Category: Medical Issues/Recovery

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.

Reverse Play

Well, just met with the surgeon and had an almost relaxed discussion. We looked over the X-rays again, discussed options, went through my list of questions (or at least those he hadn’t already answered), and discussed options. I’m waiting now for the surgery scheduler to contact me.

Short version is that we are going to replace the right shoulder first, and do what is called a reverse replacement. The new ball will be in the shoulder and the new socket will be part of the arm. A major advantage of that is improved recovery time. The downside is that I will not get back full range of motion more than likely. The median is that I will be able to do the things I like to do, such as hiking, camping, shooting, etc. without pain. Oh, and going this route reduces the chances of complications.

He’s done quite a few of these, and he freely and frankly talked about numbers, problems, and other joys. It turns out he knew some people I’ve worked with in the past, and I will say that what he said matched what I had been able to dig up on him. Think I’m in good hands.

We talked procedure, pain management, and more. He’s even willing to work with me on my scapular. Good sense of humor. Given how badly the joints have deteriorated over the last 3-4 years, and cysts, bone spurs, broken pieces, etc., think it’s time and we have made the right decision. Really almost wish we could do it tomorrow. More soon!

Quick Medical Update

For all who have commented or contacted with input on the shoulder replacement, THANK YOU! Lots of good info, and some extra questions to ask the replacement surgeon Tuesday.

We are supposed to go over what does need to be done, how, when, etc., and I’m working up a list of questions. Especially since they want me to consider doing both shoulders at once. That is going to take some serious persuasion, though if they can make a good case…

The other area will be my insurance, as in what they will cover and what they might not. That’s the potential wrench in the gears, but we will see.

Did get in about six miles walking yesterday, doesn’t look good for today between weather and what the front coming in is doing to my joints.

Well, Shoot

Sorely tempted to use stronger and more colorful language, but really don’t have the energy for it. I was diagnosed a while back with advanced severe osteoarthritis. Not much you can do for it, and when the damage gets bad surgery and augmentation/replacement is the order of the day.

Three or so years ago, I was told I needed to have my right shoulder replaced. As in immediately. Second opinion disagreed, and suggested things would be better long-term if I waited until I was 67 to have the surgery. Doc one had pushed hard enough to get my back up in terms of rapid surgery. Doc two was frankly an asshole who I decided would never touch me. That said, the put it off aspect appealed to me.

The pain, however, has gotten a lot worse recently. After rolling over in bed last week and waking up yelling in pain, I broke down and got an appointment with a shoulder specialist. Just got finished with him, and I both like him and have respect for him.

The decision on when to replace is mine. He pointed out I was the only one who could or should make that decision. That said, both shoulders are fracked. There are few areas with any space left, and most movement is bone on bone. The ball of the joints both look like they’ve been pit blasted. My arm mobility on both sides is reduced. I’ve got some thinking to do and decisions to make.

Meantime, we are going to try a strong anti-inflammatory to see if it helps with pain and comfort issues. If it works, it could buy me some time. We will see.

If any of you have been through this, or had a loved one have the shoulder replacement surgery, please leave a comment. I’m looking for the information I can’t get from a doctor, only from someone who has done it. It would be appreciated.

UPDATE: After talking with my GP today, and friends and others yesterday, I asked the ortho for the surgical referral. Next up is an appointment to review, discuss, then decide.

Interesting Day

For those who read regularly, thinking this may not be a day for deep thoughts or major decisions. The number of “squirrels” and flat out lapses while making breakfast have me thinking that not doing much might be a good idea. Besides, more than the normal joints are lit up today, which isn’t helping.

Nor did it help that one of the cats was on a tear last night. Being allergic, I do not own cats but the landlord and housemate have two. One, who I call Cappy, is sweet but sorta stupid — and neurotic well beyond normal cat standards of same. He takes it to a whole different level.

The other, Flash, well, he may not be smart but he is cunning on some levels. He’s also that cat that knows the rules and makes a list every day of the ones he plans to break, and takes great delight in crossing them off. He’s also that cat that will look at you and say that just because there is orange fur on the kitchen counter and cat paw prints in the sheet cake you baked, you can’t prove it was him even though he’s the only orange cat here… Thankfully it wasn’t my baking that he walked in/on.

However, he was on a tear last night, making more noise than the housemate and that is going some. He’s also been pushing other limits (jumping on or under my feet as walking or on the stairs for one) to the point that I bought a squirt pistol to deal with his forays into areas where he is not supposed to be and things he’s not supposed to be doing. Need to find a waterproof Burns-Martin triple draw to carry it so it’s constantly at hand. Anyway, did not make for a restful night when I’m having to play multiple rounds of “Intruder? Or Cat?” Joints didn’t help either, but there are more options for dealing with them than the cat.

Have the feeling it’s a good day not to do much that requires thought and any real concentration. I may make some hamburgers later, will see. Otherwise, I’m thinking reading and continuing to educate the cat in the difference between concealment and cover may just be the order of the day.

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

Good News

Yesterday was another medical day, as I had a visit with my cardiologist. I had hoped for routine, and got something better.

Based on the data and trends, she has decided that she doesn’t need to see me for a year. Not months, or six months, but a year. On some levels, I feel like someone has thrown open the jailhouse door.

Now, this did come with some admonitions in varying degrees of sternness. There are a list of things that if I experience them I am to call her ASAP. There is a shorter list that if I experience them, or even think I might be starting to experience them, I am to go to the nearest ER immediately and then contact her afterwards. I am required to continue being a good boy on various levels.

We both agree getting rid of an inch or three is a good idea, but I have to be careful about that. In the past, I’ve done some fairly high-intensity workouts that combined cardio with strength training. I’ve been able to support workouts that put me above 160 BPM for extended times, as in an hour or more.

I’m pretty much not allowed to do that any more. I am to ease into things, keep my pulse what others consider reasonable, and also have to accept that not only do I need to modify cardio routines, the joint and other issues are going to curtail strength routines. The local Y has some e-machines I’ve used before that with a couple of exceptions should continue to be good for the joint/mobility issues. Short of regenerative medicine becoming available and working very well, or the joys of replacing both shoulder joints, my range of motion is going to continue to blow. The e-machines not only force me to do things right, they make it almost impossible to screw up.

So, going to be looking at that even as I hopefully can get back into more regular walks here soon. It being Indiana and springtime, that’s likely to be after April, as I’ve seen it snow even in fairly late April. The balance and coordination issues are also going to have to be factored in. There are days I have few obvious problems, then there are days where there is no way to hide them. When I went in for the SSA physical, the doc asked me if I could do X, Y, and Z. I said lets find out. Let’s just say that if I have to have a field sobriety test, call me Boston as I am scrod. The heel-toe thing had me falling over. The other items also showcased balance and coordination issues. Glad I have my walking stick!

I also got an unexpected kudo yesterday. Back when I had to have the open heart surgery, the ICU night shift (accidentally or “accidentally”) put the bed control/call button out of reach. Given my thoughts about the night shift nurse (I was underwhelmed by him to the point I actually said something about it), who knows. I rarely used it, but that night I did need some help. However, since I couldn’t move at that point to get it, I did something many talk about but apparently few do: I unplugged the cable for the 12-lead. Once I was sure help was on the way, I plugged it back in having made my point.

The nurse (tech?) I had yesterday was new to me, but she was delighted with what I had done (and I suspect why I did it). Got told I was her type of patient. Have to admit, it made me laugh.

So, the challenges continue but there is good news to share. Here’s hoping I don’t have to see her again for the full year.

The Smell

I’m so glad my sense of smell did not take a hit from the lightning strike. Saved my bacon earlier today, well, the chicken at least.

The short-term memory issues are fun. I use routine, notes, and reminders to get things done, and my breakfast routine is focused more on being sure things are cut off, which leads to sometimes forgetting to cut burners on at the start.

Today, I wanted to cook some chicken so I can make chicken enchiladas tomorrow. So, the breast I got on sale went into a pan with green enchilada sauce and tomatillo salsa to cook at 250 for a few hours. Got to working on the previous post, forgot about the chicken, hadn’t made notes, so… Few hours later, was wondering what the landlord was cooking (he rarely does) as it smelled good. It was then that I remembered the chicken, which got about an hour or so extra time. Didn’t hurt it, didn’t dry it out, so still on to make enchiladas tomorrow.

Just a little bit of a typical day to share.