Update on the Broken/Healing Elbow

 It has been two months since I broke my elbow (February 27th) and five weeks since the 'brace' and stitches were removed (March 26th).

March 26th

May 1st

With physical therapy, I have made good progress. I can touch my face, wash my hair with two hands, etc. I still cannot reach behind my back higher than my waist. 

wrist brace

But another issue has surfaced: carpal tunnel. I was/am experiencing tingling, numbness, throbbing, burning in my left fingers. Sometimes, it is shooting pains. There were nights I was awake longer than I slept. X-rays showed severe arthritis in my thumb, but no physical damage anywhere in the hand.

I had a nerve study on Thursday. I will meet with the orthopedic surgeon on Tuesday to discuss the next steps for the carpal tunnel. It is impeding further progress in regaining full elbow function. Sometimes the pain in my hand and fingers has been more intense than it ever was in the elbow. 

Where Are the Blog Posts?

 Many of you are wondering where are those blog posts from Antarctica, showing the amazing scenery and animals? 

I have been a little busy spending time at the local medical facility. Here's the long story because it is so much better than a short one!

On Friday morning, February 27th we were entering the Buenos Aires (EZE) airport for the Atlas Cruise Line charter flight from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia, the southernmost city in Argentina to board the yacht for our 9 day Antarctic cruise. A wheel on my suitcase got caught in the metal floor grid and stopped moving. I did not stop moving and began to face plant on that metal grid. Since my right hand was pulling the suitcase, my left arm was free to break my fall and prevent facial grid lines. Three airport personnel rushed to assist me and offer medical services. Since I could walk, move my left arm and fingers, I declined the offer and continued through check-in for our flight. Besides, I did not want to delay the departure of the other 150 guests waiting for a trip of a lifetime. 

I was able to ice my sore elbow on the 3 hour flight and once on board the yacht, I saw the doctor who determined nothing was broken, just sore, swollen and in need of rest. I was given a sling to use for several days and some strong ibuprofen. He suggested I ice and rest the arm, for the next few days, which I did. The pain only appeared when I tried to twist my wrist or move my hand/arm beyond its comfort level. I took two Zodiac trips later in the cruise and was careful not to overextend my left arm. 

We arrived home about 4:00 PM Monday, March 9th.

I had decided I would check into some Physical Therapy once we got home because my left hand does not reach my face. I went to Orthopedic Urgent Care on Tuesday morning. I had X-rays and a CT scan. By mid-afternoon I had an appointment with a Hand, Wrist and Elbow surgeon for Wednesday morning. Surgery is scheduled for Friday morning, March 13th. The pre-op visit took place Wednesday afternoon.

I am having surgery for: Fracture of radial head, left, closed

Encounter type: initial encounter Fracture alignment: displaced 

Displaced fracture of head of left radius, initial encounter for closed fracture

The head of the radius bone (at the elbow) in my left arm is broken and, in fact has a couple of missing bone pieces, hanging around in the area preventing some of the movement I used to have before the mishap. The surgeon will give me a metal radial head, remove the bone fragments, and repair any tissue or ligament damage. I will be home by noon on Friday for a two-week recovery wearing a sling & cast. It could be worse!

Blog posts from Antarctica coming!

November in Review

 No one day or activity was worthy of its own blog space since we arrived at our winter home. So I have gathered some photos to show what we have been doing while enjoying warmer temperatures and sunshine. We try to spend time outside because we can do so without coats and winter gear. 

enjoying sunset colors in the desert

hosting geocachers on the patio

so good to see our winter caching family

Veterans Day Parade

this was only a fraction of the candy collection

saw this on the car parked next to us

just thought it was funny

a little geocaching in Tempe

this mosaic mural hosted the fake scorpion

Tempe Lake is known for rowing

teams were practicing that day

the 'drummer' sets the rhythm

an Adventure Lab completed before an event

in Scottsdale

new luggage for the next cruise

I got a little culture

Hubby watched some ASU football

I have been easily entertained by the hummers

while reading on the deck

the neighbor's saguaro has really grown the last few years

it was hosting some birds

our deck has a new TV

Hubby enjoying a red beer for Happy Hour

more hummer entertainment

our Thanksgiving meal

don't judge all the carbs; it is our traditional favorites

another desert sunset

the Beaver Moon through the window in the living room

recognition for starting the fund raising efforts to cure cancer

a morning of making Christmas gift tags

fun to do some paper crafting again

male ruby throated hummer in flight

I bought a second feeder and we moved it for better photos

I can't identify this one

he kept flying the entire time

even when he was drinking

and finally, ending the month with the first of three Hepatitis shots

EECP Therapy

Hubby and I had decided last spring before we left AZ he would complete another round of the EECP treatments this winter. He had learned while doing the treatments in 2020 that some folks did two treatments a day, shortening the time and driving miles for the 35 sessions. He discussed it with his AZ cardiologist in December and with the Legacy (now FLOW) staff when he met with them. The general consensus was if his body could handle the back-to-back one hour treatments, then he could do all 35 in January. Legacy/Flow research shows two treatments a day does not impact the final results...if the patients can handle it. So that was the plan starting on January 3rd.

The first week (while recovering from the stomach flu) he did one session each day so his body could adjust to the Enhanced External Counter-Pulsation program. He did well and other than being a bit tired in the afternoons which happened after the other two sets of treatments, he was happy to be back in therapy. Starting week two, he had a strapped in session at 9 followed by a short break of 10 minutes and then climbed back on the table/bed for a second pulsating hour. Week two went very well. No afternoon naps. The Legacy/Flow staff were somewhat surprised at how well he did. WE think the difference is because he still has good blood flow from the 2020 treatments. WE know these treatments work for him. He was in better cardio health when he started the 2022 treatments. So on January 28th he completed his 35th treatment.

a new brochure for a new name

images of improved blood vessel 'growth'

There has been some research in Texas showing people with respiratory issues as a COVID-19 side effect have found relief/improvement/help from EECP treatments. Not a scientific study, but a respiratory improvement for some folks. 

one of the eight beds at FLOW and

the three sets of pressure cuffs

with monitor on the left

I think the main reason he goes is because of the staff

most of them were there in 2020

Since Legacy is now FLOW Therapy, he got a treat bag upon completing the 35 sessions, as well as the certificate. Shopping bag, pen, and water bottle. He was to wear a single use mask each day rather than the cloth masks he prefers.

On Friday afternoon/evening we celebrated the month of treatments by going to our favorite steak house.

Bill and Donna from Watertown joined us as did friends, Rod and Joan from Fargo. Rod and Joan taught with us in Hosmer in our early teaching years and Rod and Bill coached in rival communities in those early teaching years. Good food and wonderful conversations.

There was one more treat in celebration of the month long quiet mornings, allowing me to sleep in if I wanted, or to do whatever I pleased (sort-of) for 28 days.

As much as I love Lemon Meringue pie, I do not make it. EVER. But last year I did attempt a Lemon Supreme pie. It was a success so I attempted it again on Thursday.

It is a 3 step process and I find baking the store bought crust the most challenging. The first couple of times, the crust shrunk significantly and the edges were very done. With practice I am getting better.

Some volunteers in the park pick oranges and other citrus and then 'sell' it for a donation which is given to the local food bank. Some lovely large lemons were included in the January picking and I snagged three of them, with the intent of a lemon supreme pie.

cream cheese, powdered sugar, a bit of lemon juice and whipped topping 

for the supreme layer

Oh so good!

I forgot to take a photo of our first slices from this baking, but I can assure you it looked just like this photo from last January. And maybe even tastier! There will be another pie this week as I need to use the lemons and share it this time with the neighbors.

35 And Done!

Today's blog post is a guest post by Hubby.

I have had issues with various levels of blockage since my by-pass surgery in July of 2010.  While participating in physical therapy after receiving a stent in the fall of 2017 I continued to have physical limitations. My AZ cardiologist scheduled four tests to determine what was preventing me from making progress that winter. After four tests and two trips to the cath lab without any success I had a follow-up appointment with him and asked if there might be another option, since surgery did not appear to be a viable solution. The cardiologist mentioned EECP.  Luckily, the lead person in my therapy program had provided me with information about this program so I knew what he was proposing as my next option.

EECP (Enhanced External Counter Pulsation) is intended to help increase blood flow which has rerouted itself and to prevent a condition called Angina. Angina occurs when the heart needs more blood and oxygen than is currently being provided due to blockage. EECP is a seven week, five days a week, one hour each session program.

This winter is the second time I have participated in EECP. My first participation was in early 2018. I felt there was some success after the first round of 35 sessions, but learned the sessions could be repeated again in 90 days, according to Medicare. After visiting with the AZ cardiologist in November, we agreed to try the therapy again.

I began the 2020 sessions on Thursday, January 2nd and completed my program on Wednesday, February19th.  During one of my sessions Coleen was joined by three of our friends. Photos and  a short video were taken to provide everyone with a better understanding of what EECP is all about.

This is not a movie, just a photo showing 

what I wear

This photo provides you with a picture of the table you lie on with the blue compressions on my calves, thighs and mid-section.  (explained later in the post) The kind and helpful staff makes sure you are comfortable and check on you at least every 15 minutes during my sessions. My vitals are also checked prior and after each session.

Legacy provides each participant with a television so you can watch a variety of programs.  I always chose Netflix.  This really helps the one hour sessions pass by quickly.  

There are eight beds at this facility. By the end of my seven weeks, six of the eight beds were full during my appointed time. Men and women of all ages graduated and new people started the program throughout each week. This Legacy facility was located in Tempe. Legacy also has facilities in Kansas, North Carolina and Texas. There are other facilities or companies similar to this one throughout the US. Not all cardiologists believe in the EECP program. I happened to be assigned to one who does.

Friend Sherry took a short video to show what occurs during my daily one hour session. This machine gets in rhythm with my heart and when my heart relaxes the compressions squeeze which forces more blood through the rerouting vessels. It can also create additional new routes to increase the blood flow. The body gets quite a workout each session.  Even though it looks like you are really bouncing around it is not really that bad. Also, because the compressions put additional pressure on my mid-section I cannot eat and drink that much. You really don't want to stop the procedure and rush to the bathroom.

My reason for sharing this story is not to say look what I have done, but maybe someone reading this may not have heard of EECP.  It may open a whole new option that did exist prior to reading what I have shared. I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to participate in this program as both Coleen and I feel it has been beneficial and is improving my quality of life.

EECP info can be found here.

The Old and The New

Not much has been happening this month, so far, thus not a new blog post. So this one will cover a little this and that, old and new.

First: My brothers and I gathered at Mom's the last weekend in June to finalize some plans for her 90th birthday open house in mid-August. The boys went fishing and I went through photographs. This is one of the gems I found...

This envelope contained photographs processed in Minneapolis MN and sent to my parents with a two line address (who lived out in the country) and postage of 2¢ postmarked July 1952. I don't remember the photos in the envelope, but they must have been me!!!


Second: Curt's foot is healing well. I took these photos on July 1 when the pin was still in place and the foot wrapped in the constant companion walking boot. The pin was removed the next morning and he was given permission to take the boot off at night when he went to bed.

Final checkup is tomorrow. We are planning on him being able to resume driving and walking with two normal shoes. He's had no pain and has been getting around well, but doesn't do a lot of walking as his leg/hips gets sore from the difference in heel height. My chauffeuring duties will be over. YAHOO!!!



Next: We have been enjoying fireflies in the backyard and along the gully. [I am wrong in that Skunk Creek does NOT run behind our house. It is simply a culvert waterway to a swamp/pond across the street which may or may not be part of Skunk Creek's water system.] The the gully does have water running through after a downpour.

The photo is very poor quality. The brightest lights are solar lights from neighboring yards, but there is a little flash of white near the far left tree branch which is a firefly. I do not ever remember seeing as many as we have seen since mid-June. We have certainly enjoyed their light shows.

This was the sunset I enjoyed watching on July 4th as we left Watertown for the drive back home. I had this amazing view in the rearview mirror and the Brookings fireworks display through the windshield. That was one trip when I was very happy to be the chauffeur! [Hubby took the photo.]



And finally: The hibiscus. My friend Linda told me her issues trying to find a hibiscus plant in SF back in May when we all were thinking of flowers and planting and summer. She shared going to several different greenhouses and how prices ranged from $20 to almost $60. She was so happy to find a big, healthy hibiscus at a big box store for $12.99. After hearing her story, the ad from that big box store listed hibiscuses for $9.99 while supplies last. So I hustled to the store and bought a large, healthy blooming plant in anticipation of keeping it alive until 1) I got it transplanted into a larger pot, and 2) the deck was done and painted so it could find a home where it would be admired all summer.

The hibiscus (and the other deck plants) were moved from the deck to under the deck during the deck's remodeling and painting. Sometimes it and the others got too much rain and sometimes, none at all. The plants were moved from side to side to be safe and out-of-the-way. Finally, when the deck was done, the potted flowers had a home. The hibiscus has not had a single new flower since I brought it home, but LOTS of yellow leaves. Too much moisture. Last week I finally picked the last yellow leaf and the plant has chosen to bloom.

the old and the new

fading color

but oh, so pretty

I counted more than 20 buds on the plant when I took these photos last week. Finally!!!

rain clouds gathering, again

but they all skirted our area

June has been another wet month for us. With all the moisture and now, hot temps, the corn is really growing. Hard to believe much of it was planted so late this spring.

P.S. regarding the Facebook post from last week: Hubby was having a stress test and I was his chauffeur.  As I sat in the waiting room of the Heart Hospital, watching people and overhearing conversations, I couldn't help but think about how fortunate and blessed we truly are regarding our health. There were amputees, elderly in wheelchairs, folks our age with their 30-something-son who needed a driver, a young couple who looked so healthy and professional, but obviously had some heart issue. Hubby's test was for comparison reasons for his new cardiologist. Follow-up is next week.