Just When

by Terri Wagner

Just when I think I have got things where I can concentrate on what I need most to do, life takes an abrupt turn. This time it is a number of medical situations, none of my own. But all of them shout get into shape NOW at me.

Dad has an on and off again fluid filling knee issue. The last time was about 3 years ago. Saturday night his knee aches, Sunday night he is in the ER and getting admitted. From a medical standpoint, they cannot drain the knee until his INR (blood thin/thick levels) is at or below 3.5. His was 7, which means his blood was like water. Trouble is he has only one stent working so he needs his blood to be like water to keep pumping without too much difficulty. As of yesterday, the INR was down to 5.8. So we are heading in the right direction. He's in a great deal of pain but not as bad as before he was admitted. It's hard to watch a loved one in pain. And he's just so darn cute when the meds kick in and he does or says silly things.

Then there's my stepmom's daughter who has scoliosis. The rod they put in years ago has separated from her spine so major surgery was required to take out the old rod and fuse using bones from her hip and rib. Scary stuff. She is now in an extended care unit until November and then gets physical therapy. To top off that she lives in New Orleans, so my stepmom has been camping out in hospitals now for several weeks.

My mom has RA. She is in constant pain, but for the most part it's manageable, until she does something unexpected with her neck and it flares up. She is also prone to diverticulitis attacks. Both of my parents will attest to the fact that getting old is not for sissies

Which brings me to me. I have (knock on wood here) enjoyed excellent health so far. I get allergies and the yearly sinus infection, but generally I am really very healthy. And for years I exercised regularly. Past four years not so much, and I'm feeling it. But darn it every time I get a routine going (and trust me on this you have to change it up), I get sidelined by ER visits, hospital stays, sitdown work on a computer job, I'm drowning here. Any ideas? I'm open to suggestions.