I feel bad for people that have to walk their dogs and HAVE to go out!!!
The stove works great-you have to sit near it, But saves on the electric heat-esp in the evening.
Went to eye specialist and getting a ct scan of my chest-another tool to diagnose Horner's which he thinks I don't have. I probably will end up with eyelid surgery and I hope cataract so I can see distance.
Gotta get my meth shot-that would be methotrexate-haha
Have fun Tammy. Mima

Kate, hope Queenie is getting better. Funny that she is enjoying the cold.

Meme, laughed about hubby and the van. I don't blame him for wanting to take it. See if you can get things warmed up by next week. I'll be in Tennessee on Tuesday sometime. Then send warmth all the way up to Ohio. Not going to enjoy going back to colder temps and snow.

Mima, I think Tim might be interested in a stove like that. He is really trying to watch his expenses. Oh my to the meth shot! lol

I think I will be heading to the mall today, not planning to buy anything, but just something to do. There is also a Ross here, and I always like to go there and see if I can find any bargains. I told Tim last night that I haven't eaten at 3 of our favorite places yet. He told me that I'm slipping and running out of time. I've eaten at the restaurant here at the hotel, and the servings have been large so I have brought back the leftovers for another meal. That's always a good thing. Yesterday I stayed here in the room most of the day. Just didn't feel the best. Kind of a fibro day I think. Ate a mini bagel and some tea. I was very hungry for dinner, so I went next door and had yummy Georgia shrimp! Sat and watched the shrimp boats for the past couple of days, so maybe they were catching it for me. Haven't convinced them to leave the fries off the plate when I order. What's up with that? I eat a couple and leave the rest.

Hi. Sounds like everybody is cold and the only one liking it is Queenie. Dogs seem to LOVE cold weather. When it snows, they like to play in it. They get friskie, and run through it and scoop it up with their noses. So fun to watch. I don't mind the cold, because I feel better in it - less pain. We have one of the driest climates around, so as long as there is no moisture I feel pretty good. I am aching today, because another weather system is on the way - a warming trend. Along with it comes more humid air. I have NEVER disliked winter, though. When I was young, it was just a fun time. During the New Year holidays, it was -25/-30 outside, so it was quite cold. It warmed up yesterday to about 8F so it was quite a nice day. We have sure had cold weather through Dec and into Jan. Elnino was supposed to be playing in the Pacific but I think Elnina (his sister) hurt him somehow, because it sure is not warm. So much for the global warming theory!

We don't get tons and tons of snow here either. When it does snow, it is quite dry, not that heavy, wet stuff.

My son came through the gallbladder surgery just fine. He had never had an attack before the 27 Dec. New Years Eve was spent at the hospital. The only place we could find open to get something to eat, was the A&W, so I had a Teen Burger. Haven't had one of those for years, and quite enjoyed it. After that, back to the hospital, and he was much more alert. Stayed there until 9:00 p.m. and then went back to Edmonton to my daughters. Saw in the New Year with daughter,SIL and a few friends of theirs. New Years Day, my son came home, and he wanted us all to come to their house. We made dinner and away we went. He had a normal appetite and was able to enjoy the meal. The Dr. said the gallbladder was rotten, and that the body had built a "jacket" around it, and it was still there, so if he had an ultrasound anytime soon, it would still look like the gallbladder was still there, but that the body will dissolve it in time. It was formed as a protection for his body. Go figure. Never heard of that before.

Mima - glad you got the stove and that you are keeping warm. Is it a wood burning stove or what???

Tammy and Kate - how great that you got to meet. Tammy are you going to try see Meme when you get to Tennessee? Kate - have you had time to play with your new bike yet?

Joanne - hope you are finding any kind of relief with that knee pain. Surgery will be welcomed after all that.

Meme - Stay warm. I guess temps are all relative to where you live and what is hot and what is cold.

Well, everybody, have a great day.

Good morning from freezer land Florida! It is so darn cold I can hardly type on my keyboard....even broke down and turned on the heat!! I ended up contacting Queenie's vet yesterday and got her some edible tablets called Propectalin....so far so good! She had to fast last night but ate a good breakfast this morning. I really hope these pills work....I still can't figure out what caused this whole issue.
It seems like everyone is starting out the new year on a diet. My neighbor and her husband just started SB yesterday...she called to tell me she cleaned out her fridge and cupboards and then went shopping for just what they can eat on phase 1. I need to get back to phase 1 too but am having a terrible time staying away from the carbs...even the "good" ones!
Off to Fedex to ship my husband's range pistol back to the factory for repairs. We go target shooting about once a month. I haven't been since my shoulder surgery but feel confident I can do it again now. I just hope the cold weather disappears by the time we go! We also have friends from up north arriving in the next few days. They will be stopping in a few times while they are down visiting several friends and family all over Florida...St. Augustine, Naples, Davies.....we're on their list as well! Hope everyone enjoys the rest of this cold day!! Try to stay warm!!!


p.s. Anne, you were posting at the same time so I didn't get to read yours until after....just wanted to say how good it is to ,mhear all went well with your son's surgery. That is a strange thing about the protective jacket around the gallbladder! I wonder why they didn't remove that too? Strange! Bye for now and everyone......stay warm!!

Anne, I believe you are right about the cold being relative to what you are used to, trouble is that here we don't have time to get used to anything until it changes. Anything below 70 is cold to me. :p It is 10 here tonight and supposed to be in the single digits this weekend so that is waaaaay below my comfort zone. We're under a winter weather warning for tomorrow night and Thursday. 3-4 inches of snow in our area. But the way TN weather is, it could be up in the 60s in another week or 2 ... ya just never know! Just hold on a few more months and we'll be begging for cool air.

So glad your son is ok, Anne.
Got a call from doc and said my triglycerides were high, Take fish oil which I already do. I am going to cut down on sugar and white stuff Brad has to go to doc's tomorrow-probably going to start him on insulin. If only he would exercise. We did go ride bikes in the club house ut he only goes 10 minues. have to go at least 20.
Wow for the e-mail from Southwest for the free ticket because I got a credit card. That's for the birth,
Too bad it is cold for your vacation, Tammy. I love Ross.
Art today-favorite teacher back.
Bye for now Mima

Anne, glad to hear your son came through the surgery ok! Always a blessing. I've never heard of that protective jacket thing. Interesting stuff our bodies do!! I won't be meeting Meme when I go through Tenn. I'm just stopping for overnight, and the towns really aren't that close.

Kate, glad to hear that Queenie is on something that could make her feel better.

Meme, make sure there isn't snow and cold when I come through next week!!

Mima, I didn't buy a thing at Ross. The one sweater that I liked was way too big, which is a good thing because it was the size that I normally would have bought. Looked at a small bookshelf, really liked it, but then I noticed a big gash in the side of it.

Not sure what today holds. Heard Maurice a while ago, and he was on the chair trying to snuggle into my sweatshirt. I got up and got a blanket for him. He gets cold easily, so he was hunting for warmth. I do want to check out a couple more places while I am here just in case I come down for longer next year. I have prices for the one I saw on Sunday and for this one. This one is LOTS higher than the other one, and this one needs some updating which the other one has been done. The owner says that this one is special because the ocean is always in view. Well, for the money that I could save, I would be glad to walk a few yards to see the ocean. There is another one on down the road where the ocean is visible all the time, I've stayed there with Bob and Tim. Very nice, BUT no pets allowed. Can't do that.

Good morning all. Another cold and blustery day here in Florida! We also have a freeze warning out....will be warming a bit tomorrow but another cold front coming through this weekend with more record low temps. Vero Beach was 21 degrees this morning....a new low record! Queenie seems to be on the mend...her "poops" were better last night and this morning. She just had her last dose of the meds and tomorrow will be the ultimate test. If she stays "normal", we have it licked. If she gets "loose" again, a trip to the vets for more tests.
Tammy, my GF who has the minidoxies says her dogs are always looking for warm places. I just saw a cute little sleeping bag type bed just for these types of dogs who like to burrow and sleep covered up. It was very cute and seemed appropriate for the breed. I agree about paying less money but having a bit nicer place to stay next year. The ocean is just steps away, right? And definitely take the place that allows pets!!! I'm sure Maurice would prefer to be with you rather than a strange kennel (unless it's the country club!!)
Meme is right about the extremes in the weather....we have that here in Florida as well. One day it is 75 degrees, the next we are in a frost situation! This cold front has lasted much longer than I remember any of the others and we will probably be back up into the 80's after the weekend! Those extremes can be hard the body....especially FM bodies! At least we don't have to shovel the white stuff! That would kill me about now!
Need to get something done today. Finally got all my files changed over for the new year but need to print out year end stuff for the accountant. I also need to reconcile my accounts to the online statements. Haven't done that for a long time and I'll have to complete that task before I can print out the year end stuff. I truly hate doing bookwork....always have and probably always will!
Enjoy the rest of the day ladies and do stay warm!!

Hey There
 

Hello Everybody- I guess I didn't have my share of problems. Now I hear the primary Dr. Doesn't want to sign the release for my surgery.. He is using the excuse that my heart is too bad. Now ,I have not had anyone tell me how bad they think my heart is.or what is supposed to be wrong with it. We are seeing him tomorrow,, Our son is going with me.. Someone in his office signed the referral for me to see the orthopedic Dr. and to have the pretesting for surgery.
This has got me very upset.. Something has to be done about this knee.This problem has been with me for 15 years.Even with strong pain medicine I have not had any relief from the pain in almost 2 weeks.. All the Dr's would do is inject and suggest therapy. Well I am done with that. It has been a waste of money and time and not been the answer..
Now I am through dumping on you..
It is really cold here.. We have not had this much cold in years.. They say it is going to be the same or worse through the weekend..
Everybody have a good week..
Joanne

Hello everyone! I don't mean to poke into a thread without reading the whole thing first so if I'm interrupting SORRY! But I just had to say hello to everyone. I'm 25 and living with fibro. I don't know anyone in real life with it so I don't know what "normal" amounts of exercise is. I'm recommitting myself to exercise and today I just felt super good. So I jumped on our little trampoline and before I knew it.... 40 min had FLOWN by! GO ME! Sorry, I just had to share with SOMEONE!

So hello everyone! I'll come back and read the previous posts soon but I HAD to share!

Hey There
 

Hello Everybody- I met with my primary Dr. yesterday and he told me if I went through with plans for knee replacement I may have a heart attack or stroke on the table and /or die, my heart was too bad.. I just finished canceling the whole thing. I will see another orthopedic Dr. next week for him to inject my knee with a jell like substance . The girl/women that took it on herself to direct me in this mess was fired along with a couple more.
I hope everyone has a good weekend...Joanne

Kate, brrr to 21 at Vero Beach! That sounds like Ohio. Maybe Maurice needs one of those sleeping bags. I know he likes being with me. The country club was nice. Right now he is at the Evergreen Pet Lodge here at Hilton Head since I'm staying at another Disney Resort. It seemed really nice too, and I get a discount since I'm a Disney Vacation Club member.

Joanne, I am so sorry to hear this about the doctor and the mess up! How on earth could they get everything so messed up? I'm so glad that those people have been fired. This could have killed you! Unreal. Will be keeping you in prayers that your knee gets better without the surgery.

mypitbullsmiles, WELCOME!! Jump in anytime. Good for you for doing 40 minutes on the trampoline! That is fantastic. Come back and chat any time.

Ventured around Hilton Head today. Hit 2 dead ends (lots of pretty homes to look at though) and then I met a very nice man in a guard house. He happened to be a guard, nice uniform, etc. Have no idea what he was guarding, but I wan't supposed to be there. I kept apologizing, and he laughed, so I don't think they'll be hunting me down.

Hey everyone, I'm doing the same as mypitbullsmiles and "poking" in. I also have fibro but didn't do 40 minutes on a trampoline yesterday. Oh well. Fibro is mild for me but still there.

Mypitbullsmiles - I love your name, got me thinking maybe I should have called myself Mybordercolliestares.

Good morning everyone...and a darn cold one it is!! Will this cold front ever go away down here??? I have never seen it stay this cold for this long since we have lived here. Can't wait to see the FPL bill next month!
Tammy, hope you finally got on the site! I didn't have any problems just now....has anyone else had a problem? Sounds like you are having a great time shopping! I imagine it must be just as cold where you are?? Hope they are keeping Maurice warm! Let me know when you are heading back home.....
Joanne, that must be so frustrating to be ready emotional and physically for surgery only to find out those so-called professionals screwed up! I hope that gel stuff works for you....my neighbor had it done and he said it didn't do a thing for him. I think it is called Synvisc or something. You might want to check it out on the web? Hubby was going to look into it but after talking to the neighbor decided it wasn't for him. He's planning his knee replacements the end of this year....we'll see! He needs to get the weight off first. He's scheduled with a cardiologist for a nuclear stress test so his doctor can prescribe something for his appetite. His doc wants to make sure his heart can handle the added medication. I hope things work out for you....I can only imagine how frustrated you must feel.
Welcome to mypitbullsmiles and aunty jam! I'm with you on the doggie habits! I'll go with the nickname "mywillfulpyr" ! This cold weather is wrecking havoc with my fibro....can hardly move in the mornings now. Kudos for you for exercising!! I need to get back to it myself but I keep using the "no time" excuse. I've had the "portion distortion" thing lately too. I think it is this cold weather that makes me want to EAT!
Off to change bed linens and spiff up the house. We have company arriving in a couple of weeks.....the start of the northern exodus I'm sure! I'll be booked through March now! Enjoy the rest of the day ladies and try to stay warm!!!

Hello to Aunty Jam! I guess I could be MyDachshundSpazzes!! lol Welcome to the group!!

Kate, I am here!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I typing fast before it goes away. One of the waiters I talked to at Jekyll Island said this is the coldest it has been there in many years. He's originally from New Jersey, so he has chuckled at how bundled up people were on a couple of 40 degree days.

I go to the rheumatologist when I get home. My knee has been better than it was for a while, so I don't think I'll mention injections for it. My back has really straightened up too except for the past few days. I know it is the mattress here.

I think this is going to be a day of reading and working on my bible study. I don't even think I'll hit any shops today, well maybe I won't. lol Kind of ready to go home to the cold and snowy weather. Sounds crazy.

Hope you all have a great day!

Sorry the cold weather and your trip coincided Tammy. maybe Feb next year.
I am so sorry you can't have surgery, Joanne. Hope the other thing works.
Welcome new people. This is a great place to vent.
WW today-we went to Sweet Tomatoes yesterday and I got ibs after. Did not eat salad. But ate pea soup and frozen yogurt.
Suzanne tested positive for gestational diabetes and will have another test.
Saw a dress for the beach wedding on line-have to call and find out what size to get. I am in the middle of a small and medium.
Bye for now. Mima

hahahaha! Dogs are so cool! I had a Collie as a kid, she DID stare, at EVERYTHING! Ha! I have 2 pitties laying on my feet right now.... Snoring away

Anyway, I was doing SO well for about a week, but then I got a NASTY cold. Luckily with 4 days of bedrest so far I'm pretty sure I avoided more doctor visits and antibiotics (I have HUGE reactions to nearly every medication I've ever been on, hence why I don't take anything at all now, not even aspirin!). Maybe a few more days and I'll feel... better? But all of this laying around is KILLING my joints! Waaahhhh! I wanna be better! Ok I just had to whine a little.

Luckily the weather had mellowed out here. I'm a real Oregonian so the rain is comforting to me and it's not often cold enough to ice over. We had a couple of ice storms that had me pretty laid up. But now at least it's not too bad (otherwise boy would I be miserable!). I can't think of anything else to say... Hello!

Hey There
 

The one thing I really loved was my walks. Now I can't do that with my knee the way it is. I told my son to sell the treadmill as no one was using it. It didn't take long for it to sell. He let it go cheap. It was in perfect condition.
I am seeing a orthopedic Dr. tomorrow. I think he is going to inject a jell substance in it. I hope that at least gets rid of the pain.. And I can get a nights sleep. It is synvisc..
Getting younger is no fun..
This has really been a cold week here. We are not used to the cold. Our blood is thinner than you people who live in the colder climates. Most of the plants in my yard are gone.. I told my son I wasn't going to let it bother me. Too much work keeping them.If they come back fine if not that is fine too.
Christie is not a happy camper ,going out in the yard to get her business done.. We have a nice fenced area for her now. She will just have to get used to it.
Stay warm Everybody...Joanne

Oh Joanne...I am so sorry things are so difficult for you right now!! Having to make so many adjustments in such a short period of time can be very unsettling. I do hope this Synvisc will let you have the mobility I think you might be used to. I'll keep my fingers crossed for you!! Please try to keep a positive attitude, however difficult it may be. I promise this will work itself out....okay???
Tammy, let us know when you are on your way back to Ohio....we all want to keep you in our thoughts and make sure you have a safe trip!
And please....let us PRAY for a warmer climate for Florida in the very near future!!! Good Lord, it is way too cold for us thin-blooded folks down here!!
Mypitbullsmiles, dogs are the only thing in life that love you more than they love themselves!! And I swear that is the truth!! I am the biggest dog-lover ever.
Another cold Florida day....suppose to be up to the 70's by the weekend. Go figure! My poor old aged skin is really taking a beating with these drastic temperature changes! I wish nature would just make up it's mind down here!
Enjoy the evening ladies.

My nails are brittle-sign of cold-and my skin is dry. It's true about the blood.
It's going up today-yeah.
Doing taxes-can't find proof of money sent to IRS. But I will.
Ordered my dress in a small-lady said it was stretch material. I only lost .2 bit overall I have lost over 4 and I am almost at goal. been eating too much.
Rheumo today and skin doc tomorrow,
Sure hope your knee is better, Joamme.
We miss our dog-he had quite a smile-a keeshond. Should have videoed him when he was eating pasta and moaning,
Bye Mima

Hi everybody.

Mima, Kate and Joanne - wishing you warmer days. It is warming up. We went from -30F to +30F overnight. Felt like SPRING. Today it is 46F out there, so, although hard to move around, as the snow has become slush type stuff, it sure is nice. So the Arctic blast, sent to you, compliments of Canada, is OVER!!!! It is so nice and sunny here, but when it is -30 it has a high ceiling and lots of sun as well. Only a couple of months till Spring comes, for real.

Joanne - I sure hope that the shot helps and that you can be mobile again. You have had MORE than your share of the plate recently.

Tammy - hope you will have a safe trip back home. Glad you got away.

Son is doing well, after surgery. Will probably start back to work next week, on light duty. Hubby has been busy helping out with his house, so it can move forward, since he can't do much. They should be moving into it in just a couple of months. It isn't that easy to help, as we live 2 hours away, each way, so the only time is the weekend. Poor hubby is getting tired. He finally has come to the realization that he is no longer 21!

Everybody have a good day, and remember the north is warming up and so will you!

Hey There
 

Hello Everybody.. Say another orthopedic Dr. today and it wasn't really good news. He will clear me with insurance and give me the injections that may not be effective,(his words). He said the damage to my knee is about as bad as it can get.Not news to me. He also will order a special brace that will hold my knee in place. My arthritis is pretty bad and lately getting the best of me..
It is not as cold as the past few days just not as warm as I like. My skin and nails are wrecked. Constant lotion and still need more.
I need to get my emotional eating under control.. Not good for my weight ,diabetes,or stinking thinking..
Joanne

Oh, Joanne, so sorry.Maybe the brace will keep it in place so it doesn't rub.
Skin doc at 1-hope she doesn't find anything new.
Daughter having to glucose testing-sure hope she's ok/
Thanks for the warmer air, Anne. Love it.
Be good all. Mima

Hi.

Joanne - sorry nothing much can be done. Pray that the shot will help relieve, at least some of the pain. The brace can help as well. One day at a time.

Mima - The GD is common in pregnant women. Does she go for the 2 hr tolerance today? The stuff they drink has sure improved over the years as well. It's just that you have to be there for the 2 hours.

I have been BLOWING really hard, so that some of this nice warm air can make it down your way. I am almost out of breath lol

How about 4 hours and she said the stuff to drink is awful.No news yet.
The election in MA is very interesting-esp with so much national attention.Go Scott Brown!!
I had a skin biopsy on my belly=a tiny mole. Really hope that's ok-not a bikini wearer.
Prayed for Haiti last night at church. And collected money.
And started a new picture at Art-Hydrangeas.
Hope your knee is better Joanne-I really think the brace will help.
Mima

Hello from Ohio! I arrived home yesterday afternoon safe and sound. Had no problems at all, and I am confident now that I can do this on my own! That makes me feel good. Makes me sad knowing that this is what Bob and I wanted to do together, but I know he would be happy that I am doing it.

Joanne, sorry that things aren't the best for you right now. I wish there was something I or someone could do for your knee. I'm with you on the skin, nails, and emotional eating.

Mima, I had the gestational diabetes also when I was pregnant with Tim. A few days before he was born, my level was over 200. The day I went to the hospital, it was close to 200 when I got there. 3 hours later after he was born, it had dropped to 80. Even the nurse and doctor were amazed that it dropped that fast. I told Tim he needs to watch it because apparently he was the sweet one, not me!

Anne, thanks for blowing that warm air down here. It was in the 30's when I got home yesterday, and it's in the 30's again today. The sun is shining too. I'm sure your hubby has been getting worn out helping with your son's house. Tell him to take it easy!!

Several people from one of the local churches were in Haiti when the earthquake hit. They are all ok, but they have lost many friends that they have made while there.

I still have things to unload from the van! I don't have to do anything until tomorrow morning when I start back to the Y at 9, so I figure no rush, right?

Hey There
 

They measured me for the brace today. Now I hope the insurance will cover it.The brace is not very attractive. I will have to adjust the way I dress. Real lose pants to go over the brace ,peddle pushers or skirts. I could wear it on the outside of my jeans but guess how that will look?
On top of everything I have had IBS for two days. I just feel sick. Probably my nerves are getting the best of me.I am not getting much sleep at night. I just can't seem to get in a position that my knee doesn't hurt. I cry a lot..
Enough of me!!!
It got a little warmer..
I am glad you had a good trip Tammy.. 30 degrees is too cold for me..
Yes ,Happy, one day at a time.. I will keep that in mind..
We enlarged the fenced area so that all we will have to do is open the door and let Christie go out. Well, The stinker doesn't want to use it.. And doesn't want to go out alone! It takes a lot of patience and time to get her to go there. It is real dark out there at night. Tonight I will take her out front where I have a light. I may be ruining all my work in trying to get her to go where I want. Can't help it tonight. I don't feel up to sitting out there for 30-45 minuted while she walks around with her nose up in the air.She is so spoiled! Any advice?
Those poor people in Haiti..
Mima- Hope everything went well with the skin Dr.
Hello Meme..Where are you. Come on over from face book..
Joanne

Joanne-I have seen people wear their brace outside their pants.Tell people it;s a war wound. LOL
Hey tammy-Great for you!!!!! Glad you had a safe trip.
Suzanne's glucose test as fine. She is very happy about that.
Eye doc called and I am getting my cataracts removed, I an SO happy about that.
Mile and Jill are going to be selling things at the flea market for 3 weekends. We are going to see them this morning, And then go to BJ's and get my packet from the eye doc.
I have been working on the taxes a little each day. Got the business done.I need all my paper work from banks etc
Pray for Haiti-just read a story about a local girl back home that is still missing,
Mima

Good morning everyone. I am sitting here waiting for the refridgerator service guy yet again. This is the 4th service call I have had on my icemaker in the freezer. Thank God I have an extended warranty! This company has been really good about getting it done too so I like using them for eveything.
Hubby had his first appointment with the cardiologist yesterday. he goes in for a nuclear stress test next week. They do it in 2 appointments....1st one is "resting" and second one is fasting and the stress test. They inject some sort of stuff into you and scan the heart. Sounds like a long procedure....kind of like an MRI. I hope hubby can lay still for that long! His doctor wants to give him something to help with his appetite but wants to make sure his heart is okay first. He's actually talking about having both his knees done next Dec/Jan! We'll see.
Tammy, so glad you made it hope safely. It's great to know you are capable of doing stuff on your own, isn't it? I used to take mini weekend getaways by myself just to get away. Of course, that was when I had the business and worked long hours and was always stressed out. Now I don't feel the need to go anywhere. I am happy just being around my house doing my house-wifey things. Never had the chance to do that until I sold the shop. I'm liking it, too!
I'm still trying to get back to phase 1 of SB....not having very good luck at all! I just can't seem to drop these carbs out of my diet again. I'm going to have to work harder at it....have a doctor's appointment next Monday and I think I have gained a few pounds. I don't want to dwell on this though because it won't help me focus on what I need to do, right?
Joanne, I hopoe this all works out for you with your knees. Keep us posted, okay? Anne, you must be blowing that warm air pretty hard because it has finally warmed up enough way down here to open up the house again. We are having cloudy weather though and rain is due all weekend but a at least it is in the 70's!
Hope everyone is staying warm! Enjoy the rest of the day ladies!

Gopd morning.

Joanne - sending you big soft hugs. You are going through a terrible time. I hope that the brace will help. I just read in the paper where somebody here, in Red Deer, has designed a new brace, that is ultra light, for knees. It's the only one of it's kind. Some orothopedic fella made it. Maybe it is time to change them. My understanding is that they are not so comfortable. Hope the IBS is under control. Probably caused from all the stress.

Mima - glad that there was no GD. It happens so often and then it goes back. Diabetes runs like a river throughout our family. Hope my kids don't inherit it, but it often misses a generation.

Kate - I have had that stress test, but Red Deer is the only place in the UNIVERSE that does it in one day. I was at the hospital for 7.5 hours. They give you an IV with a radioactive substance in it, and then you get to sit quietly for 2 hours. They give you lots of water to drink. At the end of the 2 hours, you go into the xray room. It is painless, but after all that water ...... need I say more???? It all seems to hit the minute you get on the table. It doesn't take that long for the x-rays. They bring the machine down over you. After that I went back out for the second part of the stress test. Again you sit for 2 hours, then they take you to a treadmill and have you walk or run on that until they are satisfied - then it's back to the x-ray room again, for more of the same. Just took a long time. Half of it was just sitting around and some of it was just waiting to get stuff done.

Everything was fine as far as my heart was concerned. Just the Atrial Fibrillation acting up. Also was sent for an Echocardiogram and that was not such fun. I am a very deep breather, but when I did that, my lungs filled up and blacked out the heart, so I had to lay there gasping, while taking all these little tiny breathes. As it turned out everything was fine. At least i know was heart WAS ok. Hopefully, it still is lol

Tammy - glad you made it home safely. It is surprising what we can do but really never had to. You are strong and will be able to get along just fine. This trip must have been hard in some ways for you. "Firsts" are so rough.

Meme - where have you gotten to? Candice, come out and play.

Hello to you two new people. Come on and join in.

I cleaned out my kitchen cupboards today. Wow, how does stuff get so cluttered??? Anyway, they are now nice and clean, and I have a big garbage bag ready to haul out. Next is the fridge and then that will be done.

Everybody enjoy the day.

Joanne, I have seen many people with those braces on the outside of their pants. Might be easier than finding loose fitting pants, I don't know. I'm sure your nerves are about shot by now. Know how much we all care about you, and we all want the best for you. Take care.

Mima, when will you have the cataracts removed?

Kate, keep us updated on how things go with hubby. It really is a good feeling knowing that I'm capable of doing more than I thought I could. With your beautiful home, I can understand why you would never want to leave!

Anne, I have definitely found out that I'm stronger than I thought I was.

Today was my first day back at the Y. Oh my. I am worn out. That is the first I have done anything except walking since before Christmas. And guess what? It was weigh in day. I debated on it, but I decided that I might as well see what damage I did on the trip. Drumroll please! I gained .4!! That's it! I was shocked and quite pleased. That will be my starting weight on the tracker that I have set for 20 pounds. Hopefully I'll lose those sometime, and I can set it for another number.

Great for .4 , Tammy, and for driving back. I probably wouldn't do that but I can go on a plane alone, though I haven't done it in a long time. But I will at the end of feb.
Suzanne is coming for the wedding but on a flight that's early. I am mostly done with the baby quilt which has crooked squares but the colors are pretty.
Yeah for Payless carrying a size 5-should have gone there first.
When do you get your brace, Joanne/ Cataracts in Feb if all goes well.
That must be a grueling day, Anne, when you had those tests.
Pam had a bachelorette party last night and Bob's is next week-they are playing paintball .Dinner and ???
Watching the MA election and hoping and praying Brown wins. Mima

Hey There
 

I will call the company that came and measured my leg. I haven't heard from them. I will wait through today.. I get the first of three injections tomorrow. I am just hoping for pain relief. I know this won't fix the leg. walking and weight bearing will not help it. So I will just have to go on with my daily chores and hope for the best.
I like flying. I am not afraid at all.
Joanne

Mima, I flew for the 2nd time alone in October. Both times I had gone to airports that I had been to before with others, so it wasn't bad. Not sure about going to a new one. The driving was much better that I thought it would be. I just drove and sang along with the radio. lol What colors did you use in the quilt?

Joanne, hope all goes well with the injections. Did you ever hear from the brace place?

Busy day. Class at the Y, lunch with the retired crew, gave blood, hung out with some friends tonight. Just watched tv and gabbed.

The quilt has brown, pink and rose. I see those colors a lot for girls. I will finish it this morning.
I gained .6 yesterday at WW but I had gone out to eat 2x and I didn't overeat. Now I am down another pound, Go figure-I think it's the sodium/
I sure hope you get relief, Joanne-i see lots of people with braces on their knees.
Watchig the election in MA and praying for Scott Brown. Mima

Mima, the quilt sounds pretty. good for being down the pound. Let us know about the election just in case I don't have the tv on.

Went to the rheumatologist this morning. That is the first that I have been there since Aug. 2008, right after Bob died. She was pleased with the 17 pound weight loss (hooray!). She was also glad to hear that I have been feeling pretty good. Left knee is still an issue at times, but nothing like before. We didn't even talk about injections since it hasn't been bothering me.

It is cold, foggy, and icky here. I want to go somewhere that the sun is shining, even if it is cold.

Hey There
 

I got my first injection today.. My knee hurts. I know this may take time.. The guy who measured my knee for the brace was supposed to send a fax to the Dr. so he could get the referral into the insurance company . That was the 14th. Well he didn't do it till yesterday. I suspect he didn't send it till after I called him yesterday. He wanted me to call my Dr. to hurry it up. He was just trying to cover his butt!!!The Dr didn't have it when I called at late morning.
My weight staying the same. My coumadin level was up so now more adjustments to my med. Ask Me? Am I sick of all this stuff??
I haven't done much quilting lately. I think I need to get back to my crafts.
Sorry about the whining..
Joanne

Joanne, you have to be so tired and sick of everything. Can't believe that guy not calling the doctor when he was supposed to, well, yes I can. People just don't care anymore. Keeping you in prayers, and don't worry about the being whiny! We love you!!!!

Mima, saw the election results. I'm sure you were doing the happy dance!

Tim took the EMT test yesterday morning, and he found out last night that he passed!! He is thrilled and very relieved.

Where is everyone? Did you guys all take a trip without me?

Hey There
 

You bet I am tired of the whole thing.. We had the last of Dr. appointments today. The hubbies this time.. He has to have a colonoscopy next month.. He will see what I had to put up with. I said never again for me.. We are free of appointments for this week.
It has been warm but it did rain today about one minute.. We may get some more later tonight.
Have a good weekend...Joanne