He's baaaaaaaaackkkkkkkk!
Vern got sprung from Scripps Memorial Hospital at high noon today. Radiology ran a GI test this morning to ensure that his re-plumbed innards were not leaking fluids. He said he almost barfed after ingesting 3 gulps of the nasty stuff that glows in the dark.
After I fetched him, we stopped at CVS in Pacific Beach to get him mas drogas and liquid nutrition (chicken broth)and to show him the massive waves that came in with the latest El Nino storm. He's uncomfortable, but not ill, and is managing to move around fairly well. Already took a dump and ruined the air quality in the hotel room.
My role is to watch that he doesn't overdo it and to change the dressing on a tube he has inserted in his large bowel as a pressure relief valve. I didn't have the pleasure of wearing that little jewel becuz I do not have sleep apnea. Apparently, those who do sukkk a lotta wind into their belly and it can back up in the bowel and blow out the nice needlework that the doctors added at the new plumbing connections. So he gets to wear the tube til Tuesday, when, if all is well, the doc will remove it.
The next few days here should be quiet and hopefully, less rainy and windy. By Saturday, I hope to be walking 4 miles again on the Beach Walk in the SUN, while V lounges on a park bench and watches the waves and the sparsely-clad females who jog by.
More updates as they happen. Familia en Tennessee, stay high and dry!
a
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Vern Is On Drogas (Druggzz)
Amigos y Familia,
We flew to San Diego on Sunday morning, arriving at 10:30 a.m. Rented a car and drove to the Travelodge to see if we could check in early. No dice. Desk clerk took our phone number and promised to call when our room was ready. Sooooo we drove to Pacific Beach, parked on the next street over from our favorite digs, the Pacific Terrace Hotel (now pricewise in the stratosphere), and walked 4 miles along the paved Beach Walk.
It was a brisk wind off the Pacific that chilled the flesh despite that fact that some locals breezed by nekkid from the waist up as they skateboarded, roller-bladed, or biked alongside us pitiful walkers. After we did the 2 miles up to the Life Guard Station at Belmont Park, we walked the return trip thru an alley that runs between houses on Mission Blvd and houses on the Beach Walk. It cut down on the icy wind except where the paths to the beach intersected the alley.
Afterward, we headed up to Jasmine Chinese Restaurant for dim sum (Chinese brunch), my first attempt at ingesting such since my surgery. It was quite enjoyable....I was careful to choose shrimp filled delites instead of pork or any other meat, and I peeled off the noodles in which the delites are wrapped. Well, all except some of the pot stickers, which indeed have ground pork in them and yummy fried dough. I also popped a 1-inch-diameter egg custard into the trough. Everything went down well and I was real pleased to have been able to join Vern for the treat.
As we finished our dim sum, the hotel called, and we journeyed back over to La Mesa, the San Diego 'burb in which it is located. Our first room faced the street, and when the front desk clerk phoned about 5 minutes into our unpacking, she asked how we found the accommodations. I expressed my concern about the street noise (trucks, sirens etc.) in light of Vern's impending slaughter. A few minutes later, she phoned and had switched rooms for us for a second floor berth on the back side of the building. We slept like babes in fuzzy blankets.
What a nice gesture. The place is owned by a family of Asian Indians, who are very cordial and maintain an immaculate lodging. Our room rate is 37.99 on week nights and 47.99 for the weekend. For 9 nights, we are paying 371 total. And, Expedia took $50 off that (down to 320) because i put it on their MasterCard. Great deal. We paid 125 per night for a room at the Hilton Garden Inn during my surgery. Granted, we were a stone's throw from the hospital, but the place did not have a free breakfast (Vern paid 12 + tip each morning) and the rooms were comparable in size. Not the newest interior at the Travelodge, but not Dogpatch either.
On Monday, V had to see the doctor for a mini-physical and visit the hospital for pre-admission tests. He had an EKG, blood work, ultrasound and X-ray. It was a lonnnng day becuz the doc was late to arrive to the office, and there were 2 other surgery candidates awaiting the same tests. He passed with flying colors and we left the hospital complex around 4 pm. A raging storm was underway as we departed. V got soaked fetching the car. Becuz of the weather, we opted not to venture downtown to Vincenzo's for Italian. Instead, V's druthers was Barbarella's, a quaint funky bistro in La Jolla Shores that was empty due to the weather. I had French onion soup with extra cheese, and for his last meal, Vern chose the Barbarella-burger and fries. We were outta there by 5:15, and it was a hellacious ride to the hotel in the wind and rain.
At the hotel, Vern then proceeded to gag down a bottle of cherry magnesium citrate, which of course, by its name, infers the effects of magnesium on one's large intestines. He spent the evening shooting flames from his posterior and continued well into the morn. We arose at 4:30 and headed to the cutting room.
I said adios to him at 7:45, by which time he was heading to dreamland and the OR. I waited til 10:15, when the doc and his assistant doc came in and told me he did just fine. Said it was routine and he would be in Recovery for at least 3 hours becuz he has sleep apnea and they need to monitor his oxygen level to be sure he'll heal well.
I headed back to the hotel to do some office work, and when I called Recovery at 1 pm they said he'd be ready to head to the room in 30 minutes. I departed the hotel in yet another hurricanelike storm. There was a tornado watch thru 3:15 pm for the area, and man, the wind was fierce. I hate driving behind SUVs and of course, semis. Could not see a damn thing. Just prayed for safekeeping.
When V was wheeled out of the elevator around 3 pm, he was alert and chatting with his attendants. But after we got him settled in the room, the meds took hold again and he was snoring for the duration of my 1.5 hr visit. Given the crappy weather, I begged his indulgence, saying that I wanted to leave before it got dark (about 5:30 this time of year).
No problem-o. All he feels like doing right now is ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ. So here i am sat in the hotel and writing a summary of the surgery for y'all. I'll be heading back manana a.m. and will update u later in the day. If all is well, he will be discharged on Thurs. We'll spend the remainder of the week and weekend here in La Mesa and he will see the doctor next Tuesday to be released to fly home in the afternoon. He's had his last Barbarella-burger for awhile.....sigh.
I didn't mention that our visit included my seeing the doctor as well for my 3 month appointment. I've dropped 60 lb and feel just wonderful. A very good report indeed, even with dim sum in my belly.
Peace to all.
a
We flew to San Diego on Sunday morning, arriving at 10:30 a.m. Rented a car and drove to the Travelodge to see if we could check in early. No dice. Desk clerk took our phone number and promised to call when our room was ready. Sooooo we drove to Pacific Beach, parked on the next street over from our favorite digs, the Pacific Terrace Hotel (now pricewise in the stratosphere), and walked 4 miles along the paved Beach Walk.
It was a brisk wind off the Pacific that chilled the flesh despite that fact that some locals breezed by nekkid from the waist up as they skateboarded, roller-bladed, or biked alongside us pitiful walkers. After we did the 2 miles up to the Life Guard Station at Belmont Park, we walked the return trip thru an alley that runs between houses on Mission Blvd and houses on the Beach Walk. It cut down on the icy wind except where the paths to the beach intersected the alley.
Afterward, we headed up to Jasmine Chinese Restaurant for dim sum (Chinese brunch), my first attempt at ingesting such since my surgery. It was quite enjoyable....I was careful to choose shrimp filled delites instead of pork or any other meat, and I peeled off the noodles in which the delites are wrapped. Well, all except some of the pot stickers, which indeed have ground pork in them and yummy fried dough. I also popped a 1-inch-diameter egg custard into the trough. Everything went down well and I was real pleased to have been able to join Vern for the treat.
As we finished our dim sum, the hotel called, and we journeyed back over to La Mesa, the San Diego 'burb in which it is located. Our first room faced the street, and when the front desk clerk phoned about 5 minutes into our unpacking, she asked how we found the accommodations. I expressed my concern about the street noise (trucks, sirens etc.) in light of Vern's impending slaughter. A few minutes later, she phoned and had switched rooms for us for a second floor berth on the back side of the building. We slept like babes in fuzzy blankets.
What a nice gesture. The place is owned by a family of Asian Indians, who are very cordial and maintain an immaculate lodging. Our room rate is 37.99 on week nights and 47.99 for the weekend. For 9 nights, we are paying 371 total. And, Expedia took $50 off that (down to 320) because i put it on their MasterCard. Great deal. We paid 125 per night for a room at the Hilton Garden Inn during my surgery. Granted, we were a stone's throw from the hospital, but the place did not have a free breakfast (Vern paid 12 + tip each morning) and the rooms were comparable in size. Not the newest interior at the Travelodge, but not Dogpatch either.
On Monday, V had to see the doctor for a mini-physical and visit the hospital for pre-admission tests. He had an EKG, blood work, ultrasound and X-ray. It was a lonnnng day becuz the doc was late to arrive to the office, and there were 2 other surgery candidates awaiting the same tests. He passed with flying colors and we left the hospital complex around 4 pm. A raging storm was underway as we departed. V got soaked fetching the car. Becuz of the weather, we opted not to venture downtown to Vincenzo's for Italian. Instead, V's druthers was Barbarella's, a quaint funky bistro in La Jolla Shores that was empty due to the weather. I had French onion soup with extra cheese, and for his last meal, Vern chose the Barbarella-burger and fries. We were outta there by 5:15, and it was a hellacious ride to the hotel in the wind and rain.
At the hotel, Vern then proceeded to gag down a bottle of cherry magnesium citrate, which of course, by its name, infers the effects of magnesium on one's large intestines. He spent the evening shooting flames from his posterior and continued well into the morn. We arose at 4:30 and headed to the cutting room.
I said adios to him at 7:45, by which time he was heading to dreamland and the OR. I waited til 10:15, when the doc and his assistant doc came in and told me he did just fine. Said it was routine and he would be in Recovery for at least 3 hours becuz he has sleep apnea and they need to monitor his oxygen level to be sure he'll heal well.
I headed back to the hotel to do some office work, and when I called Recovery at 1 pm they said he'd be ready to head to the room in 30 minutes. I departed the hotel in yet another hurricanelike storm. There was a tornado watch thru 3:15 pm for the area, and man, the wind was fierce. I hate driving behind SUVs and of course, semis. Could not see a damn thing. Just prayed for safekeeping.
When V was wheeled out of the elevator around 3 pm, he was alert and chatting with his attendants. But after we got him settled in the room, the meds took hold again and he was snoring for the duration of my 1.5 hr visit. Given the crappy weather, I begged his indulgence, saying that I wanted to leave before it got dark (about 5:30 this time of year).
No problem-o. All he feels like doing right now is ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ. So here i am sat in the hotel and writing a summary of the surgery for y'all. I'll be heading back manana a.m. and will update u later in the day. If all is well, he will be discharged on Thurs. We'll spend the remainder of the week and weekend here in La Mesa and he will see the doctor next Tuesday to be released to fly home in the afternoon. He's had his last Barbarella-burger for awhile.....sigh.
I didn't mention that our visit included my seeing the doctor as well for my 3 month appointment. I've dropped 60 lb and feel just wonderful. A very good report indeed, even with dim sum in my belly.
Peace to all.
a
Friday, January 15, 2010
Is Vern Ready for the Slaughter?
It's been a coupla months...wanted to let friends and family know that Vern is going under the knife on Tuesday, January 19th, having roux-en-y bypass surgery. He's the first one on the chopping block that day. oh goodie, i get to arise at 5 a.m. and accompany him to the hospital.
the reality of what's pending is beginning to affect his demeanor. i know the feeling quite well...he is anxious and excited and afraid and happy and optimistic and pessimistic, all at the same time. Makes for an interesting marital relationship.
despite my trials and troubles post-surgery, especially those dark, chilling moments as I lay on the cold slab marble floor in the john of my hospital room, awaiting SOMEONE to discover that "I'd fallen and can't get up!", I am 100% delighted with the outcome of my surgery. No more diabetes shots and medicines, substantial weight loss without much sacrifice, more energy than I've had since my pre-pregnancy years. Lots to which V can look forward.
i'll be back next week posting the outcome of his surgery.
blessings and peace to all.
a
the reality of what's pending is beginning to affect his demeanor. i know the feeling quite well...he is anxious and excited and afraid and happy and optimistic and pessimistic, all at the same time. Makes for an interesting marital relationship.
despite my trials and troubles post-surgery, especially those dark, chilling moments as I lay on the cold slab marble floor in the john of my hospital room, awaiting SOMEONE to discover that "I'd fallen and can't get up!", I am 100% delighted with the outcome of my surgery. No more diabetes shots and medicines, substantial weight loss without much sacrifice, more energy than I've had since my pre-pregnancy years. Lots to which V can look forward.
i'll be back next week posting the outcome of his surgery.
blessings and peace to all.
a
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
My Blood IS Red (Yellow and Green, Too)
Hot off the wire!
Blood testing was completed on November 13.
Hemoglobin is back to superstar levels.
Nothing was amiss in all parameters measured.
Lab did note that there were tiny red, yellow, and green chile peppers afloat in my blood, a legacy of the transfusion I had.
I am down 36 lbs and off my diabetes meds...praise the Lord and pass the potatoes! I have my first post-op phone consultation with Dr. Wittgrove (surgeon) on Thursday morning.
I've been walking with Vern 30 minutes daily since the temp of the pool dropped to 78 degrees. We walk 30 minutes twice on weekends, and I walk twice on days that I work at home (like today). Warmer weather over the next few days may elevate the pool temp to above 80, in which case we'll be back doing laps.
We retrieved my 1980 Honda Prelude from the shop last week. It has a newly built carburetor, new brakes and a speedometer that works! I've driven it to and from work and love that little grey kitten. It just purrs when you drive it. We need to get new seats or upholster them. Thirty years has taken its toll on their integrity. (Translation: foam filling flies everywhere when you sit on 'em.)
We don't usually do much for T'giving cuz V has to work. He tried last January to score some annual leave for either T'giving or Christmas 2009 but failed. Others with seniority and use or lose leave take precedence.
I'm still enjoying Hummingbird Wars whenever I work from home.
Hope you all are healthy and smiling.
a
Blood testing was completed on November 13.
Hemoglobin is back to superstar levels.
Nothing was amiss in all parameters measured.
Lab did note that there were tiny red, yellow, and green chile peppers afloat in my blood, a legacy of the transfusion I had.
I am down 36 lbs and off my diabetes meds...praise the Lord and pass the potatoes! I have my first post-op phone consultation with Dr. Wittgrove (surgeon) on Thursday morning.
I've been walking with Vern 30 minutes daily since the temp of the pool dropped to 78 degrees. We walk 30 minutes twice on weekends, and I walk twice on days that I work at home (like today). Warmer weather over the next few days may elevate the pool temp to above 80, in which case we'll be back doing laps.
We retrieved my 1980 Honda Prelude from the shop last week. It has a newly built carburetor, new brakes and a speedometer that works! I've driven it to and from work and love that little grey kitten. It just purrs when you drive it. We need to get new seats or upholster them. Thirty years has taken its toll on their integrity. (Translation: foam filling flies everywhere when you sit on 'em.)
We don't usually do much for T'giving cuz V has to work. He tried last January to score some annual leave for either T'giving or Christmas 2009 but failed. Others with seniority and use or lose leave take precedence.
I'm still enjoying Hummingbird Wars whenever I work from home.
Hope you all are healthy and smiling.
a
Saturday, October 31, 2009
Belly Achin'
I'm sitting here at the kitchen table watching the crazy hummingbirds diving into the feeder and enacting Hummingbird Wars as they quibble about who has first dibs on the nectar. I wish they could all get along. The neatest thing is when the alpha male gets his tail feathers in a flurry and opens them wide like a peacock as a threat display to whomever among his h-bird peeps is trying to access the feeder. Quite amusing on a daily basis as i sit here working on my laptop while recovering.
Speaking of recovery, I am doing well just 3 weeks after being sprung from the ICU at Scripps Memorial Hospital in LaJolla, CA. Belly achin' summary follows...
Oct. 4, Sunday---fly to San Diego, eat "last meal" at Vincenzo's in Little Italy (it was outstanding)
Oct. 5, Monday---physical exam with Dr. Wittgrove (surgeon) and pre-admitting testing at Scripps, including the ever-popular transvaginal ultrasound. There are no words to adequately describe this high-tech torture machine.
Oct. 6, Tuesday---5:30 a.m., much too early for anything, nevertheless got prepped for surgery, including a large dose of Fragmin, a blood thinner
---circa 8-9 a.m., zonked out on anesthesia, ready for the scalpel
---9 a.m. til ? p.m., surgery and recovery
---2 p.m. to room, not much pain, groggy from anesthesia. what bothered me most of all were the "leg-exercisers" that they placed on my calves to prevent clots. These #@$@&# things were electrically powered to puff up every 15 seconds and ABSOLUTELY DROVE ME NUTZZZ. I hate to have anything on my feet when resting or sleeping. These things should have been used at Abu Graib.
AND, i had lots of discomfort from the abdominal drain that was placed in the southwest most incision closure on my belly. I learned afterward that the drain tubing extended in a full circumference of the belly to drain all 6 incisional areas. It pressed on the diaphragm and its nerve feeds, which gave me a huge pain in the left shoulder area, kinda what i envision is a heart attack pain. When the drain was removed on Thurs, the pain disappeared!
They had me walk on Tues evening, not even 12 hr since surgery. I did fine, but was nauseous from meds.
Oct. 7, Wednesday---had no food since surgery. Doc came in mid-morning. We talked about the nausea, and I reported to him that i had a lot of gurgling in my abdomen, like a bowel movement was imminent. Since there had been no substantive food or drink in my belly since Monday 2 p.m., it was unlikely that it was a bowel movement. Doc said it was likely clotted blood irritating the bowel and that I would pass it via the bowel.
Well, pass it I did. Just after he left, they brought me broth and sugar-free jello. Two sips of each and I lost total control of my anal sphincter. To spare readers the ooogliness of this, just let me say that losing one's clotted blood at the back door was not pretty. I soiled the bed repeatedly and the floor in a big way as Vern tried to assist me in getting to the john.
Ultimately, after Vern went down to the cafeteria, i began feeling very weak. I knew i had to go again, so i ventured forth from the bed to the john, about 10 ft away. Got on the pot, then keeled over onto the ice-cold tile floor. I was unconscious for I don't know how long. When i woke up, i scanned the area and could not find a call button. So I hollered unsuccessfully for a nurse. When someone finally came in to do my vitals and found me, all hell broke loose.
The hospital's Rapid Response Team descended upon me. They asked me to sit up, with help, then try to sit in a chair. I told them repeatedly that i was faint, but they insisted. When they lifted me into a chair, my eyes rolled back and i was out for awhile. I came to in a surreal vista of a bunch of talking heads hovering over me. They plopped a huge oxygen mask on me and were billing and cooing that i'd be ok.
Some lab villain dissected my arms and hands looking for a vein to pillage. Eventually, the lab reported that my hemoglobin was 7 and hematocrit 25, which should be 13 and 35 respectively if all was okay.
A phone call to Dr. Wittgrove and i was headed to ICU. Apparently, i am one who does not benefit radically from a blood thinner. Where they stapled my intestinal relocation, there is naturally some bleeding. Because of the blood thinner, i did not clot real soon. All the bleeding that i did filled my bowel, and that was what was being emitted from my bottom. The rapid massive blood loss made me faint and very weak.
In ICU, i was transfused with 5 pints of San Diego's best red stuff. Now, i find myself fighting an overpowering urge to push a buggy along the boardwalk, hunting aluminum cans.
Oct. 8,Thursday p.m.---after 24 hr in ICU, I was sent back to the bariatric floor. I continued to improve with teh new infusion of blood. The bowel leakage lessened dramatically.
Oct. 9, Friday---feeling stronger, i washed my hair and rancid body in the bathroom sink, still tied to the IV. Doc came in as I was cleaning up. He removed the drain and i begged him to be released. He concurred. One thing that didn't get done was the removal of staples in my belly. They were soooo uncomfortable during my hotel sojourn over the weekend. I was released from hospital at 5 p.m.
When we got to the hotel, i needed to hit the bed, as i was quite worn out. I spiked a really high fever, no reason known, for a few hours. Then i slept on and off all night. It was not a restful sleep due to the staples and the fever. but it was a semblance of rest.
Oct. 10, Saturday---taking it easy, sat on a chaise longue at the pool for a couple hr while Vern had breakfast and went to the supermarket. Against the dietary rules, i asked for a couple of poached eggs to add to the protein supplements I was drinking. They slid down the hatch effortlessly, but when they hit the newly transformed mini-stomach, they were like lead pellets. I made it thru the cramping and lumpy fullness that the eggs caused and continued to lounge in the lobby in a sitting area w/ fireplace.
Vern never missed a meal, and while he had dinner at the restaurant in the hotel, i hung out in the room.
Oct. 11--Sunday....we went to CVS for diabetes test strips. Then we drove to La Jolla Shores Beach area. I laid out the towels and enjoyed a 70ish day of sunshine and nice breeze. I even got into the ocean for a short time to relieve myself. Vern wandered hither and yon exploring the shore as i rested. It was very relaxing.
Oct. 12---Monday....Vern did 2 loads of laundry at the hotel. I worked all day on my laptop on my office email. It was not easy, because i had episodes of fogginess (anesthesia legacy).
Oc. 13---Tuesday...0830 a.m. appt w/ Dr's office, followup and removal of staples. 3 hour diet and exercise lecture followed. Released to go home at noon. The night before, i had trouble sleeping, and while awake, i decided to change our existing 6:30 pm reservation to return to AZ earlier. This was successful, and we took a 5 pm flight that got us to AZ at 6 p.m.
When we landed in AZ i was overcome with relief. I slept like a baby and felt 1000% better the next morning.
And I have improved daily every since. I've obviously lost some weight from the ordeal and from the fact that i cannot eat solid foods yet. If i eat an egg, it has to be mooshy. Most of what i exist on these days are liquid protein supplement drinks, soup and broth, and sugar free desserts.
My incisions are mostly healed, a few small scabs remain.
My mini-stomach is hypersensitive to anything more than an ounce of input over a short period of time. It's very difficult to get used to SIPPING, SMALL BITES, etc. when you've been wolfing your food down for 50 years or so.
I'm optimistic and looking forward to the day when i can chow down on a rare piece of beef. Until then, i am delighted to be able to draw a breath. Next week, i have my one-month blood draw to check my chemistry. My diabetes meds have been dropped to less than half of what they were before surgery.
Until the blood results are known, I wish you peace, love, and happiness.
a
Speaking of recovery, I am doing well just 3 weeks after being sprung from the ICU at Scripps Memorial Hospital in LaJolla, CA. Belly achin' summary follows...
Oct. 4, Sunday---fly to San Diego, eat "last meal" at Vincenzo's in Little Italy (it was outstanding)
Oct. 5, Monday---physical exam with Dr. Wittgrove (surgeon) and pre-admitting testing at Scripps, including the ever-popular transvaginal ultrasound. There are no words to adequately describe this high-tech torture machine.
Oct. 6, Tuesday---5:30 a.m., much too early for anything, nevertheless got prepped for surgery, including a large dose of Fragmin, a blood thinner
---circa 8-9 a.m., zonked out on anesthesia, ready for the scalpel
---9 a.m. til ? p.m., surgery and recovery
---2 p.m. to room, not much pain, groggy from anesthesia. what bothered me most of all were the "leg-exercisers" that they placed on my calves to prevent clots. These #@$@&# things were electrically powered to puff up every 15 seconds and ABSOLUTELY DROVE ME NUTZZZ. I hate to have anything on my feet when resting or sleeping. These things should have been used at Abu Graib.
AND, i had lots of discomfort from the abdominal drain that was placed in the southwest most incision closure on my belly. I learned afterward that the drain tubing extended in a full circumference of the belly to drain all 6 incisional areas. It pressed on the diaphragm and its nerve feeds, which gave me a huge pain in the left shoulder area, kinda what i envision is a heart attack pain. When the drain was removed on Thurs, the pain disappeared!
They had me walk on Tues evening, not even 12 hr since surgery. I did fine, but was nauseous from meds.
Oct. 7, Wednesday---had no food since surgery. Doc came in mid-morning. We talked about the nausea, and I reported to him that i had a lot of gurgling in my abdomen, like a bowel movement was imminent. Since there had been no substantive food or drink in my belly since Monday 2 p.m., it was unlikely that it was a bowel movement. Doc said it was likely clotted blood irritating the bowel and that I would pass it via the bowel.
Well, pass it I did. Just after he left, they brought me broth and sugar-free jello. Two sips of each and I lost total control of my anal sphincter. To spare readers the ooogliness of this, just let me say that losing one's clotted blood at the back door was not pretty. I soiled the bed repeatedly and the floor in a big way as Vern tried to assist me in getting to the john.
Ultimately, after Vern went down to the cafeteria, i began feeling very weak. I knew i had to go again, so i ventured forth from the bed to the john, about 10 ft away. Got on the pot, then keeled over onto the ice-cold tile floor. I was unconscious for I don't know how long. When i woke up, i scanned the area and could not find a call button. So I hollered unsuccessfully for a nurse. When someone finally came in to do my vitals and found me, all hell broke loose.
The hospital's Rapid Response Team descended upon me. They asked me to sit up, with help, then try to sit in a chair. I told them repeatedly that i was faint, but they insisted. When they lifted me into a chair, my eyes rolled back and i was out for awhile. I came to in a surreal vista of a bunch of talking heads hovering over me. They plopped a huge oxygen mask on me and were billing and cooing that i'd be ok.
Some lab villain dissected my arms and hands looking for a vein to pillage. Eventually, the lab reported that my hemoglobin was 7 and hematocrit 25, which should be 13 and 35 respectively if all was okay.
A phone call to Dr. Wittgrove and i was headed to ICU. Apparently, i am one who does not benefit radically from a blood thinner. Where they stapled my intestinal relocation, there is naturally some bleeding. Because of the blood thinner, i did not clot real soon. All the bleeding that i did filled my bowel, and that was what was being emitted from my bottom. The rapid massive blood loss made me faint and very weak.
In ICU, i was transfused with 5 pints of San Diego's best red stuff. Now, i find myself fighting an overpowering urge to push a buggy along the boardwalk, hunting aluminum cans.
Oct. 8,Thursday p.m.---after 24 hr in ICU, I was sent back to the bariatric floor. I continued to improve with teh new infusion of blood. The bowel leakage lessened dramatically.
Oct. 9, Friday---feeling stronger, i washed my hair and rancid body in the bathroom sink, still tied to the IV. Doc came in as I was cleaning up. He removed the drain and i begged him to be released. He concurred. One thing that didn't get done was the removal of staples in my belly. They were soooo uncomfortable during my hotel sojourn over the weekend. I was released from hospital at 5 p.m.
When we got to the hotel, i needed to hit the bed, as i was quite worn out. I spiked a really high fever, no reason known, for a few hours. Then i slept on and off all night. It was not a restful sleep due to the staples and the fever. but it was a semblance of rest.
Oct. 10, Saturday---taking it easy, sat on a chaise longue at the pool for a couple hr while Vern had breakfast and went to the supermarket. Against the dietary rules, i asked for a couple of poached eggs to add to the protein supplements I was drinking. They slid down the hatch effortlessly, but when they hit the newly transformed mini-stomach, they were like lead pellets. I made it thru the cramping and lumpy fullness that the eggs caused and continued to lounge in the lobby in a sitting area w/ fireplace.
Vern never missed a meal, and while he had dinner at the restaurant in the hotel, i hung out in the room.
Oct. 11--Sunday....we went to CVS for diabetes test strips. Then we drove to La Jolla Shores Beach area. I laid out the towels and enjoyed a 70ish day of sunshine and nice breeze. I even got into the ocean for a short time to relieve myself. Vern wandered hither and yon exploring the shore as i rested. It was very relaxing.
Oct. 12---Monday....Vern did 2 loads of laundry at the hotel. I worked all day on my laptop on my office email. It was not easy, because i had episodes of fogginess (anesthesia legacy).
Oc. 13---Tuesday...0830 a.m. appt w/ Dr's office, followup and removal of staples. 3 hour diet and exercise lecture followed. Released to go home at noon. The night before, i had trouble sleeping, and while awake, i decided to change our existing 6:30 pm reservation to return to AZ earlier. This was successful, and we took a 5 pm flight that got us to AZ at 6 p.m.
When we landed in AZ i was overcome with relief. I slept like a baby and felt 1000% better the next morning.
And I have improved daily every since. I've obviously lost some weight from the ordeal and from the fact that i cannot eat solid foods yet. If i eat an egg, it has to be mooshy. Most of what i exist on these days are liquid protein supplement drinks, soup and broth, and sugar free desserts.
My incisions are mostly healed, a few small scabs remain.
My mini-stomach is hypersensitive to anything more than an ounce of input over a short period of time. It's very difficult to get used to SIPPING, SMALL BITES, etc. when you've been wolfing your food down for 50 years or so.
I'm optimistic and looking forward to the day when i can chow down on a rare piece of beef. Until then, i am delighted to be able to draw a breath. Next week, i have my one-month blood draw to check my chemistry. My diabetes meds have been dropped to less than half of what they were before surgery.
Until the blood results are known, I wish you peace, love, and happiness.
a
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Bariatric Surgery, Anyone?
Continuing our saga of life through August 09....let's see....I forgot to mention that my temporary promotion to Ecosystem Management and Planning staff officer began in July and continutes til the end of October. It means that I must attend Forest Leadership Team meetings, representing EMP, and am the approval point for our group for purchases, training, and all supervisory matters...our supervisor will be resuming her duties in November after she has completed a "detail" to another program.
In August, about the only newsworthy item to report is our trip to San Diego over the weekend of August 15th. The trip was conceived after I acted upon a suggestion from my endocrinologist (at Scripps Clinic in La Jolla) during my late June visit to investigate the possibility of surgery to improve or resolve my diabetic condition. His comments were precipitated by his concern that, with my declining pancreatic function and aging, collateral health issues, such as high blood pressure, would soon be on my horizon.
With this in mind, I phoned the Wittgrove Bariatric Center in La Jolla to request a consultation with Dr. Alan Wittgrove, a renowned bariatric surgeon. An appt was scheduled for August 17th to screen both me and Vern for our Body Mass Index and discuss our options for weight loss and improvement/resolution of my type 2 diabetes and Vern's cardiovascular diseases and sleep apnea.
Upon screening, we learned that I was at the cusp in BMI for morbid obesity and Vern was about 5 points above me, well into morbid obesity. That alone indicated that we were tentative candidates for bariatric surgery. We then met with Dr. Wittgrove to discuss our options. He asked us about our past success with diets, our current eating issues, and other variables that would affect our BMI. One of those is sedentary activity, such as Vern's passion for the TV. We explained that both of us swam laps regularly, and that I was successful in losing over 30 lb with Jenny Craig foods. (Vern lost 10 lb over a year...cheating.) Further, I had gained 15 of that loss back in 18 months. I continued to describe our ventures with Weight Watchers, loss of weight, regain, and my experiences with Optifast, Medifast, and a Dr-supervised high protein program where I lost 20 lb in a month.
Dr. Wittgrove described the types of surgery that he performed, the risks and benefits associated with each, the post-surgery expectations and more. I learned that over 40 years of bypass surgery, statistics indicated that type 2 diabetes was reversed or markedly improved in 90% of patients who had diabetes for 8 years or less. (I have had it 12+ years.) This reversal/improvement occurs LONG BEFORE an individual loses excess weight!
Scientists subsequently hypothesized that the rearrangement of the small intestine during the bypass surgery was the key to diabetes resolution. They subsequently researched the intricacies of the first length of small intestine, called the duodenum, using diabetic rats to try to pinpoint the characteristic(s) of duodenal tissue that causes glucose metabolism to malfunction. Experiments concluded that there is some factor(s) (enzyme? hormone?) in the lining of the duodenum that does(do) not function properly to regulate glucose metabolism. Bypassing that part of the small intestine results in food not coming in contact with the duodenal lining, and hence, there is no adverse effect on glucose metabolism.
With the bypass surgery, the duodenum is disconnected from the distal end of the stomach, where partially digested food empties into it. The next lower segment of small intestine is then reconnected to the stomach and things continue as normal, without food passing thru the duodenal lining. Of course, the bypass surgery also restricts the size of the stomach, which fosters significant weight loss over time in the patient.
We had a lot to digest (no pun intended) after the consultation. I read every article I could find about "duodenum/diabetes". I learned that several medical centers of excellence had been established across the U.S. to make the bypass surgery available to diabetics under the designation as "metabolic" or "diabetic" surgery. Dr. Wittgrove's center is one of them. Cornell University's Medical School at Columbia in NYC is another.
I was stoked that this surgery could improve or resolve my status as a diabetic. I followed up with the doctor's office to learn what I needed to do to be considered a candidate. Vern followed my lead. Weight loss for him is the key to resolving his cardio issues and sleep apnea, over time.
We had the necessary blood tests, a psychological evaluation to screen for any potential mental health concerns post-surgery, and Vern had to obtain clearance from his cardiologist. Doctor's office submitted to BC/BS for approval, which was quickly approved for me. Vern's primary insurance, United Health Care, denies bariatric surgery coverage, so he had an extra hoop to jump thru. After his denial, my BC/BS approved him for surgery.
That about sums up our August and September adventures. I was advised in mid-Sept of a surgery date on October 6 at Scripps Memorial Hospital in La Jolla. Vern was assigned a date in November, but after my rough post-surgical ride, we rescheduled him for January. He continues to eat like it's his last meal, and has GAINED weight since our first visit to Wittgrove. He is swimming regularly, but our pool temperature has dropped from 96 to 84 due to cold nights. Don't know how long he'll be able to tough it out.
I will write about my surgery in an October update in a day or so.
Please pray for my continued recovery.
Peace and good health,
a
In August, about the only newsworthy item to report is our trip to San Diego over the weekend of August 15th. The trip was conceived after I acted upon a suggestion from my endocrinologist (at Scripps Clinic in La Jolla) during my late June visit to investigate the possibility of surgery to improve or resolve my diabetic condition. His comments were precipitated by his concern that, with my declining pancreatic function and aging, collateral health issues, such as high blood pressure, would soon be on my horizon.
With this in mind, I phoned the Wittgrove Bariatric Center in La Jolla to request a consultation with Dr. Alan Wittgrove, a renowned bariatric surgeon. An appt was scheduled for August 17th to screen both me and Vern for our Body Mass Index and discuss our options for weight loss and improvement/resolution of my type 2 diabetes and Vern's cardiovascular diseases and sleep apnea.
Upon screening, we learned that I was at the cusp in BMI for morbid obesity and Vern was about 5 points above me, well into morbid obesity. That alone indicated that we were tentative candidates for bariatric surgery. We then met with Dr. Wittgrove to discuss our options. He asked us about our past success with diets, our current eating issues, and other variables that would affect our BMI. One of those is sedentary activity, such as Vern's passion for the TV. We explained that both of us swam laps regularly, and that I was successful in losing over 30 lb with Jenny Craig foods. (Vern lost 10 lb over a year...cheating.) Further, I had gained 15 of that loss back in 18 months. I continued to describe our ventures with Weight Watchers, loss of weight, regain, and my experiences with Optifast, Medifast, and a Dr-supervised high protein program where I lost 20 lb in a month.
Dr. Wittgrove described the types of surgery that he performed, the risks and benefits associated with each, the post-surgery expectations and more. I learned that over 40 years of bypass surgery, statistics indicated that type 2 diabetes was reversed or markedly improved in 90% of patients who had diabetes for 8 years or less. (I have had it 12+ years.) This reversal/improvement occurs LONG BEFORE an individual loses excess weight!
Scientists subsequently hypothesized that the rearrangement of the small intestine during the bypass surgery was the key to diabetes resolution. They subsequently researched the intricacies of the first length of small intestine, called the duodenum, using diabetic rats to try to pinpoint the characteristic(s) of duodenal tissue that causes glucose metabolism to malfunction. Experiments concluded that there is some factor(s) (enzyme? hormone?) in the lining of the duodenum that does(do) not function properly to regulate glucose metabolism. Bypassing that part of the small intestine results in food not coming in contact with the duodenal lining, and hence, there is no adverse effect on glucose metabolism.
With the bypass surgery, the duodenum is disconnected from the distal end of the stomach, where partially digested food empties into it. The next lower segment of small intestine is then reconnected to the stomach and things continue as normal, without food passing thru the duodenal lining. Of course, the bypass surgery also restricts the size of the stomach, which fosters significant weight loss over time in the patient.
We had a lot to digest (no pun intended) after the consultation. I read every article I could find about "duodenum/diabetes". I learned that several medical centers of excellence had been established across the U.S. to make the bypass surgery available to diabetics under the designation as "metabolic" or "diabetic" surgery. Dr. Wittgrove's center is one of them. Cornell University's Medical School at Columbia in NYC is another.
I was stoked that this surgery could improve or resolve my status as a diabetic. I followed up with the doctor's office to learn what I needed to do to be considered a candidate. Vern followed my lead. Weight loss for him is the key to resolving his cardio issues and sleep apnea, over time.
We had the necessary blood tests, a psychological evaluation to screen for any potential mental health concerns post-surgery, and Vern had to obtain clearance from his cardiologist. Doctor's office submitted to BC/BS for approval, which was quickly approved for me. Vern's primary insurance, United Health Care, denies bariatric surgery coverage, so he had an extra hoop to jump thru. After his denial, my BC/BS approved him for surgery.
That about sums up our August and September adventures. I was advised in mid-Sept of a surgery date on October 6 at Scripps Memorial Hospital in La Jolla. Vern was assigned a date in November, but after my rough post-surgical ride, we rescheduled him for January. He continues to eat like it's his last meal, and has GAINED weight since our first visit to Wittgrove. He is swimming regularly, but our pool temperature has dropped from 96 to 84 due to cold nights. Don't know how long he'll be able to tough it out.
I will write about my surgery in an October update in a day or so.
Please pray for my continued recovery.
Peace and good health,
a
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
What We Did on Summer Vacation
Friends, Family, and Surfers,
July was highlighted by our trip back East to see family and friends and revel in the Sicilian wedding of our cousin Michelle Musante to John Coppola.
Vern and I flew to Boston on a semi red-eye, arriving at a Wyndham Hotel in the blue-collar 'burb of Chelsea around 2 a.m. Hotel was awesome, some of the most comfortable beds in the world. Great rate thru Expedia of $79 per nite, mostly due to the location....but, this place was 10 minutes from the airport, albeit via a circuitous route thru narrow streets and barrios, and offered a shuttle to the Boston subway airport station, the "T", every half hour. We were a 5-minute subway ride to downtown from the "T" drop. When we returned via the T from downtown, we'd call the shuttle for pickup. Great service! No rental car needed!
While in Boston, we slept away most of our first day there, given our late night arrival, then had dinner next door at a local bistro, Floramo's. Meals were akin to eating at a local bar in W-B, good home (Italian) cooking, not gourmet but tasty and large in quantity. We stayed in the rest of the night to rest up for the next few days.
Next day around noon, we shuttled to the T for our first venture into town, during which we spent the day at the Boston Aquarium. It was pretty crowded for a Thursday, lotsa school or daycare groups and lotsa tourists. We particularly enjoyed the penguin demonstrations. A very relaxing part of the Aquarium footprint is a huge pavilion (wharf) at the rear of the facility, where there are lots of comfortable wooden benches from which to watch the boat traffic and jets coming and going from Logan. It was a warm, breezy day, 80ish, and an occasional drip or two would fall from a stray dark cloud. We spent an hour or so watching the excursion boats and water taxi traffic in the harbor. Around 5 pm, we heard from my niece, Natalie, who was subwaying over from her office at Mass College of Pharmacy and Health Science. When she arrived, we crossed the Blvd to Legal Seafood, where we had some wine and ate a humongous, delicious meal. Both Vern and I had the surf and turf, lobster and filet. Outstanding. Afterward, we walked with Nat from downtown to Boston's North End, which is the Italian neighborhood.
Food still settling, we stopped by a bistro for a gelato, which is rich, creamy Italian ice cream. Also went to the very crowded Michael's Bakery to score pastries and marizipan in every conceivable shape and size. When it started getting dusky, we headed downtown to the T for our respective trips home. Vern couldn't find a restroom to relieve himself, so he had a squirmy ride back to the airport on the T. No relief at the hotel shuttle stop, either, so it was a verrrrry longgggg ride back to the hotel for him.
Next day, Friday, we took the shuttle to the airport T, where we met Nat and proceeded to Avis to rent a car for our drive to see Auntie Ann and my cousin Mandy in Marblehead, MA. Marblehead is a lovely community on a spit of land into the Atlantic about 30 minutes drive north of Boston. We arrived to find AA outside awaiting our arrival. It was wonderful to see her looking so perky and healthy. She had a quadruple bypass last year. Also had all her teeth pulled and dentures made, which was an ordeal for her following surgery.
She sprung for lunch at a local chowder bistro. We had scallops that were out of this world! Since I hadn't seen her for 5 years, we had a lot to catch up on. Vern hadn't seen her since my aunt Mimi died in '95. After lunch, we headed over to a small restaurant with which my cousin Mandy was affiliated. Had some coffee there, chatted and planned to meet at Marblehead lighthouse which straddles the harbor and the Atlantic Ocean. We spent a couple hours visiting at the park at the lighthouse, sitting on huge boulders and benches, yapping away. Afterward, we returned with Ann to her apartment at a senior apartment complex. She nursed a huge blister that i'd developed on my pinky from all the walking we'd done over the 2 days. We planned on driving back to Boston shortly thereafter. We discussed what we wanted to do for dinner, when Ann piped up with "There's a really good Chinese place down a few streets, do ya wanna go there?"
Sure, why not! We headed out to the place, which offerd a combo Sushi and Chinese cuisine. Nat and I had some sushi and ordered a dish from the Chinese menu. Vern passed on teh sushi and had a great chicken and walnut dinner. Mandy had gone home to catch up on laundry. At some point during our wait for dinner, she called her Mom, who told her where we were. As soon as her clothes were in the dryer, she popped in to join us for the rest of the meal.
We said our loving goodbyes as darkness fell and returned to Boston where we turned in the rental car and grabbed the shuttle back to the hotel.
Saturday morning we hailed a cab to travel over to downtown to the rail station. It's a grand old facility with lots of character and an array of restaurants catering to many tastes! Had a light breakfast, then boarded the Amtrak for New Haven, CT.
What a great ride on the train! We passed thru cities and mostly rural areas of MA, RI, and CT, all of CT with the ocean to our left and various bays and inlets to the right. It was a 2.5 hr ride, but passed quickly. Vern visited the dining car and got us snacks/drinks about half way there. We arrived in New Haven on time and rented a car from Avis at the rail station. It too was gorgeous vintage America, with thick oak benches and ornate ceiling.
We drove to our Hilton Garden Inn in Shelton, CT, where we settled in, then proceeded to dress for the evening reception. My cousin Diana knew we were not planning on attending the afternoon wedding, and it was a good thing, cuz we learned it was SRO.
The reception was held at a country club. We arrived as probably the last guests, due to unfamiliarity with the turf. Michelle and John were graciously waiting in an empty foyer, as most guests had moved on to the appetizer buffet (awesome!) in the rear of the building. When we arrived, we were warmly received, and we headed to the rear as well to seek out Diana and my Uncle Joey and Aunt Betty. Hadn't seen these folks in 20 years, remember, since my Mom's funeral. I found a bridesmaid and asked who among the many was the mother of the bride. They pointed out Diana, who is now a blonde. I went over and tapped her on the head and said hello. She looked at me like I was a wedding crasher. When i told her who i was, she yelped and then we went to find my aunt and uncle. It was a delightful reunion! I also got to visit with Diana's ex-husband and father of the bride, Ed Musante (Muzzy). Looks the same, acts the same, nice guy in general.
The reception and dinner was quite entertaining. Bride and groom did some native American war dance with their peeps that cracked us all up. They did a married couples dance and eliminated folks based on how many years married. The couple who was last to go was my aunt and uncle.....65 years married! They also did a group picture of all those present who were Sicilian in ancestry. My aunt Betty and I were the sole guests remaining at our table and there were a few other non-Sicilians in the room, but mostly all were in the photo!
We danced a lot, ate a terrific dinner and enjoyed being part of the festivities. Next day, Diana hosted a cookout at her place, which was less than a mile from our hotel. The highlight of our day there was playing cards with them....we refreshed my mind on how to play Setback (called Cinch in PA) and taught Vern the rudimentary rules of the game. After uncle and auntie left for home before dark (he is almost 90and still drives), we sat on D's deck and chatted some more.
Next morning, V and I headed back to the train station, returned the car, and caught the Amtrak south to Newark, NJ. Another 2 hour trip that completed our coastal tour of CT, then took us in the back door to NYCity. We arrived at Newark Train Station around 1, rented a car and drove to Paramus, NJ, where my uncle Dick resides. I could not figure out how to get off of those friggin' traffic circles at the exit that leads to his neighborhood, so we drove about 45 minutes back and forth until we finally figured it out.
We visited with Dick at his home, and he took us out to Ocean's, a Greek seafood restaurant in nearby Saddle Brook, NJ. Outstanding meal, and we were joined by his friends Kathy and her sister Diane. Kathy has been helping Dick out for over a year now with his shopping, billpaying, cleaning and personal needs. He claims to love her. I don't know if it's a romance or not, as she is 20 years his junior.
We were with Dick less than 24 hours, when we checked out of the Holiday Inn Express and drove back to Newark for our flight home. I didn't mention that we had excellent weather every day we were in the northeast, except the last day......it poured buckets in NJ and our American Airlines flight to Chicago was delayed. The delay meant we'd miss our connection to Tucson. Fortunately, while we said our goodbyes to Dick, he mentioned that we should probably check our flight status becuz of the weather. GREAT IDEA! we learned that i'd misread our boarding passes and that we were to leave an hour earlier than i'd planned. if we hadn't checked, we'd have missed our flight (technically), but since it was delayed, the point was moot. Nevertheless, we said quick goodbyes to Dick and hurried to Newark to turn in the car and try to get on another flight.
While we were enroute, American phoned Vern and advised him that we had a missed connection pending. They offered us seats on a direct USAir flight to Phx, then Tucson. We took them. Unfortunately, the seats were middle ones at the rear of the plane. Vern was in the very last row and couldn't recline, but he managed to sleep anyway. We got a hoagie at the airport and used it for our dinner en route. 5.5 hr later we were in rainfree PHX and a quick hop on a regional jet thereafter brought us safely to Tucson. End of whirlwind trip!
August and September still to come on this slooooow mooooving blog.
peace.
a
July was highlighted by our trip back East to see family and friends and revel in the Sicilian wedding of our cousin Michelle Musante to John Coppola.
Vern and I flew to Boston on a semi red-eye, arriving at a Wyndham Hotel in the blue-collar 'burb of Chelsea around 2 a.m. Hotel was awesome, some of the most comfortable beds in the world. Great rate thru Expedia of $79 per nite, mostly due to the location....but, this place was 10 minutes from the airport, albeit via a circuitous route thru narrow streets and barrios, and offered a shuttle to the Boston subway airport station, the "T", every half hour. We were a 5-minute subway ride to downtown from the "T" drop. When we returned via the T from downtown, we'd call the shuttle for pickup. Great service! No rental car needed!
While in Boston, we slept away most of our first day there, given our late night arrival, then had dinner next door at a local bistro, Floramo's. Meals were akin to eating at a local bar in W-B, good home (Italian) cooking, not gourmet but tasty and large in quantity. We stayed in the rest of the night to rest up for the next few days.
Next day around noon, we shuttled to the T for our first venture into town, during which we spent the day at the Boston Aquarium. It was pretty crowded for a Thursday, lotsa school or daycare groups and lotsa tourists. We particularly enjoyed the penguin demonstrations. A very relaxing part of the Aquarium footprint is a huge pavilion (wharf) at the rear of the facility, where there are lots of comfortable wooden benches from which to watch the boat traffic and jets coming and going from Logan. It was a warm, breezy day, 80ish, and an occasional drip or two would fall from a stray dark cloud. We spent an hour or so watching the excursion boats and water taxi traffic in the harbor. Around 5 pm, we heard from my niece, Natalie, who was subwaying over from her office at Mass College of Pharmacy and Health Science. When she arrived, we crossed the Blvd to Legal Seafood, where we had some wine and ate a humongous, delicious meal. Both Vern and I had the surf and turf, lobster and filet. Outstanding. Afterward, we walked with Nat from downtown to Boston's North End, which is the Italian neighborhood.
Food still settling, we stopped by a bistro for a gelato, which is rich, creamy Italian ice cream. Also went to the very crowded Michael's Bakery to score pastries and marizipan in every conceivable shape and size. When it started getting dusky, we headed downtown to the T for our respective trips home. Vern couldn't find a restroom to relieve himself, so he had a squirmy ride back to the airport on the T. No relief at the hotel shuttle stop, either, so it was a verrrrry longgggg ride back to the hotel for him.
Next day, Friday, we took the shuttle to the airport T, where we met Nat and proceeded to Avis to rent a car for our drive to see Auntie Ann and my cousin Mandy in Marblehead, MA. Marblehead is a lovely community on a spit of land into the Atlantic about 30 minutes drive north of Boston. We arrived to find AA outside awaiting our arrival. It was wonderful to see her looking so perky and healthy. She had a quadruple bypass last year. Also had all her teeth pulled and dentures made, which was an ordeal for her following surgery.
She sprung for lunch at a local chowder bistro. We had scallops that were out of this world! Since I hadn't seen her for 5 years, we had a lot to catch up on. Vern hadn't seen her since my aunt Mimi died in '95. After lunch, we headed over to a small restaurant with which my cousin Mandy was affiliated. Had some coffee there, chatted and planned to meet at Marblehead lighthouse which straddles the harbor and the Atlantic Ocean. We spent a couple hours visiting at the park at the lighthouse, sitting on huge boulders and benches, yapping away. Afterward, we returned with Ann to her apartment at a senior apartment complex. She nursed a huge blister that i'd developed on my pinky from all the walking we'd done over the 2 days. We planned on driving back to Boston shortly thereafter. We discussed what we wanted to do for dinner, when Ann piped up with "There's a really good Chinese place down a few streets, do ya wanna go there?"
Sure, why not! We headed out to the place, which offerd a combo Sushi and Chinese cuisine. Nat and I had some sushi and ordered a dish from the Chinese menu. Vern passed on teh sushi and had a great chicken and walnut dinner. Mandy had gone home to catch up on laundry. At some point during our wait for dinner, she called her Mom, who told her where we were. As soon as her clothes were in the dryer, she popped in to join us for the rest of the meal.
We said our loving goodbyes as darkness fell and returned to Boston where we turned in the rental car and grabbed the shuttle back to the hotel.
Saturday morning we hailed a cab to travel over to downtown to the rail station. It's a grand old facility with lots of character and an array of restaurants catering to many tastes! Had a light breakfast, then boarded the Amtrak for New Haven, CT.
What a great ride on the train! We passed thru cities and mostly rural areas of MA, RI, and CT, all of CT with the ocean to our left and various bays and inlets to the right. It was a 2.5 hr ride, but passed quickly. Vern visited the dining car and got us snacks/drinks about half way there. We arrived in New Haven on time and rented a car from Avis at the rail station. It too was gorgeous vintage America, with thick oak benches and ornate ceiling.
We drove to our Hilton Garden Inn in Shelton, CT, where we settled in, then proceeded to dress for the evening reception. My cousin Diana knew we were not planning on attending the afternoon wedding, and it was a good thing, cuz we learned it was SRO.
The reception was held at a country club. We arrived as probably the last guests, due to unfamiliarity with the turf. Michelle and John were graciously waiting in an empty foyer, as most guests had moved on to the appetizer buffet (awesome!) in the rear of the building. When we arrived, we were warmly received, and we headed to the rear as well to seek out Diana and my Uncle Joey and Aunt Betty. Hadn't seen these folks in 20 years, remember, since my Mom's funeral. I found a bridesmaid and asked who among the many was the mother of the bride. They pointed out Diana, who is now a blonde. I went over and tapped her on the head and said hello. She looked at me like I was a wedding crasher. When i told her who i was, she yelped and then we went to find my aunt and uncle. It was a delightful reunion! I also got to visit with Diana's ex-husband and father of the bride, Ed Musante (Muzzy). Looks the same, acts the same, nice guy in general.
The reception and dinner was quite entertaining. Bride and groom did some native American war dance with their peeps that cracked us all up. They did a married couples dance and eliminated folks based on how many years married. The couple who was last to go was my aunt and uncle.....65 years married! They also did a group picture of all those present who were Sicilian in ancestry. My aunt Betty and I were the sole guests remaining at our table and there were a few other non-Sicilians in the room, but mostly all were in the photo!
We danced a lot, ate a terrific dinner and enjoyed being part of the festivities. Next day, Diana hosted a cookout at her place, which was less than a mile from our hotel. The highlight of our day there was playing cards with them....we refreshed my mind on how to play Setback (called Cinch in PA) and taught Vern the rudimentary rules of the game. After uncle and auntie left for home before dark (he is almost 90and still drives), we sat on D's deck and chatted some more.
Next morning, V and I headed back to the train station, returned the car, and caught the Amtrak south to Newark, NJ. Another 2 hour trip that completed our coastal tour of CT, then took us in the back door to NYCity. We arrived at Newark Train Station around 1, rented a car and drove to Paramus, NJ, where my uncle Dick resides. I could not figure out how to get off of those friggin' traffic circles at the exit that leads to his neighborhood, so we drove about 45 minutes back and forth until we finally figured it out.
We visited with Dick at his home, and he took us out to Ocean's, a Greek seafood restaurant in nearby Saddle Brook, NJ. Outstanding meal, and we were joined by his friends Kathy and her sister Diane. Kathy has been helping Dick out for over a year now with his shopping, billpaying, cleaning and personal needs. He claims to love her. I don't know if it's a romance or not, as she is 20 years his junior.
We were with Dick less than 24 hours, when we checked out of the Holiday Inn Express and drove back to Newark for our flight home. I didn't mention that we had excellent weather every day we were in the northeast, except the last day......it poured buckets in NJ and our American Airlines flight to Chicago was delayed. The delay meant we'd miss our connection to Tucson. Fortunately, while we said our goodbyes to Dick, he mentioned that we should probably check our flight status becuz of the weather. GREAT IDEA! we learned that i'd misread our boarding passes and that we were to leave an hour earlier than i'd planned. if we hadn't checked, we'd have missed our flight (technically), but since it was delayed, the point was moot. Nevertheless, we said quick goodbyes to Dick and hurried to Newark to turn in the car and try to get on another flight.
While we were enroute, American phoned Vern and advised him that we had a missed connection pending. They offered us seats on a direct USAir flight to Phx, then Tucson. We took them. Unfortunately, the seats were middle ones at the rear of the plane. Vern was in the very last row and couldn't recline, but he managed to sleep anyway. We got a hoagie at the airport and used it for our dinner en route. 5.5 hr later we were in rainfree PHX and a quick hop on a regional jet thereafter brought us safely to Tucson. End of whirlwind trip!
August and September still to come on this slooooow mooooving blog.
peace.
a
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