Chronic Pain

Hello All You Grinders

It's Alreay MARCH, Can you believe it???

WE ARE NOT QUITE OUTA THE COLD SEASON YET, BUT LETS POSTA BUNCH, VISIT WITH GOOD FRIENDS AND PASS SUPPORT & LOVE ONTO ANYONE NEEDING IT.

If your already a member, just start where you left off. If your New, please jump right in, we are all happy you've decided to join us and Welcome you with Open, Understanding and Loving arms.

Have a Wonderful Month Grinders
Betty

Good Evening Family

How was everyone's day today?

Mine was fairly quiet, did a bit more packing up for Sis's house, so I can be all ready to go down tomorrow and all I have to do is pack my lappy, shower dress.
I've not decided how long I'm going to stay this time, I have to make up a few days, for being sick and I have to manage my days so that I can be done by the time we head to Whidbey Island WA on the 28th for Rods Marathon. Plus wrangle the days around Rod, Dad & Matt's state HS basketball tournament on the weekend of the 13,14,15. I need to be here for the dogs, cat and pb-piggie.

I'm feeling much better rested and actually looking forward to going to Sis's tomorrow. I'm normally barely over my exaustion from the past stay by the time I turn around and head back, but I've had 10 days away, minus a busy (but enjoyable weekend away in Seattle. It's always so nice to get away, but since my illness began, it's never restful, it's just as exhausting as if I tried to go to work or a full days worth of doctors apts. It actually makes me a bit sad, that the things I used to feel about vacations or weekends away, are no longer true. I used to feel rested and revivied after a busy vacation away, but now it leaves me just as much or often times, even more exhausted than I am to begin with. It can occaisionally put a damper on the whole fun of traveling, which I used to love so much to take all our nice trips that Rod is so great at planning for us. He's always been so great about planning a big family vacation once a year and then normally quarterly, he takes us away for a weekend. The boys really loved our trips and quality time together. And so did Rod & I.

I finally figured out how to use my thumb drive to transfer files between the lappy and the desk top, it would be too easy to hook the lappy up to the printer to print my stuff out. giggle

I worked on a few things around the house today. I would of liked to do more, but sweepin and vacumming a couple of rooms, my SSDI paperwork and bathed my two littles (Tater & Honey) to get them ready for Helens house too. I paced myself and rested in between. I did not want to get tired out or anything to disrupt my easily fatigued body.

Well, I will seeyou all tomorrow.
I hope today was a good day for you all.
Lotsa love & Hugs friends
Hope you all found the March DG, sorry it's so late, I did nt get my monthly reminder from my Adrian. boohoo

Good Night
Betty

hello my fellow grinders....

...things here are hanging by a thread....some good news and some of the same old sh******t, just on a different day. ended up in the e.r. last night. i got some really good news yesterday. I'VE BEEN APPROVED FOR THE PERM. NERVE CORD STIMULATOR ON WEDNESDAY, MARCH 11TH!!! WOOOOOWHOOOO!!!!

so, when i got home, i was feeling pretty frisky and happy and pretty much attacked my husband. well, then i walked a block to the chiropractor. came home. and cooked some dinner. i guess the combination of the three was more than my back could take. so at about 10:30 last night, i ended up in the e.r. it was slam packed and didn't get to see the doc until about 12:30am.

david had worked all day and then went to do some freelance work. he was exhuasted. i made him drop me off and go home and sleep. so the doc was a real ******* you know what. i told him the three things i had done that hurt me. he looked at me and real flippantly told me "well, just quit having sex then". i just looked at him and said.....ummmm....i'm 33 years old and have only been married for a year and a half. i don't think that's a viable option. i was sooooo flame'n mad!!! i was a woman alone, having to confess to a male doctor that she had had sex and that's what had caused the flare up. for him to turn around and say "quit having sex" was very, very inappropriate. it bordered on offensive. so needless to say, i made a phone call this morning and complained about it. i wasn't going to. but last night i asked to speak to the charge nurse. his name was lance. i explained what happened and he was appalled. he asked me if i wanted to take it further and originally i had said no, because every other experience had been good there. but lance encouraged me because he said that every time that doc is there he can never do his job because he's always putting out fires due to inappropriate behaviors and words from the doc. so i went ahead and did it.

so, i took today off and stayed home. feeling much better. sorry i went off on a tangent like that. sometimes though, doc's bedside manners leave alot to be desired.

i hope you all are doing well. please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers and please keep me in your prayers next wednesday, march 11th when i go in for my surger, ok?

thanks. i love you all very much
d

Hi my pain friends!

I’ve gone back to work, half time, beginning Monday. So I made it through my first week!! It is wonderful being back, but I come home every day after 4 hours of work and sleep for about 3 hours. So, it is very good that I went back half time and not full time. I’m working with kids in small groups and one on one, administering tests, helping with concepts, teaching everything from kindergarten letters and sounds to algebra. I love it! Next week is standardized testing so I will be working on helping kids who have accommodations and modifications to complete their tests. So, I’m being kept busy, which is good!

How is everybody? Happy March! Hopefully spring will come soon for those of us who have been shivering through our chilly winter days. Spring is like new life and new breath. I like it a lot! How about you all...

I heard a bit from my son. He is homesick and he is glad to be there. This week, he was anticipating them working his tail end off. So he will be super busy. No address for him yet; but I started a letter to him anyway and I’ll mail it as soon as I get his address.

Well, Betty, I hope you have a wonderful time with Helen. I know you treasure your time with her even though she can be a bit cantankerous. I’m glad you feel rested up and are ready to go back. I’m also glad your RFO procedure seems to be helping. Anything that provides relief is worth it in our shoes, huh? Love you and hope to catch you soon.

Danielle, I’m so glad you are getting your stimulator!! I think you will really love it! Like I said, it is not 100%, but the relief it provides is definitely worth it. You are a brave woman, my little sister. I just worry so much about you overdoing it. Please be careful. Let your body heal and adapt to the stimulator. If they give you the band, wear it faithfully to provide support and prevent infection. No bending, lifting, twisting, or raising arms above your head. (I know, I sound like I’m nagging; what’s a big sister for? Especially a big sister who has just gone through this!!) Also, be careful in your new job. I’m happy you have a new job, but remember it is surgery and you need to be judicious in your activities. I can’t believe that blasted doc!! Want me to go beat him up? I will!! With my cane!! Hee hee.... That would be a picture, wouldn’t it?

Well, I have to go...we are watching a movie. I want to pay attention to it so I don’t get lost...(Does that ever happen to you?)
You all are a great bunch... I hope to hear from each of you soon!

Good Evening DG Family

Today has gone pretty smooth and I'm actually very happy to back down here at Sis's house. When I came in, she held her arms out for a big hug and then said "Where's my little kids?) that's what she calls my two baby dogs. She said she missed us all very much.

It appeared that she & Debbie were doing fine and getting along well, so I was very thankful about that. She hugged Deb goodbye and I heard her tell her thank you and that she did a wonderful job, to go home and get some rest and she would see her later. I was really happy that they had such a peaceful enjoyable time together and were not on the edge of tearing each others eyes out, like normal. Maybe they both are coming to a happy medium with each other and that will be such a great blessing.

Danielle; I'm sorry you had such a cruddy night last night. That doctor was really wrong to act like he did and your suppposed to and encouraged to carry on normal marital relations, even with pain. Even us old farts who've been married for 26 yrs have to keep normal relations going in our marital lives. My docs ask me about it every time I see them. It appears to be a standard question to gage how we are doing or something like that.
I am although, tickeled pink that your going to get your permanent stimulator like Ellie and really think that it's a wonderful blessing that Ellie is here and has gone through it so recent that she can help you out with yours too.
I was not aware that you got a new job, I must of missed that along the way, but congratulations sweetie! I'm really happy for you. I pray that it' turns out well for you too.

Ellie; I'm so happy for you. You made it your fist week and you sound like your tired, but doing alright. Good for you honey girl!
I'm sure your fatigued, but I happen to find that fatigue after legitimate work days, is a good kind of fatigue. I bet the kids and your teacher friends are so very happy to have you back. I hope & pray that things can carry on for you, but don't feel bad if you still have to rearrange or make any necessary changes in your schedule. Your going to do great my dear.

I'm also really glad that it sounds like your boy is doing fine. I'm sure it's hard to have the military in control of your communication and I'm also certain he's really homesick and misses his family. What's really good about him missing you all so much. Is next time he's home, you'll see a really great change in your boy and notice glimpses of the young man he's turning into. He's going to make you very proud of him. It's hard to say good bye to the boy, but this is a new chapter in your lives and it's wonderful to watch as he turns into that man too. I'm sure you really miss him and your still stopping by his room to stand in the door way and look at the empty space. You may still be holding back tears each time you pause, but they are good tears mommy and as time goes on, it does get better. He's only gone to another state, he'll come home again and when you see him, your heart will fill with such joy. I promise sweetie.

Chuck; I'm waiting to hear about your trip. I don't remember when you said you'd be back, but I can't wait to hear how good of a time you had and for you to share your difficulties with Riding in the car. Boy I know how tough that can be. Seattle is about 260 miles from here and by the time I get done with that ride, I'm ready to scream in pain, so I know you'll be antsy to get out of the vehicle for a few days.
You may even be recovering from your trip tonight and I hope you don't have to pay too badly for doing something fun.
Take Care buddy

Deborah; I hope your resting and your injections went well today, with out too much excess pain tonight. My own pain has been up a bit today and I've actually had it cross my mind that I'm not sure my procedure is going to last, as I'm now feeling the pain return right in the last two days. It scares me a little, because this procedure seems to be the only thing they will consider to atually eleviate any portion of my pain, so I am worried about it.
I'm excited that you may be having one of the kids come home soon and pray that it works out for you. What a wonderful surprise and I want to hear all about it.

Well gang
I really miss all our other friends and hope they can stop by to visit soon. I don't know what I would do if I were Adrain and was cut off from my internet friends so abruptly like that. I feel really bad for her, but she's strong and I know she will make it on through and we will see her when she's able.

I've got to go dish up my dinner and eat. It's 9pm and I've not eaten yet. My tummy says "GRRRRRR I'M HUNGRY" So I better go tend to it.
Love & Hugs gang
Sleep tight and restful
C ya tomorow
Betty

Hi Dear Friends,
Happy March! Sorry for my skimpy posting recently.

I have had a long week, it seems. I didn't accomplish much but was busy doing it. lol

For sure, my son and his wife (David & Janet) and the kids (Gracie, 5 11/12 and Nicholas, 2 months) are coming to visit next Saturday to Friday. I can't wait to hold Nick for the fist time.......I hope I don't drop him and I can't wait to see Gracie. Grace is coming with her knitting (a ball of wool and one needle, lol) and wants me to teach her how to knit while she is here. I think I can teach her. I told her we have to do a little bit everyday...........we will see how that works out. giggle!!!

It has been an up and down week with Diana, my beautiful daughter who lives in Calgary. On Tuesday morning she sent me an email........all excited because she could take 2 weeks off work in April and wanted to spend it with me on a beach somewhere. I was stunned and excited. I haven't seen Diana for 2 3/4 years and I miss her like crazy. Diana and I could be 3 books to understand what is going on but the bottom line is even with long periods of absence we love each other very much.

Tuesday night, Dave told me about his trip to visit........so after having nothing to look forward to for at least 9 months, I have these 2 events, possibly.

Anyway, by Wednesday, Diana backed off from her trip with me because she is worried about her company going under and didn't think she spend money under these circumstance. So, of course I spent hours looking on the net for inexpensive trips for us to see if I could swing it myself........which is nuts but you only live once. I found and all inclusive, ocean view in Valedero Cuba for $818 each (taxes and insurance) but she was still resisting.

By Thursday night, Dave and Diana had been chatting and Diana was now thinking of coming home at the same time (if her boss agreed to the time off).

Diana called Thursday night (a rare event) and told me that if she got the time off could I use my points to get her here. Of course, it is late notice and point seats get blocked. Anyway, I said yes, if I could find seats.

So, Friday morning, my mother drives me to my appointment for my cortisone shots (both hips, bilaterally at L4/L5 nerve roots and my pesky shoulder too). I am to ice every hour, everywhere for 5 days and rest. I felt crummy after the freezing wore off so I stayed in bed until 4:00 (half hour sleep until Marco thought he heard a noise somewhere, ha ha). I changed locations to my zero gravity chair until 6:00, not looking at the computer all day.

Of course both Diana and Dave had been trying to reach me by chat.......they didn't call me. So I started with Diana (who was still at work because of the 2 hour time difference). Then my sister Sue called on the telephone, ready for a long chat. Meanwhile, Dave was trying to Skype me and Ellie and Betty both msn'd me when I came on line to see how the shots went. Bless them but I was so overwhelmed and unable to cope that I just went into the other room and talked to my sister for an hour......with ice packs.

By the time I came back, everyone but Diana had given up on me. Let's just say, I worked from 7 to 10 pm trying to work out an acceptable travel plan for Di. I gave up and went to bed early as I really wasn't feeling well by then and hadn't iced properly either. Sigh

So here I am on Saturday morning. I emailed Diana my aeroplan number and password and said try to choose it herself and let me know.

Now, I am looking around at all I have to do........bills, taxes, post on the grind, prep for visitors, food supplies, unload the dishes, trim Marco, laundry, clear up the papers everywhere (file) and of course ICE. So I am overwhelmed again. Hee he It doesn't take much these days to overwhelm me.

One thing that is good is that my back feels less painful this morning.

Dear Danielle, Please listen to all the advice by Ellie. She has been through it successfully. I too worry that you will overdo. I am so sorry for the jerk doctor in the Er. Hang in there, and yes I will pray for you on March 11th especially.

Dear Ellie/Gimpy, Gee, I dislike your handle. You are NOT GIMPY. lol. I am so proud of you for this week's accomplishment. You are back to work. That is so huge!!!! Keep having those afternoon naps and they will get shorter and shorter, I think, as you build your stamina. Love you lots. BRAVO!

Dear Betty, How long will you be at Helen’s this time? I hope it will not take as big a toll on you this time. I know you love her and love the work but I still worry about how hard it is on your body. Are you taking extra Vitamins? I hope we catch up soon. We just keep missing.....time zone problems mostly, I think. If I talk to any of you westerners at night, I sometimes don't get to bed until 1am or later. I have to try to improve that time to a bit earlier I think. Anyway, I do miss you.

Dear Adrian, I hope you will post soon to let us know how you are feeling and adjusting to your new digs and Arizona in general. I miss you so very much. Take care of yourself. Lots of love,

Dear Chuck, How are you doing buddy? I wish there was something more we could do to help you with your back/leg issue. Maybe the March weather will help you to get out more and lessen that gruesome pain. Take care Chuck

Mark, Peppi,Deborama and Raszli, I hope you guys are surviving ok. Silence always leaves me wondering if this is good or bad news. I hope it is good news, of course. Bless you and stay strong.

Hope all of you have a wonderful week-end.
Love,
DS Deb

Good Morning Gang

It's a rainy one here in the PNW. The news guy is calling for a storm front that's coming in from the coast, with very cold air and we are supposed to get snow later today or tonight. UGH!

The past several days have been bright and sunny, semi spring type weather and that gets everyone thinking about spring, then we turn around and a winter storm is on it's way.
I guess we can't get too excited for spring yet. hehe But it sure felt nice for a few days.

I slept on & off last night. Sis says she slept good, but she was still out here several times. At 4am, I heard her messin around with the coffee pot and I looked at the clock, rolled over and went back to sleep. I don't want to get her started in the habit of getting us up at 4am, then me workin my buttocks off around here all day while she naps in the chair all afternoon & evening. She goes through these strange spurts of sleeping all day, then wanting someone to get up and wait on her in the middle of the night or wee hours and Debbie & I talked about it and we just don't want her to get into a habit of this. While she naps in the am hours after breakfast, then in the afternoon and evening too. We are up and doing laundry, cleaning up stuff and making her somthing to eat, as she has a huge appetite and is like a growing kid, but she's just getting heavier & heavier.

Ran errands back at 2:30pm

Good Afternoon Friends

I went to run my errands, so I could get back here and relax the rest of the afternoon. Sis is still sleeping in her chair, but woke up enough to ask me what kind of soup I had for her to eat. LOL
She fell the other day in the utility room apparently and she's acting like she's just not feeling well. I walked over by her chair and looked at her leg, could see blood & serum on her Jamma bottems, so lifted her pant leg up and lowe & behold, she has two huge cuts on her shin & right below her knee. I said "Holy Cow" why didn't you mention these wounds to Deb or I? She said "Oh, I don't know???" Her pant legs are soaked in blood and I'm so embarassed, but she has dark pants on and I just did not see it, till I went and took a closer look. I sure wish she would not of fell again (for many reasons) but any time she gets the tiniest skin tear, it takes months & months to get it to heal up. We are still bandaging one near her ankle that she hurt in November or December. Her skin is just so thin and it tears if she just barely bumps something.

Well, I'm doing pretty well today, my pain is up slightly, but I need to go take my afternoon dose and then I'll be fine. I need to get sis some lunch and then I'll take a break to read or watch tv for a while. It won't be long and it will be time to put her supper in the oven and once I feed her, she's done for the day and can sleep in her chair or watch tv all she wants.

I'll be back later gang
Hugs
Betty

Late nite greetings gang,
We had a nice weather day here in southern
ky, temps in the 70's for a change. Heidi and
I got some porch time in.
My trip was pretty good, we got to hang out with
my son for a while and have lunch. The drive didn't both me much til the next day, my legs/hip was really sore today. I did get a short walk/shuffle in this evening.
So I thought I'd drop in and say goodnite.
Good nite all..
chuck

Stopped in to say Good Night Grinders

It's been a very long busy day here at Crooken Creek Ranch and I'm happy to be crawling into bed and not loosing an hour again tonight.

I'll see ya all tomorrow and hopefully can spned a bit more time on my puter tomorrow. We don't or should I say, we are not supposed to have any thing going on tomorrow, so I'm sure after todays busy day. Sis will tell me to take it easy.

Night Night Friends
I miss you all and hope to see more of you all tomorrow.
Hugs & Love
Betty

Good Monday Morning,
I did it. I had a couple in to watch a movie. The first since I have been on my own.

We only had order in chicken not my olden day good dinners but who cares. After being in bed pretty much all day Thursday, Friday and Saturday I didn't think I could do it but I didn't cancel on Saturday. I woke up yesterday and felt much better. I think the doctor got the good spots for my left hip, bilaterally at L4/5 but missed on my right hip and shoulder with the cortisone.........we will see as time passes this week.

Also, sweetie pie daughter Diana committed yesterday to using Mom's points to fly home on Monday the 16th to Monday the 23rd. I miss her so much and haven't seen her for so long I think my heart might break. I think the real draw is Grace (5 3/4)and Nicholas(2 months) who she has NEVER met! But who care why, right?

It will be great, a couple of days with the babies alone, then chaos, then a couple of days with Diana alone.........then a month to recover.

All of you have been on my mind and how we are all a little busier or something and posting less often but as long as you guys are feeling positive, I am glad.

Danielle, I am thinking about you and your Wednesday surgery. Please make sure you have the necessary support for after. Take care, and hang in there. I am so glad you didn't have to wait as long as Ellie for the stimulator.......my fingers and toes are crossed for you.

Love to all of you this Monday morning. Have a good one,
DS Deb

hello my dear friends....

.....thank you all for the outpooring of love and support. it means more than you can ever know.

so i'm finishing out my last few days at my old job. i had one h****ll of a morning as i had to go get blood work and urinanalys done, then take kojax to get his last shots and get his ***** you know what cut off poor thing. he's resting comfortably right now. i have about an hour to kill before i can go pick him up. he and mommy are having surgery all in the same week. but atleast i won't have to wear a cone to keep from licking my wounds.....i think.....lmbo (laughing my b*tt off -- instead of laughing my you know what off, hardy, har, har). as you can tell i am in rare form and somewhat delerious. tired, tired, tired.

anyways, then i left kojax off at the vets and went to orientation at the new job. left orientation and had to go to the hospital for my drug screen, tb test, and phsyical. all went well except the tb test. i couldnt' have ti done because i couldnt' come back on wednesday for them to read it. so i'll have to do that the first day i start at the new place.

so, in prep for surgery, i've de - haired myself.....hahahaha......am going to get my fake nails put back on and a pedicure. then tomorrow i will blow dry my hair straight so that i dont' have to worry about looking like a ubangy warrior afterwards. not pretty. hahaha. i know it's vane and all (sp?), but i hate that they're gonna see me naked, at least i can feel somewhat put together before hand.

thank you all for the prayers and support. i will have my h try to get on here and let you all know how i'm doing wednesday night. he may not be able to due to being tired or frustrated (as he will be worried and with my folks the whole day -- not a good combo.....)

again, thank you all. as the day gets closer i am starting to get really nervous. at first i was SOOOOO EXCITED. but now that that has worn off, i am more nervous than i thought possible. but it is in the Lord's hands now and i know he will fill me with his Grace and Love. i just have to be open to it.

all my love and prayers
d

Good Morning Dear Friends

It's a snowy, wet Monday morning, but Sis & I slept very well last night. I woke up at 9:30am. The house was silent, so I got up and let the pooches out, started coffee and when I let the doggies back in. Honey made a beeline back to Helens room, jumped up on the bed, wiggling and licking Sis's face. I could hear sis giggling and I knew what the poodle was doing.hehe It's really nice to wake sis with a smile on her face. She really loves these two little muts of mine and they really love her too.

We don't have anything going on today and boy are we glad about that. Yesterday was a lovely day, but a busy one.

Helen's cousin had her son bring her here to visit from Oregon. She lives about 60 miles away and wanted to come see Sis. So they arrived around 11:30am and Sis wanted me to have coffee/coffee cake, so I set them all up for the am. Then after noon and I ordered food to be delivered, set the table and got everyone dished up and taken care of for Lunch, Through out the long visiting afternoon, I was hostess, waitress, caregiver and house keeper or maid. But they all had such a nice time visiting and it really made me feel good to do it.

It was just a long day on my feet, but boy I'm thankful that I got such a good nights sleep last night. I fell asleep right around 11 and did not wake at all till 7:30am, then went back to sleep for a couple more hours till we got up.

My upper spinal pain has been my worst problem for the past several days. I iced it last night before I tried to sleep and that really helped alot. It's already ramping up this am, so after my bath, I'm going to ice it again to try and get the silly pain to come down and stop torturing me. It hurts to where my neck connects with my spine and when I turn my neck or move my head around, it sends these shocking stabbing pains down my spine.

Well, I better get dressed
I'm glad Chuck had a nice time and got to visit with his son.
Deb; How cool for you to have friends over for a movie and dinner. I'm really happy for you too darlin.
Hugs to all
Betty

Hi, friends!

I heard from my son in the Army! We got a short letter from him today in the mail. It just said he has been placed in a division and will find out his platoon number soon. He sent his address, yea!, and said he misses us. I know they are keeping him busy! Thanks, Chuck and Betty for your encouragement regarding him. Every encouraging word makes a big difference!

Well, they are keeping me busy at work, that is for sure. It is very wonderful to be back there, working with the kids, helping teachers, trying to be a positive influence in a place that has become an uncharacteristically negative environment over the past few months. It is interesting...when I left last spring, we had just gone through a tornado together and everyone was all upbeat with an attitude of “We are all in this together!” Seriously, it was an actual, real tornado that went right over our school. (Just ask Dockside Deb...I rambled all about it to her one day as she patiently listened!) Anyway, I’ve noticed a downturn in attitude over this school year, even not having been there very often until last week. It comes through, even in emails, and permeates the building. Now that I’m back, though, I’m going to permeate the building with a positive, joyful attitude and spirit and hope it catches on! That is my goal!! 

Danielle, I’m still thinking of you and praying for you for your stimulator implant! I know you are feeling nervous...but it will all be worth it! Worth the surgery and recovery and worth the time and pain. You can do it! Don’t you think the sensation of the stimulator feels a bit like a cat purring? It is great!

Betty, I’m so proud of you for helping your friend enjoy her company over. That is the heart of a true servant; in the most positive, Christ-like way. You weren’t in it for you; you were into it for her enjoyment and their comfort. You are truly amazing! I’m glad you had a day to recuperate after all of that! Hang in there and please don’t overdo too much! Love ya, sweets!

Dockside Deb, you are truly brave and I’m so proud of you, too! I’m so glad you didn’t cancel your plans with your friends. I think that now that you have done this successfully, your fear is diminished and you will be less nervous about having people over again for dinner and a movie! Ordering in chicken was a fantastic idea and allowed you to preserve your energy for your visiting time instead of bustling about and fretting over food not overcooking and stuff! Good for you! I’d love to hear more about your visit when you have time. Also, I am so very excited for you to have Diana coming when Dave and the family come! What a fun time that will be for all of you! It probably will take you a month to recover, but it will be worth it. Way to go, girl!

Chuck, how long were you in the service? How was your basic training? Was it truly horrendous? I’d love to hear more...if you feel comfortable sharing, that is. I hope your warm spell continues!

Ok, everyone I missed, I’ll have to catch you later. My son needs the internet for homework so I have to get this posted!!

Love you all!

Hi my dear friends. I have been lurking a bit, but also have been busy. My pain seems to be under control right now. My bluesy feeling has left me and I find myself smiling more and becoming more optimistic about things. It has been a hard go losing my brother in-law so suddenly. My husband and I went and spent a few nights with her last week to help and fill her days. She is quite lost. Poor girl. her son and daughter live in the same town as her (thank goodness) and she also has some very good friends that have been amazing. She will want for nothing. Her husband has left her very well off, so at least that is taken care of.
I finally have a surgery date, April the 14th. Not too far away. I am very excited. I am feeling very positive about it all, I am ready to move forward, go back to work and stimulate this brain again!

I haven't been able to sign into my messenger either. It keeps giving me an error message. I have spent alot of time following the instructions from the help site with no resolution. I have uninstalled and re-installed, blah blah blah!! My son told me tonight about ebuddy. I logged in and it seems to work so I will be giving that a shot.

It was my birthday last month. I received lots of nice gifts from friends, and we went out for dinner to a sushi restaurant with a couple. it was lots of fun, perfect. I wanted it to be quiet. We came home and made fancy coffees and played some dice games.

I find myself sleeping so much lately! I am adjusting to some med changes, but for the better. Right now my pain is about a 3.... which is so much better than it has been.

Betty thank-you for all of the little messages you sent on msn. You are so selfless and so kind. I am so sorry your pain has been so bothersome lately. I love hostessing things as well. It gives me alot of satisfaction. I hope you aren't too sore after your time at Helens.

Ellie.... a lot going on for you too! Your son going away to the army, and then going back to work! I am so glad that the stimulator is working for you! Life changing I would say.

DS Deb Lots happening for you too. Your posts sound so happy. I am so glad that your daughter is coming out. Playing bridge and having friends to dinner! Take care of yourself. I find even if the activities are tiring and bring about some extra pain they are so worth it.

Danielle lot for you too!! A new job and then a stimulator too! I am so sorry about your bad experience in ER. When I go back to work I know my practice will change as a result of what i have been through. Nobody desreves to be trated like you were. Good for you in following up with a complaint. Even though it is hard to do, it sounds as if this doc has had his share and he can't go on treating people in such a manner. Hugs girly, stay strong.

Chuck I am glad you had a good time on your trip. I hope that the pain settles for you.

Hey to all I have missed. I will be back again to chat soon.
Love deborama.

Good morning everybody,
So nice to hear from so many of you.

DebO, You have had such a tough time but it sounds like you may be turning the corner with surgery scheduled and your pain a little lower. Grief is so individual. Take all the time you need. So glad to hear from you.

Adrian, how are you?

Betty, our group leader, I am glad to hear that so far your time with Helen hasn't been as tough on your poor body. When are you scheduled to go back home?

Ellie, I am so glad you heard from Sam and have an address for him now. I am sure that has been weighing heavily in the background for you.

Danielle, this advice might be too late but I would check about getting the nails (fingers and toes) done before surgery. For all my surgeries, the first thing they did was take off the nail polish. Getting your hair sorted out will certainly help both your spirit and your maintenance for the first couple of days after. lol

Chuck, How nice to spend time with your son. I didn't know you had a son. Maybe you could tell us about him next time.

My back was so good yesterday morning and by night time was driving me nuts so we will see if it settles down. All in all, I can feel improvement from the cortisone shots. I don't understand why they wipe me out for a good 48 hours but they do.

Have a very nice Tuesday and as low pain as possible.
Cyber Hugs,
DS Deb