Would you believe even the Mayo pharmacy doesn’t have all the supplies they prescribed for Rick? The manager of the Mayo Clinic in Mankato, MN is driving to Rochester tomorrow and he has some of what we need so I’m driving back to Rochester tomorrow to meet him at Mayo at 2:00. If you had told me this whole story a week ago, I would have laughed and said “no way”!
When I got home from the dinner and music, I dressed his ankle again. Maybe I’ll get used to it but I’ve never wanted to be a nurse and I’m not very good at it. I’ve never seen anything so disturbing and that’s all I’ll say.
Buying a t shirt or sweatshirt on your vacation is what people do, right? Well, here’s my vacation sweatshirt! haha!
Millie has become part of my nativity set – I had to move the camel to the other side to make more room for her.
The following pictures are displays at Mayo Clinic.
Such beautiful artwork! Since I’m going back tomorrow I’ll take some more pictures – it’s such a gorgeous place and if this wasn’t so serious, it would be a delightful tour to take.
So, that’s my update for today. Ugh. I’m gonna wish I didn’t hit “publish” because this is not fun. Sorry.
Don’t forget you have a nurse just up the road that would be happy to help with anything if you need it. 😉 Just give me shout!!
Heather – thank you so much for the offer and believe me I will ask if I get in too deep! I did forget about you being so close, Heather!
Oh my, so sorry that you have to do all this, I hope you can enjoy Christmas anyway! Sending love and hugs!!!
I love that Millie is making herself part of the nativity.What a sweet girl!
I wish you and Rick a happy,healthy New Year!
So sorry Mary, seems like everything is so hard these days or complicated You & Rick take care!!
I am so sorry you are having to through all of this! Prayers for healing and for you, as caregiver.
Mary my friend,
Am sending prayers for you and Rick. Be strong and remember Heather’s offer of help!
I see Heather is available and willing to help you out, Mary, and as hard as it is for any of us to accept help, sometimes, as they say “the Lord will provide”. It sounds like your neighbor up the road would be happy to let the Lord work though her hands.
The art, oh my, I’m so glad you are sharing and can appreciate it even though there is suffering behind your visit. The chronicle of your daily life is what your blog is about, so don’t worry about pressing “send”, more of us should be attentive to our daily joys and trials that define our time here.
So sorry to hear about the issues with Rick. Those sores are so frightening, they could go back so quickly. It’s good you got him in to be looked at. Husband had a wound that didn’t heal well, it was a lengthy process, I had to drive him around, so we were going by the clinic every day so we just stopped 3 days a week to let them do it. I could, but it was on his stomach so they were very concerned about it. It will get better, just not today I’m afraid. And he couldn’t see the wound well, so I’d take a picture once a week so he could see the progress. Take care, drive safely. It is good that our weather is holding for you.
I’m glad you got to see some of Mayo’s spectacular art collection—and the beautiful poinsettia tree—that is an annual tradition that goes back decades!!
I’m so sorry Rick is having circulation issues. I was not cut out to be a nurse either!!!! Changing dressings is challenging. Caregivers need care, too, so please accept help when you can. I always say it is a gift to our friends to allow them to help when they offer.
I hope you and Rick have a blessed Christmas!! I have my daughter home from LA and son, daughter-in-love and granddaughter will arrive tomorrow—can’t wait!!
Mary, I know what you mean. I could never do nursing full time. I can’t believe some of the things I did for Bernard when he was sick. I remembered the “in sickness and in health” vow I took. I would do it all again for him. Prayers for both of you. Things will get better; it just takes time. Have a Merry Christmas!
Oh, Mary….I am so sorry for all your and Ricks’s problems right now. Winter is hard enough without this. And, I wish you did not have to go back to Mayo. Wishing you a very safe trip.
Your sweatshirt sure is cute even if it does say Mayo on it.
I love all of the art, especially that Mola shirt. Wow! Fantastic.
Mary, I’ve been taking care of my 94-year-old mother for two years now. She developed some wounds due to poor circulation. If your neighbor Heather can help, that would be great. You might also be able to connect with a home health agency. That’s what I did. A nurse comes once a week to monitor everything and provides some of the supplies needed. Other supplies have come directly from mom’s doctor. I’ve also ordered from an online company called Simply Medical. They are awesome and get my order to me within 3 days. No affiliation- just a happy customer. The good news is that mom’s wounds are healing. It can be a long, slow process.
Here’s wishing a quick recovery for your husband and your nursing duties, I feel exactly as you, I admire nurses but have never wanted to be one! I SO agree with the article on your fridge! We could have been way past this mess of Covid if all would have worked towards the same outcome, but sadly it’s such a “me first “ mentality. Wishing you and yours a Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays and a Healthy New Year!
Mary,
You have a great sense of humor and thus a vacation sweatshirt from Mayo Clinic. Millie knows the animals went to see baby Jesus so she didn’t want to be left out. Hang in there, you are strong.
I somehow thought Mayo was closer to Garner than it is—I just looked it up on Google Maps and it is around 111 miles away. I’m hoping you have OK weather for this trip today. I say call on Heather down the road. I had to do a similar type nursing job on my husband many years ago and found it difficult. But the time passed, the wound healed and everything was all right. But, the advice and help from a Heather in my life would have been so helpful just for the reassurance that everything was going as expected. All the best to you today for a safe trip.
Wondering if there is Home Health available for you?
Having gone through a similar experience I found that Home Health was a wonderful alternative to myself doing all the wound care.
Wishing you and Rick a Merry Christmas and Blessed New Year.
I know how difficult those leg ulcers can be as I dealt with a few of them as a hospice nurse. My husband has a fistula that has developed that drains lymph fluid. We’ve been dealing with it since June and while it is better it may never heal. So I do dressing changes 1-3 times a day. I take pictures occasionally so he can see it. Praying for both of you …and do take Heather’s offer for occasional help. I would love to have a break.
You are bith in my prayers.
Hang in there! We are your friends so vent away! That is what friends do-support through thick and thin!😁
Yes, Mary, do seek Heather’s help and Home Health care if it’s available. That would be so helpful to you. The artwork pictures are gorgeous. What are the beautiful colored strips? So, now it’s camel Millie, huh? They do the funniest things. Here is a little humor. Now that the Mayo Clinic has been mentioned here, I am receiving all kinds of health ads including what to do for a fatty liver!! Merry Christmas to you and Rick:)
I’m sorry to say I know exactly what’s going on. My husband has a spinal cord injury, and cannot feel sores on his feet. Ultimately, they get infected and are hard to heal. We finally had to get him to a wound care clinic in DM and they gave him artificial skin for his sores. Took months for everything to heal. What a mess.
I totally feel for you and wish you didn;t have to go through this. Many prayers for Rick and especially you!
Dear Mary, I am so sorry Rick and you have to go thru this “adventure”. When DH had treatment for kidney stones last year, he came home with a drain in his back – THAT took me a while to get used to, but I learned not to dwell on it. It took us a while to figure out things. We too thought we wouldn’t bother with the in-house hospital pharmacy, just wanting to get home, then I’d go locally. Wrong choice. The following 2 procedures we did take advantage of the in-house pharmacy. Don’t forget Amazon as a source for dressings, supplies and so on.
I hope Rick heals well. Sending loving thoughts to him and you, and best wishes for a blessed Christmas.
I wasn’t meant to be a nurse either but there are times we have to be one. My daughter in law is one but she lives 13 hours from us. I admire those who are nurses because they see and deal with so much.
The pictures today of the Mayo artwork remind me of the artwork we saw at the Mayo in Phoenix. I love the kitty in the nativity. We had a rather large one when I was growing up and occasionally we would find a kitty sleeping on top of the Baby Jesus. I guess they wanted to keep him warm.
Hang in there! Prayers for both of you!
Mary, I know what you’re going through. My husband was in the hospital for surgery and came home with 4 tubes coming out of his stomach. My job is to flush those tubes and change the dressing around the tubes to make sure that he doesn’t get infection around the opening. I also have to give him a shot every day. Luckily home health comes about every two or three days and she is a blessing of help and kindness. I had never wanted to be a nurse or do nursing, but I’m learning. We can learn and do new things if it helps the one we love.
Never be sorry Mary you open up and share with us. We all need each other.
I was just sharing yesterday over a holiday call with an old friend how grateful I am that our parents were good role models in showing kindness and never acting selfish towards others. Wouldn’t it be a better world today if more thought to care with actions. My parents showed it with making vegetable soup and taking it to families in need at holidays and we helped nuture stray animals. And I am still alive and well with all the vaccines we were given many times in the school gymnasium without our parents standing next to us.
Good luck on your drive today and hoping we get a Silent Night barn picture from you on Christmas Eve.
Mary, you can lean on us any time you need to. We are here for you.
Reading about all the spouses that had to do nursing duties makes me appreciate hospital nurses all the more. I’ve had some great ones and some…well not so great.
Today, they are burning out treating preventable illnesses and death. Covid.
God bless them and the doctors.
Let Heather help, her training will identify early trouble you may miss.
On the bright side…ever notice baby Jesus’s arms are always open? He is inviting everybody to come in. Four legged, two legged, and feathered. He wants Millie to stay close by.
The pictures you took from Mayo are fascinating. I’m glad you have some distraction from the tribulations of being there.
Take care.
Hi Mary, I’m so sorry for Rick and his wound, you are truly a farmer’s wife taking care of his wound like this. Yes, give Heather a call if just can’t do it. I’ve been caring the same for my hubby since we were first married when he was diagnosed with cancer, and then again last couple of years another bout of cancer. I was 12 when I was tasked with taking care of my dad’s cancer, even though I feel like I got early training, I too never wanted to be a nurse or caretaker so am feeling for you. That article on your fridge is right on; SELFISH. Also sorry you have to travel again to pick up supplies, but love your sweatshirt! Love the photos you took at Mayo, looking forward to seeing more. Best Wishes.
When I was in elementary school there were pictures of families in foreign countries taking care of loved ones while they were in the hospital. I’ve had my stint of packing and dressing my husband’s wound plus administering IV antibiotics twice per day. Not a pleasant job as an amateur nurse as I doubted my capabilities. But hubby did recover and get well after two surgeries and he didn’t lose his hand but I would not want to do it again. Sympathies are with you. All the while this was going on I dept thinking how we’ve reverted to being a country where family members handle medical care.
Mary, if I lived closer, I would gladly change Rick’s dressings. I worked as an LPN full-time for forty-four years. I can take care of sick people, but when it comes to a sick or injured animal, I’m a puddle of mush!
Merry Christmas to you and yours, a new year is ahead.
Praying for you both! Caregiving is hard and sometimes yucky and stressful but your attitude is great 🥰 love your sense of humor concerning the vacation sweatshirt! Wishing you and your family a very Merry Christmas on Christmas Eve Eve!
Hi Mary
So so sad to hear that Rick is having this issue. I am praying for total healing speedy recovery and that you will have all the supplies you need quickly🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻✝️✝️✝️💟
Bea knight
Sending prayers for comfort & rest for Christmas!
Mary, anyone who can nurse puppies and kittens and who has a huge heart (like you do) will do a wonderful job nursing your hubby. You are a huge part of his wellness. Blessings.
My nurse friends tell me hospital supplies are indeed affected by the supply chain problems. It’s real. Hang in there. Wounds are no laughing matter and not for the faint at heart. Accept your neighbor’s offer. Prayers for healing. Take care of yourself as well, ok?
Merry Christmas. I can’t wait to see my wee girl! I can’t help thinking this year, we just never know what the next year is going to bring, do we? It’s a blessing to know you, Mary.
So sorry for your husband’s health problems. Seems as if you are coping. Just wanted to let you know that the pieces described as “African clothing” are Molas. “mola, type of embroidered woman’s outer garment, worn as part of the blouse by the Kuna Indians of the San Blas Archipelago, off the eastern coast of Panama.”- Brittannica
Caro – oh, thank you! And I’m sure that’s what the sign did say – I couldn’t remember. It’s such beautiful work! I apologize for my faulty memory!
Hi, I can relate to your situation. My niece had a right knee replacement and could not get up her 7 steps. She nd her sister have been here over a week. Her sister takes her to therapy. Right before tbis, my husband had a kidney stone attack (not his first) Went to the ER and he couldn’t pass them. Thankfully, although we had to go to a different town, he was able to have laser done. My mother in law who is 98 had cataract surgery yesterday. She thought she would be able to see right away and she cant. The funniest thing of all and Mary, you will enjoy this, tomorrow I am going to be baby sitting an English Mastiff/st Bernard mix because her mommy and daddy are going to Florida and the original people who were going to babysit backed out. We will have her for a week. Say a little prayer that all goes well. I will do the same for you.
Margie – so I’m not the only one who’s in deep, huh? I have to say that when I had my cataract surgery I believe I did see well immediately. Maybe I have forgotten. I am jealous of your dog sitting gig!
Prayers for Rick’s healing and your stamina. I really like the color of the sweatshirt, and all the artwork is beautiful.
Mary I am saddened that you and Rick have to go through all of this. Tell Rick that you will take care of him like you do your animal friends, with tender loving care. Both of you hang in there and have a blessed Christmas and a healthy New Year!
Mary, What an interesting collection of artwork at the Mayo Clinic. And what a treat for us to see it . . . Thank you. I love your new sweatshirt, especially with the Mayo Clinic logo on it. Don’t hesitate to use the available healthcare resources. Any assistance will go a long way in helping you deal with Rick’s care. New faces may also help both you and Rick stay positive about it all. This must hard on him as well, being the patient and having to be cared for. Prayers for both of you.
So sorry you and Rick have to go thru this, Mary. Sending prayers and positive vibes. Thanks for all the beautiful photos of Mayo; I had no idea all that art was there.
I’m so glad I “found you.” I just could not connect for months. I’m sorry also that you have to go through all of this at this time of the year. When you go back to the clinic, take some of your music and play that beautiful grand piano. It is there for anyone. One time when I was there, a gal was giving a piano lesson to a 10 year old boy. Another time, a doctor was playing “rag music.” The sound floats throughtout the building. And the artwork is something else. Go through the museum if you have time. It is small and you can just walk throug–or stop and read everything. On christmas Eve, I’m playing the organ and our pastor is going to play his violin on vs. 2&3. I hope it goes well!!!!This is a first. I’m not sure little Slayton, MN is ready for vioilin music. We will see. Quilts are all beautiful.. Thanks for sharing. Best of luck to Rick and Merry Christmas to all.
Kathy Schwartz – I didn’t realize I was lost! Haha! I’d be so afraid to play that piano at Mayo – I would want it to be perfect and I’d be so nervous I’d make mistakes! I’ve heard some really good pianists play there! I don’t know where the museum is located – tell me – I’ll be returning in January. And I’ll take more pictures to post!
Kathy s – good luck playing the violin tomorrow night!
When I first went to Mayo back in the 90’s, they were giving tours of the Dr. Mayo’s home, which was really fascinating. They also had a building back in the 60’s that my graduating class went to see that housed all the weird things that they operated on, etc. They don’t have it anymore, but it was really interesting. There’s so much artwork there, and it’s such an amazing place to go to. The Doctors and all the staff to me are very excellent. They have figured out my husband and myself medical issues when no one else was abIe to. Your husband is in the best hands. And yes, if you need prescriptions, it’s best to get them there, because sometimes they are made especially for the situation at hand, and others don’t carry them.
Pat Book – I actually remember going to that museum as a kid – I can still see the farmer figure with a pitchfork going through his body! I’ve never heard a rushed or testy word at Mayo and the communication is perfect! I have nothing but good to say and yes, the artwork is worth going to see on its own.