It's been so long. Where do I start? How about if I start with some wonderful news.

Dr. Blaha took Mike off the Rimydal and put him on Previcox about a week ago. Starting the first day, he already seemed different. He's not having as many bladder spasms during the day, he seems to have more energy... and.. the biggest thing is... he's sleeping so much better at night!!!! It's gotten to the point where he no longer needs Benedryl to sleep!!! I'm so happy!!!! Actually, I realized, after a few days of the Previcox that maybe he didn't need the Benedryl. He had slowed down the panting at bedtime, so I stopped giving it to him. From the very first night without it, the panting almost stopped completely. He laid down, and I just petted him and talked to him for a few minutes until he put his head down... then he slept all night!!! (wish I had icons on here so I could show you how happy this make me). He's been sleeping great every night since then. I'm now wondering if maybe even the Benedryl was bothering him too. It was helping him to sleep, but he also panted hard until he finally konked out when he was taking it.

Last night I could tell that he wanted on the bed to sleep, but... like I've said before... he doesn't realize he could jump up, and when I lift him up there, it hurts him. Sooooooo.... I did something he wasn't expecting. I didn't give him time to realize what I was doing, and I picked him up and threw him on the bed before he had a chance to realize what I had done. He didn't have time to snap or growl because it hurt. It was so funny.. he had a look of shock on his face, but he immediately made himself comfortable... too comfortable... the little shit immediately went to the top of the bed and sat on one of the pillows (so now I won't use that one till I change the pillow case)... but then he tried laying on both of them... I was just really hoping he wouldn't fart cuz his butt was right next to my head and we were both facing the same way.. we both fell asleep watching tv. I don't know what time he jumped down.. I woke up at 4:00 and he was on the floor, but it felt so great to fall asleep petting him. I really can't tell you how great it felt to have him up there again. Plus.. usually he'll curl up toward the middle of the bed or down toward the bottom.. but he was right there where I could reach him... it was awesome.

Gidget is doing really well. She's still the puppy and making me laugh, but she's also learning that the rules of the house apply to her too. She's so in love with her big brother that no matter where he goes, she wants to be with him, but she's learning (slowly) that when he's sleeping in one spot, she can sleep someplace else instead of trying to lay next to him and getting in his space. As I type this, Mike is snoring next to me, and the young one is sleeping on the couch. Ohhhhh... blissful quiet. LOL

Of course, it wasn't this quiet earlier. I've got a guy over here painting, and even though he's been here for two days, and they were great with him being here (even when I was gone), they both barked like crazy for almost 45 minutes... I swore, I was ready to get the duct tape and tape both of their mouths shut.... too much noise for so early n the morning.

I'm so happy to be able to get this place painted.. especially since winter is coming, and the colors were really drab (and pretty depressing). The guy who's painting has done a lot of work for my brother, and Joe has referred him to a number of other people too. Because of this, he gave me an awesome price (actually cheaper than I could have done if I did it myself). He's only charging me $200 to do the entire house.... kitchen, living room, 2 bedrooms, hallway and all the ceilings. Plus.. he had paint he had left over that were actually close to the colors I had planned on getting, so all I had to buy was one gallon of paint. My gosh... if I did it myself (Michelle and Jay were going to help me... especially with the trim)... I would have had to buy all of the paint, tools, drop cloths and (of course) I would give them a few bucks for helping me. I figure I probably saved as much as I'm paying right now. He's doing the trim and the bathroom today, and then he'll be finished.

The dogs have been great for him. I went to work the first day he was here, and then to the doctors (explain in a minute) the next two days... so they were alone with him for quite a while. He said they were awesome. Gidge stayed in her room and just watched him whenever he was in her sight, and Mike just slept till I got home. I'm really proud of my babies.

As for me... well... I don't remember if I told you I had a 24 hour blood pressure monitor put on last week. What a pain in the butt it was, but the worst part was that when I went back to have it taken off... it hadn't registered like it was suppose to, and there were maybe only 9 or 10 real readings. Sooooooo I had to go back Monday to have it put on again and then Tuesday to have it taken off. I got use to the cuff pumping up every 15 minutes or so (even though sometimes it would pump up three or four times till my hand turned purple), but I really hated having to document every single thing I was doing and feeling every time it pumped (where I was, standing, sitting, etc, mood, activities, symptoms)... what a pain. But at least it's over now. I did see a heck of a lot of high numbers when she took it off of me and connected it to the computer. I've got a doctor's appointment this afternoon to see exactly how good/bad I did. I'll keep you informed.

I was going to go to work yesterday morning, but about 9:00 I got a call from Michelle (my daughter). She informed me that she had been having chest pains since the night before. Being a nurse, you'd think she'd listen to her body better right??? Nope!!! She said when she went to bed that night, if she crossed her arms and slept on her stomach, she was able to sleep. Yesterday morning though she woke up, and it was still there. Dummy kid went to work anyway, but then it got really bad, and she finally decided she'd better get checked. To make things even dummer... when she called me... she was DRIVING HERSELF to the hospital. My God, if I did that she'd freak out.

The did all kinds of tests and blood work on her and were going to keep her overnight, but later in the day (around 5:00) they let her go home, promising to see her doctor this morning. Her appointment is at 11:30, and it's almost that now. With everything they've done to her and all the blood work and the fact that the nitro didn't do anything to get rid of the pain, I honestly don't think it's her heart. I told her to ask the doctor if she could have a muscle being pulled from her spine maybe that is a little out of allignment. That happened to me a few years ago... I was lifting a window, and all of a sudden my chest hurt... never felt anything in my back... after going to the hospital and finding nothing wrong, I went to the chiropractor I was working for, and after one adjustment, the pain was gone. I'm praying that's all this is for her.

Hey Amy... It's so good to hear from you again. I've missed you. How is everything going? I know what you mean about things slowing down (sometime maybe). It's funny... for the longest time, I had nothing much to do, but all of a sudden (the last few months) it seems I don't have time for anything. Keep in touch... hugs and nose kisses

Hey Cindy... YEAH, YEAH... I know.. I "am" doing it right now... (I think). Once they get the blood pressure under control I'll be fine. On the other hand.... YOU should have gone to the hospital when the doctor wanted you to go in too... you have people around to help with the kids, so there was really no reason for you not to go. I guess we're both a little stubborn huh? LOL
I'm sooooooooooo happy the kids are doing so well. I checked their thread today (but didn't post) and I think they're at 19 and 34 days??? HOOOORRRAYYYYYY!!!!! Keep up the great work boys!!! hugs and belly rubs

Ok... gonna get going. It's taken me a long time to write all this, and I really should get something done around here. The place has to be put back together in the rooms that are finished... just looking at all of it makes me tired. I hope everyone has a wonderful day and a great weekend. Thanks for checking in on us. You all mean so much to us. We love you all.

Love and Blessings


Amy said...

Hi Jo,
I know, long time no see...but I am really glad that you all are doing well. Hopefully once things work-wise slow down a little for me I will keep in touch more.
Hugs,
Amy

November 11, 2008 10:43 PM

Cindy said...

Geesh Jo, I sure hope u are doing EVERYTHING the doc says.
The last time (a few months ago) when the doc wanted to stick me in the hospital-I refused. But, I have the G/J tube so can stay hydrated and have lots of meds here. I even have the folks I live with to look after the boys--but God, Jo, they are so complicated and need so many meds at certain times, and of course the seizures.
So, I honestly understand ur fear of being hospitalized. But u have a back-up plan now which is great. The kids need u, so u must be the priority this time.
Keep us posted.

The boys are at 13 days and 29 days--the f-word (full moon) starts at MN--hope it doesn't affect the boys!

We all send hugs!

November 13, 2008 11:04 PM