I saw my doctor last week.  My brother, Brad, son, Michael, and Kath were all there to lend support. I shared with him the changes that have been occurring.  In the last few weeks, I have experienced an increase in pain and less ability to move my left leg.  I am still able to use my walker and get around my house.  I am unable to get out much due to my inability to use my walker with ease outside the home.  This has put a cramp in my social life.  I no longer get to spend two or three days a week down a Great Harvest visiting.  I am still going to try, though.

My doctor suggested (again) that I use a pump to help control the pain.  I finally agreed because I know that Kath may be able to get some sleep at night.  The process has been less than easy.  The past three days we have worked at figuring out how to use a pain med pump to control the pain spikes.  Monday, I had my PICC line put in.  Our nurse coordinator and doctor arranged to have it done here in Salem so I did not have to make the trip up to Portland again.  I am very thankful that we have such wonderful and caring medical providers.  I now have the ability to be in total control of my pain management.  I am able to push a button to get close to immediate relief.  There have been a couple of glitches in this whole process....the first night Kath was able to get some sleep, but the morning was HORRIFIC (not enough medicine was being released) and adjustments had to be made.  The next night the pump would not work without ear-piercing noise indicating that something was wrong..  I missed a visit with Harold (a close friend) because we had the nurse here trying to get my PICC line cleared.  

I am going to try to get out to Great Harvest again with my good friend, Barry, this Friday and hopefully I will be successful.  It is a little more difficult carrying around a pack that contains my pump and medication which is connected to my PICC line.  Hopefully by being in less pain I will be able to get out more and feel like visiting.  I appreciate all the visits from my family and close friends.  I also appreciate the visits from people that are silly and are just having fun.  That is important to my positive attitude.  I certainly am not into sitting down and getting into deep  discussions.  For example, I loved the email from "brother OJ" detailing all the silly things we have done over the years.  It is good for me just to laugh!  I also want to thank Blackie for my Friday morning special greeting that gives me a good chuckle.  I do plan on keeping this blog up to date at least once a month.  Love you all!