Medical Issues/Recovery – Page 9

Surgical Update

I met with the orthopedic surgeon this morning, and he smiled as I deliberately shook his hand. The short version is that he is (very) pleased with how things are going. So much so I can now start to work on moving my hand behind my back (within limitations), using weights, and even joining a gym. In short, I can start working towards resuming normal activities.

He is also willing to back the request by the physical therapist to my insurance company for additional PT sessions. I hope we can start work on that paperwork tomorrow even. Within the limitations, lots to do but it’s a challenge I can deal with. So long as I continue to have flashes of discomfort and little to no real pain, life is good.

During my surgery, I had asked him to take a photo and he did. Sadly, can’t share it, but I now know why I’ve had so much pain and mobility issues. The X-rays showed a lot, but the photo drove it home. One side of the ball was a mass of adhesions, spurs, and similar delights. The rest of the ball, well, no cartilage and instead of smooth white bone it looked like the lunar surface.

I’ll go back to him in six weeks, and if all is still going well, we are going to talk about going ahead and doing the left shoulder. I have a practical criteria for if I am ready (involves activities around cooking), but will also be getting input from PT and maybe others.

While we didn’t really get into it, don’t see any easy solutions for the neck, lower back, or hands. Osteoarthritis just doesn’t get the research other forms do, and so there are not a lot of viable treatments even for advanced severe osteoarthritis. All the more reason I need to move West ASAP. For insurance reasons, need to get anything I can dealt with now. Sadly, really need to hit the lotto to try regenerative medicine options.

That said, got a reminder last night of the need to get moved soon. The basement — thankfully not my living area — flooded again for the first time in more than a year. So glad we don’t have cameras downstairs as the sight of me running around in my boxers while wearing Matterhorn hazmat boots and a scapular would be interesting. I’m focused on being proactive to prevent more, the landlord seems more in denial in some ways. Then again, I’m not the one who’s probably dropped around $40k on re-doing sewers and drains.

The house was built in the late 30s/early 40s I think; the area sewer system dates from the 1930s in this area of the city (maybe even the 20s); and, we have that lovely steep drive down to the basement garages characteristic of homes from that era. The way things are done, rain from most of the driveways (both sides of the house) is essentially focused into going down that slope, which is why there is a trench drain at the bottom. Problem is it can get overwhelmed so we actually have a sump pump in it to pump rainwater out, up, and down the front away from the house. When it works, it’s good but I’m not sure it cut on last night.

Oh well, we will survive. I really want to be out West ASAP, but may have to do an intermediate step to get out of Indy and the ring counties for now. That said, it is convenient being a city block from the doctor and hospital where the ortho work is getting done. On a nice day, it takes me about ten minutes to walk to appointments.

In short, thankful for how well things are going. Looking at next steps on several levels, and in getting as much taken care of as possible. Going to pick up some additional PT items just to be safe.

More soon.

Tuesday Morning Slowdown

Things got kicked up a notch at PT yesterday, which has me moving a bit slow today. PT is far from what I consider a strenuous workout, but it seems to hit in many of the same ways.

For example, by the time I got back from PT and having to run down to pick up some refills, I was starving. So, I hit the taco truck for a couple of good asada tacos (proper, cilantro and onion), which I was going to photograph to share with a friend. As soon as the box was opened, they were inhaled. No photos. No crumbs. No nothing left but the container. Breakfast this morning was also inhaled, and I’ve been hungry since.

I am cooking at least breakfast again. The problem has been more doing dishes, which really can’t be done one handed IMO. Also, while I’ve done a bit of offhanded shooting/weapons work over the years, it never occurred to me that I might should learn to whip eggs and flip eggs and other things off-handed.

I actually slept better last night than I have in a while. Not great, but better. That said, up early and moving slow. More discomfort than pain, but I can tell they did step things up.

It is interesting where things are going in terms of politics in Russia. A piece that some seem to be missing is that Wagner owns some critical resources in the CAR, as well as controlling other resources (on behalf of Russia/Vladimir) elsewhere. For all that Pringles is loyal to Vladimir (and yes, I do think he is in his own very Russian way), keep in mind that others — including some who work hard to stay in the background — are involved with those resource efforts in Africa and elsewhere. To say that what is going on is Byzantine is an understatement, but Russian politics have always tended that way. To the dismay of many in Foggy Bottom who persist in thinking that they are just like us but talk funny. Let me reiterate that if you are basing your take on how we do things and what makes sense to us, you will continue to be disappointed, unpleasantly surprised at events, and wrong about the outcomes.

Another thing I’m noting is some of the discussions of artillery and how Ukraine is being outgunned. True, they are. Russia has stockpiles of artillery and ammo — most of which were subjected to the same looting and storage as their tanks and such. Duds are one thing, but the guns and ammo that get cranky when fired are reportedly making life interesting for the Russian red leg brigades. It is straying from politics and into operational, which I try not to do, but look at the accuracy difference between Russia and Ukraine. It’s significant. Yes, with numbers you can overcome precision. If all the numbers work.

Also, while our enemies probably know we are out of critical segments of ammo, Joe going and telling the world that’s true is not a good thing. Never confirm, and never give the enemy an advantage. Admitting it, and pretty much admitting we are going to be years if not decades (see previous writings and links in this category) rebuilding stockpiles (which were far too little to start with) falls under the category of “bad thing.”

And, yes, our stockpiles of every type of ammo are inadequate for actual combat. If you can tell me a single time the bean counters have been right about numbers needed for the last 100 years, it will be news to me. They always vastly underestimate what is needed, and I’m beginning to suspect that it may well be a historical truism.

As for Russia stepping up production of various weapons: how? They depend on ball bearings from the U.S. and Europe for their tanks and more. Chips from the West for almost everything. They have lost a great deal of manufacturing capability, and if they can’t obtain parts and more from the West, well… Again, if you aren’t following Kamil Galeev, you should be.

Can things get out of control in terms of the Russian invasion of Ukraine? Yes. Do I expect to see global thermonuclear war any time soon? No. Nuclear exchange? Maybe. Nuclear terrorism? Actually, yes. I still say that if it hits the point Vladimir can’t win he may just decide that no one should have the territory and what’s needed to unleash a dirty war has already been practiced almost a year ago. Still, right now, I would expect to see some form of conventional expansion before any of the nightmare scenarios being breathlessly touted.

Besides, as I’ve noted before: Vladimir wants to hurt us, not help us. With the Biden Regency and related doing more damage to the Republic than he could hope to inflict with a thousand nukes, I don’t see him taking out DC or initiating a larger exchange (which is problematic per previous writings) anytime soon. It would take something truly massive to change that I think. Possible? Yes. Likely? Not so much even with the staggering competence of the Biden Regency. (/sarc)

Meantime, I need to get back to doing more writing on preparedness, especially given how things are going domestically. Definitely have some new points to consider and perhaps lessons to share given the start of the shoulder replacements.

Keep your friends close, and your things where you can find them in the dark. Life is interesting, and I suspect it is about to get even more so.

Quick Recommendations

I plan to do a post on what worked, what didn’t, and what fell in between here in a few weeks. Meantime, here are three things I can recommend.

For the absolute state of the art in cooling, go with the Aircast liquid cooling system. They used this in the hospital and sent me home with it. Very good system.

For what professional physical therapists use, I went with the Torex/Mojility standard size cold pack. Not quite as intense as the Aircast, but molds to you and puts the cheap pack I got at the big-box store to shame. Also, the cost was only about $5 more. I’m using a pillowcase to hold it and wearing a shirt, and it is still quite intense. Should be good for years, and am looking at some of the other offerings to keep on hand for general medical preparedness.

Finally, one set of exercises makes use of what I call a slip-n-slide system. This Tumbltrak is the system the PT center uses, and I am glad I bought one for home, even if I did have to buy a pair. Beats the heck out of towel, pillowcase, or other make-do at home. If your PT does something similar, was well worth the money IMO.

More soon.

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.

What A Week

Had my post-op visit on Tuesday, my first real PT session Thursday (yesterday), and my second this morning. Things are moving out and I’m glad for it!

The PT is actually sorta fun. Discomfort is expected, but pain is avoided as a bad thing. I can already notice a difference in a few areas, and am looking forward to the upcoming sessions, which will be several times a week for the next few weeks.. There is homework too, to keep things going. Icing the shoulder down reduces the discomfort level and pain has been minimal.

For those interested, I have decided against getting the guitar. Learning to play the guitar had been suggested by someone as a means of PT. It might help with the arthritis, would test my ability to learn new skills post lightning strike, but it will not help with current recovery. Part of me really would like to try it, especially as I found a nice used guitar; but, I cant justify spending the money without it being a major help with recovery.

The infection issue seems to be under control for now. Glad the antibiotic works! Yes, I have resumed driving though I’m keeping it minimal for now.

I’ve followed the saga of the Titan, and am very unsurprised at the implosion. For whatever mercy it may be, they were probably dead before they even knew they had a problem. Two people I’d love to hear from on this are Subsunk from Blackfive, and Robert Ballard who found the Titanic. Actually met him a few years back and got to chat briefly a couple of times. Would like to hear his take on this. Also, the oceans are full of interesting noises and if you know someone who listens to such (ASW or otherwise), invest in a few drinks and see if they might share some of the interesting tales.

On Russian politics, I’m eating a lot of popcorn and wondering what it is keeping Prigozhin alive. Pretty much anyone else would have done a swan dive off a roof by now. Also, note that some of the cracks in the Russian Federation are starting to show. Been there, but growing. Suspect things are going to get even more interesting, and possibly much faster than anticipated.

More soon. May even be allowed to type two-handed here 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.

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.

Moving On!

Yesterday afternoon I had my post-op visit wth the PA. Overall, it went very well.

The dressing and incision tape were removed, which was an interesting but not painful sensation. What I did feel was weird, but not even that unpleasant. A small segment of the incision looks like it wants to misbehave, so I’m on antibiotics four times a day for ten days. We are NOT playing games or taking chances with infection!

Her manipulation of my shoulder proved interesting. While we hit some issues, the range 0f (possible) motion was amazing. While I am to continue to wear the brace (my version of the cone of shame) for two more weeks, I am also now to take it off several times a day to do arm curls and straighten it out. Still no weight in that hand yet, and I’m good with that.

Big surprise is that if all the paperwork goes through, I have my first real PT session tomorrow. May be a couple of other firsts tucked in there, will see.

More soon.

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.

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.

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.

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!