Gift of RA

I’ve been more conscious of writing posts about things other than myself and my health the past 2 or 3 times – not always of interest to people.  There is the feeling of finally coming to end of all the stuff I have been doing and going through since the car accident last summer.

Thursday I had the MOHS surgery for my temple – he took out a larger section than I expected – once again, I had put it off much too long.  Not thrilled with the needles, though the temple isn’t quite as tender and sensitive as the nose.  My appointment was for 9:45 in the morning, but it took longer because the sample was bigger than usual.  Also, he had to go back for a couple of spots that he didn’t quite get all if it.  By the time I was able to leave, it was 3.  Needless to say, Eddie was getting very impatient with the wait.  I don’t know if it helped or hindered when I told him this is how I spend a lot of my life.

I was exhausted by the time we were finished and was ready for bed.  By the time we went to bed at 9, I was too tired to sleep, so I didn’t do so well that night.  Friday morning the skin graft was at 9:45.  The doc had said he would take it from my neck; after he had the report and pictures, he decided to take it from my thigh.  I went under and didn’t know anything until I work up – my thigh and temple were fine – the pain stuff had me comfortable.  I was going to take a nap when I came home, but Percocet kept me awake and most of the night as well.  I am off Percocet now because it doesn’t help all that well and since he arranged the bandage on my temple (looks like a small ice bag sewn on)  so I can wear my glasses.  I am taking it very easy this weekend and week – I have an appointment with my rheumatologist on Wednesday morning, wound care Thursday and appointment with the plastic surgeon Friday morning and I can drive – as long as I am not on Percocet.

I think I wrote about my second opinion for the reverse shoulder replacement and she was the first one to really explain what was going on in detail.  I saw the original surgeon on Friday the 13th and when I discussed my concerns, I felt he minimized and dismissed my concerns – he thought the risks very low.  I told him they are worrisome to me and although he is gung ho to do surgery, I am not.  The higher risk factors are worrisome to me; I have to have a positive feeling about it and since I don’t, I am not doing the surgery.  He also told me my bone hasn’t quite healed – something the second opinion doctor told as well.  He wants to see me in 6 months – not sure why, but I don’t expect my decision to change.

Monday I went to talk to Rb about the case and what I had decided.  They will put together all the information and  submit a demand to the other insurance company – we’ll see what happens.  Fortunately for them, not doing the surgery is less costly, though I do have a disability by not doing it.  That’s why they deal with it and not me.

The week before at Breakfast Club, I was due for a 15 minute presentation two weeks from then – Bryan wasn’t available so I changed to last week.  Probably not the best idea because I planned to put together survival kits for the group.  Since I don’t know who will be there, I had to have one for everyone – a lot more work.  I had done it about 3 or 4 years ago and the cast of characters has changed a lot in that time.   I really needed 2 weeks to do it because I had to make changes and be sure things were set right.

However, by working on it all the time for a week, I was able to have them done by Tuesday night, I wanted to be able to go to sleep knowing I was ready for Wednesday morning.  As I was handing them out, I noticed I hadn’t quite done a few right, upside down or reversed clip art, wrong words, etc.  Don’t know how much anyone noticed.

I put backgrounds on the labels this time, last time they were just white.  I took a 4″ x 6″ zip bag and put the things on the list inside – then folded over the label and stapled it to the back.  I put each one in a organza bag to finish them.  Below is one of the labels.

I bought some glossy photo paper to print the labels, but I couldn’t get it to print.  So I had to use regular copy paper – didn’t come out as nice looking as I wanted.  However, not sure if I am the only one who knew.  Anyway, it was fun and a bit of a laugh – shows them my creative side for promotions.  Eddie said he really admired my tenacity – I’ll take that part of the compliment.  I realize I am a perfectionist in some things, I had to decide good enough would suffice.

I also helped Brad (our contractor for the bath and kitchen remodels) land another remodel job.  He asked if I would give a reference and I said “Absolutely!”.  I think I helped me a bit ago for a remodel as well.  The couple emailed me (they live in Burien) and had questions, so I answered them about how much I like working with Brad and what a great job he does.  I also offered for them to come over and see his work.  That feels so good to help Brad.