Coping
- Alex Flipse
- Annie
- Arabella
- Bailey Rains
- Cheryl Switzer
- Edith Morales
- Helen P
- Helen Quess
- Jackie Shultz
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- Jennie
- Jennifer Davis
- Jennifer Radley
- Jo Jordan
- Jo Williams
- Jode R Cox
- Joellen Brown
- June Taylor
- Linda Washburn
- Lynn Smith
- Marcia Beverly
- Marge Holdren
- Merle Reeseman
- Nancy Sterns
- Ray Thigpen
- Raymond Ritch
- Sarah Ing
- Stuart Berwick
- Tina Silks
Patient and Caregiver Diaries
Patient Diary -- Marge Holdren
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Doctor Appointment Tomorrow
Yippee...I go to the doctor tomorrow. I love my Dr. Murali and his staff, but I wish I could know them all for a different reason! I have a sneaky feeling they will be upping the oral remodulin... I don't believe it, but I forgot to take my morning medicine ... all of it ... tracleer, revatio, remodulin, etc. How can one forget to take 8 pills is beyond me. I guess there are too many things on my mind. Our oldest daughter is having our first grandchild in April. I made a baby blanket and I am working on an afghan for mommy. Our middle daughter is getting married in April, and we have invitations to complete, programs, name cards, etc, etc to do. The baby's due date is the same date as the wedding but our daughter has decided on an elective c section. Our youngest daughter graduates from college in May, but I have that way in the back of my mind. I must remember my medicine!
Smiles and Prayers, Marge
This and That
I am very sad about the loss of my dear phriend Sue. Mike's story about their walk was beautiful...I printed it so my friends can read it. Such a reminder to treasure every second of our lives.
I have been busy with wedding invitations, program covers, wedding shower and baby shower planning, etc. It certainly is keeping me busy. That is a good thing though. I like to have a "mission" to work toward.
My PH is status quo. The increase in the oral remodulin has eased up the SOB a bit. I do have short-lived headaches still, but I am able to ride through them. In fact, there has only been one day since the beginning of January when they increased me that I actually had to "give in" and rest for the afternoon. That's not bad!!!!
Smiles and Prayers, Marge
A Busy Life
Life is rather busier than I like right now. We became a first time grandparents yesterday. Little Miss Madison was born at 8:16AM...6 lbs 2ozs...18 inches long. Mommy and baby are both fine. The excitement and activity that goes along with that is plenty; however, April 18 is our middle daughter's wedding day. I/we have been working hard for a year now and all of a sudden there is soooo much more to do. OK.... to top that off, our youngest daughter graduates from college in May. She has 3 job/more schooling opportunities offered to her and is trying to determine the best choice. My head is spinning from one thing to another! I am sure when the festivities are over, I am going to crash.
Smiles and Prayers, Marge
Just Wishing
The wedding is Saturday. I have had one melt down after another. Why? I guess I am feeling sorry for myself. And I HATE when that comes into play. There will be a little bit of walking I am fretting about, I feel like I am going to be on display...using my O2, wearing my ugly compression stockings, dealing with shoes getting tighter as the day goes on as my ankles and feet swell throughout the day...while the mother of the groom stands as healthy as can be. I guess I am jealous too.
I should be so thankful. I am able to go to the wedding. I have legs to put the stockings on, I have shoes, and I have a pretty lavendar chiffon skirted suit with a sparkly top that sparkles thru the sheer jacket. I am thankful ... just feeling like a circus side show.
Whew!!! Thanks for letting me vent.
Smiles and Prayers, Marge
ALL THAT WORK
Well, first of all thank you ladies for your support. It helps to know there are people that do understand. I just served lunch to 15 people .... salad bar buffet....with your choice of breaded chicken strips, tuna salad, or taco toppings. Everything was put in matching rubbermaid containers so cleanup was a breeze...pop the lid on and shove it in the frig until I feel like dealing with it next week. Took a very short rest, and then cubed bread for Sunday's breakfast casseroles. I am going to go plop on my chair and relax for an hour or so before going off to the rehearsal dinner. Everything is out of my control now. What will be, will be. God is good. He will walk me through it!
Smiles and Prayers, Marge
All Over
The wedding was beautiful. The green, banana, and guava colors were perfect. The weather was gorgeous. The caterer provided us with delicious food, the florist did a wonderful job with the daisies all over the place, the daisy cupcakes were as cute as can be, our photographer was on top of things without being pushy, the D.J. was really nice, the pastor gave a meaningful and short ceremony, the groom's parents seemed pleased, Terry and I were as proud as peacocks, and the bride and groom could not have been happier.
I had to walk alot (for me, not a normal person), but we did something that worked out well. We rented a golf cart type vehicle to transport handicapped people from the front to the back of the facility where the wedding took place and back up for the reception. After pictures were done I rode up and it was appreciated.
I will try to have Terry figure out how to post pictures.
Thank you for all your support throughout the planning of the wedding. You are all such am important part of my life.
Smiles and Prayers, Marge
Doctor Visit
I saw the doctor yesterday and as expected, I did not walk as far and my weight was up. I knew this was happening during the wedding planning and grandbaby excitement, but was not willing to give up the happiness of all that to orchestrate my own health which seems to be a 24/7 365 days job. Dr. Murali seemed to understand. We increased the lasix and I go back in July. They decided not to increase the oral remodulin due to the fluid build up. They want to take care of that first. Works for me!
Smiles and Prayers, Marge
A Quiet Life
Life is quiet ... no more wedding planning, no more pre-grandbaby excitement ... now it is just day to day routine...checking on newly weds, grandbaby, and soon to be college graduate. It's a good feeling for the girls to be on their own and for Terry and I have an empty nest.
I went for my monthly blood work this AM ... about a week or so late, but I got there. I don't anticipate any problems; although yesterday was a really, really bad breathing day for me. I haven't been able to pinpoint why; it just was. I'll have days like that. I have learned to accept them.
The birds are enjoying the spring weather... I have enjoyed seeing rose-breasted grosbeaks, bluebirds, indigo buntings, goldfinches, housefinches, assorted sparrows, cardinals, bluejays, a glimpse of a scarlet tanager, and some that I have no idea what they are ... I sure like my birds!
Smiles and Prayers, Marge
Resting and Resting
Another bad breathing day ... UGH!!!! I am trying hard to ignore it. I showered and rested. I got dressed and rested. I vacuumed and rested between rooms and then rested some more. I need an increase in the oral remodulin but they wanted to see if getting some fluid off would help before upping the unknown. Guess it is time to call the doctor.
We went to dinner last night to celebrate Mother's Day a day late and less crowded. Grandbaby Madison came along. She slept through the entire dinner. It was fun to hear the ahhhs as people walked by.
Smiles and Prayers, Marge
Three Men and an Hour Later
Sometimes things happen and when you look back on them, they are rather comical. Earlier this week our dog and cat were going nuts near the television. I visualized a critter (probably a mouse) behind the set. I called my husband to the rescue and he could not find a thing. Yesterday while walking into the kitchen, I thought I saw something skitter across the floor. We searched but could not find anything. Well, I was relaxing in the PM while Terry was taking a nap, and THERE WAS THE CRITTER skittering across the floor to under the TV stand. No more rest for Terry. He was on the floor ... the end tables were pulled out ... we blocked the sides of the tv with books and cookie sheets ... he tried jabbing the CHIPMUNK with our long handled feather duster, arrows, my gripper thing, slats of wood ... with the dog barking and trying to help the entire time ... and the dog, cat, nor Terry were having any luck at all. I rounded up two neighbors and the three men pestered the chipmunk so much that he escaped to our bedroom for refuge. That critter was under the love seat, under the recliner, under the bed, and finally was caught when he ran into our bathroom and could not get a grip on the floor. Mr. Chipmunk was released alive ... and my house looked like a tornado had hit it and I was exhausted. Things are put back in place now, I have a vacuumed pattern on my livingroom carpet, and I can now relax!
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