TAM MADE IT TODAY

January 31, 2014

By Olivene Godfrey

As I write this, the sun is shining brightly and you wouldn't know that because of the rough cold weather, things are still not back to normal here.

Barry couldn't make it to work until this morning, and Tam hasn't been here since Tuesday.  We have really missed her.  I am looking forward to a shower and having my hair shampooed today if she can make it here.

I have taken all of the antibiotics for my cold the doctor prescribed for me.  I still have a lingering cough.  The home health nurse came yesterday afternoon.  All checked out okay, but she said if the cough lingers, I may need another round of antibiotics which I would dread.

See you next time.  Comments welcome.  (As told to Tam)

THE "SAD SACK" ORIGIN & BARRY & I HAVE A SICK COLD & WE'RE TIRED OF IT!!!

January 22, 2014

By Olivene Godfrey

The last time I wrote in this space I told about Barry and I are "sad sacks" with our very bad colds.  A reader, Stephanie, commented that her grandfather had used the term, "sad sack".  I knew the term was an American fictional comic strip during World War II, but I had forgotten any other information about it.  The phrase has come to mean, "an inept person" or "inept soldier".

Actually, the title was a euphemistic shortening of the military slang "sad sack of s...", common during World War II.  The comic book character was created by Sgt. George Baker during World War II.

Barry and I are still suffering from a cold or virus or whatever it is.  The temperature outside was 13 degrees when we got up.  Now, at 10:30 the temperature is up to 18 degrees.  Barry wore his insulated underwear and warm clothing to work.

The home health people arranged for me to have a chest x-ray here at home yesterday.  The doctor called in 2 prescriptions for me so the x-ray must not have had anything "new".  With my COPD the doctor keeps a close watch on me so it won't turn in to pneumonia the way it has previously.  As Barry and Tam can testify, I don't do well in a hospital.  Since I have oxygen here and Barry and Tam to help me, I feel as if I am where I'm supposed to be.

See you next time.  Comments welcome.  (As told to Tam)

I'M A "SAD SACK" THIS WEEK

January 17, 2014

By Olivene Godfrey

I've had a busy week and am feeling tired and hope to rest this weekend.  One day this week Barry took me to Calhoun to see my blood doctor for my anemia.  My red blood count was low so I was given a booster shot which I hope will give me more energy soon.  When I have a shot, I don't usually feel chipper for several days.

As I write this, Barry has a very bad cold which I hope I can avoid catching from him.  He's being very careful and so am I.  I had a special boost flu shot which I pray will keep me flu free.

My doctor has ordered six weeks of home health physical and occupational therapy for me.  A home health nurse came by to see me today.  She checked my vital signs and all was fine and she also checked my medicines.

I have become so weak and can barely walk with my walker, which is one thing the physical therapist will work on with me.  My IBS has been bothering me, too.  I'm afraid I'm a "sad sack" this week.  I hope the home health folks can help me.  I don't know what Barry and I would do without Tam who does so much for us.

Friday - I woke up today with a cold.  Barry is still feeling lousy with his cold.  Now, we both are "sad sacks".

See you next time.  Comments welcome.  (As told to Tam)

I WISH OUR JANUARY THAW WOULD HANG AROUND FOR A WHILE

January 13, 2014

By Olivene Godfrey

Following a record breaking cold spell, we're having the "January thaw", which is a term applied to a thaw as a rise in temperature in mid winter found in mid latitude North America.

I read in the newspaper yesterday that our power company, Georgia Power, reports that it set a record for winter peak demand last week.  We were grateful that our power was on, keeping our heat pump running smoothly.

Barry said recently he hoped we don't have any more severe cold weather this winter.  I agree with him.

Our former neighbor, Genevelyn, came for a visit with Tam and me last week.  We enjoyed talking with her, as usual.  I hope we can visit her and see her new house soon.

As I write this, on a Monday, I am starting a busy week.  I see my blood doctor this week.  I believe I have doctor appointments throughout February.  I wish one of them would help my pain.

See you next time.  Comments welcome.  (As told to Tam)

BRRR IT'S COLD OUTSIDE & DOCTOR STARTED ME ON NEW PROGRAM, INCLUDING 6 WEEKS WITH HOME HEALTH PHYSICAL THERAPIST

January 5, 2014


By Olivene Godfrey

Here in Georgia's high country, we're having frigid weather with temps continuing to fall all day and even lower during the night.  Temps aren't expected to be above freezing until later this week.  My new fleece lounging robe Barry gave me for Christmas is feeling good these cold mornings, even though our heat pump is keeping the house comfortable.

I had an appointment with my primary care doctor last Friday and my recent lab work was normal, except my red blood cell count.  I have an appointment with my blood doctor in a week and expect I'll get a booster shot.

The doctor discussed with Tam and me about my feebleness and she ordered 6 weeks of physical therapy for my knees and neck.  She agreed with Barry and Tam who think I have mild depression.  The doctor ordered me to be more active physically and mentally.  She was pleased that I am still writing this blog.  Barry thinks he has made my bedroom sitting room too comfortable, as I want to stay in here all the time.

My doctor changed my medicine for pain from Aleve to Mobic which is helping.  I take the Mobic about an hour before bedtime and I fall asleep almost immediately.  The doctor said the Aleve was no longer working for my pain.

See you next time.  Comments welcome.  (As told to Tam)