I was down on Rosecrans and Midway, and there right in the middle of the sidewalk was this HUGE, jagged 3-inch ‘drop’ in the sidewalk. There was no way around it either.
So I stopped, surveyed the situation, how far back to a corner, etc. Then I went for it. After all, my chair is supposed to ‘do’ up to 3-inch obstacles.
Of course, I was immediately stuck. The chair would not go either forward or backward over the edge. To top it off, the curb was dangerously close.
A kind graying, middle-aged man came along. With just a little instruction, he was able to turn the wheelchair to ‘manual’ operation. Then, since I did not want him to hurt himself (my chair, without me in it weighs almost 300 pounds!), I insisted he get someone else to help. Soon another man came along, and between the two of them, they were able to get me out of the ‘dump’.
How embarrassing! This has NEVER happened to me before. And why can’t the city of San Diego, CA, keep its major sidewalks in repair?
Saturday, June 30, 2007
Wednesday, June 27, 2007
Lunch Date
Rosemary, a friend of many years came over for a late lunch today. As usual, she arrived with a bag of Fast Food, burgers and fries. We blissfully munched out while ‘catching up’ with what was going on with each other.
She is one of the few friends I have left. Most people, no matter how close you’ve been, just don’t tolerate continued illness, sooner or later, one way or another, they bow out.
Then there is the poverty factor. I cannot meet someone at Denny’s for brunch, or pay for a ticket to some event. Nor can I accept an invitation to a birthday, wedding, shower, as I do not have the $9 for disabled transit (it all goes for medical needs), let alone purchase a gift. People need you to carry your fair share of the relationship; they do not want to feel used, or depended upon. I can understand that.
My ‘friends’ are few and far between. Rosemary is one of the few, she has hung in there with me for years, bless her.
She is one of the few friends I have left. Most people, no matter how close you’ve been, just don’t tolerate continued illness, sooner or later, one way or another, they bow out.
Then there is the poverty factor. I cannot meet someone at Denny’s for brunch, or pay for a ticket to some event. Nor can I accept an invitation to a birthday, wedding, shower, as I do not have the $9 for disabled transit (it all goes for medical needs), let alone purchase a gift. People need you to carry your fair share of the relationship; they do not want to feel used, or depended upon. I can understand that.
My ‘friends’ are few and far between. Rosemary is one of the few, she has hung in there with me for years, bless her.
Monday, June 25, 2007
Classy Old Lady
While I was waiting for the Disabled transit to take me home from the neuro appointment a couple of days ago, I met a neat old woman.
She was sitting on one of the benches smoking a cigarette. She was appropriately dressed, medium length gray hair in place, a touch of make up.
I wheeled up to her, lit my own cigarette, and offered my now standard line, “Pretty soon we’re going to have to cross the Mexican Border to smoke a cigarette.”
She chuckled, and then went into her own soliloquy of smoking vs non-smoking experiences. I listened as she reiterated my own fav litanies; if smoking were so deadly, how would all these people still be alive or even born, as we ALL smoked up until the 1960’s, why are people so paranoid about second hand smoke when our air and water are so polluted, etc.
Then she came up with the quintessential line: “I’m 72, obviously I am not going to die young. They can take their paranoia, and go jump in a lake. I am old enough to do what I want.”
Wisdom, experience, and pith from the mouth of an elder!
She was sitting on one of the benches smoking a cigarette. She was appropriately dressed, medium length gray hair in place, a touch of make up.
I wheeled up to her, lit my own cigarette, and offered my now standard line, “Pretty soon we’re going to have to cross the Mexican Border to smoke a cigarette.”
She chuckled, and then went into her own soliloquy of smoking vs non-smoking experiences. I listened as she reiterated my own fav litanies; if smoking were so deadly, how would all these people still be alive or even born, as we ALL smoked up until the 1960’s, why are people so paranoid about second hand smoke when our air and water are so polluted, etc.
Then she came up with the quintessential line: “I’m 72, obviously I am not going to die young. They can take their paranoia, and go jump in a lake. I am old enough to do what I want.”
Wisdom, experience, and pith from the mouth of an elder!
Sunday, June 24, 2007
Handbag!
Today, out by the dumpster there were two large bags of women’s clothes. Looked like some pretty nice stuff, all small and medium sized. But right on top of one of the bags was a small, absolutely like new, tiny little, organizer handbag! Perfect for my diabetic supplies!
Wednesday, June 20, 2007
Crochet!
After at least a decade off, I have started Crocheting again! I remembered how soothing it is, and what a great stress reliever it is for me, which is exactly why I was thinking of picking up the hobby once again. Plus, I don’t usually smoke while actually crocheting.
I mentioned all of this to a friend, and she graciously ‘gifted’ me with a few skeins of 4-ply acrylic yarn! (I still had my hooks tucked away in my sewing box.)
About 10 or 12 years ago, I just stopped crocheting. I cannot really remember why; maybe I was just tired of it, or too busy, whatever. At any rate, after 2 – 3 years of NOT crocheting, I gave away four boxes of yarn to someone that wanted it. I could not see letting it languish in my closet, just going to waste.
So here I was, thinking of Crocheting again, and no yarn. Worse yet was finding out that the usual retailers (Target, K-Mart, etc), no longer carried or sold it! You are almost forced to patronize the expensive (and they are few and far between) craft stores, or purchase online (and pay the shipping costs).
Then my friend gave me a few skeins! And here I am, making and throwing away dozens of ‘test’ pieces, made with different size hooks, and in different stitches, to ‘get the hang’ of it again, and to find my ‘gauge’.
I have found a pattern for afghans, lap blankets, baby afghans, all made of rectangles (7 x 9 inches). This is right up my alley! It is easy to carry around, can be any colors, and can be as simple or as intricate as you want. The finished product has the look of a ‘quilt’. I want to make me one, and make others for friends. I am now working on my ‘first’ 7 x 9, and loving it.
Does anyone have any yarn they do not want?
I mentioned all of this to a friend, and she graciously ‘gifted’ me with a few skeins of 4-ply acrylic yarn! (I still had my hooks tucked away in my sewing box.)
About 10 or 12 years ago, I just stopped crocheting. I cannot really remember why; maybe I was just tired of it, or too busy, whatever. At any rate, after 2 – 3 years of NOT crocheting, I gave away four boxes of yarn to someone that wanted it. I could not see letting it languish in my closet, just going to waste.
So here I was, thinking of Crocheting again, and no yarn. Worse yet was finding out that the usual retailers (Target, K-Mart, etc), no longer carried or sold it! You are almost forced to patronize the expensive (and they are few and far between) craft stores, or purchase online (and pay the shipping costs).
Then my friend gave me a few skeins! And here I am, making and throwing away dozens of ‘test’ pieces, made with different size hooks, and in different stitches, to ‘get the hang’ of it again, and to find my ‘gauge’.
I have found a pattern for afghans, lap blankets, baby afghans, all made of rectangles (7 x 9 inches). This is right up my alley! It is easy to carry around, can be any colors, and can be as simple or as intricate as you want. The finished product has the look of a ‘quilt’. I want to make me one, and make others for friends. I am now working on my ‘first’ 7 x 9, and loving it.
Does anyone have any yarn they do not want?
Sunday, June 17, 2007
Cat Maintenance Day
On the 17th of each month, I grab a cat, making sure to note which one I have, so as not to do one twice and miss the other one.
I put the feline on a table; and first I give it a good (but gentle!) brushing. Then I clean out the ears with a large cotton ball dipped in Wesson Oil (prevents ear mites). I apply Advantage. Lastly, I give a treat!
When I first started this Cat Maintenance, just before I started taking The Sisters Outside, they were not happy kitties, even though I ‘sweet talked’ to them the entire time. Usually the one I did not have in custody, would slink off, and try to hide.
I have learned several things:
1) Make sure I am ready and have ALL equipment at hand
2) Do this BEFORE I let them out
3) No matter what, hold onto the nape of the neck of the Cat being maintained
4) Keep Talking
5) Work Fast
6) Have the ‘treat’ sitting within visual distance
Now, though we only do this once a month, they are getting more accepting of the whole process, and I am getting better, faster at getting the job done. (If I just had a third hand, I could trim their nails also!) Cat Maintenance Day IS getting easier and smoother.
I put the feline on a table; and first I give it a good (but gentle!) brushing. Then I clean out the ears with a large cotton ball dipped in Wesson Oil (prevents ear mites). I apply Advantage. Lastly, I give a treat!
When I first started this Cat Maintenance, just before I started taking The Sisters Outside, they were not happy kitties, even though I ‘sweet talked’ to them the entire time. Usually the one I did not have in custody, would slink off, and try to hide.
I have learned several things:
1) Make sure I am ready and have ALL equipment at hand
2) Do this BEFORE I let them out
3) No matter what, hold onto the nape of the neck of the Cat being maintained
4) Keep Talking
5) Work Fast
6) Have the ‘treat’ sitting within visual distance
Now, though we only do this once a month, they are getting more accepting of the whole process, and I am getting better, faster at getting the job done. (If I just had a third hand, I could trim their nails also!) Cat Maintenance Day IS getting easier and smoother.
Saturday, June 16, 2007
Sjogren’s Syndrome Flare
I was diagnosed with Sjogren’s Syndrome in 2001 by way of a salivary gland biopsy. Since then I have suffered the common and usual DRY; dry eyes, dry mouth, dry throat & nose, dry skin, dry lungs! All of which was treated symptomatically, including Lacriserts a year ago, and now Numoisyn Lozenges for saliva production (and they work better than anything else I have tried).
And of course, the fatigue and arthralgia. I do not know if Hereditary Hemochromatosis or Sjogren’s, or perhaps both (maybe that is why they are so bad) causes them.
So in past years, other than having the Lacriserts put in my eyes when needed, sucking on the Numoisyn, resting extra when needed, pacing my activities (the 50% rule!), and using a LOT of skin lotion, seeing the Rheumy once a year or so, I have pretty much ignored the diagnosis.
After all, I had bladder cancer, obesity, diabetes (and insulin pump!), hyperparathyroidism (interesting in that supposedly I have none!), hypothyroidism (because it has been removed), the 'new' RSD in my left leg, and poverty to deal with. You can see how Sjogren’s has slipped my mind.
At some time, I knew, that Sjogren’s could be a full blown systemic auto-immune disorder, but dismissed it, as the majority of folks only have the ‘DRY’ symptoms. I should not have done that!
On March 22, 2007, my Hematologist did a blood test for a bleeding disorder, as I very definitely have excess bleeding at times (as did my biological mother). A month later, I found that the test was extremely high, a result that happens with Sjogren’s (If you actually had that specific bleeding disorder, it would be very low, in fact, Sjogren’s can ‘mask’ it.). Therefore, I made an appointment with my Rheumatologist.
The Rheumatologist ordered a bunch of blood tests, and other stuff. Earlier this month I had a follow up appointment to get the results:
IGG - 11 (norm <6)
IGM = 8 (norm <6)
Complement C3 169 (norm 79 - 152)
C-Reactive Protein 1.2 (norm <.8)
Vit. D3 – LOW
No wonder I was feeling so poorly, but there was worse to come! I was given a prescription for Prednisone, told to increase my Vitamin D dose, and to come back for some repeat labs in three weeks. If the Prednisone helps, I will then be tried on Plaquenil.
It took me 4 days to get the prescription called in, ready, and to have a neighbor pick it up for me. So that by the time I started taking it last Monday morning, I had again spent most of the weekend in bed, wondering why I did not just die...
Today was my sixth day (of 15), of Prednisone, and it has helped. I am not back to my ‘normal’ but getting there. I have had the usual side effects: very jittery (which is much better today at only 10 mg.), a great increase in anxiety, some excess hunger the first few days (but now that seems to be gone also). What did surprise me; I had been warned that my blood sugars would go up and other than some post-meal spikes the first day or two that has not happened. My fasting blood sugars have gone DOWN. I will be interested to see what my Endo and Rheumy have to say about that...
The moral of this story? If you have an autoimmune disorder, do not ignore it! Had I visited my Rheumy regularly the past few years, I might not be so ill right again, now. And have to put my life on hold AGAIN...
And of course, the fatigue and arthralgia. I do not know if Hereditary Hemochromatosis or Sjogren’s, or perhaps both (maybe that is why they are so bad) causes them.
So in past years, other than having the Lacriserts put in my eyes when needed, sucking on the Numoisyn, resting extra when needed, pacing my activities (the 50% rule!), and using a LOT of skin lotion, seeing the Rheumy once a year or so, I have pretty much ignored the diagnosis.
After all, I had bladder cancer, obesity, diabetes (and insulin pump!), hyperparathyroidism (interesting in that supposedly I have none!), hypothyroidism (because it has been removed), the 'new' RSD in my left leg, and poverty to deal with. You can see how Sjogren’s has slipped my mind.
At some time, I knew, that Sjogren’s could be a full blown systemic auto-immune disorder, but dismissed it, as the majority of folks only have the ‘DRY’ symptoms. I should not have done that!
On March 22, 2007, my Hematologist did a blood test for a bleeding disorder, as I very definitely have excess bleeding at times (as did my biological mother). A month later, I found that the test was extremely high, a result that happens with Sjogren’s (If you actually had that specific bleeding disorder, it would be very low, in fact, Sjogren’s can ‘mask’ it.). Therefore, I made an appointment with my Rheumatologist.
The Rheumatologist ordered a bunch of blood tests, and other stuff. Earlier this month I had a follow up appointment to get the results:
IGG - 11 (norm <6)
IGM = 8 (norm <6)
Complement C3 169 (norm 79 - 152)
C-Reactive Protein 1.2 (norm <.8)
Vit. D3 – LOW
No wonder I was feeling so poorly, but there was worse to come! I was given a prescription for Prednisone, told to increase my Vitamin D dose, and to come back for some repeat labs in three weeks. If the Prednisone helps, I will then be tried on Plaquenil.
It took me 4 days to get the prescription called in, ready, and to have a neighbor pick it up for me. So that by the time I started taking it last Monday morning, I had again spent most of the weekend in bed, wondering why I did not just die...
Today was my sixth day (of 15), of Prednisone, and it has helped. I am not back to my ‘normal’ but getting there. I have had the usual side effects: very jittery (which is much better today at only 10 mg.), a great increase in anxiety, some excess hunger the first few days (but now that seems to be gone also). What did surprise me; I had been warned that my blood sugars would go up and other than some post-meal spikes the first day or two that has not happened. My fasting blood sugars have gone DOWN. I will be interested to see what my Endo and Rheumy have to say about that...
The moral of this story? If you have an autoimmune disorder, do not ignore it! Had I visited my Rheumy regularly the past few years, I might not be so ill right again, now. And have to put my life on hold AGAIN...
Saturday, June 09, 2007
Milk Crate
Today when I took out the trash, I found a perfectly good 'milk crate'! It was in better shape than the one I already have.
I dumped the trash out of it, and took it to my apartment, placing it on the porch. It was a perfect fit against the one I have. I plunked a very in need of care, 'Mother-in-Law' plant on top of it.
I didn't check any other dumpsters; I didn't feel well, and I had two black cats, The Sisters, with bell's a jingling, trotting along behind me all the way!
There was also an apple, and one stemmed wine glass which I left for some other 'diver'.
I dumped the trash out of it, and took it to my apartment, placing it on the porch. It was a perfect fit against the one I have. I plunked a very in need of care, 'Mother-in-Law' plant on top of it.
I didn't check any other dumpsters; I didn't feel well, and I had two black cats, The Sisters, with bell's a jingling, trotting along behind me all the way!
There was also an apple, and one stemmed wine glass which I left for some other 'diver'.
Friday, June 08, 2007
Paperback Novels
Today I found a whole shopping bag of 'newish' paperbacks, and in good condition! (Bet it has been 5 years since I bought a book, since I could afford to buy a book. Damn Republicans!)
I went through the bag, taking three that interested me. Left the rest for other dumpster diver readers!
This was a really fortuitous find, as I need some 'down time'.
I went through the bag, taking three that interested me. Left the rest for other dumpster diver readers!
This was a really fortuitous find, as I need some 'down time'.
Sjogren's Syndrome
Saw my Rheumatologist yesterday, and got the results from the blood work done about a month ago (it was sent to a ‘special’ lab).
Most of the values were high: IGG, IGM, Compliment 3, and C-Reactive Protein. (Of interest Sjogren’s A & B, still have not converted, though salivary biopsy was positive on 8.16.01.)
Jeeze, no wonder I feel so rotten. Many, many people have Sjogren’s Syndrome and never go beyond the ‘dry eyes, dry mouth, fatigue’ stage. Why am I always one of the ‘lucky ones’?
Up to now, I have only been treated for the 'symptoms' of Sjogren’s Syndrome: eye duct plugs, Ketoprophen cream for joint pain, and
Numoisyn lozenges for saliva production.
Now I guess I get to do cortisone for a month, and if that helps (repeat blood work in 3 weeks), on to Plaquenil. I only hope it helps, that the meds are not more problematic than the disease.
Though I have previously had two salivary stones, osteo in wrists and ankles, fatigue, and all the ‘dry’ stuff, guess I have fully joined the Sjogren’s club now...
Most of the values were high: IGG, IGM, Compliment 3, and C-Reactive Protein. (Of interest Sjogren’s A & B, still have not converted, though salivary biopsy was positive on 8.16.01.)
Jeeze, no wonder I feel so rotten. Many, many people have Sjogren’s Syndrome and never go beyond the ‘dry eyes, dry mouth, fatigue’ stage. Why am I always one of the ‘lucky ones’?
Up to now, I have only been treated for the 'symptoms' of Sjogren’s Syndrome: eye duct plugs, Ketoprophen cream for joint pain, and
Numoisyn lozenges for saliva production.
Now I guess I get to do cortisone for a month, and if that helps (repeat blood work in 3 weeks), on to Plaquenil. I only hope it helps, that the meds are not more problematic than the disease.
Though I have previously had two salivary stones, osteo in wrists and ankles, fatigue, and all the ‘dry’ stuff, guess I have fully joined the Sjogren’s club now...
Sunday, June 03, 2007
Third Anniversary!
Three years ago today, (when the above pic was taken) The Sisters, Lucy & Ethel arrived in my life. Such sick little babies! They soaked up love just as they did money and medicine in those early weeks. (Or months I should say!).
Though they are sisters, and fuss and cry if they cannot find each other, they have grown into ‘cat’ hood in completely different ways.
Lucy is the Alpha cat, and not a day goes by that she does not try to ‘reign me in’ in some form or manner in order to secure her position of ‘boss’. And every once in a while, I cater to this, as I don’t want her to suffer from low self-esteem! She is also, larger, heavier, has shorter hair, the klutz, and does not seem to see well. (Can you get kitty glasses?)
Ethel is the lackadaisical clown. She is agile, fast, and a gymnast! Still, she usually gives way to her sister, or me, in most matters.
After three years, we have settled into our habits and routines, Lucy sleeps ON me (once I am sound asleep), Ethel sleeps at my head. Lucy is a ‘night’ cat; Ethel is a morning cat. They only eat DRY cat food with a little gourmet type wet food on the side, and ONLY fish flavored anything. Neither of them will touch people food, though both are always curious as to what I am eating. And their favorite treat is Kitty Kaviar.
I am so fortunate that these two loving ‘fur people’ came into my life!
Though they are sisters, and fuss and cry if they cannot find each other, they have grown into ‘cat’ hood in completely different ways.
Lucy is the Alpha cat, and not a day goes by that she does not try to ‘reign me in’ in some form or manner in order to secure her position of ‘boss’. And every once in a while, I cater to this, as I don’t want her to suffer from low self-esteem! She is also, larger, heavier, has shorter hair, the klutz, and does not seem to see well. (Can you get kitty glasses?)
Ethel is the lackadaisical clown. She is agile, fast, and a gymnast! Still, she usually gives way to her sister, or me, in most matters.
After three years, we have settled into our habits and routines, Lucy sleeps ON me (once I am sound asleep), Ethel sleeps at my head. Lucy is a ‘night’ cat; Ethel is a morning cat. They only eat DRY cat food with a little gourmet type wet food on the side, and ONLY fish flavored anything. Neither of them will touch people food, though both are always curious as to what I am eating. And their favorite treat is Kitty Kaviar.
I am so fortunate that these two loving ‘fur people’ came into my life!
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