FOLLOWING TWO DOCTOR VISITS, I HAVE A LOT ON MY MIND AND AM TRYING TO STAY CALM

February 20, 2013

By Olivene Godfrey

I had a recent check up with my primary care doctor.  She heard a clicking sound when she listened to my lungs and ordered an xray which showed scar tissue.  Since I have a severe case of COPD that wasn't surprising.  But, I was very ill last year for about a month with double pneumonia.  The doctor wanted me have a CT scan as a precaution and to see how much damage the pneumonia may have done.  So next week I'll have the CT scan and a complete blood work-up.  I can't eat or drink anything after midnight the night before the test.  Please remember me in your prayers.

Yesterday, I had an appointment with my eye doctor.  Following the usual tests, I talked to the doctor.  He said that my eyes are still healthy with no eye disease.  But, my eye lids excessive skin is severe.  I will see him again in a month and hopefully be able to schedule eye lid surgery.  We want to wait for the results of the CT scan before setting a date for the surgery.  So, I have a lot on my mind this week and am trying to remain calm.

Last week, Tam drove me to the Dalton beauty shop where her pretty daughter, Carrie, shampooed, cut and set my hair.  She has magical fingers and now I have a pretty new hair do.

My sister, Jeanette, recently advised me to sleep on a satin pillow to keep my hair looking nice.  Tam gave me two satin pillow cases and I bought a satin bonnet.  And, it really works!

I told son, Barry about this and he reminded me that I should have had a daughter who would tell me these things.  I told him I have Tam, an honorary daughter.  It would be impossible for me not to love Tam because of all she does for me and for Barry.  I pointed out, I am fortunate to have a son like him, and Tam in my life.

See you next time.  (As told to Tam)

EYELID SURGERY POSSIBILITY FOR ME AGAIN AND SOME THOUGHTS ON BEING TOO BIG FOR YOUR BRITCHES

February 14, 2013



By Olivene Godfrey

Some of you may remember that about this time last year, I was preparing to have eyelid surgery for my droopy lids which were interfering with my vision.  But, I came down with double pneumonia and was very ill for about a month.  Then I was recuperating for several months.

As I write this, I'm still having difficulty seeing and reading or watching TV.  I think my left eye is worse than it was a year ago.  I have an appointment with my eye doctor in a few days for a complete eye exam and to discuss the possibility of having the surgery soon.

My primary care doctor thinks I should have the surgery.  And, one of the home health nurses told me I would look like a raccoon from the swelling and bruising for about a week.  My neighbor/friend, Genevelyn's beau, Troy recently had the surgery and told me there wasn't any pain during or after the surgery.  But you need ice packs on your eyes for 48 hours to keep from swelling too much.

I wouldn't consider the surgery only for cosmetic reasons, but I'm tired of not being able to see well.  I'll tell you more after I see the eye doctor.

Like a lot of women, I have several sizes of clothes, especially pants.  Tam has been hemming some of my pants which are too long.  She found some pants in a closet that I had forgotten about and hemmed them.  I have been wearing them at home.  And, believe me, if your largest size pants are too tight, well, you're in trouble!  I've started exercising again.  Tam knows I don't eat a lot and believes I've gained weight because I'm not very active now.

See you next time  (As told to Tam)

TV POLKA SHOW EVOKES MEMORY OF A LONG AGO TIME WHEN I PLAYED A BIG ACCORDION ON RADIO SHOW

February 6, 2013

By Olivene Godfrey
The TV show on RFD TV which stars Mollie B and her accordion, playing polkas, reminds me of a time long ago when I was billed as the "Little Girl with the Big Accordion".
One of my favorites to play was Bear Barrel Polka.  I was a member of a group of children who starred on a Chattanooga radio station's show on Friday afternoons.
I was a tiny girl and my daddy bought the huge accordion for me.  I could play the piano and the accordion was easy for me.  I would have a nervous stomach before the show went on the air and my mother would give me a dose of the "pink stuff".  Those were the days!
We recently had a brief snowfall.  The snow was pretty as it fell but we were relieved when the sun came out and melted it.  It was cold so I used the electric throw Barry gave me for Christmas a couple of years ago and it was warm and cozy.
I saw my doctor for a check-up this week, and we discussed some of my recent problems.  As I write this, I am waiting for a call from the doctor's office to notify me of a CAT scan appointment.  More on this subject later.
I have started taking the supplement COQ10 which my doctor told me to take and I think it has already given me more energy.
See you next time.  (As told to Tam)