I enjoyed last week a lot, I felt a feeling of well-being and energy – something I haven’t felt for a long time. Yesterday I went to see my rheumatologist before I went to have my second infusion. I did the first one two weeks ago so she wanted to know if I had noticed anything. When I said a feeling of well-being, she said that is often what people first notice. After seeing her, I went up stairs for my infusion – I asked for the corner suite, but it was occupied. When I was there two weeks ago, I had it and it was quite enjoyable to look out to the west and the south – didn’t see much of the harbor because of all the tall buildings in front. Looking to the south I could see the freeway and there weren’t buildings blocking it. Unfortunately, both times it wasn’t sunny, just cloudy and sulking.
However, all of the IV nurses at the Infusion Center were really nice, gentle when putting in the needle. It takes about 45 minutes to do the infusion, plus they get it started by doing a saline solution at the same time. They also offer drinks, soup, not sure what else. The first time I was really tired, so I had the chair reclined and I dozed during the treatment. I moved my elbow and that set off the alarm. This time she put it in very well and it was fine if I moved. I had forgotten my book the last time, so I remembered this time. It made the time go by quickly, plus I was really into the book and its story. I had apple juice, it tasted cool and really refreshing.
After the infusion, I had to go to Radiology to have hand and foot x-rays so there is a baseline to measure if there are changes as a result of Orencia. After I finished there, I went to see my Mom. I decided to stop and have something to eat and read for a bit. When I got there, I found her sitting in her chair sleeping. It really hit me, who was this old woman sitting in my Mom’s chair? She didn’t look like my Mom – I didn’t expect that. Then I found she is now using a walker – she has fluid buildup in her legs and it is really bothering her knees. She won’t keep her feet above her head to help reduce the fluid so she is more comfortable. Sucker punch two. When I saw her last Friday, she was sleepy, so I didn’t stay very long. She is doing well, but she mumbles a lot and I am not sure what she is saying. She is pleased to see me and glad I come to visit, though I don’t know how much she remembers. I thought I had come to terms with what is happening – NEWS FLASH – looks as though I haven’t. Now we are getting to the really hard part.
It has been that kind of week since I came home from the seminar. I came home and found Eddie had trouble with his computer – after a while I kept thinking things don’t quite add up. I ended up Monday morning doing a system restore – I had it written down from the last time because I wasn’t sure I would remember. I was able to restore it and it is fine, though it cost Eddie $300 and a lot of worry – it was a stupid virus scam. I figured a system restore should do it, though there was a part of me that was worried I would screw it up. So the worst that could happen was I screw it up royally and then call Larry to fix it. What a relief to have it restored and Eddie didn’t lose his Round Up and have to do it all over again. Hooray for me!
I went to see my chiropractor after that and as always enjoyed my adjustment – plus my neck and shoulder were much more comfortable. I was really looking forward to my afternoon nap to rest up from the weekend. I ended up spending an hour in bumper to bumper traffic on 167 – would have been better off going on I-5. Some days are like that. When I got home, there was a message on my voicemail – a small financial crisis that showed me just how little I can do on some of Mom’s affairs. Well, if nothing, it was informative. So I had to go to her bank and later out to the Post Office to take care of it. At times it felt as if things were falling around me, but when I was done, I felt I handled it competently – I also knew to ask for help from the Universe as well as people at the bank. I had a feeling of accomplishment, though those three hours felt rather tense at times.
The only thing that made my heart go pity pat was that when I checked Mom’s checking account, she had too much money. So I have to spend some to make sure she is below $2000 or she could be disqualified for Medicaid. We had to buy some things for ourselves at Bartell’s, so I bought some things she needs – still have more to spend. This is crazy, I have to make sure it isn’t over their limit when they check one minute after midnight on the first of the month.
I have a massage tomorrow morning and I am so looking forward to that!
Gift of RA 