Missing in Action

[Lone Wolfe]

He would eat himself to death LOL that made me laugh out loud. I free feed my little Turbo and I only have to fill his little bowl 2 or 3 days a week. Of course when we had the puppy I would have to fill it everyday, but I think SHE was eating it not him! LOL
If your neighbor is an animal lover have him check on you for Drago's sake!

LOL. Yeah, it made me laugh out loud when I posted it because I could picture it in my head? LOL.

Well, I tried that tactic and Ed's not a big animal lover? How could anyone not be an animal lover? These are God's little creatures for us to tend to & love!

 

[memoriesbymichelle]

If I were closer I would come and check on Drago . J/K I would check on you both LOL. How close are you to OK?

 

[Lone Wolfe]

OK being Oklahoma? It's a good 6 to 8 hour drive depending on which part of the state I go to???

 

[Rememberme]

You are ALL very sweet and that goes for you too Dayhiker, lol. Yes, I was hospitalized and now I am at home feeling much better today. It IS difficult when you live alone and you don't have any friends or family near to let folks online here know what's taking place and I apologize for that but, such is the reality in MY life?

Believe it or not, they still DO NOT have any answers for me? They have taken many stabs at it with a guess here or a guess there however, ALL tests have come back normal and as far as the lump goes, the gastroenterologist surgeon claims it's just fatty tissue and nothing to concern myself with?

All I can tell you at this point is, I had taken one of my nitro pills last night because I had a sudden increase in blood pressure and just after I took that pill, all the abdominal pain went away and I've been pain free since that time? I do have an appointment tomorrow (8/2/12) with my regular cardiologist (who has been out of town) to see if it could be cardiac related?

Without going into a great deal of boring problems concerning my health, my main issue is I have been diagnosed with severe Osteoarthritis & Spinal Stenosis; which is extremely painful most of the time and that along with some recent issues has caused some severe pain that I otherwise would not have had to deal with? My regular doctor feels this is most of the issue because this kind of pain can radiate to all parts of the body (abdomen, back & chest) and cause one to think there are other issues that simply do not exist? At least that's the explanation that I have been given so, your guess is as good as mine??? LOL.

Thank you all for your concerns and your much needed prayers, as they are truly appreciated and may God bless each & every one of you for your online support & friendship!!!

Glad all is well Lone Wolfe.When I prayed I felt this great peace.So glad your back and doing better!

 

[Rememberme]

I did speak with a hospice rep when I was in the hospital just the other day (Monday I think) and they said at this point I would not qualify for hospice with my circumstances? Because I can bath myself and the fact that I drive myself to all doctor's appointments and the hospital, I DO NOT qualify at this time for hospice care??? Those were her exact words!

I wonder if there is a difference in hospices.My husband was showering himself and working manually when we called.Bless his heart he worked manual labor up until three months before he died.My brother went with him and helped but my husband did most of the work.

 

[Rememberme]

OK Bo, here's another suggestion. Call those stupid churches in your area (I only say stupid cuz they obviously ignored you before) and ask if they have any kind of ministry that visits shut ins? I would even call the catholic church because I know that here, they have a ministry that does that, and I know a guy that's involved in it and they go to give communion to those that can't get out. Just explain that even though you are not a complete shut in, you need someone to just check in on you once a week or every couple of weeks, whatever.
Another thing is to talk to your neighbor again and ask him if he could just find the time to make sure you are alive once a week or so, just in case.

Yes I would call again and ask them if there are others there that need well checks and you could check on each other.Even phone calls would be helpful.If they give you a flippant answer ask them where they could refer you to who could help.

 

[memoriesbymichelle]

I wonder if there is a difference in hospices.My husband was showering himself and working manually when we called.Bless his heart he worked manual labor up until three months before he died.My brother went with him and helped but my husband did most of the work.

Yes, that is true! See if there are other Hospice Organizations in your area cuz they might offer different services. We have several hospice orgs here.

Yes I would call again and ask them if there are others there that need well checks and you could check on each other.Even phone calls would be helpful.If they give you a flippant answer ask them where they could refer you to who could help.

Another great idea. And if that doesn't work, try some animal rescue organizations and maybe they will check on you for Drago, could happen.

 

[blackribbon]

Wolfe...would you be willing to PM your locations and I will look into what the hospice situation is for you. You said your doctor would certify that you are "terminal", correct? (ironic, because all life is terminal).

Also, is there a chance you might trust one of us (your choice) with your private information so we can check in on you if you do disappear...and maybe that neighbor's first name and number if we suspect that you might need someone to check in on you? Pray about it and then if you feel safe enough, PM it to whomever you choose.

We do care. I get it to some level. I am tired of turning in almost blank "emergency contact" paperwork every time I turn around. I haven't even gotten a personal doctor here yet...we just use an emergency clinic for the small things that we have dealt with. My contact person is my mom. She lives over 1000 miles away. However, I know she would get on a plane within a day to come take care of my kids if something did happen to me. If she were to die, I'd have no one at all to put on those stupid forms.

 

[power2theweak]

(((Lone Wolfe))) So good to hear from you! Very glad that you're OK!!!

 

[Lone Wolfe]

I'm told there are two hospice organizations in San Angelo and the one doesn't have a very good reputation from many of the comments I've heard about them? But then again, I hear the same kind of things about the two hospitals we have here too so... who & what do you believe???

The one I checked with was the one who took care of my late wife but, they are now under new ownership with a new name and their rules have changed according to the gal I spoke with? I don't know if those are their rules or the state's rules though? It's just really hard when you have no one at all to check in now & then. For the first time in my life, I truly feel alone and that's not a very good feeling at all.

I have several forum friends (from other forums) and a few old west friends tell me they would be happy to call a couple times a week to check in with me and that lasted about a month and they all faded away so... you just never know who you can count on anymore?

 

[sampa]

I'm glad to hear your ok Bo (and praying for some answers soon) and hope that you'll get well connected and supported locally. Its good your searching it out and thanks to everyone for their concerns for you. I am also but don't have internet from home, so it may be checking in once a week. DAys are long at work. *hugs*

 

[Lone Wolfe]

I'm glad to hear your ok Bo (and praying for some answers soon) and hope that you'll get well connected and supported locally. Its good your searching it out and thanks to everyone for their concerns for you. I am also but don't have internet from home, so it may be checking in once a week. DAys are long at work. *hugs*

You are very kind and I truly do appreciate all the concerns & prayers from everyone here at the forum. I'm sure it will all work out???

 

[blackribbon]

Hospice of San Angelo
Hospice of San Angelo

Odyssey Hospice
Odyssey Hospice | Hospice Care | Healthcare Provider

West Texas Rehab
West Texas Rehab: Physical Therapy, Audiology & Hospice - Abilene, Texas - San Angelo, Texas

Maybe worth talking to:
Baptist Retirement Community
Welcome to Baptist Retirement Community

Okay...which one did you talk to? Personally, I'd recontact them anyway...this time don't underemphasize your issues (which I think as someone who tends to do it alone, I expect that you do). The answers are Yes, you have been to the doctor and hospital more recently (this count includes the times that you would have gone if you had help)...and yes, the pain is increasing...and yes, you are more tired than you were...and yes to everything that even is slightly yes. Also, contact the one without a good reputation and see if they can/will help you. If they are that bad, you can fire them...and at this point, just having someone pop his/her head in on a regular basis would be an improvement.

Honestly, I suspect that you would probably win even a less than great hospice employee because you have a special kind of charm.

If no one still can help, let your doctor know and see if he/she can pull some strings or has any better ideas.

(I'm sorry that this is so much effort. It shouldn't be this hard. And without anyone helping you fight, it has to be so much worse.)

Remember...this is one time when you stop putting on a "brave" "positive" front...this is the time to whine and complain like crazy. It doesn't have to be dishonest...just don't be dishonest about it being better than it is because you are just that kind of guy who tends to "suck it up" and put on a happy face.

((hugs))

 

[memoriesbymichelle]

I agree with Blackribbon!
And Sampa! We care about you too!

 

[Lone Wolfe]

Hospice of San Angelo
Hospice of San Angelo

Odyssey Hospice
Odyssey Hospice | Hospice Care | Healthcare Provider

West Texas Rehab
West Texas Rehab: Physical Therapy, Audiology & Hospice - Abilene, Texas - San Angelo, Texas

Maybe worth talking to:
Baptist Retirement Community
Welcome to Baptist Retirement Community

Okay...which one did you talk to? Personally, I'd recontact them anyway...this time don't underemphasize your issues (which I think as someone who tends to do it alone, I expect that you do). The answers are Yes, you have been to the doctor and hospital more recently (this count includes the times that you would have gone if you had help)...and yes, the pain is increasing...and yes, you are more tired than you were...and yes to everything that even is slightly yes. Also, contact the one without a good reputation and see if they can/will help you. If they are that bad, you can fire them...and at this point, just having someone pop his/her head in on a regular basis would be an improvement.

Honestly, I suspect that you would probably win even a less than great hospice employee because you have a special kind of charm.

If no one still can help, let your doctor know and see if he/she can pull some strings or has any better ideas.

(I'm sorry that this is so much effort. It shouldn't be this hard. And without anyone helping you fight, it has to be so much worse.)

Remember...this is one time when you stop putting on a "brave" "positive" front...this is the time to whine and complain like crazy. It doesn't have to be dishonest...just don't be dishonest about it being better than it is because you are just that kind of guy who tends to "suck it up" and put on a happy face.

((hugs))

WOW! You definitely did your homework here, lol.

Hospice of San Angelo is the one with the bad rep.

Odyssey Hospice is the one who changed ownership recently and the ones who said I didn't qualify.

West Texas Rehab is more along the lines for people who have drugs/alcohol issues and people with sports injuries or who have had limbs removed for one reason or another. They are not really a hospice place as I called them for my late wife.

And finally, Baptist Retirement Community is like a high-dollar retirement home and my age alone would disqualify me for any assistance with them? I do appreciate all of this effort you have put into this and I'm not blowing this off just yet. I'm feeling better and I've been getting out the past two days so, I intend to visit the office of Odyssey and talk with them again?

I think I'm also going to try to speak with the pastor of the church I've been attending lately to see if they have some way of helping or if they are aware of something else in town that may be able to help? I don't give up that easy and you are correct when you say that I tuff it out and don't complain a lot because to me that's a sign of weakness and I have a hard time with that... you know, just plain stubborn! LOL.

 

[memoriesbymichelle]

2 Corinthians 12:10 That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

 

[sampa]

I agree with Blackribbon!
And Sampa! We care about you too!

Memories, you guys are awesome and I will try to remember you in prayer. I'll be taking some time from CF and maybe return in October if I have internet. Need to focus on some things and the drive and time to get to internet is most likely going to be once a week.

 

[Lone Wolfe]

Go with God my Dear and please hurry back!

 

[memoriesbymichelle]

Memories, you guys are awesome and I will try to remember you in prayer. I'll be taking some time from CF and maybe return in October if I have internet. Need to focus on some things and the drive and time to get to internet is most likely going to be once a week.

well we will miss you and pray for you while you are away, (well at least I will pray for you)

 

[Lone Wolfe]

Prayers going up for Sampa as well. I hope you return real soon as I do enjoy your insight here. Do what you need to do and we'll all see you upon your return.

God Bless You!!!