This has not been a great week. More one of those weeks you take steps backward and feel like you are lagging behind.
First a slight change in my symptoms........the neuropathy in my legs is moving up. It is approaching my waist now, and the therapists were quite concerned. So after several conversations, I am scheduled to see a neurologist at the end of the month. PT continues to work on balancing exercises.....I am improving, and it is exhausting.
Another slight change in the neuropathy, affects my right hand. I noticed numbness along and above the wrist.....that hasn't been there. So i was glad I had been scheduled for lab work to check my levels of B-12 and D. And guess what nice surprise I got.....denied by that Medicare agency. I was told I could not have levels rechecked for 3 months, for coverage of costs. It does not matter that the doctor ordered the tests, etc. So I said....do the tests, bill me, and I will fight this out with the numskulls in Washington or wherever. I see the doctor on Monday for the results.
And the right arm/shoulder got some attention. My OT therapist spent the last session poking, pulling, massaging, lifting, moving the arm. Then pressing on the shoulder and etc. It is two days later, and it feels so much better. I should be able to do some exercises today :) Gentle ones.
But the good news and accomplishments.......
First a slight change in my symptoms........the neuropathy in my legs is moving up. It is approaching my waist now, and the therapists were quite concerned. So after several conversations, I am scheduled to see a neurologist at the end of the month. PT continues to work on balancing exercises.....I am improving, and it is exhausting.
Another slight change in the neuropathy, affects my right hand. I noticed numbness along and above the wrist.....that hasn't been there. So i was glad I had been scheduled for lab work to check my levels of B-12 and D. And guess what nice surprise I got.....denied by that Medicare agency. I was told I could not have levels rechecked for 3 months, for coverage of costs. It does not matter that the doctor ordered the tests, etc. So I said....do the tests, bill me, and I will fight this out with the numskulls in Washington or wherever. I see the doctor on Monday for the results.
And the right arm/shoulder got some attention. My OT therapist spent the last session poking, pulling, massaging, lifting, moving the arm. Then pressing on the shoulder and etc. It is two days later, and it feels so much better. I should be able to do some exercises today :) Gentle ones.
But the good news and accomplishments.......
- Sir Old Man helped me make a Banana Pudding from scratch for my brother.
- I went to the grocery store and walked....got that....I walked about 2/3's of the store before having to sit while Sir Old Man finished the shopping.
- We pulled and sorted the quilts, and wall hangings that we will use for the quilt show display. The small wall hangings are pinned to background fabric to make hanging them easier.
- While at therapy this week, I realized it was 2 months ago when I went to rehab. I could not sit up, stand, or walk at that time. To borrow an old phrase....you've come a long way, baby!
- And I sewed.....smile.
Circles, I sewed the circles together. I feel like this is an accomplishment to smile about. I am not sure of how to border them, so they are resting on the design wall for now.
A close up of some of the fabrics I used.
When I was moving a stack of papers and books, I saw these two books. I barely remember picking them up at the library book sale the week before I got sick! So I did have some fun browsing them. I am sure I will find some inspiration between the covers.
Cooler weather arrives for a few days, so I can read my "new" books as I sit on the porch. Happy stitching.
I love your circle quilt and I'm glad you went ahead with the tests. I hope you get encouraging news.
ReplyDeletePraying for you daily....... So glad that you are showing some improvement...... I know from experience how difficult it can be..........
ReplyDeleteYou are so special to many people you don't even know and we are all asking God for your continued improvement.
Thanks. Your encouragement means so much. Your comment did nt reach my mailbox, so I could not reply directly.
DeleteI echo Susan's words. You are daily in my prayers, Debbie, that God will keep you in His tender care and see to your needs.
ReplyDeleteWas not a good week for me either. My migraines had gone from every other day to every day over Labor Day weekend, and ended up in the infusion center Tues and Wed pumped full of steriods, sleepy stuff, etc. Am on steroids now and can't sleep which is what I need to make the migraine trough change. Still, not as serious as you!!
ReplyDeleteThis article was in today's Buffalo News from the NYT, http://www.nytimes.com/2016/09/06/well/mind/vitamin-b12-as-protection-for-the-aging-brain.html?_r=0
Seems unless you have the adequate stomach acid, you can't absorb. You probably know everything in the article, but maybe something will help. Praying for you!
So sorry your week did not go as well as you wanted. I'm still praying for a speedy recovery and am hoping that "speedy recovery" to me means the same thing to Him. Even with setbacks you are still making great progress. {{{HUGS}}}
ReplyDeleteOhh, I hate weeks like you've had. Glad you can see the progress you have made and hope labs come back ok. It's a shame you have to fight for the Medicare. It's about time that the doctors tell us what to do and not the insurance companies - I won't get started because I can rant on that for hours. I hope you enjoy your 'new' books! My prayers continue for your recovery. ~Jeanne
ReplyDeleteI just found out that my insurance isn't paying for all my testing & lab work, either. We changed insurers at the beginning of the year. What a pain. So glad you felt up to walking while shopping. That's improvement! You are doing so much better than just a few weeks ago. Keep it up!
ReplyDeleteI hate Medicare, too and know the feeling. You keep striving sweetie. Prayers and hugs to both of you.
ReplyDeleteI like the various colors in your backgrounds in the circle quilt. It keeps the eye moving around to see everything.
ReplyDeleteMedicare is a tricky thing and you were right to have the tests anyway. They shouldn't be able to hold our health hostage waiting for the right time period. I know that mammograms have to be a year and a day apart for them to cover it.
When you're feeling discouraged I hope you'll come back to this very impressive list of accomplishments! You have made amazing progress in two months and though there are nagging worries and some setbacks, keep your focus on the goal ahead. Medicare is the pits, as those of us of a certain age all know, but I'm happy that you're going ahead with the tests YOU need and when you need them. Prayers and hugs and lots of love from a quilting buddy up north.
ReplyDeleteSounds like a frustrating week, and insurance! Oy! I hope they work that out soon! I admire your positive attitude in recognizing how far you've come (something I haven't been very good about the last couple months)! I'm interested in seeing how you work out the border for the circles--I obviously have a thing about borders. ;o)
ReplyDeleteKeep on keeping on! That was what I kept telling myself after my endarterectomy, and what you describe as steps forward, and then steps backward was exactly what I felt. Looking at the bigger picture, how far you've come and can do now, is great. Those Medicare rules... I fell into the "Coverage Gap" for medications this summer.. I was not even taking that many prescriptions...it was shocking to see the prices rise. Good for you for getting the tests anyway. My news is that the doctors have finally decided I am well enough to have the hernia repair I have been trying to have for over two years. So, say a little prayer for me on Wednesday, when I am scheduled for the surgery. In the meantime, I've been making charity wheelchair bags.
ReplyDeleteI had not been able to sew for such a long time, it is so good to do, will do some quilts soon.
Keep on keeping on! That was what I kept telling myself after my endarterectomy, and what you describe as steps forward, and then steps backward was exactly what I felt. Looking at the bigger picture, how far you've come and can do now, is great. Those Medicare rules... I fell into the "Coverage Gap" for medications this summer.. I was not even taking that many prescriptions...it was shocking to see the prices rise. Good for you for getting the tests anyway. My news is that the doctors have finally decided I am well enough to have the hernia repair I have been trying to have for over two years. So, say a little prayer for me on Wednesday, when I am scheduled for the surgery. In the meantime, I've been making charity wheelchair bags.
ReplyDeleteI had not been able to sew for such a long time, it is so good to do, will do some quilts soon.
Congrats on all the progress! You are doing so well. You have indeed "come a long way, baby!"
ReplyDeleteYou are doing great, and I admire your strength and courage. As I was reading your post I was reminded of when my children were babies. Sometimes they regressed, and it seemed as if it was usually followed by some new skill accomplished...sitting up, starting to crawl, putting thumb and index finger together in a grip. I'm hoping that will be the case for you. Your body is taking a little rest before moving ahead with the next spurt of recovery. Annoying about the insurance thing...a pet peeve here.
ReplyDeleteSorry you've had such a mixed week! Seeing a neurologist is a good move, hopefully they may be able to shed a little more light on what is happening with you. You serve a pat on the back for your achievements during the week, and I hope you are finding time to sit and read the two books.
ReplyDelete