UNPLEASANTRIES

February 23, 2017

By Olivene Godfrey

I've been thinking of some of the things I have to do to maintain my health that are unpleasant, to say the least.  One is being on oxygen full time.  Let me stress that I'm very grateful that we have oxygen here in our home and it helps me breath easier.  Having the tubing in my nose and around my ears constantly is uncomfortable, not to mention the bothersome tubing scattered all over the room.  But, thank God for it!

Barry and Tam can't understand why in the past I gave myself breathing treatments with my nebulizer and it didn't bother me.  Now I have a nose piece that I don't have to hold, and by the time the treatment is finished, I'm ready to climb the wall!

Another one, I hate having to take a fluid pill every day because of the continual trips to the restroom!

It's still February but here in Georgia signs of spring is here.  Our pear tree is blooming.  I hope we don't have our usual killing frost in March.  The jonquils my late husband, Ralph, planted many years ago are blooming.  This is strange as for some unknown reason they stopped blooming about 10 years ago.  Barry says maybe it's a good omen.

See you next time.  Comments welcome.  (Edited and typed by Tam.)

INDISPENSIBLE TAM

February 17, 2017

By Olivene Godfrey

I had an appointment with my pain management doctor this week and he gave me a cortisone shot for my knees.  Barry did some research and it can take several days to be effective.  I think they are some better but I still have pain.  The doctor has scheduled the procedure for my arthritic spine for March 7th.  The spine procedure can't be done at his office, it will be done at Hamilton Memorial Hospital in Dalton as an outpatient.  The patient is suppose to be alert enough to answer any questions.  I hope and pray it will be effective.

As I write this, on Thursday afternoon, I am having a bad day with quite a bit of pain.  A number of years ago, I had a vertigo fall in my kitchen one morning which changed my life.  I have never had anything like it before.  After that, I was afraid to be alone in the kitchen.  I had been preparing meals for myself and Barry and taking care of myself.

My sister, Jeanette, told me about a lady that had been doing some work for her that she really liked.  She talked with Tam to see if she would be interested, and set up an appointment for her and I to meet.  We hit it off right away, and that's how Tam came into mine and Barry's life.

Tam was hired to sit with me and keep me company and prepare my lunch.  One day, she asked if I had anything she could do for me.  I told her to do whatever she wanted to do.  As time went on she told me she could type if I ever needed help.  That was when she became indispensable to me.  I had typed a few novels and non-fiction work for many years and typing had become a tiresome chore.  So, she became my typist and editor along with being my caregiver.  I don't care how many credentials a writer has, he or she needs a good editor.

Tam said I gave her a job when the economy was bad and she really needed it and she has promised to stay with me to the end.  We have grown to love each other like mother and daughter and she has also became a good friend to Barry.  I know she could get a better job with benefits now, but she chooses to stay with me.  I am grateful she's still with me.  I have told her when my next novel is finally ready for publication and by a miracle becomes a best seller, I'll share the wealth with her.

Wednesday night I had an experience in the middle of the night that was similar to the vertigo fall.  (Barry says he thinks it was a dream.)  I suddenly woke up and the room was spinning.  My first thought was I had been in a serious car accident.  I was hurting all over.  It was 5:30 and time for Barry to get up to get ready for work.  He consoled me and gave me my morning meds.  I went back to bed until Tam arrived at 9:00 am.  I have felt bad all day.  Prayers are appreciated.

See you next time.  Comments welcome.  (Edited and typed by Tam.)

UNBEARABLE ARTHRITIS

February 7, 2017

By Olivene Godfrey

I am feeling pretty darn awful on this Monday afternoon.  I was sick all weekend and Barry was patient and very good to me.  Tam has also been today.  I am indeed blessed to have them both.

For some time, I have dealt with almost unbearable pain from arthritis in my knees and spine.  We made me an appointment with a pain management doctor.  I liked him very much.  He asked me to describe the pain, which I did.  The pain in my knees is bad but the pain in my upper back is worse.  He asked me to compare my pain with any other pain I had experienced.  I told him it was like childbirth pain that never ends.  Sometimes I cry from the pain and feel like screaming!  He took several x rays and told us he would call and let us know what he thought.  The following morning his spokesperson called and said there was a procedure that they could do that he thought would give me some relief.  I go back in about a week and hope I can manage the pain until then.  Any prayers would be appreciated.

Recently, my old friend, Genevelyn came to visit me and we had a good chat.  We used to visit quite a bit when she lived across the road from us.  Now she lives in town and we don't get to see her as often.

My late husband, Ralph's sister, Agnes, sent Barry and I a large package of old family pictures.  We really enjoyed looking at them.  Agnes is 90 years old and in great health and still living alone and taking care of herself.  She is still driving and going to church on Sundays.  I really envy her.  Barry pointed out that she never smoked or abused her body.  She is a fortunate woman.

I've been making notes of many memories and Barry did some research for me on Alan and Shirley Lorberbaum, leader in carpet manufacturing in Dalton.  They were very nice, kind people who I was fortunate to have as friends.  When I feel better, I'll write some about the early days in carpet in Dalton.

See you next time.  Comments welcome.  (Edited and typed by Tam.)