OT April Chit Chat

[jendie]

I'm not online a lot lately, especially on my laptop. Karma knocked my laptop off the end table a couple of months ago and the touch pad connecter was damaged. I got a mouse to use so that I can use my laptop, but not as easily as before. I'm waiting for my tax return to get to me so that I can either get my laptop fixed or buy a new one. I'm going back to college (online classes) on May 7th to work on my bachelor's in Accounting... FINALLY!!!

My world got turned upside down on Friday(4/20/18) when my eldest son had to go to the emergency room because his appendix ruptured! He was just starting training on his at his new job (closer to where I lived) and had been experiencing abdominal and back pains. His journey to his appendicitis dx seemed a lot like mine to my MS dx, though I didn't have to have emergency surgery to get it.

My son is staying with me during his recovery time because it's easier to get into and around my apartment than it is to get into his new apartment which isn't fully unpacked or set up yet, plus it's a longer walk from the parking lot to his front door than it is at my place. The biggest obstacle at my place is 21 month old Karma, Lab/Italian Greyhound mix who doesn't understand why she can't go into my bedroom while big brother is visiting.

Spring has arrived to my corner of western Washington, I might need to pull out my shorts... or maybe not. My legs don't agree with the daytime temps, especially if I'm near the Bay and there is a breeze. It sure has been sunny and nice this past week.

[Howie]

Virginia, it rained all day today, and is supposed to do the same tomorrow. Then the flowers will start blooming, and Sam can do her thing!

[SuzE-Q]

Jendie, what a scare you had with your son! Glad he is recuperating with you, I hope his job is safe despite this necessary period of convalescence.

Hopefully you'll get the computer issues sorted out. They are definitely not made like they used to be, and it's almost as costly to fix nowadays as it is to just buy a new one. A headache for all of us not tech savvy. I can so relate to agate's frustration of suddenly having a new, primitive font and format show up, then disappear.

Nice to see you, Jendie! I'm glad winter is over and hope summer doesn't come rushing in too fast. Some moderate temps would be a breath of fresh air!

[Virginia]

Howie, Sam looks so cute in her bee costume that Agate posted.

Jendie, I think of you nearly every time I come on, and I have seen where you are hitting the "thanks" button at times, so I at least know you are around and haven't given us up.

I am sorry to hear about your son's illness. I hope that he is doing alright now and on the mend. When they need you, they really need you and I am glad you are there for him. I hope this did not have an effect on his new job. I am glad he is going to be closer to you.

Congratulations on going back to school for your degree in Accounting. I did that when I was in my mid 40s, so I guess it is never too late.

I hope your MS is not giving you too much trouble, and also that you will soon get your laptop fixed.

[Cherie]

I am actually home and "normal for the next 5 weeks. Let me know if you need anything. Back in DC second week of June. In Long Island in August and Bethesda in October and DC in November. Other than that..I believe I am becoming domesticated.

I will log in after Thursday's visit with neuropsych with David.

[jendie]

Thanks SuzE-Q, I have the feeling that a new computer would be the best choice. I've had my Accounting degree on hold for 20 years now, it was the major MS attack that got my DX with MS and put he degree on hold, then life through it's little twists and turns and I just didn't get my mind back on track for it until the beginning of this month. Divine intervention? Maybe Tom was giving me a little nudge.

Virginia, my son called his work the next morning after surgery to let them know what happened. They were supportive and let him know that they could wait until he's cleared to go back to work. The thing with my son was that he had already done his first day of on the road training(transit bus driver with a new area). He already knows how to drive the buses, just learning new routes and how various situations are handled.

[agate]

Good to know you're still here, jendie, and I hope your son's recovery goes along smoothly.

A new computer sounds like a good idea. As SuzE-Q says, computers aren't what they used to be, but in some ways they're more stable than the older ones. When I changed from WinXP to Win 10 after 12 years on the WinXP computer, I was amazed at how well some computer problems fix themselves in Win 10.

[stillstANNding]

Hi Jendie, good to hear from you! Glad you have an opportunity and the energy and eye-power to go back to school.

I'm glad your son is w you and recovering. Glad the scary part is over.

Cherie, best to you and David tomorrow.

Today I go to Spaulding to see a physiatrist. I'll let you know what happens.
ANN

[Howie]

I don't like Windows 10. I've tried it, and was able to get back to 8.1. There is a site, Tiger Direct, that sells refurbished computers with all the OS Windows has ever had. I like 8.1 because I know it best. 10 seems to add steps to me.

[Virginia]

Cherie, must be nice to be home for a little while. Hope all goes well tomorrow. Will be waiting to hear.

Ann, hope the appointment with physiatrist goes well today. You seem to have been doing very well lately, so I am thinking it will.

[agate]

I've heard of physiatrists but don't know much about them. They sound as if they could make themselves very useful to people with MS:

Only registered and activated users can see links., Click Here To Register...

I've been to physical therapists many times and often wondered how much each PT really knew about just which muscles of mine weren't doing their job right and what to do about it if there was anything to be done.

[Howie]

J don't even know how to pronounce it, but now know what they do.

[Virginia]

I remember Ann going to one before and I believe she said it helped, that she learned a lot.

I have not had a lot of success with physical therapist, but I just haven't hit on the right one I guess. I know that some on here have had very good success.

[Sunshine]

Jendie , that’s terrifying. Thank God He is ok.

[Sunshine]

Sunshine, you must take a nap in the day time and go to bed early. One place we lived I had to get up at 4:30 to get to work on time, due to the distance and traffic. I didn't like it, but I kind of got use to it enough to look awake and work all day. I think I went to bed around 8:30 to 9:00.

Howie, tomorrow our rain is suppose to be gone. Maybe some clouds, but nothing wet. Then Thursday the sun is suppose to be out. Guess your weather is much the same. Even though rain was forecast for 3 days here I haven't seen that much. But it did ruin my new car wash. Yesterday while I was out I noticed that the car looked like it was spotted with pollen.

The doc quadruples me evening Baclofen dose which gets me woozy and asleep early. Hence the early wake up.