A Day at Prime Care and the Emergency Room

My wife had been having unbearable pain in her left shoulder and arm. Her doctor had given her pain medicine, which did not touch the pain and made her extremely nauseous. After a night of no sleep and sickness, we went to Prime Care, and waited in line for 3 hours. She was so miserable, she returned to the car where she could lie down while I waited for her to call her name. After being taken to the exam room, an EKG and x-rays were done. There was no conclusive idea from the doctor from those tests. As a theory, they tried nitroglycerine tablets and the pain seemed to lessen. They immediately called for an ambulance and sent her to the Emergency Room at Forsyth Medical Center, thinking it was her heart. Her family has a history of heart disease. I prayed all the way to the hospital. Upon being treated at the ED, another EKG was done in the ambulance. It was insignificant. An x-ray was done again of her back and neck. One intern looked her over and had no real diagnosis. She was given pain medicine to make her able to rest some. Another doctor came in and located what he believed a pinched nerve at a disc in her spine. He stated he did not believe it was her heart and seemed very knowledgeable. He pressed on the area he suspected was the disc causing the problem and it was tender. He gave prescriptions for an anti-inflammatory drug and a steroid to reduce any swelling to the disc. We were so relieved that it was not her heart. She had lost her Dad in his forties to a heart attack and her brother in his 30's. We thanked God for his mercy and guidance of the doctors. She was able to sleep fairly well last night, eventhough she awakened several times. Her pain is bearable now and the new pain medicine doesn't make her sick. Praise God. The ED doctor said to try the medications for about a week and then see her family doctor. If it isn't better by then, he recommended seeing a spine specialist and get an MRI. I am so glad her pain has lessened and that she can now sit and rest without having to lie down...

Week End Away

Last weekend, my wife and I were able to spend a weekend in Asheville and visit the Biltmore House and grounds. It is unfathomable to me that someone could have that much money to build a private residence the size of a castle during the Great Depression. The fourth floor has now opened since the last time we visited. If you've never been, the house has an indoor pool, a bowling alley, exercise room, and everything else in a private residence, only on a larger scale. There are still several areas not open to the general public, but can be seen during the "Behind the Scenes" tour for an additional cost ($15.00). We plan to do that the next time we visit. If a person gets there after 3:00 PM, he can return the next day under the same ticket. We plan to do the behind the scenes tour in the evening and go back the next day for the house and gardens. I will try to post some photos later of the house and grounds. The flowers were not yet in bloom. Spring is the best time to enjoy the gardens.

Back to Work

Well, today was my first day back at work after 11 weeks. I am on light duty for the next 6 weeks, which means I am not to use my left arm for lifting, reaching or holding any items "heavier than a coffee cup" as described by my doctor. I was fortunate to have enough sick time to cover my time out of work, so I missed no paychecks. Upon returning to work, I had a little trouble logging into certain programs I use in my job. I couldn't remember at first what icons to click on to get to the programs I needed. It was a little tiring today, being use to being at home and taking a nap if needed.
My co-workers appeared glad to see me back and some of us ate lunch together at my favorite lunch place, Mountain Fried Chicken. They have the best wings, bar none. The wings are deep fried, but never greasy. They also have potato wedges and other vegetables for your meal. I always get the wings and wedges. What a meal.
I have to praise my wife for the great care she has given me during my recovery. She has taken extra special care to make sure I didn't injure my arm or shoulder. She drove me everywhere I needed to go for the first six weeks and made sure I was always as comfortable as possible. Thank you, Lord, for this wonderful caring woman.

Primaries are Upon Us

Super Tuesday has come and gone. NC will not get to vote in the primaries until May 6th. Romney has dropped out and it looks like McCain is going to get the nomination for the Republican Party. It's still a toss up for the Democratic Party between Clinton and Obama. There is talk about them joining together for running mates. That's a scary thought. My choice is Huckabee, but I doubt he will get the nomination. I will place my vote anyway. How about you?

My recuperation is going well and I'm getting more use of my arm and shoulder everyday. My physical therapist said I was coming along well. We started some strengthening training yesterday. It feels good the use that arm, kind of like what it feels like to get up and walk around after sitting for a long time. I should return to work in about two weeks with limitations. I haven't really missed work, but I guess it will be good to be back in the groove.

What about the recent weather here in NC. Highs in the 70's lately, but it seems we are returning to seasonal temperatures as I write this. Lows in the 30's and highs in the 50's. Some say global warming is causing this. Maybe so, if there is such a thing. Many scientists have their own ideas about what is causing the global warming. In my opinion, there are more people and animals in the world than ever before and all of us are breathing out carbon dioxide, the supposed cause. Doesn't that make a little since. Another problem in my opinion is plastics. Have you noticed the film on the inside car windows even though no one has been smoking in the car. I comes from plasticizing, the release of some chemicals from the heating of the plastics. How about all the houses with vinyl siding. I rest my case. Later.....

Recuperation Continuing

I am continuing to improve with my shoulder. Wednesday, Jan. 16th, I can finally get rid of this sling and I will be allowed to drive short trips to the store, etc.. My doctor's aide stated, " Don't plan any driving trips to Atlanta or anything like that. Freedom at last. I still will not be able to use my left arm until physical therapy says so. I go to therapy On Wednesday. I will see what occurs.

I was able to sing in the church choir on this past Sunday, with help from my good friend, John. He held the book so I could see because I couldn't hold my book and turn pages, too. My sling and left arm were under the choir robe with my left sleeve empty. I got a few comments about that.

I read in the newspaper today that there is a bow season for deer inside the city of Elkin, NC, this month. The deer have gotten so abundant there without natural predators that it is dangerous to drive for fear of striking a deer. One comment in the paper stated that 1200 deer could be harvested and there would still be plenty of deer in the area. I will be looking for the harvest count.

Still Recuperating

I'm still recuperating at home and typing with one hand. At the advice of my good friend, 007, I am writing this update. I feel I am making progress because my stretching exercises are getting easier. I still am not supposed to move my left arm with the muscles in my left arm and shoulder. Passive movements only. I guess I will get an update on my progress when I return to my doctor on Jan. 7th. Hopefully, I can get rid of my sling which is still with me 24 hours a day.

A lifelong friend of mine took me to breakfast at Zoe Restaurant in Kernersville this morning. It was good to get out. The food and fellowship were great. It's always good to get together with friends, especially if they buy the meal. Ha Ha.

The primary elections are upon us. Pick your candidate wisely and those who will try to fulfill the campaign promises. Remember, children in the womb are just as important as those already born. If you believe this, it can help you with your selection.

For those of you who like astronomy, a winter meteor shower is supposed to occur tonight. It will peak between midnight and 7:00 AM, beginning in the northen sky and moving more upward through the night. For those who can't stay up, maybe a pre-dawn viewing will be best.

Recuperating

It's been three weeks since my rotator cuff surgery and I'm still wearing my "buddy"(my sling), 24 hours a day except for showers and stretching exercises. May I give some advice to those who might have the same surgery? Beforehand, buy some elastic waistband pants that don't have to be fastened and shirts that don't have to be tucked in. It will make getting dressed a lot easier and without help. There is practically no way to tuck in a shirt tail and fasten your pants with one hand. After the surgery, I am not allowed to move my left arm with the muscles in that arm or shoulder. All stretching exercises are passive at this point. I am looking forward to going back to the doctor on Jan. 7, 2008, so maybe I can get rid of the sling at least. I still will not be allowed to lift anything with the left arm for four to six weeks after losing the sling. In spite of the surgery and recovery, I have had a wonderful Christmas holiday. My wife and family have been so helpful in doing things for me that I have been unable to do with one hand. I thank God for their compassion and help and for sending His Son, Jesus Christ, to earth to save me from my sins. How about you?