I will write two posts tonight – one just about Rick and Mayo Clinic and another general blog post.
We left home Tuesday in the dark about 4:45 am and were easily in time for Rick’s first appointment. Parking attendants meet your car with a wheelchair and will then take your car to valet parking or you can drop your patient off and park in the ramp across the street. We have been using valet parking because it’s so convenient.
We had one appointment after another the whole day except for an afternoon break that we spent at the pharmacy and the Mayo Clinic Store where they loaded us up with dressing supplies. I had bags and bags of stuff to carry which I was able to hang off the handles of the wheelchair but since our car was in valet parking, I couldn’t take it to the car!
Rick’s wound will not heal until he has surgery to correct his bad circulation. I have the material in front of me – he has PAD, peripheral arterial disease and will have an Interventional Radiology Vascular Procedure on February 25 at Saint Mary’s Hospital in Rochester. That’s a Friday and he will come home the same day. He/we will return Monday February 28 for an ultrasound. On February 22 he will have labs drawn and a Covid test at the Albert Lea, MN Mayo Annex.
Dr. Takahashi will put stents in the right leg – both arteries and veins are involved. I purchased a product called Juven which is a protein powder specifically formulated to heal wounds. It’s a dry powder mixed with a liquid twice a day – and it’s spendy unless you look at the big picture. You can take this to the bank – if he won’t take this stuff, I’m done with being a driver and a nurse. Now back to more about Mayo.
For some reason I can’t load this short video –
We had not eaten one bite all day – I couldn’t leave Rick in the wheelchair and scoot down to the lobby – there simply wasn’t time so we ate at McDonalds on the way home. A Big Mac never tasted so good!
So that’s the update about Rick – for now.
Hoping he heals quickly. If you need to be laid up it might as well be in the winter months.
Prayers to you and your husband! 🙏❤️🙏❤️
🙏
Oh my, what a lot you both have been dealing with. Hopefully having a plan of attack has made things a bit more bearable for you. I’m going to try and take you at your word and leave more comments. Many times I think about leaving one, but I mostly talk myself out of it. I usually think that what I have to say is of little importance or interest to people. But, you seem very sincere in wanting to hear from us more, soooo, I’ll give it a try. Blessings.
Carla! I am very sincere when I say I love to hear from you – what you have to say is important to ME!
Hope the surgery is successful. Will keep fingers crossed for you both.
I have a friend with PAD and I wish her doctors would have talked to her about surgery. She’s dealing with other health issues now, so this would be on the back burner. With your determination and new found nursing skills, I think Rick will be ok. Thank you for sharing today!
My husband has/had PAD and now has 7 stents in his legs. The improved circulation gave him his life back. I hope your husband’s surgery goes well.
Sue Frankie – oh, wow! Thank you for that encouraging comment!
Home Health is very helpful. Does take a lot of pressure off the home front.
Betty in Rapid City
Betty K – Home Health can’t come twice a day and even though we’ve had them come after Ricks ankle surgery, I am pretty good at this by now.
You and Rick are in my prayers. Illness in the family is a challenging time.Be kind to yourselves.Take care and stay safe.
Sandra
What a day! You both must have been exhausted when you got home. Many prayers are being said for Rick and you! Sending a big hug!
I am able to watch the short video. Beautiful music, they do this at Mayo in EauClaire also. I know the time now is difficult, but those stints should help. When my husband had tests three years ago, we were downtown and I pushed him in a wheel chair over about three blocks of buildings – all through underground walkways. My husband had his heart surgery at St. Mary’s and he is doing really well. I firmly believe that Rick will get the help he needs there, I think they perform miracles.
Here’s hoping and praying all goes super well with both Rick’s treatment and surgery! Don’t give up! Prayers to you as a caregiver!
What a terribly long day for you both and every once in a while I crave a Big Mac. So glad there is a game plan for Ricks treatment, and I hope he takes his medicine (drinks twice a day) so he can help himself get better.
Kim – Amen, Sista!!!
Hang in there! We are all behind you both. Love the blog.
What’s long day for you! But you have a plan in place and things should get better after that.
I know how you feel about him taking his medication. My husband is on his two week, twice a day application of chemotherapy cream for precancerous spots on his face. Any grief of not wanting to sit still and let me apply cream to all his spots and I’m done also. It the spots were on me, I would be doing my own. What would he do without me if I weren’t around?
Carol – you said it! Women are the leaders – what would our husbands do without us?
I was able to see the video. Yes we are fortunate to have such expert care so close. I live in northeast Iowa. The only experience I have with Mayo is through my father-in-law and a life saving surgery many many years ago. He is still with us and doing well. No doctors in this area would attempt surgery. Sounds like an exhausting day but you now have a plan. Keeping you both in my prayers.
Prayers to you all!! God has got these troubles, many blessed days ahead!
What a long stressful day for you both. I’m glad a treatment plan can help Rick. Take care, both of you.
Thinking of you and Rick. Take care and be patient with each other. The radiological procedure is much better than the old methods. Will put you in my prayers tonight. Happy Wound Dress8g for Rick’s good nurse. Mary you are amazing.
Mary, so thankful you have the wonderful care that Mayo offers. The video was lovely. Shows they care about the whole person.
Wish I was nearby so I could be of help with meals or something. You give so much to others. Now is a time for you to let others do for you and Rick. I’m sure there are many in your area that will help. Both of you will continue to be in my prayers.
My New Years day quilt is probably going to be my 2022 quilt, it’s going to take the year to finish it. Wouldn’t have started it if it wasn’t for you. Thank you.
I was up at 4:00 a.m. also today. Took missionary friends to LAX (Los Angeles Airport) to go to Thailand. On the road for 5 hours. Going to bed early tonight. We live near Temecula CA north of San Diego
Nite nite
Dorothy
Oh my! What a long, tiring day! Rick has some serious circulation issues. So glad the reason has been determined & he’s getting the treatment & surgery he needs. Many prayers for him & he same for you as the caretaker/ chaueffer. 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻Hugs to you, Mary! 🤗
Mayo and other major medical centers are a God send but can be exhausting. I know all I’ve went through at U of MI. If your hubby won’t drink the nutrition supplement as a last ditch effort try Carnation Instant Breakfast. That is used by many bariactric surgeons. Just a thought. I hope all goes well with his surgery. Hugs
Oh Mary, what a long day for both of you. Having been in your shoes i know it’s not easy being a caregiver.
Hang in there sending prayers that all goes well with the surgery.
You deserve a long soak and a cup of hot tea.
Sheila
Glad you are home, what a long day.
My hubby does crazy things he shouldn’t and falls. You can’t tell them nothing. So bull headed. It makes it so much harder on the ones who are trying to help. I have just about decided I waste my breath saying you shouldn’t do that. I guess I need to put him over my knee and spank him. But really I think they are scared and lash out. Hope the stints do the trick. When he is on the mend his mind set will change.
Just hang in there. Prays for a speedy recovery when it’s all done.
Bobbie – yes, talk about bullheaded and stubborn! He wouldn’t let me wrap his foot at night, only the ankle and higher. I told him it was wrong but would he listen? Not until the dr. pointed out he was trapping the circulation in his foot!!! And causing more problems ! Good heavens!
Mary, a few years ago I had my bike fall over on my leg, it just scraped down it. A big blister like circle came up on my leg. It popped. The dr called it a pressure wound. I had to change the bandage 2 times a day for almost a year . They said it had to heal from the inside out. We had nurses at our park and they showed me how to do it. I had never heard of such a thing. There was no cut or anything. It left a indent hole in the back of my leg. I think things just heal a lot slower now because we have so many meds we have had for years and they don’t work now. My dr told me to use a cheap ointment of 3 in 1 instead of nerosporyain as it won’t let it heal. ( That is spelled wrong). He needs to take showers and no baths as bacteria can get into it setting in water. I hope it heals sooner than my leg did. After the wound got smaller after about 6-7 months I bought huge bandaids to cover it.
I could see the video. It put me in mind of when my husband and I flew to Cancer Treatment of America I Arizona every 3 months from 2016-2018 for metastatic prostate cancer treatment (on their dime no less since we had commercial insurance.) When I retired in summer of 2018, we had had to move treatment to Philadelphia since the AZ location didn’t accept Medicare. Now we treat exclusively at Penn State Hershey since he is no longer well enough to travel. The whole point of the story is… this was the calm , relaxing atmosphere we experienced in AZ. The facility was amazing as well as the weather. All specialty doctors were under one roof and every appointment was coordinated throughout the day along with time for lunch in their cafeteria with the best food you could find in a hospital and much of it was grown on the property. Unfortunately, Philadelphia CTCA wasn’t quite as nice and the location was not very pleasant.
I pray for you for patience and peace and a positive outcome for Rick. Being a caregiver is a tough job.
P
Pattie – and that’s the feeling you get at Mayo – so organized, so calm, all these specialized drs. in the same building. Artwork everywhere! Just gorgeous and so well run – I’ve never heard a cross, hurried or testy word – ever!
What a day! Doctor appointments can be so stressful and exhausting. Bernard had a stent put in his right leg which helped his circulation. It’s amazing what can be done to help people. Glad you got home safely and before the snowstorm at the end of the week. My best to both of you.
Diane in WI – love to hear someone has benefited from this surgery!!!
That was a long day! Prayers for you both. I was able to see the video of the awesome music. Thinking of you and asking God to watch over you.
I can only imagine what you and Rick and you are going through. My prayers and thoughts are with you both.I have had many health challenges in my family and have found that friends and family are our support along with prayers. May you be blessed with faith. Peace Micky
So sorry you have to wait so long for the surgery but at least there is a plan. You and Rick have been on our prayer list. My husband’s surgical wound is finally healed after 6 months! I was doing dressings on that wound 1-3 times a day – so thankful to be done with that.
Rosalie in Texas – gosh, I hate doing that wound dressing! They hinted that it probably will not heal till summer so I’ll be doing it 6 months, too.
We do what we can and it isn’t always easy. I knew a lady who had retired after teaching challenged kids. She retired thinking they were going to travel, but her husband (a retired contractor) got very, very sick. She, too, was his full time nurse, etc. One day she made a bad mistake with meds or something and was just kicking herself for the mistake. Her WONDERFUL husband came out and said “I’d run away from home if I could find somebody to carry my suitcase.” He made her laugh. We do our best, but nobody is perfect.
You are tired. Your efforts kept the sore from getting infected. That is something right there. Don’t be so hard on yourself. Poor circulation is a bad problem.
Take care. Hug the cat and take a nap with Hazel. The world will look better tomorrow.
Betty in Rapid City
Betty – what would I do without your calm common sense?
Mary – will be praying for a successful surgery for Rick and healing of his wound. Take care,
Jackie Trembley
Wow, what a tough and long day. And, what a place Mayo is. You are so fortunate to live within driving distance of it even though it is a long drive. All the best to you both as you navigate a difficult situation. But, there is a solution that will make Rick’s life so much better (and yours too). Tell Rick Pat says to drink that protein powder!!
Pat Smith – YES! Thank you – I’ll tell him you said to drink it!!!!
Oh Mary, hope all goes well with surgery’s..& I can empathize with dealing with stubborn, ill men. No advise on how to handle them just prayers for Rick healing & patients for you. One thing that helps is libation of choice taken with favorite music on & feet up ( for you). Saw neurologist today & she is elated with my progress.. feels I am 90% of pre-stroke self. Don’t have to return until June.
Nikki – that is wonderful news! I’m so happy to hear from you – how about you update me on the ranch when you have time.
Mary I’m so impressed that you posted that video. Which was lovely! I’m also impressed with all your ministrations to Rick and the coordination of your visit to the Mayo Clinic. God bless you both! I will be praying for Rick and you and his physicians and caregivers for his upcoming appointment and procedure.
A good friend of mine had those treatments/surgeries and had excellent results. Keep praying.
What a long and exhausting day! So glad that you now have a plan of attack. I have always thought that once a plan is in place, I can move forward. You’re doing a wonderful job, Mary.
Rhoda from Las Vegas
Mary – so good to know Mayo has figured out what Rick needs to heal his foot. You are doing all the helpful things you can do.
A covid testing site has opened at a nearby stadium and I am hearing many sirens the past 15 minutes so think a terrible accident has happened.
Stay warm and stay well and good you can take care of Rick and your farm.
I finished a yo yo place mat last night.
Mary- I’ve been enjoying all your updates about your animals, quilts and Rick. I know someone who had a procedure like Rick will have. She had good results. You are in one of the best places for care. My DIL is a nurse In Interventional Radiology and my son is starting his fellowship in that area but with treating aneurisms. Hang in there! You have a lot of support here! (Need to clean my windows too as we are packing the house up to move to Ohio in a few months). Patty in Yorkville, Illinois
I hoped your travels were safe and sound and glad the drive wasn’t knuckle biting. I don’t like being out in that kind of weather as I get older, especially for medical appointments when you have too many details on your mind. But it sounds like others have had good success with this surgery so I say it’s worth it.
I feel for you Mary. Just when my husband retired last year, he goes and has a stroke and that viral infection and all I could ask God while I sat in ICU was to get him well so he can live the life he deserves after working so hard all those years and never was sick a day nor used any sick days. Like Betty said, we do what we gotta do. And I can’t look back and wished we had done more. We just need to look ahead.
Wow! What a day! They do amazing work but this taking a really long time and so many trips for both of you! Keeping you both in my thoughts and prayers!
Thanks for the update on Rick. My husband went through similar circulation issues and wound care. Things are working now for him, prayers for Rick to have the same results. Your blog is a highlight of my emails. I followed through your newsletter you had with the store, came to Country Threads twice…..not a short drive from Wyoming. But I still have good thoughts about my trips there. Connie and you taught at Black Hills Quilt Escape in Hill City SD once for our group. Another fun time!
Thank you for taking the time to write the blog and I imagine it is discouraging if no one talks back. Lol. I will give it a whirl to write more often. Take care of yourself as you take care of all the animals and Rick.
I think if anyone can work miracles it is the Mayo Clinic. We are fortunate to have a beautiful May Clinic in Jacksonville Fl and everyone there is so friendly and kind and professional. I’m keeping positive healing thoughts for Rick that the upcoming procedure will work and his vascular wound will heal. Of course your positive energy and nursing skills will go along way to getting him better as well. Nothing ever seems easy these days and always takes longer than we want! Hang in there!
Nancy in sunny Jacksonville Fl
Sorry about Rick. Sending prayers. You are such a good caregiver.
Carolyn b Shenandoah Valley VA
Thanks for sharing about Rick’s dr appointments; that really was a super long day. I know Mayo does wonderful things and trust they will help him.
I will be praying for good weather when you are driving up there next month. I am such a whiner when it comes to winter driving. 🥰
Your video posted, how pleasant to see/hear this when concerns are so huge and real.
My husband went to the doctor today, his surgeon, his hernia repair went south and the second surgery now, on Monday, is much more involved.
After the surgery, six weeks of quiet winter recovery. Thank goodness the Super Bowl and Olympics will be entertaining!
Hi Mary, I’m sorry you have had such a tough time lately,life is supposed to get easier as we age, but it doesn’t! I am so grateful for the marvelous care my husband gets at the dementia care home and being able to spend time with my grand daughters every day.l had my booster shot today,so hope it protects me from omicron! Take care everyone, best wishes from Sandy
Goodness Mary, sounds like you and Rick still have a rocky row to hoe. I hope his next procedure is successful so you both can get back to a normal life. Sending prayers and positive thoughts.
Sorry you had such a tiring day but I’m so glad you are close to the Mayo Clinic and they have a plan for Rick. From the comments it sounds like that surgery is very successful. I’m praying for you and Rick. It is tough being the caregiver.
So sorry to hear about Rick’s complications. Praying for Rick’s recovery and for your continued strength in caring for him. Do you have someone to help you clear your drive after the storm on Friday? You’re supposed to get 10”. Hopefully the forecast is wrong!
Gloria – yes, a friend from church has already offered – whew!
I am glad to hear that the snow will be taken care of for you. I wondered the same thing. The snow won’t reach this far to the east this time. Take care.
Was driving to a Dr.appt today and a bright neon signboard was along the road at a stone company. ‘’Be Kind always’’ it said. I thought about that all thru my appointment. Good advise, regardless of the situation. Spouses can be tough. It is always easier being the patient then the caregiver. Will be keeping you both in prayer. Did Hazel get a Big Mac too?!?
Thoughts and prayers for you and Uncle Rick! Hopefully the current plan will get him on the mend. Stay healthy and safe.
Jenny Stevenson – we loved your Christmas letter! The chicken costume was the best part – haha!
Oh Mary, you certainly have your hands full. I too am a full time care giver for my husband. He has a heel wound he developed while in the hospital with renal failure. While there we both came down with covid and into isolation he went. He developed pneumonia but he recovered.I have been treating his wound everyday since early November. It is slowly healing and we are getting close to being done with it. It’s a long ordeal but you can do it, nursing is the last thing I ever wanted to do but things happen and all of a sudden you are a caregiver. It’s overwhelming with appointments and dialysis but by the grace of God you make it through one day at a time. Hang in there and try to find beauty in each day-quilt when you can-it’s my happy place too. Best wishes-Teresa
It’s tough to be the family nurse. The stents should help his circulation and wound healing but I know it is a long road to the end. Hang in there. You seem to be doing a great job. There are lots of people praying for you both, including me. 🙏
God bless.
I mentioned awhile back that my brother was having wound issues and had to have his little toe operated on. He had some stents placed and had a wound vac which drove my bro crazy. First checkup, the vac had to stay and stitches on toe were redone but he’s back in the hospital at the moment. Doc said he may still lose the toe and has been having issues with his heart which, of course, affects ALL circulation. When my DH had his rotator cuff surgery and later was battling the glioblastoma, he was the best patient and did exactly what he was supposed to (although sometimes he went a tad overboard and the dr scolded him). He’s been gone 9 1/2 yrs now and I still miss him terribly. Keep on doing what you need to keep Rick as healthy as possible even though he may not want you to.
Sherrill – good luck to your brother!
Keeping Rick and you in my prayers. Hang in there!!
God is GOOD….Hugs
Sally, Fl.
Mary – I feel for you. I just took care of my husband for 5 years who had Inclusion Body Myocitis and
pushing that wheel chair etc was not the easiest thing. Will keep you in my thoughts and prayers that this operation will heal Rick and he will be much better. Hope the next time you get better than a Big Mac (although they are good sometimes!! )
Mary, tell Rick that ALL of your blog readers want him to drink that protein powder! It can’t be as bad as the stuff we have to drink before a colonoscopy, can it? You’re being a good caregiver, and we’re here to listen and send you both virtual hugs. I was my late husband’s caregiver during his 20 years with Parkinson’s Disease, and looking back, I realize what a trouper he was, very seldom complaining. But he could also be naughtly, take chances and do things that made him fall.
Dot – I WILL MAKE HIM DRINK IT!
I’m sorry to hear of Rick’s health problems. It’s hard being a great caretaker, when you are not a nurse nor patient. With Stan’s joint replacements I understand a very small piece of that. And, I can’t imagine dealing with a wound. I hate taking off a post surgery dressing. I just don’t have the stomach for it. Will pray that this next procedure will help and you can take off your nurse’s cap.
Hi, Mary. I am happy to hear that Rick’s leg issues will soon be addressed. One important thing my husband’s surgeon impressed on us is the serious need for walking every single day because this exercise can mean the difference between keeping a leg or lose it to PAD…walking from recliner to the coffee pot isn’t considered exercise, ha. Rick’s years of long haul truck driving probably wasn’t kind to his legs. Prepare yourself for the possibility of a very long procedure day at the hospital, it always takes longer! I usually pack a tote with a lunch and things to help occupy my time, however, Covid prevented me from entering the hospital the last time so I had to drop my husband at the door and then find a place to be, which meant six hours of driving that day. There really wasn’t any “safe” place to wait with Covid being what it was and is looking like again. I’m not happy with night driving so next time I’ll consider using a hotel. It was awful to have to leave my husband at the hospital alone, he was in good hands but still…so hard because his PAD is complicated by a blood clotting disorder and we never know what might happen during a procedure. We’ve been at this for more than ten years and keeping all follow-up appointments is essential as is paying attention to symptoms of new or recurring issues. I’m sure you know all of this, sometimes getting “the patient” to agree. Sigh. Wishing the two of you all best outcomes.
A good day to you, Mary.
Have been through shoulder replacement, two knee replacements, radiation treatment, etc., etc. for the past seven years with my boyfriend. Not a husband. However, I told him at one point that he would do what I say as a woman has the innate ability to be a caretaker. We do not live together, but I did stay with him for lengths of time to get him back on his feet. He is doing well now. Good luck, God bless, and hope better days are in the future for you both. Carolyn Howard
Mayo is an amazing place. One option would have been to have the “desk” where you were call a “pusher” while you went to get something for both of you. If Rick has a phone, you can check on whether he has moved to another place. Not the greatest to leave him but it would give him and you a snack. Valet is the only way to go in Rochester. I go by myself and my wheelchair is pushed to each appointment. They seem to think of everything!
Mary, you are doing a great job of caregiver to Rick. It is harder when a husband doesn’t think we can help them. Been there, done that. In the long run he will realize that you were right. Just keep up the good work. Go out and talk to your friends outside in the barn. They will understand and welcome your time. Hazel would like a short nap on your lap with your legs up. It is therapy for you also. Mayo is a good place for help. Too bad Mayo can’t incorporate food in-between the appointments some how. That does make for a long day. Glad some commented on the result of stints being put in. Heard the results of my son’s
testing he had done. The spot on his liver was ok and he had a couple polyps in his colon but he still has
his pain. Will have to go back to his doctor. Been working on a few more Linus quilts of getting the fronts and backs together. I go to the sewing room as have more room there. Then I can sew them together in our park model during the day and at night. This is really nice reading everyone’s comments.
Glenda – our best wishes to your son – please keep us updated! I’ve had a colon resection after polyps were found at my very first colonoscopy! Wasn’t I lucky really?
Oh my! I had to look it up to see what colon resection was after polyps were found in your colon.
Not a good way to start, right. I hope everything has been good for you since. I had polyps 3 years ago so came in last fall for the 3 yr. colonoscopy. Just had 1 so will come in 5 years. Was benign thank goodness. Don’t realize what it can be until, like you, tells a person what can happen. Thank you for telling me that. Also been looking on line as to what kinds of food I can eat to help a little with preventing polyps. Friends are good to have. Thank you and will keep you updated.
Glenda – the polyp was quite large and high in my ascending colon – they cut out about 12” sort of right at the top of my abdomen and hooked up the two ends again. I had to be able to drink, eat and all other bodily functions down there before I was released – I was there for a week. Absolutely no problems since and none before – I had no idea there was anything amiss. And the only reason I gave in and scheduled the colonoscopy was that I was on Cobra insurance plan and it was going to quit in a few weeks – the dr. took pity on me and did the surgery right away. Now ain’t that a story?
forgot Glenda Fletcher from SD
Hi Mary, You win the prize for being a Great Nurse to Rick. The Protein powder is THE BEST idea too!!! When I had radiation on my breast for cancer, my breast was burnt badly, I asked my doctor what to do! He said, “You Need More Protein for Heeling! Go buy some eggs.” I added 2 eggs a day to my diet, and was amazed at how quickly I healed, within a few short days. Now I’m not saying anyone should add two eggs to their diet without first checking with their doctor, but I’d never heard of protein for heeling. I can tell you IT WORKED! Will be thinking of you this winter and hoping all goes well.
Moe, I was told to eat a lot of protein during my radiation also so it must be true. I ate all kinds of protein but just made sure I had a lot at each meal and my “snacks” were protein. I was fortunate and didn’t have any burning but they had also advised me to use lotion with Vitamin E which you can find easily at Target or Walmart etc (Vaseline, Fruit of the Earth, Suave brands and many others it doesn’t matter).
Oh Mary, I hope all these comments are helpful to you and Rick. I wish him well with all these treatments. I have a friend with PAD and I am going to tell her about Rick’s plan. We live here in Rochester and I am thankful every day for the Mayo Clinic. I know you both are tired these days. The sun is shining brightly today with snow predicted tomorrow. Blessings to both of you. You have many friends, Mary.
Marian – boy, do I ever have many friends! Thank you! And aren’t we grateful for Mayo Clinic in our backyards!
Such a long day for you and Rick, but sounds like you are in the right place for answers and help. Be kind to yourselves!!
Hi Mary, Sending lots of healing energy to you both! I hope you’ll let others help you out as it’s a blessing for you both.( Shakespeare’s quote on the quality of mercy reminds me of this.) Take care of you so you can take care of Rick. Thinking of you and remembering good times at camp and all your kindness to me. We’re watching “New Tricks” (BBC) and really enjoying it.
Just a thought. When we were taking my niece back and forth for treatments for a brain tumor we carried backpacks. That way we could carry anything we needed on our backs leaving our hands free for other activities. We always carried our purse, books, sewing, her medical notebook, etc with room for anything we picked up along the way.
May you and Rick both recover after your trip. It’s always an exhausting time. May the surgery be successful so his leg can heal!
Best to you and Rick Being a nurse is a tough job when it is your better half.
That is how my summer went.
Iam hand quilting a king size block of the month quilt I started in 2015. It has piecing and hand appliqué that I kept up with each month. Just can’t seem to stick with the quilting. I will send a picture when I finish. Forcing myself to work on it everyday.
Yesterday was sunny and warm—I washed some windows too. So nice to see out so well.
Today I baked a carrot cake and have a roast with potatoes and carrots in the crock pot.
Tomorrow is a snow day and I plan on sewing on my # 6 for this month.
That is all that is happening with me.
Rick is very lucky to have you nursing him. I call myself a professional patient with all my doctors appointments and they all seem to always be about the same week. You are very fortunate to have Mayo close. I feel for people who have to drive hours, stay in motels, etc just to get good medical care. It sounds like you have a plan now and at least he will be “laid up” during the winter when you are inside anyway. I agree with the other gals, tell him the blog readers say “Be good!” we would hate to have to vote him off our island : )
Amy M – I read this to him! He laughed but know all my friends are on my side!
Oh dear Mary. Sure hope this will help him heal. My prayers go out to you both. This has to be very stressful. I am with you on the “I am not a nurse nor was I ever cut out to be one” . My own children and the 6th grade kids in my class knew”’ if you are bleeding, find somebody else”. Hang in there girl.
OMG what you are going thru is very complicated to hear. Please God help Mary care for her husband. Mary, stay strong, prayers are going your way, God Bless.
Mary, I hope that you have a pad of paper and a pen close by so you can write down all these great ideas on how to handle Rick’s health situation!! So many people have such great ideas! Good Luck!
Oh Mary, what a journey you and Rick are on. I will be praying for the two of you and Rick’s medical team. And for clear roads as you make those multiple trips to Minnesota.
Hi Mary
Thank you for the insight into the workings of the Mayo Clinic. I will keep you and Rick in prayer for safe travel as it may be a long recovery. A few years ago, my son had a procedure on his back that had to heal from the ‘inside out’ and I needed to ‘pack’ the wound daily as it healed. I also am not a nurse and was never quite sure I was doing it right.
Mary, You are now an honorary nurse! You could probably teach wound care after all you’ve done for Rick. I hope the surgery will be successful and the healing will happen quickly. Hang in there!
I was so sorry to hear of Rick’s PAD diagnoses-I also have PAD, got it thru a reaction to a med, I have a fabulous vascular surgeon here in Omaha. Fixing circulation is the answer to his healing. I’m so sorry you had to wait so long to eat after such a long day. You take care-have a little vacation stitching a while today, and good luck with the rats!
Following along on Rick’s saga, this retired nurse would have loved pictures. Sorry you must go through this, our bodies are wonderful things while also not. I always think why do we have them? Why can’t we just be without them? Ha. Hoping things go well with his procedure. We live in a marvelous age where these things can be simpler than in past years, we know more now, have the tech to use for better efficacy. Wound care is complex, you’ve grown in handling it.
Hazel remains a fave of mine, though we’re not pet people. So sweet.
I hope you never stop blogging, I love your work, at home and quilting, love your sharing of your life. My in-laws were country folk while I’m a city gal, you make me feel home.
Best wishes always.