Author: laughingwolf_qh33q8

Week Plus

Been more than a week now, and things seem to be going as well as they can. Which is not to say a bed of roses unless you are counting all the stems and thorns.

On the plus side, pain management continues to go well. I’m very lucky in that regard as I’m hearing horror stories of “tylenol only” pain management both locally and nationwide. This despite a lack of any real-world studies showing any real link between surgery/pain management and addiction. Lots of thoughts on that, but they need to wait until I can type again. I’m continuing to wean as I can and am grateful to have on hand if needed.

With PT and general life, it can be needed especially when you discover what all is tied into a shoulder. At this point I would not be surprised to find my left little toe has a direct connection to my right shoulder. There is also the fact that you know intellectually not everything can connect back where it did before; and, there is discovering the reality of that the fun way.

I’m also at a point various nerves and other delights are waking up and going WTF? It’s not phantom pain, but something I’m tempted to call ghost pain as the body figures out some circuits aren’t there anymore, and others have been changed.

For someone who asked elsewhere, I pretty much had all feeling back in my fingers the day after surgery. The thumb was still a little numb late that Saturday, but by the time I got home… Also, starting to get back on a normal sleep cycle and a normal digestive cycle. Both have been interesting processes.

Have my first post-op exam tomorrow afternoon, and will hopefully know more then. Right now, just happy to be able to basically bathe and dress myself without help. In fact, am even able to do laundry and some housekeeping on my own. The cats appear fascinated by some of my work-arounds…

Meantime, on the science front keep an eye on Betelgeuse and also on Leslie Eastman’s work at Legal Insurrection. The good folk at Hot Air are covering a lot of good stories, as is the team at Instapundit. As for internal Russian politics, I’m not sure there is enough paleo-popcorn and adult beverages for the comi-drama (all puns intended) ongoing. If Thunderdome suddenly appears in Red Square, I wouldn’t be surprised. I am a bit surprised official patience hasn’t run out with Prighozhin, especially after the sworn statement circus.

There is a lot going on here at home as well. I really should do a post on the fight that broke out Saturday while I was shopping, as it covers so much… For now, let me just repeat: preparedness always pays; keep your friends close; and, keep your things where you can find them in the dark.

Getting hit by lightning is not fun! If you would like to help me in my recovery efforts, which include moving once we have medical issues cleared up, feel free to hit the fundraiser at A New Life on GiveSendGo, use the options in the Tip Jar in the upper right, or drop me a line to discuss other methods. It is thanks to your gifts and prayers that I am still going. Thank you.

This Thing On?

Hope so. Just hitting a point where i feel up to long-form on anything: speaking, reading, writing, or anything else. I’m also discovering that a number of things I like to do take two hands to do right. More on that in a bit.

No, things didn’t go as planned. Shortly after arriving for surgery sans mobile as I was only going to be there a short time, I was informed that they had decided to admit me after all. Honestly, I was a bit relieved and it proved to be a good idea. Major pain communicating with my ride home though. Not going to leave the phone at home again.

BTW, if you ever need a sure bet, go for my cause of death as being the result of my being a smartass. When asked why I was in that day, my response was that i was about to have a very one-sided and totally unfair knife fight with the surgeon and that when i lost he was going to amputate my right arm, take some souvenirs, then re-attach it. Cue male nurse freezing, locking up really. A very delayed forced chuckle. Later, the surgeon got a good laugh out of it. Still a bit annoyed they wouldn’t let me keep the ball joint they cut out, and yes i did ask.

The anesthesia team was good, and unlike the open heart surgery I remember the start of the nerve block. Weird, but cool. Remember a bit of being wheeled towards OR then being wheeled into a room post surgery. TV was on, couldn’t figure how to cut it off, so found a channel doing some sort of Harry Potter marathon, muted it. Beat the heck out of being on morphine and watching Cirq du Soleil. [Que the late great Bill Paxton screaming bad trip instead of game over]. An experience I do not want to repeat.

Ate, slept, got to meet my new best friend: the liquid cooled aircast. You can see it above, and it is fantastic! Beats the heck out of any cooling pad/system I’ve ever used. cycle about every hour, and essentially no swelling.

Up until the last couple of days, Ive been on a very intermittent sleep cycle. With the move away from strong pain management has come a return to a more normal sleep cycle. May take a few more days to shift, but getting back on normal routines. I have the strong pills if needed, and boy howdy do you need them on occasion!! Bumps, jostles, and unwise movements can bring pain such that I’ve apologized to the landlord, housemate, and even the cats for the outbursts of invective. And, yes, the move on painkillers is being done VERY carefully. In my case, I’m no longer needing them when I sleep so I dont take them then. Morning/evening when I do PT and such? You bet your bippy I take them.

Years ago, I pushed on pain and on activity after a surgery. Ended up setting my recovery back more than six months. I have no plans to be that stupid ever again. Even if the surgical/care team were inclined to let me, which these are not.

Oh, yeah. Not going as planned. It was a good thing I was admitted, as it let me work with an Occupational Therapist and a Physical Therapist before going home. Can’t say enough good about the OT, much like my nurse/technician teams in recovery. There’s a reason I’m bathing, dressing, and doing therapy on my own… Hate to say it, not impressed with the PT person. Number of reasons including that by the time she finished talking about an exercise and wanted me to do X number I had already done 10-20 iterations. Didn’t help that my BP decided to drop while dealing with her and it took a moment to get a word in edgewise so i could sit and get the BP at least sort of measured. First time was basically 60s/30s, but finally stabilized at 70/40. Thinking back, it is similar to something that happened after the botched colonoscopy, and to what happened every time they tried to stand me up the the first couple of days after the open heart. It did it a bit again today even, and yes it is being watched.

Thank goodness for the immobilization brace, especially since my inner subconscious is a major asshole. It keeps you from doing many stupid things, even if it does invite others by sticking out in odd locations and ways. Trust me, you learn very quickly not to let it bump. No one seems to have a clue what the rubber ball is for though. I have mashed it flat a time or two when I did something stupid and brought on the pain. Meantime the brace has kept me from flailing the arm when the subconscious brings on dreams of tripping, falling, fighting, and other delights.

Other than the PT issue, the only gripe is with the sticks, and most of that falls on pre-op. Out of 6 sticks, they only got one in my book. They brought someone in for the one, and she nailed it. BTW, the back of my hand doesn’t look much better.

That’s enough petty bitching for the day. So far, the surgical team seems to have nailed it and overall things are better than I expected. Post-op care and OT were outstanding. Really looking forward to my follow-up next week. Also, hope to do more here and soon.

Getting hit by lightning is not fun! If you would like to help me in my recovery efforts, which include moving once we have medical issues cleared up, feel free to hit the fundraiser at A New Life on GiveSendGo, use the options in the Tip Jar in the upper right, or drop me a line to discuss other methods. It is thanks to your gifts and prayers that I am still going. Thank you.

Small Update

Think I’m about as set as I can be. Here’s my drink and food stand I mentioned in the big update, though the microwave is out in the common area of the basement. Hopefully everything I need for the time being. Tops are basically off things, just on to keep things out.

Here’s a shot of the power block/surge protector I mentioned that clamps onto the desk. Makes it easy to plug and unplug one handed. Hated shopping BestBuy, but they had one and the options were limited since Indy no longer has an electronics supply store — you have to drive up to Lafayette for anything like that.

More as I can, and the surgeon has said he will take some pictures for me as the surgery progresses. Bit disappointed that I can’t get the bone he’s cutting off with what’s left of the ball, as part of me would love to use it to make the head of a walking stick.

Oh, once this is done, am going to have to look at getting some extra instruction and practice on shooting offhand (been longer than it should on that), and will essentially have to learn to shoot all over again. Not looking forward to the cost, but actually am looking forward to the instruction and practice.

Also, got a novel suggestion for fine motor skills PT for the right hand, which is to learn to play the guitar. If the PT folks sign off, am going to look for a very inexpensive acoustic guitar and give it a go. Figure it can’t be any worse than my attempts to learn and play the bagpipes (I am living proof the Brits were right about something when they declared them a weapon of war, as my playing can clear out counties).

Have two weeks of regular medicines in baggies and ready to go. Going to wing everything else. Send bourbon and cigars!

On a bit more serious note, I thought I would share a bit of a prayer I’ve sent out.

Lord, I ask that with my health and upcoming surgery to let that which is right be. I ask not for a specific outcome, but for you do to do what is best. I ask you to guide me to where I need to be physically and spiritually, and while I know where I would like to be physically, please show me that place which is right for me.

I tend to leave things open like this, as I trust God to know what is right and best, and also because you can get what you pray for. It’s along the lines of “Lord, won’t you buy me a Mercedes Benz.” God may have been looking at a Lamborghini for you, but if you really want the MB, well…

Keep the Faith. Be Prepared. Keep your things where you can find them in the dark, and know who and where your true friends are at all times.

More soon.

Getting hit by lightning is not fun! If you would like to help me in my recovery efforts, which include moving once we have medical issues cleared up, feel free to hit the fundraiser at A New Life on GiveSendGo, use the options in the Tip Jar in the upper right, or drop me a line to discuss other methods. It is thanks to your gifts and prayers that I am still going. Thank you.

Final Preparations

Okay, this may be the last post for a while. I’m going to be exploring what I can do via dictation and such, but no promises

Meantime, I’ve been trying to prepare as best I can. While I really liked the oven mitt idea, I just tried doing things one-handed as best I could, and decided it’s really going to blow in some respects. I can shave one handed/off handed, though it is not pretty and not the best, but with practice I hope it will get better. One of the real problems is with caps on things, so I’ve done up baggies with two weeks of morning and evening meds/supplements to make that easier in the days after the surgery. It really is the small things, like getting toothpaste onto the toothbrush, that are going to be a pain one handed.

The Unbreakables!
The Unbreakables!

As discussed before, I have gotten as many things unbreakable as I can just in case. The Mueller stainless steel French Press is nice, and I’ve noticed the loose lid seems to be holding a bit better these days. I got an Ideal Servings stainless steel airpot, made in Taiwan, and am very much enjoying it. I also caught a deal on a Mueller electric grinder that while they have a very different take on coarse grind than I do, works well and I can operate it one handed. While I am still playing with brew times, finding that I like the current set-up: grind fresh beans, pre-heat the French Press, let the grinds soak a minute, then fill and brew. I then pour through a pour-over filter with a number 2 filter (found the holder on clearance at a grocery store a while back) into the airpot. Oh, am pre-heating the airpot with the water from the French Press when I start to brew. Also, my landlord bought an electric kettle for me to use as I was using a boiler and pouring from it. Have to admit, I’m liking the kettle.

Given that my mugs are breakable, I have disposable hot cups for the first few days post surgery. Actually, figure the weekend will not be fun, so have as much set-up for ease as I can. I have instant coffee (bleh) and some tea as it may be easier to make than coffee. Annoyed that everyone is out of Scottish Breakfast tea, but have some good Russian Caravan to augment the (meh) English Breakfast. The recliner is set to be my home at need, though my bed came with a platform that will raise the head like a hospital bed. Both will be set before I head up for the surgery. I also have what I hope is two weeks worth of breakfast and supper (I rarely eat lunch) tucked away in the freezer and refrigerator. Even have some snackage, though not a lot. Deliberate on that.

Things have been re-arranged so that things are to my left: the controls for the recliner, tables, etc. It’s amazing the number of “small” details that going around one-handed I have found, and I know I’ve missed a few. UPDATE: Should also mention I found a surge protector/power block that actually clamps to the desk I set up as my food/drink area. Makes plugging and unplugging much easier! Will try to post a photo later.

The bathroom has been scrubbed and sterilized to within an inch of it’s life, as I get to start bathing in special medical soap tomorrow. I’ve been tested for any sign of flesh-eating bacteria, and now they want to do what is needed to prevent any infection via the skin. I’m amused in that the name-brand version of this soap is often promoted for cleaning “adult” toys, and I am not to get it anywhere near my face or private parts. I get to scrub down with it (using fresh washcloth each time), wait five minutes, then rinse. Joy. Still need to find a mechanical kitchen timer for that if possible.

Also, have my first pair of old-man velcro shoes. No way I can tie my shoes one handed, so got a cheap pair to get me by for now. Hoping to start back in on walking next Monday, will see how it goes.

Pain management is the question. I’m hoping they do as good a job as the heart surgeons did, and am giving them that challenge. Don’t expect it to be fun, but am hoping for the best.

I have a book someone was kind enough to send me that I’ve been saving for post-surgery. If it’s as good as I think it will be, will be promoting it later. Reading may be a challenge one handed, but it’s one I will cheerfully meet.

If all goes well, I go in Friday morning and will be home Friday evening. Because of the prior heart surgery, they are going to do the operation in one of the hospital ORs rather than in the outpatient surgery suite. Amazing that this is now done outpatient given that they effectively (though not completely) amputate your arm, make the repairs, then re-attach it. All in about three hours if there are no problems/complications.

Part of me is more than ready for it right now. I had to go off my supplements and such that I use to deal with the arthritis and the pain, and the experience does not make me a happy or patient wolf. In fact, with the pain, I might even be tending towards being a bit grumpy on occasion. So, I’ve been joking and cutting up a bit more than normal to compensate.

There are a few more last minute things to take care of. Going to go get my hair cut after lunch, and tomorrow will be focused on emergency stuff for if there are any problems. Thursday is going to be spent picking up advance medicines and taking care of a couple of last-minute items. If something earth-shattering comes up, will try to post but for now my focus is on all the last minute things I have to do. I even have a timeline provided by the doc for what I am to do, when, and how. Which, given my memory issues from the lightning strike, is a very good thing.

More soon I hope!

The Moscow Gambit

Yes, I do hear a good bit that I don’t share. Sometimes it is because the info is suspect or can’t be verified. Sometimes it is because the info is flat out wrong. Sometimes, it is because it appears to be quite genuine and I don’t want to mess up what (may) be going on.

In regards the drone attack on Moscow, I’m simply going to suggest noting the very, very, extremely precise wording out of certain quarters. There is a world of difference between a party not being involved and not being directly involved. Which begs questions about who was directly involved and why.

Russia has had a lot of mysterious fires and such since the invasion started. Been a number of accidents rail and otherwise. Now, a larger drone attack on Moscow. Tie this in with other things going on…

The old wolf smiles and begins to whistle to himself as he contemplates the board…

Memorial Day

Sorry for the lack of posting, but things have been a bit hectic. I’ve had my pre-op testing and visit, and am now trying to get things cleared off the list as fast as I can.

I did take yesterday off for my yearly beer with the guys. It’s the one day of the year where I’m buying. Though, this year, Donna who was manning the bar at Oaken Barrel insisted that the beer for the guys was on her.

Hope you all had a good weekend, and took the time to remember the reason for the day.

French Press Review/Update

Even with not being able to do the surgery last Friday, things have been interesting. Thankful for the extra time to get things done, and to start practicing to be a one-armed menace for a while.

One of the things I’m doing is trying to “break proof” some key items, including my french press for making coffee. The one I had is glass and plastic, and frankly I’m amazed it’s lasted almost two decades around me as I am a bit of klutz. It’s also hard to clean up two-handed, much less one.

So, I was reading reviews of french press coffee makers and found two reasonable choices for stainless steel models. Both were on sale online at Wally World, and one was temporarily sold out. So, I went with the Mueller 34oz (1L) base model.

NOTE: every stainless steel french press I can find is made in China. I could not find any made in Taiwan or the U.S. At least one place hints their product is made here, but that appears to be (very) misleading.

I’m really not sure why, but there is a tremendous difference in my coffee. I had long suspected the glass and plastic bargain was not a 34 oz as stated, and that was true. I’ve had to adjust the amount of beans ground (takes more) and am continuing to play with things to get exactly what I like. That said, with pre-heating the press, and putting just enough hot water in to make a slurry with the grounds and waiting 30 seconds, then filling up I’m getting some amazingly good coffee. For anyone interested, I’m putting in a pinch of smoked salt and doing 6.5 minutes.

Plus Notes: easy to clean and operate, though trying to wash any dish one handed is going to be fun. The insulated body will keep things warm for quite a while, so I have to remember to open the lid when done so it is cool enough to wash after breakfast. Sturdy.

Minus Notes: The finish will show fingerprints and water spots in a heartbeat, so if looks are super important, it will take extra work. The lid is a little loose, which is only a problem (for me) when pouring that last bit out.

I’ve broken down and also ordered a new airpot that is stainless steel instead of glass-lined, and is made in Taiwan. I like to pour my coffee out of the press, through a filter, and keep it in the airpot. I filter because of a study I read (found through Instapundit) that suggested filtering could improve some lipid numbers. While I did not get the lipid results the researchers claimed, I did find I liked the taste of the filtered coffee.

I’ve still got a lot to get done to prepare for the surgery. Hard to believe that in effect my arm will be amputated, repaired, then re-attached and all this is now outpatient surgery. I’ve actually started practicing trying to do things one handed, and that’s been interesting. I’m also going to have to do some minor re-arranging as things are currently set-up for me being right arm dominant. Going to have to have things were I can get to them with the left arm for now.

Also, figure for the first two weeks I’m not going to be up for a lot, so am trying to cook and freeze meals. Plan to buy some frozen breakfast stuff that I can heat and eat one handed (thank you Jimmy Dean!). May not all be keto, but will make do. Actually going to get some of the Folger’s “tea bag” coffee for the first few days as hand grinding the coffee like I do is going to be a real bear. May even drink tea for a while as much easier to make.

I’m trying also to see if the laptop will do voice-to-text so I can get some posts up. It is likely to be sporadic at first, and given pain and pain pills such posts might be a more interesting than usual. So, more soon.

Getting hit by lightning is not fun! If you would like to help me in my recovery efforts, which include moving once we have medical issues cleared up, feel free to hit the fundraiser at A New Life on GiveSendGo, use the options in the Tip Jar in the upper right, or drop me a line to discuss other methods. It is thanks to your gifts and prayers that I am still going. Thank you.

Interesting Indeed

For all I am a bit pre-occupied by the upcoming surgery, I am trying to keep up with things. I am watching Nigeria as the attack on our diplomatic convoy says interesting things.

I’m also trying to keep up with the happenings in Russia. There is a good bit going on, from smoke (the alleged upgrades to mobile missiles) to something that may be a bit more solid. I think we could see a major upheaval within the higher levels of the Kremlin in the next few months.

The source of that is, of course, Prigozhin. His feud with the MoD is in many respects as much political as operational. So much so he ended up on the outs with Vladimir and while there are some reports that there was some level of reconciliation, the response to Prigozhin’s threat to withdraw his troops from Bakhmut rather clearly indicated not so much. Nevermind that directly or by proxy he seems to be taking steps to possibly make a run at the top spot.

He very much continues to push the limits of what criticism can be made against Vladimir, and seems determined to not just push that line but eradicate it. His comments and rants are beyond current cultural norms for such, and he seems to want to go even further. That is a rather risky thing to do in Russia, particularly right now, unless he is willing to make a true play for the top.

The Washington Post “expose” of his alleged dealings with Ukrainian intelligence is not helping his position in Russia. For all the pro-forma being said by the government in public, in private far more interesting conversations seem to be happening. I do have questions about the leak, as I don’t trust anything from the Post, especially something like this.

Do I expect anything to happen in the next couple of weeks? No. Not unless someone gets a major case of the stupids. Do I think things could come to a head in regards Prigozhin in the next three months? Oh, yes. Particularly if he continues his efforts to criticize Vladimir while continuing to make behind-the-scenes preparations. I’ve talked before about the cultural norms, and by moving beyond them Prigozhin is not just alienating a lot of potential support, but ensuring opposition to any political moves in a number of quarters.

For those interested in the WP “leak” and a different (but similar) take on things, check out this from the ISW.

Waiting

Still don’t have a definitive schedule on the surgery, as they are trying to get me in this coming Friday if they can do so. As a result, I’m moving fast to get as much done as I can in case it is this Friday.

My original plan was simple. I was going to clean and dust a bit, make sure I had some food put aside, and other reasonable things. Yeah, right.

The lite cleaning and dusting turned into major cleaning and minor re-arrangement of the room. Which, in turn, has led to re-organizing the shelves/pantry in the closet. To the point the strategic hot sauce reserve is now in order of best-by date. Putting the bookcase off to last, as it is a total disaster to be honest.

Nor has the bathroom been spared. Which ties into the refrigerator. Before the move to this location, one of the renters who rented a room was an interesting fellow I will call TJ for now. Pretty sure on the spectrum and a germaphobe, which made what he did to the refrigerator all the more weird. Short version is that I got the produce drawer and lower shelf out and got them cleaned in my shower. I got the bottom of the refrigerator clean by scraping it and sweeping out the debris. Which led to my shower getting rather thoroughly cleaned given the status of the lower shelf and produce drawer. On top of that, the shower massage died so had to get a new one and install it.

In addition to that, have been updating medical info, trying to figure out what I need to get now or put off, and generally get ready for a few weeks of unpleasantness. Got a baker’s dozen hamburgers cooked and individually frozen. Have some other meals frozen, and am working to get a bit more done before things happen no matter when they happen. Have been told that the first two weeks are the roughest, so trying to make sure I have easy-to-heat stuff ready to go. Waiting for my monthly payment so I can order some supplements and related. Pharmacy already has me stocked on actual prescription items, though I suspect more are to come.

Also, cleaned the little microwave out in the common area here in the basement. Want it clean and ready to go as I suspect I may not be keen on climbing up the stairs to get to the kitchen the first day or three after surgery. Oh, that’s right, I cleaned and re-organized my small bar as well while doing all this as well. Bar needs serious re-stocking, but is good to go for now since I will not be using it while on the good painkillers.

It’s been interesting as each project leads to multiple others to get ready. Especially as I want home health care to have nothing to complain about. Really not thrilled to have them come in, but also know they are probably going to be needed that first week.

So, that’s what is going on and why the free ice cream is in short supply. More soon, I hope.