July 20, 2013

Earlier this evening I posted twenty photographs plus a graphic I created on Nick's Bytes: Today. I invite you to click on the preceding link to view them.

What I didn't write about in my Nick's Bytes post is my health. The antibiotics are evidently working: today I have experienced less jaw pain that I have at any time since the pain began two weeks ago. I have yet to raise the $300.00 or so payment Dr. Lavely requires for the extraction. On Monday I shall continue making telephone calls seeking less expensively foreboding treatment.

What I can foresee of my income and expenses in August is that I shall have even fewer dollars than I have had this month [SIGH] primarily because of the $200.00 or so that the VA is having the Treasury Department withhold from my Social Security check to pay for medications because I have not paid them enough or as fast as the Veterans Administration demands. [double SIGH]

Give me this day my daily meds

July 19, 2013

Today, for the first time in two weeks, the ache in my always-painful left leg was greater than it was in my jaw. Perhaps antibiotics are doing their job and the infection in my abscessed tooth is being reduced. I still have bunches of antibiotics which, of course, I shall continue to take.

Not only was my leg throbbing, it was also extraordinarily puny. I had serious difficulty moving around the apartment, so when I noticed the kittens wandering into the living room I thought it a great opportunity to get some kitten-movement photographs. Actually, I only got one:

I even attempted to shoot a video; however, the kittens scampering around were much too quick for me to keep them in the frames. Considering that I was also hampered by my bum leg I gave up on the video but shall try again when I am not putting so much effort into keeping my balance.

With my mobility hampered, I spent most of the morning making telephone calls attempting to locate a dentist to extract my number 12 tooth at a reasonable price. I have three possibilities, but no appointments established. (This is damned frustrating!)

When the woman who brought my Meals-on-Wheels left my apartment just before noon, Alex ran out the door. Knowing how much he loves the outside, I ate my lunch. But then I fell asleep. About an hour later, when I wakened, I looked around for Alex and couldn’t find him. Then I remembered that my dear furball was outside. I open the patio door and Alex slinked in.

I picked up my kitty kid, placed him on his dining table, and stood by until he drank quite a bit of water. Then I cuddled my old friend and we ended up taking a two hour nap together.

Yesterday I took the last of my diabetes medication, Metformin HCL. I had ordered a refill using the Veterans Administration interactive website, My Health Vet, last month. Not trusting myself, I logged into the site and checked my pharmacy records. The pharmacy indicated that prescription had been refill and mailed to me on the 12^th of July. Since it was after the time that the mail carrier usually makes her delivery, I telephoned the apartment complex office and ask if I had any packages.

With an affirmative answer, I realized that no matter how weak my leg felt or how hot (91 F) it was outside, I had to go up to the office. Although the drive is only about 90 seconds long, getting their exhausted me. I picked up the package and return to my apartment is fast as I could, The package was from the VA pharmacy but it contained three boxes of Foradil and no Metformin HCL. I telephoned the pharmacy to check on the refill; it was after 4:30, so I was connected with the answering machine. I left my inquiry as voicemail and, realizing today is Friday, I gave up hope of obtaining the refill until next week.

A bit of background information: recently, because of my physical difficulty in getting to the mailboxes, the post office as agreed to leave all of my mail at the apartment complex’s office. Click HERE for the details.

Then, later, I suddenly realized that only a box was at the apartment complex office. Yet, the post office had agreed to leave all of my mail there. When I saw a neighbor going down to the mail boxes, I gave her my keys and asked her to check my box. Besides the normal junk mail, there was a plastic mailing envelop from VA containing 5 medications, one of which was the Metformin HCL. Hurray! 

I have more to write about today; however, I have already gone well beyond my intended length of this post. Besides, it is past 1:30 a.m. and I am tired! Therefore, I shall end, have Blogger put this on the net, and join the kitty kids in slumber. 

Good night, World!

July 12, 2013

I made another medical related journey’s morning. This time it was to the Veterans Administration Newburg clinic to which I am assigned for primary care. The purpose, as I explained in yesterday’s journal entry, was to see my shrink.

I snapped this photograph this morning as I arrived at the clinic

I must admit that since my days as a practicing social worker I have not had much confidence in psychiatrists. Actually, I truly began to lose confidence in the psychiatric profession after I visited one at the University of Kentucky when I was a student. But that’s another humorous story I must remind myself to relate someday.

Today’s visit, as with all of my recent excursions for health, did not go smoothly. To begin with, the appointment time I was given was 9:00 AM. To meet the check-in procedures established by the Veterans Administration I arrived at 8:40. That’s when I was told that the appointment had been unilaterally changed by the clinic to 9:30. Considering my left leg was throbbing, the idea of an extra half an hour wait did not please.

However, when the Doc come to call me for the appointment and noticed how difficult it was for me to walk, he obtained a wheelchair and pushed me the relatively long distance to his office. So far OK. However, as he pushed me down the second long hallway a push me directly into a ladder on which a workman was standing while changing a light bulb! When I noticed that the doctor was not going to stop, I yelled (loudly) Man on ladder!!!!!!! 

Unfortunately, my psychiatrist did not stop pushing until the wheelchair hit the ladder. Luckily the man on the letter saw the wheelchair coming, jumped off of it, and held at steady so that it did not topple over on top of me. The doctor explained that he had been looking at the floor and not where he was going.

The 30 minute interview with the psychiatrist went fine, even though, as with most of the VA physicians, the time was spent with him looking at his computer screen and asking me questions came from it and typing my answers on to it. [SIGH]

The result of the appointment is that my primary antidepressant has been reverted to the one I was taking back in December. He also told me, after I responded yes to his question as to whether I had ever thought about suicide, that a new study read reports that over 90% of Americans over the age of 50 have, at one time or another, considered taking their own life. That does not surprise me.

On the way home again my portable oxygen compressor’s battery ran out of power. When I first got the device the battery generally lasted close to three hours; now it’s barely lasts for two hours. I have made myself a note to contact supplier and asked that it be checked out.

My portable oxygen compressor

After I returned to the apartment, changed from the portable oxygen compressor to the large oxygen compressor and regained my breath, again all three Kitty Kids surrounded me, begging for treats. At the rate they are eating treats, we’re going to run out well before my August pension check arrives.

My jaw and leg have been extremely painful today. Even the prescription medication containing codeine has had little effect. I did try something do with my jaw: when I left the emergency room the other day I was given a box of samples that included a small tube and bottle of Crest Pro-Health toothpaste and mouth wash. I gave them a try this afternoon followed by (after the 30 minute wait according to the mouth wash instructions) rinsing my mouth with warm salt water. The combination reduced my jaw pain by about 70%.

I have no new pictures of the kittens. My leg is been too unstable to risk going into the closet and possibly falling on top of the little ones. I do have this photograph of Alex doing what he does best (aside from eating): napping.

Donate a penny 

to help support SSN, 

his 3 Kitty Kids, 

& LG's kittens?

July 9, 1023

PAIN! That word sums up my life since last Friday. Pain! Lots of pain.

Jaw ache! Headache! Ear ache! Leg ache! 

I have done everything I can find (and afford) to stop the pain. Some of the treatments work. None of the treatments work well. Some cause other problems: for example, the pain prescribed medications I have been taking have caused stomach aches and nausea.

At 10 PM last night, after the temperature was down to the mid-80s, I drove myself to the Veterans Administration emergency room. The drive was difficult because my left leg is weaker and more painful than it has been a very long time. As I expected, I had a three-hour wait before I was allowed into the emergency room. I was finally seen by a physician around 1:30 AM; her English was poor and I had difficulty expressing the problem.

New-style ID now used by VA Hospital with color photo of patient

About 45 minutes after the decision talk to me, I and my bed were wheeled to the radiology department where I underwent my first- ever CAT Scan. This was of my head and did not take very long. Then I returned to my room in the ER where I was injected with a pain shot that was very effective. A couple of hours later, my dad and I were again wheeled from the emergency room and my chest was x-rayed. I was rather concerned about this x-ray because, having been a 50 year plus smoker, I feared that the blood work that was done on me may have indicated something like cancer. I need not have been worried; as it turned out, the chest x-ray was to determine if some of the excess mucus with which I am plagued each day was entering my lungs. It isn’t.

Nothing else took place until after 8 AM when the shifts changed and a new doctor was assigned my case. It was a real go-getter and much easier for me to understand. After reviewing the status of my case this new position had me go to the eye department to have my eyes checked because he was concerned that I might have infection in them that could cause blindness. I was less than impressed with the services I received at the eye clinic. The physician in charge did not understand why the consultation was made to have my eyes checked. He was the same physician who had supervised my cataract removal when the intern surgeon allowed the cataract to break up in my left eye. Although the physician did examine my eyes, he spent most of the time complaining that it was unnecessary.

When I returned to the emergency room, the ER physician explained that he determined my problem is an abscessed tooth or perhaps even more than one. Since the Veterans Administration now provides dental care only two vats who are 100% disabled due to combat. There will be no dental treatment for Nick by the Veterans Administration! I was prescribed three medications:  an antibiotic, an antihistamine nasal spray, and an analgesic gum. Unfortunately, the analgesic gum was not in stock at the VA hospital; I was told that it will be mailed to me and should arrive next Monday or Tuesday. 

My drive home was difficult. With the heat index over 90°F and not having air-conditioning in my car, I was nauseous and having difficulty breathing. My eyes were also unable to focus because they had been dilated at that I clinic. The sunlight was painful and I had difficulty seeing. However, I did make it home safely.

When I came inside the apartment, I was met by three very excited Kitty Kids. Food, water, and treats pleased to cats immensely. The rest of the day I spent trying to stop the pain and attempting to sleep. In other words, this afternoon has been much like every day since the pain began last Friday.

This evening I did manage to obtain some new photographs of LG’s kittens:

At the moment I am feeling a lot of pain and nausea. The best means of pain relief that I have is the rice filled bag that is heated in the microwave, a gift from one of the parishioners at the last church I pastored. 

Now that this post is written and soon to be published, I plan to spend the rest of this Tuesday trying to control the pain and attempting to sleep.

My sincere thanks to everyone who has expressed their concern, made suggestions for my healing, sent virtual hugs, and offered prayers on my behalf. My love and blessings to all.

PLEASE...

I am in a quandary

Yes, I am in a quandary. 

The Veterans Administration program that supplied me with in-home caregivers over the past seven or so years is no longer available to me. Changes in the program now limit it to those veterans with 100% combat related disabilities.

I think that is fantastic—that my younger comrades in arms who were disabled in warfare are receiving this vital service. However, when I was informed of the changes in the program this afternoon, the social worker with whom I spoke also mentioned that now all slots in the program are filled and there is already a waiting list of more than 40 disabled veterans. That is not fantastic, but I fear it is normal for the VA and the majority of government agencies.

So it appears I shall be on my own until my physical or mental condition deteriorates to the point I must be either in a nursing home or a cemetery.

My AARP Medicare supplement does not cover the difference between what Medicare will pay for caregivers and the cost of the service. Of course, I can’t afford to pay the difference either.

So that is my quandary. As usual, I am now exhausted—even though I have slept 18 of the past 24 hours. By tomorrow morning I hope to be awake and energized enough to get into a problem-solving mode to deal with this new dilemma.

Day Sixty

Sugar goes to the Humane Society today to be spayed. The dear little kitty slept with me last night and is still in the bedroom because she can't eat before the surgery. I'm delaying as long as possible putting her into the cat carrier. I know that this surgery is for the best, but it tears at my heart to put my little friend through it.

We must leave here in about an hour. I pray that all goes well.

Sugar is now at the clinic to be spayed. I am tp pick her up at 8:00 AM tomorrow. I wish I hadn't had to take her there alone: she cried during most of the drive.

I am very glad that this didn't arrive until after I returned home:

SPECIAL WEATHER STATEMENT NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE LOUISVILLE KY 834 AM EDT TUE SEP 25 2012 STRONG THUNDERSTORMS WITH CONTINUOUS CLOUD TO GROUND LIGHTNING...TORRENTIAL RAIN...HALF INCH HAIL...AND 40-50 MPH WINDS MOVING THROUGH NORTH-CENTRAL KENTUCKY THIS MORNING...

Now I am going to take a morning nap!

Nap's been over for a couple of hours. So have the storms. In one more hour I can call the clinic to check on Sugar. 

Today is National Voter Registration Day. I've got a new post almost completed for Nick's Bytes.

I have received a call from Virginia, my probable new VA supplied housekeeper. She will be here between 1:00 and 1:30 tomorrow afternoon. I feel anxious about meeting her. The small child inside me fears being "put-down."

My new antidepressant/anti-anxiety medication isn't working. Either that or I'm stressed to a greater degree than I think I am. 

I just talked with the clinic. Sugar came through the surgery fine. I am, however, very sad: they told me that she was pregnant. I really didn't want to abort her kittens. I feel like crying. I am crying. And I can't stop crying. 

It's more than Sugar: tomorrow the woman is coming to inspect my apartment to see if she'll be the housekeeper. My anxiety is high, just as it has been with every caregiver VA has provided. I don't know if I want to go through with this.

I have decided to tell the potential housekeeper not to come tomorrow. The idea of being inspected and going through the anxiety and depression some of the past caregivers have caused me is more than I can tolerate. I'd rather try to survive on my own.

Day Fifty-six

Yesterday my kitty kids each received a flea/tick treatment  and thus avoided me until each wanted kitty treats. All animosity toward me is long gone.

I have spent most of today celebrating and sharing today as the International Day of Peace. Please follow the link to Nick's Bytes and join the observance.

Early this morning I posted Friday (Graphic) Funnies on Nick's Bytes. Drop by for a laugh!

This afternoon I spoke to a private (non-agency) house cleaner name Virginia who has been referred by the VA. She is coming on Monday afternoon to discuss services. I need to decide if I want to put myself through the emotional stress that some of the caregivers have caused or continuing doing all by myself. This weekend I'll compute the pros and cons and probably publish them here before Virginia arrives.

I downloaded this this afternoon. It's too neat not to be shared.

Perhaps I worked too much today. I'm satisfied with my accomplishments, but now my ankles are swelling (congestive heart failure) and my left leg and back ache (1970 tank injury). I hope to get a load of wash into the washer; first I'll raise my leg and best a bit.

Day Forty-nine

This is a short post:

I ask (and wish that you would ask, too): 

Why does the VA say "Thank you for serving" while at the same time screwing veterans?

Day Twenty-six

Today has been productive! Thus far, I have

Rearranged my living-room furniture, which give the cats and mu church more room to move around and much less chance of me tripping and falling. I was able to accomplish it because I finally got rid of the humongous couch that too up so much space.

Little Girl investigating a folded card-table sitting temporarily where the couch had been.

Sugar beneath a side table that had belonged to my now-closed church that is newly placed in the living-room. The LP & DVD on the floor had been on top of the table moments before.

Alex enjoying the sunshine, meditating on growing Pet Greens, and avoiding the antics of the 2 female cats.

I was able to replace the broken vase that held my walking sticks with a rack that I purchased almost a year ago but had no place to put because of the couch.

 The finally-used walking-stick rack

All of the above took place this afternoon. This morning I was on the telephone with the VA billing people attempting to keep them from confiscating $100 plus from my next Social Security check. This stuff isn't easy for me, as you'll note from the video below that records only my part of the conversation. The video begin after I spent 12 minutes on the phone trying to be connected with a human being rather than the computer robot with whom VA wanted to interact.

I hope that this video will be a demonstration of what we elderly, disabled folks must endure is order to survive in today's America.

Some final photos:

Alex discovered some catnip in a sealed jar and demanded that I give him a pinch of it.

Alex ten minutes after he ingested the nip.