Test Blog for Norah

Norah, google Blogger on your PC. Click on blogger: sign in. Rondah's comes up and lets you title and compose a blog. You might have to use your google gmail and password to sign in first.

The URL for the sight is beta.blogger.com/blog-this.g. You might also want to try typing this in to the search box. Unfortunately, it does not seem to allow you to read the blog from this link. You will have to do what you did on the phone to read what you and others wrote.

Hope this helps!

Chuck

Bailey

Sheilah taking care of Bailey is harder than taking care of mom

POD#9

Pat and Andrew have arrived! He is not a Blogger so asks that you text him at 1815 -342-0585 and he will respond to you. Andrew.bernard92@gmail.com might also work if I can teach Andrew how to blog in the next 30 min. Mom & Dad are doing well and getting more independent. Pat supervised an exercise session already, she is now able to hold positions for 2-3 seconds
Off to the airport now, adios!

Post-op day 8

Woke up today to find that mom and dad were up and already helping themselves to breakfast. A good sign. I stripped beds and started laundry. Then I helped mom do her exercises. Be careful that she holds positions for two seconds. She tends to swing up and down without contracting her muscle and keeping a position for the full two seconds.
Mom's dressing hasn't oozed over the past 6 hours. Maybe Pat can just use a bandaid before I leave. Dad brought out the garbage right on schedule. I cleaned up after breakfast and then made a few calls. Peter Nemeth is their lawyer and I urged dad to review their 20 year old will. No changes mind you; all he needs to assure that Assets and trust laws have not changed. Peter also does estate planning but
Dad is happy with his financial planner, a guy named Morris, who gave them the best 4-cup coffee mug ever. I'd take it home but have no room.
I forwarded you information on stair lifts; because of the angle, the stair lift would be three separate components each at $1500-$2000. There is a spiral stair lift option possibly $12-$15,000 and an elevator lift may be the best option after speaking to the sales clerks. Right now, dad does not want to make any decisions. I pointed out to him that this home improvement may be the best way to keep them happy at home.
I also spoke to my friend Dr. Bresee, who told me that dad's new cardiologist trained in MA. She is the wife of one of his partners. Dad does not want me to talk to her so I will defer to her any medical decisions for now.
Now I'll work on Grab Bars while they nap until Pat and Andrew come (next shift). Vacuuming next....can't believe how pleasant the house is despite the 90-95-100 degree heat they report on the news!!

Unrelated/Baileysurgery

Crazy how you worry and wonder when it comes to surgery. Again waiting to see if it is successful. Bailey blew out his acl playing frisbee. Doc will call when he is in recovery. Not much different than human. We can go visit if we want.

POD#7

Good day for Mom although she backed out of PT. she got dizzy after exercises and a dry sponge bath with dressing change, so napped while Dad and I went to the grocery store. Then Mom and I went to see Whiton, who showed me the MRI. He also told me that while at the hospital, a CRNA gave mom a sponge bath with back rub. Apparently Mom said "it felt really good, even better than an orgasm." So Dr. Whiton heard this from the RN and had to tell me. No wonder Mom was so popular!
We got the handicapped placard, that's taken care of. Then had Thai curry for dinner. After dinner, I blew not only the hickory nuts, but also trimmed the front bushes, blew the front yard, and swept the porch (again).
So now Mom's wound is only covered and steri-stripped on the lower half; the top 3 inches are healed. She cancelled PT as she was tired after going to Whiton and the courthouse (although didn't get out of the car.) She's doing her exercises well and getting stronger daily. Now playing with my iPhone watching TV then a book and bed.
Spoke to Marciah and Rondah, visit responsibilities will change as Mom gets better. Pat and Andrew coming in tomorrow for change of shift. Talk to you all later....

POD #6.5

Great news for all...I found that McDonalds has wifi so I was able to get some work done while slurping a strawberry lemonade. The library also has computers but they have limited hours.
Today I picked up the application for handicapped placards, went to Moore's office (spent 45 mins chatting southern style, that doesn't fly in Boston). Tomorrow we'll go to the courthouse and get a placard.
Exercises were good today. Mom's up and around more easily. She's sitting in Grandma's rocking chair which gives her good support. Dinner was easy: I did exactly what I was told to do (hamburger, potatoes from a box, green beans frozen and salad).
Didn't achieve my goals of pruning the front bushes but tomorrow's another day. I'm surprised how time flies...
Before I forget, just leave all egos at the door when you come. Everything has its place and you better not move it. They have their routine down pat and it's easier to just respect it. Dad wrote out the menus and shopping list for next week, tomorrow we'll go grocery shopping.
That's it for Tuesday...Wednesday promises to be busy with grocery shopping with Dad, visit with surgeon Whiton, courthouse then PT.
Rondah, we wish Bailey good luck with his surgery!

POD #6

A good morning, mom up & around. Finished with exercises and can 'feel the burn' ... She calls me a mean taskmaster, but she's getting back to routine. Off to the library with Dad while she naps, the Book that Rondah and Chuck started has been very helpful in this transition. The tactic over the.next few days will just to help them out when needed but not too much so they can resume their regular routines. Bitching, which they are getting back to doing well, is remarkably a good sign!

POD #5

Just figured how to work this Blog thing. 10PM and light's out--this is the life!
Mom had a successful day at PT--did well on her exercises and got some new ones including upper arm stretches. Walked well about 25yards in the parking lot to PT. Tired now after a pain pill. She is getting a lot of calls from bridge friends and others--their 64th wedding anniversary. Rondah, I started perseverating about dinner at 4PM but just heated up leftovers which will still last another day. Saw Dr. Moore at PT too. Re antigravity chair, the PT person didn't know what it was, certainly not a Pt thing. It sounds more like a cardiac chair, which Mom doesn't need. She's doing better than I had expected, and PT Chuck said to bring the hiking polrs on Friday to see if she is ready to graduate from the walker. Tomorrow I'll help wash her hair and swing by the library for placard paperwork. Dad will shop on Wed, I'll hickory nut--blow out the driveway. I also want to prune some too. And so ends my first shift!

Norah's First Try

Had a nice chat with Rondah while driving home from Ken & Amy's reunion.  Rondah was surprised at Mom's progress and told me we'll be busy while providing care, but still have time to ourselves.  Got some good tips from her and am looking forward to time spent with them.

The Doctor is in the House

Sheilah has arrived to assist Laverne with her recovery. Laverne has a physical therapist appointment today at 1PM. Sheilah changed her bandage and reported that the incision looked good.

Today is Fred and Laverne's 63rd wedding anniversary. Incredible.

Fred may never forgive Rondah for freezing his KFC. Hopefully, she can one day visit again if she promises never ever to freeze KFC.

Rondah and I are off to SLC. My dog or son #1 goes into surgery Thursday. In some cases his recovery may be easier than Laverne's because we can confine him to our laundry room. Fred replied that he might try keeping Laverne in the laundry room too.

I will be happy if I never see another hickory nut in my life. Off to the airport and hopefully a safe trip home.

Goodbye and thank you,

Chuck

Picture of Rondah

Testing camera

Sheilah is now in charge

I am the ruler of this blog and Chuck is extremely happy to give this shit up.

Mass

Attended mass at St. Mary's with Fred today while Laverne stayed home with Rondah. Fred has got the church routine down to a science. He knows where to park so he can get out fast, and knows where to sit so he can be first in line for communion, avoid crying babies and get out fast.

When we arrived home, Rondah was complaining that her mom was not being a good patient. Rondah's biggest complaint was that she was not doing the physical therapy exercises the correct way. This from a former back surgery patient who was the biggest pain in the ass about doing her exercises correctly or even doing them at all when she was recovering. I guess what comes around goes around. I was a little shocked when I saw Laverne bend down to pick up something from the floor. Probably not a good idea to do a few days after back surgery.

The KFC Controversy

We bought a 10 piece take home bucket of KFC chicken per request for dinner on the first night we arrived. Fred loves KFC. You should have seen the look of abject horror on his face when he was told by Rondah that she froze the left over chicken. He likes it readily available for lunch or dinner. Warning: Do not put any KFC you buy in the freezer or you may be sent packing and left out of the will.

First Night Back Home

Laverne seemed to have a good night sleep waking up twice to go potty. Yup, I'm not going there again. Rondah will stay home with Laverne while I take Fred to mass today. I will be picking up Sheilah at the Knoxville airport today at 2 PM.

Laverne Home Part Two

Laverne used a walker to get into the house. She walked up the steep sidewalk and went through the front door. Climbed up the stairs using the walker like a pro. We put her the bed so she could rest. The first priority was to make sure she got caught up on any of her medications she did not take at the hospital today per the discharge instructions.
I refuse to discuss waste products and bowel movements in this blog anymore so I will skip the logistics of where the portable commode will be placed during the day and evening.
The big drama was finding a place in Gatlinburg to fill her pain medication on a Saturday. The pharmacy at Food City was closed but I got to the Walgreens in Gatlinburg right as they were shutting down the pharmacy. I only ran over a few southern baptists (Romney supporters anyway) on the way to the drug store. I don't think she will need all 30 pills and since they have a street value of $75 per pill, I was tempted to hang outside the Walgreens in downtown Gatlinburg and become a drug dealer. I could make enough after selling a few pills to afford a couple of steaks at the Peddler and have some money left over for a couple of t-shirts and boxes of bark. If I got caught, the police might confiscate my phone and who would entertain you with such witty prose. I know what you're thinking, I should change witty to shitty prose.
Laverne ate dinner with us in the kitchen. We outfitted her walker with some tennis balls to aid mobility. She is resting comfortably in bed. Fred is happy to have her back at home.
In a week or two, she may be able to hike up to Mt. LeConte.

Have a great day!

Laverne Home

We got word around 1PM that Laverne was going to be discharged from the hospital. Fred, Rondah, and I drove to the LeConte Medical Center to pick her up. The only medication prescribed was hydro codone for pain as needed. She has follow-up visit with the doctor on Wednesday. Laverne will need to call his office on Monday to set-up the appointment. According to Laverne, her surgeon usually schedules the follow-up appointment for 3 weeks out but is scheduling her earlier so he can meet Dr. Bernard. Her first physical therapist appointment is scheduled for Monday @ 1 PM. The PT prescription indicates she will be doing PT 3 times per week. She got into the car with ease and the ride home was in uneventful.

Waiting

Still no word on whether she will be released today or tomorrow. Laverne called and requested that we wait to come over until she talks to the doctor. No idea when the doctor will visit. Laverne seems concern that there was minor seepage from the incision although this is very normal. Also, no bowel movement to report. We should no more information this afternoon.

Question

To poop or not to poop that is the question? We shall find out shortly. Shakespeare did not have to deal with this shit when he was writing, did he?

Bodily Functions

So, how many "Hells Bell" or "No Shit Sherlock" or "Holy Crap Batman" have you guys gotten so far?

Is she still passing gas?

Thanks for the Poop Scoop.

Truth be told, thanks for the updates..I have read them all and they have been very informative.  I hope I can remember how to get back in to get the latest update.

Day 3 Update

Received a call from Laverne updating us on her bowel movement or should I say lack of one. The doctor will not release her from the hospital until she has a s$@". I suggested we sneak in some white castle hamburgers for her to chow down. They usually slide in and slide right out! Bowel movement accomplished. Why does this blog always turn to crap?
Her own personal walker and commode were delivered to her room this afternoon. I joked that we might need to tie the commode to the roof of the car if it doesn't fit inside the trunk. Can you picture the four of us driving from Sevierville with a toilet on top of our roof!
She reported that she walked farther than previous attempts in her afternoon PT session today.
The bottom line: No discharge from Laverne than no discharge from the hospital.

Day Three Hospital Visit Update

Arrived at the hospital to find Laverne walking the hallways under the guidance of a physical therapist and the aid of a walker.  He taught her how to use the walker on steps.  She looked great.  Still walks hunched over and will need to practice walking straight up.  I drove back to their house to get a couple of walking sticks that Rondah used during her recovery.  The PT wanted to work with her this afternoon using the walking sticks.She is still insisting that she be allowed to use her wooden stick instead.  We were kicked out of the room so she could take a shower.  The highlight of the trip was when the Reverend Ely came in to ask her if she needed anything.  I guess Ely had only one working eye.  He put his hand on her head and gave her a come Jesus.  He basically cracked a joke that today's doctors did not heal folks as quickly as the original guy.  Fred was concerned that she might leave the hospital as a Baptist.

The secretary at St. Mary's called and was going to ask Laverne if she wanted communion brought the hospital bed.  I advised that if she was going to do that to make sure she tells them to leave the collection basket at home.   

Fred said he was afraid that Laverne may grab a taxi from the hospital, go to church, and take a taxi back to the hospital.

The doctor had not visited her yet.  So, we do not know if she will be released tomorrow.  We will keep you updated.   

Sheilah's Email: June 21, 2012

Just talked to mom who confirmed:

1) remembering the conversation

2) seeing a mouse in a good sock and throwing the sock/mouse in the garbage.

3)This apparently did happen in the laundry chute....

She sounds great....I'm having problems getting on the blog page via google blogger, but I'll keep trying.  This trip might be my impetus to buying a smart phone...I'll have all week to learn how to use it.

---

Rondah's First Entry - Last Night's Visit

This is Rondah. It was nice seeing mom tonight. She had fun talking to Sheilah tonight. We left around 9:15 PM and she was ready for bed. I hope she gets a good night sleep. Stopped in Gatlinburg on the way home for bark. Gatlinburg was real busy tonight.

Second day update

Laverne talked to the doctor today.  He thinks she will be discharged Friday or Saturday. A big issue for her was not being able to sleep last night because she had to go to the bathroom every two hours.  The doctor told her that was because bone was constricting her bladder before the surgery and now nothing was pressing on it so she had to go a lot. OK, TMI.
She also seems a little concerned with the physical therapy instructions left with her today. I'm still not sure why. She was told she will need to do PT after being released from the hospital.  She will be doing it at a PT who is located on the 2nd floor above the Italian restaurant that they like to go to but is now closed.

Good night

View from Laverne's hospital room.

Picture of view from Laverne's hospital room.

Second Day Hospital Visit Update

Laverne was sitting up in her chair when we arrived. Unfortunately, the doctor had not been in yet to visit so many of our questions remained unanswered. The physical therapist had worked with her in the morning. She was able to walk down the hallway (100 feet) with her walker. The PT gave her a list of exercises she will need to do at home. The physical therapist stated that one foot seemed weaker than the other.
She was in a great mood during the entire visit. The only pain medication she is taking is Naproxen 500 mg twice a day.  A concern is her blood sugar was high.  Her blood sugar was a little low in the morning so she had a couple of glasses of OJ which probably caused the problem.
She received balloons from Norah.  Rondah and I plan to visit her tonight.  Fred said after seeing Laverne today, he thought that Laverne should have done the surgery earlier.  We are all slightly optimistic that she will be released either tomorrow or the next day. 

Arrived at the hospital.

Picture of the hospital entrance.

Shower

Rondah took a shower in the downstairs bathroom and wanted me to report that it works and has good water pressure, doesn't leak, and doesn't spill out on the floor.  Soap is in the right corner back of the shower.  We will leave shampoo and conditioner in the shower.  Need to bring a blow dryer. 

I cannot believe I just wrote this shit.  I actually dictated that verbatim from what Rondah told me.  You've got to be kidding me.  She was actually being serious.  Mice eating girls underwear and shower pressure.  This blog has gone to hell. 

LA25BE

Laverne Bernard's secret code name on the board in the surgery waiting room.   

HIPPA Violation

This is just to notify everybody that I could possibly be jailed and labeled as a criminal for reporting in a public forum the details on Laverne'surgery because of HIPPA violations.  Maybe, I will meet my hero, that violent monkey wrencher, Tim DeChristopher, in prison.  I will try to give everyone else user rights today to this blog so you can opine regarding Laverne's surgery or should we say her recovery.  Please be warned that you can also be jailed if you choose to accept this invitation to write in this blog for HIPPA violations. 

White Sox Win!

Alright this has nothing to do with Laverne's surgery except that Fred was watching the Cubs and Sox game last night after dinner and Mike reported watching two innings of the game while talking to Laverne.  It gave this lone southsider (except for Bob) a chance to gloat.  The lovable losers (Cubs) are in last place again.  GO WHITE SOX!

Mike's Phone Call

I saw the number and called her at 8:45 PM her time.  She was in a great mood and all by herself.  She sent Dad and the Curtins home.  She doesn’t know anything from the Post-Op because they talked to Dad and Rondah.  We watched two innings of the Cubs-White Sox game and talked .  I think she was still on pain killers because she talked about bowel movements and passing gas and mice eating the crotch of the girls’ underwear in Des Plaines.

 

Mike Bernard

Phone Call Update

Fred, Rondah, and I talked to Laverne on the phone tonight around 7 PM.  She is doing great.  Laverne had a solid dinner - hamburger, potato's or as us Irish call it tayto's.  According to Laverne, she has not needed any further pain medicine.  The goal is to get her on the same regiment of medication she was taking before she went into the hospital.  Physical therapy will begin tomorrow morning as well as an update from the doctor. 

Home to take a nap

Left the hospital so we could give Laverne a chance to take a nap.  All vitals are in good shape.  Pain seems to be under control.  Took Fred back home so he could take a nap as well. 

Phone Number & Room Number

Laverne's direct phone number (865) 446-7335.

LeConte Hospital Room Number 335

Post-Surgery Consultation

The doctor said the surgery went great.  The only thing he was concerned with was her bone was very soft and he was afraid of breaking one or more of them during the surgery.  The older you get, the softer the bones.  Fortunately, all went well and nothing broke.  He believes that she will be in the hospital for two days for recovery and should not need any formal physical therapy.  She will just need to walk daily at home. 

Arrived at LeConte Medical Center

Arrived at 5:30 AM at the LeConte Medical Center.  Had to go to the emergency room entrance. Hospital staff were very pleasant and got her in early.  Fred pushed Laverne back in the wheel chair to the pre-surgery waiting area.  Very cool fact:  They have been married 63 years.  Laverne & Fred seem to be doing great.  The hospital entrance reminds me of a Wyoming or Montana lodge.  Very nice facility.  

Off to the Hospital

4 AM and getting ready to take Rondah's mom to the Sevierville hospital.  She needs to check in at 6 AM.  How do you spell Sevierville??????  Rondah's mom is Laverne Bernard.  Hope all goes well.