I woke up at 6 AM this morning and got up. Frank had managed to go to sleep and I was quiet so he could continue to sleep. Night before last he stayed up all night and watched the sun rise. He was very ornery yesterday. He gave Jennifer trouble and when I got home, we were into it all the rest of the afternoon. He was very demanding and when I would talk back or refuse to do what he wanted he would talk ugly and raise his voice. The night culminated in me washing his feet and putting fungus cream on them and then he wanted me to wash them over again and I said, "No." Boy, I was full of the devil and was going to hell, etc. My skin is getting rather thick. It's the disease and not my husband of 46 years talking. I hope there won't be too many days like that.
Today, he's still in a cleaning mood. He's downstairs now going through things we got out of his room so he could have some space to move around in. He's a hoarder at heart. He has some Clorox spray he's cleaning things with. I told him he couldn't spray the pillows or bed with it and I changed the pillow cases. He'll spray anything and everything, to sanitize it. There's plenty of stuff for him to piddle around in but I don't want him to bring any of it upstairs. He's really serious about the things he says even though it makes no sense. He forgets easily and sometimes I can get his attention switched from one thing to another by just mentioning something else. It's a cruel disease.
Saturday, April 26, 2014
Friday, April 25, 2014
Usual Friday Things
Went to exercise. Janet has been gone since Monday and we had her sub Wednesday and Today. She works us a lot harder than Janet. Several people didn't come back today. I felt like I should have gone back to bed instead of exercising but I exercised anyway. Jeniffer came today so I had to be gone. I went to Walmart grocery shopping. The sky really looked bad and I thought it might rain before I could get home, but everything cleared up and the sun was shinning this afternoon.
I had a recipe for corned beef and cabbage for the crock pot so I bought a corned beef. After the carrots, potatoes, onion and corned beef, there was no room for the cabbage. I cut a little and put in the pot but the other cabbage I cooked on top of the stove. We will eat it tomorrow.
Today was a bad day for everyone. Frank was difficult with Jennifer and he was difficult most of the day. I can't write any more for he doesn't want me writing about him on my blog, and he could come in here anytime.
I had a recipe for corned beef and cabbage for the crock pot so I bought a corned beef. After the carrots, potatoes, onion and corned beef, there was no room for the cabbage. I cut a little and put in the pot but the other cabbage I cooked on top of the stove. We will eat it tomorrow.
Today was a bad day for everyone. Frank was difficult with Jennifer and he was difficult most of the day. I can't write any more for he doesn't want me writing about him on my blog, and he could come in here anytime.
Thursday, April 24, 2014
Pain Clinic Visit
Going to the Pain Clinic was a pain. Frank refused to take his pain pill at breakfast and was probably not comfortable driving over there. We didn't have to wait long. I asked the lady we saw what if it got too much for me to get him to H'ville, then what would we do? She said we could come every other month and I could pick up the prescription the months he didn't come. If worse came to worse, he could take another medicine that only required a once every 3 month visit, but would that be as good a pain killer as needed?
Alzheimer's is a cruel disease. It's bad on both parties.
Jennifer said her company would charge double for Memorial Day and I said she didn't have to come. The senior center would be closed and there would be no exercise so I really won't need her services.
That will be a long day. Maybe I can get away for an hour or so.
Tomorrow, I need to take Wanda's dish back to her. I've had it since January. I saw her once since then but I didn't have the dish. Maybe tomorrow I'll go. That would give me something to do if Wanda is free.
Alzheimer's is a cruel disease. It's bad on both parties.
Jennifer said her company would charge double for Memorial Day and I said she didn't have to come. The senior center would be closed and there would be no exercise so I really won't need her services.
That will be a long day. Maybe I can get away for an hour or so.
Tomorrow, I need to take Wanda's dish back to her. I've had it since January. I saw her once since then but I didn't have the dish. Maybe tomorrow I'll go. That would give me something to do if Wanda is free.
Wednesday, April 23, 2014
Office Moved
I got up at 6 AM, got ready for I needed to leave to go by the local VA office. I wasn't going to exercise for I needed to be at the VA office at 8:00 AM. The office was closed and the sign said they had moved to H'ville! I went to the senior center at 8:00 and walked with Eula while waiting for the class to start.
Afterwards, I drove to H'ville. I stopped by Shoe Carnival and bought 2 pair of shoes. They had a buy one, get 1/2 off the second pair, so I got a pair of sneakers for $29.99. My other new shoes are a 1/2 size too small. I can still wear them but at the end of the day the toes on my left foot hurt. I got a size 7 in a boy's shoe. They seemed to be wide enough and long enough.
After buying the shoes, I went looking for Church St. where the VA office had moved. Church St. sounded so familiar that I thought I might run across it, and I did. H'ville is AL's 4th largest city, but I knew it had to be around the places I usually went. I found it and maybe where the office is. I didn't stop for it was too late in the morning. In fact, I called home and told Jeniffer to go ahead and clock out at the 4 hour mark and that I would be home shortly.
I stopped to get gas, I had noticed the price had gone up and that all the stations had the same price. It was $3.59, I think. Anyway, gas has been going up lately and it usually doesn't go down after it goes up. Our propane tank is down to 10%. That's what it was when I bought some last fall. It cost $700.00 to fill it up and I don't want to fill it up now. It gets cold downstairs when the stove is off. I turned it on when Trudy was here yesterday and it warmed up, but upstairs the air conditioner was on. Frank likes it set at 76 degrees but I'm cold at that. I turn it up to 77 degrees and hope he won't notice. I had to put on a long sleeved shirt today I was so cold.
Frank had an easier day today. He's still cleaning everything that doesn't move. I even caught him in my room starting to clean off my computer desk. It does need cleaning, but it's organized chaos. I told him to stay out of MY stuff. I would be in charge of cleaning it myself.
Afterwards, I drove to H'ville. I stopped by Shoe Carnival and bought 2 pair of shoes. They had a buy one, get 1/2 off the second pair, so I got a pair of sneakers for $29.99. My other new shoes are a 1/2 size too small. I can still wear them but at the end of the day the toes on my left foot hurt. I got a size 7 in a boy's shoe. They seemed to be wide enough and long enough.
After buying the shoes, I went looking for Church St. where the VA office had moved. Church St. sounded so familiar that I thought I might run across it, and I did. H'ville is AL's 4th largest city, but I knew it had to be around the places I usually went. I found it and maybe where the office is. I didn't stop for it was too late in the morning. In fact, I called home and told Jeniffer to go ahead and clock out at the 4 hour mark and that I would be home shortly.
I stopped to get gas, I had noticed the price had gone up and that all the stations had the same price. It was $3.59, I think. Anyway, gas has been going up lately and it usually doesn't go down after it goes up. Our propane tank is down to 10%. That's what it was when I bought some last fall. It cost $700.00 to fill it up and I don't want to fill it up now. It gets cold downstairs when the stove is off. I turned it on when Trudy was here yesterday and it warmed up, but upstairs the air conditioner was on. Frank likes it set at 76 degrees but I'm cold at that. I turn it up to 77 degrees and hope he won't notice. I had to put on a long sleeved shirt today I was so cold.
Frank had an easier day today. He's still cleaning everything that doesn't move. I even caught him in my room starting to clean off my computer desk. It does need cleaning, but it's organized chaos. I told him to stay out of MY stuff. I would be in charge of cleaning it myself.
Tuesday, April 22, 2014
Trudy too the Rescue
Trudy was able to find the wires that needed to be plugged in so we could have the internet.
We went to Lowe's to get a plumber's snake because a toilet was plugged up. I felt impressed to call Martin to come over and help us with it because I had never used a snake before. He showed up with a plunger and flushed the toilet and the water came just to the edge of the toilet but didn't run over. Then he used his plunger and boom-oh, the toilet flushed. If I hadn't been afraid of the toilet running over, I could have done that, but the toilet had run over so much that I was tired of mopping up the water off the floor. Frank talked him into taking some wood we had in the basement and he left with it. I was going to put it on the burn pile but maybe Martin could use it.
Trudy spoke with Frankie about our computers being secure since the router or what not had been unplugged. Evidently we are safe and I bought a purchase on Amazon. I bought a book, the Chicken Soup for the Soul about people with dementia, plus an erector set. I'm hoping to get Frank involved in making something with the erector set and that will make him happy.
Tomorrow, I'm not going to exercise, but to the local VA office. It opens at 8:30 AM and is on a first come, first served basis. I'll try to get there sometime after 8 o'clock. Hopefully, there won't be a long waiting time. I'm trying to see if the VA can help with the sitters fees. They are very costly. The VA clinic in H'ville won't help us very much because two of our doctors are local now and we go to H'ville for the Pain Clinic and the rhumatologist. I used to know how to spell that. Even the computer didn't know what I was talking about. The VA approves and pays these doctors.
We went to Lowe's to get a plumber's snake because a toilet was plugged up. I felt impressed to call Martin to come over and help us with it because I had never used a snake before. He showed up with a plunger and flushed the toilet and the water came just to the edge of the toilet but didn't run over. Then he used his plunger and boom-oh, the toilet flushed. If I hadn't been afraid of the toilet running over, I could have done that, but the toilet had run over so much that I was tired of mopping up the water off the floor. Frank talked him into taking some wood we had in the basement and he left with it. I was going to put it on the burn pile but maybe Martin could use it.
Trudy spoke with Frankie about our computers being secure since the router or what not had been unplugged. Evidently we are safe and I bought a purchase on Amazon. I bought a book, the Chicken Soup for the Soul about people with dementia, plus an erector set. I'm hoping to get Frank involved in making something with the erector set and that will make him happy.
Tomorrow, I'm not going to exercise, but to the local VA office. It opens at 8:30 AM and is on a first come, first served basis. I'll try to get there sometime after 8 o'clock. Hopefully, there won't be a long waiting time. I'm trying to see if the VA can help with the sitters fees. They are very costly. The VA clinic in H'ville won't help us very much because two of our doctors are local now and we go to H'ville for the Pain Clinic and the rhumatologist. I used to know how to spell that. Even the computer didn't know what I was talking about. The VA approves and pays these doctors.
Monday, April 21, 2014
No Internet
When Frank was cleaning his desk, he unplugged everything on the desk and we lost the internet. We were without it for two days. Trudy came over today and plugged it up for us. I was dying to get on Amazon to see about getting an erector set for Frank. If he had something to build maybe he wouldn't go after the things in the household. We got the vacuum brush back together and it works. Now, he's talking about destroying the mirror in his bathroom. He doesn't know what he's planning on doing will destroy it, but it will. The disease is taking different area's of his brain. He used to work on instruments all the time at work and even though it's been over 20 years since he's worked, I guess he still wants to feel like he can work on things, but he just messes them up. I did get a new electric can opener after he washed the other one in the sink.
Jennifer came today and I went to exercise. Then I drove to Madison and took some things back to Khol's and bought some earrings and two pair of Capri's. I can fit into some of my last years summer clothes, but I wanted two more pair of pants. I have gained about 7 lbs since January and have gone up a size. Even at 71, fat is hard to accept, but I know what it would take to loose it and I'm just not willing to do it.
After Khol's, I drove on into H'ville for a Dr appointment. I didn't have to wait too long to see him but I had lab and that took about 20 minutes waiting time. The Dr time was 5 minutes. I have to see him before I get my nest Prolia shot which should be next month some time. The Prolia helps my bones get strong.
We've been having trouble with Frank's toilet stopping up. We had to call the plumber last week and that was a quick $100.00 for him. We'll get a snake tomorrow and try to unstop it ourselves. There's been so much water on his bathroom floor that the laminate will came up for sure.
Jennifer came today and I went to exercise. Then I drove to Madison and took some things back to Khol's and bought some earrings and two pair of Capri's. I can fit into some of my last years summer clothes, but I wanted two more pair of pants. I have gained about 7 lbs since January and have gone up a size. Even at 71, fat is hard to accept, but I know what it would take to loose it and I'm just not willing to do it.
After Khol's, I drove on into H'ville for a Dr appointment. I didn't have to wait too long to see him but I had lab and that took about 20 minutes waiting time. The Dr time was 5 minutes. I have to see him before I get my nest Prolia shot which should be next month some time. The Prolia helps my bones get strong.
We've been having trouble with Frank's toilet stopping up. We had to call the plumber last week and that was a quick $100.00 for him. We'll get a snake tomorrow and try to unstop it ourselves. There's been so much water on his bathroom floor that the laminate will came up for sure.
Friday, April 18, 2014
Shopping
Jennifer came at 7:30 AM and I left the houses at 8 o'clock. I was somewhere in town when I realized that the senior center was closed today and there would be no exercises. I went by Walmart to get Frank some T-shirts and then decided to go to Madison to the Walmart there. The morning was young and I had plenty of time. I bought some things there and about 9:50 AM decided to go to Madison and go to Khol's. It's dangerous to wander around at Khol's. Dangerous to your wallet. I picked out three pair of earrings (which the cashier forgot to ring up and I didn't get them), two button down shirts for Frank, 6 dishtowels, a pullover for me and a nice, light black jacket with black and white stripes on the collar and cuffs. The pullover will go with a green skirt I haven't worn much and a blue skirt just like it. The black jacket I needed for this cool weather when a heaver coat would be too much. I made it home within the 4 hour limit for Jennifer.
The Fruit of the Loom shirts I got for Frank didn't have a pocket so they go back, plus the pull overs I got at Khol's were black instead of dark grey, so they go back and a button shirt from Khol's is 100% polyester and it will be too hot for Frank. But, all in all, it was a nice morning. Anytime I go shopping it's a good day. I looked for shoes at Khol's but they didn't have a good selection of boy's shoes. I wear a 6 1/2-7 size in a boys shoe. They are wider than the women's shoes.
He is still on a cleaning jag and as I went into the kitchen to check on him, I found that he had put the electric can opener in a sink full of water. Then I had to fight (verbally) to keep him from plugging it in. He got his screwdrivers and took it apart to let it dry out. This is only going to get worse I'm afraid.
The Fruit of the Loom shirts I got for Frank didn't have a pocket so they go back, plus the pull overs I got at Khol's were black instead of dark grey, so they go back and a button shirt from Khol's is 100% polyester and it will be too hot for Frank. But, all in all, it was a nice morning. Anytime I go shopping it's a good day. I looked for shoes at Khol's but they didn't have a good selection of boy's shoes. I wear a 6 1/2-7 size in a boys shoe. They are wider than the women's shoes.
He is still on a cleaning jag and as I went into the kitchen to check on him, I found that he had put the electric can opener in a sink full of water. Then I had to fight (verbally) to keep him from plugging it in. He got his screwdrivers and took it apart to let it dry out. This is only going to get worse I'm afraid.
Thursday, April 17, 2014
Dr Visit
We saw Dr Boyer today. He'd moved his office from Madison to Athens. He's just a few doors away from Dr Walker's office. He upped Franks antidepressant in hopes of curing some of his repetitive gestures.
After we got back home, he moved the couch in the living room to vacuum behind it. Got the vacuum out and then got involved it something else. When I went to see what he was doing, he was washing the vacuum top and wand with water. It made me a bit mad and I reminded him what he had originally set out to do, but I was getting madder so I vacuumed behind the couch. We finally had loud words and I felt so much better. I'm afraid to leave him alone for fear he will fall, but constantly checking up on him drives me nuts, plus he wants to wash everything and I don't want everything washed. My head ache is coming back just recalling it all.
Tomorrow, Jennifer comes again and I will have to find something to do. I've got to get away. I haven't heard from Trudy yet and don't know if she had a cold or not. I called her once but got the voice message.
After we got back home, he moved the couch in the living room to vacuum behind it. Got the vacuum out and then got involved it something else. When I went to see what he was doing, he was washing the vacuum top and wand with water. It made me a bit mad and I reminded him what he had originally set out to do, but I was getting madder so I vacuumed behind the couch. We finally had loud words and I felt so much better. I'm afraid to leave him alone for fear he will fall, but constantly checking up on him drives me nuts, plus he wants to wash everything and I don't want everything washed. My head ache is coming back just recalling it all.
Tomorrow, Jennifer comes again and I will have to find something to do. I've got to get away. I haven't heard from Trudy yet and don't know if she had a cold or not. I called her once but got the voice message.
Wednesday, April 16, 2014
Wednesday
Went to exercise. I really enjoy that class. I using the 5 lb weights and in time will get used to them. I need to build up my shoulder strength.
After class, I went to Shelley's house to drop off some adult diapers. Her son uses them and I had 19 of them left over from when Dad tried them. We had a nice visit. I stopped by The Shoe Dept but they didn't have a good selection of boy's shoes, so I didn't buy any. I got back home at the 4 hour mark. It's good to have time to myself to go off and do what I want to do.
Tomorrow, we see Dr Boyer. He's moved his office to Athens, which is right nice, seeing that we don't have to travel to Madison to see him. I have an appointment at the Pain Clinic one day soon. They asked if I knew where it was and I said yes. I don't know if it is the same clinic where Trudy and Dad go or not. I just assumed it was. I'll have to call soon to see if it's the same place.
Frank has gotten worse. Just a little bit, but worse. There is no reasoning with him. It's all because his brain is being eaten away by the Alzheimer's.
After class, I went to Shelley's house to drop off some adult diapers. Her son uses them and I had 19 of them left over from when Dad tried them. We had a nice visit. I stopped by The Shoe Dept but they didn't have a good selection of boy's shoes, so I didn't buy any. I got back home at the 4 hour mark. It's good to have time to myself to go off and do what I want to do.
Tomorrow, we see Dr Boyer. He's moved his office to Athens, which is right nice, seeing that we don't have to travel to Madison to see him. I have an appointment at the Pain Clinic one day soon. They asked if I knew where it was and I said yes. I don't know if it is the same clinic where Trudy and Dad go or not. I just assumed it was. I'll have to call soon to see if it's the same place.
Frank has gotten worse. Just a little bit, but worse. There is no reasoning with him. It's all because his brain is being eaten away by the Alzheimer's.
Monday, April 14, 2014
Exercise
Woke up 20 minutes late this morning but hustled and got ready and left about 8:05 AM. When I got there there was already a crowd. My 4 lb weights were already taken and I had to use the 5 lb weights. I should use the 5 lb all the time. They are just a bit more challenging than the 4 lb ones. I always enjoy the class.
Stopped by the hospital about the bill and Medicare is working on it. I could have called and found that out but needed the exercise of walking. I went to Staples to tell them I couldn't get the warranty from the company and the employee took my information and later called to say he had taken care of it. I have to mail the recorder back to the company and they will issue me a check.
I tried to visit a shop in town but it was closed today. I came on home at 10:30 AM. Trudy was supposed to come over today but she called and said that her throat was scratchy and she didn't want to come over if it turned out to be a cold. She will come over tomorrow if she feels better. She going to cut Frank's hair and beard. He's getting pretty shaggy.
Frank has been in a cleaning mood. I know he wants to do something to feel good about himself. He's deep cleaned his bathroom and when I came home from town this afternoon, he was in the kitchen deep cleaning. It's something I don't do anymore so more power to him!
I got a rotisserie chicken from Walmart but we had eggs and bacon for supper. The bacon was real bacon and not turkey bacon and it was yummy. Maybe it was because I was hungry, I don't know, but it was good and we enjoyed it.
Stopped by the hospital about the bill and Medicare is working on it. I could have called and found that out but needed the exercise of walking. I went to Staples to tell them I couldn't get the warranty from the company and the employee took my information and later called to say he had taken care of it. I have to mail the recorder back to the company and they will issue me a check.
I tried to visit a shop in town but it was closed today. I came on home at 10:30 AM. Trudy was supposed to come over today but she called and said that her throat was scratchy and she didn't want to come over if it turned out to be a cold. She will come over tomorrow if she feels better. She going to cut Frank's hair and beard. He's getting pretty shaggy.
Frank has been in a cleaning mood. I know he wants to do something to feel good about himself. He's deep cleaned his bathroom and when I came home from town this afternoon, he was in the kitchen deep cleaning. It's something I don't do anymore so more power to him!
I got a rotisserie chicken from Walmart but we had eggs and bacon for supper. The bacon was real bacon and not turkey bacon and it was yummy. Maybe it was because I was hungry, I don't know, but it was good and we enjoyed it.
Sunday, April 13, 2014
Sunday
I was released from my Relief Society piano calling and my choir calling today. I thought it was Fast Sunday, but it wasn't. I came home after Sacrament. This is my first time not to attend all of the meetings in 11 or so years. Since I had cancer. It was a good meeting.
After lunch, I took a nap. Frank slept too. I got him up after I got up so he could sleep tonight.
We have a big bill from the hospital from having Frank's hip put back after it dislocated. Medicare hasn't paid yet and the bill said it was just the ER doctors and to expect more bills from the other Dr's and nurses. Money,money, money, just worries.
After lunch, I took a nap. Frank slept too. I got him up after I got up so he could sleep tonight.
We have a big bill from the hospital from having Frank's hip put back after it dislocated. Medicare hasn't paid yet and the bill said it was just the ER doctors and to expect more bills from the other Dr's and nurses. Money,money, money, just worries.
Friday, April 11, 2014
VA Appointment
Frankie arrived at 9:30 AM for our 11:00 AM appointment. We left at 10:00 AM and had a little trouble finding the place, but Frankie got on his phone and got directions. The nurse was Filipino and she and Frankie talked in Tagalog and it was great to see that he hadn't forgotten the language. The Dr was a little gruff. We-he had a hard time finding the list of meds that Dad was on, but finally found it in all the papers we had. Dad got to have blood drawn. The next step to to have a social worker talk to us. It will be on a TV conference call with B'ham. Then they will decide if they can help us. We ate at Chick-fil-a and drove on home. Frankie stayed about an hour and then left for home.
He had rented a car for the week-end and it was a black Challenger muscle car. It only had 14 miles on it when he rented it. It was a nice car and had a roar to the engine. Frankie enjoyed driving it.
He had rented a car for the week-end and it was a black Challenger muscle car. It only had 14 miles on it when he rented it. It was a nice car and had a roar to the engine. Frankie enjoyed driving it.
Thursday, April 10, 2014
Busy
Dr Walker's office called at 8:50 AM too say I could pick up the Rx he had prescribed and I left the house at 9:00 AM and made it to the office, picked up the prescription, dropped it off at the pharmacy and made it to Kari's to get a hair cut at 9:30 AM. The hair is short but that's how I like it and it will always grow out before I know it.
Frankie called to say that he will be here around 9 AM tomorrow to go to the VA Clinic with us. I don't even know where it is so I'm glad he's coming. The Pain Clinic reports came in today and I spent 1 hour and 10 minutes making copies of it. I've made copies of all of the records, I think, if not, it's too late. Frankie said it's good to go in with a lot of records to give to the VA. He's delt with them before and knows how to do it.
After my hair cut, I bought some groceries and when I drove up, the PT lady was here for Frank's last visit and discharge. While she was here, the OT lady came. They were both really nice people and have helped Frank. The PT had him walking out to the road and back. He may stop using the walker in the house. He'll use it tomorrow when we go to the VA Clinic.
Frankie called to say that he will be here around 9 AM tomorrow to go to the VA Clinic with us. I don't even know where it is so I'm glad he's coming. The Pain Clinic reports came in today and I spent 1 hour and 10 minutes making copies of it. I've made copies of all of the records, I think, if not, it's too late. Frankie said it's good to go in with a lot of records to give to the VA. He's delt with them before and knows how to do it.
After my hair cut, I bought some groceries and when I drove up, the PT lady was here for Frank's last visit and discharge. While she was here, the OT lady came. They were both really nice people and have helped Frank. The PT had him walking out to the road and back. He may stop using the walker in the house. He'll use it tomorrow when we go to the VA Clinic.
Wednesday, April 9, 2014
Trip to Decatur
I went to exercise and then came home to meet Karen for our trip to Decatur to go to Hancock Fabrics and Hobby Lobby. That didn't take but about an hour and we were home again. I won't be riding to church with Karen and she said we would have to get together during the week next week.
Frank's PT is here now. He has one more visit before he's through. He's gotten a lot stronger with the PT and OT.
Frank's PT is here now. He has one more visit before he's through. He's gotten a lot stronger with the PT and OT.
Tuesday, April 8, 2014
Support Group
Today at 11:00 AM was the Alzheimer's support group meeting. I left at 10:30 AM to make sure I could get there in time and find the place. I knew where the church was but I didn't know how much time it would take to get there. I was about 10 minutes early. I met the facilitator, Linda, and got a seat. There were about 7 people there not including Linda. I and another lady were new. It was a very nice and interesting meeting. I did get a little nervous when the meeting went over the hour time for I had told Frank that I would be back by 12:30 PM and that didn't give me any time to get home when I told him. I will definitely go back next month. Trudy was going to come over for a short visit but she texed and said that they had to do the taxes tonight and would contact me later about when she could come over. Mary Kate called tonight and had a nice long conversation. She is getting the piano tuned and it will cost over $200.00 since it hasn't been tuned in many years. Even Nate was noticing it. He has really come a long way with his piano lessons. If he stays with it, he will be a fine musician. He told MK that the piano was his favorite instrument! Way to go Nate.
I tried to get in touch with Summer-Rae tonight to tell her I couldn't be the choir pianist anymore, but I got a recording. I left a message but haven't hear back from her. Jo-Ann wanted me to play a Primary music piece Sunday for the Primary children and their mothers to sing and I had to tell her that I wasn't going to be coming to Relief Society and Sunday School any more. I feel it's more important to stay home with Frank. I will go to Sacrament meeting at 9:00 AM and gets over at 10:10 AM but I will be going home after that. I usually spent 5 hour at church on Sundays with choir practice after the 3 hour block of meetings. That is too long to spend away from home now. I am getting tired and maybe that's the Lord's way of telling me it's time to come home. I will miss riding to church with Ken and Karen but I can visit during the week.
With extra time on my hands on Sunday, I will be able to study more. I haven't been reading the scriptures like I should in a long time and now I can renew that practice. That's how to get close to the Lord and I really need that now, as always. I look forward to having the TV off and reading spiritual things. I just don't seem to want to do that during the week.
Tomorrow, after exercise, Karen is picking me up and we're going to Decatur to Hancocks to look at fabric and to buy patterns. She's doing the looking, not me. It will be fun to be out of the house and not worry about Frank. It's costing quite a bit of money but it is worth it for me to get out and have some down time. Frankie is coming down Thursday night to go to the VA clinic with us Friday. Maybe the VA will have a program where they could pay for some of the sitter's fee.
I tried to get in touch with Summer-Rae tonight to tell her I couldn't be the choir pianist anymore, but I got a recording. I left a message but haven't hear back from her. Jo-Ann wanted me to play a Primary music piece Sunday for the Primary children and their mothers to sing and I had to tell her that I wasn't going to be coming to Relief Society and Sunday School any more. I feel it's more important to stay home with Frank. I will go to Sacrament meeting at 9:00 AM and gets over at 10:10 AM but I will be going home after that. I usually spent 5 hour at church on Sundays with choir practice after the 3 hour block of meetings. That is too long to spend away from home now. I am getting tired and maybe that's the Lord's way of telling me it's time to come home. I will miss riding to church with Ken and Karen but I can visit during the week.
With extra time on my hands on Sunday, I will be able to study more. I haven't been reading the scriptures like I should in a long time and now I can renew that practice. That's how to get close to the Lord and I really need that now, as always. I look forward to having the TV off and reading spiritual things. I just don't seem to want to do that during the week.
Tomorrow, after exercise, Karen is picking me up and we're going to Decatur to Hancocks to look at fabric and to buy patterns. She's doing the looking, not me. It will be fun to be out of the house and not worry about Frank. It's costing quite a bit of money but it is worth it for me to get out and have some down time. Frankie is coming down Thursday night to go to the VA clinic with us Friday. Maybe the VA will have a program where they could pay for some of the sitter's fee.
Saturday, April 5, 2014
General Conference
We watched General Conference today. Mary Kate and Nate and Sophia watched with us. After the first session was over, we had lunch and then went out and went to H'ville to AB Stephens to look for a music book for Nate. I bought him one in lieu of a book at Books A Million. The tradition is when they come for a visit, I buy them a book. Fia got a book at the bookstore. We came back to hear the last speaker. Tonight MK and I are going to visit Trudy. Tomorrow, after the second session, and after lunch, they will leave to go back to GA. It's been a nice visit.
Friday, April 4, 2014
Latest Test
The latest test showed there was no tumor in the bone. The Dr advised not to have another operation but just live with it. If it got to be unbearable, he would operate. He recommended me to the Pain Clinic to get medication for the pain. Now, we have three members of the family that go to the Pain Clinic. I just looked for the bottle of Tramadol and can't find it! I have some in my morning meds and I guess that will have to do.
I was in Madison to see Dr Alexander and then drove on in to H'ville to get Frank's medical records and then I stopped back in Madison at Dr Boyer's office to see if I can get Frank's records and found that Dr Boyer had moved to Athens!I had been near his office when I stopped in to get the records from Dr Walker. I had to pay $34.00 for them. The other Drs didn't charge anything.
Trudy met me at the Dr's office but couldn't go to the bank with us because her back was hurting too much.
I was in Madison to see Dr Alexander and then drove on in to H'ville to get Frank's medical records and then I stopped back in Madison at Dr Boyer's office to see if I can get Frank's records and found that Dr Boyer had moved to Athens!I had been near his office when I stopped in to get the records from Dr Walker. I had to pay $34.00 for them. The other Drs didn't charge anything.
Trudy met me at the Dr's office but couldn't go to the bank with us because her back was hurting too much.
Thursday, April 3, 2014
Another Test
I had an MRI today that lasted 35 minutes. It took me about an hour to drive home. Trudy and Dad watched a movie "Red" and had a great time. She couldn't spend the night for she has PT tomorrow morning. We'll meet at Dr Alexander's office at 12:50 PM and see what the test results are. I'm getting anxious to find out what the future holds for me.
Wednesday, April 2, 2014
H'ville Again
I saw Dr Alexander again for the results of the bone scans. The tests showed the shaft of the hip replacement is rubbing against the bone and that is what is causing the pain. The only way to fix it is to operate again or hope in time it fixes itself. Dr Alexander didn't want to operate and he wants me to have another test done tomorrow and will see me Friday. That makes 4 times I'll have been to H'ville this week. Just talked to Trudy and we decided that the Dr needs to operate and put the longer hip shaft in. With the shorter shaft in and rubbing on the femur, it seems like it will rub a hole in the bone if it's not fixed. But the bone has plates and screws in it and he would have to undo all of that, replace the hip and shaft and reconnect the plates. Maybe that's why he doesn't want to operate. We'll see Friday. It also seems the right time for an operation since Frank isn't so far gone with the Alzheimer's disease. I'll pray about it all tonight.
Tomorrow, I have to go by Dr Phillips office and pick up the medical records that we asked for today. My test is at 4:40 PM. Trudy will come over at 2 PM and be with Frank. Friday, Mary Kate and kids are coming in at 2 PM and I see Dr Alexander at 12:40 PM. Mary Kate and Trudy and I have to be at the bank together with the power of attorney so we can put Mary Kate on the bank accounts. Whew! I can hardly keep up with all of this. My children keep me from the insanity ward.
Tomorrow, I have to go by Dr Phillips office and pick up the medical records that we asked for today. My test is at 4:40 PM. Trudy will come over at 2 PM and be with Frank. Friday, Mary Kate and kids are coming in at 2 PM and I see Dr Alexander at 12:40 PM. Mary Kate and Trudy and I have to be at the bank together with the power of attorney so we can put Mary Kate on the bank accounts. Whew! I can hardly keep up with all of this. My children keep me from the insanity ward.
Tuesday, April 1, 2014
Tuesday
I had a nice day at home. While the OT was here I ran to the bank and the Dr office and the pharmacy. I want a physical copy of all Dad's records from Dr Walker's office. She tried to discourage me because there were a lot of records and it would be costly but Frankie said the more records the better. Tomorrow, after I see Dr Alexander and fine out the results of my bone scan, Trudy and I will go to the Pain Clinic and Dr Boyer's office and get the records from them. Hopefully, I can have a lot of records when we go to the VA office in H'ville. Frankie is a disabled veteran and he knows how to deal with the VA so I'll do as he says. The more records the better, he says.
I swept the floor tonight. Frank asked Jennifer to sweep the floors last time. I was embarrassed. I wouldn't ask her to do that. I can sweep the floors. Frank is funny. Sometimes he thinks the floors are dirty and they are not. Jennifer is the sitter who comes at 7:30 AM, M-W-F, so I can go to exercise. So far I've only been to one or two classes because I have had Dr's appointments. After tomorrow, I don't have any appointments on those days.
I swept the floor tonight. Frank asked Jennifer to sweep the floors last time. I was embarrassed. I wouldn't ask her to do that. I can sweep the floors. Frank is funny. Sometimes he thinks the floors are dirty and they are not. Jennifer is the sitter who comes at 7:30 AM, M-W-F, so I can go to exercise. So far I've only been to one or two classes because I have had Dr's appointments. After tomorrow, I don't have any appointments on those days.
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