Monday, April 22, 2019
Upcoming: Balfar's Challenge
I am looking forward to Balfar's Challenge this weekend. My plan is to do all thepickups I can. I have "picked" fights with people who I don't get to see or fence often. I am planning to skip the melees to preserve my ankle and knee. Let's see how this works out.
Tuesday, April 16, 2019
Brain Dump
I need to do a bit of a brain dump so the stress doesn't get to me too much.
Wednesday night at fencing practice, I was feeling well. I had some good fights with Lissa, with both of us using curved blades. I had some great passes with Andre . I was enjoying my passes with Thomas DeCastellan, until I wasn't. My leg shifted over the ankle and I was done for. Just when I start to feel good and am getting back into the swing of things, something happens to hamper any progress. It is so damn frustrating. My legs were finally feeling better after Mudthaw.
In non-fencing news, work is going well, if not a little slow at the moment. My projects are all in a state where they are on autopilot after this weekend's go live. Thankfully that went smoothly It's about thing that went smooth all weekend.
Saturday was my neice's play. We went and saw he in a production of Matlida. It was very cute. Afterwards, we went to my parent's house to help clean some things up that we had left. Evan was not looking too good or feeling too well. He went inside and laid down. We left to come home in the late afternoon. He fell asleep in the car, and his breathing, even while asleep, was rapid and shallow. This is on top of the persistant cough he has had for a while. When we got home, he ate a little, but his breathing was still rapid. Checking his o2 level, it was a bit low, so we gave him a nebulizer treatment. Afterwards, his o2 levels had little response to the neb and he was running a fever. So we packed up some stuff and off to the pediatric ER we went.
We got there a little after 9 PM. After taking his vitals, they took a chest x-ray and then started another nebulizer. His levels were not coming up to normal. They gave him a steroid and antibiotics. A second neb treatment and a little while later, he vomitted. They started him on oxygen. I ran home to get him some clean PJs, and get some more caffine for Jennie and I. At some point earlier, Murray had come by with coffee and iced tea for us.
They admitted him and finally moved him up to a room around 3:00 AM. Jennie was going to stay with him, so I went home to try and get some sleep. I got about 3 hours of sleep, took a shower, packed some more stuff and headed to the hospital. I picked up some munchkins and coffee. When I got there, Evan was awake. His o2 level was still low. Overnight, they gave him two nebulizers while he was asleep. My parents came down to spend time with him and us, providing support.
At his 2 PM breathing treatment, they switched to an inhaler, now every 4 hours; instead of the nebulizer every 2. The inhaler is much easier and a whole lot faster. At this point, his o2 levels were starting to come back into the low end of the normal range. By the 6 PM check in and breathing treatment by the doctor and the respiratory tech, they were satisified with the progress and the doctor was going to get the discharge paperwork together. Unfortunately, the local pharmacy we used was already closed, so Jennie had to go out early on Monday to get his medications. Exhausted when we finally got home, I ordered some food from the local pizza place, as we were just too wiped out to cook at home.
Monday, I had to report for jury duty. Thankfully, they filled the panel before I was selected. I wore my Waldorf and Statler t-shirt as selected by my friends on Facebook. I really did not want to be there. Worst part was, I was not allowed to use my phone or computer while I was in the courtroom, so I could not check on work. Heck, I could not even check Facebook or read from my kindle account.
Evan had a follow up with his primary care office today. He's got a follow up with an allergist in May to try and figure out what is causing this and maybe what we can do to prevent it from occuring again, as this is the third year in a row we have taken him to the ER with similar symptoms in the early spring.
Between the 4 prescriptions from the hospital and the doctor, it was over $400. I cannot wait to see what the hospital bill and doctor visits is going to be.
I am exhausted and stressed from this all. I am constantly worried about my little man now.
Wednesday night at fencing practice, I was feeling well. I had some good fights with Lissa, with both of us using curved blades. I had some great passes with Andre . I was enjoying my passes with Thomas DeCastellan, until I wasn't. My leg shifted over the ankle and I was done for. Just when I start to feel good and am getting back into the swing of things, something happens to hamper any progress. It is so damn frustrating. My legs were finally feeling better after Mudthaw.
In non-fencing news, work is going well, if not a little slow at the moment. My projects are all in a state where they are on autopilot after this weekend's go live. Thankfully that went smoothly It's about thing that went smooth all weekend.
Saturday was my neice's play. We went and saw he in a production of Matlida. It was very cute. Afterwards, we went to my parent's house to help clean some things up that we had left. Evan was not looking too good or feeling too well. He went inside and laid down. We left to come home in the late afternoon. He fell asleep in the car, and his breathing, even while asleep, was rapid and shallow. This is on top of the persistant cough he has had for a while. When we got home, he ate a little, but his breathing was still rapid. Checking his o2 level, it was a bit low, so we gave him a nebulizer treatment. Afterwards, his o2 levels had little response to the neb and he was running a fever. So we packed up some stuff and off to the pediatric ER we went.
We got there a little after 9 PM. After taking his vitals, they took a chest x-ray and then started another nebulizer. His levels were not coming up to normal. They gave him a steroid and antibiotics. A second neb treatment and a little while later, he vomitted. They started him on oxygen. I ran home to get him some clean PJs, and get some more caffine for Jennie and I. At some point earlier, Murray had come by with coffee and iced tea for us.
They admitted him and finally moved him up to a room around 3:00 AM. Jennie was going to stay with him, so I went home to try and get some sleep. I got about 3 hours of sleep, took a shower, packed some more stuff and headed to the hospital. I picked up some munchkins and coffee. When I got there, Evan was awake. His o2 level was still low. Overnight, they gave him two nebulizers while he was asleep. My parents came down to spend time with him and us, providing support.
At his 2 PM breathing treatment, they switched to an inhaler, now every 4 hours; instead of the nebulizer every 2. The inhaler is much easier and a whole lot faster. At this point, his o2 levels were starting to come back into the low end of the normal range. By the 6 PM check in and breathing treatment by the doctor and the respiratory tech, they were satisified with the progress and the doctor was going to get the discharge paperwork together. Unfortunately, the local pharmacy we used was already closed, so Jennie had to go out early on Monday to get his medications. Exhausted when we finally got home, I ordered some food from the local pizza place, as we were just too wiped out to cook at home.
Monday, I had to report for jury duty. Thankfully, they filled the panel before I was selected. I wore my Waldorf and Statler t-shirt as selected by my friends on Facebook. I really did not want to be there. Worst part was, I was not allowed to use my phone or computer while I was in the courtroom, so I could not check on work. Heck, I could not even check Facebook or read from my kindle account. Evan had a follow up with his primary care office today. He's got a follow up with an allergist in May to try and figure out what is causing this and maybe what we can do to prevent it from occuring again, as this is the third year in a row we have taken him to the ER with similar symptoms in the early spring.
Between the 4 prescriptions from the hospital and the doctor, it was over $400. I cannot wait to see what the hospital bill and doctor visits is going to be.
I am exhausted and stressed from this all. I am constantly worried about my little man now.
Tuesday, November 13, 2018
Diz-KNEE World (part 1)
Friday - November 2
I worked until noon, got the car packed, and we headed up to my parents' house to meet up with them to go to the airport. I forgot our magic bands, so we turned around to pick them up, adding an hour to the drive. Thankfully, we had left with enough time that we were still not rushed. We got to my parents' house, loaded their stuff into my truck, and then off to the airport. We had dinner at a diner in the terminal, and then waited for our flight to board. I used a four point harness system for Evan, rather than lugging his car seat onto the plane. The flight was very bumpy. The fasten seat belt sign was off for only 15 minutes of so of the three hour flight to Tampa. Evan wound up projectile vomiting about 20 minutes before landing. We cleaned him up as best we could. After the flight landed, we let everyone else deplane, and then we changed him out of the clothes he was in and into a fresh set of pajamas. We then rode the tram to the terminal to pick up our checked luggage, and then another tram to the rental car station, where we picked up the mini-van. All loaded in, we were on our way to Disney World, where since I had checked in on-line, I got a text that our room was ready, so we headed right there. Since we were coming in one night before our stay at the timeshare, I booked one night at Disney's Art of Animation resort. We finally found our way to the room and got Evan into bed. Jennie and I went for a walk to burn off the stress, and then back to the room to sleep.
Saturday - November 3
we headed back to the timeshare to check in and get settled.
We had dinner at the Grand Floridian Cafe where Jennie's brother met us. He had moved down to Orlando in November of last year and we had not seen him since Christmas when I flew him up. Wiped out from a long day, I think we all fell asleep quickly.
Sunday - November 4
We were not going to any of the parks today, instead it was a day to visit family, chosen and blood related. After breakfast, Jennie, Evan, her brother, and I were off to see family, We first stopped to see Lee Ann and Ron. Ron just had knee surgery but he was walking pretty well, and it is always nice to visit them. We jokingly call them Evan's Florida Grandparents. It was nice to visit with them and just hang out. I miss them a lot.
Then we were off to see Jennie's cousins in Northport, about 2 hours away (south of Sarasota). We had a nice time and Evan got to see his cousin and meet his two new cousins. We had a nice time hanging out. Unfortunately for them, their landscaper kicked up a rock and it spiderwebbed the sliding glass door to the back of their house. As we were eating dinner, it shattered and came down when the wind picked up a little. Thankfully, Jennie's brother and her cousin taped plastic tarps on both sides of the window, so the glass shards were contained. The landscaper was out there boarding up the door as we were leaving, and I have heard he has made good on the repairs.
End of October Recap
The end of October has been busy. From seeing my cadet get married to Halloween, and preparing for a trip to Disney, its been a mad rush it seems.
My knee seems to be doing a bit better yesterday and today. Today, I was able to walk two full blocks to get some lunch and then two blocks back without any additional pain. That's a whole lot better than two weeks ago, when I could barely walk a block without wanting to cry.
For my cadet's wedding, I was one of her bridesmen. She insisted I sit during the ceremony and took care to include me, but to ensure I was not in too much pain. My brace fit beneath the tux pants. I stayed off my feet as much as I could while also giving Jennie a break. Evan was a monster on the dance floor. He didn't want to dance at first and then he didn't want to stop. He only stopped when the music was over.
The rest of the weekend was one of sitting on my tush and doing as little as possible.
Halloween is one of my favorite holidays. Evan was dressed as Wall-E. Jennie made herself an Eve hoodie and one for me as Mo. It was well received by the neighbors. I tagged out after trick-or-treating at the 4 neighboring houses and manned the candy table we setup outside the garage. We had candy, non-candy, and non-food treats available for the kids, along with adult beverages for the parents.
My knee seems to be doing a bit better yesterday and today. Today, I was able to walk two full blocks to get some lunch and then two blocks back without any additional pain. That's a whole lot better than two weeks ago, when I could barely walk a block without wanting to cry.
For my cadet's wedding, I was one of her bridesmen. She insisted I sit during the ceremony and took care to include me, but to ensure I was not in too much pain. My brace fit beneath the tux pants. I stayed off my feet as much as I could while also giving Jennie a break. Evan was a monster on the dance floor. He didn't want to dance at first and then he didn't want to stop. He only stopped when the music was over.
The rest of the weekend was one of sitting on my tush and doing as little as possible.
Halloween is one of my favorite holidays. Evan was dressed as Wall-E. Jennie made herself an Eve hoodie and one for me as Mo. It was well received by the neighbors. I tagged out after trick-or-treating at the 4 neighboring houses and manned the candy table we setup outside the garage. We had candy, non-candy, and non-food treats available for the kids, along with adult beverages for the parents.Monday, October 22, 2018
Weekend Update
Friday was a pretty good day. My new knee brace came in, and yeah, its the proper size.
DonJoy Armor Knee Brace
I wore it Friday afternoon and evening. It's not easy to sit in a chair while wearing it and I can't fully straigten my leg easily. The good thing is that it supports the knee so I don't feel like I am constantly going to fall over. After picking up Evan from school, we hit the Dutch Market for steaks, veggies, fruit, and some other items.
Saturday was a busy day. We all woke up late. We had some errands to run, which mostly revolved around finding a dress shirt for Evan for a wedding this coming weekend. Burlington was a bust, so we went to Khol's which was a successful trip. We went to Barnes and Nobels so Ev could look for some new books and to use up his gift certificates. We had a snack in the cafe, and I stayed there while Jennie and Evan looked at books. He wound up getting 7 new books. We came home and had lunch. Then we headed down to Hammonton to the olive oil store, as we were running low on some flavors. They were having their Halloween/Fall Festival, but it was ending. Evan fell asleep, so we were able to get some supplies, and then headed to the toy store there. He woke up so he could look at the toys. I told him he could get a small toy, so my goofball picked out a flamingo finger puppet, because "I want to make people laugh!" I love his personality. After Hammonton, we headed in the opposite direction to Mt Laurel to hit Costco for some groceries. Then it was time to head home, have a light meal and pass out.
Sunday, it was smoke all the things. I smoked a whole chicken, a rack of ribs, and 10 sweet italian sausages. We had guests coming over for dinner. Yes, all that for 4 adults. I ran out to get bagles in the morning, because I was craving a good bagel. I had to run to the hardware store a few times to get supplies for Evan's halloween costume. I did some work on it after Jennie completed the painting and things wouldn't stay attached. I also deconstructed my gorget as the rivits were all rusted out. I'll hopefully be rebuilding it this week.
Last night for dinner, we ate all the meat and hung out. It was a nice quiet afternoon/evening. I got Evan to bed, and nealry fell asleep with him. We watched one episode of Forged in Fire, and I was out. I woke a few few times during the night, but it sure beet the perivious night's 90 minutes of sleep.
Today, I am working from home, trying to stay warm. I made iy up and down the staits this morning without needing to use my cane. Small victory, but one step forward.
DonJoy Armor Knee Brace
I wore it Friday afternoon and evening. It's not easy to sit in a chair while wearing it and I can't fully straigten my leg easily. The good thing is that it supports the knee so I don't feel like I am constantly going to fall over. After picking up Evan from school, we hit the Dutch Market for steaks, veggies, fruit, and some other items.
Saturday was a busy day. We all woke up late. We had some errands to run, which mostly revolved around finding a dress shirt for Evan for a wedding this coming weekend. Burlington was a bust, so we went to Khol's which was a successful trip. We went to Barnes and Nobels so Ev could look for some new books and to use up his gift certificates. We had a snack in the cafe, and I stayed there while Jennie and Evan looked at books. He wound up getting 7 new books. We came home and had lunch. Then we headed down to Hammonton to the olive oil store, as we were running low on some flavors. They were having their Halloween/Fall Festival, but it was ending. Evan fell asleep, so we were able to get some supplies, and then headed to the toy store there. He woke up so he could look at the toys. I told him he could get a small toy, so my goofball picked out a flamingo finger puppet, because "I want to make people laugh!" I love his personality. After Hammonton, we headed in the opposite direction to Mt Laurel to hit Costco for some groceries. Then it was time to head home, have a light meal and pass out.
Sunday, it was smoke all the things. I smoked a whole chicken, a rack of ribs, and 10 sweet italian sausages. We had guests coming over for dinner. Yes, all that for 4 adults. I ran out to get bagles in the morning, because I was craving a good bagel. I had to run to the hardware store a few times to get supplies for Evan's halloween costume. I did some work on it after Jennie completed the painting and things wouldn't stay attached. I also deconstructed my gorget as the rivits were all rusted out. I'll hopefully be rebuilding it this week.
Last night for dinner, we ate all the meat and hung out. It was a nice quiet afternoon/evening. I got Evan to bed, and nealry fell asleep with him. We watched one episode of Forged in Fire, and I was out. I woke a few few times during the night, but it sure beet the perivious night's 90 minutes of sleep.
Today, I am working from home, trying to stay warm. I made iy up and down the staits this morning without needing to use my cane. Small victory, but one step forward.
Friday, October 19, 2018
10/19/18
Well the knee is still bothering me. I'm very thankful to my boss who told me: I don't care if you work from home all the time, do what you need to do. Last night, I work up and had to go to the bathroom. I stood up, took a step, and went crashing down. Thankfully I landed on the bed, and not on the floor or on the dresser.
I miss fencing. I was tempted to go to Bhakail this week, but I had things to do and by the time we finished dinner, I was done. I have not touched my swords or gear since River War except to wash what can be washed.
I commented on a friend's post that one must allow themselves to suck. It it the only way to get better. I am realizing with even sometihng simple like walking, that I can't get frustrated at what I can't do, I have to embrace it for the things I can do at this time, and know it will get better. I don't have a clue how long it is going to take me to heal up so I can resume normal daily activities, not to mention athletic pursuits. I do know when I start fencing again, not an if but a when, that I will have to relearn from the ground up. Hopefully, all those years of drills will come in handy.
I miss fencing. I was tempted to go to Bhakail this week, but I had things to do and by the time we finished dinner, I was done. I have not touched my swords or gear since River War except to wash what can be washed.
I commented on a friend's post that one must allow themselves to suck. It it the only way to get better. I am realizing with even sometihng simple like walking, that I can't get frustrated at what I can't do, I have to embrace it for the things I can do at this time, and know it will get better. I don't have a clue how long it is going to take me to heal up so I can resume normal daily activities, not to mention athletic pursuits. I do know when I start fencing again, not an if but a when, that I will have to relearn from the ground up. Hopefully, all those years of drills will come in handy.
Monday, October 15, 2018
Self Care
So last week was interesting.
I turned 45 on Friday. Some days I don't feel older than 30, and some days I wonder how I made it this long. I got an awesome Boba Fett painting from Jennie, and Evan wrote me a story and illustrated a book (Jennie wrote out the words he dictated). We went out for lunch at a local restaurat, which we had been to before. It was beautiful weather and we sat next to the open windows. That evening, Jennie made chicken and pasta with a prosciutto spinach cream sauce. It was delicious. She also had asked me what kind of cake I would like, so I asked for a strawberry shortcake. She and Evan made it together. He even helped decorate it. My cadet, Malcolm, Charitye, and TJ came over to help celebrate and eat cake. TJ brought over some macarons which were delicious.
I woked from home the majority of the week. I miss working from home and find I am actually much more efficient and successful when I am working from home. I was able to keep my leg elevated. On Tuesday when I was actually in the office, I was almost in tears from the walk from the garage to the office (all of 1 block).
Wednesday, I sent a form for a temporary handicapped parking tag to my doctor. It was completed and returned to me on Thursday, so I dropped it off at the police station along with a check. Friday, they had it ready, so I picked it up after lunch.
The knee brace i ordered came in on Friday. It would have been a great birthday present for myself, but it didn't fit and actually hurt. My legs are wider I guess than comparable sized legs due to development from hockey, skiing, and fencing. The sides of the frame were pinching down on the sides of my legs, rathen than the support cross member sitting on my thigh. I wore it for a few hours, but it was getting more and more uncomfortable. I got a return authorization and will be shipping it back and ordering a new one in a larger size today.
Saturday, we were supposed to go apple picking with a few people, but we cancelled due to the weather. We headed north and had lunch at our old local diner in Warren. It was nice to see all the familiar faces and be warmly greeted and catch up. We used to eat there at least once a week while living with my folks. We then went over to Jennie's cousin's house for a family get together. After eating there, we headed to our favorte sushi place to meet up with my parents to celebrate my birthday. It was a lot of food.
Sunday was somewhat of a lazy day, but looking back we did a bunch of things that needed doing. We hit the hardware store for supplies for Evan's Halloween costume. We hit Staples as I needed toner for my printer. We hit Kohl's Off-Aisle, looking for a lunch bag for me. Then we took Evan to the local farm so he could get our some energy. We took the hay-ride to the pumpkin patch and got a "HUGEST" pumpkin according to Evan. We were tired, so I ordered a pizza for dinner. After that, it was early to bed.
Today, I am in the office. Of course the meeting that I came in to attend in person was cancelled.
We are heading to Disney World in a few weeks with my parents, so this morning, I reserved an electric scooter. I'm stubborn and not happy that I won't be walking around, but I do realize that it won't be a good vacation for anyone if I'm in pain just getting out of the car.
I turned 45 on Friday. Some days I don't feel older than 30, and some days I wonder how I made it this long. I got an awesome Boba Fett painting from Jennie, and Evan wrote me a story and illustrated a book (Jennie wrote out the words he dictated). We went out for lunch at a local restaurat, which we had been to before. It was beautiful weather and we sat next to the open windows. That evening, Jennie made chicken and pasta with a prosciutto spinach cream sauce. It was delicious. She also had asked me what kind of cake I would like, so I asked for a strawberry shortcake. She and Evan made it together. He even helped decorate it. My cadet, Malcolm, Charitye, and TJ came over to help celebrate and eat cake. TJ brought over some macarons which were delicious.
I woked from home the majority of the week. I miss working from home and find I am actually much more efficient and successful when I am working from home. I was able to keep my leg elevated. On Tuesday when I was actually in the office, I was almost in tears from the walk from the garage to the office (all of 1 block).
Wednesday, I sent a form for a temporary handicapped parking tag to my doctor. It was completed and returned to me on Thursday, so I dropped it off at the police station along with a check. Friday, they had it ready, so I picked it up after lunch.
The knee brace i ordered came in on Friday. It would have been a great birthday present for myself, but it didn't fit and actually hurt. My legs are wider I guess than comparable sized legs due to development from hockey, skiing, and fencing. The sides of the frame were pinching down on the sides of my legs, rathen than the support cross member sitting on my thigh. I wore it for a few hours, but it was getting more and more uncomfortable. I got a return authorization and will be shipping it back and ordering a new one in a larger size today.
Saturday, we were supposed to go apple picking with a few people, but we cancelled due to the weather. We headed north and had lunch at our old local diner in Warren. It was nice to see all the familiar faces and be warmly greeted and catch up. We used to eat there at least once a week while living with my folks. We then went over to Jennie's cousin's house for a family get together. After eating there, we headed to our favorte sushi place to meet up with my parents to celebrate my birthday. It was a lot of food.
Sunday was somewhat of a lazy day, but looking back we did a bunch of things that needed doing. We hit the hardware store for supplies for Evan's Halloween costume. We hit Staples as I needed toner for my printer. We hit Kohl's Off-Aisle, looking for a lunch bag for me. Then we took Evan to the local farm so he could get our some energy. We took the hay-ride to the pumpkin patch and got a "HUGEST" pumpkin according to Evan. We were tired, so I ordered a pizza for dinner. After that, it was early to bed.
Today, I am in the office. Of course the meeting that I came in to attend in person was cancelled.
We are heading to Disney World in a few weeks with my parents, so this morning, I reserved an electric scooter. I'm stubborn and not happy that I won't be walking around, but I do realize that it won't be a good vacation for anyone if I'm in pain just getting out of the car.
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