I feel like one of those magazine makeovers gone horribly wrong. Instead of an All New You! I've ended up with an All New Flu! And let me tell you, even Cosmo couldn't sell this one.
BabyGirl came down with the lovely bug from the pit of Hell just under 2 weeks ago. She woke up on a Thursday with a low fever and an upset stomach. My knee jerk reaction was, "OMG! THE FLU!" but Husband, who is normally much calmer in certain situations, said to wait and see.
So I waited all night.....and I was right. It was flu. I loaded up the girls and took them to see our new NP who promptly put the entire family on Tamiflu. Well, at least she tried. The kids scripts were all fully covered (once I hunted down a pharmacy that actually had the medicine in stock- can I just say dragging a child so sick she's threatening to pass out all over town looking for medicine that while my boys are probably infecting family members 15 miles away and I've been on the run since 5:30 in the morning is not the way to spend an afternoon? I'm going to say it anyway) but Husband and I were going to cost over $200. I decided that was a bit much to spend on a preventative.
I was wrong.
It would have been so very worth it.
BabyGirl was up and going by Wednesday. I, on the other hand, have been in my bed since Tuesday night. Well, in my dreams I have been. In reality I spent about 2 days there then Husband went back to work, Bitsy came down with a 24 hour stomach bug, and I had to move my base of operations from the bed to the couch.
Things are not pretty around here.
We are on a slow decent into chaos.
Actually, it's not been that slow. It's been more like riding The American Eagle.
Husband will be here. He will make sure everyone is fed and dressed and out the door to school and life is golden, or as golden as it gets when your temperature is hovering around 101.3 and you feel like your spinal column is trying to escape from your back of it's own volition. We will happily climb to the highest heights watching the world spin away beneath us. Then something will happen. Someone will touch a sibling. Someone will get to play 7.3 seconds longer on the Wii than someone else. Someone will decide they need to sing while everyone else watches The Avengers and suddenly we've gone as high as we can go. A rapid, terrifying decent commences. There's screaming. There's crying. Hands fly up in the air. People bargain with God and a certain heavily medicated mother goes bat crap crazy on everyone in a 3 mile radius.
The CDC was right. Flu shots do save lives. The lives of FarmHands left alone with a mother too sick to deal with their normal shenanigans.
So get those flu shots people. Do it for the children.
And yes, as a matter of fact, I am suffering from a serious cold medicine hangover. Why do you ask?
Showing posts with label Doctors. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Doctors. Show all posts
January 26, 2013
October 9, 2012
So.....
Things got thoroughly checked yesterday. Can't say I remember much of it. There were people, and an IV, and I'm pretty sure a doctor showed up, but once they squeezed that happy juice into my arm I pretty much couldn't care less what else was going to happen.
Sunday night, on the other hand, was crappy. In the fullest sense of the word. All stinking night long. At one point I was wishing I hadn't thrown out the kids' old potty chair because I was pretty sure we'd need it on the 15 mile drive to the hospital. Turns out I was wrong. Not gonna' gripe about that one.
We were sitting in the prep room waiting for the nurse to come get me and take me into the procedure room when Husband said, "I didn't sleep good last night."
I said nothing.
"Someone kept waking me up."
Still nothing.
"I'm not gonna' say who.....I'm just saying."
Nada.
"And then I had to get up early."
Icy stare.
"And I have to work late tonight and won't get my nap."
Stare turns to glare.
"Just sayin'."
"Yeah, well they're getting ready to stick a camera up my butt so I really don't care if you ever sleep again."
Way to handle that with grace, FarmWife.
(Don't freak out on my dip stick of a husband. He was trying to be cute. And, truth be told, I did laugh.)
Not that I remember anything about yesterday past the nurse doping me up, but Husband said Doc was pleased with my tests. Everything looked good. He did take a few samples and we should get the results back by the end of this week.
In case you're wondering, Burger King breakfast is good even when you're unconscious.
Sunday night, on the other hand, was crappy. In the fullest sense of the word. All stinking night long. At one point I was wishing I hadn't thrown out the kids' old potty chair because I was pretty sure we'd need it on the 15 mile drive to the hospital. Turns out I was wrong. Not gonna' gripe about that one.
We were sitting in the prep room waiting for the nurse to come get me and take me into the procedure room when Husband said, "I didn't sleep good last night."
I said nothing.
"Someone kept waking me up."
Still nothing.
"I'm not gonna' say who.....I'm just saying."
Nada.
"And then I had to get up early."
Icy stare.
"And I have to work late tonight and won't get my nap."
Stare turns to glare.
"Just sayin'."
"Yeah, well they're getting ready to stick a camera up my butt so I really don't care if you ever sleep again."
Way to handle that with grace, FarmWife.
(Don't freak out on my dip stick of a husband. He was trying to be cute. And, truth be told, I did laugh.)
Not that I remember anything about yesterday past the nurse doping me up, but Husband said Doc was pleased with my tests. Everything looked good. He did take a few samples and we should get the results back by the end of this week.
In case you're wondering, Burger King breakfast is good even when you're unconscious.
October 5, 2012
To Explore Strange New Places (TMI)
I'm having strange places explored on Monday. Places no man has gone before.
Remember that lovely bout with colitis I had a few months back? The one that landed me in the hospital for 4 days? The one that ruined my all too brief weekend visit with Art? The one that made me miss my kids showing their Rabbits at 4-H fair & seeing them auction off their bunnies? Yeah, that one. Well, that bout has made my doctor decide he really needs to get a good look at the entire length of my large intestine.
When I was in the hospital Doc did a Flexible Sigmoidoscopy. That only took him about 1/4 of the way through my colon and the results were inconclusive. Nothing really showed him why I was writhing in pain and why my colon lit up like a Christmas tree on the CT scan. The most intense pain was located in my Ascending Colon and he's been itching to get in there and get a good look at it ever since. Unfortunately the Ascending Colon is well past the quarter point of the lower intestine.
Lucky me, Monday is the day he's picked to take peek at my innards.
It's not the colonoscopy that worries me. I'll be unconscious. And even if I'm not, one of the medications they give you has an amnesic effect meaning I won't remember anything even if I'm not entirely asleep. I'm so very OK with all of that.
What I've worked myself into a tizzy about is the day before prep. The idea of ingesting that much of any type of laxative in that amount of time is not something I look forward to....especially when Harvard Health says, "you’re going to be experiencing high-volume, high-velocity diarrhea."
So, any prayers would be appreciated not only for a good outcome of the test, but for an easy prep the day before.
Remember that lovely bout with colitis I had a few months back? The one that landed me in the hospital for 4 days? The one that ruined my all too brief weekend visit with Art? The one that made me miss my kids showing their Rabbits at 4-H fair & seeing them auction off their bunnies? Yeah, that one. Well, that bout has made my doctor decide he really needs to get a good look at the entire length of my large intestine.
When I was in the hospital Doc did a Flexible Sigmoidoscopy. That only took him about 1/4 of the way through my colon and the results were inconclusive. Nothing really showed him why I was writhing in pain and why my colon lit up like a Christmas tree on the CT scan. The most intense pain was located in my Ascending Colon and he's been itching to get in there and get a good look at it ever since. Unfortunately the Ascending Colon is well past the quarter point of the lower intestine.
Lucky me, Monday is the day he's picked to take peek at my innards.
It's not the colonoscopy that worries me. I'll be unconscious. And even if I'm not, one of the medications they give you has an amnesic effect meaning I won't remember anything even if I'm not entirely asleep. I'm so very OK with all of that.
What I've worked myself into a tizzy about is the day before prep. The idea of ingesting that much of any type of laxative in that amount of time is not something I look forward to....especially when Harvard Health says, "you’re going to be experiencing high-volume, high-velocity diarrhea."
So, any prayers would be appreciated not only for a good outcome of the test, but for an easy prep the day before.
July 27, 2012
Adventures in Colitis- Not for the Weak of Stomach
Many of you already know what has been happening on the Farm, but not the entire story....and then I'm sure there are those of you who have no clue what I'm talking about (assuming someone other than my cousin and best friend still read this).
It's been a tough week to say the very least. A week I pray I never have to relive. A week I really wish would be over & done with but unfortunately will have a few repercussions.
Monday afternoon Uncle Gick came to stay with the FarmHands while Busha took me into town to see Dr.R (the surgeon who took out my appendix). I fell asleep on and off all the way to his office. I was in more pain than I've been in since they made me get out of bed after my first c-section (on the 1-10 scale I was at a 10). When we walked into the waiting room, the receptionist asked if I'd gotten her voice mail. For the record, my voice mail message says, "I do not check this mail box. If you need to get in touch with me, keep calling." So, no, I hadn't.
She was trying to let me know that Dr.R wanted me to have blood work taken before I came into his office. Good news: the lab is 2 doors down from his office in the same building. Bad news: I have to walk half way around the building to get in the elevator, go back to the first floor, stand in line and register as a hospital patient to have the blood drawn in the first place. By the time I got back in his office, it was a full hour later and I was still in serious pain.
When the nurse came to get me, Busha and I started down the hall. A few steps in and I had to steady myself on a door frame because I was light headed. On the off chance that they would need a stool sample, I took one at home and brought it in with me (seriously unpleasant, I know, but after waking up to bloody diarrhea I thought it was a prudent step to take). I also wrote down everything that had taken place since my symptoms first began because I knew in my state of mind I would forget quite a few key points like days of the week. Dr.R looked over everything (including my sample), did a serious examination of my abdomen and torso and told me he was admitting me to the hospital. He was not a happy man.
I was seriously dehydrated. He ordered IV fluids in massive amounts and a CT scan once I'd had a full bag of fluid. Busha took me to the hospital and the real fun began. I look like I've been on a heroin bender if you go by all the track marks on my my arms. When you're dehydrated it's not easy to hit a vein and keep it from blowing out especially when you need a bigger needle to put CT contrast through. 2 nurses and 4 needle sticks later, they called in the anesthesiologist nurse to get my IV going.
Eventually a dose of Toradol and a bolus of fluid made me comfortable enough to stretch out so I could lay down for the CT. My second CT in 2 months, mind you. After I was settled and a bit more comfortable, Busha went home. Dr.R came in just after 9 to tell me I didn't have any bowl obstruction but that my entire colon lit up like a light bulb.
Sleeping in the hospital wouldn't have been bad if it hadn't been for the 800 times a night they had to come check and see if I was still alive. Toradol every 6 hours wasn't bad either. More samples were collected, more labs done, more blood drawn.
The next morning Dr.H came in to see why I was back in the hospital. I told him I had decided to spend my summer there. "If I had 37 kids, I'd spend my summer here, too!" he said. I love my doctors. He took me off all food or drink by mouth and went off to investigate what was going on with me. Dr.R said he thought Dr.H was trying to starve me to death when he discovered the NPO order a few hours later. I told him they'd have to duke it out amongst themselves. I didn't care so long as no one took my pain meds away.
I'm not sure when it happened, but eventually words like inflammation, ulcerative colitis, crohns, colonoscopy, and flexible sigmoidoscopy started getting tossed around.
Wednesday morning rolled around and Dr.R scheduled me for what is affectionately known as a flex sig (see above paragraph). He didn't want to go in for a full colonoscopy because there was a massive amount of inflammation and he didn't want to risk perforating my colon. Personally, I'd like to keep my colon un-perforated as well. That involved being put under conscious sedation (that is a bit of a misnomer). I don't remember anything before they moved me from the gurney back into my bed in my room. Ulcerative Colitis was his initial suspicion.
Wednesday they finally decided I could be put on a clear liquid diet. By that time I hadn't ingested anything since the glass of lemonade I nursed all Monday morning. Chicken broth has never tasted so good. Do you have any clue how many food commercials are on television each hour? At least 85,000.
After breakfast (my third meal of chick broth, orange jell-o, apple juice, and a Popsicle in a row) on Thursday, Dr.R came back and said all my tests had come back negative and I was feeling leaps and bounds better so he thought I should eat & possibly go home.
My pathology reports from the flex sig are negative. All my cultures, samples, blood work, and other various tests are clean. Right now it's a guessing game. Dr.R has me on medication for Ulcerative Colitis until I see him again Friday, August 3rd. He said there will eventually be a full blown colonoscopy but he wants to wait until he's sure my colon has healed from this flare up.
I'm praying this was caused by some kind of infection/bacteria that isn't going to be an on going battle (U.C. is a chronic condition and not something I'd wish on my worst enemy). Things are beginning to return to normal. QM is here taking care of all of us. I'm resting as much as I can.
Maybe next time I'll tell you about my rather entertaining neighbor from the hospital.
It's been a tough week to say the very least. A week I pray I never have to relive. A week I really wish would be over & done with but unfortunately will have a few repercussions.
Monday afternoon Uncle Gick came to stay with the FarmHands while Busha took me into town to see Dr.R (the surgeon who took out my appendix). I fell asleep on and off all the way to his office. I was in more pain than I've been in since they made me get out of bed after my first c-section (on the 1-10 scale I was at a 10). When we walked into the waiting room, the receptionist asked if I'd gotten her voice mail. For the record, my voice mail message says, "I do not check this mail box. If you need to get in touch with me, keep calling." So, no, I hadn't.
She was trying to let me know that Dr.R wanted me to have blood work taken before I came into his office. Good news: the lab is 2 doors down from his office in the same building. Bad news: I have to walk half way around the building to get in the elevator, go back to the first floor, stand in line and register as a hospital patient to have the blood drawn in the first place. By the time I got back in his office, it was a full hour later and I was still in serious pain.
When the nurse came to get me, Busha and I started down the hall. A few steps in and I had to steady myself on a door frame because I was light headed. On the off chance that they would need a stool sample, I took one at home and brought it in with me (seriously unpleasant, I know, but after waking up to bloody diarrhea I thought it was a prudent step to take). I also wrote down everything that had taken place since my symptoms first began because I knew in my state of mind I would forget quite a few key points like days of the week. Dr.R looked over everything (including my sample), did a serious examination of my abdomen and torso and told me he was admitting me to the hospital. He was not a happy man.
I was seriously dehydrated. He ordered IV fluids in massive amounts and a CT scan once I'd had a full bag of fluid. Busha took me to the hospital and the real fun began. I look like I've been on a heroin bender if you go by all the track marks on my my arms. When you're dehydrated it's not easy to hit a vein and keep it from blowing out especially when you need a bigger needle to put CT contrast through. 2 nurses and 4 needle sticks later, they called in the anesthesiologist nurse to get my IV going.
Eventually a dose of Toradol and a bolus of fluid made me comfortable enough to stretch out so I could lay down for the CT. My second CT in 2 months, mind you. After I was settled and a bit more comfortable, Busha went home. Dr.R came in just after 9 to tell me I didn't have any bowl obstruction but that my entire colon lit up like a light bulb.
Sleeping in the hospital wouldn't have been bad if it hadn't been for the 800 times a night they had to come check and see if I was still alive. Toradol every 6 hours wasn't bad either. More samples were collected, more labs done, more blood drawn.
The next morning Dr.H came in to see why I was back in the hospital. I told him I had decided to spend my summer there. "If I had 37 kids, I'd spend my summer here, too!" he said. I love my doctors. He took me off all food or drink by mouth and went off to investigate what was going on with me. Dr.R said he thought Dr.H was trying to starve me to death when he discovered the NPO order a few hours later. I told him they'd have to duke it out amongst themselves. I didn't care so long as no one took my pain meds away.
I'm not sure when it happened, but eventually words like inflammation, ulcerative colitis, crohns, colonoscopy, and flexible sigmoidoscopy started getting tossed around.
Wednesday morning rolled around and Dr.R scheduled me for what is affectionately known as a flex sig (see above paragraph). He didn't want to go in for a full colonoscopy because there was a massive amount of inflammation and he didn't want to risk perforating my colon. Personally, I'd like to keep my colon un-perforated as well. That involved being put under conscious sedation (that is a bit of a misnomer). I don't remember anything before they moved me from the gurney back into my bed in my room. Ulcerative Colitis was his initial suspicion.
Wednesday they finally decided I could be put on a clear liquid diet. By that time I hadn't ingested anything since the glass of lemonade I nursed all Monday morning. Chicken broth has never tasted so good. Do you have any clue how many food commercials are on television each hour? At least 85,000.
After breakfast (my third meal of chick broth, orange jell-o, apple juice, and a Popsicle in a row) on Thursday, Dr.R came back and said all my tests had come back negative and I was feeling leaps and bounds better so he thought I should eat & possibly go home.
My pathology reports from the flex sig are negative. All my cultures, samples, blood work, and other various tests are clean. Right now it's a guessing game. Dr.R has me on medication for Ulcerative Colitis until I see him again Friday, August 3rd. He said there will eventually be a full blown colonoscopy but he wants to wait until he's sure my colon has healed from this flare up.
I'm praying this was caused by some kind of infection/bacteria that isn't going to be an on going battle (U.C. is a chronic condition and not something I'd wish on my worst enemy). Things are beginning to return to normal. QM is here taking care of all of us. I'm resting as much as I can.
Maybe next time I'll tell you about my rather entertaining neighbor from the hospital.
July 23, 2012
The weekend of Art (and TMI)
Art came to see me this weekend. At first the trip was to be a surprise, but she gave up on that idea very early on in the game.
I was so excited to have her coming...and then Thursday hit. I ended up sick. Without going into gory details, I was having stomach issues. I figured it was no big deal. She wouldn't be here until Friday night & I'd be all better by then.
Well, I wasn't. Friday afternoon rolled around & I opted to take an Imodium AD thinking it would take care of the problem & I'd be good to go for the weekend. It took care of one problem, but seemed to lead to a whole mess of other issues.
I was in pain. A lot of pain. Like pre-appendectomy pain. Saturday, Art convinced me that I needed to go to the doctor. Unfortunately we made it to town a little late & ended up in the ER instead of the walk-in clinic.
3 hours later they sent me home saying there was no infection so my pain was probably related to my surgery (that happened a month and a half ago....that hasn't caused me pain of any kind in weeks). They gave me a shot of Torodol that wore off before we ever left the hospital.
Saturday was spent laying on the couch- hurting.
Sunday was spent laying on the couch - hurting. Sunday morning, when I found myself unable to pee, I called the hospital and made them page my surgeon. He was off on vacation and had a house full of people. But he told me he wanted me on clear liquids for the rest of the day (by this time the only thing I'd eaten in nearly 24 hours was 1/2 an order of McDonalds fries on Saturday afternoon- yes, the pinnacle of heath, but it was the only thing that sounded remotely appetizing and I was starved). He said it sounded like I either had a stomach bug and had blocked everything off taking the Imodium or I have scar tissue adhesion from my surgery that has caused a bowl blockage. Either way, he said the best way to go was clear liquids and wait to see if things being working on their own. If I was still in pain, he wanted to see me in his office this afternoon.
They're going to work me in at 3.
The QM says that when I get better I owe Art a visit in Tennessee to make up for the failed visit here. I think that's a splendid idea....or I would if I thought anything was splendid right now. It's hard to see the bright side when your stomach hurts like that chick who had an alien pop out of hers. I'm so glad Art was here. I only wish things could have been, "Way funner," to quote Elle Woods.
I was so excited to have her coming...and then Thursday hit. I ended up sick. Without going into gory details, I was having stomach issues. I figured it was no big deal. She wouldn't be here until Friday night & I'd be all better by then.
Well, I wasn't. Friday afternoon rolled around & I opted to take an Imodium AD thinking it would take care of the problem & I'd be good to go for the weekend. It took care of one problem, but seemed to lead to a whole mess of other issues.
I was in pain. A lot of pain. Like pre-appendectomy pain. Saturday, Art convinced me that I needed to go to the doctor. Unfortunately we made it to town a little late & ended up in the ER instead of the walk-in clinic.
3 hours later they sent me home saying there was no infection so my pain was probably related to my surgery (that happened a month and a half ago....that hasn't caused me pain of any kind in weeks). They gave me a shot of Torodol that wore off before we ever left the hospital.
Saturday was spent laying on the couch- hurting.
Sunday was spent laying on the couch - hurting. Sunday morning, when I found myself unable to pee, I called the hospital and made them page my surgeon. He was off on vacation and had a house full of people. But he told me he wanted me on clear liquids for the rest of the day (by this time the only thing I'd eaten in nearly 24 hours was 1/2 an order of McDonalds fries on Saturday afternoon- yes, the pinnacle of heath, but it was the only thing that sounded remotely appetizing and I was starved). He said it sounded like I either had a stomach bug and had blocked everything off taking the Imodium or I have scar tissue adhesion from my surgery that has caused a bowl blockage. Either way, he said the best way to go was clear liquids and wait to see if things being working on their own. If I was still in pain, he wanted to see me in his office this afternoon.
They're going to work me in at 3.
The QM says that when I get better I owe Art a visit in Tennessee to make up for the failed visit here. I think that's a splendid idea....or I would if I thought anything was splendid right now. It's hard to see the bright side when your stomach hurts like that chick who had an alien pop out of hers. I'm so glad Art was here. I only wish things could have been, "Way funner," to quote Elle Woods.
June 8, 2012
Proving once more that I am a mean mother.
Husband and the kids spent hours this week getting the grass pulled out of the sand patch, the tarp laid just so, the pool assembled and finally filled. The filling takes most of 2 days and all of one night....and a really long hose. I was recuperating indoors so I wasn't available to help.
Now I realize I also won't be able to enjoy the pool.
Yesterday I went to see the surgeon to have my stitches removed and my one week out check-up. After swapping stitches for steri-strips, he told me he doesn't want me bending over or lifting anything over 20 pounds until I see him again in three weeks. Much to Bitsy's chagrin, the steri-strips and scab are keeping me land locked for the time being. I need to stay out of the water until my incision is completely healed. She has spent most of the day trying to convince me I can just lounge in my papasan in the pool. "It's not swimming, Mommy. It'll be OK."
Unfortunately, Mom's unplanned abdominal opening also means the highly anticipated trip to Holiday World has been put on indefinite hold. I can hardly make it through a trip to the grocery right now. A full day spent walking around an amusement park and hurtling down water slides is entirely too much for me to imagine let alone attempt.
As we were on the way home from town today, Husband and I were discussing New Harmony, IN, where we spent our very brief honeymoon. I said I would love to take the FarmHands there sometime to go on one of their walking tours. Under his breath, Husband mumbled, "You'll have to speed up a bit first."
I said, "Are you making fun of my shuffle?"
"No. I'd be happy with a normal pace." Can't say I blame him after having to follow me through the grocery while I moved like an octogenarian. "So would I, dear."
Now if we could just convince the FarmHands that I'm not faking just to ruin their summertime plans.
January 2, 2012
On the First Day of Christmas....
Instead of song birds in fruit bearing trees, young women milking bovine, European royalty jumping around like grasshoppers, and a troupe of piccolo players, I got sick kids. And to make things super fun, they didn't all get sick at once. The spread it out over the first week of their Christmas break. #1 Son got started a day early missing the last day of school when he vomited All. Over. My. Bathroom. But I already told you about that.
BabyGirl picked it up the first day of their vacation with a sore throat & vomiting. Since Doc was about to leave the office for days on end, he gave us a script without the strep culture just to be on the safe side & save me a trip to the ER over the holidays. Too bad we still had to go...but that's for later in the post.
B.B. puked Christmas Eve morning & again Christmas morning preventing us from going to church on Christmas day. He complained of a sore throat on & off for 24 hours. By the time the weekend was over, I had worn 3 pairs of pajamas & no "real" clothing. What's the point of dressing when you're laying around for hours on end, watching House Hunters on an endless loop of HGTV, and living off Chex Mix and Poor Man's Toffee?
Bitsy rounded us out by running a fever & having a sore throat Monday & Tuesday keeping the two of us housebound while everyone else went to Little BIL & Aunt Cher's for lunch. By Wednesday, everyone was finally feeling better just in time for rain & rain & more rain.
Thursday the roofers showed up. Two high strung dogs plus half a dozen Mennonite men on the roof plus four nosy kids equals entirely too much going on for one FarmWife to deal with. So I kenneled up the dogs who were trying their hardest to coax the men off the roof so they could be summarily eaten, plopped the FarmHands down in front of the television, and proceeded to undress my Christmas tree.
By Friday, we were officially de-Christmased, it was warm enough to throw the FarmHands outside, & Bitsy had a WIC appointment, so the monotony was finally broken. The roof was finished that afternoon much to the dogs' delight.
On Saturday everyone came by to see our new lid. MIL & SIL came first followed by Uncle E, J, & Beffie. Uncle E gave Husband some drywall tips before he got started on the bathroom ceiling (I lost my skylight in getting my new roof....I am still in mourning, but fully understand the need for it's departure). Then Busha & Bucka came by very proud of Husband for, "Finally putting a roof over our Granddaughter's head." Little BIL & Aunt Cher stopped by on their way out to lunch with MIL & FIL. Everyone seems to like the new change.
Saturday afternoon Husband was putting the flashing up behind the gutters when he came in the house. "Um, come look at this, FarmWife. Do you think I need stitches?" His had slipped while sliding flashing into place & he cut his hand on the new roof. He had a 2 inch gash on his right hand across the knuckle at the base of his middle finger. One frantic hunt for a sitter, and a quick trip to the ER & he is now the proud owner of his first ever stitches. Four in total that earned him a hand full of stickers from the ER nurse & large strawberry milkshake from me. He was very brave.
Tomorrow our "normal" life resumes. I'm ready for it. Today I've battled allergies and a massive headache along with children in serious need of more structure than I'm willing to give. Husband's feeling lousy as well & I'm hoping it's just a bug & not infection in his hand. I'm keeping a close eye on it & him & if things are the same in the morning, Doc will be getting a New Year's visit from the FarmFamily Patriarch.
Happy stinking New Year.
Oh, and incidentally, I've finally joined the movement that is Pinterest. You can find me here if you like. Let me know if you pin. I'm just getting started & haven't quite got the hang of it. I'd love some ideas & input.
BabyGirl picked it up the first day of their vacation with a sore throat & vomiting. Since Doc was about to leave the office for days on end, he gave us a script without the strep culture just to be on the safe side & save me a trip to the ER over the holidays. Too bad we still had to go...but that's for later in the post.
B.B. puked Christmas Eve morning & again Christmas morning preventing us from going to church on Christmas day. He complained of a sore throat on & off for 24 hours. By the time the weekend was over, I had worn 3 pairs of pajamas & no "real" clothing. What's the point of dressing when you're laying around for hours on end, watching House Hunters on an endless loop of HGTV, and living off Chex Mix and Poor Man's Toffee?
Bitsy rounded us out by running a fever & having a sore throat Monday & Tuesday keeping the two of us housebound while everyone else went to Little BIL & Aunt Cher's for lunch. By Wednesday, everyone was finally feeling better just in time for rain & rain & more rain.
Thursday the roofers showed up. Two high strung dogs plus half a dozen Mennonite men on the roof plus four nosy kids equals entirely too much going on for one FarmWife to deal with. So I kenneled up the dogs who were trying their hardest to coax the men off the roof so they could be summarily eaten, plopped the FarmHands down in front of the television, and proceeded to undress my Christmas tree.
By Friday, we were officially de-Christmased, it was warm enough to throw the FarmHands outside, & Bitsy had a WIC appointment, so the monotony was finally broken. The roof was finished that afternoon much to the dogs' delight.
On Saturday everyone came by to see our new lid. MIL & SIL came first followed by Uncle E, J, & Beffie. Uncle E gave Husband some drywall tips before he got started on the bathroom ceiling (I lost my skylight in getting my new roof....I am still in mourning, but fully understand the need for it's departure). Then Busha & Bucka came by very proud of Husband for, "Finally putting a roof over our Granddaughter's head." Little BIL & Aunt Cher stopped by on their way out to lunch with MIL & FIL. Everyone seems to like the new change.
Saturday afternoon Husband was putting the flashing up behind the gutters when he came in the house. "Um, come look at this, FarmWife. Do you think I need stitches?" His had slipped while sliding flashing into place & he cut his hand on the new roof. He had a 2 inch gash on his right hand across the knuckle at the base of his middle finger. One frantic hunt for a sitter, and a quick trip to the ER & he is now the proud owner of his first ever stitches. Four in total that earned him a hand full of stickers from the ER nurse & large strawberry milkshake from me. He was very brave.
Tomorrow our "normal" life resumes. I'm ready for it. Today I've battled allergies and a massive headache along with children in serious need of more structure than I'm willing to give. Husband's feeling lousy as well & I'm hoping it's just a bug & not infection in his hand. I'm keeping a close eye on it & him & if things are the same in the morning, Doc will be getting a New Year's visit from the FarmFamily Patriarch.
Happy stinking New Year.
Oh, and incidentally, I've finally joined the movement that is Pinterest. You can find me here if you like. Let me know if you pin. I'm just getting started & haven't quite got the hang of it. I'd love some ideas & input.
October 28, 2010
Feeling cliche
I'm still here. I may get back to blogging more after this weekend. It's a busy weekend. Thanks for checking in. I appreciate it.
Yesterday was my doctor's appointment. After a long conversation we decided I'd go back on Prozac & see how that works. Adjustments may need to be made. Lab work may need to be done. I need to get out of the house more often & have "mommy time." I'm happy with my new doctor & happy with the start we've made.
I do feel rather cliche being the depressed housewife....
Yesterday was my doctor's appointment. After a long conversation we decided I'd go back on Prozac & see how that works. Adjustments may need to be made. Lab work may need to be done. I need to get out of the house more often & have "mommy time." I'm happy with my new doctor & happy with the start we've made.
I do feel rather cliche being the depressed housewife....
June 30, 2010
You scratch my back, I'll....be your slave for life.
If you peek in my windows and find me writhing on the living room floor, please do not dial 911 and demand an ambulance and an exorcist. I'm just trying to scratch my back.
Those five stitches I told you about are centered in that spot in the middle of my back that I cannot reach no matter how hard I try (so say the peas from Veggie Tales). And boy, oh boy do they itch!! In reality, I shouldn't scratch near them anyway because I might accidentally snag one and then....ouch, I don't even want to think about that.
I called Doc's office today because, in the midst of all the Novocaine, cutting, stitching, and bandaging, I forgot to ask a few questions....like, what was that you just cut off my back? and when do you think you'll get the results back from the lab? and can I bathe soon?
Luckily, Doc filled in a few blanks like "When I know what that was, I'll call and let you know what it was" and the nurse told me to wait to shower until the next day...but I still didn't think to ask about the time line. Late this week, early next.
Now to see if I can hook a few pipe cleaners together & use them to scratch around my incision.
February 13, 2010
Some day, when I feel a bit less like the Sorry Stricken (that's Austen for Zombie), I'll tell you a bit more about our trip to The STL (as someone recently dubbed St.Louis....to be said in the same way you would call Atlanta "The ATL"). But for now, you'll have to find contentment in this tidbit of information: B.B. will be having surgery in the next 4-6 weeks to repair his hernia & retractile testicles. Fun for him. Poor baby.
And on March third, Memoirs of a FarmWife will be over run by hordes of the literary undead via our old friends at Quirk Classics. Tune in.
And on March third, Memoirs of a FarmWife will be over run by hordes of the literary undead via our old friends at Quirk Classics. Tune in.
February 8, 2010
Monday Weigh-in
Ang posts her weekly weigh-ins on Monday. I'm going to take a page out of her book & twist it a bit. I'm going to weigh Monday all on it's own. Just 2 short lists to decide if it should continue to be Monday or if we should just skip on through to Tuesday.
Monday's good list:
Monday's good list:
- I finally saw the urologist about my kidney issue.
- B.B. saw the urologist at the same time about some issues he's having.
- I got Bitsy in to the walk-in clinic with only a 30 minute wait.
- I got a pair of jeans on clearance for $7.
- I finally caved in & bought a temporal artery thermometer.
- The people at the hospital lab were accommodating & helpful & they gave B.B. & Bitsy suckers.
- Buddy is doing pretty well with the potty training business.
Monday's crappy list:
- I've started a 2 week round of Cipro for my kidney which may be followed by a 60-90 day preventative regiment of antibiotics depending on my culture & how this antibiotic works (this is on this list because I have a hard time remembering to take my Prozac once a day much less an antibiotic twice a day....and I hate the idea of being on it for months at a time, but I have to get rid of this stinking infection).
- B.B. has retractile testes (I'm sure he'll be thrilled that I've shared this on the interwebs) and has a hernia.
- Friday we have to drive 3 hours away to see a pediatric urologist to find out if B.B. needs surgery to repair the hernia.
- I had to take Bitsy with me to town today & she is one ill little girl.
- Bitsy has a double ear infection & possible bladder infection that kept her from sleeping last night.
- The urologist put a bag on her to attempt to get a urine sample for us to take to the clinic.
- Bitsy screamed bloody murder when the nurse put the bag on, then she refused to pee in it at all.
- They needed her to pee in a cup at the clinic & she flat refused.
- Wal-Mart says the prescriptions will take 20 minutes to fill, but they really mean 40 minutes to an hour.
- I'm sick with a bad head cold that kept me from sleeping last night.
- After driving home, Bitsy finally peed in the little potty & I got the urine sample we needed.
- That meant a second drive in to town to drop off the sample at the hospital lab.
- Husband was getting ready to leave for work, so I had to take a tired B.B. & sick Bitsy with me back to town. They were not happy campers.
- Bitsy had to be registered at the hospital so I could leave a cup of pee on a counter (but see #6 in the list above).
- My lips are chapped wicked bad from all the mouth breathing & nose blowing.
- We're being threatened with 4 inches of snow tonight & tomorrow.
Yeah. Monday sucks. It's a mathematical fact.
September 30, 2009
A much needed reprieve
I was supposed to take #1 Son to see the ENT for his 6 week, post surgery check-up today. It's an hour & 20 minute drive. It meant taking BabyGirl & #1 Son out of school an hour early & taking all 4 FarmHands for an appointment that would take about 45 seconds. To top it all off, I have a head cold & would much rather spend the day wrapped in blankets reading on the couch while the FarmHands watch videos & live on Pop-Tarts.
When I got home from picking B.B. up from school, Husband was standing on the porch with the phone in his hand. "It's Dr.S's office. They want to know if you can come early." EARLY?! They're an hour & a half away! No, I can't come early! He shrugged & handed me the phone.
The nurse explained that Dr.S had an add on surgery this afternoon & it would interfere with our appointment. I was beyond frustrated by this point. Then she looked at #1 Son's chart & said, "Is this just his post-op follow up?" Yeah. "Is he having any problems?" No. "None?" None at all. "OK, that's great. You don't need to come in at all. If he develops any issues, call us & we'll get him in, otherwise, there's no need for you to bring him in."
Thank you, Lord for small graces!
When I got home from picking B.B. up from school, Husband was standing on the porch with the phone in his hand. "It's Dr.S's office. They want to know if you can come early." EARLY?! They're an hour & a half away! No, I can't come early! He shrugged & handed me the phone.
The nurse explained that Dr.S had an add on surgery this afternoon & it would interfere with our appointment. I was beyond frustrated by this point. Then she looked at #1 Son's chart & said, "Is this just his post-op follow up?" Yeah. "Is he having any problems?" No. "None?" None at all. "OK, that's great. You don't need to come in at all. If he develops any issues, call us & we'll get him in, otherwise, there's no need for you to bring him in."
Thank you, Lord for small graces!
September 14, 2009
How to get in & out of your local ER in record time: An Essay
By FarmWife
Take in a nearly 5 year old boy with a head injury & vomiting.
The End.
___________________________
OK, so that's not all of the story, but it works.
B.B. & his dad were playing chase at the playground yesterday afternoon. B.B. turned to see where his dad was & ran, full tilt, into a giant pole. He started screaming & crying that his knee hurt; he never mentioned his head. We got him calmed down & I checked his head only to find a big bruise coming up on his right temple. Husband & I packed up the FarmHands & headed to Wal-Mart to pick up some milk & B.B.'s birthday presents. It was around 2 o'clock.
He was a bit whiny until we hit the toy aisle, then he was his old self again, so I didn't worry too much about the knot on his head. He's a boy. They're always covered in knots, bumps, bruises, and scrapes.
He napped in the van on the way home, but so did his brother & baby sister. Once home, he got whiny again & was pretty tired. I gave him a bath, tucked him in on the couch to watch a movie, and put a bag of frozen peas on his head. Around 4:30-4:45 he took a nap. I woke him up at 5:30 to check on him, then let him go back to sleep. At 6 I woke him up for the evening. He was still whiny & cantankerous & a bit spacey, but not too bad.
At 7:25, he got up from the dinner table (where he hadn't eaten a thing), walked across the kitchen & threw up. 10 minutes later I was in the van with him on the way to the ER.
At the ER, we waited 5 minutes to get to the front desk to to paper work instead of the 20-30 minutes I was anticipating. They skipped us straight to a room (do not pass Triage, do not collect $200) before I'd even had a chance to sign away our rights to our first born (as per most hospitals policies). The nurse was still in taking B.B.'s vitals & checking him out when the doctor came in.
After a brief, but thorough exam, B.B. was declared fit as a slightly bruised fiddle, I was given instructions on treating head wounds, and we were sent on our way. A quick trip to the McDonalds Drive-thru for the necessary Happy Meal, and we were on our way home.
We left home around 7:35 & got back at 9:15. After figuring in 30 minutes worth of driving & the trip to Micky D's, that was, hands down, the fastest trip to the ER we've ever made.
Take in a nearly 5 year old boy with a head injury & vomiting.
The End.
___________________________
OK, so that's not all of the story, but it works.
B.B. & his dad were playing chase at the playground yesterday afternoon. B.B. turned to see where his dad was & ran, full tilt, into a giant pole. He started screaming & crying that his knee hurt; he never mentioned his head. We got him calmed down & I checked his head only to find a big bruise coming up on his right temple. Husband & I packed up the FarmHands & headed to Wal-Mart to pick up some milk & B.B.'s birthday presents. It was around 2 o'clock.
He was a bit whiny until we hit the toy aisle, then he was his old self again, so I didn't worry too much about the knot on his head. He's a boy. They're always covered in knots, bumps, bruises, and scrapes.
He napped in the van on the way home, but so did his brother & baby sister. Once home, he got whiny again & was pretty tired. I gave him a bath, tucked him in on the couch to watch a movie, and put a bag of frozen peas on his head. Around 4:30-4:45 he took a nap. I woke him up at 5:30 to check on him, then let him go back to sleep. At 6 I woke him up for the evening. He was still whiny & cantankerous & a bit spacey, but not too bad.
At 7:25, he got up from the dinner table (where he hadn't eaten a thing), walked across the kitchen & threw up. 10 minutes later I was in the van with him on the way to the ER.
At the ER, we waited 5 minutes to get to the front desk to to paper work instead of the 20-30 minutes I was anticipating. They skipped us straight to a room (do not pass Triage, do not collect $200) before I'd even had a chance to sign away our rights to our first born (as per most hospitals policies). The nurse was still in taking B.B.'s vitals & checking him out when the doctor came in.
After a brief, but thorough exam, B.B. was declared fit as a slightly bruised fiddle, I was given instructions on treating head wounds, and we were sent on our way. A quick trip to the McDonalds Drive-thru for the necessary Happy Meal, and we were on our way home.
We left home around 7:35 & got back at 9:15. After figuring in 30 minutes worth of driving & the trip to Micky D's, that was, hands down, the fastest trip to the ER we've ever made.
August 4, 2009
On Knees & Nephews
At 3 am Saturday, I was dreaming that I had repeatedly hit my right knee on something. Son of a gun, if it didn't hurt! About that time, Bitsy decided to make her grand entrance into our room. Husband had just gotten home & collapsed into bed. Suddenly I realized my dream had carried over into the waking world. My knee hurt.
I ended up in the living room at 3:30 browsing Yahoo Answers for information on Bursitis. My knee never ended up quite as swollen as the last time I battled this (July 14th to be exact), but it's still not been pleasant.
By Sunday night I was running a low grade fever, had a horrible headache, and felt like I was coming down with the flu. Yesterday morning, I called the doctor's office for an appointment. He said he thinks it's an infection (exactly what the orthopedic specialist said a few weeks ago), but that I wasn't on a strong enough antibiotic the first time around. Doc broke out the big guns. Levaquin. Used to treat infections or to prevent or slow anthrax after exposure. Anthrax! This stuff better do the trick.
I say "better do the trick" because if the swelling, redness, fever and pain come back again, he wants to "do a fluid draw & cultures" which is code for "stick a big friggin' needle in your knee." Yahoo.
In the meantime, this week is VBS at church. The kids have a blast. I have a blast. We're all left exhausted by weeks end. I'm not teaching this year because tomorrow is #1 Son's tonsillectomy. I didn't think it wise to commit to being some where the night my son has his tonsils yanked out.
The Queen Mother & Heir to the Throne (also known as QM & HT, or my mother & my perfect, nearly 3 year old nephew) are here to help out. HT's been very excited to come babysit his cousins for me. Daddy told me most of the trip north, HT hollered, "Yoo-hoo! Haunch House!" (For some reason the boy calls his mother "Bum," his grammy "Deem," and me "Haunch." I'm not sure which one of us has it worse....well...Grammy did back when he called her "Dam" especially when he got excited & called her Grammy Mama which came out "Dam Bum!") I'm very excited that he's here. His cousins are thrilled that he's here. I hope they can all stay friends this week.
Husband is threatening to take the three oldest FarmHands swimming this morning at the local pool. I'm all for it. Especially since I won't be going. Bad knees & slippery surfaces are not a good combination.
I ended up in the living room at 3:30 browsing Yahoo Answers for information on Bursitis. My knee never ended up quite as swollen as the last time I battled this (July 14th to be exact), but it's still not been pleasant.
By Sunday night I was running a low grade fever, had a horrible headache, and felt like I was coming down with the flu. Yesterday morning, I called the doctor's office for an appointment. He said he thinks it's an infection (exactly what the orthopedic specialist said a few weeks ago), but that I wasn't on a strong enough antibiotic the first time around. Doc broke out the big guns. Levaquin. Used to treat infections or to prevent or slow anthrax after exposure. Anthrax! This stuff better do the trick.
I say "better do the trick" because if the swelling, redness, fever and pain come back again, he wants to "do a fluid draw & cultures" which is code for "stick a big friggin' needle in your knee." Yahoo.
In the meantime, this week is VBS at church. The kids have a blast. I have a blast. We're all left exhausted by weeks end. I'm not teaching this year because tomorrow is #1 Son's tonsillectomy. I didn't think it wise to commit to being some where the night my son has his tonsils yanked out.
The Queen Mother & Heir to the Throne (also known as QM & HT, or my mother & my perfect, nearly 3 year old nephew) are here to help out. HT's been very excited to come babysit his cousins for me. Daddy told me most of the trip north, HT hollered, "Yoo-hoo! Haunch House!" (For some reason the boy calls his mother "Bum," his grammy "Deem," and me "Haunch." I'm not sure which one of us has it worse....well...Grammy did back when he called her "Dam" especially when he got excited & called her Grammy Mama which came out "Dam Bum!") I'm very excited that he's here. His cousins are thrilled that he's here. I hope they can all stay friends this week.
Husband is threatening to take the three oldest FarmHands swimming this morning at the local pool. I'm all for it. Especially since I won't be going. Bad knees & slippery surfaces are not a good combination.
July 21, 2009
WHA?!?
Much to my amazement, Uncle E announced Sunday that this Saturday is the local town chowder. That cannot possibly be because the chowder marks the end of the summer. Chowder, then VBS, then school starts. It's the same every year. And it cannot possibly be that time, because summer only just began. Not enough time has been spent in the pool, at the park, or eating popsicles. School supplies have not even been thought of. Sure, I saw the shelves fully stocked at Wal-Mart, but my thoughts turned to the over eagerness of the retail industry that starts decorating for Christmas in October. The same is true of school supplies. They're being sold when everyone should be at church camp.
This also means I am well behind in scheduling appointments. We've had to switch dentists (yet again) to find someone who will accept both of our insurances. The 2 older kids, Husband, and I all need new glasses...yet another issue to iron out with an insurance. Oh, and then there are the check-ups I failed to schedule after birthdays this year. And to top it all off, B.B. will need his last round of vaccines before starting school. I am so unprepared it's not funny.
So, what fun things do you have planned to end your summer? We're ending ours with an endless parade of doctors appointments & a tonsillectomy. Fun for all!
This also means I am well behind in scheduling appointments. We've had to switch dentists (yet again) to find someone who will accept both of our insurances. The 2 older kids, Husband, and I all need new glasses...yet another issue to iron out with an insurance. Oh, and then there are the check-ups I failed to schedule after birthdays this year. And to top it all off, B.B. will need his last round of vaccines before starting school. I am so unprepared it's not funny.
So, what fun things do you have planned to end your summer? We're ending ours with an endless parade of doctors appointments & a tonsillectomy. Fun for all!
July 15, 2009
Good news & the insane price of feeling better.
I did not rupture the bursa in my knee. It's infected. The specialist said it's cellulitis. In fact, he looked at my x-rays before coming in (I assume since I could hear him talking about them in the hall), looked at my knee for all of 3 seconds, touched it for about 7 seconds & said, "Oh, that's just an infection. Your doctor needs to put you on antibiotics." Since his office couldn't contact my Doc (he only works half day on Wednesdays), he wrote the script himself & sent me off.
Husband said, "That 10 seconds of work probably cost $100." He's right. It's ridiculous. He was a nice man. I don't doubt his diagnosis. But I do think the price his office will charge will be tantamount to highway robbery. Can't wait to see the EOB from my insurance company on this one.
I think BabyGirl & #1 Son's first appointments at our ENT's office (which lasted an entire 10 minutes combined) cost $245 a piece. OK, stepping back before I climb up on my soap box.
But I do have to say, I'm very relieved that a round of antibiotics is all I need and there will be no giant needles inserted into my joints. I know, I know, after birthing 4 kids & having one amniocentesis, I should be able to deal with draining & cortisone shots....but alas, I'm a big wimp.
Husband said, "That 10 seconds of work probably cost $100." He's right. It's ridiculous. He was a nice man. I don't doubt his diagnosis. But I do think the price his office will charge will be tantamount to highway robbery. Can't wait to see the EOB from my insurance company on this one.
I think BabyGirl & #1 Son's first appointments at our ENT's office (which lasted an entire 10 minutes combined) cost $245 a piece. OK, stepping back before I climb up on my soap box.
But I do have to say, I'm very relieved that a round of antibiotics is all I need and there will be no giant needles inserted into my joints. I know, I know, after birthing 4 kids & having one amniocentesis, I should be able to deal with draining & cortisone shots....but alas, I'm a big wimp.
July 14, 2009
Oh what fun.....
A possibly ruptured knee bursa can be. Let me tell you. Ugh.
When I knelt down to change Bitsy's diaper this morning, my knee hurt. There was a small red spot on it & I assumed I'd bumped it sometime yesterday & didn't remember. I kept trying to figure out what I'd done, but came up blank.
Katie came over to play & I had promised her a trip to our creek. The FarmHands & I tromped all over creation showing Katie fun, muddy, crawly things. Some how I got zapped by the electric fence twice today...not fun. I promise you. And through out the day, my knee got more & more tender.
When I sat down at the picnic table after throwing lunch in the oven, I realized my knee cap was swollen & red. When I touched it, it felt warm. The pain increased as the day wore on. Around 1:30, I called my doctor to see if he could take a look at it.
Doc thinks I've ruptured a Bursa. Tomorrow I go see an Orthopedic specialist to have him look at it. My timing is good, he's not a permanent fixture at our local hospital. Tomorrow is his day to be in & he's working me in at 10:45 tomorrow. He wanted an x-ray of my knee, so I've had that done today, too.
I was supposed to pick up my dress for Bubba & Beck's wedding tomorrow, but that's been put on hold. Tonight I have a date with Vicoprofin.
This sucks.
When I knelt down to change Bitsy's diaper this morning, my knee hurt. There was a small red spot on it & I assumed I'd bumped it sometime yesterday & didn't remember. I kept trying to figure out what I'd done, but came up blank.
Katie came over to play & I had promised her a trip to our creek. The FarmHands & I tromped all over creation showing Katie fun, muddy, crawly things. Some how I got zapped by the electric fence twice today...not fun. I promise you. And through out the day, my knee got more & more tender.
When I sat down at the picnic table after throwing lunch in the oven, I realized my knee cap was swollen & red. When I touched it, it felt warm. The pain increased as the day wore on. Around 1:30, I called my doctor to see if he could take a look at it.
Doc thinks I've ruptured a Bursa. Tomorrow I go see an Orthopedic specialist to have him look at it. My timing is good, he's not a permanent fixture at our local hospital. Tomorrow is his day to be in & he's working me in at 10:45 tomorrow. He wanted an x-ray of my knee, so I've had that done today, too.
I was supposed to pick up my dress for Bubba & Beck's wedding tomorrow, but that's been put on hold. Tonight I have a date with Vicoprofin.
This sucks.
July 8, 2009
Ice Cream! We're Gonna' Eat Ice Cream!
Anyone who grew up listening to old Bill Cosby LP's will remember Tonsils. I've had the bit running through my head since about 10 o'clock this morning. #1 Son is having his forcibly removed on August fifth at a yet to be determined hour of the morning.
When he had his last sore throat (June 5th), Doc called his tonsils "impressive." Not really a word you want to hear in relation to lumps in the back of your child's throat. Today BabyGirl & #1 Son saw their ENT for a follow up on their tubes (2+ years & counting!) and I asked him to take a look at #1 Son's throat at the request of our Doc. The ENT agreed that they need to come out. We battle sore throats way too much around here & #1 Son snores like an old man.
At the moment he's thrilled with the prospect of ice cream & Popsicles for days on end....but he doesn't really know the full story. I think that can wait for a few more weeks.
Luckily Pa was there to help at the appointment. Pa had his tonsils removed when he was about the same age #1 Son is now. He reassured the little man without scaring him at all...BabyGirl, on the other hand, is determined to terrify her brother if possible. This should be fun. :P
When he had his last sore throat (June 5th), Doc called his tonsils "impressive." Not really a word you want to hear in relation to lumps in the back of your child's throat. Today BabyGirl & #1 Son saw their ENT for a follow up on their tubes (2+ years & counting!) and I asked him to take a look at #1 Son's throat at the request of our Doc. The ENT agreed that they need to come out. We battle sore throats way too much around here & #1 Son snores like an old man.
At the moment he's thrilled with the prospect of ice cream & Popsicles for days on end....but he doesn't really know the full story. I think that can wait for a few more weeks.
Luckily Pa was there to help at the appointment. Pa had his tonsils removed when he was about the same age #1 Son is now. He reassured the little man without scaring him at all...BabyGirl, on the other hand, is determined to terrify her brother if possible. This should be fun. :P
May 21, 2009
Yesterday
I woke up at 6:30 & got dressed before the FarmHands woke up. Fed everyone breakfast & started getting ready to take the older kids to school & head for my yearly check-up with my OB-GYN when Husband decided he wanted to go too. I spent 3 minutes chewing him out & explaining that he is more than welcome to come along, but I really need more than 15 minutes notice when I have to get 4 kids ready to go instead of 2.
We headed out & dropped the big kids off for their last day of school. I read most of the 45 minute trip to town...that part was good. Then it was time for fun...loads & loads of fun....the kind of fun that involves a paper gown & a speculum....yeah for me. I told Doc about my PMS issues & we discussed options. In the end he wrote me a script for a low dose of Prozac. I was surprised when he suggested it. He said it has worked for many women (and quite a few of his patients) and he thinks it's a good place to start. He said it should even help with the cramps I've had so much trouble with. If I don't see a change in the next few months, he wants to discuss Endometrial Ablation.
I left thinking I had a jumping off place & was optimistic when Husband drove up in the van (he had run to Rural King while I was in my appointment). When I told him what Doc said, he did not handle it well. I know he doesn't understand what I've been dealing with. He knows about the cramps & headaches, but he really has only a shadow of an idea of what I've been dealing with emotionally.
He's not a big one for talking about feelings & emotions so I don't really share much with him. He's of the bottle it up & deal with it school (it has a lot to do with his upbringing). That doesn't really work when it comes to issues like this. He also doesn't understand chemical imbalances & hormonal issues...he knows little about them & has no point of reference. Because depression runs in my family, I fully grasp that depression can be much more than the blues. Medication of most any kind worries him. The side effects listed on any form are enough to make him avoid it. He's an antibiotic & pain killer kind of guy. Other than that he sees no need for medication.
An argument ensued. My day went down hill fast. I tried to read on the way home, but was too frustrated & couldn't concentrate. By the time we got home I was exhausted. I wanted to curl up & sleep the day away. Nothing had been dealt with (try as I might) & I'd had it.
After picking the FarmHands up from school, I stopped by the pharmacy to find out how our insurance was going to work with the script (most of the time we pay very little if not nothing at all). In the end, it was free to us, so I came home with a small green bottle. I emailed Husband & told him about it & he responded with a simple, "OK."
I took my first dose this morning & thus far have had no ill side effects. I know it can take up to four weeks for the full effect to kick in & I'm hoping & praying for the best. I'm also hoping Husband will understand why I have to at least try this route. Something has to change.
We headed out & dropped the big kids off for their last day of school. I read most of the 45 minute trip to town...that part was good. Then it was time for fun...loads & loads of fun....the kind of fun that involves a paper gown & a speculum....yeah for me. I told Doc about my PMS issues & we discussed options. In the end he wrote me a script for a low dose of Prozac. I was surprised when he suggested it. He said it has worked for many women (and quite a few of his patients) and he thinks it's a good place to start. He said it should even help with the cramps I've had so much trouble with. If I don't see a change in the next few months, he wants to discuss Endometrial Ablation.
I left thinking I had a jumping off place & was optimistic when Husband drove up in the van (he had run to Rural King while I was in my appointment). When I told him what Doc said, he did not handle it well. I know he doesn't understand what I've been dealing with. He knows about the cramps & headaches, but he really has only a shadow of an idea of what I've been dealing with emotionally.
He's not a big one for talking about feelings & emotions so I don't really share much with him. He's of the bottle it up & deal with it school (it has a lot to do with his upbringing). That doesn't really work when it comes to issues like this. He also doesn't understand chemical imbalances & hormonal issues...he knows little about them & has no point of reference. Because depression runs in my family, I fully grasp that depression can be much more than the blues. Medication of most any kind worries him. The side effects listed on any form are enough to make him avoid it. He's an antibiotic & pain killer kind of guy. Other than that he sees no need for medication.
An argument ensued. My day went down hill fast. I tried to read on the way home, but was too frustrated & couldn't concentrate. By the time we got home I was exhausted. I wanted to curl up & sleep the day away. Nothing had been dealt with (try as I might) & I'd had it.
After picking the FarmHands up from school, I stopped by the pharmacy to find out how our insurance was going to work with the script (most of the time we pay very little if not nothing at all). In the end, it was free to us, so I came home with a small green bottle. I emailed Husband & told him about it & he responded with a simple, "OK."
I took my first dose this morning & thus far have had no ill side effects. I know it can take up to four weeks for the full effect to kick in & I'm hoping & praying for the best. I'm also hoping Husband will understand why I have to at least try this route. Something has to change.
July 19, 2008
Yet another wonderful Saturday with the FarmHands.
I was relishing my freshly made BLT & chatting with Busha on the phone today when #1 Son came running in the kitchen clutching his neck. "I swallowed a rock, Mommy!" WHAT?!?! What kind of rock? Why did you swallow it? What's wrong with you, child? (There has been an on going battle with him putting things in his mouth that are not edible.)
It was one of those big glass aquarium rocks. You know, the ones that look like flat marbles? Yeah, one of those. I called Aunt CB(our go-to for most medical emergencies) and she said she thought it would pass, but to call the ER just in case. The ER was less than helpful stating, "It's up to you. We'd be happy to see him if you come in." Thanks. Appreciate it. I called Husband. He said take him. Better safe than sorry.
So I called RL and she said they'd keep BabyGirl & B.B. I turned around to find #1 Son rolling his suit case out of his room. "What are you doing?"
"I packed my clothes in case I throw up on these." I sent him back to put a few toys in his back pack with his change of clothes. When he comes back in he has everything he owns crammed in the back pack.
"What's in there?"
"My toys & books & Macaroni (his lovey)."
"What about your clothes?"
"They're still in my suit case."
"We're going to the ER, not on vacation." So I re-packed & we headed out.
As I was driving to Uncle E's, B.B. peeps in & says, "I think they'll just cut hims legs off, shake the rock out, and glue them back on. It'll be OK." Thank the Lord B.B.'s not our doctor. Later he told J, "#1 Son ate a green glass rock!" After he told them his chopping off legs theory, he said, "I don't think he'll be able to walk anymore." RL said, "Oh no! Then he won't be able to go swimming with you."
"Yes him can. Him can just float there in the water 'cause him has water wings."
We dropped off the kids and picked up Busha to help wrangle Bitsy.
After our lovely trip to the ER with Husband, I wanted to be sure we weren't getting the same doctor. Of course the ER attendant wouldn't tell me who was on duty. "Look, there's one doctor here that we will not see. Can you just tell me if it's worth me checking him in?" She would tell me NOTHING. So she had me talk to a nurse. He would tell me nothing. "All I want you to say is yes or no when I tell you this doctor's name. That's it. I'm not staying if he's here." Still nothing. But the nurse did ask what was wrong. I showed him a stone like the one #1 Son swallowed & he said, "Oh, he'll be fine. That's smooth & not corrosive. It will pass right through." So we headed back to Uncle E's.
#1 Son told his Uncle E, "It'll just pass & I get to poop in the little potty chair now!!" We want to be sure it passes, so that's what I'd told him to do.
I'm really sick of spending my Saturdays in the ER. Busha said she was going to tell Mama that she or Daddy had to move up here because they can't keep up with all our emergencies. :)
It was one of those big glass aquarium rocks. You know, the ones that look like flat marbles? Yeah, one of those. I called Aunt CB(our go-to for most medical emergencies) and she said she thought it would pass, but to call the ER just in case. The ER was less than helpful stating, "It's up to you. We'd be happy to see him if you come in." Thanks. Appreciate it. I called Husband. He said take him. Better safe than sorry.
So I called RL and she said they'd keep BabyGirl & B.B. I turned around to find #1 Son rolling his suit case out of his room. "What are you doing?"
"I packed my clothes in case I throw up on these." I sent him back to put a few toys in his back pack with his change of clothes. When he comes back in he has everything he owns crammed in the back pack.
"What's in there?"
"My toys & books & Macaroni (his lovey)."
"What about your clothes?"
"They're still in my suit case."
"We're going to the ER, not on vacation." So I re-packed & we headed out.
As I was driving to Uncle E's, B.B. peeps in & says, "I think they'll just cut hims legs off, shake the rock out, and glue them back on. It'll be OK." Thank the Lord B.B.'s not our doctor. Later he told J, "#1 Son ate a green glass rock!" After he told them his chopping off legs theory, he said, "I don't think he'll be able to walk anymore." RL said, "Oh no! Then he won't be able to go swimming with you."
"Yes him can. Him can just float there in the water 'cause him has water wings."
We dropped off the kids and picked up Busha to help wrangle Bitsy.
After our lovely trip to the ER with Husband, I wanted to be sure we weren't getting the same doctor. Of course the ER attendant wouldn't tell me who was on duty. "Look, there's one doctor here that we will not see. Can you just tell me if it's worth me checking him in?" She would tell me NOTHING. So she had me talk to a nurse. He would tell me nothing. "All I want you to say is yes or no when I tell you this doctor's name. That's it. I'm not staying if he's here." Still nothing. But the nurse did ask what was wrong. I showed him a stone like the one #1 Son swallowed & he said, "Oh, he'll be fine. That's smooth & not corrosive. It will pass right through." So we headed back to Uncle E's.
#1 Son told his Uncle E, "It'll just pass & I get to poop in the little potty chair now!!" We want to be sure it passes, so that's what I'd told him to do.
I'm really sick of spending my Saturdays in the ER. Busha said she was going to tell Mama that she or Daddy had to move up here because they can't keep up with all our emergencies. :)
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