I fell in the kitchen last weekend

By Olivene Godfrey

I fell in the kitchen last weekend resulting in aches and bruises and two cuts on my left leg. I have tried so hard not to fall this past year as I have a history of falling. I hope and pray that I'll heal soon and not have anymore falls.

See you again soon.

RANDOM THOUGHTS ON A SPRING DAY

May 25, 2012

By Olivene Godfrey
Our patio looks pretty now with the new plants Barry has bought recently, and the ones we keep inside in the winter months.  Yesterday, Barry helped me walk to the patio so I could see the Christmas Cactus in full gorgeous bloom in May!  Tam says her late mother's Christmas Cactus is also blooming now.
Our neighbor and friend, Genevelyn, is recovering from Shingles.  This brought back memories of ten years ago when son, Barry and I had a HORRIBLE case of Shingles.  My late husband had been in bad health for a number of years and we took care of him until his death in 2002.  We think our Shingles were caused by stress.  We are praying that Genevelyn recovers completely soon.
I am still having problems with my eyes, especially the left eye.  My eye doctor told me I needed eyelid surgery, as my droopy eyelids are covering my lashes, causing visions problems.  The surgery date had been set when I had double pneumonia recently and had to postpone the surgery.  I need to have the surgery when I am completely well again.
The Home Health people have completed their month long visits except for the nurse who Tam and I like.  She will continue to check on me once a week for a few more weeks.
I hope and pray that I will completely recover soon.  The Home Health people think I have made amazing progress since I returned home.  They helped me get a nice walker which I use in the house and on the patio.  The walker gives me more confidence than my cane.
It seems strange to have a month blank period in my life.  I don't remember much about the period when I had double pneumonia.  I do remember vividly the scary HALLUCINATIONS and think I'll never forget them.  Ten years ago I was in the hospital with pneumonia and also had hallucinations which I still vividly remember.  I have decided I want to die in my bed at home when the time comes.
My sincere thanks to Tam who types my blogs now, and to Barry who has edited them for the past nine years.  Here's to happier times!  See you next time.
(As told to Tam)

TOUGH SISTERS - STEEL MAGNOLIAS

5/18/2012

By Olivene Godfrey
The Home Health nurse said that I'm a tough lady.  She said some people who had been through all I have in recent months would have given up.  She added that I am a fighter.  I don't know how tough I am, but I am a stubborn fighter, and I am determined to regain my health.
Sometimes it's hard to make it through a day, but I keep going.  Fortunately, I have a strong will power and that helps me to reach my goals.
Speaking of tough ladies.  My sister, Jeanette, is the toughest lady I know.  She has faced tragedy and has been a caregiver for her disabled husband for many years.  During her 80 years she has had about a dozen major surgeries and always bounced back.  She's in constant pain now, and she's fighting to overcome serious side effects of a prescription drug.  She's always been an independent lady and its difficult for her to ask for assistance.  Thankfully, she recently asked for help for her husband, and the wonderful Hospice people are helping her.
Please remember Jeanette in your prayers, and say a little prayer for me, too.  Even tough ladies need all the help they can get.  Some people call southern tough ladies, "STEEL MAGNOLIAS",which seems to be appropriate.
See you next time.
(As told to Tam)

MOTHER'S DAY GOAL REACHED WITH AID OF BLOOD TRANSFUSION AND DESPITE TORRENTIAL RAINS

May 14, 2012

By Olivene Godfrey
Tam drove me to my family doctors office last Tuesday.  While there, the doctor ordered a blood test which revealed that my blood was very low, causing my extreme fatigue.  Meanwhile, my doctor ordered a blood transfusion which I had last Thursday.  I'm feeling stronger and hope and pray I'll be feeling chipper soon.
When I came home, following my recent hospital stay, Tam, Barry and I set a goal for me to feel like going out to eat lunch with Barry on Mother Day.  I hadn't eaten in a restaurant in months and I started mentally preparing for the Big Day.  On Friday, Tam used her magical fingers to "do my hair".
When Barry came home from work he photographed me and posted it on his facebook page.  He received several nice comments from readers about the picture.
Overall, I had an enjoyable weekend.  Tam gave me a red knockout rose bush and sent a sweet message.  Barry gave me a basket of impatients and an extra long hose for my handheld shower.
Barry and I had a delicious lunch on Mother's Day at Western Sizzlin.  As usual, I ate too much.  The torrential rains all day on Mother's Day made the trip to Dalton rough, but we were careful and made it okay.
See you next time
As told to Tam

Plants Welcome Me Home, And Too Many Interesting People Play Havoc With My Nervous System

5/7/2012
By Olivene Godfrey
Our Christmas Cactus is in bloom and is loaded with buds which promise even more.  The Peace Lily and Poinsetta are blooming too.  Barry says the plants are happy I'm home following a long hospital stay.
I'm happy to be home too, but I think before I came home I had expected to feel well with no aches and pains.  If I could just be at home.  Alas, that hasn't been the case, and I still have medical problems.
Now I'm busy on week days with the Home Health people for my various therapies.  Being with interesting people is enjoyable for me but it always over-stimulates my nervous system.  This weekend I have rested and slept a lot.
Tam has been making a list of ailments we need to discuss with my doctor when I see her in a few days.  I will have my blood checked to determine if my Anemia may be causing my fatigue.  I may need a booster shot.
Barry points out to me almost every day that I was very ill for over a month, and it will take a while to recover.  Friends tell me I'm doing great, and the physical therapist was elated when I walked 90 ft. last week.
I am having some interesting therapy, including treatments for Electrical Stimulation for people who have difficulty swallowing.  I'll tell you more about that treatment soon.
See you next time
As told to Tam