Angel Status:
Up in spirits. Makes a heartfelt connection with all whom enter. Gives blood willingly. Same-O Angela. Her fan club is growing rapidly. She's shuffling around with a stronger wiggle, good to see, fun to watch.
Teams of doctors; Rume's (Rhumetologists), Exterminators (Infectious Disease) and now Detectives (researchers) all working together trying to figure out why her temperature spikes and subsides as it does, 98. something to 102 and back down. Vitals go wacky then recover, unstable... They're all looking for Waldo...the mystery bacterium.

Rume's are concerned about the multi mega doses of antibiotics...lupus flare potential.
Exterminators worried about blood line infection and/or contamination from a wide variety of possible sources... not wanting to dig around for it. Now the detectives are looking at every aspect of her most recent care. I think all the questioning is valid but what a brain drain on Angela while she's working on getting her health together. She should wear a "HI, I am Angela" sticker with a list of all the answers to all the redundant questions.

I haven't been as available as I wish. Drives me crazy. I drive her batty. The continuous flow of white coats with clipboards visiting her are amazed to hear of all the new parts Angela has in her. Next implant...USB port for her Ipod, that will empress 'em.

d00g status:
Nut case. Button pusher. Goes for the throat without notice. Freaked out, tweaked out - all under a soft candy coated shell. Feeling blessed to have so many people of all makes and models supporting Angela and I along the journey; doctors, nurses, family, friends, clients, coworkers and all in between. Feeling grateful for all the blessings that make life worth livin'...there's so many in every moment... thanks for teaching me that one my Angel.

Back again

Angela is back in the hospital,
Complications arose with a significant fever and other unfamiliar symptoms. They are concerned about infection in her blood supply. Infectious Disease and her Lupus Doc are on it. More info tomorrow... She has her own room, no cot for me, wouldn't let me sleep in the shower.

Angela sent me home...rough day...sigh....driving her nuts.

back in hospital for the weekend or longer??

heading back in tonight. spiked a fever and do not what is going on. will keep you posted as we know anything probably not until monday.. please don't email yet i will not have computer. doug will be with me. love and positive thoughts...................angela

another monday

Time flies when you are having fun. It has been two weeks since surgery and I am now in a routine with the home health aides, IV, labs etc. Tomorrow I meet the surgeon and the Infectious Disease Dr. to see what is next. I am hoping they have the answers. No real news to report. Your cards, calls, visits, food and other gifts have been wonderful. It is great to know you are loved. If you are reading this you are. I wonder what people do who are totally alone and with no help or little medical care? I know what they do...........nothing. That makes me sad and feel like a wimp when I complain, so chin up and all good thoughts.

Oh my nieces and sister made a beautiful prayer-meditation shawl. Wraps me in healing energy. They are so crafty and talented it amazes me. One of these days I will take up knitting again. Don't worry I will not send you all really long horribly uneven scarves for thank you's. I envy those who are good with their hands. Mine just want to dig in the garden !!!

Enjoy the day. Sun is shining here !!!

Reality hits

Today I faced the reality of what my life will be like over the next 6-12 weeks plus. Still positive and grateful for all the blessings in life but being in bed 90%, having to avoid any stress on joints and bones which seem to be worse(pain increase), wearing the limiting and not so comfy brace, IV infusions every 12 hours which last for @ 3 hours and all the home health care is a blessing yet I still miss being "normal". My other bones-joints seem to be worse and this hip will take a very long time to heal. I am on even stricter limitations and restrictions now. The infection and advanced AVN is upsetting. I spend 90% down on my "hospital bed chaise", but Doug re-arragned the room so it works much better and is easier access than any other room. I guess we are getting the systems down. If the other bone-joints can hang in there during this healing time I will be much more at ease. If my sanity holds up everyone will be happy. The Dr. limited my weight bearing activities on new hip because it is so fragile now which puts more pressure on knees and new shoulder (ouchy) which is where the IV port is. I feel like a mess. Loss of blood, infection, constipation and sleep deprivation are contributing. I can sleep for 1-2 hours then I have to move about and so I nap all day. Hey it sounds like vacation right? Thank you for letting me vent and I have learned that every day is a new day with new adventures. I will do my best to keep you up to date. I am not so good on the phone now and it seems when people call I am either asleep, in the bath or on IV. Doug's really needing to focus on this project so if he does not answer it means he is working or care taking. Emailing is best.

I send you all my love and gratitude.

A little bad news

I just got a call from infectious disease and they said a bacteria has been found on a tissue and metal sample from the old prosthesis. Usually they are able to tell during surgery but the culture grew and it is still not fully cultured yet. I have to go into hospital for a Pick Line to run IV antibiotics everyday or so for 6 weeks. I will be unable to leave the house and will be under stricter care and watch. Immune system challenged enough. I should be home tomorrow afternoon if all goes well, which it will. Bummer but we will get through it. Nurses and PT will have to come for 6 weeks at least. Hold off on visits until I know what the deal is. It is not contagious but they have to follow strict protocol for my protection and others. Common to find this in old prosthetics and replacements.

Other than that and low energy-blood I am doing great.

Larry I got your massage and thank you !!! You get settled in your new home and we will plan a visit for spring. I have a few friends staying after Doug leaves and they plan to stay in intervals and help put along with family here of course. I have plenty of support!!!

Love,
Angela

Three Months :( wearing brace

Oh My !! I just found out I have to wear the brace for three months for sure and need to be even more cautious than first expected. I go to Orthotics tomorrow for them to fine tune the prosthetic. It is not fitting comfortably and bruising. I am grateful for saving the leg-hip but I did not expect this. Oh well, rolling with the punches baby. I will just need a little extra help with shopping, chores, errands etc. I am lucky it is winter and not summer !!

All is well. I am starting to get a bit bored so visits are welcome and I truly want to thank everyone for all your thoughts and such. I love reading your emails and staying connected. Time for a nap now !!!

Love
Angela

Valentines day is Coming

http://www.cafepress.com/coolpositive/6127086

Fun hearts and kisses designs for cards and more. Always fun to surprise your loves with a gift of love!!!!

Thank you

Thank you all for your warm wishes and prayers. It is always great to know how much love flows. I am sending it back at you.

All is good. I feel very tender today and sore. Usual after the first few days to begin feeling the scar tissue and bruising. I have a little more energy than yesterday. Blood seems to be beefing up so to speak. The sponge bath helped. I am wearing new PJ's from dad with green frogs against a blue sateen. Very cozy and fits well with the brace.

I am thinking of all my friends and family who are affected by the economy, health issues, winter blues or other stresses in their lives and I want them to know they are in my heart. I continue to hold the light in my heart for you each and every one. remember to breath and feel calm and breath out with a smile in the knowing all is perfect just as it is. Trust in that one thing no matter how stressful it seems or challenging it may be. I find the greatest peace after overcoming a time of challenge.

Love and Peace
Angela

Oh, Thank you wonderful husband for all your care and sweetness. I adore you and feel so very blessed and give thanks for you every five seconds. Do take care of you too !!! You have a large good karma account.

baby it's warm inside

Hello from sunny dining room central. I have tunes, laptop, phone, walkie talkie, food, water, birds to watch, reading material, TV and a chaise on which to lounge while gazing into the snowy woods. It is a heat wave at 30 degrees.

Slow and restful day planned for next few days. I am asking visitors to hold off till next week when I am stronger and more myself. I am pooped from low blood and soreness of surgery. I do not know how some parts hurt but they do. Still having a time with sleeping in one place with a big foam between legs. I will be happy when I can turn over or move a bit. Shower day??? Well sponge bath at least. PT said I am doing the best she has seen a hip replacement do. The brace is helping and I am not worried about dislocating. The only problem is I can not do as much PT. That could slow down progress but hey, I have a leg and hip !!!! As soon as I can get in the pool the real work begins. The exercises they have me doing are a snap. That is all to report for now.

My phone is with me. feel free to call after 10 am. If I do not answer i am sleeping. Hugs

My funny and always amusing husband !!!

I just read the blog posts. How funny. I do not look like Robo-Babe, whomever she may be, but I must say the brace mixed with penguin flannels is a sight. I am well cared for and walking around, doing light PT. Today was full with two nurse visits, other visits and PT. I am pooped and like last night may go to bed at 8 pm if that late. Restless night and trying to get the systems down but all in all it's a good life. Trying to pump up blood and get lots of iron. A fine mix. Doug made a steak on the grill in zero degrees temps. But it was so good !!!! Dad brought Be Bim Bob for lunch which is one of my favorite Vietnamese dishes !!! Got some chocolates and an orchid to my surprise. Felling very opulent. Will keep you posted but still not doing too hot on the phone. Have to carry everything on my walker and it gets lost in the shuffle.

Counting blessings, great to be home !!! Love
A

Robobabe get's to come home!!!

Although her blood levels have dropped, they're letting her come home. In-home nursing will monitor, worse case...transfusion. In the mean time...red meat.

She sends her love and will be in contact with her loyal fans once she gets settled...

Sorry for lack of communication!!!

My Angel reassured me 'everyone' had her blog...

Grace:
Angela makes every person who comes in her room feel good. No matter if they are cleaning, poking, prodding or causing pain, they leave with something more than a blood sample. She's radiant, glowing and in control. Her determination to live a quality of life regardless of circumstance is beyond remarkable.

Doing great...getting out Wed or Thur.

"Amazing"...so the therapists and nurses say. Angela is up, went for a few slow walks (with brace, walker and therapist). It's surprising how well she is recovering after surgery. Granted, the pain block is still working to some degree but for the most part she's been up and about without it. She looks very sexy-robo-copish with the brace, hospital gown and knee socks.

I don't see any bruising at all, unlike past surgeries.

We'll keep on with the up swing....what a trooper!

"amazing"...

...so the therapists, nurses and Doc's say. Angela is up, went for a slow

All is swell. She looks great, pain is under control, she's awake, sharp and asking lot's of questions...
She's in a shared room, not much room for me...she's good for the eve. Cold bed for me tonight...
We'll see where she in the a.m. I'll update then.

out of surgery update.2

I just spoke with the doc, Angela is in recovery now. Surgery took a bit longer.
They found 'metal debris' and bone fragments in and around the joint. They were unable to remove it all but felt that what was left would remain encased in the scar tissue. The surgeon said that she will require a brace for a few months to insure her hip will not come out of the new socket. There was some bone they had to remove which makes her hip a bit more unstable, but, she will be able to walk with full weight in 3 months.

He was very concerned about her right hip saying that the hardware there is rapidly failing and that there could be some serious issues if she does not have it replaced soon (next winter - knees first). Something to do with how bone reacts to plastic, the plastic being the padding that goes between the socket and ball, it is failing. The bone, where plastic is touching it, decays. It is possible the joint could separate from the bone with little forewarning.

Good news is that he used the most advanced matrix (joint material) which should not fail as the others have.

He said she was awake most the time, he had to ask her to quit asking so many questions while he was operating, something about him not being a very good multi-tasker.

We'll be here for a few days, 3-4. She'll be able to get around via walker but she'll need help for a few months. I'll be seeing her shortly and will give another update soon.


Love All,
dỠỠg

Hospital Update.1

Howdy Ya'll,
Angela is in good spirits. She went into surgery about an hour ago and will be in there for about 4hrs. They're not sure what they will find but they have all the parts required for her retread... er, hip revision. The doc said they'll be able to add a 1/4" to her leg, the first replacement left her about 1/2" short thus all the lower back issues.
More later...

The last stand on soapbox

So tonight is my last post for a while and I thought it appropriate to mention the economy, or lack of it. Hey people what about a Novel idea called "putting your collective money where your collective mouth is?". The politicians want all these earmarks for special interests and bail out funds for corporate big wigs who have blown their top at tax payers expense. I am all about capitalism as long as it is tempered with humanity and a sense of spreading the wealth. The trickle down theory works great when the very rich, who make millions for large failing corporations, actually invest and spend in America while paying their taxes. I am not saying we should not trade but lets get real. Spending money keeps the economy afloat but it does not do anything for our betterment when we only shop in the big box stores who buy cheap cheap from other countries with little or no oversight. Does tainted milk ring a bell?

I have a great idea. Remember the company store? Many years ago when companies actually took care of their employees they had a company store for workers like a military commissary. They kept the prices down by providing a service and employed people to run the shop. Granted it allowed the boss to keep people on the job site for longer hours and they profited a little but the point is we can use that same theory for our own communities. Have you recently shopped at a locally owned family business? Bought eggs from the farmer down the road? Hired a small neighborhood contractor? Taken your old clothes in need of repair to a local seamstress? Patronized a small independent drug store? When we put money into our local-small businesses we put money into our community. Small business owners actually pay taxes, high taxes by the way. They hire our neighbors, donate to local charities, are involved in community events, provide benefits/workers compensation and they keep the wheels in motion and cogs greased right here at home with out huge salaries or golden parachutes. If we wisely spend our money after we pay our bills, chip away at debt and feed our family we should spend it where we say we want it to go. Same goes for businesses with ethical and green practices. They need support. Local farmers have eggs, milk, honey, produce and meat which is not shipped in from Mexico or New Zealand and it costs the environment less while supporting local economy. It all makes sense to me. In addition to these benefits we also save fuel by not shipping or flying products from distant lands. The best part of all is that you are supporting your neighbors, friends and family.

I am guilty of leasing a Honda and I struggle with this. There are those items which we have to bend on. I also understand people needing to cut back on costs by shopping at the big chains where they can save more. But !! what if we all decided we could live on less "stuff" and spend more wisely? Would putting our money where our mouth is make a statement and an impact? I think so. I am not an economist but I saw this train wreck ten years ago with all the ARM home loans being shelled out. I knew we were heading for disaster. I also saw it when big box stores started forcing small, independent and local businesses to shut their doors while buying disposable-tainted items from China. It is true that small-local costs more but it also gives more. You also build a rapport with the business owners. This is all about community. When we support local we can also afford to go global on the few items on which we splurge.

I guess all this bail out crap and corruption is really forcing me to look at how I spend and how I make choices about where my money goes. It is a process. I do not need much and live simply and it works for me. If I had young kids or a larger family it might be different. I do not judge others decisions I merely pose the questions of local or global? Box store or small independent shop? Spend or pay bills? Support neighbor or big corporate-corrupt big wigs? These are questions with which we all must struggle if we desire to survive this troubled economy and hold accountable the people who got us here while taking full responsibility for our own bad choices and overspending habits. What a great time to become aware. As I analyze my shopping behaviors and choices I see a better way. It may take time for me to adjust but it is a choice I am willing to make.