Happy 2000

 Peter and I were really planning on spending New Year's Eve at my house with a dinner and watching videos.  I especially don't like going out when the weather will be bad and coming home late at night.  Peter did suggest going out to an early dinner, but I didn't care for that idea either.  At the Vagabond breakfast Ron asked if we were signed up for the Vagabond party; we said "no".  He urged us to sign up.  We both looked at each other and started thinking about it, but not for very long.  What the heck; let's do it.  I signed up on line on Sunday. 

Peter picked me up at 7:30 with five yellow roses. I was overdressed in my black gown and jacket.  I changed into a more casual outfit.  Ron was very pleased to see us.  We sat with Marilyn and Jim, Janice from dominoes, Mary, Gail and another woman.  The music was very good, with alternating fast and slow pieces and good volume.  There were relishes with chips and pretzels, then ham sandwiches and coffee with small cakes.  We danced a lot.

  Ron passed out hats and noisemakers for the midnight fanfare along with champagne.  All in all, it was a very pleasant evening.  Going home was not at all bad with a clear, crisp night.

We had eggs, toast, tangerines, stolen and coffee for breakfast.  We watched the Rose Bowl parade and football games.  The featured game was the Rose Bowl where the Badgers lost to Oregon.  It was disappointing, but with fumbles, an interception and penalties, they were bound to lose.

Christmas 2019

 My Christmas began with Claude making pierogi on Christmas eve.  Claude came over the night before to mash potatoes and mix the filling.  The garage was too warm to keep the filling overnight, so I had to make room in the frig. 

The next day we started about 9:00 am and made 105 almost perfect pierogi.  We had about four split, not at the seam seam, but in the middle,  Perhaps the dough was stretched too much.

I lectored at the 10:00 pm mass after enjoying and singing carols along with the choir.  There was a pretty good attendance at the mass.

I had a very nice breakfast, but I think Sendik's Polish sausage was a little too salty.  I filled my table favors and set everything aside for our afternoon with the Dorns. 

I was at Peter's house at 1:30 and we took some pictures.

The temperature hit 60 degrees.  We don't have Easters that warm. 

Michele and Kevin were at Janice and Brad's and we had a warm greeting.  But then it went downhill.  I make sure I have fresh batteries in my hearing aids so that I catch all the conversation, but I should have removed my hearing aids.  After a while Michele's voice got the better of me...non-stop.  Laura contributed delicious appetizers

I prepared the pierogi

and we had a very complete dinner.

Beside the pierogi, Janice had a vegetarian meal of beans, fruit and a broccoli salad.  We finished everything off with an assortment of cookies.

Janice had some pull toys that made a noise with little tokens inside, plus crowns.  Here we are, minus Laura, because there is always too much fuss when I pull out my tripod.  Annika was also missing, since she was spending the day with her boyfriend.  Aleksei Skyped us from CA.

Celebrating Life and My Birthday

 October 30, 2019

Even though it was a month past my birthday, we celebrated it today together with my recovery from my kidney operation.  On a beautiful fall day, even though overcast, we started with luncheon at Eddie Martini's.  I had stroganoff; Peter had salmon.  The meals were delicious and the service impeccable.  We lingered and were in no hurry.

Next we drove close to Holy Hill to view an outstanding Halloween display, very humorous.

We thought Fox and Hounds would be open to have another drink, but they open at 4:00 pm.  So we drove to the Corners at Brookfield to see the shops.  Parking was scarce, almost like Bayshore, with mostly boutiques.  A dessert and coffee would finish our day, so we stopped at a place that looked like it specialized in bakery.  The selection was nothing to rave about.  I had a small apple pie; Peter had a lemon poppy seed cake that he said was dry.  We walked across the street to a very large Sendik's and were sorry we didn't have our dessert there.  There was a nice eating area with a lovely selection of bakery.  I bought a few groceries.  We drove to Peter's house where I had parked my car, and I drove home. 

What a lovely way to spend an afternoon.

We need to do this more often.  Instead of having a dinner shen the day is over, by having a lunch with something else to do really makes for a longer time together.

Kidney

 July 14, 2019
I don't know exactly when this all started, but I felt some pain in my back, thinking that I pulled a muscle or strained myself somehow. I would favor my right side when sleeping, but could sleep on my left side if I was in the right position.  I felt a dull pain, but nothing that I was overly concerned about. Towards the end of our Ireland/Scotland trip I felt a small growth on my left lower back. I made an appointment to see Dr. Gudamaraj on July 19.  She didn't seem overly concerned and asked if I bumped or injured myself in some way; I did not.  She ordered an ultrasound for Friday the 21st.  The results were negative.  Next, she ordered an MRI which was scheduled for July 2?. I needed to give a lot of medical information, which included a stent that was put in some years ago. A few days before the MRI I got a call from scheduling to get more information about the stent, like what was the model number. I said that was the most ridiculous question that I ever heard.  How would I have that information?  I pulled up my spreadsheet and gave her the exact date and doctor that did the procedure, 9/7/2008?  Still they would have to reschedule, but this time at St. Luke's on July 9th.  By this time the small growth had more than doubled in size, was red and very painful. I was in pain driving when I put pressure on my left side; I sat with a pillow on my right side to ease any pressure on my left.  I had no ambition, and just was idle most of the day.  Only Peter knew of my condition and he was alarmed when he saw the growth. 

Usually it takes a couple of days for the radiology results to get to the doctor, then the patient. At 9:00 am on Wednesday, the day after the MRI, Dr. Gundamaraj called and said that I should see a urologist as soon as possible, or check into West Allis Emergency to get started with tests immediately.  The latter seemed the most sensible, so I ate a quick breakfast, got myself ready, called Heather to see if Lanie could take care of Dolly, called Jerry to look after the house and called Claude and Janice, with instructions to not inform Laura and Jay who were on a dream vacation in the UK.  

I checked into West Allis at 11:5 on July 10th. I was directed to an emergency room and put through a lot of preliminary tests that included a CAT scan.  When someone first looked at my back he said, Whoa! we don't see that too often.  The cat scan revealed that I had a fluid buildup around the kidney, a huge kidney stone and infected kidney.  I would not be leaving.  

A nurse practitioner explained what was going on and I would have to have a surgical procedure to drain the fluid and antibiotics to combat the infection.  They did that under some anesthetic before I was assigned a room.  I might have some of the sequence mixed.  I called Terry as all this was going on and she is very concerned.  I was able to order some food, barbequed chicken breast, before 7:00 pm.  I was hooked up to two drainage tubes in my back and one IV in my arm.  My back is a little painful, especially trying to sleep.  I was monitored frequently all through the night.

July 11, 2019
I had problems getting in and out of the bed with these tubes iny back.  Meal service is very strange.  We can call 3663 from 7:00 am to 7:00 pm and order from various items in the menu.  It takes about 45 minutes for our tray to be delivered.  Toast is barely brown and limp.  I didn't have much if an appetite.  Lunch wasn't much better, with grilled ham and cheese barely grilled.  An infection specialist came and said that I had a very serious infection and should be much sicker than I am.  Everyone is amazed at how well I'm doing with that infection. I'm very closely monitored, but am able to move without as much discomfort.  Other than the needles in my back, I have no other pain.  I received Holy Communion.

Friday, July 12.
More of the same basic routine.  A nurse practitioner associated with the urologist came to see me to prepare me for what the urologist would tell me, that my kidney is so infected that it would have to be removed.  That was a shock. I called Claude, but not Janice because she was planning to come for a visit.  I was surprised when Claude came first.  Janice came with Brad before picking up some things from my house.  Janice brought some red grapes.  Janice was extremely concerned about the surgery and would like to grill the doctor about other options. My nurse took Janice's number and said she would have the doctor call her when he comes to see me.  

Saturday, July 14
Dr. Kadalac came to see me and he made a three-way call with Janice.  He told us that my left kidney is non-functional and I'd either have to live with a drainage tube which would limit my mobility or have the kidney removed and I could have a normal life.  He said that it's a very serious surgery with risks, with possible fatality.  He was very thorough, and I think Janice is satisfied that I am making the right decision.  My IV wasn't working, so they had to find another vein.  I was like a pincushion with all the probing and poking they did. They could see a vein, but it would roll away. It took a few people to finally find the right spot.
I spend most of the day reading, very little TV.  I'm in a very quiet corner room.

Sunday, July 14, 2019
My IV was causing some problems because it is in the crook of my elbow and I shouldn't ben my arm when it's connected.  But I get the antibiotics for only 30 minutes at a time.  A Eucharistic Minister from Blessed Sacrament gave me Holy Communion; naturally he knew the Zienteks.  
The plan is for me to go home tomorrow and will be getting nursing care until my surgery is scheduled.
Janice called either Saturday or Sunday suggesting that the surgery didn't seem urgent and I should wait until Laura, Claude and she were with me for this serious surgery.  I said that I would discuss it with the surgeon.  Had a hard time sleeping wondering how I'll manage with these tubes hanging down, and will I survive the surgery.

Monday, July 15, 2019
A very confusing morning. I am scheduled for discharge today. The urologist nurse practitioner told me what would be happening and it looked like surgery wouldn't happen for a few weeks, which would be good news for Janice who wanted it later.  Then shortly after the infection specialist came and said he would like it to be sooner instead of later.  He explained the different procedures to me, but now wanted to confer with the urologist to see what's the best way to proceed.  My daily visiting doctor was also in the room, Dr. Takele.  Then Dr. Tamale talked to me privately and said the CAT scan showed a mass around my liver and gall bladder and they don't know what that is. When I get to St. Luke's they will so another scan.  It might be a tumor.  The blood just drained all the way down with that news.
I had more scheduling and rescheduling.  It looks like we will be sticking to the original plan with Dr. Kadilac. I had another tube inserted to take the place of the other IV.  It was done in the room by Monica under sterile conditions.  It was rather painless.  The social worker came to go over my home care options. The co-pays would be $200. a week, plus medicine, and she couldn't begin to put a price on that. I opted for outpatient care, which means I would have to drive to West Allis Hospital every day.

July 24th, 2019

Janice and Brad were in Eagle River and always manage to get together with Jim and Carol, also Rodney and Mary.  Janice asked me if I could tell them of my medical problem and I said that she could.  Rod didn't waste any time by suggesting that I get a second opinion.  He would contact someone at Froedert, Dr. Peter Langenstroer if I would like to do that.  I gave him my name and birth date and the process was started.

August 8, 2019  Second Opinion

Claude met me at Froedert to meet with Dr. Langenstroer.  I had the preliminary test on vitals before an assistant talked to me, then Dr. L.  He said that the treatment I was getting was excellent and that I was making good progress.  He also gave me another option.  I could have a drain put into my kidney to see if it produces urine; that also involves a bag.  If it produces enough urine, the kidney may not be that far gone.  After that the kidney stone that is the cause of all my problem would have to be removed surgically.  If the percentage of urine would determine how salvageable the kidney is.  Otherwise, it would have to be removed.

August 15, 2019 Nyphsostomy

I was check on at Froedert by noon and prepped for my procedure. One of the original tubes was not positioned correctly and wasn't doing an effective job.  One tube was removed and another inserted.  It was not painless, a lot of pushing and probing.
I'm in a recovery room getting the best of care.  My blood pressure was getting on the high side, which was of some concern, but eventually stabalized.  Other vitals were all good.  I did not have any pain following the procedure,  was able to eat and sleep well.  I t seems that all I want to do is sleep, and even after sleeping so much during the day, I sleep soundly at night, even with the interruptions to checm vitals.

1. I was scheduled to go home on Friday, but when I got up to go to the bathroom my nurse had to steady me because I was losing my balance.  I felt slightly feverish for a short while and it was verified.  A couple of meds came and said that I needed to stay a couple more days.  Then I was moved to a regular patient room on the 9th floor with a nice view.  Aides helped me walk holding a belt, and I took a short walk in the hall.  Janice and Brad came to visit after Colin's baseball game.
2. During the night I went to the bathroom a couple of times with no problem.  By morning, I was told I could be discharge.  Because this is a teaching hospital there is a parade of people in and out of the room and checking vitals and my back.  Unfortunately,  the left kidney is not producing urine, absolutely none.  The discharge went very slowly, with all the directions to prepare.  Finally I was wheeled directly to my car.  I drove to West Allis to make my future appointments,  but Out Patient was close

 August 19, 2019  Cardiologist

On one of my recent visits to Dr. Gundamraj I said that I was short of breath.  Shr recommended an ultrasound of the heart and to see a cardiologist.  She also gave me a prescription.  Since I've been om antibiotics,  I'vs noticed that my breathing is easier and I can do more things.  So I figured my problems were all related to my kidney infection. 
I had my IV treatment, but the bags and dressing of the tubes is my responsibility.   Terry keeps offering to help, so here's her chance.
I had my appointment with Dr. Kostopoulis at St. Luke's and the report wasn't very good. He was able to pull up my ultrasound that was never forwarded to to Gundamraj and showed me the irregularities that he was seeing.  I have some heart problems and he would like to do a special procedure, some catherization to thread a line from my wrist to my heart, but I don't remember what that's supposed to do.  The doctor recommended having a family member accompany me on my next visit in four weeks.  This could also determine if my heart could survive the kidney removal operation.  He said that I should be taking Ensure to increase my protein, because lack of protein causes fluid to build up around the heart.

 

 

 

 

The Wheels of Justice Need Oiling

 April 8, 2019

I was summoned for jury duty today and tomorrow.  I left my house at 8 00 am, but could have allowed extra time for rush hour traffic, parking and security.  Another woman asked me directions and we ended up asking a man who led us on our way.  There was a long line through security, then to the jury assembly room where we checked in and found a seat.  There were a number of jury rooms where some of us watched the information on TV: how important we are, how grateful the county is for our service. etc.  

After some waiting a group of about 25 people were called along with a number.  In the hall, there are  numbers on the floor and each person stands on his/her respective number.  I got called along with 15 others about 11:00 am.  A sherriff took us to Judge Dugan's courtroom where we waited in line until we were admitted.  I'm  Juror 9 and sat in the second seat of row 1. This was going to be a two-day civil trial where only six jurors and one alternate were required, and the decision did not need to be unanimous. We were asked many questions and raised our hands if our answer was affirmative.  The judge said the next group of questions would take longer than 15 minutes, so we were given instructions for lunch and court would resume at 1:30 PM. I walked to the museum to get my parking ticket validated.  I could have gone through the museum and it would have been shorter.   It was a beautiful, sunny day.  I had a hot dog with my water and found my way back.

We assembled after 1:00 PM until someone opened the door to the jury room.  We didn't get summoned until after 2:00 PM and waited again almost 15 minutes to get into the courtroom. The questions continued followed by each of us standing, giving our name, marital status, children and their ages, occupation, where we live and our hobbies.  Next the prosecuting attorney asked a series of questions to one I answered that our drunken driving laws are too lenient, especially for repeat offenders.  Some other jurors concurred with my remarks.  Then the defense attorney asked his questions and singled me out about how I felt about first offenders.  I thought first offenders should be given some consideration.  When the questions were over, the attorneys and judge went into her chambers and stayed there for about 15 minutes, with instructions that we weren't to talk among ourselves.  When they came back, the attorneys passed the jury list back and forth, where each would strike out jurors.   Finally the list was given to the judge who told the juror numbers to stand when called.  I was not called.  We walked back to the jury assembly room where we started our day.  I did some knitting, but it was like watching a room of zombies.  Most were on their phones, some reading magazines from the rack, others just staring in space.  No one talked to each other, with the exception of a woman who asked about Master Gardening as my hobby, and I told her about the plant sale.  One large group was called to the desk, and I was the last one called with a small group.  My jury duty is over!

I had  no trouble finding my way out, but I walked farther than I  needed to find my car.  I need to write my location.