It’s been a long two days but we’re home with ,ore instructions than I can even comprehend. His ulcer on his ankle needs to be dressed twice a day with supplies listed on 1-1/2 pages of 8-1/2×11 paper!
We made the mistake of not going to the pharmacy right there at Mayo thinking we could get all this stuff at a pharmacy at home. We couldn’t have been more wrong or made a worse decision. We went to the Mercy Health Care in Mason City who looked at the list and said they didn’t have one single thing on it but they could drop ship it to us tomorrow. It’s 3 days before Christmas – we all know what the deliveries are like.
We went to the next pharmacy in Clear Lake who had one of the ointments. We also have to make a vinegar solution with distilled water so that meant a stop at the grocery store.
With both legs and feet wrapped his shoes wouldn’t go on so when we got home I had to get the wheelchair down from above the garage to get him into the house. When we added on to the house several years ago our contractor wisely advised us to put in the ramp and the no clearance doorway/threshold. Thank you, Steve! It was a lifesaver today.
We have to return In January for another full day of tests because of the poor circulation – oh my.
If you’ve never visited Mayo Clinic you will not be able to understand how beautiful it is! The art collections displayed everywhere are collections I’d never see in my whole life anywhere else. Here are a few photos:
I have to be honest – I’m so tired I can’t post the rest of the pictures tonight but tomorrow is another day!
Sorry to hear you’ve had all that bother about supplies. What a job to take care of Rick’s foot! Not easy for either of you.
The art at Mayo Clinic is beautiful, but I’ve always thought those Chihuly blown glass pieces looked like ovarian cysts gone berserk. 😄
I am sorry for the troubles you had getting the supplies you needed. I have often done this, thinking I can get it later or cheaper. I’m learning!
I have accompanied my sister to the Mayo Clinic, it is a sight to behold!
I wondered what those pendants were. They’re beautiful. Do they light up like chandeliers?
Bless you Mary. Rest and take care of Rick. Most of all rest.
You both must be tired out. It is wiser to just pay a few bucks more and get the prescriptions and supplies needed from a pharmacy at the hospital. I did that for all the new “stuff” needed after my husbands virus and stroke in summer when the doctor asked me and he even came back to consult with me on costs too. I said I didn’t care and I wasn’t about to go out shopping when covid was so prevalent. Some things are just worth it. You are in very good hands at Mayo so glad they are seeing him again to help his circulation and ulcer. Hope it heals up for him with a different treatment.
Kathy – I was just so exhausted that I only wanted to leave – they did say the Mayo Store but by then I couldn’t think. Dang.
I know exactly how you felt after it all. Being in new surroundings for a length of time is so hard to adjust to and make decisions by yourself. And due to the virus spreading, only one family member allowed at a time. I would get out to the parking garage and completely lose my bearings.
You will know now for your return trip what works best for you to do.
Today I hope you get some stitching therapy in along with petting those beloved dogs and cats.
Kathy – I have so much to do today and actually have to play at the senior living center with Becky later today. Resting won’t happen today but I did sleep in this morning.
Prayers continue for Rick’s healing and you as his caregiver. ❤️🙏❤️
Thinking good thoughts for Rick and hugs to you! Take care.
I would’ve expected to get everything I needed at my pharmacy back home, too. Great that you got the chair ramp/door installed … am thinking I’ll do that if I get to build the house I’ve been dreaming of in 2022. Thinking good thoughts for both of you!
And I don’t usually watch “Yellowstone” (at least, I didn’t until Sunday night.) But that “1883” show, yikes! And what about that arrow he shot at teenage Elsa? Surely they were showing her having a VERY bad dream, because she was up & walking around, etc., which seems impossible …
Prayers for Rick’s speedy healing and for rest and patience for you, his devoted caregiver. I know how exhausting this is for you both.
Sending caring thoughts and prayers to you both! What a tiring time. May Rick’s feet heal with all of the care!
I am glad you have returned and instructions to test you on your upcoming PHD. Hopkins gave us a list and said pick these up at the pharmacy and when I said ok. They said OUR pharmacy and was glad I did many compounds and had to be mixed. After a while I learned and I have been to Mayo and you are exhausted just walking around so try to get some rest. Love
Chihuli glass hanging from the ceiling, I love his work and if it’s not his, someone learned from the master! That quilt, sometimes I think wildly crazy intricate quilts miss the mark; color placement is everything.
The tiered poinsettia Christmas tree is joyous.
I’m so sorry you and Rick have had a rough couple of days and probably will have more than a few more. I bet you were just too tired to make that initial stop for medical supplies and you’re right, big mistake. You’ll never make that one again!
God’s blessings on you both during this holy season; take a little moment when you can to Be Still.
Carol Eberhardt – yes, it is Chihuli, one of the many elaborate displays!
Oh Mary, sounds exhausting for both of you. Is Rick in pain? Mayo is beautiful and I saw an article once on how the artwork and piano playing there is calming to all the patients and visitors. I agree.
You two take it easy and have a Merry Christmas.
Mary Hawk – thanks so much! Will Miss Ada be helping you celebrate? Take her picture for me!
Mary,
Keeping Rick and you in prayers! Rest when you can, Mary!
Sending hugs and prayers to you both! Rest when you can, hope you both hang in there. Keeping you both in my prayers!
Mary, If my map is right and I added correctly, Mason City is about 24 miles from you. Except for being exhausted, maybe it would be better if you called the pharmacy, found out when everything would be ready and you just drive and get it? Or maybe your sister could make the trip? It is something to think about. Especially with Christmas on Saturday, it might be a better idea. I wouldn’t want to depend on the mail.
And Holly is right, that glass looks like a bad disease! A cancer tumor sending out feelers.
Take it easy and relax (?) and just focus on Rick and the critters. A good dog will help him relax. Those leg problems and bad circulation are hard to take care of. We all will be thinking about you and hope you are alright. I know it isn’t easy. Hopefully Rick will be easy to care for. It isn’t easy for him either. Been there. Done that.
Betty in Rapid City
So sorry about Rick. I didn’t know you were taking him to Mayo. I feel like I must have missed a blog post somewhere along the line. I’m sure you’re exhausted. Good luck getting all the necessary supplies. 🤞
Prayers for Rick’s speedy recovery. 🙏🏻 And you need to take care of you too! 🤗
So sorry to hear about your troubles Mary. I know you will take good care of Rick. Some pharmacies will deliver, but they are so short on help now & everyone getting there booster they probably can’t spare anyone. Your in my thoughts!
I’m sorry the day went poorly in the end but glad Rick has a plan. Sleep well, tomorrow is a new day.
Prayers for a speedy recovery for Rick and for you to be able to be a good care taker. I agree Mayo is the best. We have been to Mayo several times for my husband and each time there is something new to look at. I love the Poinsettia Christmas tree. Take care and have a Merry Christmas!
Dear Mary, praying for Rick and you both. Moving day tomorrow, been in this house for 43 years and one week!will be glad for no more stairs!My son and his family came over in August to help me,and have decided to stay in New Zealand, yay!All the best for a peaceful Christmas to everyone, best wishes from Sandy
Sandy – I do enjoy reading of your new adventures moving on and I hope to learn more about your area from you. Your son was the one with the cuties from Taiwan, right? If so how nice you will have them close by to see grow up.
Best wishes for holiday ahead in your next home. Look forward to checking comments to hear about it,
Sandy – we all want to see current pictures of Stella and Luna! What a fun time for you to look forward to – having them close by.
I can just imagine how exhausted you both are. It’s exhausting just to find a place to park and then walk to where you need to be in Rochester. I hope you’ll be able to find all the dressing paraphernalia without too much more trouble.
The poinsettia tree is gorgeous. A friend puts one in her picture window every Christmas. She sets them on a tier of paint cans and covers the cans with a white sheet. Beautiful.
When I was in Las Vegas a number of years ago I stopped at the Chihuly gallery and he was there! What an interesting artist. I kick myself for not purchasing one of his smaller pieces. I hope everyone reading the blog is healthy and happy. Have a wonderful Christmas with your family and friends. Remember that Jesus is the reason for the season!
Gloria – we always have to use valet parking because I take him in a wheelchair right from the car. I don’t know how they manage to keep it from becoming a parking nightmare right there in front of the building – it’s truly amazing. I’m glad I’ve been familiar with the city of Rochester for a number of years – I can find my way around easily and I’d love to take the subway or skyway but I’d need to take Rick in the wheelchair. A challenge for both of us – I always want to do everything FAST which doesn’t work on a day like yesterday and when I did go fast to the exit I created the problem of not having the needed supplies! Ugh.
Mary,
It’s vital to take care of yourself also so get some rest.
Prayers for you and Rick🙏
We were driving home to Vermont, and I missed the post about you taking Rick up to Mayo. So I was shocked today when I read the post about your trip there and how exhausted you were in the trip and then the search for supplies. I’m so sorry you are both having to go through this. The Mayo Clinic will always have my deepest respect as they saved my mother many years ago when she had a life threatening melanoma. You are so fortunate to live within driving distance of Rochester. All the best as you work to help heal his ankle wound. These things are never easy, but just before Christmas makes them doubly hard. We are thinking of you both.
Prayers are with you. Sorry to hear you are going thru so much. Your strength and perseverance will carry you thru along with your faith. Sending hugs, prayers and positive vibes your way. Thank you for sharing and love your posts. 🙏🤗
An eye opener when you truly did not need it! These days, if you need it and see it in front of you it’s best to get it. I can understand your surprise as I think we are are slow to realize the medical product and prescription shortages we face at this time because naturally we discover this issue when we need something. Medical care appointments are also more difficult to acquire, so I’m glad Rick is been able to be seen and treated. This leg circulation, vascular (?) issue is certainly serious. Experience (family member) has shown me that great care, time to heal, is required when dealing with open sores. I do know the sum of exhaustion here and I hope you were able to rest well once head met pillow. I’m keeping both of you in my thoughts.
Best wishes to you and Rick. Brings back memories of problems my late husband had. We were lucky that he was a veteran and the VA had all the meds he required. We were only about an hour away from a Veteran’s hospital and they were always helpful. Just a thought if your Rick is a veteran.
Take care and so glad you are home together. Merry Christmas.
Thanks for the update, Mary. Prayers moving forward for both of you. Hope everything works out and you get the supplies you need.
Keeping you and Rick in my prayers. Hugs
Hi Aunt Mary- what a tough couple of days!!! I hope Rick will be feeling better soon. Take care of yourself too – care giving is exhausting. I hope you get all the meds. You need to help him heal. I guess you will be “forced” to stay home and enjoy Christmas. Merry Christmas to you and Uncle Rick! Please keep us posted on how he is doing.
Jenny S – tough but necessary. Neither of us mind staying home – I just don’t want to bring Covid home to him!!! And even though vaccinated and boostered, I guess I could still get it. Merry Christmas to you guys! I wish so many times that you didn’t live so far away!
Praying for healing and comfort. God’s blessings are many! Take one day at a time.
Sending positive thoughts to both of you!
Hugs and prayers to you both!
It’s good to hear you had a safe trip to and from Mayo. It seems like not having the meds is becoming more and more common at the pharmacies. What an inconvenience and sometimes more than an inconvenience, when they say we can get it in a day or two, when we know we need it NOW. Best wishes to both of you with Rick’s recovery.
The artwork is impressive. We had an occasion to visit Cleveland Clinic for a work seminar a few years ago. They also have a lot of nice artwork throughout the building and attached hotel. I guess they know it might be calming to have something beautiful to look at when dealing with health problems.
Merry Christmas!
Beryl BC – since it’s a common thread to display art in medical facilities, you’re probably right – the calming effect!
Mary, I am praying for you and Rick. Take care of yourselves.
I hope someone was playing the piano in the main lobby. It’s an uplifting experience even if you don’t appreciate music and I know you do.
Carol S – there was one gal playing who wasn’t that accomplished but I have seen a married couple sit down and play ragtime! It was so wonderful!
I agree that Mayo is exhausting! The stress alone will do that. They are so helpful tho….all the way from the volunteers to the physicians. Sorry you had bad luck with the pharmacy. Hope the open area heals soon!
Beautiful Photos at Mayo Clinic, thank you for sharing Mary. You know we’d love to see more, but only when you have time. I’m so sorry about Rick’s circulation problem, hoping it can be resolved with your loving care. Enjoy your recital, I know you always do. Thinking of you.
Glad to know you got safely home. Both of you are in my prayers. I think Hazel and Telly will be good medicine for you and Rick. Being a caregiver has many rewards.Take care.
The picture are beautiful. I saw a documentary on the start of Mayo Clinic, what a place.
Lesson learned. If needed, I’ll ask if the Dr. if the needed supplies are common at small town pharmacy’s. If not, I’ll get them at the clinic. That is, if I remember to ask!!!
While your in town, don’t forget the beer…that always helps.
Hugs to you and Rick.
Merry Christmas to all.
I agree with Pam. Mayo should have warned you about the crisis with pharmacies going on everywhere. All the smaller pharmacies in our town have closed and forced us to go to the 3 large ones. Long, long lines and shortages make it nearly impossible to get your medicine, especially if you are old and/or infirm. So, I keep my fingers crossed that you have success getting Ricks’s medical supplies and meds. What next??
Thanks for the opportunity to rant and sorry if I upset anyone.
So glad you are safely home now.
Sue in Oregon – we’ll, I had no idea this was a problem. I take real ordinary stuff so there’s never an issue, I guess. I don’t know what I’ll do if I can’t find the supplies!
Snd it would be now right before Christmas you are having to do all this. Hope Rick will heal soon.
My garage door spring broke this week too but the repairman had it fixed in 4 hours.
Merry Christmas!!!
And that should read
Praying for both you and Rick. May he have a quick and smooth recovery. Thank you for share photos of the art at the Mayo Clinic.
Oh gosh, is Rick diabetic? We’re kinda going through this with my brother. He’s already lost one leg (at the knee) and just had a bone in his little toe on the remaining foot removed yesterday due to an issue with an area that won’t heal. Hope you get all the meds for him tomorrow!
Sherrill – no, Rick is not diabetic but this is bad.
Sorry to hear of Rick’s ankle wound. Do you have a county nurse who can come and dress the wound? There is all kinds of aid out there — Dr usually mention that to patients. Also another idea is to take pictures every few days to show if healing is progressing. Prayers and good luck Mary–take care of yourself too.
Glad you’re home and safe – at least no Covid