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