Category: Medical Issues/Recovery

It is indeed a good day to give thanks, and to enjoy the bounty that fills all our lives. It is an abundance that extends well beyond tasty treats and a full larder for the winter. It is an abundance of good things, from the Giver of Good Things, who showers us with Grace and more.

In my life, there is much for which to give thanks. This last year saw me facing a number of challenges, from mobility to the possibility of more heart surgery. A lack of care in the hospital after my last shoulder replacement taught me new meanings for the word pain and set back my recovery. Note, this was not the doctor’s fault, but rather the conscious choice of one nurse and one technician who stopped all pain medicine and the ice bath cooler for several hours. Not fun. Finances were/are a challenge, transportation became an issue, and there was a need to follow-up on the neuro side of things as well.

I could list much more doom and gloom, but that’s not my way as despite what some may think (*G*), I really don’t share a whole lot of that type of thing. Frankly, it’s boring, it’s private, and it’s not what is important. The focus of life is not the challenges, it is the response to the challenges. Our challenges do not define us; rather, it is our response to them that defines us for who we truly are in life. We can be victim, or we can be a victor. The choice is ours. Bad things sucketh mightier than a 10(-16) torr vacuum. They hurt, literally and figuratively. But, they do not have to define us. Complex topic, maybe more on that later.

Instead, I look at all the ways the bad got stood on its head over this last year. It was about this time last year (bit before) that three different searches pointed me towards my new Church home. I started attending, was made welcome, and at Pascha I was baptized into said Church. Funny thing about that. I almost fell into the baptismal pool because of mobility issues. I haven’t needed my walking stick/cane since.

Not long after that, I finally got the cardiac review I wanted with the cardiologist I really wanted. He ordered some much needed testing, and we both were less than optimistic about a few things. We were both surprised. While I can still screw it up and there are still some issues, the heart muscle itself is 100 percent healed. Other things that have long been problems have started healing as well. Not going to go into all of them, but they include some things that have been an issue since early childhood. Do I still have ailments and infirmities? You bet. But the important stuff is healing or healed.

We are now into a long-overdue neuro review as well, with a neurologist recommended by my new cardiologist. Still one block of testing to go, but the MRI showed that I do have a brain (and not just an empty space with an elderly hamster and a broken exercise wheel in the center), and that there are no tumors, lesions, fractures, or other major issues. Very similar to the MRI I had a couple of months after the lightning strike, but reassuring that things are stable on a physical level for now. The block of testing yet to be done will help define/refine the long- and short-term memory issues and give a better idea about the future. While driving may be an issue, it looks good for me remaining independent and cranky for now.

There are some vertigo issues and the testing yesterday did not take place as scheduled. Working with the ENT doc on that, hearing, and other. Yesterday’s testing had to be cancelled after I had fasted and was at the office as only one person for that operation showed up (the tester) and they left. No one on the other side of the Balance Point/Whisper Hearing Center in Greenwood could access or operate the BP systems. Not impressed at the highly unprofessional operation. That said, we will get the testing done one way or another. I’m thankful we are getting data and making progress, even if annoyed at wasting most of a day. It did lead, however, to having a good time and being introduced to the movie “Christmas with the Kranks” (?) at a decompression stop and my thanks to K for making me laugh.

One thing coming out of all of the various medical tests and such is highlighting the difference between what I want, and what I need. I want to move out West. I want to be rural, to homestead as much as I can, and be that cranky independent old codger that makes people shake their head and laugh. As I’ve noted here before, it appears that I need to be around people more (and perhaps even date!) and moving out West will have to go on hold for at least a year, if not more. My insurance won’t transfer, and while there are rumors my Disability application has finally been approved after three years of effort, things are not yet finalized. Also, while there may be another change or two, my critical doctor team is not something I want to lose. I really like the new cardiologist, have a good to great GP, and am gaining respect for the neurologist. Not something I can just toss aside right now. Today, and every day, I do give thanks for them.

I’m also thankful for my continued growth in Faith and in my Church. I’ve been attending a class or two, have become a Chanter, and there is talk of a bit more as I continue to grow. Being involved with the music there, and the guitar lessons (on hold for right now), has been wonderful (amazing even) therapy for me. One of the weirder things after the lightning strike was having to learn to read music again and how to sing again. I’m slowly finding my voice and getting back into things, and the music seems to be dragging some other things with it. I am thankful for those helping me, including the Church music director and my guitar teacher, both of whom think it is good therapy and more.

Which brings me to one of the most important things for which I give thanks today: YOU! Over these last three years you have encouraged me, offered advice and suggestions, supported me with your gifts and prayers, and encouraged my writing here. Writing here has helped me keep my mind going and to work through cognitive and other challenges. Your gifts and prayers have let me get the guitar and lessons, take care of challenges, have food on the table, and so much more. Thank you.

Updating as I completely left out a paragraph. This year also saw me get into sourdough baking, courtesy of Mrs. Gruel and my new friend Snarksalot! Snarksalot has also gotten me into making mustard, ketchup, and more. The cooking side of the year has been fun, tasty, and opened doors up on several levels. Thank you to Snarksalot and all who pushed that.

Several of you donated recently and I wanted you to know what has been going on with that. Because of your help I was able to restock some much needed supplements. I also not only got some needed new clothes, I was able to take some others in for needed minor repairs. I’ve been able to take my good winter (fur) hat in for cleaning and inspection (probably should have done that years ago). With luck, I may be picking it up tomorrow or Saturday. I was also able to get a propane camping stove for emergency or other use (aren’t early sales wonderful!), and tested it by using it to make a dish I’m taking to the Thanksgiving Dinner I’ve been invited to. Got an odd feeling about this winter, so trying to be sure I’m set for anything. I also picked up food and other supplies. For all of this, I am very thankful. Amazing how far you can make things stretch if you repair and research/shop before buying.

While I may not be able to move out West for now, it appears I will be needing to move here in the next month or so. I’m really wanting to wait until the neuro is finished and I know what, if any, limitations are in place (driving or other). However, that may not be possible as my landlord has done some strange things. I’m thankful that things haven’t gotten too bad (or our of control) and that I do still have a roof over my head.

Oh, on the driving. Nothing major, but it has been noted that I am uncomfortable driving in Indianapolis. No Duh! The drivers in Baghdad were better than most here, and there (at least when I was there) you could return fire heavy if they shot at you – and that’s getting to be a real big issue here. I’m thankful I haven’t had to deal with it much of late.

There is more, of course, for which I am thankful. However, I want you to know that YOU are something for which I am very, very thankful. The great comments, good discussions in the comments, and things that spark well-read posts are a delight and much appreciated. Your suggestions and advice (including on the joint replacement) have been a huge help. Your gifts and prayers have helped keep me going.

Thank you. Back to normal posting soon I hope. Meantime, may your day be bright with joy, love and abundance. May the bounty of this world fill your life, and may the Light shine on you and yours. God Bless!

LW

Sorry for the lack of posting, but interesting things are afoot. I’m now waiting on the last bit of testing to be approved and scheduled for the neurological consult. For those new here, I was hit by lightning three years ago, and we are doing a new round of testing (with a new neurologist) as the brain is probably as healed as it is going to get. The largest surprise so far is that the MRI does show a brain in place, and not just a big echoey collapsing ancient temple with a tired hamster and busted exercise wheel in the middle of it.

Still no word on disability, but not surprised as I really don’t expect to hear anything for a while yet. Really don’t expect good news either, but that may just be the result of the last 2.5 years of process.

I’ve had to put the guitar lessons on hiatus for right now. It’s a combination of several factors including finances, schedule, and the possibility I may have to find a new place to live here in Indy. My landlord, IMO, changed the terms of kitchen access such that it (again, IMO) almost negates use. Frankly, his terms are acceptable, but it does provide me some incentive to start looking around. It also messes with many other things, from guitar to Church. It is also not my top priority as there is medical and more that needs to come first.

I also have cancelled my gym membership. Largest reason is financial, along with not being able to get there very often right now. Until other things settle down (location, etc.) it’s something I can get by without. There are ways to improvise on some of the upper body, and I do get in a good bit of walking these days.

If you did not do early voting, go vote tomorrow! I did do early voting as I have an appointment with the ENT tomorrow and a very weird bus schedule as a result. Hoping to get answers on some vertigo issues that popped up, as well as a better understanding on how my hearing is/isn’t doing.

For the latest wishlist items, and anonymous donation, THANK YOU! No info in package, but already playing with the items and testing a few things.

Between the guitar lessons and becoming a chanter at Church, I feel the music “therapy” has done a lot for me. Of the odd gaps in my memory, not being able to read sheet music and having to relearn to sing (and stay on pitch) is a weird one. Thankfully, our music director is very patient, and (like me) sees the music as excellent therapy. Which means she sees it almost as a duty and definitely as a challenge. So, she’s pushing me in her own way, which is a good thing. Hope to be doing more with that and at Church in the days ahead.

Speaking of which, our “Old World Christmas Village & Market” is Friday 6 December from 5-9 pm and Saturday 7 December from 10-3. There are gift shops, events, food, coffee & hot chocolate (and maybe more, stay tuned), and more. I will be working in The Lamp Post, which is our coffee shop/meeting room that features a replica of the bar from the Eagle & Child Pub in Cambridge where the Inklings (C.S. Lewis, Tolkien, et al) met each week. Come by and we will tell you how that replica ended up in the Church and how it is shaping a number of things. 1516 N. Delaware, Indianapolis, Joy of All Who Sorrow Orthodox Church. Oh, word is that Santa Lucia will be making a visit again this year. Yes, I am enjoying being active in the Church and may be doing even more soon.

There was something else I was going to share, but I didn’t write it down, and so it is gone. If it is important and comes back, will add it later. For those of you hitting the tip jar or the wish list, thank you! To say things remain tight is an understatement, and your gifts and prayers continue to make a big difference. By next spring we should have answers as to where things are medically, which is going to determine my future plans. No moving out of state for now as my insurance will not transfer and is very much needed. Between that and the quality of care I’m now getting, not inclined to rock the boat.

More soon. Thank you again for your patience and your help!

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. There is also the Amazon Wish List in the Bard’s Jar. It is thanks to your gifts and prayers that I am still going. Thank you.

Yesterday saw the first part of the day given over to a phone hearing with an administrative law judge on my disability claim. Honestly, not sure how it went. Trying to get more info in from current exams and such, and we have two weeks to get more things in. The earliest I expect to hear anything is a month from now. The evening got spent with a special vespers followed by a class on the early Church fathers and the early days of the Church. Fun, interesting, and enjoying the history as well as the theological aspects.

This morning I had to be up at 0330 to get ready and catch a bus down to my regular doctor’s lab for a fasting blood draw and other delights. I actually arrived right as the lab opened, so it timed out well. Not the way I planned to spend two hours this morning (I would have preferred to sleep), but good to test the system. Stopped at the store and got a small roast for an arm and a leg that I will put in the slow cooker tomorrow. Then walked up to my favorite breakfast place in Indy for a plate of breakfast enchiladas with an over easy egg on top. Given that the route only runs every hour, was glad to only wait just under 30 minutes to catch a bus back.

Oddly tired, but a few other things to get done today if I can. Not counting on doing a lot. 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. There is also the Amazon Wish List in the Bard’s Jar. It is thanks to your gifts and prayers that I am still going. Thank you.

Met with the ortho who did my shoulders this morning. He and I both are happy with how things are going, though there is work still to do. I need to build back up muscles as I can, and keep working range of motion — even though I probably have gotten back about as much as I will get. If you push, you can keep tweaking that and getting it just a bit better.

The only problem with the reverse replacement is that you can’t really do much behind your back. The way they are designed and operate limits that a great deal. The only regret I have is that I waited until the point a regular replacement really wasn’t a good option. I miss that full range of motion. Glad for what I have, though, and no need to go back unless I develop problems.

I then used the bus to get back to the neurologist’s office for cognitive testing. There are two bus routes that go up to that hospital/medical complex, and one is a much better option time-wise. Still have to allow 2.5-3 hours for transit to be safe, but have the data and will make use of it.

When did they make cognitive testing pass/fail??? Seriously, it seemed to go well though I wasn’t as fast as the program would have liked (was computer based). Got all the right answers, eventually. No idea how it scored or went from their point of view, but got through it. Next confirmed appointment is later this month for an EEG, and they are working with insurance to approve and schedule a new MRI and a full battery of neuro-psych testing.

We are going get good data, and hope we get some answers from it. Having answers would help with planning life, from moving to other issues. I really would like to move in many ways; but, it may not be in the cards. Data and hopefully answers will help.

If anyone cares to hit the tip jar, please feel free! I thought hosting renewal was next month, but I was off on that. I got it paid even though it was an ouch. Lots of other fun joys going on too.

If you are looking at buying anything that comes from overseas or depends on parts/components from overseas, you have waited too late. The strike is going to screw this country over massively, especially given the hurricane damage and other delights. Really think striking at this time is a major blunder, but also think the timing is very deliberate. Remember it. More on that later I hope.

Really do need to do a post on emergency coms, but will say that if you can get Starlink, do it now. Also, as much as I hate to, am looking at upgrading my phone (if needed) so that I can take advantage of sat coverage for emergencies. Coms are essential, and having backups is essential. Everyone going drone crazy is missing the point that data (and coms) are the key to such operations. No data, no drones. No coms, you are truly on your own in a world of hurt. One of many lessons coming out of Appalachia.

Also remember that waiting on the government to help you in a disaster is a good and quick way to die. As for what I said yesterday about initiative and self-deploying, look to the bureaucrap in Tennessee (The Volunteer State!) demanding people stand down from helping as it would delay the official government response. I am serious, they are going to go after those who stood up and did in ways big and small. Just wait and watch.

More soon. Up early again tomorrow as I have a hearing on my disability early AM. Not sure yet what will follow, but will note that it is very unlikely I will hear a decision anytime soon. Thursday I have to get down to my GP’s lab for bloodwork for my appointment next week. Another couple of hours of bus then a nice long walk for that. Going to try to get a ride to the actual visit.

More soon. Remember, be prepared; keep your friends close; and keep your things where you can find them in the dark. 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. There is also the Amazon Wish List in the Bard’s Jar. It is thanks to your gifts and prayers that I am still going. Thank you.

Things may be a bit sporadic this week and next. Still having sinus issues, but slowly getting that under control. On top of that, however, are medical, legal, and other appointments. Not to mention regular things, like my weekly guitar lessons, for which I thank you all very much!

Had an eye exam this morning and the eyes are physically healthy and the good news is that my far vision is about the same. Near vision, well, not so much. So, new glasses are ordered. Went with the free frames, but still having to shell out $250 for upgraded lenses. Didn’t go for the top lenses, but a middle/high-middle option that was best for progressive trifocals. Any help on those is very much appreciated, and thanks to two very kind people who have already jumped in.

Also, my thanks to a wonderful person who sent me something from my wish list! No contact info in the paperwork, but I do want to say thank you very much! If I can find an e-mail, you will be getting a proper thank you soon.

I also want to thank all those who have donated over the last month. Your kind gifts have made a big difference, and I very much appreciate you and your help!

Have to talk to a lawyer about a claim this afternoon, and later this week will be talking to a lawyer about assistance on how to deal with the person who bought my car not transferring the title. There’s something else on the calendar too, can’t remember what it is. On a more fun note, there are some extra services and even a class on the early days of the Church. Looking forward to that.

Next week includes the consult with the new neurologist, a follow-up with the ortho on the shoulders, a claim hearing, and maybe something else. Because of the consult, we are moving my guitar lesson to after I meet the ortho if weather and such permit. Doing Tuesday as my barber is going to be out for several weeks because of some eye surgery, please say a prayer for him if you can.

There is more to come, promise. Just going to be an interesting couple of weeks.

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. There is also the Amazon Wish List in the Bard’s Jar. It is thanks to your gifts and prayers that I am still going. Thank you.

I am alive and hope to be posting again soon. It is also that I now have confirmation on one of the things that triggered the flare a couple of weeks ago. That is also the bad news. This weekend was interesting, but I avoided another flare. Still bouncing back, but back soon I hope. Great comments on the last post, thank you all!

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. There is also the Amazon Wish List in the Bard’s Jar. It is thanks to your gifts and prayers that I am still going. Thank you.