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| VERY "GLOOMY" TURTLE! |
Pneumonia struck a couple of weeks ago on Thursday. My husband and I love the Urgent Care that is close to our house! I actually see their Dr. more than my primary physician--just because all my health problems seem to strike during off hours. It is a "neat" thing--but also a really bad thing--the receptionist knows my information now and no longer has to ask when we walk in. They have given me great care!
Saturday, I missed the special day that our guild had set up to stuff goodie bags for the upcoming Lace Embrace in Bartlesville OK on October 1st. I heard there was some fantastic hand-made items put in each bag. I sent a box of Workbasket magazines--donated by Maggie Brown to be put in the bags. That was such a fantastic monthly craft magazine--and for a long time, my only access to tatting patterns!
Sunday evening, I "just couldn't get a full breath of air" and watched my oxygen levels slowly drop out of the 90's into the 80's. Wondering if I was "making a mountain out of a molehill"--we drove to St. Francis hospital in Tulsa. Once there, I went through their ER triage--for a couple of hours! Most of their ER triage crew are paramedics--trained and experienced in being able to stick anyone in any situation. I, unfortunately, am not "anyone"--I am traditionally a "hard stick" and now slightly dehydrated--my blood just flat out hid from these dedicated workers! The whole crew got to try and finally someone got the last few drops they needed. After receiving an hour long breathing treatment---I was admitted to ICU with a heart-rate of 130 and an oxygen level of 83%. Wednesday afternoon, I was finally moved to a Respiratory Care step-down unit. This was where all the testing began--which confirmed and gave us a better insight into what we already knew. a) my esophagus does not "squeeze" food properly down into the stomach. b) I have a very bad hiatal hernia. Both are feeding "crud" into my lungs contributing to my pneumonia. I must lose a chunk of weight before the dr.s in this area can do needed surgery to help stop the problem. Although I received excellent medical care, that was delivered by kind, compassionate, and caring nurses--I reached the restless stage. Saturday, I was released to go home. It is so good to lose all those electrodes, tubes and leads! They did send me home on oxygen--so I have a loooonng tube that allows me movement between different rooms at the house. The oxygen is because of my sleep disorder--at night, when I know I am going to bed to sleep, I wear my bipap machine. However, when I fall asleep unexpectedly during the day--my oxygen level drops and so I am on a small amount of oxygen.
Aside from slowly, physically recuperating--I am trying not to pout. The doctors have forbid my trip to Palmettos. I was so excited about going. There were certain people that I wanted to look up--and catch up with. There were several others that I was going to make a point to meet and hopefully spend some time with. I was looking forward to the classes that I was taking (I got all of my first choices!). I pinched pennies until they squealed and even got the family farm to lend me the last few dollars I needed to pay my registration. Losing money is never fun. But not attending--is one of those deep, hurts that you just have to "get over".
God is so awesome--He seems to lead me to verses that I will need....On the Sunday afternoon I went to the ER, I received this one: Romans 8:18 KJV "For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us." The Amplified Bible says "revealed to us and in us!" I have a lot of burdens--my health and my "woe is me" attitude are two of them. But I have experienced so many blessings in the last two weeks--my dear husband, who stayed many long hours with me, a great friend who stayed with me for two days and a night, a loving family who supported me, wonderful friends who visited, messaged and called to check up on me, fantastic health care....and tatting--the craft that has been my companion for over 30 years!
