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?
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
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
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