tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23830899.post101652130990103292..comments2024-03-27T12:58:00.592-07:00Comments on Snowbrush: The sorry-ass truthSnowbrushhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00436087215476479042noreply@blogger.comBlogger53125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23830899.post-62837469359132560222009-05-04T09:07:00.000-07:002009-05-04T09:07:00.000-07:00Joy "I'm with those who suggest paying someone to ...Joy "I'm with those who suggest paying someone to come in and clean"<br /><br />Peggy got a start on Sunday, Joy, and will probably finish up on Tuesday.<br /><br />Soulbrush, someone else confused the two of us on my latest post. I'm wondering if they ever do that on your blog or if Soul is more easily switched for Snow because it's more what people might expect to see. I tried acupuncture, but got no relief from it, and was eventually convinced that torn tendons don't grow back across the gap that separates them unless they are surgically reattached. Either your experience proved otherwise, or you had another problem with your shoulders.<br /><br />BT "I must admit the tennis elbow went away over winter, so I'm hoping this might."<br /><br />I had tennis elbow too, and it did eventually go away. Soulbrush just wrote of acupuncture helping her shoulders, and I have heard other people say that it's effective as well, but if you actually have a torn tendon, I would doubt that acupuncture will do the trick. I wish for you a diagnosis, because that would give you a better idea of what you're up against. I too have spent months of nights on my back, and at least two months in a recliner.<br /><br />Bella " Sometimes you just have to compromise and let someone else do it"<br /><br />Yes, I do. It's hard, but I have no choice. I can scarcely bear the pain on my good days, and days on which I try to perform physical labor (even something like cleaning house) are not good day.<br /><br />Lisa, thank you very much. I'm really, really touched.Snowbrushhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00436087215476479042noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23830899.post-4989636252750651962009-05-03T17:42:00.000-07:002009-05-03T17:42:00.000-07:00i have been sending you intense love all weekend.h...i have been sending you intense love all weekend.hoping you are doing ok dear snowbunny xxAnonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15047696858755347818noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23830899.post-46629344022486226332009-05-03T12:29:00.000-07:002009-05-03T12:29:00.000-07:00hi there. Sorry to hear that you're having physic...hi there. Sorry to hear that you're having physical pain right now. I think it just takes patience to find the right combination of therapies to include drug therapy. As far as the chores and house, hiring a teen, if feasible financially, would be a great option. Sometimes you just have to compromise and let someone else do it, irregardless of whether or not it's done to your satisfaction?! I know for me giving up the "perfection of the way I want it done" is hard.Jo ~https://www.blogger.com/profile/14420027837365076239noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23830899.post-88084225289928185302009-05-03T07:06:00.000-07:002009-05-03T07:06:00.000-07:00snowbrush, thank you for your advice. I must admi...snowbrush, thank you for your advice. I must admit the tennis elbow went away over winter, so I'm hoping this might. It's so difficult in Ireland as their health service is pretty bad. maybe I'll go private and heed your words. Thanks again. I hope you're managing some sleep. I slept on my back, it seemed the only way.BThttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16800917080090010655noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23830899.post-32804600409315984082009-05-03T01:38:00.000-07:002009-05-03T01:38:00.000-07:00ha ha i am honoured to be 'mixed up' with you snow...ha ha i am honoured to be 'mixed up' with you snowbrush. i DID come back to see how the comments are going, and i think i was wrong when i said you shouldn't answer yours,because it take too much time,,,, i think that people know that you will write back so they come back...know what i mean? I think i did tell you of my shoulder hell (both, but the right one more than the left one) which i had for more than 2 years...i have never experienced such pain before or since...even my back surgery healed and got better slowly. but this just went on and on and on...in desperation i sought an acupuncturist and it took 4 months of weekly (excruciating) sessions to gradually heal..it aged me a lot and has left me feeling vulnerable about myself physically, which i never was before. keep your chin up (what a stupid saying)...and one step in front of the other...soulbrushhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16879115279499153124noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23830899.post-37669786866875721592009-05-02T22:08:00.000-07:002009-05-02T22:08:00.000-07:00I'm with those who suggest paying someone to come ...I'm with those who suggest paying someone to come in and clean once a week or whatever works out for you. <br /><br />This pain has gone on too long. I thought the surgery would help but not cause so much pain for this long.Joyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15718724697267800263noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23830899.post-28988206725987961472009-05-02T21:00:00.000-07:002009-05-02T21:00:00.000-07:00BT, if you have stage one impingement, you might b...BT, if you have stage one impingement, you might be able to turn things around with physical therapy. If you have stage two impingement or a torn tendon, you too will be facing surgery someday. At least, we can be thankful there IS surgery. When I think of how much pain I've been in, I can't imagine what people did in the days when there was NO solution. Of course, they died younger, so that solved the problem for a lot of them. Anyway, if I was you, I would see an orthopedist if possible rather than hope the problem will resolve on its own.Snowbrushhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00436087215476479042noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23830899.post-45360608210995894502009-05-02T19:47:00.000-07:002009-05-02T19:47:00.000-07:00Well, I think you've put a curse on me. Today my ...Well, I think you've put a curse on me. Today my left shoulder is giving me real pain. Several times in the garden today, I've let out some not very printable words as a pain shot through. So it's back to using my right arm and hoping the tennis elbow doesn't return to that. I sleep on my left, too, so may have to try the other side now. Grrrr.BThttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16800917080090010655noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23830899.post-6385605210337325142009-05-02T19:39:00.000-07:002009-05-02T19:39:00.000-07:00To KJ. I hope you won't think I'm just being nit-p...To KJ. I hope you won't think I'm just being nit-picky when I point out the possibility that you might have your brushes mixed up. I know a very nice, loving London blogger by the name of Soulbrush, but I'm not her. I'm the maudlin, contrary, and opinionated American blogger by the name of Snowbrush. I only mention this because I'm afraid Soulbrush might be insulted if she discovers that you mixed us up.<br /><br />I agree with you about the intelligence of my readers. I will even admit to taking a certain amount of pride in how long and thoughtful their posts are. They obviously take me seriously, and I in turn take them seriously. I'm serious, or can you tell?<br /><br />I thank you very much for your kind words, and I deeply appreciate you.Snowbrushhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00436087215476479042noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23830899.post-46798005780910547522009-05-02T19:12:00.000-07:002009-05-02T19:12:00.000-07:00soulbrush, first, i agree with mim and bt: hire wh...soulbrush, first, i agree with mim and bt: hire what and who you need. resentments will shrink that way, and that's what you need.<br /><br />you are brutually honest. i much admire that. i've felt exactly as you describe in times of heightened vulnerability, which physical illness and recovery certainly is. and yet, i had something to learn about asking for help and for taking care of myself. why be mad at peggy if you can have the house cleaned and feel better. okay, so maybe peggy will be mad at you but at least it will be her problem and not yours.<br /><br />i've read about 75% of your comments. what a thoughtful intelligent bunch. i'm glad to be among them. you've got some good advice here, soulbrush. if people on the blogs care about you like this, my guess is you have friends who do too. if there is a breakdown in expectations, i encourage you to get to the emotional bottom of it<br /><br />love to you, soulbrush.<br /><br />kjkjhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15122196887043345981noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23830899.post-88445550879300321102009-05-02T19:08:00.000-07:002009-05-02T19:08:00.000-07:00Michelle "Would your shoulders let you paint??"
M...Michelle "Would your shoulders let you paint??"<br /><br />Michelle, my dear, I dusted and vacuumed two rooms in my house this week, and I've been paying for it for days. There are times when I think I'm going to go out of my mind, and there are other times when I can scarcely believe how strong I am. I have always been an extremely active person physically, and now I simply can't.Snowbrushhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00436087215476479042noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23830899.post-31620482392650989392009-05-02T17:55:00.000-07:002009-05-02T17:55:00.000-07:00Would your shoulders let you paint??
Or something...Would your shoulders let you paint??<br /><br />Or something crafty?<br /><br />Why not give it a go.....would keep you out of trouble :)<br /><br />xxxMichellehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00816138640432897870noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23830899.post-42180409630376818772009-05-02T15:15:00.000-07:002009-05-02T15:15:00.000-07:00i say: don't rely on anyone
but
don't overdo it ei...i say: don't rely on anyone<br />but<br />don't overdo it either...<br />it's only bloody housework!<br />get a cleaner<br />get a dog walker<br />pay for what you need<br />relax and try not to worry<br />contact only the poeple you really want to in bloggyland...and maybe don't reply in such detail to everyone who comments on your blog, i never reply on my blog -i go to their blogs and have a chat if i really want to...(like i am doing with you now)...don't waste your time. people come over, comment and then don't return, you are wasting valuable energy...<br />i'm just saying:<br />preserve yourself,<br />do what's right for you!<br />it's your life and no one elses!!!<br />i'm just saying...soulbrushhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16879115279499153124noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23830899.post-74367973760969966152009-05-02T14:57:00.000-07:002009-05-02T14:57:00.000-07:00Snow, All I can say is I wish I lived closer. I w...Snow, All I can say is I wish I lived closer. I would love to walk the dogs and yard work is something I do for fun. <br /> I hope you find the help you need.KChttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14849696894736822970noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23830899.post-6641437945197486702009-05-02T14:13:00.000-07:002009-05-02T14:13:00.000-07:00Carmon "Being isolated on top of a beautiful mount...Carmon "Being isolated on top of a beautiful mountain is definitely not that bad."<br /><br />'Cept in winter, I would want to go low, way low. Peggy would be up there with you though; two introverts hanging out together agreeably.<br /><br />To rhymeswithplague (Greg?), thank you for your kind words and for sharing some of your own story.<br /><br />BT "Go on, today. Pick up the phone and hire a cleaner and a dog walker."<br /><br />If you saw the house, you would wonder why I was in such a stew. As for the dogs, I've just started walking them alone while trying to be really careful. about falling. I'm not ready to relinquish that chore to an employee since it's one of the few things that I still can do.<br /><br />To Julie, thank you for the healing thoughts.<br /><br />To Strayer (who lives nearby), incredible as it might seem, I was unaware of your distress. You post frequently, so maybe I simply missed it. In any event, you have my email address, so you can be sure that I will know when you really need something. I no longer have the physical ability to help as I might once have, but I can usually do something.<br /><br />To Rob-bear, yes your address is on your site. I will send you mine for those tips about pain relief. I assume though that I'm building up a tolerance.<br /><br />To Mim, thanks for filling me in. So far, I've noticed nothing remiss with Requip. I'm afraid I've injured my shoulder by jerking it in my sleep, and that is why I was told that I can gradually quadruple the dose. If I actually go to that high a dose, maybe things will get weird for me too.<br /><br />To Matawheeze, yours are words for the wise alright. It's not just having the need for other people's help that's hard but what it implies about myself. I'm hopeful though that, in a year or so, I'll be strong and active again.Snowbrushhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00436087215476479042noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23830899.post-11474987721512176042009-05-02T09:25:00.000-07:002009-05-02T09:25:00.000-07:00Anger and frustration go with being dependent. Wan...Anger and frustration go with being dependent. Wanting to do what we want when we want it done is so much what we think it means to be grown-up. You are learning, and re-learning, early what it means to lose independence. It sucks.<br /><br />Everyone says they want to help and they do want to. But wanting to isn't doing. I'm no better than the friends you have who have offered and fallen short. Sometimes I manage to reach out, sometimes not. Finding how to cope with what you have - dirty house, hiring, capable friends, or non, is as hard as the physical healing. We all have that job eventually. Your readers appreciate you sharing it as you go.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23830899.post-8365278737836331922009-05-02T03:33:00.000-07:002009-05-02T03:33:00.000-07:00Soul - regarding Requip - I can't really explain w...Soul - regarding Requip - I can't really explain what I mean about that drug but I know that it made me (1) cranky (2) appeared to change my hormone levels (3) paranoid (4) spend money....the list goes on. I have RLS and while the requip worked I often got sick from it, and also had a syncopy effect three times - the last time I ended up in the hospital with a split lip from fainting. I also found that there is a terrible effect in that the more you take the worse the symptoms get. There is a class action suit against that drug right now - for people who became gamblers - it has something to do with changing inhibitions. I didn't gamble but SHOPPED...and since I stopped that drug, have not shopped in that crazy way. <br />I had also taken Klonopin in the past, and yes...that was so addictive and a pain to go off. <br />I just switched to Mirapex and I like it MUCH better. I also find that I have to take iron supplements every day - not sure if that helps with your issue but it sure helps with RLS. I can tell if I've forgotten to take my iron! <br /><br />I hope you're feeling better - and I hope you've taken everyones advice and gotten some help. I also wish you lived down the street - I'd walk your dogs on Tuesday and Thursday nights - just to be a good neighbor. <br />Take care, MimMimhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12409455543895086283noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23830899.post-14054458200799297942009-05-01T23:19:00.000-07:002009-05-01T23:19:00.000-07:00The fact that I haven't been able to work for abou...The fact that I haven't been able to work for about three years because of chronic health problems is about as much as I have in common with you (at least on this front). <br /><br />Yet I understand pain and the ethics of pain management (that's what my thesis was going to be about). I have the knowledge, but I doubt I'll ever have the energy to do the research and writing.<br /><br />When I knew I was in trouble three years ago, I very carefully "selected" a team of friends to help me through the mess. It wasn't a "general invitation." It was a handful of friends I knew and really trusted, and I asked if they could do certain things to help me. None of them has ever let me down. I guess I made good choices, or I have really good friends, or something. <br /><br />I could talk briefly with you about some pain management issues, but that would be done best by e-mail. Unfortunately, you haven't listed an e-mail address in your profile. But I think you have mine.Rob-bearhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00171692478879522588noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23830899.post-54299388624814121062009-05-01T21:30:00.000-07:002009-05-01T21:30:00.000-07:00If I lived closer, Snow, I'd help you out for sure...If I lived closer, Snow, I'd help you out for sure. When I got evicted by the slumlady in Corvallis, before Christmas, it was so unjust I thought someone would stand up for me, or beside me, and make everything ok. Didn't happen. <br /><br />Then when I had to move, even my small handful of friends vanished. I nearly killed myself trying to get everything taken down, cat yard undone, retrapping outside strays, nearly killed me I'd have to say, to do that alone. <br /><br />Who helped? Nobody, except, in the end, for two days, an old boyfriend came by on his bike and helped me take down the cat yard. I was so grateful I broke down in sobs. <br /><br />People don't care much about other people if it involves something other than a few words, I've found. There is no time for it. No empathy. No extra energy to spend on others. There is very little tangible kindness to be found in this world. I found some tonight, and it really lifted my spirits. I kindness exists out there. Snow, if I lived closer, I'd come by every day for a couple of hours, until you would have to force me to leave and get a stalking order against me. Just kidding there.<br /><br />Remember, some things can wait. Dusting for one? Some things, I've found out, in my spinal cord disability, just aren't going to get done and if I do get them done, they might get done very poorly.Strayerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08124298302997708537noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23830899.post-58188091211601654202009-05-01T20:55:00.000-07:002009-05-01T20:55:00.000-07:00Hi Snow...
just stopping by to see how you are tod...Hi Snow...<br />just stopping by to see how you are today...Better I hope..I'm also here to say I'm a bit sorry for my somewhat negative post regarding coming through for friends....some do and some don't..and so it is...today I did go by to see a friend in need...so your post spurred me to try to put my compassion into action. <br />Sending you healing thoughts...hug, hugjuliehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02037465392747165349noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23830899.post-54291555326597788812009-05-01T18:43:00.000-07:002009-05-01T18:43:00.000-07:00Gosh, what can I add that everyone else hasn't alr...Gosh, what can I add that everyone else hasn't already said. I hate hearing 'but she won't let anyone in the house'. Bloody hell, woman, you are in pain, you need her now more than ever so if Peggy can't do it, hire someone who will. Go on, today. Pick up the phone and hire a cleaner and a dog walker. A teenager who loves dogs, there must be loads of them. <br />Phew, I feel better now, I've been getting so CROSS here.<br /><br />Seriously, wishing you well and happier days<br />BT<br />xxxxBThttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16800917080090010655noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23830899.post-34220986986986734132009-05-01T13:28:00.000-07:002009-05-01T13:28:00.000-07:00I only recently found your blog and each time I co...I only recently found your blog and each time I come here I am blown away by your posts. Your transparency and honesty and just plain guts in the face of having had chronic pain and surgery and a long recovery makes me glad to have stumbled across you. This post particularly provided me with a good slap for all the times I have said "if there's anything I can do" and then didn't. <br /><br />My wife has had both knees replaced and one shoulder rotator-cuff surgery in the past two years and although it has been very painful for her, the saving grace is I am learning to be more caring, more helpful, more willing to get up off my big behind and actually do something, like actually help her with a physical need or make breakfast or clean the house or mow the lawn. I still have a long way to go. Thank you for today's lesson.rhymeswithplaguehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10870439618129001633noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23830899.post-42357594733700792132009-05-01T12:57:00.000-07:002009-05-01T12:57:00.000-07:00Being isolated on top of a beautiful mountain is d...Being isolated on top of a beautiful mountain is definitely not that bad...I'm the biggest introvert you ever saw and being alone up here with the animals is the happiest I've ever been in my life! That post I put up about choosing to be happy was really written for my husband. I'm glad it touched so many other people. CarmonLife at Star's Resthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11068869890677539768noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23830899.post-88713210515925512602009-05-01T12:26:00.000-07:002009-05-01T12:26:00.000-07:00To Two Mile Creek. What's this about your cooking ...To Two Mile Creek. What's this about your cooking being so bad? (I eat anything but meat.) I'll tell you who you could get interested in crafts--Peggy.<br /><br />Caitlin " Things will get better."<br /><br />No hemming or hawing here, Caitlin. I want the date and the hour.<br /><br />Thank you very, C Woods, for your practical ideas and your thoughts about following blogs. You took a lot of time on writing it all out, and I deeply appreciate it. BTW, it's the dog who is blind. <br /><br />All Consuming, I appreciate your ideas about writing to my friends, keeping up with blogs, and so forth. Most of all, I enjoyed learning a little more about you.<br /><br />And thank you, Renee, for validating so much of my experience. I sort a thought that, as one who has been there deeper and longer than I, that you would.<br /><br />Carmon, I was very sorry to hear how hard it is for you husband to listen to you talk about having cancer. I hadn't realized how isolated you were from other people. It was largely the isolation that caused me to leave the country.<br /><br />And to Lille Diane, yes indeed, I did jump right on getting you started with your projects list. You just made it to temptingly easy. [To everyone else, she has a to-do list that included looking up a word (panache), so I looked it up for her.]<br /><br />And, Crone 51, I wish we lived next door too.Snowbrushhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00436087215476479042noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23830899.post-10426160436933496762009-05-01T12:09:00.000-07:002009-05-01T12:09:00.000-07:00I hear you. I remember going through a couple of p...I hear you. I remember going through a couple of periods in life like that - and, indeed, I did find out who my real friends were.<br /><br /> I wish you lived next door - I would love to help out and I have a feeling that getting to chat with you would be wonderful ! <br /><br /> People need to realize that we are all only temporarily able bodied. Aging will get us ( if we are lucky) and we will need help at some point. Everyone does. Best to you , new bloggy friend.crone51https://www.blogger.com/profile/06831571973211180467noreply@blogger.com