory for us both.
After that, we went to my best friends house for dinner and talking. I haven't seen her forever as they moved near the big city about 2 years ago and it has just never worked for us to get together. Her son is my son's best friends, so it was so fun for us to go see them. She made a lovely dinner and then she and I headed off to Starbucks to chat while the guys played board games with his little brothers and sisters. It was so wonderful to spend time with her again and we've determined that we're not going to let that much time pass before we get together again. We're thinking we might meet halfway next time and see each other for lunch. We left there about 9:30 pm and it was SO cold!! It was 23 degrees there and by the time we got home, it was 14 degrees!!! It was such a lovely day, though!
Tuesday, was my Bible study and it was the first one after the holiday break. It was such a blessing to see everyone again and get into the Word with them. Each of those ladies blesses me so much I can't even express it here. Love them!
Wednesday, I had paperwork to do, etc., etc. Today I had my knee shots and then had a couple of errands to do. One of which was to get a crochet hook for a gift I'm making. The one I have was evidently used by someone for a tool or something and when I went to use it, it had a niche out of it and it kept snagging the yarn. These hooks are so nice because I can crochet for hours without my hand getting fatigued.
I came home and made BLT's for dinner and a pan of brownies for my son to take to the Fire Department when he works there tomorrow. I'm really tired tonight and my knees are super sore, but it's okay. It's been such a lovely week!!
God bless you - Julie
Friday, February 18, 2011
My Son - My Baby
My son is now home, tucked safely in bed, and sleeping like a baby, which he will always be to me. It is so frightening to look in the eyes of your child and know that they are frightened and looking to you to fix the problem. In the hospital, he kept looking at me this way and I just sat with my hand on him to give him comfort and let him know I was there. What more could I do? Yet it was everything. My husband really would have liked to have gone, but we can't leave my MIL here alone. I kept him updated by phone as to what was happening. He was so thankful to see our son back home and okay again.
I spent the day nursing my knee. It's horribly swollen and painful. I have never had a reaction like this to a knee shot before and I'm rather distressed about it. I'm having to walk with a cane and can't bend my knee hardly at all. This whole knee situation has been rather upsetting and I'm still a bit miffed at how my doctor treated me. I even woke up in the night upset about it and shed a few tears. *sigh* I really don't understand why some men become doctors if they don't have the compassion for their patients that they should have. Huge difference between my experience and the experience my son had at the hospital...and I'm so grateful for that. I absolutely want my son to be treated with care and concern!
I'm so tired. It's almost 2:30 in the morning, but after such a scary episode, I'm finding it hard to sleep. I'll go and check on my son at least once more before feeling comfortable about going to sleep myself.
I'm praising God that we got to the hospital in time, that they knew exactly what to do to help him, and that my son is breathing normally again. Now I'm praying that my son will get over this influenza quickly and that he will feel better! Your prayers are very much appreciated, too!
God bless you - Julie
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
I've had better days
I had my knee shots early this morning. I got there right on time, yet waited forever for my appointment and I was the first patient. How does that work? Anyway, the shots are a little different now and instead of having a series of three, I have one. One BIG shot. I had to go by myself this morning, which I have never done. I always have someone's hand to hold to get through it. So, I took a little stuffed poodle and stuck it in my pocket and squeezed that throughout the procedure. I'm surprised that poodle has it's head still attached!! The first shot was painful on my left knee, but the second one about sent me through the roof! I thought he would never finish and then I wouldn't stop bleeding. My doctor was not what you would call on his best bedside manner and by the time I left there, I was in tears for more reason than one. I was never so glad to leave!!
Afterward, I went quickly into Walgreen's and got more flu medicine for the guys here who are still sick. A quick run through the Starbucks drive-thru for my iced coffee and I was ready to come home. I've never been so glad to see my recliner! My knees are still throbbing. It's always hurt, but this time it's different. I hope I'm going to feel better tomorrow.
My youngest son is still so sick that a call to the doctor is a must on the agenda. He keeps thinking that he's better, but his cough tells me different and I'm going to make sure that he gets into the doctor before the weekend.
I hope you had a blessed day! I'm going to read and rest. I think the ice packs need to go back on the knees and some pain medicine needs to be taken. Until tomorrow...
God bless you - Julie
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
