In case you need to know

The first weekend of October I started having pain in my left breast.  It was like someone was kneading it.  It came and went and it was annoying rather than painful.  But each day it got worse so much so that I started taking Tylenol about three days later.  

By this time the pain was under my arm and the rib cage was tender.  Sleeping was beginning to be a problem also.  It was a pulsing pain that would cause me to arch my back and grunt (not very lady like).  I thought perhaps what ever was under the rib cage was the problem.  Sunday the 11th I decided I wanted to go to the ER.  Jim agreed.  I knew I wouldn't be able to call the Doctor until Tuesday because of the Columbus Day Holiday and who knew when I'd get an appointment!

So after breakfast we hopped into the truck and headed down to the VA Hospital in West Palm Beach.  It's about an hour's drive.  After stating that I was having chest pains (I did say I didn't think it was my heart) I was whisked to a cubicle and before you can say Bob's your uncle they were drawing blood and hooking me up to a EKG!  The EKG was normal, the blood was off to the lab and the waiting began.  Chest xray was next.  I was told there was a shadow of something behind the heart, could be this or that.  It was never mentioned again.  Around this time I was given a shot of morphine.

They decided to admit me for 48 hours observation and a cat scan and stress test were in my future!  Before I was taken to my room I was given a cat scan.  Not a problem, it's an easy test.  You lay on a table and pass under the scanner.  At this point I was put on a clear liquid diet.  I missed lunch and dinner consisted of of jello, apple juice, instant beef broth and decaf tea.  I drank the tea.  For my health and dietary preferences I don't eat jello or drink things that are full of salt or sugar. I let the nurse know (and anyone else who happened to drop in my room).  One nurse said she'd request a dietitian to visit but it being a holiday it may not happen.  Around midnight I asked for something for the pain and I was given another shot of morphine.

Breakfast on Monday was more of the same, I drank the tea.  Because it was a holiday no tests on Monday.  My breakfast was more of the same so I drank the tea.  About this time the doctor dropped by and I explained to him about my diet preferences and why I wasn't consuming what they were giving me.  He said he'd take care of it.  A dietitian came by and my goodness she was misinformed about what vegans eat.  Anyway she noted my requests and my lunch Monday was real food!  A salad and an apple arrived along with iced tea.  My dinner Monday night was a veggie burger with steamed broccoli, carrots and cauliflower, spinach salad and a cup of coffee which I did not drink (don't like my coffee black).  

The stress test was Tuesday morning so no breakfast.  I was a little leery of this test....Jim flunked his and I really didn't want to fail either!  But it was easy  and my heart is A-OK!  I returned to my room in time for lunch and a visit from the Doctor who told me I could go home.  We talked about possible reasons why I have this pain and it could be inflamed by my under wire bra.  Perhaps I did an injury to myself and the wire just keeps aggravating it, perhaps not.  In any case he said to take Tylenol as needed and stop wearing the bra.  On the way home we stopped and bought some comfortable bras so we shall see.

As anyone who has ever stayed in hospital knows, you cannot sleep through the night.  They come in at all hours for vitals and to give you meds.  My meds consisted of blood thinner shots and Nexium (though they didn't call it that, it was for acid reflux) and baby aspirin.  I only got pain meds when I asked (twice).

They took wonderful care of me and I've nothing but praise for all who took care of me.  Even Jim and Sonsearae thought of my comfort bringing me toiletries, pajamas and my pillow from home.  They even brought me nuts, pretzels, dates and tea for my enjoyment!

As of this posting the pain is still there but not as debilitating.  I'm taking Tylenol every 6 hours but not in the middle of the night.  I have a followup appointment on 3 November and I sure hope the pain is gone by then!

I don't think I posted pictures of our new fridge.  We both like it and it sure would have been nice if this had been our first choice instead of trying to replace the cooling unit.

I'm not sure how we'll secure things when we travel so if you have a residential fridge and have traveled with it let me know how to keep bottles from sliding or breaking!

All is right in our world

very nice weekend

Couldn't help but notice that the weather wasn't quite as hot Saturday.  It was actually pleasant when Sonsearae and I exited the grocery store.  The parking lot wasn't oppressively hot!

When I got up Sunday the outside temperature was 68 degrees.....can you say.... ahhhh.....I sure hope this means Autumn is slipping into the area.

Jim and I went to the Stuart Green Market.  There really hasn't been much in the way of veggies except from those who resell.  During the heat of summer in South Florida not much grows.  But there should be an increase each week as the heat dies back.  Kai Kai Farms, a local organic grower was set up but didn't have much to offer.  I didn't buy anything but that's ok.  Another reason to go is to walk the boardwalk along the river.  When the weather cooperates it's a pleasant way to get some exercise.

We walked from downtown over to the marina and back.  Most of the way is in the sun and it was warm but not uncomfortable.

Then we dropped into Spoto's for some lunch.  Jim started with a half dozen raw oysters then had fried shrimp, fries and slaw.  I had the shrimp, olive and celery stick from my bloody Mary along with fried oysters, fries and slaw.  Not sure what got into us but we ordered a slice of coconut cream pie and two espresso for dessert.  That pie was mighty tasty.

Back home I made a pot of potato leek soup and shared it with Sonsearae and Chris.  We settled in and watched football the rest of the day.  We had some rain showers pass through and at least one overnight.

All is right in our world

blogging and life in general

Most of the time I think our life sitting still isn't all that exciting to write about.  That's why I don't try.  I do have ideas and subjects but who wants to read about my thoughts?

Apparently I have the time....we don't do much other than eating out, grocery shopping and just our daily life.  We spend a lot of time reading and on our computers.  We both enjoy the games and that takes up a lot of time!

Jim decided we needed to go out yesterday so late morning we headed out.  Our first stop was the Library to return a couple DVDs and see if we could find more movies to watch.  We brought home four! 

Jim then took me to lunch at Tijuana Flats, he had a couple tacos and I enjoyed a burrito in a bowl (basically everything but the tortilla).  We arrived at lunchtime and the place was busy.  I do believe we were the only ones enjoying a cold beer!

After lunch we went to the mall to walk it off....it's much to hot to walk outside and the exercise was needed.  It wasn't crowded and we managed at least one circuit but did stop for a cold drink at Starbucks.  I had tea and Jim had a Java Mint Frap....so much for him working off the calories from lunch!

Then it was off to Sam's Club for some diesel paying $2.39 a gallon.  How much is it in your area?  We didn't need much in the way of groceries except for bread.  Picked up two loaves (because we have a freezer it will fit in) and passed on the pastries and snacks!

Back home it was 95 degrees outside with a heat index of 110!  We walked Boo and checked the mail.  Jim talked with his brother John when he called. 

Sonsearae and Chris have been on a Disney Cruise all week (due home tomorrow).  I've been keeping an eye on that blasted hurricane but it isn't causing them any trouble.  Chris managed to send a text to ease our minds.  Of course being on a ship in the ocean is one of the safer places to be during a hurricane...

All is right in our world......