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Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Monday, May 23, 2011
Sunday, May 22, 2011
Movie, The Counter, Packing, Shredding
I've had a busy few days. I went to try to get my state I.D. on Friday but found out that the copy of my birth certificate I currently have was issued by the hospital and not the state I was born in. So, I had to order a copy of my birth certificate and once I get that, I will go back to get a state I.D. Hopefully, I will get that done within one week. We didn't get to play Cranium on Friday because my sister had already made plans, so we'll play another day.
Saturday, I spent some time with my sister Denise. We went to a restaurant called The Counter in Kahala Mall. I've passed by that restaurant many times and assumed it was like any other fast food restaurant. Boy, was I wrong! That place is awesome! They have a large seating area. The customer can also build their own hamburger out of a large selection of ingredients, types of buns, and types of sauces. They also offer select sandwiches a person can order, as well as sweet pototoe fries, onion ring strings, and regular fries. My sister and I ordered one order of mixed sweet potatoe fries and onion ring strings to share and it's a good thing because they give a large amount of them so one basket was enough for both of us. She ordered a sandwich and I built my own burger. It was a really nice time. We had the chance to talk and I sure appreciated that! After lunch at The Counter, we went to Safeway for some grocery shopping and I got some great deals on food for the next 10 days. Saturday night, the kids and I, as well as my sister, all went to the movie called Source Code, which is a really good movie. By the time I got home Saturday, I was tuckered out!
Today (Sunday), I'm home resting. I had a really busy week. I'm shredding some more paperwork and just resting and watching T.V. in between shredding. I expect to be completely done with the shredding by tonight. Yay!!
This week, we will begin getting our things ready to pack for when the movers come. Jordan and Jesse will fly out before me because they have a wedding to attend. I will fly into PA after the wedding to meet them and go to their new house. My sister said she will most likely fly with me, so that I'm not flying alone. That makes me so very relieved. She said we might fly into Ohio and meet up with my other sister Marla and then drive to PA. But, that all depends on if Marla is up for the drive,since it's about a 5 hour drive.
Well, that's it for now. Thanks so much for stopping by,
Kelli
Saturday, I spent some time with my sister Denise. We went to a restaurant called The Counter in Kahala Mall. I've passed by that restaurant many times and assumed it was like any other fast food restaurant. Boy, was I wrong! That place is awesome! They have a large seating area. The customer can also build their own hamburger out of a large selection of ingredients, types of buns, and types of sauces. They also offer select sandwiches a person can order, as well as sweet pototoe fries, onion ring strings, and regular fries. My sister and I ordered one order of mixed sweet potatoe fries and onion ring strings to share and it's a good thing because they give a large amount of them so one basket was enough for both of us. She ordered a sandwich and I built my own burger. It was a really nice time. We had the chance to talk and I sure appreciated that! After lunch at The Counter, we went to Safeway for some grocery shopping and I got some great deals on food for the next 10 days. Saturday night, the kids and I, as well as my sister, all went to the movie called Source Code, which is a really good movie. By the time I got home Saturday, I was tuckered out!
Today (Sunday), I'm home resting. I had a really busy week. I'm shredding some more paperwork and just resting and watching T.V. in between shredding. I expect to be completely done with the shredding by tonight. Yay!!
This week, we will begin getting our things ready to pack for when the movers come. Jordan and Jesse will fly out before me because they have a wedding to attend. I will fly into PA after the wedding to meet them and go to their new house. My sister said she will most likely fly with me, so that I'm not flying alone. That makes me so very relieved. She said we might fly into Ohio and meet up with my other sister Marla and then drive to PA. But, that all depends on if Marla is up for the drive,since it's about a 5 hour drive.
Well, that's it for now. Thanks so much for stopping by,
Kelli
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Wrist, Drs Appts., and New Shoes
Yesterday was my last day seeing my therapist and her therapy dog, Tucker. I am preparing to move within the next few weeks. I am so grateful for all the help I received from Dr. H. In reflection, I have come a long way since my first visit to Dr. H. I have overcome a great deal and grown alot emotionally, regarding the abuse I endured. When I move, I will more than likely see a counselor/therapist once a month, just to deal with the frustrations of living with CS and the constant losses I face. I am a strong believer that dogs can sense things and yesterday, Tucker must have known it was my last time seeing him because he licked my arms and face for what seemed like fifteen minutes. I just love that dog! He has comforted me so many times throughout my journey and I will miss his kisses and love.
Today I went to the orthopedic surgeon to see how my wrist is doing. On the left side of my wrist, there is a bone that is visibly protruding a little and it's still swollen. Dr. C. said because of the severity of the break, the bone would be out of place permanently. He also said the swelling would most likely last up too 6 months. Overall though, it is healing and I am regaining strength in that hand. I exercise it as much as possible and now use Play-Doh to exercise the wrist by squeezing it repeatedly.
Thursday, I will be going to Straub to see what medical records I can get from my eye doctor, Dr. K. as well as going to my primary doctor's office to get my records from there. Friday, I go to get my State I.D. They make appts. now, so it should take me no time at all. I need a new I.D. in order to travel, which is why I'm getting one. Next week Wednesday, I'll be picking up my records from my rheumatologist and that should be the last Dr. appt I will have until reaching PA.
I'm very excited about the move. I bought a brand new pair of New Balance Cross Trainers and they arrived in the mail today. They are a perfect fit and should help me with all the walking I will have to do while traveling. I also bought myself an inexpensive portable DVD player so I can entertain myself when first arriving at our new house, until Cable gets installed.
By Friday night, when my family gets together to play Cranium again, I should be good and tuckered out but totally ready to relax and have some fun!
As I came home today, I passed our old apartment on the second floor, which is one of the apartments that has had a great deal of flooding issues and pipe problems. I had hoped we went through the brunt of it and it would have no more issues. Unfortuantely, that is not the case. As I walked upstairs today the plumbers were at that unit again and had ripped out the cement wall on the outside of their kitchen window...sigh..I feel for those new tenants, I really do. They have no idea what they have gotten themselves into. The plumbing in the building is really old and is breaking down little by little. I'm thrilled we will be moving out of this apartment and to the mainland.
Thanks for stopping by,
Kelli
Today I went to the orthopedic surgeon to see how my wrist is doing. On the left side of my wrist, there is a bone that is visibly protruding a little and it's still swollen. Dr. C. said because of the severity of the break, the bone would be out of place permanently. He also said the swelling would most likely last up too 6 months. Overall though, it is healing and I am regaining strength in that hand. I exercise it as much as possible and now use Play-Doh to exercise the wrist by squeezing it repeatedly.
Thursday, I will be going to Straub to see what medical records I can get from my eye doctor, Dr. K. as well as going to my primary doctor's office to get my records from there. Friday, I go to get my State I.D. They make appts. now, so it should take me no time at all. I need a new I.D. in order to travel, which is why I'm getting one. Next week Wednesday, I'll be picking up my records from my rheumatologist and that should be the last Dr. appt I will have until reaching PA.
I'm very excited about the move. I bought a brand new pair of New Balance Cross Trainers and they arrived in the mail today. They are a perfect fit and should help me with all the walking I will have to do while traveling. I also bought myself an inexpensive portable DVD player so I can entertain myself when first arriving at our new house, until Cable gets installed.
By Friday night, when my family gets together to play Cranium again, I should be good and tuckered out but totally ready to relax and have some fun!
As I came home today, I passed our old apartment on the second floor, which is one of the apartments that has had a great deal of flooding issues and pipe problems. I had hoped we went through the brunt of it and it would have no more issues. Unfortuantely, that is not the case. As I walked upstairs today the plumbers were at that unit again and had ripped out the cement wall on the outside of their kitchen window...sigh..I feel for those new tenants, I really do. They have no idea what they have gotten themselves into. The plumbing in the building is really old and is breaking down little by little. I'm thrilled we will be moving out of this apartment and to the mainland.
Thanks for stopping by,
Kelli
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
Son's Graduation and Promotion and Cranium
My son Caleb graduated from the Recruit Sustainment Program yesterday. He was also one of three soldiers who were promoted one level. I'm so proud of him! He was approached by an officer yesterday regarding the possibility of flying black hawk helicopters and plans to meet with the recruiter sometime within the next week. He has two weeks off and then has his regular monthly weekend drill, followed within days by his two week annual training exercises on the Big Island. I have no doubt he will do well!
After his ceremony, we all headed to Bellows beach. We had lunch in the picnic area and then I sat on a bench in the shade while the kids all went swimming. I have posted some pictures with this entry. I was supposed to go to the bone doctor today, but after yesterdays events my body was just too exhausted and I needed to rest. So, I rescheduled for Wednesday, which was no problem with the doctor's office so it worked out great.
Tonight, after doing some more packing and sorting through paperwork in my bedroom, we all headed to my sister's house to play Cranium! What a great game! If you like charades, drawing, and singing, I highly recommend this game. Tonight was the first time I have been to my sister's house since my traumatic fall, but I did well. Nighttime is still very challenging for me as far as my balance and depth perception. I am very off balance at night. It didn't matter if it was the stairs in my apartment building or the stairs in my sister's house, the depth perception made it very difficult to walk down the stairs. It was as though they were "flat," yet I knew they couldn't be because they are stairs. A tricky situation for sure, but I took it very very slowly and made it down them each time OK.
I've got a doctor's appointment tomorrow and need to get to bed. Enjoy the pictures! Thanks for stopping by,
Kelli
After his ceremony, we all headed to Bellows beach. We had lunch in the picnic area and then I sat on a bench in the shade while the kids all went swimming. I have posted some pictures with this entry. I was supposed to go to the bone doctor today, but after yesterdays events my body was just too exhausted and I needed to rest. So, I rescheduled for Wednesday, which was no problem with the doctor's office so it worked out great.
Tonight, after doing some more packing and sorting through paperwork in my bedroom, we all headed to my sister's house to play Cranium! What a great game! If you like charades, drawing, and singing, I highly recommend this game. Tonight was the first time I have been to my sister's house since my traumatic fall, but I did well. Nighttime is still very challenging for me as far as my balance and depth perception. I am very off balance at night. It didn't matter if it was the stairs in my apartment building or the stairs in my sister's house, the depth perception made it very difficult to walk down the stairs. It was as though they were "flat," yet I knew they couldn't be because they are stairs. A tricky situation for sure, but I took it very very slowly and made it down them each time OK.
I've got a doctor's appointment tomorrow and need to get to bed. Enjoy the pictures! Thanks for stopping by,
Kelli
Saturday, May 14, 2011
Audiology Records and Gunshots Fired
I went to get my records from my audiologist yesterday. I had an audiogram done on 9/27/2007 and a Pure-Tone Audiometry done on 6/2/2009. The difference between the two tests showed that on the test in 2009 the results were 10-15 dB poorer than my audiogram in 2007. My hearing "revealed a moderate-severe to profound sensorineural hearing loss in the right ear and a moderate-severe to severe sensorineural hearing loss in the left ear."
After getting my medical records from the audiologist, I went to the Original Pancake House because I still had an hour to wait for my ride. I got strawberry waffles and coffee. Then I came home. I had decided to use my regular cane yesterday because I wanted to see if it would still help. Unfortunately, there were too many times I nearly fell and trying to balance on just the quad cane was difficult. Sadly, I have to accept the new limitations and use the hemi-walker even during the day.
I came home and worked on shredding some paperwork. I have saved so much paperwork over the years. Caleb and I had some laughs over some of the paperwork I had saved from his middle school and high school years. I can laugh now, but back then it was not funny. He was a little trouble maker for a couple of years and revisiting that time period, via paperwork, only helped to underscore his maturity now. It's wonderful that he has grown up to be the man he is now.
Today, I was able to sleep in and had two cups of coffee. I have missed my coffee. I got a lot accomplished so far. I gave our doggie her meds, trimmed the nails on all four paws, and gave her her weekly bath.
I'm supposed to go out with my sister sometime today, so I'm looking forward to that. I have a very busy week next week. Monday, I go to the bone surgeon to get an x-ray and see how my wrist is doing. It's been 2 months and four days and my wrist gets stronger and stronger every day. I exercise it and try to do "normal" things with it everyday. By days end it's pretty sore, so I rest at night time and then the next morning, I'm exercising it again. It's paying off because today was the first time in 2 months and four days that I was able to put the fitted sheet on my bed by myself. Up until now, the kids have been doing it for me. I'm not anywhere near being able to do "normal" lifting and such with that arm, but I'm working on it.
Tuesday, I see my therapist and Friday, I go to get my State ID. I need a current ID to travel and my Driver's license expired on my birthday. I let it expire because I don't believe I would have passed the vision test. However, even if I had passed their vision test, I don't want to drive because of my depth perception issues and loss of balance. So, I let it expire. Then, the following week will be spent going to doctor's offices and getting my medical records to take with me. I like being busy!
I've been cleaning my room and sorting out what I'm taking and what I'm not taking. My room is beginning to look like a move is in the process. :)
Last night was so interesting! The kids and I were all home and we heard four gunshots. When Jesse went outside, she saw a black car speeding down our street, with the police in pursuit. Apparently, we found out from the neighbors that the man in the black car was trying to evade the police and had fired four gun shots at them. The police had our street completely blocked off on all sides, so the suspect couldn't get away. The police eventually found the suspects car, but the last we heard they hadn't found the suspect. They had their forensics team out there taking fingerprints and looking for casings from the bullets. Apparently, the suspect hit a parked van on our street while firing his gun. I am so grateful we are moving. We are not in a very safe area right now.
Thanks for all the encouragements and prayers. Thanks for stopping by,
Kelli
After getting my medical records from the audiologist, I went to the Original Pancake House because I still had an hour to wait for my ride. I got strawberry waffles and coffee. Then I came home. I had decided to use my regular cane yesterday because I wanted to see if it would still help. Unfortunately, there were too many times I nearly fell and trying to balance on just the quad cane was difficult. Sadly, I have to accept the new limitations and use the hemi-walker even during the day.
I came home and worked on shredding some paperwork. I have saved so much paperwork over the years. Caleb and I had some laughs over some of the paperwork I had saved from his middle school and high school years. I can laugh now, but back then it was not funny. He was a little trouble maker for a couple of years and revisiting that time period, via paperwork, only helped to underscore his maturity now. It's wonderful that he has grown up to be the man he is now.
Today, I was able to sleep in and had two cups of coffee. I have missed my coffee. I got a lot accomplished so far. I gave our doggie her meds, trimmed the nails on all four paws, and gave her her weekly bath.
I'm supposed to go out with my sister sometime today, so I'm looking forward to that. I have a very busy week next week. Monday, I go to the bone surgeon to get an x-ray and see how my wrist is doing. It's been 2 months and four days and my wrist gets stronger and stronger every day. I exercise it and try to do "normal" things with it everyday. By days end it's pretty sore, so I rest at night time and then the next morning, I'm exercising it again. It's paying off because today was the first time in 2 months and four days that I was able to put the fitted sheet on my bed by myself. Up until now, the kids have been doing it for me. I'm not anywhere near being able to do "normal" lifting and such with that arm, but I'm working on it.
Tuesday, I see my therapist and Friday, I go to get my State ID. I need a current ID to travel and my Driver's license expired on my birthday. I let it expire because I don't believe I would have passed the vision test. However, even if I had passed their vision test, I don't want to drive because of my depth perception issues and loss of balance. So, I let it expire. Then, the following week will be spent going to doctor's offices and getting my medical records to take with me. I like being busy!
I've been cleaning my room and sorting out what I'm taking and what I'm not taking. My room is beginning to look like a move is in the process. :)
Last night was so interesting! The kids and I were all home and we heard four gunshots. When Jesse went outside, she saw a black car speeding down our street, with the police in pursuit. Apparently, we found out from the neighbors that the man in the black car was trying to evade the police and had fired four gun shots at them. The police had our street completely blocked off on all sides, so the suspect couldn't get away. The police eventually found the suspects car, but the last we heard they hadn't found the suspect. They had their forensics team out there taking fingerprints and looking for casings from the bullets. Apparently, the suspect hit a parked van on our street while firing his gun. I am so grateful we are moving. We are not in a very safe area right now.
Thanks for all the encouragements and prayers. Thanks for stopping by,
Kelli
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Independence and Packing
My Mother's Day was awesome! Jordan and Jesse treated me to a Mother's Day lunch at California Pizza Kitchen and Caleb also came along. It was a lot of fun and very memorable!
I've been sifting through my things recently, deciding what to take and what not to take with me to PA. The only thing left for me to pack are my clothes. I'm getting really excited about this move. One of the things that is very important to me is eventually finding a place of my own where I will have the help I need, but still be independent. Perhaps the greatest loss I have felt over this past year is the loss of independence. I have fought tooth and nail to cling to whatever independence I could while living with Cogan's Syndrome. So, it's important to me to find a place I can live and be independent and on my own, yet still have the support and help of my family and outside resources.
I found an apartment building, just blocks from where we will be moving to, that is for handicapped and disabled individuals. It is close to restaurants, stores, and medical facilities. In the apartment, there is a pull string that a person can pull if they have fallen or need medical help immediately. I'm in the process of contacting the manager of that building to ask about a waiting list and getting my name on the waiting list. My kids completely understand my need for some semblance of independence and are very supportive of me. It could quite possibly take some lengthy time for me to get an apartment in that building, but I will feel better knowing I am on the waiting list anyway.
Recently, one of the symptoms I've had is worsening. I've been dealing with muscle cramps throughout my body, but something is happening with my feet in particular. Three nights ago, I was crying out in pain because my left foot became somewhat distorted and was in tremendous pain. All I could do was try to stand on it to release the tension in the muscle or whatever was happening. After about thirty minutes, I was able to fall asleep.
I've been calling the doctor's office to get all my records copied and ready for pick up at the end of this month. I want to go to my next doctor with paperwork in hand. I also found out my medical will be automatically transferred over to PA when I move, due to the PA state policies. That's great news for me!
I have been weaning myself off of soda for a week now and am doing pretty good with it. I drink more iced tea and juices now, rather than sodas. Don't get me wrong, I still drink sodas, just not nearly as much as I used to.
I am doing my best to come to terms with my physical limitations now and at times find myself once again walking through the grieving process. It's not an easy process to walk through, when it comes to progressive physical losses and limitations. I will continue to write and am considering some type of a children's book now to work on for this summer. Most likely, tomorrow, I will work on packing some clothes and leaving out only what I plan to take as check-in luggage.
Well, I've got some packing to do...thanks for stopping by,
Kelli
I've been sifting through my things recently, deciding what to take and what not to take with me to PA. The only thing left for me to pack are my clothes. I'm getting really excited about this move. One of the things that is very important to me is eventually finding a place of my own where I will have the help I need, but still be independent. Perhaps the greatest loss I have felt over this past year is the loss of independence. I have fought tooth and nail to cling to whatever independence I could while living with Cogan's Syndrome. So, it's important to me to find a place I can live and be independent and on my own, yet still have the support and help of my family and outside resources.
I found an apartment building, just blocks from where we will be moving to, that is for handicapped and disabled individuals. It is close to restaurants, stores, and medical facilities. In the apartment, there is a pull string that a person can pull if they have fallen or need medical help immediately. I'm in the process of contacting the manager of that building to ask about a waiting list and getting my name on the waiting list. My kids completely understand my need for some semblance of independence and are very supportive of me. It could quite possibly take some lengthy time for me to get an apartment in that building, but I will feel better knowing I am on the waiting list anyway.
Recently, one of the symptoms I've had is worsening. I've been dealing with muscle cramps throughout my body, but something is happening with my feet in particular. Three nights ago, I was crying out in pain because my left foot became somewhat distorted and was in tremendous pain. All I could do was try to stand on it to release the tension in the muscle or whatever was happening. After about thirty minutes, I was able to fall asleep.
I've been calling the doctor's office to get all my records copied and ready for pick up at the end of this month. I want to go to my next doctor with paperwork in hand. I also found out my medical will be automatically transferred over to PA when I move, due to the PA state policies. That's great news for me!
I have been weaning myself off of soda for a week now and am doing pretty good with it. I drink more iced tea and juices now, rather than sodas. Don't get me wrong, I still drink sodas, just not nearly as much as I used to.
I am doing my best to come to terms with my physical limitations now and at times find myself once again walking through the grieving process. It's not an easy process to walk through, when it comes to progressive physical losses and limitations. I will continue to write and am considering some type of a children's book now to work on for this summer. Most likely, tomorrow, I will work on packing some clothes and leaving out only what I plan to take as check-in luggage.
Well, I've got some packing to do...thanks for stopping by,
Kelli
Saturday, May 7, 2011
New Glasses, Lunch, and Dr's Visit
I had a very busy day yesterday with some good news and some bad news. In spite of the bad news, I still enjoyed yesterday a great deal.
I went to pick up my new eye glasses and am so happy because I can see better now, especially when reading. It obviously doesn't help the depth perception issues or the loss of periphereal vision, but in general it brings my vision up to a safer level. It took three long months for me to find a place that accepts my insurance and then for the insurance to approve the new glasses. So, finally getting them in my hands yesterday morning was a real treat.
After getting my glasses, I went next door to have some breakfast at The Original Pancake House (OPH). I had a couple of hours to wait until my ride with the Handi-Van came. I enjoyed a nice bacon, lettuce, and tomatoe sandwich with a small salad and a diet coke. Then, I had some coffee. About an hour later, I went outside thinking how nice it would be to explore the area. Instead, I couldn't walk because it was raining too much and it was a safety issue for me with my walker and my balance.
I went back into the OPH and asked them if they could find me another seat and I would pay for another cup of coffee. The manager showed me a table and told me he was not going to make me pay for the coffee. I had two cups of coffee and put out a small tip (enough to cover the coffee) and the waitress told me to put my money away because they didn't want it. How nice that was of her. I have always enjoyed going to the OPH because their staff is so nice and friendly and their food is great!
As I was heading to the front door, I stopped and thanked the manager for the coffee. I then explained to them that I was moving and was taking pictures of all my favorite places to visit in Honolulu. I asked them if I could get a picture of the staff. The manager told us to go outside by the stained glass window and once we got out there, he told me he would take the picture and he wanted me in it. The picture turned out great! The staff of the OPH had the same expression as the manager at Denny's ~ they were thrilled about the picture. The man seen standing on the left was the guy who cleared the tables and he was so excited about the picture. He shouted out, "Now, that's the Aloha Spirit!"
From there, I went to my primary doctors office, to get blood drawn and give her a signed copy of my autobiography. I have given her a copy of each of my five books. She reads them and then passes them around the office so her staff can read them. She told me that her daughter wants to go to medical school and she was going to have her daughter read all of my books because everything I wrote about (domestic violence and Cogan's) are issues doctors and nurses must face while caring for patients. Then, we took a picture together. She has been my doctor for many years and I will miss the care she provides, as well as her encouragements and support.
Then, she told me she wanted me to have a mammogram and bone density test before I moved. I assumed they were going to schedule it and get back to me. Nope. As I was sitting outside waiting for the elevator, the nurse came running out and told me I had to go upstairs to the fifth floor for both tests. I have to laugh because any woman who has ever had a mammorgram knows it takes a special kind of mental preparation before getting a mammogram.
I will have the results to the mammogram in about two weeks. I'm really not worried about it. The initial results for the bone density test was not good. This is the bad news. Due to my being on steroids for so many years, off and on, my spine has very severe osteoporosis. My hips look good, but my spine is really bad. She wants me to get shots to bring the calcium levels up, but she also has me on Calcium supplements now, with Vitamin D, as well as a pill I take once a week. She said it is now no surprise why the break on my wrist was so severe. At this point, I have to be extra careful about not falling at all. Using the hemi-walker is no longer a pride issue, it is a safety issue. I have to use it because it provides the best protection from my balance issues.
Needless to say, after such a long day (9-4:30pm) I came home and did nothing but rest. I am resting today as well. I'm not sure of the plans for Mother's Day tomorrow, I just know Jordan has something planned. It should be fun! Another bit of great news! Calebs recruiter told him he had to wait 6 months before transferring, but he spoke with someone higher in rank than his recruiter and she told him he could transfer now. He has a drill he has to go to next weekend, but after that he is moving with us to PA!!! How exciting!!!
Well, I'm going to go rest now. Thanks for stopping by and enjoy the pictures.
Kelli
I went to pick up my new eye glasses and am so happy because I can see better now, especially when reading. It obviously doesn't help the depth perception issues or the loss of periphereal vision, but in general it brings my vision up to a safer level. It took three long months for me to find a place that accepts my insurance and then for the insurance to approve the new glasses. So, finally getting them in my hands yesterday morning was a real treat.
After getting my glasses, I went next door to have some breakfast at The Original Pancake House (OPH). I had a couple of hours to wait until my ride with the Handi-Van came. I enjoyed a nice bacon, lettuce, and tomatoe sandwich with a small salad and a diet coke. Then, I had some coffee. About an hour later, I went outside thinking how nice it would be to explore the area. Instead, I couldn't walk because it was raining too much and it was a safety issue for me with my walker and my balance.
I went back into the OPH and asked them if they could find me another seat and I would pay for another cup of coffee. The manager showed me a table and told me he was not going to make me pay for the coffee. I had two cups of coffee and put out a small tip (enough to cover the coffee) and the waitress told me to put my money away because they didn't want it. How nice that was of her. I have always enjoyed going to the OPH because their staff is so nice and friendly and their food is great!
As I was heading to the front door, I stopped and thanked the manager for the coffee. I then explained to them that I was moving and was taking pictures of all my favorite places to visit in Honolulu. I asked them if I could get a picture of the staff. The manager told us to go outside by the stained glass window and once we got out there, he told me he would take the picture and he wanted me in it. The picture turned out great! The staff of the OPH had the same expression as the manager at Denny's ~ they were thrilled about the picture. The man seen standing on the left was the guy who cleared the tables and he was so excited about the picture. He shouted out, "Now, that's the Aloha Spirit!"
From there, I went to my primary doctors office, to get blood drawn and give her a signed copy of my autobiography. I have given her a copy of each of my five books. She reads them and then passes them around the office so her staff can read them. She told me that her daughter wants to go to medical school and she was going to have her daughter read all of my books because everything I wrote about (domestic violence and Cogan's) are issues doctors and nurses must face while caring for patients. Then, we took a picture together. She has been my doctor for many years and I will miss the care she provides, as well as her encouragements and support.
Then, she told me she wanted me to have a mammogram and bone density test before I moved. I assumed they were going to schedule it and get back to me. Nope. As I was sitting outside waiting for the elevator, the nurse came running out and told me I had to go upstairs to the fifth floor for both tests. I have to laugh because any woman who has ever had a mammorgram knows it takes a special kind of mental preparation before getting a mammogram.
I will have the results to the mammogram in about two weeks. I'm really not worried about it. The initial results for the bone density test was not good. This is the bad news. Due to my being on steroids for so many years, off and on, my spine has very severe osteoporosis. My hips look good, but my spine is really bad. She wants me to get shots to bring the calcium levels up, but she also has me on Calcium supplements now, with Vitamin D, as well as a pill I take once a week. She said it is now no surprise why the break on my wrist was so severe. At this point, I have to be extra careful about not falling at all. Using the hemi-walker is no longer a pride issue, it is a safety issue. I have to use it because it provides the best protection from my balance issues.
Needless to say, after such a long day (9-4:30pm) I came home and did nothing but rest. I am resting today as well. I'm not sure of the plans for Mother's Day tomorrow, I just know Jordan has something planned. It should be fun! Another bit of great news! Calebs recruiter told him he had to wait 6 months before transferring, but he spoke with someone higher in rank than his recruiter and she told him he could transfer now. He has a drill he has to go to next weekend, but after that he is moving with us to PA!!! How exciting!!!
Well, I'm going to go rest now. Thanks for stopping by and enjoy the pictures.
Kelli
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
Waikiki Aquarium
I have been friends with two men over the past several years They have always been a positive force in my life and I love both of them. Yesterday, we were all able to meet and visit the Waikiki Aquarium. I had a great time visiting with them and just talking, but more than anything, I am grateful for their hugs. Dale especially gives amazing hugs and I am a very huggy person, so it was wonderful to get a hug from him. He doesn't just hug a person, he embraces them with compassion and love. I love that about him.
There were a few instances when my depth perception was so bad I couldn't see the distance where the display walls came out to and had to ask Dale for help. He stayed with me the whole time and watched over me, making sure I didn't fall. I appreciated that so very much! All in all, it was an awesome time spent with them.
My Handi-Van ride was due to pick me up at 12:30 and Dale and David left at about 11:45, so I had 45 minutes to wait. I decided to go outside and wait for the van at noon and to my surprise it was already there. The driver was early, so I got home early. I was thankful because quite honestly, I was tired. I got some great pictures and they are posted in this entry.
The swelling in my wrist and hand is starting to go down now and I am doing my best to use it and exercise it within my limitations. I went to the grocery store this morning with Caleb and am done shopping for about two weeks, which is great.
Thanks for all your prayers and support. Thanks for stopping by,
Kelli
There were a few instances when my depth perception was so bad I couldn't see the distance where the display walls came out to and had to ask Dale for help. He stayed with me the whole time and watched over me, making sure I didn't fall. I appreciated that so very much! All in all, it was an awesome time spent with them.
My Handi-Van ride was due to pick me up at 12:30 and Dale and David left at about 11:45, so I had 45 minutes to wait. I decided to go outside and wait for the van at noon and to my surprise it was already there. The driver was early, so I got home early. I was thankful because quite honestly, I was tired. I got some great pictures and they are posted in this entry.
The swelling in my wrist and hand is starting to go down now and I am doing my best to use it and exercise it within my limitations. I went to the grocery store this morning with Caleb and am done shopping for about two weeks, which is great.
Thanks for all your prayers and support. Thanks for stopping by,
Kelli
Saturday, April 30, 2011
I went to see my eye specialist yesterday and had mixed news. The inflammation is down in the left eye, due to the steroid injection the doctor gave me a couple of months ago. However, now there is inflammation in the right eye, so I had to have a steroid injection behind the right eye. There is a great amount of scar tissue in both eyes, due to constant and recurring inflammation and that is irreversible.
The good news which came from yesterday's appt. is that when I told my eye specialist I am moving, he told me his best friend is the Chief of Residency at Geisinger Medical Center, which is really close to where we are moving. He said to tell his best friend he referred me and hopefully he will take me on as his patient and he will be my primary doctor. He can then refer me to the other doctors that I will need on board.
Some more good news...the swelling on my left hand and wrist is slowly starting to come down and after seven weeks, I can now hold a cup in that hand. It can't be a heavy cup, but it's certainly a start! Great news!
I am going to the Aquarium on Monday with two very good friends of mine. I plan to take lots of pictures and will post some here. I'm really excited about going. Then, Tuesday, I'll go grocery shopping with my son.
Thanks for stopping by,
Kelli
The good news which came from yesterday's appt. is that when I told my eye specialist I am moving, he told me his best friend is the Chief of Residency at Geisinger Medical Center, which is really close to where we are moving. He said to tell his best friend he referred me and hopefully he will take me on as his patient and he will be my primary doctor. He can then refer me to the other doctors that I will need on board.
Some more good news...the swelling on my left hand and wrist is slowly starting to come down and after seven weeks, I can now hold a cup in that hand. It can't be a heavy cup, but it's certainly a start! Great news!
I am going to the Aquarium on Monday with two very good friends of mine. I plan to take lots of pictures and will post some here. I'm really excited about going. Then, Tuesday, I'll go grocery shopping with my son.
Thanks for stopping by,
Kelli
Thursday, April 28, 2011
Welcome!
Welcome to my new blog!
This will be an avenue for me to share about my health issues, beliefs, inspirations, thoughts, reflections, and other happenings in my life. Many of you are already aware that I have a rare autoimmune disorder called, Cogan's Syndrome. I will write often about my life with this syndrome, as it is easier for me to write about it where others in my life can be aware of what is happening in that area, in one place, so I don't have to repeatedly share the information. It's so much easier for me to write about it here.
I also love finding the jewels, or positive things, in my life as I journey through this valley, and will write often about that as well.
Thanks for stopping by,
Kelli
This will be an avenue for me to share about my health issues, beliefs, inspirations, thoughts, reflections, and other happenings in my life. Many of you are already aware that I have a rare autoimmune disorder called, Cogan's Syndrome. I will write often about my life with this syndrome, as it is easier for me to write about it where others in my life can be aware of what is happening in that area, in one place, so I don't have to repeatedly share the information. It's so much easier for me to write about it here.
I also love finding the jewels, or positive things, in my life as I journey through this valley, and will write often about that as well.
Thanks for stopping by,
Kelli
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