Reflections of My Life

Just got home from my therapy appointment and having a keto butterscotch replacement meal as ice cream. Really good and feels good because it is cold. Very warm day and lots of sun today.

My appointment went well. My measurements on my feet, ankles, calves, knees and thighs have all gone down. Looked good! Today she had me do the wraps myself. Did a good job but I don't think I wrapped that as tight as she had. I will do better tomorrow on that. Tomorrow morning my plan is to take them off so I can shower and wash my hair. Then put them back on. The hardest part is doing my feet. I can hardly reach them and when wrapping them I need to lift my foot up to get the wrap around it. I will figure it out. Maybe check out some YT videos to see what other people do.

I had to replace my Kindle Fire because Amazon is not going to be offering support for it anymore. That means I can read the books I have on it but no more new ones. I cannot live with that option. I am quite sentimental about my Kindle Fire because my husband surprised me with it in 2011. He rarely gave me a present and this was not for any special occasion. Just because I kept talking about how much I wanted it. So I am keeping it with the books and music I have on it.
 
katlupe said:
... The hardest part is doing my feet. I can hardly reach them and when wrapping them I need to lift my foot up to get the wrap around it. I will figure it out. Maybe check out some YT videos to see what other people do.

I had to replace my Kindle Fire because Amazon is not going to be offering support for it anymore. That means I can read the books I have on it but no more new ones. I cannot live with that option. I am quite sentimental about my Kindle Fire because my husband surprised me with it in 2011. He rarely gave me a present and this was not for any special occasion. Just because I kept talking about how much I wanted it. So I am keeping it with the books and music I have on it.
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You can loop a towel, put your foot in the loop, and hold the ends of the towel to place your foot on a stool and maneuver it..
 
I am missing my bunny boy today. A beautiful day with the sun streaming in the windows. When he was here I would open the window so he could get some fresh air. He would lay in the sunshine and sleep. Such a sweet little guy he was. Here is picture of him I shared on my fb page today. ❤️ ❤️❤️

hanging_out.JPG
 
My day started out great........then not so great. I was looking forward to my shower and using my new shampoo and conditioner. So of course, I had to remove the compression wraps on my legs that I put on yesterday (with the help of my therapist). That part went great. Then I had to do my own compression wrapping on my own. Not as easy as it looks. I got them on but I did not do a good job. I think they are not tight enough but there is no way I am removing them again.

It took me about...........3 hours to put them on. I can do the legs pretty good but not my feet. It is hard to wrap your foot because it is leaning on the floor at the same time. I cannot pull my feet up to me because of my knees. My knees don't work like that anymore. I know I should get better with more practice but it was very hard to do even though it was not a good wrap. My shoulders and arms limit my movements as well. And now they hurt doubly bad after all that work.

I wanted to do this because I can see the big improvement in my legs and ankles just from wearing these things. Well, she has ordered the Velcro wraps for me and said they are much easier to do. But it takes a long time for them to come in. I could not get my socks on over the wrap on my foot because it was so bulky. Not sure about my shoes.......
 
katlupe said:
My day started out great........then not so great. I was looking forward to my shower and using my new shampoo and conditioner. So of course, I had to remove the compression wraps on my legs that I put on yesterday (with the help of my therapist). That part went great. Then I had to do my own compression wrapping on my own. Not as easy as it looks. I got them on but I did not do a good job. I think they are not tight enough but there is no way I am removing them again.

It took me about...........3 hours to put them on. I can do the legs pretty good but not my feet. It is hard to wrap your foot because it is leaning on the floor at the same time. I cannot pull my feet up to me because of my knees. My knees don't work like that anymore. I know I should get better with more practice but it was very hard to do even though it was not a good wrap. My shoulders and arms limit my movements as well. And now they hurt doubly bad after all that work.

I wanted to do this because I can see the big improvement in my legs and ankles just from wearing these things. Well, she has ordered the Velcro wraps for me and said they are much easier to do. But it takes a long time for them to come in. I could not get my socks on over the wrap on my foot because it was so bulky. Not sure about my shoes.......
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Three hours is too long, too hard on you. Maybe if you start with one foot, then rest and do something else. Then do the other foot, and rest again. Then do your legs.
 
katlupe said:
No, they are the kind that kind of look like an ace bandage but are not exactly. She first puts a thing like a sock without an end on. It is stretchy and loose. Then she wraps a white fluffy type of material around from the foot (not the toes) all the way to just below the knee. She then wrapped the actual compression wrap (that looks like an ace bandage) over it all.

Today she put a stretchy material type of covering over it all but included the knee on that. This also has some compression but not a lot. If I am not comfortable with it I can take it off or even loosen it up a bit. But probably won't be doing that. I like the way it feels.

I am wearing socks in this picture also. You can see how it is wrapped all the way up.


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That is a lot of wrapping. I'm glad it feels good for you. 🤗
 
gruntlabor said:
Three hours is too long, too hard on you. Maybe if you start with one foot, then rest and do something else. Then do the other foot, and rest again. Then do your legs.
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It is a lot of wrapping but I need to do it. I find in life everything is a lot of work if you want a good outcome. Just seeing all the swelling has gone down so much makes me want to keep trying to do it. Last night I watched several YT videos on how to do it properly. My left leg's wrap was not good so I removed it. Now this morning I will try it again.
 
I did it! Did not take me more than an hour to do both. The foot is still the biggest problem but I got it done. I will get better at it. Today I managed to get my socks on (stretched out a lot!! But they are on.) and my shoes. Tight fit even though I loosen up the velcro staps. Happy about how I did today.
 
I was reading that thread about giving up technology. Yes, I had thought about it in the past. But at my age and situation in this world I feel that technology is essential to me. That is not only my socialization network but my life network also. I have been online since 1993 and can't imagine life without it. Back then I was on a IBM bulletin board. It reminds me of all the technology that people did not trust. Like the radio, automobiles, telephone, television and even the appliances we take for granted today. So much.

As a senior citizen without a car doing everything online helps me live a normal independent life. I watch that show 48 Hours and you can see the difference in how technology helped law enforcement solve murder cases. Even ones that were cold cases or ones that were wrongly accused and found guilty.

Now I will be getting my new Kindle next week and I am going to learn how to do more with it than I do with the one I have presently. I have held myself back from learning how to maximize what it has available to me.

I just wish someone would invent an affordable printer that lasts a long time and the ink does not cost an arm and a leg. I think they are the worst piece of equipment I have ever owned (and I have owned many.........).
 
katlupe said:
I was reading that thread about giving up technology. Yes, I had thought about it in the past. But at my age and situation in this world I feel that technology is essential to me. That is not only my socialization network but my life network also. I have been online since 1993 and can't imagine life without it. Back then I was on a IBM bulletin board. It reminds me of all the technology that people did not trust. Like the radio, automobiles, telephone, television and even the appliances we take for granted today. So much.

As a senior citizen without a car doing everything online helps me live a normal independent life. I watch that show 48 Hours and you can see the difference in how technology helped law enforcement solve murder cases. Even ones that were cold cases or ones that were wrongly accused and found guilty.

Now I will be getting my new Kindle next week and I am going to learn how to do more with it than I do with the one I have presently. I have held myself back from learning how to maximize what it has available to me.

I just wish someone would invent an affordable printer that lasts a long time and the ink does not cost an arm and a leg. I think they are the worst piece of equipment I have ever owned (and I have owned many.........).
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Kat it depends what your looking for a printer to do....My Canon printer died last Chritmas... and like you I was fed up with buying printers only for the inks to cost as much as the machine did... ..

So i decided as i really just want the printer to print address labels for Ebay ... I chose to buy one of these type of thermal printers instead...

thermal printer
 
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hollydolly said:
Kat it depends what your looking for a printer to do....My Canon printer died last Chritmas... and like you I was fed up with buying printers only for the inks to cost as much as the machine did... ..

So i decided as i really just want the printer to print address labels for Ebay ... I chose to buy one of these type of thermal printers instead...

thermal printer
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I had a printer for address labels when I lived at my house. I had an eBay store at that time. Now I need one for printing, copying and scanning. I am trying to get by without one for awhile but I miss it. So will be researching models that work with my os.
 
katlupe said:
I was reading that thread about giving up technology. Yes, I had thought about it in the past. But at my age and situation in this world I feel that technology is essential to me. That is not only my socialization network but my life network also. I have been online since 1993 and can't imagine life without it. Back then I was on a IBM bulletin board. It reminds me of all the technology that people did not trust. Like the radio, automobiles, telephone, television and even the appliances we take for granted today. So much.

As a senior citizen without a car doing everything online helps me live a normal independent life. I watch that show 48 Hours and you can see the difference in how technology helped law enforcement solve murder cases. Even ones that were cold cases or ones that were wrongly accused and found guilty.

Now I will be getting my new Kindle next week and I am going to learn how to do more with it than I do with the one I have presently. I have held myself back from learning how to maximize what it has available to me.

I just wish someone would invent an affordable printer that lasts a long time and the ink does not cost an arm and a leg. I think they are the worst piece of equipment I have ever owned (and I have owned many.........).
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I am the same way. I wish I could go back to not having it but it is life essential now.
 
I was finally able to catch up on my laundry. Spent two hours downstairs in the laundry room. Coloring while I wait. Sometime this week I will finish it up doing the bedding and towels. Not going to let it get this far behind again. If there are 2 nightgowns in the hamper.....time to go do it. So I had my first meal of the day when I came back and might just have some bacon for my supper. I don't feel like doing a lot more cooking.

Tomorrow I have another therapy appointment so another day of going somewhere. I really like the therapy once I get there. I am just not used to being gone so much. Not like I was doing anything profound. Just that I am a home body and would really rather be home by myself every day. I know this won't last too long though because the insurance or medicaid won't pay for it forever. So need to learn as much as I can so I can take control of this condition at home.
 
Today started out busy right from the start. I had to check on my therapy appointments and write down the times so I have it handy and not just on the computer. I need to call my doctor to have her do another order for Medical Transportation for the rest of the appointments. Six more for April that need her input. She will do that.

Then I had to order groceries for my son. So I paid the five bucks for faster delivery (within 3 hours). He needs food and my appointment today is in the afternoon so could do that. Waiting for that now.

I will be walking out to the dumpster after the groceries are taken care of. Want to get everything done before time to leave for the appointment. I still have not found time to try out my new vacuum and it has been here at least a week. Need to do some cleaning. I am not feeling as tired now that I am getting my swelling under control.
 
I managed to do everything I planned today. I don't know how. Had a good therapy appointment. My swelling has gone down even more. So I guess my ability to wrap my legs is helping. I have to do it so I can take showers and wash my hair. I came home and made a quick cold supper of egg salad and root beer. Now I am ready for bed.
 
This morning is another warm one. I have turned my heat off. Don't know if it is for good but even though I do not like hot weather I like spring. I can't wait to unblock my windows. I wanted to buy new blinds. And hire a handy man to take down the old ones, clean the windows, take my curtains down so I can wash them and then put them back up. Maybe put up better curtain rods not the spring kind which is what I have. I want curtain rods that are attached. But...........that will have to wait. Maybe till next year. Too many expenses this year.

Got out my shorts this morning. They are a better option with the compression wraps. I am wearing one wrap that goes over my knee onto my thighs. I wear it as long as I can but once it starts causing my knee to hurt more than I like I pull it down below the knee. It is good to get some compression around the back of your knees.

Not going to do anything too strenuous today. So you might see a lot of me here today. I am getting ready to make up 4 batches of Keto Chow for keto ice cream. After I finish my coffee.
 
Today I have another therapy appointment this morning. I also needed to get groceries and I usually get them as early as I can but had to schedule the delivery for between 3 & 5. Not crazy about that time but figured it will have to do. Sometimes you have to change your routines to accommodate the changes in your life. This is one of them. It is just that afternoon time is not my best. Usually not energized by that time. :(

Yesterday we had a thunder and lightning storm before I could put my good night up. I unplugged everything. I always do that because I do not want to have to replace anything. Bad enough I have to do that without them getting hit by lightning.
 
katlupe said:
Today I have another therapy appointment this morning. I also needed to get groceries and I usually get them as early as I can but had to schedule the delivery for between 3 & 5. Not crazy about that time but figured it will have to do. Sometimes you have to change your routines to accommodate the changes in your life. This is one of them. It is just that afternoon time is not my best. Usually not energized by that time. :(

Yesterday we had a thunder and lightning storm before I could put my good night up. I unplugged everything. I always do that because I do not want to have to replace anything. Bad enough I have to do that without them getting hit by lightning.
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We had all kinds of weather warnings all afternoon. Rain, hale and high winds. All it did was rain a little of which I’m thankful.
 
One thing about having Lymphedema that I learned is that the reason hot weather affects me so much is due to having that condition. It causes the swelling to be worse. More tightness and heaviness in limbs and skin. At least now I understand it better and I am learning more so I can better manage it. For instance a day like yesterday and today being so hot would have had me cranky all day. Well, I am not and I have had stressful situations happen.

Yesterday, my ride was not out there waiting for me. So I thought it was not coming and I decided I had to walk home. Half way there the cab called and said they were waiting outside. Too late! I was making it back myself. I did not get upset about it. Especially after I knew that the driver actually did show up. I was proud of myself that I was able to walk that far. And it was HOT! The sun was beating down on my the whole way. Still did it.

Today I had a bunch of deliveries. I guess I went on a shopping spree. :rolleyes: After my shower this morning I had to wrap my legs and it took me a little bit but I did it. Did pretty good. But it made me super hot doing it. So I had to get my AC going. I cleaned the filter and turned it on. I know this AC needs to be replaced but not yet.

One of my deliveries was a pedestal fan. Of course, I did not put models together as a child so I have been learning how to put things together now. The difference buying online and in a store is that you have to build the item yourself. I am getting better at it. I put my fan together and it works great. I will use it at night instead of the AC because I don't like the AC at night.

Now I am going to have my first meal of the day, eggnog Keto Chow ice cream. Ice cream always cools me off and this is so good (better than regular store bought kinds). Taking the rest of the day easy. Don't have another therapy appointment till Monday.
 
katlupe said:
One thing about having Lymphedema that I learned is that the reason hot weather affects me so much is due to having that condition. It causes the swelling to be worse. More tightness and heaviness in limbs and skin. At least now I understand it better and I am learning more so I can better manage it. For instance a day like yesterday and today being so hot would have had me cranky all day. Well, I am not and I have had stressful situations happen.

Yesterday, my ride was not out there waiting for me. So I thought it was not coming and I decided I had to walk home. Half way there the cab called and said they were waiting outside. Too late! I was making it back myself. I did not get upset about it. Especially after I knew that the driver actually did show up. I was proud of myself that I was able to walk that far. And it was HOT! The sun was beating down on my the whole way. Still did it.

Today I had a bunch of deliveries. I guess I went on a shopping spree. :rolleyes: After my shower this morning I had to wrap my legs and it took me a little bit but I did it. Did pretty good. But it made me super hot doing it. So I had to get my AC going. I cleaned the filter and turned it on. I know this AC needs to be replaced but not yet.

One of my deliveries was a pedestal fan. Of course, I did not put models together as a child so I have been learning how to put things together now. The difference buying online and in a store is that you have to build the item yourself. I am getting better at it. I put my fan together and it works great. I will use it at night instead of the AC because I don't like the AC at night.

Now I am going to have my first meal of the day, eggnog Keto Chow ice cream. Ice cream always cools me off and this is so good (better than regular store bought kinds). Taking the rest of the day easy. Don't have another therapy appointment till Monday.
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kat,

Which fan did you settle on?

I use one year round and I think the one that I have is on it’s last legs.
 
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