Revolving Door, Ups and Downs

Time to update, dear readers. It's been 2 weeks since I was released from the hospital and 4 weeks post op for spinal laminectomy and fusion. My last entry chronicled my time in the hospital and rehab and since then, there's been a revolving door of caregivers visiting me. Occupational Therapist and Visiting Nurses have given me a clean bill of health, and this is likely the last week for Physical Therapy home visits. I'll start back to the MAG (Medically Adaptive Gym) and start therapy for my back in a month or so.

Physically I'm doing fantastic with negligible pain. But mentally, I've scraped the bottom in recent days.  Often I feel hopeless and just want to sleep, play games, or watch useless YouTube videos until bedtime to pass the time. There was  time I felt there wasn't enough hours in the day, but now, I've got no interest in reading, TV or any projects. Although I'll be better, it's tough right now.

Sometimes I dread the future... Jane Goodall, well done, I'll carry on. 

 

I can't wait to walk down to the  Little Conestoga Creek in my back yard soon, or walk the cat, who's dying to go outside.

YAY me!

The Last, and A New Beginning

I've had my share of procedures, and I've never had any foreboding, even when I had emergency brain surgery. I cracked a joke while they wheeled me away, knowing full well I would emerge whole on the other side. I always wake up to the hustle and bustle of the recovery room, and then someone noticees my eyes are open. They reassure me and make sure I'm comfy. Once I woke up panicky with a breathing tube because I hadn't been warned ahead of time, but it was ok.

This week, I look forward to being pain-free at last and not depend on anyone (or the fire dept) to pick me up when my leg refuses to work. Before, I fell often ("I've fallen and can't get up" literally) because of a brain tumor. Now I fall from just plain ole arthritis. With Spinal Stenosis, my spinal cord is crushed by vertebrae so spinal laminectomy and fusion surgery will solve all and I'll be out and about long before Christmas. Snow hiking? You betcha! I've tried PT and epidurals, no dice, so am I excited? Yes!!

Instead of making numerous entries, I'll update my progress in this post if I can. Tomorrow is my last day of freedom for a few weeks. I'll be hospitalized for a few days, then I'll go to rehab until I can care for myself. I'll be alone most of the time when I return home.

Happy happy days ahead!

Update 9/8: check in 5:30 am tomorrow morning. Night night. zzzzzz

Mvanslette@gmail.com 

Update 9/9: I survived! Had a painful afternoon without any pain meds til my blood pressure was stabilized. I made a lot of sad noises and and cried a lot. Tonight my daughter Carla, drove down from NY to have a girl's SLUMBER party in ICU! I also stood up just to see what it felt like, and my leg is working and pain free. I was fitted with the back brace to keep everything in place while I heal. Yay me, what a day.

Update 9/11:

I'm  still in the ICU until my blood pressure has stabilized. It has been consistently low and last night it dropped to 60/30. I was sound asleep and woke up to a roomful of people, including a trauma doctor, and  they hooked me up to a drip to raise my blood pressure, and probably other stuff.

I wasn't worried because I was in the right place at the right time but after everyone left, I began hallucinating. One of the machines was reading a story to me.  The room turned into a research lab and looked nothing like a hospital room. I thought I was in an  abandoned building and almost called out if anyone was out there. 

After an hour, folks came back and I gradually returned as well. At first I asked where I was, then told the staff everything that was happening. I knew the visions weren't real, but had no control over them.  

I finally went back to sleep soundly... until beakfast came, ate a little bit and drifted off into again into a deep sleep.

A therapist came in later and I did some walking, sitting and standing. She showed me how to put on shorts with some help.

The staff here is incredibly attentive, and I'm looking for great days ahead 

See you real soon.

9/12 update: I'm still in ICU because my blood pressure won't cooperate. They weaned me off the medication today, but my BP dropped again so I was put back on it. 

Much of my pain was alleviated after they took the incision drain out. It was stabbing me mercilessly every time I moved. Now I feel like I'll be able to do anything soon! I felt great today, after I got  "bath" and hair washed. Progress!

Mvanslette@gmail.com !

Great company huh...

Tonight I'm the only patient for my nurse for now. Maybe we'll share some scary stories until I fall asleep.

Update: Sept 13 .

Well i was finally transferred out of ICU this evening and can hardly describe the change in vibe in my new floor. The hallway is dark and a few employees gave me a forced hello as I was wheeled in. First off, 2 nurses did a skin check (like a cavity search but not quite). The male nurse clearly hates his job and the female nurse reminded me of Nurse Ratchet. Nice welcome. I was then left alone to observe my new surroundings, a tiny room, baby puke walls, a sink, like an asylum should look, without the padded walls. 

I was left alone awhile, door shut (which I hate) so I read my book. 

Then someone came in to complete some questions, did a few strength tests on my hands and feet (twice because she forgot she already did it). I had to be boosted, but didn't have the slippery slidy mat under me, so I agonizingly rolled on each side so they could lay it down. Boosted and back brace adjusted, I'm finally ready for bed.

Prison sink. I'm surprised there's no metal toilet next to it. Maybe I'm just dead tired. Night night.

Hope I'm released tomorrow. 

Update: Sept 17

So sorry I haven't updated lately, my Blogger friends. I'll do a quick update before hit the sack for another busy fun-filled day.

I was moved a few days ago to Lancaster Rehab Hosp www.lancasterrehabhospital.com.

They keep me busy with a daily regimen of Physical and Occupational therapy, and since I'm doing so well, my target release date is Monday. 

My primary therapist is Ryan, who is set to graduate this spring. I asked him where he was going to school and he said it's a small college in western PA that I probably never heard of. Well, guess what? I've not only heard of it, but I graduated from that small college: Slippery Rock and I initially went there to study Physical Therapy! He about had a stroke. Then he told me he is in the PhD program and then I about had a stroke! He's very good and he'll make a great therapist.

The dressing was removed today and the incision has healed nicely. I will still need to wear the back brace for a few months. I am thrilled that finally my left leg is pain free and works normally with no numbness or tingling. I stood the entire time my dressing was removed and didn't have to sit down.

I went into this with a childlike giddiness, positive that the outcome would allow me to resume a fairly normal existence once again. It was a long time coming, but I think I've finally been fixed. I look forward to the busy holidays, perhaps an open House for my hallway neighbors, baking bread again (I might try making sourdough again), working on other projects during the long winter months and bumping up my resale and Etsy businesses. I'll be traveling, photographing and documenting my days ahead as I become more confident exploring solo. Not the best, but I'll find some measure of enjoyment. 

I probably won't update as often now, but will occasionally brag about my new life and share random thoughts or cooking escapades. I am so filled with gratitude for all the love and encouragement I've received from family and friends, and I hope you, dear reader, will keep checking in and perhaps share an adventure or 2 in the days ahead. 

Til next time...

Update September 20

Today was Skip day, so I had no therapy or ADL sessions scheduled. It was pretty boring and mealtime was the most exciting part of the day. I don't watch much TV so I worked on my puzzle book, read most of my favorite magazine, Mary Jane's Farm, from cover to cover and watched a few videos on YouTube about life in Appalachia. I've been making Lucky Stars, origami paper Stars, to pass the time. They are a metaphor for good fortune and in ancient times, stars were believed to influence destiny and evolved to mean "born under a lucky star", or advantage. I'll find some containers to fill and leave at various nurses' stations as a thank-you for the incredible care they've provided during my stay.

Tomorrow is "graduation day", with friends and family invited to observe my ability to care for myself independently. "Family" will be my daughter Nina, and I'll be released Monday. 

It's been a whirlwind week of activity.

I'm not allowed to walk anywhere without someone with me, even to the bathroom. The bed and recliner have alarms that screetch every time I move, so I'm pretty restricted. This morning I had to use the bathroom and when no one came, I intentionally set off the bed alarm. It worked. 

Since no activities were scheduled, I got someone to walk with me to the lounge at the end of the hall. The sun was shining and the change of scenery was a mood-booster. 

I've only been here a week, but it seems like a lifetime. 

Time to sleep, dear readers. I'll chat with you soon...

Last update 9/22

I'm home at last. I said goodbye to so many good people and some stopped by to wish me well. Tomorrow Visiting Nurses will stop by, and I have my first post-op appt with my surgeon, Dr Omeis. I felt your good juju wash over me these past few weeks. Thank you. 

Now I'm tired, time to heal...

Post-Summer Fun

 I was talked into spending the week after Labor Day at the shore, New Jersey to be exact. They told me it was perfect. First floor, beachside, Ok, I'm all in. 

I was supposed to leave before noon but fate had other plans. Clean the cat box, check mail, feed cats, reply to email, pack electronics stuff, make car presentable, empty trash, pack more stuff, toothbrush, drop off urine sample ('splain later).

I made it in time for dinner.

The next 2 days were spent.... 

in a trance on the beach; breezy, sandy, sunny, perfect. Reading, gazing, smiling...

Last hurrah. Tuesday will be the last time I venture out for a few weeks...

More, soon.

Alabama Shakes is Back???

I've never done this before, but I've been following Brittany Howard and Alabama Shakes for years. They've been on hiatus since 2018, but they're back and performing in Philly on Sept 18. Can I go? not this time, but damn! I'll follow her across the country like a Deadhead next year! This is my anthem. Enjoy.

New music in nearly 10 years. Yes, I think they're back.

 I wont make you cry again

Trip Down Memory Lane Chambersburg PA

This past weekend, I attended my 1970 CASHS (Chambersburg Area Senior High School) reunion. I mistakenly thought the last reunion I attended was in 1980 but NO!! An astute classmate reminded me that I was at the 30th in 2000. She was right. I was no longer married, so my partner and I, along with the girls, had moved to Chambersburg to live closer to my dad in 1999. We had spent a week in NYC for The Millennium, staying at the Marriott Marquis on Times Square, partly comped by one of his friends who still worked as a suit for his former employer, Marriott. Friends in high places! I'll take it.

Anyways, I digress. Friday evening was an informal gathering of about 100 former classmates, with the main event held on Saturday. I didn't take any pictures Friday. I was too busy chatting it up with old friends and new acquaintances.

I booked a room at, where else? Marriott Spring Hill Suites for 2 nights, but no comp. 

Saturday was an amazing evening, although after an afternoon driving around and taking pictures, I was an hour late, but I got there in time for food! My friends knew I was coming eventually, so they saved me a seat. After some reunion entertainment, we were free to mingle, dance or drink. I chose to mingle and have a glass or 2 of wine. I didn't have time to chat with everyone I wanted, but managed to fit in quite a few. I was a band nerd so my circle of friends was either the band, orchestra or home room. I was surprised that I was recognized since I think I look like homemade soap.

An interesting story: I am friends with Margie, a classmate and noticed she was friends with one of Carla's best friend's (Tim's) mother. No connection there I thought, so I wrote her and found out they've been best friends forever. Carla sang at Tim's wedding, but Margie didn't know at the time I was her mother until later so we had a lot of shits and giggles when we finally met!

I didn't take many reunion pictures because they all look alike and are meaningless to non-participants. On Saturday I roamed around and visited previous homes where I'd lived in my younger and not-so-young days.

We moved to this townhouse when I was in 8th grade when my dad was transferred to Letterkenny Army Depot. He moved into an apartment years later. I don't know why there's an air conditioner in the window in the whole house was air conditioned.

In 1999 we bought this unfinished raised ranch to live closer to my dad who passed on Christmas day 2000. With no longer a reason to stay, I forked over the money and we (well, he) finished the downstairs, adding 2 bedrooms, a family room and we hired out for a full bathroom. We put it up for sale on Valentine's day and it sold in 4 days. 

This house has 4 apartments! We didn't expect to sell the house so quickly, so four of us crammed into this 2 room (bed and living room) for 4 months until Nina graduated and we could finally move to NY. Our landlord was awesome when he heard our plight and let us sign a short term lease.

 On Sunday before I left, I visited a place that has special memories for me.  

It almost broke me, so let's move on, shall we?

How to Make and Can Navy Bean Soup

 I make and pressure can bean soup for winter.

 It's pretty free-form.

Ingredients:

Dried navy beans (or white beans or pinto beans or..whatever) 1 lb 

Garlic 2-3 cloves or more, minced

Carrots, diced

Celery stalks, diced

Onion,diced

Ham (hock or leftover ham from Christmas)

Bay leaf

Peppercorns

Salt, not much

Optional: thyme, rosemary, mushrooms, bell peppers, kale, mashed potatoes

Rinse and clean beans, cover with water and bring to full boil for a few minutes. Remove from heat, cover and let them sit for 1 hour. (eliminates the need to soak overnight).

Rinse beans and cover beans with fresh water, vegetable or chicken broth. Don't skimp.

Add parsley, shredded ham (or hock) and minced garlic.

Add peppercorns and bay leaf.

Simmer about 45 minutes.

Add mirepoix, diced celery, carrot and onion. They can be sauted in butter first or add plain. Cook another 15 minutes.

If using a ham hock, remove and shred ham and return to pot. To make a thicker soup, mash the beans with a potato masher.

Soup is done!

BUT if you're canning it, don't add salt.

Prepare canning jars and lids per best practices.

Add about 2-3 inches water to canner and begin simmering.

Fill jars with solids 2/3 full, fill with hot liquid leaving 1/2" headspace, and remove air bubbles (I use a chopstick). I read somewhere not to use metal. Add a touch of salt to each jar if desired.

Make sure rim is clean, place lid and screwband, fingertip tight. 

Place jars in pressure canner, cover, lock and increase heat. Let steam vent for 10 minutes, then process at 10 lbs. Pints for 1 hour 15 minutes, quarts 1 hour 30 minutes.

Turn off heat and let pressure drop completely. Remove jars with tongs and let sit until completely cool. Lids are sealed if they do not move when pressed. Remove bands, label and store. If not sealed, it can be stored in refrigerator for up to a month

You can modify this recipe to your liking, adding more or less vegetables, ham or turkey, or leave out the protein. If adding tofu, add it later when reheating. Play with it. Toppings can be sour cream, shredded cheese, scallions, chives, croutons, whatever your little heart desires.

Bon Appetit

Glimpses of hometown, Port Clinton OH 2024

Childhood Home

 Just blocks from Lake Erie

Marblehead Lighthouse

Marblehead OH 

The oldest lighthouse in continuous operation on the American side of the Great Lakes. It has guided sailors safely along the Marblehead Peninsula since 1822. 

 

Ferry to Kelly's Island

No ferries today!

Bataan Elementary School

I walked the 1/2 block to school every day

Forgotten Boat

Port Clinton Fish Company

No fish cleaning allowed at our house. 

Drop off catch and pick up in time for dinner.

Island House Hotel & Restaurant

Uppity restaurant where I learned manners. 

Special place, great food.

Port Clinton Fishing Pier

 

Marblehead Lighthouse

Arthur & Carla

                         Fish

The Shores Condo

Port Clinton OH

Where we stayed for the 2024 Eclipse  

                      Driving lakeside

good memories

It's good to go home!