Category: General

Recovery And General Update

Sorry for the lack of posting, but it has been intense and interesting on several levels. Been getting to test both surgical and general preparedness a bit.

This last week, we started kicking things into high gear. I am now doing “real” PT with a therapist at a facility three times a week. This is an hour or so of the home exercises, additional exercises, and range of motion manipulation. Great results so far, almost enough to make me nervous as I don’t want any shoes to drop as it were. That said, I’m most happy to report that in one area we got a 20% increase in the range of motion.

Now, in addition to that, I get to do the home exercises twice a day on every day that I don’t do real PT. It does make a difference, but is also a bit tiring. I’ve actually invested in a gymnastics slider like we use at the therapist for a couple of exercises, as it works so much better than the make-do’s. I also have invested in the same professional grade cold pack that the therapist uses. I think it was only $5 more than the home-use pack I got at the big box store. For all I do love the Aircast liquid cooled system, it gives me something intense but not quite as intense.

We are still having to keep an eye on that area of the incision that did funny. Very glad to be finishing the antibiotics today! So far, so good.

Interestingly, more discomfort and pain in my biceps/triceps than the shoulder as he apparently he had to move some attachment points for those muscles. I’ve been very lucky on pain, and suspect the pain management plan worked very well. Thanks to the re-arrangements, my right arm has guns like it hasn’t had in years.

Yes, I am driving (with permission) though I try to limit it to essentials as it is one handed. Mostly to PT or for groceries. Okay, I may have driven to the taco truck once. Not comfortable doing much more than that, especially with Indy traffic. The sling comes off July 4th, which is quite appropriate. No weight and limited use, but no sling. Some trepidation as the sling has kept me from doing stupid things, particularly in my sleep or upon awakening. Probably another four to six weeks before I’m anywhere near starting back into real two-handed operations.

Now, on top of all this, we’ve had some interesting weather. Canadian smoke was so bad one day you literally could not see the downtown skyline, even downtown. Then came the storms, and more than 80,000 lost power in Indy, with some 20,000 still without power this morning. More than 140,000 others lost power across the state. Truly sad to see the number of 30+ foot trees that came down in town.

We did lose power, though thankfully for only 5 or so hours. The big complication for me is that both the recliner (where I’ve been sleeping post surgery) and my bed (head raises up like a hospital bed) depend on electricity. The idea of a battery backup for either never crossed my mind before this. It has now, and if anyone has suggestions please let me know. Meantime, I’ve adjusted the bed as best I can while we have power. Sadly, adjusting the recliner in advance just isn’t feasible.

I also never contemplated initiating various preparedness protocols one handed. Need to think, make notes, and consider some specialized SOPs. Also considering a few additional items for purchase.

To make life interesting, we have a good chance of more severe weather both today and tomorrow. Joy. Few things I would like to get today, but thinking that’s not going to happen.

So, that’s a bit of what has been going on. Need to do a Russia update, invest in popcorn as the fat lady has not sung and may not yet even be in the building. On France, I’m wondering if Col. Kratman is going to be right yet again. Be prepared, and keep your things where you can find them in the dark — especially if the power goes out.

Beginning To Figure Out

Why my efforts to move keep getting thwarted. There’s a long version, and a more condensed I will try for this morning. In short, I think I was looking to move at least in part for the wrong reasons.

In part, I was looking for an alone place, a place to finish up various projects then see what life had in store for me. To put off things like the shoulders for a while longer. The old lone wolf off happily in his remote lair.

Fact is, I both can’t put off some of it any longer, and I need to be around people. I need the interaction (at least to some extent as it is easy for my introverted self to get overwhelmed), I need help on occasion, and I need to be able to help.

I’ve been getting smacked on the nose and muzzle a bit about accepting help here recently, and about the need to be around people. And a couple of reminders that I still have a few things to offer as well. So, it’s less about the where and more about the why and the who. Which means looking at things with a fresh eye, and maybe revising some of the conditions at the starting point.

Last year was all about testing and recovery, and ensuring the Big C wasn’t trying to put in an appearance. Going to have to stay vigilant on that, but maybe this year is about taking care of all I can (on several levels) so the move can be at the right time for the right reasons. We shall see.

Onwards.

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!

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.

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.

Oh The Drama

This morning has seen it. The outrage. The betrayal. The infidelity! At least according to one party.

The housemate and landlord have two cats. Really, both belong to the housemate but allegedly one is supposed to be the landlord’s cat. It should be noted that I am allergic to cats though I get along with them; and, in fairness to the landlord I should note that the cats were not his idea or desire.

Flash is a ginger, not real bright, and a determined rule breaker. He is the housemate’s cat. Cappy (my name for him, short for Capt. Neurotic) is a black and white cat who is sweet and frankly stupid, and allegedly belongs to the landlord. Cappy is also my furry little stalker, as he has declared me his designated emergency human and a permanent state of emergency.

They do not have access to my room, but do have access to the common area between my room and my restroom. This morning, coming back from the restroom, I encountered Flash who may not be feeling great. He just looked so sad as he sat upon the stair that I reached out and began rubbing his head to his delight.

I don’t know if Cappy has the basement wired, somehow heard Flash’s purr, or what. All of a sudden I heard whump whump whump of Cappy (who is a bit overweight) charging into the kitchen and to the head of the stairs. If there had been a door to be slammed open dramatically, it would have slammed as Cappy looked down at us and screamed “Cheat!” He then charged down the stairs and knocked Flash out of the way and put his head under my hand.

I do wish that I could have gotten a picture of Cappy’s face at the top of the stair. It was priceless with the mix of betrayal, outrage, and more. He got some love, and poor Flash was given a glare. Just thought I would share that.

By The Way, the Free Ice Cream shortage may continue. Looks as though my surgery may be moved up, and I need to get some things done before it. So, posting may be sporadic for the next bit.

FIC Shortage

Posting is likely to be very lite today and tomorrow, thus the “Free Ice Cream” shortage warning. Now there’s a phrase from back in the early days of blogging…

Thanks to all the inputs, I’ve got a list of a dozen (for now) questions for the surgeon tomorrow. Been updating various forms and such, and otherwise preparing for the visit. Thank you all for your information, suggestions, and questions to ask. Now we see what the future holds.

Sorting

This morning finds me still sorting and sifting through a number of thoughts and emotions. I’m trying to get a handle on life, figure out where I need to be and go, and get things on as even a keel as I can in this unsettled world. I’ve been praying, and even have some Friars praying for me, that I be guided to what I should be doing, where I should be doing it, and the means to make both happen are provided.

On top of this, and a great deal of economic uncertainty, I spent part of yesterday at the visitation for a former supervisor/manager. He was not a great manager, but far from the worst at that concern. We weren’t friends or particularly close, but got along. He seemed to be a nice man who also tried to be a good man. We both ended up leaving that concern, and I met him a few years back when he was at a very different job. Glad we did, even though neither of us had a lot of time.

Covid and the hysteria brought more changes to his life, and he took to delivering pizzas. Couple of weeks ago he caught a delivery that proved to be to an abandoned house, where he was shot dead. He wasn’t robbed. The pizza and car were taken, but both left not all that far away. Senseless does not begin to describe it. This comes on top of a person/creature from Indy who drove down to Greenwood on the southside, pulled into the parking lot for a popular restaurant/bar, and waited for someone to come out alone so they could kill them just for the thrill. Just to do it.

Indianapolis is no longer the city I knew. I really don’t even like to go downtown during the day, and will not go at night anymore. Monument Circle is owned by the homeless/mentally ill, and the rampant violence has spread to pretty much every neighborhood in the city, and beyond. It’s spreading out into the surrounding communities. Right now, we are on track to set records yet again with homicides and other crimes, and have more murders per capita than Chicago.

I really want to move to the Southwest; but, given that something comes up every time I try, it appears that such a move or the timing of such a move are not what God has planned. I’m looking at options, though I need to remain in Indiana while disability and some other things are in process. That said, wish I could find another month-to-month situation (at the same rent!!!) in a location removed from Indy and the ring counties. Winning the lottery would be nice too, wouldn’t it?

So, a bit pensive as I contemplate mortality, morality, and the collapse of society. I fear for the cities this summer, and really hope that I’m away from here by then as I think it could be another summer of love fire. Hoping to take a walk in a bit, then maybe go do something fun to shake the mood. We will see.

Make the most of your Saturday and seize the joy and beauty within. May your Sunday be blessed as well.

Update, Plans

Okay, quick update and a bit on what I hope to get done this week. I doubt there will be a “real” post today, as I really need to go run some errands, including those I didn’t get to do on Friday because the car died yet again.

Yes, it died on the interstate on the way down to the mechanic. Yes, another fun and large towing bill. Mechanic and I both think something else is going on as the new alternator died. It was not only under warranty, but he didn’t charge for labor since it had been on less than a week. The latest alternator isn’t really doing as it should, which makes me almost scared to drive the car. Joy.

Used car prices are still insane. Looks like another six months or so before they even start to drop. Only way to get anything close to reasonable is to buy from family or friends. I can’t do that right now, so have to keep putting money into what I have.

I’m also still waiting on my taxes, and hoping things won’t be too bad. For a number of reasons, I have to have someone experienced do them and it has been well worth the cost as they have saved me many times their fee. Just wish I knew where I stood this year.

Not sure why, but the joints have declared war on me the last few days. Weather is actually good, but wondering about the barometric pressure since my right wrist decided to go out last night when turning over in bed. Joy.

I took the good Friars of St. Anthony’s Basilica up on an offer, and submitted a prayer that I be shown what I am supposed to be doing, where I am supposed to be doing it, and that I be granted the means to do both. They are praying for me and my intentions this week, and I invite all to do so as well. Have the feeling I need to be moving soon. Will see.

My plans for “real” posts this week include looking at some of the players in Russia who are jockeying for the top spot, plus a post on some of the ICBMs and such, in response to a request in the comments. Hope to do more, and really do need to get back to work on Preparedness Pays.

More soon provided both I and the car make it through the day.

NOTE: Not sure about the car, but for a number of reasons don’t think this is a good day for me to be out, or make major decisions.

NOTE II: Getting hit by lightning is not fun! If you would like to help me in my recovery efforts, which include moving to the SW, 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.