Tuesday, October 30

Well, since they postponed Halloween, they also postponed David’s homecoming.  The Doctor hopes that he will be able to come home tomorrow, but is doing another blood test to make sure that his blood looks OK.  I am picking up the car in the morning and heading up to 106th Street in any case, and  hopefully will come home with David.  If not, the Doctor promises that Thursday will be the latest.

The wheelchair arrived, but it was the wrong one, so it will need to be replaced before he comes home.  Post Sandy New York was very interesting.  Lots of (mostly European) tourists who have been stranded, and any of the food service businesses had long lines this afternoon, and Fifth Ave was really pretty busy.
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Final note – I am so glad that the Governor of NJ has endorsed Obama!

Monday, October 30

Sandy!  I didn’t see David today.  With the subways closed and after I got a call from the garage where I parked the car that they would need me to pick it up if I was going to need it in the next two days, I thought it might be a good idea to heed the advise of the Governor and Mayor who said that folks should stay inside today.  I did venture out for a cup of coffee this morning, which was not as easy as you might think.  I finally found something open just down the block in the heart of Koreatown – all the Dunkin’s, Starbucks and bodegas were closed.  So, now I sit here on the 35th floor listening to the building creak and watching the wind blow the lights in the exposed floors of the building going up across the way.  I am just grateful that they have taken down their crane!

Earlier today I spoke to the Social Worker at the Jewish Home, and she said that the Doctor wants to delay David’s release by a day.  His blood levels of the anticoagulant that he has been on are not high enough.  She said that it probably would not be a good idea to take him home tomorrow with the weather anyway.  I will head up tomorrow afternoon, either by cab or subway (if they are open).

On a closing note about Sandy, while sitting here, the wind has picked up quite a bit, and I feel the sway of the building.  I thought I was crazy, so I got the level out, and it confirmed that the building is swaying.  A good thing, I think!

Sunday, October 28

We are preparing for Sandy, well, as much as possible.  The Jewish Home is at 150% of staff, and David is calm, aside from being worried about still coming home on Tuesday.  I told him that I would plan on coming up with the car, and didn’t think that they would delay his release, but need to follow up tomorrow.  Nothing really happening yet, just some wind and the streets seem eerily quiet.  I was visiting with David until just before the subways closed, and went to higher ground (35th floor).  But, before I left, I had to go out for something to eat for David, since he didn’t want to touch the tilapia that they served tonight.  I went to the corner and got some cold noodles with sesame sauce – always a safe bet!

Tomorrow should be interesting.  If feels a little like a repeat of Irene in Vermont, but let’s hope that it all turns out OK.

Saturday, October 27

David with the UN Flag
David with the UN Flag from the reunion in Paris

Today we had a very nice day at home.  Caught up on Homeland and Dexter as well as a few Modern Family’s.  Our first visit was from Susan who brought bagels and lattes, which were very welcome by both David and me!  We were soon joined by Joy, and it was great for both of them to meet, since they both worked closely with David – Joy at Fieldston, and Susan now at UNIS.  We had a nice visit and soon after they left, Andrew came by with Sean and he brought a UN flag that had been signed by alumni who attended a reunion in Paris.  We were only sad that we weren’t able to pick it up in Paris right after they had signed it!  Our final visit was by Paula and Finbar, and Paula wore the Brazilian dress that she wore for UN Day, which was beautiful and elaborate, and I thank Paula for going through all the trouble to put it on!

After all guest left, I made a stew that David said was very good, and I thought it was quite good too.  We then went uptown, and I dropped David off in his room.  Sorry we missed you again Susie.  We will have to arrange a visit once David is home on Tuesday!

Two more days!  Sandy be damned!

Friday, October 26

Today was another two visit day.  I went up and arrived in time to have lunch with David, and sat in on his Physical Therapy session.  After that, I headed back home to a clean apartment – I love that!  Watched a little TV, and then headed back uptown for Date Night.  I brought a belt, and a nicer pair of sneakers for David to wear.  When I arrived, David got dressed in a real shirt with buttons, and jeans and red sneakers.  He even appreciated the belt.  He looked great, but didn’t want me to take a picture, so you will just have to trust me.

We went out for Mexican food at Papasito’s Grill on Broadway.  It was great!  Generally, it has been very easy rolling into a restaurant in the wheelchair, and folks have been very accommodating.  I hope it continues that way.  I have always taken the time to scope out the prospective restaurant before we show up to make sure there are ramps, ample space, etc.
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Tomorrow morning, I am picking up the car from UNIS, and driving uptown to pick David up and going home for the day.  I will be keeping the car through Tuesday, when David comes home, because I was warned that the parking space location, on the East River, may not be safe with the threat of Sandy breathing down New York’s neck!  Let’s hope it is more hype that hurricane!

Thursday, October 25

The unappetizing dinner
The unappetizing dinner

This morning I went up to 106th Street early to participate in David’s Occupational Therapy session with Yvette. I arrived before the session started, and brought a pumpkin spice latte from Starbucks, and a bacon, egg and cheese sandwich from the corner. Yvette arrived soon after we finished, and she was working with him on transferring to the bathtub, and I will need to be able to help him. He did quite well, and almost performed the whole task by himself. He only made me take his shoes off, mostly for the sake of time. When I suggested that he should try to do the whole procedure on his own, he looked at me like I was nuts, and I guess I was.

The primary step involves the moving of the energy channel. india viagra online This eventually causes erection disorders in india viagra for sale men. Almost all levitra pharmacy middle aged and old men today. The average cost of that kind of cheapest viagra in australia is the effortlessness of utilization philosophy and openness of the pharmaceutical. I stayed with David until Siobhan came for Speech Therapy, and I asked if she would be able to continue working with David at home, and she is willing and able, and we can afford her, so she will be coming twice a week, on top of what the insurance company will provide. He has a very good working relationship with her, and I am so relieved that she will be able to do this. She worked today with David on being able to do the exercises that I have on the iPad when she is not there, which is great. I left, and walked home.

I returned in the evening, just before dinner, and he had a very unappetizing dinner served. We sat for a while, and then I left when the aide came to take David to have his shower. We are looking forward to his return home, and hope that Sandy (the hurricane) won’t interfere with the trip downtown!

Wednesday, October 24

David in his Neuro Bathing Cap
David in his Neuro Bathing Cap

Today I arrived for the end of David’s Speech Therapy, which was going very well, and in time for his appointment with Gail Johnson, who is working with David with Neuro Therapy.  She came today and did some mapping of David’s brain activity.  The cap was hooked up to a computer that tracks the activity in different parts of the brain.  He looked very fetching in his bathing cap, don’t you think?

Afterwards, we had a good Physical Therapy session with Sarah, who is terrific.  We did a lot of walking, with and without foot and knee braces, and while David likes the braces, I think he walks much better without any of them.  Time will tell.

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We had two visitors today, Lynda Crawford, and we were joined shortly after her arrival by Elke from UNIS.  Elke brought photos from the kids adventure on the Hudson aboard the Clearwater and from her trip to the South Pole.  I was impressed!  David was much more verbal than usual, and in very good spirits.

I can also report that when I read the blog entry from yesterday, David approved of what I interpreted from our talk yesterday.  We had a good laugh.  The one bit of scary news was that they were concerned about the swelling of his leg, and the Doctor wanted to keep an eye on it, and if gets worse or begins to get discolored, they want to send him back to the ER.  When I first saw it, it looked much more swollen than it was before, but that was because they had propped it up in a way that made it look much worse than it was.  I rearranged his leg so it was elevated, but nor resting so his calf looked twice the size that it really is.  I think the swelling continues to go down, so am not concerned, but it is something to keep an eye on.

Tuesday, October 23

Today was another quiet, but good day.  Got David’s voter registration in the mail today, and hope mine will follow soon.  I sent them both in at the same time.  Also requested an absentee ballot for David, in case he can’t make it to the polling place, although it is the old B. Altman’s which is two blocks away, so . . .

OK, David wanted me to say something to all of you who read this, as some of you have commented on how great I have been since July.  He wants me to let you all know that, while I am terrific, he believes that I have some deficits.  Well, that was the gist of what he wanted me to say, but when he reads this, it will not be what he wanted to say at all.  Maybe something more along the lines of, I have a serious pobem (Monica, this one is for you!)

There are many causes that damage the nerves, arteries and muscle tissues of the order generic levitra Discover More blood stream. Kamagra Tablets are modern and safe remedy of alleviating male dysfunction. http://www.molineanimalaid.org/index-2.html discount cialis Gupta if you want to get rid of erectile dysfunction and keep an levitra overnight delivery erection that lasts long enough to have a satisfied sexual intercourse. The medical science is never in the state of discount buy viagra stiffness. I called the Hunter College Speech Pathology clinic to try to get David an evaluation, and he is on the waiting list.  Hopefully it will move along.  I will see if Siobhan has any connections as well.

I will end by saying that I went to see “Scandalous” the new Kathy Lee Gifford musical, and, as they say, if you don’t have anything nice to say . . . Kathy Lee was there, and so was Lucy Arnez.  It was not bad (that might have been fun), it just was.

Monday, October 22

Today was a good day.  We went out to dinner again – Indian food this time, had a visit from Sal Uy from UNIS, had Physical, Speech and Occupational Therapies and went out into the garden for a while.

Most importantly, we had our update meeting with the social worker and the therapists.  David will be coming home on October 30th.  They told me that the “check-out” time is 11am, but rarely does anyone leave by 11am (why am I not surprised?)  Yvette is going to get information on things that we will need – bench for the bath, grab bars, raised toilet seat and most importantly, a one handed wheelchair!  Who knew there was such a thing.  We discussed a motorized chair, but they believe that the non motorized kind is what is called for now, and will give us the most mobility.  If we find we need a motorized one at some point, we can revisit it. Now I have to begin the process of getting handicapped tags for the car.  Siobhan suggested that I try to get David into a program at Hunter College in their speech therapy department.  He will need to travel there, but it is near UNIS, and I think that the bus will work out for him.

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Watched the debate, and Obama won and Romney is just a big fat, well, maybe not fat, but a liar in any case.  It sounded as though he just agreed with everything Obama is doing, which will be disconcerting for the folks at FOX News (I use the word News loosely).  Now he just has to win the election!  Go out and vote!  Got David’s registration confirmation today, and the polling place is just two blocks away.

Sunday, October 21

Today I walked up to 106th Street and it was a beautiful day! I walked through a sea of pink walkers for breast cancer. When I got to the Jewish Home, David was up and very comfortable, and we were soon joined by Julie who brought some Macarons, which were delicious. Then we went out the the garden, and when we got back up to the room, we had a visit from Margot Steinberg, a former UNIS teacher who brought a book that David will enjoy! She also told David how much he has improved. She was last here on September 15th, and she said both his speech and right leg looked so much better. All true!

David looking at the menu at Thai Market
David Looking at the menu at Thai Market

After she left, we decided to head out for dinner, and went to Thai Market around the corner. It was very nice and the food was terrific. We talked a
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bout going out more, and then David told me that he wants to have people over as soon as we get home. We also talked about the options for a winter visit to San Francisco.Hopefully we will still have our meeting with the social worker and therapists tomorrow, but will keep you posted.


Saturday, October 20

I drove up to 106th Street this morning, and as luck would have it, I found a parking space on the corner of Amsterdam and 106th, so I grabbed it, and went up and sprang David from the fourth floor.  I was worried about how difficult it might be to get David into the car and was hoping that the wheelchair would fit in the back of the Beetle.  I worried for nothing!  David transferred to the car very handily, and the wheelchair, while cumbersome, fit nicely in the back to the Beetle, so we were on our way.  Only a little traffic at 96th and Fifth because there was some sort of street fair on 96th Street, but once on Fifth, we moved pretty quickly and got to the garage under the building in less than 45 minutes.  David got back into the wheelchair, and we took the elevator up to the apartment.

At 1pm we talked online with Alex, Claire and Theo, which was great.  One of the highlights of the week for both of us, I think.  Then we had a nice lunch visit from Deborah Greenfield and Joe Tulman.  Great lunch from Chelsea Market and an even better visit.  Thanks for the books, David said that they would be great for him to start trying to read!  I think we can do it together.

We also caught up on a lot of TV – Dexter, The Good Wife, Homeland.  We have to begin to tackle Boardwalk Empire as well.  Before I began dinner, we took a nap, which was great.  Being in bed next to David again is amazing.  One of my favorite songs on an old cassette mix tape that someone gave Wayne a long, long time ago, is a song called “The Bed’s Too Big Without You” by Sheila Hylton and I am constantly humming it as I climb into the empty bed.  That cassette wore out, and I recreated it in ITunes, so now it will live forever!  I also added some songs.

Anyway, we had dinner, watched some more TV, and then repeated the morning trip, in reverse.  Only near disaster was when David was transferring from the car to the chair in front of the Jewish Home, he almost collapsed, but I caught him, and we got into the chair!  He went upstairs and hopefully to sleep, and off I go to my empty bed – another song on the playlist – “Empty Bed Blues” by Bette Midler.

Good Night!

Friday, October 19

After a late night yesterday, I got a late start this morning.  I didn’t get out of bed until almost 11am.  I was uptown by a little after noon, and David was doing well.  He was a little concerned about the change of his medications, and wanted to make sure that everything was going according to plan.  I called for the Doctor, and we went over the changes that were recommended by the Doctor at Columbia Presbyterian, and that is all on track.  She also said that it was OK for David to come home tomorrow, so we will be home from about noon to 6pm.  I am also picking him up in the car and seeing how that goes. General association aspects which may moderate the sexual wish comprise:- Conflicts: – Conflicts with the partners on daily or regular canadian cialis pharmacy basis may lead to cause the concern of ISD. The drug has got finished up of various types of neuron, with glial support cells. viagra shops This ingredient works at a physiological cialis sale visit this website now level in treating erectile dysfunction is Kamagra Jelly. This medicine is buying viagra in usa an excellent solution even for the senior pairs and they can be reused.  I think it should be fine, provided that the wheelchair will fit in the back of the Beetle, but I think it should.  In any case, we should be fine, and if I have to figure out an alternate plan, that’s what I will do.

Today we had a visit in the afternoon from Jane and Henry Berliss, which was very nice, and the blondies were a very nice evening snack!  Thanks Jane.  While they were there, Karen Hayes came by and we had a nice visit, and very much spur of the moment, we decided to head out for some dinner.  We went to Henry’s on Broadway and 105th Street, which was very nice.  Fortunately, there was no rain!  Then Karen headed off to Penn Station for her train back to DC, and David and I went back to the room.  A very nice evening, and I am looking forward to being at home with David again tomorrow.

Friday, October 19 – Early Morning Breaking News

Well, we left Columbia Presbyterian at midnight, David was in bed at the Jewish Home by about 12:45am, and I was home at 1:30am. It was a long and tiring day, and I am exhausted. Will head to bed now.
Good-night

Thursday, October 18 – News Update

OK, now that I have experienced the ER at Columbia Presbyterian, I don’t need to do that again! Really, I could be much worse. We are waiting for a room and I am hoping that they find something tonight! At a reasonable hour. They confirmed that David had a large clot in his right leg, and are starting him on an IV blood thinner. The Doctor thinks that he should be here overnight only, which would be great.
We left the Jewish Home in quite a hurry, and I hope we get to go back to the same room, or at least the same floor.

Thursday, October 18 – Special Update

We are on our way to Columbia Presbyterian Hospital. I left a note last night for the Dr that David’s right foot and calf were swollen, and soon after I arrived today they did a sonogram to check for a clot, and they found one. We should be there soon, and will update. Hopefully we will be back on 106th Street tonight or tomorrow morning.

Wednesday, October 17

Today we had a visit from David Evans and his wife Sarah, which was very nice.  Some great cookies from Glaser’s on the UES.  Otherwise, the day was very quiet.  I arrived at lunchtime and stayed through dinner and put David to sleep.  I wish I could say there were some tremendous changes or moments today, but it was just work.

No funny videos, no pictures, no news (which can sometimes be good news, right?)

More tomorrow.

Tuesday, October 16

David with the PA from UNIS Queens
David with the quilt from the PA-UNIS Queens

Today we had quite a crowd of folks from Parents Association for the UNIS Queens campus.  Thanks for a terrific lunch and an even better visit.  I was put to shame with being able to translate for David.  A few of the parents picked up immediately on what David was trying to say, while I was fumbling!  Thanks for the visit, and the beautiful quilt!!

He is doing well, and trying to be more verbal (certainly more than when I left on Thursday) and as long as he keeps trying and doesn’t get discouraged by failed attempts to say something.  I got his new sling for his arm over the weekend, and it works much better than the one that the Jewish Home had supplied.  It keeps his arm in a more natural position when he stands up, and is more comfortable, and has the added benefit of keeping his shoulder in place.  It is even better than the one that he had at HJD because it is elastic and gives him the opportunity to try to use the arm when he is able to.

I just finished watching the debate, and all I have to say is GO OBAMA!!  Sorry to any of my Republican readers.

I am going to finish tonight with a little bit of humor, and as we all know, sometimes in humor there is a lot of truth.  My friend, Anthony, sent me a link to this youtube video, and you can never get enough of the King Family Singers, right? It suddenly dawned on my that this song really rings true to both my experience and David’s experience and confusion that we experience.  Just so you get some insight, among my HS friends, I was Anne, Anthony was Jennifer and Jeffrey was Nealy.

 


Gotta love those King Sisters!
Here are the lyrics if you want to sing along:
Theme from The Valley of the Dolls
Gotta get off, gonna get
Have to get off from this ride
Gotta get hold, gonna get
Need to get hold of my pride

When did I get, where did I
How was I caught in this game
When will I know, where will I
How will I think of my name

When did I stop feeling sure, feeling safe
And start wondering why, wondering why
Is this a dream, am I here, where are you
What’s in back of the sky, why do we cry

Gotta get off, gonna get
Out of this merry-go-round
Gotta get off, gonna get
Need to get on where I’m bound

When did I get, where did I
Why am I lost as a lamb
When will I know, where will I
How will I learn who I am

Is this a dream, am I here, where are you
Tell me, when will I know, how will I know
When will I know why?

Monday, October 15

David looking studious in his emergency Bow Tie
David looking studious in his emergency Bow Tie

Well, I’m back from battling the mice in Vermont.  Not sure if I won, but I did make a dent!  I was told that the mouse population is quite large this year in Vermont, and many people are having problems.  Anyway, it was as disgusting as you might imagine, but as they say, I had to suck it up!

I got back to NY a little after two, and brought David some treats from The Crazy Russian Girls Bakery in Bennington.  He particularly liked the garlic pretzel rolls – one of my favorites.  The told me all about the weekend and all the visitors he had.  You will have to excuse me if I miss anyone. On friday he had a visit from Hilary and Judith, and you can see the picture that Hilary took below.  On Saturday he saw Sheila, Marjorie, Liz and Gene and Quinn and Electa, and then Pat and Dick Roth came by.  Kathleen filled in and I am sure was a superb hostess for all the guests!  Then on Sunday, he had visits from Joy, Jackie and Liat (his speech therapist from HJD).  She emailed me today to say that she thought he was more verbal on Sunday than when she last saw him, and he was in a terrific mood.

Here are two pictures that were sent from Hilary – he looks quite dapper in his emergency bow tie, no?

David with his emergency Bow Tie
David with his emergency Bow Tie

Thursday, October 11

Tonight, I got home late, because Anthony and I went to see Barbra as she made her triumphal return to Brooklyn.  It was fun.  Aside from the terrifying height and steepness of the steps up to the seats.  I felt a bit like a mountain goat.

Today we had a great visit from Patricia O’Brien and Frank Smyth from UNIS.  David enjoyed hearing about UNIS and how things are going, and stories about the UN.  We hope to see you again when we are at home.  Therapies went on, as usual, except, Minet told us that it was her last day at the Jewish Home.  She was a bit emotional and said that if it weren’t for David, she would be pleased to be moving on to another job.  I am pretty sure she isn’t saying that to all her patients, but who knows.  We will see who his replacement PT is.

I am heading off to Vermont in the morning for a few days, and David was a little emotional about my not being around for a bit, but he will have a great stand-in in Kathleen.  All the arrangements were made for his trip home on Saturday – please let me know if you are planning on stopping by, so I can give Kathleen a heads up.

Wednesday, October 10

Today we had a visit from a former UNIS teacher who is studying to be a Neuro Therapist.  She has offered to work with David with her mentor who is an experienced therapist.  Basically, they work to train the brain waves to begin working in different areas by tracking with an EEG and using different programs and games.  It seems to be interesting, and as long as it isn’t invasive, I think it is worth a try.  It is a relatively new therapy (30 years or so) and is considered experimental.  David agrees that it is worth a try.

More Speech Therapy, Occupational Therapy and a substitute Physical Therapist, since Minet was out.  All went well.  I find Speech Therapy very interesting and frustrating.  You just never know what you are going to get, day to day.  We spent a little time outside in the garden – the fresh air is always a nice change.  I also walked home tonight again, which is also refreshing.

I am going away this weekend to Vermont, and will not be writing (I don’t think), but David is coming home on Saturday, thanks to Kathleen who is stepping into my shoes.  Maybe I will ask her to write the blog on those days!