WALKING - A MIRACLE DRUG?

February 24, 2014
By Olivene Godfrey

Does anyone out there remember an old song, titled, "These Boots Were Made For Walking?"  I'm not wearing boots, but I'm wearing my moccasins and loafers to walk all over the place, following several years of being transported in a wheel chair.  I'm still using a walker to assist me, but my long range goal is to be able to walk, at least part of the time, with a cane.

So, what brought about this big change in my life?  Several things.  I was becoming weaker every day, and had very little energy.  Barry and Tam started encouraging me to walk with my walker, more often in the house.  Then, I had an appointment with my primary care doctor.  She gave me no sympathy and "ordered" even more walking for me to do.  She said I would feel better all over if I "kept moving".  The home health therapists had been working with me, too.  And while I'm just starting on this exercise program, I already feel better.  My muscles are still sore, but I'm more mentally alert, and even my IBS has improved.

During my last doctor visit, a nurse cleaned out (irrigated) the accumulated wax in my ears.  It was an unpleasant experience, but I am hearing better with my hearing aids now.

For the first time in months, I typed two emails yesterday.  Barry proof-read them and said I did good.  See you next time.  Comments welcome.  (As told to Tam)

HINT OF SPRING IN THE AIR

February 19, 2014

By Olivene Godfrey

With robins in the yard, and the jonquils poking up through the soil, and warmer days, there's definitely a hint of spring in the air here and not a moment too soon.

The home health therapists have been keeping me busy with hard work-outs.  I have sore muscles but feel good.  The therapists tell me I have to stay active or I may wind up an invalid.  I'm 86 years old but I hope to live at least 10 more years if I can remain healthy.

I've lived through so much history but I want to live to see new things invented and developed.  I don't have as many goals as I did when I was younger.  I do have one goal that I'm afraid I won't live to see come true.  That is to have at least one of my books to become a best seller.  I've had two books published and Tam is preparing another one to be published soon.  It is a World War II love story.

I have an appointment this week with my primary care doctor for a check-up.  I hope I get a good report.  I'll need a new prescription for pain as the one I've been taking since my last visit is too strong for me.  I like to feel in control of myself and not feel so drowsy.

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

FRIGID WEATHER, LOOSE PANTS, & ROBIN A SIGN OF SPRING?

February 13, 2014



By Olivene Godfrey

As I write this, we're still in a state of uncertainty about our weather.  We've had rain, sleet and snow the past few days, with emergency conditions likely.  Most businesses are closed today, and some will be tomorrow.  If conditions don't get worse Barry will probably go in to work in the morning.  I hope Tam will be able to come here tomorrow, as I miss her.

Atlanta was preparing today for a major ice storm.  We are praying that the storm won't be as predicted.

We have been prepared for the worse with frozen and canned foods on hand.  And, if the electric power goes off, heaven forbid!, we have kerosene heaters and a portable stove and lantern, etc.

I recently bought a pair of stretchable denim jeans.  The first time I wore the jeans they felt tight and snug.  But, when I returned home, the pants felt real loose.  Then, recently I wore the jeans when Tam drove me to the dentist office.  I was in the wheelchair and stood up while Tam adjusted them and I felt like my jeans were about to fall off!  When Tam and I were on our way home, we had a good laugh about the incident.  I don't know if I'll ever wear the pants again.

During this cold weather, I've enjoyed using my electric throw which keeps me toasty warm.  We've seen several robins in our yard this week.  Barry and I hope they are a harbinger of spring, as we are ready for spring now.

Thursday:  Barry said Tam is on her way to help me with my shower, God is good!  See you next time.  Comments welcome.  (As told to Tam)

A BUSY TIME

February 7, 2014

By Olivene Godfrey

This has been a busy week for me, and I think the upcoming week will be, too.  Tam drove me to my dentist office one day.  As usual, we didn't have to wait but five minutes before the hygienist came for me.  No changes made and I have another appointment in six months.

The following two days, I had visits from the home health physical therapist and from the occupational therapist.  They both worked me out really hard.  I am sore today but will be more so tomorrow.  The occupational therapist had me use bar bell weights with my arms to strengthen them.  She is working to help me to dress myself.  I also walked a lot and did leg exercises which pleased the therapist.

Then yesterday, my friend and former neighbor, Genevelyn paid me a visit.  We got caught up with all of our news.  She brought us a bakery treat of pastry that we don't need but was so tasty.

Next week, I also have more therapist visits and a doctor visit scheduled.  I still have a nasty cough from my recent cold which I want to have my doctor check.

Tam, bless her, is still recovering from a sled accident she had during the recent snow.  (She was playing with her grandkids.)  And, I know it's painful for her to help me when we have a trip to take for a doctor visit, but she never complains.

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

RANDOM THOUGHTS

February 3, 2014

By Olivene Godfrey

Sunday:  This has been a "blah" day for me.  I have just felt bad with no energy, and still have a lingering cough following my recent cold.  Today, the weather is warm and sunny.  You'd never know we had cold snowy weather last week.

Monday morning:  I have been exercising again, and my bones, especially my knees, are hurting like crazy.  The physical therapist, a nice woman, has been working me out really hard.  So far, I've been able to do the exercises and walk the distance she wants me to, but it is hard work for me.

Family and friends tell me my dreams are vivid and weird all the time.  But, since I've been exercising, I've had some "dillies", which my mind is trying to understand why I'm having so much physical pain.  I would tell you some of my dreams but it would really convince you, I'm as crazy as a bessie bug.  (I try to "appear" normal most of the time.)

Barry has created a new cover for my novel, "Seasons" which is still available at Amazon, Kindle.  Also, he has added a new cover for another novel I've had published under an assumed name.

I have an appointment this week with my dentist and hope all is well.  I don't mind going to this dentist office as you never have to wait more than a few minutes to see the hygienist for a cleaning and check up by the dentist.

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