Friday, June 27, 2008
sylvia 6 27 08
had a great day jean & I shoped had lunch &bill exercise with chris.the three of us had dinner out,.
Thursday, June 26, 2008
sylvia 6 26 08
having a good day, jean & bill exercise with john . new water tank in today .jean & I played dominoes .
Saturday, June 21, 2008
Friday, June 20, 2008
Thursday, June 19, 2008
Saturday, June 14, 2008
sylvia 6 14 08
thursday i did r o m with jean & bill & cleaned the dirty kichen , friday jean & i when shopping bill exercise with chris.today im cleaning downstairs , jean & i played two games of dominoes &had bill walk ,
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
June 9th,10th,11th
Came in early Monday morning to take Bill in for his bloodwork, Jean and Gail were sitting at the table dressed and ready to go. Gail wanted Jean to go with us so that she could leave early and she was going to hang around for the plumber. As we were walking out the door Don Donhauser showed and fixed the back toilet.
The lab appointment went quickly, and we were in and out. Afterwards we went to CoCo's for breakfast, everything was very good. Jean decided to take home a strawberry pie and Bill wanted a Pecan Pie. After breakfast, Jean wanted to go shop around Penney's, because of the heat Bill and I voted NO on that one. Besides she goes out with Sylvia every Friday and all they do is shop and run errands.
We came home, everyone napped for 30 minutes, the heat is exhausting. John showed up an hour later and exercised with Jean. Next Monday Bill will be exercising twice a week.
Day was quiet, Jean and I sat in the kitchen, read magazines and drank tea.
Tuesday was Jay, Maria, and Charlae, busy day but nothing worth writing about.
Today- at the CRACK OF DAWN- we met Skip and Micheal at the new house to go over some design ideas. Afterwards Bill, Jean and I drove out to Mesa because there is a Pier One going out of business at Fiesta Mall, everything in the store is 50 percent off. Then we went to lunch at a place called Mimi's Cafe, no one was very impressed with that joint.
The caddy has begun whistling every time we get on the freeway, I don't know if it is the fan or a belt or what, but it only happens when we drive 65mph or higher. I will call Lund next week to have them take it. I am also going to call Southwest Mobility to come out to the house for a demonstration. I have gotten prescriptions from Farooqui for a electric wheelchair, a recliner, walker and light weight wheelchair for Bill. It is too hard to take them to any pharmacy and get someone knowledgeable to help us. Southwest comes to the house!
There are some kinks in the new pharmacy system. We have not received Bill's medication, I called them yesterday, they claim to have tried to contact Farooqui and there was no answer, so that's it, they don't try anymore, it then becomes the patients responsibility. Farooqui's office said they faxed everything a month ago and that the pharmacy has failed us. I filled one week's worth of pills for Bill, but if this isn't resolved by Monday of next week, we are in trouble.
Congratulations Christine on your wonderful news, your parents would like to help with the cost of the party. Let us know.
Have a good weekend.
The lab appointment went quickly, and we were in and out. Afterwards we went to CoCo's for breakfast, everything was very good. Jean decided to take home a strawberry pie and Bill wanted a Pecan Pie. After breakfast, Jean wanted to go shop around Penney's, because of the heat Bill and I voted NO on that one. Besides she goes out with Sylvia every Friday and all they do is shop and run errands.
We came home, everyone napped for 30 minutes, the heat is exhausting. John showed up an hour later and exercised with Jean. Next Monday Bill will be exercising twice a week.
Day was quiet, Jean and I sat in the kitchen, read magazines and drank tea.
Tuesday was Jay, Maria, and Charlae, busy day but nothing worth writing about.
Today- at the CRACK OF DAWN- we met Skip and Micheal at the new house to go over some design ideas. Afterwards Bill, Jean and I drove out to Mesa because there is a Pier One going out of business at Fiesta Mall, everything in the store is 50 percent off. Then we went to lunch at a place called Mimi's Cafe, no one was very impressed with that joint.
The caddy has begun whistling every time we get on the freeway, I don't know if it is the fan or a belt or what, but it only happens when we drive 65mph or higher. I will call Lund next week to have them take it. I am also going to call Southwest Mobility to come out to the house for a demonstration. I have gotten prescriptions from Farooqui for a electric wheelchair, a recliner, walker and light weight wheelchair for Bill. It is too hard to take them to any pharmacy and get someone knowledgeable to help us. Southwest comes to the house!
There are some kinks in the new pharmacy system. We have not received Bill's medication, I called them yesterday, they claim to have tried to contact Farooqui and there was no answer, so that's it, they don't try anymore, it then becomes the patients responsibility. Farooqui's office said they faxed everything a month ago and that the pharmacy has failed us. I filled one week's worth of pills for Bill, but if this isn't resolved by Monday of next week, we are in trouble.
Congratulations Christine on your wonderful news, your parents would like to help with the cost of the party. Let us know.
Have a good weekend.
Sunday, June 8, 2008
June 8th
Good evening ya'll. I just perused Joanie's blog and I have a few questions of my own.
For Instance- what August vacation? The last I heard about a vacation was back in March, and that was that there would be no vacation. I had heard something mentioned that Bill and Jean may travel to Rancho when they are actually ready to move, but nothing else. So far no arrangements have been made and nothing is in the works. Is there anything new on this front?
Joanie you are welcome at the Khaled appointment if you would like to go. The appointment is next week, we have been doing the preliminary tests that are required before we actually see the doctor, so as far as I know nothing has been changed. I will email you the dates and times so that you may attend.
Greg Yates showed up Wednesday night after I had left. Sylvia said that one of the fans was broken and that he would order a new one. Mr. Yates put in a temporary fan to get us through the week and it was working well last week.
I will be in early tomorrow morning to take Bill to his bloodwork appointment, it is a fasting appointment so it has be done early in the morning.
For Instance- what August vacation? The last I heard about a vacation was back in March, and that was that there would be no vacation. I had heard something mentioned that Bill and Jean may travel to Rancho when they are actually ready to move, but nothing else. So far no arrangements have been made and nothing is in the works. Is there anything new on this front?
Joanie you are welcome at the Khaled appointment if you would like to go. The appointment is next week, we have been doing the preliminary tests that are required before we actually see the doctor, so as far as I know nothing has been changed. I will email you the dates and times so that you may attend.
Greg Yates showed up Wednesday night after I had left. Sylvia said that one of the fans was broken and that he would order a new one. Mr. Yates put in a temporary fan to get us through the week and it was working well last week.
I will be in early tomorrow morning to take Bill to his bloodwork appointment, it is a fasting appointment so it has be done early in the morning.
Saturday, June 7, 2008
Joanie 6/7/08 Fabulous dinner
Just had a most wonderful dinner with the folks and Sylvia. Ham and asparagus crepes and hot fudge sundays. FABULOUS dinner!
The folks look great....you guys are doing a wonderful job.
To answer some questions? I will get a move date as soon as we figure out what Jean is actually going to be doing to the house.
Glad Maria is doing a good job...she IS very organized and if you let her declutter? She will do a LOT. Truuust me on this one.
Glad the sore is a pressure sore and nothing else. It looks small to me.
What did Greg Yates have to say? If we can keep the A/C going for another couple of months, it would sure help!
Have the dates for Bill's Kahled appointments? I would love to go.
Can somebody give us the scoop on the August vacation? Time, places, etc. Are tickets bought already? I think I was hoping that vacation would coincide with the move so Jean and Bill would not be around for it...
Again...the folks look great. They look healthy and happy. You are both very much appreciated. Joanie
The folks look great....you guys are doing a wonderful job.
To answer some questions? I will get a move date as soon as we figure out what Jean is actually going to be doing to the house.
Glad Maria is doing a good job...she IS very organized and if you let her declutter? She will do a LOT. Truuust me on this one.
Glad the sore is a pressure sore and nothing else. It looks small to me.
What did Greg Yates have to say? If we can keep the A/C going for another couple of months, it would sure help!
Have the dates for Bill's Kahled appointments? I would love to go.
Can somebody give us the scoop on the August vacation? Time, places, etc. Are tickets bought already? I think I was hoping that vacation would coincide with the move so Jean and Bill would not be around for it...
Again...the folks look great. They look healthy and happy. You are both very much appreciated. Joanie
Friday, June 6, 2008
sylvia 6 6 08
jean & Iwhen shopping & to lunch ,bill exersce ith Chris bill jean & I when out to dinner ,
Thursday, June 5, 2008
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
June 2,3 and 4th
Came in on Monday and all was quiet. Sylvia told me that Jean had been sleeping most of the morning and she needed to get up because John was due at 1:30pm. Sylvia filled me in on the weekend. She and Jean had a good time shopping at Williams and Sonoma, Pottery Barn and Safeway. There were some new items purchased for the house.
I saw a note that said Tree was due again on Tuesday to take pictures of the house. So I picked up misc. stuff and put it away. Sylvia- the bag of packing material that you wrote keep on- is in the stereo cabinet in the living room. I threw out all the magazines and torn up pages that were littering the kitchen table, bench and floor. If Jean asks, tell her I tossed it.
Got Jean up for a shower and she was ready when John arrived. They exercised, then Jean sat out in the kitchen looking at more catalogs until dinner was ready. After dinner they both watched the Rockford Files. The night was quiet, except at 6am we had a disturbing episode. Jean called me upstairs to check on Bill. He was whimpering in his sleep. I had to call his name at least 3 times to wake him up, when he finally heard me, he yelled WHAT. I asked him if he was okay, he said no "I think I had a stroke." He was talking normally, moving normally etc. I asked him to sit up, drink some juice and tell me how he felt. He said he was fine, but felt kind of funny. I asked the usual questions, what's my name, who is the president? His face was not drooped in any way, his speech was normal, he got the questions right. I asked him to try to get up and use the potty and he was absolutely fine. After a half an hour, we concluded that he was absolutely normal. He decided to lay down and rest some more. I checked on him periodically. He got up to use the restroom 3 more times and walked out to the kitchen for breakfast. At breakfast we talked about what had happened and he said he thought he had a dream about having a stroke, but it was the kind of dream that felt real.
After breakfast, we got ready to go out. Jay showed in that time and took the head boards off of Bill and Jean's bed, painted them silver on Jean's command and reattached them. We left the house at 12:30pm. Went to Khaled's first for a protime check. Bill's INR was a bit low again 1.7. We were instructed to boost the coumadin to 7.5 for one night and 5mg for the remaining nights, recheck in a week.
After Khaled's we went to Scottsdale Imaging to have an ultrasound of Bill's carotid artery. The technician wanted to know why we were having the procedure done. She asked if Bill had ever had a stroke, which was odd, because of the episode this morning. She said this wasn't a normal procedure for a patient like Bill, so we reviewed his history and I told her about Bill's imbalance issues and his falling episodes. She said that may be why the doctor ordered the carotid scan. Which is good, I haven't seen Khaled since Bill had his surgery in January. He had one check up with Khaled and I think Wedad took him for that appointment, but I was under the impression that Khaled was not following up on the falling episodes we have reported to him. Everytime Bill has a fall, OR near fall. I call the office to let them know what is going on. At first we thought it was one of the medications, but this last time in April had nothing to do with the medication and I let Nurse Debbie know what had happened minutes after. (This is the Hair Salon episode back in April that landed Bill in the ER.) So hopefully Dr. Khaled is trying to find a cause for these episodes of weakness and there is something he can do to help Bill.
After the scan we went to the Bamboo Club for an early dinner. Jean decided afterwards she wanted to go to Pier One around the corner. We made a deal that she would walk there instead of packing up the car and unloading it again. She agreed. So we walked to Pier One. I pushed Bill in his wheelchair and Jean walked behind us with her walker. The weather was nice, what would take a normal person 2 minutes to walk took us about 15. Jean was happy and joking about how long it was taking us, and how "what if it is closed by the time we got there." Once in Pier One Jean found a lot of things she wanted, but restrained herself from buying till the new house is done. We spent a total of 21.30 in the first transaction and then Jean spotted something else she had to have, for 16 dollars. The majority of the stuff she bought was for Skip and Joan, she kept 2 things for herself.
We came home, all was quiet, Jean wanted ice cream, so she sat at the kitchen looking at more catalogs and eating ice cream. Lights out at 10pm.
Today-Cookie came by at 11:30am- took Jean out to lunch and they are going to see the new house.
Things to note---
Sylvia and Jean want to invite Amanda and the girls for lunch or dinner.
I will come in early on Monday to take Bill to have his bloodwork done. He needs to stop eating at 8pm Sunday night, and may not have anything to eat or drink except water until after the test. It is a 12 hour fasting test.
Bill has a Dr. Khaled appointment in 2 weeks- I will provide dates and times if anyone else wants to go. Dr. Khaled will review the carotid scan, the bloodwork results, and monitor Bill's device.
Have a good weekend.
I saw a note that said Tree was due again on Tuesday to take pictures of the house. So I picked up misc. stuff and put it away. Sylvia- the bag of packing material that you wrote keep on- is in the stereo cabinet in the living room. I threw out all the magazines and torn up pages that were littering the kitchen table, bench and floor. If Jean asks, tell her I tossed it.
Got Jean up for a shower and she was ready when John arrived. They exercised, then Jean sat out in the kitchen looking at more catalogs until dinner was ready. After dinner they both watched the Rockford Files. The night was quiet, except at 6am we had a disturbing episode. Jean called me upstairs to check on Bill. He was whimpering in his sleep. I had to call his name at least 3 times to wake him up, when he finally heard me, he yelled WHAT. I asked him if he was okay, he said no "I think I had a stroke." He was talking normally, moving normally etc. I asked him to sit up, drink some juice and tell me how he felt. He said he was fine, but felt kind of funny. I asked the usual questions, what's my name, who is the president? His face was not drooped in any way, his speech was normal, he got the questions right. I asked him to try to get up and use the potty and he was absolutely fine. After a half an hour, we concluded that he was absolutely normal. He decided to lay down and rest some more. I checked on him periodically. He got up to use the restroom 3 more times and walked out to the kitchen for breakfast. At breakfast we talked about what had happened and he said he thought he had a dream about having a stroke, but it was the kind of dream that felt real.
After breakfast, we got ready to go out. Jay showed in that time and took the head boards off of Bill and Jean's bed, painted them silver on Jean's command and reattached them. We left the house at 12:30pm. Went to Khaled's first for a protime check. Bill's INR was a bit low again 1.7. We were instructed to boost the coumadin to 7.5 for one night and 5mg for the remaining nights, recheck in a week.
After Khaled's we went to Scottsdale Imaging to have an ultrasound of Bill's carotid artery. The technician wanted to know why we were having the procedure done. She asked if Bill had ever had a stroke, which was odd, because of the episode this morning. She said this wasn't a normal procedure for a patient like Bill, so we reviewed his history and I told her about Bill's imbalance issues and his falling episodes. She said that may be why the doctor ordered the carotid scan. Which is good, I haven't seen Khaled since Bill had his surgery in January. He had one check up with Khaled and I think Wedad took him for that appointment, but I was under the impression that Khaled was not following up on the falling episodes we have reported to him. Everytime Bill has a fall, OR near fall. I call the office to let them know what is going on. At first we thought it was one of the medications, but this last time in April had nothing to do with the medication and I let Nurse Debbie know what had happened minutes after. (This is the Hair Salon episode back in April that landed Bill in the ER.) So hopefully Dr. Khaled is trying to find a cause for these episodes of weakness and there is something he can do to help Bill.
After the scan we went to the Bamboo Club for an early dinner. Jean decided afterwards she wanted to go to Pier One around the corner. We made a deal that she would walk there instead of packing up the car and unloading it again. She agreed. So we walked to Pier One. I pushed Bill in his wheelchair and Jean walked behind us with her walker. The weather was nice, what would take a normal person 2 minutes to walk took us about 15. Jean was happy and joking about how long it was taking us, and how "what if it is closed by the time we got there." Once in Pier One Jean found a lot of things she wanted, but restrained herself from buying till the new house is done. We spent a total of 21.30 in the first transaction and then Jean spotted something else she had to have, for 16 dollars. The majority of the stuff she bought was for Skip and Joan, she kept 2 things for herself.
We came home, all was quiet, Jean wanted ice cream, so she sat at the kitchen looking at more catalogs and eating ice cream. Lights out at 10pm.
Today-Cookie came by at 11:30am- took Jean out to lunch and they are going to see the new house.
Things to note---
Sylvia and Jean want to invite Amanda and the girls for lunch or dinner.
I will come in early on Monday to take Bill to have his bloodwork done. He needs to stop eating at 8pm Sunday night, and may not have anything to eat or drink except water until after the test. It is a 12 hour fasting test.
Bill has a Dr. Khaled appointment in 2 weeks- I will provide dates and times if anyone else wants to go. Dr. Khaled will review the carotid scan, the bloodwork results, and monitor Bill's device.
Have a good weekend.
Sunday, June 1, 2008
Saturday, May 31, 2008
Thursday, May 29, 2008
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
May 26,27,28 Ruth
Where should I begin, it was a super hectic week. When I arrived I met Gail, the new weekend lady. She was very nice and let me know that nothing too exciting was going on except that the TV was out for a good part of Sunday night and she had to call someone to explain to her how to get the DVD player working. As soon as I walked into Jean's room, Jean started complaining that she didn't understand how to get the DVD to work and that Bill wouldn't learn. She was very agitated over this, so I showed her how to do it, step by step. They decided to watch Columbo DVD's that we received from Netflix.
A half an hour later, Christine stopped by to bring me some new reading material. She stayed a good 3 hours hanging out and eating lunch with us, which is a refreshing change of pace. After Christine left I placed a grocery order and then made dinner. All was quiet.
In the morning before Bill and Jean woke up, I decided to move some furniture in the downstairs bedroom around. My attempt at decluttering, which I have come to find out is going to be a monumental task. I made breakfast, Jay got here at 10am and Maria was here soon after. Jay came in the house and right away Jean was agitated again and started saying "let's move this here and get me the hammer." She was really riled up, to be perfectly honest it was not Jay's fault, he just stepped into the hornet's nest that we will now call Jean's Move, it is all she talks about, all she thinks about. She is very concerned about where all her furniture is going to go. She wants to go back to the house that she wants to copy ASAP. An approximate move date needs to be established, so that we can get her to calm down. This is a Rancho attack times 10. Everyone is well aware of her behavior before she goes to San Diego. Agitated, Irritable and down right mean. She has been in the early stages of that, these last couple of days. Which reminds me- Jean would like to dole out some of her grandmother's hand painted china to Christine, Joan and Amanda.
Maria did a great job, each time she comes, she helps to declutter a little more. She is really doing a fantastic job lately. After Maria left, Charlae came over and did massages for Bill and Jean. We scheduled her for another massage in 2 weeks on a Tuesday. John had to cancel, groceries delivered.
Today- Tree and a woman named Ginny Richardson came by at 9:30am to take pictures of the back patio. The pool is green and I do not know who the pool guy is or what his number is. He usually comes on a Friday, so maybe Sylvia can get that info from him. Paul Jones got here at 12pm and started in the living room. I got Bill and Jean ready to leave by 1pm. Paul helped me get them both in the car and then put Jean's walker in the trunk. He was a big help today. We stopped at Lynn's to pick up Jean's pants, went to Russo's to get Jean's permanent crown. Dr. Russo told me that Jean has cracked another tooth since our last visit 3 weeks ago and needs another crown. I will make the appointment next week. After that we went to Dr. Lesueur the dermatologist to have him look at Bill's ear. The sore on his ear is a pressure sore and he NEEDS TO SLEEP ON HIS LEFT HAND SIDE, he needs to keep all weight off of that ear so that it can heal. If he does as the doctor prescribed and it still doesn't heal then he needs to have a biopsy done.
At 4pm we met Christine at Red Lobster- she was not impressed with the dive and never wants to go back, but we enjoyed her company. Last and final news- the a/c is not working. It is on, but it is an oven in here. I set it to 70 before we left to try and cool the house down while we were gone, we got home and it was 81degrees and a sauna. Greg Yates is on his way.
Next week- Tuesday- Carotid ultrasound for Bill, INR check @ Khaled's, Bloodwork needs to be done for an upcoming appointment with Dr. khaled.
Saturday- Cookie and Jean are going out to lunch and Jean will take her to see the new house. Hence the house key issue. Sorry for the long blog, have a great weekend everybody.
A half an hour later, Christine stopped by to bring me some new reading material. She stayed a good 3 hours hanging out and eating lunch with us, which is a refreshing change of pace. After Christine left I placed a grocery order and then made dinner. All was quiet.
In the morning before Bill and Jean woke up, I decided to move some furniture in the downstairs bedroom around. My attempt at decluttering, which I have come to find out is going to be a monumental task. I made breakfast, Jay got here at 10am and Maria was here soon after. Jay came in the house and right away Jean was agitated again and started saying "let's move this here and get me the hammer." She was really riled up, to be perfectly honest it was not Jay's fault, he just stepped into the hornet's nest that we will now call Jean's Move, it is all she talks about, all she thinks about. She is very concerned about where all her furniture is going to go. She wants to go back to the house that she wants to copy ASAP. An approximate move date needs to be established, so that we can get her to calm down. This is a Rancho attack times 10. Everyone is well aware of her behavior before she goes to San Diego. Agitated, Irritable and down right mean. She has been in the early stages of that, these last couple of days. Which reminds me- Jean would like to dole out some of her grandmother's hand painted china to Christine, Joan and Amanda.
Maria did a great job, each time she comes, she helps to declutter a little more. She is really doing a fantastic job lately. After Maria left, Charlae came over and did massages for Bill and Jean. We scheduled her for another massage in 2 weeks on a Tuesday. John had to cancel, groceries delivered.
Today- Tree and a woman named Ginny Richardson came by at 9:30am to take pictures of the back patio. The pool is green and I do not know who the pool guy is or what his number is. He usually comes on a Friday, so maybe Sylvia can get that info from him. Paul Jones got here at 12pm and started in the living room. I got Bill and Jean ready to leave by 1pm. Paul helped me get them both in the car and then put Jean's walker in the trunk. He was a big help today. We stopped at Lynn's to pick up Jean's pants, went to Russo's to get Jean's permanent crown. Dr. Russo told me that Jean has cracked another tooth since our last visit 3 weeks ago and needs another crown. I will make the appointment next week. After that we went to Dr. Lesueur the dermatologist to have him look at Bill's ear. The sore on his ear is a pressure sore and he NEEDS TO SLEEP ON HIS LEFT HAND SIDE, he needs to keep all weight off of that ear so that it can heal. If he does as the doctor prescribed and it still doesn't heal then he needs to have a biopsy done.
At 4pm we met Christine at Red Lobster- she was not impressed with the dive and never wants to go back, but we enjoyed her company. Last and final news- the a/c is not working. It is on, but it is an oven in here. I set it to 70 before we left to try and cool the house down while we were gone, we got home and it was 81degrees and a sauna. Greg Yates is on his way.
Next week- Tuesday- Carotid ultrasound for Bill, INR check @ Khaled's, Bloodwork needs to be done for an upcoming appointment with Dr. khaled.
Saturday- Cookie and Jean are going out to lunch and Jean will take her to see the new house. Hence the house key issue. Sorry for the long blog, have a great weekend everybody.
Saturday, May 24, 2008
Friday, May 23, 2008
In need of a notary- CHRISTINE??
I (ruth) emailed the DMV on Wednesday to try and renew the handicap placard that is set to expire. The motor vehicles department will mail us the necessary documentation and forms, but they want to have Bill sign for it in front of a Notary or at the DMV in front of one of their officials. I think I heard once that Christine is a notary, so if that paper shows up, can Chris stamp it for us?
Exciting news about the house, I will try to clear out all the clutter next week and hide it in the garage.
Exciting news about the house, I will try to clear out all the clutter next week and hide it in the garage.
Great information on the blog, Ladies
Jean chatted about her field trip to Gilbert at dinner last night. She especially liked the Krispy Kremes! She also loved the farm restaurant. Thanks for taking her. Thanks SO much for not getting us a toucan rocker. Very much appreciated. We are out of room for right now. She is also in love with that cat!
Tree, the Realtor was over yesterday taking pictures and measurements. He had a few items that he talked to me about. He wants the carpet cleaned,so I will get Paul over there. I also talked to Jay about doing some trimming and general clean up near the pool area. Who is the current pool guy? Do you have a phone number for him? I thought it was Jaime, but my phone card is outdated. Tree said the house looks great but that when people come through, the beds all need to be made, items put into drawers, litter box hidden, etc. Thanks for cooperation on this. The listing goes in to the system today, so you will probably start having *lookers.*
Skip, Chris and I are going to Santa Barbara next weekend. We will be available by phone.
The folks are looking good ladies....Bill is losing weight and is much more alert. We really appreciate the job you are doing.
Tree, the Realtor was over yesterday taking pictures and measurements. He had a few items that he talked to me about. He wants the carpet cleaned,so I will get Paul over there. I also talked to Jay about doing some trimming and general clean up near the pool area. Who is the current pool guy? Do you have a phone number for him? I thought it was Jaime, but my phone card is outdated. Tree said the house looks great but that when people come through, the beds all need to be made, items put into drawers, litter box hidden, etc. Thanks for cooperation on this. The listing goes in to the system today, so you will probably start having *lookers.*
Skip, Chris and I are going to Santa Barbara next weekend. We will be available by phone.
The folks are looking good ladies....Bill is losing weight and is much more alert. We really appreciate the job you are doing.
Thursday, May 22, 2008
Update Ruth
We went to Khaled's after my initial blog. Bill's INR was low again 1.9, we bumped up the dosage and need to go back in a week. Afterwards we went to Lynn's Big and Tall. Jean wanted to get Bill some pants that stayed up, lately his pants have been falling off of him. We bought 3 pair of jeans, that have a elastic waistband and Lynn will hem them for us. Jean also picked out some shirts for Bill. We spent more than anticipated- $1065 total. Receipt is in the drawer. Bill was in a 48 inch waist, he is now down to a 42. So new pants were much needed.
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
May 19th,20 and 21 Ruth
Everything went well over the weekend. Christine and Jean were returning from Giancola's when I arrived. Chris said the stitches were removed and everything looks good, Jean's face was a little yellow from the healing bruise, but otherwise they were both is high spirits. The rest of Monday was fairly quiet. I made some phone calls to Khaled's office and to Southwest Dermatology.
A few weeks ago there was a spot on Bill's ear that looked like a pimple and had burst. I cleaned out the dried pus and told him that we would watch it for a couple of days. He told me later that it no longer hurt and I didn't see anything. Sylvia wrote in the blog over the weekend that Bill was complaining again about it, so I made an appointment to see LeSueuer the dermatologist. The appointment is for next week. We are also going to Khaled's this afternoon for an INR check. His level was 2.3 last week, which is good and normal, but he has to have 2 consecutive weeks of normal before we can go to every other week.
Yesterday Jean and I went out to Queen Creek to get her hair done. Jean requested a day out without Bill, so we had a woman named Mary come and sit with Bill. It has been a really long time since Jean and I have gotten to go out and explore together and we had a lot of fun. We first stopped at a restaurant called Joe's farm grill out in Gilbert. After that we went to the salon, then Razmataz, Krispy Kreme, car wash, Bridwells and home. The credit card will show charges in Queen Creek (salon), Razmattaz (Gilbert $85), Krispy Kreme (MESA), car wash mesa- It looks like we drove all over town, but in reality the cities are all on top of one another. Jean really enjoyed her doughnuts, she ate 3 in the car while I washed and vacuumed the Caddy- she (the car) is looking really good.
Side note- Jean was very aware of prices, and selective on her purchases. In the past it is a grab fest with her, she just grabs whatever she sees and throws it in the cart. Yesterday was the first time I actually noticed her asking about prices and deciding that she really didn't need it. We had a long discussion in Razmattaz about whether SKip and Joan needed a toucan rocker for 200 dollars. Much needed accolades are in order for me talking Jean out of buying that one!!! Jean is very conscientious about her spending which is a pleasant surprise.
I did not order groceries for this week, we are running low on OJ, but there is concentrate in the freezer. Otherwise we are fine until next week.
Joan- I got the message about your brother coming over tomorrow and left a note for Sylvia in the calender. Have a good weekend.
A few weeks ago there was a spot on Bill's ear that looked like a pimple and had burst. I cleaned out the dried pus and told him that we would watch it for a couple of days. He told me later that it no longer hurt and I didn't see anything. Sylvia wrote in the blog over the weekend that Bill was complaining again about it, so I made an appointment to see LeSueuer the dermatologist. The appointment is for next week. We are also going to Khaled's this afternoon for an INR check. His level was 2.3 last week, which is good and normal, but he has to have 2 consecutive weeks of normal before we can go to every other week.
Yesterday Jean and I went out to Queen Creek to get her hair done. Jean requested a day out without Bill, so we had a woman named Mary come and sit with Bill. It has been a really long time since Jean and I have gotten to go out and explore together and we had a lot of fun. We first stopped at a restaurant called Joe's farm grill out in Gilbert. After that we went to the salon, then Razmataz, Krispy Kreme, car wash, Bridwells and home. The credit card will show charges in Queen Creek (salon), Razmattaz (Gilbert $85), Krispy Kreme (MESA), car wash mesa- It looks like we drove all over town, but in reality the cities are all on top of one another. Jean really enjoyed her doughnuts, she ate 3 in the car while I washed and vacuumed the Caddy- she (the car) is looking really good.
Side note- Jean was very aware of prices, and selective on her purchases. In the past it is a grab fest with her, she just grabs whatever she sees and throws it in the cart. Yesterday was the first time I actually noticed her asking about prices and deciding that she really didn't need it. We had a long discussion in Razmattaz about whether SKip and Joan needed a toucan rocker for 200 dollars. Much needed accolades are in order for me talking Jean out of buying that one!!! Jean is very conscientious about her spending which is a pleasant surprise.
I did not order groceries for this week, we are running low on OJ, but there is concentrate in the freezer. Otherwise we are fine until next week.
Joan- I got the message about your brother coming over tomorrow and left a note for Sylvia in the calender. Have a good weekend.
Saturday, May 17, 2008
May 17 2008
bill said his right ear hurts something is growing on it the plumer was here yeserday for bills towlet.chris was with bill jean & i had lunch out &shoping chist had breakfast with us today
Thursday, May 15, 2008
5/15/08
Thanks for the excellent blogging. This really helps us. Glad Jean thought she was getting her hair done. Sounds like everything went great. Thanks!
Jay can send a bill if Jean hasn't already paid him. Can somebody check her checkbook? she might have already taken care of it.
joanie
Jay can send a bill if Jean hasn't already paid him. Can somebody check her checkbook? she might have already taken care of it.
joanie
sylvia 5 15 08
BROOK WAS HERE TODAY BILL WALKED TWO TIMES TODAY JEAN IS IN BED WITH COLD PACK ON HER FACE.
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
May 12,13,14th Ruth
We had a very good week. Came in on Monday and met Maria, she had Jean ready to go and seemed to be quite oriented with the house and what needed to be done. I gave her my cell in case she needed anything, Jean and I left. We had a couple of hours to waste, so we went to a new place called Scratch and had a yummy lunch. Jean and I split a quiche and side salad and enjoyed the quite atmosphere of this new bakery. By 1:30PM we left and headed over to Dr. Giancola's office for Jean's surgery.
Thankfully Jean did not remember that she was having surgery today, she was under the impression we were going to get her hair done. Had she known, she would have been very antsy and not able to sleep the night before. We talked about what Giancola would do and that it was a very simple procedure, that she had had done before. Despite that she admitted that she was a bit nervous. Once inside the OR, I went to the waiting area, within 30 minutes Jean joined me. We ate cookies and drank juice while we waited for the results from the lab. The procedure involves removing tissue from the infected area (Jean's cheek) and then testing it. The lab showed that cancerous tissue remained and so Jean had to go back for a second incision. Once back in the waiting room, Jean and I tore thru home decorating magazines and waited. The second test showed that Dr. Giancola had gotten it all and he then stitched her up and sent us home with the wound care instructions. We left the doctor's office by 5:15pm and scheduled a follow up for Monday 5/19 10:45am. My phone's battery died sometime between arriving and leaving. Maria got a little nervous about the time, she called my cell and had Homewatch call my cell. Unfortunately I was unreachable, but I think they were both miffed that I was 30 minutes late. Oh well.
Jean and I arrived home, due to the late hour we ordered dinner from Busters. After dinner Jean's antibiotics and Vicodin arrived. She wasn't in any real pain so I placed an ice pack over her eye every hour for 15 minutes and gave her a tylenol PM for pain. Jean tends to have a sensitive stomach so we abstained from the vicodin unless she absolutely needed it.
Tuesday morning, I was expecting Jean's eye to be completely swollen as explained to me, but it wasn't. A little red and inflamed, but not swollen shut. She said she felt good. Both slept later than usual. By the time they got out to the kitchen for breakfast Jay was here. Unlike last week, he was a real chatty cathy. Maria was here by 12pm and stayed until 4pm. Maria is doing an excellent job lately. She organized the sheet closet and helped get rid of more "stuff." Lately her work is impeccable.
Wednesday includes a visit to Dr. Khaled's for INR check, groceries to be delivered and that's about it.
Sylvia- please note that there are 2 additional pills in Jean's am box- they are antibiotics- 1 pill broken in half. I will change Jean's dressing this afternoon, the wound requires you to keep it clean, apply neosporin or aquaphor and cover it with a band aid, until we have the sutures removed on Monday. NO MAKE UP.
Skip stopped by Tuesday afternoon to say hello to his parents and borrow some Vicodin for his wife. Jean is awaiting payment on those!!!
Have a good weekend.
Thankfully Jean did not remember that she was having surgery today, she was under the impression we were going to get her hair done. Had she known, she would have been very antsy and not able to sleep the night before. We talked about what Giancola would do and that it was a very simple procedure, that she had had done before. Despite that she admitted that she was a bit nervous. Once inside the OR, I went to the waiting area, within 30 minutes Jean joined me. We ate cookies and drank juice while we waited for the results from the lab. The procedure involves removing tissue from the infected area (Jean's cheek) and then testing it. The lab showed that cancerous tissue remained and so Jean had to go back for a second incision. Once back in the waiting room, Jean and I tore thru home decorating magazines and waited. The second test showed that Dr. Giancola had gotten it all and he then stitched her up and sent us home with the wound care instructions. We left the doctor's office by 5:15pm and scheduled a follow up for Monday 5/19 10:45am. My phone's battery died sometime between arriving and leaving. Maria got a little nervous about the time, she called my cell and had Homewatch call my cell. Unfortunately I was unreachable, but I think they were both miffed that I was 30 minutes late. Oh well.
Jean and I arrived home, due to the late hour we ordered dinner from Busters. After dinner Jean's antibiotics and Vicodin arrived. She wasn't in any real pain so I placed an ice pack over her eye every hour for 15 minutes and gave her a tylenol PM for pain. Jean tends to have a sensitive stomach so we abstained from the vicodin unless she absolutely needed it.
Tuesday morning, I was expecting Jean's eye to be completely swollen as explained to me, but it wasn't. A little red and inflamed, but not swollen shut. She said she felt good. Both slept later than usual. By the time they got out to the kitchen for breakfast Jay was here. Unlike last week, he was a real chatty cathy. Maria was here by 12pm and stayed until 4pm. Maria is doing an excellent job lately. She organized the sheet closet and helped get rid of more "stuff." Lately her work is impeccable.
Wednesday includes a visit to Dr. Khaled's for INR check, groceries to be delivered and that's about it.
Sylvia- please note that there are 2 additional pills in Jean's am box- they are antibiotics- 1 pill broken in half. I will change Jean's dressing this afternoon, the wound requires you to keep it clean, apply neosporin or aquaphor and cover it with a band aid, until we have the sutures removed on Monday. NO MAKE UP.
Skip stopped by Tuesday afternoon to say hello to his parents and borrow some Vicodin for his wife. Jean is awaiting payment on those!!!
Have a good weekend.
Sunday, May 11, 2008
Friday, May 9, 2008
sylvia 5 9 08
jean loved the SHARIS BERRIES TODAY JEAN HAD A MANICURE WE HAD LUNCH OUT &SHOPING BILL STAY HOME WITY CHIST & BILL WALKED TWO TIMES
Happy Mother's Day- Ruth
Happy Mother's day to you to Joanie and Christine if she still reads this. Don't worry about the agitated Jay- he was in a lot of pain and had just taken a cocktail of pain relievers before he had walked into the house. He was fine after an hour or so... don't know about the painting charges. It shouldn't be anything too heavy duty, the painting took a total 15 minutes.
Mother's Day Weekend
Happy Mother's Day Ruth and Sylvia. We all appreciate the blog...easy for us to read and keep up with. You are doing a great job....sounds like everything is rolling right along. Bill Sr. does seem clearer and able to do more. Nice!
Jay agitated? Want us to handle that? I have never gotten a bill for any of this painting. *grin*
Have a nice Sunday....joanie
Jay agitated? Want us to handle that? I have never gotten a bill for any of this painting. *grin*
Have a nice Sunday....joanie
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
May 5,6, and 7th Ruth
Tuesday- Came in and sat with Bill and Jean for awhile to talk about how their weekend went. Jean said she had a lovely dinner with her family and that they kept pretty busy most of the weekend. Afterwards I made lunch and got them up and out into the living room for exercise with John.
Once John arrived I asked him how Bill was doing with the exercise, he said that it was obvious that Bill was unhappy having to exercise, but that he wasn't being argumentative like before. So far Bill is saying nothing to John at all, John and I both agree that Bill's silence is the best that we can hope for. As long as he doesn't argue or get nasty we need to continue his exercise routine.
I did 5 weeks worth of pills for Bill and Jean. Bill took 600 mg of Clindamycin for his dental appointment with Dr. Russo on 5/6. Jean is off of Plavix for 7 days prior to her surgery. The only pills Sylvia will see in her morning dose is 1/2 tab of atenelol, and half a tab of allegra. M,W,F, digoxin.
Tuesday- Jay arrived extra early and was really agitated. He painted a gold stripe around Jean's breakfast table. Bill, Jean and I got ready and went to Khaled's to have Bill's INR tested. Bill walked the entire way, Mary the nurse noticed that he was a little off balance, but he was able to make it back and forth to the car without the wheelchair. Bill was jovial and talkative inside the waiting room.
The INR was 1.6, Mary called at 5pm to advise us the Dr. Khaled wants Bill to be on 7.5mg of coumadin tonight and tomorrow night then back to the 5mg, recheck in a week.
After Khaled's we went to Starbucks to get iced coffees and then to Russo's. Dr. Russo said that Bill's teeth looked much better than before. Jean had a cleaning and a prep for a crown that was supposed to be done back in October. Things were a little hectic this last winter so we let the teeth slide, but we are back on track and Jean will have her crown placed in 3 weeks.
Came home, ordered Macayos and waited for the groceries to arrive. Lights out at 10pm.
Have a good weekend
Once John arrived I asked him how Bill was doing with the exercise, he said that it was obvious that Bill was unhappy having to exercise, but that he wasn't being argumentative like before. So far Bill is saying nothing to John at all, John and I both agree that Bill's silence is the best that we can hope for. As long as he doesn't argue or get nasty we need to continue his exercise routine.
I did 5 weeks worth of pills for Bill and Jean. Bill took 600 mg of Clindamycin for his dental appointment with Dr. Russo on 5/6. Jean is off of Plavix for 7 days prior to her surgery. The only pills Sylvia will see in her morning dose is 1/2 tab of atenelol, and half a tab of allegra. M,W,F, digoxin.
Tuesday- Jay arrived extra early and was really agitated. He painted a gold stripe around Jean's breakfast table. Bill, Jean and I got ready and went to Khaled's to have Bill's INR tested. Bill walked the entire way, Mary the nurse noticed that he was a little off balance, but he was able to make it back and forth to the car without the wheelchair. Bill was jovial and talkative inside the waiting room.
The INR was 1.6, Mary called at 5pm to advise us the Dr. Khaled wants Bill to be on 7.5mg of coumadin tonight and tomorrow night then back to the 5mg, recheck in a week.
After Khaled's we went to Starbucks to get iced coffees and then to Russo's. Dr. Russo said that Bill's teeth looked much better than before. Jean had a cleaning and a prep for a crown that was supposed to be done back in October. Things were a little hectic this last winter so we let the teeth slide, but we are back on track and Jean will have her crown placed in 3 weeks.
Came home, ordered Macayos and waited for the groceries to arrive. Lights out at 10pm.
Have a good weekend
Friday, May 2, 2008
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
April 28,29 and 30th Ruth
Oooohh- How did someone fix all the "broken" blogs? Blogs that were accidentally posted but nothing was written. Good work.
I came in early to take Bill and Jean to Dr. Bahu's office. Bill had his device monitored first, the St. Jude rep optimized the setting and said Bill is doing very well. We then saw the Nurse practitioner Karen Jamison, she went over the results of the echo cardiogram that we had done in February. She said that Bill's heart is pumping at 50-55% capacity which is essentially normal. She was pleased to hear that Bill is back to exercising and encouraged him to continue with it. We scheduled for another provider visit and device check for 3 months.
After the doctors, all of us drove out to the tailor's to pick up Jean's 400 dollar jacket, that didn't fit her when she bought and therefore had to have it altered. The store picked up the fees.
We came home afterwards to get ready for John. Both Bill and Jean exercised with John and seemed content. Dinner, pills, Netflix DVD Death on the Nile with Poirot.
Tuesday morning was quite busy. Gave Jean a shower as soon as she woke up cause she was scratching every part of her body. Maria showed up at 10:30am to clean the house, Jay at 11am.
Called Dr. Russo's office to find out if they had ordered Bill's prescription for his antibiotics. In the hospital, they told me that Bill had to be on antibiotics before any procedures like teeth cleaning. I made the cleaning appointment a month ago and asked them to prescribe antibiotics. Monique at Dr. Russo said she did, so there was a lot of phone calls back and forth between Russo's, pharmacy and Bahu's office, regarding dose and frequency. Pharmacy delivered necessary meds and we are all set.
Cookie called and wants to take Jean out to lunch on Sat. Just a 2 hour lunch, which should not interfere with the family's dinner at 5pm.
Jean wants to go over to Lynn's next week to get Bill some pants that fit him, he has lost 22 pounds since December and his pants are falling off. I haven't been in Lynn's shop since last July 2007, I was boycotting her store because of the outrageous prices and the amount of clothes she convinced Jean to buy for Bill's birthday. I think the total ended up being 2500 dollars. So we haven't been back there since. Does anyone have any suggestions about where we can find some decently priced pants for Bill? Or does Skip have any pants that don't fit him anymore? He (Skip) has lost a lot of weight, I'm hoping that he has some 44 or 46 size pants that no longer fit.
Bill SR. ordered some flowers yesterday from Stems Florist for Jean's anniversary.
The order from Casual Living came yesterday- Jean is keeping one pair of shoes, a shirt and pants. We are returning 3 pairs of shoes and a $120 swimming suit.
Have a good weekend
I came in early to take Bill and Jean to Dr. Bahu's office. Bill had his device monitored first, the St. Jude rep optimized the setting and said Bill is doing very well. We then saw the Nurse practitioner Karen Jamison, she went over the results of the echo cardiogram that we had done in February. She said that Bill's heart is pumping at 50-55% capacity which is essentially normal. She was pleased to hear that Bill is back to exercising and encouraged him to continue with it. We scheduled for another provider visit and device check for 3 months.
After the doctors, all of us drove out to the tailor's to pick up Jean's 400 dollar jacket, that didn't fit her when she bought and therefore had to have it altered. The store picked up the fees.
We came home afterwards to get ready for John. Both Bill and Jean exercised with John and seemed content. Dinner, pills, Netflix DVD Death on the Nile with Poirot.
Tuesday morning was quite busy. Gave Jean a shower as soon as she woke up cause she was scratching every part of her body. Maria showed up at 10:30am to clean the house, Jay at 11am.
Called Dr. Russo's office to find out if they had ordered Bill's prescription for his antibiotics. In the hospital, they told me that Bill had to be on antibiotics before any procedures like teeth cleaning. I made the cleaning appointment a month ago and asked them to prescribe antibiotics. Monique at Dr. Russo said she did, so there was a lot of phone calls back and forth between Russo's, pharmacy and Bahu's office, regarding dose and frequency. Pharmacy delivered necessary meds and we are all set.
Cookie called and wants to take Jean out to lunch on Sat. Just a 2 hour lunch, which should not interfere with the family's dinner at 5pm.
Jean wants to go over to Lynn's next week to get Bill some pants that fit him, he has lost 22 pounds since December and his pants are falling off. I haven't been in Lynn's shop since last July 2007, I was boycotting her store because of the outrageous prices and the amount of clothes she convinced Jean to buy for Bill's birthday. I think the total ended up being 2500 dollars. So we haven't been back there since. Does anyone have any suggestions about where we can find some decently priced pants for Bill? Or does Skip have any pants that don't fit him anymore? He (Skip) has lost a lot of weight, I'm hoping that he has some 44 or 46 size pants that no longer fit.
Bill SR. ordered some flowers yesterday from Stems Florist for Jean's anniversary.
The order from Casual Living came yesterday- Jean is keeping one pair of shoes, a shirt and pants. We are returning 3 pairs of shoes and a $120 swimming suit.
Have a good weekend
Sunday, April 27, 2008
Saturday, April 26, 2008
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
April 21,22,23 Ruth
Very nice week, came in on Monday morning and talked with Sylvia about what happened over the extended weekend. She told me that she has Bill walking around the house 3 times a day and that they are keeping pretty active. Sylvia is doing a really good job, everything that I outlined in the initial training is being accomplished, Bill and Jean seem to be content.
Friday 4/18- My sister came down from Flagstaff and dropped off Jean's chairs and leaves to the table in the kitchen. Jean and I mailed her a check on 4/22, we wrote the amount and check number in the BLUE binder. The invoice is also in the pocket of the binder, in case there are any questions.
Sylvia and Jean ordered some clothes from Casual Living for about 500 dollars. Sylvia said that she tried to get out of it, but Jean was very insistent. I let Sylvia know that the next time Jean gets the shopping bug , Sylvia needs to tell her she will order it online. By ordering it online, it magically becomes "out of stock" or on "backorder." Jean ordered 4 pair of the same flip flops in different colors. The only problem is: Jean can no longer wear flip flops, they give her no support and her toes fall off the side of the foot board. We just got rid of a lot of her shoes and now she is buying more.
Tuesday- Jay painted the silver stripe on Jean's breakfast table. It took an hour, we then moved the glass table top from downstairs to the table upstairs. Jean was very irritable yesterday. At 5pm we met Cookie and Cis at Ruth's Chris. Bill has been asking to go there since January. After dinner, Cis was a little confused about who was taking her home. I asked Bill, "is it okay if we drive Cis home" he turned to me and said in all seriousness, "Can't she walk?" We all got a good laugh out of that one. We drove Cis home and then we were home by 8pm. Got them settled and in their PJ's. Lights out at 10pm.
Today- We have a 2:15pm appointment with Dr. Khaled's Coumadin clinic to check Bill's INR.
3PM Dr. Campbell- foot doctor.
4pm Early Dinner-
7pm Jean and I will go grocery shopping for some supplies.
I showed Sylvia how to get on to the Internet and the blog. It will take her some time to figure out the technology, hopefully we will see a blog from her soon.
Have a good weekend
Friday 4/18- My sister came down from Flagstaff and dropped off Jean's chairs and leaves to the table in the kitchen. Jean and I mailed her a check on 4/22, we wrote the amount and check number in the BLUE binder. The invoice is also in the pocket of the binder, in case there are any questions.
Sylvia and Jean ordered some clothes from Casual Living for about 500 dollars. Sylvia said that she tried to get out of it, but Jean was very insistent. I let Sylvia know that the next time Jean gets the shopping bug , Sylvia needs to tell her she will order it online. By ordering it online, it magically becomes "out of stock" or on "backorder." Jean ordered 4 pair of the same flip flops in different colors. The only problem is: Jean can no longer wear flip flops, they give her no support and her toes fall off the side of the foot board. We just got rid of a lot of her shoes and now she is buying more.
Tuesday- Jay painted the silver stripe on Jean's breakfast table. It took an hour, we then moved the glass table top from downstairs to the table upstairs. Jean was very irritable yesterday. At 5pm we met Cookie and Cis at Ruth's Chris. Bill has been asking to go there since January. After dinner, Cis was a little confused about who was taking her home. I asked Bill, "is it okay if we drive Cis home" he turned to me and said in all seriousness, "Can't she walk?" We all got a good laugh out of that one. We drove Cis home and then we were home by 8pm. Got them settled and in their PJ's. Lights out at 10pm.
Today- We have a 2:15pm appointment with Dr. Khaled's Coumadin clinic to check Bill's INR.
3PM Dr. Campbell- foot doctor.
4pm Early Dinner-
7pm Jean and I will go grocery shopping for some supplies.
I showed Sylvia how to get on to the Internet and the blog. It will take her some time to figure out the technology, hopefully we will see a blog from her soon.
Have a good weekend
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
April 14, 15, 16 Ruth
Weekend went very well for Sylvia, everyone called several times to check on her and see if she needed anything. Jennifer and Wedad stopped by on Saturday or Sunday to meet her and see if there was anything they could do. Bill and Jean raved about her, they said she is very nice, friendly, has a good sense of humor and is a great cook.
When I arrived at 9:30am on Monday Sylvia had Jean dressed and ready to go, Jean and I went to meet TJ at 10am to look at a new house. The house was overly modern and Jean was not impressed, but she kept repeating that it was just stunning. After the home, we drove to the tailor on Indian School. The jacket that Jean was having altered was dropped off a month ago and the woman still hadn't gotten to it. I will try to pick it up on my way in on Monday.
John came over at 12:30pm, afterwards we went to Farooqui to get Bill checked out. Farooqui believes that Bill's episodes are due to deconditioning and he made Bill promise that he would start working out with John again. Dr. F wrote us prescriptions for the wheelchair, reclining chair and Ambien CR. We left his office and went to the CVS store on Scottsdale and Shea. We had to wait around for the home health aide to come and talk to us, and she didn't know anything. So we got ice cream and a nail file and laxatives. Came home got Jean changed, Skip and Joan stopped by to talk about the house Jean really loved. Joan put the ice cream away and saw the laxatives and tried to convince Jean how dangerous they are. Jean started to argue with Joan, she has been "constipated" for days. Long story short, I hid the laxatives in the Hershey cupboard on the very top shelf where Jean can not reach them or see them. After Skip and Joan left I gave Jean some stewed prunes and a big glass of juice with Benefiber.
Night was quiet. Bill woke up at 9:15am, Jean didn't wake up until about 10:45am. Both are well, Jay showed at 11am. Maria at 11:45am. I spoke with Maria about getting the house organized and my attempt at getting rid of stuff. She really went to town straighting things out and cleaning the house. She did the best job she has ever done and didn't leave until 5pm. While Maria was cleaning. Jean and I went through her shoe closet and purses. I asked her to be ruthless when deciding what to keep. For the most part she was. We have three garbage bags full of purses and shoes that Joan and Christine have now inherited. Congrats!
Jean was up all day walking from the bedroom to the kitchen, she spent the majority of her time tearing out pages in her magazines. Did showers in the afternoon and changed the sheets on both beds. Made a cream cheese pie and chicken soup with rice and veggies.
Wed. Small grocery order coming today- milk eggs, etc. I think Jean and I will do a big trip every other week and I will do a small trip or order for the basics on alternating weeks.
One thing- Bill has a Dr. Bahu appointment on April 25, which is a Friday. How do you guys want to work that out? Do you want me to come in for a couple of hours to take him? I think it would easier for whoever is here to just have me take him and they can stay with Jean. Let me know
Have a good weekend
When I arrived at 9:30am on Monday Sylvia had Jean dressed and ready to go, Jean and I went to meet TJ at 10am to look at a new house. The house was overly modern and Jean was not impressed, but she kept repeating that it was just stunning. After the home, we drove to the tailor on Indian School. The jacket that Jean was having altered was dropped off a month ago and the woman still hadn't gotten to it. I will try to pick it up on my way in on Monday.
John came over at 12:30pm, afterwards we went to Farooqui to get Bill checked out. Farooqui believes that Bill's episodes are due to deconditioning and he made Bill promise that he would start working out with John again. Dr. F wrote us prescriptions for the wheelchair, reclining chair and Ambien CR. We left his office and went to the CVS store on Scottsdale and Shea. We had to wait around for the home health aide to come and talk to us, and she didn't know anything. So we got ice cream and a nail file and laxatives. Came home got Jean changed, Skip and Joan stopped by to talk about the house Jean really loved. Joan put the ice cream away and saw the laxatives and tried to convince Jean how dangerous they are. Jean started to argue with Joan, she has been "constipated" for days. Long story short, I hid the laxatives in the Hershey cupboard on the very top shelf where Jean can not reach them or see them. After Skip and Joan left I gave Jean some stewed prunes and a big glass of juice with Benefiber.
Night was quiet. Bill woke up at 9:15am, Jean didn't wake up until about 10:45am. Both are well, Jay showed at 11am. Maria at 11:45am. I spoke with Maria about getting the house organized and my attempt at getting rid of stuff. She really went to town straighting things out and cleaning the house. She did the best job she has ever done and didn't leave until 5pm. While Maria was cleaning. Jean and I went through her shoe closet and purses. I asked her to be ruthless when deciding what to keep. For the most part she was. We have three garbage bags full of purses and shoes that Joan and Christine have now inherited. Congrats!
Jean was up all day walking from the bedroom to the kitchen, she spent the majority of her time tearing out pages in her magazines. Did showers in the afternoon and changed the sheets on both beds. Made a cream cheese pie and chicken soup with rice and veggies.
Wed. Small grocery order coming today- milk eggs, etc. I think Jean and I will do a big trip every other week and I will do a small trip or order for the basics on alternating weeks.
One thing- Bill has a Dr. Bahu appointment on April 25, which is a Friday. How do you guys want to work that out? Do you want me to come in for a couple of hours to take him? I think it would easier for whoever is here to just have me take him and they can stay with Jean. Let me know
Have a good weekend
Saturday, April 12, 2008
April 8,9,10 Ruth
Unusually busy week for us. I came in at 11am on a Tuesday, spoke with Wedad and Jay briefly and got Bill into the shower. We had an appointment at 1pm at Khaled's Coumadin clinic. Bill's razor needs to replaced desparately, it barely works and takes way longer to shave Bill than it should. I got Bill into the shower and scrubbed him down really good and asked him to wash his backside well due to infection. After the shower, Bill got dressed and used the creams for his fungal infection. I left the room to go speak with Wedad and lost track of time.
Bill and I ended up being 10 minutes late to the appointment. Mary the Coumadin lady was also running late. Within 20 minutes Bill was in a huff, and asking the receptionist when we would be seen. I kept reminding him that we were late to our appointment and she would be with us momentarily. When Mary finally got to us, Bill started saying, "why do I have to come here at sit for an hour and half?" Mary began to argue about the fact that we were late, at that Bill flipped out and started saying to Mary at the top of his lungs "OK SHUT UP SHUT UP." Mary told Bill not to speak to her like that and he kept screaming. Mary suggested we go to the Lab next time, which might not be a bad idea. We left the office and I told Bill he couldn't talk to anyone like that. I asked him what was really bothering him, because I had never seen such a violent reaction like that before. He told me that he didn't know what was bothering him, but after 5 minutes he said he really didn't want to move. We talked all the way home about the move and he told me stories about being a glider pilot and having to move in the Army.
Once Bill and I got home. I got Jean ready for John, Wedad made lunch for both of them and Jean ate her salad after she was dressed. John showed up at 3:15pm, worked out with Jean for an hour. I had scheduled an appointment with TJ Clausen to meet at a condo at 5pm, so as soon as John left we flew out of the house.
The first place was a "nothing house", we saw 2 at the Biltmore that were tiny and over priced. Seeing the additional properties really gave Jean a positive perspective about the first one that we viewed with the family. She decided she wanted to see the first one again, so I set up a time to see it with TJ at pm on Thursday. After the showings we had dinner at Red Lobster and had to wait a bit, Bill was perfectly jovial and didn't complain once. He was walking fine and was in a very good mood throughout dinner. We went home, got ready for bed lights out by 10pm.
Wednesday morning I called Cookie to confirm lunch and she suggested the Cheesecake Factory at 12:30pm. When Bill and Jean woke up, Bill complained that he didn't feel right, he said he couldn't talk, but he sounded normal to me. I told him, if we need to cancel let me know and he said no, I'm okay. We had breakfast and then started showers, Bill took his shower and looked good, walked fine. He was happy to being seeing Cis. At the Cheesecake factory, Bill got out of the car (valet), and began walking with his walker. He was walking fine and then began to take baby steps. I had him sit right inside the doorway and got the wheelchair. Lunch went fine, Bill sat across from Cis and talked. Jean sat between Bill and I and was talking to Cookie about the new house. Jean and Cookie were going on and on about paint samples, flooring, pictures and furniture. I was probably more than Bill could tolerate. After lunch we got in the car and went out to Queen Creek to get Jean's hair done. I explained it prior blogs how QC came into play. Anyways, I got Jean into the salon with Liz got her seated and then went out to get Bill.
As Bill and I were walking from the car to the doorway, Bill started to take those baby steps and then his legs just kind of gave out. I called for help, while I was holding Bill up as best I could. The salon owner and another man held Bill by the underarms and helped him sit down. Once Bill was seated and had some water, I called Farooqui, no answer. Called Khaled and left a message with his nurse to call me back. Then I called Jennifer and told her what had happened, she was upset and could think of a logical conclusion about why this would be happening now.
Nurse Debbie called me back within 15 minutes and told me that Bill needed to go to the ER. Debbie suggested Scottsdale Osborn, Dr. Doss (Khaled's partner) was doing rounds at Osborn. After the phone call, Liz was almost done. I took Bill to the potty and he stayed in the BR for a good 15 minutes. I walked out of the bathroom, to check on Jean and then realized that I had locked Bill in the bathroom. The salon owner once again helped me out to unlock the door. We then left, Liz helped walk us out and offered to go to the ER with me. I have to write-- I was so moved by the kindness of strangers. So often when I go out people are so rude and never helpful in any circumstance. This family run salon moved me, they went out of their way to be kind to us.
We went to the ER, it took us 35 minutes to get from QC to Scottsdale at 5pm. Got to the ER, parked in the front. Left Jean in the car got Bill checked in. A nurse screamed at me to move the car, I told her I will in a minute. Bill went back right away for an EKG, I went out to get Jean and she told me " I don't have to go to the bathroom anymore, I wet my pants." I sat Jean on the walker, Bill had the chair. We left the car, went to the bathroom. I left Jean on the toilet and ran out to move the car, ran back to Jean. In between all this madness I lost the car keys. After about 2hours Dan Fern called me about the training, I explained to him the situation and told him I may need someone tonight to sit with Jean, should Bill need to stay in the hospital, but I also needed to verify with Joan first. At that point I called Joan and told her what had happened. Turns out everyone was still in town and they were at the hospital within a half hour. When Skip, Joan and Chris showed up, Jean got really argumentative and couldn't be reasoned with. So she and I strolled over to the cafeteria for some coffee and chocolate. Skip met us down at the cafeteria and we talked for a bit about Bill's condition. I told Skip about the doctor's office incident, the condo search, the girls leaving etc and suggested that this may just too much change for Bill to handle. This all might be stress, manifesting itself. Jean and I made a pact, that there would be no more talk about moving, decorating etc. if she wants to tear up magazines for ideas. Then she needs to do that in the kitchen, we will make the kitchen table her war room. She agrees, and she doesn't understand what the big deal is, he doesn't do anything but watch TV, what difference does it make where he does it? Her idea is to plan a mini vacation here in Phoenix, we will get everything moved DURING the vacation and Bill will just come home to the TV and his chair. There is no need to discuss it or worry him.
Bill finally was released from the hospital, we got home at 11pm. The next day Dan Fern was supposed to be at the house at 11am, he called at 11:30 to tell me Carol the woman Joan and Chris met wasn't there yet and he was unable to get in touch with her. He told me he was coming over with a woman named Karen (not the wife). I showed Karen around, while Jennifer spoke to Dan in the kitchen. Karen was in a bit of a hurry she was working with another client and had only 15 minutes to learn the ropes. Dan told Jennifer that I was to continue working, Jennifer came to verify and I told her yes that is true. At that she ran downstairs, got her paperwork, handed it to me and left. She is very upset, all of them are.
Karen and Dan left shortly after, Dan told me Karen would be back in the am, someone else would take over my shift tonight. I told him that I had a Farooqui appointment at 1:30 and needed someone soon, I thought Karen was staying he told me he would work on it. It was already 12:40 at that point so I called Chris and told her there was too much commotion going on and that I didn't think I could make it to Farooqui's today. I rescheduled for Monday afternoon. Chris said that was fine.
At 2pm a woman named Sylvia showed up, she was going to stay over night and then Karen would be here in the am. Sylvia and I showered Jean and got her ready for John. As John was working out with Jean- I showed Sylvia around. When John left Melisssa showed up, made some notes for new caregivers. Jean and I left to meet TJ. There was some discussion between Melissa and Chris about Lovenox etc. Sylvia didn't go into detail.
TJ met us at 83st- Jean raved about the house. "Why didn't I notice this before, oh I love that on and on. She really took a liking to the place that she had dubbed before a "nothing house." TJ drove us past another place that we couldn't see that day and then took us over to Briarwood Place behind the Hyatt and Flemings. TJ made a big mistake showing us this one. I am sorry SKIP, JOAN AND CHRIS... but this place your mother fell in love with and she has declared it hers. I also think it is absolutely gorgeous and a fantastic house, the perfect size and completely finished.
After we saw THE HOUSE, we made an appointment to see one more on Monday at 10am.
Then Jean and I went grocery shopping. I wasn't sure how I would maneuver a cart and Jean in a wheelchair, so I asked the front desk for a person to help. They suggested Jean use a motorized wheelchair. We got Jean on one and then learned how to use it, she did pretty good till we got to the meat dept. She rammed into the meat display and rammed into a counter. But it was really fun and we got a good laugh out of it. My hope was to save some money, but that is never Jean;s goal, we got everything we needed. Receipt is in the drawer with bills. Got home at 9pm, I brought in the groceries while Sylvia got Jean ready for bed. Jean ate at the deli counter so she wasn't hungry. All in all it ended up being a good day. I told Sylvia everything I could remember and showed her around some more. Jean asked me to stay the night, I told her she was in good hands and I was just a phone call away. I left my numbers near Bill's remotes.
I have called Sylvia throughout the weekend and everything sounds good. She told me that Melissa and Jennifer also have called several times to check on Bill and Jean. Next week, we will keep it very quiet, no outings, except Farooqui's and TJ. Sorry this one is soo long, it was a really busy week.
Bill and I ended up being 10 minutes late to the appointment. Mary the Coumadin lady was also running late. Within 20 minutes Bill was in a huff, and asking the receptionist when we would be seen. I kept reminding him that we were late to our appointment and she would be with us momentarily. When Mary finally got to us, Bill started saying, "why do I have to come here at sit for an hour and half?" Mary began to argue about the fact that we were late, at that Bill flipped out and started saying to Mary at the top of his lungs "OK SHUT UP SHUT UP." Mary told Bill not to speak to her like that and he kept screaming. Mary suggested we go to the Lab next time, which might not be a bad idea. We left the office and I told Bill he couldn't talk to anyone like that. I asked him what was really bothering him, because I had never seen such a violent reaction like that before. He told me that he didn't know what was bothering him, but after 5 minutes he said he really didn't want to move. We talked all the way home about the move and he told me stories about being a glider pilot and having to move in the Army.
Once Bill and I got home. I got Jean ready for John, Wedad made lunch for both of them and Jean ate her salad after she was dressed. John showed up at 3:15pm, worked out with Jean for an hour. I had scheduled an appointment with TJ Clausen to meet at a condo at 5pm, so as soon as John left we flew out of the house.
The first place was a "nothing house", we saw 2 at the Biltmore that were tiny and over priced. Seeing the additional properties really gave Jean a positive perspective about the first one that we viewed with the family. She decided she wanted to see the first one again, so I set up a time to see it with TJ at pm on Thursday. After the showings we had dinner at Red Lobster and had to wait a bit, Bill was perfectly jovial and didn't complain once. He was walking fine and was in a very good mood throughout dinner. We went home, got ready for bed lights out by 10pm.
Wednesday morning I called Cookie to confirm lunch and she suggested the Cheesecake Factory at 12:30pm. When Bill and Jean woke up, Bill complained that he didn't feel right, he said he couldn't talk, but he sounded normal to me. I told him, if we need to cancel let me know and he said no, I'm okay. We had breakfast and then started showers, Bill took his shower and looked good, walked fine. He was happy to being seeing Cis. At the Cheesecake factory, Bill got out of the car (valet), and began walking with his walker. He was walking fine and then began to take baby steps. I had him sit right inside the doorway and got the wheelchair. Lunch went fine, Bill sat across from Cis and talked. Jean sat between Bill and I and was talking to Cookie about the new house. Jean and Cookie were going on and on about paint samples, flooring, pictures and furniture. I was probably more than Bill could tolerate. After lunch we got in the car and went out to Queen Creek to get Jean's hair done. I explained it prior blogs how QC came into play. Anyways, I got Jean into the salon with Liz got her seated and then went out to get Bill.
As Bill and I were walking from the car to the doorway, Bill started to take those baby steps and then his legs just kind of gave out. I called for help, while I was holding Bill up as best I could. The salon owner and another man held Bill by the underarms and helped him sit down. Once Bill was seated and had some water, I called Farooqui, no answer. Called Khaled and left a message with his nurse to call me back. Then I called Jennifer and told her what had happened, she was upset and could think of a logical conclusion about why this would be happening now.
Nurse Debbie called me back within 15 minutes and told me that Bill needed to go to the ER. Debbie suggested Scottsdale Osborn, Dr. Doss (Khaled's partner) was doing rounds at Osborn. After the phone call, Liz was almost done. I took Bill to the potty and he stayed in the BR for a good 15 minutes. I walked out of the bathroom, to check on Jean and then realized that I had locked Bill in the bathroom. The salon owner once again helped me out to unlock the door. We then left, Liz helped walk us out and offered to go to the ER with me. I have to write-- I was so moved by the kindness of strangers. So often when I go out people are so rude and never helpful in any circumstance. This family run salon moved me, they went out of their way to be kind to us.
We went to the ER, it took us 35 minutes to get from QC to Scottsdale at 5pm. Got to the ER, parked in the front. Left Jean in the car got Bill checked in. A nurse screamed at me to move the car, I told her I will in a minute. Bill went back right away for an EKG, I went out to get Jean and she told me " I don't have to go to the bathroom anymore, I wet my pants." I sat Jean on the walker, Bill had the chair. We left the car, went to the bathroom. I left Jean on the toilet and ran out to move the car, ran back to Jean. In between all this madness I lost the car keys. After about 2hours Dan Fern called me about the training, I explained to him the situation and told him I may need someone tonight to sit with Jean, should Bill need to stay in the hospital, but I also needed to verify with Joan first. At that point I called Joan and told her what had happened. Turns out everyone was still in town and they were at the hospital within a half hour. When Skip, Joan and Chris showed up, Jean got really argumentative and couldn't be reasoned with. So she and I strolled over to the cafeteria for some coffee and chocolate. Skip met us down at the cafeteria and we talked for a bit about Bill's condition. I told Skip about the doctor's office incident, the condo search, the girls leaving etc and suggested that this may just too much change for Bill to handle. This all might be stress, manifesting itself. Jean and I made a pact, that there would be no more talk about moving, decorating etc. if she wants to tear up magazines for ideas. Then she needs to do that in the kitchen, we will make the kitchen table her war room. She agrees, and she doesn't understand what the big deal is, he doesn't do anything but watch TV, what difference does it make where he does it? Her idea is to plan a mini vacation here in Phoenix, we will get everything moved DURING the vacation and Bill will just come home to the TV and his chair. There is no need to discuss it or worry him.
Bill finally was released from the hospital, we got home at 11pm. The next day Dan Fern was supposed to be at the house at 11am, he called at 11:30 to tell me Carol the woman Joan and Chris met wasn't there yet and he was unable to get in touch with her. He told me he was coming over with a woman named Karen (not the wife). I showed Karen around, while Jennifer spoke to Dan in the kitchen. Karen was in a bit of a hurry she was working with another client and had only 15 minutes to learn the ropes. Dan told Jennifer that I was to continue working, Jennifer came to verify and I told her yes that is true. At that she ran downstairs, got her paperwork, handed it to me and left. She is very upset, all of them are.
Karen and Dan left shortly after, Dan told me Karen would be back in the am, someone else would take over my shift tonight. I told him that I had a Farooqui appointment at 1:30 and needed someone soon, I thought Karen was staying he told me he would work on it. It was already 12:40 at that point so I called Chris and told her there was too much commotion going on and that I didn't think I could make it to Farooqui's today. I rescheduled for Monday afternoon. Chris said that was fine.
At 2pm a woman named Sylvia showed up, she was going to stay over night and then Karen would be here in the am. Sylvia and I showered Jean and got her ready for John. As John was working out with Jean- I showed Sylvia around. When John left Melisssa showed up, made some notes for new caregivers. Jean and I left to meet TJ. There was some discussion between Melissa and Chris about Lovenox etc. Sylvia didn't go into detail.
TJ met us at 83st- Jean raved about the house. "Why didn't I notice this before, oh I love that on and on. She really took a liking to the place that she had dubbed before a "nothing house." TJ drove us past another place that we couldn't see that day and then took us over to Briarwood Place behind the Hyatt and Flemings. TJ made a big mistake showing us this one. I am sorry SKIP, JOAN AND CHRIS... but this place your mother fell in love with and she has declared it hers. I also think it is absolutely gorgeous and a fantastic house, the perfect size and completely finished.
After we saw THE HOUSE, we made an appointment to see one more on Monday at 10am.
Then Jean and I went grocery shopping. I wasn't sure how I would maneuver a cart and Jean in a wheelchair, so I asked the front desk for a person to help. They suggested Jean use a motorized wheelchair. We got Jean on one and then learned how to use it, she did pretty good till we got to the meat dept. She rammed into the meat display and rammed into a counter. But it was really fun and we got a good laugh out of it. My hope was to save some money, but that is never Jean;s goal, we got everything we needed. Receipt is in the drawer with bills. Got home at 9pm, I brought in the groceries while Sylvia got Jean ready for bed. Jean ate at the deli counter so she wasn't hungry. All in all it ended up being a good day. I told Sylvia everything I could remember and showed her around some more. Jean asked me to stay the night, I told her she was in good hands and I was just a phone call away. I left my numbers near Bill's remotes.
I have called Sylvia throughout the weekend and everything sounds good. She told me that Melissa and Jennifer also have called several times to check on Bill and Jean. Next week, we will keep it very quiet, no outings, except Farooqui's and TJ. Sorry this one is soo long, it was a really busy week.
Thursday, April 10, 2008
Sunday-Tuesday 4/6-4/8
Honestly it was difficult finishing this shift, following the meeting that we had on sunday. Bill and Jean did not seem to fully understand everything that happened, and kept calling me to reassure them what was going on. They seemed to think that only Jennifer and Melissa were being let go, and next they werent sure who was there or not there---so they kept calling me in to just make sure.
Sunday was mellow. They already had lunch by the time we finished the meeting. Bill wanted some crackers and Jean had her chocolate bar. Dinner-Jean was in the mood for Lamb Chops, which we did not have any in the house, so we ordered from Busters. Bill had prime rib. Both had a very good appetite and ate more than usual, and dessert (altho Bill claimed he wouldnt eat dessert from before).
Both slept around 930pm. And slept well through the night. Jean was awake at 7am-called me into the room, just to make sure I was there. Brought both of them their juice, but surprisingly they both fell back asleep. They awoke again around 915am.
They had cereal for breakfast. Jean stating that she misses drinking her mocha mix, because it was so rich. I reminded her just how unhealthy it was to drink large amounts of it-Dr said NO MORE.
Cleaned the bedrooms and emptied their garbage cans. Jean came back to the room and said she wanted a shower. I showered both her and Bill, shaved Bill, did Jeans hair and make up and we were off to Dr. Farooqui
Jeans follow up-all looks well with Jean. I asked Farooqui to tak e a look at Bill. He had him run a quick EKG and a blood flow test. Both results came back fine, so Farooqui insisted Bill start Advair, which he already has. A Zpack of antibotics-because of bills flegm in his throat. And two shots in the rump to increase lung capacity. Depo/Deco. Honestly, we were there for almost 3 hours. Asked Farooqui for the script for a wheelchair, said he would work on it.
Bill was noticably better once we left. He was able to walk all the way to the car with less discomfort than usual.
We made it home...both changed, fresh ice water and resting. We made left overs for dinner. Had lamb chops and some prime rib. Large caesar salad. and for dessert Bill had the cheesecake and jean had the chcolate cake (huge cake).
Both headed back to the room and stayed up till 1015. Checked on them to make sure that they didnt sleep with the tv on. Bills Zpack was delivered @ 1130pm, had to wait up.
830 am, Sears repair here. Checking out fridge, Jean wants buttons repaired. She forgot that last time they were here-they said it was not covered, it is considered cosmetic. The repair guy took the door apart and managed to fix the crushed ice option. But the part would cost 350, and Jean said she did not want to pay that amount. They were up @ 10. Guy left @ 1030am.
For breakfast they had eggs and toast, and the usual pastries, coffee and juice. Jay was here-but no major repairs-altho jean asked jay to stain the bed in the garage. the one that dudley sent back.
Ruth came @ 11am to get Bill to Dr. Khaled.
Sunday was mellow. They already had lunch by the time we finished the meeting. Bill wanted some crackers and Jean had her chocolate bar. Dinner-Jean was in the mood for Lamb Chops, which we did not have any in the house, so we ordered from Busters. Bill had prime rib. Both had a very good appetite and ate more than usual, and dessert (altho Bill claimed he wouldnt eat dessert from before).
Both slept around 930pm. And slept well through the night. Jean was awake at 7am-called me into the room, just to make sure I was there. Brought both of them their juice, but surprisingly they both fell back asleep. They awoke again around 915am.
They had cereal for breakfast. Jean stating that she misses drinking her mocha mix, because it was so rich. I reminded her just how unhealthy it was to drink large amounts of it-Dr said NO MORE.
Cleaned the bedrooms and emptied their garbage cans. Jean came back to the room and said she wanted a shower. I showered both her and Bill, shaved Bill, did Jeans hair and make up and we were off to Dr. Farooqui
Jeans follow up-all looks well with Jean. I asked Farooqui to tak e a look at Bill. He had him run a quick EKG and a blood flow test. Both results came back fine, so Farooqui insisted Bill start Advair, which he already has. A Zpack of antibotics-because of bills flegm in his throat. And two shots in the rump to increase lung capacity. Depo/Deco. Honestly, we were there for almost 3 hours. Asked Farooqui for the script for a wheelchair, said he would work on it.
Bill was noticably better once we left. He was able to walk all the way to the car with less discomfort than usual.
We made it home...both changed, fresh ice water and resting. We made left overs for dinner. Had lamb chops and some prime rib. Large caesar salad. and for dessert Bill had the cheesecake and jean had the chcolate cake (huge cake).
Both headed back to the room and stayed up till 1015. Checked on them to make sure that they didnt sleep with the tv on. Bills Zpack was delivered @ 1130pm, had to wait up.
830 am, Sears repair here. Checking out fridge, Jean wants buttons repaired. She forgot that last time they were here-they said it was not covered, it is considered cosmetic. The repair guy took the door apart and managed to fix the crushed ice option. But the part would cost 350, and Jean said she did not want to pay that amount. They were up @ 10. Guy left @ 1030am.
For breakfast they had eggs and toast, and the usual pastries, coffee and juice. Jay was here-but no major repairs-altho jean asked jay to stain the bed in the garage. the one that dudley sent back.
Ruth came @ 11am to get Bill to Dr. Khaled.
Sunday, April 6, 2008
weekend
Weekend went well, I finally got a hold of Dr. Patel, who is Farooquis associate, after Melissa called tirelessly, and I told him that she also called the service frequently and they kept telling her that the docs are unable to be reached! That is unacceptable, tia's can be caused by a systemic infection, therefore it should have been a priority for them to call that Levaquin in, Melissa and I were furious with them. Anyone who has had a uTi knows how uncomfortable it can be.
Bill sounds a little wet, mostly in his upper airway, it clears when he coughs, I left a message with Khalid, if nothing back then, when Jean goes Monday for F/U with Farooqui, have him listen and do a Chest xray on him. He doesn't have any edema in his legs. I have been having him put the antifungal cream on his sacral area, he says it feels better. I tried to gently remind him about showering, as Bill is often incontinent and should shower, as fungal skin infections and urine, are good friends. Jean has been picking at her band aids on her areas taken off, I put aquaphore on them, she cant shower for 48 hours, but she should be good by Sunday evening, Monday morning.
Jean, she has spent I would say a good 18 hours ripping papers out of any magazine she can, she has about 4 folders around, of "ideas for her new place". Id say its about 200,000 dollars worth of renovation she wants to do lol, she says the place she looked at is nice in its design, but it was decorated about 30 years ago, and its just "God awful" so she is very protective of the papers, please just file them and don't throw them, I made the mistake of tossing some I thought she tore out in error ( hot tub designs, cedar sauna room, portable cocktail bar) well I was wrong, I retrieved them from the garbage and gave him to her, she wanted them to re do her patio if they get the 'new" house. So be forewarned, she also rips out pages she doesn't like in the magazine, I went to help Bill put lotion on, I came back the kitchen floor around her periphery was covered in 50 pages of ripped out magazines, I asked her are these for keeping, and she said no, I'm ripping out what I don't like.. go figure.
I have an idea for Bill, every time I am here, I tell Bill here's whats or dinner sound good? and hes says sure. But inevitably without fail, the second I bring it, while Jean is giving me accolades about how good it is, Bill before he even trys it says, "you can just take this away, I want cereal', and a whole plate goes to waste, So I asked him, do you want cereal every night, and he said " yup until I say I don't want it." So maybe just offer him other things too, but I would make smaller one person portions, and just have cereal ready.
Cookie called, to check on Jean, I called her back, left a message, Jean wants to call Amanda today, as I reminded her yesterday to call her, she said today would be fine.
House picked up, cleaned floor, dishes done,, washed all lines, washed Jeans linens, she had an accident and some blood from her scab on her face on the pillow.
Thanks have a great week!
Bill sounds a little wet, mostly in his upper airway, it clears when he coughs, I left a message with Khalid, if nothing back then, when Jean goes Monday for F/U with Farooqui, have him listen and do a Chest xray on him. He doesn't have any edema in his legs. I have been having him put the antifungal cream on his sacral area, he says it feels better. I tried to gently remind him about showering, as Bill is often incontinent and should shower, as fungal skin infections and urine, are good friends. Jean has been picking at her band aids on her areas taken off, I put aquaphore on them, she cant shower for 48 hours, but she should be good by Sunday evening, Monday morning.
Jean, she has spent I would say a good 18 hours ripping papers out of any magazine she can, she has about 4 folders around, of "ideas for her new place". Id say its about 200,000 dollars worth of renovation she wants to do lol, she says the place she looked at is nice in its design, but it was decorated about 30 years ago, and its just "God awful" so she is very protective of the papers, please just file them and don't throw them, I made the mistake of tossing some I thought she tore out in error ( hot tub designs, cedar sauna room, portable cocktail bar) well I was wrong, I retrieved them from the garbage and gave him to her, she wanted them to re do her patio if they get the 'new" house. So be forewarned, she also rips out pages she doesn't like in the magazine, I went to help Bill put lotion on, I came back the kitchen floor around her periphery was covered in 50 pages of ripped out magazines, I asked her are these for keeping, and she said no, I'm ripping out what I don't like.. go figure.
I have an idea for Bill, every time I am here, I tell Bill here's whats or dinner sound good? and hes says sure. But inevitably without fail, the second I bring it, while Jean is giving me accolades about how good it is, Bill before he even trys it says, "you can just take this away, I want cereal', and a whole plate goes to waste, So I asked him, do you want cereal every night, and he said " yup until I say I don't want it." So maybe just offer him other things too, but I would make smaller one person portions, and just have cereal ready.
Cookie called, to check on Jean, I called her back, left a message, Jean wants to call Amanda today, as I reminded her yesterday to call her, she said today would be fine.
House picked up, cleaned floor, dishes done,, washed all lines, washed Jeans linens, she had an accident and some blood from her scab on her face on the pillow.
Thanks have a great week!
Saturday, April 5, 2008
meeting
FYI MEETING AT WORK SUNDAY AT 2PM, WITH SKIP I LEFT MESSAGES AND TEXTS WITH EVERYONE,
THANKS
GIVE ME A CALL AT WORK TO CONFIRM.
THANKS
GIVE ME A CALL AT WORK TO CONFIRM.
Thursday, April 3, 2008
April 3 Ruth
Joan and Jean arrived around 4:30pm, Jean was still not 100%, Joan said in the car she was in and out of lucidity. It was still really difficult for Jean to form a thought a speak that thought. I changed her clothes and got her into bed. She wanted Mexican since that initially was our plan to go to Macayo's. So I placed an order. Jean ate very well, Bill not so much. He had a late lunch and therefore was not that hungry when dinner arrived. Jean claimed the food was perfect and she really enjoyed it. She went back to bed after that. The TV was on till 9pm, but there was little conversation between Bill and Jean.
Both slept very well despite my constant interruptions throughout the night. I checked on Jean continuously to make sure she was aware and still able to speak. Bill slept until 9:30am !!! Jean slept until 10am. Both had breakfast and Jean is talking much better today. Her speech is back to normal and she looks good.
Christine stopped by to say hello and check on her mother. She brought a beautiful bouquet of roses from her garden. Please make sure we wash and get her vase back to her, promised it would be returned.
The pharmacy stopped by last night to deliver items I ordered on Tuesday. I ordered vani cream for both, icy hot, vicks and depends. The vanicream, icy hot and vicks arrived but not the Depends. They should be delivered sometime today or tomorrow.
Please note: Jean has a UTI infection, we are expecting a delivery of Levaquin and Lovenox. She needs to take the anti biotic as prescribed and she needs a shot of Lovenox for the next 3 nights. I called Farroqui's office this morning to ask about the shots and he instructed his staff that she needs the shots for 3 days, not 10 as in TIA's prior.
I made a follow up appointment with Farroqui's for Monday at 1pm. She needs to go to this appointment it is mandatory. Please ask Farooqui or a prescription for a lighter wheel chair for Bill and a Chair that has a remote that rises and falls. I made a note of this particular chair in last weeks blog. Joan also thought it would be a good idea.
I made a Protime appointment with the Coumadin clinic to have Bill's INR checked on Tuesday at 1pm. I will take him. Tuesday April 8th
I made appointments for Bill and Jean to have their teeth cleaned and asked the secretary to send over a prescription for Bill, expect that delivery also. He needs to be on an antibiotic prior to this appointment because of his Pacemaker. Jean will also be prepped for her final crown fitting on the same day. May something
I made an appointment with Sears to come and look at the refrigerator, Jean would like the buttons on the ice/water panel to be replaced. April 8 between 8-5pm
Placed a much needed grocery order Did 6 weeks worth of pills for Bill and Jean.
Please place Jean's antibiotics in the boxes when they are received.
Skip will come by today at 3:30pm. Bill and Jean need to sign some paperwork and then dinner afterwards at Un Bacio.
Summary: Expect delivery of Depends, Levaquin, Lovenox and Bill's antibiotic.
Jean needs a Lovenox shot every evening before bed for 3 days- 4/3, 4/4, 4/5
Both slept very well despite my constant interruptions throughout the night. I checked on Jean continuously to make sure she was aware and still able to speak. Bill slept until 9:30am !!! Jean slept until 10am. Both had breakfast and Jean is talking much better today. Her speech is back to normal and she looks good.
Christine stopped by to say hello and check on her mother. She brought a beautiful bouquet of roses from her garden. Please make sure we wash and get her vase back to her, promised it would be returned.
The pharmacy stopped by last night to deliver items I ordered on Tuesday. I ordered vani cream for both, icy hot, vicks and depends. The vanicream, icy hot and vicks arrived but not the Depends. They should be delivered sometime today or tomorrow.
Please note: Jean has a UTI infection, we are expecting a delivery of Levaquin and Lovenox. She needs to take the anti biotic as prescribed and she needs a shot of Lovenox for the next 3 nights. I called Farroqui's office this morning to ask about the shots and he instructed his staff that she needs the shots for 3 days, not 10 as in TIA's prior.
I made a follow up appointment with Farroqui's for Monday at 1pm. She needs to go to this appointment it is mandatory. Please ask Farooqui or a prescription for a lighter wheel chair for Bill and a Chair that has a remote that rises and falls. I made a note of this particular chair in last weeks blog. Joan also thought it would be a good idea.
I made a Protime appointment with the Coumadin clinic to have Bill's INR checked on Tuesday at 1pm. I will take him. Tuesday April 8th
I made appointments for Bill and Jean to have their teeth cleaned and asked the secretary to send over a prescription for Bill, expect that delivery also. He needs to be on an antibiotic prior to this appointment because of his Pacemaker. Jean will also be prepped for her final crown fitting on the same day. May something
I made an appointment with Sears to come and look at the refrigerator, Jean would like the buttons on the ice/water panel to be replaced. April 8 between 8-5pm
Placed a much needed grocery order Did 6 weeks worth of pills for Bill and Jean.
Please place Jean's antibiotics in the boxes when they are received.
Skip will come by today at 3:30pm. Bill and Jean need to sign some paperwork and then dinner afterwards at Un Bacio.
Summary: Expect delivery of Depends, Levaquin, Lovenox and Bill's antibiotic.
Jean needs a Lovenox shot every evening before bed for 3 days- 4/3, 4/4, 4/5
Wednesday, April 2, 2008
April 1 and 2
Arrived at the house at 12pm, the driveway looked more like a parking lot. Amanda, Jay and Maria were all here. Wedad updated me about what had happened over the weekend, including Jean's severe bout with diarrhea and vomiting on Monday and Bill's sore spot on his lower back.
I had Bill and Jean shower soon after Wedad left, Jean said she was feeling weaker than normal, but that her cold had finally gone. Bill is still congested and coughing, he is also talking in a whisper. He says his throat feels fine, but he sounds very wet when he speaks.
Dinner consisted of chicken breast, peas, and mashed potatoes. Bill ate all of his chicken and then asked for decaf. Jean also ate well and asked for those little tiny ice cream candy bars. I told her we didn't have any so she settled for a piece of cheese cake.
The night went quietly, we tried to watch the Alfred Hitchcock movie from Netflix, but it was hard to follow and really strange. Lights out by 9pm.
Both woke up at 8am, Bill turned the TV on, Jean used the potty and went back to sleep. Bill has not been walking out to the kitchen as he normally does to get his OJ and turn the front lights off. That's disappointing. I made French Toast with the remaining eggs for breakfast. After breakfast I showered and shaved Bill. Can someone please recommend a good electric razor for Bill's sensitive skin. I used 3 different razors on his face (his 2 and Jean's). I can not get a smooth shave with any of them. I washed and rinsed repeatedly and still they do not shave well.
Skip called in the middle of showers and told me he wanted to have dinner at 4pm. I had to cancel Liz and reschedule for next week. Cookie also called and we rescheduled our lunch with Cis for next Wednesday at 12:30pm.
I was doing a grocery order downstairs, went upstairs to ask Jean if there was anything else that she wanted from the store. We made an extensive list earlier in the day. She started to point at the kitchen and to her stomach. She was trying to tell me something, but could not pull the words out of her mouth and was mumbling and pointing. I asked her "who is the president Jean" and she said " George Bush." I asked her "who is the V.p. and she said "Dick Cheney."
I said "ok what were you trying to tell me now?" She started the mumbling and pointing again. I told her I was going to give her a shot. I ran to the fridge got the shot and injected her with it. I told her to take a couple of deep breaths and wait a minute because it usually takes Lovenox a few minutes to work. I called Joan and told her what had happened. Joan listened to her speak on the phone and told me to call 911. I did, the Lovenox did not work as well as it had in the past, by the time the fire department and paramedics arrived she still was not able to speak very clearly. Some of her words were understandable, but she had difficulty recalling her birthday and the relationship she had to Joan. Joan made the executive decision to have Jean transported to the hospital via ambulance and Skip met them there.
I received a phone call from Joan at 4:20pm to tell me that Jean checked out okay and they are on their way home. They will pick up some more Lovenox from the pharmacy or Farroqui's rather.
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
3/30-4/1
Came in on Sunday to find Charlae here, waiting to give Bill his massage. He locked himself in the bathroom for a good half hour. Once he came out he said he enjoyed the massage. Next was Jean, she was more anxious than Bill to get her massage. She goes all out-dimming the lights-turning on the music and pillows, candles-the works.
Charlae left close to 5pm, said she would email Joan regarding her pay. Scheduled next massage for two weeks out.
Checked on both of them-both content. Jean was a bit hungry, asked for a sliced apple to munch on. Wanted Brie-but we were out, since we didn't do a grocery order this week, trying to conserve.
Dinner @ 630. T-bone steak, mashed potatoes, green bean salad, and a slice of cheesecake for dessert. Surprisingly both devoured their meals. Bill ate all of his steak-some potatoes, and barely touched his green bean salad-but a little is better than nothing. Jean ate all of hers.
Both headed back to their room. Watched a double feature of Murder, She Wrote. Lights went out at 10pm. Both slept through the night. Bill was up 4 times to the bathroom. Jean woke up once, but cried out a few times-rather startling in the middle of the night.
Both up @ 830am.
Breakfast: Cream of wheat, pastry, stewed peaches with cream, Orange Juice, pills. Don't forget Bills Coffee.
Made beds, aired out the room and disinfected the areas, trying to help them get over these colds faster. Fresh ice water. Bill came back and had me close all doors.
Cleaned the kitchen.
Jean said she wanted a shower before John came. During the shower-Jean missed a call from Amanda but I had Jean call her once I had her dressed and she left a message. Took us a few tries to get it right, Jean kept talking-thinking it was Amanda and not the machine.
While dressing Jean, I noticed she was burping a very foul smell. I asked-and she said she felt fine. About 10 minutes after we were finished, Jean called me in-she started throwing up. Soon after followed by diarrhea. This continued from 1245pm-340pm. I couldnt give her any medication because she kept throwing it up. Finally she felt her stomach settle-and I helped her to the bed. She was exhausted and drained. She felt weak enough that she started calling for simple things, she couldnt get up by herself or reach for things.
She rested the rest of the afternoon. Obviously we had to cancel John, he said he understood.
Bill said he wanted lunch (so during this episode with Jean-I made Bill lunch)
Banana Smoothie
Vegetable soup
Crackers
For dinner-
Jean had a bowl of broth, crackers, iced tea, pills
Bills wanted poached eggs, toast, water, pills.
Bill informed me that he has a soar on his back, more toward his rectum. Jennifer had taken a look at it, said he needed to change positions because he sits in his chair all day. I gave him some nupracanal, he says it feels better.
Both are resting. Lights went out @ 945pm. Bill called me up twice during the night-once to ask if he took his pills and another time to ask if i will be there through the night.
Jean slept all night, only calling out in the am. It is now 10am, and both are still sleeping. Bill was up @ 7am, but went back to sleep.
*just a side note:* Bill seems to not really care about things like he used to. We all know that his hygiene has taken a turn. But i have noticed that Bill has started to practically refuse showers. Unless you literally drag him-that is when he will shower. I tried to get him to shower yesterday-monday, but with Jean and her problem, he dropped from my radar. Bill refuses to shave himself, where less than 5mo ago he would only shave himself. He refuses to shower himself-even to the point he wants us to wash him (areas that he can reach on his own), as he sits there....thats if you can get him in the shower. *
Maria is expected to be here around 1030am, and Jay to be here around 11am, JOY!!
Charlae left close to 5pm, said she would email Joan regarding her pay. Scheduled next massage for two weeks out.
Checked on both of them-both content. Jean was a bit hungry, asked for a sliced apple to munch on. Wanted Brie-but we were out, since we didn't do a grocery order this week, trying to conserve.
Dinner @ 630. T-bone steak, mashed potatoes, green bean salad, and a slice of cheesecake for dessert. Surprisingly both devoured their meals. Bill ate all of his steak-some potatoes, and barely touched his green bean salad-but a little is better than nothing. Jean ate all of hers.
Both headed back to their room. Watched a double feature of Murder, She Wrote. Lights went out at 10pm. Both slept through the night. Bill was up 4 times to the bathroom. Jean woke up once, but cried out a few times-rather startling in the middle of the night.
Both up @ 830am.
Breakfast: Cream of wheat, pastry, stewed peaches with cream, Orange Juice, pills. Don't forget Bills Coffee.
Made beds, aired out the room and disinfected the areas, trying to help them get over these colds faster. Fresh ice water. Bill came back and had me close all doors.
Cleaned the kitchen.
Jean said she wanted a shower before John came. During the shower-Jean missed a call from Amanda but I had Jean call her once I had her dressed and she left a message. Took us a few tries to get it right, Jean kept talking-thinking it was Amanda and not the machine.
While dressing Jean, I noticed she was burping a very foul smell. I asked-and she said she felt fine. About 10 minutes after we were finished, Jean called me in-she started throwing up. Soon after followed by diarrhea. This continued from 1245pm-340pm. I couldnt give her any medication because she kept throwing it up. Finally she felt her stomach settle-and I helped her to the bed. She was exhausted and drained. She felt weak enough that she started calling for simple things, she couldnt get up by herself or reach for things.
She rested the rest of the afternoon. Obviously we had to cancel John, he said he understood.
Bill said he wanted lunch (so during this episode with Jean-I made Bill lunch)
Banana Smoothie
Vegetable soup
Crackers
For dinner-
Jean had a bowl of broth, crackers, iced tea, pills
Bills wanted poached eggs, toast, water, pills.
Bill informed me that he has a soar on his back, more toward his rectum. Jennifer had taken a look at it, said he needed to change positions because he sits in his chair all day. I gave him some nupracanal, he says it feels better.
Both are resting. Lights went out @ 945pm. Bill called me up twice during the night-once to ask if he took his pills and another time to ask if i will be there through the night.
Jean slept all night, only calling out in the am. It is now 10am, and both are still sleeping. Bill was up @ 7am, but went back to sleep.
*just a side note:* Bill seems to not really care about things like he used to. We all know that his hygiene has taken a turn. But i have noticed that Bill has started to practically refuse showers. Unless you literally drag him-that is when he will shower. I tried to get him to shower yesterday-monday, but with Jean and her problem, he dropped from my radar. Bill refuses to shave himself, where less than 5mo ago he would only shave himself. He refuses to shower himself-even to the point he wants us to wash him (areas that he can reach on his own), as he sits there....thats if you can get him in the shower. *
Maria is expected to be here around 1030am, and Jay to be here around 11am, JOY!!
Sunday, March 30, 2008
Melissa thursday-friday
I arrived at 3pm , John was due to come (at 3 pm).He is usually on time , Ruth called him before she left , and left him a message he called back shortly there after and said that he was running late.When he arrived Jean informed him that she was not sure if she should work out due to her cold and he agreed with her.She did not want to get him sick , she also had me reschedule charlea from Friday to Sunday.John would like to be called Sunday afternoon to see how jeans doing and if he should plan on coming in on Monday or not.I made a note of this on the calender.
Bill has a little to no appetite , he does not feel that well.I took his temperature on Thursday , he did not have a fever , it was 98.2. he called every 5-10 minutes after 8pm, until 1130 pm,one time he called and said to me ahh are my feet covered they don't feel covered ,i told him they are and to look at them then he said well that because i just covered them. he has been very lackadaisical in doing any thing for himself ,ANYTHING, even turning his head to look and see if a light is turned on for example.Instead he will call to ask,without even looking.
On Friday Susan stopped by to have Bill and jean sign a paper stating that she missed a week of work due to a car accident she got in last year when she was still working here.She left a copy (for skip and Joan)in the entrance way on the draws below the mirror.That is the highlights of my shift.
Bill has a little to no appetite , he does not feel that well.I took his temperature on Thursday , he did not have a fever , it was 98.2. he called every 5-10 minutes after 8pm, until 1130 pm,one time he called and said to me ahh are my feet covered they don't feel covered ,i told him they are and to look at them then he said well that because i just covered them. he has been very lackadaisical in doing any thing for himself ,ANYTHING, even turning his head to look and see if a light is turned on for example.Instead he will call to ask,without even looking.
On Friday Susan stopped by to have Bill and jean sign a paper stating that she missed a week of work due to a car accident she got in last year when she was still working here.She left a copy (for skip and Joan)in the entrance way on the draws below the mirror.That is the highlights of my shift.
Weekend Jennifer
Arrived Friday, Bill and Jean both still hanging on to their colds. Jean had me give a shower I made it really steamy and she sat in there and took deep breaths, she seemed to be better after. Bill sounds really 'wet" I listened to his lung sounds this morning, and they are clear at the bases, but his upper lobes of his lungs are crackling, very gurgle around his bronchi, good news is that they clear out when he gives a few good coughs. I think its residual mucous from their colds. I have noticed Bill hasn't had an appetite, so if we could really watch this, as we may need to adjust his diabetes medication, since hes not been eating as much. Melissa gave him a variety of choices, then she would make the one he picked, and he didn't eat it. Same with my experience, he ate a lot of yogurt this weekend though. I want him to go to the doctor, if anyone can call during the week and make a Farooqui appt, I want to discuss with Farooqui:
Lung sounds (wet)
Decreased Appetite
Increased shakiness, he motor control is terrible, maybe he needs to increase his sinemet.
also has anyone ordered Jean more Briefs? thanks
Jean has been pretty good all weekend, she tore out about 10 pages from a magazine (evil creatures lol) with pictures of how she wants to re model her kitchen and paint new cabinets, I gave her a gentle reminder about the change in living situation. She then wanted to bring all these 'i want it" ad's shopping after lunch with Cookie, I hid them away in a folder, maybe she will forget, Its all the same exact creams/lotions/potions that she has or had.
Bill has been in a new routine, around 930 bed time, he will call you every 15 to 30 minutes on the nose, I don't know if he fears we are gonna leave or what, I reassure him that Im right downstairs, and I can hear him and come right away. He doesn't really want anything when I get up there, in fact he kinda looks around as to why did I call her? So I try to fill in the mental blanks " did you need water? are you cold/hot? change pillows? etc. But inevitably he will still call about various reasons. I just remind him that I will be here and its okay for him to call, for assistance. It usually peters out around 1am he settles in and is okay. Reminder, please when you go in the room, just remind Bill to change positions, he is getting some redness and soreness on his sacral area, the area lowest on his back and above his rectum. Its from sitting in one place, but it can turn to an open wound fast!. and with his poor circulation, age and diabetes it would be detrimental. So even if he just uses the lever on the side to lay back in the chair or move a little to one hip it will encourage blood flow to that area.
House all cleaned, linens changed, all garbage's emptied, refilled, TP / paper towels, briefs, juices, picked up any mags and flyer's left around etc. aired out the house really good.
That's it
Have a great week!
Lung sounds (wet)
Decreased Appetite
Increased shakiness, he motor control is terrible, maybe he needs to increase his sinemet.
also has anyone ordered Jean more Briefs? thanks
Jean has been pretty good all weekend, she tore out about 10 pages from a magazine (evil creatures lol) with pictures of how she wants to re model her kitchen and paint new cabinets, I gave her a gentle reminder about the change in living situation. She then wanted to bring all these 'i want it" ad's shopping after lunch with Cookie, I hid them away in a folder, maybe she will forget, Its all the same exact creams/lotions/potions that she has or had.
Bill has been in a new routine, around 930 bed time, he will call you every 15 to 30 minutes on the nose, I don't know if he fears we are gonna leave or what, I reassure him that Im right downstairs, and I can hear him and come right away. He doesn't really want anything when I get up there, in fact he kinda looks around as to why did I call her? So I try to fill in the mental blanks " did you need water? are you cold/hot? change pillows? etc. But inevitably he will still call about various reasons. I just remind him that I will be here and its okay for him to call, for assistance. It usually peters out around 1am he settles in and is okay. Reminder, please when you go in the room, just remind Bill to change positions, he is getting some redness and soreness on his sacral area, the area lowest on his back and above his rectum. Its from sitting in one place, but it can turn to an open wound fast!. and with his poor circulation, age and diabetes it would be detrimental. So even if he just uses the lever on the side to lay back in the chair or move a little to one hip it will encourage blood flow to that area.
House all cleaned, linens changed, all garbage's emptied, refilled, TP / paper towels, briefs, juices, picked up any mags and flyer's left around etc. aired out the house really good.
That's it
Have a great week!
Saturday, March 29, 2008
JENNIFER TO RUTH
Ruth if you read this please call me at work, cookie called Lunch is on Wednesday NOT tuesday, and you have a hair appt in QC on Wednesday, please get back to me asap, Cookie is waiting to inform Cis. I left ya a message on ur cell phone.
Thanks
Thanks
Friday, March 28, 2008
Overtime/Double Time Policy
Hi Ladies...thanks for all the blogs. This really keeps us current.
In our effort to cut back on some costs, we are going to prohibit any double coverage hours that are not absolutely necessary. Please contact me PRIOR to double coverage hours for approval. We have talked to Bill and Jean and told them that there will be double coverage only in case of Emergency.
Thanks for your cooperation....Joanie
Thursday, March 27, 2008
Thursday 27th Ruth
Pretty good week, came in on Tuesday and got the update from Wedad about what happened over the weekend. I guess Jean was pretty sick and it is going around. Wedad said Bill has been asking for cough syrup and cough drops continually. Bill told me that his ribs were sore from his falls, when I asked him what happened he told me he ran into a wall, which is the exact opposite of what Wedad had told me. I asked him if he actually fell back in his chair and he said "yeah I think that's what happened instead, but I also ran into a wall too."
Dinner went well and the house was quite until bed time, at which point Bill could not get comfortable and need assistance to the restroom every 30 minutes or so. After 12am he slept through the night and was up bright and early. Made breakfast and then got Jean in the shower, Cookie showed up at 11:30am and took Jean to the tailor and Arcadia Farms for lunch. I got Bill in the shower and we left the house around 1:45pm, we had lunch at the Quilted Bear, since it is easy for Bill to get in and out of, not because the food is great or because it is my favorite place, as Jean suggested. Bill and I had a nice lunch and then came home. Cookie and Jean were waiting for us.
Cookie has made a suggestion about a new chair for Bill. One of those chairs that rises with a remote. She claims that Medicare covers them and all we would need to do is get prescription from Farooqui. She left all the information for me to make the appropriate phone calls, but I am going to wait on those calls.
Cookie made a lunch date with Cis, herself and Bill and Jean next Tuesday. I will be in early to help get them ready to go and will take them to the lunch.
A couple of months ago, I was out getting my nails done. A few blocks from my neighborhood a new shopping center opened up and I was walking around the plaza looking at the new shops and getting my nails done. I had heard that Jean's hairdresser Liz- opened her own tanning salon, on a whim I walked into this tanning salon to see if it was the one that Liz owned. I spoke with the young man sitting in the front of the store and it was her tanning salon. He told me that she was working at the salon 5 doors down. I got really excited and came into work the next week and told Jean that I had found Liz and that the new place was fab, in comparison to the "garage" Jean had been going to. Long story short--- I made an appointment for Wed. the 2nd to go out to the new salon. This is the same Liz that Jean found at Mane Attraction in Scottsdale, followed her out into ghetto in PHX and now will see her in QC. Liz and Jean are very excited, and we may do a nail appointment in Tempe if Bill is up to it.
John will be here today at 3pm
Bill and Jean have a lunch date tomorrow at 12:30pm with Skip, Joan, and Chris at Tomaso's if Bill is feeling up to it.
Bill is a little congested today, with a sore throat. We had to cancel the lunch for today and make it for tomorrow, because he wasn't feeling up to it. I already called Charlae to reschedule for 2pm.
Jean inquired about the cost of Charlae, she is thinking of discontinuing her services in light of the cost and Jean's new mission to save. Jean also would like to discuss with Skip and Joan the necessity of John and his fees. I told her to mention it to them at lunch tomorrow.
Have a nice weekend
Dinner went well and the house was quite until bed time, at which point Bill could not get comfortable and need assistance to the restroom every 30 minutes or so. After 12am he slept through the night and was up bright and early. Made breakfast and then got Jean in the shower, Cookie showed up at 11:30am and took Jean to the tailor and Arcadia Farms for lunch. I got Bill in the shower and we left the house around 1:45pm, we had lunch at the Quilted Bear, since it is easy for Bill to get in and out of, not because the food is great or because it is my favorite place, as Jean suggested. Bill and I had a nice lunch and then came home. Cookie and Jean were waiting for us.
Cookie has made a suggestion about a new chair for Bill. One of those chairs that rises with a remote. She claims that Medicare covers them and all we would need to do is get prescription from Farooqui. She left all the information for me to make the appropriate phone calls, but I am going to wait on those calls.
Cookie made a lunch date with Cis, herself and Bill and Jean next Tuesday. I will be in early to help get them ready to go and will take them to the lunch.
A couple of months ago, I was out getting my nails done. A few blocks from my neighborhood a new shopping center opened up and I was walking around the plaza looking at the new shops and getting my nails done. I had heard that Jean's hairdresser Liz- opened her own tanning salon, on a whim I walked into this tanning salon to see if it was the one that Liz owned. I spoke with the young man sitting in the front of the store and it was her tanning salon. He told me that she was working at the salon 5 doors down. I got really excited and came into work the next week and told Jean that I had found Liz and that the new place was fab, in comparison to the "garage" Jean had been going to. Long story short--- I made an appointment for Wed. the 2nd to go out to the new salon. This is the same Liz that Jean found at Mane Attraction in Scottsdale, followed her out into ghetto in PHX and now will see her in QC. Liz and Jean are very excited, and we may do a nail appointment in Tempe if Bill is up to it.
John will be here today at 3pm
Bill and Jean have a lunch date tomorrow at 12:30pm with Skip, Joan, and Chris at Tomaso's if Bill is feeling up to it.
Bill is a little congested today, with a sore throat. We had to cancel the lunch for today and make it for tomorrow, because he wasn't feeling up to it. I already called Charlae to reschedule for 2pm.
Jean inquired about the cost of Charlae, she is thinking of discontinuing her services in light of the cost and Jean's new mission to save. Jean also would like to discuss with Skip and Joan the necessity of John and his fees. I told her to mention it to them at lunch tomorrow.
Have a nice weekend
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
Jennifer Weekend
Sorry all for the delay!!! Very busy week, last semester before graduation. Weekend went well, both Bill and Jean were sick all weekend. Jean sounded worse than she said she felt. She had a little temp 99 on Saturday, I gave her 2 Tylenol. She sounded so stuffy, I gave her a warm steamy shower, and let her sit in the steam, then she had me cover her chest in Vick's. Bill was more c/o stomach virus. I gave him antidiarrhea medication, but not until I let it run through a little, sometimes its not good to stop it, the body is trying to get rid of it for a reason. I pushed fluids on him, and Gatorade. He mostly ate eggs and yogurt, crackers with pb. He wanted pot roast and fried shrimp Saturday night, he said it was the only thing he wanted, Jean looked and ordered it and herself some pot roast too. They ate it ALL.
Jean talked with Amanda on Saturday, she wanted to call her and decline the invite for Sunday, as she didn't feel up to it or Bill and was worried the kids would catch it. Note: Jean told me Amanda said she has called several times and no one answers and or she has left several messages, and no one told Jean. This is second hand from Jean so don't quote me. Jean also said Cookie has complained of not getting through to Jean and missed messages. Jean was understandably upset, I showed Jean the phone and I scrolled through the Caller ID for her, there was calls all the way back to February but only one from Amanda on the 19th of March. I also told Jean we do check the messages as the phone will repeatedly beep when you pick it up. Cookie I know we all avoid her call but I couldn't tell Jean that, and when Cookie does call I write down Jeans schedule nice and big and extra 'busy' and put it in front of Jean with her glasses in case Cookie makes plans with Jean. I really don't know why Cookie makes plans with Jean and doesn't call us back at least to inform us, just pops over. Anyway, I told Jean we would double check the messages at any time, and she can pick up her phone in her bedroom, if she hears the beep beep beep remind us to check them. I also told her we would call Amanda once a week so she can talk, as she was kinda implying that us not picking up has stopped Amanda from bringing the girls over, that was the main reason she was upset. "Amanda said for weeks shes been trying to bring the girls here, and no one answers or calls her back." So I assured her that we will stay in contact better.
Bill, was unstable all weekend, I think he has orthostatic hypotension(low b/p when you get up fast) I reminded I'm to CALL and to get up SLOOOOOOW. and use jeans bathroom. I took Bill to Dr. Khalid appt on Monday, I was coming to pick up my books i left, and heard Jean saying she didnt feel well, I felt bad for Wedad she was in a quandry, as Jean insisted she can stay alone! I made childcare arrangements and took Bill and we headed out. On the way there, he was very funny and talkative, he told me about his large wager with Ruth $1 ( I can spot ya Ruth) regarding "Baraama the Negro and McLain" I was laughing inside, then at Khalids in the waiting room Bill said "well I don't want a Negro or a Skirt running my country!" loooooool all the other patients were older than moses so I don't think they heard.
Mary did INR it was 1.7 perfect, we will keep him on 5mg of coumadin. Soon we may be able to go only twice a month. On the way home, I got Bill inside, he was very winded, I insisted he stop and rest he insisted that he is fine, he walked into the door jamb, then a hanging picture, I got him to his chair, he turned around, and fell so fast into his chair it tipped OVER. completely upside down. Thank God Wedad was right in the kitchen, and came running to help me lift Bill and Chair up. He is fine, but its NOT fine that he keeps falling, I did tell Khalid, and wrote him a note, and called the office and left a message with Deb his RN. He isn't on Coreg. I told Bill on the way to Khalids, we need to talk to Khalid about falling, but Bill was kinda, rationalizing it, long story short, he felt that admitting he is falling will be an instant one way ticket to a nursing home. I told him Bill that's NOT true. it may be a medical reason, we have to be honest and you have to be honest with us. And the best way to prevent falls is to Call us to assist him. I re assured him that one has nothing to do with the other, and they are NOT going to a 'nursing home'.
I washed all the blankets in the house in hot water, boiled the toothbrushes, all dishes in dishwasher, lysoled every light switch, door knob, chair, remote etc. Germophobs are good to have in Post Cold/Flu clean up!
That's it for now.
OHHHHH
Briefs for Jean from One point patient care, the Walgreen's ones are cheap, if anyone has time to order them.
'7
Jean talked with Amanda on Saturday, she wanted to call her and decline the invite for Sunday, as she didn't feel up to it or Bill and was worried the kids would catch it. Note: Jean told me Amanda said she has called several times and no one answers and or she has left several messages, and no one told Jean. This is second hand from Jean so don't quote me. Jean also said Cookie has complained of not getting through to Jean and missed messages. Jean was understandably upset, I showed Jean the phone and I scrolled through the Caller ID for her, there was calls all the way back to February but only one from Amanda on the 19th of March. I also told Jean we do check the messages as the phone will repeatedly beep when you pick it up. Cookie I know we all avoid her call but I couldn't tell Jean that, and when Cookie does call I write down Jeans schedule nice and big and extra 'busy' and put it in front of Jean with her glasses in case Cookie makes plans with Jean. I really don't know why Cookie makes plans with Jean and doesn't call us back at least to inform us, just pops over. Anyway, I told Jean we would double check the messages at any time, and she can pick up her phone in her bedroom, if she hears the beep beep beep remind us to check them. I also told her we would call Amanda once a week so she can talk, as she was kinda implying that us not picking up has stopped Amanda from bringing the girls over, that was the main reason she was upset. "Amanda said for weeks shes been trying to bring the girls here, and no one answers or calls her back." So I assured her that we will stay in contact better.
Bill, was unstable all weekend, I think he has orthostatic hypotension(low b/p when you get up fast) I reminded I'm to CALL and to get up SLOOOOOOW. and use jeans bathroom. I took Bill to Dr. Khalid appt on Monday, I was coming to pick up my books i left, and heard Jean saying she didnt feel well, I felt bad for Wedad she was in a quandry, as Jean insisted she can stay alone! I made childcare arrangements and took Bill and we headed out. On the way there, he was very funny and talkative, he told me about his large wager with Ruth $1 ( I can spot ya Ruth) regarding "Baraama the Negro and McLain" I was laughing inside, then at Khalids in the waiting room Bill said "well I don't want a Negro or a Skirt running my country!" loooooool all the other patients were older than moses so I don't think they heard.
Mary did INR it was 1.7 perfect, we will keep him on 5mg of coumadin. Soon we may be able to go only twice a month. On the way home, I got Bill inside, he was very winded, I insisted he stop and rest he insisted that he is fine, he walked into the door jamb, then a hanging picture, I got him to his chair, he turned around, and fell so fast into his chair it tipped OVER. completely upside down. Thank God Wedad was right in the kitchen, and came running to help me lift Bill and Chair up. He is fine, but its NOT fine that he keeps falling, I did tell Khalid, and wrote him a note, and called the office and left a message with Deb his RN. He isn't on Coreg. I told Bill on the way to Khalids, we need to talk to Khalid about falling, but Bill was kinda, rationalizing it, long story short, he felt that admitting he is falling will be an instant one way ticket to a nursing home. I told him Bill that's NOT true. it may be a medical reason, we have to be honest and you have to be honest with us. And the best way to prevent falls is to Call us to assist him. I re assured him that one has nothing to do with the other, and they are NOT going to a 'nursing home'.
I washed all the blankets in the house in hot water, boiled the toothbrushes, all dishes in dishwasher, lysoled every light switch, door knob, chair, remote etc. Germophobs are good to have in Post Cold/Flu clean up!
That's it for now.
OHHHHH
Briefs for Jean from One point patient care, the Walgreen's ones are cheap, if anyone has time to order them.
'7
Saturday, March 22, 2008
Sat. March 22 - Chris
This is the first time I've actually successfully gotten on the blog to reply:)
This is great and Jennifer, your suggestions for money saving steps are perfect. I agree with all of them.
Just want you all to know what a great job you are doing with the folks. These last few weeks have been difficult for Skip, Joan and me, but we will come to an agreeable solution for all (we hope). You all are really on top of matters. Thank you for your really great blog. I love reading this. Chris
This is great and Jennifer, your suggestions for money saving steps are perfect. I agree with all of them.
Just want you all to know what a great job you are doing with the folks. These last few weeks have been difficult for Skip, Joan and me, but we will come to an agreeable solution for all (we hope). You all are really on top of matters. Thank you for your really great blog. I love reading this. Chris
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Skip
I wanted to take a few minutes to communicate with you regarding Mom and Dad and the current plans we have been discussing with them. Before I go into what we have been planning, I need to bring to everyone’s attention a situation that we have to get under control immediately. Mom has been writing checks for caregiver hours and other items which should be paid either by Joan through the folk’s household account or by me through their caregiver account. Please do not go to either Mom or Dad for checks for these items. With respect to any caregiver hours, those hours have to be reported to Tara each week and I must issue all checks for caregiver services. As you are all aware, we have to get Jean’s spending under control. To do this, I have worked with Mom and will be reviewing her checking account with her each month. I will make sure she has a certain amount of money in that account each month which she is to use only for her personal items. She is not to pay household bills, massages, caregiver hours, meds, etc. Those items are all to be paid by Joan through their household account or by me through the caregiver account.
With respect the plans we have been discussing with the folks, we are trying to accomplish three things. The first is to come up with a long term plan for their care which takes into account what might happen if one of them should suffer another serious medical problem which would necessitate more intense daily care. We want to make sure that should that happen, they are not separated due to the type of care facility available to them. It surprises us, but the skilled-care procedures in most of the care facilities we visited (and we visited about all of them in this area) result in many cases in people being separated once a certain care level is required for one of them. This is something we just will not allow to happen to our parents.
The second goal is to provide an environment where the folks can engage in other activities and meet other people without being dependent on others to drive them somewhere or to arrange for people to somehow get to them. We visited many care facilities which have in-house activities, concerts, movies, classes, and a whole host of other events which Mom and Dad can take advantage of just by walking down to the lobby or other meetings areas, the on-site restaurants and cafes, and other in-house facilities. We also want the facility to have its own vans and other means of transportation providing daily trips for shopping, theatres, museums, and other activities. The right environment would allow Mom to be more active and give her more opportunities to do things without being totally dependent on others and without having to worry about Dad if he does not want to participate. The right environment might also allow Dad to be more active and engage in more activities.
The third goal is to provide for their continued care at a cost they can reasonably afford. We want them to enjoy their lives for many more years and to be as active during those years as possible. I think all of you are aware that while it has been worth every penny we have spent, we simply cannot continue to afford the costs of the coverage they now have. While their current coverage is the best, it doesn’t provide a plan for what we will have to do if one of them requires additional care in the future. In addition, their house has become a major expense and will require major upgrading and renovation in the near future.
We are recommending Sunrise to Mom and Dad as the care facility they should move to. It is located practically across the street from Dr. Farooqui’s office – in fact, Dr. Farooqui’s partner spends days at Sunrise providing on-site medical care for the residents who want it. Because the apartments at Sunrise are small (we all immediately started laughing when we saw the closets), we have arranged to combine two units together. While this will not provide Mom with the closet space she wants (of course, ASU Stadium wouldn’t do that either), it will provide them with a very nice environment. Mom can even do some decorating. Sunrise has the on-site facilities and activities we have been looking for, and the transportation we also wanted. More importantly, Sunrise is set up so that as residents require more intensive care, it can be provided without moving then to other facilities. They can stay together and receive the increased care needed in their current apartment unless they choose to make some sort of change. This was the most important factor in making our selection.
Assuming the folks agree to make this move (they have seen the facilities and have initially agreed to this – but the final decision remains with them), it will probably take place over the next 45 days. And as always, we will need your help. We obviously want to transition them over very carefully. We will continue to need your services after they have moved. On what days and for how many hours, we don’t know. What we would like to do is meet with all of you to hear your thoughts on all of this and to help us come up with a plan for the transition. Chris and Joan will speak with you to arrange a time so we can do so.
As always, thank you all for your dedication and hard work. Please let us know any questions you have or any suggestions you may have. In the meantime, we will set up a time so we can get together and discuss the transition.
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