I think it's about time...

...that I get back to blogging. We have had a magnificent Summer this year. NO RAIN in JULY; the last time that has happened here (at Sea-Tac airport where our official records are taken) was in 1960. I was five years old. I probably thought all Summers would be like that! How naive of me. In August we had a few days with light showers, but many days in the 70's and 80's. Today it hit 80* with the slightest of breezes. Just perfect weather for any outdoor activity.

My  activity was to  sit on the patio and try not to get too much sun while reading my book. I think I will try to get to Starbucks tomorrow to get a double star day beverage (if you go after 2 PM). It's supposed  to cloud up with a chance of a shower, so I may or may not take the scooter. The only kind of shower I need is the kind better taken indoors. Not that I stink or anything, but really, who want to be caught outside in the rain without an umbrella or a coat?  And if it is like the last shower we had  few days ago -- JESUS H. CHRIST (as my uncle used to say.)  DH went out with the hoe to scrape up a berm to protect the neighbor's garage from being flooded. Fortunately since they regraded our  alley, the water doesn't flow towards our property as it used to when we got a lot of rain. He forgot his gloves and now has the blister to prove it - HA.

So, how have I spent my Summer?  Well, by doing a whole lot of nothing. I think I met the definition of clinically depressed. And no, I haven't stayed up to proper dosage of my Zoloft, because? WTF? So, depressed, yeah.

I have had two Dr. appointments in July, one with my PCP and one with my neuro. My PCP agreed that I have progressed with my MS and had me see an OT for an evaluation. I saw her in August, and she agreed that I should be seen in the "mobility clinic"; we were trying for September, but are waiting for insurance approval.

My neuro has suggested that I get another MRI when I told him that I thought that I have crossed over the threshold over  to secondary progressive. I think this because my five-day round of SoluMedrol benefited me for only about a week before I slipped right back to where I was. Also, I do feel that I am still slipping. Getting out of chairs is harder - I'm using cushions to make me sit higher. I am really happy that I kept this 4" ROHO that was given to me years ago, and which I never used because it was too high. Now  I am using it inside at the dining room table.

I need to put a pillow on the side edge of the bed; I got a leg lifter from the MSF and I use it every day just  to get my legs over and atop said pillow which I use to make it easier to stand in the morning, (I don't need the pillow at night to get into bed), and even then standing upright  takes several tries. Then there is the pulling up of the pants. There were days I was brought to tears at the effort if it. It almost [almost, I say] makes me want to start wearing skirts again. But, um, no.   Will practicality eventually win out?  I might have to get one skirt next Summer to see if it helps. And NO, not going to deal with pantyhose. Those days are long gone. So it'll have to be something longer that will go with knee highs.

ALSO, I am using the wheelchair when I go somewhere with DH, except to the grocery store where I use their electric cart.He can push me in on the walker on days I can hold my legs up; otherwise we go in backward and he drags me. what a pair we make!

As well as waiting for my Mobility Appointment I am also waiting for an MRI, which for some reason Neuro Doc wants to see if anything has changed in the last two years.  I also have to get my blood drawn for a CBC and Vit D level check.

THEN I will schedule my annual mammogram and a bone density test. So once the insurance company stops coughing and hacking at the bills they will have to pay, perhaps they will give the okay for me to go ahead with all these things. THAT is what I am waiting for - United Healthcare approval. Prior authorization.

Really, this has been the 2nd worst of my 32 years of living with MS. June marked  my 32nd anniversary of Probable MS, and October will be the anniversary of Definite MS. My first year with MS had me using a wheelchair within two weeks of diagnosis, so I was pretty much in shock at losing my job and not being able to use my upstairs bedroom and bathroom;  I learned to make do. By the third year I had worked my way out of the wheelchair  to "invisible disability" status, and had about 16 pretty good years. I got a Massage License, worked part time, got married, drove with hand controls --  basically had a pretty standard case of RRMS. It came, stayed a few weeks, it left. But, this year, other than scooting around on my walker or pulling myself when there's something to grab onto, rather  than walking behind it, this Summer year has sucked donkey balls on the MS front.  And that's the way it is.



I turned 58 on July 24. We went out to dinner at the Ram on the waterfront. Then my brother came over a few days later and treated us to pizza. He also gave me money (always the best present!). I am trying to decide which Kindle to buy with it - a Fire or a PaperWhite. Those of you who have these things PLEASE tell me which you use more, and how much money, if any, you have to throw at them each month.

We have been married 26 years August 7. (I know, I had that wrong in my profile -- (oops). We didn't do anything. We didn't go anywhere. Same as last year when it was a landmark anniversary. It bothered me last year. This year, not so much.

Now you are  all caught up. Just so you know, I have only been reading all of your blogs off and on, so I have missed bits and pieces of your Summer, too. I am not going back to catch up, and I have noticed that the daily writers have kept up with their good habit and the others have dropped off the grid as well. It's all okay be BLOGGING IS NOT AN OBLIGATION. And I have made the occasional comment so you know I didn't die. SO ... First blog post after hiatis: check.

Good Night, TTYL and Be Well,