Michael is due back in the states in just 2 short days, and let me tell you it can't come soon enough. Since my last update just about everything that can go wrong-has!
1. We found out that Brendan will have to have a bone graft in his hand. We are only waiting to find out if it will come from his wrist or his hip. We are hoping for wrist since that will mean the damage isn't as bad as it could be.
1a. Because of said surgery Brendan will not be able to get his fire fighting certification. He will still get his college credits, but he will have to basically start over to get certified because the doctor has put the cabash on any and all physical activity involving his wrist, and he put a cast up to his elbow to ensure his compliance. Well, maybe it was to stablize the wrist, and to keep it from getting any further damage, but the result is he has to comply with doctor's orders.
2. Something is wrong with my van. My guess? EGR valve, so I have to get that fixed. Cost??? Don't know doesn't really matter because it has to be fixed.
3. Windshield of Michael's car was hit by a flying rock. Normally this would result in a chip that could be repaired, but following the rules of "Michael's Gone Syndrome" the rock hit, and the windshield immediately had a crack over a foot long.
4. The Exceptional Family Member office here neglected to tell us they decided I have enough health issues of the right type to warrent enrollment in the program. No big deal, right? WRONG! Along with not telling us I was enrolled they also did not tell us that meant in order for me to move to Barkdale with my family I have to be approved by the gaining hospital. This means another physical, just 2 weeks after my last physical, and a dental appointment.
Again, no big deal excecpt for the fact that they need all of this paperwork, a meeting with the medical board, and they have to send it to Barksdale who has 14 business days to respond. Ok, I couldn't even get a dentist appointment for almost a month, and that was after begging. They were going to make me wait 2 months. When I went to turn in the dental paperwork no one was even in the office early on a Thursday afternoon, and no one would be back until Monday. This was just 9 days ago. The paperwork didn't even get sent to Barksdale until Monday or Tuesday. Michael will be home in 2 days, and I still am not authorized to travel. This is the Air Force's idea of expediting the paperwork. Good thing they are trying to hurry or I might not be able to move until Christmas--of 2012.
5. Finally, the most stress inducing situation of all, the Air Force has decided to change high year tenure. Which in a nutshell means instead of retiring in 3 years, which was the plan we were following, Michael will be retiring in 1 year, unless he makes Senior. Then we will be back to the 3 year plan. I never realized how short one year was until trying to condense 3 years of finanical and student and career planning into 1 year. I just don't think it can be done. Don't they know I am an exceptional family member? I can't handle any more stress. I mean, you would think they would take that into consideration considering it was their idea and all.
Ok, that's it. Now Michael is due home in 2 days, will be home for 3 weeks, and then he is off to Barksdale. Brendan and I are to follow in June when school lets out. Can this please, please, please be it? I am going to try really, really hard to keep out of trouble for just a little while longer. I mean, it has to end somewhere, right?
Praying for peace,
Ella
Saturday, February 27, 2010
Sunday, January 10, 2010
Trying to be...
Everything.
Employee:
Sometimes it feels as if I have so many hats I can never wear them all, and not just at work. I do my best to jump in and do whatever needs to be done at work. This can lead to an exhausting day, to say the least.
Home Maker:
Today, is my day off. I have so much to do and next to no ambition. I managed to get all of the housework done that I planned on, but I still need to plan dinner for tonight and tomorrow night, make said dinners, and get lunch together for tomorrow.
Student:
I also need to get to work on my next college class. I received my book a couple of days ago, and it is time to get started. I am a bit nervous about this one. I meant to take a class that was more of an introduction than this one, and now I am nervous. I also tend to put a lot of pressure on myself to get A's, and all that does is cause more stress.
Mom:
Last week we learned that Brendan broke his scaphoid bone waaay back in August. He had xrays on August 31st where we were first told the xray was negative, but given a referral to orthopedics and a brace. The next day we were called back in because the radiologist saw something on the xray that was questionable. We went back in, had more xrays and were again told the xrays were negative. At this time th referral was cancelled and the brace was taken away. In December we went back to the doctor because Brendan was still in pain. More xrays, another referral, negative results. This week we finally had the referral appointment and more xrays. Now we finally have answers. Answers that raise questions, but answers none the less. Brendan does, indeed, have a break. The orthopedist showed us what he called "A Tour of Brendan's Wrist."
Starting with the Aug 31st xray. There was a line right throught the center of the scaphoid bone. I don't really see how this could be a question, but the orthopedist who has seen many more xrays than I have says it could have been questionable.
2nd xrays on September 1st. Same line, maybe a bit lighter. Brendan's symptoms have changed a bit, and he is not showing classic scaphoid bone break symptoms. The result? We are basically told it must be a sprain it will hurt for a while.
3rd xrays Dec 17th. Here is where I start to really question the ability of the radiologist. I understand, to a point, why it was missed on the first two, but on this one? Not so much. On this one the line is still there, AND a halo shows around the top of the scaphoid bone. This is because the bone has started to tilt upwards, so we are starting to see the top of the bone.
4th xrays: There is now a large gap where the original line was, the bone is butted up against the radius bone, the bottom portion of the bone is white meaning inadequate blood flow to the bone, a bone spur, and he has scaphoid collapse.
Now, instead of a cast or perhaps even a simple surgery, we are looking at having a screw put in, and a bone graft because of the lack of blood flow. All this while Brendan is taking a course in firefighting and trying to get his certification.
Wife:
Right now this includes wearing a "dad" hat since Michael is deployed.
Daugher and Friend:
I feel these often get pushed to the side in an effort to fulfill my other roles.
Christian:
I know I often push my spiritual life to a back burner. The sad part is it is the most important, and everything would go so much more smoothly if I were more faithful in spending time with God everyday. Thankfully, God is always there even when I am not.
Employee:
Sometimes it feels as if I have so many hats I can never wear them all, and not just at work. I do my best to jump in and do whatever needs to be done at work. This can lead to an exhausting day, to say the least.
Home Maker:
Today, is my day off. I have so much to do and next to no ambition. I managed to get all of the housework done that I planned on, but I still need to plan dinner for tonight and tomorrow night, make said dinners, and get lunch together for tomorrow.
Student:
I also need to get to work on my next college class. I received my book a couple of days ago, and it is time to get started. I am a bit nervous about this one. I meant to take a class that was more of an introduction than this one, and now I am nervous. I also tend to put a lot of pressure on myself to get A's, and all that does is cause more stress.
Mom:
Last week we learned that Brendan broke his scaphoid bone waaay back in August. He had xrays on August 31st where we were first told the xray was negative, but given a referral to orthopedics and a brace. The next day we were called back in because the radiologist saw something on the xray that was questionable. We went back in, had more xrays and were again told the xrays were negative. At this time th referral was cancelled and the brace was taken away. In December we went back to the doctor because Brendan was still in pain. More xrays, another referral, negative results. This week we finally had the referral appointment and more xrays. Now we finally have answers. Answers that raise questions, but answers none the less. Brendan does, indeed, have a break. The orthopedist showed us what he called "A Tour of Brendan's Wrist."
Starting with the Aug 31st xray. There was a line right throught the center of the scaphoid bone. I don't really see how this could be a question, but the orthopedist who has seen many more xrays than I have says it could have been questionable.
2nd xrays on September 1st. Same line, maybe a bit lighter. Brendan's symptoms have changed a bit, and he is not showing classic scaphoid bone break symptoms. The result? We are basically told it must be a sprain it will hurt for a while.
3rd xrays Dec 17th. Here is where I start to really question the ability of the radiologist. I understand, to a point, why it was missed on the first two, but on this one? Not so much. On this one the line is still there, AND a halo shows around the top of the scaphoid bone. This is because the bone has started to tilt upwards, so we are starting to see the top of the bone.
4th xrays: There is now a large gap where the original line was, the bone is butted up against the radius bone, the bottom portion of the bone is white meaning inadequate blood flow to the bone, a bone spur, and he has scaphoid collapse.
Now, instead of a cast or perhaps even a simple surgery, we are looking at having a screw put in, and a bone graft because of the lack of blood flow. All this while Brendan is taking a course in firefighting and trying to get his certification.
Wife:
Right now this includes wearing a "dad" hat since Michael is deployed.
Daugher and Friend:
I feel these often get pushed to the side in an effort to fulfill my other roles.
Christian:
I know I often push my spiritual life to a back burner. The sad part is it is the most important, and everything would go so much more smoothly if I were more faithful in spending time with God everyday. Thankfully, God is always there even when I am not.
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Michael's gone syndrome:Take 2
Apparently this deployment has gone entirely too smoothly, and the powers that be have decided I needed a little more stress in my life.
It all started a few weeks ago when my dad was visiting, and someone decided to sideswipe Michael's car which was innocently parked out on the street in front of my house. It wasn't too bad. It could have been worse. I just had to arrange for rides to and from the body shop, and $1400 worth of repairs later the car looks just like new.
Then comes this last week where the lesson is DO NOT GET GAS WHEN YOU ARE TIRED! And if you do, then ONLY GO TO THE SAME PUMP YOU ALWAYS GO TO! That way if you needed to you could get gas blindfolded.
I, needless to say, did not follow either of these creeds. After work B and I go and get gas. All is good. Then I go to drive away. Not so good. You know how the gas pumps have the metal arches to protect the pumps? Me too, I know. What I didn't notice, was that about 1 foot and then another 3 feet in front of that this particular pump also has concrete poles. Concrete poles that do not move when you hit them. My van door, however, does move. In fact, it moves a lot. So after hearing the heart stopping crunching noise, I readjust and pull out again and head home. I don't get out of the van yet since I am just getting some money for dinner, and B can get that for me. It took me 2 hours to get up the nerve to look at my door. All I can say is..Can I unlook now?
I call State Farm, who is wonderful by the way, and make a claim. Arrange for rides to and from the body shop...again. You know its bad when the body shop says "Is this the same accident? or another one?" and when your ride's husband says, "Didn't you just take her there?" Now, my van sits, awaiting the estimated $1800 worth of repairs. 1800 DOLLARS, ESTIMATED, It could actually be HIGHER. I would just like to say...Thank goodness I kept full coverage when I paid off this vehicle!
After all that I had to work on Sunday. I hate working on Sunday, but sometimes it is necessary, and I understand that. I try not to complain, but this Sunday? This Sunday was bad! This Sunday could cause me to be a stay at home mom. 'nuf said. We won't even go there.
Then comes yesterday with the little tiny pin prick sized scab that I must have rubbed off in the shower. I have never had so much trouble getting something to stop bleeding. I'm trying to dry off, and blood is running down my arm. I apply pressure, it won't stop. I decide I need to get my teeth brushed and then deal with it. I am brushing my teeth, and blood is dripping down my arm and into the sink and onto the floor. I was off my arm and get some tissue. Completely covered that in blood. Head downstairs and get a bandaid, put it on, and put moisturizer on my face, and REPLACE the blood soaked bandaid. The thing has now been bleeding for more than 15 minutes. At one point I was thinking two things: 1. I am not going to the urgent care for this, and 2. When I don't go and I die from blood loss no one is going to believe I exsanguinated from this itty bitty sore that is litterally smaller than the tip, the tip, not even the head of a pin. Fortunately after, soaking the second bandaid, it finally stopped bleeding. Holy cow. That was fun....not!
It all started a few weeks ago when my dad was visiting, and someone decided to sideswipe Michael's car which was innocently parked out on the street in front of my house. It wasn't too bad. It could have been worse. I just had to arrange for rides to and from the body shop, and $1400 worth of repairs later the car looks just like new.
Then comes this last week where the lesson is DO NOT GET GAS WHEN YOU ARE TIRED! And if you do, then ONLY GO TO THE SAME PUMP YOU ALWAYS GO TO! That way if you needed to you could get gas blindfolded.
I, needless to say, did not follow either of these creeds. After work B and I go and get gas. All is good. Then I go to drive away. Not so good. You know how the gas pumps have the metal arches to protect the pumps? Me too, I know. What I didn't notice, was that about 1 foot and then another 3 feet in front of that this particular pump also has concrete poles. Concrete poles that do not move when you hit them. My van door, however, does move. In fact, it moves a lot. So after hearing the heart stopping crunching noise, I readjust and pull out again and head home. I don't get out of the van yet since I am just getting some money for dinner, and B can get that for me. It took me 2 hours to get up the nerve to look at my door. All I can say is..Can I unlook now?
I call State Farm, who is wonderful by the way, and make a claim. Arrange for rides to and from the body shop...again. You know its bad when the body shop says "Is this the same accident? or another one?" and when your ride's husband says, "Didn't you just take her there?" Now, my van sits, awaiting the estimated $1800 worth of repairs. 1800 DOLLARS, ESTIMATED, It could actually be HIGHER. I would just like to say...Thank goodness I kept full coverage when I paid off this vehicle!
After all that I had to work on Sunday. I hate working on Sunday, but sometimes it is necessary, and I understand that. I try not to complain, but this Sunday? This Sunday was bad! This Sunday could cause me to be a stay at home mom. 'nuf said. We won't even go there.
Then comes yesterday with the little tiny pin prick sized scab that I must have rubbed off in the shower. I have never had so much trouble getting something to stop bleeding. I'm trying to dry off, and blood is running down my arm. I apply pressure, it won't stop. I decide I need to get my teeth brushed and then deal with it. I am brushing my teeth, and blood is dripping down my arm and into the sink and onto the floor. I was off my arm and get some tissue. Completely covered that in blood. Head downstairs and get a bandaid, put it on, and put moisturizer on my face, and REPLACE the blood soaked bandaid. The thing has now been bleeding for more than 15 minutes. At one point I was thinking two things: 1. I am not going to the urgent care for this, and 2. When I don't go and I die from blood loss no one is going to believe I exsanguinated from this itty bitty sore that is litterally smaller than the tip, the tip, not even the head of a pin. Fortunately after, soaking the second bandaid, it finally stopped bleeding. Holy cow. That was fun....not!
Friday, September 11, 2009
The Knight by Steven James--A book review
So, maybe not an official review. I don't really read them, so I don't know what needs to be in them, but if you are looking for a great mystery series, with adrenaline pumping twists and turns. GET THIS BOOK. Actually, get The Pawn, The Rook and THEN GET THIS BOOK.
With this latest story Steven James as solidified himself as my favorite author ever, and as the granddaughter of a large used bookstore owner, who loves to read. I've read A LOT of books!
Steven James has a way of writng that really makes you feel you are there. He writes word pictures in such a way that you can see and feel everything, but without getting so bogged down in the descriptions that the plot is left behind. You will find yourself struggling with the same moral dilemnas, experiencing the anxieties, and feeling the emotions of the characters. Your mind will race trying to piece together the puzzle in time---before it's too late. You will find yourself with conflicting emotions wanting to hurry up and know "who dunnit" and wanting to slow down so the book will last longer.
This is not a book you will finish and go straight to the next book on your list. You will want to savor the memory of the adventure. You will not want to push it out of the forefront of your mind too quickly in order to make room for the next story.
I soooo can NOT wait for summer, 2010 when I get to read The Bishop.
With this latest story Steven James as solidified himself as my favorite author ever, and as the granddaughter of a large used bookstore owner, who loves to read. I've read A LOT of books!
Steven James has a way of writng that really makes you feel you are there. He writes word pictures in such a way that you can see and feel everything, but without getting so bogged down in the descriptions that the plot is left behind. You will find yourself struggling with the same moral dilemnas, experiencing the anxieties, and feeling the emotions of the characters. Your mind will race trying to piece together the puzzle in time---before it's too late. You will find yourself with conflicting emotions wanting to hurry up and know "who dunnit" and wanting to slow down so the book will last longer.
This is not a book you will finish and go straight to the next book on your list. You will want to savor the memory of the adventure. You will not want to push it out of the forefront of your mind too quickly in order to make room for the next story.
I soooo can NOT wait for summer, 2010 when I get to read The Bishop.
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
My Son the Not So Great Patient--AKA Answered Prayers
After 2 years of chronic, literally never-ending, ingrown toenails, B had the toenails on both big toes completely removed. He already had the remove the sides of the nail procedure with no luck. They never healed. In fact, the left toe just continued to get worse, and worse.
When we found out this was going to be done I was not happy. I think I was more skeeved out about it that B was. I could just feel the pain thinking about it. I decided to pray for him, and I decided to pray big--not just that the nurse giving him his first IV since he was a preemie in the NICU would know what she was doing, and get it on the first try, not just that the surgery would go well, not just that he would not have a bad reaction to the anesthesia, all of which were answered, but I was going to pray that he would have no pain after the surgery.
After listening to Beth Moore's Bible Study, "Believing God", I came to the realization that I have a habit of praying about something because I think I am supposed to, not because I really think it will make a difference. I was limiting God's role in my life. It is because of this I am trying to be more specific in my prayers. The first realization was when I had a worsening of a Fibromyalgia flare up, and instead of just living with, I decided to pray about it. A few hours later I realized I was feeling better, not normal, but my normal. These types of episodes typically last more than a week. It had only last about 2 hours. I was floored. So for the last few weeks I have been praying for B's surgery.
Today and yesterday have been answers to that prayer. B woke up with no pain. I had him take the Rx pain pills yesterday, but today he has only taken Motrin, and that was a preventative measure. Other than what he describes as "a little burning", he has had no pain. He is acting like his normal self, and he feels just fine.
There is a downside to no pain after surgery, though. It is convincing a 16 year old boy who is not in pain, that he must stay off of his feet, and keep them elevated.
I called him from work today to check on him, and I asked him if his feet were hurting. His answer? "No, but my butt hurts." I guess he is done with being a patient. Now he is going to have to work on his patience.
When we found out this was going to be done I was not happy. I think I was more skeeved out about it that B was. I could just feel the pain thinking about it. I decided to pray for him, and I decided to pray big--not just that the nurse giving him his first IV since he was a preemie in the NICU would know what she was doing, and get it on the first try, not just that the surgery would go well, not just that he would not have a bad reaction to the anesthesia, all of which were answered, but I was going to pray that he would have no pain after the surgery.
After listening to Beth Moore's Bible Study, "Believing God", I came to the realization that I have a habit of praying about something because I think I am supposed to, not because I really think it will make a difference. I was limiting God's role in my life. It is because of this I am trying to be more specific in my prayers. The first realization was when I had a worsening of a Fibromyalgia flare up, and instead of just living with, I decided to pray about it. A few hours later I realized I was feeling better, not normal, but my normal. These types of episodes typically last more than a week. It had only last about 2 hours. I was floored. So for the last few weeks I have been praying for B's surgery.
Today and yesterday have been answers to that prayer. B woke up with no pain. I had him take the Rx pain pills yesterday, but today he has only taken Motrin, and that was a preventative measure. Other than what he describes as "a little burning", he has had no pain. He is acting like his normal self, and he feels just fine.
There is a downside to no pain after surgery, though. It is convincing a 16 year old boy who is not in pain, that he must stay off of his feet, and keep them elevated.
I called him from work today to check on him, and I asked him if his feet were hurting. His answer? "No, but my butt hurts." I guess he is done with being a patient. Now he is going to have to work on his patience.
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
One step closer to living his own life.
I woke up my sleeping teenage son, not recommended for those at home, by the way, to take him to attempt to get his driver's permit. What teenage boy needs to be dragged to the DMV to get a permit? Mine, and only mine. He is a freak of nature. I could open my own circus.
So, I get him to the DMV, and while we are waiting our turn, I am a nervous wreck, and he is calmer than a glassy lake. I am wringing my hands, praying,and chewing my nails. He is reading a book. And not the driver's manual-just a book. Everyone else there to take a written test was reading the driver's manuel, but not my son. Freak.of.nature!
So finally he gets called up, and I am still worrying and praying and praying some more. Ten minutes later, just as nonchalantly as when we were waiting he walks up to the counter and picks up his temporary permit. Success!!!!! Now, I just have to worry about accidents, not coming home until 2am, and picturing him driving on the interstate, in the snow, that is covering the ice, next to an erratic driver. Hmmm, maybe the DMV will take back the permit.
So, I get him to the DMV, and while we are waiting our turn, I am a nervous wreck, and he is calmer than a glassy lake. I am wringing my hands, praying,and chewing my nails. He is reading a book. And not the driver's manual-just a book. Everyone else there to take a written test was reading the driver's manuel, but not my son. Freak.of.nature!
So finally he gets called up, and I am still worrying and praying and praying some more. Ten minutes later, just as nonchalantly as when we were waiting he walks up to the counter and picks up his temporary permit. Success!!!!! Now, I just have to worry about accidents, not coming home until 2am, and picturing him driving on the interstate, in the snow, that is covering the ice, next to an erratic driver. Hmmm, maybe the DMV will take back the permit.
Monday, May 25, 2009
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