Everybody is still asleep and resting happily in the knowledge that their schools are delayed two hours. I love when the powers that be make the coveted call before everybody goes to sleep. The joy on Scott and Robby's faces when I inform them that school has been delayed or cancelled is priceless. Timmy, of course, ignored the sleep-in because school is delayed directive and was up before the sun.
Today I return to the ear doctor for round two of my ear treatment. Last week was not successful and the procedure ended up being painful. The doctor opted to stop because of my wincing and yelping. My ear canal was injected with ointment to soften the adhesions. This afternoon we will attempt the debridement again.
After the discomfort from our last attempt, I am already queasy as I anticipate what I may experience. I keep trying to remind myself that the gel has worked its magic and that the debridement will not be painful this time. I'm trying to put on my game face, but my nerves are definitely getting the best of me.
To make matters worse my phantom ankle is hurting today, increasing both my irritability and frustration. I hate when I am awoken with a cramp in a ankle that is no longer attached to my body. It is definitely not a good way to start the morning!
I'm trying to regroup before the day gets started. My phantom ankle started to calm when I slipped on my prosthesis. Now instead of cramping I am feeling a dull ache, which is annoying but tolerable. Actually, it is tolerable and annoying and frustrating.
I'm certainly not starting this day off on the right foot (pun intended).
About Me
- Peggy
- I am a below knee amputee. More importantly, I am also Mommy to two boys, a very active 10 year old (Robby) and an mischievous toddler (Timmy). I have learned that being a parent with a disability can create some unusual and sometimes humorous situations. This blogger is available for hire! Let's talk and learn how a blog can expand your business.
Wednesday, January 17, 2018
Tuesday, January 16, 2018
Laid Back
Another long weekend is in the books. We didn't do anything grandiose yesterday for Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. It was too cold to play outside, so we opted for a quiet day at home. I think we are still decompressing and recovering from a hectic holiday season. The thought of going somewhere just felt overwhelming. I think our family is entering full blown hibernation mode.
The boys were all happy with our stay-at-home holiday. Scott and Robby played video games for much of the afternoon while Timmy and I baked cookies for the local fire department. I absolutely adore having another little baker in the house! Hamlet now loves helping me in the kitchen and comes running whenever I mention "the c word" (which has come to mean cookies.)
Today Scott and Robby will return to school and Timmy and I will work towards resuming our routine. With snow in the forecast for tonight I'm not overly optimistic that I will settle back into a stable calendar anytime soon. Robby and Scott are already hoping and dreaming of another snow day. Robby received a new sled for Christmas and I know that he is chomping at the bit to take it for a spin.
A large snowfall is always fun, but I'm not ready for one this week. Tomorrow I return to the ear doctor, so at this point I'm just hoping for the roads to be clear enough for me to get to the appointment. I really want this gel removed from my ear. It isn't painful anymore, but it is certainly annoying. Hopefully the snow will stay away until my ear issues resolve. As soon as I"m better, let it snow let it snow let it snow.
The boys were all happy with our stay-at-home holiday. Scott and Robby played video games for much of the afternoon while Timmy and I baked cookies for the local fire department. I absolutely adore having another little baker in the house! Hamlet now loves helping me in the kitchen and comes running whenever I mention "the c word" (which has come to mean cookies.)
Today Scott and Robby will return to school and Timmy and I will work towards resuming our routine. With snow in the forecast for tonight I'm not overly optimistic that I will settle back into a stable calendar anytime soon. Robby and Scott are already hoping and dreaming of another snow day. Robby received a new sled for Christmas and I know that he is chomping at the bit to take it for a spin.
A large snowfall is always fun, but I'm not ready for one this week. Tomorrow I return to the ear doctor, so at this point I'm just hoping for the roads to be clear enough for me to get to the appointment. I really want this gel removed from my ear. It isn't painful anymore, but it is certainly annoying. Hopefully the snow will stay away until my ear issues resolve. As soon as I"m better, let it snow let it snow let it snow.
Monday, January 15, 2018
Young ZooKeeper School
Friday was a big day in our house. I took Timmy to the Animal Park to check out a new preschool program they were launching. What started out of curiosity ended up being Timmy's first official day of preschool. Well, technically it is the Young Zookeepers School, which is perfect for us right now.
Once a week Timmy will attend the Young Zookeepers program where he will play with other kids, listen to a story, work on arts and crafts and learn about animals. Timmy absolutely loved the program, and I had no qualms about signing him up. I love seeing him play with other kids and engage on a more academic level. Because of his autoimmune issues, we can't enroll him in a standard preschool at this time. This class feels like it was created specifically for our needs!
The weekly class is three hours long and, although parents are invited to participate, it is encouraged that we stay in the lobby to allow the kids a chance to socialize and learn to depend upon themselves and their teachers. (The lobby has free coffee and WiFi, so I'm set while he's at school.) Timmy had no problem separating from me during the class and was grinning from ear-to-ear throughout the morning. I am happy to stay close by and out of the way while he works towards his Young ZooKeeper credentials.
Over the weekend Scott and I took Timmy to the store to purchase his school supplies. I'm not sure if Timmy made the connections about why we were shopping, but we are trying to highlight the concept that he is attending his own school. Even if he didn't understand, he seemed to relish the attention and spending time in Target. It turns out that many of the items on his supply list are out of stock because they are seasonal, so I'll have to buy them online before Friday. He did pick out a shiny red Paw Patrol water bottle and somehow managed to convince his Daddy to buy a new train for his collection.
I'm already looking forward to Friday!
Once a week Timmy will attend the Young Zookeepers program where he will play with other kids, listen to a story, work on arts and crafts and learn about animals. Timmy absolutely loved the program, and I had no qualms about signing him up. I love seeing him play with other kids and engage on a more academic level. Because of his autoimmune issues, we can't enroll him in a standard preschool at this time. This class feels like it was created specifically for our needs!
The weekly class is three hours long and, although parents are invited to participate, it is encouraged that we stay in the lobby to allow the kids a chance to socialize and learn to depend upon themselves and their teachers. (The lobby has free coffee and WiFi, so I'm set while he's at school.) Timmy had no problem separating from me during the class and was grinning from ear-to-ear throughout the morning. I am happy to stay close by and out of the way while he works towards his Young ZooKeeper credentials.
Over the weekend Scott and I took Timmy to the store to purchase his school supplies. I'm not sure if Timmy made the connections about why we were shopping, but we are trying to highlight the concept that he is attending his own school. Even if he didn't understand, he seemed to relish the attention and spending time in Target. It turns out that many of the items on his supply list are out of stock because they are seasonal, so I'll have to buy them online before Friday. He did pick out a shiny red Paw Patrol water bottle and somehow managed to convince his Daddy to buy a new train for his collection.
I'm already looking forward to Friday!
Friday, January 12, 2018
Relating
I have a new respect for how stoically Robby has handled all of his ear issues. My ear has been packed with gel for 36 hours and I'm already at my wits end. I feel unbalanced, uncomfortable and frustrated with the lack of hearing. I am saddened to know that Robby has lived his life with similar circumstances, yet I'm incredibly proud of how well he has adjusted.
Robby has been extremely empathetic throughout my ear troubles. When I complain about the pressure and discomfort, he fixes me tea and brings me a blanket. He tried to calm my nerves before the procedure by offering tips and observations that he gleaned during his own ear surgeries. He has been extremely sweet and caring because, as he puts it, he "knows all about ear crap."
This morning my ear feels better. I suspect that the combinations of the steroids and the ear gel are beginning to work their collective magic. I'm hopeful that my day will progress as pain free with minimal ear distraction.
I feel silly complaining, but since this is my blog and I'm the one experiencing the ear trouble, I feel comfortable venting. Ear issues stink! Even when I am at my most frustrated I can't help but reflect upon everything Robby has endured, and will continue to endure, because of his ears. I am not happy that this has happened to me, but being able to relate to my son has been a shining positive out of an otherwise yucky experience.
Robby has been extremely empathetic throughout my ear troubles. When I complain about the pressure and discomfort, he fixes me tea and brings me a blanket. He tried to calm my nerves before the procedure by offering tips and observations that he gleaned during his own ear surgeries. He has been extremely sweet and caring because, as he puts it, he "knows all about ear crap."
This morning my ear feels better. I suspect that the combinations of the steroids and the ear gel are beginning to work their collective magic. I'm hopeful that my day will progress as pain free with minimal ear distraction.
I feel silly complaining, but since this is my blog and I'm the one experiencing the ear trouble, I feel comfortable venting. Ear issues stink! Even when I am at my most frustrated I can't help but reflect upon everything Robby has endured, and will continue to endure, because of his ears. I am not happy that this has happened to me, but being able to relate to my son has been a shining positive out of an otherwise yucky experience.
Thursday, January 11, 2018
Ear Issues Continued
Yesterday I was optimistic that I would finally be able to put my ear woes in the past. Although I wasn't looking forward to the ear procedure, the prospect of no longer dealing with ear pain was appealing. I have been dealing with ear issues since the summer. During the past six months I have consumed bottles of antibiotics and used a medicine cabinet full of ear drops. Nothing has worked, so I drove to the surgeon with nervous energy as I was excited about regaining an ear-pain free life.
Unfortunately my procedure did not proceed as expected. I emerged from the appointment with sharp ear pain, another prescription and an appointment for return visit next week. Apparently some of the tissue remains tightly adhered to the ear drum, which made removal both painful and dangerous to the structures. After a few (painful) attempts, the doctor opted to go another direction.
My ear canal was filled with a thick goop which is supposed to help soften all of the tissues. I'm hoping that this works because my ear feels painfully congested, and now my hearing is completely blocked in my right ear. Trying to look on the positive side, at least the kids’ squawking isn't nearly as unnerving because I can hardly hear it!
Unfortunately my procedure did not proceed as expected. I emerged from the appointment with sharp ear pain, another prescription and an appointment for return visit next week. Apparently some of the tissue remains tightly adhered to the ear drum, which made removal both painful and dangerous to the structures. After a few (painful) attempts, the doctor opted to go another direction.
My ear canal was filled with a thick goop which is supposed to help soften all of the tissues. I'm hoping that this works because my ear feels painfully congested, and now my hearing is completely blocked in my right ear. Trying to look on the positive side, at least the kids’ squawking isn't nearly as unnerving because I can hardly hear it!
Wednesday, January 10, 2018
Ear Issues
With the temperatures hitting a sweltering (yes, I'm being sarcastic) 40 degrees today, I'm optimistic that everybody will be able to to go school on time and stay all day. I've enjoyed having them home, but after nearly three weeks I'm ready for a semblance of a schedule to resume. Of course, Scott and Robby (and probably Timmy) disagree and would happily accept any and all snow days offered.
Although the boys are disappointed with the warming trend, the melting ice makes me happy. I have a doctor appointment scheduled for this afternoon that I cannot miss, so the fact that I won't have to contend with icy conditions is a relief. After several months of pain, pills and an arsenal of ear drops, I think I am finally on the correct path. I have a follow up appointment with an ear specialist who is confident that he can help me find comfort and hopefully regain my hearing.
My treatment plan started with a course of ear drops throughout the past seven days in preparation for today. This afternoon I'm having my outer eardrum debrided, which certainly doesn't sound pleasant although I'm assured that it isn't painful. I'm not looking forward to the procedure, but I am excited about not dealing with the constant ear pain that has been omnipresent since August!
The doctor speculated that the ear issues probably transcend the debridement, but hopefully completing this phase will be a move in the right direction. We are optimistic that the doctor will be able to further evaluate the structures once all of the "gunk tissue" is removed. Once he has a better view of all of the ear structures we will be able to develop a full treatment plan. I'm hoping that it is something that is easy to cure because I'm tired of dealing with physical maladies!
Although the boys are disappointed with the warming trend, the melting ice makes me happy. I have a doctor appointment scheduled for this afternoon that I cannot miss, so the fact that I won't have to contend with icy conditions is a relief. After several months of pain, pills and an arsenal of ear drops, I think I am finally on the correct path. I have a follow up appointment with an ear specialist who is confident that he can help me find comfort and hopefully regain my hearing.
My treatment plan started with a course of ear drops throughout the past seven days in preparation for today. This afternoon I'm having my outer eardrum debrided, which certainly doesn't sound pleasant although I'm assured that it isn't painful. I'm not looking forward to the procedure, but I am excited about not dealing with the constant ear pain that has been omnipresent since August!
The doctor speculated that the ear issues probably transcend the debridement, but hopefully completing this phase will be a move in the right direction. We are optimistic that the doctor will be able to further evaluate the structures once all of the "gunk tissue" is removed. Once he has a better view of all of the ear structures we will be able to develop a full treatment plan. I'm hoping that it is something that is easy to cure because I'm tired of dealing with physical maladies!
Tuesday, January 09, 2018
Human Barometer
Robby and Scott both went to school yesterday only to be released three hours later due to weather. While seemingly every other parent was up in arms with the decision, I was relieved with the decision. The mere thought of driving on icy roads puts me into a tailspin of panic and anxiety. I have definitely grown wiser and more respectful of weather as I am aging.
With everybody home for an early afternoon, I surrendered my tidying ambitions for the day. Timmy was delighted with the sudden return of his Daddy and brother. He quickly transformed every room into the Island of Sodor with trains and tracks in just about every space possible. Robby happily hopped onto the computer and Scott climbed into bed to watch television. Somehow everybody took the early dismissal as a vacation. Except for me, who was left juggling work reports with making and cleaning up after dinner. Oh well, at least I didn't have to clean as well!
Delaying my post-holiday de-cluttering was probably a good thing. As the rain began to move into the area, my leg began to ache. Unfortunately, my body is the best barometer ever! I can predict precipitation and temperature fluctuations with more accuracy than the Weather Channel. I wasn't in enough pain to keep me sidelined, but I was acutely aware of each step.
Today the boys have a delayed opening. It is safe to say that they are quite fond of the harsh weather thus far. Considering that it is only the beginning of January, I suspect that this could turn into a very long winter for this Mom! Rest assured, I'll probably know when the weather is going to turn before the meteorologists.
With everybody home for an early afternoon, I surrendered my tidying ambitions for the day. Timmy was delighted with the sudden return of his Daddy and brother. He quickly transformed every room into the Island of Sodor with trains and tracks in just about every space possible. Robby happily hopped onto the computer and Scott climbed into bed to watch television. Somehow everybody took the early dismissal as a vacation. Except for me, who was left juggling work reports with making and cleaning up after dinner. Oh well, at least I didn't have to clean as well!
Delaying my post-holiday de-cluttering was probably a good thing. As the rain began to move into the area, my leg began to ache. Unfortunately, my body is the best barometer ever! I can predict precipitation and temperature fluctuations with more accuracy than the Weather Channel. I wasn't in enough pain to keep me sidelined, but I was acutely aware of each step.
Today the boys have a delayed opening. It is safe to say that they are quite fond of the harsh weather thus far. Considering that it is only the beginning of January, I suspect that this could turn into a very long winter for this Mom! Rest assured, I'll probably know when the weather is going to turn before the meteorologists.
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