May 2019
It was like we were living inside an episode of House. If you are not familiar with House, it is a medical drama with Hugh Laurie as the lead character named Dr Gregory House. In each episode a patient arrives at the Princeton Plainsboro Hospital presenting symptoms that have perplexed their family physician. As House and his team attempt to diagnosis the patient, many times they really have no idea and are leaping to possible conclusions. These conclusions are most often inaccurate, because of course writers need to fill 60 minutes of tv time. Which as I write that, it brings me to another thought about the show. Those doctors are so often wrong in their diagnoses, it’s a wonder they can hold on to their prestigious positions. Anyway, in the end,it’s usually Dr House who solves the mystery and makes a correct diagnosis to save the patient.
But I digress....
This past week felt like LW was a patient in the care of Dr House and his team. LW went to urgent care on Tuesday midday for a host of complaints falling basically into the “I don’t feel good” category. They discovered his heart rate was elevated and thought he was having a heart attack. EMS was called and he was transported to the ER.
In the ER, LW was hooked up to a heart monitor and an IV. As the drs/nurses tried to determine what was going on, they did blood tests, an EKG, a chest X-ray, a cat scan, and an MRI. Because they were still unsure, he was admitted around dinner time and moved to a room. I imagine all those drs/nurses sitting in a conference room arguing about what they think the next step should be, with some version of House shooting down all their ideas. But in reality they were probably just moving on to the next patient.
Once he arrived in a room on the fourth floor, he was hooked up to a heart monitor, IV, and more blood was drawn. Throughout the night and into Wednesday, he was taken for an ultrasound, another form of scan to check for blood clots, and the next morning underwent a stress test. All of these came back good and his heart was cleared. They were preparing to discharge him when the nurse came in to check his vitals and discovered he had spiked a fever. Sorry....no longer headed for home. Staying another night.
The Dr informed us he had no idea why LW continued to spike fever, have no appetite, and feel so exhausted. From my vantage point, I assumed it was an infection. When the Dr came to that conclusion, he ordered another battery of blood tests and blood cultures. These showed liver enzyme numbers on the rise. However the Dr was not sure why, so he ordered an antibiotic drip. Enter the gastroenterologist .....This Dr mentioned that he thought the infection might be caused by a gall stone stuck in the bile duct leaving the gallbladder. A special type of MRI was ordered to look at the gall bladder, liver, and bile ducts for late Thursday evening and an endoscopy for Friday morning.
After both of those came back clear, we were starting to get frustrated. What was going on? Why couldn’t they figure out the problem? LW was responding to the antibiotic and starting to feel better. Around lunchtime, a doctor we had not yet met or seen from the infectious diseases unit came into the room. With him, he brought a diagnosis. He was our House.
Diagnosis: Cat flea typhus
This is from the California Department of Public Health website: Flea-borne typhus is a disease caused by Rickettsia typhi and possibly Rickettsia felis bacteria that are spread by fleas. Human cases of flea-borne typhus are reported worldwide, but mainly in tropical and coastal areas. In the United States, most cases occur in Texas, California, and Hawaii, with an average of about 300 cases every year. In California, flea-borne typhus is considered endemic (always present) in areas of Los Angeles and Orange counties, but cases sometimes are also reported from other parts of California. A person can get typhus by coming in contact with fleas that are infected with the bacteria that causes typhus. Fleas become infected when they bite small animals like rats, opossums, and stray cats. Fleas can then spread typhus to other animals and humans.
This Dr said LW presented a classic example of cat flea typhus, from the beginning symptoms, all the way to how quickly he responded to the antibiotic. Thinking back he had been bitten by something a week ago. Must have been this so called cat flea.
In the end our version of Dr House saved the day and gave us the freedom we so badly wanted...the freedom to be discharged from the hospital.
June 2019 Update:
LW recovered quickly once the antibiotic began its magic. He has been back to work and seems to be back to normal. As he follows up with the infectious disease Dr, we are now finding that the original diagnosis may not be accurate. Blood work will be done again in July and we will see what secrets it holds. Until then, at least he feels better.
Thursday, June 13, 2019
Tuesday, February 5, 2019
For the Love of Old Books....
I love books! But I especially love old books. I currently am collecting versions of The Wizard of Oz, Heidi and The Five Little Peppers. But trust me, I also latch on to any old readers and a whole host of other old books.
Most recently I searched the Goodwill and Salvation Army stores in the area for any selections I needed for my collection. Here is what I walked away with on this adventure.
Heidi by Johanna Spyri, copyrighted version dated 1948. It was a part of a school library. On the inside front cover, someone pasted this information about the author. and illustrator.
Eight Cousins was for Barbara from Momie and Daddy in 1950. Little Men was for Juanita from Momie and Daddy in 1950. Do you suppose the family had already read and enjoyed Little Women?
Then there was this beauty on page 439. If you can read it you will see that it portrays a pretty accurate picture of humans even now in 2019. This whimsical item was on page 673.
And last but not least, this page intrigued me as it was the only page where the top corner had been folded down. Had the owner of this dictionary been reading each page and only gotten this far before putting it down? Or did something strike the reader as especially interesting on this page? I will never know.
Most recently I searched the Goodwill and Salvation Army stores in the area for any selections I needed for my collection. Here is what I walked away with on this adventure.
Heidi by Johanna Spyri, copyrighted version dated 1948. It was a part of a school library. On the inside front cover, someone pasted this information about the author. and illustrator.
Gone With the Wind by Margaret Mitchell, paperback edition copyrighted 1973. I love the movie, have never actually read the book but how could I pass this up when I looked inside and found this handwritten note from Barb to Kathy.
Then I found these two books by Louis May Alcott. Gotta love Little Women. Here is Little Men and Eight Cousins. Both dated 1940. However the thing that sucked me in is the note inside the front cover of both of these books.
Last but not least was this Websters Seventh New Collegiate Dictionary from 1969. I am not in the habit of collecting dictionaries but I brought this jewel home because of the secrets it held inside. Take a look.
Here is what I found on the inside cover pages. Read it carefully...still good advice today.
Further into the book I found these secrets hiding. This picture was found on page 353 and has a handwritten date of 1968 on the back of the clipping. The other clipping was found stuck on page 385.
Then there was this beauty on page 439. If you can read it you will see that it portrays a pretty accurate picture of humans even now in 2019. This whimsical item was on page 673.
And last but not least, this page intrigued me as it was the only page where the top corner had been folded down. Had the owner of this dictionary been reading each page and only gotten this far before putting it down? Or did something strike the reader as especially interesting on this page? I will never know.
Anyone else interested in old books? Or different versions of the same story? Or am I just crazy?
Thursday, December 6, 2018
Enough Already!
Wow! This fall has been a rough ride. I am ready for a new year to get here so that perhaps we can all have a fresh start. Let me explain.
In mid September, my aunt JoAnn left us. She was the only remaining sibling of my mom. She left behind my five cousins and their families. Due to several factors, including my mom's own health, she was unable to attend the services in North Carolina. This broke my heart. I hated the fact that mom was unable to say her goodbyes in person. I did attend and was able to reconnect with my cousins I have not seen in over 15+ years.
In mid October, our beloved dog Bear left us. He was almost 14 years old. Michael picked him out at the animal shelter when he was just a few months old. He was such a good boy, especially in his golden years. Losing a pet is so hard. It's gut wrenching. The pain seemed magnified watching our children deal with Bear's last moments. I miss him every day.
Last week my uncle Bill took his own life. He is my dad's youngest sibling. He was 66 years old. As a young girl growing up, my girl cousins and I thought he was so cool. He was funny and we loved hanging around him. I miss him already. I'm so sad for uncle Bill's family and his siblings. But I'm really heartbroken for my dad. In 1989, my brother, who was 18 at the time, committed suicide. So now, almost 30 years later, we are all experiencing this again. With uncle Bill's suicide, it dredged up all the old feelings we experienced when Jeff died. (See a post I wrote about suicide and my brother after Robin William's died, if interested in my thoughts.)
With suicide, there are always so many questions. Why? Why? And most of those questions will remain unanswered. It is so hard to deal with a family member's suicide. I pray none of you will ever have to experience this heartache.
December 1, a very dear friend lost her father on his 87th birthday. He had been experiencing health issues but that does not make it easier. At least now he is with the love of his life singing and dancing and free of pain.
I am extremely exhausted emotionally. I pray that we do not lose anyone else the remainder of this year. Please understand that if I have been distant or hard to reach, I've just been trying to comprehend all this loss over the past few months Trying to make some kind of sense out of it all. Thank you to all my family members and friends who have shared supportive and uplifting messages with me.
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| Aunt JoAnn |
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| Bear |
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| Uncle Bill |
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| My brother, Jeff |
December 1, a very dear friend lost her father on his 87th birthday. He had been experiencing health issues but that does not make it easier. At least now he is with the love of his life singing and dancing and free of pain.
I am extremely exhausted emotionally. I pray that we do not lose anyone else the remainder of this year. Please understand that if I have been distant or hard to reach, I've just been trying to comprehend all this loss over the past few months Trying to make some kind of sense out of it all. Thank you to all my family members and friends who have shared supportive and uplifting messages with me.
Sunday, October 28, 2018
Funny How Life Works Sometimes
Sometimes it is crazy how life works out. Last Christmas, I planned a cruise for the two of us to the Bahamas for this week (October 22-27). As the time was approaching, I was really looking forward to this next adventure.
But then a little over a week ago, we had more pressing issues to deal with. We had a pet who was struggling and eventually we had to say goodbye to him last Friday.
It was so strange not having him around in the house for 2 days before we left for Miami. I wasn't excited about the cruise anymore. My mind was overloaded with my grief. Ask LW, I was keeping myself busy cleaning the house and the yard. I guess I was afraid if I sat too long, my memories of Bear would rush back and my emotions would overwhelm me.
Now I am glad we have been gone for a bit. The distraction has been good for me. Plus while we have been gone, Austin has had a "Boil Water Notice" in effect due to all the rain and the flooding. It has lasted all week. I am so thankful I have not had to deal with that issue. Hopefully by the time we get home, it will have ended.
Unfortunately, I know the reality of losing Bear will hit me again when we walk in the door and he does not come to greet us. But just with any loss, I'll just take it one day at a time.
But then a little over a week ago, we had more pressing issues to deal with. We had a pet who was struggling and eventually we had to say goodbye to him last Friday.
It was so strange not having him around in the house for 2 days before we left for Miami. I wasn't excited about the cruise anymore. My mind was overloaded with my grief. Ask LW, I was keeping myself busy cleaning the house and the yard. I guess I was afraid if I sat too long, my memories of Bear would rush back and my emotions would overwhelm me.
Now I am glad we have been gone for a bit. The distraction has been good for me. Plus while we have been gone, Austin has had a "Boil Water Notice" in effect due to all the rain and the flooding. It has lasted all week. I am so thankful I have not had to deal with that issue. Hopefully by the time we get home, it will have ended.
Unfortunately, I know the reality of losing Bear will hit me again when we walk in the door and he does not come to greet us. But just with any loss, I'll just take it one day at a time.
Friday, October 19, 2018
Good Byes Are So Hard
This week has been one of the hardest weeks I've experienced in a long time. Early Tuesday morning we awoke to the sound of Bear's nails clambering on the hardwood floor next to our bed. When I finally got the light on to see what was going on, I saw that he had urinated on his pillow and the floor. I encouraged him to go outside but he was very wobbly as he walked. He actually banged into the wall. It was as if he were drunk. As we waited for the vet's office to open, he vomited twice and had increased difficulty walking and standing.
At 10, we loaded him in the car to head to the vet. He was able to walk but was wobbly and actually fell twice from losing his balance. LW finally carried him to the car.
Upon arrival at the vet, he was able to walk into the room, very shakily. The vet checked him out and listened as we explained the morning's events. He decided to treat him for vertigo. I didn't know dogs could experience vertigo. Bear was given fluids under the skin to avoid dehydration and a strong shot of something to help with the nausea. Massive drooling in dogs is a sign of nausea and boy was he drooling. We were given pills to administer at home over the next 4 days. If it was vertigo, we should see some fairly quick improvements.
We took him home, made him a bed of blankets in his favorite spot just outside Michael's room and my office. He stayed there all the rest of Tuesday, not even interested in water or food.
Late Tuesday, we attempted to get him up and to go outside for the bathroom. He was unable to stand or walk. And it was clearly stressing him out.
So he has remained on the bed we made for him, only moving when we need to change the soiled blankets. Then it is the three of us who actually move him. He has attempted to sit up but can't really do that. He lifts his head to look at you but can't maintain it for long.
He did get most of the way up on his haunches when I came in the house yesterday after a meeting. But soon he had to lay back down. He isn't eating but will take a little water every now and then. Overnight he licked on an ice cube.
Obviously there is more going on than vertigo. I told the boys that I actually wonder if he had had a seizure on Tuesday morning when he woke us up.
Now it is Friday. He has definitely declined. Not being able to walk or stand is no kind of life. I've been laying on the floor with him off and on since Tuesday. I want him to know I'm here and that he is not alone. But because of that I have not really slept since I woke up on Tuesday morning. I am exhausted mentally and physically. I should be napping now but I can't. I want to stay busy near Bear.
Lauren will get here today around lunch and we have a vet appointment today at 4. We are most likely going to have to say good bye to him this afternoon.
This dog has been such a good boy. He laid with me and never left my side when I was stuck at home in bed with a broken leg in 2011. He loves his Michael, Lauren, David and daddy. He allowed a puppy named Luna to play with him when she first arrived in our home, even though I am sure he was not thrilled about it. He has tolerated the rambunctious Duke. He has been the best companion a human could ask for and will be greatly missed.
My heart is breaking but as my mom said this is the price we pay for their love and faithfulness. She is absolutely correct and I wouldn't trade our time with this amazing animal just because it hurts now when we are about to lose him.
Please keep all of us in your thoughts. If you've been through this you know what we are experiencing. I appreciate all the comments and messages I have received. We are lucky to have such a great support system.
Look at these two doing what they do best..
Love you Bubba.💔
At 10, we loaded him in the car to head to the vet. He was able to walk but was wobbly and actually fell twice from losing his balance. LW finally carried him to the car.
Upon arrival at the vet, he was able to walk into the room, very shakily. The vet checked him out and listened as we explained the morning's events. He decided to treat him for vertigo. I didn't know dogs could experience vertigo. Bear was given fluids under the skin to avoid dehydration and a strong shot of something to help with the nausea. Massive drooling in dogs is a sign of nausea and boy was he drooling. We were given pills to administer at home over the next 4 days. If it was vertigo, we should see some fairly quick improvements.
We took him home, made him a bed of blankets in his favorite spot just outside Michael's room and my office. He stayed there all the rest of Tuesday, not even interested in water or food.
Late Tuesday, we attempted to get him up and to go outside for the bathroom. He was unable to stand or walk. And it was clearly stressing him out.
So he has remained on the bed we made for him, only moving when we need to change the soiled blankets. Then it is the three of us who actually move him. He has attempted to sit up but can't really do that. He lifts his head to look at you but can't maintain it for long.
He did get most of the way up on his haunches when I came in the house yesterday after a meeting. But soon he had to lay back down. He isn't eating but will take a little water every now and then. Overnight he licked on an ice cube.
Obviously there is more going on than vertigo. I told the boys that I actually wonder if he had had a seizure on Tuesday morning when he woke us up.
Now it is Friday. He has definitely declined. Not being able to walk or stand is no kind of life. I've been laying on the floor with him off and on since Tuesday. I want him to know I'm here and that he is not alone. But because of that I have not really slept since I woke up on Tuesday morning. I am exhausted mentally and physically. I should be napping now but I can't. I want to stay busy near Bear.
Lauren will get here today around lunch and we have a vet appointment today at 4. We are most likely going to have to say good bye to him this afternoon.
This dog has been such a good boy. He laid with me and never left my side when I was stuck at home in bed with a broken leg in 2011. He loves his Michael, Lauren, David and daddy. He allowed a puppy named Luna to play with him when she first arrived in our home, even though I am sure he was not thrilled about it. He has tolerated the rambunctious Duke. He has been the best companion a human could ask for and will be greatly missed.
My heart is breaking but as my mom said this is the price we pay for their love and faithfulness. She is absolutely correct and I wouldn't trade our time with this amazing animal just because it hurts now when we are about to lose him.
Please keep all of us in your thoughts. If you've been through this you know what we are experiencing. I appreciate all the comments and messages I have received. We are lucky to have such a great support system.
Look at these two doing what they do best..
Look at this beautiful guy!
Tuesday, October 9, 2018
#pickmybookplease
Okay Friends,
I am searching for new books to add to my TBR (to be read) list. So let's have a little fun with my search.
Here is what YOU have to do. Post a comment on this blog, on Facebook, or Twitter telling me your all time favorite book that I need to read. If you post on FB or Twitter, remember to tag me (@jenniferlw63) and use #pickmybookplease.
Here is what I will do. I will pick 10 of the books posted, share my new list with all of you on this blog, on FB and Twitter. Then I will get busy reading. After reading them, I will write a review on Goodreads and determine which is my new favorite.
If my new favorite was your recommendation, you will win this:
So let's do this. The window for recommendations is open now and will close on October 14. I will not take any more titles after the 14th. Post your favorites!
I am searching for new books to add to my TBR (to be read) list. So let's have a little fun with my search.
Here is what YOU have to do. Post a comment on this blog, on Facebook, or Twitter telling me your all time favorite book that I need to read. If you post on FB or Twitter, remember to tag me (@jenniferlw63) and use #pickmybookplease.
Here is what I will do. I will pick 10 of the books posted, share my new list with all of you on this blog, on FB and Twitter. Then I will get busy reading. After reading them, I will write a review on Goodreads and determine which is my new favorite.
If my new favorite was your recommendation, you will win this:
So let's do this. The window for recommendations is open now and will close on October 14. I will not take any more titles after the 14th. Post your favorites!
Monday, June 4, 2018
A Break Up Letter
Dear Diet Coke,
This letter is to inform you that I am breaking up with you. I have found a new love, Water. I can no longer continue our relationship for the following reasons.
1. After spending long periods of time with you, my stomach becomes upset. In the past I have ignored my stomach pains because of my love for you. No longer. Water does not make me feel this way.
2. You have added too many pounds to my physique. If you loved me the way Water loves me, you would have deleted pounds instead of adding them.
3. My addiction to you is all consuming and that is going to stop. If I am going to be so addicted to something, it's going to be something that makes me feel healthy, like my new love, Water.
My heart wants to make my withdrawal from you slow and careful but my brain says "tear that bandage off" and leave Diet Coke behind immediately. So that's what I must do. I know it will be painful. I know it will be hard. But I can do it! I must do it!
With loving affection,
Jennifer
This letter is to inform you that I am breaking up with you. I have found a new love, Water. I can no longer continue our relationship for the following reasons.
1. After spending long periods of time with you, my stomach becomes upset. In the past I have ignored my stomach pains because of my love for you. No longer. Water does not make me feel this way.
2. You have added too many pounds to my physique. If you loved me the way Water loves me, you would have deleted pounds instead of adding them.
3. My addiction to you is all consuming and that is going to stop. If I am going to be so addicted to something, it's going to be something that makes me feel healthy, like my new love, Water.
My heart wants to make my withdrawal from you slow and careful but my brain says "tear that bandage off" and leave Diet Coke behind immediately. So that's what I must do. I know it will be painful. I know it will be hard. But I can do it! I must do it!
With loving affection,
Jennifer
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