Dr. Anderson survived my surgery


Posted by Shirley-Arkansas-USA ® , Apr 29,2001,21:06   Archive
Hi all. We are back on-line again. I haven't been able to read the back posts yet but wanted to say hi and that I've really, really missed everybody.
My surgery went well and Dr. Anderson came away unscathed. I was very impressed with him and his staff. I think I remember saying something about Dr. Anderson singing to me and I was promptly put to sleep. Probably a good thing or I would have told them how to proceed with the surgery.
I had minimal bruising, mainly my lids and a little on the side. I was a good girl and kept my ice paks on so the swelling wasn't a big problem. The itching was my downfall. I wanted to rip the dressing off. The surgery was on the 17th, so it has been almost two weeks. Swelling of my lids is still a problem and also the itching is still driving me crazy. My eyes are also constantly tearing and my vision is blurred.
I'll try to post some pictures later and tell more about things but this has got to be short, today.
Missed you all and am glad to be back. My father also had surgery this week so have been very busy. He is back home now, also and did fine.
Later,

Shirley in AR.with newly re-arranged fat cells around her eyes.
And I love Salt Lake City.




Recommend Current pageAuthor Profile
Replies to this message


Re: Dr. Anderson survived my surgery

Re : Dr. Anderson survived my surgery --- Shirley-Arkansas-USA
Posted by Christel-California ® , Apr 29,2001,22:32 Top of Thread Archive
Shirley, it's sure good to have you back. Everybody missed you as well.
Glad to hear the surgery went well and hope that the side effects disappear quickly. Can imagine that the itching is driving you crazy, is there anything you can apply to alleviate the itching somewhat?
Take care.
Christel in Ca.



Recommend Original Message Top of Thread Where am I? Current pageAuthor Profile
Re:Itching

Re : Re: Dr. Anderson survived my surgery --- Christel-California
Posted by Shirley-Arkansas-USA ® , Apr 30,2001,11:09 Top of Thread Archive
Hi Christel,
I'm still using the Benadryl which should help the itching, but doesn't stop it. I'm also keeping everything very well lubricated. It will just take some time. The stitches are a definite source of some of the itching and they are the type that dissolve on their own. I have helped a few of them along (nurses prerogative) as they were really pulling. Things are a little better today and I'm sure will just gradually improve a little, day by day.
Thanks for the welcome back.

Shirley in AR. recovering very slowly from upper myectomy.




Recommend Original Message Top of Thread Where am I? Current pageAuthor Profile
Glad you are back

Re : Dr. Anderson survived my surgery --- Shirley-Arkansas-USA
Posted by Delaine Inman ® , Apr 29,2001,22:33 Top of Thread Archive
I was not so good while you were gone....just trying to keep everybody from missing you. I picked on you behind your back after Alan said you didn't pick on him. I told everyone you must have have a limited lobotomy! Glad you are safe, sound of mind?, and doing well. Missed you.



Recommend Original Message Top of Thread Where am I? Current pageAuthor Profile
Re:I'm glad that you were bad

Re : Glad you are back --- Delaine Inman
Posted by Shirley-Arkansas-USA ® , Apr 30,2001,11:23 Top of Thread Archive
Hi Delaine,
Talking behind my back, huh? I guess that I shouldn't have been quite so nice to Alan (He caught me in a weak moment). But, really, a Lobotomy? even a limited lobotomy? You are bad. I guess that is not as bad as my sons calling me "Scarface". You can't even see the incision line in the crease of my upper lids unless you go looking for it. But they inherited my sense of humor.
I can't see well enough yet to stay on here too long so it will take me a while to read the back posts.
James, my son, did say something about Virginia asking people to pray for Dr. Anderson. I simply cannot imagine what she meant by that.

Shirley in AR. who got a peanut butter facial after the bandages came off from her hubby. We tried lotion, soap and water, alcohol (rubbing) and finally peanut butter to get rid of the sticky glue substance that was left on my face from the bandage tape.




Recommend Original Message Top of Thread Where am I? Current pageAuthor Profile
Re:I'm glad that you're back

Re : Re:I'm glad that you were bad --- Shirley-Arkansas-USA
Posted by Virginia ® , Apr 30,2001,15:03 Top of Thread Archive
Of course I did no such thing. It was just that when Alan posted that he had called to check on you, I wondered if maybe someone should call to check on Dr. Anderson.

Glad you're back from Utah and on-line again. Can't wait to hear the gory details.

Virginia in AL

p.s. It's been almost 6 months and my forehead still itches occasionally.




Recommend Original Message Top of Thread Where am I? Current pageAuthor Profile
Re: Re:I'm glad that you're back

Re : Re:I'm glad that you're back --- Virginia
Posted by Shirley-Arkansas-USA ® , Apr 30,2001,20:43 Top of Thread Archive
Hey Virginia, Your ps could have waited just a little while. You mean that I've got 6 more months of this. My forehead actually doesn't itch much. It is primarily my lids and eyes themselves. My forehead feels numb. For several days after the surgery, the top of my head from my forehead back was numb. Now, just the forehead feels a bit numb.
Dr. Anderson made it through the pre-op visit just fine. He looked at Roy several times as if to say "and you live with this"? He really is quite a character and believe me, he can hold his own quite well. He has a great sense of humor and told me the story of almost having to audition for the Tabernacle Choir.
He is known as Dr. Heckle in Salt Lake as he is an avid Utah basketball fan. Paints his face and takes his bag of goodies with him, consisting of rubber chicken, cow bell, horn, flags and misc other items. He did three or four myectomies the day he did mine then went to the basketball game that night. My husband watched it on TV and saw him several times.(As the referee was getting on to him about various things.) Roy said that if he hadn't already met him and liked him so well and had just seen him on TV that we would never have gone to him for my surgery. I razed him about it when I went back to have the bandages removed and he loved it. The referee had threatened to throw him and the player out of the game. Dr. A said that the player had accused him of shaking the goal post and Dr.A looked down sheepishly and said that he guess that he might have been shaking it a little. He is a real hoot. Good surgeon, too. I highly recommend him.

What gory details do you want to know? I'll tell all.

Shirley in AR. Glad to be back home.




Recommend Original Message Top of Thread Where am I? Current pageAuthor Profile
Re: Re:I'm glad that you're back

Re : Re: Re:I'm glad that you're back --- Shirley-Arkansas-USA
Posted by MaryNY ® (Mary,MaryNY), Apr 30,2001,21:56 Top of Thread Archive
Shirley-I had my limited myectomy 2 yrs. ago last month. My forehead (only) itched for quite some time, but it gradually went away. I hate to tell you this, but my forehead is still somewhat numb. The good part is that I only feel it in the a.m. when hubby kisses me on the forehead! If I touch it, it doesn't feel numb. Well, I guess I'll always be a numbskull. Good to hear that you did well - recover fast! Mary



Recommend Original Message Top of Thread Where am I? Current pageAuthor Profile
Re: Re:I'm glad that you're back

Re : Re: Re:I'm glad that you're back --- Shirley-Arkansas-USA
Posted by Virginia ® , May 01,2001,07:57 Top of Thread Archive
It only itches sometimes. And the numbness is going away.

What did Dr. A do for your apraxia?




Recommend Original Message Top of Thread Where am I? Current pageAuthor Profile
Re: Re:I'm glad that you're back

Re : Re: Re:I'm glad that you're back --- Virginia
Posted by Shirley-Arkansas-USA ® , May 01,2001,10:36 Top of Thread Archive
He did the basic ptosis repair or tightening of the droopy lids and did the levator shortening. He removed muscle from the upper lids and sides of eyes toward temple area and then removed some muscle from the outer edges of the lower lids. He had to do much more work on the right eye than the left and there is more swelling around that eye. Only one incision was made in the crease of the upper lid and he did all his work from that point. He did go up and under the eyebrows to remove muscle tissue from there and then filled in the areas where muscle tissue was removed with fat cells that he moved from other areas. Even with all the swelling, things look symmetrical(if you can look past the swelling). Eye brows look a little lower, but even and I can close both eyes easily. Of course, things are kind of lumpy and bumpy right now. Will have to wait for swelling to subside, to really get an accurate picture of how things will look.
Hopefully with the surgical work that was done and not having to get botox in my upper lids, will improve the apraxia problem. My lower lids are already doing their squeezing up routine but he wanted me to wait at least 2 to 3 weeks before I get botox in the lower lids due to the swelling. I agree with that as it would just cause further dispersion of the botox. I can live with this for a while. I know not to expect too much, but I already can tell that some things are improved. I probably really won't know how much things will be improved for several months. Even though some things are better, I'm still dealing with the side effects of swelling, itching, blurred vision and constant tearing. I'm not complaining really and would do it again in a heart beat at this point.


Shirley in AR.




Recommend Original Message Top of Thread Where am I? Current pageAuthor Profile
Re: Re:I'm glad that you're back

Re : Re: Re:I'm glad that you're back --- Shirley-Arkansas-USA
Posted by catherine pender ® (Catherine Pender,catherine pender), May 02,2001,10:39 Top of Thread Archive
Shirley

I am soooo glad to hear things went well for you. I can see by the board that it is much busier. Things were getting a little quiet around here.
When I saw that Dr Anderson stitched you lid closed I was thinking that if I had that done maybe my eye would close. The left one was the worst and it still does not close. Being in Calgary does not help and every opportunity I get I head to a more humid climate.

I just saw my nueurologist yesterday for a follow up on the botox. After my surgery in April my first botox was in June at my instance. My doctor was out of town and another let me have the botox. After my doctor said she would not have given it to me as the cause of my problem was due to a small cornea abrasion from my eye not closing properly. My next botox was just this March, so I went almost 10 months between shots. This time she even gave me a couple to deal with wrinkles. Why not I have pay for the entire 100mg so might as well get some benefit.

Dr Anderson was on his way to a Basketball game the day he took my bandages out. He talked about coming to Banff near Calgary last year but ended up not being able to get rooms for a conference. He always took my calls and made suggestions. One of these days will get back down there for a follow up lol!
I have to say and I am sure June would agree with me that the next
conference should be in Canada. With the dollar so low it would be a bargain for all you guys.

Again Shirley glad to hear that everything went well and that you still have your sense of humour. Now we have another convert. Lets spread the word!

Catherine in Calgary were we have had beautiful spring weather then WHAM cold and snow!. Can't wait to get out of here. (Hubby can retire in a couple of years then it is GOOOOOOOOD BYE CALGARY





Recommend Original Message Top of Thread Where am I? Current pageAuthor Profile
Re: Re:I'm glad that you're back

Re : Re: Re:I'm glad that you're back --- catherine pender
Posted by Shirley-Arkansas-USA ® , May 02,2001,12:05 Top of Thread Archive
Thanks for the welcome back, Catherine.
I don't know if the stitching of the eye closed would have anything to do with your lid still not closing or not. I think that it was more of a precautionary measure to keep the eyes closed while they were bandaged initially to prevent a corneal abrasion at that time. I would think that the portion of the surgery where they wake you and have you open and close your eyes would have more to do with that. This is also something that you may or may not remember. And it is sometimes difficult to get everything just right when there is usually one eye worse than the other and having to have more surgical work done on that eye. Yesterday my right eye was swollen more and today my left is swollen the most.

I've always wanted to get to Canada. A conference would be a good excuse. I'm for it.

Shirley in AR.with swollen but less itchy eyes.




Recommend Original Message Top of Thread Where am I? Current pageAuthor Profile
Re: Canada as conference site

Re : Re: Re:I'm glad that you're back --- catherine pender
Posted by Sally - in - Idaho ® , May 02,2001,12:19 Top of Thread Archive
Conference in Canada ... WONDERFUL IDEA!

Sally in North Idaho who would like to go to cool, beautiful Canada.




Recommend Original Message Top of Thread Where am I? Current pageAuthor Profile
Re: Canada as conference site

Re : Re: Canada as conference site --- Sally - in - Idaho
Posted by June in Toronto ® (June Floyd,June in Toronto), May 02,2001,14:34 Top of Thread Archive
HiSally,

Toronto isn't so cool today - its 27deg C - hot... But, of course, I'D LOVE TO SEE a conference held here. How are your computer courses going?

June in Toronto




Recommend Original Message Top of Thread Where am I? Current pageAuthor Profile
Re: Canada as conference site

Re : Re: Canada as conference site --- June in Toronto
Posted by catherine pender ® (Catherine Pender,catherine pender), May 02,2001,15:02 Top of Thread Archive
Hi June

Glad you enjoyed San Fran. We have been there a few years ago but did not get enough time. I guess there never is. Quite a few years ago when our kids were younger we took a Motorhome vacation from hell. We started in Vancouver and went down the coast to San Dieago. The entire trip the kids had their noses in a book and the earphone in. Whenever we would want to them to see something I would yell to them but they could not hear so my only way to get their attention was to take of my shoe (soft) and throw it at them. It got their attention but they would take a quick glance then back to the book. Once we got to the ocean where they could body surf things were ok. A few years later my husband and I did get to see San Fransisco on our own and also did a tour of the wine country. We would like to go back again, lots more wineries to visit!.
Yes I completed the computer course and even got a certificate but we will see when I actually have to use the stuff if I can remember things!

Who do we have to talk to about having the conference in Canada? Not only do you americans get a great deal on the dollar, but there are so many beautiful things here and the summers when they usually have the conference is great.
Lets work on that June

Catherine in Calgary where I know there are a few others out there but I
I haven't met anyone yet.




Recommend Original Message Top of Thread Where am I? Current pageAuthor Profile
Re: Canada as conference site/Enjoyed Your Story Catherine!

Re : Re: Canada as conference site --- catherine pender
Posted by June in Toronto ® (June Floyd,June in Toronto), May 02,2001,18:01 Top of Thread Archive
Hi Catherine, enjoyed your motorhome story - memories eh?

Yes, how to go about selling Canada for a beb conference? Perhaps we should write them and remind them how low our dollar is? Have they ever had a conference here? If not, we should suggest THEY SHOULD! You can e-mail if you want to talk more about it.

Yes, San Fran. is beautiful and you deserve another tripthere.

What did you learn in your computer course that you could pass on!!!

Take care

June in Toronto




Recommend Original Message Top of Thread Where am I? Current pageAuthor Profile
Re: Dr. A.

Re : Re: Re:I'm glad that you're back --- Shirley-Arkansas-USA
Posted by Christel-California ® , May 01,2001,11:41 Top of Thread Archive
Shirley,
I saw my ophthamologist last week and he mentioned having learned under Dr. A. He told me what a truly nice man he is and VERY funny and I guess he wasn't kidding. I mentioned to him that his boots have been frequently mentioned on the BB and he grinned and said that Dr. A. like to wear cowboy boots. You haven't mentioned his boots at all this time, is it because you couldn't see them? :-)
Christel



Recommend Original Message Top of Thread Where am I? Current pageAuthor Profile
Re: Dr. A.

Re : Re: Dr. A. --- Christel-California
Posted by Shirley-Arkansas-USA ® , May 01,2001,12:10 Top of Thread Archive
Christel, your doctor is right about Dr. Anderson. I was truly impressed. Yes, I did see his boots. He likes cowboy boots and country western music. I told him that we or I had talked about his boots on the bb and he laughed about it. I refrained from telling him what I had actually said regarding his boots. Geez, my husband was sitting right there. I was going to be totally blind and at his mercy for several days. I'm no fool------He was wearing a two tone brown pair this time which were nice but not quite as nice as what he had worn to the conference. Nothing to fantasize about, anyway.

My husband got a picture of the TV screen of Dr. A at a basketball game standing up and holding his life-size rubber chicken.
Dr. A told us that he had talked to a woman right before her surgery and she had paled suddenly and said "You're that man on TV at the basketball games". He really is funny.

Shirley in AR.




Recommend Original Message Top of Thread Where am I? Current pageAuthor Profile
Re: Will you be my private nurse?

Re : Re: Dr. A. --- Shirley-Arkansas-USA
Posted by Sally - in - Idaho ® , May 01,2001,23:04 Top of Thread Archive
Shirley, If I give in and have a myectomy one of these years, will you be my private nurse? Since you know Dr. A. so well, it would give you a chance to hang out with him and advise him. Maybe he'd even let you go to a game and share holding the rubber chicken. On second thought, if you're my nurse, you can't be running off to games.

By the way, is this going to help the light sensitivity at all?

Sally




Recommend Original Message Top of Thread Where am I? Current pageAuthor Profile
Re: Will you be my private nurse?

Re : Re: Will you be my private nurse? --- Sally - in - Idaho
Posted by Shirley-Arkansas-USA ® , May 02,2001,10:13 Top of Thread Archive
Yes, Sally, I will be your private nurse. I'll even let Delaine come along to help. Two nurses with BEB is much better than one. Hopefully, we wouldn't both be blinking at the same time, so we would be able to catch and comment on everything. Dr. A would also love all the attention. Paul, his assistant, that scrubs in on the surgeries could still do his regular job but Delaine and I could tell him exactly how we felt that it should be done. He woulld listen and smile and do what he was supposed to do. He has a very calming influence. Roy wouldn't let me bring him home with me, though. We would record the singing and bantering to play back for you later when we were having our pizza/Valium party with favorite beverages. Pizza is easy to eat when one's eyes are bandaged. Virginia could come and decorate your room with beautiful flowers and make an attempt to keep all of us chicken little sisters in line. Alan and Cynthia and Catherine and Mary and Don would all have to come along too, just for old times sake and to offer advice. Much advice is needed. Alan's wife could come and cook for us when we got tired of take-out. We'll just open up a whole section of the Chase Suites and of course someone would have to make sure that Alan didn't get past the gated pool area, but I think that we could handle that. What fun we could have.

On a more serious note, the surgery will do nothing for my light sensitivity, It certainly does not make it any better and might possibly worsen it if my eyes are open more. The jury is out on that right now..But, myectomies do not improve the problem with light sensitivity.

Shirley in AR with very swollen lids today. I'm going to be doing lots of squinting today. Maybe it will get better as the day goes on.
May not be posting or reading much today.




Recommend Original Message Top of Thread Where am I? Current pageAuthor Profile
Re:light sensitivity

Re : Re: Will you be my private nurse? --- Shirley-Arkansas-USA
Posted by kathy ® , May 12,2001,17:06 Top of Thread Archive
But if you no longer need the Botox and the Botox causes light sensitivity, why would that not improve?



Recommend Original Message Top of Thread Where am I? Current pageAuthor Profile
Re: Re:light sensitivity

Re : Re:light sensitivity --- kathy
Posted by Shirley-Arkansas-USA ® , May 12,2001,18:17 Top of Thread Archive
Kathy,
If you are talking to me, I will continue to need Botox even though I had an upper myectomy. Muscle was removed from my upper lids, under brows and extending a short ways out at the outer corner of my eyes and a little on the outer corner of my lower lids. I will still need botox for the muscles in my forehead and lower lids. I will not need the botox in the areas where the muscle was removed. If it ain't there, it can't spasm and muscle doesn't grow back.
Botox has never caused me to be more light sensitive. It has had no effect on it what-so-ever for me. For others, it is a different story.

Shirley in AR.




Recommend Original Message Top of Thread Where am I? Current pageAuthor Profile
Re: Re:light sensitivity

Re : Re: Re:light sensitivity --- Shirley-Arkansas-USA
Posted by kathy ® , May 17,2001,15:54 Top of Thread Archive
yes i was. you certainly are lucky that it is not a problem. I can't understand the person on this BB who said they weren't going to get these injections anymore because then the light just caused them to shut again. How are they going to control their spasms, I wonder.



Recommend Original Message Top of Thread Where am I? Current pageAuthor Profile
Re: Re:light sensitivity

Re : Re: Re:light sensitivity --- kathy
Posted by Shirley-Arkansas-USA ® , May 17,2001,16:19 Top of Thread Archive
Kathy, it is all a matter of individual decisions and what you feel is right for yourself. Some people actually have fairly good control of their spasms with medications.
Even though the botox didn't make a difference in my light sensitivity, since my surgery, I have been much more light sensitive than I was. I have a feeling that it is due to the fact that I have cut back on the Benadryl that I was taking. I have cut the dosage in half. When I initially started taking it, I noticed that my light sensitivity improved dramatically. So, I feel that the increase in sensitivity is due to the decrease in medicine and not the surgery. The botox doesn't make a difference in my light sensitivity, though, as it does some people.

Shirley in AR.




Recommend Original Message Top of Thread Where am I? Current pageAuthor Profile
Re: Re:light sensitivity

Re : Re: Re:light sensitivity --- Shirley-Arkansas-USA
Posted by kathy ® , May 18,2001,14:17 Top of Thread Archive
wow, as i said, you are lucky in that sense. i really do hope this surgery works well for you!



Recommend Original Message Top of Thread Where am I? Current pageAuthor Profile
Re: Re:light sensitivity

Re : Re: Re:light sensitivity --- Shirley-Arkansas-USA
Posted by Sally - in - Idaho ® , May 18,2001,22:54 Top of Thread Archive
Shirley, could the increased sensitivity also be caused by your eyes being open wider, and also more frequently, since the surgery? Just wondering.

Sally in North Idaho




Recommend Original Message Top of Thread Where am I? Current pageAuthor Profile
Re: Re:light sensitivity

Re : Re: Re:light sensitivity --- Sally - in - Idaho
Posted by Shirley-Arkansas-USA ® , May 19,2001,11:38 Top of Thread Archive
I wish that I could say that was the case but with the swelling, they are still not opening very wide. I also need botox in my lower lids as they are squeezing up and closing my eyes. We'll just say that due to the side-effects of the surgery and needing botox in my lower lids, I cannot say that I have noticed much improvement yet. I haven't given up on it, it is just going to take some time for everything to work it self out. I've had to increase my Klonopin to help out with the squeezing in the lower lids until I can get the botox. It has helped the spasms but Sam's name is now Pam and the Martins are Mockingbirds, etc, etc.

Shirley in AR. where it is very warm.




Recommend Original Message Top of Thread Where am I? Current pageAuthor Profile
Re: Re:light sensitivity

Re : Re: Re:light sensitivity --- Shirley-Arkansas-USA
Posted by kathy ® , May 23,2001,16:40 Top of Thread Archive
maybe the humidity is making it worse, perhaps a weather change will make it better. By the way!! should you be spending this much time on your computer so soon; extended computer time usually always makes my eyes worse afterwords.?



Recommend Original Message Top of Thread Where am I? Current pageAuthor Profile
Re: It Wasn't you Virginia

Re : Re:I'm glad that you're back --- Virginia
Posted by Shirley-Arkansas-USA ® , Apr 30,2001,21:22 Top of Thread Archive
It was Mary that asked to have a little prayer for Dr. Anderson. It was a good thought, too. Sorry Virginia.
I got quite a laugh out of it, anyway.

Shirley in AR. Guilty of false but funny accusations




Recommend Original Message Top of Thread Where am I? Current pageAuthor Profile
Re: The man is a hair stylist AND gives facials???

Re : Re:I'm glad that you were bad --- Shirley-Arkansas-USA
Posted by Sally - in - Idaho ® , Apr 30,2001,19:58 Top of Thread Archive
How lucky can one woman get! But you deserve it. I meant to call you yesterday, but waited until too late in your time zone. ANother time.

Sally in North Idaho where it finally quit raining, but is chilly




Recommend Original Message Top of Thread Where am I? Current pageAuthor Profile
Re: The man is a hair stylist AND gives facials???

Re : Re: The man is a hair stylist AND gives facials??? --- Sally - in - Idaho
Posted by Shirley-Arkansas-USA ® , Apr 30,2001,20:54 Top of Thread Archive
Sally, I had looked for your phone number before I left and thought that I had it but couldn't find it.
Roy was very good to me. He jumped up every couple of hours to get me newly frozen gel paks and OJ, even through the night. We took our little walkie talkies that Judy had suggested buying and when he would go out to get something to eat for lunch for us, I could still stay in contact with him.
After we got back home one night at three am, I had awakened and he woke up too so I asked him if he would go get me some OJ and an icepak. He started to get up and do it without hesitation and I started laughing and told I was just checking to see if he would still do it. I'm so mean. He is a good man and I plan on keeping him.

Shirley in AR.




Recommend Original Message Top of Thread Where am I? Current pageAuthor Profile
Re: Re:I'm glad that you were bad

Re : Re:I'm glad that you were bad --- Shirley-Arkansas-USA
Posted by Dee in OR ® , May 01,2001,13:35 Top of Thread Archive
Shirley,

You're back!! I'm so glad. Now we can start some trouble or agrue about something except that technically I am stil off line. Today I am using Aunt Pat's computer because she has Internet access. And I just can't stay away from all of you!! So how did your surgery go? Did you tell them how to do it? Were you a bad patient? Most nurses are you know!!! I hope your surgery was successful and that the peanut buter facial was too. Was it creamy or extra crunchy? My dog loves peanut butter! Did you use natural peanut butter or the kind with everything added? I eat soy butter.

Still living in the @#$%* trailer. I did get my dog though and she looks like a miniature holstein! I call her my litlle cow girl! I signed us up for "Mom & Me" obedience classes. YOu CAN teach an old dog new tricks - it's hard to UNteach an old dog old tricks!! But we're gonna try.

My sister, who is coming to the conference with me, is a writer and she was thinking of writing a book for kids about dystonia and she is going to call it "My Sister the Jerk"! I think it is funny and I hope I haven't offended anyone by this. We have to keep our sense of humor!

Ok, Shoiley, I expect an e-mail from you at my mom-in-laws address as soon as you get the peanut butter out of your eyes!

Dee in OR who isn't really here posting on the bb




Recommend Original Message Top of Thread Where am I? Current pageAuthor Profile
Re: Dr. Anderson survived my surgery

Re : Dr. Anderson survived my surgery --- Shirley-Arkansas-USA
Posted by Evelyn ® , Apr 29,2001,23:30 Top of Thread Archive
So glad you're back, Shirley. Just keep on getting better.
My surgery was unexpectedly cancelled the day before I was to have it done. We don't know many details yet.

I went to the BEB meeting for Washingon today. I didn't stay since I can't hear or see well, but I got to meet Grace Anne and her husband, Steve. I also got to see Judy and Gene Blackman after twelve or thirteen years. It was great. I got quite a few handouts so I can share, but then had to head home for a baby shower.
Evelyn in WA, where it still hasn't decided to warm up.




Recommend Original Message Top of Thread Where am I? Current pageAuthor Profile
Re: Sorry that you got cancelled

Re : Re: Dr. Anderson survived my surgery --- Evelyn
Posted by Shirley-Arkansas-USA ® , Apr 30,2001,11:37 Top of Thread Archive
Hi Evelyn, Thanks for the welcome back. Sorry to hear that they have postponed your surgery. Maybe you will be able to find out what happened. I'm sure that was a letdown for you.
I'm glad that you were able to see Judy again and meet Grace Anne and her husband.

I hope that they can reschedule your surgery soon. Let us know.

Shirley in AR. where the sun is shining and it will be in the 80's.




Recommend Original Message Top of Thread Where am I? Current pageAuthor Profile
Re: Sorry that you got cancelled

Re : Re: Sorry that you got cancelled --- Shirley-Arkansas-USA
Posted by Evelyn ® , Apr 30,2001,13:16 Top of Thread Archive
Hi Shirley, Something strange is going on with this surgery thing. They aren't planning to reschedule. He wants a surgeon in a town closer to us to do the surgery. That surgeon called and must talk with the Seattle surgeon before he will schedule me. We're still waiting to hear again.
Evelyn where it's sunny today.



Recommend Original Message Top of Thread Where am I? Current pageAuthor Profile
Re: Dr. Anderson survived my surgery

Re : Dr. Anderson survived my surgery --- Shirley-Arkansas-USA
Posted by Sally - in - Idaho ® , Apr 30,2001,11:26 Top of Thread Archive
Welcome!! Surely, Shirley, you were a good girl and did what you were instructed to do. Now you are reaping the benefits of a smooth recovery. Glad to hear that your father's surgery went well also. After I received a round-about report from your son that you were having a pizza party in Salt Lake City, I no longer worried about you ... but did continue to have you in my prayers.

So glad you are back. Now we can go ahead with booking ourselves out for entertainment on tours. We waited for you to get back and lead the conga line, because Alan thought he would lead us overboard if we were on a cruise. You can get this from back reading some day.

Sally in North Idaho, where our rain might make your itch less irritable, but doesn't seem to help my ptosis at all!




Recommend Original Message Top of Thread Where am I? Current pageAuthor Profile
Re: Dr. Anderson survived my surgery

Re : Re: Dr. Anderson survived my surgery --- Sally - in - Idaho
Posted by Shirley-Arkansas-USA ® , Apr 30,2001,15:21 Top of Thread Archive
Hi Sally, I was indeed a good girl! I didn't get a chance to tell them how to do the surgery but I did tell them how to remove the bandage and they even complied with my instructions. I did let them stitch my eyelids shut after Dr. Anderson explained the rationale behind it. Apparently a small percentage (he said 1 in 20) of patients manage to get an eye open during the time that they are bandaged which then leads to a corneal abrasion and more bandage time. Since I am a major fidget butt, I opted to have him stitch them closed. He assured me that if I was trapped in a fire, I could remove my bandage and be able to hold an eye open enough to be able to see to get out even with the one stitch in place. I agreed. And thank goodness, I didn't have to try it out.

I was the first case of the morning at 7:30 and surgery took about 1 1/2 hours, recovery about 30 minutes and then back to the motel. I did have pizza for lunch. (Thick crust pepperoni from Pizza Hut which was next door). It was delicious. Not exactly a party, just pizza, Dr. Pepper, Klonopin and a little Valium thrown in for good measure.

I will have to catch up on the entertainment tour thing. Sounds like you have been playing without me. You are wise not to let Alan lead if there is water close by. There was a pool and hot tub at the motel where I stayed (same place that Alan and Cynthia stayed.) I was very glad to see that it was fenced off. Probably the only thing that kept Alan out.

Thanks for all the good thoughts and prayers.

Shirley in AR. who is now trying to deal with a parent that is not happy with the results of his surgery as it did not restore his memory and make his confusion problems go away. He is angry and irritable and driving me nuttier than the itching. I just had his doctor call in a mild tranquilizer for him. I may have to get one, too.





Recommend Original Message Top of Thread Where am I? Current pageAuthor Profile
Re: Dr. Anderson survived my surgery

Re : Re: Dr. Anderson survived my surgery --- Shirley-Arkansas-USA
Posted by Christel-California ® , Apr 30,2001,20:02 Top of Thread Archive
Shirley, what kind of surgery did your father have, that he expected restored memory and elimiation of confusion?
I need that kind of surgery!!!
But if it didn't work for your father it won't do me any good either.:-)

Christel in Ca. who will be on Kauai this time next Monday




Recommend Original Message Top of Thread Where am I? Current pageAuthor Profile
Re: my dad's surgery

Re : Re: Dr. Anderson survived my surgery --- Christel-California
Posted by Shirley-Arkansas-USA ® , Apr 30,2001,21:05 Top of Thread Archive
You and me both. He had a carotid endarterectomy. One of his carotid or neck arteries was 75% blocked. The doctors had told him that they did not feel that he was having any symptoms from the blockage but should be corrected to lesson his possibilities of having a stroke. His memory recently has gotten much worse and he gets confused easily. I think that he was just hoping that it would solve all of his problems if he had the surgery and it didn't and now he is mad. He is 86 and is not very accepting of the aging process.

Have fun in Kauai. I'm jealous.




Recommend Original Message Top of Thread Where am I? Current pageAuthor Profile
Re: my dad's surgery

Re : Re: my dad's surgery --- Shirley-Arkansas-USA
Posted by Christel-California ® , May 01,2001,11:15 Top of Thread Archive
Thanks for your reply. Sounds like your dad many be heading for Älzheimers, unless it's just part of the natural aging process, but on the other hand some people his age are as sharp as a tack. I'm only 66, what's my excuse?
Jeez, the space shuttle just went by, I jump out of my skin every time, although I know it's coming, my poor nervous systme is rattled.

Christel in CA. who wishes she could take all of you along to Kauai, would that be fun?? I'm going with my daughter for 2 weeks.




Recommend Original Message Top of Thread Where am I? Current pageAuthor Profile
Re: Space shuttle went by? What are you talking about?

Re : Re: my dad's surgery --- Christel-California
Posted by Sally - in - Idaho ® , May 01,2001,22:59 Top of Thread Archive
Christel ... are you out breathing some strange desert blossoms or something? What are you talking about saying the space shuttle just went by, like a bus just drove by or something??? Have I missed some earth-shaking event? Haven't watched TV much lately or even gotten through the daily papers as my last Botox wasn't all that great and I have a ptosis and EXTREME photosensitivity. Guess I wouldn't enjoy Hawaii and all that sun anyway. But you enjoy every minute.

Sally in North Idaho where it did all four seasons at some time or other today.




Recommend Original Message Top of Thread Where am I? Current pageAuthor Profile
Re: Space shuttle went by? What are you talking about?

Re : Re: Space shuttle went by? What are you talking about? --- Sally - in - Idaho
Posted by Christel-California ® , May 02,2001,01:25 Top of Thread Archive
Sally, when the shuttles come down in California, they land at Edward's Airforce Base which is only an hours drive from here. When we know what time they are coming we can see them go by, which I didn't, since I was at the computer, but it's the sonic boom, actually two, which makes me jump out of my skin everytime.
Christel in Ca. who's only been smelling her roses



Recommend Original Message Top of Thread Where am I? Current pageAuthor Profile
Re: Space shuttle went by? What are you talking about?

Re : Re: Space shuttle went by? What are you talking about? --- Christel-California
Posted by Sally - in - Idaho ® , May 02,2001,12:25 Top of Thread Archive
Thanks for the enlightenment, Christel. Now you may go enjoy smelling those roses. The spring flowers are all in bloom here and this coming Sunday is the annual Bloomsday 7.5 mile run in Spokane. My husband and grand-daughter have entered again this year. Looks like it will be cool, which is what most prefer in that mass of bodies. I drive them to the starting area, then go park somewhere and wait for them to finish. One year, I sat on a stone wall near the river and watched the people go by. It is quite awesome. Wish I could walk it myself. This began in 1977 and is now one of the biggest races in the world, and is the largest in the U.S.

Sally in North Idaho where it's a sunny, beautiful morning and I have to get ready to drive (I hope I can) to my computer class.




Recommend Original Message Top of Thread Where am I? Current pageAuthor Profile
Re: Dr. Anderson survived my surgery

Re : Dr. Anderson survived my surgery --- Shirley-Arkansas-USA
Posted by Joanne Matuzas ® , Apr 30,2001,12:42 Top of Thread Archive
So, hello Shirley and glad you are backkkkk....I got sort of a prayer
chain started for your surgery and it was suggested to add Dr. Anderson--probably for his singing!!! Anyway, glad itching seems to
be the most difficulty you are experiencing now although that can be
nerve wracking as well. About 10 years ago I had a facial chemical
peel so I know about the itching. I asked my ex at the time if he could
somehow tie my hands up because I would wake up at night scratching!!
Sounds like the tearing can be frustrating as well. But, it will all
pass and hopefully you will have some relief from the squeezing and
apraxia. My mom and dad came out for a visit a few weeks ago--they
hadn't seen me in over a year so it was kind of a shock for them as
my condition has progressed to some meige and of course, the breathing
difficulty. I thought I prepared her but seeing is believing. Hope
your dad's surgery was ok and will look forward to seeing your photos.
Joanne Matuzas, CA.



Recommend Original Message Top of Thread Where am I? Current pageAuthor Profile
Re: Dr. Anderson survived my surgery

Re : Re: Dr. Anderson survived my surgery --- Joanne Matuzas
Posted by Shirley-Arkansas-USA ® , Apr 30,2001,15:40 Top of Thread Archive
Thanks Joanne for the prayers.
I noticed in one of your recent posts that you said that you do a lot of humming and making noises. I do, too. I was surprised to find that I did absolutely no humming or noise making or chin thrusting or neck turning or clinching of teeth or any other of those weird things that I had been doing on a daily basis. The entire time that my eyes were bandaged all those symptoms totally disappeared. My husband pointed it out to me at some point. I did take two pain pills the first day of surgery due to discomfort in my lower lids. It actually felt like that was where all the surgery was done but Dr. A explained later that it was probably just due to the pressure of that area swelling. Otherwise, I pretty much continued with my same medications but at a lower dosage and did take 5mg of Valium about twice a day. Anyway, as soon as my bandages came off and I tried to open my eyes and see, I started making the noises again. Just a point of interest. My husband has always felt like I was doing all or most of the other things to get my eyes to open. It is all such a mystery.

Hope that you had a nice visit with your family. I understand about trying to prepare them but it still seems that one still has to see it.

Shirley

--modified by Shirley-Arkansas-USA at Mon, Apr 30, 2001, 15:45:31




Recommend Original Message Top of Thread Where am I? Current pageAuthor Profile
Re: Dr. Anderson survived my surgery

Re : Dr. Anderson survived my surgery --- Shirley-Arkansas-USA
Posted by kathy ® , May 01,2001,05:20 Top of Thread Archive
I'm happy you are back and things went well. i also have not been able to read any of the back postings and as yet haven't spent a whole lot of time my computer since the side effects from my last set of injections have been plaguing me for over a week now, including severe light sensitivity.



Recommend Original Message Top of Thread Where am I? Current pageAuthor Profile
Re: Dr. Anderson survived my surgery

Re : Re: Dr. Anderson survived my surgery --- kathy
Posted by Shirley-Arkansas-USA ® , May 01,2001,10:43 Top of Thread Archive
Hi Kathy, Thanks for the welcome back. I'm still trying to read a few postings at a time to catch up and have enjoyed doing so.
Sorry that you are having so much difficulty with your last injections. Hopefully the side-effects will subside soon. The light sensitivity can be a real pain.

Shirley in AR. who is relishing in being at home all alone (just me and my pets.)




Recommend Original Message Top of Thread Where am I? Current pageAuthor Profile
Re: Dr. Anderson survived my surgery

Re : Re: Dr. Anderson survived my surgery --- Shirley-Arkansas-USA
Posted by kathy ® , May 02,2001,16:00 Top of Thread Archive
yes, hopefully it will. today i am having periods of blindness again and very forceful squeezings of my left eye. There are big fluffy grayish -looking clouds lowly dotting the horizon intermittentedly.



Recommend Original Message Top of Thread Where am I? Current pageAuthor Profile
Re: Kathy

Re : Re: Dr. Anderson survived my surgery --- kathy
Posted by June in Toronto ® (June Floyd,June in Toronto), May 02,2001,18:13 Top of Thread Archive
Hi Kathy, Sorry you are having so much problem after your botox injections. I, too, had over a month this time, with awful side effects - thank goodness most of them have passed now! According to the neuro, none that I had were caused by botox - but I disagreed with him. I didn't have them before and got them directly after the injections - so what does he know? I also get those grayish-looking clouds you described - think some of it is a film and the aging process (I'm 61) and the very beginnings of cataracts, but they were definitely worse for that month. I also believe they were worse because of all the lacrilub (night cream) and thicker day drops I use - a build up according to the opthalmogist. Not much fun is it?

Take care

June in Toronto, who is having to prepare to have a complete kitchen renovation (some walls as well) commencing May 7th (where to put all the stuff in an apartment - no kitchen for one month?) and a birthday on May 6th for hubby - and now just heard our d-in-law has been recalled for a breast cancer scare (she's already had a 1/4 myectomy - please pray for her). I NEED ANOTHER HOLIDAY IN SAN FRAN people!




Recommend Original Message Top of Thread Where am I? Current pageAuthor Profile
Re: Kathy

Re : Re: Kathy --- June in Toronto
Posted by kathy ® , May 11,2001,09:35 Top of Thread Archive
no, i was actually describing the weather. I hope i'm not getting cataracts?? this left eye keeps closing everytime the light hits it.
Happy birthday!! I will be an heirloom in a few days also, as opposed to an antique. (50 years). I actually thought this was going to be my 49th til someone corrected me. sorry about your daughter.



Recommend Original Message Top of Thread Where am I? Current pageAuthor Profile
Re: Light Sensitivity

Re : Re: Dr. Anderson survived my surgery --- kathy
Posted by Sally - in - Idaho ® , May 01,2001,23:00 Top of Thread Archive
Hi Kathy, I wonder if it's something in the water ... all this extreme light sensitivity following the latest Botox. Mine is much worse than before.

Sally




Recommend Original Message Top of Thread Where am I? Current pageAuthor Profile
Re: Light Sensitivity

Re : Re: Light Sensitivity --- Sally - in - Idaho
Posted by Virginia ® , May 01,2001,23:05 Top of Thread Archive
Strangely enough, I have been less light sensitive since I had botox (last Friday). Maybe it just hasn't completely kicked in yet. It's bad enough as it is - I don't need it to get worse.

Virginia in AL




Recommend Original Message Top of Thread Where am I? Current pageAuthor Profile
Re: Light Sensitivity

Re : Re: Light Sensitivity --- Sally - in - Idaho
Posted by kathy ® , May 11,2001,09:44 Top of Thread Archive
maybe; this water is heavily chlorinated, but also the sun is so bright at this time of year. But no, the light sensitivity seems to be worse, even penetrating my darkest Fl41's at times. also maybe my eyes are getting older?!



Recommend Original Message Top of Thread Where am I? Current pageAuthor Profile