The Linda Report: April 2008

In the Big Top

Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Well I had my kiester kicked, self-realization wise this week. It occurred to me Tuesday that I am not quite up to juggling all the balls I apparently do on a daily basis.

Who took the balls?

Where did the balls go?

Of course Jeff pointed out that from their personal experience of returning to work after major surgery, both he and Dr. M warned me to expect this, the result of anesthesia, total change of environment etc. "Tired", I though, I live tired, and I attributed their warnings to some sort of "man speak." : ) But like so many other events, I have to live it to understand it. Had I been truly listening they meant a new tiredness - bone weariness in mind and in body like I've never felt before. Wisdom noted gentlemen.

Type A much? Just sayn'. I reasoned that being out of work another two weeks would help me to be even more prepared mentally as well as physically to return. Pride goeth before the fall!

The good news is I hear that this weariness is temporary.
So be gentle with me. You might not see me on the rel ed hall for sessions this week, but I'm around getting acclimated to my avocation.

Sunday, April 27, 2008





Partial Liberation!


I started back to work yesterday but, you won't see me "tooling around" in Gizmo yet. I feel like Chloe out on the porch, but tied to the post.

Which is a lesson in humility, patience and tolerance. I have learned so much. And know that there is much much more for me to learn in those areas.

Dr. G wasn't thrilled, about me going back, she'd rather I was 100% healed up, but knows that this final piece to heal could take how long? and that's just not in the cards to be able to stay out. For Dr. E, I mentioned the hyperbolic therapy. Thanks. Dr. G was pleased by the progress she saw with steri stripping it and just being careful so I'll see her next Thursday. And of course every week until it's healed.

So you'll be seeing me again soon too. For those of you who are concerned that it's not all the way healed. I'm a little concerned too, I was exhausted last night. I've only had a couple of other recent 8 hour outings, but got to recoup the next day. None of that this morning! But Jeff says it's just normal and it'll take time to build myself up. We've had the talk about pacing myself and being real about what I can accomplish in a day.

For Beth

Thursday, April 24, 2008


Larry sounded right to me too, but it's actually "George Sanderson".

The Story of "Goldilocks" in a bubble

Wednesday, April 23, 2008
When I originally wrote this post, the lack of new information bored me, so I decided telling things in story form might liven it up. I'm just sayn'



Once upon a time, in a town far, far away from Midtown, there was a girl (literary license) who had surgery on Valentine's Day. After several weeks, her doctor noticed that she wasn't all the way better like she was supposed to be. So the smart doctor thought and thought and said, "I know what might help, I'll send the girl to a special doctor I know who takes care of people with just these sorts of not all the way betters." This doctor also happened to be the doctor's friend and she trusted her very much.

But try as they did, they couldn't get the girl in to see the doctor's trusted friend for four whole months! "This will take too long if we have to wait until June," said the girl's doctor, so she made an appointment with one of her friend's associates.

Well the special doctor the girl saw was so matter of fact, it seemed to the girl he didn't take the problem seriously. He also answered "gotcha" to everything the girl told him. That made the girl very confused as to what he meant. This doctor told the girl not to worry, that she would be better in two weeks. She should go home, wash with soap and water, keep it covered and it would be better in two weeks. Well two plus weeks came and went and the girl still wasn't all the way better, in fact she seemed only a very little bit better, even though the girl had done just what the special doctor said. The next time the girl saw her doctor they were both frustrated.

So the girl's doctor thought some more and said, "Maybe if I send her back to the special doctor, seeing her a second time, and not seeing much improvement he'll have something more to say about this and get it healing faster. I don't know what else to do, this hasn't ever happened to me before."

So the girl went back to the special doctor's office. The special doctor the girl had seen the first time was on vacation, but that was fine with the girl as she really hadn't figured out what "gotcha" meant and she was ready for someone to take her more seriously. She remembered too late her mother's warning about being careful what you wish for.

So the girl saw another special doctor who was so nice and polite and seemed to take her more seriously. He came into the room, introduced himself, shook her hand and listened and answered her questions. And the girl smiled as she thought, "maybe this doctor will really help me".

But when the doctor told the girl she'd should have been better already, and to give it another week while doing all these intricate steps, the girl frowned. All those steps and precautions he told her made the girl feel like she was living in a bubble. She had to use this special soap for one to three months, "but don't let it touch your eyes or ears", said the second special doctor; powder around the wound with this special powder; don't use soap and water; dab the wound with saline solution; use alcohol based hand sanitizer any time you come in contact with someone, especially children..and on and on.

When the girl left she was very upset. She thought to herself, the first special doctor had been too casual about her problem and the second special doctor had been too cautious. "Now I know how Goldilocks must have have felt, what I need right now is a special doctor who is 'just right'."

The girl had an appointment with her doctor the very next day. Dr. G was very interested in what the second special doctor had told her. As the girl told her about the appointment, Dr. G's left eye brow arched in disbelief and she kept asking the girl "he said use what for how long?" "They didn't culture the wound, the took a culture from your nose?' "I know" said the girl and anyone could see she didn't like what she was having to tell her doctor any better than the doctor liked hearing it. "I told him at least three times I was there to have them do something to speed up the healing."

"I sent you there for them to speed this up, but neither of them seem to be able to give us any help. I know we couldn't get you in to see my friend, but I'm going to call her and see if she can look at your chart and give us any other ideas. In the mean time, I know this sounds a little crazy, but since doing something doesn't seem to be working, we're going to steri-strip it and do nothing and see what happens!"

The girl said nothing sounded crazy any more and was steri-stripped. Her doctor gave her an appointment to come back on Friday morning. And the girl left the office feeling a little hopeful and that her "just right" doctor had been with her all along.

A day way out of the zip code

Saturday, April 19, 2008
Feeling good, I slept well again last night. Spent the evening at the regional tennis tournament in Danielsville, Ga. And got the chance to the be staff sports photographer. I'm eating that up.

They have a really well put together complex - two sets of four tennis courts; well groomed baseball field and track; well appointed restroom facilities and concession stand with the football stadium across the road. Parking wasn't as bad as I thought it would be as there was a track meet, baseball game and the tennis tournament all going on at the same time.

I haven't watched a tennis match since I was in high school, but some of the rules came back to me as we watched. It's one of the only high school sporting events I've been too that there is an expected decorum - general quiet, no pictures during play.

Jeff plays in the fantasy football league with Coach C. and the parents are a hospitable bunch making me feel welcome. There seems to be a real camaraderie between the players on the team as well. After they received their first place trophy, there were "more pictures than a wedding" (Jeff) inviting the parents and all their teammates in multiple configurations and we experienced a rousing inter-school game of "bobsledding".








We ended the evening with a trip (my first) to the Varsity thank you again to Coach C and I sampled the famous chili dog and onion rings. I think I'd be better off with the naked dog - but those O Rings were good. There will be miles to pay in the next few days, but it was worth it for the experience of the Varsity.
*N.B. - For quite some time on the way there, we were behind a large blue crane truck with a pig riding nonchalantly in a rusty crate in the back. Like just another day in the life of this pig, riding around in the back of a truck. Very "Arnold Ziffle". You can keep Manhattan, just give me that country side.

Desperate times call for desperate measures

Thursday, April 17, 2008
Dr. G is not happy with how slow this is healing so she called the Infectious Disease Specialist directly! I can imagine that conversation...and I have an appointment next week. Monday to be specific. Thank you Miss Anna for taking me.




Dr. G approved my looking into natural cures as well. Thank you to our resident "shaman" in Miami : ) and we appreciate hearing about any natural remedies that anyone may know of. I have to check them with Dr. G first of course. I swear by whiskey honey and lemon for a scratchy, sore, mucousy throat, and am never disappointed, why not a more natural method for this?



So I've been cleared to use - cabbage leaves. Seems there is a property of cabbage to heal and they prescribe it for breast feeding mothers who have gotten raw or lacerated during feeding. Who knew?

Also honey, natural from a specialty store, the darker the better for healing, because of it's antibacterial and healing properties. Do not try this with your store brand honey in the bear. I'm just sayn'.






And this is big for me, I've discovered the secret to sleeping! - I have to be tired. Duh she says to herself! Even if I'm doing things at home, which I thought was enough that's not the same as being out and about. I find that a good 6-7 hours of out of the house, shopping - Thank you Linda M, Confirmation class, and Mass have worked well to net me 7-10 hours of sleep most nights this week.

Didn't have a chance to get out today more than a walk down the road - I have been cleared to walk some and so practiced the Macro and Super Macro on the camera. My very smart husband decided that I show take pictures of the wildflowers, i.e. flowering weeds in our yard, to keep me busy as well. He's good. I also caught a bird snacking?










Grand, great O.K.

Tuesday, April 8, 2008
The weekly visit to Dr. G's is getting chummy which is grand. I know every nurse, staff person and they all wave and say hi!
On my people side, I feel comfortable with the staff and they're great. On the "when will this thing end" side - I know way too many people there to feel comfortable.

I'm cooking and baking, which is grand. Had only one "incident" with a new recipe - for oatmeal cookies. But redeemed myself with a delightful citrus chicken chili Florentine. Jeff proclaimed it as good as, although not the same as, the white chicken chili of 96' (never was able to repeat it) which he said was my culinary master piece. Huzzah!
Deacon Bill came by a few times during his hiatus in Conyers as moderator of the Envision session and we had some great food - kielbasa & pirogi and conversation.
I tried to get my driving privileges reinstated with Dr. G. , O.K. no not until it closes. Jeff says I get style points for my delivery of the question.

I understand the reasoning, I'm just starting to feel pretty good but no not yet! "Soon, soon", Jeff croons to me.
It would be a lullaby, but sleep eludes me. I'm beginning to think my body has either gotten used to a perpetual state of tiredness or I need to do more to get sleepy enough to sleep. Although I'm out trying to do the things I'm allowed to...

Like taking pictures: of dying Easter Eggs;

or "flocking" people;

or of spring flowers;
or of Jeff or Chloe;

or Jeff & Chloe.







Before I go, continued prayers please for Christina and Barb. Thank you ladies for absolutely everything. And they tell me they've had great offers of help for upcoming First Communion events - thank you very much.

Hoping to see you sooner than later -

"The Patient"

Good Days

Saturday, April 5, 2008
No news on the med front. Same old. Thursday ended up being the day off it was supposed to be for Jeff. The tennis match that he ended up having to cover was postponed due to the misty, soggy cold weather so he surprised me with dinner out, a very nice surprise indeed.

I'm sporting a new hairdo and spent the afternoon and had dinner with the family G. Brian G. really knows how to make even fish taste good (from me about fish that's saying a lot) and don't even get me started on the homemade mac'n cheese by Beth G. Jeff loved his "to go" meal. Thank you it was great.

Finished the evening with an hour in front of the Blessed Sacrament in the Day Chapel at SPX and that was much appreciated too. That hour can go by so fast. If you haven't taken advantage of it yet, don't miss next month.

God really ran yesterday, I know he runs all days, but there were apparent moments of his working all through the day. Biggest clue, it was a normal, peaceful day, that had to be God. Because as I remember, "the normal" doesn't often include much of "the peaceful" : )

Saturday has been quiet Mom is at the Monastery working in the Bonsai garden and Jeff, Chloe and I enjoyed a lazy Saturday, until he left to check on games. Chloe is still enjoying a lazy Saturday, she doesn't do outside when it's wet and the grass is high. She gets up every so often, looks out the window, lays back down and sighs. Oh the life of a dog.


"The Patient"

Two for two

Wednesday, April 2, 2008
That's two for two!

The wound care specialist, Dr. B said my wound looked well on the way to being healed and didn't even set up a follow up appointment - for which he received a thumbs up from "the Patient". He said to call if I I had any problems and they'd fit me in. Given the reaction of my good friend when I gave her the details of what "problems" could be, I'll spare the rest of you. Mea culpa Begs.

He says no more need for the home health care - for which I gave him another thumbs up, and gave me instructions to clean and bandage myself - soap and water and some wound gel on some gauze*.
* Truth be told I was a little nervous about doing this myself, but sought consultation from my mother-in-law and we formulated a plan that should work well. She reassured me and that was really what I needed - Thanks Barb.
Dr. B also said that the staph infection that was cultured was not active! Again he elicits the thumbs up! I usually don't like the more clinical of clincians, but this guy was batting a thousand today.
Other things I learned today:
1. Jeff likes Court Room T.V. shows.
We watched at least three or four while waiting for the appointment. I believe his favorite was "Judge Joe". He talks what I would call "relaxed", then when the offending party starts to feel complacent - wham - he comes out them with the full legal eagle montage. I can see the allure, but still I was glad I brought my crochet to focus on- I can only take so much dysfunction in a day.
2. Wound care initial assessment questions cover more ground than your run of the mill medical history.
They want to assess the person's emotional state as well. Are you depressed? Do you have any personal problems? Are you in an abusive life situation? Interesting.
3. Doctor speak - "Gotcha"
Dr. B used the term "Gotcha" a great deal during my "visit" and I didn't pick up on it. Jeff did however and with being around medical professionals growing up In his estimation "Gotcha" is a catch phrase used by the more clinical clinicians for - "I've heard what you said, we are on the same page. Thank you for sharing the information with me in a concise manner. We're moving on to the next topic now." "Gotcha" - I like it I'm just sayn'.
Don't cheer me on returning tomorrow, I still can't resume my usual life until Dr. G clears me, which isn't until it's finished healing up. However, there is a light at the end of this tunnel now and I am speeding for it! *N.B.Capt. B - I realize that the preceding statement is on par with "barring any other weirdness", but I'm feeling confident today!

Thank you for the second round of cards or calling, visiting or stopping Jeff or Mom to let me know you're still praying for us. I appreciate all the prayers and know that they are working.

"The Patient"

One down, one to go

Tuesday, April 1, 2008
Well doctor visit number one is completed for the week...I feel like my grandmother "Well Honey, don't even get me started on what they found last week." All these visits, it's like a preview of bad coming attractions. I cannot wait to get back to working out!

Anyway, Dr. G said the top of the incision was done, i.e. she pronounced it healed! No steri-strip or anything. I know how sad that I take such pleasure in this, but I'm savoring the small victories here.

And the bottom is looking better, BUT when I tried to weasel my way out of tomorrow's "Infectious Disease Specialist" appointment pointing out how much better it's gotten in a week- she's quick this one - "Yes, (with a laugh and roll of the eyes) you need to keep the appointment with the wound care specialist tomorrow." I am beginning to see that reaction more and more lately...coincidence?

Also I seem to have contracted a staph infection so it's back on the antibiotics roller coaster. I can't even pronounce this one! God is good, all the time- at least they found it and there's an antibiotic for it. Because you do not want that festering - what a word festering.

*N.B. My mother-in-law, Nurse Barb, informs me that staph naturally occurs on the skin and with an open wound it is not surprising nor to be overly concerned about. If you are now concerned, well stop. : ) She also is the one who pointed out the not wanting something to fester.

In other news, looking very forward to sharing dinner tonight with my loving husband - brought by Lenore G. and family - thank you very much : ) - from the restaurant where her son works? Lenore let me know if I can mention the name on the blog. It looks delicious.

Another on the bright side, he and I, Jeff will have to arrange some sort of weekly Tuesday afternoon date after all this is over. We've grown accustomed to our talk time while waiting in the car, in the waiting rooms, in exam rooms.

Oh, big plans on the horizon, well big for me right now. Beth G. has offered to take me to the hairdressers on Friday! YES! Thank you, thank you, thank you. Anna G and I share the same hair dresser. Tammy H. is the kind of hair dresser that when you move, you drive back for months because you just can't find anyone who knows your hair like she does. I say the one of the hardest people to replace in a woman's life is her hair dresser.

In fairness to "the Warden" as I've come to call him, Jeff mentioned that he would be willing to take me to the hairdresser this week, which makes me think that there must be something in store for him, because - bing- opportunity presents itself again thank you. Please pray for him, with the way work is going lately this could be a great turn of events to give him peace or not so great and add to the chaos.

I'm off to bake peanut butter and jelly thumb print cookies for Mom's Red Hats meeting tomorrow. Yes, it's official, I am stir crazy.