WOE IS ME! I FELL AGAIN

September 23, 2012

By Olivene Godfrey

Following a busy week, I was taking it easy last Saturday.  Barry bought groceries Saturday morning and then he and friend, Larry went to Dalton to eat lunch at a restaurant, and then do some shopping.
I don't really know why I fell but I landed on the den floor.  I felt myself falling and fell forward against a chair.  I grabbed the arm of the chair.  I remember thinking for a split second that I almost fell and then I sat down hard on the floor.  I didn't have my phone with me and I felt shaken and scared.  I pushed my Life Line alert button I wear on a cord around my neck.  Life Line came on the line and asked if I was hurt.  At that point, I didn't know.  They called Barry on his cell phone.  He and Larry were on their way home.  Barry was scared but I didn't think I was hurt.
He called my Home Health nurse who is on call 24 hours a day.  She came out and checked my vital signs and asked questions.  She didn't think I was hurt.  I have been having pain in my back and bottom where I landed so hard on the floor, but I think I'll feel okay soon.
On Friday night Barry had a small fall in the kitchen and sprained his wrist.  I don't know why we are falling now.  Things are otherwise fine with us and we pray that we won't fall again.  My back and bottom are quite sore and I feel stiff.  I am writing this Sunday night and the therapists will be here tomorrow and I hope I feel better then.
Last Friday, Tam took me to the mall to shop.  I used the Belk gift card and am happy with my purchases.  I was so tired when we got home about noon Tam and I decided to postpone my therapist sessions.  I think I over did it last week and will try to pace myself better this week.
See you next time.
(As told to Tam)

KALEDIOSCOPE VIEW OF PAST WEEK

September 20, 2012

By Olivene Godfrey

I am writing this early Wednesday morning and I was awake all night.  Being with people stimulates my nervous system.  I have felt better lately and hope I'll survive this week, since I am having more activity than usual.
Last Sunday, son Barry drove me to Ingles Super Market and it's a mini adventure when I shop at the large store.  Because of my poor health I hadn't been to Ingles in several years.  The store is spacious with the interior painted white and the high ceiling has a sky light.  The aisles are wide and the store has a wide variety of foods and other stuff.  I bought some greeting cards. Since I was in my wheelchair, Barry had to help me choose the cards I wanted.  After we left the store, Barry took me on a tour of Chatsworth, since I hadn't been there in so long.  It was an enjoyable treat.
I hadn't bought any new clothes in several years.  Since it's hard for me to shop in stores now, I ordered several garments from a catalog and am enjoying them.  And, the new clothes gave me a lift.  I have a gift card Barry gave me for Christmas last year, but I haven't felt up to going and using it.  I hope Tam and I can get to Dalton soon, so I can use the card.
Yesterday I had an appointment with my blood doctor in Calhoun.  My blood test was okay and I didn't need a booster shot.  Tam drove me to Barry's Dalton shop so he could take me to Calhoun.  While we were at the shop we had a nice visit with our friend, Kym, who works in the shop's sales department.  We also saw Sheila, the shop's secretary.
The home health therapists will be here today and I hope I'll have the energy to do my excercises.
Tam and her son, Corey, hiked seven miles on a mountain trail last Sunday.  Tam must be in really good health as she has felt fine all week.
See you next time.
(As told to Tam)

TRYING TO CONQUER OLD FEAR

September 13, 2012

By Olivene Godfrey
It's been over two years since I had the horrible VERTIGO DROP attack.  And I still suffer at times from the trauma that was so frightening that I am afraid to walk from one room to another when I'm alone in the house.  (You don't have to be a psychiatrist to realize I'm probably scared I'll have another vertigo attack if I'm alone.)
I've had therapy several times during the past two years but to no avail.  The home health physical therapist and occupational therapist have started treaments again for this problem.  So far they seem to be on the right track this time.  They are trying to build my confidence so I'll be able to conquer the fear that rules my life.  At this point, I'm unable to cook in the kitchen or even fix a snack.  And, I can't do any housework or laundry.  Tam, my caregiver and friend, and son Barry do everything for me.  I'll be 85 in December, and I'm not physically able to do the things I did for so many years.  But, I pray that I will be able to prepare a simple meal and other things soon.  (I've told Barry that if I have a miraculous recovery, I'm still not giving up Tam.  He agreed, we can't do without her now.)  Please remember me in your prayers.
A few days ago, Tam brought me a beautiful bouquet of red roses that were planted and cared for by her late mother.  Tam also gave me a rose bush in the spring and Barry has been caring for it.
See you next time.
(As told to Tam)

THOUGHTS ON PAST WEEK

September 5, 2012

By Olivene Godfrey
This time of year here in Georgia's high country, grass and foliage usually are a brownish hue and the days are still hot and sunny.  Because of the hurricane in the Gulf, we've been having a lot of rain, and everything is lush and green and the patio plants are thriving.  The marigolds are gorgeous, just as we envisioned them, when Barry planted the small flowers in a large container on the patio in the spring.  Unfortunately, the hated ragweed is blooming like crazy, causing we allergy sufferers much pain and discomfort.
Our pear tree is bearing fruit and son Barry gathered the perfectly shaped pears to take to work for his co-workers to enjoy.  I like pears but my gut doesn't like them.  So, I don't eat the delicious fruit.
I had a nice telephone chat this week with my late husband's sister, Agnes.  She lives in northeast Georgia so we don't see each other often.  She is in good health and had walked a mile that day on her treadmill.
Last week, Tam drove me to a Dalton beauty shop where her daughter, Carrie Jackson, is a hair stylist.  Carrie shampooed my hair, cut it, dried and curled it, so it looked pretty. (It still does , too.)  Barry made a picture of me and posted it on his Facebook page and readers had kind words to say about it.
Later, I'll have more to tell you about my novel which Tam is preparing for publication soon.
See you next time,
(As told to Tam)