ANOTHER MEDICAL SHOCK FOR ME!

By OLIVENE GODFREY

I want to live until my 80th birthday December 10 but I am having a lot of obstacles along the way. I had fainting spells which caused me to fall twice in a few weeks . Then I was diagnosed with low sodium and have been having lots of pain from my arthritis. While I was trying to cope with all of this, I was diagnosed with Anemia which my doctor thinks is due to weak blood due to lack of iron in my diet. I have had blood tests to determine which kind of Anemia I have before I can start treatment. As I write this, I am waiting for the tests results.

I have felt tired and weak lately but it never crossed my mind that I had Anemia. It is obvious I don't have a psychic bone in my body as all bad news for me is a complete shock.

Again, I am asking for your prayers. I have to take rest breaks often to function. When I find out the tests results, I will let you know.

See you next time.

UPDATE ON MY MOUNTING MEDICAL PROBLEMS

By OLIVENE GODFREY

I will try to give you a coherent brief report on what has been happening to me this week. After a recent fainting spell that resulted in the tail bone injury, I have fainted and fallen again, this time flat on my back in my bedroom. I carry a small phone with me all the time and after trying to get up, I called Barry who rushed home and called 911. I will tell you later about the wild ambulance trips to first the local hospital and next the one in nearby Dalton. No bones were broken. I was given a complete exam and some lab problems showed up which I will see my family doctor about in a few days. The ER doctors and my doctor are concerned with my fainting episodes which could become more dangerous than they have been so far. I am unable to relax when I am alone now as I am so afraid I will faint and fall again. Please continue to remember me in your prayers and hope that I am able to enjoy the pretty fall weather more than I did this past summer.

See you next time,I hope!!!!!

WOE IS ME! I HAVE A BROKEN TAILBONE!

By OLIVENE GODFREY

I have broken my tail bone and am in a lot of pain. I can't tolerate prescription pain medicine as it causes me to be nauseated and have hallucinations. I am taking Aleve which helps some but not enough. I guess I am going to have to just tough it out but it is hard to do. For some reason, the arthritis in my knees has been acting up, too. When it rains, it pours.

I will write a column as soon as I start feeling better. Son Barry has been helping me and taking care of housework. My good neighbor, Genevelyn. has offered to help and I have her phone number posted on the fridge door, in case I need to call for help. Please remember me in your prayers.

See you next week.

COME POUR THE WINE....

By OLIVENE GODFREY

The young UPS man left a large package at the door, then pushed the door chimes button and headed back to his truck. I happened to see him and opened my door and struggled
to lift the large package. The UPS man saw me when he reached his truck and he dashed back and asked if I needed help. I told him if he could lift the package, I could bring it inside,
and I added that before I got old and feeble,I could easily have lifted the package.

He smiled and said, "Hey, you're like aged, fine wine. You just grow finer every day".

After he left, I closed the door and felt my troubles drain away. What a lovely thing the young man said to me. So, it's a cliché. Who cares? For myself, I say, come pour the wine on me as I feel like these words by Otto Van Isch," I have yet to be bored by someone paying me a compliment."

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Last week, I had an appointment with my family doctor for a mini checkup and to have blood work to determine if I still have low sodium in my blood. I should have a report on that in a few days. I go back in three months to be checked again. Somehow, I have to see my dentist for a checkup and cleaning and the eye doctor for my annual exam soon.

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I recently watched an enjoyable country music program on Georgia Public Service network, starring veteran stars Ray Price, Merle Haggard, Willie Nelson and Ray Benson and Asleep at the Wheel who toured in the summer, promoting their album, " Last of the Breed." Each of these stars have their own style with voices that can be immediately recognized. Today's young country stars all look and sound a like. I doubt that George Jones could be promoted for the song" He Stopped Loving Her Today" by today's music bosses. Real country music is like my friend, Julia, often says, "tells it like it is".

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I have been trying to follow the advice in the quote that goes, put off until tomorrow what you'll make a mess of today. The problem is, I have a hard time finding the "perfect time" for some of my chores or projects.

Quote: The best way to judge an individual is by observing how he treats people who can do him absolutely no good. " Ann Landers.

See you next time.