01/02/09 Fri

OK day for Linda. Don's work at home interrupted by a fire in his dryer and dealing with that much of the day.No big damage except smoke. Click to see

01/01/09 Thu New Year Day

Good relaxing day. Don went home to clean up his place, ha, maybe to watch a game or two, too. Friends came by Linda's place with Christmas presents and a wonderful meal. Thanks for the visit and gifts and food, dear friends. Milo behaved most of the time. Found dvd/cd player from previous Christmas and listening to a new book on cd. (Does anyone know how to find your place when you want to turn it off and come back later? Cassettes are easy, just turn of and when turn back on tape still in same place.). Still need to finish the Dewey book.

Hoping to make SS on the 4th.

12/31/08 Wed

Thanks to Marlene and David and John and Lauren for their Christmas presents and even more so for assembling them - shelves for dvd's and tapes and a handsome stand for the TV. What a neat surprise to come home from the hospital and see them all assembled and in great working order. Wow! Now visitors will not have to worry about the stand and tv tipping over. Plus new curtains for later installation. Thanks guys.

--------

As related previously, Linda had a set back Monday 12/29 as she fell on her face while at Physical Training . . Emergency room until 2 am, Intensive care one night, regular room one night, and 3 cat scans later she came home today and is happy. Had blood on the brain and there was possibility of more surgery. The later cat scans showed no further bleeding so no need for surgery. Will see Dr Asher in a week to check if ok. Take maybe 4 months for body to clear it out. Can go back to Rehab next week so it is, we hope, just a bump in the road to recovery.

12/30/08 Tue

Linda is in room 9611 in Intensive Care at Carolinas Medical. Main telephone number is 704 355 2000 but she cannot take calls in icu. I will go by soon. 8:30am. Another catscan at 11:30 am to compare with the previous one. Waiting on doctor 12:45pm.

12/29/08 Mon

Linda had a Good morning, tough afternoon. At 9 am picked up a part for Linda's oven and by noon had found my promised Christmas present - a lounge chair to replace the one on loan from our Church. At 3 pm Linda had Occupational Therapy at Carolinas Medical Center Rehabilitation Center and while on an excursion outside fell and hurt her face, head, side, and wrist. To Emergency Room and many hours later CAT Scan revealed bleeding in brain. X rays showed no broken ribs. She is being kept overnight in Intensive Care unit for observation and if conditions develop could have another surgery. Doctor thought she would not need surgery but they are being cautious and observing her. I came home around 3 am and will go back early Tuesday. Her face is scratched and hurt. Her head hurts but not as much as one would think. Her side is another matter and the doctor said a bruised rib is as painful as a cracked one. Got tetanus (sp, it is late)shot and pain pills. I hated to leave but I am beat.

12/27/08 Sat

On Christmas Day, Linda had Good Christmas with family in Greensboro. Don had Christmas in Wilmington. Then Don and Linda visited Milton on way back to Charlotte. Santa showed up in all three places.Linda traveled well. Yeh! Friday night cried through Morley and Me at the movie.

12/24/08 Christmas Eve

Good week and Linda is doing many routine things she once did. Slept well last night without a pill. She tried to several other nights but this is first time it went ok. Walking well. Progress. She is excited about going to see her family for Christmas leaving after 1pm for Greensboro with brother in law. Niece and husband coming from NJ.

Ok at therapy of
12/22/08 Mon 09am PT
12/23/08 Tue 03pm OT

Schedule through 01/16/2009

11/25/08 8 am Tuesday PT
11/24/08 Dr Asher
11/26/08 Dr Bullock
12/02/08 1 Wed 10:30 appointment to check stitch area with Lee Anne
12/04 2pm Thu OT 3pm PT
12/19/08 Wed 10:45am Echo Cardiogram at Charlotte Cardiology at rescheduled from 01/14/09 at Dr. Bullock's.
12/29/08 Mon 03pm OT,04pm PT
12/31/08 Wed 12pm PT,02pm OT
01/05/09 Mon 02pm OT,03pm PT
01/06/09 Tue 10:30am, Dr Bullock followup to 12/10/08 Visit with Dr Carter
01/07/09 Wed 02pm PT,03pm OT
01/12/09 Mon 11am OT,12 PT
01/14/09 Wed 10:45am Echo Cardiogram at Dr. Bullock's resheduled to 12/19/08.
01/19/09 Mon 10am pt
01/16/09 Fri 10am pt, 11am ot
01/21/09 Wed10am pt
01/26/09 Mon10am,pt
01/28/09 Wed 11am MRI, 01:30pm Dr. Asher
02/03/09 Eye doctor appointment Dr. Elizabeth Waller (Dr W)

12/21/08 Sun

A good day of rest for Linda.

12/20/08 Sat Early Christmas Lunch with Milton

Early Christmas Lunch with Milton and Linda at Lexington BBQ. We had a good time. First real trip out of town for Linda and she did ok. Ate BBq leftovers for the next day and a half.

12/19/08 Fri

10:45am Echo Cardiogram at Charlotte Cardiology (moved up from 1/16/09) - will get results "next week." Then went to Vet with Milo and Charlie. Milo got several shots plus medicine for runny eyes. Charlie had gained 1/2 pound to 6 1/2 and that was good as he has been losing over last couple of years. He is about 20. Milo is 9 3/4.

Moravian cookies from Linda to vet office arrived yesterday and were a hit. Honestly the timing was coincidental but nice.

Marlene went with us to vet's and then on home to Greensboro for Christmas and will not be back next week. She has been so helpful and is good with tools, especially her battery operated drill.

Linda did not sleep much last night but in fine spirits today. Taking a nap at 4 pm

This is Charlie below:
see more at

12/18/08 Thu

Good night of sleep with right sleeping pill. Spent several hours shopping and our with Marlene; good. Good day. Did fall when going down steps landing on her bottom, she is ok.

12/17/08 Wed

Last night took pill for pain on top of head and the medicine usually makes Linda sleep. This time the pain went away but she did not sleep well.

Had good day at PT and OT as Linda is enjoying the wonderful staff at Carolinans Medical Rehab. We split a Spaghetti lunch at Carolina Cafe and she ate maybe half of her half. Then some grocery shopping and Linda walked. Last time she rode the buggy but had to stop half way through.

Marlene back in town to be with her during days until Friday. They went shopping and Linda still had enegy at night. Most activity since operation.

Linda is looking forward to a doctor's appointment Friday - her red tabby Persian has an appointment with a supper Vet, Mark Green.

12/16/08 Tue

Head where some stitches placed giving her headache (near where the staple had been overlooked for a few weeks) so went to doctor's office. Looked "ok" but head still hurts. A good day, nevertheless. Not much appetite.

12/15/08 Mon

Good day at ot and pt. Jennefer is fun

12/14/08 Sun

Went to 8:30 am music program in Church Sanctuary and Linda loved it.

12/12/08 Frii

Slow day, little energy, low appetite, lot of sleeping. Discouraged. Eyes not making progress and is frustrating. Skipped home exercise assignments. Sorry to miss SS party today.

Positive developments that are gradually happening but not emphasized much so far include:
>Linda does not use or need the walker.
>She can get up and out of almost any chair.
>Moves around on bed and gets in and out by herself
>She does a shower by herself.
>She can fix some food and drink.
>Each time she goes up her outside 14 steps, it is faster and less painful.
So good things are happening too!

12/11/08 Thu

Slept better last night with new Ambien, stronger than before. Also started medicine for sinuses. Felt better early morning , but had OT and PT today and was dizzy during PT so cut short and came home. Too bad. Slept a lot during the day and felt better. Fell asleep tonight around 8:45 pm

12/10/08 Wed

Woke up not feeling well with Congestion.No fever except cabin. Visit Dr. Carter (Bullock busy) at 2:15 pm. Prescribed new medicine for sleeping and sinus troubles. Scheduled doctor followup in a few weeks plus ECHO cardioagram in January

12/09/08 Tue

Thank goodness, Linda is better to day and in better spirits after a tough few days. Went to PT and OT and did well. Feels so much better and getting stronger. Up the 14 steps with basically no help for first time. Stuffed up last night and took Tylenol then later Allegra D (which once gave her problems but is effective for the running nose).

12/08/08 Mon

Grocery shopping this morning was too much for Linda even with the motorized cart and we stopped about half through. Up and down weekend.

12/06/08 Sat

Linda is better tthis morning after yesterday's funk. She worked on Christmas Cards and thank you cards late last night and this morning, and I think she is seeing better. Went on her PC for first time since surgery and viewed her emails. 11 am

12/05/08 Fri

Ooooops, Linda crashed today about 3 pm and energy was gone. Rested some and felt a little better by 8 pm

12/04/08 Thu

Wow, Linda had a B-12 shot last week and is taking B-12 pills each day and she is full of energy and gratefulness. Did the B12 do it? - I do not know but she does not eat eggs or much meat or dairy products and that causes low whatever b12 corrects.

Eyesight still an issue but she might be some improved.

She went to PT and OT today and did so much better than the last visit about 10 days ago. She scored 52 on a test for balance with a goal of 56. She last scored 27. It took her 9 minutes today to take the test compared with 35 last time. She also is showing progress going up steps, which has been very hard for her. Even after 2 hours of therapy she still was full of energy. Maybe I (don) will get a shot!

Anyone had experience with B12??

12/04/08 Thu

12/04 2pm Thursday OT
12/04 3pm Thursday PT

Schedule

Schedule

01/28/2009 (11:00am) Wednesday MRI and
01/28/09 (1:30 pm) Wednesday next visit with Dr. Asher

01/14/09 10:45 am Echo Cardiogram at Dr. Bullock's Office


01/06/09 Tuesday 10:30 am sees Dr Bullock for followup to 12/10/08 Visit with Dr Carter

12/15 11am Monday OT
12/15 12 Noon Monday Pt

12/10/08 Visit with Dr Carter

12/11 9am Thursday PT (half)
12/11 10am Thursday OT (skipped)

12/09 10am Tuesday PT
12/09 11am Tuesday OT

12/04 2pm Thursday OT
12/04 3pm Thursday PT

12/02/08 10:30 Wednesday appointment to check stitch area with Lee Anne

11/26 Dr Bullock

11.25 8 am Tuesday PT

11/24/08 Dr Asher

12/01/08 Mon

Good Weekend

11/28/08 Friday

Good day

11/27/08 Thursday Thanksgiving

Slept many hours last night beginning around 7pm. Took a sleeping pill at midnight. Feels good this morning. Put up Christmas Trees (3) ! Heated up left over BBQ from last night for lunch

11/26/08

Good visit with Dr Bullock and various issues addressed as well as tests asked for by surgeon. Will start taking B12 to address energy level. Out to Sonny's BBQ after I85 backed up for miles with an electronic sign saying "slow traffic for next 20 miles" discouraged us from Lexington BBQ. She felt fine all day, but was very tired all of a sudden as we left the restaurant.

11/26/08 Wed

After visit with Dr Bullock, decided to go to Lexington BBQ but traffic backup changed our mind and went to Sonny's BBQ on Tyvola. Had a good time but Linda got stuck in the bathroom. Click here for a funny description of the event.

11/25/08 The Great Escape

11/25/2008

Good day, best since birthday. Took extra sleeping medicine last night and woke feeling fine and in very good mood. Had PT at 8 Am and did well there. Seems stronger. Temperature ok. By 8:44 pm still doing well.

11/24/08

Had visit with Dr Asher today and he said Linda was doing ok or words to that effect. This was good news, although she has not felt good the last few days with several issues. Ooooops, Dr. Asher found a STAPLE that had not been removed and removed it today, that makes 53. Linda has complained about the right side of her head hurting, and no wonder, my goodness. Went out for lunch and enjoyed it. Does not feel well tonight. Temperature back to normal. Will see regular doctor Wednesday.

MRI (11:00)am and next visit with Dr. Asher (1:30pm) is Wednesday January 28, 2009

11/24/08

11/24/08

2008.11.22

Temperature ok and around 99 tonight. Taking medicine still. Appetite so much less with no more steroids after 11/18/08. Did her exercises this morning. Slept a lot today.

2008.11.21

Linda had a temperature of 102 this morning. We talked with doctors. By afternoon at 100.5 and received medicine. By 5 pm down to 99.1 . Will see surgeon , Dr. Asher, on Monday 11:15 am. Will see regular doctor , Dr. Bullock, on Wednesday ay 1:30 I think.

Since we learned the Dewey book ends sadly, we read the epilogue to get the sad part over. We learn after Dewy died, the Librarian eventually retires with 25 years at the Library. The point of the book is about loving and caring, both ways. She thought she had just helped Dewey at first, and of course realizes that Dewey helped her and many people even more. We go back to Chapter 12 on Christmas next time.

2008.11.20

2008.11.20 Thursday

I have noticed an increase in strength in last couple of days. Today she came up the stairs without my help except I promised I would help on last two (of the 14). It was so hard on her and she was almost crying and breaking my heart but she did it.

Today was hard for several reasons. She did not take sleeping medication last night and did not wake as refreshed as yesterday. Her eyesight was back to pre birthday status so I know there will be ups and downs. We had Occupational Therapy at 9 am and Physical Therapy at 10. The OT concentrated on memory things and she was having a hard time seeing so that made it hard to do well on the visual memory things. Performed better at remembering verbal commands.

We set up a schedule for three more weeks of PT and 2 of OT. We hope to have someone in OT next time with visual expertise.
Schedule: CMS Therapy Department 1100 Blythe

2008.11.19

2008.11.19 Wednesday
Halleluiah, Linda woke on her birthday today, and for first time since operation ,could read the newspaper. Maybe the doctor was right, with "give it time." Vision not perfect of course but enough to get her excited. She did take a sleeping pill Tuesday night and one of best nights yet. (10am)

She spent most of the day in living room in and around the new lift chair. She thinks that is the best thing ever. A "funny" thing happened today as the neighbor in the condo below Linda called to ask if she had a lion in her condo. Linda said no, just two little cats. Don pointed to the chair control and Linda told the neighbor about the chair. ooops. It growls when it goes up and down. The neighbor said that it was ok. Nevertheless we will stop playing with the chair as much and be more careful about the sound. Don has been know to use it late at night . .

Vision stayed pretty good all day and she could read some of the captions on TV and tried the Computer with large fonts for a few minutes. Not ready yet for emailing.

Tonight we had a great birthday dinner at OutBack. She had been wanting steak for days and we got some good ones plus a fabulous blooming onion. We had told our waitress it was her birthday and we got the singing waiters routine which pleased her no end. She was in a great mood all day. Marlene is buying Linda a new wardrobe as the days pass and that is fun for her. She had several calls today and enjoyed the talks. Received birthday and get well cards today and enjoyed them. Thanks.

We did not get to reading Dewey today, but we learned it will have a sad ending. We agreed we wanted to keep going any way because there is so much joy along the way.

Today was last day on steroids. Monday she sees her surgeon for her one month follow up visit. She seemed twice as strong today as yesterday.

A very good birthday for Linda. Your prayers and support are working.

2008.11.17

2008.11.17 Monday
Last week Linda enjoyed a visit by Susan Mobley (MPUMC Parish Nurse). Susan told Linda of a lounge chair the church had to loan and it was delivered Monday. Linda is so excited with it as her living room chairs were the wrong size for her needs. This one is automatic. Thanks Susan and Myers Park Methodist Church . .

The Dewy cat book, which I am reading to Linda, all of a sudden turned serious as we learned of the background and difficult life of the librarian. In high school she had aspirations of being a doctor and was told by the high school advisor she did not need to think about that and going to college, that she would just get married and raise a family. So she did. She married a wonderful young man who himself was not interested in college, but had a job with his father's construction company. He had a great personality and could charm anyone, including cudstomers. The Librarian began to notice, however, that any thing the husband did involed drinking. Watching football and drinking, hunting and dring, fishing and drinking, golf and drinking, eating and drinking, driving and drinking. He came home less and less. By then they had a child and another pregnancy which had complications and 6 surgeries. The husband seldom was home or helping with bills, lost his job, continued to drink. The marriage ended. She discovered their modest home and car were past due payments and there were debts all around.She eventually pulled herself together with the help of fasmily and frineds and earned a degree with high honors at age 32. Chaper 11 is next . .

2008.11.16

2008.11.16 Sunday
Linda stayed by herself while don went to Church and Panther game and she did ok. The doctors/nurses said she needed 24 hour supervision origianlly but said ok now for her to stay alone some nights and day time. She is very weak and at PT today tested at 26 out of 52 which is low. Her knee is ok. Her eyesight is about the same, ie.,cloudy on sides and distorted. Some double vision remains.

Thanks to some friends who surprised her with a super mini birthday party tonight, bless you.

Linda slept well Sunday night with no sleeping pill. Needed a pill Monday night and slept well.

2008.11.15

2008.11.15 Saturday
Did her exercises at 9:30 to 10 and ok. Seems to feel better today as slept ok with sleeping pill.

We are reading a neat book called Dewey, about a cat, given to Linda by a librarian friend (called Kitty)who loves cats just as Linda. The cat looks like Milo and he lives in a library in the midwest. He charms the town - and Linda and me as I read the book to her. We are on chapter 9 of 34 . (dsr 11Am)

2008.11.14

2008.11.14 Friday
Salmon dinner at Shomars
Last night was first night by herself and she made it though I think it was hard. She probably should have taken a sleeping pill, but fortunately she did not. I had given her what I thought was a sleeping medication to put near her bed in case she needed it, but I had given her another steroid pill by mistake thinking it was the sleeping pill - my bad. Any way, for some reason, she did not take the pill, or get much sleep.

She has cut the steroid dosage back and will be off it by 11/19/08. It has turned some muscle to fat and that has contributed to her being tired and weak I think. She has done well but she and we are concerned at the lack of energy, though we are told that is natural. Still eyesight issue. The exercises at the PT hospital, and at home when we get them in, are hard for her.

We ate out tonight this was the first outing, other than to hospitals, since the operation 10/24. Had Salmon and went in Shomar's without the walked. Still she is a trooper.

She appreciates your cards and they brighten her day. Thank you

2008.11.12

2008.11.12 Wednesday.
Sleep is hard , probably from steroids. As prescribed, gradually cutting down steroids and will be off by her birthday on 11/19/08. Very tired and PT exercises are tiring which she does days between PT appointments on Tuesday and Thursdays.

Staying in bed is tiring. Getting up is tiring. Slept from about 9:30pm to midnight last night and then awake til breakfast at 7:00am. Needs more sleep but can't. Knee is about ok with lots of ice. She probably strained it getting out of chairs the wrong way as that is hard for her if low.

Thanks for all the wonderful cards, calss, and visits - and food, what a blessing.

2008.11.11

2008.11.11 Tuesday.
Second PT session today. Knee is better. Vison still an issue and left eye worse than right.

(Bertha's husband, John Gerald Jr, passed away peacefully around 5:30 pm Thursday November 06. Bertha's address is Bertha Gerald 3400 Crenshaw St Charlotte NC 28216. Their son is minister of the church she attends. His information is JOHN GLENN GERALD, III PASTOR, GETHSEMANE MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH, 2670 DR. CARVER ROAD, CHARLOTTE NC 28207 (704) 376-4797. The funeral is Wednesday Novembber 11, 2008 at 1pm at the church. Visatation is at the church from 12 to 1. Online condolences may be sent to the funeral home at www.aljinwrightfuneralservice.com.
Here is a link to the article in Tuesday's 11/11/ paper
http://www.legacy.com/Charlotte/DeathNotices.asp?Page=Lifestory&PersonId=120045477 )

2008.11.09

2008.11.09 Sunday
Linda ok/about same, except had a bad knee problem for 24 hours that is now much better. Walking some without walker in house.

2008.11.06

2008.11.06 Thursday
Linda is doing well, went to first of 6 weeks of therapy today, but her eyesight is still an issue. They say give it a couple of weeks so we are hopeful.

2008.11.05

2008.11.05 Wednesday(50) Staples removed. What a trooper Linda is as she breezed through it.

2008.11.05

2008.11.05 Wednesday

(50) Staples removed. What a trooper Linda is as she breezed through it.

2008.11.01

2008.11.01
This is probably the last daily update in this series, though I will add brief notes as days go by

Linda is home, doing well (except for eyes), resting, walking a little, happy, thankful, tired.
Sad news> Our friend Bertha's husband is on life support and tough decision to be made Monday. Bertha has been my friend and helper for 30 years and I am so sorry. Bertha has helped Linda for about 10 years, and she even came today to Linda's to help her some. Bless her. Bertha was so thankful for the card sent by one of you dear folks.