Voicelessness and Emotional Survival Message Board

Voicelessness and Emotional Survival => Voicelessness and Emotional Survival Message Board => Topic started by: Izzy_now on October 15, 2012, 11:46:45 PM

Title: Update from.....Izzy
Post by: Izzy_*now* on October 15, 2012, 11:46:45 PM: Sometimes life can just reach a point of being so damned stupid, I wonder why I go on. But go on I must.

When I think of all the traumas, mentally and physically, that I have endured, and moved on, I didn’t know I had reached my limit with this last accident.

When I ‘ blanked out’ before the car knocked me down it, afterward, made me suspicious (that I might have just seen the beginning of another trauma, and shut it out!) Now I have believed for a long time that I have shut out the hurtful things, both physical and emotional, moved on and been the “oh so strong person”.

Now I have a strange doctor verifying that my physical injury was a mental trauma, and I turned my mental trauma into the tremors, to avoid losing my mind (my wording to keep it simple.)

This okay with me if life didn’t go on with its little messes. I have been coughing for 3 years (yes since after the accident.) I had reasons that were fixed, 3 times re meds, once with a lung infection (aspirated food) and in general a steady cough with this poking out in the nooks and crannies of my teeth, that seemed bring on a cough, so I bought a mouth guard, blah blah, and now since about April or May of 2012, I have been bugged by this dry persistent cough. (If I wrap an Ace Bandage round my neck, close to choking me, I can get a night’s sleep…oh yes and my teeth feel like upholstered in sheepskin, (I still await the dental report) and are so out of line that I still stuff the inside, with wax, to smooth the texture for my tongue, but it is too late for my tongue, as it has a mess of loose skin and a few calluses on it, and no one to look after it, until I receive this Dental report. I saw him in March/2012

Now I go crazy. How my infestation began with fruit flies I’ll never know, but I had one and it was all soon cleared up except for “One?” who awaits me at my computer every day. I was mistaken. I went to take the garbage down, and there was a hole in the backside and it was swarming with fruit flies. I patched that and got rid of that and set about the killing of the beasties!

I set up a trap but in the meantime found that those left behind, migrated to the bathroom and kitchen, plus there are now more than one in my computer area which never seems to light. I have white floors and they are washed, but right now are specked from all the swatting, and then I began to wonder if my cough was in my head or if I swallowed a fruit fly in the night- EYEcccH!…..stay out of my bedroom you mangy critters, and they sit on walls, counter sides, toilet edges, mirrors (twice as many) my piano keys WTF??????

The computer one just flew by again, but none in the bathroom, as I found they were hiding under the rim----this was with the disturbance of that garbage bag. There is only one dead in my trap, and I (again) cleaned my drain )(as I watched a video about sewer flies that cost a guy $65,000.00 to fix his house up and be rid of them.

Karla helped me the first round and I spoke to her like Carol Burnett’s old lady who sits on the bench with Tim Conway, and usually ends up hitting him with her purse…..for coming on to her. I tol’ her about the fruit flies and how tiring it was for an ol’ lady to keep runnin’ after them, so I decided that I would sit quietly in my chair and wait for them to come to me. They did and I smashed them all to hell, but then I told my friend , Edytha, and Edytha said, “Well Margaret, did you ever wonder why they came to you?” Heh, heh, heh!

Anyway, I have lost Karla, so to speak, but I must still have a say in this. Her last invoice and paper trail was Sept 28/12 . Dr. V has recommended an aqua therapist for 10-12 weeks, at 1 hour per session, then, a pool pass for me to then be independent. ME NO LIKE! I have no bathing suit, I do not swim, I don’t like huge bodies of water (what did that have to do with anything before?) and I have to dress and undress on an bed---are there beds in the pool halls? ….a shower before and after, with whose help might I ask? Hugh Hefner? Let’s get real, when I get my money I will spend it whatever way I want, and for now I am having Karla, on MY time AND Money, CASH, 1 DAY A WEEK

Looks like it Court, April 15, but I think my lawyer is going to try to avoid my trip to Vancouver to the Orthopaedic Specialist, in November, so who knows.

So all I can say is that now that I have a history of a mental disorder, it might be difficult for me to convince a doctor that I have a real physical problem. I sure hope not, as I am still think about having swallowed a fruit fly, that caused this cough--------------- heh heh heh!

I did have a chest x-ray last Wednesday and then when I see my so-called Dr. I want a visit with an ENT man! Case closed!

I’d like to ask a Physicist why, with differences in sizes, fruit flies can out fly-run-skip and jump a flyswatter and me.

Last check found 5 (now dead) in bathroom and a mess on the front of the stainless steel sink (clean and reflective of 1000s). Why did I sprinkle salt there? It’s an old story about catching a bird!

Hope you enjoyed my misery!

I just hadda tell someone!

XXOO
Izzy
Title: Re: Update from Grandma "Margaret".....Izzy
Post by: Izzy_*now* on October 16, 2012, 01:00:45 AM: OMG,
Was wondering why they just disintegrated if I caught one between my finger and thumb. Wikii has an also:

Fruit fly may also refer to:
Fruit Fly (film), 2009 film directed by H. P. Mendoza
LGBT slang with a meaning similar to fag hag
Title: Re: Update from Grandma "Margaret".....Izzy
Post by: lighter on October 16, 2012, 11:24:14 AM: (((Izzy)))

I'm so sorry you're having such a difficult struggle right now.

The last thing you need is some asshat nother doctor writing up reports that make it more difficult to collect from the insurance company.

Like being hit by a car that causes trauma that makes you go into tremors to block out the trauma isn't trauma caused by the accident!

Crazy, and you keep telling your attorney that the pool idea isn't a solution bc getting hit by the car made it impossible for you to GO to the pool, much less do what it takes to get into a suit, get into the pool, get out of the pool, and get back home. It's not a solution it's another accident waiting to happen. They should hold the dumbasses who suggest these types of things accountable for being such dumbasses.

It looks like you're headed to court, my dear. Keep documenting, and keep telling your attorney he can't settle for things that will make your life worse, not better. You need Karla, and the insurance company needs to just give you a settlement and let you figure out how to spend it, IMO.

Lighter
Title: Re: Update from Grandma "Margaret".....Izzy
Post by: Hopalong on October 16, 2012, 12:47:12 PM: Ohh, Izz.
I think you should feed fruit flies, one at a time, to Dr. V.
Slowly. With hot sauce. Thai hot sauce.

I am so sorry you're going through all this!

Much love and comfort (and swatting),

Hops
Title: Re: Update from Grandma "Margaret".....Izzy
Post by: lighter on October 16, 2012, 01:24:27 PM: On the fruitfly's....

do not spray hairspray on the the ones living in the toilet, move your face down close to see what effect this is having, and think about lighting a flame to increase the effect.

You'll be having trouble with your eyebrows and eyelashes too if you do.

Lighter
ps.... no it's wasn't me who DID that, but I was there when a relative did it, during a power outage, and she used the lighter to see how the hairspray was effecting the ff's.

::shaking head::

Bad.

Idea.
Title: Re: Update from Grandma "Margaret".....Izzy
Post by: KayZee on October 16, 2012, 03:06:41 PM: ((((Izzy))))

Sending lots of love and strength your way. I agree with Lighter...keep documenting.

Tis the season for those heinous fruit flies. Set out lots of little bowls of apple cider vinegar, plus a few drops of water and dish soap: http://theurbanfarmingguys.com/how-to-make-a-fruit-fly-trap-under-60-seconds. Probably you have already done this! It's the only thing I've ever found that works!

Kay x
Title: Re: Update from Grandma "Margaret".....Izzy
Post by: Izzy_*now* on October 16, 2012, 04:46:26 PM: Thanks folks,

Due to street construction a block away we have no water until 4:00 pm (from 9:00 am) so I checked my computer and went back to bed.

Thanks KayZee. I needed a picture as my 'cone-hole' was too small and caught only one.

--and no hairspray lighter.

--and still documenting.

...and I thought it was just fruit--- not mirrors and other reflctive materials. In reading about them, they like moist sponges as well, so have gathered around the cloth I used to wash the floor. It was rinsed well in hot water, after the the fact and they still smell something?. (Last time, I washed my sponges and let them dry in the dishdryer, but those buggers have been hiding in wait to annoy me.Well, Karla comes tomorrow.

--and Hops. Where did your vicious mind come from? Poor Dr. V..... one fruit fly at a time. Yuk! Torture!

It appears that Dr. V's recommendation is to take place and then with new reports in, my lawyer can then approch the defence with all the new information. New figure? I don't know! He is in court for someone else right now.

xxoo
Iz
Title: Re: Update from Grandma "Margaret".....Izzy
Post by: lighter on October 18, 2012, 09:32:43 AM: Izzy:

You really need an strong adovcate capable of testifying in court with such force no one can make a chink in their logic, professionalism or recommendations.

I keep going back to victims advocacy groups. You're being revictimized by the process.....

POOL as your main source of relief?

Really?

Lighter
Title: Re: Update from Grandma "Margaret".....Izzy
Post by: Izzy_*now* on October 18, 2012, 12:07:20 PM: Thanks lighter,

Karla and I discussed this yesterday and since we neither know what this entails, we are waiting. An Occupatioal Therapist is to be setting this in motion, (We've met before when she was setting up my future care needs.) It's all in her hands, or is yet to be, and then we can see. There will be an aqua therapist too.

Someone needs to see me in action before 'precribing/recommending' something from a book.

I'm willing to try but if it doesn't work, I will ask them to step forward with their opinions.

Trying something new is a challenge to my brain before my body becomes involved, as it is brand new and doing, or trying, is knowing.

The other confusing part is that this is to be set up now, court is not until April-- I don't get that. Maybe it will just prove that all specialists don't know it all. I keep saying that my case does not come written, "Iz's Care", a chapter in a book for dealing with the physically disabled.

Luv
Iz
Title: Re: Update from Grandma "Margaret".....Izzy
Post by: lighter on October 19, 2012, 04:31:00 AM: You know I'll be praying you get the best possible outcome, Izzy.

Lighter
Title: Re: Update from Grandma "Margaret".....Izzy
Post by: sKePTiKal on October 19, 2012, 09:03:51 AM: Well Iz - the pool folks know what they're up against physically... and how to work around that.

On the other hand... I wish I could be a fly on the wall, as they become acquainted with your "Inner Iz-ness"!! LOL...
You're right about new things working out your brain first... that by itself is a good thing, I think. We all need new experiences or challenges... no matter how old we are! Keeps us young.
Title: Re: Update from Grandma "Margaret".....Izzy
Post by: Redhead Erin on October 23, 2012, 03:12:12 PM: Oh, (((Izzy,))) I am so sorry for your trouble.

A practical solution for the fruit flies: get one of these
http://www.blackflag.com/products/fly-stick.aspx

and put a piece of apple in the tray around the bottom. My son thought this up and it works wonders!
Title: Re: Update from Grandma "Margaret".....Izzy
Post by: Izzy_*now* on October 23, 2012, 06:24:20 PM: Thanks PR,

I might have mentioned that I am one who requires an answer, and to not be left hanging. I telephoned the OT, who my lawyer will hire to set up this 'swim thing', and asked if she had heard from him. Then I explained and she gave me a bunch of informtion, then the names of the pools in the city (involved) so called one and learned more, but had told Debbie await being contacted. I just needed to clear my mind.

Under the circumstances, I can wear white short shorts and a T-sirt, and they have chairs that go through the showers, as mine is padded and would go home wet each time.

That done, it has cleared my brain to think of other matters.

Thank RH Erin
"I have conquered the fruit flies!" she said complacently...from one who has always promised herself to never be complacent.

I try to be SO careful, as my lap is important. It is always there for me, but I slopped some hot soup on it, whipped off the towel covering my legs, applied cold water until the heat went away and ended up with only 2 blisters. One broke, the other is intact and by cracky. It is sore!!

(Lap, in case no one knows, is what I have all the time, but yours disappears when you stand up.)

xx
Iz
Title: Re: Update from Grandma "Margaret".....Izzy
Post by: lighter on October 26, 2012, 05:56:12 AM: Izzy, do you have flamawhatchmacallit to put on those burns? Burn cream is what we call it in this house.

If I put that stuff on early, it helps everything heal up quickly.

I put something in your e-mail.

Enjoy: )

Lighter
Title: Re: Update from Grandma "Margaret".....Izzy
Post by: Izzy_*now* on October 26, 2012, 12:47:52 PM: Thank you, lighter

I was at Dr.'s yesterday just a Rx visit, but had him look at the broken blister (the other has shrunk back down.) I had the area virtually uncovered from Saturday on, except in bed I had a light dressing to avoid bursting the other blister.

He said it looked good and to keep it uncovered. (I had covered it lightly as I was dressed.) I have to go out to fill my Rxs today---some trips are by car, some just by chair.

This will be easier, as it is the chair trip and less moving and bending for the injured area.

All will be well

I SO enjoyed your email

Love
Iz

P.S.

My Dr. appears human after all. He is now in possession of the Specialist's 25 page report, and I'm sure he is thinking that he was somewhat brutal with me, not referring me to this exact same Specialist, when I asked, because "I was over-doctoring and there would never be a diagnosis for me". He was wrong!!!

hahahaha

I asked today for referrals for an updated x-ray, and a visit with an ENT man, and he was more than happy to oblige!
Title: Re: Update from Grandma "Margaret".....Izzy
Post by: Hopalong on October 26, 2012, 01:29:22 PM: It's incredible how documentation gets the lead out, and moves things forward.

I am so glad you GOT that report...it has gravitas and legal weight and prevents
laziness.

On the part of doctors.

This sounds like good news, Izz...may it multiply.

love to you,
Hops
Title: Re: Update from Grandma "Margaret".....Izzy
Post by: Izzy_*now* on November 01, 2012, 07:33:59 PM: Thank you Hops,

It is good to see the truth in legal writing.

Quote
Looks like it Court, April 15, but I think my lawyer is going to try to avoid my trip to Vancouver to the Orthopaedic Specialist, in November, so who knows.

from my opening email.

It appears that the elevator is broken in the building in Vancouver, but I was being sent there anyway--what fools! (" She cannot manage 8 steps?")

Long story shorter I now go to New Westminster, BC, no airport, taxi 16 miles from Vancouver, while all the explanations sound as though the Insurance Co is sending a healthy mobile person. Meanwhile these people (me and I) feel on the verge of tears to do this alone, and be manhandled all the way and back. I still cannot manage public washrooms, so require a hotel as a stop over, both ways.

If the Insurance Co. wanted a report at this point in the game, they ought to have paid more attention and booked an appointment for me here, in my home town for 3 years after the accident, and not just now 3½ years later.

I feel like suing the Insurance Co. but I already am!

No one feels the 'fear' within me, but me, when something like this is on deck, but I will co-operate, because all the Defence wants is someone who is not co-operative (and who walks!)

Grrrrrrrrrrr
Izzy
Title: Re: Update from Grandma "Margaret".....Izzy
Post by: lighter on November 02, 2012, 07:10:53 AM: I can't believe your attorney is allowing this to happen to you. It's like the insurance company is putting you through a gauntlet, and IF you make it, THEN they'll consider paying you SOMETHING, but hey.....

you might not survive the roadblocks they're setting up, so hey....

let's wait and see how it goes.

I'm appalled, always have been at the way you've been treated, but forcing you to cross country, and I'm still not sure WHY they're requiring it, is a new level of unprofessional and cruel, even for them.

You need that appointment in your home town for goodness sake, Izz. Why can't your attorney DO that? AND, if he's unable to, maybe this is where the film crews start their human interest story on our Ms. Izz?

Love to you,
Lighter
Title: Re: Update from Grandma "Margaret".....Izzy
Post by: Twoapenny on November 02, 2012, 07:14:56 AM: Hope things get sorted out, Izzy, this all sounds like a real nightmare for you. Hope they pull their fingers out and get everything sorted xx
Title: Re: Update from Grandma "Margaret".....Izzy
Post by: Izzy_*now* on November 03, 2012, 11:22:49 AM: Hi lighter & Twoapenny,

Thank you both.

I was very deep in thought, at 6:00 a.m., well actually talking out loud to myself, about being co-operative, awaiting my turn, doing what I'm told and don't make waves.

I am also deep into research about personal injury cases.

I read of one last night. A guy in a wheelchair, here in my city, was being sent to Vancouver for an examination. The Supreme Court ruled that the Doctor come here.

I know I am 'on the edge'. I slept Thursday night, yesterday and last night, getting up now and again, but I needed to think, sleep, check the computer, sleep, think, research. and finally wrote my lawyer this morning.

I wrote just now, 7:15 a.m, but it's Saturday, and spoke of some of my 'fears' and suggested the doctor come to me. Same difference with the Insurance Company paying the freight.

I insisted that he follow up on my missing Dental Report: examination done on March 15, this year.

I didn't chew him out, but he had asked me October 7, in a hurried call, to list what I would need for this trip. I sent it to him with other requests, and just on October 31, he called me to ask what I would need for this trip. (He took me by surprise and so I just told him again.) Now I know which email and I mentioned it, and his not reading emails. I trust him, I like him and he just has to not be in a rush about the trial he is in right now, to speak to me on other matters.

When it is me, I want his attention.

---he checks his office mail at home.

IZ
Title: Re: Update from Grandma "Margaret".....Izzy
Post by: lighter on November 04, 2012, 08:15:53 AM: Well, Izz.....

your attorney isn't reading his e-mails.

I think that's very common.

Have you contacted his assistant and asked her to speak to him directly about exactly what it is you need him to do for you?

That's how I deal with my attorney..... through her assistant. It's a triage process, and you should make sure you put emphasis on the important stuff, like....

"I am not strong enough to travel for this appointment and cannot make the trip..... the Doctor needs to travel to me. I have documented case law where handicapped individuals aren't required to travel cross country to appts. and the doctors are brought in town. When my attorney phones me back I can provide that to him, or give it to you now so you can include it in this message, your choice. Please have him contact me with the new schedule ASAP, and let me know where I'll be meeting the doctor in town. Thanks."

It would be massively difficult for you to travel, and not just an insult, but traumatic physically and emotionally for you. Your attorney should be made aware.... he's very busy Izz. That doesn't mean you should suffer.

I still can't believe the Insurance Company wants you to travel out of town!

THE NERVE!
Lighter
Title: Re: Update from Grandma "Margaret".....Izzy
Post by: Izzy_*now* on November 04, 2012, 10:59:10 PM: Now that I wrote him on a Saturday, there was a reply today and we are to talk tomorrow.

If the original plan had remained the same, I don't see why it wouldn't work, and that was with a hotel.
The no elevator: today is the first I heard that there were men to carry me up

but

the City was changed and not enough information has been passed to me to accept this without questioning. Perhaps I will find out tomorrow.

The other guy has PTSD and was on his way to see a psychaitrist, plus he smokes medical marijuana for his problem and this is unacceptable in airports etc.-----

....well....some of my problems I deem as unacceptable to me, personally! His assistant must be made aware of these problems, and I did so in an email that she will find when she comes to work tomorrow.

Later
Iz
Title: Re: Update from Grandma "Margaret".....Izzy
Post by: Izzy_*now* on November 05, 2012, 10:35:16 PM: Today it was left at my lawyer saying he would say:

Either Karla comes with me to assist in public washrooms, or I don't go!

Karla is willing and now I await the report on the response of the Insurance Co.
Title: Re: Update from Grandma "Margaret".....Izzy
Post by: lighter on November 06, 2012, 10:07:24 AM: OK, Izz....

I have visions of you, 3 men, AND Karla tumbling down a long concrete stairwell right now, and I'm not sure how many more hits you can take at this point.

WHY do you have to undertake this trip out of town?

Don't these people have agents in your area?

WHy would a man with mental health issues be less capable of traveling out of town than you?

Be firm with your attorney.

You don't need to be traveling anywhere right now, and if that's not crystal clear to your attorney, the insurance company, and their counsel I don't know what to say.

Lighter
Title: Re: Update from Grandma "Margaret".....Izzy
Post by: Izzy_*now* on November 06, 2012, 05:44:54 PM: Getting appointments for IMEs or DMEs, whatever, they are not 5 minute jobs. My city is smaller and all backed up for months. Vancouver is 45 minute flight away and then New Westminster is a 16 mile drive after that. In the Vancouver area one can book an appointment far sooner than locally.

Remember I had a November 15, 2011 appointment with Dr. V, the physiatrist, and that was 9 months to wait. One week before the appointment we learn that Joanne learned he had a 2 hour space for me that day, BUT, she didn't book me. She was fired. I was re booked for May 16, 2012 = a 16 month wait....all history now.

Why the Defence is only now asking for an Examination, I don't know as 3½ years have passed, but my lawyer has said Karla accompanies me, or I don't go--- then I see (as his assistant forwarded me two emails of Paul's, which I don't think I was to have, with) the implication that he is just learning some things about me now. The Defence council will know better, if he refers to the Examination for Discovery, as I stated same during the questioning.

I already called out my lawyer yesterday. He already told me he cannot ask for the Specialist to come here, yet his email yesterday is asking Defence council to consider it. (What's wrong? Did HE not think of that?)

I mentioned that the other guy smokes medical marijuana for his PTSD. What I don't know is how often he smokes it-- and therefore requires a home visit, here.

Quote
Why the Defence is only now asking for an Examination
might be because they think I am pogo sticking all over town after all this time, but I am not. I still have pain, aches, tremors, therapy, no social activities, no job, sleep disturbances have lost 3½ years out of my life, cannot use public washrooms,

yada yada

They are well know too for their surveillance and they probably never see me out! But even if they watch me, they will see the trouble I have. I told it all at the Examination for Discovery. Maybe my lawyer doesn't want to be left out. He and I will have a run-through of what I must not mention.
Title: Re: Update from Grandma "Margaret".....Izzy
Post by: lighter on November 07, 2012, 07:32:25 AM: Izz:

The insurance company's lack of planning, care and humanity should not require you be subjected to an odyssey of suffering, IMO.

Your attorney needs to man up and write a letter that spells out clearly for a Judge, the media, and any bystander what the Insurance Company is doing here without any consideration for your pain threshold, ability to use a public toilet or the top of the bone you had to have lopped off at your hip making travel for pleasure impossible..... .why would the insurance company require you travel bc of their incompetence?

Two words.....

ongoing

debacle.

Someone in a position of authority at that IC needs to be made aware of the decisions their employees are tossing out with the expectation you be the one who foots the bill every time they drop the ball.

This is outrageous.

I

am

appalled.

Lighter
Title: Re: Update from Grandma "Margaret".....Izzy
Post by: Izzy_*now* on November 07, 2012, 01:00:19 PM: hi lighter,

I understand that you are appalled and at times I am as well.

I am keeping track of the times that have cost me endless worry and distress just to add to the General Damages.

The Insurance Company knew last April about public washrooms, when I went through the Examination for Discovery. What would make their lawyer think that that was no longer an issue? Why would they not set up a local appointment at that time to have a Doctor corroborate my details during the EFD? That being said I would have an appointment now, but locally. Otherwise, as I said, a local one could take over a year and the Court date is April.

Further delays will occur if my lawyer has to go to Court to plead a case for me that might not pass muster. It is easier and faster to plead 'public toileting' with the Defence lawyer.

If the IC is trying to trip me up they will fail because I have done nothing but tell the truth, and be as co-operative as possible.

Their correspondence comes in to the Legal Assistants and is taken care of from there. (I, unfortunately, am on my 4th Legal Assistant who doesn't know the whole case, but she is sure learning now.) The Insurance company pays for this trip, taxi and airfare, and for Karla's lost wages, the airport parking, hotel, meals. (I refused to go alone.)

Accidents happen, as you know, and it takes the Courts to straighten out the Liability and Worth in a personal injury case, unless the Defence can see no way out of the truth and what it is worth, plus any shenanigans he (IC)has done to make my life more miserable.

Meanwhile, 4 years will have gone by and I have had one 'social occasion' with my lawyer, and lunches out with Karla! Nothing else. I am at home, in intermittent pain, in tremors, (and being that I prefer solitude, I am fine).

Maybe laws are different in our two countries, but the best time to settle is when the healing, as best it can be, is done. I have reached that point now. ...well earlier this year.

I really believe that at the beginning, "I had a broken leg and it should take no longet than 6 months for me to be healed and back to normal." However, I was not a normal case and one thing led to another, all the fault of the IC, rushing, second-guessing and looking at (maybe only) a settlement of $25,000.00 (typical for a broken femur.) By 7 months, when I had a relapse and further pain, they changed their minds when I had the bone removed. I doubt they got over that and all the encompassing problems that that caused for me and the $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ that would be far more than a broken leg. (It's like they are on their original kick.) The tremors have only now been diagnosed, and the dental report is yet to come, and I told the LA to send the dentist the pertinant remarks re the tremors so that he can finish his report!.

So, you just stay calm, and all will work its way out, in my favour.

Love
Izzy
Title: Re: Update from Grandma "Margaret".....Izzy
Post by: lighter on November 07, 2012, 03:04:30 PM: Quote from: Skits on November 07, 2012, 01:00:19 PM

So, you just stay calm, and all will work its way out, in my favour.

Love
Izzy

Grrrrrrrr.

That's as calm a growl as can be mustered, Izz.

You're one of the strongest people.

Ever.

Lighter
Title: Re: Update from Grandma "Margaret".....Izzy
Post by: Hopalong on November 07, 2012, 07:14:39 PM: Izz,
You are a posterwoman for healthy assertiveness.

I am just awed by your steady determination (and documentation).

I believe it is ultimately going to carry you through to a very fine (and deeply deserved) settlement.

You tiger.

love,
Hops
Title: Re: Update from Grandma "Margaret".....Izzy
Post by: Izzy_*now* on November 08, 2012, 11:20:11 AM: Thanks Hops,

It's been a long drawn out lesson, but not yet over.

Karla and I talked yesterday and I've reminded her that she is just my companion in charge of public washrooms. Although she is in the medical field, the rest of the trip is as though I am on my own and assistance will come from taxi drivers, hotel bell-'persons' and airline personnel.

Being a very big Insurance Company, they can afford to plant a spy on the same airplane, and at the Dr.'s office they can watch my coming and going. With Karla knowing angles and approaches re my chair it would look easier, than when some taxi driver is a big lummox, or one who doesn't know English, and tries something he doesn't know, just as I run into on my own and give instructions.

i.e when Karla and I go to lunch, she moves the extra chair from the table and I pull in quick as you please, but when I go alone, I have to move the chair in tiny jumps to get it out of my way but not put it in the way of others. There is quite a difference in how smoothly something can transpire with her.

The legal notice gives hints, too, like if a Dr. presses on the top of your head and asks if that causes lower back pain, the answer is "No". Yet if the Dr. tries it with me, he will be surprised to see my teeth gnash--haha-- as long as his hand touches the left top of my head too. (I can tap my head from centre top to centre chin on the left and my teeth gnash. As soon as I cross the centre line to the right side, the gnashing stops. Weird but true.)

The saga continues

Love Izzy
Title: Re: Update from Grandma "Margaret".....Izzy
Post by: lighter on November 09, 2012, 09:02:28 AM: Well, Izzy.....

if this trip is JUST A PLOY to spy on you and disprove your injuriess :shock:
I fear mightily for the IC employees, with respect to Karma.

You sound good and up to this challenge, however.

Perhaps documenting this journey yourself would be prudent......

Karla could roll film at all times outside the bathroom, etc.

The insurance company wouldn't be able to cobble together 40 seconds of film where you look confident, competent and able bodied out of a 24 hour period, kwim?

Lighter
Title: Re: Update from Grandma "Margaret".....Izzy
Post by: Izzy_*now* on November 09, 2012, 11:15:32 AM: hi lighter,

Yes. I've said it before, but maybe not on here.

"Why are they wanting their own Examination after 3½ years? Why now?"

Yes. This is not just a broken leg; it's become a nightmare on wheels!

I cannot help but be suspicious (paranoid, even) so I have to do things as though I am on my own, but I know I cannot take a day trip to the Coast, alone.....so if they want to see clumsy they will see clumsy, if they are watching!

Karla and I will be talking about vegetarian recipes while on the plane......and I am interested to know who all knows our exact plans.

I have an appointment with my orthopaedic surgeon for an X-ray and talk. I asked ol' Yarrow (GP) for the referral and go next week. I want to see inside my leg, and mention a few things to be ready to take on their Godzilla!

A document of the journey is a good idea. Fodder for my lawyer to add to everything else.

Izzy

(just to add a quote from the Internet from a personal injury lawyer in Vancouver:)

On examination for discovery she agreed that it caused her to waddle most of the time. She said that it was a particular problem when she walked after driving.

[18] The January and February 2008 videotape evidence is of little assistance – the recordings are brief and do not show the plaintiff walking to any extent. The May 2009 videotape evidence is much more extensive. On May 19, 2009 the plaintiff was at a gas station purchasing flowers. To my eye, her gait appeared normal. On June 14, 2009 the plaintiff was videotaped while at a garden centre, and again her gait appeared normal. A year later, on June 15, 2010, there is videotape of her walking. There is no apparent limp but she does appear stiff and careful in the way she moves. On June 17, 2010 Ms. Wilkinson was videotaped walking to her car with a grocery cart full of groceries. She was captured loading the groceries into the hatchback of her vehicle. She did all of that without apparent limitation. On June 19 of that year she purchased a three or four foot tall house plant which she loaded and unloaded from her car, again without apparent limitation. Finally, there is a lengthy videotape of her on June 19, 2010 at a garden centre with Mr. Bains and her daughter. She is captured squatting down, standing up, and walking about the store without noticeable limitation. In summary, the videotape reveals some minor stiffness or limitation on some occasions. There are also occasions when she appeared to have little or no visible limitation.
Title: Re: Update from Grandma "Margaret".....Izzy
Post by: lighter on November 11, 2012, 12:16:28 PM: Izzy,

Thinks go consider;

What about contacting a nearby University Journalist Department, and discussing your case...... perhaps a senior journalist student would be a good pick to actually document your journey? I suppose the Professor or Teacher in charge of that department would have some good insights, if nothing else.

What about contacting a local left leaning newspaper and asking for the names of jounalists who would typically be interested in a case like yours? Discussing and picking brains doesn't cost yo anything, and you might end up with information you find very helpful, even if you don't choose to deal with a reporter in the end.

What about contacting a victim's advocacy group and picking their brains?

On the whole, I think you're spot on about the IC treating you like someone with a simple broken leg. That's egregious, considering the circumstances. If it were me, I'd document in a "just in case" manner, which is apparenlty something I do compulsively, which turned out to be very helpful in my last legal case. Did I have a bunch of stuff that wasn't useful in the end? At this time, that's how it looks, but those things could turn out to be necessary in the next case, kwim? Hard to say, but being OCD in the documentation department has on the whole been a life saver for me.

I'd also talk to a few attorneys about this..... pick their brains for free if they allow it. If you have folkes refer you, you can get some free advice typically, which is what I've been doing a lot of lately, and the referrals weren't people I actually know either. Attorneys are intrigued by unusual cases that tease their brains..... they enjoy rolling questions around and sounding informed and wise. Some of them actually want to tackle the case, bc they can't believe what's happening.... they want to be the ones to turn things around, which is what happened at this last trial. My attorney wanted to do what all the male attorneys "failed to get done," and she certainly did that.

If you can effect some change, or help some other people in your position, all the better. Ahh yes, the familiar smell of pie in the sky.... I just can't help myself.

Ok, how about this? The Insurance Company ends up taking a public relations hit, and knows your case will cost them more if it goes to trial, so they settle right away to get you out of their hair.

More realistic, and........

::whispering::

Squirrrrrel jusssssstice.

::shrug::

I just love that commercial.
Lighter
Title: Re: Update from Grandma "Margaret".....Izzy
Post by: Izzy_*now* on November 12, 2012, 11:25:26 AM: hi lighter,

Thanks for the input and now I know where to come for more info if needed.

My input to my case is private, unless the Insurance Co, can hack into my computer and read forum postings and emails, in which case they have evidence that is to be released when my lawyer says so.

Anything I have said to Karla is fair game if they put her on the stand.

Everything I have said here is the truth.

OK. So I have told only the truth, but what if I 'joked' to Karla about something, and I have, but forget what, as it wasn't the truth, but if she were asked under oath would have to repeat it and I am "up the creek".

OK. I need an example!! "Listen I can fake this soft tissue pain as long as it takes to nail those bastards!" THEN where am I? Up shit creek!

I know my lawyer would not appreciate my calling in the re-enforcements at this time. I must be as patient as I can be, as I have been all along and determine what is the best tact, without calling my lawyer ever day. Karla is a good sound board, in translating some of his verbiage! (Once was sneaky wording to account for his forgetting something about my case when writing to Defence Council.)

Quote
Quote from: Skits on November 07, 2012, 10:00:19 AM

So, you just stay calm, and all will work its way out, in my favour.

This week I see my surgeon for 2nd and 3rd surgeries, for an x-ray and talk about what we see inside my leg. Then I have more knowledge about this when I see the Defence's surgeon next month. He can also explain to me what another surgeon, filling in for him one day in 2009, means in her report, which I have Screen Captured, printed and it's in my purse already yet so soon!

But, believe me, when this is all over, signed sealed and delivered, I won't know what to do with myself!

Love
Izzy
Title: Re: Update from Grandma "Margaret".....Izzy
Post by: lighter on November 12, 2012, 11:45:38 AM: Eeeek, Izz.

It would be terrible if Karla represented every joke you ever made as fact during a deposition or trial.

Lighter
Title: Re: Update from Grandma "Margaret".....Izzy
Post by: Twoapenny on November 12, 2012, 03:16:52 PM: Izzy I hope it's over soon so that you can do some nice things and enjoy yourself. What a situation. So complex and so difficult for you. ((((((Izzy))))))
Title: Re: Update from Grandma "Margaret".....Izzy
Post by: Izzy_*now* on November 12, 2012, 07:58:34 PM: Ya folks.

Defendants admit guilt then want to get away with as little as possible, while the specialists I have for my case make recommendations (i.e. $$ for me to spend to best approach the damage done.)

-- Therapy for leg, now in a pool and learn to do it on my own--- (whine! I don't want to!...but I have to!!)
---Medications
---Choices to take will arrive when dentist submits his assessment and report--- might choose to have them pulled and be gumming it in Court! heh heh heh
---Have had to change most of my life style, even to wearing skirts instead of slacks. (pulling my butt across velour seats of car pull my slacks down and I cannot get them back up but thank heavens the chair hides the fact that I have returned sitting on my waist band....skirts are better, therefore, more wardrobe expenses. (Don't You Laugh! At Me!) i was out the other day in slacks and came back in good shape for the first time---
--- will try my left snow boot for the first time this week. I need my hip to shove in my foot when I pull it up with both hands--- no Hip now to shove back---HMMMM!! It's my right hip that run the accelerator.

I hardly remember my others lives!

Reincarnated under my very own eyes!

xxoo
Izzy

PS. 2 years this week, 17th, since I stopped smoking after 54 years of "being cool".....
Title: Re: Update from Grandma "Margaret".....Izzy
Post by: lighter on November 12, 2012, 09:47:09 PM: I'm picturing 1950's Izzy, red lipstick, and beehive updoo, with her ciggy....

you do look cool.

::nodding::

Lighter
Title: Re: Update from Grandma "Margaret".....Izzy
Post by: Izzy_*now* on November 17, 2012, 02:35:48 AM: You want I should attach a black and white of me back then, and you cannot see the RED lipstick I never wore?

I saw my orthopaedic surgeon yesterday for a look at a new x-ray of my "hip/thigh" and it was quite interesting in comparison to the one taken 3 years ago, November 12, 2009. The latter was messy, the new one is all clean and it appears that the femoral shaft might have attached a corner of itself to the acetabulum (hip socket) (but wouldn't that be a fixed leg?) as well as it shows all the scar tissue attached and that is what is allowing me to put weight (not full weight) on my left leg while swinging my right one in the air and hold onto the kitchen cabinet. ...... Never without Karla though!

I needed to know what it looked like just for the fact that we are approaching the "end", whatever way it goes, and I wouldn't be talking in a 'guessing style" which I would have been re the appearance and placement of the bone shaft.

I have been having "odd" email answers from my one sister who emails, plus a friend, who was once the D's sitter, had her 70th birthday yesterday and I telephoned as always, every year, as she does for me, but this call was different.

This was a little hard to decipher, but I had to "defend" myself 4-5 times with C. once was when I described about how I got into the bathtub (i.e oh God I wouldn't bother bathing) another the car (why not use taxis), another the psychogenic tremors, another about the length of my hair, another about the trip via plane for the examination.

I was becoming very upset, as she was saying if the tremors were in my head then just reverse the thought and they would be gone....that if an orthopaedic surgeon came here it would cost so much more so I might as well just go there (omg!), that the picture I sent of my long hair made a quibble over the words, "cut" and "trim".

This is what this sister does to me. When I scalded my leg with hot soup, Sis says 'I know how much it hurt, so watch out for infections, yada yada'..... and the next email, after I said I knew what to do, that I wasn't a virgin at this, she said she never had a scalding burn --- so what the hell is with everyone telling me what to do?

I suppose the best way to say it is to not criticize if you haven't experienced the exact same! Oh I know a good saying.. I made it up myself,

"Don't not walk in my shoes since I cannot walk in them either." HUH?????

I sent as gracious as possible emails to each of them, tonight, and asked why each felt that she had to tell me how to handle things????????

They don't disike me, I know. Is this sloppy way their way to help, but I am not 10 years old, and each has not been disabled for 43 years. They couldn't be jealous! WTF????

Pardon my ending!!

Love
Izzy

See? no red lipstick! I grew up in black and white,
1.) I was 15
3.) I was 19
2.) I was elderly like in the past few years---still no red lipstick but "big hair"?
4.) My 60th birthday and big hair
Title: Re: Update from Grandma "Margaret".....Izzy
Post by: Twoapenny on November 17, 2012, 05:29:07 AM: Izzy you are beautiful :) Then and now :)

Re the 'advice' - I often get this regarding my son, a sort of disbelief that his problems are as difficult and severe as they are, suggestions about where I'm going wrong, although never an offer to help or taken it upon themselves to do what they suggest personally (ie you get your sweet arse over here and get him to eat carrots if it's as easy as you claim).

I've come to the conclusion that it stems from people who are unable to just be supportive - to offer sympathy, understanding, to simply offer their condolences or good wishes for better things in the future. People who aren't comfortable with feelings and emotions and who blame others for the problems that they experience - perhaps so they don't have to offer support in any way if they can tell themselves it's the fault of the person experiencing the problem and if they changed themselves the problem would disappear.

I've had good advice from people in the past, usually from those who have been through a similar experience or know someone who has. I find people with no personal experience of what you are going through (bizarrely often the doctors and specialists who tell you what to do) often have little to offer in terms of good advice or sound information, particularly with conditions like yours that don't seem to fit a basic identify, medicate, cure pattern. Someone I know had this little gem at the ready when offered unwelcome or unhelpful 'advice' regarding her son's disability: "I've read dozens of books on this subject. I've scoured hundreds of pages of information on the internet, spoken to dozens of parents, attended numerous medical assessments, not to mention spending thousands of hours with my son and knowing him back to front and inside out. Why then, having spent ten minutes with him, do you presume to know more than me?"

I've always really identified with what she said and it rang so true for me as I was constantly questioned and presumed to be lying about my little boy. She really hit the nail on the head.

I'd like to add that I don't include the advice I get on here in the 'useless' category, quite the opposite, it's always been a real help and given me things to think about and new things to try out.
Title: Re: Update from Grandma "Margaret".....Izzy
Post by: Hopalong on November 17, 2012, 10:06:11 AM: Wow. Tupp. Your 2nd paragraph.

You are a wise wise observant woman.

Izz, I'm so sorry they are so...unable. To be supportive.

It all makes me think about how important it is to be a good listener. To be able to just "be present" with another person's distress. It's a quality I can haul out now and then but often fail at. I'm usually the flailing distressed one.

But I want to be like THAT. Centered. Compassionate. Able to hear and reflect without "fixing."

(So kindly everybody forgive the floods of advice...which will probably continue. Or at least let me know if I don't HEAR you, first. I think it's okay to advise, sometimes...but to stop, listen and first hear and reflect how it must be feeling for that person. Before rushing in with a big bucket full of suggestions.)

Oh but I like filling my buckets, hanging them on doorknobs, sneaking them into yards, passing them out on the street...sheesh.

xxoo
Hops
Title: Re: Update from Grandma "Margaret".....Izzy
Post by: Twoapenny on November 17, 2012, 01:59:08 PM: Quote from: Hopalong on November 17, 2012, 10:06:11 AM
Wow. Tupp. Your 2nd paragraph.

You are a wise wise observant woman.

Izz, I'm so sorry they are so...unable. To be supportive.

It all makes me think about how important it is to be a good listener. To be able to just "be present" with another person's distress. It's a quality I can haul out now and then but often fail at. I'm usually the flailing distressed one.

But I want to be like THAT. Centered. Compassionate. Able to hear and reflect without "fixing."

(So kindly everybody forgive the floods of advice...which will probably continue. Or at least let me know if I don't HEAR you, first. I think it's okay to advise, sometimes...but to stop, listen and first hear and reflect how it must be feeling for that person. Before rushing in with a big bucket full of suggestions.)

Oh but I like filling my buckets, hanging them on doorknobs, sneaking them into yards, passing them out on the street...sheesh.

xxoo
Hops

Hopsie your advice has always been spot on where I'm concerned so keep it coming :) xxx
Title: Re: Update from Grandma "Margaret".....Izzy
Post by: Izzy_*now* on November 17, 2012, 03:18:27 PM: Ya Tupp,

Thanks loads.

Quote
I've come to the conclusion that it stems from people who are unable to just be supportive - to offer sympathy, understanding, to simply offer their condolences or good wishes for better things in the future. People who aren't comfortable with feelings and emotions and who blame others for the problems that they experience - perhaps so they don't have to offer support in any way if they can tell themselves it's the fault of the person experiencing the problem and if they changed themselves the problem would disappear.

I agree. I felt that all along, but never put it into words. Now I think you ought to win a prize for saying that so concisely!! and, Hops, you love it too! Great! And, I'll be watching for a bucket lady on my street.

Tupp, I can imagine you, with your son, and then someone telling you what to do.

I like the saying that in a true friendship it is wonderful to understand and to be understood.

Thanks you two!

Izzy♥♥♥♥♥
Title: Re: Update from Grandma "Margaret".....Izzy
Post by: Izzy_*now* on November 22, 2012, 02:09:01 AM: Edit--this is old news as they are back to the drawing board, because I'm not having a nap on a bench in Vancouver Airport!

Can you believe that the latest is that I leave here about 6:00 am., taxi to airport one hour in advance, first on, last off, fly to Vancouver, then Taxi to New Westminster for an all day Examination, taxi back to Vancouver, fly back, first on, last off and take a taxi from the airport to home, arriving about 8:00 pm. 14 hours?
That is just a guess at this point but the Insurance Company rep, the Defence council, is doing battle with me and my mind! NO ONE tells me what to do, but in this case, I suppose I must comply, and I will definitely Journal the trip.

I hate this, but I need a better word/phrase than 'hate' or 'driving me nuts', ..... | am guessing this is the only way to spy on me since I so seldom go out, yet I've had paranoid feelings since the overdrugging at the 1st surgery. I have to appear normal, which I am, but yet I am paranoid...OMG!... I AM nuts!

I will be away from my home, only one day allowed, from 6:00 a.m. until back at 8:00 p.m. (approximate times) 14 hours and I always think of that commercial with the handsome man on the bus, when the question is asked, "Where will YOU be when YOUR laxative works?"

I fear this will put me into panic situation when it all comes about, even with Karla near to me, while the both of us watch for spies.

I will journal and wet my Depends on purpose. After all, don't men put on Depends so they dont have to move during the final football game. I learned it from TV!!!

..just an interim note while the legal Eagles squabble, and while they do, I could likely drive there and back...HuuMPPHH!

Nothing definite! I expressed my feelings on a one day trip..................... flying, plus swollen feet and legs come hand in hand!

I WANT MY LIFE BACK!

Izzy

Disclaimer: The writer is not responsible for any of the nonsense just spewed. It was in the paroxysm of tremors that it was done.
Title: Re: Update from Grandma "Margaret".....Izzy
Post by: Izzy_*now* on November 24, 2012, 01:22:03 AM: Forget previous gripe (for now, except for the memory.....fade.........)

Suddenly Defence has found a 2-hour slot for me with a Physiatrist for November 30, locally, ½ hour drive away!

Imagine!

Magic!

Iz
Title: Re: Update from Grandma "Margaret".....Izzy
Post by: Twoapenny on November 24, 2012, 03:17:45 AM: I think sadly it's survival of the fittest these days - if you can fight, you win, if you can't, well. What a horrible system. I hope this ends in a positive way for you Izzy, and soon. xx
Title: Re: Update from Grandma "Margaret".....Izzy
Post by: Hopalong on November 24, 2012, 08:22:44 AM: Oh Izzy.
I am so glad you don't have to go through that torturous trip.

Defense is THEM, though, right?
You want to make sure this doctor isn't in THEIR pocket...

Shoot. Wish I understood more.
But I think I gather that this is GOOD NEWS.

xxoo
Hops
Title: Re: Update from Grandma "Margaret".....Izzy
Post by: Izzy_*now* on November 24, 2012, 01:07:18 PM: Thanks Tupp,

I was fighting for my comfort on the trip, like a place to put up my feet from possible swelling from the flight, a place to lie down rather than passout in an airport, like a druggie'. I need a special cushion for my chair, having no left hip and would be spending hours on taxis and airplanes--bringing pain-- (Believe me it was difficult to plan even for myself under all these circumstances.)

Thanks Hops,

This is a Medical Examination and this Physiatrist will be working for the Defence, yet I tell him my "medical issues". They will match all my records (whatever Defense has), then he physically checks me and that will match all my statements about aches and pains, tremors etc., which will also match whatever records (x-rays etc.) Defence has. In the long run there is only one story, mine, and I would like to see THIS report in comparison to the one just received by the Examination set up by my lawyer (That defined my tremors.)

In researching, the Defence tries its best to negate the plaintiff's word or, bluntly turn me into a liar..... as in, yes, in the Defence's pocket, as per the research I mentioned.

My lawyer has told me on what to "pass, as it pertains to a lawsuit in progress"! So I know those areas and both are reports from Specialists hired by MY lawyer.

Obviously, this accident has escalated from an original broken leg, and that is on the Defense's shoulders for treating it all so lightly!

Yes, this is good news, as I co-operated all along with their foolish trip but certain stipulations of theirs were just not suitable. Now this spot with a Physiatrist suddenly opens up, locally, to take place in one week! (I had to wait 16 months to see the Physiatrist that my lawyer hired---however you might remember it was a 9 month wait, but the gal (in my lawyer's office) didn't book the time, just found out it was available. She was fired. So it took another 6 months = 15 month wait/vs 1 week?

You see, this Insurance Company (insures every car in BC, even mine) is into spying (surveillance, videotaping, etc.) but they must never know where I am, as I am always at home and when I do go out it is not on a regular basis. The only way to get me into the open, to watch me, is to set up the situation whereby they know when I will be coming and going, and they will be watching...........after I VAROOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOMMMMMMMMMMMM out of an alleyway from my underground parking! :lol:

I'd like to hire a spy to watch them watching me. :D

xxoo
Izz
Title: Re: Update from Grandma "Margaret".....Izzy
Post by: lighter on November 26, 2012, 12:23:39 PM: Quote from: Skits on November 24, 2012, 01:22:03 AM
Forget previous gripe (for now, except for the memory.....fade.........)

Suddenly Defence has found a 2-hour slot for me with a Physiatrist for November 30, locally, ½ hour drive away!

Imagine!

Magic!

Iz

Ummm... ya, that local doctor possibility thing was the obviouse answer from the start.

I'm so glad they figured this out!

BTW, nothing about the 14 hour day they planned for you surprised me...... seemed par for the course, perhaps a bit light on suffering considering you'd be missing that stay in a hotel lacking handicap access.... things kind of improved from where I sit, IMO.

Was your attorney surprised by their plan?

Is he just as surprised by their new plan to have you see someone local? Around the corner?

I'm wondering if someone (with some common sense) at the insurance company didn't finally glance at your file and wonder wha the hell was going on.

Something changed, IMO.

Lighter
Title: Re: Update from Grandma "Margaret".....Izzy
Post by: Izzy_*now* on November 27, 2012, 02:14:33 PM: Knowing about pay-offs in 'big business', I will keep my eyes open, and follow my lawyer's instructions, to see if I notice anything untoward...

....but if they get me there just to kill me, to avoid a payout, I won't be able to tell you.

Paranoia, anyone?

Izzy

(Have to change the genre of books I read!)
Title: Re: Update from Grandma "Margaret".....Izzy
Post by: Izzy_*now* on December 01, 2012, 08:27:07 AM: Well, I let the Opposition have at me for 2 hours of questions.

I never felt once that he was setting me up, to trip me up, and all went well.

I went into full tremor mode of shakes and stutters, when describing my seeing the x-ray of my non-union and the femoral head shrunken and gray that to be removed and "just thrown into the garbage".

No one told me what to wear so I followed from the other Physiatrist visit and wore a white sleeveless pullover and shorts (with pantyhose for the cold, and my winter jacket. He did about 15 minutes of testing my arms and legs, but did he ever have a pile of books there on my case! He said he still had to go through them. Nevertheless, as I spoke he was nodding etc. (in essence agreeing with me like he already knew what my answer would be.) and as time went on I felt that he had had more than a week to review all that material as *I* had only a week's notice about him. Suspicious me--- that the Vancouver trip was a test?????? and to pass it, I wouldn't be able to go!

I had parked my car right across from his office window and didn't know it until I was leaving. I didn't dare look back to see if he was watching, as it was too close for even a sneak peek, so I did as usual and drove off.

Meanwhile, I wrote to the kinesiologist and canceled our pool therapy. There is no place for me to get dressed and undressed, like a BED!!! I cannot do it sitting on a narrow bench in a change room. I Cc'd my lawyer and his Assistant and realize now, just now, how limited my outside activities will be, from planning that useless trip to preparing for hydrotherapy. (Actually it was Karla who made this clear, as she went to the pool, as it's near where she lives, took pictures and emailed them to me.) When I had hydrotherapy the first round, I was in the Rehab hospital with my own bed and could get into my swin suit, wrap in a sheet, go down, 2 guys would lift me in and out, come back wet wrapped in same sheet to my bed to dry off and redress.

I mentioned the Vancouver trip to this Dr. and said that I google mapped the address to find that it was 8 steps from the sidewalk to the first floor. I was "playing that I was a little innocent of the connection between him and ICBC and letting him know that I was no dumb frail grannie!"

I also had my chance, as I doubt this is going to Court, to--he brought her up first--- mention the OT from ICBC, and about my stolen wheelchair and that ICBC wouldn't loan me one, an 18" one that would be condusive to my swollen thigh, until I turned over my damaged one, but it was "gone"! (I spoke again as tho' there was no connection with what he was doing and what the OT didn't do and how I had to use a rickety old 16" inch chair, then demonstrated how close my hip/thigh is to the tire when the chair arm is flipped out of the way--that it was the only chair and was impossible to roll in it without the tire hitting my incision, that when it began to redden I took a picture. I could tell he was hearing something he hadn't known!

He agreed that this was a convoluted case, and I realize there are SO many details that I cannot think of everthing at once. Sso each Physiatrist has info that I forgot with the other one, yet it is all documented.

Now I wait for whatever responses from my letter and reports!!

Iz
Title: Re: Update from Grandma "Margaret".....Izzy
Post by: Hopalong on December 01, 2012, 12:14:59 PM: Oh you have done such a GOOD job, Izzy.

I think just telling the truth, along with your careful details as you do, is working.

No conspiracy or spycraft really sounds needed.

xxoo

Hops
Title: Re: Update from Grandma "Margaret".....Izzy
Post by: Twoapenny on December 01, 2012, 11:13:24 PM: Well done Iz. In our situation, I got to the point where I realised, whatever happened, I'd told the truth and acted with good intentions - unlike some of the others who were involved. You sound like you did yourself proud and you can look yourself in the eye and know you've been honest, dignified and you did your best. Fingers crossed.
Title: Re: Update from Grandma "Margaret".....Izzy
Post by: Izzy_*now* on December 02, 2012, 12:46:06 AM: Hey Hops and Tupp,

Thank you.

It all feels right, being that there is only one truth--except I could say there is my truth of sleeping and hallucinating while wasted on drugs, and the staff's truth that I was meanwhile punching someone in the eye, but the list of drugs given to me will be the tie-breaker for two truths.

Nevertheless, and I've used this word 'dignified' (as have you Tupp) that as a walker I was tall and dignified, as a first time in a wheelchair user, I sat tall and straight, dressed well and was dignified. Now the tremors in public can make me appear undignified, as does a crooked leg (not being able to keep my knees together), and to try to change clothes in a female change room can make me appear undignified, and I told the Dr. yesterday, that being undignified is not my choice in public. This accident has brought that about and being at home assures me that no one will know how undignified I can appear.

There was no talk of an attendant so I chose to dress for the occasion, as I said, rather than have to change, or some unknown, while there.

***They can investigate me all they want but had better not go back too far when I went to bed with my boyfriend's friend and lost both of them--- now that is cheating and cheating is like lying and once the revelation, some mud sticks! Think after over 53 years I am cleansed?***

xxoo
Izzy
Title: Re: Update from Grandma "Margaret".....Izzy
Post by: Hopalong on December 02, 2012, 01:07:16 PM: Ahh bless you, Izz. Your dignity is inherent and no posture, no inability, will ever take it away.

(I couldn't read the yellow type...too light...)

hugs
Hops
Title: Re: Update from Grandma "Margaret".....Izzy
Post by: Izzy_*now* on December 21, 2012, 11:34:48 PM: Note: To save Hops the embarrassment, she received a Private Message.
==============================================

Well, we now have in hand the report from the Defence Medical Examination (DME) that popped up in that quick week. Dr. L., although now it is called an Independent Medical Examination (IME), as was the one for which my Lawyer sent me to Dr. V.

Interesting comparisons: both called me straightforward. Their stuff first!

1.) Dr. L. (for Insurance Co.)…
On examination she is a pleasant woman who seems very straightforward. The mobility of the neck, shoulders, elbows, wrists and fingers were normal. Power was normal throughout the arms, as was tone and coordination. ( I had no pain in those areas that day so forgot to mention it. Anyway, when he was testing my arm strength, I shoved him back and sideways, much to his surprise.)

The funding was cut-off from that after a time and she has had to fund this on her own to carry on with her mobilization and strengthening. (This is the first that is has been acknowledged in writing, that ICBC cut my funding, prematurely.)

As such, she has become more socially isolated. She often does not wear much in the way of clothing around her place to make it easy for her to be able to go to the washroom, as she needs to. (This is the first, including my lawyer, who acknowledges in writing that I barely dress when at home (nightgown and a blouse)….so spend more time ½ undressed than dressed.)

The difficulty that she has in donning and doffing clothing has made it more difficult for her to access the community. (Ha! donning and doffing!!!!!)

Dr. L. certifies this:

In preparing this report, I certify that I am aware of my duty to assist the court and that I am not to be an advocate for any party. The report that follows is in conformity with that duty. I will, if called upon to give oral or written testimony, give that testimony in conformity with the duty outlined.

Dr. Y, (damned GP) indicated that Iz had two falls in the bedroom and one fall in the bathroom on March 27, 2007. (WOW! Was I drunk?)

That should read, Dr. Y indicated, in his report of March 27, 2007, Iz had two falls in the bedroom and one fall in the bathroom, after her quads had weakened.

2.) Dr. V.
(a) Presentation: Ms. T------- was a straightforward historian (yabbut he never said I was pleasant!)
=====
So what my lawyer is trying to do is have both sides have all the papers by January 21, 2013. I wrote to him earlier today and told him that I was rehiring Karla as of January 1st, because I had been without therapy for 3 months. I said that my hips were “seizing up” from the lack of manipulation. ( and I don’t mean sex.) He told me, “No More Karla”, back when Dr. V sent his report that took him 5 months to prepare. ( Dr. L was November 30 to today, December 21---Why the difference?….well One thing I will bet is that Dr. L. had all the papers long before we knew I could get a sneaked in, in one week, appointment---. He is good though---never tried to manipulate me into lies.

Lawyer is still trying to brown nose with Dr. V and have a kinesiologist--- no Karla. Even after my morning email, his assistant called, saying lawyer admitted to being behind, and to get moving! Then this is her last day and I have a fill-in for next week---all days are the same to me so they can forget Xmas too!

We have to find a dentist, as the specialist said my case was too difficult.
We have to find a “psycho--- person to give a prognosis re my psychogenic tremors.

N. B means Notez Bien= Note Well
Both Karla and Paul, my lawyer, met in a group of people who owned their own businesses. She did not like him and made it clear. He is the obvious Narcissistic lawyer, but I get to see him in action when he must be pleasant to me, as he is making money from my case! If I find out that he is cutting Karla for some personal reason, well----that is not at all fair! and I will deal with it later.

Karla is neat. When I talk about not feeling my feelings...after spending over 3 years with me, she calls it "Acknowledge and Stuff"...Wow! That's what I do! She has all the words I need!

Karla’s husband has this far Northern job, back and forth and won’t be here for Xmas so she is coming here, we eat vegetarian and I will teach her to crochet, which I promised in 2009.

My sister wrote to me about a client in her Reflexology, or Reiki, who has had a cough for 17 years. It began after her brother was killed in a car accident, and returns every year with her annual cold.--assumes it is psychological. Sis then asks me if I think my tremors are psychological?

I shook my head in despair, as I told her all about psychogenic tremors, somatoform disorder and conversion disorder, that it was all in my head.

I wrote back and wrote as though talking to a child, saying what I already said, then said, “I could have sworn I told you all this, but maybe it was someone who looks like you.”

This followed my asking her the Cause of Mom’s death-- respiratory failure, or heart failure due to respiratory failure? Something like that. She didn’t remember any cough--- OMG!

I vividly described the coughing the hoiking and the hoyking, the spitting, the whatever gruesome stuff that Mom went through, said I saw it in the hospital or in her home, but maybe it was just someone who looked like Mom, and THEN Sis remembered.

Gee, i guess I was worm out, ot thought this was boring, whatever, and just stopped there, so I will sign it

Merry Christmas to to all and to all a Happy New Year!

Iz the whiz
Title: Re: Update from Grandma "Margaret".....Izzy
Post by: Hopalong on December 22, 2012, 09:03:00 AM: Brave, enduring Izz...I hope you and Karla have a cozy, happy, lovely Christmas
day. She is lucky to have such fun with her favorite client, and learn to crochet too!

I will send you lots of light and hopes for some restful sleep and comfortable days
(all of them).

love
Hops
Title: Re: Update from Grandma "Margaret".....Izzy
Post by: Izzy_*now* on January 26, 2013, 09:51:03 PM: Hi all.

Just an update to say all appears to be going well.

My lawyer admitted to the kinesiolgist, Cory, that he "dropped the ball" regarding my aquatic therapy. He didn't listen to me but, instead, interrupted what I was trying to say , to say that his father would say, "I don't give sh*t'! I was some disappointed in him, and he has not told me that he 'goofed'.

Meanwhile, The Insurance Co.'s Physiatrist, our Physiatrist, my kinesiologist, my physical therapist and Karla all agree with the fact that I require 'indefinite therapy to prevent deterioration". Now that our Physiatrist is in agreement, my lawyer is still the only one who has not acknowledged to me that they all agree. I hope he is totally deflated!

I am helping his assistants to prepare the quantification. In doing so, I emailed my lawyer to let him know that I want to see the final and exact accounting of this claim. I pointed out that I wanted every last cent that I spent out of pocket for Karla and medications, wheelchair and cushions, barbells and exercise rope------

Because if he is is entitled to receive 1/3rd of my settlement, why is he allowed 1/3rd of what I spent out of pocket? (to believe in myself and keep this claim going) and why 1/3rd of what I will be awarded to pay Karla for my lifetime? and 1/3rd of the HomeCare I will receive when I can no long live independently? etc.

The only section is non-pecuniary damages, that is mine alone, "loss, pain and suffering", and he will receive 1/3rd of that as well.

Tomorrow, the 27th is 3 years and 10 months since the accident, therefore just 2½ months until April 15, the Court Date.

I know he has worked hard for me, but at times I suspect he did not believe in me and it was only my being stubborn and pushing that has dragged this out so that he receives more.

Nevertheless, I must admit, that I do NOT know how much he has paid out to arrange the meeting with these specialists and charges me no interest on this money. (He mentioned that, all told, for his clients, he has about ½ $million "out there". (The only idea that I have about a 'cost' to him is that our Physiatrist charges $8,000.00 for a Court appearance. The Physiatrist has had to change his report THREE times for things he guessed at but never asked me.....so even the most educated can mess up! The 3 things were 1.) I do not have a lift on my car, never have had, and he said that I did, in his report: 2.) He said that my footcare was not because of this 'index' accident and it is, as I could do my feet for all the years prior: 3.) He recommended aqua therapy with a kinesiologist, so that I could be "on my own" in 3 months and I heavily objected, so the kinesiologist visited me at home FOUR times and her report states that there is no way that the aqua therapy is a " safe, effective and dignified" exercise for me, let alone for her own Safety as well, on the wet tile pool deck! ( Ha ha!) She added arm exercises to my routine with Karla and an Occupational Therapist added a hi-boy toilet and a power bath chair to prevent my having to lower my weight into the tub, and raise it back up again.

All things considered, my lawyer has done quite well by me, but I must thank God that I have a brain and can now speak up for myself. perhaps this long wait, in the long run, has taught us both something.

The only area whereby I have no positive feedback is about the gnashing of my teeth during tremors, and now my teeth are out of line. My lower jaw went out of line in 2009, but snapped back in when I bought the mouthguard. Now I've spent over a week with eye pain, headaches, neck pain , sleeplessness and realized my jaw is/was steadily out of line. I worked it back eventually and today was the first day without cerebellum pain (the nerve thereunder), eyeball pain and headaches--- now to keep this up until I see someone, as chewing causes temple pain--OMG! Why didn't the damned car kill me!??????--- and I'm living on soup!

i am also sick of that one sister telling me what I ought to do, that we are not e-mailing anyore and I am happy about that--- It's because she is family and "knows it all"!---I actually think they all wish I would "just go away".

I have Karla, and Jan (a gal I met here about 10 years ago, but her partner was an N-- she finally left him and we talked and she cannot get over how "wise I am"--- she just never knew About NDP. She has another male friend, who is my next door neighbour so I love it when they come together to see me, but they aren't dating--- He's 57 and a "doll" and she is 50 and I want to see them together. I have 2 friends from Ontario who telephone but I still value my solitude. it's been a long messy life and it will be worse in an old folks' home!

Love to all
Izzy
Title: Re: Update from Grandma "Margaret".....Izzy
Post by: lighter on January 27, 2013, 01:53:39 PM: Izz:

It's been a long road getting to that courtroom....

I hope it goes well for you.

Lighter
Title: Re: Update from Grandma "Margaret".....Izzy
Post by: Hopalong on January 27, 2013, 11:30:56 PM: Your court date's on my calendar
for waves of white light, Izzy!

lots of love, courage, steady,
one day at a time and you are verrrry alive...

APRIL 15

Hops
Title: Re: Update from Grandma "Margaret".....Izzy
Post by: Izzy_*now* on March 23, 2013, 10:20:02 PM: Thanks lighter and Hops,

As you can see now, April the 15th is less than a month away.

The tension headaches began about January 19th. I had no idea what they were, other than headaches. nothing helped, then we determined and after a very "bruising" massage, from my shoulder blades to the base of my skull, I had relief for the first in 2 months, as they kept worsening.

Defence submitted a report, February 26, 2013, from an Occupational Therapist who never saw/tested me and it was 19 pages of "doo-doo". My lawyer took a vacation to Mexico, is just back and he will be going over everything. I typed a point by point rebuttal of what the OT said, and reached 15 pages. HER report is that nasty one that one could expect from the Defense, but she will have egg all over her face, and for medical details, to be correct, I consulted Karla.

i.e she took a couple of remarks from my Dr.'s file ( having trouble maneuvering her wheelchair", and "is considering an electric chair") and tried to throw "weakness before the 2009 accident" into the fray. The issue, with invoices for proof are one invoice for a new wheelchair, that was not constructed properly , and "the thought crosses my mind" about an electric one".

The woman delivered the new chair in 2006, put the foot plates on the wrong sides, which made them upside down, the back posts were too tall so my upper arm, back hit the post and I couldn't get good propulsion going and the final goodie was a 1" dump, finally installed by another Co. in July, 2008. (Invoice #2) (The back of the seat must be 1" lower than the front or the sitter will feel like she is pitching forward. installing that required more adjustments.

When my lawyer called before his refreshing vacation, he asked that I "take him by the hand and lead him gently through the ins and outs of all her errors". Well he has my rebuttal now and we have an appointment to consult on March 28.

I see quite clearly that I am not entirely aware of what emotion I am feeling, but now that I have the tremors, and they appear for "no reason", there is a reason. It's an emotion I am having but don't know it. Just like the tension headaches. I didn't know I was that tense until I ruled out tumors and brainless.

Still hanging in,
Love
Izzy
Title: Re: Update from Grandma "Margaret".....Izzy
Post by: Hopalong on March 24, 2013, 04:27:30 PM: So awed by your determination and stamina, Izz.

You ARE going to make it through this and you ARE going to achieve a settlement that will ease the entire rest of your life.

You have done an amazing job of rationally and persistently and doggedly and documentarily advocating for yourself, and it is going to make a huge difference.

I was just admiring my April 15--Izzy date, on my Google calendar the other day.

I'm very sorry for all the tension, breathe through it as much as you can, and know that when you have to stop the fight, it will only be because you have done everything you possible could.

And then, it really will be okay, to "release the outcome."

All will be well.

love,
Hops
Title: Re: Update from Grandma "Margaret".....Izzy
Post by: lighter on March 29, 2013, 07:58:33 PM: I'm hoping your attorney is a seasoned trial attorney, and knows how to command his audience. I have to say that I get lost in details every time you list everything out, and I understand it's all important. Providing context and driving the big points home is key, as I'm sure your attorney knows.

Having all those details at your fingertips is HUGE, and I'm certain you've done a very good job with that, thank goodness, but humans have a short attention spans..... must remember to avoid getting stuck in rabbit holes, kwim?

I forget.... is this a bench trial, or a jury trial?

Does your attorney know anything about the presiding Judge? Has he gone over past trials to see how this Judge's mind works? Is he pro insurance company? Is he fair, or grossly in need of being educated on the law? Your attorney should be preparing this trial for the particular Judge he's pulled, IME. Some Judge's are better than others, and I'm hoping you got a fair one.

How does your attorney think your case is going to go?

I'm hoping for the best possible outcome for you, dear Izz.

Lighter
Title: Re: Update from Grandma "Margaret".....Izzy
Post by: Izzy_*now* on March 30, 2013, 02:34:40 PM: Thank you Hops

---for your kind words and wishes. This is a week since I posted and the headaches have taken this long to disappear. My lawyer has cautioned everyone to 'not upset me/cause me stress--just tell me what I need to now but I get it anyway, through Karla. I am surviving.

I have my own amount in mind whatever the lawyer says when I will say, "Ok. Enough is enough! I am not greedy.....but I do know I likely could end up in an Intermediate or Full Care home.

Although if Karla has her way, I will stay here and she will be my companion, details to be dealt with upon that happening.

March 27, 2013 was 4 years. Hard to believe.

Hi Lighter

Defense has upped for the 8th time. Offer rejected. Paul says that we've "got them on the run". I hope so. He is anti-ICBC. The only cases he takes are those who are suing the Provincial Insurance Company.

He asked me for written statements to qualify what he can "let out the gate" when necessary. One Endocrinologist said I would be dead by 80 because of my heavy smoking and all my " bed sores". I never once had a bed sore!! I quit smoking 2 years 4 months ago. (My lawyer had me hand in a complete history of my smoking, and which page in hospital reports said that I had a couple of abrasions on my butt from when I landed after the car hit me.)

This is a bench trial and I have yet to ask my lawyer if he knows yet which judge we will get. Meanwhile his rebuttals and refusals/everything have further tidbits that "appears like he knew me from birth" and tosses them into a reply when necessary. He still expects a out of court Settlement as ICBC will have to pay ALL the court costs as well as my Taxable Expenses, Costs and Disbursements.

Nevertheless the witnesses will be briefed and Karla's day is Tuesday.

I'm still a "Calm as a Cuke", but I don't know what is going on inside. This could explain my entire life. It explains the tension headaches when Paul went on Vacation and explains the psychogenic tremors at the accident scene. And now that I know the tremors are in my head, when I talk about something emotional, like cutting open my leg 3 times and throwing pieces into the garbage, the shakes start. (I’ll be on the stand shaking from start to finish, from the time he asks me when I was born!

Btw, Paul has a helper, Andrew, to read everything and to voice his opinion and I can see Paul doing his best.

Love to both

Izzy
Title: Re: Update from Grandma "Margaret".....Izzy
Post by: Twoapenny on March 30, 2013, 04:58:55 PM: Fingers crossed, Izzy, I hope you are posting good news about this soon and enjoying the fruits of what seems to have been a very long battle! Hope everything works out the way you want it to, it seems to sound quite promising? xx
Title: Re: Update from Grandma "Margaret".....Izzy
Post by: Izzy_*now* on April 01, 2013, 01:35:19 PM: Thank you twoapenny,

I appreciate your good wishes. I ask only for "just compensation" and should anything go wrong, I will forever, never, believe in Justice.

2 weeks. The end is nigh!
xx
Iz
Title: Re: Update from Grandma "Margaret".....Izzy
Post by: lighter on April 01, 2013, 01:52:13 PM: I'm sorry, Izz.....

did you write IBC will have to pay all your attorney/court fees? All your expenses? To do with fighting this suit?

That you won't have to fight to have those costs considered by the court?

It certainly makes it more likely they'll settle.

I'm very glad you believe in your attorney, and think he's doing a good job.

Good luck!

Lighter
Title: Re: Update from Grandma "Margaret".....Izzy
Post by: Izzy_*now* on April 02, 2013, 12:28:46 AM: Highlight__ER

Not my attorney's fees. He takes one-third of the settlement amount---yet on top of that are the Taxable Expenses, Costs and Disbursements which are paid by ICBC, as well as the Court Costs.

I really hope the Judge has a better idea of what life is like for a partial paraplegic. I sense that the Specialists that ICBC hired, except for one, the Physiatrist, are just not familiar with the situation.

But I will grant you that my lawyer (needed to) has been learning plenty about anatomy, and when it's been interfered with, in comparison to a regular healthy body. When he asks for a report from me on something (i.e. the "history of my smoking") I throw in a few tidbits, believing them to be of relevance, and sure enough, sometimes one or two of them show up when he's "hitting back" in a response to ICBC lawyer.

I've had tension headaches building, but Karla's massages have helped. I will have pain for life, sleep disturbances, tremors, a useless leg 1½" shorter than the other that really throws off my balance, i.e., the femoral head that was thrown away is normally attached to the hip. With no hip I require a special w/c cushion. but in bed if I lie on my left (no hip) side I feel like a "weeble-wobble but it won't fall down". I just "roll" out of position, so have to prop myself in pace with a pillow---have 4 on the go, in bed with me. All that and more cannot be disproven by Defense.

The main issue is Future Care. I want Karla and therapy indefinitely, or I atrophy/contract, the pain will worsen without stretches. and there is no way I can move around on my own as I used to before the 2009 accident.

Lawyer plans on a video---it would show some difficulty putting the chair into the car, getting through the laundry room door etc. trying to stand at the counter for leg stretches (with Karla on hand.) I believe, as he does, that to see me just sitting in the chair does not tell the whole story.

I sure will be glad when it's done signed sealed, delivered and the money is in the bank. .................and I have made a good forever friend in Karla. That is sure a bonus!

Love
Iz
Title: Re: Update from Grandma "Margaret".....Izzy
Post by: lighter on April 03, 2013, 06:48:13 AM: Quote from: Skits on April 02, 2013, 12:28:46 AM
Highlight__ER

I really hope the Judge has a better idea of what life is like for a partial paraplegic. I sense that the Specialists that ICBC hired, except for one, the Physiatrist, are just not familiar with the situation.

Lawyer plans on a video---it would show some difficulty putting the chair into the car, getting through the laundry room door etc. trying to stand at the counter for leg stretches (with Karla on hand.) I believe, as he does, that to see me just sitting in the chair does not tell the whole story.

Love
Iz

A pictures worth a thousand words, Izzy. I can imagine a short video that includes an entire day's ablutions.... perhaps with you explaining what life was life before the last accident. I'd include a short clip of the spot you were struck down, and speak about exactly how that went for you..... the part where you were put into a narrow chair bc they took your chair, and the bone not healing, and gtting lopped off and thrown into the garbage while the doctor marginalized you...... maybe a paragraph?

Not sure, but you'll do a very good job I'm sure.

Again, good luck.

Lighter
Title: Re: Update from Grandma "Margaret".....Izzy
Post by: Izzy_*now* on April 10, 2013, 07:53:58 PM: I thank my responders for whatever has been said, and I am thankful this is "almost" over. (There is still paperwork and a $ figure)

That is not the point, as if we really look at the picture, money is far beneath one's health.

I am still left with:
• pain, hard pain and burning pain which some nights keep me in a suspended stated of sleep and pain, for all night.
• tremors
• nightmares, which can "shoot the next day all to hell", or maybe just ½ of it
• nothing regarding my gnashing /damaged teeth, as 5 dentists saw nothing. I feel a misaligned jaw that could run a pain up my neck into a headache.***
• nothing regarding an MRI on the "pulled nerve in my upper back
• my person has changed, so that I live 2 ways. One was the old way and then there is a moaning , whining, "there's no end to it", b*tch.
• I have no interests, am bored, nothing to do, but am "trying very hard to click into something".
• the latter is because my life led me in every direction to have things to do, in my spare time, and I have done them all.
• The settlement covers all future care and the way I SAW it, and SEE it, differ upon settlement. i.e. if I live 13 more years, I pay $117,000 on therapy, or not. If not, I live those 13 years in atrophy, pain,contraction, full-time care of a ball of bone that isn't even me. If not, I kill myself, and allow those I know who are needy to put an inheritance to good use.
• other monies could mean the same or different things to the latter.
• as I've said, almost from day 1, my FOO is not worth being caregivers, as they were the ones who "wrecked my person" in the first place, as a little girl.
• I no longer believe in a "just" Godl
• I could have dragged this further to Court, next Monday, 15th, and been awarded, perhaps $1.00 less, than ICBC had offered and ended up paying expenses for both sides.
• I already had spent 3 months with tension headaches, that disappeared the moment I told my lawyer to settle.
• My lawyer said I did the right thing, but wouldn't he anyway?
• From last Friday to noon today, I just spent my time in bed. I feel so lost!
• No therapist can fix that!
• It wasn't money, it was the claim and interaction with other people that kept me going through the hardest. What a waste of space and time for 74 years, as I have never really been happy.

Oh how much I wish all the best for you on here. I really do!
My very Best!

Izzy ♥
Title: Re: Update from Grandma "Margaret".....Izzy
Post by: Twoapenny on April 11, 2013, 05:02:48 AM: Hi Izzy,

I'm not sure if I'm reading your post right but if I am (and you've reached a settlement) then I think good for you. I am waiting to hear about compensation for my son at the moment; if they make an offer - assuming it's not ridiculously low - then I'd take it rather than face years of battling through court processes.

I'm sorry there's no way to take away the pain and the physical problems. Living with constant pain is incredibly difficult and I think you've done amazingly to cope with that and the court case, along with the family stuff along the way. Life does seem unfair and unjust sometimes. I don't know why that is. I wish I did! But whatever happens now, I hope that life becomes as comfortable as it can be for you now. Lots of love xx
Title: Re: Update from Grandma "Margaret".....Izzy
Post by: Hopalong on April 11, 2013, 02:29:17 PM: Oh, (((((((((((((Izz))))))))))))))).

Heartfelt wishes back, for some happiness, even in moments, that makes it all one day feel worth it.
I can so understand why you're feeling PSTD (post-settlement trauma disorder).

Except that I was a little confused too, since it sounded as though you already HAVE your settlement.

More white light pounding your way...also, did you mean you're NOT in court on the 15th?

love to you,
Hops
Title: Re: Update from Grandma "Margaret".....Izzy
Post by: Izzy_*now* on April 11, 2013, 03:26:04 PM: hi twoapenny,

It took about 6 days to move a bit out of my shock zone....though just baby steps. I still know nothing, and don't know what to do.

Reaching a settlement was the only way out of the tension and stress. Court would have done me in, after 4 years. I just cannot understand why the Insurance company took over 4 years to make a decent offer. I am almost in the same condition as when I was insulted with an offer of $75,000 (1/3rd for my lawyer = $25,000 and $50,000 for me.) I told my lawyer that it was an outright insult for the damage that had been done.

Thus passed by 4 years and 7 more offers, each getting higher.

We spent those years itemizing every expense, categorizing it, ....but I knew that no matter what settlement was reached I was still going to be in bad condition, for doing anything useful. ....and sure enough it hit me like a baseball bat to the skull, so I was obviously not prepared for the let-down.

The Insurance Company has not categorized, so I have no idea on amounts of 2 cheques, coming....then I sign a Waiver and it's over. No Court!.

This all for you too Hops, as yes. I agreed to settle, but now there is a mess of paperwork for the lawyer's office and the Insurance company to agree on which parts are refundable--- The Assistant telephoned me about an entry, and after that was explained, I asked if I were being refunded for all of my therapy expenses paid to Karla. she said, "No!'. I blew my stack---the first in 4 year-- she ran for her life to get my lawyer and he assured me "Yes!" while also stating that he is the only one in the Office who knows anything! That disillusions me!

I was given permission, back in 2010 to put groceries on delivery, 3 x only @ $9.50 . When the first time came it was $11.00, then the second and I sent the receipts for a refund. None came, (neither for about 5 others included). I explained to Julie and said I would send the agreement, which I found in about 15 minutes, and still haven’t heard back….agreed upon before I blasted forth--- poor wee underpaid thing!

Thank you two
Xx
Izzy
Title: Re: Update from Grandma "Margaret".....Izzy
Post by: lighter on April 12, 2013, 06:54:23 AM: Izz:

I'm sorry.... I don't understand what happened.

You settled.

Took a deal, but.....

what does it cover?

What did you get.... is it what you were asking for, or close?

You get Karla for the duration, right?

Lighter
Title: Re: Update from Grandma "Margaret".....Izzy
Post by: Hopalong on April 12, 2013, 07:07:18 AM: But we don't need actual numbers, Izz!

hugs
Hops
Title: Re: Update from Grandma "Margaret".....Izzy
Post by: Izzy_*now* on April 12, 2013, 02:07:40 PM: Lighter

I won't know what happened until I see something on paper, such as numbers. There will be 2 cheques. One quote from my lawyer (what does it cover) does not add up, so he is guessing

I learned that The Insurance Company is just now going over all my expenses of FOUR years. The adjuster didn't know they hadn't paid for the w'chair I bought in 2009, nor what the grocery delivery charges were, no records. I had records....to be refunded.

All the time spent on Future Care and being prematurely incarcerated was wasted time because that is part of Part VII and just goes on the shelf--not likely ever to be revisited, per my lawyer.

I got so angry when the lawyer's Assistant said that all I spent on Karla would not be refunded...yada yada, as I wrote to twoapenny... anger, an emotion that poued out about unfairness, and now I have no more tremors. I swear they have disappeared, after 4 years. There was one side of my left knee that I couldn't bear to have touched. It was so tender it would set off the tremors. Now it is no longer paining, plus no tremors. Those tremors where in my mind, but visible... I spout anger, and they are gone. Makes sense? Why didn't someone let me know"

I swear that no one has a crazier life than mine, and I have no idea what's on the horizon.

I didn't get Karla. I pay her from my settlement, therapy and "up higher" housekeeping.

Dizzy Izzy
Title: Re: Update from Grandma "Margaret".....Izzy
Post by: lighter on April 13, 2013, 12:12:56 PM: Skits:

I'm glad you're experiencing relief.... going to court is a terrible burden. I understand.

I am concerned about your not having a written deal in hand, however. Even a handwritten one would be necessary before taking your case off the calendar, IME.

I'm sure your attorney gave you enough info to feel comfortable, but I'm still concerned..... every attorney who told me to take a deal, or got a case dismissed without a trial ended up causing me overt trauma.... I had to go anyway, and almost always my position was weakened bc more funds and time and trauma were involved.

Every time I ever had a moment's respite thinking I really didn't have to go to court, it was just another attorney's delusion, and I had to go every single time, sometimes twice as much as I thought I would in the beginning.

Greedy/bad people don't want to do what's fair, or decent unless you hold their feet to the fire in a courtroom, IME.

Ins Co's want to break you down, and make you give up so they don't have to pay you. They collect premiums, they aren't in the business to pay claims..... I'm hoping your attorney didn't take your case off the calendar until he has a signed deal in hand is all I'm saying. Having your hopes dashed, being insulted by the Ins Co who has another 2 years of jerking you around in mind would be terrible for your mental and physical health, IMO. I'm happy you're experiencing relief bc you don't have to go to court... I just don't know what the reality will be. The vast majority of attorneys don't want to go to court. They'll have their clients agree to stupid things to get out of trying a case, IME..... even the bulldog, capable attorneys do it.

The Ins Co should have to go to court, on time, if they can't hammer out a fair deal in rapid fashion, IME. .... before the original courtdate, IMO. They shouldn't get a chance to dismiss this case, then screw you around for 7 more months with offers that aren't fair, then you have to start all over again, gear up for war, and wait for more court dates.

That's the way bad people with bad intentions operate in the courts, Izz.

That's the reality.

I'm hopeful for you, but experience tells me you may have more struggle ahead.
I'm going through that very thing right now.....

shortcuts, with evil people, aren't short cuts at all.

They're strategic moves that add time, money, and suffering in hopes of wearing us down. Making us go away empty handed. I think it's one of the things choking up the legal system.

Lighter

Quote from: Skits on April 12, 2013, 02:07:40 PM
Lighter

I won't know what happened until I see something on paper, such as numbers. There will be 2 cheques. One quote from my lawyer (what does it cover) does not add up, so he is guessing

I learned that The Insurance Company is just now going over all my expenses of FOUR years. The adjuster didn't know they hadn't paid for the w'chair I bought in 2009, nor what the grocery delivery charges were, no records. I had records....to be refunded.

All the time spent on Future Care and being prematurely incarcerated was wasted time because that is part of Part VII and just goes on the shelf--not likely ever to be revisited, per my lawyer.

I got so angry when the lawyer's Assistant said that all I spent on Karla would not be refunded...yada yada, as I wrote to twoapenny... anger, an emotion that poued out about unfairness, and now I have no more tremors. I swear they have disappeared, after 4 years. There was one side of my left knee that I couldn't bear to have touched. It was so tender it would set off the tremors. Now it is no longer paining, plus no tremors. Those tremors where in my mind, but visible... I spout anger, and they are gone. Makes sense? Why didn't someone let me know"

I swear that no one has a crazier life than mine, and I have no idea what's on the horizon.

I didn't get Karla. I pay her from my settlement, therapy and "up higher" housekeeping.

Dizzy Izzy
Title: Re: Update from Grandma "Margaret".....Izzy
Post by: Izzy_*now* on April 13, 2013, 03:54:40 PM: Hi lighter,

I had until yesterday to accept or reject the offer and have just now (Saturday) written to my lawyer, if that is why I haven't heard what's happening. I asked him if my court date was cancelled.

I am still keeping my trust in my lawyer, since this is a settlement out of court, and hope that is the case.

I can't allow myself to become too worked up over something that hasn't happened--- like the "fear of the unknown"----could be nothing. I cannot say, though, that I am not "worked up"

Later when news changes

Izzy
Title: Re: Update from Grandma "Margaret".....Izzy
Post by: lighter on April 15, 2013, 06:55:02 AM: Quote from: Skits on April 13, 2013, 03:54:40 PM
Hi lighter,

I had until yesterday to accept or reject the offer and have just now (Saturday) written to my lawyer, if that is why I haven't heard what's happening. I asked him if my court date was cancelled.

I am still keeping my trust in my lawyer, since this is a settlement out of court, and hope that is the case.

I can't allow myself to become too worked up over something that hasn't happened--- like the "fear of the unknown"----could be nothing. I cannot say, though, that I am not "worked up"

Later when news changes

Izzy

Izz, did your attorney put off your court date, or worse yet, dismiss your case?

Promising to finally do the right thing and settle out of court with a fair agreement is only possible bc your courtdate was coming up...... the ins co could have done that any time over the last 4 years. They haven't.

The pressure is off for the ins co to make a fair agreement if the court date went away. They know you and your attorney don't want to go to court...... don't let them promise you the world then give you the dick, when you're ready to go to court, and prepared. You can pass notes to your attorney the entire trial, and keep him on track, no matter how badly he's prepared.
Lighter
Title: Re: Update from Grandma "Margaret".....Izzy
Post by: Izzy_*now* on April 15, 2013, 11:51:08 AM: I had to get up early for bathroom ceiling painters and am glad no court. I asked Paul about cancelling, his response said nothing, so I guess it is all out-of-court now, but I did gain one thing that threw me. By accepting the offer, I "cut off" my Future Care i.e. early incarceration would be expensive, but P. assures me he is keeping that open should it be needed.

Those parts bothered me with people speculating on when my arms will give out, when I will die and no two people said the same. I guess my mind went into shock when no one knows those answers and I was cutting it off to settle---had only one week to decide, before Court, which would have been today. Dirty Trick! and a high enough offer that no way of knowing if we could beat it in Court. If not then I would have paid all the court costs! $10,000-$50,000.

I expect there is more to come!
xx
Iz
Title: Re: Update from Grandma "Margaret".....Izzy
Post by: lighter on April 15, 2013, 09:30:31 PM: I really hope this is over soon for you, Izz.

Lighter
Title: Re: Update from Grandma "Margaret".....Izzy
Post by: Izzy_*now* on April 24, 2013, 12:24:17 PM: Thanks lighter,

---- and now it nearly is. Lawyer came yesterday with 2 cheques, I signed the Waiver, and will have another cheque when their accounting is in order.

Knowing he was coming, I 'prepared myself for action", not to gush all over a Narcissistic slime ball, but to lay it on the line, and forced myself into a frame of mind that every 'mess' that happened that screwed me up, I was prepared to mention. I was ½ friendly, ½ not and no smiling, no crying.

It seems that no matter what, the cheques are not broken down (itemized) so how do I know for what I am being reimbursed? He "has no memory" so cannot quote to me!

I awakened this morning with $thousand$ in the drawer and not even thrilled because all it takes is an N to spoil the moment.

I was sure to mention to him that the tide changed the day he said to me, on the phone, "I don't give a shi*t!" . He was taken aback but certainly remembered when I quoted the circumstances, and then I said that from that point on I knew I would never have another say in what transpired. It wasn't my way. It was his, while I awaited news that never came, and watched for anything that would rid Karla from my life. There is a story there, and NOW, I will ask her. (We never discussed it while he was still working on my case! They were members of the same Business club.)

I am so far behind in my work, pain, stiff neck, headaches, Karla's surgery, car out of gas, battery likely dead now, places to go, snow to shovel, grass to cut, yada yada

xx
Izzy
Title: Re: Update from Grandma "Margaret".....Izzy
Post by: Hopalong on April 24, 2013, 02:24:49 PM: Post-settlement blues, Izz?
But was it a good settlement, do you think, even if not itemized?

(If I understand, it was the insurance company's lawyer that delivered the checks?)

I am very glad it's over, Izz. I hope soon the most important things are also in line...mainly KARLA.

Keep us posted.
Rest up.

You've been running on adrenalin for soooo long.

Kudos and I hope some good feelings will come along soon, when you've had a chance to catch your breath.

love to you,
Hops
Title: Re: Update from Grandma "Margaret".....Izzy
Post by: lighter on April 24, 2013, 02:55:06 PM: Izz:

Certainly you're a woman of numbers and you had a ballpark figure of what your bottom line was.

I have to assume the checks were somewhere in the "fair" range, or you wouldn't have accepted the deal.

Congrats, and I'm hoping everything (tremors, pain) calms down with all the legal troubles over.

(((Izz)))

You're an amazing survivor.

Lighter
Title: Re: Update from Grandma "Margaret".....Izzy
Post by: Izzy_*now* on April 24, 2013, 10:43:41 PM: Hi Hops and Lighter, and anyone else who becomes "unknowingly screwed up" when trauma strikes.

Karla was here today and told me of my lawyer’s Narcissistic behaviour at this Breakfast Club that both attended. (I am making her a gift of one mortgage "pay-down", $35,000,000, right off the bat (She told me what a slime ball he had been.) so that whatever befalls me with her being my POA, medical and financial, and whatever hardships I might put her through, I know that she deserves that, and more----she is also in my Will, like the daughter I never had!

Being he was always a slime ball, makes me more happy that I assumed the mood I had to deal with him. It was difficult but then came easier as I went on with my "routine".

As he sat down at the table, he shoved the Waiver right under my nose, and I casually shoved it off to the side, like a scrap of paper. No way he would leave without my signature and I made that appear so insignificant, and "said my Say". He was never once nasty or Nish except for blowing his horn on the settlement. I could see the charm turned on and other such signs, but "was not myself" to him, and I said, that I am not the same person who was run down 4 years ago. When I finally reached for the Waiver to read, he offered to explain it to me. I said "No need! I understand. I am just looking to see if that 'certain phrase" has been removed!"

Then I said, "I look at these cheques and what do they mean? Nothing! When I will be in pain, blah-blah, the rest of my life, and you know the hard times that were given me by the Specialists who thought I was malingering." He finally admitted that the Insurance Company had been very cruel in cutting my funding so quickly that I had to pay for things myself..... and I pointed out that nothing was agreed upon for future therapy or house help...because everyone was, as he said, seeing me in a chair but not in action. (Karla calls herself my 'life companion", and will be here on pouring rainy days, snow days, for odd little errands that are out of whack for me, and therapy).

No post-settlement blues, Hops, just a calmness that is been with me for a few days....that tells me that I was so stressed out-- the adrenalin and all that must have crept up on me slowly because of all the drugs at the beginning. I have slept like a baby, no nightmares, no tremors (was zzzzzzzzzzzzzzz-ing away when Karla arrived at 1:30 p.m.)

Another friend, Janice, is coming to vacuum under my bed....I shouldn't have looked but had dropped something but put the bedside light on the floor to shine under then on my tummy on the bed I looked under and nearly croaked from the dust. (There are places I know of but never see. That was supposed to be one. One learns to live that way!)

Another $5,000.00 or whatever, still coming, as they are working on the figures, and I said that if I worked for him the figures would already be known. He prides himself on being the only person who knows what is going on. Hoity-toity!

Xx
Izz
Title: Re: Update from Grandma "Margaret".....Izzy
Post by: lighter on April 25, 2013, 06:49:31 AM: Izz:

Rest.

Respite.

Joy.

Serenity.

Does that new daughter of yours have children?

What are you plans now? Are you and Karla going to do some traveling?

Lighter
Title: Re: Update from Grandma "Margaret".....Izzy
Post by: Izzy_*now* on April 25, 2013, 12:37:46 PM: Mornin' lighter,

Just putting the laundry together, and am going to the bank later.

Karla has no children, as she was injured when a car hit her on her bicycle. She and her husband appear to be very happy without children and she actually said that she feels blessed not having any in this day and age.

She has plans and goals, one of which is to own her own Yoga Studio. Last June, if you remember, I foot the bill for her to go to Victoria to take the teacher's course and now she is busy all the time. ....things that a parent might do to help a child.... as I lost all my others chances. She won't even allow me to hire another woman for cleaning. She will do it all--- why she says she will always be my life companion,--rainy days, snowy days, need a Rx? whatever, but I still have to see how that works out, whether it will be at her convenience, or at mine----

Her husband works up North in Alberta, making the bucks, but then will be laid off for 2 months.

Because she (my therapy ) was not included in the settlement, I worked out a way to have her here, once a week, and not run through money as before. (I wouldn't doubt that my lawyer never fought for me to have her---- because of their history, but I cannot prove it. I did make reference to his never supporting her good work for me over the last 3+ years.)....I'll drop a hint the next time I see him. He had suggested a girl for Karla to train and work with me, and I would pay less, but we did that when she was gone last June, and if someone is not really into it, it shows

So now that the claim is settled, and she (they) is (are) "on her way", I'll be back to my regular frugal living style, and I don't need much. There will be no trips etc. I'm just in bad enough shape, that staying in my own home is more comfortable than traveling.

Maybe even my time on the forum is coming to an end, as well, because the ordeal is over and life will be very dull and repetitive, just as have been the past 4 years---yet there was an ending to that. It came.

xx
Izzy
Title: Re: Update from Grandma "Margaret".....Izzy
Post by: Twoapenny on April 25, 2013, 01:44:02 PM: Hi Izzie,

Well I hope you don't vanish from the forum it just wouldn't be the same without you. My life feels very dull and routine a lot of the time but sometimes that's what we need to talk about and push back and forth. I listen to some of my friends going on about their holiday plans and their days out and their evenings away and so on and I can't identify with any of it, it's just a life I can't and don't lead. I think we all need people that understand the fact that we managed to get out of bed today was a big achievement, or that we got around to clearing out a drawer or cupboard or cooked a nice meal - little things that mean so much more when your world gets smaller. A friend asked me today whether anything exciting had happened this week and the only out of the ordinary thing I could think of was that the cat hurt her tail :lol: For me it was quite a big deal; paying for the vet is a problem so I only go if absolutely necessary so there was a lot of reading up on the internet and chasing the cat round trying to look at something she didn't want me to touch so I could decide whether I needed to go or not - mind numbingly dull to some but it's my life and we do the best we can with what we've got, right? I'm glad this chapter is drawing to a close for you and hope for good things for you and Karla from now on xx
Title: Re: Update from Grandma "Margaret".....Izzy
Post by: lighter on April 25, 2013, 03:11:26 PM: Quote from: Skits on April 25, 2013, 12:37:46 PM
Mornin' lighter,

Because she (my therapy ) was not included in the settlement, I worked out a way to have her here, once a week, and not run through money as before. (I wouldn't doubt that my lawyer never fought for me to have her---- because of their history, but I cannot prove it. I did make reference to his never supporting her good work for me over the last 3+ years.)....I'll drop a hint the next time I see him. He had suggested a girl for Karla to train and work with me, and I would pay less, but we did that when she was gone last June, and if someone is not really into it, it shows

So now that the claim is settled, and she (they) is (are) "on her way", I'll be back to my regular frugal living style, and I don't need much. There will be no trips etc. I'm just in bad enough shape, that staying in my own home is more comfortable than traveling.

Maybe even my time on the forum is coming to an end, as well, because the ordeal is over and life will be very dull and repetitive, just as have been the past 4 years---yet there was an ending to that. It came.

xx
Izzy

I'm thinking that the 35K you paid off on Karla's house should be worth some therapy on an ongoing basis, perhaps indefinitely?

Hopefully you won't need the board, and can turn to uplifting, happy endeavors. You deserve it.
Lighter
Title: Re: Update from Grandma "Margaret".....Izzy
Post by: Hopalong on April 28, 2013, 10:52:10 PM: Izzz....

NO need to make any decisions about the Board just now, eh?

I hope you'll be hopping in any old time to talk about any old thing at all.

love to you,
Hops
Title: Re: Update from Grandma.....Izzy
Post by: Izzy_*now* on June 27, 2013, 09:26:33 PM: I cannot believe this is me.

(First my computer crashed and I lost every email and document that I recd about the case, but at least it is over. I still could have used some dates for reference.

The pain and aches I developed from head to knees have never stopped. I have been 99% housebound.

The new mouth guard contains BPA (toxic) and weakness sent in with in 2 days. I went to the Dr. and told him I was tired, just so, so tired, blood test showed low haemoglobin and he set me up for an upper GI. After getting weaker and falling 3 x (arms) and 2 weeks gone by I called an ambulance for myself, spent over night. They kept me over, but with no arrangements made, I was sent home the next day but feeling better-----the I.V. of painkiller spruced me up---and a promise of a call marked Urgent-----this is because my Dr. thought I was bleeding internally. Am back after that, just yesterday, felt better after the test with another painkiller I.V. and am (so-called) perfectly fine for the upper GI--guess the lower GI next, but cannot believe how weak I am that I could not even fold the laundry.

I have to lie down about 4 times a day, have hired a house-gal, Ellen, who is very nice and she pushes my chair (and me) to library, bank, drug store, etc (for now, not ready to give up PIN #s.). She does that outside stuff, as well as laundry, cleaning etc. shopping.

My haemoglobin was 85 (too low) and my BP dropped from lo-high, to lo-normal and finally went down to low- 83 yesterday.

I was too weak to do anything, so the car battery died again from lack of use.

I only guessed on the poison because of what I had written on the calendar.

I cannot think of anything else---can you!!!!! Was strong as a bull when I started arm exercises in January, but stopped them when it became painful (same as now)….a back pull…. then Karla missed some days, (incidental I am sure) but then the light bulb---I was in hospital for possible internal bleeding, not for poisoning, was wearing mouth guard, and it wasn,t an idea yet, about poison. I was too lazy for two nights to insert after I got home and became stronger-----didn,t work out though..

Anemia. Leukemia, fibromyalgia , whatever, I don,t know where to start looking and, as usual, my Dr. was wrong.

Izzy
Title: Re: Update from Grandma.....Izzy
Post by: Hopalong on June 30, 2013, 10:20:43 AM: Oh Izz. Hon. I am so sorry you are going through this.
I have never heard that the effects of BPA in plastic could be that sudden?
I thought it was more about cancer risk over years of exposure?

But the body's a mysterious thing.

I hope they help you solve this riddle asap, so you can be back in your
best form possible, and enjoying more of life again very soon.

Thank you for the update, hard as it is to hear.

Please let Karla know there are people here who care about you...

love to you,
Hops
Title: Re: Update from Grandma.....Izzy
Post by: Izzy_*now* on June 30, 2013, 06:42:26 PM: Oh thank you Hops,

Another guess that could be it!

I,ve come up with the solution, probably---deficiency in Vit B and Vit D--------just today!!!!@!@!

I have sure had a time these past 4+ years and had come from an age when everything we did on the from was healthy.

I never picked up on today,s nutrition, good or bad, and sure messed up with vegetarianism. Karla knows what to do and did it for her, and I just bought the vegetablearianism soup from her, as the sodium content is so high in processed soups. She knew I was eating no-no-s for her but I said I couldn,t go that route forever, but didn,t let me know about any dangers--I don,t blame her though.

I was still meat, (no raw, but was just coming home from hospital 4 years ago--tasted-like human flesh--even tho I have never tasted it potatoes & vegetables, but too small amounts ¿ , and lack of outdoor sun---- been inside so long

(Well you know how I cannot seem to trust my GP, with his diagnoses, so I do my own research. When I have something, or am stumped then I resort to him. I,m curious abut his thinking I was bleeding internally when I had no more symptoms of that....no pain).

Off on another healing spree.

Love Izzy

( I told my new gal Ellen that I have an IQ of 175--and her eyes jumped---but I said that as soon as I got together with someone it dropped to 50).
Title: Re: Update from Grandma.....Izzy
Post by: lighter on July 02, 2013, 07:43:34 PM: Quote from: Skits on June 30, 2013, 06:42:26 PM

( I told my new gal Ellen that I have an IQ of 175--and her eyes jumped---but I said that as soon as I got together with someone it dropped to 50).

Wow, 175 IQ, Izz. That's uber high.

Sorry you're feeling struggling, and your doc hasn't figured it out. Perhaps a holistic nutritionist could figure out what's going on, and maybe detox you on a celluar level? Not sure, but I'm praying you start feeling better soon.

Lighter
Title: Re: Update from .....Izzy
Post by: Izzy_*now* on July 03, 2013, 01:49:43 AM: Remember, lighter, it-s only Izzy

Ha ha

Whose IQ dropped to 50 points on this one.......
Title: Re: Update from.....Izzy
Post by: Izzy_*now* on August 02, 2013, 12:39:37 AM: --continuing and heading for the Fourth Specialist

A blood specialist is next and I am pretending that I can bear this pain, while one specialist sends me on to another. To the last one, I suggested leukemia for the next one. I have so many forks in the road., so have a couple of other suggestions for the next specialists-----so this is how they make their money----and I want to go see a psychotherapist to find out if I am being led down the garden path by a Mafia Made for Me.

You know, ¿, I should have kept up my journal, but as I already told you, I lost it with a computer problem that I just figured out, tonight, how to rectify. The aches, pains and any other problems that arose from the accident have now turned into problems that appear to not be accident related, and I expect my next tests to be for a blood disorder. ( I also feel that each specialist knows nothing about what went on with the second last Specialist, on the last referral, and that details are being dropped along the way.)

I am home all the time, at least have my bath lift and have Karla and Ellen. .About all I do is bit by bit load the garbage, load the dishwasher and turn it on but last week I had to have Ellen empty it. My arms pained too much. I don.t even go downstairs for my mail, as it is painful----I feel like the HOME is near, but yet I am still managing and can even clean the toilet…..a bit like --don,t reach too high: don,t reach too low and NEVER land on the floor.

My furniture never moves, and if I can move an item, I can put it back, so my apartment always looks the same, neat---never untidy. Ellen is very good with all the rest. Therapy is on hold from my weakness but Karla is just the best, for hauling me in her car from place to place.

Somehow I believe that the accident (4 yrs. 4 months ago) is not a (large, anyway) part of what is happening now. Pains to aches to weakness to strength with pain etc. I never know what to expect and now think of pain pill addiction. Without the pain my shoulders are very strong., but I can transfer, very painfully, but from chair to bed etc.

My car is going unused, but I have had Ellen take me to my local places of dealing by pushing me in the chair, and, if necessary, (requiring my signature) then explain that she is doing for me (11 years with same places, they rather know me in this minor 2 bx1 block area.). I see I am putting off a HOME until I have run the gamut of…What is Wrong ¿

A for instance, is awakening to have to go P, but not awake enough pulling the chair toward me and misjudged the brake on the far side. The chair moved and I went to the floor, but I spent 2 hours (rebuilding the whole bedroom ) to get me back up and into the chair----this was the first time after my shoulders pained and went weak. (I guess I scared everything so much I just went back to bed and waited until morning to P.)

This is all not pleasant but if can avoid a situation like above and days go smoothly my way, I have it under control. If I goof , it is my fault, but I will figure a way out!

Until I know what the answer is for the pains and weakness, low haemoglobin---even if it is connected to the accident, I signed a waiver to never sue again -- I won,t know if I will be here or in a HOME

I never thought my life would come to this and can only hope for more surprises, but good ones, in the future.

My D, had a heart attack this past Saturday. After a stent into one of the arteries to her heart she was fine, was home Monday, eating lettuce, and walked 1 km on Tuesday---- I just see these things on her Facebook (which I think might be meant for me). This one followed her acceptance as a candidate for hip replacement. I trust these are eye-openers for her to lose weight!

I am living, but not jumpy-joy happy, yet still have that dumb belief that what I need-want is just around the corner.. However, I forget that I have been given (g-ven ¿ ..suffered for or am I to say earned-¿))part of what I need---- a good settlement. Now I can pay for what I need, and do so, to the people I deem to be good workers and worthy of being trusted and paid.

Currently, typing is not a problem re muscle use.

As I was wont to do, I always had a book to read to sleepify me. When I took myself to Emergency on June 8, the IV was set up but the guy hit a nerve_bone, the vein bled, and it was painful all night. By morning an obstinate nurse woundn,t help me (I,m afraid that my disability is not passed on to the next shift and they all think I can walk,) so the tubing from IV on my right settled under me when I lifted my butt to transfer to the commode. If I had sat on it I would have pulled the needle--in the wrong direction--- but more bleeding took place anyway, while she just stood there. I am not a screamer, a crier, and worked it out myself, while receiving from her only a piece of cotton and tape to stop the bleeding.

: I don't know what to do:

As a few days progressed, my thumb and next 2 finger consistently went numb (I have yet to find the position that causes this) but in the meantime the damaged vein leads right to those digits and rather than pain, they go numb to an extent I cannot stand it, which cuts out my reading in bed, which cuts out my desire to go to bed, but I have to as I can sit only about 2 hours, before needing a lie down.

I cannot believe this is my life. It is like my being about age 45 taking care of a 75-80 year old body.

Guess I got carried away, but that is it---for another 6 months.

Love and Luck to All

Izzy
♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥
Title: Re: Update from.....Izzy
Post by: Hopalong on August 02, 2013, 08:12:44 AM: Oh Izzy.

I wish I could take on some of that pain.
(Though my courage drops to imperceptible levels faster than your IQ drops to 50!)

I don't want your world to shrink!

I hope a pain specialist can help you. A doctor whose entire specialty is pain; nothing else.
And if you do have bad chronic pain, nothing whatsoever wrong with the right dose of opiates.
Addiction isn't a factor --at all-- when it's for pain management, despite all the ignorance.

I heard something really hopeful in your mention of Vitamin D and nutrition...that would
be wonderful, to give yourself more general strength with crazy-intense nutrients.

I've just recently ordered something called Zyflamend, and it sounds as though that
and/or Anatabloc might be helpful for you. Hope you'll look them up.

I have an old Vitamix and when I make a morning drink of the following, it tastes
like a cross between pea soup and a shoe box, but I get it down anyway because
I feel noticeably, actually, genuinely, physically BETTER all day if I do:

2 cups spinach
1 cup fresh parsely
1-2 scoops pea protein powder
half a banana
1 -- 1.5 cups frozen berries (blue, or mixed)
1/2 tsp ginger
1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
1 tsp turmeric
some honey or agave nectar

The Vitamix is so loud I wear earplugs. But after I make the stuff,
I just run it again with a few drops of detergent and half a container
of hot water, so it cleans really easily.

If I could be there I would make you a bunch of these and
freeze them. It's like high-test gas for your body and your body
deserves all the help it can get!

That plus a very gentle hug, and some new music...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AARrVAHnkdY (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AARrVAHnkdY)

(I have a weakness for corny talent shows...)

love to you, Izz, heroine--

Hops
PS--I am very sorry you had to hear of your D's sufferings
through FB. But I'm glad you know, and that you accept.
I'm still working on the acceptance part. You've helped me.
Title: Re: Update from.....Izzy
Post by: lighter on August 02, 2013, 01:25:21 PM: Hi Izz:

I'm not surprised about in hospital treatment.... same experiences myself, and with family members.

So sorry. Keep asking for help, when you need it, if no one close will help. I'd ask for a supervisor next time, which didn't occur to me when I was in pain, and the nurses wouldn't help. Hard to focus when you're struggling and no one will listen, I understand.

Don't let the people who suck at needles keep working on you, if you can help it.

It's such a relief to know you have your settlement and can make choices about treatment for yourself. I wish things were getting better more quickly, but you're competent and I trust you'll get on track.

Sorry your dd is struggling with health issues.

How's Karla doing? Are you two moving along with T?

(((Izzy)))

Lighter
Title: Re: Update from.....Izzy
Post by: Izzy_*now* on August 08, 2013, 01:58:09 AM: Hi Hops and lighter,

Thank you so much for all your good words, advice, acceptance, whatever, as I am what I Yam.

The fall I mentioned, I landed flat on my left thigh, flat on the carpet, and didn-t notice for a couple a days, *with all this other pain*, that my knee pains were gone. I was bamboozled.....for the first time in 4 years and 4 months none of that excruciating pain. Today makes it 9 days later and still no pain. I haven,t said anything to anyone except Karla and Ellen--- I hate to jinx myself, but 9 days......¿

Since the shaft of my left femur stands upright, based in my knee, but not hanging on to anything, it could have been a smidgeon out of place so that the distal (knee end) was rubbing on the proximal end of my knee--even a mm., or a cm with the thump ,my leg hit, and maybe even after 3 surgeries some of my *meat* wasn-t replaced exactly either. If I can believe that, and it lasts then there goes ½ my pain, but I can tell you, the arms are needed more.

Yesterday my blood pressure was 67 over 80; today it was 138 over 80. I am so baffled, but am making all the necessary calls, medically, as well as one with Service Canada (your IRS) and one for a squabble with Visa and Royal Bank. at least these things give me something to do.

Dr. Yarrow and his gal, Linda, are being very, very, nice----------------------------so I guess that means the end" :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D

xxxxx to all
Izzy
Title: Re: Update from.....Izzy
Post by: Hopalong on August 08, 2013, 10:54:47 AM: Izzy, this is brilliant! AMAZING NEWS!

Would you like me to come over and help bounce you around on your carpet?

I think this is a very clever way to tackle insane, Martian, universally unJUST chronic pain.

I will try to think of some options. Let's see.

Headache? Toss Izzy into fridge, preferably produce drawer. Remove before freezing.
Sore toe? Bounce her on balcony two times, hug, repeat. Admire view.
Indigestion? Put her upside down on closet shelf for 1 hour, shake, replace, repeat.

I swear, it feels as though that is the kind of treatment and relief cycles you have
had to go through for ages. Not funny at all but it makes my brain desperately want
to make you laugh!

LOTS of love to you, ((((((((((((((Izz)))))))))))))))

Hops
Title: Re: Update from.....Izzy
Post by: Twoapenny on August 08, 2013, 12:57:15 PM: Oh Izzy, hope everything is better, better, better soon. Hugs to you ((((((((((((((((((((((Izzy))))))))))))))))))))))))))))) love Tup
Title: Re: Update from.....Izzy
Post by: Izzy_*now* on August 08, 2013, 02:28:48 PM: Thank you, twoapenny.

Instead of dealing with pain from head to knees, now is neck, arms and shoulders, which were not part of the accident but have a number of health workers on my case. When we figure out the low blood and fix this, I,ll still be some out of shape but could be close back to pain free.

It was the leg-knee pain that kept me up and down at night--more like half awake, as I could hear me whimpering, but wasn,t awake enough to do anything. All the while with that, my shoulders and arms were quite strong, but they are now talking blood disease.

xx
Izzy
Title: Re: Update from.....Izzy
Post by: Izzy_*now* on August 08, 2013, 02:39:48 PM: Oh Hops,

--and how you did make me laugh! You are just as silly as having the fall fix a 4+ year pain.

I am inclined to agree with your solutions, since my whole life has been out of whack and I have been thinking about that saying, *The cure is often the cause*, or vice versa.

I have a number of people to call and make appointments as we continue the investigations.

Love and Luck
Izzy
Title: Re: Update from.....Izzy
Post by: lighter on August 10, 2013, 10:09:20 AM: Izz....

I had this vision of a closet door opening, and the light shining on in on your face for the first time in a long time as I read your post.

It was high time for a good break.

You've had your share of the bad ones; )

Lighter
Title: Re: Update from.....Izzy
Post by: Izzy_*now* on August 29, 2013, 05:24:30 AM: I didn't see that light very long.

Now the answer is that I have bone marrow failure. It is not making any more blood. A transplant can be successful for up to 3 years.

The thickened lining of the uterus is likely cancer, I gather, as 2 Drs. have mentioned that.

I'm sitting up at 2:10, as my shoulders and upper arms pain so bad that I cannot sleep and have trouble anyway, because I need blood and---
I was hit by a car in 2009, and the Occupational Therapist insisted I uses a trapeze and that caused a nerve to be pulled /damaged and I've been careful ever since. No doctor has ever pursued that and now it stabbed me once and I cannot lie on my back, as it sets my fingers to tingling and finally into pain. I can lie only on my right side but that aggravates and other pains I have.

I certainly don't see anything worthwhile for me in the years that follow. Not at all. I have only one answer.

I'll be watching you.

Love
Izzy
Title: Re: Update from.....Izzy
Post by: Hopalong on August 29, 2013, 08:16:28 AM: Ohh, Izz.
Please don't disappear.
You matter.

I'm PMing you,

much love--
Hops
Title: Re: Update from.....Izzy
Post by: Hopalong on August 29, 2013, 01:44:33 PM: You are one of the bravest women I have ever known in my life.
You have taught me so much.

Thank you for every single thing you've shared, the good, bad,
and just the...fabulous, unforgettable Izzy.

And I am hoping that you'll get that transfusion very very
quickly and be back reporting a surge of energy...

with much love,
Hops
Title: Re: Update from.....Izzy
Post by: lighter on September 03, 2013, 09:42:04 PM: Izzy:

I'm so sorry.

It's so unfair.....

no respite for dear Izzy.

I'm hoping the docs have it wrong.

Again.

Lighter
Title: Re: Update from.....Izzy
Post by: Dr. Richard Grossman on September 03, 2013, 10:09:08 PM: Hi Izzy,

I’m so sorry to hear about your current condition. You have been through so much. I hope you can find some help and stay with us. People care a lot about you here.

Best wishes,

Richard
Title: Re: Update from.....Izzy
Post by: Izzy_*now* on September 03, 2013, 10:26:55 PM: Thank you Hops and lighter

-----and on it went, so today I went back to the hospital again. Something had to be done!!! and was again sent home with no answers. There was a nice doctor in Trauma Emergency. Tony.

I was barely home and on my computer when he called. He had an answer for me--Polymyalgic Rheumatica--and would telephone a Rx to Drug Store for me. I now have it and took my first. Will take 7 and report to my regular no Dr. Dr., next Monday.

All the symptoms etc. fit exactly. ♥Tony♥ looked it up and called me right after I left. My first symptoms were in January, 2013

With the first symptoms, headache and eye aches, I went for my eye check. I was okay but Dr. Prescott said to go to my Dr. and be checked for Giant Cell Arteritis. It is an almost equivalent of Polymyalgic Rheumatica, yet the full set of symptoms hadn't erupted quite yet. My Dr. Dr. say I didn't have G.Cell A and sent me home with my tail between my legs. I wonder, if this works out to be PR, if he'll remember? As well "bone marrow failure" cannot be diagnosed without first taking some bone marrow and testing it---Damn! I should have caught that!

So 1 pill down and 6 to go!! The Mayo Clinic has a good write up, if you Google PR.

(All I have to do is tell someone something, and it turns into an exaggeration----in this case, I hope so for the first diagnosis and not for this new possibility.)

Love
Izzy

Thank you Dr. Grossman

I appreciate your kind words and good wishes. I really do!

Izzy
Title: Re: Update from.....Izzy
Post by: Meh on September 03, 2013, 11:06:33 PM: well as bad as it is to have any kind of health problem, I guess it's good to be able to define it now
Title: Re: Update from.....Izzy
Post by: Twoapenny on September 04, 2013, 03:23:04 AM: Quote from: Skits on September 03, 2013, 10:26:55 PM
Thank you Hops and lighter

-----and on it went, so today I went back to the hospital again. Something had to be done!!! and was again sent home with no answers. There was a nice doctor in Trauma Emergency. Tony.

I was barely home and on my computer when he called. He had an answer for me--Polymyalgic Rheumatica--and would telephone a Rx to Drug Store for me. I now have it and took my first. Will take 7 and report to my regular no Dr. Dr., next Monday.

All the symptoms etc. fit exactly. ♥Tony♥ looked it up and called me right after I left. My first symptoms were in January, 2013

With the first symptoms, headache and eye aches, I went for my eye check. I was okay but Dr. Prescott said to go to my Dr. and be checked for Giant Cell Arteritis. It is an almost equivalent of Polymyalgic Rheumatica, yet the full set of symptoms hadn't erupted quite yet. My Dr. Dr. say I didn't have G.Cell A and sent me home with my tail between my legs. I wonder, if this works out to be PR, if he'll remember? As well "bone marrow failure" cannot be diagnosed without first taking some bone marrow and testing it---Damn! I should have caught that!

So 1 pill down and 6 to go!! The Mayo Clinic has a good write up, if you Google PR.

(All I have to do is tell someone something, and it turns into an exaggeration----in this case, I hope so for the first diagnosis and not for this new possibility.)

Love
Izzy

Thank you Dr. Grossman

I appreciate your kind words and good wishes. I really do!

Izzy

Hi Izzy, I'm really glad that they have found some answers for you and hope that these meds help. Hope that you're feeling better soon xx
Title: Re: Update from.....Izzy
Post by: Hopalong on September 04, 2013, 08:10:27 AM: Whew. I read this: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/polymyalgia-rheumatica/DS00441/DSECTION=treatments-and-drugs (http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/polymyalgia-rheumatica/DS00441/DSECTION=treatments-and-drugs).
It makes so much sense. You've been talking about your shoulder/s for a long time.

Jeez. I hate that you have a new source of pain.
I love that it sounds treatable.
I love that you have an ANSWER, because a diagnosis is a relief. (I hope.)
Many hopes that your docs whack it with all the right stuff and in the right timing
and that you feel relief very soon.

(Then we can go back to sticking you in closets and stuff, to manage the other
pain...)

Also a huge relief that you may not have a bone marrow problem.

WHEW!

Izzy, I have learned more about pain from reading your posts over the years
than from almost anyone I know. Your journey has been awful but also a deep
reminder of how much we take for granted when our lhysical lives are not as challenging
as yours has been.

I just met a writer who writes scholarly books about pain. I thought of you
when I read some of the summaries.

Makes sense to me that at VESMB, where we talk a lot about emotional pain,
one voice is here to show us how arduous it is to deal with the literal pain
of the body. Your pain is from accidents as well as early severe abuse...
and listening to you has taught me a lot that I can't articulate well.

I just know that it doesn't matter to me exactly how a person thinks,
if I'm in their vicinity and they're suffering pain...I wish I could relieve it.

love to you, and soooooooooooo glad for this update...keep them coming!

Hops
Title: Re: Update from.....Izzy
Post by: Izzy_*now* on September 04, 2013, 03:16:39 PM: Thanks Green Bean, Twoapenny, Hops again and everyone---

So , no moustache, yet!

The best way to know about the diagnosis is the patient’s reaction to the medication.

Dead On!

One pill last night, no pain, up once for bathroom--no problem--- awoke at 9:00 a,m.

Could reach up to the cupboard for a clean plate (been using the same one for 9 months [[[[hahaha]]]]

Could take a year to be over it, but a relapse could happen in 10 years. Well I might be living on Mars in 10 years, too!

Love to all
Izzy ♥ ♥ ♥ !♥
Title: Re: Update from.....Izzy
Post by: lighter on September 05, 2013, 08:32:10 AM: Izzy:

I'm relieved that this new doctor seems to be competent, and on point.

That's HUGE all by itself.

((((Izz)))))

Light
Title: Re: Update from.....Izzy
Post by: Twoapenny on September 07, 2013, 04:21:34 PM: Quote from: Skits on September 04, 2013, 03:16:39 PM
Thanks Green Bean, Twoapenny, Hops again and everyone---

So , no moustache, yet!

The best way to know about the diagnosis is the patient’s reaction to the medication.

Dead On!

One pill last night, no pain, up once for bathroom--no problem--- awoke at 9:00 a,m.

Could reach up to the cupboard for a clean plate (been using the same one for 9 months [[[[hahaha]]]]

Could take a year to be over it, but a relapse could happen in 10 years. Well I might be living on Mars in 10 years, too!

Love to all
Izzy ♥ ♥ ♥ !♥

This has put the hugest smile on my face :) I am so, so happy for you :) :) :) xx
Title: Re: Update from.....Izzy
Post by: Izzy_*now* on September 08, 2013, 11:28:11 AM: Thank you tt, lighter and twoapenny

I appreciate the variety of messages. This is day 6, pill 6, and tomorrow I check in with old Dr. I feel quite fine with an odd snag or two but am managing well. I chose to keep a daily record, so I could be accurate.

I contacted my ex-lawyer and asked him if this would have affected my claim. He said definitely, because the Doctors' reports were filled with notions of my shoulder rotator cuffs giving out next year and into a Home, not moving myself at all well....just as this condition had affected me. We discussed overlapping symptoms. Interesting!

I can throw back the covers, flip into the chair, fix my coffee and read my mail, "bim, bam, boom", without grunting and being exhausted. My transfers are more solid/safe.

More later when I begin mountain climbing!

Love
Izzy
Title: Re: Update from.....Izzy
Post by: lighter on September 10, 2013, 05:52:27 PM: Quote from: Skits on September 08, 2013, 11:28:11 AM
Thank you tt, lighter and twoapenny

I feel quite fine with an odd snag or two but am managing well. I chose to keep a daily record, so I could be accurate.

Love
Izzy

Izz: Of course you're documenting with a daily record. So Izzy!

Glad to hear you're feeling better. Don't forget to check your sources before believing everything an asshat doc has to say.

Light
Title: Re: Update from.....Izzy
Post by: Izzy_*now* on September 11, 2013, 11:22:06 AM: hi lighter.

I just saw Dr. Why? (Yarrow) and have different Rx layout, 45mg (daily), 40 daily, 35 daily and 25 daily for the 4 weeks then back to see him.

His statement of hemoglobin, (my reading of 85 that ought to be 129?) was off from what I learned later (there are different types of numbers on the internet) but Dr. Kwan said 90 was a fine number and my sister said that 90 was fine when she was in cancer treatment---

I feel SO much better, but am keeping Ellen on and semi retiring from housework! I'm using my settlement on me, by paying others to make my life a safer and more comfortable one, plus I now have 2 near-daughters.

Thanks for the thoughts
xx
Title: Re: Update from.....Izzy
Post by: lighter on September 11, 2013, 11:28:22 AM: Oh, Izz:

If anyone deserves a little help it's you.

I'm happy to read you're hiring people to make your life more comfortable. It's time for things to get a bit easier.

Enjoy your new found chosen family, and keep us updated: )

Lighter
Title: Re: Update from.....Izzy
Post by: Izzy_*now* on September 13, 2013, 03:42:39 AM: Thanks lighter,

After whatever length of time, like a couple of months, when I knew I'd never make it downtown, maybe just to a Old Folks Home, in 9 days of tablets I have been downtown twice, just test runs, and felt only a bit tired in my left arm (my right one must work harder, as sidewalks slope rightward to the street gutter for drainage!)

These were tests so I can tell Ellen that I can, but I won't overdo it and please not consider me lazy while I recuperate and I also plan on keeping her on, as I said. (I have been accustomed to working hard all my life, and some things are difficult to stop.)

After that episode, a virus or inflammation, I now feel about 10 years younger! :lol:

Later termater
Izzy
Title: Re: Update from.....Izzy
Post by: Hopalong on September 13, 2013, 08:23:38 AM: :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D

:lol:

:o

:lol:

YAY!!!! YAY YAY YAAAAAAAAAY

(But don't overdo it.)

hugs
Hops
Title: Re: Update from.....Izzy
Post by: lighter on September 13, 2013, 08:32:02 AM: YAY! YAY! to feeling 10 years younger, Izz.

And please do let us know how this new chapter in your life unfolds.

I'd like to read how you're doing nothing but what you like, eating mommy food someone else prepared, and continuing to enjoy gratifying relationships that enrich your life.

However it goes, I'd love to keep in touch: )

Lighter
Title: Re: Update from.....Izzy
Post by: Izzy_*now* on November 21, 2013, 03:33:52 PM: Hey! All!

I meant to keep health in this thread and family in the family thread!

I took graduating downward mg of Prednisone for 5 weeks, was off for 2 weeks and felt weakness arrive, so did another 4 weeks of graduating down, from 45mg/daily to 25mg/daily. My last was Sunday night (17th), felt a little tired on Monday and not in good shape at all on Tuesday, so I took 2 x T3s, then Wednesday when Karla was coming was still a mess so took 2 more T3s. They finally kicked in later in the evening and now I feel fine, no Prednisone, and no discomfort, except or the swelling. slept well last night.

I'm hoping maybe Dr. will allow 25mg/every second day, and keep the swelling at bay--well that is what *I* would do!! I do not like looking like Jerry Lewis! I'll make an appointment for next Monday and just hope my Dr. knows something about Prednisone!

Izzy
Title: Re: Update from.....Izzy
Post by: Hopalong on November 21, 2013, 10:04:58 PM: You are MUCH cuter than Jerry Lewis.
You could be a CHIPMUNK and still be cuter than Jerry Lewis.

And that's a fact.

:)
Hops
Title: Re: Update from.....Izzy
Post by: gratitude28 on November 25, 2013, 10:37:13 PM: I hope I will always be as strong as you, Izzy - all around. You are a big inspiration to so many of us here. Many of us could not make it through half of what you have suffered! I love seeing you plugging along and showing us how it's done!

Looking forward to reading more about your exploits :)

Beth
Title: Re: Update from.....Izzy
Post by: Izzy_*now* on December 07, 2013, 09:40:11 PM: Hiya Beth,

So good to hear from you, and I am sorry that I forget your story. I know we talked a lot, you moved away..... and I'll check back.

I have been rather "self-indulgent" for these past 4 ½ + years, over this accident and the pain etc. Nothing else in my life. One thing after another just overlap and I try hard to remember the sequence of events. I was really over-drugged in hospital and that messed up my mind.

The settlement was made in April, after which came the arm pains and PMR (Polymyalgia Rheumatica) a joint inflammation. Had that been diagnosed any sooner, it would have been a mess to settle between PMR (mine) and the argument the Lawyers and doctors were having over my shoulder rotator cuffs giving out with my going into a HOME, estimated at over 5 years earlier than would be expected, which is still open on the books.

I have me a new fella to daydream about---as if I were about 35????? He delivers my wine. (My 2 gals do the health and household.) I don't even know his name but he is tall, slender in his 40s (I'm 74 so keep it to myself) and what I would go after 35 years ago. I called him today, no answer but he called back; I asked if he were working, he said "yes" and I said I wasn't and "wouldn't until he brought me some wine." He has a shy look that is so darling.

The rest of my life is the pits but I make the best of it---always have.....tried anyway!

My gals don't think I am self-indulgent, but, instead, restrained. I guess because the settlement ought to see me through, I have no problem slipping either of them $5, off the income records, just for a small, extra job, This way I spend and enjoy my settlement on things I need, things that please me, things that help others and when I die it wouldn't be worth it to anyone to hire a lawyer to contest my Will.

I mess with my computer and read. Then I have things like up in the night, knocked my toe, bled all over the kitchen floor, living room and bedroom carpets...and my arms aren't strong enough to clean, but Ellen will do what I missed when she comes on Tuesday. That's my life! (I still don't know which toe, since I cannot turn my foot upside down to look, so life will always be a mystery to me.

......and probably to everyone else too,

xx
Izzy

EDIT: My story of today is that I broke off the toilet seat, while scooting from it to my bath lift. *SNAP* I emailed Ellen, sent her photo of a toilet (in case she didn't have one for reference. Ha! that's me) and ask her to determine when she can fit that into our schedule. She comes Tuesday anyway as I said.

She is my chore-runner as well as household. She'll bring a battery pack for my portable phone---I sent cash with her last time. If she buys a toilet seat and brings it, it will be on her Visa and I get the $$ to her on her cheque before Visa is due.

I can still drive, still have my car, but don't use it enough to make it worth the expenses, so the battery dies. Therefore, I am trying to sell it, and use taxis. It's only 23 years old with 140,000 miles on it!
Title: Re: Update from.....Izzy
Post by: Hopalong on December 08, 2013, 03:02:42 PM: Oooch.
Sorry about your toe, Izz.
And your toilet seat.

What you teach me over and over is how small my problems are,
and how everything, literally everthing, is all a matter of perspective.

Hope both toe and toilet seat are back in proper order soon.

Is Karla still coming regularly?

love
Hops
Title: Re: Update from.....Izzy
Post by: Izzy_*now* on December 10, 2013, 05:18:23 PM: Ha and Hi Hops

Nice when you check in.

The toilet seat is in place now. Ellen couldn’t get the old bolt out. I called the Super, who last worked on the offending bolt, and she couldn’t either. She said she’d call a workman….he came and couldn’t either (Hurry up guys, I might need the washroom!!!!) He kept leaving for more tools and Ellen went shopping. He came back with a crowbar, and I laughed, thinking about his taking the crowbar to the whole damned room. Finally he went for a saw, and cut the top off----that flipping bolt will cause no one any more problems!! And I just sit and balance my accounts as everyone works. Ah! The Life!

Ellen returned with a battery pack for my hand held and it charging now. She also assembled my new vacuum, as my wrists are too weak. We need too long to charge it fully, so she used the carpet sweeper and then I’ll have her use this new one….all ok? Then take away the old one.

She is really good about things, and today I needed cash and I gave her my PIN# for the bank. (She wrote it down in the form of a telephone number, rather than forget or to lose the record.) I know the ramifications, but I have Faith in her and she in me. I asked her to bring a transaction slip, sign that she received $? from the bank, then under that I signed that I had received $? from her. We feel that is enough for the two of us and no one else, in this area, is to know.

Karla is POA and I turn it all over to her when I can never go back to the bank. Karla will never know. (I think there is some jealousy involved.) Otherwise a bank trip is not out of line for me, unless like this week with less meds, and the cold weather.

Don’t know which toe was cut but all appears healed!

Ellen comes once every 2 weeks and Karla once a week.

Ellen told me the cutest story about her youngest (of 4 sons). They all went someplace and she was designated to the bedroom that had fleece sheets. In retrospect, I think this youngest (9) was put with her, re sleeping space. He just loved the fleece sheets. In the long run, without going into T.’s secretive ways, he took money that he was saving for a puppy, got his eldest (18) brother to drive him to the store, bought fleece sheets for Ellen for her birthday. How terribly unselfish and sweet! (I somehow suspect they are also “for him”, and it would be very sad if he expected to sleep on his mother’s sheets, just because he bought them, as one night a phone call came in and she sent him back to his room. He was upset and she knew. She was talking with her friend, yet gave in , and went to him and sent him into her room-----T. was in his glory! Sound like trouble?)

More about health on my other post!

XX
Izzy
Title: Re: Update from.....Izzy
Post by: Hopalong on December 11, 2013, 07:13:03 AM: I'm glad you have people you trust, and are so smart about it too.
We used to send my mother's daytime caregiver to the bank with a check to cash for hundreds.
(Given that she is about the most honest human being on the planet, it was not a problem.)
The tellers knew her and were always happy to see her--just handed over the money...

I miss that lady a lot. Just wrote her a note the other day.

Ellen's young T does sound a little attached, doesn't he?
But I've heard people talk about kids who are indulged that way growing up extra-secure, too.

Who knows. Ellen sounds like a nice person and Karla is matchless.

You done good, Izz.

love
Hops
Title: Re: Update from.....Izzy
Post by: Izzy_*now* on January 05, 2014, 10:48:24 PM: Well, Hell's Bells:

I just cannot win. I lost my balance (with paralysis) in that 1969 car crash and have had to be so careful on crutches, reaching, etc. all these years.

Age can take its toll on the bones, as you are aware, and Doctors are now comparing mine....nailing them together.....like nailing a custard pie to the wall. (I rather thought after the 2009 accident and ramifications, that no hardware ought to have been installedd. I was using the term chalk then.

I have had quite some number of falls in 44½ years----- broken bone falls? maybe 4,5.

I never ought to have taken all those "successful" falls for granted, because.....and I think this is 2014 now, about Jan. 5.....am on a Rehab Hospital computer that reads Dec.11, 2013 having had the other end of my femur snap at above the knee, distal end, with the proximal end losing its head in 2009.

Anybody want that spare piece of custard that's floating around in there?

Karla is doing her duties, and I am sociallizing??? with old????? people of all kinds, as this fcility has three se3ctions, A, B (ooops used their dining room the first night, after 2 weeks in hospital) and RehaB.

I managed to find this site, but this portable, wireless, mouseless, is useless and Karla says my own comp's mailbox is not working????????

My brother tracked her down at her yoga work, and she ain't squealing like a rat, details are for me to report......leaving it up to me.......in more detail when I finally get home.....have to adjust knee hinge from 30 degrees (almost straight-legged) to 90 degrees (actual sitting position.)

I think I quoted this once before, "They shoot horses, don't they?"

You wouldn't really want to know, right now anyway, what this staff is like.

I have transferred to and from commode alone and I think they are mad, to and from bed, and I think they are mad. Food is terrible and I might be on the verge of insanity. Time will tell.

If I can get on Facebook, I might get somewhere, but in essence, might just prefer to eat and read.

I enjoy my computer, not this P.O.S.

Love
from "the custard pie, with pieces of chalk" lady

Izzy
Title: Re: Update from.....Izzy
Post by: Hopalong on January 06, 2014, 07:59:11 AM: Oh, Izz.

SHIT!

(apologies for the improper language)

I am so very sorry you're in rehab and subject to "staff" and more hurt....but...

I
hope
it
works

SO resourceful of you to find a computer and check in here...know we are thinking of you.

If anyone can bounce back, even when made of chalk/sponge/coral reef...it would be you.

But...I repeat...[aforementioned rudeness].

Sympathy, support, calm, endurance...

and love to you,

Hops
Title: Re: Update from.....Izzy
Post by: Twoapenny on January 08, 2014, 01:39:29 AM: Iz I hope this gets sorted out for you soon, what a rotten start to the year. Any indication of when you'll be going home or is it too early to say?
Title: Re: Update from.....Izzy
Post by: lighter on January 08, 2014, 08:17:05 PM: Izz:

I'm so sorry to hear about the latest break.

What were you doing when it happened?

It pains me to think of our Izzy going half mad eating shite food, dealing with shite staff, using a shite computer while back in pain.

When are you getting out of that place?

((Izzy))
Liughter
Title: Re: Update from.....Izzy
Post by: Izzy_*now* on January 14, 2014, 09:42:25 PM: Hops, twop and lighter, and all

This is the Horror Home for all elders.....I kid you not! Karla told me to "suck it up then I'll be home". That was disappointing, but she is looking after everything else. ....as my POA.

One comes in and is greeted with enthusiasm and kindness only to note that it is the beginning of the "turning of the tides" when the patients become the helpless victims.

---(rang my bell) Nurse enters, "Oh it's you, well I haven't the time. I thought it was her (points to roommate), pivots and walks out.
...asked for Ex-lax (instead of 'laxative'....I wasn't advocating Exlax).....had to get Dr.'s permission then provide my own.
---went for x-ray, yesterday at hospital, new orders from Ortho Dr., handed them in at desk upon return and his new instructions are not yet put into effect. Losing time on recovery if I stay the same....my knee brace (no more surgery in lower limbs.... too chalky, Jello-y, Custard pie-y,...must be extra careful of falls-----even though one fall did correct some previous pain.
---food in hospital was artificial--- awful, only ½ okay here, but is all shipped here in bulk prepared.....must check out Crisco's intent
---loud staff voices ALL the time, night and day
---moans, groans and pitiful "Help me"-s.
---no one on staff follows through, buck the system and wait 2 more days
... $31.90/day, $920+/mo., knee hinge $280.00 ("one size fits all" was fine tuned twice for me)
...Once I yelled, "
" They arrived in 19' 59".
---The recreation guy installed a mouse on this Dell machine, but still the table it's on is at nipple height. The pianos are all out of tune.
---I said I would do "xyz". Nursie said, "I am not doing "xyz". I said, "I said I would do "xyz": you need only bring me "abc"." She turned on her heel, waggled her hands up around her head and left.
---I am to ne Independent, but bedside table, over-bed table, commode and visitor chair are consistenly moved out of place and intertwined with their ability to parl the wheelchair in yet another locatio---------------take it away? I am stranded.
---well, I could make a book out of the last 4 weeks.

Anyway, when D. was an adolescent and had friends in).....)))))) If I were iin sofa chIR, WITH EITHER W'CHair or crutches on hand, AND ONE OF HER FRIENDS BEGAN TO PLAY WITH, AS IN REMOVE FROM MY REACH, SAID ITEM, d WOULD GO GET THE OTHER ONE AND TELL FRIENDS "nEVER TAKE mOM'S CHair without fitst bringing in her crutches, or vice versa. (oops Caps--not going back.)

Anyway, I ought to think of this as a sign to never even THINK of falling, with my eggshell bones. Remove word completely from my vocabulary.

But then Dr. Arrhole had reduced my Prednisone to 1 mg/dly---steady at 5mg/dly now.
Title: Re: Update from.....Izzy
Post by: Izzy_*now* on January 14, 2014, 09:55:50 PM: Mouse gave out and had to POST or lose

I once yelled, I didn't get my pain meds this morning nor this afternoon and I want them now! I don't give a SH** what she is doing I want them here is less than 20 minutes"______________

Woman older than I yelled, " I said BLACK, with NOTHING in it..."

I can still yell louder!!!!!!!
Title: Re: Update from.....Izzy
Post by: Hopalong on January 14, 2014, 10:52:39 PM: Oh, Izz.
I am so sorry you are there.
But so glad you've found a chance to vent some here.

Beyond sorry. I wish I could be there to advocate.

By the way, here most nursing homes have people called Patient Advocates...they are NOT on staff but are members of the community who do this role as volunteers. Very good people to have aware of your needs.

Can you ask Karla to contact a local elder agency and find out how to connect one of them to visit you?

love
Hops
Title: Re: Update from.....Izzy
Post by: lighter on January 15, 2014, 02:02:16 PM: WOw, Izz.... sounds tough.

What isKarlahandling that;s more important than YOU?

She's your POA, in your will, and responsible for your recovery and comfort, right?

That's the deal?

Why isn't she in htere, advocating FOR you?

Getting you meds, ifthe nurses fail?

Lighter
Title: Re: Update from.....Izzy
Post by: Izzy_*now* on January 15, 2014, 08:02:06 PM: I reached middle ground with my Doctor somehow. He just left and he agreed with me that just because I “look 60”, I am not. I am 74 and he also feels these so-called care-givers, him included, forget this and do not adjust their….will I use the words, delivery of information to me, attitudes ??-----modes of communication to account for some slippage in my mind with age and with the traumas induced by drugs, pain, misunderstandings, all the legal crap etc. of the past 5 years to allow me to grasp all that is being thrown at me.

I am not overwhelmed, nor senile. I stop them and ask for clarification. Should one comply, we can remain on common ground. Should those who see a “young whippersnapper” amongst the Old Folks (Karla included, I see) then I must reign them in and slow them down to my speed of comprehension.

Those reading this might have started at the same time, but one could be at the end of first paragraph, while another will be at the end of the second paragraph. Just a small difference in the speed with which we pick up knowledge.

Karla takes her duties seriously, but can overstep and I am not senile yet and when I asked her to bring me $100 cash, she did, but asked me what it was for. I glanced her a little glance and said to note it on her sheet as $100.00 to me and I would provide the receipt(s) for placement with the others. At the same time, I reminded her that I had asked her to contact Ellen to come in to see me at her convenience. Putting 2 and 2 together I skipped over the fact that Karla was encroaching on Ellen’s work, therefore depriving Ellen of what would be her job and her income……. Not the bill Karla presented to me----paid for before, but to Ellen. Therefore, I get the word to Ellen about what I want her to do, that the Super will let her in when I tell her to, and lock up after. (Karla has the keys and I cannot have her lining up times and dates with Ellen.)

Writing my previous message gave me the impetus to “step up” my own advocacy, as Karla has no say here, over the Rules. There have been changes since that message re my care, but Karla is invaluable for filling in the gaps (a sounding board, if you will) left by those who are speaking to a “younger person” than I am, even though they are speaking to me. This is a Government Health Facility, once Karla’s employer, but she got out of the “manure pile”.

Today Dr.s (Otho surgeon) Orders were followed and I have gone all day with my leg/knee bent in a seated position, not sticking out in front of me in an elevated foot rest. I’m quick. Monday, the taxi driver was pushing me up the ramp to the level back floor, but too fast and would have rammed my foot into the back of the seat ahead and only Heaven knows the damage that could have done. I yelled, “Whoa” thrust my arms out to either side and grabbed the walls, bringing my foot to a stop about 2 inches from the seat back.

I was prepared, in a way, as Karla ordered the wrong Taxi Co. ( 6 cylinder vs. 8 cyl, from the trip TO the hospital), driver was foreign, and I was being vigilant, as K. couldn’t see into back of cab and didn’t know.

Whew It’s dinner time and I must post and go get my table.

Just letting you know and might have to elaborate on something? Dunno

Love all
IZZ
Title: Re: Update from.....Izzy
Post by: lighter on January 20, 2014, 09:13:26 PM: Jeepers, Izz.

Sounds like you're kicking arse and taking names.

Good for you, and I'm certainly hoping you get back to a more normal life very soon.

Go get'em.

Lighter
Title: Re: Update from.....Izzy
Post by: Izzy_*now* on January 21, 2014, 11:17:21 AM: Thanks lighter
and
Hello All from the Frozen NorthLands

No matter how helpless one feels, I always am reminded that there is something else I can do and likely only for myself.

Yesterday, Rehab left my brace in the seated position for overnight and I survived the night to awaken (6:15 am) before my roommate’s ‘morning production’. I might not have been able to wash and use the bedpan without assistance, but I did call a night nurse for the ‘pan, then dressed (unwashed), transferred to chair, needed another nurse to fix cushion under me, and left the room at 1 minute before 7:00 and shift change.

Around the bend swung 2 nurses, Gestapo style, marching in for the ”Let’s ruin Izzy’s morning by kow-towing to Jean’s whining!”. I smiled and said, “Ah! The Gestapo arrives!” One said “Hi” the other said nothing while I proceeded to this room.

Any hitch in this ‘get to it morning’ would not be present in the privacy of my home—my clothing does not have to be at my bedside, my cushion fits my ‘chair, and the bathroom toilet is not “Barred……by bars”.

I require a prescription for pain and follow-up home care for my “wounds” …… the sores that were caused by the pressure of the brace and on my lower leg. You’re right. No one is perfect, but introducing my leg to that cast was because surgery would have been a repetitive “no-no” on osteoporotic bones. Unfortunately, the brace is necessary to stabilize while new bone is being laid down, but the wounds are being tended to every 3 days. (They set the rules.).
I could need it for 2-3-4 months yet, so the wounds worry me.

Interior Health will provide the home care as needed and today I must make sure my Dr. knows I want to see him. I cannot count on the fact that the nurses passed on my request. I will call the office myself.

My brother said in an email, to the effect, that I am tough but knows I’ll get through this crap, and wishes there was something he could do. That’s all I need to hear----as I know no one but self can micro–manage this mess!

As I sat here after emailing Karla, one of the Gestapo nurses , who said nothing, while smiling sweetly, peeked around the corner and asked re my pills, brought them, stabbed me with heparin (been having that in the gut 2x/day), after which i told her she was the best at that needle. She smiled and said thank you!---as though we never had our run-ins to date!

There is no place like Home!

xx
Izz
Title: Re: Update from.....Izzy
Post by: moonlight60 on January 21, 2014, 03:56:23 PM: Dear Izzy.....

Your strength astounds me your mental clarity amazes me.....
One Nobel Prize for Integrity and caliber of character for Izzy.....!!!!!
I have been so wanting to tell you these words....

Love And Light ,
Moonlight

P.S..... It has been a long time since I have been on the board so if you do not remember me that's ok ....you are unforgettable.
Title: Re: Update from.....Izzy
Post by: lighter on January 23, 2014, 03:25:16 PM: Izzy:

I can't help but think there's some way to channel your experiences into.......

something bigger than just getting through this.

Something.....

Helpful.

And therapeutic?

For you.

Maybe others?

All the hard won lessons.

All the shocks, surprises, and impossible to be prepared for.

You've certainly been there, done that.

Are DOING that, still.

Lighter
Title: Re: Update from.....Izzy
Post by: Hopalong on January 23, 2014, 06:14:25 PM: Izzzzyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy...

sending you comfort, pain relief, angels in the night, anyone with a wise and gentle touch....

love
Hops
Title: Re: Update from.....Izzy
Post by: Izzy_*now* on January 24, 2014, 09:20:30 PM: Thank you moon, lighter and Hops,

Today was go to my home with 2 therapists and be assessed in "my" home with "my" equipment. What a difference! I did very well and I think they were astounded that I did better that my showing here. The O. T. measured all over the place, then we were back here, and they had a meeting of their "team" re the people in their team, one being me. I passed muster for discharge, as even my doctor came in and said I was back to being Izzy, even doing better at being Izzy.

So he could sign the discharge for Monday, 10:00 a.m. Next step is getting through the weekend, Ellen to buy perishables for 'frig' and Karla do her part and I'm in business again.

Wound Care nurse will be in for a month or two, then I might go there, but brace is for another 3-4 months, but never even think about bearing weight on that leg...until an ortho man says I can feather touch the floor for balance.

Another adventure coming to a conclusion

and

many thanks to all who followed and supported me

Love
Izzy
Title: Re: Update from.....Izzy
Post by: Hopalong on January 24, 2014, 10:13:50 PM: Oh it must have felt so GOOD to cross the threshold of your own sweet place...

I am so happy that you are going home soon, Izz!

Sending mental balloons, flowers, a cake, and a new (non-slip) Welcome mat...

xoo

Hops
Title: Re: Update from.....Izzy
Post by: lighter on January 24, 2014, 11:14:19 PM: ::doing the snoopie dance!::

Whoo hoo, Izzy's going home!

Ahhhh, I got chills just writing that and dancing in my head: )

So glad to read you're feeling better, and acing all your tests.

You certainly deserve a break, no pun intended; )

Lighter
Title: Re: Update from.....Izzy
Post by: moonlight60 on January 25, 2014, 12:53:34 AM: Izzy,

So very happy for you......
And that you are feeling well...

Sending Love and Light Always :D

Moon
Title: Re: Update from.....Izzy
Post by: Izzy_*now* on January 25, 2014, 06:19:42 PM: Thank you gals

"Don't count your chickens, Iz" was just to high over the moon, when a nurse came in, 2 days late, 9:00 last night but was supposed to be here Thursday, to check my wounds under the brace. She was new to me so I asked if she knew her way around this knee hinge.

"No, you'll have to tell me", as we are undoing some straps while I am saying, that it is a delicte 'operation' and if she were to read the instructions on my cork board she would see that two "with it" people are recommended,. However, I have had only one and (*SNAP*--she wasn't listening, I guess, and tried to flatten out the cup shaped brace, bent a rod and snapped a whole mechanism on the outside.), --------I could have cried. Well I did later, as it was the weekend and people just aren't available...... and what about my discharge?????????????

I was bedridden until today at 2:45 pm today, while Rehab searched out the top O. T. person, in the City, who came and duct taped the breakage, so that now I am sitting up, will have an appointment back at the hospital Monday at 10:00 am instead, then discharged in the afternoon? "Not counting my chickens, Iz" must now have assistance transferring until Orthotics replaces the rod and mechanism.

I already paid $280.00 for ththe brace and am wondering who has to absorb the cost of repair? Out of principle, I don't want to pay. I believe this establishment ought to pick up the tab. It was like finally landing on my feet, just to have someone whack me behind the knees, with a 2 x 4!!!

My own sweet place awaits me still, with an email program to reinstall, and receipts to post to my account (checking out my POA's abilities, eh?) and once again take on the care and control of self (with paid help.)

Just another hitch in my gitalong!

Iz
Title: Re: Update from.....Izzy
Post by: Twoapenny on January 26, 2014, 02:09:10 AM: Izzy I am so glad you are going home but so sorry you've been delayed again, and absolutely think 'they' should fund the repairs. How very frustrating for you. Fingers crossed that this is it and you'll be home and comfy very soon xxx
Title: Re: Update from.....Izzy
Post by: lighter on January 26, 2014, 10:01:24 AM: Quote from: Izzy_*now* on January 25, 2014, 06:19:42 PM

My own sweet place awaits me still, with an email program to reinstall, and receipts to post to my account (checking out my POA's abilities, eh?) and once again take on the care and control of self (with paid help.)

Iz

OK.

Izz.

I don't understand the above.

But it's concerning.

About the rod in the brace with the cup and the hinge.....

that is nuts they send an unqualified person, to you of all people, and have her mess with you, under protest, until she snaps something important. Absolutely they should pay that bill, but I wouldn't waste a day in that facility holding my breath for it to happen.

Get yourself home, rest a bit, then get them to do the right thing, and pay that bill.

::crossing fingers::

You're almost there.

Lighter
Title: Re: Update from.....Izzy
Post by: Izzy_*now* on January 26, 2014, 01:54:38 PM: Thanks twoap
and lighter

If I have a Mon a.m. app't at Orthotics at the hospital, I could be discharged in the p.m.

If I have a P.M. app't I might still get out, but maybe Tuesday a.m..........cannot count my chickens.

I will be glad to be on my own again, so I can get up in the middle of the night for bathroom, lie down when I want. I cannot believe the carelessness to have broken my brace but they have accepted responibility and are even paying for my taxi trip to and from Orthotics, BUT their rules are that I cannot be discharged without the brace being fixed, and I wouldn't want to---I'd be so afraid of a break of the new bone.

Someone comes along and requires my bed raised, as they have A SORE BACK OR SOMETHING, BUT DON'T RETURN IT TO ITS NATURAL POSITION, so I have to use my call bell to have some one lower it, as my space is crowded to access the remote, to get back into bed. This makes me dependant, but if they just thought for 2 seconds, lowered it for me when finished they could relieve themselves of ministering to me, and relieve me from asking for help all the time.

Lighter, I pay Karla and Ellen as before, and with a wound care nurse, I will have at least 3 visits per week yet still can look after myself as before.... is what that meant. Karla left receipts of my expenses of the past 5? weeks, on my desk. I can post them to my account on the computer, and tally what this fall has cost me. My email program is not working at home. I just have to reinstall it.

I just emailed a grocery shopping list , with instructions convenient to her, to Ellen.

This monster of a 'chair is making my back ache---need my own but wouldn't trust it overnight in here. I hear the hospital is now locking up the wheelchairs. Remember my damaged one was stolen in March, 2009?

Love
Izzy
Title: Re: Update from.....Izzy
Post by: Izzy_*now* on January 29, 2014, 09:06:33 PM: Well....
I'm home now for 2 days Monday noon to Wednesday 5:30 pm and have survived.

Ellen and Karla fulfilled the necessities, and the wound care nurse came today when Karla was here.

When Cathie saw the sores under my knee brace she was "Oh Good Grief", along with Karla who stayed to help her minister to that leg.

Cathie is going to report this negligence to who/whatever the ET is, a Head of Wound Care, I suppose, on the ladder. She says this "Should not have happened".

The instructions were to care for my leg encased in the brace, EVERY day, and now (I haven't seen the pictures she took) the open wounds wrap around my ankle. From what I knew only one on the inside ankle side, it was open but no one told me about the length of it. I immediately thought "amputate" and could see my foot gone and cried, but she said she could fix it. My! She was good and kind. (Might anyone remember that about 2007-8 the nurses tending to a heel sore, when a visiting nurse told me I was going to lose both legs? It was the same immediate reflex shock to me!)

This is horrendous for me.... to know that so many of us don't know the protocol. When I rang for leg help and no one was available, I sensed the more I rang the more I'd be ignored, because I appear to be about 60 and independent. These places are understaffed and the available staff is hardened to their lot in earning a living, I guess.

There was a time after Pauline broke my brace when I was bed or chair ridden that, if no one helped me with my leg in and out of bed, any transfer, I have to stay put, or risk breaking the new bone being laid down. I had been in bed so long once that when I rang for help and the 'gal' (nurse? caregiver? cleaning lady?) came she said she couldn't help as she was busy but then went for another worker, and the two argued because they were busy with other people, and I said that for the length of time Two of them argued, One could have held the brace while I transferred--- that doesn't sit well. I cannot believe that happened in a short stay area of a permanent stay facility.

The Occupational Therapist said, when I was leaving, that she knew I would be better off in my own home. She was a quiet, thoughtful gal who observed and thought before she spoke.

Don't ever get old!

Love to all. I spend every moment tallying time, what I ate, drank, what caused this, or that, counting pills, timing visits with someone's appointment here---
Izzy
Title: Re: Update from.....Izzy
Post by: moonlight60 on January 29, 2014, 11:06:10 PM: Dear Izzy,

So glad you are home.

Love and Light Always.

p.s. Getting old is not for the faint of heart...
that is what my 90 year old Dads says.....

Moon
Title: Re: Update from.....Izzy
Post by: Twoapenny on January 30, 2014, 02:44:11 AM: Izzy I'm glad you're home and glad that this lady Cathie sounds great but my word! What about some of those others??!! I'm so sorry your leg is so bad again. Sending healing thoughts your way. There seems to be an unfortunate trend in the Western world to find ways not to help people instead of getting in there and making sure they're comfortable and have everything they need. Your OT sounds good. Keep focusing on looking after yourself and I am crossing my fingers that you will get a restful, healing period in now.

(((((((((((((((((Izzy))))))))))))))))))))))))))
Title: Re: Update from.....Izzy
Post by: lighter on January 30, 2014, 01:10:13 PM: Izzy:

I'm curious.....

if you put yourself in place of the overworked staff at that facility...

what changes would you like to see take place in order to remedy some of the problems you identified?

How would you deal with the identified issues, and would it be cathartic for you to put it on paper, and mail it to those in charge, and responsible for the way things run?

Honestly, it seems like they're running the place on a triage basis, which I guess it is, but it was more than that, IMO. You're wounds were cared for in a fashion that could lead to amputation. That;s not acceptable, or should't be to anyone involved.

That sounds like a law suit, or would, in the US.

Perhaps you can't sue in healthcare matters in Canada, but it's a terrible recipe for disaster if there are zero checks and balances. What if you had to have a limb amputated bc of improper wound care?!? That seems egregious and preventable, though I have no idea what the solution would be.

As always, I'm sending healing light and the hope things continue to get better every day.

It sounds like you're on the mend.

Lighter
Title: Re: Update from.....Izzy
Post by: Hopalong on January 30, 2014, 02:05:49 PM: I curse indifference in caring for the vulnerable.

SOOOOOOOO angry.

I also feel for overworked and underpaid staff, but missing the basic empathy to not neglect?
I just can't stand it.

I'm so sorry Izz.

I know you'll get better now but it's just inexcusable what they did to you.

love
Hops
Title: Re: Update from.....Izzy
Post by: Izzy_*now* on January 30, 2014, 02:43:55 PM: Thank you moonlight and Twoapenny

I am happy to be home and happy that Cathie is a kind person in this maelstrom of people good and negligent mixed together. I generally look for the best and am so disappointed when I find the worst, in a person.

and lighter

I would sue if I lost my leg, yet I would wonder if I could afford to lose the suit. It will give me something to research, as I 'suffered' to win this civil suit re the accident, and would hate to lose it to lawyer in fees for yet another, and wonder if I would have the wherewithall to go through it!

I think triage, yes! lack of staffing, lack of good equipment, bed and chair re me, that has led to neck and back problems, even though I asked them to take the bed topper (skin saver) from the bed. I am so aware that "one size fits all" does not apply in many circumstances I have encountered.

I need something to put
Under my foot
To relieve the pain in my leg.
Maybe under the knee
Is where it should be
but if that doesn't work I'll keep up the search for relief and
Lordy, I sure hate to nag!

I'm surprised that I am taken for 60 when I am almost 75, but that is no excuse to (if that is what happened) write me off as a youngster in an Old Folks facility, whose voice is clear, and it appears I can care for myself. The stuffing has been knocked out of me and I require all my wits and strength to plan as pain-free and unencumbered a day as possible. Karla and Ellen are both experienced caregivers, in their own field, and that is good. Alone is better than surrounded, but sometimes worse, until I see another who is worse off and there are plenty of those.

thank you Hops

I guess it is well known on this board that I don't fully have the faith in myself for fighting the good fight. I am not fully aware of what is needed to do so in the given circumstances, and sometimes dearly wish I had a person who loved me to go to battle for me, who fully understands and can make changes for me and others like me. I saw it with others who had loving family and friends come to minister to them, and naturally these would be older people, who have the time and not tied to jobs to make a living. One woman, 76, had her husband and daughter every day. Another, 83, had her daughter and SIL , plus friends (a couple) who came and stayed a while....and these loving people did hands on ministering and help, plus advocacy.... while advocating for myself led to frustrations/anger that really gets a person nowhere.

I've spent 45 years, come June, being disabled, age 30- 75, and ministered to myself, keeping skin sores away, SO MUCH SO, that I wonder if that was neglecting my daughter? I don't think so, but she did say, "You and your damned disability" for a reason she swallowed all the aspirin at age 12.

Oh my Stop It, Izzy!!!!!

XX
Izzy
Title: Re: Update from.....Izzy
Post by: lighter on January 30, 2014, 04:40:03 PM: Ahhhh, Izzy.

Is everything OK with Karla?

Lighter
Title: Re: Update from.....Izzy
Post by: Izzy_*now* on January 30, 2014, 07:44:20 PM: Ah, lighter

Are you asking after Karla as my advocate?

She is my Rehab therapist, my friend, my POA but never signed on a my keeper, so to speak. I likely present as being too independent for that

I am well aware that she has her own life, with many clients, and a husband who suffers from cluster headaches, who has been ’unemployed’ quite a number of times in the past 5 years that I have known her.

She is also a yoga instructor, thanks to my loan in 2011, and teaches classes at very odd hours, morning noon and night--encompassing all walks of life and their availability to attend classes around their vocation.

She really doesn’t have the time to do totally for me, but is ready at the drop of a hat to be here when she can and assure that we are both being understood, i.e. with Cathie the Wound Care nurse!

I wish she could be an advocate, but I would have to financially support her for taking up her time to “look after” me, but I’m aware that I also want no one to have ‘power/control-over’ me, per se.

She did a good job of keeping track of my finances and I am just now putting the pieces together, which will be complete, I hope, when I receive January’s bank statement. She doesn’t reconcile her own statements so is not as meticulous as I.

If you meant something else, Ha! Please ignore this post!

Love Izzy
Title: Re: Update from.....Izzy
Post by: lighter on January 30, 2014, 10:16:34 PM: I just wanted to make sure she's still on board, still dependable, and still helping you in the ways you need her to help.

I wasn't sure, but am glad you sound more like your old self, and things are getting back to normal.

Lighter
Title: Re: Update from.....Izzy
Post by: Izzy_*now* on February 07, 2014, 03:37:10 PM: Oh what a freezing winter I escaped by being in hospital settings.

Karla accompanied me to hospital yesterday for a second x-ray, and I went barefoot, with a blankie around me. I knew she could ask the proper therapy questions of the Ortho surgeon, after my running the issues past her.

1.) The stockinet, which is on my leg ….to preserve the cleanliness of the padding, sponges and lamb’s wool… is now gone. It caused the brace to slip, even if I sneezed, let alone transferred. (Wound Care nurse's choice.)

2.) They hadn’t seen the x-ray as yet, for today’s visit, but Dr. said, yesterday, that I can start preparing to chuck the brace in the next 2 weeks. (Karla is away next week on training, so we‘ll start after she‘s back.)

With 1 & 2 I am less anxious about the leg movements etc., and after the transfer just now off the bed without the liner, I didn’t feel the brace slip. Each slip is minute, but if not adjusted, as was part of the neglect in hospital when I couldn’t, the wound at my ankle began. Now the bottom of the brace is above that wound at all times and will be better for me to maintain on my own.

BUT, I refuse to lose Wound Care, with the brace gone, so am keeping that to Karla and me for the time being. No advance proclamations!

I had a nurse and a ReHab today to prepare solutions for having only one person come (They had used Karla twice, as she was here both times for a one-nurse arrival, but that is not her job or responsibility, per se, and I told them that I paid Karla, but only a working rate, when she should be doing passive therapy at a therapy rate, so we were both losing, and Interior Health was gaining, by not having to send 2 nurses.... remember it was IH's responsibility that these wounds never occur!

Also I wrote to my doctor, and stated my symptoms, which chalked up to anxiety and/or diazepam withdrawal (had none of my meds all the 6 weeks in hospital/rehab). He RX’d diazepam for a month, and my anxiety level is down, as well as sleep problems etc. so that is another ‘fix-it’ ………………since I chalked it all up to all the hospital noises that were shooting me through the ceiling, and my having so little sleep.

Having to go back 45 years to the original crash, to set the stage for such chalky bones has become a regular with the new people I have here. Too bad it isn’t in their records, so it could be self-explanatory!

Oh Hum!
Xx
Iz
Title: Re: Update from.....Izzy
Post by: Hopalong on February 07, 2014, 07:40:32 PM: oh, hum indeed ((((((((((((((((((((Izz))))))))))))))))))))))))

you awe me

LOTS of love to you...and comfort...

Hops
Title: Re: Update from.....Izzy
Post by: lighter on February 07, 2014, 11:24:17 PM: Izz:

You're a trooper, I know that.

::sending you warm wishes of Spring around the corner:::

Thanks goodness they have your anti anxiety meds back on line.'

Lighter
Title: Re: Update from.....Izzy
Post by: Izzy_*now* on April 18, 2014, 12:10:38 AM: Wow! 2½ months since I wrote.

There are 7 wounds on my left leg. I have been "horrified" with whatever in me horrifies me, but must always look for the best.

When the first Home Care nurse came, she opened the brace and dressings while Karla was here, who said "Oh F___!" and Cathie, the nurse said "This is disgraceful!"

I can now look at that leg, as it has taken me this long to be able to, and ....yes! Horrified. It will take about a year to be somewhere normal. Once a day with 2 nurses to attend, turned into 4 times in 6 weeks. I had no idea this was breaking down my skin---too much lamb's wool to be able to see.......

I was home before I knew the mess and it is finally cleaned up enough to see 6 sores around the top of my ankle (base of the brace moving up and down), and the knee the same from a strap that was too tight for compromised skin.

Nurses came here for a while and worked around the brace, then around no brace, as I accustomed myself to moving with support, then no support but my own and began going into the clinic.....yep about 1 year more. The whole negligence case has been reported to the higher up in this area!

I now have a power chair and haven't totalled it or killed anyone! (Today was my second trip with it, to the Clinic.) Will use it for going to lunch with Karla tomorrow. I plan on keeping both chairs in action, so my arms don't lose their strength.

This is the worst struggle, as I am older now, but am managing.

Love to all.

Tale Care.
Izzy
Title: Re: Update from.....Izzy
Post by: Hopalong on April 18, 2014, 07:40:38 AM: Izzy, this breaks my heart.
Of all the people who have taken care of you in the last months,
which person or institution is responsible for the neglect of your wound?

I have trouble keeping track. Was it the horrid nursing home that let this happen?

Hops
Title: Re: Update from.....Izzy
Post by: lighter on April 18, 2014, 09:55:44 AM: ::hand over mouth.... horrified too::

Oh, Izz.....

I'm so sorry. Is it just a basic lack in Canadian healthcare, or is it bad luck, or that your situation has been overlooked, minimized, and consistently underestimated since you were hit by the car?

I think some of each?

I think accountability would have been a good thing, though it seems there are no consequences, in any case? In Canada?

::sending your leg, and spirit, healing pink light::

You continue to be one of my heroes, Izz.

Light
Title: Re: Update from.....Izzy
Post by: Twoapenny on April 18, 2014, 11:31:33 AM: Quote from: Izzy_*now* on April 18, 2014, 12:10:38 AM
Wow! 2½ months since I wrote.

There are 7 wounds on my left leg. I have been "horrified" with whatever in me horrifies me, but must always look for the best.

When the first Home Care nurse came, she opened the brace and dressings while Karla was here, who said "Oh F___!" and Cathie, the nurse said "This is disgraceful!"

I can now look at that leg, as it has taken me this long to be able to, and ....yes! Horrified. It will take about a year to be somewhere normal. Once a day with 2 nurses to attend, turned into 4 times in 6 weeks. I had no idea this was breaking down my skin---too much lamb's wool to be able to see.......

I was home before I knew the mess and it is finally cleaned up enough to see 6 sores around the top of my ankle (base of the brace moving up and down), and the knee the same from a strap that was too tight for compromised skin.

Nurses came here for a while and worked around the brace, then around no brace, as I accustomed myself to moving with support, then no support but my own and began going into the clinic.....yep about 1 year more. The whole negligence case has been reported to the higher up in this area!

I now have a power chair and haven't totalled it or killed anyone! (Today was my second trip with it, to the Clinic.) Will use it for going to lunch with Karla tomorrow. I plan on keeping both chairs in action, so my arms don't lose their strength.

This is the worst struggle, as I am older now, but am managing.

Love to all.

Tale Care.
Izzy

Oh Izzie. I'm glad to see you writing again but my gosh, what in the world??!! All I can offer you is a great big cyber hug ((((((((((((((((((((((((((((Izzie The Great))))))))))))))))))))))))))
Title: Re: Update from.....Izzy
Post by: Izzy_*now* on April 18, 2014, 04:10:34 PM: Hi Hops,

To tell it like it is, I have to mention the paralysis of 1969, as that was when my legs, particularly my lower legs began with poor circulation because of the paralysis. I had no problems for 40 years being diligent in skin care, etc. and no pain (from the accident), but my legs kept on demineralizing.

Then 5 years ago, 2009, that car backed out and hit me, breaking an upper leg bone, bringing on excruciating pain (femur, hip end) That’s when I was so drugged, that I was treated for Tourette’s Syndrome and Schizophrenia. I read these on the reports in the spring of 2012 and the case was settled in 2013. So for 44½ years I was still in fairly good shape even “without a left hip’, with the pain lessening, to next to nothing when the Polymyagia Rheumatica set in and caused weakness then pain in my arms and I am on prednisone. I learned that that drug can weaken the bones. I was already in “enough trouble“. I was left with worse balance, now having no hip and any one of my falls could have broken something, and suddenly one did, Dec 18, 2013.

No surgery, for bone condition so a knee brace was recommended and I had never known of such a thing. It was heavy plastic, material and Velcro, with a circular security piece placed at either side of the knee, but was prone to sliding with movement (as it was not held up by a rope around my neck, for instance.) The rules posted for the nurses was that my leg was to be tended to daily (and I didn’t figure out why except that would be when it was washed for me.) It was also to keep an eye on my skin, adjust the slippage etc. This was NOT done! Some nurses never saw that brace before and “were afraid” and refused to touch it. One said it wasn’t in his Union Contract. When Karla visited one day she saw how those “circles” were too low, and undid the straps to find the beginning of a wound at my ankle, from the bottom of the brace being too low. The brace had to be undone, my broken leg lifted out, washed, the stockinet changed, brace adjusted and re-strapped in a special order of the 5 straps.

I don’t know how much responsibility I bear, but would have been more aware if they tended to me daily (after 2 weeks I wore the original stockinet to Cottonwoods…..run by hospital... and I had only one change of stockinet while in Cottonwoods, plus I was aware of the pain and the broken bone and how was this strange brace working? So 2 weeks of very few ministrations, while the compromised skin on my lower leg rested on this hard plastic and, feeling nothing, it broke down a little more each day while I know now for a fact it was never removed from the brace, nor the skin underneath ever checked. Cottonwoods for 4 more weeks--"short term stay" until it is felt the patient can go home. 4 checks in those four weeks and all I could see was the one on my inner ankle.

Arrangements were set up for Home Care and the first nurse, Cathie, remarked immediately how this ought to never have happened and told me about the sores in which areas. She took pictures and wrote up a report for some “tops dogs! I had Home Care until I was rid of the brace but not healed at 2 months, and only able to go to the clinic myself when I felt safe without the cast and an only partially healed bone. (I still hold my knee in place as my lower leg is moved to get to all the sores.

The schizophrenia is still on my chart, as I was asked by a nurse this past Monday. She almost didn’t ask, she said, because she felt it wasn’t true. I asked if this would be following me around and I forget if she had said she would follow it up….how can records be changed, when the attending doctor has left the area? I saw him only once and did not know what was on my reports!

Onward to reply to lighter

Xx
Izzy
Title: Re: Update from.....Izzy
Post by: Izzy_*now* on April 18, 2014, 04:12:31 PM: Hi lighter.

For all my hospitalizations, I found this last, at the Hospital and their spin-off, Cottonwoods, that at both places I heard it mentioned about being short-staffed. For the most part I have to say that I haven’t heard complaints about our Health system. Perhaps one must be a “test case” to really know? I need to hear/see more stories.

All the nurses from Interior Health, who came here and now I go to them (shows much improvement on my part) are very diligent and friendly. I am now able to sit up and turn my body and leg, so I can see the back of it. I watch what they do and I stop them to ask questions, which brings out a reason for the change, or for the nurse to double-check about what she has done, or might do. They have all said that these will heal, but the year to do it? What a great vacation!

Thanks for the healing light. My leg thanks you, but sometimes I want to give it to someone else to care for, while I go party a bit! I put my hands, one on either side, on my knee and hold it steady while I’m being tended to. Karla was doing my nail care with my foot on her lap and my holding my knee. She mentioned a black spot on the back of one toe…. Hmm! I started to hand her my leg and say “Here you hold this while I get a mirror.” I laughed first then told her what I almost said! (Is that like I have disowned it? Or just looking after it for someone else?)

Oh! Poop! I put pepper in the salt shaker and the pepper shaker was still empty. Sitting down all the time---try it for a day and see what you miss!

My doctor, with whom I had a down to earth talk, and I are on much better terms with his coming to see my in these places. I explained to him my thoughts, and he agreed that he was guilty of it too-----that I am talked to as though I were 50, not almost 75. I believe I’m being treated as a much younger person who knows about things, is independent and doesn’t require help. Not so: only partially true.

I suppose I could sue but that is just more stress for what? What is done is done (so far.) I am spending my $$, but still have an income, and in over a year from the settlement, am at about the same amount, as though I spent nothing, for just over that year. This chair will knock me down by about $7,000, but I just learned that Part 7 of our Insurance Corporation, from my other lawsuit is sitting with $25,000 for me, for rehabilitation (wheelchair) and living conditions (going to a home earlier than expected: 5 years.)

So much stuff crammed into my head, that I sometimes cannot think.

Later
Izzy
Title: Re: Update from.....Izzy
Post by: Hopalong on April 18, 2014, 10:15:43 PM: (((((((((((Izz))))))))))))

You have shared your suffering here with such openness and care,
and you have allowed us to be present with you. It is a gift to us.

Your body has been my friend as much as your dogged heart.
You have taught me so much about being alive, Izz. Your body
has reminded me over and over of the beauty in brokenness,
the vulnerability in every mother's heart, the magnificence of
laughter, and best of all...your deep acceptance of absurdity
helps me breathe, breathe, in my easy lucky body--

Partly because this brave and remarkable friend in Canada
keeps being open, keeps trying, keeps rolling in the deep.

with love to you,
Hops
Title: Re: Update from.....Izzy
Post by: Meh on April 19, 2014, 12:37:10 AM: Hideho Izzle fizzle

Fuccking sucks. Being physically unwell is the pits. Sorry to hear about that.

Sheesh Izzy, you sound like you have more clarity than I do.

Well all we can do is take life one day at a time or moment by moment. Hope that you start to feel a little bit better somehow even if it is slow.

Some weeks and days I feel better other times I feel down.. never know what is going to happen.

I am convinced that with nursing and health case as with all other businesses the staff quality varies greatly depending on the organization doing the hiring.

...... "Once a day with 2 nurses to attend, turned into 4 times in 6 weeks".... This just isn't right, this is really bad.
Title: Re: Update from.....Izzy
Post by: Izzy_*now* on April 19, 2014, 12:23:46 PM: ((((((((((((((((((( HUGS ))))))))))))))))))))))))

Twopenny
and
Garbanzo
and
Hops,
Thanks again.

This is a great friendly place to be when one just has to let it all out!!
Love
Izzy
Title: Re: Update from.....Izzy
Post by: Meh on April 21, 2014, 01:27:26 AM: :)
Title: Re: Update from.....Izzy
Post by: lighter on April 21, 2014, 09:41:06 AM: Izzy:

I wish your health could settle down, again, and release you back to happier interests.

There are times I really miss your posts on music, and visiting around your neighborhood on errands, and.......

just hearing about the life you had before this last accident.

Honestly, it's like you've been harmed by the cars AND then your family's lack of support and care, again by the asshat dotors, and then again by the Insurance racket, and then again by the nursing care.

And up to the first accident, it was your family doing harm.

::shaking head::

You're the strongest person I know, Izz.

Lighter
Title: Re: Update from.....Izzy
Post by: Izzy_*now* on June 01, 2014, 05:57:45 AM: Hello All again,

Insomnia to boot---2:49 a.m. June 1

Nothing is very exciting in my life now. Nothing makes me jump up and down for happy or makes me cry for sad, because my emotions left me long ago and all I am left with in that regard is to follow the gals on the
http://www.voicelessness.com/disc3//index.php?topic=10280.0 (http://www.voicelessness.com/disc3//index.php?topic=10280.0) thread who express themselves far better than I can.

All I am doing is crocheting a pair of slippers so my feet will match when I go out to the Wound Clinic.

Out of 7 days a week, I spend the 5 work days (as normally known) Mon & Thurs going to Wound Care Clinic. I am home the other three for one with Ellen and Housework, etc. and two with Kara and Therapy. The weekends are for me alone to do nothing until my new w’chair arrives in town. Everyone makes mistakes so I won’t call out the salesman, who receives a commission from my buying from him, while taking him at his word, only to find out he is a typical salesman and his 3 weeks has turned into 5 weeks and counting!

The seven wounds are now classified as three, as four can be dealt with and covered with the same Misorb (a pad that collects drainage.) The others are the heel and the knee = THREE Misorb pads. I see good shrinkage in 2/7 , but I also see a nasty knee that I thought was only superficial, and it was the first, but eating deeper into my skin, while I hope it won’t reach the bone. (If I dared, I would pull off the ’scab’ in case it is holding in bacteria, but no nurse will Usually they want the top to soften and drop before this, but not this sore.)

Now that it’s June, it is just a year ago that my arms began to bother me and I hired Ellen, then more crap, and now may arms are bothering me again so I am seldom out of the apartment----but that makes no never mind to the wheelchair business, not even when I told the salesman I didn’t require a “prescription chair”, that I knew what I needed after 45 years. Nevertheless the production end was awaiting a prescription from him, for 2 weeks, re the seating on the chair. No point in screaming, when 2 weeks past the delivery date, I learn the reason for delay, and ask the salesman if he never knew that some chairs are bought without a prescription?----after all I went there, ordered what I wanted and paid for it! (A prescription chair require an Occupational Therapist to accompany a client and state what is needed and lets the business know who is paying!)

This past Wednesday I began to have dizzy spells, a slight feeling of nauseas, and that Thump of Anxiety in my gut, but my 5 week days are filled and I need a doctor, a dentist and an eye specialist. Now I need the battery chair to get me to them or the strength to wheel manually with painful arms to get there: i.e. people do more than one thing in a day, but at my age, I am lucky to wake up.

There is always a first time to be ineffective!

Thank Heaven that Ellen and Karla are great gals, and that every Wound Care nurse thinks I am a comical 55 year old and enjoys my company each time.

Happy Days, everyone
XX
Izzy
Title: Re: Update from.....Izzy
Post by: Twoapenny on June 01, 2014, 10:17:15 AM: Quote from: Izzy_*now* on June 01, 2014, 05:57:45 AM
Hello All again,

Insomnia to boot---2:49 a.m. June 1

Nothing is very exciting in my life now. Nothing makes me jump up and down for happy or makes me cry for sad, because my emotions left me long ago and all I am left with in that regard is to follow the gals on the
http://www.voicelessness.com/disc3//index.php?topic=10280.0 (http://www.voicelessness.com/disc3//index.php?topic=10280.0) thread who express themselves far better than I can.

All I am doing is crocheting a pair of slippers so my feet will match when I go out to the Wound Clinic.

Out of 7 days a week, I spend the 5 work days (as normally known) Mon & Thurs going to Wound Care Clinic. I am home the other three for one with Ellen and Housework, etc. and two with Kara and Therapy. The weekends are for me alone to do nothing until my new w’chair arrives in town. Everyone makes mistakes so I won’t call out the salesman, who receives a commission from my buying from him, while taking him at his word, only to find out he is a typical salesman and his 3 weeks has turned into 5 weeks and counting!

The seven wounds are now classified as three, as four can be dealt with and covered with the same Misorb (a pad that collects drainage.) The others are the heel and the knee = THREE Misorb pads. I see good shrinkage in 2/7 , but I also see a nasty knee that I thought was only superficial, and it was the first, but eating deeper into my skin, while I hope it won’t reach the bone. (If I dared, I would pull off the ’scab’ in case it is holding in bacteria, but no nurse will Usually they want the top to soften and drop before this, but not this sore.)

Now that it’s June, it is just a year ago that my arms began to bother me and I hired Ellen, then more crap, and now may arms are bothering me again so I am seldom out of the apartment----but that makes no never mind to the wheelchair business, not even when I told the salesman I didn’t require a “prescription chair”, that I knew what I needed after 45 years. Nevertheless the production end was awaiting a prescription from him, for 2 weeks, re the seating on the chair. No point in screaming, when 2 weeks past the delivery date, I learn the reason for delay, and ask the salesman if he never knew that some chairs are bought without a prescription?----after all I went there, ordered what I wanted and paid for it! (A prescription chair require an Occupational Therapist to accompany a client and state what is needed and lets the business know who is paying!)

This past Wednesday I began to have dizzy spells, a slight feeling of nauseas, and that Thump of Anxiety in my gut, but my 5 week days are filled and I need a doctor, a dentist and an eye specialist. Now I need the battery chair to get me to them or the strength to wheel manually with painful arms to get there: i.e. people do more than one thing in a day, but at my age, I am lucky to wake up.

There is always a first time to be ineffective!

Thank Heaven that Ellen and Karla are great gals, and that every Wound Care nurse thinks I am a comical 55 year old and enjoys my company each time.

Happy Days, everyone
XX
Izzy

Iz your spirit amazes me. I hope those wounds continue to heal and that your wheelchair arrives soon! Glad that you have Ellen and Karla there for you. Hope you get some sleep! And good luck with the crotchet, not something I've ever been able to manage! xx
Title: Re: Update from.....Izzy
Post by: Hopalong on June 01, 2014, 11:10:19 AM: Izz, Izz...

Does music help?
What about movies?

Can you find stuff so great you get swept away?
(I am a master, or mistress, of escape...)

Currently watching on Netflix a series called Longmire, set in Wyoming.
For some reason I am captivated.

You deserve to be captivated by something other than pain.

love to you,
Hops
Title: Re: Update from.....Izzy
Post by: lighter on June 01, 2014, 04:34:28 PM: Ahhhh, Izzy:

You are funny, and sharp, and ironic.

You enjoy interacting, and understand when people are enjoying you.

You can enjoy them.

How can you make more connections that feel......

better?

I miss your stories.

You used to get out to the store and talk about this guy and that guy, and the banter, and their opinions, and.....

I just miss that.

For you, and from you.

Lighter
Title: Re: Update from.....Izzy
Post by: Izzy_*now* on June 16, 2014, 07:15:43 PM: Hi everyone,

The Community Ambulatory Care clinic first came here, beginning January 29, 2 days out of Cottonwoods, as it was winter and cold, and I was still not healed and in the brace....and now I'm still attending there, with my taxi fare paid.

Out of seven sores I have two 'worser' ones to be healed and that could be a while.

On June 2, I called for an ambulance as I was gasping (slowly?) for breath....and dizzy, thought it was my heart. They came and put me on oxygen, then to the hospital for 2 nights and 3 days. I had a 4 hour gasping for breath attack the second night then it calmed down. I had 4 types of IV antibiotics and was given an Rx for oral antibiotics, and pretty well cleared up. Was told it was pneumonia. Was it?

Now I am still short of breath and still dizzy (dizzy...so what else is new, rhymes with Izzy). It puffs me out to propel this chair and after nag, nag, nagging, then finally seeing the salesman today, I am told that my battery chair will be in this weekend. I had to stay away from him personally or I would have been swearing! At least using the computer is not breathtaking.

From Early Trauma thread
Quote
from Dr. Grossman
Quote
There is something crucial missing in your life, and that is an attachment to a loving, caring, empathic person. Without that attachment and the brain wiring that goes with it, all of your shame, pain, humiliation, “unlovability”, etc. will be lived over and over and over again in your life because it is the only wiring that exists. Many would disagree with me about this, but I think producing new attachment “wiring” is more important

When I read this, a lot snapped into place. I have been 'hard-wired' to my family and running on that track for so long, looking for acceptance, whatever and leaving other people behind.

Without realizing it, I switched tracks, after I moved from Ontario to B.C. and the 5 year ago accident brought Karla into my life. She has her problems, as we all do, but she is growing in her yoga and all the 'love and energy' she acquires rubs off on me.

I guess that is why I can feel 'okay' about not keeping in touch with the 'gang that ruined me' in the first place. That is kind of hard, but I know it all began in childhood. I don't have to do and say as they do and say, as I once thought I ought (note the rhyme) Still working on things, but feel so much better.

I was even able to help Karla to not kick her husband out of the house (as she didn't have the whole story). Now she has, and her last email today was "Love love love love love love love"

There is always Good in the Bad

Love
Izzy
Title: Re: Update from.....Izzy
Post by: Hopalong on June 16, 2014, 10:27:39 PM: Aww, Izz, that must have been terrifying.
Sounds like asthma, too, but I hear pneumonia can feel a lot like it.
I'm so sorry.

But what a beautiful place you've gotten about love and letting go.
Sure enough, you let go of what couldn't nourish you and you made
space for someone like Karla's love and light to come in.

And you've given as much as you've received...probably more.

love to you
Hops
Title: Re: Update from.....Izzy
Post by: lighter on June 17, 2014, 08:09:54 PM: IzZy, you're a GIANT....

your intestinal fortitude blots

out

the

sun.

Lighter
Title: Re: Update from.....Izzy
Post by: Izzy_*now* on July 26, 2014, 04:39:56 AM: Thanks guys,
--and now for yet another phase in the life of Izzy.

The dizziness and shortness of breath never left, so I felt I had been misdiagnosed and searched Google for symptoms and conditions. I settled on pulmonary hypertension.

Yet being tied up 5 days a week I didn't get to my doctor. I had 2 Wound Care days, 2 Therapy days and one Housekeeping day, then the world disappeared for the weekend. When I finally decided I'd better get to the doctor, he just said I still had pneumonia. WELL!!!! I never thought of that and went for x-rays etc.

NOW the x-rays tell us I have congestive heart failure! Whooppee!

What the hell went wrong? I was too busy? Dr. was negligent? How long have I been over-taxing my heart? 4 years, 45 years? Well I sure felt at times that the strain would blow apart my heart and lungs at the same time--------------------- but I don't even catch a cold!!!!!!

For now it's a diuretic to rid my lungs of water, and another x-ray in 2 weeks, see Dr. again at that time.

Am in touch with my brother, the sensible one, and..........................

Wonder of wonders, D wrote to ask if I were safe from the forest fires. There was no special thrill in that considering our pasts, but I hadn't seen the word "Mom" in such a long time!

Th-th-th-th-that's all for now folks!
Love
Izzy
Title: Re: Update from.....Izzy
Post by: Hopalong on July 26, 2014, 08:39:43 AM: My gosh, Izz. I can't believe you have another thing on the medical list. I'm so sorry.
I hope the meds ease breathing very quickly. Please let us know...

I don't know if the doc was negligent but it sure seems like one gets x-rays to diagnose pneumonia these days...maybe it's a different view they take to also image the heart?

I'm really sorry.

And smoking or not, you've had years of terrible pain and I wonder if battling
that literally strains the heart. My periods of serious back pain that seldom let up felt
to me like heart-straining times...

((((((((((((IZZ)))))))))))))))).
Wish I could bring there just to hang out for a cuppa chamomile and listen to something mellow.

love
Hops
Title: Re: Update from.....Izzy
Post by: lighter on July 26, 2014, 10:14:46 AM: Hi Izz.....

Sorry to hear about yet another DX.

I had a friend who lived with congestive heart failure for years. She slept sitting up, not that your case is exactly the same. My point is...it was her kidneys that got her in the end. Not her heart. The condition can be managed though the symptoms must have been very frightening.

I hope they get the pnumonia knocked out with antibiotics. You so deserve a moment's rest.
Lighter
Title: Re: Update from.....Izzy
Post by: Gaining Strength on July 26, 2014, 11:10:11 AM: Sorry to hear this news Izzy. Glad to hear of your daughter's inquiry.
Title: Re: Update from.....Izzy
Post by: Izzy_*now* on September 22, 2014, 10:00:37 AM: Hi All,

It is 6:19 a.m and I have been up for two hours after lying awake from bedtime on. The last two nights have been such, and if I grab 40 winks in a mid-day or -night, my mind can convince me that a whole day has passed, not just an hour. This morning I couldn`t believe the weekend had gone by so fast, but before sleep I had checked the date and it said Sunday, 21st so the next day would be Monday and off to Wound Care, Therefore the sleeplessness arrived. Nevertheless I got out of bed and the computer again told me it was Sunday, 21st. WTH? So I lived another Sunday and am now up very early for today`s appointment at 2:15 p.m.

Part of not sleeping was s.o.b. and it is quite disturbing just trying to find the most comfortable way to breathe. So that`s all I do for this chf, is breathe and take water pills,
Hmph! I though it was more complicated than that!

I should be over my Wound Care before winter sets in. The largest sore was 7.9 cm x 2 cm and is now abut 1.9 cm x .4. The deepest sore was at my knee and I have no stats on it, but at least is healing and never reached the bone.

Now the nurses tell me more about the beginning and what a mess I was, plus even thoughts of amputation. They praise me on my pleasant attitude, so I tell them about one woman (no name) in the waiting room who said she wanted to get the hell out of there, or else have someone slit her throat. She is older than I.

Karla and her husband just spent 3 weeks in Europe. I sure missed her, as did my bones, and Ellen just took on another job in a coffee shop owed by millionaire Christians, so she is happy, and still with me, as well as gaining 2 more clients.

My brother and I are still corresponding via email, and it is a pleasant connection. He says it like it is, period, and I agree with his way. Sometimes, I expect, we take our cue from our correspondent, but I cannot be all sweetness and perfect like my sister. I can be short and more to the point like my brother. (It comes to mind that I do have 2 more sisters. Hmmmm!)

No more email from Big D, but she had a first hip replacement on September 15 and the other? Well her F`book mentioned not both hips replaced at the same time because of her history of the heart attack, and recovery would be in a Rehab Place until she was ready for the steps at her home.

After Dr. Grossman`s `If you came to my office….` to GS on her trauma link, I realized that I had stopped hard-wiring to the family and substituted my links to Karla and Ellen and the 100,000 nurses in Wound Care who love me, and I them, for the fun and compliments given--I am always on time, I am trustworthy, I have a pleasant outlook, I keep track of my own care….`. Plus I care for all the people who are not expecting the most from me when I am unable to give it now!
So I will set the alarm and go back to bed.

Love to All
Izzy
Title: Re: Update from.....Izzy
Post by: lighter on September 23, 2014, 01:17:01 PM: You're such a good egg (((((Izzy.))))))

Lighter
Title: Re: Update from.....Izzy
Post by: Hopalong on September 23, 2014, 02:40:53 PM: An omelet, a souffle...

LOTs of love to you Izz--
I'm back to vacay but will check in soon

xo

Hops
Title: Re: Update from.....Izzy
Post by: lighter on September 24, 2014, 07:30:07 PM: ::nodding::

Definitely an omelet.

Izz is sturdier stuff than a souffle; )

Light
Title: Re: Update from.....Izzy
Post by: Izzy_*now* on September 25, 2014, 04:07:32 PM: Fight over me gals!!!

I love it!!!!

Luv
\z
Title: Re: Update from.....Izzy
Post by: Hopalong on September 26, 2014, 07:51:27 PM: Creme brulee!

xxoo

Hops
Title: Re: Update from.....Izzy
Post by: Twoapenny on September 29, 2014, 02:03:17 AM: Just catching up on threads, Iz, I'm sorry there is something else on your list of health needs, your spirit is indestructible, though! I love the way that you focus on the good things and people (and aspects of people) that you have around you. I'm glad you have those good things coming into your life. I love the idea of you being a creme brulee :)
Title: Re: Update from.....Izzy
Post by: Izzy_*now* on October 04, 2014, 12:03:13 AM: Thanks Gals

----and now! TA-DAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!

All wounds are closed and I can put all of me at once in the bath, as well as am only a `check up on her once a week for a few weeks to see that all is well` patient.

(For all the last 5 years things have overlapped.)

For my painful arms I take Benadryl....yes an allergy relief aid.... and do bar bell weights.
For my sleeplessness I take a pill that combines for sleeping and anti-anxiety. It`s great
For the breathlessness `holes` that I get all down my middle, my Rx was doubled.

I will soon feel back to normal!

Merry Christmas

Love
Izzy
Title: Re: Update from.....Izzy
Post by: Hopalong on October 04, 2014, 10:22:50 AM: Oh yay, Izz, I'm so happy to hear this!!!!!!
It's like your wounds were rips in an envelope and now you're all sealed up again.

Your boundaries were busted and now they're BACK.

(Very inarticulately, I'm delighted for you...)

Hope this means a MUCH more comfortable period for you,
including lovely lovely lovely soaking baths....

With
BUBBLES.

love
Hops
Title: Re: Update from.....Izzy
Post by: Izzy_*now* on October 04, 2014, 01:27:07 PM: Thanks Hops,

My leg doesn't feel as vulnerable now. 8 months of treatment. I forgot to mention that the closing over leaves yet about TWO year to heal. Nevertheless I have no worries while on the Soccer Field or Volleyball Court.

No more bandages and I can go out in public in shorts--OH--forgot, Winter is coming. I missed it last year!

Love
Izzy
Title: Re: Update from.....Izzy
Post by: lighter on October 06, 2014, 12:52:52 PM: Quote from: Izzy_*now* on October 04, 2014, 01:27:07 PM

My leg doesn't feel as vulnerable now.
Love
Izzy

HEAR! HEAR! to feeling less vulnerable.

Yes....
Lighter

Voicelessness and Emotional Survival Message Board

Voicelessness and Emotional Survival => Voicelessness and Emotional Survival Message Board => Topic started by: Izzy_*now* on October 15, 2012, 11:46:45 PM

Voicelessness and Emotional Survival => Voicelessness and Emotional Survival Message Board => Topic started by: Izzy_now on October 15, 2012, 11:46:45 PM