Portland, Oregon

Portland, Oregon

Thursday, June 9, 2016

Unexpected Adventures


I had to chuckle when I saw this picture on the Advanced Style blog with the admonition not  to dress your age but rather how you feel. I'll leave you to think on that.
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Today was doctor day for Bob and a revealing day for me. He had appointments with two doctors and a lab appointment to draw blood, all morning appointments.

The hematologist has ordered another platelet count in a month. That's all he can do. We just need to establish if this lower platelet count is a trend or if perhaps it was a one time thing. Had a very informative talk about Wafarin, and Aspirin and how they work in different ways as blood thinners.

Bob had lost 8 pounds since he saw the hematologist in December.  Bob surprised me by telling the doctor he thought his biggest problem now was mental.

Learned he's not been taking one of his medications properly. Came home and spent the afternoon preparing medication sheet with instructions to assist him in filling his pill box. He's always taken care of all that himself. I will now join him for that task. Also clearly labeled his pill bottles.

Watched old people coming and going at the different medical offices and thought, that will soon be us. I've never seen so many walkers, wheelchairs, canes, and caregivers in one place. Growing old is not easy.

It is very seldom we eat in a restaurant but there is one Bob enjoys near all the medical offices we were visiting so we went there for lunch when his appointments were finished.
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 I read a thought provoking quote by Dan Beckmann on Misadventures of Widowhood.

"Marvelous moments happen to us all the time. We're just usually not present enough to be aware of them while they're happening. Experiences feed a curiosity that carries you beyond your backyard, to find wonders big and small. Near and far. Extraordinary and ordinary. You can find adventure everywhere and anytime. Even late in your own game."

I urge you to pop over and read the entire post.

12 comments:

  1. As for dressing I have to say I like there clothes. I find it difficult to fine clothes that fit curves.
    Coffee is on

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    1. Perhaps some pieces of those outfits, but together, that look is not me.

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  2. I don't think I've ever felt quite like those ladies!
    Between his doctors and you, it seems that Bob is in good hands.
    I'm stepping outside my comfort zone today and tomorrow. That in itself is an adventure. Hopefully I'll notice any "marvelous moments".

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    1. If I ever felt like those ladies I'd try to stay home that day.

      Remember Hillary's book "It Takes A Village," that's what it takes to care for Bob.

      Hope you'll tell us about your experience out of your comfort zone.

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  3. That clothing style is definitely not for me. But I can always appreciate those who feel comfortable and proud in their attire of choice. I'm more of an LL Bean kind of look (some would say boring!). Stepping outside my comfort zone is something I don't do often, but when I do it often surprises me. Maybe I need to do it more.

    The medication responsibility is huge. There are so many different meds with different side effects. Take some on empty stomach, some on a full stomach, etc. Glad you are there for Bob to help sort all of that out.

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    1. About twice a year I get brave and decide I need a new look and head out to buy some new clothes. Always come home with new pieces the same style as I've worn for years. Can't seem to break out of my comfort zone when it comes to clothes.

      We're very careful around this house when it comes to Bob's medicine and still something slips by once in a while. I know for a fact doctors and nurses consider medications to be an impossible to control nightmare.

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  4. Thanks for the shout out on my blog post!

    I like looking at the women featured in Advanced Style but never in a hundred years would I want to dress or look like them. But they do inspire me to pop on a pair of earrings or a scarf when I've gotten to lazy to care about such things. I was a family caregiver for a total of 17 years and you do develop a certain 'look' that comes with the role that I'd like to shed.

    My husband was on both aspirin and Wafarin and was told the same thing about how they work differently. Medication screw ups can cause confusion and all sorts of problems. I'm glad you're helping Bob with his now. Don't let your guard down in this department. It's too important.

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    1. I hope I can avoid developing the look of a caregiver but think I'm already well on my way toward it.

      You'd think with Bob's low platelet count that keeps his blood count from clotting that he wouldn't need blood thinners. From the hematology side they would prefer he not take blood thinners but must weigh the risks against his heart condition which needs blood thinners. Such a complex issue. We walk a fine line.

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  5. I dress how I feel but never like the two in your photo. Appointments are stressful. Medical prescriptions a gamble. There are many side effects with medication and some fight each other and do little good. Good luck with the new regime for medications.

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    1. Medical appointments drain every ounce of energy I can muster. Bob is a complex critter and I try so hard not to miss anything. Add to that dealing with his confusion about it all and I'm exhausted when I get home.

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  6. I suppose I have always dressed how I felt. Never like a six year old - once I turned seven, though.
    Growing old seems so much more complicated than simply living. I hope that makes sense.

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    1. Love your statement "Never like a six year old-once I turned seven."

      Thinking about all I did for my parents in the old age and now Bob at 84 I wonder sometimes what the hell will happen to me as I age. Growing old is incredibly complicated.

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