Jim's Journey

[Earth Mother 2 Angels]

The iPad Saga

((((((Hugs to All)))))) ~

callyflower ~

Love the photo of you and your daughter! Looks like you’re quite elevated! How far up were you, and how long was the hike to get there? And how are your feet these days?

I just love the goats hanging out around you. Thank you for sharing.

funnylegs4 ~

We have been in iPad He!! for 2 days! Easy? Uh, no. Not at all.

First, I called our carrier, and Gladys, the tech, who helped me had to put me on hold to guide me through activation, so she could consult the “next level of support.” TWENTY FIVE MINUTES ON HOLD!

Then, she started to guide me through each step.

To activate the iPad, I was supposed to insert a SIM card into a very tiny slot on the side of the pad, with a cover over it. There is a hole in that cover, and a small, flimsy paperclip like tool to put in that hole to pry it off.

I could not do it. Jim could not do it. So, Gladys gave me the step by step instructions, which I wrote down to follow later. I kept trying, but I couldn’t get that cover off of the SIM card slot.

John was going to come over today, but cancelled our trip to the tire store this morning. So, I tried with a stiff paperclip with all of my might, and I got that cover off. It went flying across the floor.

Following Gladys’ instructions, I put the tiny plastic SIM card in the slot, pushed it in, and then tried to put the cover back on, but it would not work. The cover would not go in.

I texted John, and he came over about 1:00 to help. He figured out that I was supposed to put the card inside the frame of the cover, then insert it. Gladys did not tell me this!

John somehow got the SIM card out of the slot, put it in the frame, reinserted. Didn’t work. He tried to get the cover off, and just like us, he couldn’t do it. He said, “This is really not good. I didn’t have to do this with my iPad.” He finally got it off, we cleaned the SIM card with my shirt tail, put it back in the frame, reinserted it, and it worked.

He got stuck in SETTINGS, and decided to go to his home and use his WiFi to set up our iPad. He called me, and I gave him all of the info to set it up.

When he returned, it took some doing, but we got it going. Then, he tried to add Flash Player, and Apple wouldn’t accept our ID. So, I had to use the computer to go on line to change our ID password to the new one for the iPad.

John will return tomorrow morning to finish getting us all set up and showing us how to use it.

We have to learn how to use a light touch and where to go to find everything. It is definitely a learning experience for us, and we should probably take a class … taught by a middle schooler.

John told us he was trying to work out something in his home with the WiFi, but he kept running into problems. Frustrated, he told his 17 year old daughter that he couldn’t get it connected. She tried and got it in 2 minutes!

So, our assessment of the iPad so far is: Easy? NO!

Jim is very tired today. We took his BP a little while ago, and it is lower than normal, but not alarming. I think he needs to hold off on the THC for now. One of its benefits is lowering blood pressure, but his is already on the low side, and he doesn’t need to go lower.

Anxiously awaiting the results of his blood work.

Thank you all for your continuing love, support and prayers, and for all of the tech help you’ve given to me.

We love you and pray for you and your loved ones daily.

Love & Light,



Rose

[agate]

Rose, your iPad SIM card saga sounded so much like my recent misadventure with a childproof pill bottle that I had to laugh--although these struggles with so much new technology and so many novel ways of doing things aren't at all amusing when you're in the middle of one. Having to hang on the phone with tech support is one of the dreariest parts of that experience, and I go to great lengths to avoid that part.

Today's adventure was with the printer my son gave me. It's actually been very nice and cooperative up till now but today I ran into a problem. I discovered a miraculous way it has of FIXING ITSELF in some instances. I tell it my problem and it fixes it. At least that worked this time.

And it's not even set up to work with Win 10. I was afraid that was going to turn out to be its problem but so far it hasn't been.

I've found my book about iPads to be helpful sometimes even though mine is an older iPad. It's called iPad: The Missing Manual by David Pogue, who writes the tech columns in the NY Times. I go to it first, and then I google the iPad issue until I find an answer. If I still can't find an answer, I'm afraid I often give up. Calling tech support wouldn't help me because it's not registered to me (being a hand-me-down). However, so far I've been able to figure out most problems with the iPad--or get away with ignoring them.

For weeks it wasn't turning on right. It would turn on, show me a page, then immediately turn off. I finally remembered that I'd changed a setting recently, setting it so I'd no longer need to enter a password just to open it. I looked in my different sources and online I learned that it's best to shut it down a certain way, which wasn't the way I'd been using.

The recommended way is a bit more involved but I've been using it--and the iPad no longer has its problem. It has other problems but I'm not depending on it for much other than some entertainment while I wait for transportation, or I look at e-mail and a few Websites if I can't connect to the Internet on the PC. It's usually quite good about these functions in spite of having been treated quite mercilessly sometimes. I don't know how many times I've accidentally dropped it while it was in its case and in my totebag. Being heavy, it made quite a thud--but so far showed no signs of damage, believe it or not.

I hope your iPad will be kind to you too.

[Donna Thomson]

Oh Lord, Rose - I didn't know whether to laugh or cry when I read your saga of the Ipad! Well, all I can say is... two steps forward and one step back - you are still one step ahead, right? Yes, a light touch is needed. When you are learning, I recommend that you buy (not expensive at all) an Ipad stylus pen Only registered and activated users can see links., Click Here To Register.... That way, you don't have to worry that you are pressing too lightly or too hard. Do you have an Apple Care Plan (ie. can you call Apple support instead of your carrier when you have problems?). Because the Apple people are amazing over the phone. They hire folks who are trained to be so kind, so patient and they all know exactly what they are doing with the technology. I'm so sorry that you had to go through this awful set up! If you buy an Ipad at the Apple store, they will set it up for you with your carrier but I know how difficult it is for you to get out of the house :( . Oh well, like I said - one step forward! Once you get this, you've got it and it will truly be a blessing. And Rose, a youngster teaching you is a great idea! How about John's daughter for a weekend part time little job? She could maybe be your teacher and problem solver? I hired a teenager for my Mom when we bought her an Ipad. She eventually got it and loved using it - her BFF at the seniors home was very funny and when Mom asked her, "What should we look up on this Google thing?" Mom's friend Edna said, "Let's search for Single Men With Money" LOL! I hope your Ipad works out and that it doesn't turn out to be more bother than it's worth! Hopefully it will get to be smooth sailing very soon xoxox Donna

[Earth Mother 2 Angels]

((((((Donna)))))) ~

I love Edna's reply to your mom! So cute!

I'm ordering the stylus and looking also for a case for our iPad. Thank you for helping us with this, Donna.

John visited this afternoon, and we had another round of problems setting up the iPad. We can't seem to download Adobe Flash or Flash Player or any variety thereof, and there's something funky about our PayPal account on the iPad. We also had to activate our credit card to be used for Apple purchases. So, the credit card company called with a code.

And on and on it went, with still no Flash Player/Adobe.

We did record our thumbprints to safeguard the iPad. We all did this, because John is our "IT Man," per his designation. FINE WITH US!

He took our iPad home with him, and he's going to consult with his 17 year old daughter. She'll likely have it up and running quickly, unless we are simply cursed with technological devices.

John invited me to attend a family birthday party next Saturday. He said that he'd transport me, and I didn't have to stay for a long time. I declined. "If Jim can't go, I don't want to go. I don't want to leave Jim." John understood. Another concern is exposure to germs. Jim is so vulnerable now. I probably am too.

I asked Jim today whether he's been taking his vitamins, because he hasn't needed a new bottle for a long time. He admitted that he's been lax. This upset me greatly, because he NEEDS those vitamins. He said that he forgets to take them. From now on, I will put his vitamins out for him, when I serve his breakfast. I should have been on top of this a long time ago. I just trusted that he had his schedule, as he said he did, and was taking them. Then, it occurred to me that he hasn't needed a new bottle of vitamins in quite awhile.

Grief, worry, fear, and everything else turn my mind into a pretzel. And all of this computer, back up, iPad stuff has really worn me out. I also know that once it's all in place, I'll be called upon by Jim to help him find something. I'm happy to do it, but I have 10 gazillion other things I should and need to be doing. All of this technical stuff has really cut into my laundry, cleaning, and taking care of business time.

But, it must be done, and so it is being done. Thanks to John.

Thank you so much, Donna, for everything. As always, keeping you, Jim, Nick, Natalie and family in our prayers.

Love & Light,



Rose

[Virginia]

Rose, I have to admit, you gave me a good chuckle that I think I needed. I came on to find out how Jim is doing and I find this gem of a post about setting up an iPad. I would be even worse than you were, so believe me the laugh is with you not at you.

When Donna said she didn't know weather to laugh or cry I kind of got the feeling that she was about like me.

Hope you and Jim get some rest. Maybe we should all say some prayers for that iPad, it seems to be acting up a little.

[Nick,Brian,andJon'sMom]

Rose,

Why are you trying to download adobe flash or flash player? Most videos will work on the the ipad and don’t require flash to be run. I use my iPad for almost everything and only have run into a couple of glitches of not using flash. I can watch Netflix and all of the streaming services without flash.

Marcie

[funnylegs4]

Hi Rose,

So sorry you had all that iPad trouble dear! My friend who had the stroke only said the operation of the iPad itself was easy, meaning after activation I assume, as I didn’t even know an iPad had to be activated. :( He never mentioned activation because he got his iPad way before I knew him. I can ask my friends who use iPads for tips later this month if I see them if you want? Your iPad saga reminds me of why I try to avoid those types of technology. The set up etc is murder on my spastic fingers and somewhat sore joints. The pen the others mentioned is a great idea. The iPad should work fine without flash if you use youtube and similar sites as others have said.
I forget to take my supplements constantly so I’m not surprised Jim forgot in his condition. I’m sure taking more vitamins will help his blood count.

[Earth Mother 2 Angels]

IV Iron Transfusion Needed

((((((Hugs to All)))))) ~

Thank you Virginia, Marcie, and funnylegs4 ~

Jim enjoys playing on line card and word games, which sometimes require Flash Player or Adobe Flash. When we went to Jim's favorite card game, we were prompted to get Flash Player. That's when it all began.

Part of the problem was that the iPad would not accept our PayPal account. John kept trying without any success, which is why he took the iPad home.

John called me today several times, as we walked through it all again. I looked up using Flash on an iPad, and there are workarounds, but it's crazy. John accessed Jim's favorite card game on his iPhone, and it worked. So, he then decided to use our credit card to authorize use of the recommended Flash Player replacements, and it worked.

John said that all Jim has to do is press the icon, and he'll be at the game.

John was going to bring the iPad over on his way to his daughter's game, but Jim was sleeping, as he does quite a lot now.

PRAYERS FOR JIM PLEASE

Jim's blood test results are in. Dr. K called to leave a message, which was cut off at the end, so I had to call his nurse to get the full message.

I viewed Jim's results on the portal, where I saw Dr. K's notes.

He wants Jim to start taking Nexium to reduce stomach acid, in case this is the reason for his low iron and ferritin. He also ordered two IV iron infusions.

I asked Dr. K's nurse whether Jim's home health nurse can give him these iron infusions. She said she didn't think so, but then, last week, she forgot he had a home health nurse. So, I called and texted Nancy to ask her whether she can do these infusions, but she hasn't replied yet.

I asked Dr. K's nurse to send the order to the infusion center, so we can get on the calendar now, if Nancy can't do it at home. I don't want to wait, as low hemoglobin can be fatal.

I'm washing Jim's "medical visit clothes" tonight, so we're ready, if we have to go to the infusion center. Fortunately, it has been moved from the hospital to the medical building. Much easier access.

Of course, I will accompany Jim to the infusion center, and we discussed that this afternoon. I said to Jim, "They don't know that Jonathan has passed. That's going to be hard." He agreed, as he told them all about Jon, me and our family, and that's why they all love Jim so much. I've talked to most of his infusion nurses on the phone, so when they see me with Jim, they'll probably figure out why I can be there.

We'll discuss transportation with John tomorrow, when he stops by with the iPad. And, then we'll have it to keep Jim occupied for 2 hours of infusion.

Dr. K cautioned that if Jim has black, tarry stools, he needs to go to the ER. He's worried about internal bleeding, as I have been during this drop in his hemoglobin and RBC .

WBC and neutrophils also dropped, but his platelets and his glucose are greatly improved. The rest are stable.

So, it's now an anxious wait to find out where we're going for the infusions. Jim is calm. He's used to this now. And he trusts me and knows that I have a handle on everything from iron infusions to iPads, and anything else starting with the letter "i".

Thank you all for your guidance, support, love, prayers, and encouragement. We couldn't do this without you. We love you and pray for you and your loved ones every day.

Love & Light,



Rose

[Virginia]

Thanks for keeping us informed. I will be praying and know that many others will also.

Blessings for you and Jim.

[Earth Mother 2 Angels]

((((((Virginia)))))) ~

Thank you so much for your prayers and blessings.

I looked up Nexium. There are cautions in taking it if you are taking iron supplements, or if you have an autoimmune disease (Jim has RA). Now, I have to write to Dr. K and reference these cautions. I'm very frightened for Jim to take Nexium and have his iron infusions simultaneously.

Nancy isn't allowed to do IV iron infusions, so we'll be going to the infusion center. She told me tonight that the length of the infusion depends upon the dose, what they mix it with, etc., but it could last 3-4 hours.

When I told Jim that we'd take his iPad, he laughed. "I'll take my CD player and listen to music. You can play with the iPad and figure it out."

We can do this. Not looking forward to it, of course, but we can do it.

Our prayers are with you too, Virginia, always.

Love & Light,



Rose

[SuzE-Q]

I hope the infusion goes well, Rose.

Interesting that it's not permitted for home healthcare to do.

Hugs to you and Jim, it will probably be an emotional time if hospital staff express their grief when they learn about the loss of Jonathan.

Funny that the phrase: " the i word" has another annoying connotation now, too.

[Virginia]

Let us know when Rose, but only if you have "extra" time. Regardless there are those of us who will be praying for this to restore energy and better health to Jim and thereby more peace for you.

[stillstANNding]

Rose, my thoughts are with you both and I’ve said a prayer.

ANN

[Earth Mother 2 Angels]

((((((Hugs to All)))))) ~

SuzE-Q, Virginia, and ANN ~

Thank you so much for your prayers and thinking of us.

IRON INFUSIONS

The infusion center called, and Jim's infusions are on: Thursday at 11:00 a.m., Friday at 2:15 p.m.

Later Nancy called, while she was working today. Bless her! Turns out that she can do an iron infusion at home, however, Medicare will not pay for it. She thought Jim's Part B might cover it. But, I reminded her that we have to pay privately for all of Jim's port supplies, when she draws his blood. Neither Medicare nor Part B are willing to support home health care for Jim.

I remember in 2011, when John's dad was ill, and his mom wanted to bring him home from an acute care facility. Home health was not covered by Medicare, and one of his medications cost $4,000.

This MUST change!!!

The other hitch is that Nancy only works on Tuesdays and Thursdays, although she often makes exceptions for her special patients, or for patients, who require infusions or port draws. As I said, she is the BEST nurse in that agency, and she should be retired now, but she loves her patients too much, and she said, "My job," to quit.

I recall, after Jim was diagnosed, sobbing on Nancy's shoulder, "You're going to retire soon, what am I going to do for Jonathan and Jim without you?"

She patted my back, "It's all right, honey. I'm not going anywhere. I'll be here for you."

That is LOVE and dedication.

She has a life of her own, husband, daughters, grandchild, and she's booked with her family's needs for the next two days. Friday, she'll have too many patients to do a 2 hour infusion.

I told her that it was fine that we're going to the infusion center. Jim said today that he's actually looking forward to seeing the new infusion center, which we think has a view of the mountains, where in the hospital, the infusion center is in the basement. Most of all, he wants to see all of the great nurses, who he loves, and who love him. They ask to take care of Jim, and I guess the senior nurse always wins. Ironically, her last name is the same as ours. I tease Jim about his second wife. I hope I get to meet her.

Jim and I will be taking an assortment of photos of Jonathan and Michael to show the nurses. I can feel the reaction just thinking about it now. "So beautiful! So sweet! Look at those eyes! Awww ..."

It will be an interesting experience for all of us. And, I will be beside my love, supporting him, comforting him, making sure everything is going well for him, and the nurses will witness the depth of our love and devotion.

THE iPAD

John delivered it ready to go this afternoon, and he gave us a refresher course, and watched us and taught us, as we used it. I have left Jim with it, and it will be interesting to find out how well it went. He hasn't called up to me, so he may have given up.

He said to us, "You know, my brain isn't what it used to be, and I have trouble retaining things. But I want to do this, and I'm going to try."

John replied, "I'm just a text or phone call or 1 1/2 miles away, Jim."

I replied, "And, I live here."



PREPARATIONS

Jim has an assortment of comfortable pants and button down shirts for the adventures awaiting him. I have a lot of ironing to do. But I have all day tomorrow to do it.

I've also washed all of my "going out in the world" clothes. Again, ironing.

Tomorrow, I will cut Jim's hair, which he really needs. He's up to date on his other grooming, except shaving. He's been using the electric razor I got him, which is fine, but not as smooth a shave as a razor. He needs to look dashing for his infusion nurses.

John agreed.

I wish that I'd had time to bring John's niece over to our home to cut/style my hair. The last time she cut my hair was October 2018. My hair hasn't been this long since the 80s. My go-to style now is a pony tail in a scrunchee. So age-appropriate! I'm all thumbs with my hair, otherwise, I'd make a bun and put a pencil through it.

TRANSPORTATION

John is onboard to take us to Jim's infusion on Thursday. He was going to take us on Friday, but he and his wife have tickets to a concert, and this is a late afternoon appointment.

I said that I'm able to drive the van both days, but John insisted that he wanted to take us on Thursday, so he could help us, and we could get the lay of land. The infusion center is new, and Jim has never been there. I am usually so stressed by the time we get there that it's just a maze to me.

The valets know Jim and love him. I know they will give us lots of support on Friday, unless the staff has changed, which is likely. One great thing about our hospital is the commitment to treating everyone with kindness, respect and caring. From valet to cafeteria attendant to housekeeping right up to the top level. It's rare to find anyone, who isn't nice and helpful.

So, tomorrow, I iron. Ironic. More "i" words, all related to Jim's current problem.

Thank you all so very much for standing beside us, loving, praying for and supporting us. Please always know how much we love you, pray for you and your families, and give thanks for the blessing you are in our lives.

Love & Light,



Rose

[Earth Mother 2 Angels]

Police on Patrol Everywhere Today

((((((Hugs to All)))))) ~

Jim slept late this morning, after not sleeping well last night. I wanted to leave around 10:30 to run errands, including picking up Jim's meds at the drive thru pharmacy. He woke up about 10:45, and I was out by 11:00.

When I drove into the back access to the drive thru, two police cars came around the corner of the back parking lot behind the store. Although I've seen a fire truck and firefighters shopping inside the grocery store many times, I've never seen police cars. So, I thought, "this is not a good thing."

I drove up to the drive thru window only to see a sign: "Come on in! Our microphone is broken."

That was a hard pass. I was out of there. If there are police cars in the back, then, well, no, I'm not going in. Plus, I am trying to avoid standing in line around sick people. Fortunately, Jim has plenty of steroids, and he isn't going to take Nexium. I'll go back Saturday morning, when there is less traffic. It's only 3 miles from our house.

Driving to my next destination, I saw a police car waiting at the corner of a small park, where speed is monitored. I don't need that monitor, because I always slow down in residential areas. I drive a giant truck. As I neared the monitor, it went off, because my speed was slow.

The police car pulled out behind a car behind me. My heart fluttered. I did nothing wrong. But I have PTSD about being pulled over by police.

Once it was when Michael was seizing in the back seat, and I was a mile from our home. The officer said I was speeding, and I explained about Michael's seizure. He shined his flashlight on Michael. He said, "You know he has seizures, so you should know what to do." Yeah, get him home. He wrote me a ticket.

I've been in the middle of high speed car chases on the freeway, where I was stopped by police. In one, I was on my way to a doctor's appointment for myself for a change, and the police had cornered the suspects on the street across from the medical center. I was in the left hand turn lane, my blinker on, I had the green left turn arrow, and I looked at the officer directing traffic and motioned to him for permission to turn. He waved me on. Two seconds later, sirens blazing, I was pulled over. Five Cops, with their hands on their weapons, surrounded my van, while they ran a search on my plates.

When I asked the officer why I was pulled over, he ordered, "Be quiet, ma'am. Stay in the vehicle and don't say anything."

Of course, I was cleared, and the officer told me that my van looked like one used in a robbery. At this point, I was shaking uncontrollably, and I knew to keep my mouth shut. I wanted to say, "Really? I'm a middle-aged woman driving a wheelchair van with a ramp. Criminals aren't that clever. You watch too many movies."

Thankfully, today's officer pulled over the car behind me, and I drove on to my destination.

Before I left, Jim said, "Watch out for the crazies."

"Don't ever say that again, honey! You said that the last time, and I witnessed three near accidents, two of which could have involved me with speeding cars."

Jim fell asleep after I got home, so I had a late start on the day and all that I wanted to accomplish before tomorrow's infusion.

I did cut Jim's hair this afternoon, and he's had his shower and shave. He's ready to go. I didn't get to the ironing. I'll likely skip my walk and do that first thing when I get up, because I'm tired and my back is screaming "No more standing up!"

Also, I was able to wash all of my "going out in the world" jeans. So, I have a set wardrobe for whatever may come our way.

Speaking of hair, I tried something new with mine today, which as I mentioned is quite long now. I let it dry naturally for an hour, then I blew it dry underneath for a minute. It looked like I had a perm! I also decided I needed some bangs, so I sliced off a bit at the top.

When Jim saw me, he said, "You look lovely, honey! Your hair looks very nice, and it makes you look younger."

If I haven't given you enough reasons why I love Jim, here's another one.

Jim plugged in the iPad to recharge, first in the TV, and I said, "No, I think it has to go into a socket with the adapter." Turns out that was true, and he did that this morning. He put the iPad in the case I ordered, and it turns out we can make it into a stand to hold up the iPad. He's also thoroughly examined the stylus.

Last night, I found the Dodgers' game on YouTube on the iPad, and we watched a few innings, before Jim became weary.

I'm grateful that John will be transporting us tomorrow. I am going to need his help. On Friday, the appointment is late afternoon, so I'll have more time to prepare. I'm ready to drive and do what needs to be done for Jim.

I just hope there aren't any police cars when we get there!

We send you all of our love and prayers and thank you for your love, prayers and support.

Stay tuned for the next installment of our saga!

Love & Light,



Rose