We have been on a few missions this week, trying to fight the good fight. We didn't make much headway, however.
The insurance story you already know. We visited his doctor at the Struther's clinic and she agreed to refer us to the Mayo clinic, but the insurance company turned us down one more time. We aren't finished, but we do need to find another tactic before proceeding.
The other issue is about our condo. Our windows are iced up and dripping with water. The builders say it is too much humidity - well, duh. They say we our causing too much humidity by taking a shower a day and cooking occasionally. The humidity problem has nothing to do with the construction of the condo.
I am taking the weekend to not think about any battles of any type. I have absolutely no interest in trying to figure out the next step at this moment. When I have re-energized , I will take up the fight once again. Right now, my brain needs a rest.
Until later,
Dennis and Ann
Saturday, January 31, 2009
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Insurance - Yuck
Yes, you should be hearing the results of our visit to the movement disorder neurologist at Mayo today.
But you will not here anything about new tests, or anything of that nature. Dennis' insurance decided that they would not cover the visit. They decided that he does not need to go out of network, since there are in-network doctors that are specialists, too.
I guess they don't know me very well. I will not give up without a fight.
So, I took the two days off, spent time on the phone and writing emails. Dennis made an emergency appointment with his neurologist here for tomorrow. We are also working through the research part of Mayo to help us out.
In the meantime, it is off to Rochester next Monday and Tuesday for that long put off radio active test. At least we will have a final decision on whether Dennis has Shy-Drager or not.
Until Later
Ann and Dennis
But you will not here anything about new tests, or anything of that nature. Dennis' insurance decided that they would not cover the visit. They decided that he does not need to go out of network, since there are in-network doctors that are specialists, too.
I guess they don't know me very well. I will not give up without a fight.
So, I took the two days off, spent time on the phone and writing emails. Dennis made an emergency appointment with his neurologist here for tomorrow. We are also working through the research part of Mayo to help us out.
In the meantime, it is off to Rochester next Monday and Tuesday for that long put off radio active test. At least we will have a final decision on whether Dennis has Shy-Drager or not.
Until Later
Ann and Dennis
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Friday Evening
Recently, I mentioned that we had found a new resource called Pathways. It offers free classes for people with debilitating illnesses and their care-givers. We signed up for a one-time class and attended it on Friday evening.
The written description of the 4 hour class sounded interesting. How do you keep your soul and heart healthy when your life is crumbling. At least that is how I interpreted the outline.
Okay, I believe almost anything and everything is possible. I know that we are living in fields of energy and some of us are receptive and open to different types of energy. I have never seen a ghost, but I know that some people believe they have. I believe that each of us finds what it is that we need to keep whole and happy. Finally, just to end this paragraph, I think each of us has our very own definition of whole and happy.
The course was not a course at all, but a circle of believers channeling their ancestors. Dennis and I were the only ones that were unaware of what the evening entailed. But both of said we wanted to try something different, and this definitly fit that bill.
The theory behind what is called "Constellations" is that we are all protected and our lives are affected by seven generations before us and we in turn protect and affect the lives of seven generations in front of us. We have healthy and unhealthy ancestors, and we can ask them to guide us and protect us. Again, this is my interpretation, and since I didn't get any of this from reading the course description, take it for what it is worth.
So here we were, sitting in this group of believers, two fairly open minded skeptics.
There were to be two constellations that evening, and we would all take part in both. We would either be the person to be healed, a receptor or a active audience participant. We were both okay with the last, but, unfortunately, we both ended up being receptors.
A receptor, by my definition, was playing a role assigned by the facilitator. I think, however, a receptor was actually suppose to channel the ancestor, and speak the words the ancestor wanted to speak.
No one ever spoke to me or Dennis, but they sure were speaking to some of the participants.
I won't bore you with the details, but a few highlights are worth repeating.
We had the woman from Belgium that played a healthy ancestor, and was suppose to be supporting the mother of the little girl who was being healed. She was a lousy healthy ancestor, wailing and crying loudly through the whole experience. I wouldn't have minded that so much, but the facilitator kept making us repeat the whole process every single time she broke down.
There was the woman who played the mother who just couldn't get her role correct. The facilitator asked her if she drank, and the woman said, "No." Aw, crap, we had to go through the whole think again until she finally admitted she drank. The woman couldn't pick up a cue for love or money. I think the only thing she really wanted was hugs and demanded them of everyone.
I guess the rest of the people were normal, they just believed and felt something that neither of us could.
Half way through the process, I pictured my dad standing up, yelling, with due distain, "Bullshit!" and stomping out. I guess one of my ancestors was there with me, after all.
The written description of the 4 hour class sounded interesting. How do you keep your soul and heart healthy when your life is crumbling. At least that is how I interpreted the outline.
Okay, I believe almost anything and everything is possible. I know that we are living in fields of energy and some of us are receptive and open to different types of energy. I have never seen a ghost, but I know that some people believe they have. I believe that each of us finds what it is that we need to keep whole and happy. Finally, just to end this paragraph, I think each of us has our very own definition of whole and happy.
The course was not a course at all, but a circle of believers channeling their ancestors. Dennis and I were the only ones that were unaware of what the evening entailed. But both of said we wanted to try something different, and this definitly fit that bill.
The theory behind what is called "Constellations" is that we are all protected and our lives are affected by seven generations before us and we in turn protect and affect the lives of seven generations in front of us. We have healthy and unhealthy ancestors, and we can ask them to guide us and protect us. Again, this is my interpretation, and since I didn't get any of this from reading the course description, take it for what it is worth.
So here we were, sitting in this group of believers, two fairly open minded skeptics.
There were to be two constellations that evening, and we would all take part in both. We would either be the person to be healed, a receptor or a active audience participant. We were both okay with the last, but, unfortunately, we both ended up being receptors.
A receptor, by my definition, was playing a role assigned by the facilitator. I think, however, a receptor was actually suppose to channel the ancestor, and speak the words the ancestor wanted to speak.
No one ever spoke to me or Dennis, but they sure were speaking to some of the participants.
I won't bore you with the details, but a few highlights are worth repeating.
We had the woman from Belgium that played a healthy ancestor, and was suppose to be supporting the mother of the little girl who was being healed. She was a lousy healthy ancestor, wailing and crying loudly through the whole experience. I wouldn't have minded that so much, but the facilitator kept making us repeat the whole process every single time she broke down.
There was the woman who played the mother who just couldn't get her role correct. The facilitator asked her if she drank, and the woman said, "No." Aw, crap, we had to go through the whole think again until she finally admitted she drank. The woman couldn't pick up a cue for love or money. I think the only thing she really wanted was hugs and demanded them of everyone.
I guess the rest of the people were normal, they just believed and felt something that neither of us could.
Half way through the process, I pictured my dad standing up, yelling, with due distain, "Bullshit!" and stomping out. I guess one of my ancestors was there with me, after all.
Saturday, January 24, 2009
What Are the Odds?
Friday was an interesting day. In fact, it was so interesting that I will write two different entries. Oh, wow! Your interest has really piqued, hasn't it?
I had an 8 am appointment with my doctor and Dennis had a 9 am appointment with the physical therapist at Courage Center. His Metro Mobility pickup was scheduled for 8:22 am. Raquel has been arriving around 7:35 am. I woke up a bit early to help Dennis get medicated and dressed so that he would be ready on time. It was a release day at work (teachers work, students do not attend), so if I was a bit late, it would not be a problem.
Everything was in order and should have gone smoothly. But, alas, life kicked in and gave a swift one in the butt.
Dennis' anti-constipation meds started working around midnight, and he had been up all night. He had been taking them for 2 days, so you never know when they will begin working. Except for the fact he had showered that afternoon, and the sheets had been changed, there was no other warning that Friday am would be the time for the crap to begin.
If you aren't reading between the lines, this all means that Dennis was a mess in the morning, he hadn't gotten much sleep (so natch, neither had I) and he needed extra time on the toilet and help with clean up.
All was well until 7:35. Raquel had not shown up. I called her. She was somewhere between here and there and driving. She does not have a license, if you remember. She said time wasn't an issue, since she could drive him to Courage Center. Only problem was, if he missed another Metro Ride (it's been a tough month), they have the option of kicking him out of the program. He needed to make that ride.
And I needed to make my own appointment. "I won't worry about what I have no control over." Repeat. Repeat. Repeat. I was going to the doctor and needed to keep my blood pressure down.
I made it to the clinic on time. The only thing was there were no lights on anywhere. The door was open, but there was no electricity. Which, in this day and age, means no lights, no computers, thus no doctor visits. If you can't find a patient on the computer, the patient does not exist. I couldn't even give the blood that I had fasted for and gave up my morning coffee so not to contaminate the results.
I left wondering, what are the odds? Well, actually, the odds that all of these events would happen are pretty good. Dennis is either constipated or pooping all of the time. Raquel is not dependable and flaky as all get out. Very few people can operate a business of any type, without electricity. So if one were to place a bet, one betting against all of this happening in one 2 hour period would most likely lose.
And that is how the day began.
I had an 8 am appointment with my doctor and Dennis had a 9 am appointment with the physical therapist at Courage Center. His Metro Mobility pickup was scheduled for 8:22 am. Raquel has been arriving around 7:35 am. I woke up a bit early to help Dennis get medicated and dressed so that he would be ready on time. It was a release day at work (teachers work, students do not attend), so if I was a bit late, it would not be a problem.
Everything was in order and should have gone smoothly. But, alas, life kicked in and gave a swift one in the butt.
Dennis' anti-constipation meds started working around midnight, and he had been up all night. He had been taking them for 2 days, so you never know when they will begin working. Except for the fact he had showered that afternoon, and the sheets had been changed, there was no other warning that Friday am would be the time for the crap to begin.
If you aren't reading between the lines, this all means that Dennis was a mess in the morning, he hadn't gotten much sleep (so natch, neither had I) and he needed extra time on the toilet and help with clean up.
All was well until 7:35. Raquel had not shown up. I called her. She was somewhere between here and there and driving. She does not have a license, if you remember. She said time wasn't an issue, since she could drive him to Courage Center. Only problem was, if he missed another Metro Ride (it's been a tough month), they have the option of kicking him out of the program. He needed to make that ride.
And I needed to make my own appointment. "I won't worry about what I have no control over." Repeat. Repeat. Repeat. I was going to the doctor and needed to keep my blood pressure down.
I made it to the clinic on time. The only thing was there were no lights on anywhere. The door was open, but there was no electricity. Which, in this day and age, means no lights, no computers, thus no doctor visits. If you can't find a patient on the computer, the patient does not exist. I couldn't even give the blood that I had fasted for and gave up my morning coffee so not to contaminate the results.
I left wondering, what are the odds? Well, actually, the odds that all of these events would happen are pretty good. Dennis is either constipated or pooping all of the time. Raquel is not dependable and flaky as all get out. Very few people can operate a business of any type, without electricity. So if one were to place a bet, one betting against all of this happening in one 2 hour period would most likely lose.
And that is how the day began.
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Obama, Our President
Since I work in a school, most of the people that I come in contact with during the day are hard-core democrats. Political talk is usually pretty one-sided and those few on the other end of the spectrum usually don't get involved in the conversation. So basically, I live my day life in a world where everyone pretty much agrees on who should be elected for any office.
I also teach in a poorer section of a metropolitan area, and most of our families are African American. We have a few other ethnicities represented, but for the most part, our students are black.
Yesterday, a school in North Minneapolis was the perfect place to be if you are a democrat. It was even a better place to be if you supported Obama. The mood was positive and energetic. At the same time, it was also peaceful and accepting.
Today, the full moon kicked in and life was back to normal. Well, I guess Obama can't fix the whole world in 24 hours. Drat.
I also teach in a poorer section of a metropolitan area, and most of our families are African American. We have a few other ethnicities represented, but for the most part, our students are black.
Yesterday, a school in North Minneapolis was the perfect place to be if you are a democrat. It was even a better place to be if you supported Obama. The mood was positive and energetic. At the same time, it was also peaceful and accepting.
Today, the full moon kicked in and life was back to normal. Well, I guess Obama can't fix the whole world in 24 hours. Drat.
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Another Accident
I received one of those dreaded phone calls at work today. Dennis had fallen.
He did not hurt himself this time, however. Somehow he broke a window in his room, but managed to walk away without a scratch. Raquel, though, was worried about him. He skipped his Courage Center visit and went back to bed for the day. She said he even wanted his lunch in bed.
So I came home, and made a call to his doctor. His nurse called me back and assured me that she would talk to the doctor today. It's bad enough that Dennis should have to deal with this disease, but he should not have to deal with depression in addition.
Oh, and the medicine for the radio-active test, did not arrive from Japan, so the test scheduled for this week will need to be rescheduled. We are hoping that the doctors are able to schedule next weeks tests and the cancelled tests for the same period of time. Wouldn't that be nice?
He did not hurt himself this time, however. Somehow he broke a window in his room, but managed to walk away without a scratch. Raquel, though, was worried about him. He skipped his Courage Center visit and went back to bed for the day. She said he even wanted his lunch in bed.
So I came home, and made a call to his doctor. His nurse called me back and assured me that she would talk to the doctor today. It's bad enough that Dennis should have to deal with this disease, but he should not have to deal with depression in addition.
Oh, and the medicine for the radio-active test, did not arrive from Japan, so the test scheduled for this week will need to be rescheduled. We are hoping that the doctors are able to schedule next weeks tests and the cancelled tests for the same period of time. Wouldn't that be nice?
Monday, January 19, 2009
Low Blood Pressure, Again
Dennis is exhausted. He is tired of fighting back. Thankfully, that is just how he is feeling at this moment in time.
His blood pressure is low, and has been for the last 24, or more, hours. It was an extra day off for me, and he really wanted to do stuff, but everything we did took so much time and effort.
He is laying in bed now, sucking up Hagen Daz ice cream and watching Oprah gush over herself.
He'll be better in a day or two. His blood pressure will be back to normal, we will be in Rochester, eating bad food and his doctors will have ruled out Shy-Drager, lifting that perpetual cloud over his head.
Until later,
Ann and Dennis
His blood pressure is low, and has been for the last 24, or more, hours. It was an extra day off for me, and he really wanted to do stuff, but everything we did took so much time and effort.
He is laying in bed now, sucking up Hagen Daz ice cream and watching Oprah gush over herself.
He'll be better in a day or two. His blood pressure will be back to normal, we will be in Rochester, eating bad food and his doctors will have ruled out Shy-Drager, lifting that perpetual cloud over his head.
Until later,
Ann and Dennis
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Sunday
Dennis and I drove to Eau Claire today to have Sunday lunch with my parents. We don't do it often enough, and we don't stay long when we do go, but we always have a nice visit.
Unfortunately, Dennis' blood pressure was low again today, and he almost passed out after lunch.
So a note to my mother and father.
M&D, this doesn't happen every day. Most days Dennis is fine and can go through the day without these type of issues. Don't spend time worrying about me, even though I know you do. I have chosen to be with Dennis, with or without this disease, whatever it is called. We are okay, and we are happy, and we laugh everyday.
Okay, this is cheesy and cheap, but it's honest. I don't want anyone to spend energy worrying about how life is going for me. I am sure that Dennis does not want you to worry, either.
Until later,
Ann and Dennis
ps: thanks for caring, though!
Unfortunately, Dennis' blood pressure was low again today, and he almost passed out after lunch.
So a note to my mother and father.
M&D, this doesn't happen every day. Most days Dennis is fine and can go through the day without these type of issues. Don't spend time worrying about me, even though I know you do. I have chosen to be with Dennis, with or without this disease, whatever it is called. We are okay, and we are happy, and we laugh everyday.
Okay, this is cheesy and cheap, but it's honest. I don't want anyone to spend energy worrying about how life is going for me. I am sure that Dennis does not want you to worry, either.
Until later,
Ann and Dennis
ps: thanks for caring, though!
Saturday, January 17, 2009
The Second Car
When Dennis and I returned from Spain 2 1/2 years ago, our lease was up on our Nissan. Dennis was beginning to have difficulty getting in and out of a car, but as long as a car was an automatic, he was able to drive. We found a perfect car for him - a Nissan Versa. It was small, yet roomy. The doors were large and the seat was low. He was able to get in and out of the car easily and it was an easy drive. We signed on for a three year lease.
We also had a Suzuki Vitara, 4 wheel drive, 5 speed that we had purchased two years earlier. We hadn't purchased a car in years, but it was a sweet deal at the time.
About six weeks after we signed the lease papers on the Nissan, Dennis smashed the car into a pole in a parking lot. He wasn't able to move his foot from the gas to the brake. No one was hurt, but I put my foot down about Dennis driving again. What if that pole had been a person? Understandably, Dennis was not happy, but he did stop driving.
So, now we had two cars with payments and insurance and only one driver. We kept up with all insurance for a while, but eventually it became quite apparent that Dennis would not be driving anytime soon. We decided to sell the Vitara.
Then, the economy began to crash. It is difficult enough to sell a used car in good times. It is even more difficult when that car is not a popular automobile and times are a bit tough. Gas prices were up along with unemployment and neither of us really knew how to sell a used car effectively.
All this is to say, we finally, after about 18 months of not being driven, sold the car. It's gone. The papers have been signed and the car was driven away by a happy mother of a seven year old.
Whew! Another problem off of the plate.
Until later,
Ann and Dennis
We also had a Suzuki Vitara, 4 wheel drive, 5 speed that we had purchased two years earlier. We hadn't purchased a car in years, but it was a sweet deal at the time.
About six weeks after we signed the lease papers on the Nissan, Dennis smashed the car into a pole in a parking lot. He wasn't able to move his foot from the gas to the brake. No one was hurt, but I put my foot down about Dennis driving again. What if that pole had been a person? Understandably, Dennis was not happy, but he did stop driving.
So, now we had two cars with payments and insurance and only one driver. We kept up with all insurance for a while, but eventually it became quite apparent that Dennis would not be driving anytime soon. We decided to sell the Vitara.
Then, the economy began to crash. It is difficult enough to sell a used car in good times. It is even more difficult when that car is not a popular automobile and times are a bit tough. Gas prices were up along with unemployment and neither of us really knew how to sell a used car effectively.
All this is to say, we finally, after about 18 months of not being driven, sold the car. It's gone. The papers have been signed and the car was driven away by a happy mother of a seven year old.
Whew! Another problem off of the plate.
Until later,
Ann and Dennis
Thursday, January 15, 2009
More Mayo News
Next week we return to the Mayo clinic for the next test. This is that test that involves radio active materials and the heart. It should take Shy-Drager off the list of possible diseases that is plaguing Dennis.
Yesterday we received a letter from the Mayo stating that he has yet another appointment at the Mayo, the week after the test. The first day of the appointment is the 27th. It seems to be open-ended from that point forward. It could be 2 days, it could be 10. The visit may require a stay in the hospital, but it also may not.
Dennis will be meeting, once again, with the hot-shot neurologists working in Rochester. Word in the movement disorder world is that they are the best in the US. Maybe the world. Personally, I am happy that they are researchers out to make a name for themselves, or keep the reputation that they all ready have. These doctors are puzzle solvers, and Dennis is a puzzle.
Until later,
Ann and Dennis
Yesterday we received a letter from the Mayo stating that he has yet another appointment at the Mayo, the week after the test. The first day of the appointment is the 27th. It seems to be open-ended from that point forward. It could be 2 days, it could be 10. The visit may require a stay in the hospital, but it also may not.
Dennis will be meeting, once again, with the hot-shot neurologists working in Rochester. Word in the movement disorder world is that they are the best in the US. Maybe the world. Personally, I am happy that they are researchers out to make a name for themselves, or keep the reputation that they all ready have. These doctors are puzzle solvers, and Dennis is a puzzle.
Until later,
Ann and Dennis
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
A Peek at Condo Life
Today is one of those days that I am exceedingly happy to be living in a condo. It is miserable cold outdoors, and I don't have to go outside to shovel.
That's all I want to say right now. I am contentedly sitting inside the house looking out at my neighbors shoveling and blowing snow.
And that is what I am happy for today.
Until later
Ann and Dennis
That's all I want to say right now. I am contentedly sitting inside the house looking out at my neighbors shoveling and blowing snow.
And that is what I am happy for today.
Until later
Ann and Dennis
Sunday, January 11, 2009
A Quiet Weekend
Oh, drat. Dennis says I whine too much on our blog. Today, dad said my entries finally sound more upbeat. I guess I have been having too much of a "feel sorry for myself" time, lately.
It was a really nice, albeit quiet, weekend. Saturday, Leticia cleaned and we ate breakfast out. And that about tells you how much we accomplished this weekend. Other that cooking two fabulous dinners, we had a laid back weekend.
Shiva, the darned cat, wouldn't let me sleep in, and that is my biggest complaint. She has this thing about crawling up on my chest in the morning and wanting some petting time. That is all well and good five days a week, but the girl just does not understand weekends.
I try rolling onto my side, but then she is walking up and down my legs, trying to find her balance. All this would be just fine, too, but she does not give up. When she wants her lovin', she wants it. So I get up, and feed her, and scratch her, and wish I was back in bed.
Okay, I am whining again. I am woman, hear me whine.
But, really, it was a good weekend. I am rested, Dennis is sleeping and I am well fed and smiling.
Until later,
Ann and Dennis
It was a really nice, albeit quiet, weekend. Saturday, Leticia cleaned and we ate breakfast out. And that about tells you how much we accomplished this weekend. Other that cooking two fabulous dinners, we had a laid back weekend.
Shiva, the darned cat, wouldn't let me sleep in, and that is my biggest complaint. She has this thing about crawling up on my chest in the morning and wanting some petting time. That is all well and good five days a week, but the girl just does not understand weekends.
I try rolling onto my side, but then she is walking up and down my legs, trying to find her balance. All this would be just fine, too, but she does not give up. When she wants her lovin', she wants it. So I get up, and feed her, and scratch her, and wish I was back in bed.
Okay, I am whining again. I am woman, hear me whine.
But, really, it was a good weekend. I am rested, Dennis is sleeping and I am well fed and smiling.
Until later,
Ann and Dennis
Friday, January 9, 2009
An Extra Day Off
The telephone rang this morning at 5 am. I knew it was Raquel. I also knew she would be calling in sick. I had been expecting this call and was happy that she called early so we could figure out how to handle the day.
The poor girl has been working two jobs since we went to London in late November. She has been run down and has a bad cold. I must admit that I wasn't adverse to having a three day weekend, either.
Dennis had an appointment at the Courage Center early this morning, so I wasn't able to sleep in, but I was able to miss a boring staff meeting. I also was able to have my first ride in a metro mobility van and see the physical therapy gym at the Courage Center.
After the appointment we decided that we might as well go to Bunny's for lunch. Bunny's is a local old people's restaurant during the day, and dance and drinking hall at night for the younger set. The first time we were in there, Dennis took one look around and said, "I believe I could be a player here!" The food is inexpensive and more than edible and the portions are big.
Then, as long as we were so close, and I had the day off and it wasn't the weekend, we went to Burlington Coat Factory and Micro Center. You may remember that Burlington is on my list of most hated shopping experiences. Add in the fact that Dennis could shop there for hours, it isn't a place that I am willing to take him to very often. But we agreed to a time limit and all in all, it was okay.
Now it's still an hour before I would be leaving work for the day, and here I am writing my Friday blog.
I suppose I should say thanks to Raquel on Monday for the three-day weekend, but I don't want to encourage her. Or, do I?
The poor girl has been working two jobs since we went to London in late November. She has been run down and has a bad cold. I must admit that I wasn't adverse to having a three day weekend, either.
Dennis had an appointment at the Courage Center early this morning, so I wasn't able to sleep in, but I was able to miss a boring staff meeting. I also was able to have my first ride in a metro mobility van and see the physical therapy gym at the Courage Center.
After the appointment we decided that we might as well go to Bunny's for lunch. Bunny's is a local old people's restaurant during the day, and dance and drinking hall at night for the younger set. The first time we were in there, Dennis took one look around and said, "I believe I could be a player here!" The food is inexpensive and more than edible and the portions are big.
Then, as long as we were so close, and I had the day off and it wasn't the weekend, we went to Burlington Coat Factory and Micro Center. You may remember that Burlington is on my list of most hated shopping experiences. Add in the fact that Dennis could shop there for hours, it isn't a place that I am willing to take him to very often. But we agreed to a time limit and all in all, it was okay.
Now it's still an hour before I would be leaving work for the day, and here I am writing my Friday blog.
I suppose I should say thanks to Raquel on Monday for the three-day weekend, but I don't want to encourage her. Or, do I?
Thursday, January 8, 2009
A Good Day
Both of us, Dennis and I, had a good day, today. It was the first thing we both mentioned when I came home from work. Now that is a great way to almost end a week.
Dennis and Raquel had a great workout today. Not being at home, I don't know what they did, but he was pretty happy about what he did.
I ran an extraordinary assembly at school today. I know it was great, because the curmudgeon at work said so, and the witch gave me a hug.
As if that wasn't enough, a friend of mine in Germany had just talked with Lola (one of our London friends) and told me that Lola enjoyed our company.
It's been a while and we both needed this - to come to the end of a day and feel pretty terrific about what our lives are all about.
Until later,
Ann and Dennis
Dennis and Raquel had a great workout today. Not being at home, I don't know what they did, but he was pretty happy about what he did.
I ran an extraordinary assembly at school today. I know it was great, because the curmudgeon at work said so, and the witch gave me a hug.
As if that wasn't enough, a friend of mine in Germany had just talked with Lola (one of our London friends) and told me that Lola enjoyed our company.
It's been a while and we both needed this - to come to the end of a day and feel pretty terrific about what our lives are all about.
Until later,
Ann and Dennis
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Pathways
We have found another resource to use while we live in this new life. Pathways, a non-profit organization, works with both people with debilitating diseases and their care-givers. They offer classes for both the physical and mental well-being of people.
It's good to know that there are resources for people in situations that are over-whelming. I just wish that places like this were easier to find. I happened to see this place while I was driving by one day. Later, I found it listed on the web. It was by matter of pure luck that I figured out what type of services they offered and to whom they offered their services.
I could say the same for Courage Center, who is now providing PT services to Dennis. My sister worked for an organization years ago, that had a distant relationship with the Courage Center. It is posible that I would never have heard of this organization if Jane had made a different career choice at that time.
Nothing should be this difficult.
Until later,
Ann and Dennis
It's good to know that there are resources for people in situations that are over-whelming. I just wish that places like this were easier to find. I happened to see this place while I was driving by one day. Later, I found it listed on the web. It was by matter of pure luck that I figured out what type of services they offered and to whom they offered their services.
I could say the same for Courage Center, who is now providing PT services to Dennis. My sister worked for an organization years ago, that had a distant relationship with the Courage Center. It is posible that I would never have heard of this organization if Jane had made a different career choice at that time.
Nothing should be this difficult.
Until later,
Ann and Dennis
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
Courage Center
No botox yesterday.
No, he did not chicken out. The doctor failed to show up for work yesterday. It's been rescheduled for next week, but it is such a disappointment for Dennis. He was really hopeful that this procedure would help him with one of his more troublesome symptoms. Sure, it's only one more week, but even a week of drooling is significant.
But, he did get his first Courage Center physical therapy appointment today.
He enjoyed it. It was mostly assessment today and will probably be mostly assessment on Friday, when he goes in for his second appointment. They know disabilities, and will give him a thorough assessment. I believe that this is a perfect match for Dennis.
And that makes me happy.
Until later,
Ann and Dennis
No, he did not chicken out. The doctor failed to show up for work yesterday. It's been rescheduled for next week, but it is such a disappointment for Dennis. He was really hopeful that this procedure would help him with one of his more troublesome symptoms. Sure, it's only one more week, but even a week of drooling is significant.
But, he did get his first Courage Center physical therapy appointment today.
He enjoyed it. It was mostly assessment today and will probably be mostly assessment on Friday, when he goes in for his second appointment. They know disabilities, and will give him a thorough assessment. I believe that this is a perfect match for Dennis.
And that makes me happy.
Until later,
Ann and Dennis
Sunday, January 4, 2009
Tomorrow
Tomorrow, it is back to work for me and botox for Dennis. Hmmmm. What's wrong with this picture?
Dennis is going to try botox for his drooling. I am not sure if it is suppose to cut down on the production of saliva, or cut back on the saliva leaving the mouth. In either case, it should make swallowing food easier. Hopefully, it will also help with his ability to speak.
As far as work is concerned, I am ready to return. I know that in a few weeks, I will wish that I was retired, once again, but today I am ready.
Until later,
Ann and Dennis
Dennis is going to try botox for his drooling. I am not sure if it is suppose to cut down on the production of saliva, or cut back on the saliva leaving the mouth. In either case, it should make swallowing food easier. Hopefully, it will also help with his ability to speak.
As far as work is concerned, I am ready to return. I know that in a few weeks, I will wish that I was retired, once again, but today I am ready.
Until later,
Ann and Dennis
Thursday, January 1, 2009
The Trance
A few days ago Dennis told me that sometimes he feels like he is in a trance like state. It's more than just being frozen for a few seconds; he almost appears to be unconscious, but awake.
We had just started to play a game of bowling with our Wii, when he asked for his pills. I put them in his mouth to speed the process along and gave him a can of coke with a bendy straw. He just stood there, not moving, staring at nothing. After a minute or two, I told him to swallow his pills. He didn't budge.
After quite a few more minutes, I finally lifted the coke up and put the straw in his mouth. He began to suck up the coke almost immediately.
Then he didn't seem to be able to stop drinking the pop. He kept on sucking and sucking until I was afraid he would begin to spit it out.
That was when he confessed that at times he feels like he is in a trance at times.
Nothing more to add, just this simple observation
Until later,
Ann and Dennis
We had just started to play a game of bowling with our Wii, when he asked for his pills. I put them in his mouth to speed the process along and gave him a can of coke with a bendy straw. He just stood there, not moving, staring at nothing. After a minute or two, I told him to swallow his pills. He didn't budge.
After quite a few more minutes, I finally lifted the coke up and put the straw in his mouth. He began to suck up the coke almost immediately.
Then he didn't seem to be able to stop drinking the pop. He kept on sucking and sucking until I was afraid he would begin to spit it out.
That was when he confessed that at times he feels like he is in a trance at times.
Nothing more to add, just this simple observation
Until later,
Ann and Dennis
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