During the week leading up to DebbieLynne's birthday, one day we had a stuffed baked potato from a cart on the Greenway in Boston, then a canoli from Mike's Bakery in the North End. On another day we took a Freedom Trail walk, had lunch together in a nice restaurant, and I bought her a pretty skirt she saw that she liked.
Her actual birthday is on the 30th, which this year is a Sunday, so we made plans to go to a Mexican restaurant after church, inviting a couple from church to double date with us. Sunday was also the day I planned to give her a double dvd set of one of her favorite movies, Citizen Kane. It was going to be such a nice day.
Well, the day before her birthday things went downhill for me. DebbieLynne noticed I was somewhat bloated that morning, but I felt OK and had breakfast as usual. But by lunchtime I was more bloated and didn't feel up to eating anything.
As the day progressed things weren't going well for me and, at DebbieLynne's suggestion, I called my primary care doctor's phone number and talked with the doctor covering for her. He told me to call back if things got worse, which by evening I had to make the call. He said he would notify the emergency room and that I should get in there as soon as I could.
While waiting for the ambulance to arrive I told DebbieLynne about the Citizen Kane DVD set since it was very unlikely I'd be able to give it to her the next day. The last time I had similar symptoms I was in the hospital for 6 days. It was even possible that this could be more serious than last time if they decided it was necessary to go in and find out if whether it is something other than an ulcer in my intestine that is showing up on CAT scans.
The ambulance came and took me to the Emergency Room, and that's where I spent the night, getting prepped for and then having another CAT scan, answering questions, discussing the situation, and letting staff members know that my wife's birthday was that day (by then it was after midnight so Sunday had begun).
The scan showed that there was a blockage but that it was further down than the last one and might be treatable with a heavy duty enema. The two glasses of solution that I'd drunk to prepare for the scan also have a laxative effect, so things progressed along with the recommended treatment and I got to feeling a lot better.
The heavy duty enema worked extremely well, and they said if I could drink a large glass of water without any adverse reaction I should be OK to go back home. I never wanted to a glass of water so much since it would mean getting to spend DebbieLynne's birthday with her.
When the water caused no problems the call for my transportation home was made. When I arrived back at our apartment I got to wish my darling DebbieLynne a Happy Birthday in person. My being there to spend the day with her was the best birthday present I could give her.
An extended birthday and every day gift to her will be if I can keep out of the hospital. My nurse in the Emergency Room recommended I add a certain kind of yogurt to my diet to help keep things moving successfully through my intestines. That will be in addition to all the other things I'm doing that are recommended by my doctors and learned from researching things and discussing them with my doctors.
I thank you for your prayers for us. Doing all the right things to guard my health isn't enough. We need God to sustain us. So I very much appreciate your going to Him to look after us.
Tuesday, October 2, 2012
Thursday, September 20, 2012
Treat My Wife With Respect Not Condecension
When my wife, Deb, lived in California she often went shopping and to the movie theater and elsewhere on her own. People there welcomed her at their places of business and were glad to have her business. That is how things should be for everyone, even those who like my wife who happen to use a wheelchair.
Today Deb and I were in Boston. We enjoyed being at the Boston Commons. We rolled along Charles Street. We had lunch at B'Goods on Washington Street at Downtown Crossing.
Then we went to Quincy Market so DebbieLynne could have a nice Cannoli. Before I got the pastry I took the elevator down to the restroom. DebbieLynne waited for me in the public eating area. That's when our pleasant day in Boston turned sour.
A security guard came over and asked DebbieLynne "Is your friend coming back?" There was no need for the woman to ask that question. The guard wasn't going around asking anybody else who happened to be sitting alone such a question. But DebbieLynne answered, "Yes, he's coming back."
"Good," the woman responded, "I just didn't want you to be alone."
"I'm Ok, geez" retorted DebbieLynne, aggravated that this woman didn't think she was qualified to sit by herself in a public place.
The security guard then walked about 10 feet away and stayed there, keeping an eye on my wife.
After a time the woman summed another security guard to stand with Debbielynne while that guard went off looking for me. My wife was obviously upset by this treament. What if she decided to go somewhere else? Would they follow her? Would they try to prevent her from leaving the area?
When I got back and found out what was going I demanded to see her immediate superior and then the director of public safety at Quincy Market. I want people to treat my wife with the proper and simple respect she deserves. She should be as free as anybody to be where she has a right to be whether or not she is by herself.
That woman ruined what had been a nice day for Deb and me, and ruined Deb from feeling free to be in Quincy Market or elsewhere in Boston on her own, or even go there with me because there will be times when I won't be right there sitting next her and there will be people like that security guard who will find something wrong with that.
Deb and I are extremely upset that she gets treated that way when on her own. Last year it was a policeman in Randolph who treated her that way. Today it was that security guard at Quincy Market in Boston.
Please pray that these people will learn to treat DebbieLynne and all people with disabilities with the common respect everyone deserves whether they are with others or by themselves.
Today Deb and I were in Boston. We enjoyed being at the Boston Commons. We rolled along Charles Street. We had lunch at B'Goods on Washington Street at Downtown Crossing.
Then we went to Quincy Market so DebbieLynne could have a nice Cannoli. Before I got the pastry I took the elevator down to the restroom. DebbieLynne waited for me in the public eating area. That's when our pleasant day in Boston turned sour.
A security guard came over and asked DebbieLynne "Is your friend coming back?" There was no need for the woman to ask that question. The guard wasn't going around asking anybody else who happened to be sitting alone such a question. But DebbieLynne answered, "Yes, he's coming back."
"Good," the woman responded, "I just didn't want you to be alone."
"I'm Ok, geez" retorted DebbieLynne, aggravated that this woman didn't think she was qualified to sit by herself in a public place.
The security guard then walked about 10 feet away and stayed there, keeping an eye on my wife.
After a time the woman summed another security guard to stand with Debbielynne while that guard went off looking for me. My wife was obviously upset by this treament. What if she decided to go somewhere else? Would they follow her? Would they try to prevent her from leaving the area?
When I got back and found out what was going I demanded to see her immediate superior and then the director of public safety at Quincy Market. I want people to treat my wife with the proper and simple respect she deserves. She should be as free as anybody to be where she has a right to be whether or not she is by herself.
That woman ruined what had been a nice day for Deb and me, and ruined Deb from feeling free to be in Quincy Market or elsewhere in Boston on her own, or even go there with me because there will be times when I won't be right there sitting next her and there will be people like that security guard who will find something wrong with that.
Deb and I are extremely upset that she gets treated that way when on her own. Last year it was a policeman in Randolph who treated her that way. Today it was that security guard at Quincy Market in Boston.
Please pray that these people will learn to treat DebbieLynne and all people with disabilities with the common respect everyone deserves whether they are with others or by themselves.
Tuesday, September 4, 2012
Celebrating 10 Years of Marriage
A little over a week ago, on August 24th, DebbieLynne and I celebrated our 10th Anniversary. We took a luncheon harbor cruise on the Spirit of Boston. There were roses on our table for two, lobster, and champagne (alcohol removed). And we danced while the DJ played our requested song, Still The One, by Shania Twain. (See a video of our dancing on DebbieLynne's blog post here).
After our luxurious meal and romantic dance we went out on the back deck to enjoy the sunshine and view of Boston Harbor. After such a traumatic year with me in the hospital so much it was refreshing to be together on the 10th anniversary of our wedding.
Two days later our church held a party to for us. Members of my family, friends, and fellow church members joined us to celebrate these ten years together that God has given us. There was good food, fellowship, and another opportunity for us to dance to Still the One.
As the party ended, moments before Deb and I had to get outside to get the paratransit van back home, we had just enough time to open a curiously large present, and a smaller one that went with it, both gifts from the members of our church. The two gifts were a 32 inch TV and a blue-ray/DVD player! We'd never even dreamed of having anything like that. The love and generosity of our friends at church overwhelmed us.
Later in the week Deb and I met my Mom at the Cheesecake Factory at the Shopping Plaza, to treat her to a birthday lunch. While we were there DebbieLynne also bought me a Kindle reader as a combination Anniversary and Birthday present. She also bought me a Study Bible for the Kindle so I can easily read it and even take notes. I can use it when resting in bed at home, or when we're at church, or...if necessary...if I'm in the hospital. She sure knows me and how to bless me.
I am so blessed to have DebbieLynne as my wife. She so blesses me every day. I love doing whatever I can for her whenever I can. I thank God for these 10 years together that He's given us so far.
And I thank you for your prayers for us. DebbieLynne and I pray for you. We pray that you cherish your marriages and friendships. Every day and every moment is precious.
After our luxurious meal and romantic dance we went out on the back deck to enjoy the sunshine and view of Boston Harbor. After such a traumatic year with me in the hospital so much it was refreshing to be together on the 10th anniversary of our wedding.
Two days later our church held a party to for us. Members of my family, friends, and fellow church members joined us to celebrate these ten years together that God has given us. There was good food, fellowship, and another opportunity for us to dance to Still the One.
As the party ended, moments before Deb and I had to get outside to get the paratransit van back home, we had just enough time to open a curiously large present, and a smaller one that went with it, both gifts from the members of our church. The two gifts were a 32 inch TV and a blue-ray/DVD player! We'd never even dreamed of having anything like that. The love and generosity of our friends at church overwhelmed us.
Later in the week Deb and I met my Mom at the Cheesecake Factory at the Shopping Plaza, to treat her to a birthday lunch. While we were there DebbieLynne also bought me a Kindle reader as a combination Anniversary and Birthday present. She also bought me a Study Bible for the Kindle so I can easily read it and even take notes. I can use it when resting in bed at home, or when we're at church, or...if necessary...if I'm in the hospital. She sure knows me and how to bless me.
I am so blessed to have DebbieLynne as my wife. She so blesses me every day. I love doing whatever I can for her whenever I can. I thank God for these 10 years together that He's given us so far.
And I thank you for your prayers for us. DebbieLynne and I pray for you. We pray that you cherish your marriages and friendships. Every day and every moment is precious.
Monday, August 6, 2012
Back in Time For Lunch Today
Most of the time DebbieLynne and I go out together. One day last week we went into Boston and had lunch at Quincy Market and then went to the new Tea Party and Ships Museum. Later in the week we went to the South Shore Plaza to do a little shopping at Sears and Targets.
Today, however, I had an eye exam just a 2 mile bus ride down Main Street, so I went by myself. The exam was scheduled for 1 o'clock so I had to leave shortly before noon to be sure to be there on time. That was a bit too early for us to have lunch before I left, so we decided we'd eat when I got back.
DebbieLynne had her morning personal care attendant make up sandwiches and put them in the refrigerator so they'd be ready when I got back.
I'm glad I left a little early to get to the appointment because Main Street in the center of town had been scraped down to make ready for a new surface. But I found a place to safely cross in my wheelchair just in time to get the next bus down to the eye doctor's office.
The exam was completed by 2 o'clock and about a half hour later the bus came along and it brought me back to the center of town so I could wheel back home to our apartment. It was a little after 3 when I came through the door to see my darling DebbieLynne.
While I was out DebbieLynne had read the blog post I made this morning on my I Ponder Today blog and discovered a typo I'd made.. I appreciate her finding it and letting me know so I could fix it.
She also let me know that she'd written up some fun questions to ask people who come to the party in a few weeks to celebrate our 10th wedding anniversary.
But before fixing my blog post or reading the list of questions I got the sandwiches out of the 'fridge and she had her cheese sandwich and I had my peanut butter and jelly sandwich. A simple lunch to be sure, but I do so enjoy sharing all our meals again. That 2 and a half months of my being in the hospital meant many days of not even seeing one another let alone not being able to eat together.
I hope all of you married couples take take to cherish the times you get to be together. If God has blessed you with time together I hope you thank Him and let your wife or your husband know how much you appreciate being with them whenever you can.
I am still learning how to better express love to my wife. I'd appreciate your prayers for me as I seek to do ever better at loving her in both in word and deed.
Thank you all for your prayers for us.
Today, however, I had an eye exam just a 2 mile bus ride down Main Street, so I went by myself. The exam was scheduled for 1 o'clock so I had to leave shortly before noon to be sure to be there on time. That was a bit too early for us to have lunch before I left, so we decided we'd eat when I got back.
DebbieLynne had her morning personal care attendant make up sandwiches and put them in the refrigerator so they'd be ready when I got back.
I'm glad I left a little early to get to the appointment because Main Street in the center of town had been scraped down to make ready for a new surface. But I found a place to safely cross in my wheelchair just in time to get the next bus down to the eye doctor's office.
The exam was completed by 2 o'clock and about a half hour later the bus came along and it brought me back to the center of town so I could wheel back home to our apartment. It was a little after 3 when I came through the door to see my darling DebbieLynne.
While I was out DebbieLynne had read the blog post I made this morning on my I Ponder Today blog and discovered a typo I'd made.. I appreciate her finding it and letting me know so I could fix it.
She also let me know that she'd written up some fun questions to ask people who come to the party in a few weeks to celebrate our 10th wedding anniversary.
But before fixing my blog post or reading the list of questions I got the sandwiches out of the 'fridge and she had her cheese sandwich and I had my peanut butter and jelly sandwich. A simple lunch to be sure, but I do so enjoy sharing all our meals again. That 2 and a half months of my being in the hospital meant many days of not even seeing one another let alone not being able to eat together.
I hope all of you married couples take take to cherish the times you get to be together. If God has blessed you with time together I hope you thank Him and let your wife or your husband know how much you appreciate being with them whenever you can.
I am still learning how to better express love to my wife. I'd appreciate your prayers for me as I seek to do ever better at loving her in both in word and deed.
Thank you all for your prayers for us.
Sunday, August 5, 2012
Plan to Celebrate 10 Years of Maraige
For a while this year it looked like Deb and I might not get to celebrate our tenth wedding anniversary. We were faced with the diagnosis of my colon cancer, and then I had a heart attack which meant the surgery to remove the cancer had to be postponed to give my heart time to mend after the stint was put in.
Finally, after 2 and a half months, I got home from the hospital and gradually began to regain strength. Things were looking up. But then I got some test results that were questionable.and I got quite concerned. Would I be going back into the hospital. Was my reprieve only temporary?
Well, we're hoping I will be OK. Further tests will be done next month, and for now I am feeling good and I'm able to be off the ventilator for more than an hour at a time. I was breathing on my own all through the church service today. I was also off it all during the time Deb and I were on the tour of the Boston Tea Part Ship and Museum last Tuesday.
I am feeling better physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Deb and I are now very much looking forward to celebrating our 10th wedding anniversary.
On the actual day of our anniversary were are going to go on a luncheon cruise on the Spirit of Boston. Two days later we're having a party at our church. At both events we're having the following song sung for us to dance to:
Finally, after 2 and a half months, I got home from the hospital and gradually began to regain strength. Things were looking up. But then I got some test results that were questionable.and I got quite concerned. Would I be going back into the hospital. Was my reprieve only temporary?
Well, we're hoping I will be OK. Further tests will be done next month, and for now I am feeling good and I'm able to be off the ventilator for more than an hour at a time. I was breathing on my own all through the church service today. I was also off it all during the time Deb and I were on the tour of the Boston Tea Part Ship and Museum last Tuesday.
I am feeling better physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Deb and I are now very much looking forward to celebrating our 10th wedding anniversary.
On the actual day of our anniversary were are going to go on a luncheon cruise on the Spirit of Boston. Two days later we're having a party at our church. At both events we're having the following song sung for us to dance to:
Tuesday, June 5, 2012
Doing Rehab One Day At a Time
Following the surgery to remove the colon cancer I wasn't able to eat anything at first. Then I was allowed clear liquids. Then I was allowed some soft easy to digest food just before being transferred back to the rehab hospital. During that time I lost quite a bit of weight.
For the time being I'm on a diet of low fiber food to make it easier for my colon to heal. My abdomen is still bloated, but I'm eating as much as I can to regain weight.
I managed to get up into my wheelchair on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday to build up muscle strength. Lack of eating, and being bedridden has resulted in loss of of strength and I want to get built up again as quickly as possible so I can get home to be with DebbieLynne.
Unfortunately on Saturday I had a temperature of 102 degrees. Tests determined it was due to a urinary tract infection. So I didn't get out of bed on Saturday or Sunday. I'm now on antibiotics which should eliminate the infection.
I felt better on Monday (yesterday) and practiced getting from bed to chair and back a few times. We even raised the level of bed a level to make it more like the bed at home. I stayed up in my wheelchair between lunch and supper.
Today I've done two sessions of wheelchair to bed and back transfers. What used to be so easy is now hard work, but should get much easier as I regain strength. I got into the wheelchair after lunch and plan to remain in it until after supper.
I'm also using a device to strengthen the muscles used to inhale when breathing. The better I can breathe on my own and use my arms to do transfers, the better I will be able to do things for myself and DebbieLynne once I get home.
We're hoping I'll be back with DebbieLynne sometime next week. Please pray that will work out. Pray I will regain weight and strength with no more running of a fever. Also please pray for my abdominal bloating to subside.
Thank you for your praying. And thanks again for those who've been helping DebbieLynne while I've been hospitalized now for over two months.
For the time being I'm on a diet of low fiber food to make it easier for my colon to heal. My abdomen is still bloated, but I'm eating as much as I can to regain weight.
I managed to get up into my wheelchair on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday to build up muscle strength. Lack of eating, and being bedridden has resulted in loss of of strength and I want to get built up again as quickly as possible so I can get home to be with DebbieLynne.
Unfortunately on Saturday I had a temperature of 102 degrees. Tests determined it was due to a urinary tract infection. So I didn't get out of bed on Saturday or Sunday. I'm now on antibiotics which should eliminate the infection.
I felt better on Monday (yesterday) and practiced getting from bed to chair and back a few times. We even raised the level of bed a level to make it more like the bed at home. I stayed up in my wheelchair between lunch and supper.
Today I've done two sessions of wheelchair to bed and back transfers. What used to be so easy is now hard work, but should get much easier as I regain strength. I got into the wheelchair after lunch and plan to remain in it until after supper.
I'm also using a device to strengthen the muscles used to inhale when breathing. The better I can breathe on my own and use my arms to do transfers, the better I will be able to do things for myself and DebbieLynne once I get home.
We're hoping I'll be back with DebbieLynne sometime next week. Please pray that will work out. Pray I will regain weight and strength with no more running of a fever. Also please pray for my abdominal bloating to subside.
Thank you for your praying. And thanks again for those who've been helping DebbieLynne while I've been hospitalized now for over two months.
Tuesday, May 29, 2012
On the Mend From My Colon Surgery
It had seemed like I was making little by little progress each day following the surgery to remove the colon cancer on May 15. But yesterday I was so bloated that it was hard to breathe even with my ventilator. I could barely talk on the phone with my wife.
Why was my condition so much worse yesterday than the previous day? Was the treatment I was getting here at the rehab hospital doing me more harm than good?
Well, I theorized that maybe I had the night time tidal volume on my ventilator set too high. Maybe it was causing air to go into my stomach as well as my lungs. So I lowered the tidal volume and then lowered it some more until it was as low as I could have it and still have acceptable oxygen levels reading on the monitor.
That change made a great difference. When I woke up early this morning I was no more bloated than the night before, and I felt rested and refreshed.
Yesterday I was so bloated they put me back on a clear liquid diet. Today, with the bloating significantly down I got to have a lunch of baked fish, mashed potatoes, well cooked cauliflower, and a small cup of canned fruit. It tasted sooo good!
After lunch the therapist helped me get my back brace on. Then she stood by while I with considerable effort transferred from the bed into my wheelchair. It was the first time I'd done that since the surgery two weeks ago today. Praise God.
Building up the strength in my arms to do transfers is important, so I'll continue to work on that for getting in and out of bed and on and off a commode.
I'll also be working to extend the amount of time I can be off the ventilator. For two months I've had to use it 24 hours a day. It will so good when I can be at home with DebbieLynne and not have to use the vent while having meals together. And in time we hope I'll be able to go venturing outside and even into Boston without the ventilator doing my breathing for me.
Thankfully the new ventilator can be strapped to the back of my wheelchair so I could use it when I'm out. But when it's back there I'm not able to turn it on or off. My respiratory therapist is trying to figure out a way it could be turned on or off without reaching the controls.
My physical problems yesterday were distressing. But today things are looking up again. I wanted to share that with you. That's why I'm making this post.
I abundantly thank you for your prayers and for your caring about DebbieLynne and me.
Why was my condition so much worse yesterday than the previous day? Was the treatment I was getting here at the rehab hospital doing me more harm than good?
Well, I theorized that maybe I had the night time tidal volume on my ventilator set too high. Maybe it was causing air to go into my stomach as well as my lungs. So I lowered the tidal volume and then lowered it some more until it was as low as I could have it and still have acceptable oxygen levels reading on the monitor.
That change made a great difference. When I woke up early this morning I was no more bloated than the night before, and I felt rested and refreshed.
Yesterday I was so bloated they put me back on a clear liquid diet. Today, with the bloating significantly down I got to have a lunch of baked fish, mashed potatoes, well cooked cauliflower, and a small cup of canned fruit. It tasted sooo good!
After lunch the therapist helped me get my back brace on. Then she stood by while I with considerable effort transferred from the bed into my wheelchair. It was the first time I'd done that since the surgery two weeks ago today. Praise God.
Building up the strength in my arms to do transfers is important, so I'll continue to work on that for getting in and out of bed and on and off a commode.
I'll also be working to extend the amount of time I can be off the ventilator. For two months I've had to use it 24 hours a day. It will so good when I can be at home with DebbieLynne and not have to use the vent while having meals together. And in time we hope I'll be able to go venturing outside and even into Boston without the ventilator doing my breathing for me.
Thankfully the new ventilator can be strapped to the back of my wheelchair so I could use it when I'm out. But when it's back there I'm not able to turn it on or off. My respiratory therapist is trying to figure out a way it could be turned on or off without reaching the controls.
My physical problems yesterday were distressing. But today things are looking up again. I wanted to share that with you. That's why I'm making this post.
I abundantly thank you for your prayers and for your caring about DebbieLynne and me.
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