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The Beaver Chronicles" There is chaos under the heavens and the situation is excellent. " - Chinese Proverb |
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November 19 Continuing On.... When we last were discussing my irritation with the local medical practioners, I had to out it aside for awhile.
It was still a bit raw in my mind and in my heart. I wanted to be very clear about what I wanted to say and how best to say it.
First, it should be said I do have layered health issues - most of them are of the autoimmune nature. I've been jumping through medical hoops for about five and a half years - tests, meds, tests, injections, meds, more tests, etc. If you or someone you know has RA, SLE, Sjogrens, Hashimoto's or anyone of numerous disorders / diseases, you will understand. Last year, at about the time my father was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma, I was hobbling around town - and trying my best to figure out the least worrisome lie to lay on Dad. " You lie to your father !? " You betcha. He knows it, I know it and we are both alot happier if I do. He was in Ball Memorial Hospital, stunned and frightened by the diagnosis and I was meeting scheduled appointments to determine " now what the Hell is wrong with me. " I told Dad I was seeing my dentist. Lord only knows what went through his mind. How many times can anyone see a dentist in a week or two ?
I was being CT'ed, MRI'ed, EMG'ed, fluid tested, injected and, finally, dejected when after numerous tests and medications and injections which did nothing to help, I had reached the breaking point. I had esatablished a schedule for what I was told to expect - surgery. That window came and went and I put life on hold to get through the holidays and to help my stepmother, Happy Pants King, care for Dad. I thought - after the first of the year, I'll push for surgery. More bone scans and EMG's. I knew my orthopod would surely notice my mobility was becoming more and more impaired and sleeping through the night was impossible. I'd toss and turn, trying to find the right position, without pain. So, with a sense of " now, we'll get the show on the road, " I went for my next scheduled appointment, who did confirm the problems, but while acknowledging the injections and orals meds, didn't work, decided we would continue that course of action / inaction. I picked up my bag and holding back tears of pure frustration and anger, said " I think I am done here " and walked out to my car and started crying in white fury. Those who have experienced a woman who cries in anger will understand that this woman is more dangerous than a Great White Shark circling a bleeding swimmer. Suddenly, climbing into a steel reinforced cage with a loaded bang stick will make all the sense in the world. I selected the knee of my choice and the game was on.
I came home, once I could stop screaming and started researching. My answer would never be found with local specialists - the answer would come elsewhere and from doctors who loved the art of medicine more than they loved their portfolio's and million dollar homes.
First, I needed to regain strength and stamina. Lupus and Rheumatoid Arthritis, etc. had taken it's toll, along with joint issues which may or may not have been related. Indiana had been particularly cold for Summer, so I went in search of warmth and pools. I needed to detox from the meds, as well as other lifestyle choices. For a solid month, I pushed myself harder than I ever imagined I could, but there was much to consider and alot more at stake. There was one moment with a blood test and the inability of a young woman to get a good stick on me. It's been a problem since birth. I said to the young girl, who happened to be Muslim - " Don't worry, you'll hit it. " She smiled shyly and quietly murmured " Inshallah. " Great...I knew Catholic God was pissed off at me and I was fairly certain protestant God was going to be showing me any love, so I was left with Allah ? I am screwed. "
I finally left my comfort level and arrived at the hospital of my choice. Within two hours, I had been xrayed, fluids collected and the heart tests. I was a " go " for surgery. Not two, as I had expected but one and it was not what I had expected. As the tests had borne out, I had been misdiagnosed and one issue completely escaped all the tests I had been enduring for over a year. I had to sit down, stunned. The bigger surprise was " When do you want to schedule the surgery ? " HUH !? In that moment, I knew I was in a whole new arena of medicine and how it is practiced. " How about day after tomorrow ? " WOW ! Yeah, party on, Doc. Then, there came one itsy - bitsy moment of concern. I was told the surgery - a total knee replacement - would be performed under local anesthesia. I tried to explain to my surgeon that I am usually much happier with Total Sensory Deprivation and most people actually prefer that I am laid out with TSD. They disagreed. It was obvious - these folks had no idea what they were dealing with and somewhere in my mind, I could hear Mother doing her best snarky heeheehee. I decided there might be room for some negotiation. The first and ONLY time I ever had an epidural resulted in leaving Ball Memorial Hospital with a baby. That was Number One - NO Babies. Second, if I had to be awake, I certainly didn't want to hear them sawing away, so what about taking my mp3 player with me. They agreed. Very cool. Between Mitch Ryder, Steve Tyrell, Frank Sinatra and John Mellencamp, I'd be ok. So, negotiations done, I agreed to return at the appointed time in a day and a half.
I spent the next 36 hours totally relaxed and happy.
In my spacious private room, I was relaxing - doing logic puzzles and generally waiting to get the show on the road.
The nurse came in to prep me. Fine. No problem. Believe me, in all of my surgical situations, I had been through the mill with surgical preps - one included the Charge Nurse on the surgical floor sending a man in to prep a barely into puberty girl for surgery and me losing my mind. Y'all feel me ? You know what I am getting at ? After that, Hell...bring it on, baybee, bring it on !
She began to shave my leg, showing a stunned surprise that my leg was smooth and shaved. Well, it was warm weather. If she had to do this in the Winter months, she would have required a machete. Seriously, that's another reason I love Winter. Much less maintenance. I am just That Lazy. Hey, I am older than God and it's not like I use the lower parts that much, so why bother ? But, if you swim in warm months, you are pretty much forced to shave. If you don't, those folks who hunt for Bigfoot will track your furry body down and bag you. She didn't stop at the leg. I looked down and said " Hey ! They aren't replacing THAT ! " She explained about the catheter - another word I do not like, but came to appreciate. I laid back and thought - " Great...I'll be flying home and the side effets will be driving me nuts and I'll probably get arrested for suspected self-gratification. "
I was wheeled down to the surgical unit and the entire team was in the hall to say hello.
The anesthesiologist went right to work and I know the coup de grace was coming because two assistants were on bolstering me. I was imagining a needle the size and with all the power of a Hellfire missile. Yep...it wasn't great, but what the Hell. Soon, a nice warmth started spreading down my lower body. Itfelt so good I was considering asking for a cigarette. Then, they lifted my legs into the stirrups and I was having flashbacks..." Hey, remember what I said - NO BABY ! " I plugged into my mp3 player, gave the doc the " let's do it " thumbs up and started thinking happy thoughts, interrupted by occasional outbursts of lyrics - " Good Golly, Miss Molly, you sure like to ball ! " Time sort of drifted by, but I was reliving what I could remember of my yippee days and pretty ignored what was happening.
I came through surgery very well, with little discomfort, except for the removal of the drainage tube and the horrendous thirst Sjogrens patients know all too well. Those small sips of water didn't cut it. That's when I became clever. I pointed into another area of the room and when the nurse turned to look, I snatched the pitcher. This was an old trick I learned years back on another surgical experience. Only I was about 5 or 6 and I managed to climb out of the pediatric cage and snatched another kids' water.
Later, back in my room, the surgeon came in and asked about the pain I was having on admittance. It was gone. Gone !
Within no time at all, the PT people arrived to get me back on my feet and mobile. I was still mourning the loss of my catheter...peeing was alot easier and effortless.
In three days time, I was walking, walking steps - " Good girls ( knees ) go up, bad girls ( knees ) go down. " Trust me, I was laughing so hard at that point, the girls weren't going anywhere and I had to explain why. Three days, post-op, I was released and able to climb stairs. I was babying the knee, yet working on mobility at the same time. Without my friend, The Cane. In ten days, I was released from any treatment.
During my period of recovery, I was making a list of doctors to fire.
I was also wondering, could my new favorite doctor remove my foot from my orthopods' ass.
Just something to ponder.
If anyone is curious as to whom, what, where and how to get better medical care, please email me. You don't have to suffer.
November 15 Well...They Did It...AgainOnce again, the Muncie City Council acted without conscience or consideration for the people whose interests they have sworn to serve. I will say Council Members Gregory, Conatser and Polk tried to address those concerns, but were voted down and the people were not allowed to speak to the issue.
November 12 We Don't Have To Roll Over And Play Dead !Important information on what you as taxpayers can do about the budget problems.It might be important to note that inspite of the Administration’s and City Council’s ability to resolve an Annual Budget to the satisfaction of the Taxpayers (remember the taxpayers?), there is an alternative to consider….IC 6-1.1-17-13 provides for the Taxpayers to force a hearing in front of the DLGF (the FINAL authority on the City Budget) to address their concerns and objections. If there are those interested in signing on to such an effort, please communicate that interest with the CDCPTR at: webmaster@propertytaxrepeal.com Lay Down With Dogs And Get Fleas ! The rush is on to rescue LOIT, in spite of an overwhelmingly negative response from the community.
Now, how best to do this ??? Remember, we are dealing with people who have, for decades, kept us down, dumb and scared to speak up and out. The solution is simple : forget what your lying eyes see, believe what we tell you to see and hear. Slap a coat of paint on tired old rhetoric and wheel out a few faces not well known as the usual cast of puppets, but with hearts every bit as wooden as The Puppet Masters.
My reaction is disgust and frustration...but, I am also more determined than ever to stand up and work to help this city and county defend itself from those who have sworn to serve the public interest, but have lied time and time again, all in the name of what best serves Their Interests.
A lie is a lie is a lie...and those who perpetuate those lies and who make every effort to shove another tax down the throats of a city and county is detestable and those who deliver those messages are liars. Liars who will rob us blind. There DOES seem to be a pattern and a history precedent in their actions, words and deeds.
Muncie, Indiana...Delaware County...stand up and say NO to LOIT ! Say NO to those who would tax us to our graves and beyond.
November 03 Damned Straight !Just a timeless comment…short and sweetWe were sitting at city council and I remarked something about Muncie moving into the 21st century. My buddy, Deborah, blurted out “You expect them to be like the Jetsons when they can’t even keep up with the Flintstones?” I thought the woman sitting in front of me would die laughing. It was a great line…thought I would share it with you. Thank you to www.munciepolitics.wordpress.com
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