I CAN SEE A LITTLE LIGHT AT THE END OF THE TUNNEL

By OLIVENE GODFREY

First, son Barry made some changes in this space recently. Please let me know how you like it in the Comments welcomed section.

I can see a small light at the end of the tunnel. It's been two weeks since I had the vertigo attack. These attacks are spontaneous falls while standing or walking followed by a scary, spinning sensation of your surroundings. Mine was the most traumatic experience of my long life. I am recovering nicely from the physical fall but it is taking me longer to overcome the psychological damage to my mind and I am still scared when I'm alone in the house. My mind says my legs are weak even though they are strong. So, my therapist thinks my problem is my balance and he is giving me intensive work outs to help my balance. He thinks I will be ready soon to resume using my cane instead of the walker I am using now.

Like many compulsive writers I feel compelled to write about what is happening in my life, good or bad. Bear with me and pray I will be healed soon.

Barry is still taking good care of me while doing the housework, cooking, shopping, etc... And, my good neighbor, Genevelyn, stayed with me when I was having an anxiety attack. I have these often which the medical people say is normal for me now. I pray they end soon as it is impossible for me to lead a normal life with them.

The Home Health people, especially the nurse and physical therapist assigned to my case,have been very kind to me.

Please remember me in your prayers.

See you next time.

Comments welcome.

IF IT WEREN'T FOR BAD LUCK, I'D HAVE NO LUCK AT ALL


I am, hopefully, recovering from a traumatic and painful episode last Saturday morning. I was feeling fine and looking forward to some spring activities as I stood in front of the pantry removing food when I suddenly felt faint. I called out for Barry who was in his room, and the next instant I had fallen flat on my back on the kitchen floor and I became hysterical as the room began to spin around me. Barry was scared and tried to console me and then helped me get to my bedroom. The rest is a blur in my mind. Later we found out I had a Vertigo drop attack.

The next day I was more normal but since then I have been weak as water and am having to take it easy and just let things I normally would have done go.

Barry is being his wonderful self as he takes care of me and the people at the local Home Help and physical therapists are helping me along with a smart monitor which recorded my vital signs every morning and sends them to the center.

I don't know when I will be able to talk to you again. Please remember me in your prayers.

comments welcome

Olivene Godfrey

MEDICAL UPDATE & SUNDAY OUTING

By OLIVENE GODFREY

Last week was busy for me and the next two weeks will be even more hectic. Because of my weak legs, my doctor recently prescribed Physical Therapy and a couple of procedures to try to help me regain my balance and to increase my bone density. I had the DEXA several years ago and it is a scan that shows the current condition of my osteoporosis. So. I know what to expect of this test which lasts about 45 minutes.

I had never heard of the Reclast, a once a year treatment for postmenopausal osteoporosis. Reclast is an IV, so it bypasses your digestive system, going to work to help protect you from fracture for l2 months. When you have osteoporosis, old bone break down faster than new bone can form. Over time, the bones become weak enough for simple stresses to cause a fracture.

Reclast has some serious side effects and I have also heard it may cause fever, joint and muscle pain or flu-like symptoms after injection. I am scheduled to have the DEXA this coming week and the Reclast the following week. I was interviewed by a case worker last week. I will be notified when the Physical Therapy will begin. I will keep you posted regarding this program.

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I rarely left the house except for doctor visits this past winter. So, Barry and I had lunch today at the Village in Chatsworth. I had a prescription to be picked up at Ingles Super store and I hadn't been there is ages. So, we took my wheelchair and Barry gave me a tour of the spacious store.

Yesterday, Barry went to the Hobby Lobby and bought a pretty spring bouquet which we took to the cemetery to put in the vase on my late husband's grave.

It was nice to get out but buds are out on some trees and my allergy has been raging since we returned home. I also am having an IBS attack. I will rest a while now.

See you next time.