Wednesday, August 5, 2020

PSWs, Kathy, Cardiologist, Physiotherapist, Masseur,

I can't believe that Matt has a PSW every morning and doesn't remember them. He is convinced he dresses himself every day!! This morning he told me he didn't want the guy who was coming. I said he should tell him himself, of course he didn't and wet off with him as meek as a lamb!!

Kathy and her dog Oates picked up the groceries for us today and we had a visit. Only problem was, I got a phone call right in the middle from the cardiologist's office. I now have an EKG tomorrow at 12:50 and a stress test (the type where they inject you with something which stresses the heart) on the 19th. Takes about 3-4 hours I gather and then a follow up appointment on December 2. Unbeleivable. However, she did say they might be able to change that at a later date. She offered me appointments at 8:30 a.m. but I said I didn't get going at that time of the morning so managed to get some later in the day.

In fact, the phone has been ringing nearly all day. I was trying to prepare lunch and it rang twice. Always someone important enough that I had to concentrate on that instead of lunch. I was beginning to get to the stage of tearing out my hair. It's already going grey!!

Kathy has very kindly offered to bring Subs and have lunch with Matt when I go to have my EKG so that is one worry off my mind. Ladydog is going to come over when I go for my stress test. It is so nice to have good friends.

In the afternoon the physiotherapist came and because Matt is still having a lot of pain in the muscle of his left thigh, he has recommended deep massage. However, that is likely to cause Matt some pain so, although he told me how to do it, I think I would get yelled at if I caused Matt pain. Actually, I just gave him a light massage and that seemed to go OK. The masseur is coming tomorrow afternoon at 4. $60 for half an hour!! Our insurance coughs up with $25. Better than nothing I suppose. I don't think I am going to get him in too often. Can't afford that.

I just found this recipe from 2014 and I think it would be an easy adaptation for the Instant Pot.

Mexican Chicken Pepper Casserole

2 Tbs vegetable oilMexican Chicken Pepper Casserole
3 lb chicken pieces
1/2 lb Mexican sausage, cut into chunks
3 cloves garlic minced
1 red pepper, diced
1 large carrot thinly sliced and cut into squares
1 cup celery, thickly sliced
3 cups chicken stock
2 Tbs finely chopped parsley
1 1/2 cups long grain rice
2 bay leaves

1. In a large frypan over medium heat, cook chicken pieces in oil on both sides until lightly browned. Remove from pan and place in casserole dish. In the same fry pan, cook sausage until lightly browned. Add to the casserole. In same fry pan cook garlic until just softened, add stock, vegetables, parsley, rice and bay leaves. Season to taste. Pour mixture over chicken in casserole. Bake in preheated 325°F oven for 1-1/2 to 2 hours or until chicken cooked. Remove bay leaves before serving.

Servings: 8

Have a great day, stay well, stay safe.
 

12 comments:

  1. How lovely that Kathy will come in and relieve you of a very real worry. Will Oates come with her?
    I hope the EKG goes really, really well.

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    1. Yes Sue, it is marvellous of her to help this way. I am very grateful to her. Oates should be with her.

      Thanks, had them before but not keen, they can hurt.

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  2. Hi Jo - I'm glad the cardio things are happening and that LadyDog and Kathy are helping you so much ... very fortunate to have great friends. Matt not remembering is dementia/alzheimers isn't it ... sad - but the way this disease happens. Good luck with the massaging ... take care - Hilary

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    1. Yes, so am I Hilary. I am also very grateful to ladydog and Kathy for their help. Memory seems to be a bit selective with dementia.

      Expensive business this massaging. Think I will watch and learn.

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  3. When I read this I am very thankful that I have been healthy for all of my seventy-seven years. I can't even remember ever being called by a doctor, other than to cancel elective surgery in March due to Covid-19. A phone can drive you crazy!

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    1. Tell me about it David. I was being driven crazy yesterday. You are very lucky you have always been healthy. So were we once except for some arthritis.

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  4. On the bright side, Matt still remembers you. That's something. I hope I never deal with this. You have my sympathy.

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    1. Very true Denise. I hope you never have to either. I am not alone either, seems to be more and more people with dementia. Thanks.

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  5. That's good your friends will help out with Matt while you're gone.
    Think all those phone calls would drive me crazy as well.

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    1. It is wonderful Alex, especially as Kathy is a newcomer to the scene. She has been picking up my groceries for a while now and she offered to keep Matt company. She's a really nice woman.

      If you could see me you would realise I was totally off my rocker now LOL.

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  6. $60 for 30 minutes? Wow, expensive.

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    1. Nice work if you can get it Diane. I think one visit is it, I will have to do it myself after that.

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