It's A Beautiful Day In The Neighborhood

A wreath on the side door brings a great reminder that the seasons have changed along with the thermostat moving higher!  And when I look out that door I can see the White Garden that is starting to show it's beauty even though I have NOT been able to do as much as pull one weed for a long time.  All of the garden flowers are starting to bloom.  It is such a joy for me.

We have had interesting weather this year during the past couple months.  Some rain which is good and then unusual frost that has damaged some of the new growth on several plants in the garden.  In fact, all of my extensive ground cover Prunella Vulgaris which is a perennial herbaceous plant that booms June through October has died.  There isn't anything left - not even a little patch !  It is just brown dirt !  Not sure if there is anything I can do with it considering my physical issues. 

  

     

For years it was so pretty !!!

Also, notable is the Fig Tree.  All of the new growth is dead. Never seen it like this in all the years since I planted it. I am not sure if it will bear fruit this year !

  

The white flowers are lovely and putting  on quite a showpiece. I just took this photo and thru the years I have shown you the huge variety of lovely white flowers that continue to grow so beautifully throughout the growing season.

 

I was so surprised when someone stopped at the end of the  driveway and commented that the "Garden was beautiful".  It made me feel so good especially since I have not been able to do much of anything out there !

This is an UGLY blurry picture of my Chin a day or two after my fall a little over two weeks ago.  HAPPY to say that my chin is completely healed and no more scabs or bruising.  And, no more bruising in my mouth around my gums.  I am so fortunate that I heal quickly .

 

My left hand and wrist are doing well accept for a little soreness in the thumb.  My right hand is pretty good but my wrist is still swollen and some discomfort with certain movements.  All fingers move well and no numbness, pain or swelling . I'm wearing a brace and "keeping a close eye on it".

I think life is feeling a little better with more physical abilities gradually becoming reality in my hands.  My back issues are something I will just have to live with and always take caution ! 

Hope the week is going well for everyone.

Mary

A Companion Vision

Of my thoughts on the recent Texas shooting - - - 

https://www.tucsonsentinel.com/opinion/report/052522_uvalde_shooting_claytoonz/claytoonz-murdered-babies-uvalde-elementary-school/by Clay Jones 

"Force women to have babies/children and do nothing to protect them from being killed by guns!  Absolute Madness.  Long overdue for righting the Moral Compass!"

Ugly Tragedy!   Never Forget!    Rebel!

Mary

Miss Ivy - A Precious Rescue Cat With Special Needs

Ivy has not changed very much in regards to appearance.  But, there have been many changes in regard to behavior, specifically her comfort zone in regards to all related behavior in  "just being a cat" .  

 

This little six year old Siamese Mix was afraid of everything!!!  I think she might even have been "afraid of HERSELF". The only interaction she had was to hiss and bite and hide in a little ball trying to make herself as small as possible.  It was so sad!  If you put your finger up to her cage she would try to grab it with her claws.  The Veterinarian at the Purebred Rescue was not even able to do much of an exam on her.  Being the optimist that I am, I thought I could nurture her into a Happy Little Girl.  

The first four months she showed very little interest in much of anything and would find a place to hide in the house other than surfacing to eat when she got hungry or using the litter box.

Now, four years later she has become a loving cat with trust in me to take good loving care of her.  It surprises me that she still continues to show more and more progress in her trust.  I believe that she was physically abused the first six years of her life.  She still shies away from my hand if I pet her head.  But, then lets me pet her as much as I want to.  She has never learned to play with toys and still shows no interest. She had developed such a defense mechanism against the outside world that for months I thought she was deaf . Her Vet thought it was a possibility because she showed no response to voice or loud noises for months!  Another slight anomaly is that she doesn't regularly purr.  And I miss that, and if she does purr it is very soft.  Also, she is not a cat that wraps herself around your ankles to let you know she loves you!

These days she likes to be close to me and frequently jumps up so she is touching me when she sleeps.  She seldom goes in the other rooms to sleep.  And, she seems to know if I am having more pain on certain days.  Our pets (animals) can be so attentive and sensitive.  Aren't they wonderful !!!

Kitty paws are so special!  I love it when she curls her paw around her nose. That seems to be a favorite position for cats.  Do you think that they think they are hiding?

When Ivy came to live with me she had two medical issues that need continual attention.  She routinely sees her Vet for monitoring.   It appears that she does not have functioning tear ducts and she is continually tearing!  So, that means that I have to clean her eyes throughout the day as needed. Since she has learned to trust me she no longer fights me when I have to clean her eyes.  She is amazingly patient when I  pick her up to clean her eyes.  Now, it is just part of our routine.  And, she knows I love her.

The other issue is that she frequently regurgitated/vomited.  The Vet performed a CAT scan and did not see anything noteworthy.  In time past I started elevating her food and water dish so that her mouth was higher than her neck because I had read that a cats esophagus was horizontal!  And that helped.  She does not have issues with fur balls very often.  

After a lot of research I have determined that she may have Megaesophagus which is a dilating of the esophagus (the tube that carries food and liquid between her mouth and her stomach).  When esophageal motility is decreased the food and liquid accumulate in the esophagus and have difficulty getting into the stomach.  The cat can also have pain in the abdominal area.

And, the only area on her body that she resists touch sometimes is around her digestive area. I am so glad to know it may be related to possible Megaesophagus and not something else.

Megaesophagus can occur in dogs like German Shepherds, Newfoundlands, Great Danes, Irish Setters and Sharpeis as well as Siamese Cats.  Interesting that the only cat that was mentioned is Siamese.

And, I now feed her premium canned cat food and some dried cat food in small portions on an elevated platform.  And, she is doing very well.

Apparently, dogs have this issue so much that there now is a Baily Chair available so dogs can sit to eat!  Who would believe it !!

This is a Bailey Chair, which is specially designed to support the pet in the correct position.    I had to stop myself from laughing!!

Oh, how we love our pets !

It looks like this may be a LARGE CAT that needs the extra height and support!

I recently read about the Bailey Chair on the Nextdoor.com website.  Someone was looking for one for their ailing dog that was loosing weight.  And, I was very curious and started doing some looking around for more information .

There is always more to learn!   I hoped you enjoyed learning something you might need to know someday - - - maybe on Jeopardy !!!!

Mary

P.S.   How do I know, Maybe she/he is sitting in a - "Multipurpose" - Bailey Chair!

Sorry - I could not help myself and had to share !     Mary

Such A Contradiction !

Force women to have babies/children and do nothing to protect them from being killed by guns!  Absolute Madness.  Long overdue for righting the Moral Compass!

Mary

Unexpected - Trip And Fall Face Down

It was not and is not a pretty picture !  Tried to take a photo and decided against it. When something like a fall happens it is always a shock. I have tried to be so very careful throughout the years, especially out doors in the yard because there are so many rocks.  Falling always feels embarrassing even if you are alone.

Details aren't necessary.  But, the results are pretty sad and a bit overwhelming. I had been in a lot of pain from my back issues throughout the day but had to get something from the trunk of my car that I needed.  The fall was facedown on the sidewalk near the patio. So anyway, I have injuries to my neck, chin and lip. The bleeding on the lower chin took a while to get under control. My left hand is very swollen and middle finger is very bruised. Right thumb and wrist is very painful and very swollen. Lots of bruising here and there including my lip and chin.  And, my right side ribs feel painful. Quite sure that there are no fractures.  I used a lot of ice compresses as soon as I got in the house which certainly helped. Ace bandages have been helpful too. What a mess I am!  No sutures indicated.  Believe me.  I had NO intensions of going to the Emergency Room!!  But , OH, how fortunate I am that I wasn't injured more severely!

It happened a week ago yesterday and each day I am feeling  a little better.  But, having lots of aches and pains, also seeing more bruised areas on my body including my knees. Periodically, the pain in my entire body is so intense and it is difficult trying to do anything especially with my hands 

The two days prior I was feeling very poorly and felt a little discouraged. However I quickly have learned that "things" can get much worse and can happen in an instant.  I tend to compartmentalize "things" like this. And, I am looking forward to a month from now when these "things" will be much better.  Thank goodness, I don't foresee residual medical issues, unlike the vertebral disk issues in my back!

(From the garden two years ago)

I miss working in my garden so very very much. I can hardly believe how my life has changed in a relatively short time.  In the past year I feel like I have aged ten years! At least! And, the worst part is loosing my abilities to do so many things I have enjoyed so very much for a long time.  The pain in my hands from the fall keeps me from doing the simplest activities.  

 

I am looking forward to Sunflowers!!!

Mary

Vivid Memories Sixty Three Years Ago - And before ROE V. WADE

Graduation 1959 - Age 19 

It was 1959 when I was finishing Registered Nurses Training in Los Angeles, California completing my Pediatric Internship at Children's Hospital.  It was one of the largest children's hospital in the state with a large research facility. I will NEVER FORGET seeing the many rows of infant metal baby cribs (not bassinets) in one of the wards that was specifically for babies/children born with severe birth abnormalities. The memories are still vivid and extremely clear in my brain at this moment because of the sight of such unimaginable horrific sights of little human beings with bodies that were so deformed inside and out and many times unrecognizable!

Birth defects are structural changes present at birth that can affect almost any part or parts (e.g., heart, brain, internal organs, extremities). They may affect how the baby looks, functions or both and can have serious, adverse effect on the health, development or functional ability of the baby. Birth defects can vary from mild to severe. 

That was the way of life at that time before WOMEN had any RIGHTS ABOUT WOMENS RIGHTS REGARDING THEIR BODIES.

This is only one aspect regarding Roe v. Wade that I have personal knowledge and opinion! I have never been an activist and have been very reserved regarding political preferences.

However, throughout my long life I have had experiences in knowing very well women who this subject is far more dramatic and serious.  I have had a close friend that shared with me her experience of a "back-ally abortion with a coat hanger" at the insistence of her husband! Subsequently, hospitalized and near death! She was the mother of three chidden who could easily lost there mother!

Another close friend from the past was "A leader in the fight for reproductive freedom. She served as Reproductive Rights Chair for NOW. She was one of the co-founders of the Feminists Women's Health Center and the self help clinic, the first female group to accompany women for abortion services in Los Angeles County. She traveled around the U.S teaching women how to do self exams (1969-1972). She was one of the women arrested (1972) at the Center in L. A. for practicing medicine without a license. She had 11 charges and served two years summary probation. She was court ordered not to work in the Center.

Thereafter served as Reproduction Chair with CA NOW and continued working hard as a strong advocate for Women's Rights. She was a contributing author of one of the first books written on this subject, Feminists Who Changed America 1963-1975. In 2006 a follow-up book was published about the Second Wave of Women's Movement.

These are tragic situations that have impacted my being as a Women by just knowing these women! I  take note of the tremendous  number of women who are and have been affected in so very many unthinkable ways!  And, I wanted to share that current legislative actions have so many facets to what is being recommended. Study, thought and action is necessary before decisions are made for a civilized life.

In this ever changing and extremely challenging world we must continue to look forward to a life that protects the fate of humanity.

Mary

Here We Go Again - - - NO, I am not a Drug Addict

I am usually not one to post cartoons.  But with my most resent experience with trying to obtain appropriate medical care this seemed quite appropriate and timely .  A laugh is always good especially after the fact .

My experience was certainly not laughable at the time and I hope I never experience anything like it again ! 

I continue to try and gain weight but it takes effort . I certainly never thought that could be a problem for me !

After  going to the E.R. for my weight loss when the severe pain started in my back and lower abdomen I once again went to the E.R and this time by ambulance!!!  The pain was so terrible that they gave me I.V. Fentanyl (small amount) during transport to the emergency. An EKG, Abdominal/ Pelvic CT Scan and lab work were done.  They had a copy of the MRI (from earlier) in my record and sent me home with four pain pills. It took two attendants to help me to the car. The pain was so horrific! 

In an effort to shorten this post I will jump ahead and say that after three more E.R. visits (one of which they had me do a Barium Swallow) they had me labeled as an abuser of  opiates and a noncompliant patient!  The E.R. staff was becoming hostile toward me. Then I went to a different county E.R. and I was shipped off to a Rehab facility that was two hours away (all facilities closer were filled) by ambulance for training on how to perform activities of daily living.  Nonsense!!!  All I needed was Pain Management!!!  And, that is what I was told that I would be receiving .  After four days of not being seen by an R.N. or M.D. (just laying in bed with severe pain) I checked out against medical advice.  The facility was filthy dirty and did not even have a seat on the toilet. And the trash can was overflowing with used diapers from the roommate. The food was non edible!

Since our county had recently hired a Pain Specialist Physician I was able to get an appointment and I was feeling optimistic. The doctor was running late and rushing.   Before I knew it he prescribed a synthetic opiate, took a urine sample for drug testing and had me sign a contract to participate in a Drug Rehab Program.  None of this was explained in an understandable way.  When I got home and realized (reading papers he sent with me) what was happening. I was FURIOUS !!! I did not take the prescribed medication and made an appointment to see him to explain that I do NOT have a drug problem and never have! I have not had any prescribed pain medication for my back since 2017!!!  I was directed to NOT go to the E.R. again! He offered an epidermal injection which I cancelled. I have had many epidermal injections throughout the past 30 years for my back disorder/pain without any benefit.  And, I will not return to his office ever again!

If my life circumstance had been different I would have had another back surgery when it was suggested years ago.  And, knee surgery would have been done three years ago when ordered for very painful bone on bone arthritic knees. 

Throughout this whole time I was dealing with near unbearable pain and no longer able to even go to the store at times for groceries.  Various people tried to help with assistance and transportation.  And, I have greatly appreciated their help. One taxi trip home from the hospital cost me $80 !!!  It is very difficult when you are older and do not have an advocate to assist and help with decisions.  Thank goodness I have my nursing background.

At some point I was talking on the phone with my Primary Care Physician who apparently finally reviewed my record and he explained to me that the abdominal pain was probably coming from the T12 (thoracic vertebrae) which made a lot of sense to me. Because the pain dermatomes of T12 travels across the low abdomen!  And, who knows - maybe that has something to do with lack of appetite ! 

If all of the previous doctors including him had read the MRI report carefully I would think that one of them would have been able to have some insight. 

I had a consultation with a Gastrologist and his assessment was negative for any significant issues.  Also, I had a video conference with a Stanford Hospital Orthopedic Surgeon and a two level Back Fusion Surgery was recommended after viewing my MRI!  I have not seen any doctor since I saw the Pain Specialist last December !

I have been so very, very , very angry that I will not go to a doctor until I need a refill of my routine daily medications.

I am not a surgical candidate at the age of 82.  OH, they would do surgery but remember there are no guaranties of improvement.  The statistical  success rate of improvement for the Super Elderly (patients over age 80) are not very good.  And, I could end up in a wheelchair full time. Nor would there be pain medication once I went home following whatever Post-Op care was provided!

I tried to get some relief with a prescribes medication that was to help with control of spinal pain.  Even with a very low dose I started having double vision and uncontrollable jerking of extremities.  It was scary!

So what am I doing since no one will prescribe regular pain medication at this time?  First of all my anger (I very seldom get angry) and tenaciousness are caring me along. I have always known I had a high pain threshold, but this is "just a little too much"!

I wear a back brace (I have several different ones) and knee braces (remember, I need both knees replaced because of bone-on-bone arthritic pain) and I take Extra Strength Acetaminophen along with use of Ice and/or Heat and a lot of bedrest and the use of a cane.  It is next to impossible to be productive with daily activities!  Some days are better than others.  And, many days are hardly bearable!  It is a  balancing act trying to be as active as possible but not overdue which could be very disastrous meaning  I would not be able to walk!

In case you do not know, I am a retired R.N. and I have stayed quite current with todays medical care and systems. And, I am not afraid to "speak up".  I have lived alone for a long time. I am Very Independent and have learned to be that way out of necessity for years!!! I do not have any available relatives (never have) and I have out-lived my close friends. 

I recently visited a Senior Living Facility (Independent Living to Memory Care) close to where I live that has an acceptable reputation. They are very expensive! As all of them are!  After an acute financial evaluation I was happy to realize that I could afford to live there. I have visited resident friends in the past . However, when I looked at it with the prospect of being a resident I almost became physically ill with the realization of how my life would change and I probleley  would not last very long.

"Living (Aging) in Place" is my choice even though insurance will not pay for any routine Home Care and/or House Cleaning or Outdoor Maintenance like maintaining the garden. I have not been able to do anything in my garden (and very little in the house) for over six months. Insurance will only pay for care that requires Skilled Nursing Services.  It is extremely difficult to find a Cleaning Person in this Northern California mountain area that is not associated with an agency which is very expensive. I have spent hours talking with people/agencies.  Some how-some way I will find a way to retain a semblance of my current living situation as long as I can retain my mobility!

I guess it is true that "What doesn't kill you makes you stronger".  But, I thought I was already strong enough!!

I have worked hard for as long as I can remember.  Take good care of yourself .  Remember, you do not have to work so hard that your body gives out before you are ready.  There are ways.  Even though it is difficult to adhere to at the moment,  you will be thankful!

My wonderful Special Needs Cat,  IVY, recently celebrated her 10th Birthday.

I have been her Mama for four years. And, she is my little "Lovebug".  More about her next time.

Wishing all of you beautiful days during this lovely time of year. Hopefully, you are not impacted by tornados, fires, floods or our world affairs.

Mary