Allison Knight's Blog, page 12

February 16, 2014

The Journey

My nurse has suggested a change of procedures. And yes, I do feel a little better. Time will tell.  She also said a nap will help, so I can going to start taking an afternoon nap. Wonder how that will affect my going to sleep at night. I didn't take a nap yesterday, because I found out the book I worked so hard to finish will be coming out in May - of this year. Whew! Not a lot of time for blurb, log line, cover, editing, copy editing. Yikes!

So I'm going to be a busy, busy lady. That can only be good. Last night wasn't good. The danged band was back. I'm beginning to think it has to do completely with stress.  I opened my frost free, double door refrig, the freezer side, and there was frost everywhere. Ice hung on a couple of the shelves. All I could think about was cleaning the freezer and maybe having to buy another refrig. This one is only ten years old. It should last longer than that!

Anyway, oldest son, the mechanic in the family arrives tomorrow.  DH thinks it might only be a plugged tube. He's worked on it before, so my band finally has receded. I really think this is a strange symptom but of what?

Anyway, off to decide what on earth I want on the cover of this book. (Oh, after a nap - I did promise.)

Allison
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Published on February 16, 2014 12:40

February 14, 2014

The Journey

Just got back from the eye doctor. Vision is great. Pressure is fabulous. I'm eyes are good.  Oh, dear
that means if my fingers work well, and they do, and I see good, which I do, then I can be blogging for ages and ages, or as long as my mind works.

Now there are some who say that's already gone, (grinning) but we'll ignore them. Yesterday was not bad, but laundry day is always a bit tiring. I'm just very thankful I don't have to go outside and try to hang clothes up on a clothes line. The good Lord has to be thanked for all our wonderful time saving electric gadgets. Clothes dryer, Yeah!  Dishwasher, Yeah! I could go on and on.

But for now, I have to get ready for my nurse and gather my questions.

Allison
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Published on February 14, 2014 10:23

February 13, 2014

The Journey

Same complaint.  (grinning) Well, I'm not complaining about a lot of things, just one! I'm tired. Yesterday was not a good day.  I had to take a nap - in the morning! That was unusual. I was too tired to eat much for breakfast and after my wonderful DH went to the grocery for me, I curled up with my velour blanket and went to sleep. I slept for over and hour and a half.

Obviously I needed it, for after I woke up I felt much better. As the day continued, I began to feel a lot more like myself. By the time we went to bed, I felt fine.

Hmmmmm.  I'll have to ask my nurse about this. Of course, I'm constantly battling a running nose, but because DH has the same problem, we both know this has nothing to do with my condition. But, gee, sinuses are a nuisance. Don't you agree?

 All I can say is we have great weather. No snow, no ice, no chill, no rain, no trouble. But my kids four hours away are looking at 6 - 10 inches of snow. In the south, would you believe? Of course, the kids grew up in Michigan. The snow doesn't bother them. And they are smart enough to stay home and stay inside.

On to the laundry. Job for today.

Allison
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Published on February 13, 2014 08:06

February 12, 2014

The Journey

Main complaint. Tired. It's part of the disease. There's not much I can do, expect take it easy, rest often, and don't try to do to much.

I'm working on the book, waiting to hear more about the medieval that the publisher says they want, Hooray. I'll feel better when I have a contract in my hands. (Who wouldn't?) I'm busy blogging on a number of sites. You might want to see what I'm up to at www.allisonknightblog.wordpress.com

I'm looking forward to warmer weather. This time no ice or snow for us, but my kids are affected. But, they'll stay put. They lived in the north long enough to know what ice and snow is all about. (at least they better)

Guess I better be mother and call to make sure they are just sitting.

Off to make a couple of telephone calls.

Allison
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Published on February 12, 2014 07:09

February 10, 2014

The Journey

Same story. Not too bad in the am, slowing down in the afternoon and by evening, I'm so tired it's hard to make it to the bedroom, take my night time meds and get ready for bed.

Unfortunately, another ancient problem has decided to make its self known.  Years ago, I had to have my right hip replaced. Too much calcium (Known as arthritis).  Not uncommon, easily fixed, hip replacement. Fine and dandy. Worked great. I got along well, hip worked well, didn't stop me from doing anything. The hip was designed for up to 15 years of service.

Guess what, that 15 years are up.  And bit were they accurate. The cap needs to be replaced. It's worn out. Can they replace it?

Given my current diagnosis, nope! So I'm limping along, right hip and right back side a problem.
And yeah! I'll complain about that. I'm not fond of pain meds, but I can see some in my future. Not for the lung yet, but for the dang hip! Any recommendations on pillows would be helpful.

Allison, gritting her teeth to keep from swearing.
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Published on February 10, 2014 08:16

February 9, 2014

The Journey

Only one complaint. Tired. I do a little and I'm pooped. Fortunately, I can sit at the computer and type like crazy. It's the getting up to get reference material, note pads, booklets that's wearing.  Hmmmm I have to plan this better.

My nurse arrived yesterday, yes on a Saturday, and said I'm doing great, but this unbelievable exhaustion is part and particle, so I have to get used to it. I'm just going to have to plan better, because I could go on like this for several years. That's the good news. The bad news is if I can't come up with better plans I'm gonna be pooped all the time.

Just put a dozen banana nut muffins (of course from a mix) in the oven and I really need to get the furniture in the bedroom moved around. Making the bed is ridiculous. The thing weighs a ton, but, we've been through that. Moving the furniture around will help with access, which should help. I'll have to ask granddaughter and her hubby to come help. They are great so that should not be a problem.

Muffins are finished. Timer just went off, so must run.  Ha! Walk slowly to the kitchen....


Allison
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Published on February 09, 2014 09:24

February 8, 2014

The Journey

Ha! Taxes are finished. I spent all day yesterday at the computer, file cabinet, desk, gathering info, putting it all together and then filling out the forms. I filed and I'm finished. Hooray. Now I can relax for a day, take it easy, knowing another job is finished.

Then I have books to write. I'll have to get out my list and get started. Now that I have two lists, with things crossed off both, I should probably develop a new list with everything on the one slip of paper, maybe, if it all fits.

In the meantime, today is a day of relaxation. Bouncing back and forth as I did yesterday, even though most of the time was sitting, was very wearing. And then all the time spent adding, subtracting, reading those confusing rules....  Yep! Time to kick back and do nothing.

Allison
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Published on February 08, 2014 07:43

February 7, 2014

The Journey

Today, this is a shout out to the individuals who undertake the job of Hospice volunteers and Nurses. My regular nurse told me early on that her own father had cancer, lung cancer. From some of our discussions I gather she was really fond of her father. Yet she chose to work with other people who she is going to have to watch die of the same thing that killing her own father.

How can she do that?

All of those people I've met that are involved in Hospice, or who work as distributors supplies those things needed by the patients, have been wonderful. They are concerned, interested, yet there is not one bit of pity from any of them. So today I want to salute everyone who works with terminally ill patients. I'll offer prayers today and every day that you can continue the work you have chosen to do.

I for one, cannot tell you all how much your are appreciated.

Allison
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Published on February 07, 2014 07:21

February 6, 2014

The Journey

Well, shoot, we have discovered another problem! A big problem. We have a king sized bed. It's a new mattress, gifted to us by one of the kids. Great mattress, however the danged thing weighs a ton. (Well, not quite, but it's heavy) We can't pick up the thing to change the sheets. Oh, we can strip it just fine, but putting the sheets on takes more than we've got. Something to think about if you are in the market for a new mattress. The newer ones weigh a lot, a whole lot!

Solution - sleep on dirty sheets - not going to happen, or hire someone to help make the bed. Now, doesn't that sound like a stupid thing to have to do.  We changed the bed yesterday, and we both agreed that was the last time. We'll make other arrangements, because by the time we got it finished we were both exhausted, I couldn't breathe and I ended up coughing half the night away.

Other than that small inconvenience, not doing badly. Got a new med to help stop the recurring lung infections I keep getting. That's what makes the coughing so hard and frequent. But that's been going on now for almost fifteen years. So, I'm not complaining. Cough drops help, and I'm crossing my fingers the new meds with slow down the infections, hence less coughing.

Writing and coughing don't go together too well.

Allison
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Published on February 06, 2014 11:06

February 5, 2014

The Journey

Got so busy writing and blogging yesterday, I plume forgot to record my feelings. So you have to know yesterday was a very good day.  It was the kind of day when I was absolutely certain none of my doctors knew a thing about what was wrong with me. I felt great, my O2 levels were great, I had a lot of energy, and I got things done.

Of course, I didn't count on the wilt, which is what I'm going to call it which hits sometime between 4 pm and 8 pm everyday.  Yesterday, it didn't hit until about 7:30 pm, and then I doubted I could make it to the bedroom. Once I walked the 35 feet (yep! that's all) I collapsed in my chair and concentrated on deep breathing. So, as you can see, I have not learned to pace myself yet. On good days, I cannot go all out, even though I feel like it.  A little slower and I probably wouldn't have been so exhausted at night.  But I am learning.  -  I think.  (grinning)  Today I feel good, but yes, I am taking it slowly.
DH helped with breakfast, and he is now doing a minor grocery stop. I elected to be good and stay at home.

Allison
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Published on February 05, 2014 08:32