Good news

Well, the brother's shoulder surgery was postponed, so our guests went home.  They will probably be back, but not for a while.  *Whew*

I got tired of trying alternative methods to deal with the plantar fasciitis, so I finally went to an actual podiatrist.  She did a thorough exam, took a few x-rays, then suggested a series of cortisone shots.  She said that because I waited so long, it would take a series of shots, rather than just one, to get the inflammation down.    I had not wanted to have cortisone, because I've heard it can cause further degeneration of tissue.  And I had read a lot of horror stories about how painful the shots were going to be, so I was pretty scared.  These were the reasons I had avoided going to a podiatrist in the first place.

But I was soooo sick of the foot pain, so I said okay...shoot me!  And you know what?  It didn't hurt much at all.  She used a cold spray to numb it, and it felt like a little pin prick.

The relief was almost immediate.  This is the first time in 9 months I haven't had pain in my foot.  I still have to do all the other things...ice, stretching, rest and anti-inflammatories (she gave me a high powered prescription one).  So even though I still supposed to take it easy on my foot, walk and stand as little as possible, I'm very encouraged.  I think alternative medicine is great, but thank heavens for Western medicine too.

Hub is feeling so good now, for the first time in about two years, he actually said he wanted to go "somewhere" this weekend.  So tomorrow morning, Hub, Buster and I are going to an Octoberfest celebration in Oregon (I know, it's only September), staying overnight in Salem, then heading to Seaside (on the Oregon coast) for 2 nights.  

Can't wait to drink beer, eat bratwurst...then walk (just a little) with Hub & B on the beach!     

More guests

Well, no sooner did I think we were through with guests, then my husband invited his brother and wife to come stay with us while his brother recovers from shoulder surgery.

Long story short...brother needs shoulder surgery, was going to have it where they live.  But they live in remote Idaho, and the brother has some heart issues.  So at the last minute, the medical folks told him they couldn't do it at their hospital.  So he is going to have the surgery here, and stay with us for a few days until they can head home.

No big deal...except the wife drives me crazy.  Basically, she's just not a very nice person.  She's his 4th wife and since she married him, she has tried to alienate her husband from the rest of his family.  She's succeeded with just about everyone except my hub. And she's naturally thin, and brags about it too.  Which is really annoying.  I'm constantly comparing myself to her.  I do think I will be able to deal with it now, however, since I am in a better place than I was a few years ago. 

But...all of a sudden I need to clean the house again, get the guest room ready again, and...well, sigh, just not quite ready to deal with it.  At least they are not coming until tomorrow.

Well, B is waiting to go to the park, it is not raining right now so I guess we should go.  Hope everyone is having a good weekend. 

I'm still here...

Well, gosh. It's been OVER 18 MONTHS since I last posted. Anyone still out there? Sorry I left so abruptly.  No real reason I stopped blogging before...I just felt a bit like I was spinning my wheels. A lot has happened in 18 months.

My husband has had several surgeries including 3 back surgeries; both hips replaced; oral surgery for a weird, fortunately non-malignant tumor; hospitalization for a huge hematoma, and later an infection at the first hip surgical site, which involved re-surgery; hospitalization for a week on IV antibiotics..., but now he is in good health. Yes, he can even walk without a cane!

My mom has had several hospitalizations for malnutrition, low blood pressure, dehydration... (she's 83 years old and still anorexic), but I think she's actually figuring out that she need to eat and drink water in order to stay out of the hospital.   

Buster is good right now. He is almost 10 years old. He is still a bit (okay, very...) neurotic, but all of his health problems are under control, through a combination of strict diet and very moderate exercise. I just noticed he is looking a bit older, but he is still my baby boy!  He loves to go to the park, and still is as adorable as ever. 

Buster with (His) Monkey on His Back

I'm still working in the same department, but about a year ago I asked to be demoted to a less stressful position. It was either that or retire, as I couldn't handle the stress. I'm so fortunate that they didn't want me to leave, and accommodated my request.  So the transfer actually occurred in March. That has been a big improvement in my work life, so I think I might actually work another few years (until I'm 63 or 64). The benefits are great, I'm still very busy, but not overwhelmed...so I'm loving my job again.

I'm still taking an antidepressant (Wellbutrin) and I'm still in therapy, although I've cut back to once a month. Financially it's better, and I have made a lot of progress emotionally so I didn't feel the need to keep going twice a month. I no longer spend a lot of time in negative self talk (unless I catch a glimpse of myself from the side...view of a side profile always gives me a start...I always think I should be skinnier); I eat relatively normally, without a lot of emotional binge eating. So, I'm in a good place.  My weight is up a bit...I am currently wearing about a size 14, and have been there steady for about the last year. I would like to be back in a 12...or a 10 (ideal) but I'm not obsessed with a number. And I have no idea what I actually weigh (guessing 180? For my height, I probably should weigh 165.  But I don't weigh because it still makes me anxious and crazy). My long, intense, and ongoing, journey to normalcy is a whole 'nother post...if anyone is interested, I'll blog about it.

I'm currently dealing with plantar fasciitis, for about 8 months, which has been a real B.I.T.C.H.  I've been to a naturopath, massage therapist, acupuncturist...I've used gel inserts, a night splint...I take anti-inflammatories 3 times a day and glucosamine religiously...you name it.  It's a bit better, but it has really impacted my ability to walk for exercise.  Next week, I'm going to a regular podiatrist to see what they recommend.  I just want to get back to normal exercise...I think that would take off a bit of weight.

This summer, we had non-stop guests, and the last two left on Saturday.  This weekend will be the first in 2 months without house guests.  Exciting!..so lots of house and yard catch up stuff to do this weekend. Happy happy happy!  

LIFE IS GOOD! I honestly don't know how or if Blogger feed even works anymore!?!  If there is still anyone out there, leave a comment and say HI!