This is such a hard post for me to write. And yet in some ways I am so relieved. Because of Jim's medical issues, we will not be traveling at all this summer. Yep - we will be spending the summer in the warmth of the Arizona sunshine.
Jim is doing much better but we have a long road in front of us. He still gets out of breath but nothing like he used to. He also has anemia and the doctors have yet to really address that problem. He is taking daily walks and can walk all the way around the park which is 1/3 of a mile as long as he uses his walker and stops to rest a few times.
He is on a low fiber, low salt diet. Coming up with a meal plan is quite a challenge. But he is slowly adding some fiber back into his system and everything seems to be going just fine in that respect. He has to weigh himself daily. If he gains two pounds over night or five pounds during one week, we have to immediately see the doctor. So far so good. He has lost 25 pounds but I sure wouldn't recommend doing it his way.
He can now use his left arm (cause his six weeks after the pacemaker was put in) is up. That really is a big help for me. Especially with the dogs. They both have back and leg issues so they need to be carried outside. I have trouble getting myself up and down steps let alone carrying a dog even though they are little.
We allow time for lots of naps especially after doing anything like going out to eat or doing some shopping.We are really careful not to push his energy levels too hard. We have at least two doctor appointments scheduled every week for the next few weeks so we have lots to keep us "entertained".
It's hard for me to know we won't be traveling this summer. I had already plotted out a lot of our journey north to Canyon Ferry but that is all on hold. Jim is struggling with the fact that he won't be catching any walleye this summer. However, we think that if we take this year to rest and recover, we can once again do some traveling and fishing next summer.
I totally forgot to tell you about Todd's win in my last post. We have coffee and donuts every Tuesday morning and we drug Todd with us. They do a 50/50 drawing with 1/2 going to the Park and the other half split in half for two winners. We've been buying tickets off and on for ten years and have never won. But yup - Todd won. $20. He and Michaela are headed for Las Vegas in a few days so he's taking his lucky $20 with them. Good luck kids.
I probably won't have much to blog about this summer but I will check in every once in awhile. Hope every one has a summer full of adventure and safe travels.
Jim is doing much better but we have a long road in front of us. He still gets out of breath but nothing like he used to. He also has anemia and the doctors have yet to really address that problem. He is taking daily walks and can walk all the way around the park which is 1/3 of a mile as long as he uses his walker and stops to rest a few times.
He is on a low fiber, low salt diet. Coming up with a meal plan is quite a challenge. But he is slowly adding some fiber back into his system and everything seems to be going just fine in that respect. He has to weigh himself daily. If he gains two pounds over night or five pounds during one week, we have to immediately see the doctor. So far so good. He has lost 25 pounds but I sure wouldn't recommend doing it his way.
He can now use his left arm (cause his six weeks after the pacemaker was put in) is up. That really is a big help for me. Especially with the dogs. They both have back and leg issues so they need to be carried outside. I have trouble getting myself up and down steps let alone carrying a dog even though they are little.
We allow time for lots of naps especially after doing anything like going out to eat or doing some shopping.We are really careful not to push his energy levels too hard. We have at least two doctor appointments scheduled every week for the next few weeks so we have lots to keep us "entertained".
It's hard for me to know we won't be traveling this summer. I had already plotted out a lot of our journey north to Canyon Ferry but that is all on hold. Jim is struggling with the fact that he won't be catching any walleye this summer. However, we think that if we take this year to rest and recover, we can once again do some traveling and fishing next summer.
I totally forgot to tell you about Todd's win in my last post. We have coffee and donuts every Tuesday morning and we drug Todd with us. They do a 50/50 drawing with 1/2 going to the Park and the other half split in half for two winners. We've been buying tickets off and on for ten years and have never won. But yup - Todd won. $20. He and Michaela are headed for Las Vegas in a few days so he's taking his lucky $20 with them. Good luck kids.
I probably won't have much to blog about this summer but I will check in every once in awhile. Hope every one has a summer full of adventure and safe travels.
Hope all goes well there, and like you said best get things taken care of and travel next year, the fish will wait for him.
ReplyDeleteHere's to a speedy recovery and all goes well.
I am sorry for the staying in place for the summer and the events leading up to it. Here's wishing Jim a good recovery and a return to fishing next year.
ReplyDeleteJust take it slow and heal, the fish will still be biting next year. Could the dogs use a ramp, or is it too steep?
ReplyDeleteI know exactly what you mean. A year off before you make any plans. Let people visit you! We love you guys and we will see you. I see La stalla has moved. We will have to check them out.
ReplyDeleteEverything Jim is going through my dad went through. My dad had so much trouble not using his left arm. It’s just so natural for us to use both our arms that that was really challenging. I think you both are being very wise and sitting in place. You love that park so that makes it much easier. I will keep Jim in my prayers for continued healing, and you, my dear friend, I will keep in my prayers for patience. It is very hard sometimes to have patience.
ReplyDeleteBoy I hope Tod doesn’t spend all that money in one place. But it always feels good to win no matter what the amount.
We have had our fair share of sitting due to medical issues. You do what you have to do! We’ll be sitting awhile now because of Mike having surgery on his spinal stenosis. I think you all will be better for having spent time getting stronger!! We’ll have to encourage each other...our Shih Tzu is 13 and can’t do steps either so he has to be carried outside...then we also have the 75 pound Golden!!! We can do this...yes we can!!!! Hang in there...prayers for both of you!!!
ReplyDeleteIt is baby steps all the way. Next summer--keep that in mind. I will pray for you both. I promise.
ReplyDeletePrayers for both of you Jim an Sandie.
ReplyDeleteSorry to hear about Jim's problems. Thinking about you and hope for a speedy recovery.
ReplyDeleteWe'll keep you both in our prayers that things will change for the better soon.
ReplyDeleteBeing a regular Blood Donor I have to use Vitamin B-12 and Iron Supplements to avoid becoming Anemic. In Jim's case he could just use the B-12 as it's easier for the body to process.
Be Safe and Enjoy what is around you.
It's about time.
I know being grounded for the summer will be a big change. This getting old is such a drag sometimes. I hope Jim continues to improve and that the changes you two are going through will be old hat after a while.
ReplyDeleteI really hate hearing that. I know how much you love to get on the road and out of there. However, you're doing what you must and who knows, you may even be able to take a few small little trips close. Crank those air conditioners up and enjoy the temperature inside!!
ReplyDeleteI'm happy to hear Jim is doing better. It will take time but with you taking care of him, he will be fine.
ReplyDeleteI know how you feel about not being able to go away this summer and I haven't left in a few years now. I'm going to try to get a few small camping trips done befor the real heat hits. Then it will be hiding indoors until Oct. I try to make up some projects but that never happens. Take care of yourselves
I'm sorry to hear about your dilemma. Hope Jim start 's on a good road of improvement We understand the situation. Good luck.
ReplyDeleteIt will take time to get Jim up to 100%. Looking on the bright side, it will give the Walleye population a chance to recover too so there will be more fish for Jim to catch when he gets back on his feet. ;c)
ReplyDeleteWe are sorry to hear about Jim's health problems and hope he is on the road to recovery. Poco a Poco he should start feeling better.
ReplyDeleteFYI Our son flew to Yuma on Monday and we drove up there and picked him up at the airport. We went him to the dentist in Los Algodones on Tuesday for dental work. Just his luck they lost power in the town right at a critical time. Gerry took her flashlight in so they could finish what they were doing. Bummer. He came back to Tucson with us and is slowly recovering from the surgery. He leaves from Tucson on Saturday and we are hoping he feels well enough on Friday to do some sightseeing.
Sorry to hear about Jim. We both know medical issues come first but still not easy. We are staying the summer in Kerrville Texas since Jo's back is so bad. She is seeing a pain center and they are working on getting her so she can be comfortable just staying put. If its gets so we can travel again will be a bonus. At least when we both spent the summer in the valley we could get together once in a while. Just have a sausage sandwich for us.
ReplyDeleteSounds like you have made good choices given the circumstances. Enjoy the summer there and look forward to the future travels.
ReplyDelete